The holidays are creeping up fast, and we all know the struggle of finding that just right gift. There’s always the temptation to play it safe with the usual suspects—chocolates, socks, maybe a scarf if you’re feeling fancy. But here’s the thing: great gifts don’t just sit on a shelf or end up forgotten in a drawer. They’re the ones people use, talk about, and secretly brag to their friends about. This year, why not think outside the box? Enter design. And before you roll your eyes and think “Furniture? For Christmas?” Hear me out.
Don’t have your grandma’s old couch in mind. Think about a conversation-starter Flos lamp, a quirky Seletti vase, or again a huge Cassina rug! Even if the person you give it to, perhaps your in-laws or best friend, is not a design expert, believe me when I say that an important piece of design can be recognized and appreciated years later, when the trends of the moment have passed. But let’s uncover more original gift ideas to suit all tastes!
- Artful Bookends for the Reader
Elevate someone’s bookshelf game with sculptural bookends, like the Qeeboo Turtle Carry Bookcase or Tom Dixon’s Swirl Bookends. They’re practical, but with a design edge that makes them feel like owning mini art pieces.
- Interactive Art: LEGO for Adults
Design meets creativity with the LEGO Art series: it’s the kind of DIY gift that doubles as entertainment and decor. We suggest pieces like the Poinsettia, recommended for those who love plants but…don’t have green thumbs!
- A High-Quality Design Seat
Looking for a showstopper? The Lady Pink Fabric Armchair from Cassina isn’t just a seat—it’s a statement. Its vintage-inspired design and playful color make it perfect for both a more traditional style home and a modern flat.
- A Playful Wall Clock
Clocks aren’t just for telling time—they’re items designed to express your stylistic intentions. Take the Vitra Ball Clock by George Nelson: it combines mid-century charm with a pop of personality. It’s the perfect blend of quirky and chic for anyone who loves retro flair.
- A Designer Chess Set
For the game lover, a sleek chess set like the Hermès Horsehair and Leather Chess Board or the post-modern Bauhaus Chess Set is an unexpected yet stylish pick. These pieces are conversation starters, even when not in use.
- A Side Table That Turns Heads
Skip the basic and go for a statement side table, like the iconic Kartell Componibili Side Table with its round shape and quirky colors. It’s perfect for someone who appreciates architecture-inspired design.
- The Ultimate Mood Setter: A Sculptural Candle
Candles don’t have to be boring. Opt for something unique, like the Lex Pott Twist Candle or Hay’s Pillar Candles. Their artistic shapes make them decor items first, with the bonus of a cozy glow.
These ideas go beyond the typical gifts, offering pieces that can elevate any home while showing how much thought you put into them. This holiday season, don’t just wrap up something forgettable. Go for gifts that improve everyday life and show your good taste.
For more cult design products to gift this Christmas, explore the online catalogs of authorized retailers, starting from Tomassini Arredamenti, and get inspired!