Are you a designer? Join our Trade program
Gift Guide

Backgammon Boards, Cashmere Blankets, and 14 More Gifts Our Experts Swear By

Words by Kate McGregor
Single widget image

Photo courtesy of Rosie Seabrook

Interior designers may primarily be tasked with transforming lack-luster spaces into rooms you’d want to hang out in all day, but they also happen to be excellent shoppers.

This comes in especially handy during the holidays, while most of us are scratching our heads trying to find a selection of gifts that everyone on our list will treasure. “I approach gifting with all five senses,” says Jake Arnold. “I often think about what I love and the things around me that really add value to my life. I then translate that into finding similar items for my friends and family.”

Needless to say, our Experts know a thing or two about sourcing something everyone will love. Ahead, 16 gifts for everyone from the cousin who has everything to the perfect bulk-buy for coworkers. This year, don’t forget to put your own name on the list as well.

For the Home Chef

The image of an March Pantry Full Size Kosher Salt product
March Pantry Full Size Kosher SaltSHOP NOW

“This is definitely a splurge… But this March Kosher Salt would be a great gift for the chef in your life. In a chic dark glass apothecary jar, this is something you would want to keep on display.”Michael Hilal

For the One Who Has Everything

The image of an Maison Marginal "REPLICA' By The Fireplace Scented Candle product
Maison Marginal "REPLICA' By The Fireplace Scented CandleSHOP NOW

“I have this candle lit everyday in the office and at home, but you can’t go wrong with any of Maison Margiela's options. They have the best scents.” —Jake Arnold

For the Black Thumb

The image of an Casa Gusto Tole Tulip product
Casa Gusto Tole TulipSHOP NOW

“I love these single flowers from Casa Gusto. The tulip is great—it can stand alone or you can give a few to that extra special person and they’ll make a great sculptural moment on a mantle or window sill.” —Whitney McGregor

For the Collector

The image of an Bettina Gigi Bowl with Stand product
Bettina Gigi Bowl with StandSHOP NOW

“The Gigli Bowl by Bettina Ceramica is our favorite gift for the home. All of her products are made by amazing artisanal Italian producers and they all have an interesting backstory.” —Buchanan Studio

For the Host With the Most

The image of an JB Blunk Double Arch Board product
JB Blunk Double Arch BoardSHOP NOW

“Given that I cook quite a bit, I want everything in my kitchen to have a level of design and beauty to it. This piece offers a balance of great design and utilitarianism.” —Michael Hilal

For the Homebody

The image of an Saved NY Mosaic Throw product
Saved NY Mosaic ThrowSHOP NOW

“A cashmere throw blanket is always a welcomed gift. I adore the patterns from Saved New York and this is one of my favorites.” —Nina Farmer

For the Organized One

The image of an Michaël Verheyden Medium Square Tray/Vendome product
Michaël Verheyden Medium Square Tray/VendomeSHOP NOW

“I keep catchalls everywhere—on my entryway console, coffee table, and nightstand—to avoid scratching surfaces with things like keys and jewelry. This tray is so beautiful, it doubles as a drop zone and decorative object.” —Michael Hilal

For the New Homeowners

The image of an The Expert Gift Card product
The Expert Gift CardSHOP NOW

“An Expert gift card is a no-brainer to help people make a transformative impact on their home.” —Jake Arnold

For the Wind-Down Convert

The image of an Verden Herbarium Bath Salts product
Verden Herbarium Bath SaltsSHOP NOW

These bath salts have become part of our Sunday night ritual and we couldn’t now live without them. They have the most relaxing scent we have ever used and come in a beautiful glass vessel with extremely pleasing branding. Absolute heaven.” —Buchanan Studio

For the Game Night Fam

The image of an AERIN Velvet Backgammon Set product
AERIN Velvet Backgammon SetSHOP NOW

“We are a big backgammon family, so I am coveting this velvet backgammon set.” —Nina Farmer

For the Book Worm

The image of an Gio Ponti product
Gio PontiSHOP NOW

“Books are one of my favorite things to accessorize with because they give a home depth and a sense of the person who lives there. I love to give ones that offer inspiration and tailoring my selections to what I think each person in my life would love. This Gio Ponti book is always a go-to.” —Jake Arnold

For the Dinner-Party Thrower

The image of an Vaisselle Janine Side Plate product
Vaisselle Janine Side PlateSHOP NOW

“I’m dreaming of a winter white and ice blue holiday table so I can incorporate these beauties.”—Whitney McGregor

For the Antique Enthusiast

The image of an Match Pewter Engraved Pitcher product
Match Pewter Engraved PitcherSHOP NOW

“I love Match pewter. I have been collecting it ever since I registered for it for my wedding. Their pieces are handmade in Italy and have a beautiful heirloom quality about them.” —Nina Farmer

For Anyone and Everyone

The image of an Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash product
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand WashSHOP NOW

“Everyone needs a good hand wash and, in my opinion, this is the absolute best.” —Jojo Bar, House Nine

For the Vibe Creator

The image of an Pure Salt Lucy Twisted Candles in Cream product
Pure Salt Lucy Twisted Candles in CreamSHOP NOW

“There is nothing cozier than soft, ambient lighting to make a space feel more inviting and warm. This is the perfect sentiment to give to a loved one.” —Leigh Lincoln, co-founder Pure Salt Interiors

For Yourself (You Deserve It!)

The image of an The Expert Vintage Midcentury Modern Settee product
The Expert Vintage Midcentury Modern SetteeSHOP NOW

“I have been loving an impactful yellow this season, and this settee would be perfect for my new place.” —Jake Arnold

Want personalized design advice from these Experts? Book a consultation.