Holiday Gift Ideas for Interior Design Lovers

Some gifts end up in a drawer. The good ones end up on the coffee table, the mantel, or right by the front door, where everyone sees them. When our designers pick gifts, we look for three things. They have to be pretty. They have to be practical. And they have to slide into someone’s home without creating clutter or chaos. These home decor gift ideas check all three boxes. We grouped them by vibe and price, so you can shop smart and still look like you nailed it.

Little Gifts With Big Charm

(Under 100, but no one has to know)

These are the small things that feel surprisingly special. Great for teachers, hosts, in-laws, and that friend who has everything:

Colorful planter that acts like an exclamation point

A small planter in a really beautiful color is basically a mood-lifter in ceramic form. It works with real plants, faux plants, or no plants at all. Pop it on a stack of books, a windowsill, or a nightstand, and the whole corner feels happier.

Ribbed Bubbles Planter, Etsy, $38.12

Backgammon that doubles as decor

This one is a game and a styling piece in one. Closed, it looks like a color-blocked book on your coffee table. Open, it’s a graphic little moment that makes people want to sit down and play. Perfect for someone who likes their fun to look good.

Printworks Red and White Backgammon Set, $75

Silkscreen-printed calendar

For the friend who loves paper goods, lists, or just beautiful things. A silkscreen calendar from a small print studio feels thoughtful and artsy without being fussy. It works in kitchens, home offices, or that one blank wall they keep meaning to fix.

2026 Bauhaus Wall Calendar, Etsy, $42.03

One perfectly chosen stem

Not a full bouquet. Not a big arrangement. Just one really good stem with height and texture. Tuck it into a simple vase on a console or dresser, and it immediately looks styled. This is especially great for low-light spaces where real plants struggle.

If you want to round out this tier, you could also tuck in a pair of taper candles or a patterned tea towel. Small, easy, and very “I know your house, and I pay attention.”

Gifts That Feel Fancy Without Going Wild

(Over 100, still reasonable)

These are the presents that have a little more oomph. Great for close friends, parents, or anyone who just moved or finished a big project at home:

Sculptural vase that stands on its own

A tall, simple vase with a modern silhouette can live on an entry table, dining table, or mantel and look right at home. Or, go for a floor vase for extra impact. Add branches or leave it empty. Either way, it reads as intentional and elevated.

Pure White Ceramic Vases, West Elm, $25-$129

Throw blanket that makes the whole room softer

A well-chosen throw can calm down a busy sofa or bring some life to a plain one. Think texture, not wild pattern. A soft stripe, a subtle check, or a rich solid works with almost any style. This is one of those gifts people reach for every night without thinking about it.

Urban Outfitters Barefoot Dreams Throw Blanket, $158

Rechargeable table lamp

Designers love these. A portable lamp with warm light and no cords solves so many little design problems. It can move from a bookshelf to a bar cart to a dining table in one evening. Once someone has one, they will absolutely want another.

Suki Rechargeable Table Lamp from Visual Comfort & Company, $199

Faux arrangement that looks like the real thing

For the person who loves a styled moment but does not love maintenance. A simple, realistic arrangement in a clean vase can bounce from coffee table to bedroom dresser to console as needed. The key is low drama: believable color, natural shape, and no extra fluff.

The Gifts People Remember

(When price isn’t the point)

A handcrafted statement mirror that changes the whole room

A beautifully made mirror is one of those gifts that instantly lifts a space. Go for something with an interesting silhouette: curved, scalloped, arched, or framed in natural wood. It adds depth, reflects light, and becomes the kind of piece people build a whole room around.

Sorenson Wall Mirror, Lulu and Georgia, $598

A luxe cashmere, mohair, or alpaca throw that feels like a treat

Not a basic blanket. A real splurge blanket. Soft, airy, and the type of material you don’t buy for yourself. It drapes beautifully, works year-round, and becomes the most reached-for thing in the house. A true “this is too nice to buy myself” gift.

Rowan Mohair Throw, $279, The Citizenry

A beautifully framed, oversized photograph or print

Large-scale art becomes a conversation piece the second it goes on the wall. It’s thoughtful, meaningful, and incredibly memorable to receive. Choose a subject or style that fits their home, and it instantly feels personal. Bonus: every time someone compliments it, they’ll think of you.

Large Abstract Colorful Fragmented Painting, Framed From $386.25, Artvista Gallery

A pedestal for styling moments

This is a designer’s secret weapon. A pedestal instantly lifts whatever sits on it: candles, bowls, plants, sculptures, serving pieces. Heavy, sculptural, and striking, it becomes a styling anchor in any room. It’s one of those gifts people end up using in every season.

Toron Dark Brown Acacia Wood Tall Pedestal Table from CB2, $699

Wrap Up

The best gifts are the ones that feel like they always belonged in your home. A small splash of color, a bit of texture, a piece that solves a problem without making a big announcement.

Pick one thing that fits how your person lives, and you really cannot go wrong. The gift will work hard long after the wrapping paper is gone.

And if this season has you thinking your own space could use a little love, we are here for that too. Book a complimentary design consultation, and we will help you choose the pieces that make your home feel just right, all year long.