Finding the perfect Christmas gift for a design lover can feel daunting – but the secret lies in choosing pieces that combine beauty, craftsmanship and everyday function. Think sculptural objects, iconic design classics and tactile materials that elevate daily rituals. From statement textiles to thoughtful decorative details, these are gifts that feel personal, timeless and design-led.
Here’s our curated edit of Christmas gifts guaranteed to delight anyone with an eye for interiors.
A Stylish Mug with Personality
Bella Freud – “Ginsberg Is God” Mug
Bella Freud’s witty homeware has achieved cult status among fashion and design lovers alike. Her Ginsberg Is God fine bone china mug is emblazoned with 9-carat gold lettering, striking the perfect balance between playful and luxurious. Beautifully boxed and effortlessly chic, it’s an ideal gift for the fashion-forward friend who appreciates design with a sense of humour.
A Timeless Design Icon
Enzo Mari Timor Perpetual Calendar
A true modernist classic, the Timor perpetual calendar was designed in 1967 by influential Italian designer Enzo Mari. Inspired by railway signage, it combines graphic clarity with clever functionality. Still as relevant today as when it was first created, this piece features in museum collections worldwide and makes a thoughtful gift for lovers of design history and intelligent objects.
A Designer Throw That Doubles as Art
ferm LIVING – Entire Tapestry Blanket
Part artwork, part textile, this striking tapestry blanket can be draped over a sofa or hung on the wall. Designed by textile artist Berit Mogensen Lopez and woven using traditional techniques in 100% cotton, its bold abstract pattern and soft colour palette add instant character to any space. A perfect gift for those who love statement pieces with versatility.
A Scented Candle Classic
Diptyque – Figuier (Fig Tree)
No design-led home is complete without a beautiful scent. Diptyque’s Figuier candle is a perennial favourite, offering a holistic interpretation of the fig tree – from bark and leaves to ripening fruit. Woody, green and gently warm, it evokes long summer days in an orchard by the sea and makes a luxurious yet comforting gift.
Elegant Tableware for Special Moments
The White Company – Celebrate Scalloped Platter
Crafted from specially developed Portuguese clay and finished with a glossy white glaze, this scalloped serving platter brings understated elegance to any table. The subtle debossed “Celebrate” script makes it ideal for festive gatherings and memorable meals shared with loved ones.
Beautiful Cushions with Subtle Pattern
Oka – Nostell Leaves Cushion Cover, Seaweed Green
Made from 100% linen, these cushions draw inspiration from the decorative endpapers of antique books. The minimal pattern and rich Seaweed Green hue make them incredibly versatile, working seamlessly across a variety of interior styles. A thoughtful gift that layers texture and quiet interest into any room.
The Ultimate Coffee Table Book
New English Interiors: At Home with Today’s Creatives
You can never have too many interior design books. This beautifully photographed volume explores the homes of 22 of England’s most exciting creatives, from interior designers to artists and antique dealers. A celebration of colour, pattern and personality, it’s endlessly inspiring and perfect for anyone who believes their home should tell their story.
Thoughtful, Personal Wall Art
Mapiful – Customised City Map Print
A personalised city map makes a meaningful and design-forward gift. With clean Scandinavian styling and customisable text, scale and layout, these prints work beautifully framed or casually styled against a wall. Ideal for commemorating a special place, they transform memories into striking, personal artwork.
A Portable Design Statement
Tom Dixon – Bell Portable LED Lamp
Tom Dixon’s Bell lamp is sleek, sculptural and unmistakably chic. Inspired by vintage car bumpers, its minimalist dome-on-dome design feels both modern and nostalgic. Portable and practical, it even comes with gloves for a flawless, fingerprint-free finish – an instant hit with design obsessives.
Glassware for Celebratory Moments
Soho Home – Pembroke Champagne Coupes
This set of four elegant champagne coupes is handmade in Poland and features soft scalloped detailing. Inspired by the glassware at Soho House’s original 40 Greek Street, they’re perfect for entertaining, celebrating or simply elevating everyday moments.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Design-Led Gift
- Consider Their Style: Are they minimalist, maximalist, Scandi or eclectic?
- Prioritise Quality Materials: Think ceramic, glass, wood and natural textiles.
- Choose Functional Art: Objects that are practical but beautifully designed.
- Trust Iconic Brands: Names like Vitra, HAY, Alessi, Tom Dixon and Marimekko are always a safe bet.
Thoughtful, well-designed gifts not only bring joy on Christmas morning – they become pieces people live with and love for years to come.
