One of my favourite things about the holidays is shopping for friends and family. I love being able to find that perfect gift that really reflects the personality of the recipient. It isn’t like that for everyone and I know that it can be extremely stressful for a lot of you. We usually have no issue buying for kids because they’re quite clear on what they want. It’s the adults that confuse us, particularly if their interests are not shared by the shopper. If you have a design lover on your shopping list and you’re stuck for ideas, I’ve got you covered. Whether you need a perfect hostess gift, a teacher gift or something for your design loving daughter, there are gifts at all price ranges.
As an added bonus, I’ve included items and shops that are local. As a small business owner it’s important to me to support other small businesses. If you live in Ontario you may know some of these shops but if not, it’s a great time to discover some new shopping destinations.
HOLIDAY ROUNDUP FOR THE DESIGN ENTHUSIAST
1/ TEXTURED ARCH CANDLE HOLDER
These beautiful maple candle holders are hand carved using Canadian ambrosia maple. Not only are they functional but even when not in use, they’ll look great. I love the interesting
shape and the carved detail on the sides. No matter which way you look at them they’re eye-catching. And an added bonus is that they’re currently on sale so don’t delay in placing your order.
2/ SOY CANDLE
Can we ever have enough candles? Definitely not, especially at this time of year. These are my favourite candles and part of the reason is the immense number of scents available. This one is Georgian Bay Pine but if you don't like that you have 23 other options to chose from. They're eco friendly and clean burning so you can feel good about letting them burn for hours.
I can think of about 25 ways I could use this catch all in my own home. The design lover on your list can decide between a key holder at the front door, a place to beautifully hold your fruit, a basket for necessities on your nightstand or a myriad of other uses. These are handmade from 100% cotton and are available in 2 sizes.
Every design lover I know loves beautiful serving spoons and yet, often we don’t have any. It’s just a luxury that doesn’t always make it into our own homes. One thing is for sure, it will be a hit if you gift your design lover with this gorgeous set. The set is made of Juniper wood and handcrafted in Sweden. It’s the best of both worlds by giving something from afar but sold locally.
5/ VASE SET
Can we ever have enough vases? I don’t think so, especially when they’re decorative and don’t need to find a home in a cabinet to be stored. This beautiful gift comes as a set of 2 and the ribbed ceramic gives just the perfect amount of texture. The soft gray and white is easy to fit into any space so you don’t need to worry about which room it will end up in. It will work everywhere.
6/ POTTERY MUGS
This beautiful mug is made by Northwinds Pottery in Parry Sound. Order a single mug to accompany your design lover’s favourite coffee or go all out and buy a set. We all tend to hibernate in the cold months after the holidays and I can just imagine getting cozy and sipping coffee from this all day long.
These are a beautiful Christmas gift for anyone but if you struggle to come up with a thoughtful hostess gift, this is the answer. There are 6 napkins included and the lovely, neutral stone colour will go with any dinnerware set.
If you have a design lover that you really want to spoil this holiday season, look no further than Pompous Fox Wood Co. Adam turned his lifelong passion for woodworking into a full-time career and operates a shop in Barrie. His passion for woodworking and fine attention to detail is obvious in everything he does. Take a look at the gallery and read more about this extremely talented local artisan.
9/ COZY THROW
If you’re nervous about shopping for the design lover in your life, this throw is for you. It’s a design must-have and truthfully we can never have enough of them. There’s a lot of cold, winter nights spent indoors after the holidays. We need to be warm but we also “need” to be stylish and this is covering all the bases.
10/ CUSTOM SIGN
Personalized gifts are the best and Everly Designs can make you the most special and personal gift for anyone on your list. Just take a look at their portfolio to get your creative juices flowing with ideas. This is more than just a spot for your design lover. You could find a gift for everyone on your list here.
Due North Wood Company is another custom woodworking company right here in our own backyard. They’re located in Georgian Bay and can create any design you like from ceiling beams to mantels to furniture. This serving tray combines the gift of functionality with quality and beauty. The board is made from hickory wood and also comes with premium handles and hardware as well as felt pads on the bottom so you never have to worry about scratches on your table.
12/ PICK YOUR OWN GIFT AT DWELLINGS DECOR
Dwellings Decor doesn’t have an online store but I promise you’ll find something for the design lover in your life. They have a large space spread out over 2 floors with a great selection of items. You can cross off all the design lovers on your list at this place.
I hope I’ve inspired you to get shopping and that you’re feeling more confident about shopping for the friend or family member that loves everything interior design.
Happy holidays to you and your family!
Kristina
