...including a few of my own favorite things!
I absolutely adore Christmas shopping so I couldn't resist putting together a list of gift recommendations for the upcoming holiday season.There's no real rhyme or reason here. There's a little something for everyone and for every budget. I hope the ideas are helpful!
Ski Mountain Snow Globe, Eddie Bauer, on sale for $29.99
I collect Christmas and winter snow globes and my husband just bought me this one as an anniversary gift. I love it!
It's based on Whistler, British Columbia and includes skiers,
snowboarders, and ice climbers. But what makes it so cool is that the gondola actually moves while "Sleigh Ride" is playing.
Fauna Pico Pillows - Penguin, Design Public, $24
There's just something adorable about these pillows from Fauna. It's an affordable way to add just a little whimsy to a living room sofa or a bed.
Butterfly Chair, Circa50, $175 frame plus $43 chair cover
I featured these chairs on the blog back in October and still adore them. Circa50 is a Vermont-based authorized retailer for Herman Miller, Knoll and other designers but their specialty is the Butterfly Chair.
The company offers 12 colors of canvas, seven colors of indoor/outdoor vinyl weave, five varieties of cowhides and three colors of leather.
It's a fantastic gift!
Little Egg Wall Art, Olli & Lime, $55
Olli & Lime sells the cutest nursery art, baby bedding and other accessories. I picked out this Little Egg Wall Art but there are so many other great items at the site that you're sure to find something for any young child or expectant or new parent on your list!This is set of 4 glass marble magnets from Funky Chicken Designs, an Etsy shop I featured earlier this year. They are made with "rare earth magnets for extra holding power," according to the site. I think they're adorable and would make a great, affordable stocking stuffer!
Pod Bed 2, Hepper, on sale for $99
I've featured these cat beds on The Design File before and I adore them. But I knew they HAD to go on the gift guide when Hepper put them on sale for just $99. (They're normally $155.)
These are like private little sanctuaries for your kitty, but they still look fantastic in your home!
Letter Photography Art - Framed, Art*iculate Etsy Shop, $50
I featured Art*iculate as one of my Etsy picks this fall. I think these collages would make great Christmas gifts. They combine photos of everyday items that look like letters into words and names.
That means every gift you give is personalized.
Inmodern - Rekindle Magazine Rack, 2Modern, $60
Everybody needs a great magazine rack, what with all the great design publications and of course the catalogs that fill our mailboxes! I like this one because it's simple and sleek. And it won't hold too many magazines, which means you're forced to get rid of the old stuff when you get the new stuff!
Fancy Throws, Pier 1 Imports, $44
I really need a new throw for my living room, something to snuggle under while I'm working on the blog. As I've been shopping, I ran across these beauties from Pier 1. They're not quite what I need but I liked them well enough to add them to the gift guide.
"Make It! Mid-Century Modern," published by Curbly.com, $9.99 for a PDF version and $18 for the printed book.
This brand new book features 12 mid-century modern-inspired how-to projects, including a Calderiffic Mobile, Eames-embroidered napkins, a fantastic Girard-ish ottoman and more!.
Each article includes background on the designer who inspired it, a materials and tools list, and detailed step-by-step instructions with high-res photos.
Sapien Bookcase, Container Store, $198
I love these bookcases. Not only are they sleek and modern, but they store quite a few books without taking up much space.
Plus, I like the way they add a nice vertical element to a room. Other than lamps, there just aren't that many pieces that give you a similar look. And because of its tiny footprint, you can tuck this bookcase just about anywhere.
Fred - large cardboard moose trophy,designed and manufactured by Cardboard Safari™, $52
I recently featured this cool cardboard moose as part of a post about faux "trophies." It's just so cool and there are other animal options as well.The animals are laser-cut for precision fit and are easily assembly using slotted construction.
Find Your Way Labyrinth Bowl, Uncommon Goods, $38
Symbolic of a spiritual journey and personal discovery, this beautiful, pewter labyrinth bowl encourages you to contemplate your own path through life. It would make a beautiful gift.
Ouch! White Toothpick Holder, Pure Modern, $12
Designed by John Cave for Fred & Friends, the White Ouch! Voodoo Doll Toothpick Holder is a fun & slightly morbid way of keeping toothpicks organized. Great for a party. Also available in white.
Op Art Sculpture, Inmod, $125
This sculpture by Kenneth Wingard makes any space pop with a great design that seems to extend right off your wall. Small Op Art looks great above your sofa or bed, and is available in your choice of white or graphite. There's also a Large Op Art Sculpture for $195.
Forever Apothecary Vase, Artful Home, $34
Created by Beth Mueller, this hand painted vase with a with a heartwarming image is slip cast earthenware, hand glazed with multiple firings. Just 6.5 inches high, this vase would make such a sweet gift.
SIRLIG Candle Chandelier, IKEA, $29.99
So-called "candeliers" are fantastic because they can be used almost anywhere - indoors or outdoors. This one holds 12 candles and is perfect for a spot where hanging an electric chandelier isn't an option.
Imagine it as a romantic addition to a bedroom or a great decoration hanging from a pergola. Beautiful!
Recycled Metal Peace Hook, Urban Outfitters, $6
A perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite hippie! This recycled metal peace sign has a brushed iron hook.It's 5-inches wide by 8 inches high.
Mango Wood Wine Holder, Target, $19.99
This is a nice modern take on a traditional wine holder. It's a great price and would look fantastic on a kitchen counter.
Heavy Pedal Mobile, Sweet & Salty Shop, $30
I featured the Sweet & Salty Shop as one of my Etsy picks earlier this year and I just love these cool mobiles. They're just so kitschy.This is the Heavy Pedal Mobile but there are so many more options at the shop. You can find something for almost anybody.
Circles Wall-Mount Votive Holder, Pottery Barn, $119
This is a new Pottery Barn product and it's really cool and modern. It's 64" wide x 3.5" deep x 30" high and made of hand-hammered iron with a rich bronze finish.
It will cast interesting shadows anywhere it's hung.
Caned Bottle Stoppers, set of 4, Artful Home, $88
These gorgeous glass bottle stoppers by artist Theo Keller will turn the typical gift of wine into a thoughtful, memorable gift. Use them as Christmas presents or as hostess gifts.
These come in this set of four. Perfect to last you through the holiday party season.
Sentiment Pillows, Pottery Barn, $29 each
Woven from natural linen, these beautiful pillows will look perfect with your holiday decor as well as through the winter season. The ‘love’ pillow’s hand-stitched front pocket is sized for holding notes, photos or a holiday surprise.
10 Grain Log Rocker, Inmod, $215
Why can't your kids' toys look as stylish as your house? They can! That's one reason I put this cute kids' rocker on the gift guide.
This thing looks like fun and looks good even when no kids are on it!
Holden Designs Pet Feeder, Design Public, $94-$140
Don't leave your kitties and puppies off your gift list. This gorgeous pet feeder will dress up the space where they eat and lift their food off the floor so they don't have to stoop so low. Purrfect for any modern pet owner.
Enamel cake stands, Farmhouse Wares, $22-$32
What's great about these gorgeous, white cake stands is how incredibly versatile they are for decorating and entertaining. Available in three different sizes, they can be used as intended for cakes or they can be stacked as shown at left and used for appetizers or small desserts.
They can also be used as bases for centerpieces or to shown off a collection in your decor.
Any entertainer on your gift list will love receiving these!
Wallpaper Projects, Amazon, $17.21
Have you wanted to join the wallpaper craze but feared pasting up a whole room? If yes, this book is for you. There are some great projects that help you use wallpaper in some creative ways. In fact, I featured this book earlier this year in a post highlighting a project spicing up some cute stools.
Striation Clock, Houseworks, $94
Most of us just have too many digital clocks in our homes and there's nothing pretty about those glowing numbers. Give someone on your list a better option - this cool Striation Clock from Indianapolis-based Houseworks. Nice.
Palatial Birdhouse in cherry, Anthropologie, $34
Almost everyone loves inviting birds into their yard and what better way than with this sweet, ceramic birdhouse. You'll wish you could move right in.
Peacock Plus Stained Glass window, Alison Stained Glass, $895
I featured Alison's work this fall as part of a preview for an art fair and think it would make a fantastic gift for a glass lover. She takes bits and pieces of glass and other found objects and creates stunning pieces of art. This is just one of her many gorgeous options.
Hourglass Olive Picks, Restoration Hardware, $29
Here's another item that would make a perfect hostess gift -- or a great stocking stuffer for any entertainer.
You get eight picks and the holder -- all with a polished nickel finish.
Bird Brain Nusku Firepot, Blue Metallic, Amazon, $49.99
I recently purchased one of these firepots and absolutely love it! This one is hand glazed ceramic, with beautiful artisan glazes. Each one is a unique work of art. Includes stainless steel fuel reservoir - when removed allows Firepot to be used as a vase. Uses Bird Brain Firepot Fuel Gel or Firepot Fuel Gel with Citronella - no smoke or messy ashes.
OH SNAP! Cheeseboard and cutter, Uncommon Goods, $18
This was just too cute to pass up. Catch all sorts of delicious cheese with this hilarious and fun cheese board and slicer. Looking just like a giant mousetrap, this beechwood cheese board comes with a handy stainless-steel cheese slicer.
"Tre" Bamboo Bent Ply Chair and Ottoman, Silver in the City, $575
Every time I go to Silver in the City in Indianapolis I check out this chair. I love it. Maybe I'll put it on my Christmas list this year!
Pure White Midsummer Light by Studio Tord Boontje, Silver in the City, $80
Cascading layers of dazzling forest creatures and foliage, Tord Boontje’s Midsummer Light ceiling lamp adds an enchanting glow to any room. Midsummer Light is constructed from two layers of cut Tyvek, a super-resistant paper material, draped over a protective heat-blocking cone. It's also available in several other colors.
NFL Glassware, Pottery Barn, $19-$39
Some of the men in my life are the hardest to buy for. That's why I was excited to see this NFL glassware. Available with the insignia from each of the National Football League's 32 teams. Made of deep-etched glass.
Shoe Butter Dish, Jonathan Adler, $58
One of the fun things about Jonathan Adler products is their sense of whimsy and this may be the most whimsical thing I've seen yet. As described by the Jonathan Adler site, this "porcelain butter dish sure to please all footwear fetishists. One size fits all."
Vise Bookends, Restoration Hardware, $69
This is another great guy gift, especially for guys like my husband who love to read AND do woodworking. These are plenty beefy to hold your biggest books. Steel screws, propelled by turns of the smooth wooden handles, ensure a good grip on the heaviest novels. Sold in a set of two.
Decorative Pillow Cover, Nenavon on Etsy, $22
This pillow cover comes from the Nenavon shop, which was one of my Etsy picks this summer. This designer fabric is a contrast of black and white with a whimsical floral design. The back of this pillow is a solid white cotton fabric and has an envelope insert. The measurements of this pillow cover are 18"x18".
Custom Cat Lady Portrait by Susan Faye on Etsy, $19.95 and up
I featured Susan Faye's work on the blog earlier this year in a post about pet-related design. Her custom paintings are just fantastic and perfect for any cat lover. (I just Santa remembers I've got this on my Christmas list!)
Prices vary depending on the size of the portrait you order -- and the number of cats!
Orbit Lounge Chair, Lunar Lounge Design on Etsy, $999
This the chair for the person who has everything! And it's from another fantastic Etsy shop that I featured earlier this year. This design was conceived by using one of the simplest of geometric forms - the globe. Cut into 2 parts, balanced and fixed onto itself resulting in a completely unconventional shaped and very comfortable lounge chair.
The Orbit Lounge chair is a cozy and calm atmosphere, giving you a private space for reading or relaxing.
Mack Daddy in Green and Walnut, Inhabit, $232
This is just one of a number of customizable lamps from Indianapolis-based Inhabit. The lamp system includes 1,607,045 possible combinations.
Once received the lamps can be configured as shown or they can be reconfigured in any way you want. If you are looking for a new look down the road, no need to order a whole new lamp. Just order a few pieces at our website and swap them out.
Envirosax Set of 5 Animal Planet Shopping Bags, Silver in the City, $38
I absolutely love taking my own shopping bags into the store so I don't have to use the plastic ones. But the key is having the kind you can scrunch up and stick in your purse.
These adorable animal bags are the perfect solution! Produced under license with Animal Planet™, these captivating designs are a fun expression of your animal appreciation.
Personalized Door Mat, Pottery Barn, $59-$69
I love personalized gifts and this is a great one. This hand-screened doormats will make a welcoming statement for holiday guests. It's 36" wide x 22" deep x 1.5" thick and made of thickly woven of naturally durable coir, a fiber derived from the outer husk of coconut shells.
Luxury Plush Throw, Restoration Hardware, on sale for $39
There's nothing like curling up on the sofa in the winter with a comfortable throw and these come in colors to match any decor. They're made of supremely soft poly plush, generously sized for cuddling and finished with a mitered 2-1/2" border.
Salt & Pepper Shakers, Rou Designs on Etsy, $18
I featured Rou Designs during a past Etsy pick and just love their delicate designs. These salt and pepper shakers are truly a unique pair, with one of them gently touched by color that took on its own character in our kiln. White porcelain smooth, clear glazed, slip cast, cone 6 high fired. A great conversation piece at parties and yet so much more.
20x20 Cafe Art Print, Red Letter Words, $125
Shine Your light and let the whole world see in brown, is printed on matte velvet archival fine art paper using pigment ink. It is mounted onto a 3/4 inch standout mount board with black edging. It's ready to hang or display on shelf or mantel.
Makes a great gift for any occasion - or just because we all need to be reminded sometimes just how much God loves us!
Inka Press filter coffee maker or infuser, Alessi, $95
I just hadn't seen anything quite like this before so I thought it would be great on the list.
Press filter coffee maker in thermoplastic resin with heat resistant glass. It's also available in black and I think it's pretty safe to say that you're recipient doesn't have one of these!
Big Sur acrylic art, Messicakes on Etsy, $155
I featured Messicakes on the blog earlier this year and even bought one of the shop's gorgeous pieces of art. This is an piece in a rainbow of vibrant, contrasting colors. A 16x48 inch acrylic sheet is hand painted in a beautiful array of bright stripes reminiscent of the surfer lifestyle. Hand cut and polished acrylic shines like glass.
Dr. Skud Flyswatter, Indianapolis Museum of Art shop, $18
This flyswatter was part of a modern furnishings exhibit earlier this year at the Museum of Art and it would make a great gift - especially for someone who has everything. It stands alone on your table and has a face on it to keep an eye out for those pesky flies. Designed by Philippe Starck.
Elle Decor magazine subscription, Elle Decor, $10 for 10 issues
I love to give magazine subscriptions as Christmas gifts and there are few better for the home decorator than Elle Decor. It's also a great price.
KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixers, Amazon, $399.95
No baker should be without one of these KitchenAid mixers. I picked this one in blue steel because the color almost acts as a neutral but is a lot more fun that white or stainless steel!
Monogrammed Screwpull Black Nickel Wine Opener Set, Williams-Sonoma, $160
Every home entertainer needs a great way to open a bottle of wine. This version of Le Creuset's Leverpull streamlines the process. Its rotation technology reduces the process to one simple up-and-over motion.My husband & I received a similar one as a wedding present and it proved to be one of our favorites!
