A safe bet for choosing a foolproof gift? Turn to some of the most imaginative people you know. AD asked eight influential design creatives what they’re gifting (and hoping to get!) this holiday season. Their dynamic visions and unique world-building ability make them the perfect guides to help us determine where and what to shop this year.
With the holidays being a time of reflection and renewal, we’ve also asked that they share some festive memories and how those might inform what they choose to give.
Shop by guest editor:
Jake Arnold | Carly Cushnie | Laila Gohar | Jenni Kayne | Laura Kim | Shannon Maldanado | Shea McGee | Brigette Romanek
Brigette Romanek
Interior designer to the stars—among them Beyoncé, Demi Moore, and Gwyneth Paltrow—Romanek got her start as a Hollywood-based handbag designer before discovering her knack for interiors. Her taste is elegant, elaborate, and exact, as are her gift picks.
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Crate & Barrel Symphony Fluted Glasses
Coyuchi Andes Suri Alpaca Knit Robe
Autumn Sonata Alma Core Bath Set
Our Place Mini Always Pan 2.0 Set
Art Deco Marble Picture Frames
Shea McGee
Shea McGee’s style is always infused with functionality. The Utah-based founder of Studio McGee has a home decor company, McGee & Co., that, in her words, “blends modern and rustic-chic of the Mountain West” with a focus on calming and personal design.
McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Tabitha Serving Bowl
Antique French Ironstone Plates (Set of 6)
Juliaan Severin Landscape, Oil On Canvas
Gifts under $250
In the search for the perfect gift under $250, we didn’t have to look far. Many of our editors’ favorite items make excellent presents—crisp Brooklinen sheets, a statement platter from Bordallo Pinheiro, or a delightful salt-and-pepper shaker set can all be found on the list.
Jake Arnold
AD100 designer and founder of The Expert, Jake Arnold approaches design with elevated comfort in mind. All show through in his many collaborations with brands like Lulu & Georgia, Parachute Home, and Crate & Barrel. It’s easy to see the same through line of considered luxury in Arnold’s holiday picks.
Parachute Linen Venice Set
Dalton Dome Table Lamp by Jake Arnold
Pair of Vintage Candlesticks
Flavio Poli Seguso Vetri d’arte Bullicante Vase
“Paul R. Williams: Classic Hollywood Style” by Karen E. Hudson
Jenni Kayne
Exceptionally skilled at marrying the bohemian with the sophisticated, designer Jenni Kayne is known for her luxurious home and fashion items. Her eponymous California-based brand is defined by its cozy textiles—mohair, cashmere, shearling—and grounding color tones.
Velvet Ball Ornaments (Set of 2) by Cody Foster and Co
Jenni Kayne Alpaca Basketweave Throw
Jenni Kayne Shearling Moroccan Slipper
Hawkins New York Linen Napkins (Set of 4)
Uashmama Essential Placemats (Set of 4)
Shannon Maldanado
The Philly-based founder of Yowie—a boutique hotel and super-popular online store—Shannon Maldonado works closely with independent labels, artists, and emerging designers to exhibit artwork and create bespoke objects. Her wishlist is just as whimsical as you’d expect.
Sophie Lou Jacobsen Tulip Wine Glasses (Set of 4)
Tantra Abstractions, Pop Art Serigraph by John Grillo
Corsi Design Twins C Vase by Gaetano Pesce
Right Hand Pillow by John Sohn
Climax Gauthier Gallet Photographs — 1st Edition
The Company Store Rhythm Bath Sheet
Laila Gohar
Since 2020, Laila Gohar has been redefining eccentric design with things like salami candles, shirt tablecloths, and crocheted vegetables with her brand, cofounded with sister Nadia. She describes Gohar World as a “a tableware universe that embraces tradition, time, craft, and humor.” Laila’s picks are are a portal to the ethos of Gohar World.
Gohar World Calla Glass (Set of 3)
Vintage Nutcracker with Brass Hammer and Anvil
Canasta Leather Basket by Los Objetos Decorativos
Gohar World Bow Tablecloth
Gohar World x The Glenlivet Taper Candles with Satin Bows
Carly Cushnie
New York–based creative director and fashion designer Carly Cushnie made her name crafting designs worn by Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and Ava DuVernay. Her furniture debut came this June with a Lulu & Georgia collection featuring textured and varied designs. Look to Cushnie for finds that are comfy, classic, and functional.
Vintage Glazed Earthenware Candleholder
The Knives + Stand by Material
Yucca Sofa by Carly Cushnie
The Citizenry Alameda Vase
Coco Round Side Table by Carly Cushnie
Leon Accent Chair by Carly Cushnie
Dusen Dusen Check Bedding Set
Laura Kim
The creative director of both Oscar de la Renta and Monse, Laura Kim recently launched a collaboration with Crate & Barrel featuring scalloped bowls, velvet fabrics, eyelet details, and plissé kitchenware. She’s pulled objects both luxurious and delicate for her holiday gift guide.
Hastens Down Slipper Boots
La Mer Moisturizing Cream for Unisex
Eyelet Stoneware Colander by Laura Kim
Green Scallop Marble Trivet by Laura Kim
Oscar de la Renta Pearl Drop Flower Earrings
Chunky Floral Wool Turtleneck Sweater by MONSE
Holiday Tabletop
Set your table with something extra special. This season, we’re leaning towards unconventional color palettes (hello forest browns and hot pinks) and shapes that delight.
Judy Daugherty is a writer who has been writing for the Prairie Island News for over ten years. Her work focuses on politics, health, business, parenting, and finance. She also writes about her hobbies which include gardening, reading, and traveling.