The holidays are officially about to be in full swing – and if your gift list is starting to look a little overwhelming, don’t worry. From sculptural jewelry and playful glassware to puzzles, pajamas, and perfume balms, these modern gift picks celebrate great design in all its forms – thoughtful, beautiful, and sometimes delightfully unexpected. Whether you’re shopping for the design enthusiast who already “has everything” or just treating yourself (because, honestly, you deserve it), this list is full of things that spark joy for me and hopefully others.
Photo: Courtesy of Pleasing
Leave it to Pleasing to make fragrance feel playful again. Their Fragrance Balm Trio Set includes three rich, yet lightweight scents – Closeness, Rivulets, and Bright, Hot – each offering a subtle, personal touch that wears beautifully throughout the day. Apply to the neck, wrist, or hands, these nourishing balms come in adorable, pocket-sized tubes that can be easily carried in the pocket or a bag for aromatic touch-ups any time. They’re for the aesthete who appreciates beautiful objects that engage all the senses. Bonus: no glass bottles, no spills, no stress.
Photo: Courtesy of Marimekko
A collaboration between Finnish design house Marimekko and culinary artist Laila Gohar, these pajamas are the definition of playful comfort. The bold rose/red or light blue/yellow striped print is inspired by the joy of cooking and gathering – an everyday ritual turned into wearable art. Made from soft cotton, they’re ideal for lounging, sleeping, or even pairing with sneakers for an effortless weekend look. For those who appreciate pattern, comfort, and creativity all rolled into one, these PJs make staying in feel like a design statement.
Photo: Courtesy of RIMOWA
On the luxe side of things, RIMOWA’s Groove Cross-Body Bag combines sleek industrial design with everyday practicality. Made in Italy from soft calf leather with a grooved pattern, it’s both lightweight and durable, with a soft strap that makes it easy to wear all day as a crossbody, shoulder bag, or handbag. The design nods to the classic Rimowa luggage silhouette – compact, functional, and unmistakably chic. It’s the ultimate companion for travel days, city errands, or nights out when you just want the essentials.
Photo: Courtesy of Shihara
Shihara’s Form Earrings are proof that minimalism can still make a statement. Designed in Tokyo, these delicate yet striking pieces explore geometry and negative space in a way that feels more architectural than ornamental. Each one is crafted from 18K yellow gold or platinum with precision and balance, and comes in three sizes with a concealed latch. They’re perfect for someone who values simplicity, craftsmanship, and subtle surprise. Think of them as wearable modern art for the everyday.
Photo: Courtesy of StereoHoare
For the music and design lovers, StereoHoare’s album cover art kits let you recreate iconic record covers – from Radiohead to Kendrick Lamar – one tiny brick at a time. It’s part nostalgia trip, part meditative build, and 100% fun. Once finished, they’ll have a bold piece of pixel-perfect wall art to show off their music taste. Ideal for anyone who loves the intersection of pop culture, creativity, and, well, LEGO.
Photo: Courtesy of The Form Follows
The ceramic CASCADE Fruit Stand turns everyday produce into a sculptural centerpiece. Its minimalist, cascading tiers balance form and function perfectly, offering a spot for apples, citrus, tomatoes, and avocados to coexist in aesthetic harmony. Crafted with sleek, architectural lines and thoughtful proportions, it’s proof that even practical objects can double as art. Whether it’s sitting on the kitchen counter or a dining table, it adds a playful yet sophisticated presence – and it might just make someone want to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Photo: Courtesy of Parkside Puzzles
For those who love a good brain puzzle with a side of design, the Bits & Bobs puzzle by Parkside Puzzles, featuring the art of Jessica Oreck, is a delightfully modern way to unwind. Featuring a vibrant collage of primary colors, shapes, textures, and quirky objects, it’s equal parts challenge and visual joy. Once complete, your giftee might find it too good to box up – luckily, it would look great framed as wall art. A perfect gift for anyone who finds therapy in a tabletop project.
Photo: Courtesy of Sophie Lou Jacobsen
Sophie Lou Jacobsen’s Fritter Tumblers turn any table into a celebration of color and form. Each curvy glass feels joyful and tactile, inviting you to slow down and savor every sip – whether it’s your morning juice, an afternoon spritz, or a late-night cocktail. The soft, translucent hues catch the light beautifully, adding a playful elegance to any moment. They’re the ultimate gift for anyone who believes that design should bring a little joy to the everyday ritual of drinking something delicious.
Photo: Courtesy of Paul Smith
When two icons of design – Paul Smith and Susan Bijl – join forces, the result is this happy collision of function and fun. The reusable shopping bag, available in a few sizes and colorways, takes on new life in Paul Smith’s signature bold stripes, bringing fashion-forward flair to everyday errands. Made from durable, recycled nylon ripstop, it’s lightweight, foldable, and designed to last. Whether you’re grocery shopping, running an errand, or heading to the beach, it’s the kind of bag that makes you smile every time you grab it.
Photo: Courtesy of Georg Jensen
A forever classic with a modern twist (literally). What looks like two bands delicately entwined around the finger is, in fact, a single, continuous loop of sterling silver – a sculptural nod to the mathematical beauty of the Möbius strip, which has just one side and one edge. Designed by Swedish-born visionary Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe, one of Georg Jensen’s most influential collaborators, the ring embodies her signature blend of innovation, nature-inspired form, and pure minimalism. Crafted with Georg Jensen’s impeccable attention to detail, the Moebius Ring is a wearable piece of design history that never goes out of style.
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