30 gift ideas for designers, chosen by designers
It’s that time of year again, when we wonder what gifts to get for our hard-to-buy-for designer friends. Or maybe you’re looking for something to add to your own Christmas wish list? We asked the Sydney Design School team to share some of their go-to gifts and what they’d love to receive. There’s something for every budget – from a notebook that’s under $5 to furniture that will set you back thousands!
Memobottle
“My go-to gift is Memobottle. I think A5 is the perfect size, with a matte black lid for my minimalist friends, stainless steel lid for the purists and a copper lid for the ones that just want to have fun!” – Samantha Over / Visit Memobottle here
Spot Shelf by Tuckbox Design
“This is high on my wish list. The Spot Shelf is designed and made in Melbourne and I can think of lots of places I’d love to put one in my home.” – Wendy Beard / Find the Spot Shelf here
Ceramics from Clay Canoe
“I love to support local creatives and there’s nothing like owning one off handmade pieces. Clay Canoe’s beautiful ceramics make unique gifts for special friends… and for self-gifting!” – Lisa Tilse / Visit Clay Canoe here
The Kinfolk Entrepreneur
“I’m endlessly inspired by the stories of other creative entrepreneurs and I think this beautifully designed book would make a fantastic gift.” – Amanda Grace / Find The Kinfolk Entrepreneur here
Art by Ali McNabny-Stevens
“I’m lucky enough to own a painting by Australian artist Ali McNabney-Stevens and I’d love to add to my collection.” – Wendy Beard / Visit Ali’s website here
Panthella Table
“This stunning table lamp is forever on my wish list. It’s a design classic that would suit any room.” – Wendy Chu / Find the Panthella Table here
Olive 100% Linen Robe from In Bed
“There’s nothing like the feeling of pure linen. This beautiful robe is something I’d love to be given and also a nice gift for a loved one.” – Alice Benn / Find the robe here
HAY Matin Table Lamp
“I’m such a big fan of everything HAY does and this lamp is top of my wish list.” – Bella Taylor / Find the Matin Lamp here
Up 50 Armchair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia
“This is a totally extravagant item that’s probably more like a bucket list then a wish list! Not only is the design of the classic Up 50 Armchair stunning, it’s also beyond comfortable.” – Victoria Aleporos / See the Up 50 at Space Furniture here
The Breeze Block Book edited by Sam Marshall and Maitiú Ward
“This newly published book details the history and celebrates the recent resurgence of global breeze block architecture. It’s one for my collection and I’ll be giving it to like minded friends.” – Dione Fague / Find out more about the book here
Petite Passport Guides
“I’m obsessed with Petite Passport on Instagram and for the time being I travel vicariously through their feed and fabulous city guides. These guides would make wonderful gifts for globe trotting design obsessives.”- Bella Taylor / Check out the Petite Passport guides here
Muji Notebooks
“Muji has fantastic stationery products and I particularly love these affordable notebooks with dotted pages.” – Suzanna Vatter / Find Muji’s Australian store locations here
Pantone Colour Formula Guide
“Heaven for colour addicts!”- Suzanna Vatter / Visit Pantone here
Art Prints from Eggpicnic
“The designers behind Sydney-based Eggpicnic are devoted to wildlife conservation and their commitment extends across all areas of their business. Buying these fabulous, locally made art prints not only saves species but they are great gifts for giving locally and internationally. ” – Jane Eskin / Find out more here
Dinosaur Designs Bangles
“I enjoy giving anything from Dinosaur Designs in beautiful brights. I give these to overseas guests and my beautiful nieces who live in the country – they love my bangles. Dinosaur is pure Australian design, made in Australia.” – Kerry Selby Brown / Visit Dinosaur Designs here
Flower Colour Guide by Darroch & Michael Putnam
“This beautiful book is perfect for any one who loves colour, flowers or planning a garden. Life’s simple pleasures!” – Kerry Selby Brown / Find out more about the book here
iPad Pro and Pencil with Affinity Designer and Procreate Apps
“The most influential purchase I’ve made in my own work and a great gift if you’ve got lots of money to throw around. You can create professional level drawings, simple sketches or vector graphics anywhere. Great for designers on the move that use drawing as part of their workflow.” – Adrian Veale / Find the iPad Pro here
Earrings from Happy in Finland
“Buy me anything from Happy in Finland! Any item from this range of statement earrings would make a perfect gift.” – Dione Fague / Check them out here
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen
“This is such a great pen, available with different nib sizes and perfect for anyone that likes to do a bit of drawing. Couple it with Sailors Ink for adding watercolour on later, and you’ve got yourself a great gift for anyone… including yourself.” – Adrian Veale / Find out more about the Safari here
I am Rock jewellery
“With a background as an Interior Designer, you can see the architectural design influences in the ‘I am Rock’ jewellery collection. I love this bespoke affirmation jewellery, designed by the very talented Peta Heys.” – Claire Blanch / See the I am Rock collection here
Jai Vasicek Jardin Majorelle #1 Original Painting
“I have the perfect spot for this painting in my house! Now I just have to persuade someone to buy it for me.” – Di Fernandes / Visit Jai’s website here
Vessels from Lightly
“Australian brand Lightly always delivers the goods in terms of design and colour.” – Lisa Tilse / See Lightly’s range here
Gift voucher for a spa treatment at QT Hotel Sydney
“Located in the historic Gowings and State Theatre buildings in Sydney, this is a designers dream! You’re greeted downstairs by the amazing staff dressed to impress in theatrical outfits! Enter the lifts that play different digital graphics and music depending on the lift capacity and be sure to check out the custom designed “QT chairs” by Nic Graham. Before you start your spa treatment you can study the beautiful room in detail. There are so many well considered design details that it was hard to shut my eyes!” – Claire Blanch / Find out more here
Cruz del Sur x Disegno Side Table
“This hand-crafted side table is high on my wish list. I love the light weight and clever flat pack design that snaps together without the need of tools. Made from sustainable Portuguese cork, there are two different finishes – my favourite is the dark cork with a bronze finish mirror top.” – Dani Mantovani / See the tables here
Marimekko Unikko Cosmetic Bag
“I like this subtle grey on white interpretation of the classic Unikko fabric. Although this is a bit of a splurge, Marimekko is such amazing quality it’s an easy go-to gift for a hard to buy for designer.” – Lisa Tilse / Marimekko has its own gift guide, see it here
Miller Brass Scissors with Leather Pouch
“I have a bit of a thing for scissors, so I have a collection going. I think a lovely pair of scissors makes a nice gift because they’re not the sort of thing you’d usually buy for yourself. There are so many beautiful designs available and they’re practical too.” – Dione Fague / Find these scissors here
Bernard Lounge Chair
“The Bernard chair in natural leather is my wish list item, though with the price tag I can’t imagine anyone will buy it for me!” – Bella Taylor /
Sarah & Sebastian Jewellery
“Sarah & Sebastian is my go-to for fine Australian made jewellery – I love everything they make! These simple earrings could be a staple for anyone with an eye for design.” – Wendy Chu / Explore Sarah & Sebastian here
Individual by Jessica Bellef
“I’ve already bought my Chrissie present for myself – Jess Bellef’s new book Individual.” – Sharon Raco / Find out more here
India Mahdavi’s Casanova Lamp
“Give me anything by India Mahdavi! I particularly love this lamp though.” – Alice Benn / Explore India Mahdavi’s designs here
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