Designer gift picks: 14 NYC creatives share their favorite finds for this holiday season

6sqft asked New York City designers, architects, and artists for their favorite gift ideas this year–cool stuff they’d love to give (or get). Read on for a curated mix of unexpected items selected by a few of the city’s most talented creatives. We hope you’ll find some inspiration in your quest for the perfect gift.

Keren Richter, co-founder, principal designer, White Arrow

Natalia Criado Tea Set (sugar bowl, Perla cup, Perlina sugar bowl, simple coffee pot, soup spoon, lava plate, Teiera teapot). I saw her work at Salone del Mobile and fell in love with the designs of each piece. Each has a strong silhouette and sense of design but is equally delicate, like a piece of jewelry.

Work by Emily Mullin. Emily’s work marries art and sculpture so beautifully. I love her graphic forms and use of color, shape, and greenery.

Alto Lamp by Episode. I love the shape of the base and shade and the gestural painterly glaze gives it an artful vibe.

Henry Holland’s Blue and White Ceramic “table” Lamp. Henry’s transition from fashion to homeware is really exciting. The mushroom-shaped lampshade, alongside his signature ceramic squiggles, is both playful and stylish.

Hollister Hovey, Principal, Hovey Design

Wasabi Room Spray from Loewe. Loewe makes the most wonderful, garden-inspired scents for the home. The candles come in these great ribbed terracotta vessels, dipped in highly pigmented matte glazes. The caps of the room sprays have the same touch. The look is bold but earthy and so fun. They’ve just dropped a new batch of aromas, including Wasabi. It’s incredibly spicy at first, but then calms down with hints of basmati rice and lemongrass; The sunflower yellow glaze adds a happy color pop to any room where it will sit, too.

Light Cotton Pajama Set from Schotsal Originals. In Rome for Christmas a few years back, we stumbled into this little pajama and men’s accessories store, Schotsal. Tiny but crowded with shoppers clamoring to see all the prints and patterns of the PJs folded and stacked to the ceiling, their sets are considered some of the best sleepwear in the world (and it’s quite affordable). We both have multiple pairs of the men’s; they’re wildly flattering and the cotton is so delicate and soft you feel like you’re on 1000 thread count sheets. A couple years ago, they finally relaunched the website so we can get them without a trip to Rome (but that’s always better).

Atomic Coffee Maker from Bon Trading Co. We just landed a vintage one of these modernist stovetop beauties at auction and screamed, “This thing belongs in a museum!” Well, it can also belong in everyone’s kitchen. Designed after WW2 in Milan by Giordano Robbiati, these Atomic Espresso Makers are still manufactured and sold by an Aussie company.

Kyoto Zabuton Cushions from Takaokaya. These beautiful floor cushions are still handmade in Kyoto. The three-prong stitch at the center keeps the cotton filling distributed (and tells you which direction is front), while the corner tassels provide the function of keeping the stuffing inside – and according to ancient Japanese beliefs, evil away from the human sitting on top of it.

Ini Ceramique Vases and Objects at Maison Flâneur. We’re fully obsessed with everything ceramicist Inhee Ma creates in her studio, Ini Ceramique, in Bourgogne, France. The vessels are 3-D yet 2-D and painterly and just wonderful.

Eva Dornstreich, Design Director at The Brooklyn Home Company

Pierce and Ward Tissue Box Covers. The tissue box covers from Pierce and Ward are small treasures, equal parts elegance and whimsy. They make an everyday object in the home feel special, at a price point that’s great for gift giving.

Object and Totem Mugs and Vases. Julianne Ahn’s ceramics are pared-down, memorable objects; timeless pieces that blend beautifully in any setting. I love her mugs especially because they are down to earth, but have slightly surprising proportions which make them feel really personal.

Louis Kahn: The Last Notebook (Lars Müller Publishers). This is one of my favorite things to give loved ones with an appreciation for the creative process. The book allows you to step inside the musings and sketches of a revered architectural mind, alongside historical context of what was happening in his life at the time.

Sarah Jacoby, principal, Sarah Jacoby Architect

I always love socks, and I think a fancy sock (like these from Falke) is a great gift because you always need socks but you might not be as inclined to buy yourself fancy socks.

If you are interested in giving something teeny away, I love these sexy masking tapes by MT (not sure if sexy masking tape is a thing!) but I find them magical.

This is a bit more of a statement/grown-up gift, but I am a big fan of these Kaweco fountain pens. They are quite small but also luxurious, so definitely a great option and something anyone could use.

I also love Penco Carry-Tite pouches; love me a pouch! And they are so cute!

If you are in a pinch there’s always the great gift of cheese: my favorite Boston cheese shop, Formaggio Kitchen, now has an NYC outpost!

Michele Varian, designer, owner, Michele Varian

Almost everything on this year’s list is a one-of-a-kind or limited edition piece.

Each of these Brooch Pins is beautifully and ingeniously hand-beaded and embroidered to replicate various natural feathers or fleece of endangered flora or fauna from the natural world. Because each artist stamps their own embroidery style on each piece, no two are exactly identical.

These teeny, tiny clay Mini Gallery Vessels by Michiko Shimada are one-of-a-kind and each comes with its own tiny ceramic plinth for “elevated” display.

Due to the multi-color hand-glazing of overlapping and kissing reactive colors, each of these Multi Colored Mugs comes out differently. Nonetheless, every last one is stunning.

Gold Collage Necklace. Michele’s one-of-a-kind wedding ring was made by Masumi of Linn Designs, as are our current collection of “collage” necklaces–each its own little work of art.

These out-of-this-world solid brass lighter cases are hand-wrought and soldered by a jeweler. Perfect for lighting candles or whipping out of your pocket when recreationally smoking with friends.

Marble Tray. Because of the dramatic patterning of these carved marble pieces, nature has made sure no two of these are alike!

Ryoko Okada, Principal and Interior Project Director at ODA

Our book, “ODA: Office of Design and Architecture,” was published this year by Rizzoli. It makes a great gift for any lover of design, architecture or New York City. If you missed this in 2024, it’s a must-have for 2025!

Ambientec: “Bottled” lamp. This sensuous lamp feels as good as it looks, and it infuses any area with intimacy. Gentle illumination, with precise controls. You need this!

Tea Dealers: Hammered Copper Teapot. Made by the legendary Gyokusendo workshop in Japan. I encountered this product at the tea ceremony there in the store. I now have one of my own. This always starts off my day in tranquility.

Guy Geier, Managing Partner at FXCollaborative

Moleskine Notebook. A timeless tool for creativity and productivity. Its clean, minimalist design and high-quality pages make it perfect for sketching, writing, or capturing ideas on the go. As architects and designers often find inspiration unexpectedly, this notebook becomes a trusty companion, encouraging creativity and organization in equal measure.

Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Herman Miller. A masterpiece of mid-century design, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is more than just furniture—it’s a symbol of comfort and timeless style. Its ergonomic design and luxurious materials make it a perfect retreat for unwinding after a day of designing or planning. This iconic piece also reflects a love of functional beauty, a hallmark of FXCollaborative’s approach to architecture and interiors.

Tizio Classic Task Lamp. The Tizio lamp by Richard Sapper combines sleek aesthetics with practicality. With adjustable arms and counterweight balancing, it offers perfect lighting for detail-oriented tasks like drafting or reading. Its elegant design is ideal for anyone who values form and function in their workspace.

“Modernist Icons: Midcentury Houses and Interiors.” This book, by Eric Baldwin, offers a stunning exploration of mid century modern architecture and interior design, celebrating the timeless appeal of this influential era. For architecture enthusiasts or those seeking design inspiration, it’s a thoughtful gift that highlights the harmony between form and innovation.

Aalto Vase. The Aalto Vase is a sculptural icon, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936. Its organic, flowing shape embodies the intersection of art and utility, making it an ideal centerpiece for any modern home. This vase, often used for fresh flowers or as a standalone art piece, is a tribute to enduring Scandinavian design and its impact on contemporary aesthetics.

Malene Barnett, multidisciplinary artist, textile surface designer and founder of the Black Artists + Designers Guild

During the holiday season and beyond, I prioritize supporting creative brands led by women business owners of the global majority. These gifts celebrate diverse artistry, cultural heritage, and thoughtful design while empowering communities around the world. Here’s a curated list to inspire your giving this season:

My Book: Crafted Kinship. Gift the beauty of storytelling and culture with my new book Crafted Kinship: Inside the Creative Practices of Contemporary Black Caribbean Makers. This coffee table book features over 60 interviews with extraordinary makers of Caribbean heritage. It’s perfect for inspiring art collecting, connecting with Caribbean culture, or planning your next trip through a creative lens.

Pottery Class at Yaro Studios. Give the gift of creativity and hands-on learning with a pottery class at Yara Studios. Whether for beginners or experienced makers, this experience fosters self-expression, mindfulness, and the joy of creating with clay.

Washable Rugs by Ruggable. Transform any space with my new collection of washable rugs from Ruggable. These designs bring warmth, creativity, and functionality to your home—perfect for a fresh start in the new year.

Johanna Howard Home Throws. Cozy up this season with a dip-dyed baby alpaca throw blanket from Johanna Howard Home. These beautifully crafted throws are perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any couch or bed.

Peace & Riot Gift Card. Support local with a gift card to Peace & Riot, a Black-owned Bed-Stuy boutique offering stylish home furnishings, unique gifts, and more. Let your loved ones pick something they’ll truly cherish.

54kibo Home Accessories. Add a global touch to your living space with home decor from 54kibo. Their collection highlights African design, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern sophistication.

Effie’s Paper Personalized Stationery. Give the gift of thoughtful correspondence with personalized stationery from Effie’s Paper. In a world of emails, a handwritten note feels extra special.

Alan Barlis, Principal at BarlisWedlick

Tweek Studio Brass Nesting Bowls. These bowls are handmade in Brooklyn by our client and friend, David Weeks. They look stunning in any setting!

Ambient Weather WS-1553-IP Smart Wireless Weather Station with Remote Monitoring and Alerts. We love these weather stations for their user-friendly platform and all the amazing data they collect: wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, UV, solar radiation, barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, dew point, heat index, wind chill – you name it!

Minna Texture Throw (Persimmon). Minna is a go-to vendor for our team in Hudson, NY. Their ethically sourced textiles are both elegant and cozy!

Matthias Hollwich, Founding Principal at HWKN Architecture

“Living in a Dream“ by Gestalten is a captivating exploration of the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the built environment. This book delves into the intersection of creativity and technology, showcasing how AI can be a powerful collaborator in designing spaces that are both innovative and deeply inspiring.

Luma AI the Dream Machine. Last year, our top recommendation was a subscription to ChatGPT, and this year, we’re equally excited to spotlight Luma AI. This cutting-edge tool opens up a world of creative possibilities, offering a seamless way to transform videos into imaginative movie-like experiences. Whether you’re a professional seeking to showcase yet-to-be-built spaces to clients or an individual looking to add fun enhancements to family memories, Luma AI is a game-changer. Its versatility makes it perfect for both private and professional applications, pushing the boundaries of creative exploration. If you’re ready to bring your ideas to life in dynamic, engaging formats, Luma AI is the must-have subscription of the year.

Dutchtub by Weltevree. If you’re looking for the ultimate way to unwind and recharge (and who isn’t?), the Dutchtub by Weltevree is the perfect gift. This beautifully designed, nature-powered soaking bath not only helps calm the nerves but also makes a stunning visual statement. Whether it’s a quiet evening for self-care or a social gathering where guests are invited to enjoy the experience, the Dutchtub delivers relaxation with a touch of style. A gift that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, it’s the ideal way to create moments of peace and connection.

Will Meyer and Gray Davis, Co-Founders of Meyer Davis

The Via Carota Craft Cocktail Set is a standout in our gift guide, celebrating the best of hospitality—exceptional drinks, thoughtful design, and time spent with loved ones. As a West Village favorite near Gray’s home, Via Carota holds a special place in his heart, and he loves gifting their craft cocktails to friends as a way to share the restaurant’s charm.

Tomato Ambiance Candle Set. Flamingo Estate masters the art of detail with their beautiful packaging, making every gift feel truly special. The moment you unwrap this delightful treasure, its wild, herbaceous summer scent sweeps you away to the sun-soaked Italian countryside—all from the comfort of your living room.

Artemest Pinetti Umbrella Stand. We always appreciate a gift that is as beautiful as it is functional. We selected this timeless Pinetti umbrella stand from Artemest for our recent electric-hybrid yacht project with Rossinavi, but this classic piece would elevate any entryway with equal success.

Cecil Wright | Charter | SEAWOLF X. If you’d like to see the original, however, you can experience the yacht firsthand with a private charter through Cecil Wright & Partners and immerse yourself in the ultimate experience of sustainable luxury.

Sara Duffy, Principal at Stonehill Taylor

I love giving a gift that’s both practical and fun. This eye-catching holographic bubble umbrella will be sure to brighten up anyone’s rainy day.

A membership to The Shed is the perfect gift for your creative friend or family member whose favorite thing about New York is the art scene. They’ll get to enjoy exclusive access and discounts. Plus, they get to experience the magic year-round.

No need to buy something new — you can find anyone a vintage treasure at Olde Good Things. My pick would be a pair of glass door knobs that add a touch of antique charm to anyone’s home. Check out their website for more unique gifts.

PAU Studio

Vishaan Chakrabarti, Founder and Creative Director
“TAU, The Architecture of Urbanity; Designing for Nature, Culture, and Joy,” by Vishaan Chakrabarti

Ruchika Modi, Principal
Open House New York membership.

Mark Faulkner, Associate Principal
I love giving and receiving handmade cards—a personal note, a mark, or a sketch. The wackier and more eccentric, the better. It’s something that no one else can create but you, and it will always bring a smile to my face.

Mimi Hoang, Co-Founding Partner, nARCHITECTS

All I can think about, in my post-election fury, is gathering loved ones and feeding them.

Bạn Bè Cookie Tin. Bạn Bè is NYC’s first Vietnamese bakery, launched by Doris Ho-Kane, who is also the historian/archivist behind 17.21 Women, an IG database of influential AAPI women throughout history. She makes sweet treats that make me very emotional, because they are updated classic Vietnamese desserts that come with a lot of childhood memories. With the rise of anti-Asian/anti-immigrant hate, we should support businesses that support others.

Burrow Café Gift Card. Burrow is this stupendous café in the lobby of our studio’s building. Our whole studio is addicted to Ayako Kurokawa’s and Wataru Iwata’s baked goods–they are our first stop when we need to cheer ourselves up and our go-to spot when we celebrate anything.

I ❤ New York City Blanket by Nik Bentel and Kortney Hinden / Nik Bentel Studio. Nik and Kortney are both graduates of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation (GSAPP), where I teach, and Kortney was my former student.) They are super creative with turning the everyday into something unexpected and fun and I love this picnic blanket that is actually a super-sized t-shirt. Show your NYC pride and gather your favorite people and food on it!

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Photo credits for lead image, clockwise from top left: Small orb vase, Julianne Ahn/Object & Totem, photo courtesy of Julianne Ahn/Object & Totem; Formaggio Kitchen cheeses, photo by Morgan Mannino; “Crafted Kinship” by Malene Barnett, photo courtesy of Malene Barnett; The Shed, photo by Iwan Baan, courtesy of The Shed; I ❤ New York City Blanket, Nik Bentel and Kortney Hinden / Nik Bentel Studio, photo by Nik Bentel and Kortney Hinden; “the straight line, the angle and the curve,” 2024, Raku fired vessel, powder coated steel, laminated plywood by Emily Mullin, image courtesy of the artist