As part of a fun holiday series, I've asked interior design "tastemakers," from designers and stylists to bloggers and shop-owners, to share their favorite go-to holiday gift ideas with me.
New York-based interior designer (and color enthusiast!) Ghislaine Viñas shared her go-to gift ideas for the holidays with me:
On gift-giving:
Year-round I come across things that absolutely delight me, and by the holidays I have usually forgotten what they are. Luckily I photograph everything and so it's easy for me to go back and see what things I have put a smile on my face. I am a huge fan of quirky items, baked goods, bath smellies, scented candles, or homemade items.
On handmade gifts:
Since I am surrounded by incredibly creative and artistic friends I really appreciate the handmade items the most. Some of my favorite gifts that I have received have been handmade. This year I am going to be giving out handmade gifts but I cant say what they are; it would spoil the surprise. But I must say that even for someone who spends her life selecting items for other people, gift giving can be tricky. My friend Vanessa made me a little embroidered piece that says "Err on the side of awesome." It's awesome and I love it!
See Ghislaine's favorite resources for gifts and some other tips for gift-giving when you read more.
Almost anything from Rose and Radish. You have to dig a bit deeper into your pockets but they really have some great unique things.
Goose Grease on Etsy makes delightful little mini replicas of your family. I think they started out as cake toppers for wedding cakes. If you send her some images of the individuals in the family you want her to create, even down to their outfits, she paints on the little forms. They are so fantastic and quirky and cute. I can't think of a more personal gift. My assistant Vané gave a set to our family last year. My set is in my house in Pennsylvania, so I am not there to photograph, but here is another family that is almost as cute.
Last but not least, tips for wrapping:
Be creative when you wrap a gift. Look around the house and see what you have laying around. Sometimes by just looking around the house and repurposing items you can come up with some interesting, unexpected wrapping solutions. Take old tissue paper and try tying it up with simple cord; I think it makes for a much more interesting looking gift than store-bought holiday paper. Hang an unexpected item on it and write a message on it. Don't just stick to red and green. Hot pink and chartreuse look pretty festive this time of year, too. Think outside of the box and be resourceful!
Mark Davis
Great suggestions. I think the worse thing you can give someone for the holidays is something so impersonal that it's like you didn't even take the person into consideration. I hate neckties! The price doesn't make a difference if it comes with thought. I'd so rather get a plastic toy bull that cost $5.00 (I'm a Taurus) than a Tiffany fountain pen. You are right! Make it personal and know your audience.
1I love Ghislaine's sense of adventure in gift giving & it can apply year round! What I really like is that she's managed to include color in her concepts. I just posted one of her interiors to help answer the question: Is this decade one of pale or powerful color? What do you think?
2http://tinyurl.com/ybtls7w
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