Holiday Gift Guides from 20 Top Designers and Tastemakers

This year for The Glam Pad’s Holiday Gift Guide, I decided to defer to over 20 of the nation’s top interior designers and purveyors of good taste…. and they did not disappoint! I am so excited to share this comprehensive list with you, in what will become my new annual Holiday Gift Guide tradition. It contains every idea you could possibly need for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, children, pets, him, her, and yourself! In alphabetical order, contributing designers and tastemakers include:

Patricia Altschul, Julia Amory, Anthony Baratta, CeCe Barfield, Meg Braff, Jessica Chaney, James Farmer, Teggy French, Leta Austin Foster, Caroline Gidiere, Cathy Graham, Eliza (Crater) Harris, Holly Holden, Cathy Kincaid, Myka Myer, Bettie Bearden Pardee, Carolyne Roehm, Frances Schultz, Lee Ann Thornton, Anne Wagoner, and Kimberly Schelgel Whitman

Gifts are linked in green for your shopping convenience!

Favorite hostess gifts

Favorite Hostess Gifts

Truffled almonds

Best Stocking Stuffers

Cashmere socks

Apple AirPods

I also like giving cufflinks in stockings for my boys

Gift Ideas for Children

Games, and sports equipment. Anything to get people interacting

Also love the offerings from Little Passports

Gifts for Pets

A fresh leash and collar, love Annie Selke‘s new collection

Bouchon Bakery dog biscuits

Gifts for your Significant Other

Silver bamboo cufflinks

A new Barbour coat

What is at the top of your personal wishlist?

I love Alice Naylor-Leland’s tablescape kits!

And Aerins’ wicker backgammon set

Favorite hostess gift

Gifts for pets

Gifts for significant other

What is at the top of your personal wishlist?

Favorite hostess gift

A book – great coffee table book to add to the stack! Inscribe a note and it’ll be a lovely reminder of the event. Books are great “bread and butter” gifts.

Best Stocking Stuffers

Indulgent, “scent-sational” soaps. I love the packs from Molten Brown. So yummy to have while traveling or to warm up after a cold winter’s day.

Gifts for pets

A cardboard box filled with tissue! Lol! Isn’t that what they always love more than the toy?

Sampson loves to play tug more than fetch – so he loves those sort of toys. But good ol’ chew toys keep him and my sister’s doodles busy too. There’s one they love – you put an empty water bottle inside a sleeve of sorts and the crunch of chewing that bottle is a hit!

Gifts for significant other

Time. Time is the ultimate gift. A real date – like get dressed up and go to a nice place, a movie and dinner… not that I have a significant other lol however I love quality time with special people in my life.

I travel so much for work, so for me a trip somewhere to just chill and relax would be fun. Mayflower Inn, Round Hill, et al… Also, if Santa dropped off an old Jeep Grand Wagoneer, I’d be ecstatic!

FAVOURITE HOSTESS GIFTS

REALLY NICE SOAP; EVERYBODY LOVES IT BUT THEY RARELY BUY IT, SO THEY LOVE TO RECEIVE IT AS A PRESENT. PLUS IT MATCHES EVEN INTERIORS YOU HAVE NOT YET SEEN.

BEST STOCKING STUFFERS

WE LOVE SURPRISE BALLS—THEY MAKE A MESS, BUT THEY ARE GREAT FUN. ALSO WE HAVE IN OUR BOUTIQUE LITTLE BAGS OF CANDY CALLED “COAL” SO EVEN THE “NAUGHTY” CHILDREN (AND ADULTS) GET A STOCKING PRESENT. AND THEN BE LIKE LAURA INGALLS WILDER REMEMBERING HER CHILDHOOD AND HOW PRECIOUS (REALLY PRECIOUS) IT WAS TO HAVE AN ORANGE. I ALWAYS PUT IN AN ORANGE, A TANGERINE, AND A PEPPERMINT CANE. AND THEN A DIME (IT USED TO BUY SOMETHING—IT’S SURE TO BRING LUCK) IN THE TOE.

Gift ideas for children

CHILDREN STILL LOVE DOLLS AND TRAINS—AND FOR THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE THEM YET, TEDDY BEARS. AND BOOKS—MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY IS OF LYING STRETCHED ACROSS MY BED ON CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON READING “THE LITTLE SHEPHERD OF KINGDOM COME” WHICH I HAD RECEIVED THAT MORNING UNDER THE TREE.

Gifts for pets

LET’S FACE IT—PETS LOVE EDIBLE TREATS. DOGS LOVE BALLS AND CHEW TOYS, BUT MY CATS SCORN THE CATNIP INFUSED MICE I BOUGHT THEM, ALTHOUGH I DO FIND THEM ALL OVER THE APARTMENT, SO THEY MUST PLAY WITH THEM SOMETIME, PROBABLY JUST NOT WHEN I AM WATCHING—THEY ARE ORNERY.

Gifts for significant other

MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER—THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON OF ALL TO ME—DOESN’T LIKE TO GET PRESENTS. HE LITERALLY HAS NO MATERIAL DESIRES—AND I AM IN RETAIL!!!!

I GUESS I MUST BE LIKE HIM, BECAUSE THERE IS REALLY NOTHING I WANT, EXCEPT FOR MY FAMILY TO BE HAPPY AND BOTH LETA AUSTIN FOSTER & ASSOCIATES AND PRETTYFABULOUSROOMS.COM TO DO WELL.

Favorite hostess gift

John Derian paperweight – there are so many beautiful ones, it’s easy to find one that suits the hostess’s vibe – and don’t we all need a perfect little something to top a stack of books or to sit on the coffee table? They are small enough to be unobtrusive but large enough to demonstrate your gratitude!

Best Stocking Stuffers

Beauty products, especially sheet face masks and eye patches, etc. They are truly inexpensive and EVERYONE loves cracking one open on a Sunday night!! I buy a four pack and split them up!!

Gift ideas for children

For girls, a Unicorn Onezie is guaranteed to give you favored status. For boys, they are harder, but probably a STEAM gift card will bring the biggest smile to their faces.

Gifts for pets

Mine are getting a rattan bed holder from Mainly Baskets this year!! To lend some support to the sides of their soft bed. Also, mine also always get new fleece jackets every year because they do get worn out quickly.

Gifts for significant other

Le Chameau Neoprene Lined boots. For most men, these would be great for hunting. For my guy, these are for mucking around the cold wet ground of the garden in winter (yes, he is as busy in the winter in garden as the summer).

What is at the top of your personal wishlist?

The Bottega Veneta Pouch. For sure.

Favorite hostess gift

Malted chocolates that look like beautiful pebbles and taste wonderful. They come in a cellophane bag with a ribbon from Elements in Chicago. I put them in a square box and wrap them in wrapping paper I design. When they open it they think, “What on earth is Cathy giving me? A bunch of pebbles… Maybe she hit hard times.”

Best Stocking Stuffers

When my now adult children were young, I would always go to E.A.T. Gifts on Madison. It is a treasure trove of the most marvelous stocking stuffers. My son particularly loved the squirrel underpants.

Gift ideas for children

Depending on the age and interest of the child, I love to get art sets and adore giving stuffed animals. My favorite came from Bonpoint.

Gifts for pets

Trust funds.

Gifts for significant other

Since there is no significant other, it saves lots of money and thought.

What is at the top of your personal wishlist?

Hmmmm…. Too many to go into!

Favorite hostess gift

Sister Parish Design cocktail napkins in Serendipity Fabric with hand-embroidered edge from Hibiscus Linens

Best Stocking Stuffers

A set of 24 tiny taper candles in a rainbow of colors

Gift ideas for children

Sister Parish X LAKE Serendipity pajamas (and a matching set for Mom!)

Gifts for pets

Faux fur shag puff luxury dog bed in chocolate brown color

What is at the top of your personal wishlist?

Rainbow spectrum lacquered tray 

Favorite hostess gift

August Morgan cocktail napkins 

Corkcicle to cool wine fast

Best Stocking Stuffers

Jewelry Travel Roll

Personalized wax seal stickers

William & Sonoma Fun shaped marshmallows for hot chocolate

And of course… (click here)

Gift ideas for children

Customized Kids Crayons

Karaoke Microphone

Tea Set

Gifts for pets

Hide a Squirrel Dog Puzzle

Gifts for significant other

Noise Cancelling AirPods Pro

Chord Organizer

Monogrammed Business Card Holder

What is at the top of your personal wishlist?

Lipstick phone charger

Faux-Fur Vest

Favorite hostess gift

Chocolate covered, coca-dusted almonds

Small cans of Hot Cinnamon Spice tea

Fresh cut gardenias

Herb spiced Virginia peanuts

Pardee Guide to Great Entertaining

Best Stocking Stuffers

Monogrammed leather crossbody phone carrier

Handbag light and charger

Gift ideas for children

Flower press

A donation in their name to a local charity

Gifts for pets

Monogrammed dog/cat bed

Portrait of the pet (for owner)

Gifts for significant other

Mail order lamb chops 

Travel watch roll

Shiatsu Foot Massager

Stainless steel wine chiller

Favorite hostess gifts

It depends on the host, but as a designer and writer I usually like to give something I have designed or created.

A second idea: I like to bring a gift from my gardens that is edible such as a basket of fruit or veggies or FLOWERS especially if they have a beautiful fragrance. If some of my favorites are blooming such as lilac and tulips, or peonies or roses, a big basket of those.

Best Stocking Stuffers

Anything from my new jewelry line, “The Birds & the Bees” because it’s a win win – with all proceeds going to animal shelters in the country. Let’s charm the recipient and save puppies and kittens.

Gifts for pets

Any toy that is safe, bed or sweater that is cuddly, or some very safe but tasty biscuit.

What is at the top of your personal wishlist?

Of course, world peace and good health and happiness! Keep my doggies safe with a life as long as mine. But on a more practical scale: new plant varieties for the garden. Also I love to take painting classes (learning new skills always a focus) so some private tuition would be on the list.

Favorite hostess gifts

California Cooking and Southern Style for one! And other favorite books by Lisa Fine, Richard Keith Langham, Markham Roberts, Julia Reed, Charlotte Moss, Tom Scheerer to name a few!

If not books, I love giving Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts. They are North Carolina family owned and grown and the best! I get the regular old “Country Style” in the 12- or 20-ounce tins.

Best Stocking Stuffers

I once gave my husband one of those desk top buttons you press that says “NO” Hilarious. There is also an X-rated model with different versions of the F-bomb, and that is even more hilarious. But naughty.
I also like giving Audible Books memberships or credits. People love those.

Gift ideas for children

We are giving our grandsons, 14 and 12, Swiss Army Knives. And when our granddaughter gets a little older she will get one too. All children love tools, especially knives, and learning how to handle dangerous tools is important. And yes we asked their parents’ permission.

Gifts for pets

Those “thunder jackets” for hyperactive or nervous dogs really work.

Gifts for significant other

Loro Piano makes a beautiful quilted jacket. Not sure it is in my budget, but I will shop around.

What is at the top of your personal wishlist?

Well, world peace of course. And then I’d love a pair of black and white earrings. Pearl and black diamond (oooo yes!), or enamel and pearl, pearl and jet, I don’t quite know, but some dressy-ish pearl/black something.

Favorite hostess gifts

Anything from our new hostess gift line, Hôtesse! We have curated a collection of elegant and
conveniently wrapped gifts perfect for any host or hostess. Complimentary wrapping and enclosure
card. We’re launching on November 20, just in time for holiday entertaining!

Best Stocking Stuffers

One of the best gifts you can give is a good night’s sleep. I wear the Tempur Pedic Sleep Mask every
night and it has literally changed my life. I’ve tried many sleep masks over the years and this is
hands-down the best. The box is small enough to be the perfect stocking stuffer.

Gift ideas for children

In a season of gift receiving (Santa), I remind my girls that gift giving is most important thing. My
dear friend, Allison, and her sister, Kate, are the driving force behind The Giving Crusade, a precious
and powerful book that reminds children (and adults) of this very important message.

Gifts for pets

For pets with style, check out these chic acrylic dog bowl stands.

Gifts for significant other

A trip. Traveling is one of my greatest passions. Not only does it inspire, it allows you to escape with
someone you love. My husband and I are at Blackberry Farm this weekend for a getaway and it needs
to be at the top of everyone’s bucket list.

What is at the top of your personal wishlist?

Coffee table books and skincare products are always at the top of my list. This year I’m asking for The Well Adorned Home by Cathy Kincaid and any product by Tata Harper, an all-natural, organic line
I’m obsessed with.

Favorite hostess gift

A copy of one of my books of course! 😉 Seriously though, as cliche as it has become, I think every hostess appreciates a beautiful candle. I have so many holiday favorites but I especially love Diptyque Cypress this time of year.

Best Stocking Stuffers

My family is hard to surprise so I like to hunt for stocking stuffers that are practical things they didn’t even know they needed like a telescoping magnetic pick up tool.  I also love this inspiring notebook as a little gift.

Gift ideas for children

My sister, Kari, has a beautiful children’s boutique that specializes in traditional styles and is also stocked with darling toys. I make my list and shop at JoJoMommy.com for all of the little ones on my list! For the boys, I love her craft kits and wooden boats and for the girls, her wooden dollhouses and fairy wands are always a hit. I always give a “My First Bible” to my friends with little ones too!

Gifts for pets

Zeus needs a new coat so I’m on the hunt for one this year. Don’t laugh but I just ordered a coat that has a matching “Kompanion” Vest for me! 🙂 I also want to order him one of these Alpine Dog Collars!

Gifts for significant other

A leather folder with a marquetry motif from Moynat

What is at the top of your personal wishlist?

Anything from KRB or apt ware from La Tuile a Loupe.

Whew, I think that just about checks off every single thing off my gift list for this year… including several treats for myself! 🙂 I hope you enjoyed this year’s Holiday Gift Guide! If you are still looking for ideas, you might check out last year’s Gift Guides for further inspiration:

• THE ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE FOR HER
• HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM
• 50 MERRY MANTELS AND 200 STOCKING STUFFERS
• 35 CHRISTMAS KITCHENS AND 55 HOSTESS GIFT IDEAS
• CLASSIC CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHILDREN

Merry, Merry!