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The Best Home Gifts, According to Interior Designer Mom

Web Guide The Best Home Gifts According to Interior Design Mom
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Neiman Marcus, Mark & Graham
October 14, 2025

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As you can imagine, Interior Designer Mom excels at decorating for the holidays — from a collection of vintage Santa figurines she meticulously arranges over the mantel to fresh garland centerpieces. But what would she gift fellow design enthusiasts? I asked, and she delivered. Here’s her list of foolproof gifts for the home.

Need more gifts? Shop all of our holiday gift guides here.

pillow
Williams Sonoma

A needlepoint dog pillow cover…

Inspired by boutique hotel decor, this needlepoint pillow cover will add a regal touch to any space. Whether your dog resembles this handsome fellow or not, animal accents are still going strong in the design world (and in my apartment that my mom styled). 

$119.99, Williams Sonoma
coaster set
Neiman Marcus

A coaster set that’s prettier than most…

My mom has used her Michael Aram pitcher for as long as I can remember; it’s one of her favorite pieces. Next on her wishlist? These coasters that stack beautifully in the holder with an orchid on the side. It’s a perfect hostess gift to bring to your holiday parties.

$130, Neiman Marcus
glass tree
Neiman Marcus

A glass evergreen tree they’ll look forward to using every year…

Simon Pearce Christmas trees are a key part of holiday decor at our house. These handcrafted glass trees are so chic, and each one is unique. Last year my mom gifted me one of my own, and I proudly displayed it all winter long. It’s an investment gift they’ll cherish forever.

$265, Neiman Marcus
coffee scoop
MacKenzie-Childs

A fun coffee scoop…

When they’re making their morning cup of Joe, it’ll brighten their day to use this checkerboard coffee scoop. It comes in gold and silver, measures two tablespoons and makes a great stocking stuffer.

$34.95, MacKenzie-Childs
vintage glasses
CVCoastalVintage via Etsy

A set of vintage old fashioned glasses…

If you have a cocktail lover on your hands, they’ll be delighted with these 1960s holiday glasses. They’ll look nice sitting on their bar cart and are in excellent condition. She also loves these low ball glasses if you want something less holiday-themed.

$75, CVCoastalVintage via Etsy
golf cheese board
Mark & Graham

A cheese board for your favorite golfer…

When my mom sent me this, I was honestly speechless. My dad golfs, and I could only imagine how pleased he would be eating cheese off this fantastic board. It has “sand traps” for holding nuts or crackers, hidden compartments with tools, and a removable flag. You can even personalize it.

$95, Mark & Graham
gift bag
Scout Bags

A gift bag they can keep…

This Scout bag is a fun way to wrap their present, while also being a gift itself. These bags are extremely durable, so they’re great for lugging groceries or returns on errands day. You can choose from floral, seasonal, and state-themed patterns.

$19, Scout Bags
wreath
tobieanne via Etsy

A live wreath that’s even better in person…

Who doesn’t love a good succulent? This wreath is made of live ones for a lush display on their door or above their mantel. It’ll last longer than most wreaths — since these plants are so resilient — and it comes in three sizes and shapes.

$135+, ​​tobieanne via Etsy
coffee table book
Anthropologie

A chic coffee table book…

According to my mom, coffee table books are essential for curating your space and delighting guests. We’d gift this one, covering the dining and decoration behind the members-only club, Soho House. It’s perfect for the person who’s a little fancy (but welcoming at the same time). 

$55, Anthropologie
home painting
WAIdecor via Etsy

A portrait of their house they’ll cherish forever…

My mom loves a personalized gift, especially one that can be proudly displayed. Just send in a photo of their current house, beach house, or the house they grew up in to commission a hand-painted watercolor version. Plus, you can choose from different frames and sizes. 

$19.99+, WAIdecor via Etsy
gardening book
Terrain

A coffee table book for the gardening enthusiast…

Whether they’re a plant fan or a Martha fan, this book will be a nice addition to their collection. It’s not just a pretty face; it has real advice on how to grow their garden, from roses to fruit trees. Not to mention, it’s nostalgic to see Martha from years ago on the pages. 

$40, Terrain
ice cube tray
Siligrams

An ice tray for making custom cocktails…

A cocktail enthusiast should be able to make a drink at home with monogrammed ice cubes, we don’t make the rules. They’ll be excited to use these trays, and even more excited to invite you over for a drink.

$39+, Siligrams
cutting board
HeadwallCreative via Etsy

A cutting board with their house’s coordinates…

Again, a personalized cutting board can either be used for cooking or proudly displayed in their kitchen. These are handmade in Canada with different types of wood, and if you’d like to alter the design, they’re happy to take special orders.

$38.22+, HeadwallCreative via Etsy
party tub
Mark & Graham

A party tub for the one who’s always hosting…

This bamboo tub is made of durable ceramic and will hold up to six wine bottles for their next party. It also has handles on the side to make it easy to move around. You can add their initial on the front to make it even more special.

$199, Mark & Graham

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