Whether they are beautiful or beautifully practical, these holiday gift ideas from around the world inspire in more ways than one. Find items for friends and family on your shopping list in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.
Âme Atendre Stationary
Âme Atendre
These elegant thank-you cards and envelopes are handcrafted in California by tableware brand Âme Atendre with meticulous attention to detail. Each note card box is foil pressed with gold leaf, while the note cards feature an elegant letter-pressed design in the front and the Âme Atendre foil-pressed logo in the back. Additionally, each envelope is meticulously lined and foil pressed with the Âme Atendre brand seal, closing with a deeper fold for an added touch. $38, ameatendre.com
Toast Plate & Stand
The Glass House Design Store
Individually handcrafted by Japanese woodworker Masayuki Yanai, these wooden plates are full of character. Featuring a series of triangular mounds, the plate’s surface is carved at even intervals to slightly lift food from the plate. Made of light or dark Japanese walnut, the wooden dishes can be used as a piece of decor when placed inside a matching stand. 8’’ x 8’’ square. $65 per plate; $45 for the stand; theglasshouse.org
Weltevree Gloves
Weltevree
From outdoor Dutch design brand Weltevree, these sturdy brown leather gloves protect hands from the heat and sparks of the oven while you chop wood, throw the blocks on the fire, or do chores around the house or garden. Not fire-resistant. $54.60, weltevree.us
The Pines Tableware
East Fork
With an earthy, forest green hue reminiscent of coniferous trees, Swiss chard, and wet moss, East Fork’s In The Pines tableware colorway includes a range of mugs, bowls, plates, and platters. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, East Fork was impacted by Hurricane Helene and remains committed to supporting both its workforce and the local community during recovery. Through the end of the year, 5% of all sales will go toward grassroots organizations like BeLoved Asheville, which are actively aiding those most affected. Starting at $14, eastfork.com
The Pebble Candle Holder Trio
hollis+morris
Handmade in North America, the Pebble Candle Holder Trio comes in brass, copper, or stainless metal finish options with a solid walnut or oak base. The set of three spherical shapes including a small, medium, and large size can be mixed and matched in creative configurations. The holders are sized for standard 7/8″ candle widths (candles not included). $260, hollisandmorris.com
Stems Collection
Teak NY
Teak NY is a Brooklyn-based, woman-owned Scandinavian lifestyle brand that celebrates minimalist design and quality craftsmanship while supporting sustainable practices and small businesses. The sculptural floral objects in the Stems Collection are handcrafted in Denmark by talented artisans and are being sold in a limited edition of 350 per color shade. Measuring 4.7’’ x 4.7’’ x 17.7’’ the abstract flowers are made from GRS-certificated recycled polyester, and a mix of glue and tapioca flour, lacquer, latex, paint, glue, plastic tubes, paper, and metal wires. $60-$70 each, teaknewyork.com
Graphic Classics
Phaidon
This deep dive into graphic design history presents the work of more than 400 designers across 33 countries and five continents, with work dating back to the 14th century. The book’s array of designs range from the Gutenberg Bible to Joy Division album art, with work by both anonymous creators and industry icons such as Aleksandr Rodchenko, Paul Rand, Paula Scher, Ahn Sang-soo, and Julia Born. This 528-page book is the perfect reference guide for design and art lovers, enthusiasts, and professionals at any stage of their careers, as well as all those interested in and impacted by visual communication. $89.95, phaidon.com
Hot Air Balloon Light
MoMA Design Store
This authentic small-scale model of a hot air balloon is illuminated with LEDs to create a magical mood in a children’s bedroom or other whimsical space. Crafted from wood, metal, paper, and plastic, the lamp has a colorful netted balloon as well as tiny figures and miniature accessories within the basket. The LED light is turned on and off by remote control and is battery operated. The balloon measures 22’’ high x 13″ diameter. $124.20 MoMA member, $138 non-member; store.moma.org
Geocromia Ice Cream Bowl Set
MoMA Design Store
Available exclusively at the MoMA Design Store, the Geocromia porcelain dinnerware collection includes a set of handcrafted dessert plates, cups and saucers, dinner plates, and four ice cream bowls with matching spoons. Designed in Italy by a heritage brand founded in 1876, these dishwasher-safe pieces add a mix of colors, stripes, and geometric shapes to any tablescape. $48 MoMA member, $60 non-members. store.moma.org
Scacco Matto
Lumere
Designed by Italian lighting and product designer Francesco Cappuccio, Scacco Matto (“checkmate” in Italian) is a portable, interlocking lamp made of aluminum and solid wood. Inspired by the aesthetic of the Memphis Group, the lamp is made of three magnetically interconnected parts, allowing users to turn the desktop fixture into five different lighting sculptures. The lamp can also be used as a pot or a simple sculpture. $356.55, archiproducts.com
Turkish Holiday Gift Box
Obakki
Turkey suffered its strongest earthquake since 1939 in February 2023, and many people still suffer from a lack of food, water, and housing. 100 percent of the profits from the sale of Obakki’s Turkish products are being returned to their artisan community to help them rebuild. The Turkish Holiday Gift Box comes in a festive printed box with artisan insert cards that tell the stories of the makers. It includes a Turkish linen robe, a matching cotton/linen towel, and Seme Scented Candle featuring a bright, woody, and earthy scent. Handmade in five colorways, the robe and towel are made from a luxurious and fast-drying organic cotton and linen blend. $210.00, obakki.com