Luxist Holiday Guide: Gifts for the Home
With the big day approaching, I, like many others, have just started to buy gifts. In desperate times such as these, buying a gift for the home is the most efficient and practical way to go. Especially if you are buying for a couple, you are able to buy one gift for two people who will enjoy it tremendously - just be sure you have a safe handle on their taste. No one wants to be a victim of re-gifting, and even more so when you bought the gift for them just a year ago. 1 - Art is subjective, so you may be taking a chance with the Sunburst Wire Wall Art from West Elm. But, it is simplistic in its design yet has such strong presence that anything near it should merely be that backdrop. Made of brass with a reflective mirror finish, you could add this to virtually any room and make it work. It's a more creative alternative to your basic mirror. It measures at 24"diameter. Price: $49.
2 - Who doesn't love hot yummy cocoa in the winter? On a cold snowy day (I am hoping that day actually comes sometime this year on the east coast) home from work with fuzzy slippers and a bath robe, this Hot Cocoa Gift Set by Crate & Barrel would be the icing on the cake. Available in white chocolate (which is also known as the holiday chocolate ($4), double chocolate ($11), classic chocolate ($6) and candy cane cocoa ($6), this is a great idea as a family gift. You have variety in flavor to satisfy everyone's taste buds and the ultra cute and stylish tin can doesn't hurt either.
3 - Ikea is one of my all time favorite places to shop. They have a variety of styles, prices, and you will always end up buying something that you don't really need - that is great marketing. What I love about the Regolit Floor Lamp is that you get the feel of a ceiling lamp without having to deal with the hassle of getting it ceiling mounted. The length is adjustable to fit your personal needs and the price is even more appealing ($40). Max height: 92 ½ " and shade diameter: 29 ". The base plate and tube are made of steel and the shade is made of rice paper.
4 - I may be getting carried away with the sunburst look, but I think it's really beautiful. And why not showcase some sunshine to add to your life? The Nelson Sunburst Clock has been around for over 50 years and comes from the great design mind of George Nelson. Made of wood and metal with acrylic lacquer finish, the minimalist design and colorful palette pose a contrast to one another, yet as you can, it works so well. Measurements diameter 19". Price: $325.
5 - The Aeron Chair has got to be one of the most comfortable chairs that I have ever sat in. Everything is adjustable and flexible to fit the contours of your body and pretty much move with you as you go about your work day. At the end of the day, you should not be complaining about pains in your body. The Pellicle web upholstery is made evenly distribute weight over the seat and allows for air circulation. Available in titanium wave and black. This is one of those rare gifts that you may end up keeping for yourself. Measurements H 42" max. W 27" D 27" Seat H 15-21" W 20.25" D 17". Price: $899.
6 - Pillows are a fun and inexpensive way to change the look of your bedroom or living room. The prints and textures are endless. The eye catching print in the Girard Moon Pillow is one of six designs that have been reissued from Alexander Girard only through Modernseed. Made of linen this could be a gift for an older child or adult. Pillow dimensions: W12" x L12". View more of Girard's whimsy designs here. Price: $49.
7 - I have a strange obsession with piggy banks right now. Whenever I travel, I always buy one for my daughter. It has become somewhat of a tradition that even she gets excited about. This oversized and brightly colored Oldies Piggy Bank is sure to bring a smile to any child's face. Made of wood with a lacquer finish, it is also available in pink and green. Start your own tradition this year and at the same time teach a little one the value of saving. Pig dimensions: H4 1/2" x W4". Price: $28.
8 - Bring the festive holiday spirit with you by giving the EQ3 Bullet Bar Tool Set. Made of stainless steel, you could purchase just the tool set or the entire package - either would be welcomed by the recipient. It has a sleek and minimal design to blend in with any decor style. The tool set includes the strainer, tongs, opener and knife starting each at $8. This could be part of a whole ensemble, with a mixed drink guide and a bottle of homemade eggnog. Call your nearest EQ3 dealer for complete pricing.
9 - For the wine lovers in your life, help them to open their tastey wine easier with an Anna G Corkscrew by Alessi. It would be a whimsical addition to the bar set and certainly a conversation starter. Each are chrome plated zamak (zinc alloy) and polyamide and measure at 9 1/2" in height. Available in blue, black, green, red, and yellow. Price: $45.
10 - Instead of having magazines scattered everywhere on the coffee table, try the Wactor Magazine Rack by Blomus of Germany to add chic style and organization to the home of your not-so-tidy friend. Made of stainless steel, it features a handle so that it can be moved from one room to another easily. Rather than having your magazines stacked and potentially causing an avalanche when you pull one from the bottom, this unexpected design allows you to easily slip your magazine out without causing a mess. Dimensions: 11.8" x 9" x 15.75". Price: $175.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Duf Dec 24th 2006 3:10PM
I took my second part of heart and we went shopping. And bought everything what we liked. That's what I call gifts!
Jenifer Dec 25th 2006 7:39AM
And the price not so dearly...:)