My Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Beautifully Functional Finds for Every Life Moment

NewDesign Insights

Nov 19

After helping a friend set up her first home, her partner joked, "You should teach a course on how to do life." While I'm far from qualified to do that, it made me reflect on all the small yet meaningful insights I've gathered from my work about how people live.

My own passion for optimizing how I live—and helping others do the same—combined with the belief that things can be both functional and beautiful has inspired me to create my very first holiday gift guide.

For those who know me, gift-giving is one of my absolute favourite things. Instead of the usual "what’s their hobby?" or "what’s your budget?" approach to selecting gifts, I wanted to share my personal method.

While it’s great to consider someone's interests or your relationship to them, I find that this can sometimes lead to predictable choices. If your friend, sister, or daughter is into baking, for example, chances are they’ve already received every baking-related gift imaginable and probably have a better idea of what they want than anyone else could guess.

My approach?

Everyone has something going on, whether it’s big or small. If you can tap into what’s happening in their life, you can give them something truly thoughtful—something that shows you’re paying attention and is both useful and timely.

A great gift, no matter the occasion, should feel like a small indulgence. It’s something they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves, but that they secretly wanted (or didn’t yet know they wanted!).

Here’s a curated list of gifts that your friends and family will love—and that will make their lives just a bit more beautiful.

Disclaimer: Do not, I repeat, do not skip the gift receipt when taking a big swing!

For the Person with a New Home or Ready to Upgrade: Gifts to Level Up Their Space

Are they a foodie who loves a stylish kitchen?

Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This is the PERFECT gift for the person in your life who is ready to adult. In my opinion, this is a STAPLE item in your kitchen. Even if you don’t cook, it just looks good on your cooktop. If your recipient is under 30, this is a splurge item, and a gift that they will have for the rest of their lives.

*Le Creuset Olive Branch Enameled Cast Iron Saucier ($410)*

*Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven in Colour Brioche (Starting at $375)*

Serving Bowls/Plates

These are a splurge, and your recipient will know it. Looking for a gorgeous piece? A great gift for the chic hostess in your life! Droolllllling.

Cocktail Glasses

Always love a theme party, and even better, a theme gift. Why not buy your friend/family a gorgeousssss set of cocktail glasses, and for bonus points, get them the booze of your choice to go with it :)

*Hopson Grace Luce Martini Glass Set/4 ($125)*

*Cocktail Emporium 1910 Retro Coupe ($16)*

Kitchen Linens

Light and fun, this is an easy hostess gift - a little outside the box, chic, and spending just a bit more is something many won’t do. The quality of the material is the key here – 100% cotton or linen ONLY. You want it to be both absorbent AND beautiful.

*Misette Colorblock Embroidered Linen Napkins ($224)*

*Socco Living Plume Double Cloth Dishtowel ($19)*

Salt & Pepper Grinders

An absolute splurge. And for the friend that cares about quality, these are absolute winners. The difference between a plastic grinder and these does not even need describing. High or low, these will thrill anyone who cares about quality!

*Socco Living Paris Nature Pepper Mill 12" ($85)*

*Hopson Grace Mignonette Salt + Pepper Grinders ($470)*

Coffee Appliances

Kitchen appliances are constantly on my mind. How do we design around them? How do we hide them? How annoying would it be to put away every day… For the daily coffee drinker in your life, this duo is so pretty it HAS to stay out, and that is a big deal coming from me.

*Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle | Studio Edition ($225)*

Are they a home decor aficionado?

Catch All

A chic collab by two of the best? Need I say more. For the friend who loves beautiful objects. Or for the man who must empty his pockets making a mess. This one's for you, chic and painfully practical.

Throw Blankets

When in doubt, cashmere is ALWAYS a good idea. This blanket is a fan favourite, and it is both classic and cozy. Pick the colour that compliments your recipients home, and trust me, this one will be a keeper!

As for the Matisse Throw by Ezcaray, I wish I could take credit for this one, but my sister found it and ever since she got it I have been OBSESSED. It is so chic and cozy, and kind of a big swing, but I think you'll know if this suits your recipient or not? Right?!

*Ralph Lauren Cable Cashmere Throw Blanket ($780)*

Bedding

The gift of great bedding is hard to describe. Bedding is SO expensive. This is truly one of the greatest gifts I have ever received, and based on having given it, one of the most appreciated as well! There is a whole RANGE of bedding, here are some of my favourites.

*Au Lit Fine Linens Duet Washed Linen ($186-$814)*

*West Elm European Flax Linen Duvet Cover & Shams (Starting at $148)*

*West Elm Organic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set (Starting at $149)*

Candle et al

Looking for a thoughtful gift that won’t blow the budget? This candle is beautiful, understated enough to fit any space, and smells divine. Pair it with these fun, display-worthy matches and a stylish candle snuffer for the perfect, easy gift.

*White Streamliner Match Holder with White Matches ($20)*

*Apotheke Brass Finish Candle Snuffer ($29)*

If coffee table books weren’t on their radar, they’re about to be!

Coffee table books. A love letter. I could go on all day about this. Here are a few of my favourites – beautiful on the inside and OUT. And in this case, the out matters. As a life hack, coffee table books are a great gift since they feel indulgent to buy for yourself, and you can tailor them to the recipient's interests!

*The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, And Details by Christiane Lemieux ($79)*

*Resident Dog (Volume Two): Incredible Homes and the Dogs Who Live There by Nicole England ($74.16)*

*Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style by Architectural Digest ($125)*

*Slim Aarons: Once Upon a Time by Slim Aarons ($111.21)*

*Donald Judd Spaces by Donald Judd ($140)*

Luxury Essentials

Hands down the best body wash I have ever used – if you have a friend who always has the chicest products, then trust me on this one. It will go in ANY bathroom, and smells 12/10. The packaging being gorgeous doesn’t hurt either. Don’t sleep on it.

Looking to give a themed gift and add to it? The Baume Des Muses Ivory is impossible not to love. This is the epitome of stylish packaging. A great gift for any person in your life.

*Margin Global Core Cleanse Body Wash ($44)*

*Officine Universelle Buly Baume Des Muses Noir (€33.33)*

For the Jet-Setter: Travel Non-Essentials ;)

Travel Wrap

An ULTRA luxe gift that is also the perfect travel companion. This is the perfect gift if the recipient deserves to be spoiled on their upcoming adventure.

Luggage

Okay, we have the ULTRA bougie and then the regular bougie. Depending on what budget you have in mind, these are two GREAT suitcases. The RIMOWA is the ultimate, and if you are looking for a gift in that price range – she’s a winner (and has a lifetime warranty). For the more approachable (but still TO BE ADORED) luggage, the AWAY is also a great one.

Depending on your budget, a thoughtful add on would be to buy something fun to put in the case, even something as simple as plane snacks.

Makeup Bag

Form meets function in this affordable and utilitarian makeup bag. The price can’t be beat, and throw in a few of your favourite products, and I promise it will be well used and loved.

Looking for something a little higher-end? The Chloe Travel Organizer is super cute and comes with three removable compartments, making it a chic and practical upgrade for anyone on the go!

*Muji Nylon Makeup Case (Starting at $29.90)*

*Miami Clearly Tortoise Chloe Travel Organizer ($138)*

For the Growing Family: Perfect Gifts for New Parents or Pet Owners

Tote Bags

New pet / new baby – you are going to need BAGS. A monogrammed bag just shows you gave the extra thought and planned ahead. Obsessed with these two stylish and classic totes for any and all activities.

*Mark & Graham x Steele Waterproof Tote ($134)*

*L.L. Bean Boat and Tote*® *Open-Top ($49)*

Aēsop

This needs no introduction – the soap and hand cream combo is a classic gift, and like shooting fish in a barrel when it comes to gifts.

The dog shampoo is on another level. Dog people (myself included) are CRAZY, and getting in with their pets is the ultimate win.

Dog Bowls

Your average dog bowl is a missed opportunity as far as I’m concerned. Getting your new pet owning friend a beautiful bowl is the perfect way to elevate their new life.

*FURB Fleck Off Speckled Handmade Dog Bowl Set ($83)*

Matching Sets

I repeat – you CAN’T go wrong with CASHMERE. Maybe not practical (so probably not something your average parent buys first) this matching set is to die for – and both mom and baby will LOVE.

Maya Brenner Necklace

This has been on my list for YEARS. It is an oldie but a goodie. I think it is the perfect gift for a new mom. Thoughtful, personal, understated, and beautiful. When I have kids I know it will be on my wish list :)

*Zara 100% Cashmere Sweater and Pants Matching Set ($119)*

*Maya Brenner Custom Gold Necklace - 2 Letters (USD $325)*

For the Go-Getter: Thoughtful Gifts for the New Professional or Student in Your Life

Office Essentials

This desk mat might seem expensive, but the daily calm you experience when you aren’t tangled in a bunch of cords is worth a lot more than you might think!! This one does it all, and makes cord management a breeze. Perfect for someone with a new job. And yes, the MCD team all have matching ones at the office :)

*JOURNEY ALTI Wireless Charging Desk Mat ($149.99)*

As for the notebooks? I’m a bit of a notebook freak - the Muji ones above have the silkiest pages and are light and slim. For the old soul, a classic Moleskine planner (a personal favourite).

Work Bag

These tote bags have been on my list for a while. Timeless classics – they will fit all your work needs. The Parker Thatch bag can be personalised with an over-the-shoulder strap.

*PARKER THATCH Medium Mimi - Suede Caramel ($678)*

*PARKER THATCH Adjustable Crossbody Strap - Racer Stripe - Green & Red ($98)*

*Eleven Thirty Shop Romy Tote: Black ($420)*

Flower Subscription

For the busy career person in your life. This gift will be a wow for the long haul. A flower subscription is the ultimate luxury. Having fresh cut florals in your life is truly a treat – pick your favourite florist and give the gift that keeps on giving!

Still stumped?… What is the recipient's love language?

If they fall WAY outside the “gift” category, and more in the “quality time” or “acts of service” category - maybe you can think outside the box, and get them a spa gift card, a restaurant gift card (to be spent with you!) or something that is more on the experience side of things.

Remember, these are just IDEAS, you can take them and put your own twist on them, or find an alternative version within your budget for the gift idea. The goal is to think outside the box, and to give something that is both functional, beautiful, and will be truly appreciated.

Garlande Haney