You can’t go wrong with the perfect item to adorn the home of a loved one. That is, you can’t go wrong if you truly know the tastes of that special person on the gift list.
A basic terra cotta pitcher might seem a bit dull to a friend whose home is splashed with bright colors. But it might be perfect for the relative whose abode looks like it could appear in Country Home Magazine.
Sandy Kortright, Crate & Barrel’s senior product manager for gifts, says it’s not difficult to match a person with her passions.
“How do they entertain?” she asks. “What are the colors they live with and even wear?”
If they love to garden, adore their pets or love to cook, your job is simple, she says. For the latter, appetizer plates, bar trays and wine decanters are at the top of her list for the foodie.
But if your buddy is allergic to the kitchen, look to things like Crate & Barrel’s mouth-blown vases and centerpiece bowls.
For the friend with classic tastes, consider the materials in the gift, says Stephen Cardino, vice president of home fashions for Macy’s, who adds gold, copper and mercury glass are all in style. His top gift suggestion for your favorite chef is Macy’s new Martha Stewart Collection cookware with copper bottoms.
Ralph Snyder, vice president of home design for Kohl’s department stores, agrees that it’s easy to find gifts for your buddies who love pets. In fact, he suggests adding Fido’s name or picture to a holiday décor present.
“Add a personal hint with initials, a favorite animal or a sentimental holiday phrase on ornaments, frames and stockings to complement your gift,” Snyder says.
Bed Bath & Beyond spokeswoman Jessica Joyce suggests you tap into the spirit of your loved one.
“For the retro friend, the Archive LP Turntable is a great gift for those looking to dust off their vinyl collection,” she says. “For the eclectic friend, a cutting board shaped like their home or current state is sure make to them smile and give a collected look to their home.”
Aimee Beatty, in-house stylist for Pier 1 Imports, says if you have a woman on your gift list who adores color, it’s a snap to shop.
“Holiday shopping for her means it’s time to be as bold as her,” Beatty says. “She’s not shy, so take a look at our collection of gem frames to capture the bling in her personality.”
Whether the person on your guest list tilts a bit toward country, leans into traditional or simply jumps right into eclectic, our shopping pros have a handful of choices for anyone.
Large Gemstone Mini Box Set ($12.95, pier1.com). These brilliantly colored tiny boxes will hold everything from her favorite earrings to paperclips and other office supplies.
St. Nicholas Square Three Piece Holiday Frame Christmas Ornament Set, ($19.99, kohls.com). We're partial to the tiny frame in the three-piece set that reads "Grandkids." Each frame holds a 2-by-2-inch photo.
Glass Mason Jar Mugs ($9.99 for set of four, bedbathandbeyond.com). For the person who loves all things country, serve up vintage charm with these mugs.
Totally Bamboo State Shaped Cutting/Serving Board ($19.99, bedbathandbeyond.com). This is a perfect gift for the friend who takes pride in his state.
Archive LP Real Wood Turntable ($69.99, bedbathandbeyond.com). This retro piece has had a makeover. It features a USB drive and built-in speakers.
The Cellar Fox Salt & Pepper Shakers ($13, Macys.com). These fantastic foxes add a touch of adorable to any table.
Marin Red 10.25-inch Serving Bowl ($24.95, crateandbarrel.com). Admire the freeform rim on this artisanal ceramic bowl, which is glazed a rich crimson red - perfect for the holidays.
Threshold Silver Mercury Glass Hurricane Candle Holder ($19.99, target.com). Sure, it will look great with a red or green Christmas candle in it, but this 7¬inch holder will add an elegant, touch year-round.
Fa La La Bowl ($9.95, crateandbarrel.com). These handmade bowls, with their red and green squiggly lines, will herald the season. Use them for your morning cereal, or fill them up with nuts or other goodies during festive gatherings.
Rosana Porcelain typography tray ($10, Nordstrom.com). Pick a single letter or purchase a few. The word "love" would be our choice.
Thirstystone Monogram Four-Piece Coaster Set & Walnut Holder, ($34.99, kohls.com). These absorbent sandstone coasters with cork backing will prevent stains, along with nicks and scratches, on surfaces.
Martha Stewart Collection Dapper Dachshund Pillow and Winter Owls Pillow ($80 each, Macys.com). Have a dog lover or a bird-watcher on your list? Problem solved with these sturdy pillows.
About the Author
