AD ’s Special Guest Editors Share Their Favorite Holiday Gifts

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by Architectural Digest editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission.

Photography by (clockwise from top left): David Brandon Geeting, Lucy Call, Michael Clifford, Jenna Saraco, Trevor Tondro, Elizabeth Carababas, Bre Furlong, Lulu & Georgia

A safe bet for choosing a foolproof gift? Turn to some of the most imaginative people you know. AD asked eight influential design creatives what they’re gifting (and hoping to get!) this holiday season. Their dynamic visions and unique world-building ability make them the perfect guides to help us determine where and what to shop this year.

With the holidays being a time of reflection and renewal, we’ve also asked that they share some festive memories and how those might inform what they choose to give.

Shop by guest editor:

Jake Arnold | Carly Cushnie | Laila Gohar | Jenni Kayne | Laura Kim | Shannon Maldanado | Shea McGee | Brigette Romanek

Brigette Romanek

Interior designer to the stars—among them Beyoncé, Demi Moore, and Gwyneth Paltrow—Romanek got her start as a Hollywood-based handbag designer before discovering her knack for interiors. Her taste is elegant, elaborate, and exact, as are her gift picks.

“A rare bottle of wine, a limited edition of something they love, caviar, or if they’re a close friend, a photo of you guys together in a silver or vintage Murano frame. So much you can do! And it’s fun to be creative—be it indulgent or something handmade that adds a unique touch. Make it unexpected.”

Romanek on what to get the person who has everything

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

$500.00, Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel Symphony Fluted Glasses

$6.00, Crate & Barrel

“This year, I’d love something that is an experience or creates a memory, or a beautifully crafted piece I’ll have for years. A weekend trip, a spa day, a great pair of cozy socks or throw blanket.”

Romanek on what's number one on her list this year

Coyuchi Andes Suri Alpaca Knit Robe

$548.00, Coyuchi

Autumn Sonata Alma Core Bath Set

$225.00, SSENSE

“My Hermès Constance. It was my grandmother’s, so it’s one of my most treasured possessions. Every time I wear it, it’s like she’s with me. It’s something I’ll keep forever.”

Romanek on the most treasured gift she received during childhood

Our Place Mini Always Pan 2.0 Set

$120.00, Nordstrom

Art Deco Marble Picture Frames

$495.00, 1st Dibs

Emerald Statement Ring

$660.00, 1st Dibs

Shea McGee

Shea McGee’s style is always infused with functionality. The Utah-based founder of Studio McGee has a home decor company, McGee & Co., that, in her words, “blends modern and rustic-chic of the Mountain West” with a focus on calming and personal design.

“Given what I do for a living, there’s a constant stream of beautiful things coming in and out of my house. I am so blessed in that respect. Truly, every year my favorite gifts I receive are ones that are sentimental, like a framed photo of a special memory or a book a friend thinks I’ll love.”

McGee on what’s number one on her list this year

Staub Braiser with Lid

$310.00, Crate & Barrel

Rayla Marble Vase

$98.00, McGee & Co

“Growing up, every Christmas Eve my mom gifted me an ornament to put on our tree, and when I moved into my first home after college, she gave me all of them to start my own holiday traditions. They’re a highlight of my holiday decor every year.”

McGee on the most treasured gift she received during childhood

McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Tabitha Serving Bowl

$54.00, McGee & Co

McGee & Co. Raina Frame

$42.00, McGee & Co.

“In my own home I have a trio of beautiful antique plates hanging on the wall adjacent to my dining room. If you’re lucky enough to have an heirloom set, take a few out and display them. And if you don’t, you can treat it like an art purchase bought solely for the intention of displaying.”

McGee on shopping vintage and antiques

Antique French Ironstone Plates (Set of 6)

$112.00, Etsy

Juliaan Severin Landscape, Oil On Canvas

$277.00, 1st Dibs

Jake Arnold

AD100 designer and founder of The Expert, Jake Arnold approaches design with elevated comfort in mind. All show through in his many collaborations with brands like Lulu & Georgia, Parachute Home, and Crate & Barrel. It’s easy to see the same through line of considered luxury in Arnold’s holiday picks.

“One of my most treasured gifts was a vintage book on the history of design elements. I received it when I was in my teens, and it became a foundation for exploring my innate passion. Having a space to sketch and learn about iconic design moments truly inspired me and set me on my path.”

Arnold on the most treasured gift he received during childhood

Parachute Linen Venice Set

$559.00, Parachute

Dalton Dome Table Lamp by Jake Arnold

$269.00, Crate & Barrel

“Give them an experience. A trip somewhere inspiring or even an afternoon spent creating something together, like a custom scent or a pottery piece, feels memorable and personal.”

Arnold on what to get the person who has everything

Pair of Vintage Candlesticks

$644.00, 1st Dibs

Flavio Poli Seguso Vetri d'arte Bullicante Vase

$400.00, Etsy

“I once created a customized memory book for a close friend. It was filled with letters from mutual friends and family, snapshots of meaningful moments, and even quirky little mementos from our travels and experiences together. Each page told a different story, and it felt like a way to capture time and celebrate our shared journey in a truly personal way.”

Arnold on the most creative gift he's ever given

“Paul R. Williams: Classic Hollywood Style” by Karen E. Hudson

$65.00, Amazon

Just Andersen Bowls

$343.00, Etsy

Jenni Kayne

Exceptionally skilled at marrying the bohemian with the sophisticated, designer Jenni Kayne is known for her luxurious home and fashion items. Her eponymous California-based brand is defined by its cozy textiles—mohair, cashmere, shearling—and grounding color tones.

“Growing up, my mom would gift my sisters and I little silver trinkets and trays engraved with our initials. They all sit on my vanity today and are so special to me.”

Kayne on the most treasured gift she received during childhood

Rummikub Game Set

$3645.00, 1st Dibs

Velvet Ball Ornaments (Set of 2) by Cody Foster and Co

$28.00, Lulu & Georgia

Jenni Kayne Alpaca Basketweave Throw

$375.00, Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Luna Pillow

$195.00, Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Shearling Moroccan Slipper

$275.00, Jenni Kayne

“I really enjoy gifting hosting essentials. As someone who is always gathering with loved ones around the table, I love bringing our tabletop treasures that I’ve been gifted by others. This is a nice way to help someone tell their own tabletop story.”

Kayne on her favorite things to gift

Hawkins New York Linen Napkins (Set of 4)

$88.00, Food52

Uashmama Essential Placemats (Set of 4)

$56.00, Food52

Shannon Maldanado

The Philly-based founder of Yowie—a boutique hotel and super-popular online store—Shannon Maldonado works closely with independent labels, artists, and emerging designers to exhibit artwork and create bespoke objects. Her wishlist is just as whimsical as you’d expect.

“Every year the Tabi Bianchetto Ballet is on my list! But this year I am hoping to receive a Shrunken Vintage Levi's Denim Jacket in a dark wash. I have been looking for one for a minute and dropping SO many hints to my guy. Lucky for me he loves a vintage hunt!”

Maldanado on what's number one on her list this year

Sophie Lou Jacobsen Tulip Wine Glasses (Set of 4)

$150.00, Design Within Reach

Tantra Abstractions, Pop Art Serigraph by John Grillo

$700.00, 1st Dibs

“I love these vessels by the late Gaetano Pesce. They have an otherworldly nature and some of the most inspired and unexpected palettes. Sure to start a conversation no matter where you place it in your home.”

Maldanado on finding unique gifts

Corsi Design Twins C Vase by Gaetano Pesce

$195.00, SSENSE

Right Hand Pillow by John Sohn

$375.00, 1st Dibs

“My husband is a big Adam Sandler fan, and I had our friend make him a custom sweatshirt as if he were part of Sandler’s production company. I also made the card as a cutout of the sweatshirt, and he loved it! I’ve been trying to top that one for a few years now.”

Maldanado on the most creative gift she’s ever given

Climax Gauthier Gallet Photographs — 1st Edition

$510.00, SSENSE

The Company Store Rhythm Bath Sheet

$35.00, The Company Store

Sundays Field Stool

$270.00, Sundays

Laila Gohar

Since 2020, Laila Gohar has been redefining eccentric design with things like salami candles, shirt tablecloths, and crocheted vegetables with her brand, cofounded with sister Nadia. She describes Gohar World as a “a tableware universe that embraces tradition, time, craft, and humor.” Laila’s picks are are a portal to the ethos of Gohar World.

“More sleep! Always my gift of choice. My boyfriend and baby both wake up at 7 a.m. and let me sleep in until 8. It’s the ultimate gift to me.”

Gohar on what’s number one on her list this year

Gohar World Calla Glass (Set of 3)

$287.00, Gohar World

Le Creuset Dutch Oven

$430.00, Nordstrom

Vintage Nutcracker with Brass Hammer and Anvil

$990.00, 1st Dibs

Canasta Leather Basket by Los Objetos Decorativos

$313.00, Maison Flaneur

“A beautiful tablecloth is great for complementing classic dinnerware, to create an iconic tablescape. And whenever I think a dinner table is missing something special and a little height, I bring these tapered candles out.”

Gohar on hosting for the holidays

Gohar World Bow Tablecloth

$338.00, Gohar World

Gohar World x The Glenlivet Taper Candles with Satin Bows

$64.00, Gohar World

Carly Cushnie

New York–based creative director and fashion designer Carly Cushnie made her name crafting designs worn by Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and Ava DuVernay. Her furniture debut came this June with a Lulu & Georgia collection featuring textured and varied designs. Look to Cushnie for finds that are comfy, classic, and functional.

“A gold necklace from my grandma.”

Cushnie on the most treasured gift she received during childhood

Vintage Glazed Earthenware Candleholder

$267.00, 1st Dibs

The Knives + Stand by Material

$355.00, Material Kitchen

Yucca Sofa by Carly Cushnie

$3998.00, Lulu and Georgia

The Citizenry Alameda Vase

$219.00, The Citizenry

“I wanted them to all work in a beautiful harmony, but at the same time, they’ve got their own little story.”

Cushnie on her collection with Lulu and Georgia

Coco Round Side Table by Carly Cushnie

$698.00, Lulu & Georgia

Leon Accent Chair by Carly Cushnie

$1198.00, Lulu & Georgia

Cashmere Travel Set

$249.00, Nordstrom

Dusen Dusen Check Bedding Set

$300.00, SSENSE

Laura Kim

The creative director of both Oscar de la Renta and Monse, Laura Kim recently launched a collaboration with Crate & Barrel featuring scalloped bowls, velvet fabrics, eyelet details, and plissé kitchenware. She’s pulled objects both luxurious and delicate for her holiday gift guide.

“I bring white truffles from Italy on my business trip every fall. You can get it in NY, but it’s a bit more special when it comes from Alba. However, I think spending quality time together is the best gift you can ever give anyone!”

Kim on what to get the person who has everything

Hastens Down Slipper Boots

$255.00, Luxury Bed Collection

La Mer Moisturizing Cream for Unisex

$200.00, Amazon

Eyelet Stoneware Colander by Laura Kim

$13.00, Crate & Barrel

Green Scallop Marble Trivet by Laura Kim

$17.00, Crate & Barrel

“My grandma used to make me dresses I picked from Vogue magazine!”

Kim on the most treasured gift she received during childhood

Oscar de la Renta Pearl Drop Flower Earrings

$390.00, Amazon

Chunky Floral Wool Turtleneck Sweater by MONSE

$890.00, Nordstrom

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest