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The Wishlist: 13 Best Gifts for the Designer in 2024

Best Gifts for the Designer 0 Hero

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Citizen Logo 1

Whether their work comes to life in person or online, inside or outside, you can bank on the fact that designers in your life appreciate anything that looks as good as it works. But buying gifts for someone who’s exceptionally picky is a tricky task come holiday time — not to mention a bit intimidating. Of course, it’s the thought that counts, but you want to get them something that lives up to their lofty standards, right? That’s why you should take our advice and get them one of the shopping world’s chicest gifts, from coffee table books to table lamps.

Citizen Promaster Fujitsubo
Photo: Citizen

CITIZEN Promaster Fujitsubo

Every great gift should have a great backstory, and Citizen’s is hard to top. In 1983, a beached, barnacle-coated 1977 Challenge Diver was found ticking on an Australian shore, proving just how capable their timepieces were. Years later, the Promaster Fujitsubo—which translates to “barnacle” in Japanese—boasts bolstered capabilities and performance, including a whopping 42-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 200 meters.

Designer Books 2024

Add to Their Bookshelf

A great book will transport you — that applies doubly if it’s filled with tons of great pictures. With an endless library to choose from out there, here’s a trio of options to appease everyone from architecture buffs to home goods enthusiasts.

Houseplant Ridge Ashtray
Photo: Houseplant

Houseplant Ridge AShtray

Part elegant, part functional, fully brought to you by the mind of Seth Rogen. Houseplant’s handsome ashtray has potato-chip-inspired ridges (specifically reminiscent of Wavy Lay’s) to protect your crutch and sits atop a sturdy, non-slip marble base.

Eames Hang It All
Photo: DWR

Eames Hang-It-All

The fact that a wall hanger can even be considered iconic says all you need to know. Gift your loved ones an effortless way to organize their cluttered room using this tried-and-true look that’s been getting the job done since 1953.

Schoolhouse x Pendleton Canebrake Blanket
Photo: Schoolhouse

Schoolhouse x Pendleton Canebrake Blanket

Name one interior decorator who doesn’t appreciate a good blanket — we’ll wait. Woven right here in the States, Schoolhouse’s wool-crafted joint effort with the American heritage brand is big enough to fit up to a king-sized bed and comes in three stylish colors, so anyone can cozy up to it.

Leica SOFORT 2
Photo: Leica

Leica SOFORT 2

Phones aside, there’s no sleeker way to snap photos than with Leica’s most affordable offering. The Red Dot’s pocket-sized digital camera features ten lens settings and seamless app connectivity to print pictures with ease. Oh, and it looks incredible, too.

Montblanc Meisterstuck Platinum Coated Rollerball
Photo: Montblanc

Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum Coated Rollerball

Do you know a writer who always loses their pen? Give them a good reason to never use another one again. The revered luxury brand’s Meisterstück is complete with a cap and barrel composed of signature precious resin, then finished with a stunning platinum coating. You can even add a personal touch with free engraving!

Teenage Engineering OB 4 Speaker
Photo: Teenage Engineering

Teenage Engineering OB-4 Speaker

The avant-garde audio brand’s stylish loudspeaker garnered a few EQ upgrades this year, but especially stands out thanks to 40 hours of Bluetooth streaming power and a statement-making look that’s made to last, courtesy of its UV-resistant coat.

2024 iPad Pro
Photo: Apple

2024 iPad Pro

Revealed at the turn of the season, Apple’s M4 chip is an absolute powerhouse. As a result, the same goes for the latest iPad, which is perfect for designers to transport from their room to the office to that one cafe down the street. And, if you want to go all out, tack on an Apple Pencil for the artists in your life!

Rimowa Original Cabin
Photo: Rimowa

Rimowa Cabin Suitcase

Lo and behold, the most iconic piece of gear you’ll see at an airport during your holiday travels. Rimowa’s timeless Cabin isn’t just an uber-protective, smooth-rolling carry-on machined from anodized aluminum — it’s also a surefire pick for every fashionable jet setter out there.

Knoll Morrison Hannah Task Armchair
Photo: DWR

Knoll Morrison Hannah Task Armchair

The iconic chair is back in all its glory. Knoll’s newly re-issued design emphasizes comfort thanks to added cushioning and a forward tilt mechanism to promote better posture. Best of all, there are over 50 color configurations to choose from, so you can be the judge when it comes to what best suits your giftee’s palette and desk setup.

FLOS Snoopy Table Lamp

Flos Snoopy Table Lamp

The spike in Snoopy’s popularity has been studied throughout 2024, and stats show it was quite a big year for the famous beagle. Ironically, FLOS released a blue variation on the iconic lamp that bears his name earlier this year. Coincidence? Perhaps. Nonetheless, the classic colors remain an unmistakable addition to any desk.