Guest Picks: Holiday Gifts with Panache
I find that a hip little accessory for the home makes a wonderful gift because items like these are usually the kinds of trinkets that you don't buy for yourself — but you love to receive!
I know buying an accessory when you are sometimes unsure of a person's style can be tricky. But if you have an overall sense of what they like, picking up something in a beautiful color or pattern shows that you have wonderful taste and a flair for gift giving.
— Daniela from Aesthetic Oiseau
This is an incredibly classic blanket from the newly launched online store High Street Market. I have always loved the vintage picks of the shop owner, Kelly, and her new items are just as good. This blanket is a practical and very classic piece that would be put to good use in any home.
I love these binoculars as a quirky accessory for the person who has everything. These would be very handsome perched on a bookcase or a fireplace mantel.
These are my favorite ginger jars from Dana Gibson. I love the colors and patterns. They're the perfect gift for your friends or family members who surround themselves with color in their home.
It's hard to find a chic little gift for under $20, but here it is. I find green to be such a universal color. This little pop of happy would be a great gift to give to teachers, neighbors or your favorite coworker.
This is a gorgeous brass trinket from High Street Market. I think this particular tray is so unique because the turtle shell is not overused in decor, but it still evokes a classic animal print. If your gift recipient's taste skews more toward classic, this is a great option.
I can't get enough colorful little bowls. They are wonderful objects to perch atop a stack of books to get a little touch of height and color on a bookshelf or coffee table arrangement. Like trays, they also serve the purpose of catching your earrings or keys at the end of the day.
I think one of my absolute favorite accessories in my living room is a set of boxes very similar to these (except mine are faux malachite). I use them to store pens, a notepad set, remotes and other knick-knacks that are good to have close at hand but not wanted out on display. I love a beautiful accessory that also functions as storage.
I always enjoy giving gifts to match favorite colors; it lets the recipient know that I put some extra thought into their gift. This urn comes at a great price and is such a happy piece to place on a mantel or shelf, or in a dining room for your yellow-loving giftee.
These candle holders are lovely for a friend whose home is filled with natural, organic elements. Pick up some simple pillar candles to give with these holders as a beautiful set.
We all have at least one friend who adores animal prints. I would gift said friend this tray because it's a colorful spin on a classic zebra motif. Trays are such good gifts. You never think to buy them for yourself, but they are so versatile to use as catchalls around the house.
I really like this spin on a garden stool. This dandy little guy is so cute, and you can't go wrong with the traditional combination of blue and white on porcelain. This is perfect for the chinoiserie lover on your gift list.
Hello gorgeous! This is what you should buy me as a gift. Greek key, orange, decorative and great as storage. I'll take three.
This pillow reverses to a chic orange chevron pattern, giving your gift recipient two totally different ways to use it!
Who doesn't need coasters? These are oh-so practical and completely fun — a win-win. And you can never go wrong with a black and white accessory as a gift, especially when it's under $20.
This is such an awesome gift for the designer or artist in your life (again, me). The brass holder is smokin', and the set of pencils is a bonus. Seeing all of the colors makes me want to grab some paper and start drawing.
Elephants are always a cheery motif, aren't they? I love how this elephant is also very sophisticated and glam against the black and gold of this little dish.
This lovely bust was a Friday Crush on my blog. I adore the look of a well-placed bust, and this one functions as a USB hub — it's brilliant! This would look so chic on your favorite person's desk, and they will chuckle because you were so clever to pick this up for them.
I love the lines of tagine-shaped baskets. This would be a beautiful addition to a warm-toned kitchen for your favorite cook. It would be a great holder for dish towels, coupons or even fruit.
The vibrant colors of this blanket make it a very artful gift. If you have a gift recipient that lives seaside, this would be a beautiful touch for a beach home.Next: 50 Great Gifts Under $50
You may need to stock up on this gift! These throw blankets come in a wide array of pretty colors, all for under $30. This is a great item to buy for a group — pick up each person's favorite color, and you're all set.
Q