Designer Named Top Best Gifts That Everyone Will Be Happy To Receive

With the start of December, we begin thinking about gifts for friends and loved ones. To narrow down the search, interior designer Olga Kazantseva shares some thoughts on choosing the right gift.

Olga Kazantseva is an interior designer and head of the studio "Beautiful Home"

What to give friends for New Year or housewarming so that your gift fits into both the interior and lifestyle of the hosts, is appropriate, and brings joy rather than ends up in a storage room or gets passed on? The main rule here is to know what the person really needs. But this isn't always possible to find out, and in response to the question: "What should I get you as a gift?" there's a big risk of hearing: "Oh, nothing at all!" So I tried to compile a list of universal rules and gifts.

Things that usually end up

Good coffee, rare candies, exotic fruits. Handmade soap with coffee, cinnamon, rose, citrus zest and other pleasant additions. Yes, this is quite an intimate gift, but you know who it can and should be given to and who it will particularly please. Soap is used by everyone, and it knows how to end beautifully.

Good neutral-toned textiles

Soft bath towels of hotel quality will always be in place, in the house, and on the body. A cashmere blanket will please and warm not only in winter — we still have spring, autumn, and harsh Russian summer.

MARZOTTO DIONISO blanket made of 100% Merino wool

Cut flowers

A bunch of eucalyptus branches — lasts long, freshens the air, and decorates the interior. A bundle of lavender, ranunculus, or gypsophila — choose unconventional combinations without a strong aroma. During the New Year holidays, it's appropriate to give a small fir tree in a pot or cut conifer branches.

Original tableware accessories

For example, a serving tray — a shelf for appetizers or an elegant spoon for coffee. Even if you have to give it not to your heart's content, it won’t take up much space, and the recipient won’t need to rent a warehouse for unnecessary gifts. In the worst case, it can be taken to the countryside.

Guzzini Tiffany cake server and glasses

Glasses can be given confidently, because they are, as they say in theater, outgoing props and at the same time a necessary household item. If glasses are used frequently, they often break, which means they usually end up broken. And here you come in with your gift!

Innocent pink red wine glass

Candles

Candles can be chosen extremely minimalist, with simple forms and neutral colors, poured or twisted from beeswax. Such a candle can serve as an interior accessory for some time, and then it should be used for its intended purpose to create a mysterious and festive atmosphere.

SNÖ white scented candle with lid

Gifts that require care:

1. Large decorative items. Be very careful and give large items for the interior only if you are 100% sure that the gift will undoubtedly enhance it. Keep in mind that you don't know by what principle the hosts fill their living space with details. Maybe they already ordered and are waiting for another decoration in the very corner where you bought a picture? If in doubt, it's better to agree on the purchase with the recipient.
2. Large table settings. They require respectful treatment and at least a large, elegant dining room, whereas in most homes there's no place to set the table for a big meal.
3. Small household appliances. Kitchen blenders, mixers, and blenders make daily life easier but can turn out to be completely unnecessary in a specific kitchen. Therefore, it's better to ask beforehand what is truly needed for that person.

Expressing your creative imagination in choosing gifts, follow these simple rules. Then the gifts chosen with love and attention will not only please but also leave a long pleasant aftertaste, like any real celebration!