Design discoveries for sophisticated gifting
Installment 2 of the female-founded holiday gift guide series
For those of you who have subscribed for some time, you know that I’m design obsessed. My biggest challenge in creating this installment of the gift guide was really narrowing it down. I was honestly tempted to include 50 different ideas on this page…but that would have been just a biiitttt overkill.
A well-designed space is my happy place. There’s nothing better than an object that’s eye catching on its own, but then tells a story within a room, in visual harmony with other pieces. Looking around my home and seeing friends and family in the decor that occupies the space is a true gift.
Here are some female-founded design picks that you can give to others, or perhaps even buy for yourself this season.
Montana Labelle Catchall - founded by Montana Labelle in 2019. This Canadian eComm spot is truly my one-stop-shop for a diverse set of marble catchalls that come in numerous shapes, sizes, and stones. I’ve personally always had such a soft spot for their Jelly Bean Bowl - I love the chunky, asymmetrical shape and the smooth finish. If you’re looking for a more friendly price point, the Lane Fluted Catchall is beautiful. Be sure to check out their full stock because each link is specific to a marble finish.
Mt. Washington Pottery Column Tumbler - founded by Beth Katz in 2012. I wrote about Beth and my love for her ceramics over the summer. The column tumbler can be used for dining, but I prefer it as a vase. I also adore this Carved Eggshell Morning Bowl, which similarly has a dual purpose as a serving bowl or a decorative piece. We have one and use it to store our dog’s leash.
Sophie Lou Jacobsen Carafe - founded by Sophie Lou Jacobsen in 2019, she is a French-American designer who works out of NYC. She has won numerous design awards and has introduced stunning, high-value collectibles into her assortment. These are consistently featured on The Expert and other premium design platforms, but are quite pricey, so instead I’m sharing more wallet-friendly options. Sophie’s Bilboquet Carafe comes in 3 color combinations and is a playful take on a wine decanter. Her dynamic pair of Totem glasses, pitchers that could double as a vase, and Handle vases are also beautiful.
Curio Practice Blankets - founded by material designer Georgie Brunmayr out of Melbourne. Curio’s playful blankets are high quality, soft, and come with a nice bit of weight. There are many beautiful colors and designs to choose from, which means it’s an attractive gift for a broad group of potential recipients. We’ve had one for over 2 years now and use it nightly.
Completedworks Vessels - founded by Anna Jewsbury out of London in 2013. The Completedworks brand is best known for their gorgeous jewelry, but also offers unique ceramic pieces for the home. One of my favorite designers, Jenna Rochon of Transition State, recommending adding Anna’s vessels to this list. The ceramics are organic looking, so they feel a bit messy and imperfect in the most beautiful way - especially when paired with branches or blooms.
Whiskey + Clay Ceramics Vase - founded by Kimmy Rohrs in 2015. Everyday, Angelenos and tourists flock to Gjusta for the gourmet selection, and often peek their heads into Gjusta Goods to check out their curated home selection. The pieces that have the highest turnover, so are typically out of stock, are the beautiful ceramics from Whiskey + Clay in New Mexico. Fortunately, you can purchase pieces directly from their website. Outside of the vase, I love the small candlestick holders. Be sure to browse the site as there are so many beautiful objects, from mini bowls to tumblers and mugs.
Jenni Kayne Candles - founded by Jenni Kayne in 2002. Her Holiday Votive gift set ensures your friends and family will have plenty of home scents for December and beyond. Jenni Kayne is also known for her high quality, soft knits and that extends into the pillows and blankets she creates. We have her Alpaca Basketweave Throw at home and use it regularly to snuggle on the sofa.
Madre Napkins - founded by Shay Carrillo and Jeanie Kirk in 2019 out of Portland, OR. I’ve gradually seen more and more of their unique linen and thread combinations throughout local boutiques all along the west coast. They also sell a gorgeous natural + blush napkin set, which is exclusive to female-owned General Store (based in SF and LA). The color combo manages to be neutral with a light feminine element.
LES Collection Objects - founded by Lauren Sands in 2021. As evidence by my prior post dedicated to LES, my love for everything Lauren curates runs deep. In October, she launched her first ever popup store for the NYC market. It took all of me not to book a flight just to visit the shop. I’ve fallen for this dainty Helen Candleholder that doubles as a vase (also comes in black), as evidence by the above photo. This simple Mini Bud Vase (comes in natural and a lighter oat) is perfect for fresh single stems or tiny dried arrangements. The Amelia (also comes in a dark tone) and Eliza vases are great as well.
Subtle Art Studios Tile Coasters - founded by Nhu Dao in 2021. The brand is a study in tile play - using the pieces and color combinations to make a plethora of happy home decor. There are plenty of coaster options to choose from, but you can also make your gift more personal by creating your own. The tile cubes are a little boost for countertop accents and the trays / trivets brighten up a more practical gift.
SIN Ceramics - founded by Virginia Sin in Brooklyn in 2006. I’ve always loved her ribbon-like candelabra centerpieces - the Wyat Candelabra and the larger Weylyn Candelabra are showstoppers. As I was looking through her website, I also came across the Dash Serving Spoons and can’t get over just how stunning they are.
Eyeswoon x Beau Rush Ceramic Footed Bowl - A collaboration with Athena Calderone’s Eyeswoon and the founder of Beau Rush Ceramics out of Seattle, Cameron Bishop. I had this dish on my Christmas list a few years ago and was fortunate enough to receive it from my brother-in-law. I’m personally not big into extremely feminine design, but love a soft blush accent. This uniquely-shaped dish delivers visual interest and a softness.
Kelly Wearstler Synchronicity - Kelly Wearstler will forever be my design muse, full stop. Her envious design budgets mean that she can dream without limits and create jaw-dropping modern, fanciful, and one-of-a-kind (through exclusive art and furniture commissions) masterpieces. Her latest book features some of her more famous projects from the last 5ish years in particular, a period in which I believe she’s really hit her stride and matured her brand. I sat in the corner of a gift shop today and flipped through this book page by page and it did not disappoint. I’ve added this to my own wish list this holiday.
Canary & Blanche Embroidered Coasters - founded by a woman named Amy out of Georgia. I discovered the shop on Etsy earlier this year when I was looking for a personal gift for a friend who had just reached a special life milestone. The owner was fantastic to work with when it came to the design and the coasters turned out beautifully. I love that fact that each coaster can be personalized and encourage a bit of playfulness…and even irreverence.
Holiday cheers to all of the design lovers out there.
Have additional female-owned design finds to share? Please comment below.
x jz
Images | 1 | Monanta Labelle | 2 | General Store | 3 | Sophie Lou Jacobsen | 4 | Curio Practice | 5 | The Frankie Shop | 6 | Whiskey + Clay | 7 | Jenni Kayne | 8 | Madre | 9 | LES Collection | 10 | Subtle Art Studios | 11 - 12 | SIN | 13 | @b.g.mckay, styled by me | 14 | Anthropologie | 15 | Etsy
This post contains 1 Amazon affiliate link. Outside of this link, I do not get paid for nor make money off of this post. All opinions are my own.
Le Find is a breath of fresh air in my inbox, thanks Jen!
I love my customized coasters! Such a beautiful and personal gift.