We’ve all (probably) gotten a gift at one time or another that puts us on the spot. Something for your wall or for your dining table that’s meant to be displayed in your home but. . . it’s just not you. Because we love to decorate our homes—and usually have strong opinions--we can be a tricky bunch to buy for.
If you have a friend on your list who loves to decorate, my best advice is to keep it neutral and practical. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with glass, a nice coffee table book (for actual reading or just to display), or pretty storage solutions (woven baskets, decorative bowls, lacquer boxes, etc.). Even seasonal gifts can be fun if they’re small. . .
I’ve put together a few suggestions that I think even the most opinionated decorator will love:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Do you have any gift ideas to add to the list?
Better yet, what’s the worst gift you’ve ever received for your home?? :)
A matching set of crocheted kitchen accessories -- including the little sunbonnet girl with the hanging tab for my oven door handle. The best part? They were all done in TURQUOISE!!! The most confusing part? This person dog-sits for us all the time, so she's been in my house and seen my decor . . . including my yellow, black, sage green, and rusty red kitchen. YIKES!!!
ReplyDeleteNice. :)
DeleteSounds like she regifted it to Amy.
Deletecountry-cute wall hangings.....like not primitive or rustic country, like cutesy-farm country.....what?!?!?!? i have NOTHING like that anywhere!!!
ReplyDeleteoh, and about half the things you listed in the above posted, i saw today while aisle-stalking TJMaxx Homegoods! :-)
ReplyDeleteI once received a mantle clock that had a Bible scene on the face of the clock. For real!
ReplyDeleteGift card to TJ Maxx/Marshall's/Home Goods. I don't mind being my own "gifter"
ReplyDeleteAweome! Need to get my sister #9. She just got married, had very generous guests ( also didn't do to bad on who she married) and has everything. I think the monogram address stamp should be perfect! Thank you!! Also, love your new profile pic. Gorg!
ReplyDeleteThe Chevron journal set is really cute! That would be a good gift anytime of year! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know what? People never buy me anything for my home. Wow, I just realized that! Obviously they already know. Ha! But I do get the wackiest gifts. Neck pillows, neck massagers, chocolate (I hate chocolate). I NEVER get a Target gift card. EVER. Lol!!
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic-I'd take any one or all of these! Have a great weekend Em!
ReplyDeleteXo Nancy
Powellbrower.com
Great idea for a post. I can't tell you how many times a certain loved one has thought she nailed my style when it couldn't have been farther from it...awkward! I just read the new Nate Berkus book and LOVED it, great suggestion. Another suggestion might be a package of disposable guest towels with a pretty holder for the recipient to put in the powder room when they are entertaining.
ReplyDeleteAs my husband suggested when my sister-in-law received a hideous wall hanging for her wedding: There's always Ebay.hehe
There are so many books out in the past year or so that would make awesome gifts! I would probably rather people stay away from decor because as Karen said, rarely do they nail my style like they think and then it just get awkward. I'd say all decorators should keep wishlists on a Pinterest board so that it makes life easier for others. :) I think one of the funniest (to me) gifts that I've received is a pair of pants that were "Petite." I'm tall. They went down just past my knees. They were supposed to go to my feet. Not good. So, maybe steer clear of clothing too. haha.
ReplyDeleteI love that Anthro soap and lotion set. I've also seen quite a few of them out by my friends' kitchen sinks so it would be a great gift.
ReplyDeleteI'll take one of each! Love the stamp!
ReplyDeleteJust got a box of flavored popcorn....thanks Mom & Dad. I would have rather had one of these.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming they don't read my blog then?? :)
DeleteThis is a great list. I am definitely one of those people sadly. I wish I could be not so fussy but here we are. I have many gifts sitting in their original boxes still trying to find a home. SO Sad.
ReplyDeleteI have the Nate book and it is full of gorgeous decor and thoughtful stories.
The WORST GIFT EVER! A handmade toilet paper holder made from the following: An embroidery hoop, powder blue lace, fake peach rosebuds & plastic pearls.
ReplyDeleteI'll let your imagination run with that one.
ha - i love the "if it's small" comment - ;) so true! I rarely give decor items unless it's to someone I know really well. I think throw blankets are good gifts - a solid color wool or even a plaid is a fairly safe bet. Those black and white striped blankets from Ikea would be great gifts - goes with anyones decor.
ReplyDeleteSo many great gift ideas here, Emily!! would love to have the monogram stamp. I bought my kids a initial embosser that can be used on just about anything, it makes a great gift.
ReplyDeleteOh shoot - wish I read this before I bought your gift. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ideas! I just ordered an address label stamp, my mom will love it! :)
ReplyDeleteLiz
Our DIL crochets and is color blind..........
ReplyDeleteYou are right....definitely stay away from art! I love everything you picked out so I will be looking for my gift in the mail :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE all your choices...I'll take one of each! Great links ;)
ReplyDeleteso many great things to choose from...where do we begin?! great list!
ReplyDeleteThese are great ideas! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat picks! I'll take one of each :)
ReplyDeleteA print of a hunting scene professionally framed with marbled forest green matting and a big wood frame. Goes with nothing I have. It was big and from my in laws. So needless to say it wasn't really something you could tuck away in a discreet location or just not hang b/c the people that gave it to you never come over. Luckily we moved quite a bit at the start of our marriage and in one of the moves it didn't make it back on the wall. I hope they've forgotten about it! They never mention it anyways. My MIL has a habit of buying me large decor items that often are for hanging on the wall and are never my style, sigh.
ReplyDelete