By Kelsey Marie
December 13, 2025 at 5:32 AM PST
Stories Gifts For Tastemakers
For the Friend Who Has Taste: Beautiful, Smart Gifts They’ll Truly Appreciate
Design-forward picks for the aesthetes, collectors, and culture lovers in your life.
Stories Gifts For Tastemakers
For the Friend Who Has Taste: Beautiful, Smart Gifts They’ll Truly Appreciate
Design-forward picks for the aesthetes, collectors, and culture lovers in your life.
By Kelsey Marie
December 13, 2025 at 5:32 AM PST
Shopping for someone with truly great taste can feel like an olympic sport. These are the people who have spent years shaping their eye: through travel, books, films, museums, late-night conversations, and experiences that subtly influence how they see the world. Their taste is cultivated and not influenced by trends. Which also means they’re nearly impossible to shop for.
Takeaways
New
Gifts for tastemakers should
feel timeless and intentional,
aligning with personal sensibility
Choose elevated everyday objects
sculptural decor, glassware, textiles,
that enrich daily rituals
Prioritize craftsmanship and artistry
hand-thrown ceramics, woven
textiles, small-batch design
Opt for story-rich pieces
museum-inspired decor, cookbooks,
or scent as experience
But the truth is, tastemakers appreciate gifts not because they’re expensive or exclusive, but because they feel considered. They like pieces with soul, depth, intention and a story behind them. The key is choosing gifts that align with the way they move through the world.
Below, a guide to shopping for the aesthetically inclined, including fail-proof ideas that honor the things tastemakers value most: quality, discovery, and the beauty of living well.
How to Shop for People With Real Taste
Think in terms of sensibilities, not trends.
Tastemakers gravitate toward objects that reflect their worldview, not what’s trending on TikTok this week. Look for pieces that feel timeless, well-designed, and impactful. Something they’ll reach for years from now because it fits the essence of who they are.
Look for craftsmanship that your giftee will notice.
A hand-thrown mug, a small-batch candle, a perfectly weighted glass, a textile woven by artisans — these details matter. People with taste care about process. They appreciate when something is made with skill and a clear point of view.
Prioritize discovery.
People with taste love finding brands before everyone else does. Gifts from emerging designers, global artisans, or niche labels instantly feel personal. Think of it like handing them a shortcut to their favorite thing.
Choose objects that tell a story.
A piece inspired by a museum archive, a scent created by a Black perfumer, or a cookbook from a chef they admire. When a gift carries cultural or artistic meaning, it becomes part of their personal landscape.
Opt for elevated everyday items.
People with taste don’t save the good things for special occasions; they use them every day. A sculptural candleholder, a set of beautiful coasters, a handmade serving bowl. These pieces integrate seamlessly into their routine while adding moments of luxury.
Fail-Proof Gift Ideas for Tastemakers
Museum-Inspired Home Decor
Objects that nod to art history or global archives. Think textiles influenced by Mali or Ethiopia, sculptural ceramics, or design collaborations with major institutions.
Elevated Glassware They’ll Reach for Nightly
Colored glasses, hand-blown stemware, or limited-edition bar accessories.
Scent as an Experience
A thoughtfully blended candle, incense set, or diffuser rooted in culture or storytelling. Tatsemakers appreciate scent as a form of memory-keeping.
Books Worth Displaying
Design books, cult-classic cookbooks, or niche photography collections. People with taste don’t just read them, they style them in their homes too.
Something Handmade with Character
A handwoven throw, a carved wooden bowl, or a piece of pottery that carries the mark of the maker.
A Touch of the Unexpected
A beautiful puzzle designed by an artist, a limited-edition vinyl, or a film-inspired board game. Tastemakers love when a gift feels like a bit of discovery.
A Statement Accent They’d Never Buy for Themselves
An elegant ottoman, a striking tray, or a bold candle vessel. A piece that changes a room.
The Real Secret to Gifting Tastemakers
You don’t need to out-taste them. You just need to show that you see them.
A gift that acknowledges how they live, what inspires them, and what they value will always land. Because for people with taste, the best gifts are about intention, curiosity, and the joy of being seen.
Arch Cocktail Glasses – Set of 2
A true tastemaker gift, these sculptural cocktail glasses by Altarik Banks of Black-owned Homa Studios blur the line between function and art. The swooping blue base and borosilicate construction feel like something discovered at a design fair, not a department store. Perfect for martinis or Champagne, they’re a striking choice for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, modern craftsmanship.
INK + PORCELAIN Cuerpos Sculptural Candle
For the tastemaker who treats their home like a gallery, these hand-sculpted candles from Mulier Studio make a meaningful gift. Crafted in Spain, each piece celebrates form, freedom, and artistic expression. Whether styled alone or grouped as a vignette, it brings an element of modern sculpture to any space—no flame required.
Elenorra Noir & Blanc Vase Collection
These sculptural black-and-white striped ornaments from Elenorra bring bold, gallery-worthy style to any home. Sold individually or in curated sets of up to four, they can be mixed, matched, and arranged to suit any aesthetic. Whether styled on a console, bookshelf, or tablescape, they’re a striking choice for tastemakers who appreciate graphic design and modern, sculptural decor.
Georg Jensen Pantak Tray
For the person whose taste leans iconic, this Verner Panton tray is a gift with design pedigree. Its mirrored, undulating form reflects Panton’s futuristic vision while serving as a functional objet for the home. Whether styled on a coffee table or used for entertaining, it’s a sculptural piece that signals a true appreciation for modern design.
Meso Tezon Bowl
A gift for someone who notices form before function—in the best way. The Tezon Bowl blends organic curves with a modern, architectural presence, making it a striking accent for any room. Whether displayed on its own or used to anchor a tablescape, it brings gallery-level sophistication to the everyday, perfect for the tastemaker who values thoughtful, sculptural design.
Rolife DIY Swing Ride Music Box 3D Wooden Puzzle
For the tastemaker who loves objects with personality and craft, this DIY Swing Ride Music Box is a miniature work of art. Part puzzle, part kinetic sculpture, it invites slow, intentional assembly and rewards with a whimsical, hand-cranked carousel. Displayed on a desk or shelf, it brings a touch of nostalgia and artistry to any curated space.
Defining Style: The Book of Interior Design
Defining Style is a visually rich guide to the interiors that shaped the last century. Featuring 150 real homes and 25 signature design styles, the book helps readers understand everything from coastal minimalism to maximalist glamour. With insights from leading designers and an introduction by Asad Syrkett, it’s a thoughtful under-$100 gift for anyone who loves design.
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