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Inspiration & Tips/Gift guides/10 timeless design gift ideas
Surprise your loved ones and get inspired by these ten gifts for all occasions.

10 timeless design gift ideas

Good design is always an appreciated gift - regardless of the occasion. Be inspired by these ten timeless gift ideas that are suitable for all of life’s events, from vases to decorative interior details. These timeless gifts are just as good to give as they are to receive and can even be passed down through the generations.
WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2022
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1. PORTABLE LIGHTING OR A COSY READING LAMP

A stylish lamp that provides subtle lighting in the home can make a big difference to the atmosphere in a room. Surprise loved ones who enjoy reading or decorating with statement lamps with a timeless design gift. The portable Flowerpot VP9 from &tradition or the classic Night Owl from Fritz Hansen are lamps that are perfect for late nights with friends, for cosy evenings on the patio or a housewarming gift for a good friend who has just moved, for lamps you can never get enough of.

2. ELEGANT VASES

Vases in different shapes and colours are truly timeless design gifts and for good reason. Timeless favourites such as the Alvar Aalto vase and Urna from Marimekko are beautiful design pieces that are high on many wish lists and you can trust they will fit into any home thanks to their simple but beautiful design. One tip is to also give flowers with the vase, either separately or why not fill the vase with flowers immediately and give away the vase and bouquet in one.

If you want tips on which vases each home should have and which flowers to accompany them, you can read more in: How to choose the right vase for your bouquet of flowers - 3 tips from a florist.

Design gifts for all occasions - here the Alavar Aalto vase from Iittala.

These elegant vases fit into any home. Gift the Iittala Alvar Aalto vase with fresh flowers for a colourful surprise.

Design gifts for all occasions -  a lush bouquet of flowers or green branches. This vase can be used in many ways.

3. CANDLE HOLDERS ARE A CLASSIC & TIMELESS DESIGN GIFT

One timeless gift idea that is almost always suitable for any home, and for all occasions, is a classic candle holder. The Cobra candlesticks from Georg Jensen are modern classic that have, since their launch in 2008, been much appreciated gifts. Another timeless candlestick is Nagels STOFF which looks just as nice on the coffee table as it does on the windowsill.

Design gifts for all occasions - on the coffee table or in the bedroom. The Nagel candle holder by STOFF is a stylish detail in any room.

The candlestick STOFF in 3-pack is a perfect example of a timeless gift that are suitable for any occasion. Top tip: always include a set of Ester & Erik candles.

Design gifts for all occasions - here are the elegant candle holders by Georg Jensen.

These elegant candle holders by Georg Jensen are perfect as a wedding gift or for all candle lovers who enjoy immersing themselves in a novel in the dancing glow of the flames.

4. CLASSIC PLATES & PORCELAIN

Timeless porcelain is always a great gift idea, especially for those who collect a certain series or for those who have just moved into a new home. A porcelain set also makes a great group gif if there are more than one of you celebrating an individual or a couple. Timeless Teema from Iittala comes both as individual plates and as a starter set, while Kastehelmi is the type of iconic series that many people collect making it the perfect gift for such a person.

Design gifts for all occasions - the Kastehelmi range by Iittala is playful and elegant at the same time - the perfect gift.

Elegant and playful - the Kastehelmi series from Iittala is available in different colours and is the perfect gift for those who love to host.

Design gifts for all occasions -  here the Teema plates and cups in the colour linen by Iittala.

The Teema series from Iittala is perfect timeless gift idea for a student or the new homeowner.

5. GLASSES FOR EVERYDAY

A glass of wine on a Friday night or a welcome drink at the party? Glasses are timeless gift ideas that come in handy every day. Gift the classic Chateau-glasses from Kosta Boda to the wine connoisseur in your life or versatile Essence cocktail glasses for the ultimate party thrower. Elegant glasses are always make a great gift and just like plates, these are gifts that can be given to anyone who wants to complement their collection.

6. TIMELESS COFFEE AND TEACUPS

Give the gift of stylish coffee breaks or the dream cup for a morning coffee must with this timeless gift idea. Take inspiration from Marimekko, for those in your life who enjoy patterns, Swedish Grace from Rörstrand for those who appreciate minimalistic elegance or Freckle from Scandi Living for the trend setter. Our top tip is to put together a gift package with cups, coffee or tea and something sweet! The perfect leaving gift or for Mother's or Father's Day.

Design gifts for all occasions - here the Lines cup by NJRD, the Freckle cup in Vanilla by Scandi Living.

Timeless Swedish porcelain makes the perfect design gift - choose from classics or modern favourites.

7. STYLISH SERVING ACCESSORIES

Serving accessories make a great gift, especially for those who enjoy hosting and setting the table for dinners and parties. Georg Jensen has become synonymous with timeless design gifts and the top of the list for many are the elegant Bernadotte thermos jug and the Bloom bowl. These high-gloss favourites will add the finishing touch to any future coffee moments and special occasions around the table.

Design gifts for all occasions - here the Bernadotte carafe made of stainless steel.

For serving delicious drinks or coffee for the lunch break, this carafe is perfect. Give these elegant kitchen gadgets as a gift that will make your kitchen look stylish.

Design gifts for all occasions -  here the Bloom bowl by Georg Jensen.

The Bloom bowl by Georg Jensen makes an excellent gift for those who like to organise parties and play host.

8. ATTRACTIVE & PRACTICAL KITCHEN ACCESSORIES

Are you looking for a timeless gift for those who love cooking? Invest in the stylish salt and pepper Bottle Grinders from Audo Copenhagen why not pick up a saucepan set from Eva Solo that makes cooking both simple and stylish. Give a timeless gift that makes time in the kitchen a little extra fun but also able to withstand the everyday challenges.

The ideal gift for cooking fanatics, - the Bottle Grinder salt and pepper mills look stylish and elegant on the kitchen island and are a real eye-catcher.

For all chefs - give the cooking pot set by Eva Solo as a gift.

Design gifts for all occasions - here the Bottle Grinder salt and pepper mills from Menu.

The ideal gift for cooking fanatics, - the Bottle Grinder salt and pepper mills by Audo Copenhagen look stylish and elegant on the kitchen island and are a real eye-catcher.

9. COSY TEXTILES

Soft and cosy blankets & throws are a thoughtful and elegant gift, no matter the occasion. Suitable for all seasons of the year and if you choose a neutral colour, you can feel confident that it will fit into any home. The Polka wool blanket from Klippan Yllefabrik or Sandstone wool blanket from Scandi Living are two throws that are sure to suit any interior style. With a beautiful throw, you are giving away breakfast in bed, a movie night on the couch and late nights with friends on the balcony.

Design gifts for all occasions - the Polka wool blankets in grey and black from Klippan Yllefabrik are a must for anyone who loves to snuggle up.

Bookworms, movie and series fans and late sleepers will be delighted with this gift. The Polka woollen blankets by Klippan Yllefabrik in various colours not only keep you toasty warm during a games evening on the balcony, but also look beautiful on the sofa.

Design gifts for all occasions - the perfect gift for bookworms and late sleepers, the Sandstone wool blanket in beige by Scandi Living.

Perfect to snuggle up with. Give the Sandstone wool blanket in beige from Scandi Living as a gift.

10. TIMELESS INTERIOR DETAILS

If you are looking for a timeless gift for a graduation, a wedding gift or something for a christening, our top tip is Kay Bojesen Denmark's lovely selection of wooden figures. The Love Birds figures are perfect for the happy couple, while the iconic wooden monkey looks just as nice in a children's room as on a shelf in a new home. They are timeless design gifts to keep for years and pass down through the generations.

Want even more gift ideas? Have a look at our design classics, where we have collected even more ideas for timeless design gifts.

Photography: Angeliqa Daldorph, Iittala, Kay Bojesen Denmark

Design gifts for all occasions - here the Kay Bojesen monkey made of oak and maple.

These design classics made of wood are perfect as gifts for children, but also for fans of Scandinavian design.

Design gifts for all occasions - here are the Love Birds by Kay Bojesen.

As a wedding gift, the Love Birds are a lovely detail.

Want even more gift ideas? Have a look at our design classics, where we have collected even more ideas for timeless design gifts.

Photography: Angeliqa Daldorph, Iittala, Kay Bojesen Denmark

Arijana Rosso
Writer

TIMELESS DESIGN GIFTS

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