As colder temperatures arrive and remind us to turn inward, physically and emotionally, the need to show how you care comes out as well – just in time for the holidays. For the design-minded in your life, look no further – Design Milk has curated the best gifts and keepsakes for under $100, to remind us (and them) of who our people are.
Photo: Courtesy of Karst
Known for their top-notch notebooks and planners, Karst takes reclaimed stone from the mining industry and translates it into the smoothest paper you’ll ever feel. Waterproof, tear-resistant, and simply a joy to write on, this 148-blank page hardcover notebook features a beautiful cover with the artwork of Mandy Maria. Bundled with a matching limited-edition puzzle, it makes the perfect gift set for the one that loves puzzles and/or journaling.
Photo: Courtesy of Bloomingdale’s
Always colorful, always fun, Yinka Ilori collaborated with Bloomingdale’s to present a fun Ping Pong Paddle and complementary set of 3 Ping Pong Balls, adding his signature touch to a familiar shape we know and love. The paddle features a contrasting wooden inlay, a patterned paddle head, and balls with colorful motifs, to add an extra spin to your game.
Photo: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel
The strength of glass and the softness of transparency meet in the geometric Lumen Large Cast Glass Candle Holder. Designed by Los Angeles-based designer Jeremiah Brent, the glass pieces are stacked and pressed by hand by skilled artisans, using age-old production techniques to bring a unique texture to any tablescape.
Photo: Courtesy of Tendril
For those of us without the gift of a green thumb, fear not: the Tendril Planter features a self-watering system, so your plants drink just the right amount, even as seasons and temperatures change. Their included soil packs ensure your plant is getting the right nutrients it needs, so you can grow alongside each other, happy, healthy, and nourished.
Photo: Courtesy of Dusen Dusen
There’s something poetic about making what we discard just as interesting as what we keep. Jazz up your trash and add a pop of color in the process with these Pedal Trash Cans from Dusen Dusen. In two happy colorways, Ronnie and Stucco, the stripes continue up the body, across the top, and down the other side for a fresh look, no matter what’s inside.
Photo: Courtesy of Yiayia and Friends
Eyes on the prize: this Mini Olive Oil Gift Set from Yiayia and Friends includes six bottles of cold-pressed olive oil that make a super cute gift for any foodie. Available in six flavors – tangy lemon, earthy truffle, spicy chili, refreshing basil, pungent garlic, and the beloved original EVOO – drizzle on salads, soups, or your favorite protein for a rich, silky hit of flavor.
Photo: Courtesy of Houseplant
Relax into a couple cones – of incense, that is. Elevate your everyday with this hand-sculpted marble ashtray that doubles as an incense burner. The Houseplant by ripple* Ash + Scent set includes 64 cones of incense in four scents, for about 640+ hours of burn time, inspired by Seth Rogen’s trip to Grasse, France.
Photo: Courtesy of SIN
First designed in 2007, the Porcelain Paper Plate by SIN is back with a new, refined version, modeled after the typical paper plate. Created by designer Virginia Sin, who deftly connects the dots between the paper plates of her childhood and the porcelain in which she works today. A slight but incredibly ergonomic lip on the side of the plate provides for a supportive grip when holding, making its organic shape easy to grasp, in hand and mind. Sin has proven time and time again that honest design needs no explanation, preferring her pieces to speak for themselves.
Photo: Courtesy of Kate Weiser Chocolate
Holiday Chocolate Gift Tin | 24 pc by Kate Weiser \\\ $80
This artful arrangement of truffles includes 24 bonbons – all decorated with beautiful swirls of bold color, lustrous metallics, and bright sparkles. Choose from flavors like Snickerdoodle, Cookie Butter Crunch, and Lavender Apricot for a mix of familiar favorites and new combinations. Coming in a keepsake Kate Weiser holiday tin, and decorated with a matching bow, these sets are now available for preorder and start shipping out November 17th.
Photo: Courtesy of HAY
In four smart colorways, the Table Clock by Jasper Morrison for HAY creates dynamic lines out of minimal material, a strong conical base supporting a perfectly circular face. Always a fan of unexpected pops of color, each clock features a second hand with colors just a bit outside the norm, exemplifying the refreshing change of pace we continue to see from HAY.
Follow along so you don’t miss any of our 2025 Gift Guides this year!
