Deck the halls and homes of your family and friends–GIVE them these delightful design gifts recommended by FOF gurus.
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Helen Kenney Poore is an FOF interior design guru and owner of The Scented Garden, a gift store located in St. Michaels, Maryland.
1. Karen Adams Calendar Giftbox, $59 ($29 for refill)
“A unique gift for the person who has everything is the Karen Adams hand-painted calendar. Just remember who you gave the set to, because next year you can give them the refill. They’re already sold out in my store.”
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Kristin Drohan is an FOF interior design guru and an interior designer whose work has been featured in The Washington Post, House Trends Magazine, New England Home, and New York Spaces. She also has her own furniture collection.
2. Personalized Trays, Platters and Ice Buckets from Clairebella, Starting at $38
“I love that these can be personalized with colors, patterns, and monograms.”
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Barbara Mangini is the blogger behind My Dog-Eared Pages, a collection of musings on art, fashion, and interior designs.
3. Harry Stooshinoff Landscape Paintings, starting at $45
“I am a quite a fan of this Canadian artist. He’s been selling his work for over 30 years. His small landscapes are created on heavy, acid-free artist’s paper, using a quick pencil sketch on location then followed by bold, intuitive swashes of acrylics. I love the idea of hanging several together as a grouping.”
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4. Turkish Towel Peshtemals from Bathstyle, starting at $22
“A peshtemal is a towel traditionally used in Turkish baths. The colors correspond to different regions in Turkey. I’ve always loved them because they absorb water fast and dry quickly. They take up less space and are also great for the pool, boat and the beach. These are 100% cotton produced on looms in Turkey.”
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Lisa Porter is the mastermind behind The Lisa Porter Collection, a blog featuring eye-popping designs, inspiring interiors and carefully-vetted businesses.
5. Beautiful Gardens of Kentucky by Jon Carloftis ($40)
“This year I’ll be gifting Beautiful Gardens of Kentucky by famed New York City garden designer Jon Carloftis. I have had the pleasure of meeting Jon and his incredible family–what I admire most about this southern gentleman is his desire to give back. He’s beyond generous with his talent and time devoting much of it towards local garden clubs and charitable organizations. Anyone who loves to garden will love this book.”
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Julia Reed is the creative director of Taigan, a meticulously-curated online boutique featuring unique products and gifts. She has been a contributing editor to numerous publications including Vogue, Conde Nast Traveler, and the New York Times and is the author of: The House on First Street, My New Orleans Story; Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns, And Other Southern Delicacies: An Entertaining Life (With Recipes); and Queen Of The Turtle Derby and Other Southern Phenomena.
6. Small Apothecary Jar from And George, $47
“It is so versatile. Fill it with festive red-and-white peppermints or use it as a receptacle for roasted pecans or little cheese biscuits on the bar when entertaining. It would also be fabulous in a bathroom filled with small soaps or bath salts such as these.”
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7. Set of White Mugs from And George, $60
“I adore both the delicacy and color of these tea mugs. Throw in a canister of your favorite tea and this pretty handwoven silver tea strainer and it’s a great gift.”
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Enter to win a gorgeous hand-painted calendar by Karen Adams by leaving a comment below.
One FOF will win.
(See all our past winners, here.)
(See official rules, here.)
Contest closes December 17, 2011 at midnight E.S.T.
0 Responses to “{Gift Guide} 7 Delightful Design Gifts”
Onehsancare says:
Beautiful gifts! Love the calendar!
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deereemp says:
I saw a design of a cat. It is beautiful. My daughter absolutley loves any thing to do with cats.
Cindy says:
The small-scapes are fantastic..would love it.
sccoed09 says:
Nice array of gifts, but outside my ability to purchase, however, would still like towin the calendar, thanks!!
Carol says:
That calendar is striking! Would love to have that on my desk.
mandradany says:
Great ideas for gift giving, most specially for someone who has everything. I love the mugs the most, it clearly is an art and eye catching… conversation pieces!
ralaspazza says:
I love the Apothecary jar.
Phyllis says:
Love the calendar and I know St Michael’s MD! It is such a charming town! Would LOVE to have this unique gift, but I would keep it for myself if I won!
kiki nandette says:
Karen Adams calendar is unique and a top shelf gift idea. Thank you for sharing!
Funny, I recently visited a local stationery store in search of gift ideas and saw a similar knock off by Stacy Claire Boyd. No comparison, rather tasteless and a rude attempt at feigning artistry.
Oh well, I suppose mimicry is a form of flattery.
margaracantu says:
These are all such clever and useful ideas -even for oneself!
starsmom says:
The calendar is gorgeous, indeed!!!!
Damita says:
Love the White Mugs, but I could not afford to buy them right now. Thanks for sharing all of the gift ideas, especially because they are all Female owned and operated. Go Girls 🙂
Karen Di Carlo says:
Love how these gifts are sooo unexpected and original ..
great to give and great to get :-).. The calendar is fantastic, never saw anything like this before – and the Turkish towels have really peaked my interest !!!!
Tammi Perdew says:
Great gift ideas – thanks for sharing such unique items!
CAROL says:
It is so refreshing to see different and unique gift.
Thanks for sharing would love to win.
Happy Holidays
Susan says:
All are beautiful! Any one would be lovely to give( or get).
karen says:
Definitely creative. This is the kind of stuff I love to look at but never seem to buy. Love them all.
KAREN COGBURN says:
These are all so unique. Love to win.
Sharon says:
Beautiful calendar!!
Catherine Davis says:
All the items are very nice but way out of my price range. I am disabled and on a fixed income which according to Congress, is something I may be getting less of. My mom is from KY and she would love that particular gift, but alas, unless I win it, I can’t buy it.
acaralla says:
The calendar is gorgeous!
Beth Lowe says:
They are all beautiful. love the painting. Would really love to have the calendar since I need to keep my schedule close at hand.
Christy says:
What great gifts! I’d love to win either of these unique items.
tessy12 says:
very nice and different – would be great to win
Margaret Pflug says:
I love the turkish towel peshtemals. Actually I like them all!
maxine kell says:
The calendar and stand is lovely. I have just the place for this. I would love to win and enjoy this unique item.
Cynthia Smith says:
Cool gifts and I know the perfect person to give the calendar to should I win it. Thanks so much for a neat contest.
Annette Riggs says:
Great gifts for someone who has everything. A bit out of my price range, though. I especially like the towels and the mugs
sharon910 says:
Never won anything but this would be a great place to start.
hofken says:
Clever way to display a classy calendar.
Cynthia.Richardson@azbar.org
vkiggins says:
All of the Gifts (articles) on this page are Beautiful! Thanks for sharing them.
From the The Calendar Box all the way down the page, I don’t know any of my BFF’s/FOF’s including myself that wouldn’t love to have any1 of these
As always, thanks for the opportunity to “be in it to win it”!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday’s to ALL!!
Sherry says:
LOVE the white tea mugs! What an artistic way to sip some hot tea!
javierl22 says:
Great conversation piece….
Everyone’s broke for my birthday in January so i will appreciate this gift…
butterfly42blue says:
These are are incredibly unique ideas. A little out of my gifting budget, though. Thank you for sharing the lovely ideas!
maria bastone says:
Love the painting but, it needs to come with a bottle of wine!
debbiehoskins says:
Great ideas for gifts for the people in your life that seem to have everything!
Sherry B. says:
These are all such lovely items, but , if my budget allowed, I would have to do them as “one-for-you-and-one-for-me”!
Patricia Assanowicz says:
This is perfect, ever year I have a very hard time finding that one “unique gift” for my very best friend who is also a painter, she makes her own cards for every occasion, I have the cards she painted for me framed, they are so beautiful, to be able to give her a hand painted calender by Karen Adams to say she would be very excited would be an under statement, YES, I am keepig my fingers crossed for this calender, thank you for this great opportunity. Happy Holidays to All…..
Jeanice says:
I would love to win so of your gifts they are beautiful never have seen such great gift
KAREN COGBURN says:
These are so lovely & original. Love to win.
Becky says:
I really like these gift ideas,as they are fun and different than something I would have thought of! Thank you for some great ideas for some of the (one’s) on my list that are so hard to buy for.
Laurab says:
Pretty things, the mug is a cute idea!
Nancy says:
Living with interior design my entire life,my father,he called himself the “inferior desecrater”, introduced me to style,
my great aunt Mary Cassatt was long gone when I was growing up , but that did not stop mom from instilling in me the idea that everything is art. I grew up with it and can appreciate all of these womens ideas,and gifts.
nancy homapour says:
I love the variety of your presentation, thank you.
Nancy says:
I love the creativity!
Soledad says:
I like that calendar. I always wait ’til January to buy my calendars since they cut the price then. I didn’t see the 2 carat cup so I looked on the website. Not a cup I can see using myself or giving to anyone. All the other items on here however were very nice.
Felicia Jones says:
Awesome gifts that I would really enjoy!
Christine Norman says:
These are all very lovely gifts by some highly talented artists. My gift giving budget is for items in a lower price range, though.
Terri says:
That calendar would be a nice touch on my desk along with the Apothecary Jar filled with chocolate mint candies!!!
Zenaida says:
These are some very wonderful and unique gift ideas. I see a few that I want for myself!
merrylady says:
FOF does it again! Great and lovely items!A bit of elegant whimsy!
Jayne says:
Beautiful!! Would love to keep for myself!!
Linda says:
Different, I like it!
ACeeKayWa says:
Love the turkish bath towels! Such a good substitute for the usual terrycloth. The soft colors are perfect.
Susan Lockwood says:
Love them all!!!
Helen says:
I love the small apothecary jar! So cute!
Mary Davis says:
Unique!
Tiffany Warner says:
perfect size- the little yellow sticky notes either get lost or just ignored, and our family of 6 always has something going on that’s hard to keep track of. The other gifts are works of art also, it’d be hard to gift them out.
Jana Rooke says:
How can one choose! I would love them all, but am really drawn to the Gardens of Kentucky. I love KY and have enjoyed driving around that beautiful state and visiting our families there!
Debbie Chaney says:
I would love looking at gorgeous Kentucky gardens all year!
karin says:
I would be greatful for any of these items.
Deborah Goodwin says:
Great ideas – and I love the whimsical mugs! I’d love to win the calendar. Not only is it the most beautiful calendar I’ve ever seen, but I have so many Dr. appointments it would be helpful to have them right in front of me. Excellent design!
Rita says:
wonderful gift items anyone would be proud to receive and own. thanks for the terrific ideas right at the holiday season!
mimi says:
Cool stuff from FOF as usual. Love it.
AthertonQueen says:
A beautiful calendar I would love to own.
Tamera Stevens says:
I love all of the items! The handmade calendar is truly different; I’d love to have it! The “Beautiful Gardens of Kentucky” would be a wonderful gift because I live in Kentucky so would love to have this in my home. All the gifts are wonderful because they’re different!
glorious says:
The hand Painted Calendar is gorgeous! A real Keepsake!
pattib says:
Quite a few items really caught my eye. I love the idea that the calendar has refills!!
Mary says:
Lovely. I like the Turkish towels.
Jo Cavins says:
Great gift ideas.
beth weatherford says:
I would love to win the calendar. I also love the tea mugs…I took some pottery classes last year, and every one of my mugs was a disaster. I found out that the pottery wheel is much harder than it looks. I also loved the turkish towels-what beautiful colors
!
Ruth Roscoe says:
If I won either gift, I would definitely KEEP it.
Margarida says:
An unique list of beautiful gifts!
Sheila A Caruso says:
I would love to win that calendar, I would keep it because it is so beautiful and stunning. I also would be proud to give it to one of my special friends. I would dot that because the calendar is is special.
Sheila Chaffins says:
Beautiful! I would be proud to own them and tell everyone I know who I got them from.
mlh125 says:
i love the calendar…a spiffy one at that!
Terrie says:
I love all the choices. I may have to get some of those Turkish towels, they look amazing.
krispy9 says:
Great gift ideas. The mugs are so fun
Kristine Phelps says:
What fun items
laclay says:
What a neat gift idea. Good luck
susan fernandez says:
Fabulous!! Would have to keep these for myself!!!
Maria U. says:
Every household needs a calender like the one that Karen Adams designs. I also like the fact that you can buy refills for the next year. It is a gift that keeps on giving!
Robyn Ely says:
Lovely calendar ! Have not bought on yet for next year!
Leslie Petersen says:
ALL of these are fabulous! LOVE! 🙂
Patricia says:
What a wonderful group of gift ideas – being a fabriholic, I just had to get a closer look at those Turkish towels. I love, love love them!
Jennifer M. says:
I’d enjoy having either prize in my home!
cboza says:
Lovely, lovely objects. I admit to a deep lust for the hand-painted calendar and the delicate white tea cups. Sigh.
Kim Cage says:
Beautiful gifts, all of them, but I have a thing for calendars and this one is extremely gorgeous!
Michelle says:
What an amazing assortment of items. Each one of them reminds me of a different person who would love them. I have an affinity for calendars – I think I inherited the gene from my father.
Betty Herbert says:
Love all of them.
Roz Rickman says:
Would love to start the NEW YEAR with this unique calendar. I’m also starting a new decade, so especially would love to win this. Thanks so much.
Skye Wentworth says:
The calendar is classic with just the right amount of dazzle. And those lovely mugs are off-beat & whimsical. Both would be fun to win!
Mary W says:
I love calendars. I have the perfect spot to showcase this work of art.
paulette akins says:
would love this and i live in a small town also
Dee S says:
Oh, that is so lovely!
karan lewis says:
WOW! I would love to have a hand painted calendar by Karen Adams. It would be a great gift from Karen to Karan.
jojo puskarcik says:
I would keep all 7 for sure…just started taking art classes…what an inspiration!
Carolyn says:
Beautiful items I would be proud give or keep for myself!
Tracy Kirk says:
these are all great item LOVE the mugs and towels and calendar
DOTTI says:
WHAT CREATIVE AND UNIQUE GIFTS. SUCH FUN TO SEE AND READ ABOUT THEM.
Lauren says:
very elegant!! wow! i have the perfect place for this!!!
Fran K says:
Simple but charmingly unique gift ideas that will impress with their creativity!
Sandra says:
Over fifty is fab! I would love to win this!
Peggy says:
Love the idea of a hand-painted calendar….very unique. Lots of talented people displayed here!
ogden says:
love the calendar, the white mugs thought they are the stuff that dreams are made of! you just want to put your hand around them and feel that silky smooth porcelain!
Diane says:
The abstract tea mugs make me smile. Tea is my favorite beverage in the entire world. And it comes in so many flavors……….one can have a different tea for each day of the month. I function better with a good cup of tea.
Norma Taylor says:
I would love to have a peshtemal towel! I have never heard of one. Thanks for sharing these beautiful and unique gift ideas with us.
ellhayes says:
The calendar is lovely and would make a beautiful gift.
Lily Duncan says:
Thank you for opening our eyes to the unique and fabulous!!
FOFgirl says:
in the age of electronic calendars i really absolutely love this idea.
vasslt says:
The apothecary is stunning, lots of ways to display it at home.
Sonya says:
These are the kind of gifts I like to buy for family and then want to just keep them for myself.
Cyn says:
So simply styled———–just lovely.
Cyn says:
So simply styled——-just lovely.
carla fellers says:
A wonderful web site for the holidays.
marilyn says:
Love the hand painted calendar and have the perfect person to give it to for the holidays.. like it even more because it comes from a store near my hometown on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Faith M says:
Very original designs. I love the artwork by the Canadian artist since it is very much like what is seen up here in Alaska!
Shar Murner says:
I am absolutely in love with the calendar. It would be a wonderful gift for another FOF friend of mine that is extremely artistic. Of course, she’d only get it if I could bear to give it away.
Ann Fuller says:
Just love the pottery mugs from And George.
Ginger Turnbough says:
Beautiful calendar! Would love to see it sitting on my desk!
bobbie Gillette says:
These 2 white mugs are very unique.
Debbie W. says:
I think the landscape paintings are so lovely, as are the Turkish towels. Thanks for sharing these unique items!
carolineno says:
These are really nice!
Ken Sebby says:
I be liking Harry Stooshinhoff’s Landscape Painting …also LOVE his name! GRAEMO
Ginny K. says:
What fantastic unique items that are hard to find. I would be greatful to have any of these items for a gift.
Monica Tagabuel says:
Great ideas!
Treva says:
I would love to win something. Seems like I enter all contest but never win! Just unlucky I guess..
suri40 says:
I love it all! Great gift ideas!
Jeanette Pocklinton says:
Just plain lovely!
Julie l says:
Love those gift ideas! Thanks! 🙂
Karen says:
I would adore to have a hand painted calendar to put in my home office, it would fill me with delight and and perhaps set a spark of of inspriration needed for my own artistic endeavors.
km_maggard says:
Absolutely unique gifts!
Janice Coon Smith says:
Unique, exciting designs….fabulous! Would love to be a beneficiary of any of these fabulous “gifts”. Merry Christmas and a new year filled with many unexpected blessings.
1955nurse says:
What a great selection of unique items… I, too live in a small town & it’s great to be able to find things that aren’t available locally!!!((1955nursehjc4me(at)myway(dot)com)) Thanks for the chance….
Joan Hart says:
Sometimes it’s the simple elegant things in life that mean the most. A one of a kind gift~
Annette D says:
Love them all!
Camilla Wilson says:
Love unusal gifts.
KAREN COGBURN says:
This is an amazing idea. Would love to winthis. Great for year round use.
ouida stokes says:
The mugs would be a conversation piece when having family or friends over for coffee. the calender is very useful and unique. Who wouldnt love to have either?
bison61 says:
I’d love to win the hand-painted calendar.
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
Mamavalveeta03 says:
I love your ideas–all so creative and unique. I like to shop online, so I’d be able to find most of these. And many are things that I had never thought of. Thanks!
Norma Merritt says:
These 2 white mugs are very unique and beautiful.
Pamela says:
A work of art to count the days– wonderful!
valorosa says:
The calendar is fabulous. I have just the place to put it if I win it.
JADe48 says:
I’d be honored to own this calendar.I love anything hand painted,this would be my favorite calender above my computer/desk,thanks for helping us wish and hope.And kept for the art work on it.
Linda Levreault says:
So different and refreshing!
gramhebert says:
very unique
leslie says:
Love these ideas – living in a small town, I am always looking for new ideas for unique things I can’t find here.