My Design Geek Gift Guide 2022
If you’re looking for some great holiday gifts for the design geeks in your life – or looking for something special to treat yourself! – look no further. Welcome to the Design Geek Gift Guide 2022.
A membership to a local design museum
I’m lucky enough to live near Washington, DC, where all the Smithsonian museums have free entry. However I also LOVE the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. The outsider art there always inspires me to think outside my comfort zone and dig into getting messy if I need to.
A self-care gift
As a solo business owner I have to cover a lot of ground, and it’s important to remember to take care of myself, especially since there’s no one else to run my business! This Inquire Within card deck by Worthwhile paper helps me pause and set an intention for my day, while also reminding me of themes and life lessons that I need to revisit. And it doesn’t hurt that the design is totally beautiful!
A book
I am of the mind that a book is always a good gift. You can share one you love, or give someone a book related to something you know they enjoy. And books are so lovely and homey to look at: I personally love the Puffin Clothbound Classics - the designs are so beautiful and vintage feeling and would add a great decoration to someone’s design office or corner. Really, how stunning is that “Wizard of Oz” cover?!
A fun, cute item
There’s no question that small moments of joy are good for the soul. For me, looking at fun lettering, great design, something bright and cheerful brings a moment of delight. I love this customizable title door mat from Letter Folk: You can make your own designs for each holiday and they even sell tile bundles to give you even more design options.
A unique camera
If there’s one thing designers love it’s the ability to combine beauty with efficiency. This eco-friendly paper camera comes with 4 filters that let you take photos that look like an old disposable camera but you can download the digital versions right away. There are also beautiful options for the design of the camera itself. It’s a great way to take digital snapshots without having to have my phone out all the time.
A relaxing art project
After a rough day or week, it’s great to let off some steam with a little arts and crafts. This Paint by Sticker kit is like Paint by Number but much easier to do on the couch while watching TV! I love seeing how the design comes together piece by piece. They even have a book of travel posters to inspire dreams of all the places I’d love to see.
A gift made by a local designer, or a designer local to somewhere you traveled
Over the years I’ve lived in the DC area, I’ve had the privilege to get to know some amazingly talented designers and artists. Katie Stack of Stitch & Rivet is someone I’ve admired for years. Her typographic leather keychains make a great gift. She offers pithy sayings, sweary sayings, or choose your own saying. I also love this x-acto blade pin by another talented local Katie, Hyattsville designer Katie Burk of Open Studio Hours. Despite memories of x-acto accidents in design schools, I still feel fondly about this classic tool.
Something beverage-related
Like every other designer or artist I know, I can get caught up in my work or creative inspiration, and sometimes forget about little things like, you know, food and drink. Both hydration and caffeine are essential, so I try to make them more accessible and memorable with special water bottles and coffee subscriptions so I never run out. I’m a fan of the Awesome Coffee Club, which donates 100 percent of profits to charity, but check with your giftee’s local roastery to see if they do subscription deliveries.