Design gifts for all occasions - Creative gift ideas for lovers of design

1. FOR MOTHER’S DAY

A beautiful bouquet of flowers is many people’s go to gift for Mother’s Day and why not? Flowers bring life and colour to the home. This year why not combine your usual bouquet with a beautiful vase or even a set of vases?

Kastehelmi from Iittala is a classic that looks just as beautiful with or without flowers whereas Ruutu has a more angular, modern shape that is sure to catch the eye.

Complete this creative gift idea with a pair of scissors to help your mum keep her bouquet looking fresh for as long as possible.

2. FOR FATHER’S DAY

If your father is a lover of coffee and let’s face it, who isn’t? Then this stylish coffee set from Royal Doulton could be just what you’re looking for. Mix and match the parts or really treat your dad this year and get him the whole thing. Not a fan of wrapping? Not a problem, this create gift idea comes in packaging lovely enough to leave as it is. Be sure to include a pack of coffee as part of your gift so they can put it to use right away.

3. FOR A HOUSEWARMING

There are certain gifts that are traditional to give to new homeowners or someone who has recently moved, such as a plant or a loaf of bread. Why not get creative with your gift ideas and combine these gifts with a plant pot or a lovely new bread knife and bread board? These Nappula plant pots from Iittala are stylish and playful and look great on any kitchen side. Why not combine the Royal bread knife from Fiskars with wooden Alvar Aalto tray, so your new homeowners can serve their guests in style during their housewarming party?

4. FOR A GRADUATION

There are few bigger celebrations in a young person’s life than graduating from school or university. For many this means leaving home for the first time so what better way to help them celebrate than with a piece of classic design that will be with them for life?

The Teema porcelain from Iittala is a true Nordic design classic, the ideal gift for the graduate who is moving out of home. Feel free to get creative with your gift idea and mix and match the colours, creating your own starter set, just like we did.

Alternatively the Tools casserole pot in tactile brushed steel is a beautiful piece of kitchenware that is sure to stand the test of time.

5. FOR AN ENGAGEMENT

Help the recently betrothed couple celebrate their announcement with an elegant set of champagne glasses like these from the Essence series. You could simply combine them with a lovely bottle of champagne but if you are looking for a little something extra the Alvar Aalto vase is an elegant piece of Nordic design history.

For this creative gift idea fill the vase with ice cubes and turn this beautiful piece of design into a champagne cooler. Alvar Aalto’s vision was that this vase should have any number of uses after all.

6. SMALL GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYDAY

There are occasions in life when we simply want to say thank you to someone, or we have been invited to a dinner party and we want to bring something for the host. It can be difficult to come up with a creative gift idea for these occasions, but we have put together some ideas for you.

The Kastehelmi candle holder has a charming dew drop style design, the frosted glass version is simple to incorporate into any style of home, ideal for a candle lit soak in the tub. The Höganäs Keramik is another favourite of ours, the simple and elegant design is sure to be appreciated, especially if you include a pack of their favourite tea as part of the gift.

7. FOR A BIRTHDAY

Birthdays come around every year and are the perfect opportunity to give a gift that a special someone will truly appreciate. For those who love to host garden parties in the summer – these gin & tonic glasses are a new addition to the Essence series. Combine them with a bottle of gin and a book of cocktail recipes so the recipient can really wow their guests next time the sun is shining.

Something for the home chef perhaps? Professional grade knives like these are a sure fire hit with those who love to cook. Combine with a bamboo chopping board and a mini hamper full of their favourite spices for a well thought out creative gift idea that they are sure to love.

8. FOR A BABY SHOWER

Are you looking for a baby shower gift for soon to be parents who are lovers of all things Nordic? Look no further than Arabia’s Moomin collection.

Mini mugs to hang in the nursery along with the delightful Moomin figurines. Babies first cutlery set from Hackman adorned with the Moomin motifs, the package even turns into a photo frame for the parents to display a picture of the little one, how lovely is that?

Wrap the whole thing off with this gorgeously soft wool blanket from Iittala, perfect for keeping the little one warm on cold nights as they grow older and also looks effortlessly stylish hanging in the nursery.

Styling: Rebecca Sparling Photography: Elof Martinsson