Thoughtful, practical, and beautifully curated ideas they'll actually use.
Shopping for an interior designer can feel intimidating — they know quality, they love great design, and they appreciate tools that help them bring ideas to life. But the good news? There are plenty of gifts that balance style, function, and creativity. Here’s a designer-approved holiday gift guide with ideas that range from budget-friendly stocking stuffers to luxe, splurge-worthy pieces.
1. Practical Tools They’ll Use Every Day
Bosch BLAZE 100-ft Laser Measure
A laser measure is essential for any designer doing site visits or planning layouts. The Bosch BLAZE is accurate, compact, and easy to use — a major upgrade from an old-school tape measure.
🔗 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-BLAZE-100-ft-Laser-Measure-GLM100-23/327669702
Klein Tools Compact Laser Distance Measure
A slightly smaller, super-portable option for quick, on-the-go measurements.
🔗 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Klein-Tools-Compact-Laser-Distance-Measure/5014351279
Keychain Tape Measure (Multiple Options)
Designers constantly need to measure things while out shopping — sofas, art, drawer clearances, rugs, lamps, you name it. A keychain tape measure is affordable, practical, and surprisingly beloved.
Choose your style:
- Toysmith Keychain Tape Measure — $3.99
🔗 https://www.toysmith.com/products/key-chain-tape-measure-48 - Milwaukee 6ft Keychain Tape Measure — $6.47
🔗 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-6-ft-Keychain-Compact-Tape-Measure-48-22-1706/331285375 - Personalized Etsy Option — $13.50+
🔗 https://www.etsy.com/listing/4329083412/personalized-tape-measure-keychain
2. Creative Tools for Sketching, Rendering & Notes
iPad Pencil Options (Great for Designers Who Sketch, Note-Take, or Render)
Designers love using iPads for floor plans, moodboards, digital sketches, client notes, and renderings. Pair an Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon with any iPad for the perfect creative kit.
- Apple Pencil (USB-C) — $79
🔗 https://www.apple.com/us/xc/product/MUWA3AM/A - Logitech Crayon — $56.99
🔗 https://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech-crayon-digital-pencil-for-apple-ipad-7th-gen-ipad-6th-gen-ipad-air-3-ipad-mini-5-silver/6343202.p - Apple Pencil Pro — $129
🔗 https://www.apple.com/us/xc/product/MX2D3AM/A
3. Perfect Gifts for Color-Obsessed Designers
Sherwin-Williams Color Snap Fan Deck
It’s basically a designer’s security blanket. A fan deck makes color comparisons and paint selection a breeze. Perfect for the designer who is constantly picking paint.
🔗 https://www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers/colorsnap-mobile/color-tools/color-fan-decks-and-color-files
Color Palette Inspiration Book
🔗 https://www.amazon.com/Colour-Inspirations-artists-combinations-inspirations
4. Cozy Home Gifts (That Double as Design Inspiration)
Anthropologie Mountain Skiers Embroidered Pillow
A fun, festive, design-forward accent pillow that adds character anywhere — a great gift for the designer who loves seasonal decor or a little whimsy.
🔗 https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/mountain-skiers-embroidered-pillow
West Elm Cozy Woven Pillow Cover (Budget-Friendly & Neutral!)
If you want something more affordable but still stylish, this woven pillow cover is perfect. It works in almost any room and adds soft texture without feeling too bold.
🔗 https://www.westelm.com/products/cozy-woven-pillow-cover-t8400
5. Gift of Inspiration: Magazine Subscription
Interior Design Magazine Subscription
A great way for designers to stay inspired and keep up with industry trends, case studies, new materials, and the latest in architecture and interiors.
🔗 https://magnolia.com/products/magnolia-journal-subscription
Wrap-Up: The Perfect Gift Mix
If you really want to spoil the designer in your life, pair one practical tool with one “designer treat.” For example:
- Laser measure + cozy pillow
- iPad pencil + color fan deck
- Keychain tape measure + magazine subscription
These combos feel thoughtful, personal, and useful — the trifecta of great gifting. Happy holiday shopping!
