Magazine Inspire Me

Christmas gifts: design proposals to amaze

6 December 2021

From the sculpture lamp to the miniature, passing through the functional shelf and the rechargeable light, here is a selection of objects and accessories perfect for a special gift

A light that comes on in the eyes, a spontaneous smile, a truly heartfelt “thank you”. A well-chosen gift makes the difference because it tells the time spent looking for it, the thought and involvement of those who do it. Whether it is a gift to a loved one or a formal gesture, it is very important to choose carefully so that it remains in the heart. But the gifts to give at Christmas are often many and there is not always enough time for a specific and dedicated research. Design is a precious resource because it allows you to choose an object that is useful and beautiful at the same time, functional and iconic. Here are some examples of furnishings and accessories in balance between functionality and beauty, capable of arousing amazement and of fitting easily into any furnishing context, while having a strong personality. Gifts that will remain in the hearts and lives of those who live in the house.

Vis à Vis by Gregorio Facco for Mogg

It fulfills the function of the lamp but at the same time amazes and furnishes. The Vis à vis floor lamp designed by Gregorio Facco for Mogg surprises with its clearly sculptural profile but at the same time essential and discreet. The structure is in black painted solid wood with metal base, in the internal part of the profile there is the Led strip.

Flowerpot by Verner Panton for & Tradition

Verner Panton was a great design innovator of the 1900s. He freely experimented with forms, revolutionizing them, with an elegant and surprising unconventionality. The Flowerpot table lamp is an expression of his approach, which is why it looks like no other table lamp. Also interesting is the rechargeable version that can be moved according to the wishes of the moment.

Tetatet flûte by Davide Groppi

In terms of lights, a useful and surprising gift is the Tetatet flûte by Davide Groppi. It has a transparent stem and a magnetic fixing. In the upper part there is a rechargeable lithium battery and from here the lighting radiates. The effect is that of a light floating in space, the stem almost disappears. It is the modern interpretation of candlelight.

Juicy Salif XXL by Philippe Starck for Alessi

The iconic Juicy Salif juicer, designed in 1988 by Philippe Starck, becomes a sculpture and moves from the kitchen cupboard to the living room. Exaggerated and funny, it plays down but at the same time strengthens its communicative power and its identifiability.

Baleno by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Cassina

The Bouroullec brothers know how to mix functionality and imagination, rigor and lightness in their projects. An example of this is the Baleno shelf, designed for Cassina. Like a strong but light wave, it welcomes books and accessories and can be easily inserted into any room in the house.

Kuru by Philippe Malouin for Iittala

Organizing space with style is possible if you choose the right storage accessories. Receiving Kuru as a gift will certainly be pleasing: the collection consists of different sculptural elements, decorative and useful for containing all the small objects in order.

Bolt by La Chance

The brutalist inspiration of this stool is made current and graceful by the movement of its elements that seem to float held together by a ring. It is a sculpture but it is also a practical additional seat, comfortable and decorative at the same time.

Guframini Pink by Gufram

Guframini are the ideal gift for fans of radical design. This is a fun series of miniatures of Gufram’s most iconic creations: Bocca®, Cactus® and Pratone® drawn on a scale of 1 to 8. The miniatures are made of polyurethane, hand-finished and faithfully reproduce the original projects.