Image courtesy of Forest Homes
The Lume table lamp by Forest Homes.

The 2023 i+s Editors’ Holiday Gift Guide

Dec. 19, 2023
It's back! Check out some of our editors' must-have gifts this holiday season, and come back throughout December for more.

After a few years on hiatus, our coveted compilation of holiday must-haves is back. We’ll be adding to the list each week throughout December as we lead up to the ringing in of 2024, but for now, take a look below at a few pieces each of our editors has at the top of their wish lists.

I’m a sucker for a classy piece of stemware—and these Esme blush wine glasses from West Elm totally fit the bill. Available in white, red and champagne versions, what makes them so special is the super subtle fluting around the cup. It adds a sensory element! These get two thumbs and a bottoms up from me.

- AnnMarie Martin, editor in chief

Courant’s leather catch-all and charging tray is sure to be a hit for the organizer in your life and an essential for the connected home (you may want more than one). The wireless valet allows you to organize your accessories and features three coils for quick charging, as well as a USB-A port for additional devices. You can even have it monogrammed for a touch of personalization.

- Robert Nieminen, chief content director

The Tom Dixon Elements Air Diffusers and Candles are one-of-a-kind with such a handsome design, color range and concept—representing all the elements with Air, Fire, Earth and Water editions of each. The air diffusers feature charcoal reeds. Get them all for a variety of scents from amber, musk and Cypriol oil in Fire to the watermelon and cedarwood in Water.

- AnnMarie Martin, editor in chief

The Tivoli Model One Bluetooth Radio looks like an object renowned (and quirky) filmmaker Wes Anderson may have hand selected for one of his iconic movie sets. This vintage, wooden cabinet with analog dials allows you to listen to music stored on your Bluetooth-enabled devices but features auxiliary inputs and outputs for the old-school wired experience as well.

- Robert Nieminen, chief content director

As a mom of a toddler, I never have enough hands to carry all of the toys, extra clothes, diapers and sippy cups, let alone my purse and phone. Luckily MomKindness created the Everyday CarryAll, a 2-bags-in-1, with 4-ways-to-wear for every day. It converts into a backpack and includes a removable clutch.

- Lauren Brant, editor

Do I drink enough water most days? No, and I’m sure I’m not alone. That’s why The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler 40 oz. by Stanley is a great holiday gift. The travel tumbler keeps your drink cold or hot for hours and fits in a vehicle’s cup holder, so you stay hydrated anywhere. Available in several colors.

- Lauren Brant, editor

To be clear: I’d take a Togo chair in any size, shape, color, fabric, etc. But Antoine Roset (ahem, I mean Santa), if you’re listening, one in the Togo Floraly pattern would pretty much make my decade. One of the original upholstery fabrics of the classic sofa from 1973 (happy 50th!) Floraly is 70s chic at its finest, in 100% cotton velvet no less. Swoon…

- AnnMarie Martin, editor in chief

Add a pop of color and sophistication to any attire with Bonheur Jewelry's Addison Huggie Hoop Set. These petite, snap-back earrings feature three rows of radiant aquamarine/royal blue Swarovski crystals (my son’s birthstone and favorite shade of blue) handset in durable, solid brass with rhodium, 18kt yellow gold or rose gold plating.

- Lauren Brant, editor

I do my fair share of business travel and am...let’s say particular about my packing habits. So, when I saw the Solgaard Carry-On Closet, it immediately earned a top spot on my holiday wish list. Don’t let its everyday luggage look fool you—its built-in shelving system and integrated USB charging port make it a must for the organizationally inclined.

- Robert Nieminen, chief content director

The Apple Watch is the perfect way to stay on top of it all without the major interface (and distraction from life quite frankly) that the iPhone requires, freeing your eyes up for the world. And now the cherry on top of that is the wovens-inspired bands from Hermès. This partnership is offering up a few different styles, but Santa again, if you’re listening, I’ll take one in this iconic fashion brand’s signature bright orange.

- AnnMarie Martin, editor in chief

I spend most of my days inside but find ways to connect with nature and support personal wellness. That’s why Forest Homes’ Lume Table Lamp made my holiday wish list. Locally sourced clay, reclaimed teak wood construction, and design cater to a calm space. And the 1.8m molded cable promotes clean indoor air—I'd say that's a win win.

- Lauren Brant, editor

This pick is a “two-fer”: one for the kid in you that still loves to play with LEGOs (admit it) and the other for your more refined, artistic sensibilities. Who would have thought van Gogh’s masterpiece could look so good as a molded, snap-together plastic canvas? Enjoy hours of fun assembling this 2,316-piece work of art.

- Robert Nieminen, chief content director
About the Author

Lauren Brant | Editor at BUILDINGS

Lauren Brant is the editor of BUILDINGS. Prior to joining Endeavor Business Media, she served as deputy news editor at a daily and editor of a weekly newspaper. She is an award-winning editor and writer.

About the Author

AnnMarie Martin | Editor-in-Chief

AnnMarie has been covering the commercial design space since 2005 and has been on the editorial staff at i+s since 2011. Her style and vision has helped the brand evolve into a thought leader in purpose-driven design and cultural movements shaping the way we live and work. She returned to the role of editor in chief at the start of 2023 and her journalism and fiction writing background have helped to craft bi-monthly issues that don’t just report the latest industry news, but tell a cohesive tale of some of the biggest topics facing designers today.

About the Author

Robert Nieminen | Chief Content Director

Robert Nieminen is the Chief Content Director of Architectural Products, BUILDINGS and i+s, sister publications of Smart Buildings Technology. He is an award-winning writer with more than 20 years of experience reporting on the architecture and design industry.

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