AD’s Special Guest Editors Share Their Favorite Holiday Gifts

A safe bet for choosing a foolproof gift? Turn to some of the most imaginative people you know. AD asked eight influential design creatives what they’re gifting (and hoping to get!) this holiday season. Their dynamic visions and unique world-building ability make them the perfect guides to help us determine where and what to shop this year.

With the holidays being a time of reflection and renewal, we’ve also asked that they share some festive memories and how those might inform what they choose to give.

Shop by guest editor:

Jake Arnold | Carly Cushnie | Laila Gohar | Jenni Kayne | Laura Kim | Shannon Maldanado | Shea McGee | Brigette Romanek

Brigette Romanek

Interior designer to the stars—among them Beyoncé, Demi Moore, and Gwyneth Paltrow—Romanek got her start as a Hollywood-based handbag designer before discovering her knack for interiors. Her taste is elegant, elaborate, and exact, as are her gift picks.

Shea McGee

Shea McGee’s style is always infused with functionality. The Utah-based founder of Studio McGee has a home decor company, McGee & Co., that, in her words, “blends modern and rustic-chic of the Mountain West” with a focus on calming and personal design.

Photo: Lucy Call

Gifts under $250

In the search for the perfect gift under $250, we didn’t have to look far. Many of our editors’ favorite items make excellent presents—crisp Brooklinen sheets, a statement platter from Bordallo Pinheiro, or a delightful salt-and-pepper shaker set can all be found on the list.

Jake Arnold

AD100 designer and founder of The Expert, Jake Arnold approaches design with elevated comfort in mind. All show through in his many collaborations with brands like Lulu & Georgia, Parachute Home, and Crate & Barrel. It’s easy to see the same through line of considered luxury in Arnold’s holiday picks.

Photo: Elizabeth Carababas

Jenni Kayne

Exceptionally skilled at marrying the bohemian with the sophisticated, designer Jenni Kayne is known for her luxurious home and fashion items. Her eponymous California-based brand is defined by its cozy textiles—mohair, cashmere, shearling—and grounding color tones.

Photo: Jenna Saraco

Shannon Maldanado

The Philly-based founder of Yowie—a boutique hotel and super-popular online store—Shannon Maldonado works closely with independent labels, artists, and emerging designers to exhibit artwork and create bespoke objects. Her wishlist is just as whimsical as you’d expect.

Photo: Bre Furlong

Laila Gohar

Since 2020, Laila Gohar has been redefining eccentric design with things like salami candles, shirt tablecloths, and crocheted vegetables with her brand, cofounded with sister Nadia. She describes Gohar World as a “a tableware universe that embraces tradition, time, craft, and humor.” Laila’s picks are are a portal to the ethos of Gohar World.

Photo: Roe Ethridge

Carly Cushnie

New York–based creative director and fashion designer Carly Cushnie made her name crafting designs worn by Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and Ava DuVernay. Her furniture debut came this June with a Lulu & Georgia collection featuring textured and varied designs. Look to Cushnie for finds that are comfy, classic, and functional.

Photo courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

Laura Kim

The creative director of both Oscar de la Renta and Monse, Laura Kim recently launched a collaboration with Crate & Barrel featuring scalloped bowls, velvet fabrics, eyelet details, and plissé kitchenware. She’s pulled objects both luxurious and delicate for her holiday gift guide.

Kim and her partner, Linus Adolfsson, kick off their shoes in the living area of their Manhattan duplex. Photo: Trevor Tondro

Holiday Tabletop

Set your table with something extra special. This season, we’re leaning towards unconventional color palettes (hello forest browns and hot pinks) and shapes that delight.