Candles and scents

Buying candlesmay seem like an easy choice, but these designers suggest choosing very carefully: “Unless you have the best nose in the world, candles can be a hard gift,” says Schuster.

The key is finding a brand with truly appealing fragrances and striking containers for the candles.

O’Connor is a fan of Baobab Collection. The scents are “phenomenal,” she says, “and their containers are like artwork.”

Schuster says the same aboutMad et Len. “The nose behind this brand is incredible,” she says. The pricetag is high, but the fragrances are “so rich and earthy and incredible.”

The brand also offers scented crystals that make great gifts, Schuster says, because they scent a room nicely and also look great on display.

Museum stores and artsy treasures

“I always have good luck in museum shops when I’m looking for home-related gifts,” says Kirschner. “They always have really good home items, and they’re not crazy expensive.” She suggests stocking up when you see beautiful small items, so they’re readywhen you need a hostess gift.

Schuster agrees: On her travels, she likes to “pick up interesting vintage pieces along the way.”

People appreciate receiving a tiny piece of art or decorative item found while traveling “because it’s sentimental, it’s foreign, it has a story,” Schuster says, “and no one else has it.”

Art-focused gifts can be a great choice, says O’Connor. She often does small paintings as gifts for friends or she’ll give one of the acrylic trays she’s designed that include images from her past paintings. Along with her own art, this year she’s planning on giving friends copies of the new book by pop artist Ashley Longshore.

Alongwith buying art-related items, this year consider making your own creations, O’Connor says. Even if you’re not a working artist, she says, it can be lovely to give something you’ve made yourself. “I would rather have something that someone made,” she says, than store-bought gifts.

Edible gifts you love

O’Connor and Schuster suggest combining practical home items with edible treats to create a beautiful package. One example: A basket that includes a bottle of wine, nice cheese and good crackers can also include a beautiful wine stopper or cheese spreading knife.

During past holidays, O’Connor has given loaves of French brioche bread with a small bottle of local bourbon maple syrup and organic eggs from a local farmer’s market for friends to make French toast during the holidays. To add something permanent, you can include items like pretty dish towels.

Another edible items that’s also beautifully designed: Kirschner often gives chocolates from MarieBelle that have works of art on them. “People who have an appreciation of design love them,” she says. A six-piece gift box costs $23, and “it’s high-impact.”

“They’re beautiful and special,” Kirschner says, and leave the recipient feeling like you’ve treated them to something, “and yet not crazy amount of money.”