15 perfect Christmas gifts for boutique travelling & interior design lovers

And here we are, it’s that time of the year again, the holiday season! Nobody is going to challenge me when I say 2020 has been a pretty weird year. Some might even say gloomy. Hence, some of you (me included) might find it tough to get into proper festive vibes and maybe panicking because unlike past years you haven’t started shopping for Christmas gifts yet. Fear no more, I’m here to help! I’ve put together a list of 15 perfect Christmas gifts for the boutique travelling and interior design lovers in your life.

Eager to find out more and start your holiday shopping?

I put this list together with one main idea in mind: support small businesses, either here in Switzerland or in Europe (to limit carbon footprint as much as possible).

There are so many small creators and boutiques I could recommend, but to avoid being overwhelming, I limited myself to 15 sleek and ethically sourced gifts.

This gift guide is organised into the following four categories to make shopping easier for you:

1. Handmade art

A personalised watercolour
This one is defo on my own Xmas list! The artist is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. She creates delicate and on demand portraits of your children, pet or beloved home. This is gift would be a poetic addition to your interior. Price depends on this size of your watercolour.

A quirky creation
Colourful, unique and very girly, these paintings will make a great addition to your interior! And like the previous item, I’m also ordering one of these 😉

2. DIY

A Kintsugi Kit
Promoting the idea of repairing over trashing, the art of Kintsugi comes from Japan. I love the idea of repairing what is broken, an intentional practice that teaches us to treasure what we have.

A Terrazzo Coaster Workshop Kit
Every design lover will know that Terrazzo is a strong décor trend currently. Thanks to this kit, you can add your own little touch of this pretty material to your interior in a terrazzo pattern of your choosing.

3. Experiences/clutter-free gifts

• Classes:

A DIY cleaning product class
This gift is for the lady in your life who is all about sustainability and zero waste.

A traditional Swiss paper cutout workshop
Available only in Switzerland but such a creative gift!

• Experiences

An escape amongst the trees or an escape by the lake
While travel might look different this year, you can still whisk your loved ones (or yourself) away to these unique rugged escape.

A subscription to Libro.fm
Libro.fm is an independent business and helps support local bookstores by making it possible for you to purchase audiobooks through them. Their monthly membership isn’t available outside of Canada or the US but you can opt for a limitless à la carte listening experience.

An interior styling session
You know someone who would love to change her interior but doesn’t know where to start? This interior designer/vintage lover will provide them with some tasteful and useful advice.

4. Décor/Interior design

A subscription to Ideat magazine
This gorgeous publication offers up inspiring articles about interior design, architecture and travelling.

A travel & décor coffee table book
Although Taschen is not a small business anymore (it started as one), I’ve included them in this guide as their company values still bear the same ethics than when the publishing house was founded 40 years ago.

Vintage lampshades
This gift is ideal for the person who loves to have a home décor that is unique.

Eco-friendly Haps cotton wraps
A natural alternative to tin foil, cling film, and sandwich paper, this gift is tailor-made for the zero-waste fanatic.

An elegant gift basket
You don’t want to limit yourself to one single gift? This themed gift basket is the perfect present.

A poetic light suspension
Another unique gift for the interior design aficionado. Locally designed and produced in the brand’s workshop in France.

I hope this guide will help you with your Christmas shopping. As it’s my first post of this kind, there is always room for improvement. Thus would love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.

Xx, E.