28 Amazing Christmas Gifts For The Designer In Your Life

2020 has been one hell of a year—and that’s potentially the understatement of the year, too. So, everyone is looking forward to the season. But what to get for the designer in your life?

We asked our Design Teachers at Shillington what’s made it on to their lists this year and put together this gift guide to make your search easier. You can even steal some ideas for yourself—or just treat yourself.

From pins to scarfs and seeds, we’ve featured as many independent creatives and shops as we can think of so you’ll be giving back to the community as well.

1. Girls Who Design Pin

A simple but effective gift to kick things off. This enamel pin from Two Girls Co. is the perfect gift for the (designer) lady in your life to show off that she’s proud of what she does.

2. Crispin Finn 2021 Wall Calendar

The perfect way to get organised for the new year, this wall calendar from Margate-based designers Crispin Finn, in their trademark red, white and blue, is a perfect stocking filler.

3. Chemex Coffee Maker

Up your home coffee game! This design classic from 1941 not only looks incredible but also makes a delicious cup every single time.

4. Gallery Membership

It’s been a tough year for galleries and museums the world over so a membership to one of your favourites is the perfect present ‘cos you’ll see some amazing exhibitions but also be helping them out. You can get memberships for the Design Museum in London, MOMA in New York and the Art Gallery NSW in Sydney to name a few.

5. Snask Stay Pink Tote Bag

We’re all dreaming of a pink Christmas… This striking pink tote bag from 2020 Shillington Guest Lecturers, Snask, might just be our favourite accessory of the year.

6. Wacom Intuos Pro

Who doesn’t love a new gadget? The Wacum Intuos Pro lets you edit, illustrate or design straight onto your computer from start to finish.

7. Piccolo Seeds

Plant some seeds and start a new hobby for the new year! You’ll have some bumper crops in a few months’ time. And that packaging might even be worthy of a frame.

8. Do Book Co Book

New year, new you? The Do Book Co has books for beginners to pick up new, wholesome hobbies—from making sourdough to beekeeping and singing. Perfect for starting something new in 2021.

9. Candy Cane Pencil

This Candy Cane Pencil wins the award for thing you really don’t need, but also really want. A wonderfully festive addition to your desk that you can bring out every December.

10. Hey Scarf

Barcelona design studio Hey launched a new shop in the city’s old town. There’s loads of great merch but the designer in your life will be super thankful for this gorgeous scarf.

11. De Stijl Wall Clock

Produced to commemorate the centenary of Dutch art movement De Stijl, this wall clock will make an amazing centre piece in any room.

12. Coldbreaker Siberian Slippers

We’re serious about our cosiness. These slippers from Polish wool factory Alwero will make you feel—and look—like you’re walking round on clouds.

13. Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design by Theo Inglis

This book by British designer Theo Inglis takes an in-depth look at the distinctive aesthetic of mid-century modern design. A great dose of inspiration for any designer.

14. iPad Pro

Currently at the top of most designers’ must-have gadget list, the new iPad Pro is the best way to truly spoil any designer. Once this is in your hand, the possibilities are endless.

15. Corkframe

All designers know that tickets, business cards, flyers and other various paper emphera can be a great source of inspiration. Get a Corkframe and you’ll have somewhere just as eye catching to store them all.

16. Brownie Points for You Poster

Don’t have space for a home screen print studio? One of these amazing posters from Brownie Points For You, the brainchild of writer and artist Rinny Perkins, will certainly freshen up your wall.

17. Draplin Design Co. Wiener Dog Merch

Portland-based Aaron Draplin’s Draplin Design Co. has one of the best and most extensive merch lines we’ve seen in the industry. You’re definitely gonna want all of his Wiener Dog collection—which includes a hat, poster, patch and pin.

18. Poster Screen Printing Kit

This poster screen printing kit is the ultimate way to upgrade your home studio. Though it might not be the easiest thing to wrap up and put under the tree, it’s bound to be a lot of fun.

19. Globe x Pantone collaboration

Skater designers rejoice! Legendary Australian skate company Globe has teamed up with Pantone to release some decks in Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue, their Colour of the Year 2020. Will look as great on the wall as they will grinding.

20. Lex Pott for HAY candles

Dutch designer Lex Pott has teamed up with Danish homewares company HAY for a series of colourful, sculptural candles that will bring any bookshelf, sideboard or coffee table to live. And bring in a bit of light on dark winter evenings.

21. IKEA Bucket Hat

Yes, you read that right, Swedish furniture giant IKEA are making bucket hats now. Made out of the same material at their iconic Frakta carrier bags, the bucket hats will protect your head from both the sun and rain.

22. SONY Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Any designer will tell you that when you’re truly in the zone, then you’ve gotta get rid of all distractions. These noise cancelling headphones from Sony are perfect for escaping into your own world, whether commuting, designing or exercising.

23. Kinto Workout Bottle

Work out and stand out. This workout bottle from Japanese brand Kinto (who also make some beautiful portable tumblers) will have you looking stylish on even the sweatiest of workouts.

24. Bauhaus 1919-1933: Workshops for Modernity

This mighty book on the mighty Bauhaus is the ideal addition to any designers’ shelf. With over 400 full-colour plates, its a fascinating exploration of the influential German school.

25. Colourful Backgammon Set

If you don’t know how to already, now is the time to learn how to play backgammon. This colourful set from Burke Decor will add a nice pop to your games nights—though we can’t guarantee it won’t cause any family arguments!

26. Custom Chain Stitch

Want to get something truly personal? San Francisco’s World Famous Original will chain stitch any name or word on to a bandana, patch or even a beret. Also perfect for starting your own club.

27. Keith Haring New York Bag

Want to take the king of ’80s New York to the shop with you? Look no further. This handy, pocketable tote bag features two of Keith Haring’s most quintessential Big Apple paintings.

28. Counter-Print Book Set

The big haul! This book set from stellar book shop and publishers Counter-Print contains all the books in their collection—including Counter-Print Packaging, Logos from Japan and more. Enough reading material for next year and probably longer!

Artwork by #ShilloLON Teacher Emma Tobin.