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11 Brilliant Artisanal Finds for Design-Savvy Holiday Gifting

From a luminous Light and Space–inspired side table to sturdy brass safeguards for beloved keepsakes

By Ryan Waddoups
Silver candelabras with white candles on a shelf, decorative artwork in the background.
Alga Candle Holders by Osanna Visconti. Photo: Courtesy of Osanna Visconti

Holiday giving takes on greater purpose when each gesture reflects careful workmanship and a clear point of view. This edit spotlights eleven objects that reveal how strong material ideas can elevate even the simplest exchange. 

Bronze metal geometric knob with a stepped circular design placed against a gray background.
Thalamos Keepsake by Christopher Boots. Photo: Matthew McQuiggan
Stacked green bowls with metallic chains draped over them, creating an artistic and textured display.
Thalamos Keepsake by Christopher Boots. Photo: Matthew McQuiggan

1. Christopher Boots | Thalamos Keepsake 

Collectors of pint-sized trinkets will delight in the Australian designer’s Art Deco–inspired safeguard of cast brass compartments, which cosset treasured objects in forest-green flocking.  

Silver jewelry set on a reflective square tray with rings and a chain necklace on a dark background.
Hug Tray by Kouros Maghsoudi. Photo: Courtesy of Kouros Maghsoudi

2. Kouros Maghsoudi | Hug Tray 

Made using hand-poured electroplated ceramic, this hedonistic accessory handsomely functions as an evening ashtray, jewelry catcher, party plate, or all of the above—what’s your pleasure? 

Set of three textured wooden cutting boards with colorful layered design and smooth, rounded edges.
Albura tray by Patricia Urquiola. Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Ghianda

3. Bottega Ghianda | Albura Tray by Patricia Urquiola 

Produced with Italian workshop Bottega Ghianda—a sister company to Promemoria—and the stalwart woodworker Alpi, this joyful tray trio pairs sinuous shapes with saturated brushstrokes to evoke passing time, like a tree’s rings. 

Brown picnic set with various compartments, including bottles, jars, and containers, laid out in an organized manner.
Poltrona Frau x Giobagnara Picnic Basket. Photo: Courtesy of Poltrona Frau and Giobagnara

4. Poltrona Frau x Giobagnara | Picnic Basket 

There’s no better way to envision champagne-soaked brunches in the park on warm spring days than this leather-clad picnic basket and the ultra-refined accessories housed within. 

Yellow drink in a transparent square glass, isolated on a white background.
Dark and Stormy Table by Rottet Collection. Photo: Courtesy of Rottet Collection
Yellow liquid in a clear, square container casting a shadow on a white surface.
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5. Rottet Collection | Dark and Stormy Table 

Don’t be fooled by the name—this luminous furnishing playfully combines clear and colorful resins to capture the Light and Space Movement’s meditative allure in one compact footprint. 

Silver candelabras with tall white candles on a dark wooden surface next to two stacked books against a framed picture.
Alga Candle Holders by Osanna Visconti. Photo: Courtesy of Osanna Visconti

6. Osanna Visconti | Alga Candle Holders  

Deftly employing the lost-wax casting technique, each of the esteemed Milanese metalworker’s one-of-a-kind holders cradles candles in sturdy arms fashioned to resemble sculpted stems.  

A weathered, rectangular metal sculpture with green and rust tones stands upright against a plain beige background.
Photo: Courtesy of Quarters
Decorative ceramic vase with a unique shape and floral pattern, set against a neutral background.
Photo: Courtesy of Quarters

7. Quarters | Horizontal Abstract Floral Rounded Vase 

Modernist motifs, ‘70s-inspired psychedelia, and beton-brut rigor curiously coalesce in this floral vase that Brooklyn ceramist Shane Gabier hand-fashioned with delightfully convex curves. 

Decorative gold olive branch sculpture placed on an open white box against a dark background
Laurus by Achille Salvagni. Photo: Courtesy of Achille Salvagni

8. Achille Salvagni | Laurus 

Store keepsakes in style with the debonair Roman’s parchment-lined box, which he crowned with a branch of gilded cast bronze laurel blooms in homage to Apollo, guardian of the arts. 

Turquoise ceramic table lamp with beige fabric shade on white background.
Peter Speliopoulos Ceramic Lamp. Photo: Courtesy of Commune Shop

9. Commune Shop | Peter Speliopoulos Ceramic Lamp 

The couturier-turned-designer’s fascination with geological textures finds lustrous expression in this hand-thrown ceramic lamp that he finishes with experimental, earthy glazes. 

Eclectic arrangement with plants, bottles, a tomato, broccoli, and a glass cloche on a table.
Domed Crystal Ashtray by Murmmr Photo: Courtesy of Murmmr

10. Murmmr | Domed Crystal Ashtray 

Produced with a Czech crystal house and finished by fifth-generation glassworks, the San Francisco design studio’s sculptural crystal ashtray may reignite your passion for “high design.” 

Modern table lamp with layered shades and slim base, softly glowing light, set on a flat surface with visible cord.
PH 3/2 Dusty Terracotta Table Lamp by Louis Poulsen. Photo: Courtesy of Louis Poulsen

11. Louis Poulsen | PH 3/2 Dusty Terracotta Table Lamp 

This terracotta update of Poul Henningsen’s icon casts a warm radiance that suits late-night reading. The layered glass shades soften the beam, lending bedside tableaux a graceful glow.