Becoming an expert gift-giver is easy when you know the secret: Listen to your loved ones. Pay attention to the hobbies they talk about, and the things they’re outspoken about— it’s these conversations that will make you think of them immediately whenever you see something they’d adore. And if you shop at Minted, the premier design marketplace of independent artists from all over the world, you don’t even have to rush around from store to store to find the perfect artisanal item for everyone on your list. But before you begin procuring, we’ve compiled a few tips about what can elevate a present so it’s a cut above the rest.
1. It’s Thoughtfully Chosen and Personalized
If your recipient loves correspondence, monogrammed stationery is as individualized as it gets — and there are plenty of designs to pick from, whether their personality is playful, sophisticated or otherwise and all can be customized with different fonts, colors, shapes, and card stocks. For example, this modern design calls to mind a ’70s-inspired rainbow comes in three colorways; this monogram is clean and classic; and this whimsical note set would be perfect for younger writers on your list.
Monogram Stationery by Lori Wemple
Minted Croconote Children’s Stationery by Gwen Bedat
2. There’s Sentiment Behind It
Don’t just leave all those priceless snapshots on your phone—instead, transform the forever memories into treasured keepsakes. This photo calendar is a lovely way to showcase a year’s worth of outings and milestones (you can even highlight important dates). This collage photo art, available in a choice of sizes and frames, is worthy of a place of honor on any wall, and this letterpress house portrait (made from a photo you provide) is a chic and thoughtful way to memorialize a loved one’s home or favorite building.
Serenity Photo Calendar by Sweta Modi
Custom House Letterpress Portrait
Forte Photo Collage by Kamala Nahas
3. It’s Pretty and Practical
We rarely think to upgrade the things we use every day, so what better way to treat someone than giving them an expertly designed version of a useful item? (This strategy also makes for great host or hostess gifts—the lucky recipient can break the present out right away for immediate use.) Some options from Minted include this durable, classic apron featuring a hand-drawn design and a personalized leather tag; these “Farmhouse” placemats with a quilting-inspired design, and this hand-cast concrete wine-bottle coaster.
Montauk Apron by Carolyn Nicks
Minted ”Farmhouse” Placemats by Julie Hebert
Natural Terrazzo Wine Bottle Coaster by Pretti Cool
4. It’s a Lovely Little Luxury
On the other hand, sometimes it’s fun to treat someone to an item they wouldn’t splurge on for themselves. This original framed landscape painting would qualify, as would this twisted taper-candle set made by an Italian family that’s been in the business since the 1800s, or this set of stemless goblets with a 24K gold rim (for an added touch pair with their favorite bottled of wine wrapped in a tea towel).
Minted The Windy Lake by Alison Jerry
Taper Candle Set by the Permantile Shop
Minted Siren Stemware in Misty Lilac by Cassandra Stearns
5. Finally, It Puts the “Present” in “Presentation”
What’s on the outside should be as beautiful as what’s within. So when wrapping your carefully selected presents, start with a classic paper to set the tone, like this festive luxe foil-pressed option with snowflakes. Then wrap it with a bow in a contrasting color, like this red-and-gold-stripe ribbon. For an added seasonal touch, place some dried flowers, holly berries or evergreen sprigs in the bow. Pro tip: for those traveling over the holidays, Minted offers a new durable and water-resistant wrapping paper that’s made from finely ground stone which can stand up to suitcases and car trunks.
Snow Flurries Wrapping Paper by Leah Bisch
Red & Gold Metallic Stripe Ribbon
