For fabulous holiday gifts, consider giving gifts for the home – a thoughtful and more permanent way to express your appreciation for that person.
When buying home decor it’s important to buy things you love, but more important to consider those you’re buying for – their lifestyle, taste and personal style. Gifts for the home are special, because recipients always remember who gave it to them – so make it something they can enjoy or use forever.
Here are some of my top picks from our Bazaar del Mundo Shops’ collections, and from around town:
- A wonderful selection of hand-painted Mexican vintage style ceramic serving pieces by Gorky Gonzalez adds instant charm to any abode with their colorful flora and fauna designs.
- The gorgeous red Italian ceramic platter with a sculptured baroque decorative edge will be the highlight of any dinner table. For an extra special touch, arrange some freshly baked cookies on top and present with a bow. (pictured)
- Pier 1 and Cassidy Interiors in Solana Beach have beautiful candles and candleholders. For a simple and chic gift, place a group of candles in different sizes and colors on a tray; this can then be used as a centerpiece or an accessory for an entry table.
- For new homeowners, a wonderful gift is an eye-catching piece of folk-art to add a sophisticated and worldly feel to a room. You can find cultural treasures like Haitian hammered metal wall sculptures (made from recycled oil drums) in various designs and sizes, or reverse painted glass mirrors from Peru at the Bazaar del Mundo Shops. If you travel often, keep an eye out for interesting pieces at local shops and markets – one-of-a-kind gifts like this are truly special.
- Our collection of Guatemalan woven goods come as in all sorts of beautifully hand-made placemats, napkins and bags in vivid colors. And, each purchase helps to support the seven Guatamalan families from whom we buy our goods.
- Flowers are lovely gifts, but the problem is they’re short-lived. Instead, come and see the Bazaar’s faux cactus gardens and potted plants that look so real you’d think your eyes were deceiving you. These creatively convincing cacti and flowers in beautiful hand-made pots are hassle-free and the perfect way to add a green element to any room. If you want to give the real deal – Mission Hills Nursery has a fantastic collection of vibrant planter and potted gardens for the patio.
- Art glass is one of our mainstay gifts at the Bazaar del Mundo. With a variety of colors to choose from, they catch the light and create kaleidoscopes of color across any room – it’s delightful.
- This time of year there are a number of art and craft fairs as well as gallery and art open house sales that you can take advantage of to find truly unique home décor gift items.
- Finally, what I LOVE to do is find interesting containers, baskets or bags, such as the Bazaar del Mundo’s colorful recycled plastic candy wrapper-woven baskets from Nepal, and tuck into each, several small “common theme” gifts. Fill a large container or decorative bag with vibrant Guatemalan table linens, candles, a recipe book, and some hand-carved wooden serving utensils and bowl and exquisite glassware make the ideal gift for friends who like to play host or hostess.
Diane Powers is the Owner of Bazaar del Mundo Shops and an Interior Designer. Check out the goods at bazaardelmundo.com.
