Christmas Gift Ideas: Tips for Giving Home Decor Items

Do you like the idea of giving a friend something pretty to display in her home? As an Interior Design graduate, I would love to choose something fun for everyone who has a birthday, gets married or celebrates the holidays. However, I find it incredibly difficult to do so. Either the recipient already has too many things, or I cannot figure out what he or she would appreciate most.

Usually, I stick to buying home decor items for myself, although there are a few do's and don'ts you can use as guidelines in choosing decorative gifts for someone special.

Don't:

Add to clutter. Don't give decor items to someone unless you know they regularly switch up their decorations. Otherwise, it could end up contributing to clutter problem, especially in a home that already has too much.

Think small. Avoid giving small decorative pieces to someone who already has too many. Again, they often blend together to look like clutter.

Attempt change. Don't give someone a home decor item just because you think their personal decorating style is lacking. There's a good chance they will not like it, and it will not fit in with the rest of their decorating style.

Decorate for strangers. Avoid giving decor you have chosen to someone you don't know very well. Unless they have recently registered for a particular item, you probably don't know their tastes well enough to decorate their home.

Do:

Blend in. Although the gift doesn't necessarily have to "match" the recipient's decor, do make sure it will blend in with the overall scheme.

Personalize it. Are you an artist? Give your own artwork only to friends you are sure will appreciate the gesture--and actually display it, rather than putting in storage to collect dust.

Make it meaningful. Frame a favorite photo, whether it is an old family piece or just a snapshot of you two. If it is old, have it professionally retouched so the recipient will be proud to hang it on the walls.

Listen for hints. If your friend has recently mentioned or pointed a particular item she would love to own, keep it in mind--as long as it will fit well with her current decor.

The general rule of thumb is to avoid giving home decor items as Christmas gifts. However, there are certain instances in which doing so would be acceptable. Use the provided do's and don'ts as guidelines and, most of all, use your best judgment.

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