2020 Koeppel Design Gift Guide
Posted on November 24 2020
This year the Koeppel Design holiday gift guide is centered around gifts and objects to help you feel good at home. My picks this year feature BIPOC founded, female founded, and sustainably-oriented small businesses in the US. As I reflect back on the purchases and discoveries I made this year, so much of what brought me joy were items that helped me feel good in uncertain times, while also spending so much time at home.
Like all small businesses, we depend on holiday sales- we spend most of the summer and fall preparing for the holiday period. I am so grateful to our customers who have supported us this year! If you’re able to buy gifts this season, consider focusing your purchases on small businesses like those featured here, and your favorites in your community that may need you. Amazon may be fast and really easy, but small businesses need support (much more than Amazon!) and we’ve been working hard in a very unpredictable year. If you can, shop early and shop directly from small businesses.
If you’re not shopping this year, you can still lend your support! You can write an online review, send a supportive email to the business you love, and boost their social media posts by liking, resharing and saving posts. “Saving” posts on Instagram is a super-like, and helps boost posts even more!
Linen Napkins, starting at $16, available in a variety of colors
Linoto in Westchester County in New York
A real napkin improves every meal, even if your meal is just oatmeal in the morning or a quick sandwich between meetings and calls at lunchtime. I bought a set of navy linen Linoto napkins this spring, and they are a daily part of our home routine. Simple pleasures really do make a difference when we’re all spending so much time at home. These large linen napkins wash beautifully as well!
Sunburst Art Block set, $124
Koeppel Design in San Francisco, California
The Sunburst Art Block Gift Set is a limited edition gift set. Included are two stylish and multi-purpose tabletop displays for a wide range of large and small format art, zines, records and prints. Keep one, or give them away as gifts, these versatile art displays are the perfect way to brighten any work-from-home space or living room.
5" Hardwood Candle Holder, $55 available in 3 hardwood options
Melanie Abrantes in Oakland, California
Help make someone’s table setting or living room a little cozier this winter with a beautifully crafted hardwood candle holder. Candle light makes even the dreariest winter days a little brighter. Choose a maple, walnut or Cherry hardwood candle holder.
Wake up & Fight Mask, 3 for $45
Hedley and Bennett in Los Angeles, California
A practical, but essential accessory for everyone you love: a well-fitting, protective face mask. A good mask is very loving and practical- and feeling safer will help you feel good. Masks save lives, and these masks by Hedley and Bennett are part of my daily uniform. For every mask purchased, this brand donates one and has donated over 350,000 so far. As a daily glasses wearer, I like the metal nose bridge to help keep my glasses from fogging, and the added protection of a pocket for a disposable filter. These masks wash well, and are adjustable for the perfect fit.
Baby Fringe Earrings, $125
Lingua Nigra in Chicago, Illinois
Jeweler Alicia Goodwin makes sculptural pieces that stand out! I first saw Lingua Nigra at a craft show here in San Francisco, and have been coveting earrings ever since. These Baby Fringe Earrings are my ideal- and will pop on any outfit, but will look best with a mask! Lingua Nigra ships worldwide.
Nogent Color Paring Knife, $10 in a variety of colors
Flotsam + Fork in Minneapolis, Minnesota
These cute and practical paring knives are imported by the Minneapolis couple behind Flotsam and Fork. Available in a few different colors, they’ll be easy to spot in kitchen and Browsing their selection of French and European home and kitchen imports online, it may be hard to choose just one perfect gift for the aspiring chef in your life. Flotsam + Fork offers free shipping on orders over $100, and free local pick up.
The JOMO Pillow, $68 available in a variety of colors
GDS Cloth Goods in San Leandro, California
For anyone on your list who is now spending hours sitting in front of their work laptop at home, why not send them a little cushion of support? These cute pillows are sustainably made using scrap from other products, and locally sourced wool. Great for back and bum support... the pampered housepets in your life might be tempted to take this over as their own!
Funny Greeting Cards, starting at $5.50
PapaLlama in Berkeley, California
For all your long distance pen pals, nothing beats a card in the mail that makes them snort with laughter. PapaLlama cards will do just that- make your missed-ones feel loved and full of laughter. I just stocked up on a bunch of colorful, funny, all-occasion cards from printmaker Risa, and you should too. A set of funny cards will make the perfect gift. She also makes stickers, face makes and other cute prints! PapaLlama ships everywhere!
Mommenpop BLOOD ORANGE Aperitif, $22
Mommenpop in Napa, California
One of my favorite aperitifs, made here in California. If you’re a fan of Campari or other bitter, herbal, bright, not-too-sweet cocktails, you may just love Mommenpop. This would make a great gift for cocktail drinkers who miss travel. Made in small batches by a small team, the label alone is pretty enough to keep on display in your bar! Flat rate shipping available online.
TALA mini earrings, $104 or $132 depending on metal
MGG Studio in Oakland, California
For your sister or best friend who spends a lot of time on video calls a cute pair of earrings! Not only do they look SPECTACULAR on zoom calls, they pair beautifully with sweatpants and a glass of whiskey. Available in silver or brass. MGG studio ships worldwide.
Gift Certificates, starting at $25
PostScript SF in San Francisco, California
I wandered into PostScript right before San Francisco’s shelter in place order started in early 2020. This new year-old shop has cards, home goods, art and puzzles for every design-focused sibling and friend on your holiday gift list. Running a retail shop during a pandemic isn’t easy, but owner Chandler has a great eye for objects to make you feel good and stay inspired. Postscript’s holiday shopping hours are updated frequently on their Instagram if you’d like to shop in person, otherwise take a peek at their online shop! Postscript offers, shipping, curbside pick up and limited local delivery. A gift card purchased online makes a great gift for any Bay Area folks you’re shopping for.
Potted Snake plant $15- $50 depending on size|
Your local garden center or nursery
For the record collector in your life, the Snake plant or Sansevieria might just be the one hifi accessory they haven’t yet picked up! Many indoor plants produce oxygen and purify the air by removing formaldehyde (hello, vinyl records) and other toxins. Aside from being a low maintenance plant that thrives with a little neglect, Snake Plant or Sansevieria is a great option for improving air quality at home (according to NASA research anyway). This plant looks good and will bring a little green cheer into that record room year-round.