A St. Louis design enthusiast's gift guide

From chocolate croissant bread pudding to custom floral wreaths, coffee table books to colorful paintings, we've curated a collection of gifts in five fashionable categories.

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As we continue to cautiously venture out into the world, a longing to lavish gifts on our loved ones is in the air. What better way to impart joy this holiday season than to plan your gift giving while supporting local businesses? In our inaugural gift guide, we make it easy to shop local. 

Home Décor

Some of your fondest family memories are found on—and around—the Christmas tree. For an elegant and festive addition to your spruce this year, choose one (or more) hand-painted, wood ornaments designed by Rebecca Melander. Union Studio, $26 

Declutter tabletops and nightstands by corralling your objects into a colorful, woven basket. Or, consider giving a Souk Oval bowl to a friend whose keys seem to always go missing. Expedition Subsahara, $59

Lauren Knight is a painter, baker, and gardener extraordinaire whose artwork adds life, color, and pattern to any room in the home. Peruse the artist's Instagram feed to view samples of her work. Lauren Knight, prices available upon request 

Traditional holiday decor and color schemes aren’t for everyone. When shopping for a friend who appreciates unique gifts, choose to have a wreath customized with dried flowers, available in a range of hues. Flowers and Weeds, $55

Storing holiday decorations after the New Year can leave your home feeling dull. Cheer up your family table with a set of four scallop-trimmed napkins made of block-printed, 100-percent cotton. Rungolee, $52 

Books

Legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz’ latest coffee table book "Wonderland" showcases more than 350 of her best fashion images, some of which have never been published. Left Bank Books, $89.95

Architect Gale E. Henderson designed some of St. Louis’ most beautiful homes for a roster of clients that reads like a who’s who of local society and business. "Gale E. Henderson, A Prominent Architect (1890-1969)," written by Catherine Kerr, provides fascinating details about Henderson's life and work as well as stunning photography. Buy a signed copy of the book and meet the author on December 10 and 11, at Petals Patio & Garden, $157 

In this guide to designing wildly creative interiors, Justina Blakeney shares tips for turning your home into a free-spirited, deeply personal space. “Jungalow: Decorate Wild” also offers plenty of insight into how the author lives in her own home. Provisions STL, $40 

American novelist and St. Louis-native Jonathan Franzen’s “Crossroads” explores the lives of two generations of the Hildebrandt family, living in the fictional, small town of New Prospect, Illinois. To learn more about the book, read our write-up here. The Novel Neighbor, $30

Author Cameron Collins’ "Lost Treasures of St. Louis" celebrates the bygone places, events, and items that helped shape the city. The author revisits dancing to Ike and Tina at the Club Imperial, Bowling for Dollars at the Arena, catching a movie at Ronnie's Drive-In, and other pastimes. The Book House, $39.95

Food

Surprise your friend with the best home bar in town with a basket full of all the makings for a smooth and delicious Manhattan/old fashioned. Basket includes an assortment of Luxardo cherries, Still 630 Rally Point rye, Switchgrass bourbon, Carpano Red vermouth, orange bitters, sugar cubes, mixed nuts, and a chocolate bar. Custom baskets also available. Parker’s Table, $150

Every meal should be enjoyed around a welcoming table. This round dining table is available in walnut, cherry, oak, and ash. Finish it in hand-rubbed oil or satin lacquer. Pedestal base or legs can be customized in wood, steel, or aluminum. David Stine Furniture, prices available upon request 

For the sweet tooth in your life, give the gift of chocolate croissant bread pudding with a side of salted caramel sauce. Feeds six. Nathaniel Reid Bakery, $17.50

If your goal is to encourage a more earth-friendly lifestyle among your friend group, consider purchasing a gift certificate that entitles them to six months of composting services. Weekly pick-up available.  Perennial City STL, $20-$30

Count on the Perfect Paella Gift Set to help make your next party stand out from the others. The basket includes a 16-inch authentic Spanish paella pan and everything else you need to prepare this delightful Iberian dish. An Olive Ovation, $139.99 

Fashion & Beauty

Tell someone how much you love them with the Self Love Kit. Each pretty box contains a red lip tint, a hydrating toner, a pair of exfoliating soaps, and other beauty products. Scented with a blend of rose otto, palmarosa, and geranium rose. Soaplife 360, $65 

AUDRA’s first handbag is also part of the fashion brand's new upcycling concept. Cut in a limited edition, soft Wave Jacquard, the Sustain Jacquard Carry All Bag features a utilitarian vibe and a perfectly polished finish. Inside pocket and fully lined in Silk crepe de chine. Made in the U.S.A. AUDRA, $225

Add sparkle to your style with Aurora Bobby Pins. A set of two bedazzled pins is the finishing touch to your holiday party look. Lusso, $28

Keep warm this winter in a pair of American Lifestyle Women's Reign Wedge Hiking Boots. Choose from one of two fashion colors and pair them with both dressy and casual ensembles. Dr. Scholl's Shoes, $130 

Personalized chambray bloomers are the accessory of choice for the toddler set. Made from 100 percent cotton with white crocheted edges, each piece is stitched by hand on the company’s machines from the 1920s. Daily Disco, $22 

Family

Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a log cabin? Camp Mill Pond is an historic home dating back to 1835, and it’s available to rent. Located in St. Charles, MIssouri, the quaint two-story is lovingly maintained by its owners. Airbnb, $154/night 

Add more family fun to the holiday season by attending the Garden Glow, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s celebration of more than one million dazzling lights. Enjoy s’mores, festive drinks, and photo opportunities, too. Through January 8. Tickets required, $3-$20 

If your preference is to do rather than to buy, consider making a donation to St. Patrick Center, which assists St. Louis families in need. Your donation will go a long way in helping families celebrate Christmas this year. St. Patrick Center 

Challenge your loved ones to a round of St. Louis-Opoly: A Game Celebrating the Gateway to the West. Two to six players will enjoy a game full of riverboats, custard, and bridges. Ages 8 and up. Missouri History Museum, $24.95

A four-legged friend might just complete your family this holiday season. Review animal profiles online or fill out an online application to activate a team of matchmakers who will help pair you with the perfect pet. Stray Rescue of Saint Louis. $50-150

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