Kelly Wearstler’s Top Gifting Tips

Ohana Magazine – Kelly Wearstler’s world is one filled with texture, color and the kind of creative curiosity that has defined her career for more than two decades. But behind her striking interiors and star-studded client list lies a softer, more intimate practice: her approach to gifting. Wearstler believes that a gift should reflect genuine care, which is why she draws inspiration from the same instinct that guides her artistic work the desire to discover something new that sparks emotion. From the Avalon Hotel transformation to collaborations in fashion, lighting and furniture, she has built a global following, yet still treats gift giving as an art rooted in personal connection. Her philosophy begins with a single question: what object, gesture or moment will make someone feel truly seen?

Why Personalization Matters in Every Gift She Gives

For Wearstler, the most meaningful gifts tend to be the most personal, which is why her favorite present is a necklace her husband gave her last year. It includes the initials of her three sons, her husband and herself, with a small star symbolizing protection. She wears it daily as a reminder of the people she loves most. This kind of emotional storytelling is central to her approach: a gift should carry a memory, not just fill a box. When she selects presents for friends or clients, she often seeks out objects crafted by artisans whose work feels soulful. Her guiding belief is simple but powerful a gift should enrich someone’s life, not add clutter. That intention shapes everything from the materials she chooses to the way she presents it.

Her Love for Handmade Pieces and the Art of Thoughtful Giving

Among the many gifts she has given, Wearstler holds a special fondness for hand-painted ceramic sets from The English Boys, a European artist she admires. She often commissions tea sets complete with cups, saucers, plates and a teapot each adorned with the names of the recipient’s family members. The gesture transforms a beautiful object into a keepsake, something to gather around for dessert or conversation. Her appreciation for handmade work stems from a lifelong respect for craftsmanship and the emotion behind it. Wearstler believes that art, whether a small ceramic dish or a framed photograph, remains one of the most memorable gifts. To her, the value lies not in scale or price, but in how sincerely it reflects the recipient’s life, space and personality.

Why Cozy Gifts Work for Almost Everyone

When gifting someone she doesn’t know well, Wearstler turns to a simple, universally beloved option: luxurious throws. Her own studio designs a range of them, and she says they always spark joy. People tell her they still use the ones she gave them years ago snuggling on the sofa, placing them at the foot of a bed or packing them for travel. Wearstler loves that throws offer warmth in both the literal and emotional sense. They wrap the recipient in comfort without requiring deep knowledge of their personal tastes. She believes that when a gift makes someone’s daily life softer or more peaceful, it succeeds. In her view, thoughtful gifting doesn’t require extravagance; it simply requires awareness of what brings comfort to another person.

The Beauty of Gifts That Cost Nothing at All

Wearstler’s philosophy also embraces gifts that come not from stores, but from the heart. She and her family create handmade cards for every holiday, a tradition she treasures. The act of crafting the paper, writing the notes and decorating the envelopes transforms something simple into something deeply personal. She believes a handwritten card can mean as much or even more than any purchased item. For her, the most meaningful gifts capture a moment of genuine connection. They show time, intention and care. Wearstler loves how this ritual has grown with her children, who now make their own cards alongside her. These creations become small archives of family history, preserving the emotion of each celebration through ink, paper and imagination.

Celebrating Traditions and the Moments That Bring People Together

Every year, Wearstler hosts a holiday gathering with her closest friends, an event filled with laughter, home-cooked dishes and reflections on the year gone by. A few of her friends are talented cooks, and their shared meals become a way to honor their bond. For Wearstler, these gatherings are a reminder that gifting extends far beyond objects. It includes shared time, warm spaces and conversations that strengthen relationships. She views the holiday season as an opportunity to pause and reconnect. Even in the midst of a fast-moving career, these traditions anchor her, offering clarity about the values she holds dear. To her, the essence of gifting lies in presence being with people, not just giving to them.