There are two kinds of Christmas shoppers: those who start planning as early as November, organized list and brilliant ideas in tow; and those who leave it to the last minute, making a mad dash to their local stores and somehow still happening upon the perfect present. Whichever camp you’re in, we’re here to offer a helping hand. Calling on the family and friends of OKA for advice, we’ve curated the ultimate Christmas gift edit for a cast of different characters. From the Tastemaker to the Botanist, you’ll find the perfect present for your loved one below. And don’t forget about that all-important, unwritten rule of gift buying: one for them, one for you…

For the Entertainer

Sue wears a aran-knit polo neck sweater and blue jeans. She is sitting on a sofa, smiling at the camera and leaning on a rust-red patterned pillow.Sue wears a aran-knit polo neck sweater and blue jeans. She is sitting on a sofa, smiling at the camera and leaning on a rust-red patterned pillow.

Admit it: the best type of present is the one you also get to enjoy. For the host with the most, a gift that allows them to keep on giving will delight more than just the recipient. As someone whose home is regularly filled with family and friends, OKA’s Co-Founder and Creative Director Sue Jones knows better than most what to buy the doting entertainer. “You can give people quite practical things that also look nice,” she says. “Ice buckets, glasses, candle holders, giant chargers, placemats and tablecloths are always good.” When buying something practical, think about quantity, Sue adds, so your gift can be enjoyed with any number of guests: “I don’t like to give just four napkins; I like to give plenty.”

Sue's Picks

For the Wild at Heart

Friends to all of Mother Nature’s creatures, those with a wild streak are best at home in the great outdoors, where their passion for the planet knows no bounds. “We’re known as the trickiest to buy for, as there is nothing worse than getting a nature lover a wasteful gift they don’t need, love or will really use,” says Kelly Eastwood, Founder of British fashion and lifestyle blog The London Chatter and an active campaigner for wildlife and environmental projects in Kenya, where she grew up. Her tip is to look for something that can be “treasured for years to come”—a beautiful rug that could become a new family heirloom; fabric napkins to replace single-use alternatives or ornaments in motifs that appeal to their passion for the outside world. Look for tones, textures and patterns inspired by the environment—such as animal prints or neutral colors—to truly tap into their wild side.

thelondonchatter.com

Kelly Eastwood wears a silk khaki slip dress. She is holding a blue and white china tea cup and saucer, and is looking away from the camera at a giraffe that is standing directly behind her. Kelly Eastwood wears a silk khaki slip dress. She is holding a blue and white china tea cup and saucer, and is looking away from the camera at a giraffe that is standing directly behind her.

Kelly's Picks

For the Design Lover

Benjamin Reynaert wears a grey jumper and blue shirt over dark blue jeans. He is sitting on a stool and smiling at the camera. Behind him is a yellow wall featuring a gallery wall of artwork.Benjamin Reynaert wears a grey jumper and blue shirt over dark blue jeans. He is sitting on a stool and smiling at the camera. Behind him is a yellow wall featuring a gallery wall of artwork.

If they know their Bauhaus from their Brutalism, seek a gift that sparks their designer’s eye. “It’s always so challenging to find the perfect gift for that super discerning design lover in your Iife,” says Benjamin Reynaert, New York-based Contributing Editor of Domino Magazine and Creative Director of Interior Define. “I turn to unique shops like OKA, which is brimming with stand-out treasures and whimsical decorative objects that I know any interior design-savvy friend would love.” Look for a statement ornament or candle holder that will be at home among their eclectic collection; desk accessories in zany prints to bring their study to life; or sleek and simple vases that will blend in with their interiors—whatever their style.

aspoonfulofbenjamin.com

Benjamin's Picks

For the Tastemaker

Is there anyone more difficult to buy for than the person who’s always one step ahead of everyone else? Instead of trying to keep up with them and the latest trends, look for a gift that will never go out of style. Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison, Founders of trendy London-based catering company Tart London and its sister restaurant Wild by Tart, suggest seeking classic designs that will stand the test of time. “We love buying gifts at Christmastime that we know our friends and family will treasure,” Jemima says. “Our go-to is always beautiful pieces for the home; statement homeware and décor that they will cherish and display on a shelf or mantelpiece.” Think beautiful dinnerware sets in perennial prints, elegant glassware and ornaments that will be enjoyed and loved for generations.

tart-london.com

Jemima Jones wears an all black outfit, standing next to Lucy Carr-Ellison who is wearing a white T-shirt, black trousers and a mustard velvet blazer. They are standing with one hand on their hips and posing at the camera.Jemima Jones wears an all black outfit, standing next to Lucy Carr-Ellison who is wearing a white T-shirt, black trousers and a mustard velvet blazer. They are standing with one hand on their hips and posing at the camera.

Jemima's Picks

For the Botanist

Natalie Howard wearing a black T-Shirt and smiling as she arranges from red and green flowers in a vaseNatalie Howard wearing a black T-Shirt and smiling as she arranges from red and green flowers in a vase

For those never far from a pair of wellington boots and a trowel, a gift inspired by the garden will guarantee a green thumb’s up. To bring the natural world inside, Natalie Howard, the Assistant Manager and resident floristry expert in our Guildford store in the UK, suggests a bouquet of faux flowers with seasonal blooms—a grand gesture that can be enjoyed for many Christmases to come. “Our Faux Peony, Casa Blanca Lily and Cosmos Bunch is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to create an inviting and festive space within their home,” she explains. “It would look fabulous in a sitting room or as a centerpiece on a Christmas table.”

For a more subtle nod to their favorite passion, look for décor in nature-inspired silhouettes and colors. “Our Pinecone Candle Holder makes a great gift; it would look lovely on any dining table or mantelpiece,” Natalie says. “Alternatively, our Set of Eight Framed Woodland Leaf Prints is a wonderful gift for someone who enjoys spending their time outside; these prints really bring the outdoors in, helping to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.”

Natalie's Picks