The Architect Behind The Wing’s Chic Workspaces Shares Her Favorite Gifts

With a focus on context-driven design, Alda Ly founded her namesake architecture and interior design firm, ALA, in 2017. From whimsical boutiques to setting the aesthetic vision for the women-focused coworking space The Wing, Alda brings a balance of play and practicality to everything she touches, including this gift list. Take a peek—we're positive you'll see something there for someone on your list or for yourself.

Looking for something else? Check out the rest of our holiday gift guides here.

"A beautiful French press that’s understated and timeless. Since it’s double-walled stainless steel, it keeps coffee and tea piping hot for hours on end. I’ve owned mine for about 20 years and it’s one of my go-to gifts for coffee lovers."

"Cookware should be both lovely to cook with and look at, and this Staub cocotte definitely fits the bill. The Cherry color is perfect for the holiday season. It’s great for making stews and braises now that we’re approaching colder weather. The four-quart size is a great workhorse—small enough for everyday cooking but big enough for roasts for two."

"Simple, minimal, and slim, this ladder hanger looks good in most environments and is great for managing all those winter scarves or displaying pretty blankets. We use it to organize clothing that’s in frequent rotation. Add some s-hooks and it doubles as light hanging storage as well. This ladder is great because it doesn’t require any tools to mount it to the wall—just lean it and use it!"

"We love supporting our fellow female makers and Seattle-based artist Cameron Bishop is one of the best of them. This beautiful little tumbler is the perfect way to enjoy a 3PM caffeine pick-me-up and makes a true ritual out of any moment. "

"It's not often we come across a tool that allows us to really shift how we do our creative work, but the Apple Pencil with an iPad really revolutionized how we work as architects and designers, especially remotely. From marking up drawings to quick sketches of new spaces, we use it daily."

"Even before the pandemic hit, we were all obsessed with this hand sanitizer in our office. It started with only one person using it and within a few weeks every one of us had our own personal bottle. It smells great, looks cool, and it’s going to class up your pandemic sanitation game."

"A water bottle that looks like a piece of art. Of course it comes from the mind of George Sowden, a co-founder of the Memphis Group. Keep it within your webcam’s view and we guarantee it’ll make your fellow Zoom call participants envious."

"Good lighting is key for your work-from-home setup and this classic Anglepoise desk lamp combines both form and function. The playful colors by Paul Smith remind us of warmer days."

Cover photo is of Parsley Health in West Hollywood, California photographed by Trevor Tondro.

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