10 Perfect Gift Ideas According to Brooklyn Designer Pat Kim

Everyone wants to give that really great gift: something nice but not too nice; simple but not without thought; intimate, but not weirdly so. For good advice on how to do that, we turned to a master of the artful and approachable, Brooklyn designer Pat Kim of Pat Kim Design.

Kim would know a thing or two about things that are well made. After graduating from Pratt Institute in 2009, he went on to collaborate with Areaware and Design Within Reach, among others, all while crafting his own delightful furnishings and decor at his studio in Red Hook. By exploring experimental methods and traditional craft, Kim creates hand-printed art pieces, kinetic brass sculptures, and other objects of beauty.

This year, we got the scoop on his picks for gifts that are so nice (but not too nice), you may just end up keeping them for yourself.

"I originally started making my Moire prints as gifts for friends and family. Made by inking and rolling a special hand-carved block, each print is handmade and expresses a unique gesture. Each Moire print is a one-of-a-kind impression and a one-of-a-kind gift."

"I’m a big fan of Snow Peak. They have a way of blending industrial processes and design with warmth and function. Their objects are meant for outdoor use, but are elegant enough for the everyday. I think this flask exemplifies all the things I love about them."

"These ornaments I designed for Areaware are a fun reflection of my broader studio practice, which focuses on material experimentation and traditional craft. They were born from little sketch models and form studies I keep at the studio. Having them around can spark inspiration and bring me joy, and I hope they can do the same for others."

"I love Chen and Kai’s work for their range; they can make super-experimental pieces with wild new materials and processes they develop themselves. They can also create finely engineered,  precision-machined objects like this pen."

"My friend Zach’s company Kettl works directly with producers in Japan to bring to the U.S. some of the finest teas available. Not only that, Kettl curates the full experience of tea drinking, purveying all the elements needed to best enjoy the teas. This includes ceramics, incense, and confections like this matcha chocolate, one of the best sweets I’ve had."

"I designed and made these limited-edition tree toppers for Design Within Reach as minimalist, sculptural additions to the holiday landscape. Each is handmade from maple, leather, and brass."

"The folks at Craighill always amaze me with their ability to make objects that are technically impressive and have a sense of wonder. I love their puzzles and I think they make the perfect gift for someone with restless hands or a person who needs a WFH distraction."

"You really can’t go wrong with the selection at Mohawk. They have a great eye not only for apparel, but for the home as well. I’m truly looking at Mohawk for my own holiday wish list, especially for accessories like these caps. (Hint hint to my wife.)"

"I never thought of myself as a robe guy until I was gifted one of these. I think that’s one element of a great gift—something you wouldn’t think to get yourself, but has now become a part of your everyday ritual."

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

More Gift Recommendations from Design Experts:

Home Goods Designer Ellen Van Dusen Tells Us What She’s Loving—and Gifting—This Year

Ethical Home Goods Entrepreneur Sara Berks Shares Her Must-Have Holiday Gifts