gift guide: kricken yaker’s finds for design devotees

{Editor’s Note: This year, I’ve asked a few of the people whose style I spend all year admiring to share their holiday wish lists. Stay tuned – we’ll have a new expert every day for the next two weeks!} design gift guide

I’d have to ask her (über-talented) husband to be sure, but I have a pretty good feeling that Kricken Yaker is one of those people on your gift list. The one who is so far ahead of the trends, she’s already over things you haven’t even heard about yet. The one whose house you walk into and spend the next hour trying to suppress the urge to Instagram every perfectly-styled bookshelf and expertly-hung art wall. In other words, the one you’re completely stumped by.

Luckily, Kricken isn’t just one of the most talented interior designers I know, she also has a gorgeous store – Vanillawood – stocked to the gills with exactly the kind of gifts you’ll need for people who are, well, a little intimidating. For the person on your list whose shelves are stacked with books by Kelly Wearstler and David Hicks, who knows her John Robshaw from her John Derian, and whose house rightfully belongs in the next issue of Dwell, trust me – Kricken’s guide is going to be a godsend.

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  1. Stephanie Johnson cosmetic bags are gorgeous, and make organizing your travel cosmetics, jewelry, iPad, etc. so easy to pack. Everyone needs these, so they’ll make a great gift for all the gals on my list. Stephanie Johnson Geneva pouch, $48 (more styles here)
  2. Champagne makes everything better. This brand is my favorite, and often comes in beautiful limited-edition packaging. A perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for person. Veuve Clicquot “Le Fridge”, $54.99
  3. I’m having an obsession with skulls lately, must be the influence of my three boys. This one takes the cake with the accent of the 14K gold grill. Perfect for my friends with a great sense of humor. Beetle and Flor porcelain deer skull, $300
  4. This would be for me, but only if I was really, really good this year. Burberry lambskin biker trench, $4,995
  5. This was one of the first finds I purchased for our store, and it’s been a staple every since. Who can’t use more good luck in their life? Since it comes in gold and silver, it fits anyone’s home décor. It’s a great coffee table topper displayed on books or by itself, and both men and women love it! This will be my hostess gift this year. Wishbone sculpture, from $40
  6. Hoorsenbuhs Jewelry by Robert Keith is definitely a splurge, but anything from this insanely hot jewelry line would be just fine with me. I have a few of their pieces and they are addictive! Also, their pieces for men and women are equally hot – my hubby wears his Hoorsenbuhs belt every day! Hoorsenbuhs jewelry, from $700
  7. Coffee table books are amazing gifts – there are so many beautiful ones to choose from and it’s easy to find one that matches the interests of anyone on your list. Not only are they gorgeous to look at, but they make for great décor in your living room. This is my go-to with those hard to shop for peeps on my list. It never goes wrong. This year, I have my eye on Tom Ford and Vogue Living: House, Gardens, People(more options here)
  8. The gift of pampering never fails, whether it’s a massage, mani/pedi or facial. But for me, having my hair blown out and styled is a true luxury. I’m miserable at styling my own hair, and when your hair looks fab, it makes everything better. In Portland I love to go to Blowout – I can sneak in at lunchtime, and the design in here rocks (a Vanillawood original, of course!). One for me, one for my besties. Blowout gift certificate, from $32 (outside Portland, Drybar is a great option.) 
  9. What girl doesn’t love shoes? These are a little edgier than your standard black pump, which makes me love them – and they’re a steal. Perfect for my sisters! Sole Society Des bootie, $70
  10. I love receiving and giving beauty products, because they always seem like the last thing we ever buy for ourselves. This hand cream is one of the yummiest I have ever found. This goes in my mom’s and mother-in-law’s stockings, and I think one might just end up in mine too. K. Hall Designs Egyptian jasmine hand cream, $20 (more fragrances here)
  11. I’m a cabernet girl, and this is one of my favorite reds. It’s full-bodied and creamy, and it doesn’t break the bank. I was introduced to it back in my days of waitressing in LA…a lifetime ago. This will go to my Dad – he’s impossible to shop for, and I cannot give him another tie. J. Lohr Vineyards Fireside Reds cabernet gift set, $75
  12. Inspired by exotic travels, any of these scents will make you swoon, but they don’t overtake the room, which is why I love them. Once you discover these, you will be hooked! They’re also perfect to keep around as a hostess gift – no wrapping required! Niven Morgan Destination candles, $30

Thank you so much, Kricken! For more gift ideas you won’t see anywhere else, check out Vanillawood (also, no sales tax!)

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