Kaisa Kaartinen, Marketing Assistant at Franckly, has picked some stylish gift products from Finnish Design Shop that will delight lovers of high-quality design — and that are at their best in everyday use.
Hi Kaisa! You founded The Ateljé fashion rental store this fall, in partnership with Mari Kekäle. What kind of reception did the new rental service get?
“A better one than I could ever have hoped! Our online store has already mailed packages to 16 towns and cities in Finland, and customers are becoming more and more enthusiastic about our Helsinki store. I am a customer service person to the core — I’ve received most joy from serving bold customers, who are trying out a new way of dressing and consuming for the first time. To be honest, I feel like all my Christmases have come at once.”
What's the best Christmas present you ever had?
“A few years ago, the man in my life gave me deerskin slippers from Bowhill & Elliot of England. They have a soft suede sole, which has had to be durable: on a couple of occasions, I’ve inadvertently ventured into Helsinki’s ‘sticky’ evening venues while still wearing the slippers. Despite what they’ve been through, I still use them every day: they are definitely one of the best gifts I have ever received.”
How are you going to spend Christmas this year?
“Taking the time and space to slow down is the key issue during Christmas. It’s about good food, plenty of sleep, tackling unread books, sauna and swimming.”
Kaisa Kaartinen's 5 Christmas gift picks:
1. For a friend who already has everything
“What’s more wonderful than snuggling under fresh and crisp bed linen after a long day? The neutral basic tones and charming pastel shades of Tekla's duvet covers and towels will delight even the most demanding of recipients.”
2. For my husband
“Designed by Richard Sapper, the sophisticated 9090 Espresso coffee maker is the perfect choice for slow weekend mornings, when one coffee just isn’t enough. The recipient likes the occasional sickly-sweet Café Cubano coffee.”
• Alessi's 9090 espresso coffee maker >
3. For a wine lover
“Designed by Aurelie Barbry, the Sky carafe is a beautiful utility item at its best. This gently curving, streamlined decanter is a stylish gift to accompany a rich red wine.”
4. For myself
“My spouse and I love spending time at home. Regardless of the time of day, it feels wonderful to wrap up in a soft and warm Terva bathrobe from Lapuan Kankurit. I love that this bathrobe has a hood!”
• Lapuan Kankurit's Terva bathrobe with hood >
5. For smaller recipients
“The Invisible Child is a heartrendingly touching story by Tove Jansson about how important it is to find yourself and be visible and accepted as you are. The same book, Tales from Moominvalley, also has lots of other stories that make perfect evening fairy tales.”
• Sort of Books' Tales from Moominvalley >
See also:
• More gift ideas at Finnish Design Shop >
• New arrivals at Franckly >
Edit: Design Stories Images: Manufacturers