25 Gift Ideas For Architects (2025)
Curated, Clever, and Slightly Cheeky Gifts for the Design-Obsessed
As ever, we’ve curated a list of 25 worthwhile gifts full of delightful little details. Gifts that will boost your architect’s productivity, charm them with beauty, or simply make life a bit happier. Design is always sleek, function is always considered, and we’ve picked items to meet the needs of today: less stress, more enjoyment, a bit of self-care, and maybe even some travel.
Check 25 Gift Ideas For Architects (2023), 25 Gift Ideas For Architects (2024)
It’s worth mentioning: we genuinely love these products. No, we haven’t been bribed to include them — though, let’s be honest, we wouldn’t say no next year.
Without further ado, these are our favourite gifts of the moment for anyone who appreciates good design, whether naughty or nice…
(If you are the architect in question, now’s the time to share this with the right person.)
1. An Architectour Guide of London
The guide that elicits joy and wonder — two of the most delightful aspects of travelling. From London’s truest icons to the glitzy little secrets (hidden staircases, Brutalist buildings and architectural discoveries of a lifetime), this guide aims to make your London explorations as thrilling as falling in love for the first time. Plan your city outings with this guide and, if you want to build up to the experience, be informed that no images will spoil your visits; this book is only made of sketches.
Perfect for: the experienced traveller
Price: £50
Buy here ⇄
2. A travertine tissue box cover
Shall we acknowledge, once and for all, that architects carry a remarkable amount of emotional load? Whether it’s a client who ‘just had a small change’, a contractor who ‘didn’t see the drawing’, or a pollen count that personally attacks them every spring, tissues are practically part of the profession’s uniform. That’s why this stone-wrapped tissue box is more than a household object — it’s a monument to controlled chaos. A perfect balance of form and function, it turns every sneeze, meltdown, and existential design crisis into an aesthetically contained moment. If your dear architect has a life full of drama, allergies, or simply appreciates a well-detailed box, this is the chicest way to keep their emotions — and their tissues — in order.
Perfect for: the architects who have a lot of drama (or allergies) going on it their lives
Price: £275
Buy here ⇄
3. The ultimate architect’s set square and protractor
There’s a special comfort in instruments that feel familiar, weighty, and trustworthy. That’s why this solid brass set square and protractor isn’t just another addition to the toolbox — it’s a lifelong upgrade. Precise, substantial, and beautifully gleaming, they turn everyday drafting into a small ritual of craftsmanship. And let’s be honest: some of our best ideas appear not on site, but at our desks, sketching with the tools we know by heart. Consider this set a future heirloom — and a very elegant excuse to enjoy your job a little more every day.
Perfect for: the workaholic
Price: £8 each
Buy here ⇄
4. The architect’s daily matcha ceremony
Anything involving caffeine is practically a love language for architects — after all, very few can make it through deadlines, site visits, and surprise client calls without a steady stream of something caffeinated.
Matcha, however, is the architectural masterpiece of green teas: structured, refined, and quietly powerful. Packed with antioxidants and that magical amino acid L-theanine, it delivers caffeine in a calm, slow-release way. Translation? Focused energy without the caffeine jitters that make your hand shake mid-lineweight adjustment.
Perfect for: the caffeine addict
Price: £49.80
Buy here ⇄
5. A candle that makes winter bearable
We’ve tried our fair share of fancy candles — and while Feu de Bois remains the undisputed classic — we’ve recently found another one that’s genuinely worth the investment. This candle smells like a winter evening wrapped in a blanket. What makes it even better is the heritage behind it: Cereria Mollá has been handcrafting candles since 1899, surviving electric lighting, wars, and countless reinventions without losing its artisanal soul. Perhaps that’s why this one feels so comforting — there’s more than fragrance in it; there’s history.
In all honesty, December and January would be borderline unlivable without it.
Perfect for: The one whose heating never quite reaches the living room
Price: from £25
Buy here ⇄
6. An original sketch of a London building
Collecting architectural sketches can be as personal as collecting postcards — or, if you’re honest, a little more impressive at dinner parties. It all began with small souvenirs, but now many emerging collectors want something original, something they can hang on their walls. Each of our London sketches captures a single location, drawn by hand and available in only one copy — though all share the same size and style, in case you’re feeling ambitious enough to start a collection worthy of your very particular taste.
Perfect for: the emerging collectors
Price: From £40
Buy here ⇄
7. Architecture-inspired jewellery
We have to admit, we’ve splurged on countless statement earrings just because they caught our eye — but there’s a certain thrill in wearing jewelry that tells a story, a secret nod that only fellow architects will get. These earrings take inspiration from the sweeping curves and tiered design of a Greek amphitheater, turning iconic architecture into wearable art. The best part? They’re more than just earrings — they’re conversation starters, subtle masterpieces, and a little architectural ego boost all in one.
Perfect for: the vainest architect
Price: £150
Buy here ⇄
8. Commissioned site-specific sculpture or installation
Among the many ways to transform a space, commissioning a site-specific sculpture is perhaps the most personal. In this small act, your environment receives a piece made just for it, a subtle cue that something extraordinary belongs here. Considering scale, materials, and light reminds us to slow down and notice the space around us. Each element is designed to make the room feel intentional, inviting you — and anyone who enters — to pause and appreciate the art of place.
Perfect for: those who appreciate art that is as unique and intentional as the spaces they inhabit
Price: Depends
Begin here ⇄
9. A National Trust Membership
There are so many corners of the UK that are worth discovering — castles, historic houses, gardens, and even sites like Stonehenge. A National Trust membership opens the doors to these treasures, some of which you didn’t even know existed. This is one of the few gifts that has made it onto our list in previous years, and for good reason. If your dear architect has been working non-stop, or worse, hasn’t stepped outside much this year, this membership is a thoughtful nudge toward fresh air, inspiration, and a little well-earned wandering. Supporting the National Trust also means helping preserve these places for the future — so it’s a gift that’s generous in more ways than one.
Perfect for: the museum fan
Price: £96
Buy here ⇄
10. ‘Brutalist Interiors’ edited by Derek Lamberton
Successfully founded by building their own retail distribution network (we’ve been there too!), Blue Crow Media presents their new publication: Brutalist Interiors. By bringing hidden architecture to the page, this book goes beyond a simple coffee-table volume. Brutalist Interiors offers rare access to spaces that are otherwise almost impossible to visit, revealing the stark beauty and intricate details of some of the UK’s most iconic concrete buildings.
Perfect for: Brutalist fans
Price: £35
Buy here ⇄
11. Private architectural tour + VIP access
On the subject of Brutalism, there’s nothing quite like seeing these concrete masterpieces up close. This private architectural tour with VIP access takes you beyond the guidebook, letting you experience some of the UK’s most iconic buildings at full scale. Acclaimed by our fans (and, yes, approved by our mothers), the tour gives you rare insight into the design, details, and daring spirit of brutalist architecture. If you’re looking for inspiration — or just a good story to impress fellow architects — this is the way to experience it.
Perfect for: the explorers
Price: £250
Buy here ⇄
12. Vitra Eames wool blanket
Amongst the many ways to make a home feel instantly inviting, wrapping yourself in a Vitra Eames wool blanket might be the most luxurious. This is a crazy splurge, yes — but one that turns a simple moment of rest into an experience worth savoring. As you drape it over your shoulders, your body gets the subtle cue to slow down, to breathe, to pause. Its soft warmth reminds you that comfort can be intentional, and that sometimes, indulging in the finest things is exactly what makes winding down truly pleasant.
Perfect for: the architect who believes that even relaxation deserves a touch of luxury
Price: £379
Buy here ⇄
13. A smart lighting kit for home office
They say that everything looks different under the right light — and this is especially true with the Signe Gradient floor lamp from Philips Hue. Philips, founded in 1891 in the Netherlands as a small light bulb manufacturer, has been shaping how we illuminate our lives for over a century. The Signe Gradient lets you explore millions of colours, creating dynamic light scenes that can match your mood, your interior, or even the action on your TV. If your dear architect is finishing the year in need of inspiration — or just a little extra glow — this lamp promises to shed light on her work, her home, and perhaps even her problems.
Perfect for: the technology lover
Price: £211.99
Buy here ⇄
14. A Statue of Liberty LEGO
Modelling is a fun part of being an architect — unless, of course, you’ve been doing it all day long. That’s why building something different, without glue, lasers, or a stress-induced meltdown, can feel surprisingly refreshing. We’ll admit, LEGO has often served as a perfectly acceptable substitute for therapy, but in this case it’s simpler: we’re utterly obsessed with New York. Ahead of our new guide to the city, the Statue of Liberty LEGO set lets you recreate an iconic landmark brick by brick — proof that sometimes, the best way to explore architecture is with your hands, one colourful piece at a time.
Perfect for: the model experts
Price: £89.99
Buy here ⇄
15. An alabaster Tic Tac Toe
Why play a regular board game when you can indulge in a Tic Tac Toe set crafted from the finest materials? We’ve always thought of games as more than just pastimes — they’re aspirational objects. This set, with three-dimensional pieces carved from Volterra alabaster, turns a simple game into a sculptural experience. If you’re going to spend a moment of your life challenging friends or family, it might as well be with something truly exceptional.
Perfect for: the expensive classicist
Price: £1,318
Buy here ⇄
16. The Champagne Birthday Gift Box
Aging is inevitable, but celebrating it should be absolutely irresistible. The Champagne Birthday Gift Box from Fortnum & Mason makes sure of that. Pop the cork, spread the bubbles, and indulge in a selection of treats designed to make any birthday feel lavish — think red velvet and birthday cake teacakes that are impossible to resist. Birthdays are for splurging, for savoring the best, and for reminding yourself (and everyone else) that growing older is, if nothing else, worth celebrating in style.
Perfect for: the birthday girl/boy
Price: £100
Buy here ⇄
17. Tête a Tête Cup Set
And on the subject of birthdays and shared moments, why not make coffee time a little more enchanting? The Tête à Tête Cup Set looks like a single cup at first glance, but it cleverly hides two cups in one — perfect for existential conversations over a morning brew. With hand-painted artistry and a 12 cm saucer, this set blends functionality with design, turning a simple ritual into something delightfully whimsical. Dishwasher-safe and endlessly charming, it’s the sort of gift you might never buy for yourself — but will treasure forever when given.
Perfect for: the ceramic enthusiast
Price: £33.02
Buy here ⇄
18. Theragun Mini Plus
If your dear architect spends hours debating structural details or pondering unbuilt visions, they probably need less theorising and more relief. The Theragun Mini Plus is the ideal compact companion for easing sore muscles, loosening tension, and supporting faster recovery — all in a travel-size package. With three massage speeds, three heat settings, and built-in Bluetooth connectivity, it’s as smart as it is soothing. In short, it’s the perfect way to relax, recharge, and let go of all that architectural stress. Even if unbuilt skyscrapers make them dream, this little device will make them feel even better.
Perfect for: those who spend too much time in front of a computer
Price: £249
Buy here ⇄
19. A New York Google Map
On the subject of being less in your head and more in the world, why not explore architecture where it actually exists? Our architecture Google Map of New York helps you navigate the city’s most inspiring buildings, from iconic skyscrapers to hidden gems, without relying on guesswork or endless scrolling. Winter — or any season — feels more bearable when you have a plan to wander, discover, and experience spaces in real life.
Perfect for: the New York fan
Price: £15
Buy here ⇄
20. A A5 Refillable Luxury Journal
Why do we love notebooks so much? It’s a question all architects eventually get asked. The honest answer? There’s something deeply satisfying about a blank page — nothing said, nothing dictated, just endless possibilities. This A5 refillable luxury journal doesn’t contain that blank canvas; its protective cover guards the sketchbooks we fill with ideas, sketches, and inspirations while we travel. It’s a little shield for the thoughts, plans, and memories we create on the move — keeping them safe while we make them.
Perfect for: the urban sketcher
Price: £95
Buy here ⇄
21. Compact, kid-friendly drafting table art station
You can tell our kids are growing — now they want to be involved in everything, including sketching our upcoming New York Guide. This convertible learning tower makes it possible (without chaos taking over). In seconds, it transforms from tower to table: unclip, fold, reclip, and voilà — your little one is part of family life. Snacks, painting, helping in the kitchen — they can do it all comfortably thanks to the ergonomic recess. And the best: it’s easy to wipe clean after the inevitable mess that happens after turning curiosity into quality time.
Perfect for: the young architects in the making
Price: £129
Buy here ⇄
22. Laguiole bottle opener
In vino veritas — one of life’s simplest pleasures. We like to think we’ve mastered the drinking part (the making may come later), and there’s nothing worse than struggling with a bottle when the anticipation is half the fun. Some wines are too special to wrestle with a flimsy corkscrew, which is why the Laguiole bottle opener feels like a revelation. Expertly crafted, it glides through corks with ease, turning the simple act of opening a bottle into a moment of ceremony. Because the best wines deserve to be enjoyed without fuss — and sometimes, a little elegance makes all the difference.
Perfect for: the wine lover
Price: £239
Buy here ⇄
23. Non-alcoholic sparkling Rosé
We’re indeed getting older, and your dear architect doesn’t need alcohol — or hangovers — to enjoy life. But sometimes, a good glass of wine is about more than the drink; it’s about the ritual, the pause, the quiet support at the end of a long day. This luxury non-alcoholic wine brings all the elegance and sophistication of the real thing, without the consequences, letting you savour the taste, the glass in your hand, and the moment itself. If life — or architecture — has been particularly demanding, this is the perfect way to toast it all, with style and a clear head.
Perfect for: those who no longer tolerate alcohol
Price: £29.99
Buy here ⇄
24. Weekend stay in a unique architectural space
And we couldn’t resist this one. Architecture is beautiful in all its forms, even — or especially — when it’s bold and unusual. But let’s be honest, the chances of you owning a Futuro capsule from the 1960s are slim. So here’s your chance: a weekend stay in this iconic piece of architecture, tucked on the banks of a lake in Somerset, surrounded by ancient woodland. Hear the nightingales, spot the deer, and let yourself be transported back to the era of daring design. It’s not just a stay — it’s a small piece of architectural history that you can live in, if only for a few magical days.
Perfect for: the well-traveled architect
Price: From £300 per night, based on two adults sharing
Buy here ⇄
25. A yoga retreat
Rest — the naughtiest, most forbidden dream of architects. Let’s be honest: your dear architect has absolutely everything, yet somehow can’t stop overthinking, overplanning, or overdesigning. A yoga retreat is the one gift that might actually make her chill the f*ck down. Guided breathing, gentle movement, and a little time away from blueprints and deadlines — it’s all designed to help her relax, recharge, and maybe even remember what it feels like not to be in control of every corner of the world. Warning: she may take this relaxation very seriously… but hey, at least she’ll come back calmer, happier, and maybe even a little wiser.
Perfect for: the stressed architect
Price: From £695
Browse here ⇄
Shopping for demanding, perfectionist, and delightfully opinionated architects should always be fun. We hope this list has inspired you and filled you with ideas for the perfect gift. If you’re around London during the festive season, make sure to check our London Guide or book one of our tours.
And now… let’s bring on the cookies and milk! Ho Ho Ho! 🎅🏼🎄