Creative Direction, Motion & Design: Mark Baker-Sanchez of BakerSanchez, Inc.

It’s that time of year again! What are you excited to give to your design-loving loved ones this year? What are you secretly hoping someone will pick out for you? Make your list and check it twice then read on for some gift suggestions from the SPD Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and SPD HQ!

2026 Gift Guide

One of the best gifts you can give this year, but we may be biased! A membership is the gift that keeps on giving. With happy hours and virtual talks and events, your happy recipient will be reminded of your generosity throughout the year. When you give an SPD membership you are not only supporting the premier professional organization of publication design, but inspiring the friend, colleague, or student you are sharing it with.

SPD Merch

→ Get yours here! $15–$50

This holiday season, give a little creativity with SPD merch. From design-inspired apparel to everyday essentials, each piece celebrates editorial design and visual storytelling while supporting our community shaping visual culture.

In the image: Josie Norton x SPD Lasso Denim Hat ($30), Logo Mug with Color Inside ($15), SPD x Brian Lutz Pencil Oversized Faded T-Shirt ($28)

Sulwhasoo 3-Step Routine

→ Available here: Oil / Foam / Serum. $167

“This product trio (Gentle Cleansing Oil, Gentle Cleansing Foam, First Care Activating Serum VI) is formulated with herbal ingredients that have consistently given me healthier, clear skin with zero irritation. Hydrated. Glowing. Face card does not decline.“ — Mark Baker-Sanchez, Founder and Creative Director, BakerSanchez, Inc.

The Creative Call by Andrea Pippins

→ Available here. $26

“It’s a great book to inspire creativity.“ — Dian Holton, Art Director, AARP, AARP The Magazine, TheGirlfriend.com, Sistersletter.com, AARPEthel.com.

Traveler's Notebook

→ Available here. $60

“For designers, the Traveler’s Notebook is the perfect place to keep all those sketches, ideas, references, and random bursts of inspiration together—while looking pretty damn good itself.” — Alice Morgan, Senior Design Director, Her Campus Media.

Ohto Horizon Needlepoint Pen

→ Available here. $14

“It delivers a super-fine line, offers perfect ink flow, and looks good too!“ — Chelsea Mamerow, Creative Director, Milwaukee Magazine.

OXOX Club x studio playground Everyday Uniform Utility Play Bag

→ Available here. $52

“My life is organized chaos, and this product helps me organize that chaos just a little bit better. I stumbled across this unique tool belt a while ago and immediately thought it would make the perfect gift for any designer on the go. It keeps all your tools and essentials within reach while you’re working; practical, a little unexpected, and genuinely useful.” — Alice Morgan, Senior Design Director, Her Campus Media.

Wacom One 14

→ Available here. $299.99

“Many creatives use Wacom products! The Wacom One gives you the option of using a touch screen device within the brand of products that they carry!“ — Rashida Morgan-Brown, Creative Director, Rashidasdesigns.com.

Blackwing Cigar Box (Set of 48 Pencils)

→ Available here. $125

“I use Blackwing pencils for every illustration. They’re by far the best-quality pencils around, and this new set of 48 is a great deal!” — Brian Lutz, Illustrator and Adjunct Professor, University of Hartford.

Lume Cube Edge Light Go

→ Available here. $199

“This lamp has been my favorite as a creative since grabbing it! It's a portable lamp that has light warmth and brightness, a pad to charge your phone, and a timer. It's amazing for the creative in your life that can't sit still, or is multitasking and needs a good light.” — Nicole Motta, Freelance AD, Curator & Visual Editor. Founder of Fresh Mercado.

Ekua Ceramics Tissue Box Cover

→ Link to purchase. $200

“It’s an everyday essential, elevated into sculptural chrome.” — Dian Holton, Art Director, AARP, AARP The Magazine, TheGirlfriend.com, Sistersletter.com, AARPEthel.com.

Acupuncture and Wellness with GAMCHO

→ Available here. From $180

“For designers especially, managing the aches and pains that come with aging and a job that requires sitting for hours on end is extremely important. Acupuncture is something I’ve found extremely useful and rewarding.” — Jen Wang, Design Director, Simon Element, Simon & Schuster.

HAY PC Portable Lamp

→ Available here. $115

“The HAY PC Portable Lamp is basically a tiny mood maker, playful by day and effortlessly cozy at night, with 95% post-consumer recycled plastic to make it even better.” — Inma Hortas, Illustrator, inloho.com.

Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13‑inch (M5) - US English - White

→ Available here. $349

“I like the option of using the touch screen on the iPad as well as having the traditional keyboard and mouse. Add the Apple Pencil and mouse and it's another option for creating while on set, in the office, or while traveling!” — Rashida Morgan-Brown, Creative Director, Rashidasdesigns.com.

Riso Art Print, Wit and Co.

→ Available here. $20

“I love her clean, retro style and playful color combinations.“ — Chelsea Mamerow, Creative Director, Milwaukee Magazine.

Brick

→ Available here. $59

“Get off the apps, focus on the real world".” — Kojo Boateng, Creative Director, PBS NewsHour.

Lush Little Snow Fairy Magic Pack

→ Available here. $24

“Lush is pure joy. Their products always feel like little gifts with a personality of their own, and this Snow Fairy duo is like a little burst of candy-sweet magic for an ordinary day.” — Inma Hortas, Illustrator, inloho.com.

ChattyFeet Socks

→ Available here. $13

“These are fun, cotton-rich socks that give you a boost of inspiration from historical figures and fun characters.” — Keisha Dean, Executive Director, SPD.

Sonic Utlim Sma-Sta Wide Mobile Standing Case

→ Available here. $26

“These organizers have been my go-to everyday to throw in a tote or in my bags. They have a snappable function that lets it sit up right and allow you to use it while on the go or even while traveling as a stand. I love these so much!” — Nicole Motta, Freelance AD, Curator & Visual Editor. Founder of Fresh Mercado.

MUJI Cat Sticky Notes

→ Available here. $6.90

“These stickers are cute little gifts to tuck into Christmas stockings.” — Jen Wang, Design Director, Simon Element, Simon & Schuster.

Staub Round Enameled Cast Iron Tea Kettle

→ Available here. $250

“There’s something almost Bauhaus about this splurgy tea kettle—it’s attractive enough to leave out on the stove all the time.“ — Chelsea Mamerow, Creative Director, Milwaukee Magazine.

IDEA “Techno Is My Boyfriend” Hat

→ Available here. $60

“The fact that techno and I are in an exclusive relationship, and I want everyone to know.” — Kimberly Arias, Videographer & Designer for Social.

Inventory Press Tote Bag

→ Available here. $55

“It has pockets on pockets, which makes it my favorite tote bag for collecting all the things I need as a creative.” — Nicole Motta, Freelance AD, Curator & Visual Editor. Founder of Fresh Mercado.

Moft Trackable Wallet

→ Available here. $51

“It's a MagSafe wallet, stand, and wireless remote with Find My tracking. It's saved me minutes scrambling finding my phone, but also for selfies!” — Nicole Motta, Freelance AD, Curator & Visual Editor. Founder of Fresh Mercado.

LA Times Food Totes

→ Available here. $68

“I may be a bit partial, but I love these totes! Designed by LA Times staffers and produced in collaboration with Big Bud Press. Beautiful designs, locally made, and super useful!” — Faith Stafford, Senior Deputy Design Director, Los Angeles Times.

Forget Me Not Candle

→ Available here. $17–$39

“Woman-owned business, with an incredible scent and a clean, even burn.” — Kerri Sarembock, Art Director and Project Director, Project Design Company.

Diaspora Co. Masala Chai

→ Available here. $35

“I love the warm, flavorful spice blend of this chai from Diaspora Co. It’s a cozy afternoon treat that always sparks some joy. It may seem pricey, but one tin goes a long way.” — Jen Wang, Design Director, Simon Element, Simon & Schuster.

Still&Slow One Color Coloring Book

→ Available here. $25

“Designed for people who want to unwind without making one more decision today.” — Kerri Sarembock, Art Director and Project Director, Project Design Company.

Dagne Dover Daily Tote

→ Available here. $345

“This is the perfect tote for the career girlies that need a day-to-day bag that is spacious, functional, and very chic. Doubles as a great travel bag too.” — Mark Baker-Sanchez, Founder and Creative Director, BakerSanchez, Inc.

A Dictionary of Color Combinations Vol. 1 (Japanese Edition)

→ Available here. $24

“I always struggle with picking colors that marry well together, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to have it! It is such a handy little book that you can pick up, flick through and really helps you pair colors together.” — Alice Morgan, Senior Design Director, Her Campus Media.

2026 Gift Guide

Aura Frames

→ Available here. $149-499

“Digital frames in a variety of styles and sizes. The lucky recipient can upload their own images, but you can also preload with memories, or a collection of your art as part of the gift!” — Faith Stafford, Senior Deputy Design Director, Los Angeles Times.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

→ Available here. $42

“Cause my lip gloss is poppin’!” — Mark Baker-Sanchez, Founder and Creative Director, BakerSanchez, Inc.

Fussy Tropic Tonic Starter Pack

→ Available here. $20

“It actually works, smells so good, made with natural ingredients, perfect for everyday use, and refillable. Adore Fussy’s philosophy and it's brilliant packaging!” — Inma Hortas, Illustrator, inloho.com.

Crae Home Products

→ Available here. $10–$54

“Functional art for your home. Find the perfect pattern to match your personality.” — Kerri Sarembock, Art Director and Project Director, Project Design Company.

Pentel Arts Illustration Pro Kit: Chris Koehler Edition

→ Available here. $74.90

“This kit features the preferred tools of the incredible Illustrator, Chris Koehler. The kit also includes a print and tutorials. Great gift for anyone who loves to draw!” — Brian Lutz, Illustrator and Adjunct Professor, University of Hartford.

Ms. Jetsetter Jewelry Organizer

→ Available here. $30

“The perfect gift for the traveling fashionista. A must-have for a trip to NYC for the SPD Awards Party.” — Keisha Dean, Executive Director, SPD.

Grids

SPD's Holiday Gift Guide

It’s that time of year again! What are you excited to give to your design-loving loved ones this year? What are you secretly hoping someone will pick out for you? Make your list and check it twice then read on for some gift suggestions from the SPD Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and SPD HQ!

Still need some more shopping inspiration? Check out our past gift guides here!

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