19 Mid Century Modern Gifts For Your Ultra-Mod Friend (2024)
Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Beth Martin
Welcome to the ultimate guide to mid-century modern gifting!
I’ve scoured the design world to bring you a wide selection of mid-century modern gifts for every occasion. From iconic furniture to sleek geometric decor, there’s something here for every discerning fan of retro style.
Whether you want to splurge or are looking for the perfect housewarming present, these gift ideas span diverse hobbies and budgets. So, let’s rewind back a few decades and discover the ideal present with mid-century modern charm!
What Are The Best Mid-Century Gift Ideas?
Here are my top gifts for everyone on your list:
- A Mod Birdhouse
- Charley Harper Puzzle
- Colorful Cocktail Glasses
- Nelson Ball Clock
- The Most Iconic Chair
- Vitra Miniatures
- Mid-Century Chair Enamel Pin
- Victrola Vinyl Record Player
- Geometric Coasters
- Dirty Martini Ornament
- Mid-Century Plant Stand
- Vintage Oasis Palm Springs Coloring Book.
- Rocket Cocktail Shaker
- LEGO A-Frame Cabin
- Smeg Coffee Machine
- Be Our Guest!
- Vitra Wooden Dolls
- House of Cards Collector’s Edition
- Mid-Century Chair Cards
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1. A Mod Birdhouse
Architecture fans can enjoy their mid-century aesthetics in a new way with this fun retro birdhouse. With tons of house designs, you can gift your friend’s favorite house style or find something to match their real home!
2. Charley Harper Puzzle
Charley Harper is one of the most prominent mid-century visual artists, and his animal puzzles are an excellent way to enjoy his playful art. Unveil all the little details in Harper’s work as you assemble the puzzle.
Many of his prints are available, and these puzzles are one of my favorite gifts to buy.
3. Colorful Cocktail Glasses
Cocktail culture was a staple of mid-century living, and these beautiful old-fashioned glasses might inspire some new recipes. This design has a timeless appeal that looks straight out of one of your favorite vintage shops, while the handmade quality will surely impress.
4. Nelson Ball Clock
George Nelson is one of the most famous mid-century furniture designers, and the Nelson Ball Clock is so much more than a functional timepiece. Its bold colors, distinctive ball-shaped markers, and sculptural form make it a standout piece in any room, and it is the perfect gift for any lover of mid-century modern design.
5. The Most Iconic Chair
Are you looking for something extra special?
If you want to surprise a friend with a present they will never forget, go with the most iconic piece of mid-century furniture – the Eames Lounge chair.
This chair is a huge splurge, but it’s a masterpiece of mid-century design and will surely be the ultimate showpiece for any furniture collector. If an authentic Herman Miller chair is too much, then a high-quality replica can still make an excellent gift for many lovers of retro furniture.
Check out my complete list of the best Eames chair replicas – or if the Womb chair is more your friend’s style, I have a guide for that, too!
6. Vitra Miniatures
Consider a Vitra miniature if a life-size piece of furniture is slightly out of your price range. These models are available for almost every designer chair you can imagine, but they are precisely one-sixth the size of the original without missing a detail.
This idea is an excellent gift for a new architecture school graduate or anyone who loves furniture design. Just be warned that the prices of this collection vary widely—the miniature Eames lounge chair is similar to the cost of a high-quality full-size replica!
7. Mid-Century Chair Enamel Pin
Looking for something a little more understated? Consider this classic Wassily enamel pin if your gift recipient loves mid-century furniture. The price is much more reasonable than an actual chair, and the design perfectly encapsulates the sleek lines of this mid-century icon.
Plus, you will still have money left over for a card!
8. Victrola Vinyl Record Player
The vintage aesthetics and the excellent sound make this Victrola vinyl record player a fantastic present for any mid-century enthusiast. With many fun retro colors, you will no doubt find the perfect option for your gift recipient.
And don’t worry – it’s also a Bluetooth speaker for their digital collection!
9. Geometric Coasters
Coasters make a great housewarming present, and this geometric option is perfect for anyone who loves mid-century design. Pair this set with a bottle of wine and be prepared to be invited back for the next party.
10. Dirty Martini Ornament
This stunning martini ornament will bring joy to any cocktail lover on your nice list! The vintage styling and sparkles will ensure a Merry Christmas!
11. Mid-Century Plant Stand
If your friend is also a plant lover, this mid-century-inspired plant stand will look lovely in any home. Pair this stand with a beautiful houseplant for the ultimate gift.
12. Vintage Oasis Palm Springs Coloring Book
The only thing more soothing than a coloring book is a Palm Springs coloring book! Give your favorite mid-century lover the gift of creativity, and let them fill each page with bold colors and patterns.
13. Rocket Cocktail Shaker
Jazz up your friend’s home decor with this space-age cocktail shaker. The design is a standout, meaning it will make those dirty martinis taste even better, right?
14. LEGO A-Frame Cabin
The A-frame home form is a mid-century classic, and this Lego set brings this to life for any kid at heart. This set has so much character it will encourage everyone to play.
I love the assortment of cute accessories and only wish this cozy vintage-style cabin was life-size!
15. Smeg Coffee Machine
This retro Smeg coffee maker will keep your favorite mid-century enthusiast caffeinated in style. The rounded shape and colorful options feel vintage, but don’t let that fool you. This machine has all the practical features you expect with your daily brew.
The entire Smeg collection will surely bring some color and joy to the kitchen of any recipient on your list.
16. Be Our Guest!
Gray Malin took over the Parker Palm Springs with animals, and the outcome is pure joy. Sometimes, the clean lines of mid-century modern can feel a little harsh and severe, but not with penguins and elephants in tow.
This whimsical book is a lovely bookshelf addition for architecture and animal lovers alike.
17. Vitra Wooden Dolls
If you are shopping for an art lover who likes whimsical and quirky design, look no further than the Vitra wooden dolls. Designed by Alexander Girard, these simple, folk art inspired dolls are classically mid-century but still feel completely fresh.
These hand-painted collectibles are cute, funny, stylish, and sure to put a smile on even the most serious art lovers’ faces.
18. House of Cards Collector’s Edition
Looking for a new game for game night? Eames enthusiasts will love to let their imaginations run wild with the House of Cards set designed by the prominent mid-century duo.
If this fun little set is good enough for MOMA, it’s perfect for a stocking stuffer, right?
19. Mid-Century Chair Cards
Anyone who loves mid-century home decor and furniture will love these stylish chair cards. You can gift the whole set or use these note cards to add character to gifts throughout the entire year.
Final Thoughts
This era in design continues to captivate hearts and homes with its sleek lines, geometric patterns, and retro colors. The world of mid-century design offers something for everyone, no matter your budget.
Whether you’re planning to gift a showstopper like an authentic Eames Lounge chair or something more practical like a stylish Victrola vinyl record player, these gifts celebrate a beloved era and add a touch of sophistication to any space.
I hope you feel inspired after seeing all these beautiful mid-century modern designs. If you found this guide helpful, check out my list of the best gifts for artists!
Cheers!
