25 Gift Ideas For Architects (2024)

The magic of a great gift? It keeps charming long after the wrapping paper’s gone

Christmas is nearly upon us, and for architects, that means festive creativity in full swing — tree placement optimised, gift lists in our Moleskines, and the holiday agenda scheduled to perfection. Truly, what a pleasure. After all, isn’t there something magical about turning the ordinary into something beautifully designed? (And yes, adding a hint of Brutalism to the gingerbread house never hurts.)

As we do every year, we’ve assembled a list of 25 gift ideas that any architect will love. Each one’s packed with thoughtful details: gifts to boost productivity, bring a little beauty, or simply make life more delightful. Naturally, we’ve curated with an architect’s essentials in mind — think sharp design, clever function, and the current needs of our time: less stress, more fun, a bit of self-care, and perhaps a touch of travel.

It’s important to mention that we genuinely love these products and no, we haven’t been bribed to include them in this list (though we’ll happily agree to be corrupted next year).

Without further ado, these are, as of 2024, our favourite seasonal gifts for everyone who appreciates good design, naughty or nice…

(If you’re the architect on the receiving end, feel free to accidentally leave this list open for the right person to find.)

1. An Architectour Guide of London

Yes, this guide is like a love letter to London —it will have you swooning over the city’s hidden gems like a hopeless romantic on a first date. From London’s truest icons to the glitzy little secrets like hidden staircases, Brutalist buildings and architectural discoveries of a lifetime. Without a single glossy photo to spoil the mystery, this book serves only delightful, hand-drawn sketches — a perfect preview for your own eyes-only adventure. As we said, like falling in love for the first time.
Psssst, New York coming up soon in 2025.

Perfect for: the experienced traveller
Price: £50
Buy here ⇄

2. Blue-Light Blocking Glasses

That glorious moment you discovered that oversized glasses could disguise a sleepless night? Total game-changer for those brutal 8 a.m. calls (seriously, who decided anything important should happen before 9?). We’re obsessed with Jimmy Fairly’s blue-light blocking glasses — they not only save your eyes but also look effortlessly cool with a black turtleneck.

Perfect for: the one that always looks great on Teams
Price: From £135
Buy here ⇄

3. A Premium Handmade Leather Tube

Can we just admit it — despite living in the digital age, we’re still head over heels for paper? There’s something about plans, sketches and hand notes that perfectly balance form and function, in an eternal, almost timeless way. So, if your favorite architect has invested a fortune in printed plans or architectural materials (a.k.a. entered the seasoned, ‘mature architect’ phase), this could be the ideal solution to keep everything beautifully organised.

Perfect for: the paper lover
Price: From £166
Buy here ⇄

4. A Portable Projector

The fact that most contracts are won with a PPT no longer raises an eyebrow. When you spot an architect lugging around a computer, a leather tube, and even a wooden model, you can’t help but wonder if she’s managing alright. Spoiler: she’s not. But since the goal is to make an impression and sell the project, why not pile on a little more weight with a portable projector (don’t panic, it’s only 0.8kg)? It delivers cinematic performance and integrated sound. After all, sometimes all you need is a little drama — preferably on a screen, not your back.

Perfect for: the PPT expert
Price: £599
Buy here ⇄

5. A black and white mug

Some architects say their ideas are as sharp as their pencils — we prefer to keep it simple: our coffee is as dark as our souls. If you’ve ever seen an architect clutching their cup like it’s the only thing keeping their sanity intact, you’ll know what we mean. This sleek black-and-white mug is perfect for those who take their caffeine as seriously as their designs. Whether you’re sketching out plans or just trying to make it through another endless meeting, this mug will keep you fuelled. Most good designs start with a great cup.

Perfect for: the architect who’s always powered by coffee
Price: £19.99
Buy here ⇄

6. A Modernist Weekly Planner

Why settle for an ordinary planner when you can have an architectural masterpiece on each page? We’ve always thought of calendars as an aspirational thing: it’s a 12-month canvas for your wildest dreams, hard-earned achievements, and powerful ambitions. So, if you’re going to spend the year glancing at your 2025 vision, make it more inspiring, get a Modernist one!

Perfect for: Captain Calendar
Price: £28.5
Buy here ⇄

7. Laser Distance Measurer

Working with your own tools is a true blessing — some architects still carry their trusty tape measure from day one. The comfort of relying on familiar gear makes it well worth splashing out on a few new, precision upgrades. This digital laser measure, accurate up to 25 metres, is just the ticket for making your job easier (and slightly less stressful with bigger distances). OK, it might look like you’re about to turn the oven on, but don’t worry — it’s just your new secret weapon for measuring with style. After all, why settle for a tape measure when you could be measuring like a futuristic wizard?

Perfect for: the Precisionist (with capital P)
Price: £60
Buy here ⇄

8. Wooden Desk Drawer

With the home office truly becoming a thing, it’s the perfect time to improve your workspace. Enter the LEGO drawer for adults — a practical yet fun addition to your desk setup. It’s not just a place to stash your stuff; it’s a conversation piece. Picture adding a touch of personality to your space while keeping your pens, papers, and that coffee-stained napkin neatly tucked away. And while we all know the best ideas often strike in the shower, this drawer will at least help you tackle the everyday clutter in between those flashes of genius.

Perfect for: the playful architect (who works from home)
Price: £105
Buy here ⇄

9. New York Skyline Chess

We’ll admit it — we have a chessboard in the office that gets more admiration than actual use. If you’re the type to stare at your chessboard with pride (but secretly more interested in the buildings than the game), you’ll adore this New York edition. It’s got the Big Apple’s finest, with highlights from pages 22, 103, 117, 127 and 195 of our upcoming New York guide. And if you’re really into architecture and fancy a proper splurge, why not treat yourself to the £1,500 bronze version too? After all, who says you can’t play a game and build your collection at the same time?

Perfect for: the checkmate architect
Price: £195
Buy here ⇄

10. Yayoi Toesama Socks

Our Leg Corbusier socks from last year were such a hit, they’ve made a triumphant return to the list. Whether you’re lounging at home in comfort or using them as the perfect conversation starter at a house party, these socks are sure to raise a smile. Yes, they’ll keep your toes toasty, but they’ll also have you chuckling at how stylishly warm your feet can be. After all, who knew art could be this cosy and amusing?

Perfect for: those who go to house parties
Price: £9
Buy here ⇄

11. High-Resolution 3D Printer

After a lifetime of regular printing, why not dive into a 3D experience — if only to feel the slight pang of disappointment when it turns out 3D printing isn’t quite the sci-fi miracle you hoped for. But if you’re still curious, there are a few models worth a try, from the high-end Bambu Lab P1P to the more budget-friendly Creality Ender-3 V3 SE. Both are surprisingly speedy (because if regular printing feels slow, try it with X, Y, and Z angles thrown in), and they don’t hog too much space (at least, in theory). Still keen? Here’s a list of designs you could print if you fancy giving it a go.

Perfect for: the architect who is over ink
Price: £399
Buy here ⇄

12. Ergonomic Kneeling Chair

Owning an ergonomic kneeling chair — the cheekiest of dreams for the design-obsessed (though they may be slightly embarrassed to admit it)! If your dear architect has everything except perfect spinal alignment, this might just be the thing to make them truly happy. Honestly, they may never openly confess to using it, but rest assured, their poor back will thank you. This chair might just be the best thing that ever happened to them — or at least to their lower lumbar!

Perfect for: the one that (still) works from home
Price: £299.99
Buy here ⇄

13. Couples’ Sketching Kit

We can’t imagine anything wilder than living with one mad architect — now picture having two under the same roof! But if that’s your reality, here’s a gift they can actually enjoy together. Sketching can be a wonderfully calming activity for two, whether they’re doodling from the comfort of home or venturing out for a spot of urban sketching. There are plenty of sketchbooks to choose from, but we love this handmade one on Etsy. After all, it’s always lovely to support a small business.

Perfect for: the architect couple
Price: £56,67 (times two)
Buy here ⇄

14. An original sketch

Besides hoarding everything architecture-related, your beloved architect might also be dipping their toes into the world of art collecting. It all started with postcards and posters, but now they’re ready for the real deal. Why not kick off their collection with one of our original London drawings? Each location is a one-of-a-kind piece, making it exclusive, but the best part? They’re all the same size, so they’ll look absolutely fab hanging together — because who says you can’t curate your space like a gallery, one sketch at a time?

Perfect for: the emerging art collector
Price: From £70
Buy here ⇄

15. An outstanding living room speaker

When design meets performance, magic happens. The Beosound Balance isn’t just a speaker; it’s a statement. This gorgeous-looking device isn’t just a pretty face — it’s a powerhouse of sound that’ll transform any room, whether you’re hosting a party or just pretending to be in a music video clip while cooking dinner. With its stunning design (go on, check the photo again) and smashing acoustics, this speaker proves that beautiful objects can do more than just look good. They can make your life sound really good, too. Because let’s be honest, if music is the answer, a speaker that’s as much a piece of art as it is a sound system is the ultimate life goal.

Perfect for: the form and function guardian of the house
Price: £2,699
Buy here ⇄

16. Mini Architects: 20 projects inspired by the great architects

Looking for a way to get your little ones thinking like architects without the risk of them turning the living room into a Lego skyscraper or drawing all over the walls? Mini Architects is the perfect solution. Packed with 20 fun projects inspired by some of the world’s greatest architects, this book lets children explore design, creativity, and problem-solving in a hands-on, imaginative way. With colourful illustrations and kid-friendly instructions, it’s a joy to flip through, whether they’re constructing with craft supplies or just dreaming up their next great idea. Who knows? The next Zaha Hadid could be sketching in crayon at your kitchen table!

Perfect for: the mini architect of the house
Price: £12.99
Buy here ⇄

17. Coffee for a good cause: Mujeres de Colombia — Women led project

Know any architects who don’t like coffee? No, neither do we. Anything coffee-related is a surefire win, especially when it’s as thoughtful as this women-led speciality coffee. There’s something almost meditative about the ritual: the slow pour, the grinding of beans, the aroma filling the kitchen while mentally drafting the day’s plans. It’s one of life’s purest joys (second only to the elusive thrill of using AutoCAD for a full day without any fatal errors). We’ve tried this one specifically and thought it was amazing, but they have more varieties.

Perfect for: the coffee addict
Price: From £11.99
Buy here ⇄

18. Nakagin Capsule Tower wooden block set

We’ll confess — we’ve got this Jenga set at home, and it’s our 8-month-old who uses it the most. But honestly? It’s just as fun as it looks. If you’re the sort who gazes at your (baby’s) toy collection with pride, you’ll love this vibrant edition. Not only is it a visual treat, but it’s also a masterclass in balance and strategy, cleverly disguised as a skyscraper, no prior expertise needed. Inspired by Tokyo’s Nakagin Capsule Tower — a true architectural icon — it’s celebrated for its influence and legacy, even after its demolition in 2022.

Perfect for: the playful architect (and their baby)
Price: £49
Buy here ⇄

19. A Brutalist Tour of London

This increasingly popular tour in London, hosted by Architectour, is certainly making an impression (according to our fans, but mainly to our mothers). If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration from some of the world’s most iconic concrete buildings, join one of our Brutalist Tours. Think of it like visiting an art gallery, but instead of paintings, you’re surrounded by solid, angular masterpieces that make you feel like you’re inside a Bond villain’s lair. Now that’s an impression worth having.

Perfect for: the concrete lovers
Price: £210
Buy here ⇄

20. Architecture-inspired jewelry

Alright, we’ll fess up: we’ve splurged on plenty of outrageous earrings simply because they were stunning. But there’s something especially delightful about wearing jewellery that carries a secret meaning — one that only fellow architects would spot. This brand takes inspiration from intricate buildings and their iconic floor plans, turning them into little wearable blueprints. And the best part? They don’t stop at earrings, so you can build an entire architectural accessory collection!

Perfect for: the vainest architect
Price: £67
Buy here ⇄

21. An inspiring list of female architects

Reading is one of the true joys of being an architect… but reading something truly inspiring — especially from an underrepresented group— can be a breath of fresh air. With 100 inspiring profiles, this book serves as both a powerful reference and a celebration of female talent, offering readers a new perspective and plenty of motivation for their own creative journeys. It’s not like women have ever had to fight for a seat at the architectural table… Oh, wait.

Perfect for: those who want to be inspired
Price: £50
Buy here ⇄

22. 3D Modeling Software Course

Architects who’ve spent seven years getting their degree tend to look down on rendering designers — mostly because they seem to make more money doing what architects wish they could. But let’s face it, ROI was never the point, was it? So, why not level up your skills? There are loads of courses out there, but SketchUp and 3D Max are a good place to start. After all, it’s all about making your vision look pretty, even if it doesn’t come with a hefty paycheck (*cries in broké*).

Perfect for: the eternal learner
Price: From £23
Buy here ⇄

23. Some gorgeous modular shelves

‘Order is the foundation of all things,’ and what better way to embody that than with a USM Haller shelf? This modular shelf might just be the pièce de résistance your architect never knew they needed, but now can’t possibly live without. Known for its minimalist design, elegant proportions, and the kind of flexibility that makes Ikea look like a DIY project, this shelf is the ultimate game-changer. It can be adapted, extended, and reconfigured to suit your ever-changing needs — or just to show off how much you’ve really got your life together. Sure, it might cost a small fortune, but when your architect’s been juggling deadlines and design crises all year, this sleek, customizable beauty might be just what they need to finish strong.

Perfect for: the expensive furniture enthusiast
Price: From £4,000
Buy here ⇄

24. High-Quality Yoga Mat

If your dear architect can’t stop waxing lyrical about Delirious New York by Koolhaas and spends far too much time daydreaming about all the unbuilt masterpieces, it might be time to swap the philosophy for a bit of movement. Enter the yoga mat — the perfect tool to stretch out those creative muscles (and we’re talking literal muscles here, not just the ones that come up with bold ideas). It’s ideal for unwinding after a long day of architectural angst, allowing your architect to breathe, bend, and shake off the stresses of modernism. Because, while Koolhaas may get them thinking, this yoga mat will get them moving — and that’s the real path to enlightenment.

Perfect for: the yogui
Price: This one is £95
Buy here ⇄

25. Weekend Stay in a Unique Architectural Space

As an architect, it’s truly infuriating to realise you’ll probably never live in the house of your dreams (thanks to those pesky zoning laws and unrealistic client briefs). But don’t despair — borrowing someone else’s bed for the weekend is the next best thing. AirBnB offers a treasure trove of design homes, including this beauty in Upstate New York by Steven Holl. There’s no shortage of stunning getaways to make your architect daydream of floor plans, light angles, and the endless possibility of one day owning the ultimate architectural masterpiece. Until then, just remember: it’s all about the experience — and pretending you’re the one who designed it.

Perfect for: the traveller
Price: This Steven Holl’s house in Rhinebeck (NYC) is £800 for two nights
Buy here ⇄

Shopping for picky, detail-obsessed architects can be a challenge — but we think it’s also a chance to get creative. Hopefully, this list has sparked some brilliant ideas, and you’re now feeling ready to tackle this Christmas shopping with a newfound sense of excitement (and maybe just a tiny bit of relief). 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! 🎅🏼🎄