With grandmillennial, we have a blending of two generations… our millennial culture meets the bygone era of our grandparents’ generation. It’s a term that was coined by House Beautiful editor Emma Bazilian in September 2019. Her article, that defined a subset of millennial culture who might have previously be labeled “granny chic,” struck a massive chord with the internet. It became a hugely popular story. And so now the term ‘grandmillennial’ is a household term. Like so many of you I’m sure, I personally can say that I read her story and thought, “Oh my gosh! That’s it! That’s me!”
In my mind, grandmillennials are a deeply nostalgic group with a vast appreciation for the past. And for the culture of our parents’ and grandparents’ generations. If a fabric would most likely be found as a table linen or a drapery, then I am most likely wearing it on my body in dress form. Our wedding china was the most exciting gift we received (step aside food processor!). I learned to needlepoint so I could finish some of my late grandmother’s unfinished works. To me, this is grandmillennial.
Gift Guide: Gifts for the Grandmillennial
As Emma’s article skyrocketed to internet fame, it spurred a spin-off story from One Kings Lane. In fact, a few of my lovely friends are featured in each article. In Emma’s story, my friend Nan Philip was quoted as saying “What I love about an old-school, layered—some might say cluttered—aesthetic is that it actually lets you show your personality. When someone walks into my apartment, I want them to get a sense of who I am. And what I collect and where I’ve traveled, not just that I’m on-trend”. To know Nan is to know that she has an undeniable enthusiasm for life that completely comes out through her grandmillennial style.
In the One Kings Lane story, my lovely friend Becky Nielsen noted that “Taking fringe, trim, chinoiserie, drapery, skirts on furniture, slipcovers, wallpaper—all of that–and updating them to be convenient for today’s 30-year-old” is what grandmillennial style is all about. Becky also has an impeccable eye as seen through her inspired interior design projects! Both Nan and Becky are incredibly kind and as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Which I think is part of what it means to be a grandmillennial.
So, with that long breakdown of grandmillennial culture, I hope you enjoy my Gift Guide: Gifts for the Grandmillennial below!
Gift Guide: Gifts for the Grandmillennial
01Herend Holiday Bunny
Nothing says Grandmillennial quite like a luxury hand-painted porcelain Herend bunny. In fact, a holiday bunny might be the most quintessential Grandmillennial Christmas gift! Our wedding China is Herend (as is my parents) so I’ve always been partial to the Hungarian porcelain company.
Grandmillenials are no stranger to John Derian decoupage pieces. If you’re new to John Derian, their decoupage is handmade in New York using reproduced imagery from John Derian’s vast collection of antique and vintage prints. John Derian also has an incredible selection of Christmas ornaments as well as an ever-changing assortment of vintage and antique imports, bed and table linens, stationery, plate-ware, lighting, and more… aka Grandmillennial paradise.
What a dreamy pitcher!? The colored glass is so stunning that I just can’t get enough of this beauty. It comes in 4 different colorways and would look gorgeous displayed in a kitchen and used on any table.
04Only on the Avenue Six Champagne Saucers With Stars Design
These delicately engraved star motif champagne glasses, will never go out of style and instantly elevate any ordinary evening. I personally love a champagne coup over a champagne flute so these check the box for me! The star motif reminds me of the twinkle glow of candles at a dinner party too.
The elegance of 1960s Palm Beach comes alive with this pale pink teapot done in collaboration with the estate of Dodie Thayer. What grandmillennial wouldn’t want to spend the winter drinking tea from this teapot?
Pair your lettuce ware teapot with these lovely cups and saucers. Grandmillennials love to entertain whether that be with large dinner parties or with one girlfriend for an evening cup of tea. These are beautiful to display on open kitchen shelving too.
These hand painted carafes and tumblers are absolutely beautiful. There are handfuls of differently painted motifs (florals, fruits, etc.). Each design is uniquely gorgeous and makes for such a special gift. The carafes and tumblers are lovely with water for a bedside table. They are hand painted in Great Britain but the company ships worldwide.
The Pippa Tumblers from The Ark Elements add the perfect dose of festive charm to any table. They are handblown in Italy, then small dots of colored glass are added to the surface; creating a glass that adds an element of gaiety to the day.
Gift this to your girlfriend who comes alive in the springtime! This cheerful tablecloth featuring this sweet mini gingham pattern in a beautiful shade of light blue is a gorgeous way to welcome to warm months ahead after the holidays.
This stunning ditsy floral print serving platter from Carolina Irving & Daughters is so special it feels like an antique piece I would treasure hunt for. It reminds me of a beyond era and is just so happy. Any grand millennial gal with a passion for hosting would love it.
Grandmillennials have an appreciation for the simple things in life. That’s why something as little as a tissue box can bring quite a bit of joy! These Madre x Liberty London exclusive tissue boxes are so adorable. They come in so many variations and can be monogrammed.
A lingerie bag is a perfect example of something I love to own and something I actually use (yup, every single time I travel!) but that I don’t want to spend money on myself. That’s why it makes for a perfect gift (my current one was a gift from my sister-in-law!). P.S. it can also double as a shoe bag.
Why have an ugly waste basket when you can have a beautiful block print one in your bathroom, office, or powder room? Berner & Co. has 12 different to die for patterns on their waste bins. So I’m confident you’ll find one that fits your space. As Berner & Co puts it, the waste basket was an afterthought but is now a leading lady!
Matouk makes the most luxurious bedding. We absolutely LOVE this Matouk bedding that we have in our master bedroom! Christmas is a wonderful time to gift a loved one bedding because it’s nice to start the year with a refresh.
Brighten up your bedroom with one of Wicklewood’s colorful, original, unique block printed quilts. Cozy up on winter nights and flip them over for a fresh new look when the seasons change (each is double sided!). All of Wicklewood’s quilt are so cheerful, I just can’t get enough. They are great to throw down for a little one on the floor or outside too
If you’re gifting a grandmillennial that you know really loves setting a table and/or entertaining, then a sure bet gift is a set of block print napkins! There is no easier way to add a pop of color to a table.
Are these not the most fabulous cocktail napkins you’ve ever seen? The pearl detail is truly so special. I could picture these in my grandma’s bar, my mom’s bar, or in mine! What a great holiday party hostess gift.
Rebecca Gardner’s highly curated shop, House & parties, is full of life and gifts for those who love to live life to its fullest! These kitschy paper cocktail napkins are perfection. There is most certainly a time and place for paper cocktail napkins. In case you are curious… A Dresser is a drink for primping. A Roadie is a drink for traveling (on foot). A Nightcap is the drink that you regret.
Edwin’s family does Christmas crackers every year on Christmas Eve, which is a tradition I just love! These love Christmas crackers from Skye McAlpine contain a cookie cutter and a special biscuit recipe from Skye, as well as a joke and a paper crown (of course). Don’t miss the beautiful velvet ribbon on them too!
Aren’t these the most playful candle holders? The pretty in pink palm candle holders add a touch of whimsy to any table. Gift these to the grandmillennial with an affinity for Palm Beach.
Does setting a holiday table spark joy for you? Then, you need these gorgeous hand painted taper candles. They would add such a touch of fun elegance to any Christmas table! I bought these for a special someone this holiday season!
These place mats scream grandmillennial because of their beautiful scalloped-like wave design. They are chic and versatile to use during impromptu and planned gatherings!
This set of four hand-woven coasters, in individual flower-inspired designs, has a lovely casual, organic appeal. These are ideal for everyday use or to bring a touch of coastal design to entertaining… a great grandmillennial stocking stuffer!
Spoiler alert, grandmillennials are wicker devotees. These wicker scalloped frames come in three different size options and are a sure bet when it comes to gifting. Did I mention how perfect the scalloped edges are?!
I love gifting experiential gifts or gifts that encourage memory making. This blue and white stripe picnic basket is just that! Gift this to the grandmillennial who would rather put together her own cheese board in a park then rely on someone else to do it.
The incredibly lovely and talented Riley Sheehey paints the mot beautiful botanical prints. I just love how whimsical they are. These would be stunning framed in an office, a powder room, bedroom, or really any room in the house!
We have an abigail J Studio landscape painting in our nursery and I simply adore everything about it. Abigail is so talented, I honestly think she could charge so much more for her work! This stunning portrait of a woman and her letters is beyond breathtaking.
Cedar Street Stationery is an incredible source for beautiful paper goods. They have notecards, notepads, place cards, and more! Grandmillennials understand the power of a handwritten note so this is a thoughtful gift.
In my opinion, this is a perfect gift! If you aren’t familiar with Inslee, then please trust me and give her a follow on Instagram (@inslee). She is an incredibly talented artist. Her calendar is sure to brighten any desk it graces in 2022.
Nine Fair was a happy Instagram discovery for me a few years ago. Edwin and I gifted our best friends a board as a wedding gift a few years ago and we also received a board for Christmas in 2018. I’m telling you, if you have a bit of a budget to spend on your favorite Grandmillennial, then this should be at the top of your list.
Grandmillennials love to add special touches whenever possible. So these playing cards are a wonderful stocking stuffer. Over The Moon has a handful of cheery decks of cards for destinations like Charleston and Nantucket. Pop these in a stocking!
I’m willing to bet a dollar that your grandmothers played either bridge or mahjong. I don’t know how to play either but it makes me sad that both are dying games as they brought a lot of joy to my grandparents. The Mahjong Line is setting out to bring Mahjong back with their beautiful hand painted tiles. What a splendid and fun gift!
Place cards but make them entertaining with these superlative “best” and “most likely to” cards. You could even fill them in but leave the names blank and turn it into some kind of dinner party game. A perfect grandmillennial stocking stuffer!
I fell in love with needlepoint canvases from Le Point Studio this past year and just adore how feminine and beautiful they are. I have this ‘Bonne Nuit’ canvas and can’t wait to tackle it in the new year. I would LOVE to receive any canvas from Le Point Studio as a holiday gift.
Lycette Designs is a Palm Beach based needlepoint shop run by fellow grandmillennial, Jessica. In true grandmillennial fashion, She named her shop after her great grandmother. Jessica has a super fun selection of needlepoint designs including a great selection of cheeky sayings!
Lydia Marie Elizabeth is an artist who has a handful of beautiful products (beyond her gorgeous original fine art). She has some lovely calendars but I really love her watercolor NYC puzzle. A few NYEs ago, I went skiing with a group of friends and we ended each day on the slopes with an hour of unwinding with a puzzle. So much fun so this is a great gift!
Grandmillennials love learning, have a real appreciation for culture and history’s effect on it, and find joy in sitting down with a beautiful magazine. That’s why gifting a southern grandmillennial a subscription to Garden & Gun magazine is a fantastic gift. I honestly think there isn’t a more well done magazine available now than Garden & Gun!
39The Well-Loved House: Creating Homes with Color, Comfort, and Drama
This beautiful coffee table book was released this fall and instantly shot to the top of my wish list! The book is the first from Elle Decor A-List decorator Ashley Whittaker. She shares the secrets of her colorful, pattern-filled classic rooms and so many stunning photos.
40Provence Style: Decorating with French Country Flair
I’ve never been to Provence – although I’d love to go! – so I’d like to add this coffee table book to our house so I can be transported to Provence anytime wanderlust strikes! It is an intimate tour of quintessential Provencal style, chic homes, and interior details, swoon.
I love The Stylish Life book series (there is also skiing, yachting, golf, and equestrian) so I definitely recommend one of these as a gift for a coffee table lover. They look fantastic on any shelf, built-in, or table.
42Living Floral: Entertaining and Decorating with Flowers Coffee Table Book
Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine, Margot Shaw, wrote this beautiful book for those who appreciate the beauty and everyday luxury of flowers. I had the great pleasure of meeting Margot at a book signing for Living Floral and really flipped for her eye, attention to detail, and expertise. This book is packed with gorgeous photography!
43Rattan: A World of Elegance and Charm Coffee Table Book
Grandmillennials love a good rattan accent or piece of furniture. So, this new coffee table book, dedicated to all things rattan, would fit in beautifully on any grandmillennial’s bedside table or living room built-in.
This is Mark Sikes’s second coffee table book, which received just as much fanfare as his first. I have it so I can tell you with absolute certainty, it is beautiful! The title of the book couldn’t be more fitting. Blue and white lovers in particular will devour it!
Nothing brightens a room like a bundle of fresh flowers. I love the idea of gifting someone you love a beautiful bouquet of the prettiest roses in the world (yes, Grace Rose Farm has the prettiest roses!). What’s not to love!? They have lots of different rose variations to choose from and they are affordable too!
A reader shared this with me and I thought it was so beautiful and so grandmillennial that I absolutely had to add it to my guide! Elegantly designed, the Hannah Bergen Heirloom Kit holds everything you will need to record and save your family heirloom stories… so special. This gift provides a beautiful connection between our generation and the generations of our older and past family members.
Grandmillennials are most certainly confident enough to wear a red lip and wear it well. Finding the right red shade can be tricky though. I’ve tried many over the years and always love Gucci’s classic “Red” over most others I experiment with. It’s the perfect lipstick!
I mentioned the Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick before on here because I seriously love it. I was instantly obsessed with this beauty MUST the first time I tried it. It is beautiful and adds just the right amount of subtle glow.
I had the privilege of meeting Molly when she had a pop-up in Charleston a few years ago I instantly fell just as in love with her as I already was with her designs. She has a timeless and energetic aesthetic, anchored in color & femininity (which is so grandmillennial!). The floral and dot print of this perfect dress is beautiful to wear all year long including the holiday season.
Pajamas but make them ultra stylish. Thoroughly chic yet modernly practical, the Party Pajama PJ Set is even equipped with detachable feathers. Nothing says holiday pajamas party (with The Holiday playing in the background!) like these pajamas.
Between Le Lion’s lovely sweater designs and wonderful mission as a company, there’s nothing not to love! As an alternative to fast-fashion (which grandmillennials appreciate!), Le Lion was born out of a passion for personalization reminiscent of a bygone era and the desire to reestablish what it means to dress with individual sparkle. Yes!
Mark my words, this is the BEST classic sweater in the game. Everything La Laigne touches is gold! You simply can’t beat this cream with navy stripe wool-cashmere sweater with it’s slightly cropped silhouette. I have it and adore it.
Every grandmillennial appreciates a merry holiday print. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, everyone wished they could wear this darling floral nightgown! Perfect for lounging around the tree or by the fireplace all holiday season long.
54Petite Plume Children’s Floral Delphine Pajama Set
A floral print Christmas pajama or nightgown is unexpected when compared to Christmas plaid PJs. That’s why I love these so much! Plus, this is just about the cutest way for mama and her little lady to be matching over the holiday season.
Hill House Home believes a life well-lived begins in bed. As such, they make beautiful luxe bedding, bath, loungewear, and baby designs. We have their bath towels and love them. Plus, Rowan has had some of their onesies and they are adorable. I’m a total devotee of their wildly popular Nap Dresses too. A nap dress is a perfect gift for grandmillennials this year because we all like to look cute while at home.
Sue Sartor’s Paloma Dress has a bit of a cult following. For good reason! This flouncy textural beauty will take you from the beach to dinner or to a festive special event in effortless style. The hand-stamped custom woodblock prints that the dress comes in are gorgeous too. I just LOVE my Paloma dresses!
The ultimate little luxury to slip into a stocking this Christmas. Between the floral print and the scalloped edges, I don’t know what detail is more beautiful. Oh Santa baby!
Travel in style with this baby pink, floral print linen lingerie bag. With two zipper-shut compartments, it’s the perfect place to store all of your unmentionables and pretty little things while jet-setting around the world!
I have a pair of Le Monde Beryl slides but my ongoing crush is on their velvet mary jane flats. A mary jane flat is such a sweet shoe style but doing it in velvet gives the shoes an elevated look.
I love my Stubbs & Wootton loafers so very much. I am a total loafers person so customizable loafers is something I get very excited about. Stubbs & Wootton also offers gift cards, which is a gift I’d be thrilled to receive!
I saw my girlfriend wearing these Flattered Polly Leather Ballet Flats a week ago and ordered them on the spot. That’s how good they are. They are comfortable, chic, easy, timeless, and chic with the bow. They also come in black. Treat yourself or your bestie!
For the gal that loves beach walks and isn’t afraid of getting her shoes wet and be active, the Sea Star beachcomber espadrilles are a wonderful gift! They are a classic espadrille design reimagined as a 100% water-friendly shoe with a quick-drying neoprene upper and durable rubber sole but still chic.
The Over the Moon team graciously gave guests of their OTM x Brock Collection launch dinner each a bow so I’m lucky enough to have this beauty (but in pink). It doesn’t get more romantic, ladylike, or feminine. Clip it in your hair and you’ll never look back!
Sarah Bray has a beautiful selection of sun hats for women and girls that I just love. What makes them so special is that you can change out the ribbons! She has a stunning collection of both vintage and grosgrain ribbons to choose from too. I just adore mine and think a trip to Bermuda with my sun hat in tow needs to be in my future!
My girlfriend Nan introduced me to Bay and I have to say that I love the brand. This large travel cashmere wrap with beautiful bouncy ruffle edges at both ends is what cozy dreams are made of. A great, nice gift for mom!
The exquisite aquamarine and pearl-hued Mallorca clutch is simply stunning! I love it as a gift idea for a bride-to-be or someone who has a fun tropical trip on the horizon. Bonus: it is just big enough to fit an iPhone.
Byrdie Golf is THE brand to shop for all my golfers out there! The Hayden dress is their best-selling dress with adorable puff sleeves and floral shorts! Join the Byrdie Club and impress your friends in their gingham button-down staple!
I have a Bon Aprontit apron and can’t say enough amazing things about it! It is completed with a cotton-linen, liquid resistant fabric, and four large pleats to make entertaining effortlessly chic (say goodbye to ugly grimy aprons). It can also be embroidered for a personal touch!
The cameo collection at Jefferson Lane is so beautiful and feminine. I think these make such a lovely stocking stuffer! You could also slip these bobby pins on ribbons as an added touch to your gift wrapping. The cameos come in different designs including butterflies, dragonflies, hummingbirds, florals, and female silhouettes.
A little ring dish or a trinket box is a must on every gal’s bedside table. I take off a lot of my jewelry when I go to sleep and I need somewhere safe to put it so it won’t disappear. This ring dish is just precious. Pair it with a piece of jewelry for a perfect gift.
I love birthstones but the concept of birth flowers is just as special in a different way. The birth flower charm necklaces designed by Starling are so stunning and they look so chic layered with other necklaces. They make for a gorgeous gift idea for a sister! Did I mention that the charms can be engraved?
This mother of pearl shell heart pendant necklace is so swoon-worthy. It is set in 10k gold and accented with a pretty pink tourmaline detail. Mother of Pearl reached the height of its popularity back in the day so it’s only fitting that it would be beloved by grandmillenials.
Paravel was started by wanderlust-ers Indré Rockefeller and Andy Krantz with the goal of designing travel bags durable enough to stand up to overhead bins yet beautiful enough to stand out on the streets (without the designer markups). Gift a piece of Paravel luggage or a Paravel bag to your fave grandmillennial on the go and I promise she will be overjoyed!
Say hello to the cutest toiletry case! It comes in a range of beautiful prints and color. The case is great because it has a hook for storage and is designed with water-resistant poly canvas, which is a cinch to wipe clean.
The iconic L.L. Bean tote doesn’t really need any explanation. Simply put, these totes have been handcrafted in Maine since the 1940s and solving the bag needs of women ever since. Add a monogram and you’re good to go! I have one that I use as my diaper bag!
This bag is personal obsession of mine. I just think it’s fantastic! It fits two tennis racquets and it has a roomy interior so it fits shoes, clothes, gear or whatever you need. It comes in multiple color and stripe options too!
Gifting a hostess this holiday season who is hosting your for a dinner party? Well every grandmillennial knows that a beautiful + delectable hostess gift is a surefire hit. These chocolate Christmas confections from LA-based andSons are almost too pretty to eat.
The pressed flower cookies from Carriage House Cookies are a favorite in our house! My mom discovered Carriage House Cookies and, ever since, we’ve been loyal customers. A girlfriend of mine recently saw me share their holiday cookies and said she is gifting them as client gifts this year… so clever!
I love this so much! I’m not a Millennial, I’m actually of the tiny little “Oregan Trail Generation” sandwiched between Millennial and Gen X. But I relate 1000%. Give me all the old fabrics, heirlooms, hand written letters – the older, gentler ways. Thank you for sharing so many lovely and thoughtful suggestions. As I was reading it I was thinking you might appreciate a gift I received last year and it would fit perfectly with your list. It is the Hannah Bergen Heirloom Kit.
Hi Marisa! Thank you so much for reading and loving my guide! You are so sweet! Yes to everything – the older, gentler ways! I just checked out the Hannah Bergen Heirloom Kit and I absolutely love it. What a thoughtful gift. I will be ordering! Thank you for recommending it! Thanks again for reading! xx
I love EVERYTHING on this list, Jillian!
Am I too old to be a grandmillenial?!
Love you!
Thank you!! You can be a grandmillennial too!! Love you!! xx
OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS!!! This is so up my alley! I will definitely be passing it along to my hubby for ideas! ??
awwww yay thank you so much!! Haha I’m doing the same – I’d love one of everything! 🙂 Thanks for the love!!!
This list is fabulous – spot on!! I want everything! xx
Thank you so much Laura!! Way too kind! I’m so glad you love the guide! Makes my day to hear that! xx
I love this so much! I’m not a Millennial, I’m actually of the tiny little “Oregan Trail Generation” sandwiched between Millennial and Gen X. But I relate 1000%. Give me all the old fabrics, heirlooms, hand written letters – the older, gentler ways. Thank you for sharing so many lovely and thoughtful suggestions. As I was reading it I was thinking you might appreciate a gift I received last year and it would fit perfectly with your list. It is the Hannah Bergen Heirloom Kit.
Hi Marisa! Thank you so much for reading and loving my guide! You are so sweet! Yes to everything – the older, gentler ways! I just checked out the Hannah Bergen Heirloom Kit and I absolutely love it. What a thoughtful gift. I will be ordering! Thank you for recommending it! Thanks again for reading! xx
I had NO IDEA I was a grandmillennial! This list truly speaks to me. I am sharing with my husband – one of everything, please!
Hahaha yay!! I’m so glad you love the post and so glad it speaks to you! I want one of everything too! Thank you for reading!! Happy holidays!! xx