“Special yet practical everyday items make meaningful gifts,” says stylist and influencer Kirsikka Simberg

Kirsikka Simberg portrait — Stylist, influencer, and podcast host Kirsikka Simberg lives in Helsinki with her family.

Finnish influencer and stylist Kirsikka Simberg shares her gift picks, focusing on items that bring joy to everyday life. She plans to spend Christmas in Helsinki with her family, enjoying holiday traditions like baking cookies, listening to Cher’s Christmas album, and taking a swim in icy waters.

Hi Kirsikka! How are you planning to spend the holidays this year?
“Hi there! We’re spending Christmas at home and visiting my parents and my partner’s mom. I’m especially excited about Christmas this year because there’s so much to enjoy with the kids. Baking, music, warm drinks, and remembering loved ones feel so meaningful and exciting for them that I can’t help but get into the spirit myself. I’m also dreaming of a sunny, frosty day so I can go for a swim in icy waters.”

Do you have a holiday decorating tip for our readers?
“Every year, I either make or have someone make a garland of greenery for our balcony railing, and it brings me joy well into late winter. I also love holiday flowers – planning them is half the fun! This year, I’m drawn to the idea of a big bouquet of a single type of flower in one color. Like hyacinths, for example!”

Iittala Scandia cutlery — “We use Iittala's Aino Aalto drinking glasses and Scandia cutlery at home. For someone who collects a specific series, you can gift items from the same collection over several years,” suggests Kirsikka Simberg.

Iittala Aino Aalto tumblers — Simberg dreams of all kinds of handcrafted and design gifts. “Design gifts from Finnish and other Nordic brands are timeless treasures,” she says.

How do you choose Christmas gifts?
“I like giving a combination gift that includes an experience and something tangible. I love baking and have been planning to make Christmas cookies as gifts. I recently traveled to Japan, where there’s an amazing tradition of gifting cookies, which really inspired me. I’m dreaming of making some really elaborate cookies with piped decorations. There was an interesting recipe on Paris Starn’s Substack that I might try.”

What would you like to receive as a gift this year?
“I collect Artek stools, and a three-legged one in a special material or color would be amazing. I also think Tekla’s duvet covers are incredibly luxurious – I’d love to have only those at home. And the sauna scents from the Hetkinen brand! All of Hetkinen’s products are so charming. Last year, I received a Hetkinen hand soap as a gift, and it brought me joy for a long time.”

Artek Stool 60, birch — Alvar Aalto’s iconic vase and three-legged Stool 60 are on many wish lists. Aalto’s designs also make for a fantastic group gift if several people are chipping in.

Aarikka sauna ladle — Kirsikka’s Finnish favorites include brands like Hetkinen, SEES, Johanna Gullichsen, Kauniste, and Aarikka, alongside Artek and Iittala.

Marimekko Unikko duvet cover — Luxurious home textiles make wonderful gifts. Marimekko’s charcoal gray Unikko duvet cover is a guaranteed hit, and Juslin Maunula’s colorful cushions are perfect for slipping under the tree.

Is there a movie or song that’s part of your family’s holiday traditions?
“There are so many great Christmas movies! This year, I want to watch Die Hard and Home Alone – all of them! One year, as a festive cultural project, we watched all the Harry Potter movies, and another year, all of The Lord of the Rings films. I’ve also made a lot of fun playlists for the holidays. They include jazz, Italo disco, and funk, Cher’s Christmas album from last year, and even some Justin Bieber Christmas hits.”

What are you looking forward to most this holiday season?
“Time off! And spending time with the kids. Christmas is the only time of year when everything truly quiets down, and I don’t usually get a single work email. The New York Times had a pretty great recipe for a Lambrusco Spritz, and I’m excited to try that too.”

Metsäpallo yard bowling game — Kirsikka Simberg and her kids tested the Metsäpallo throwing game by PELATA pieces. “We played Metsäpallo in the snow and give it a 6 out of 5 – it was so much fun!” Kirsikka says.

Can you share a few gift ideas to wrap things up? What would you give to your partner?
“Genelec speakers! These would also be a bit of a gift for myself – listening to Cher’s Christmas album would become an even better experience.”

And for a child?
“Our kids would absolutely love the Stepstones set from the bObles brand.”

What about for a friend?
“The Hetkinen soap I mentioned earlier, along with their sauna scents. They’re special yet practical everyday items that make perfect Christmas gifts and bring joy for a long time.”