I live in a home of colorful, playful, visually stimulating whimsy, brightly colored bits and bobs, and tchotchkes galore. Here are my picks for filling your life with visual stims that can give you a jolt of energy throughout the day, just from looking at them.
Coffee Table Books
An easy way to bring visual stims to any space is to put out items that you simply love looking at. And coffee table books are a perfect starting point. Here are three coffee table books that would make great gifts.
Vivid imagery
Chromotherapia | $55
Do they like colorful photos? Do they like cats? Say no more. Get them this “feel-good color photography” book.
Explore Black foodways across America
Black Food | $37
Does your person love cooking? The recipes and visuals in this cookbook by American chef Bryant Terry are amazing. It’s as beautiful as the food is delicious!
Cheeky seek-and-find
Hot Sauce and House Plants | $15
This book combines the joy of childhood with cool, visually stimulating illustrations in a seek-and-find book specifically geared toward adults. Obsessed.
Dopamine Decor
Some see tchotchkes as clutter or unnecessary stuff. We see it as bits of joy and energy sprinkled throughout our homes. Dopamine decor literally makes us feel better, lighting up the reward centers in our brain and enhancing our sensory experiences of the world.
Vibrant candles
HAY Pattern Candles | $24
Give someone a mini bouquet of taper candles as a gift. Just tie a bow around a few and pair it with a fun candle holder. It looks beautiful when you give it to them, and the candles look delightful glowing in their home.
Poppy holders
Poppy Candle & Incense Holder | $25
If I were going to give someone a taper candle bouquet, I’d pair it with one of these flower-inspired candle holders. They’re simple, but have a visually interesting shape and add a pop of color.
Long live sardine summer
Sardines Candle and Matches | $16
Sardine summer isn’t over yet. This candle and matching match case (pun intended and appreciated) is a lovely little gift that smells and looks good — a sensory win-win.
Bring the outdoors in
Greek Cement Head Planter | $47
I have this exact planter on my fireplace mantle, and I love using it to store extra taper candles that I’m not using. I’ve also seen people put plants in these, and I love that too. Give this to someone who loves history, art, or garden-inspired home decor.
Games
Create your own sculpture
AreAware Balancing Blocks | $55
Three cheers for home decor that’s also fun to fidget with! Put it on your coffee table, and not only do you have a visually interesting piece of decor, but you can also play with it while watching TV.
Pretty and fun
Four in a Row Game | $88
Another fidget decor piece. I love the idea of playing Connect Four while lounging around or watching TV. And when you’re not playing with it, you can leave the set out because it’s that pretty.
Each piece is different than the next
Le Puzz Puzzle | $36
Puzzles as a present are always a good idea. And this one’s so beautiful that if the novelty wears off while you’re in the middle of solving it, it’ll still look great sitting out.
For the baking lovers
Piecework Puzzles Puzzle | $40
Know anyone who loves baking and puzzles and dopamine decor? This is the gift.
Dancing Light
A classic for a reason
Disco Ball | $15
Another one of my favorite ways to add a bit of whimsy — and serious visual stim —to my space is a disco ball. Watching the shimmers all over my wall when the sunshine hits it is truly a delight every time.
Gold crystal sun catcher
Sun Catcher Crystal | $22
Window jewelry creates shimmery, sparkly rainbows all over your space when the light hits it — and it’s beautiful to look at on its own too. Adore!
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