I am trying to create a decor product that would have 3-4 smartphones in it's proximity and I need to be able to detect them individually and perform some simple actions on them. I need the Arduino to then light up some LEDs. I was thinking a NFC tag in the decor for each phone would do the trick. If I am not thinking right, please correct my approach. This would also be my first project so assume me to be a n00b. What should be my component?
That project is far too advanced for a beginner. Get an Arduino, work through the examples and tutorials and learn the basics first. Ask here if you get stuck.