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These collar stays are the sort of thing a modern day MacGyver would have as it incorporates a half-phillips screwdriver, slotted screwdriver, thread cutter, and a bottle opener (no paperclip, though, sorry). Now, how often you’d need all of those functions, who knows, but some of them are bound to come in handy sooner or later. Like when you discover an errant thread on your way to an important meeting, or when you’re stuck in an elevator… with a few bottles of beer.

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If you’re still looking for a special gift for a quirky friend, you could do a heck of a lot worse than one of these scarves from Donna Wilson. Seriously, they’ll keep necks warm and get all sorts of smiles on the sidewalks- it’s a win/win all around.

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Update: These are now on sale from $75.00 to $18.75! Craziness.

This is so smart. These candleholders have a vent for a match, eliminating the burnt finger scenario that often occurs with tealights. As I’ve caught the holiday-gift bug, it’s necessary to mention they’d be a good present option, no matter the event or recipient. Actually, on second thought, that might get you into trouble. Maybe make sure the recipient is somewhat interested in decor/candles, then it’s a safe bet. One set includes 4 Candleholders.

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Travelteq just added this Pencil Holder to their shop and it sure looks like a nice way to store your pencils, color or otherwise. Handmade from Florentine Vacchetta leather, it certainly has a Patrician flair, especially compared to what you’d find at a student art shop, and I’d be willing to bet it’ll stay intact after years of use. It fits 19 pencils; color pencils from Bruynzeel included.

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Whether you’re traveling around the world or just around town, these pouches by Pamela Barsky will keep your stuff organized… with a little bit of commentary thrown in. More below.

Main image: How much I have seen Pouch, 7.75in X 6.25in, $15.00
“No matter how much I have seen there is always so much more I have not”.

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These tables have that soft minimal look that’s often hard to find. The rounded wooden legs contrast nicely to the sharp edged plastic top, and you’ll also be happy to hear the legs are easy to assemble for easy transport or storage. Available in large or small, black or white.

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‘Mechanical writing instrument’ sounds a bit technical, yet that’s the best way to describe this combined ballpoint, mechanical pencil, and eraser. Switch between the three by pushing the clip- it’s that simple. If you’re wanting to minimize your belongings in your bag or on your desk, this could definitely help you on your way. From Japanese design house Metaphys.
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How about some traditional Polish motifs for your table this winter? Monika Lubkowska-Jonas (of British design house LSA International) was inspired by the traditional folk craft of paper-cutting, and as you can see, the handmade glasses look like they’d brighten up your libations in no time. Available in a set of 4; choose between several different colors.
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Hmm, an AudioBulb. It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a light bulb that has a speaker in it. It’s an LED light bulb, of course, so it’ll last for years (as it should be if you’re shelling out a Franklin for it). Music plays wirelessly from your iPod/iPhone/auxiliary input source and installation is simple. Twist in the AudioBulb in a lamp or a light socket and then connect your device to the standalone base. You can have up to 8 bulbs and 2 different zones. Sounds like a pretty good idea, doesn’t it?
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The next installment of gift ideas is from Tyler Goodro of Plastolux. He finds all manner of modern interiors to inspire, and his site is on my oft-visited list.

Here are Tyler’s picks:

If I had to make a list of “want” or “want to give” it would be easier to go with “want”, what a scrooge I am! The large items are on my DREAM list and the smaller items are more of a reality.

1. Napoleon Dynamite (Oil Painting) by Dave Sharp, £370. For the Pièce de résistance this amazing painting of none other than Napoleon Dynamite. I love art, especially pop art, one of a kind, and obscure. I am sure my wife would not let me put it anywhere other than my den, so that is proudly where I would display this character.

2. Flip Clock – Time Talks, £299.00. With my background being in Graphic Design I am a sucker for objects that have some killer typography involved.

3. Large Ash Wood Cutting Board, $32.00. This would look amazing sitting on my white quartz countertops but then would I have to actually cook?

4. Bosse Miniatures designed by Walter Bosse, $45.00. These little solid brass sculptures would look really great in a grouping, odd numbers of course.

5. Polder sofa in Anthracite designed by Hella Jongerius, $8,505.00. We are in desperate need of a new sofa, our old Ikea sofa has been beat on way too long. The Polder Sofa is one of my dream pieces. I love the geometric “block like” design.

6. Provide Made / Arrows Cushion Aubergine, $180.00 – $220.00. I recently just discover these amazing geometrically patterned cushions. I can’t think of a better accent cushion for my new Polder sofa.

7. Countour, Illustration by Simon C Page, $20.00 – $80.00. I really like the work of Illustrator Simon C Page and the print titled “Contour” is one of my favorites.

8. The Pig Bank by Harry Allen, $220.00. This has always been on my list but I have yet to pull the trigger. It would have to be in Chrome.

9. Chieftains Chair designed by Finn Juhl, produced by Onecollection, $13,900.00. Hey, I did say some items were on my DREAM list. This chair so killer in so many ways. I really could use a nice lounge chair like this for my den, Heck while we are at it, let’s make it a pair!

10. WAVE bedspread in Burnt Orange with Orange stitch by Wallter, $580.00. We recently moved into a new house and our master bedroom really needs a “pick me up”, and this textural beauty would be perfect.

Thanks Tyler!

To see more on Tyler, visit Plastolux.

Somehow a puzzle is the perfect past time during holiday family gatherings. Get this puzzle for the person who loves their vinyl, and watch them exclaim over titles that should (or should not) be in their collection. Or you could just get it as a history lesson for kids that have never seen a record collection… “So, back in the day, they used to have these flat vinyl disks that music was stored on…”
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If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace that works, you might be in need of a wood basket. This one is super simple and made of coated iron, so it’ll be sturdy enough for cords of wood, year after year. Designed by Thomas Bernstrand.

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This bottle opener by Adam Hogsett has weight and durability on its side. Manually machined from cold formed steel, it’ll withstand far more bottles than you’ll ever consume… just be careful not to drop it on your toes. Might be a great gift perhaps?

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Our next installment of gift ideas is from Rena Tom, the founder of Rare Device (such a nice shop) and all around know-it-all (in a very good way) when it comes to running creative businesses.

She has picked 5 brights and 5 neutrals to share with you today:

1. Strikey by Objeti, $39.95 (i love the red one)

2. Danish Modern Chalet Birdhouse by Burd-Haus, $69

3. Geometric Shapes poster by Honey & Bloom, $25

4. Flake 2 earrings by Molly M Designs, $46

5. 7.5 Lbs of Wrench by Iacoli & Mcallister, $475

6. smtwtfs 02 by The Last Attempt at Greatness, $80

7. Sparkle Hunt Cushion by Satsuki Shibuya, $75

8. Shaving Cup ($141) and Brush, $95 by SRF

9. Hand-carved White Porcelain Twig by Roberta Polfus, $50

10. Little Faceted necklace by Miki & Nora, $50

Thanks for sharing your gift ideas Rena!

For more on Rena, check out renatom.net.

This is just about the perfect holiday decoration, mostly because it’s not an in-your-face sort of thing, and it would give off a nice glow. If I had to choose between spending $85 on a nice paper lantern that looked like a snowflake and one free horrible singing Santa, I’d shell out $85 so fast that you’d think (insert idiom here*). There’s also a Star Lantern, shown below.

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