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Maybe a bookend sounds like a boring gift, but this isn’t just a bookend. It also holds CDs (remember those?) and papers, thanks to its angled side slots. It would be an excellent entryway or office accessory, as it would do multiple jobs of holding and organizing books and papers. Fun tidbit of info: it was inspired by the Dome of Milan. Rotate the bookend (on its long edge) to see a pared down interpretation of the facade.
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Trust me, you don’t need a $700 wood basket. However, if you’ve got loads of money in the bank, then you might enjoy placing your logs in this powder-coated metal basket trimmed with leather (from Swedish tannery Tärnsjö). To complete your fireplace accessory kit, consider adding Eldvarm’s Fireplace Tool Set Emma and their Brush and Shovel set to match.
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Ah-ha! Here’s the perfect gift for anyone who ever draws anything. Compact and lightweight, the Wörther Pencil is ideal for all sorts of sketching and writing. It comes with a 3.15mm thick graphite lead and is shaped with a thick, hexagonal barrel to make it a pleasure to hold.
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To kick off our annual sharing of wish lists, we have Daniel To and Emma Aiston of Daniel Emma giving us a peek of what they’d like to give or get this holiday season. Thanks to Daniel and Emma for sharing your lists again this year!
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We’re all really, really lucky that Mette Hay (co-founder of design brand HAY) put together these gift sets, because now finding a gift for a friend or co-worker is super easy. What about the Neutral or Colorful Stationery Gift Set for a co-worker? Or the Kitchen Gift Set or the Toiletries Gift Set for a sibling or friend? All hit the right note of fun and functional.
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As we’re in full gift-finding mode, it’s very appropriate to feature truly classic gifts- the kind of gifts that hold value no matter the year. Now, you might have seen Iittala’s Kastehelmi Collection before, but take another look and pay attention to each piece. They’re quite pretty in a very elegant, classic way, don’t you think? I’ve seen them used to hold jewelry/trinkets, snacks and food stuffs, and even plants. A set of jars or glasses could be a good gift option for that hard-to-figure-out person on your list? The Finnish word “kastehelmi” means “dewdrop,” in case you were wondering.
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A durable tote that converts to messenger, shoulder bag, and backpack sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? The XFR Tote expands and collapses, so it’s ideal for a shopping tote. It’s also made from the highest grade 600D Double-Sided Tarpaulin with bound internal edges- that means solid construction that won’t disintegrate after a heavy grocery shop. Small loops near the handles enable you to clip in additional straps for changing your carrying style.
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Talk about a great gift- you can’t go wrong with the Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera. Why? Because who doesn’t like taking instant photos? It blends nostalgia with updated digital technology, and is small enough to take with you wherever you’re going this holiday season. You (or the recipient) will have fun with it, no doubt about it.
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What do you get your favorite wino oenophile? These Bronze Wine Tools from Normann Copenhagen, that’s what. However, if they’re a true oenophile, they probably already have a preferred opener/set, so they’ll most likely say, ‘oh, that’s so nice of you, but I already have a preferred opener, so please, do keep it for your own use…’ and then you’ll have to pretend to be embarrassed instead of particularly pleased to upgrade your own bar tools to something so streamlined and functional. Win/win, right?
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New designs from Forestry are here just in time to keep your toes warm this winter. Made from 100% New Zealand wool, each design is spare and elegant with subdued colors that are friendly to any interior- that’ll make those modern design aficionados on your list happy as can be. Might as well get one for yourself too, while you’re at it.
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Winter brings holidays and those holidays usually bring guests. That may or may not be something you enjoy, especially if you’re short on space. Here’s something that might make your younger* guests a little more comfortable without taking up too much room the rest of the year. The Hideaway Folding Guest Bed is like a suitcase when closed (with a convenient handle for carrying) and can be used as a ottoman or be stored under a bed or in a closet. Open up the triple-fold mattress for a comfortable sleeping space for one, no fussing about with an air pump or a leaky air mattress.
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Are you in full gift-shopping mode yet? If you’re trying to find the perfect thing, do consider this calendar by Massimo Vignelli. It would be perfect for anyone who leans towards simple/spare graphic design, especially considering it’s pretty much a design classic for those in the know. The large, bold numbers are easy to read across a room and will keep track of the date year after year.
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What do you get the pickiest of design aficionados? Any item from Craft Design Technology, that’s what. How could you not fall head over heels for a collection of high quality work tools designed to be “beautiful, functional and enduring”? I want all of it (specifically, the scissors have been on my wish list ever since ’08). Available in the US from rikumo. More of the collection below.
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Ugh, how are we supposed to keep up, with all the Cyber Monday deals clogging up our inbox? Here’s just a few that we know about… good luck making some tough decisions!
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Here’s another excellent option for a counter stool, straight from Coolican & Company. Handcrafted from solid Black Walnut (harvested on the Niagara Escarpment), the counter height stool has a classic turned leg with an interesting faceted top for comfort. The pared down styling makes it a future classic, as it would work well with many other design periods. The price is pretty reasonable too- or, at least not crazy expensive considering some of our other favorites.
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