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I recently saw a few of these Animal boxes (by Karl Zahn) lined up along a windowsill in someone’s home, and it struck me how they’d be a thoughtful tradition to get one each year as a gift for a friend or loved one. Each box represents a “power” animal, a sort of totem for one’s ambitions. Plus, there’s just enough room inside for something small and special should you decide to take the gift a step further.

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Baskets aren’t normally something to fawn over, but the idea of a collapsible basket is certainly intriguing. When you need to corral anything from toys to towels, it’s a rather large (22″dia.x12″H) container, and when it’s empty it collapses to what seems to be an inch or two high. Just the size to store under the bed or sofa, or maybe even hang on the wall.

Handmade from iron with natural finish.
Indoor use only.

Ooo, SIWA (pronounced shiwa) paper box collection is on sale over at DWR. Designed by Naoto Fukasawa for Onao (family-run company that operates Japan’s oldest paper machine), these boxes are water resistant and can hold up to 22 pounds. With three sizes to choose from, they’d be great containers for collecting/storing miscellany around the house.
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Here’s a nice little collection of shelves for keeping things just within reach in the kitchen or above one’s desk.
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I’m loving these wood and earthenware storage containers by Belgian designer Vincent Van Duysen.

Available in 4 colors, with varying height and lid thickness.
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Plastic bins are rarely something to be admired, but in the case of this collection, added wickerwork makes for an altogether different breed of basket. Produced by the indigenous Aeta people of the Philippines (via fair trade NGO Preda) and designed by Cordula Kehrer, each bin is made from sustainably harvested rattan and reclaimed bins.

Available for pre-order.
Approximate ship date: 9/15/2011
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And, I think I just found the perfect place to put my wallet, keys and cell phone when I come home.

A felt bucket, you say? Why would you need that? Well, it’s wonderfully soft and you could fill it with magazines, papers, knitting, toys, so on and so forth. It would be great for toting things up and down the stairs or to and from the car.

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This bent plywood holder is just begging for stacks of magazines. Also, seeing as autumn steadily approaches, it should be noted that the Kanto has a strong surface lacquer that makes it suitable for holding logs and kindling near your fireplace.

Get this, this flat-packed steel basket can be stretched to whatever height you want. So, in its shortened size, it’s a small basket for odds and ends; in its heightened size it could be an umbrella stand or recycling bin or whatever else you can think of. There’s also a Bicycle Pop-Up Basket ($75) that looks like it’d be pretty handy to have as well. (Image shown below.)

Designed by Jaime Salm and Brian Kelly, manufactured by MIO.
Laser-cut, powder coated steel.
18″l x 13″w x 14″h

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Recycled telephone wire is hand woven into some surprisingly bright-yet-traditional patterned baskets. Known as izimbenges, these baskets were originally crafted from hand-dyed grass using techniques passed down from generation to generation. Might make an interesting accent piece for your home or a special gift for a friend or family member.

Made in South Africa from recycled telephone wire.

Medium, 11.5″ diameter, $175.00
Large, 15″ diameter, $295.00

Oh, how this would kick-start the very large ‘to-do’ of getting all the shoes sorted and organized…the only caveat is available wall space in the dressing area (if you have it, you’re a lucky duck, if not, I sympathize with you).

by j-me
Dimensions: H 40.3 x W 15 x D 19 cm
Also available: Nest Floor Shoe Rack, £ 95.00, Buy it here.

The picture is self-explanatory, of course, so there’s no need for descriptive phrases, but as far as flattery, this little basket has me itching to tidy up my office space (though I’d need more than one for that).

Design by Josh Jakus for FUZFARM
Small – 9″ x 6″ x 3″ – $28.
Large – 15″ x 10″ x 4″ – $48.

$28.00, Buy it here.

Paper baskets aren’t new to the scene, but the shape and texture of these certainly stand out from the crowd.

Chronicle baskets add a colorful textural element to any room. Rolled newspaper is stitched together to create each unique container. Perfect for storing throws or other soft items, or as a clever recycling bin.

Small: 15″ dia. x 13″ h.

$40.00-$80.00, Buy it here.

Here’s a perfectly sized organizer for entryway or dresser/closet/nightstand top.

soft black foam tray holds cell phone, money, and keys in one convenient and easy to reach spot
handy catch all perfect for any entryway, desk, or tabletop

5″w x 0.5″d x 9″l

$14.95, Buy it here.