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Do you think your star-gazer friend/loved one would be happier to receive some random gift card or a Constellation Globe? Yep, give that gift card to someone else, because this desktop star chart is an accurate guide for constellation viewing. Match the globe’s edges to the horizon, dial in the correct latitude and use the button compass for semi-perfect positioning. Plus, it will give the recipient something to stare at when they’re procrastinating during the day.
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If holiday decorations make you a little itchy due to their cartoonish/garish vibe, your eyes will be soothed by the unfussy geometric tree blankets by Ferm Living. Nothing but triangles and lines to cover up the tree stand, and any one of them will provide a nice backdrop for all your wonderfully (simple) wrapped gifts.
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Would you believe that we originally featured Marcel Wanders’ Sponge Vase way back in the fall of 2007? Here’s a quick lesson on how it’s made: a sponge form is dipped into fluid porcelain clay, then fired in an oven where the sponge burns away, leaving only the porcelain form in its place. Neat, right? I’d count it among one of the top gifts for any discerning design fan, as it’s a special object that looks good with or without something in it.
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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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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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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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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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Spatulas, sticks, tongs, and spoons- do you have everything you need for your Thanksgiving feast? The ‘Easy’ collection for Rig-Tig by Stelton hits the right spot for minimalist kitchenware. You’d best figure in rush shipping for any online orders, though, as you you’re cutting it awfully close for cut-off dates (we don’t want you to have to serve your sweet potatoes with your hands, now, do we?).
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This carafe by designer Céline Frébault (in collaboration with the Sentou gallery) incorporates a rather odd beaker-like handle, which fills when the carafe is full. As far as carafes go, it’s definitely got a high end (semi-mad-scientist?) look… any guesses as to the price? Is it $50, $100, $200?
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The end of the year is fast approaching, and the most important thing is to find a new calendar. Just kidding, I know it’s not, especially amongst all the other things in your head this time of year. But, look, here’s the 365 Typography Calendar by Studio Hinrichs for 2016, all ready for you, so no need to find next year’s calendar after all. It features a nice mix of typefaces, with each month showcasing a description of the type, the biography of the designer, and, of course, all major holidays.
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