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You’re such a snob for wanting the black version of the Soma Water Filter, but that’s okay because a) aesthetics do matter when it comes to the discerning design enthusiast, and b) $15 of each sale will go straight to the nonprofit Charity:Water organization which supports access to clean, uncontaminated water for people in developing nations.

Soma’s filter and carafe are made of a biodegradable filter (made of coconut shell carbon, layers of silk, and plant-based plastic) and pharmaceutical-grade glass and together they’ll filter up to 40 gallons of tap water. Subscribe to get new filters delivered to your door every 2 months. Oh, and you’ll get some special black gift surprise too- like a black Stelton chef’s knife or a black Salt Surf surfboard. Sounds like an all-around good deal.
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This carafe is such an easy gift idea you might as well buy two. ‘W/W’ stands for ‘water’ and ‘wine’ as the carafe does double duty- use it for serving water or soft drinks and know that the rubber seal and stainless steel breathing device keeps ice and other stuff (like fruit/garnishes) in the carafe, or admire the ‘raining’ process which aerates wine as it’s poured into the decanter. Add the set of 4 Hubert Wine Glasses for an extra special gift set.
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I’ll bet that wherever you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast they won’t have placemats as cool as these (if we actually were betting money, I’d make an absolute fortune). The Join Facet Placemats (set of 2) have a 3d fractal pattern molded out of heat resistant silicone. Join them together for an interesting seamless table runner or keep them separate for an easy-to-clean table setting.
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Oh, how to protect that valuable bottle of wine whilst trekking across town or perhaps even continent, as the case may be? No paper bag will do, that’s for certain. The folds of this Origami Wine Tote insulate and protect a bottle during travel and then compress down for storage. The neoprene material further softens any possible blows and adds to the bag’s appeal.
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Hey, what should you get someone that’s fond of their bottled beverages? A special bottle opener, of course. This collection of solid brass openers by Fort Standard use a minimal amount of material to get the job done, and, since they’re too pretty to be tucked away in a drawer, there’s the option to leave them out on the table or on a wall hook for display.
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A set of bright coasters with a cubist-inspired print is just one small way to combat the dreariness outside the door, for who could feel glum with such cheery patterns around? Wolfum brings us the Paloma Triangle Coaster Set and Trivet, all made of birch wood in the USA. Add it to your gift list possibility pronto- for that favorite coworker perhaps?
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Snow Peak’s wooden stacking mugs might not look like much, but if you’re out on a day trip, they’re a perfect pairing for a full carafe of hot tea or coffee. Hand-crafted in Japan, they’re lightweight, durable, and, in my opinion, a pleasure to hold. Consider adding them to your lunch, picnic, or campsite bag for a more tactile (and dignified?) drinking receptacle.
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No more mismatched serving vessels for your salt, pepper, and sugar. Tse & Tse offers up this set, each flask with its own stainless steel top to serve a specific function. The pepper flask has a pierced cone, the salt a small sprinkler, and the sugar flask tip incorporates a spoon. A soft plastic plug is located at the bottom for refills.
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If you like a little whiskey now and then, maybe you’d be interested in this efficient method of keeping it chilled with less dilution than normal ice cubes. The Whiskey Wedge has a silicone mold that diagonally bisects the glass, letting you freeze the glass with one half ice. It’ll keep your whiskey cold, and you’ll have less clinkety-clanking of cubes as you finish your drink. The presentation is pretty interesting too, if you’re into impressing your guests.
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Excuse me while I geek out over this Bauhaus Typography mug- there’s also one for you Helvetica nerds, so keep your pants on. Even though some of us might already know the year of the design, the designer, and the type size, those details are printed upon the bone china mug so that everyone else may be educated as to two of the most popular typographies’ factoids. Would this make a great gift? Most certainly.
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The solid brass of the Arc Bottle Opener and Cork Screw will open up your wine and other bottles with ease, and, of course, they’ll look oh-so-elegant with their gold, textured finish. Fabricated with a sand-casting process, they’ll have a satisfying heft and tactile feel; these two tools designed by Tom Dixon are sure to become well used when it comes to enjoying your favorite beverages.
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How about some colorful dinnerware for this season’s festivities? Variopinte* enamel plates were created as part of the A TAVOLA! project, where Stefania Di Petrillo created a dining room that’s easily transported via a clever packing plan/container. The plates are available in three sizes and can be stacked or used separately. Best of all, the enamel is durable enough to use outdoors should you fancy a picnic.
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What do you need for the winter other than a 24K Gold-Plated Cocktail Shaker? Plenty of alchohol to put in it and just enough food to survive, and that’s about it. This three-piece cobbler shaker makes any drink look like it was mixed by a pro, and you’ll no doubt enjoy your concoction more when it’s poured from such a luxurious receptacle.
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How about some creepy-crawlies alongside your dinner? Might sound unappetizing, but the pattern is delightful. Black butterflies and beetles provide such a nice pattern on bone china; a few of these plates or mugs are sure to find their way into any entomologist’s (amateur or professional) hands. The mug would make an especially excellent gift, by the way.

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Products that have an illusion of a 3D surface through use of color go straight in the ‘favorites’ folder, and this set of six coasters from Bower is no exception. Arrange them as a group in “endless permutations”- fun, right?- and also for function as a trivet. Choose between black/beige, green/gray, or red/blue.
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