I'm not a huge espresso fan, but if I was, I'd be all sorts of into this: no electricity needed and you could take it anywhere when traveling. Might be a great gift for an espresso-loving friend or family member...

Compact and lightweight, Handpresso allows for espresso to be enjoyed anywhere. It works without electricity with four easy steps: pump handle, pour hot water, insert coffee pods, and press. Uses standard E.S.E. (easy-serving espresso) coffee pods (not included). Made of aluminum and plastic. Hand-wash only.

Size: 2.75h x 8.75l x 4"d
$140.00 ($126.00 Members), Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

If giving either of these as gifts, I'd suggest careful wording and/or explanation, as in, "You certainly don't need these, but..."

Seletti Leather Skip Rope: $60.00, Buy it here.

Seletti's BoxItalia range lets you recreate gym conditions in your own home. This professional-standard 2.5m leather skipping rope with gold metal handles comes in a drawstring bag for training when travelling.

Vita Weights: $115.00, Buy it here.

Made from stainless steel, these ergonomically shaped weights are both an ease to use and beatiful to look at.

[posted by katie]

Sruli Recht is one of my favorite designers to check out (if you take a quick look through his site you'll see why) and his Bound Skarf looks like a great piece to add to your winter wardrobe.

...over three metres long, black wool and pleated to wrap hooded over the head bound in ivory cotton, light and breathable...in two lengths 310x52cm 115eu and 155x35 70eu made here in the studio, boxed and in preparation for your oncoming winter.

310x52cm, 115 €, 155x35cm - 70 €, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This looks like it would be a fun gadget to mess around with...the only problem I'd have is picking which 3 functions to choose.

3 completely controllable buttons allow you to assign pretty much any function to this sweet little device. Your iTunes controls, or your stock prices, or your communication settings that show you whether you have new mail or a new IM... What got us excited though was the fact that it was hacked and can now even play video. Don't be alarmed, the buttons of today's mini keyboard have a resolution of 96x96 pixel and are huge compared to yesterday's and with the included configurator software that works on a Mac and a PC, they are a breeze to set up!

Colors: Black, Silver
$159.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

That's right, all those times when you were low on battery life, just think of how this would have come in handy. Well, fret no more, you can now carry around your laptop and gadgets in your own personal solar-powered laptop bag.

Using high-efficiency solar cells, this bag charges a laptop, cell phone, and most other handheld electronics. The solar panel generates enough power to fully charge a typical laptop from a day of direct sunlight. It includes a battery pack, which stores the charge and automatically converts it to the required output voltages. Common adaptors are included, and other devices can connect via USB or a car charger. Holds up to a 17" laptop inside a protective case. Made of PET fabric, a water-resistant material developed from recycled soda bottles, with polyurethane-coated cotton trim, a silicone handle, and aluminum hardware. One Lithium Polymer battery included.

Size: 12h x 17w x 3.5"d
$598.00, ($538.20 Members) Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

So smart. These frames allow you to switch out your favorite records as often as you wish.

Make a feature of your favorite vinyl record covers with these clever frames. The front of the frame flips open with the touch of a finger to let you change your display at whim, while the cushioned back ensures both single and double albums can be accommodated.

Available in white or black.
W17 x D1 x H17 in.
$160.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

If any 'modernist' (term being used loosely here) has a bare wrist, this watch could be the perfect addition to their wardrobe.

A simple, elegant design, this watch has a large vertical digital display, slim ionized steel strap and case, and a flat mineral crystal. It shows hour and minute, or month and date, reverting to time display after three seconds. Water-resistant.

Size: Large Case: 1.5h x 1w x .25"d, Band: 1"w; Small Case: 1.25h x 1w x .25"d, Band: 1"w
Franklin Weisz, 2006
$155.00, ($139.50 Members), Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This looks to have a compact footprint and great style, so you have little excuse for settling on less-than-par sound for your iPod.

By popular demand, we've created the ideal compact AM/FM sound system for iPod with the full, rich sound you've come to expect from Vers. The 1.5R is a true 'hybrid': great as a bedside alarm, even better in the kitchen, den or office... anywhere great sound belongs.
Vers 1.5R is available in Cherry, Natural Walnut, Dark Walnut, Bamboo, Black Gloss and White Gloss finishes. Finished by hand, each Vers system takes over a week to build and each one is unique. It sounds as good as it looks; there's simply no substitute for the rigid, 9 mm thick walls of a Vers cabinet for accurate sound reproduction.

$199.00-$219.99, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This just might be the most elegant and modern sushi tray ever.

DESU DESIGN strives to make innovative products that blur the boundary between art and design. They are inspired by forms found in nature, the history of modern design, and the combined beauty of geometry and the machine. DESU DESIGN's goal is to create pieces of lasting quality, retaining their beauty and functionality for generations -- utilizing modern manufacturing methods with the skill of the human hand. Masu provides an elegant yet modern way to serve sushi and sashimi. Its minimal platform presents the food while a seamless basin holds the sauce accompaniment.

Materials: White acrylic solid surface, a durable material commonly used in countertops
22 L x 6 W x .5 H
$110.00, Buy it here.

Also pictured lower right:
Lithos Bowl, $128.00, Buy it here.
Hug Bowl, $118.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Whoa, this is sharp looking; too bad it costs a pretty penny (or rather forty thousand pretty pennies).

Postalco began in Brooklyn, New York. Curious about the international transport of mail, their logo is the carrier pigeon. Carefully considered and beautifully handmade in Japan, their accessories simply cannot be improved upon.

Designer: Mike Abelson
Manufacturer: Postalco, Japan
Materials: Calfskin, Legal size, 10.5"x14.5"
$400.00, Member Price:$360.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]