This is a perfect gift for your favorite coffee drinker.

"Eva Solo bring their "less is more" design aesthetic to the simple task of brewing coffee. Simply spoon in the coffee, add boiling water, stir and replace the drip-free filter funnel and the tip-up lid. Wait four minutes, and pour the freshly-brewed coffee. The lid and the cover keep the coffee warm for 30 minutes, as well as giving the brewer is distinctive "flask in a pullover" look.The covers are available in knitwear or neoprene (zipped). Consisting of four easy-to-clean parts (heatproof flask, lid, filter and cover), with a custom stirrer, easy to clean and maintain. Winner of numerous design awards, including the 2004 Design-Plus. This method of brewing coffee is the closest to that used by professional coffee tasters and blenders."

[posted by kris]

Some mornings these would be entirely useful; just think, a quick look at yourself with a moustache or tattooed tears (depending on the day, of course) might give that extra infusion of self-confidence you need (and, how much would this be a mind-numbingly good gift for somebody?).

'In need of some self-reflection? Designer Julie Ruiz has created this series of one-of-a-kind silk-screened hand mirrors that are sure to give you a whole new outlook. Each signed and dated piece is cut from mirrored Plexiglas in your choice of design: "The Mr." is SILVER with a handlebar moustache - for those days when you're feeling less than manly. And for all you softies out there yearning to be hard, try the "Thug Life" - GOLD with tattooed teardrops. Buy one for yourself, and one for your homeys.'

*aprox. 6.5" wide x 14.5" high and 1/8" thick

[via Yanko Design]

[posted by katie]

Teatime, anyone? Add some edginess to the tradition with this 'Shattered' tea collection.

Fine bone china.

Shattered Tea Cup and Saucer, $23.00, Buy it here.
Shattered Teapot, $60.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

I posted Sarah Cihat's Rehabilitated Dishware oh-so-long ago, and was pleased to find some of her new(ish) handmade cups.

Handmade cups with floral art.

3" high by 3" dia

[posted by katie]

"A little bit of vanity never hurt anyone, right? These lovely hand mirrors, framed with transparent glass, encourage just that by keeping your reflection as the central focus. For the traditionalist, the oval model keeps things classically simple. For those who are a bit cheekier, the cameo-shaped glass adds a playful, modern touch to your image."

Oval or Silhouette.

[posted by katie]

We posted this a while ago, and then got a few emails when it was no longer available...well, now MoMA has it so those of you that were sad about its disappearance can now rejoice.

"Prop open the door with this attention-grabbing doorstop shaped like a gold bar. The digits inscribed on each bar (260373) reference the first day women were allowed to enter the London Stock Exchange. Made of aluminum, cast iron, low-carbon steel, and gold-flash plating."

1.5h x 6.25w x 2.5"d

[posted by katie]

How many people have a wooden mustache on hand to use when necessary? Not enough, obviously. (This would be a magnificent gift, by the way.)

Natural and Dark Stained Wood. Hand-carved.
6" wide mustache on 12" stick

[posted by katie]

If puzzles have gone by the wayside, this is sure to bring back a little nostalgia, or at least a few itchy fingers. (Engage your brain folks!)

"Numbered limited edition of 250. From photographer Julian Hibbard's "Fake & Familiar" series. Archival photographic C print backed with cardboard and professionally cut into 513 jigsaw pieces."

21" w x 15" h

[posted by katie]

I know someone that needs one of these...both pull apart easily with what looks like a spring mechanism, providing a quick and easy way to provide your car keys without letting loose your home/office keys.

Silver Valet Key Ring (left), $16.95

Valet Key Ring in Sterling Silver (right), $60 (engraving available)

[posted by katie]

Well known for her Pop-Out Pendant, Melissa Borrell now has an extended collection of colors and shapes to add a bit of modern elegance to any outfit. New colors and shapes are available on her online store, with my favorite being the gold pieces. (I had the pleasure of visiting her studio a while ago to see the full scope of her designs, and I do have to say her sculptures were also really impressive...)

"Melissa Borrell creates innovative jewelry and decorative home accesories that emphasize the interaction between an individual and an object. Her designs have taken the form of wall coverings, sculpture, textile design, lighting, home accessories, and jewelry."

[posted by katie]