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]

This set is so simple and pretty; it would be perfect for a gift.

Porcelain Sake Set includes one flask, 5.5 oz two cups, 1.5 oz each

[posted by katie]

This is a rather unique flask- perfect as a gift for anyone who appreciates a tall tale or a warm drink.

"At 3.5" x 4.5" x 1" (7,5 x 11,5 x 2,5 cm) it holds enough Glenmorangie to warm your heart on a cold winter day…"

[posted by katie]

2 Gigs of storage hidden in a familiar childhood toy.



Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Red, Yellow

[posted by kris]

This little desk mate, which lip syncs to music, is the next big thing in Japan and possibly your desk. You can see it in action here.

"cute little USB creatures (think Tamagochi all over again) that you plug into one of the many USB hubs you have sitting around, and when Tengu picks up music, it starts to sing (or sync) along... Tengu has 7 different facial (hmpf) expressions that it uses to lip sync, that are displayed in red LEDs over his white face"

[posted by kris ]

The InsideOut Martini Glasses are available for presale- so now's the time to put your name down in preparation for all your holiday entertaining (or gift-giving).

"..it creates a wonderful presentation and is a lot better to hold than balancing an overly wide glass filled to the rim on a thin stem...Besides the visual beauty, there is another extremely convincing argument: your drink simply doesn't warm as fast as it would in a normal martini glass..."

[posted by katie]

I'm sure there are places right now that are enjoying the type of weather that begs for picnics, even though where I am it would be unheard of (too hot). This set is so small it can fit in your glove compartment! How's that for spontaneity?

"Equipped with two plastic plates, two sets of silverware, a corkscrew and a container for salt and pepper, the picnic set unfolds to provide an instant "blanket" and everything you need for instant gratification - just add a bottle of wine, some bread , cheese, salami....and you're ready to eat..."

when folded, 8" x 8" x 1"

The regular Tank U standard vase is pretty cute, and this limited edition (of 100) ups the ante by carrying the image of a world map upon its surface. "So now we are very happy to present a wonderful limited edition called 'Think Tank' that has first been presented last fall in Paris at Maison et Objet. Similar to the 'standard' Tank U these are made in Limoges, the birthplace of french porcelain, and are more of a political statement than the other versions." Think Tank Limited Edition, $115.00 Standard Tank U, $58.00 [link to retailer]

If you like our feathered friends, you might also like this lovely glass bird feeder. Very simple and elegant (as far as birdfeeders go), this looks like it would blend in nicely with any outdoor environment.

"This bird feeder is made from mouth-blown glass and designed to withstand wind, weather and beating wings. The ball can easily be suspended from bushes, trees and the eaves of your house – and filling it with seed and other natural products is extremely straightforward."

* IF Design Award 2007