bltd

The following post is sponsored by Aether Apparel. Take a walk in downtown Manhattan in the middle of January and you'll see a few trends in women's fashion -most notably, the full-length insulated parka. When it's freezing cold outside, women dress for the occasion. But while the typical quilted parka does a wonderful job of keeping you warm, it's not exactly the most flattering of options. Too frequently women are ...Read more

Remember this? Also called the Cubist Nutcracker by some, this nutcracker by Adam and Harborth does the job in a straightforward way. Place a nut in an appropriately sized indention in the larger cube, take the other smooth cube and place it on top of the nut and then give it a good whack. Voilá, the nut is cracked. Presented in a nice gift box, includes instructions. Materials: 2 cubes of ...Read more

Nice! The Oreflector is a safety reflective badge for when you're out and about at night. Whether you're on your bike, walking your dog, or going for a run, its reflective material shines out to let cars and other passers-by know to steer clear of your soft self. Best of all, it's not as bulky (or obnoxious) as a blinking bike light clipped on to clothing. Comes as a set ...Read more

Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung have been operating Poketo, a go-to source for well-designed and curated homegoods and art, since 2003. We're never shy to feature their products on BLTD, so we were curious to see what was on their holiday list. Here are their top ten picks from 'round the web as well as their own offerings: 1. Poketo Linen Tea Towels 2. Poketo Sun and Shore Eco Sweatshirt 3. Poketo Striped Fleece ...Read more

7 days left, and if you're still running around 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. The large, bold numbers are easy to read across a room and will keep track of the date year after year. Designed in 1980. Made of heavyweight paperboard. Made in Italy. H 13" W 13"...Read more

Kate Bingaman-Burt is an illustrator and educator. She has been making work about consumption since 2002, teaching since 2004 and drawing until her hand cramps since 2006. I never met anyone who works harder than Kate, and oh yeah, she just happens to be the nicest person ever. Here are her ten very colorful gift ideas for anyone in the creative professional field or has an appreciation for great design. 1. Biography on acclaimed ...Read more

Is it crazy to think that the little ones in your life might enjoy this Woodmobiel Starter Kit? Wooden parts and real tools will put their creativity to use, and maybe you'll even have some fun helping out. With the starter kit, you can build about 9 different life-sized wooden toys (instructions included) with the 25 pieces and fasteners, or if you want to go big, there's also the standard kit ($265) with 43 ...Read more

Add this to the list of possible perfect gifts. This cardboard and paper DIY Combo can use 35mm or 120 film and allows for partial-frame and multiple exposures. Perhaps there will be more than a few soft focused images that quality as 'art' when using this puppy... you won't know until you try it out. Also, not that you need reminding (because you're so on top of things this year), but ...Read more

Solar system quilt from 1876! (via @explorer) Infographic: 10 Commonly Misunderstood Words In English Just screaming and painting Lights for your labratory (and how about Maarten De Ceulaer's mutation series?) On Etsy, cute Custom paper dolls by Jordan Grace Owens (too bad it's too late for a holiday gift). So smart. Vending Machine Dispenses Rare Books For Just $2 How to Avoid Work: A 1949 Guide to Doing What You Love Macro photographs of ...Read more

Seattle designer Erich Ginder is one of my favorite contemporary designers, and also happens to be one of my favorite people to talk to about design. He's known for his Ghost series coat racks (Ghost Antlers and Ghost Tree) and his Warez Rose wallpaper and Dot/Dash pendant lamps. Here's a look into his holiday gift list: 1. Dezeen Book of Ideas, $28.00 2. Pewter Oil Lamps, $198 3. Magnifying Glass by Maison Martin Marigela, $95 4. ...Read more

Lower budgets have the Phrena Lights by Tord Boontje. Mid to higher priced budgets might consider the Folded Light Art of designer Jiangmei Wu. Each light is made from 100 percent recycled cotton paper and is made by using original origami folding techniques that Wu developed. And yes, each shade can be unfolded into flat pieces of paper, though it would be silly to try unless you're an origami expert. Designer: ...Read more

Each of these side tables by British designer Gavin Coyle is made from one plank of Douglas fir. Pieces are stacked together in certain sequences to highlight the patterns created by the growth rings, which, as you can see, lends an extra level of refinement to the design. The tables are then are machined on a lathe to create geometric profiles. £225.00 per table Finished with a white oil. To purchase, ...Read more

A folding bicycle helmet? Yes, please. Overade's helmet is now available for pre-sale on Ulule, and it looks well worth some consideration for anyone who's ever been on a bike. It folds down to a third of its size, making it easier to stash in a bag for quick trips around town. Suitable for cycling in all forms, skateboarding, skating, or scooters, and available in two colors and two sizes. ...Read more

Holiday travel is booked, you're wrapping up at work, and all is set for you to head off to family/friends for the upcoming break. It's only at the last minute where you have a minor freak-out wondering who is going to water your plants, and then rush around making a messy shoestring wick for the 2 to 3 plants that won't survive without steady irrigation. Nothing against shoestring wicks, as they ...Read more

The following post is sponsored by Aether Apparel. Aether Apparel started out as a Men's outerwear company, and was formed in reaction to its co-founders own frustrations while shopping. As outdoor enthusiasts living in the city, they felt there was a need for men's technical performance jackets with a refined urban aesthetic. However, after their first season of Aether, they discovered this combination not only struck a chord with men, ...Read more