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United Kingdom-based designer Jasper Morrison presents a modern spin on the traditional analog alarm clock that's so striking in its simplicity and aesthetics that it'll make you want to ditch your cell phone as your alarm clock. A clever manual switch activates the alarm and the status will be clearly displayed on the dial. A gentle squeeze of the clock illuminates the face. Glow-in-the-dark hands displays the time in any ...Read more

Not a whole lot of links this week due to the holidays, but here's a few... Art “Remake” project Everyone's Mixtape NYTimes: Train your cat to walk on a leash Nine Lives, One Leash Remember The Burning House? Worth another visit. Italian artist Ivano Vitali knits and crochets yarn made from strips of newspapers and phone books. (via Unconsumption) Gorilla tickling: Scientists tickle animals to find laughter clues And, of ...Read more

Have you seen these lamps by Melissa Moore? They're slightly scientific looking (tubes + lights) and perhaps that's why they stand out. I particularly like the Stick Lamp and the Linear 2.0, shown above and below. Designer: Melissa Moore Shown above: Stick Lamp, $150.00 18in. length x 4 in. width, 3 in. height (tube has 1 inch diameter) Linear 2.0, $450.00 48in. length x 2 in. diameter "Linear 2.0 is a LED task, bookshelf, wall-mounted or table lamp. It is ...Read more

With a laser cutter and some clever design, wood is made flexible as illustrated by these new Booklets by Snijlab. A hinge is carved into birch plywood to create these beautiful and reusable note-takers. Available in either horizonal or vertical (shown) format. Holds a standard A7 writing block. These notebooks might even be too nice to leave the house! ...Read more

How about a handmade tea mug with custom illustrations by Lieke of Liekeland? It's special, for sure, as you pick what images you'd like on it and she'll do the illustrations. Maybe it'll even prompt a mass donation of extraneous mugs in the cabinet? It's definitely a one-of-a-kind gift, for someone special or maybe just for yourself. Note: only a few can be made at a time, so you have ...Read more

All purpose greeting cards are the way to go for last minute messages, especially when they have a funny way of offering so many options. Paper cards, though rare nowadays, give an importance to an occasion, much more so than an email, and with these cards you'd have an arsenal of appropriate greetings for any event. Printed on linen textured white cardstock with a white envelope. 5"x7". Blank inside. Also, ...Read more

If you'd rather assemble your own first aid kit than spend money on a premade kit (like the Best Made Co. one), consider this sturdy metal box with rivited clasps and hinges. Embossed lettering clearly labels the contents making it easy to find, which is, of course, important in an emergency. Embossed lettering. Three inner compartments. 9.5" W x 7.5" D x 6" H...Read more

It wouldn't be the end of year without thinking about the next one coming up. Stationery experts Present & Correct present a 2012 minimalist desk calendar that simply lets the numbers do the talking. Measures 6x3.5' and available in neutral or bright colors.  ...Read more

Hopefully you're set for the holiday weekend, and if not, you know you only have just a few more days to prepare yourself for the onslaught of merriness (or whatever else you'd like to call it). We are taking a little time off for the holidays, so we'll return with regularly scheduled posts at the end of next week. So, dear friend, happy holidays to you and yours! Shown above: 1. ...Read more

Is $80 too much for dominos? Probably. Does that keep me from wanting this set? Nope. Fun fact: the name 'domino' from the pieces' resemblance to Venetian Carnival masks known as Domini, which were white with black spots. There's also a lovely backgammon & checkers set from Fredericks & Mae, but it's a bit pricier at $285.00. ...Read more

This is a must have for a Mozart fan. It's a handcrafted wooden musical box (sphere) that plays "Voi Che Sapete" from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Marriage of Figaro. The sphere makes it special, of course, but please don't just put in on a shelf to look at; occasionally turn the key to hear the 18-note chime play the music, because that is its function, after all. from Adam und Harborth. ...Read more

What? You're still doing your holiday shopping? Check your local bookstores for these maps, because they are genius. Instead of endlessly folding/refolding, you just crumple up this map and throw it in your bag or pocket. Plus, it's 100% waterproof and includes streets, monuments, museums, art galleries and much more (as in, 10 “SoulSights" to excite you). Map Size: 87x58 cm Available versions: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Chicago, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Florence, Hamburg, ...Read more

How about a hefty menorah? This one by Josh Owens is made of solid cast iron and has an integrated tray to catch wax drippings (or a used match). Happy Hanukkah! Also, if you're looking for a menorah, take a look at the Jewish Museum Shops... they've got plenty of good ones. Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 3.5 inches...Read more

Designed by Richard Tipping, these signs play with familiar images and text that will have you looking twice. Open/Closed Sign, $18.00, from Design Warehouse Sante Fe 'Come in we're Closed' or 'Sorry We're Open'. Either way just isn't right for most folks. Durable plastic. 8" H | 12" D One Day Sign, $16.00, from Design Warehouse Sante Fe Defeatist and yet optimistic, this sign might get you going in the right direction if you ...Read more

This might be the best gift ever, unless the recipient is extremely clumsy. It's a whole ecosystem completely enclosed in handblown glass. With sufficient light and a comfortable room temperature, the shrimp, algae and microbes will coexist peacefully in their own little world without any help. Plus, when the life span of 2 to 3 years is up (some have lived up to 10 years), each EcoSphere comes with a replacement, recharge or ...Read more