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Articles Written by Katie

Katie

About Katie: Katie has been a product and textile designer, an art restoration specialist, and an interior designer/merchandiser. Her interests are focused on finding well designed items that improve daily life as well as reading fiction and making stuff. (View Profile)

 
 

Glass House Snow Globe

Anyone who has ever professed love for Phillip Johnson’s Glass House might like this very specific snow globe. Quoting the store, it’s the “ultimate souvenir” for an admirer- “a modern icon in a nostalgic representation.” There’s a limited edition blue version as well ($80).
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Purchase Information:

Price: $75.00 - 80.00
Available from: The Glass House Design Store

Michael Mundy Wish List 2015

Michael Mundy from anafternoonwith.com has found the time to share his list again this year. Thanks Michael!
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San Lorenzo Money Clip

Fold those Benjamins with this bold, oversized money clip designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for San Lorenzo. One continuous piece of sterling silver metal twists around to give you an efficient clip for organizing your shorter stacks. Would it be a good gift for a discerning someone who doesn’t mind flashing their cash every now and then? Most certainly.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $169.00
Available from: Wallpaper STORE

Cats Let Nothing Darken Their Roar 2016

Yes, the 2016 Cats Let Nothing Darken Their Roar Calendar is sold out at its home website, and that’s very sad for those of us that planned to buy it for the new year. However, happy news, the Cooper Hewitt Shop has it available for your planning pleasure. Thank goodness, as we’ve posted it several years in the running, so it’d feel wrong not to continue the tradition.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $45.00
Available from: Cooper Hewitt Shop

Simon Yuen Wish List 2015

Simon Yuen is up next to share his list of gifts to give and get. Simon used to have time to post stuff here on BLTD, and we miss him terribly. Thank you, Simon, for sharing your list (and hopefully you can find time to post a few things in 2016)!
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Marble DOCK for Apple Watch

This is one seriously attractive Apple Watch dock. A brushed metal rotating arm is mounted on a block of solid marble, so while your watch charges, you can use and navigate at an optimal angle. Charge in the vertical, which is ideal for your desktop, or horizontal position, which isparticularly useful for bedside alarm use. The dock will provide a minimal charging base that suits the same simple elegance of your new(ish?) wrist device.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $119.99
Available from: Native Union

Mini Lumio+

Fun! The Lumio is now available in a mini version, thus creating an excellent gift idea for absolutely everyone on your list. Don’t believe me? Well, the Lumio is a small, portable, rechargeable light that folds up into the size of a book. In the Mini’s case, it’s a compact pocket size (think wallet dimensions), which makes it perfect for transport/travel. Oh, and it also can charge your smart phone. Bam! As I said, an excellent gift.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $125.00
Available from: MoMA Store

I scarcely know… Izola Pocket Knife

Talk about the basics, everyone needs a pocket knife. This one from Izola is made from 100% stainless steel and contains a corkscrew, large blade, bottle and can opener, and screwdriver. You never know when you’ll need one of those tools, right? The words “I scarcely know where to commence.” are engraved upon the surface.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $19.00
Available from: Burke Decor

Stephanie Madewell Wish List 2015

Next up is Stephanie Madewell, of even*cleveland, to continue her annual wish list sharing with all of us lucky ducks. Thanks Stephanie for sharing your list again this year (this makes year #5)!
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Cage and Truss Bottle Openers

Why are bottle openers good gifts? Well, everyone runs into a bottle that needs to be opened, especially around the holidays. Plus, these Cage and Truss Bottle Openers are pleasantly hefty and nicely architectural, so they may be left out and admired rather than stuffed away in some drawer.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $30.00
Available from: A+R Store

Constellation Globe

Do you think your star-gazer friend/loved one would be happier to receive some random gift card or a Constellation Globe? Yep, give that gift card to someone else, because this desktop star chart is an accurate guide for constellation viewing. Match the globe’s edges to the horizon, dial in the correct latitude and use the button compass for semi-perfect positioning. Plus, it will give the recipient something to stare at when they’re procrastinating during the day.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $34.00
Available from: Best Made

Zuzunaga Roots Laptop and Tablet Case

What, there’s a new item from Cristian Zuzunaga, and I’m not going to tell you about it? Puh-lease. The new Roots Tablet Case slips on easily over your device- no fastener necessary. Think of it like a big, crazily-patterned sock for your iPad or Laptop. Could be a fun gift for someone fond of bold colors. There’s also shawls, shoes, t-shirts, and scarves available directly from Zuzunaga, if you’re tempted to get something for yourself.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $98.00 -114.00
Available from: YLiving

Ferm Living Tree Blankets

If holiday decorations make you a little itchy due to their cartoonish/garish vibe, your eyes will be soothed by the unfussy geometric tree blankets by Ferm Living. Nothing but triangles and lines to cover up the tree stand, and any one of them will provide a nice backdrop for all your wonderfully (simple) wrapped gifts.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $69.00
Available from: Burke Decor

Carl MH Barenbrug Wish List 2015

The next wish list to be shared is by none other than Carl MH Barenbrug, Editor-in-Chief of Minimalissimo. Thank you, Carl, for sharing your list of minimalist gifts to give and get this holiday season.
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Moooi Sponge Vase

Would you believe that we originally featured Marcel Wanders’ Sponge Vase way back in the fall of 2007? Here’s a quick lesson on how it’s made: a sponge form is dipped into fluid porcelain clay, then fired in an oven where the sponge burns away, leaving only the porcelain form in its place. Neat, right? I’d count it among one of the top gifts for any discerning design fan, as it’s a special object that looks good with or without something in it.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $231.00
Available from: YLiving