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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 be added to the wait list in hopes of being selected.
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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.
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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.
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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 6×3.5′ and available in neutral or bright colors.
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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

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 remember to look for it. Pressed aluminum. 2″ H | 6″ W

Also, the Tate Online Shop has a couple of Richard Tipping Signs too (for example: Wrong Day, £12.50).

Originally posted Oct 19, 2009.

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 upgrade policy.

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If you have a plethora of sticky notes around your workspace, just think how nice would it be to make a little origami from them instead of chucking them in the bin. You could take a tiny creative break whenever you complete the task or no longer need the note. I’m sure it would help the day go by a bit easier.

Each pad has instructions for 10 different shapes (pig; penguin; boat; crane; butterfly; squirrel; lily and water bomb)

Originally posted Aug 18, 2009.

Keep track of your friends and foes with these colorful notebooks, or just pretend like you do and use it for notes and sketches instead (which would be my recommendation).

-matte satin cardstock cover
-160 blank pages of Lessebo Linn paper with sewn signatures.
Designer: Archie Grand, Sweden
Dimensions: 4 1/2 x 6 1/2″

Also available at Archie Grand, €11.95.

Originally published October 8, 2009.

Remember how this week we’ll be updating our Gifts section? Well, if you’re lucky enough to have some snow, consider this for a gift this year…

When life gives you snow, you go sledding, obviously. Made from 5/8” thick marine-grade molded plywood, this fully steerable sled will hopefully help you and/or your kids fly down the hill safe and sound (and, of course, super fast).
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Sometimes minimal decoration on presents and packages looks much better than a bunch of fancy bows, case in point is this gift tag stamp from Yellow Owl Workshop. To win recycling points, use newspapers or paper grocery bags for wrapping, and then some string and this stamp to state the giver/recipient. Ta-da. You’re done.
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Update: These are now on sale from $75.00 to $18.75! Craziness.

This is so smart. These candleholders have a vent for a match, eliminating the burnt finger scenario that often occurs with tealights. As I’ve caught the holiday-gift bug, it’s necessary to mention they’d be a good present option, no matter the event or recipient. Actually, on second thought, that might get you into trouble. Maybe make sure the recipient is somewhat interested in decor/candles, then it’s a safe bet. One set includes 4 Candleholders.

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Travelteq just added this Pencil Holder to their shop and it sure looks like a nice way to store your pencils, color or otherwise. Handmade from Florentine Vacchetta leather, it certainly has a Patrician flair, especially compared to what you’d find at a student art shop, and I’d be willing to bet it’ll stay intact after years of use. It fits 19 pencils; color pencils from Bruynzeel included.

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‘Mechanical writing instrument’ sounds a bit technical, yet that’s the best way to describe this combined ballpoint, mechanical pencil, and eraser. Switch between the three by pushing the clip- it’s that simple. If you’re wanting to minimize your belongings in your bag or on your desk, this could definitely help you on your way. From Japanese design house Metaphys.
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How about some traditional Polish motifs for your table this winter? Monika Lubkowska-Jonas (of British design house LSA International) was inspired by the traditional folk craft of paper-cutting, and as you can see, the handmade glasses look like they’d brighten up your libations in no time. Available in a set of 4; choose between several different colors.
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