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Why-oh-why does the local art supply shop not have this in stock? An eraser on one end of a solid wood block, and a natural hair brush to sweep away the rubbings… it makes so much sense, and is so simple and utilitarian (=lovely) that you’d think it’d be a no brainer to have a big box of them available. If anyone sees a U.S. retailer carrying this, please let me know.

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If you’re still searching for a mug to keep your coffee or tea hot, take a look at this faux drinks can. Its double wall insulates your beverage and keeps your hand cool, and there’s a removable silicone lid to retain heat and keep drips and spills corralled. (I suppose it would also come in handy if you want to drink a soda without advertising what you’re drinking. Maybe.)

£9.95 from thabto.co.uk.

Inexpensive black and white text posters for your walls with a little lyrical inspiration to boot… Paper Jam Press has you covered. There’s quite a few to choose from, and if you have an idea for a poster, let them know because they might just print it for you.

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Stripes! There’s nothing like ’em to add some excitement to a room. Designed by Ritva Puotila, this wide striped design is available in four color combinations and also (good news) treated to repel dirt. It’s made from paper yarn, but don’t worry about flammability as the weave is tight enough to “not ignite easily”. Feel better? Available in stone-yellow, light gray-gray purple, gray-light gray, and nutria-light gray.
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Remember the Food Map Containers? This is quite similar, as it gives you an option for a mobile garden. It’s 23.5″ wide and 39″ long (and 7″ deep), so there’s quite a bit of space to plant a variety of kitchen vegetables and herbs, if that’s your thing. Just wheel it out of the way when more patio space is needed, or indoors when winter begins.
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A cutting board is one tool that most of us would agree is absolutely necessary in the kitchen (unless you have wood countertops, maybe). Each board from Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading Co is hand made from a single piece of wood (so, there’s no glue seams). Prefinished with their cutting board oil, each board should last for generations if used often and cared for properly.

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What better way to start off a Monday than with a filing rack? After all, filing papers is the most exciting thing in the world*, so therefore, anything to help that lovely job go faster/better is worth a gander. This filing rack differs from most in that it is a wall mounted vertical storage rack, which allows files and other flat content to vary by size yet still remain visible. Labels are located at the bottom of files, allowing for a quick visual scan, and the pivoting hanger allows for easy addition and removal of items. If you work with different sizes of paper/artwork, this could be a very smart storage solution.

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Do you have a first aid kit? Does it have all the essentials? There’s nothing like a shiny new version to tempt you into replacing your existing one, and this kit by Best Made Company looks good enough to hang on any wall. (So, in a way, it’s a two for one… life-saving kit plus wall art.)
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Nice. Old newspapers are cotton-wrapped to form this textured rug from Blu Dot. I haven’t seen these in person, but it looks like the closer you are to the rug the more you see the newspaper… a nice detail in a room, I think. The price is pretty affordable for the size too. Available in three sizes (4’x6′, 6’x9′, and 9’x9′) and three colors (grey, purple and slate).

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It really can’t get much simpler than this: all the upkeep needed for this moss to stay green is a few sprays of a water bottle. For anyone less than handy when it comes to plants, this just might be your ticket to having a nice little ecosystem, as everything you need is included (bottle, moss, soil, chopstick tools, recycled glass drainage materials) and assembly is pretty easy (see assembly pdf). Might also be a nice gift for a friend/coworker, perhaps?

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If you ignore the price tag, this little light is simply perfect. Designed by architect David Chipperfield, its simplicity allows no visible joints, and the size (13.25″l x 4.5″d x 18″h) makes it ideal for a small reading or task light. The brass brings out the latent magpie in me, and makes it convenient to forget that it’s well suited for someone with a generous budget. Available October 1, 2011.

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Love this. It’s a cardboard radio by designer Christopher McNicholl and SUCK UK. At the end of its life, the cardboard can be recycled (just keep it away from water until then). For more details, visit SUCK UK. (I’ll keep my eyes out for a US retailer, fyi.)
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I don’t know about you, but I certainly prefer a manual kitchen timer to a digital one. There’s something nice about the visual aspect of time that makes sense to me, and that’s why this timer stands out. The top half twists to the required amount of minutes/seconds with a classic bell alarm when time is up. Plus, there’s no batteries needed.
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If you’re a sucker for patterns, you might like this rug with its zig-zaggy-ness. However, the standout quality for me it that it’s woven plastic. I have a somewhat similar rug in my kitchen and it’s been perfect, as I’ve had no worries when it comes to spillage or stains… you simply rinse it out. Sure, it’s plastic, and that sounds a bit unfriendly and cold, but I’ve been surprised at how I notice the pattern (and the interest it brings) and padding for my feet more than the material. It’s a low maintenance choice for high traffic areas, or even outdoors, if you wish. Gunnel Runner Rug shown above, Anna rug below.

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Oh, how useful this would be (which is why the Museum of Useful Things stocks it, I suppose). This yellow paper tape is printed with a markings every 1/8 of an inch, and is perforated at the end of each foot. When it comes to measuring boxes, furniture, and whatever else, I’d vote for this tape to be my tool of choice. It would stay put and allow accurate measurements.

Made in the USA.