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Rarely are dishes and such labeled ‘fun’, but this bowl and cup set are decidedly so for their squishiness. No worries of breakage, you can shove this food grade silicone set in a bag or backpack and know that if you need a vessel for food or drink you are entirely prepared. I’d think they’d come in handy whether you’re on a camping voyage or at the office kitchen.

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Are you tired of calendar talk yet? I’d be surprised if you haven’t snapped up a 2011 one yet, but just in case you haven’t, this one by designer Carlo Brito is a good choice. It’s so simple and clean, plus, it comes with its own clipboard that you can reuse after 2011 is over.

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Nice. This simple dark steel woodtower will frame your wood in style. No excuses now for a messy woodpile…

Designed by Franz Maurer.

The Phonofone III is the third iteration of a completely passive, non-electric ceramic amplifer designed specifically for the iPhone. (Check out our previously posted Koostik for a similar product done in wood). Using only clever acoustics, the iPhone’s volume is amplified up to four times. The Phonofone is handmade in Canada and only available in limited quantities. For such a unique and handmade product I would naturally assume it would adorn quite a lavish price tag, but it is actually quite reasonable. I’ve never seen any of these in person so if there any readers out there who can vouch for the sound quality please chime in with comments.

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White and wood is used so often in product design because it always looks great and its style is timeless. Designer Klaus Hackl implements the two-tone palette in Maple and porcelain for his series of Cut & Paste cutting boards. I think they’re a bit small for serious kitchen use, but are just perfect for the dining table. The medium size measures 11 x 5.7, and the large is 17 x 8.5.
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Montreal-based Furni has updated their incredibly popular Alba alarm clock. Now known as the Alba Me (for Media Edition), it now features an 1/8” auxiliary input, ten stage dimmable display, larger LED display, and contrasting silicone buttons and non-skid base. Furni does product evolution justice by adding just the right amount of upgrades and improvements without compromising the spirit of the original. Can’t wait to see the next version.

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Happy New Year! Have a safe celebratory night if you venture out (or stay in, for that matter)… we’ll return to posts as usual on Wednesday, January 5, 2011.

Shown above: 5-piece stainless steel champagne gift set, $49.95 from CB2

Okay, so $300 for a cotton calendar is a little frivolous, yes. Not even throwing in the name ‘by Maison Martin Margiela’ helps soften the blow. But, what would you say if perhaps this cotton calendar becomes table napkins after the year is over? That is the intention after all. Does the novelty of that fact make it any better?

Now, I’m not one for paying attention to planets and stars for any fortune-like telling, but I sure do like the looks of these custom prints. Your own unique astrological birth chart is represented around the circular design, which makes for an altogether interesting visual. Not sure if there’s any deciphering to be done, or what it really all means (nor do I particularly care), but if you’ve got some blank walls it’s something to consider.

Aspect Modern One, starting at $279
Aspect Modern Two, Starting at $279

A book rest and lamp all in one, this light gives a warm glow with a low-heat CFL bulb. When you’ve finished the chapter or need a tea break, simply rest the book face down on the lamp (it becomes a “literary rooftop”) to keep your place. Might also be a good night light for someone afraid of the dark…

Grass. Flocked. Animal. Banks. Can you handle it? Yeah, they’re a little weird and slightly camp, but really, other than that, they’re wonderful. They actually look like moss is covering them. The picture above is just an approximation as to how tall they are in relation to each other, fyi.
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Happy Holidays to you and yours this season! We’ll return with our usual postings on Tuesday, December 28th.

Pictured above: Filigrantrae Wooden Holiday Tree by Trine and Peter Find, $275.00 from A+R Store

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From our archives (originally published February 23, 2010), for your gift list consideration… to see more, visit our Gift Guide.

You don’t have to be a kid to appreciate these posable animals. Their hardwood frames and elastic-band muscles will remain durable whether it’s you or a two year old playing around with them. Available for pre-order, with a ship date of around 5/15/2010.

Designer: David Weeks
Material: Sustainably Harvested Beech Wood

Hattie the Elephant, 17 x 8 x 6 inches, $125.00
Simus the Rhino, 12 x 5.5 x 4 inches, $110.00

From our archives (originally published May 3, 2010), for your gift list consideration…

I don’t know whether to grrrrrr at the price or awww at how cute they are. Luckily, Makiko Yoshida designed them out of squishy and pliable polyurethane resin, so they’ll hold their shape whether I bear hug them or chuck them at the wall when the credit card bill comes.

Set of four, “white” or “brown”, and 2.75 inches in diameter

Knight and Queen bottle stops? Yes, please. Add these to your list of perfect stocking stuffers.

Designer : David Weeks
Made of wood and cork.
Measurements : H 3.5″ x Dia 1″