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This looks like such a handy thing to put all sorts of food stuffs in.

A pre-molded soft silicone pot, 2″ wide and 3.5″ high (50 x 87 mm) that you squeeze, it opens, you fill it, you release the pressure, it closes. You need it? Squeeze it, it opens, a little shake and it pours, release it and it closes again. So smart.

Colors: Black, Lilac, Transparent – sold out, White, Yellow

Sporks: one of man’s greatest inventions, especially at holiday parties.

Nicknamed ‘Sporks’, these spoon-and-forks are useful for hors d’oeuvres, picnics, or dining on-the-go. An example of the recent trend towards the inclusion of environmental responsibility as an important element of contemporary design, they are made of a 100% biodegradable corn-based plastic.

Hand-wash only. Set of twenty five.
Made in Italy

Size: 3.5″l

$24.00 ($21.60 Members), Buy it here.

Am I a complete dork for wanting one of these? (don’t answer that.)

* 51 bone-like pieces
* Snaps together, puzzle-style
* Realistic, mid-stride pose captures the dinosaur’s daunting stature
* Display it on its rock-like base, or disassemble for future use
* Includes educational color poster full of fun T-Rex facts
* No messy glue needed
* Easy to assemble

Plastic and metal, 36″ L

$49.95, Buy it here.

Forget self-help books, this little machine will boost your confidence in no time.

Designer: Martin Smith.
Manufactured: By Laikingland in the UK.
Description: Push the button and the Applause Machine claps it’s hands for you.
Materials: Powder coated steel, brass, Walnut wood, plastic and motor.
Dimensions: Height 450mm.
Power: 2 x AAA Batteries (included).

Available in Currant Red, Signal Green, Traffic Orange, Graphite Black, and Chalk White.

£195.00, Buy it here.

So, if any of you book lovers were jealous of the audiophile’s
Play and Display Frame, now you have the same option to display some of your favorite reads (or just cover art) without damage.

Ever wished you could admire more than just the spines of your book collection?…Unfortunately, short of ripping the front cover off and destroying a beloved book, there’s no way of putting them proudly on show in your home. Until now that is, these wooden picture frames let you display your firm, literary favorites and gives any room a personalized feel…Can be hung on the wall or free standing. Measure 8.25″ x 5″. Available in Black or Natural (please note that this color is not white and more beige than appears in the photos).

Black or Natural, 8.25″ x 5″

$24.50, Buy it here.

I usually try to avoid the word ‘cute’ if at all possible, but this candle holder is exactly that. Cute.

These stylish candle holders play on the traditional form of a house, replacing the chimney with a candle.

Designer: Sonodesign

$25.00, Buy it here.

I’m in the market for a floor lamp for my living room and this guy keeps catching my eye.

“A Flos classic, the Parentesi has been in production since the 1970’s. The fixture consists of a small ceiling mount, which can be trimmed to a specific size. The rubber bulb holder swivels in any direction. The Parentesi simply plugs into any wall outlet. The fixture is part of the permanent collection in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Uses 1 X 150W BR40 incandescent bulb (not included).”

Designed by Achille Castiglioni.
Black or Nickel.
To read more about the Parentesi, visitAchille Castiglioni or Flos.

Does this series by Paige Russell perhaps bring to mind that classic road trip journey? Four great ‘hold anything’ containers complete the set (Camper not pictured).

Shown left to right: Monster, Rvee, 4by
matte white glazed stoneware

$85.00 each, Buy it here or for € 75.00 – € 250 per 4
here.

www.paigerussell.com

This is an excellent alternative to the traditional tree: it eliminates the hassle of storage and cleanup and still provides the classic shape for your favorite ornaments.

Our own, anodized aluminum star holiday tree. For modernists, minimalists, non-traditionalists and all around something cool to talk about this season. Ships flat with hanging wire and hook.

Available in Green, Blue, or Gold.
Size: Spring aluminum ranges from 6-6.5 ft as hung.

$199.00, Buy it here.

While this object might be a little off-the-beaten-path of gifts to give, you can pretty much guarantee that no one else will give the same thing (unless they read this site, of course).

This soothing art object is reminiscent of tall rice plants swaying in the breeze. Place it in your entryway and it will gently shake it’s head to the right and left as people pass by.

by Hiromi Taki & Tomonori Ohata

$23.00, Buy it here.

The calendar tape shown in the packing tape roundup is available in the US after all.

Multi-functional sticky tape that works as a calendar, diary, organizer & planner. As well as being pretty useful packaging tape! Easily create each month in any day and date combination, by using the two separate rolls and sticking them next to each other. Pack includes 1 roll of days and one roll of dates plus a marker pen.

$12.00, Buy it here.

This small chalkboard is the perfect place to leave messages. (Also, the chalk fits into the ‘blow hole’ on top, pretty cute…)

Super cool painted wood whale chalkboard by dynamic design duo Suddenly It’s Real. Chalkboard measures 15.25″l x 7.25″h and has two pre-drilled holes in the back for easy hanging/mounting. One piece of chalk included, which will sit safe and snug inside the pre-drilled “blow”hole in the top of the board.

15.25″ w x 7.25″ h

$40.00, Buy it here.

[via Chow’s excellent Gift Guide– check it out.]

Kitchen gadgets: the things you don’t know you need until you do…

“It’s a trivet, it’s a jar opener, it’s a kitchen snake, it’s just a hot gadget. Flex is…well, flexible. 18″ long with a touch of the blomus stainless on the end for the German flair.”

(Link and price updated June 17, 2013.)

This will help you count down the days in style…(by the way, I ran across something like this in a picture of someone’s loft and they used it more as a sculptural item than a holiday decoration and it really worked…wish I could remember where it was.)

Build enthusiasm for Christmas by building this Advent Calendar upward. A modern take on a traditional decoration, 24 cylindrical boxes stack on top of each other to create a stylized red cardboard holiday tree. Place a small gift or snack under each box, revealing a surprise each day as you get closer to Christmas. A red foil number on the side of each box tells you what day you’re on and the whole calendar can nest inside itself for compact storage during the rest of the year.

Built up: H 57.5″ Base Diameter 11″

$90.00, Buy it here.

I’m not a huge espresso fan, but if I was, I’d be all sorts of into this: no electricity needed and you could take it anywhere when traveling. Might be a great gift for an espresso-loving friend or family member…

Compact and lightweight, Handpresso allows for espresso to be enjoyed anywhere. It works without electricity with four easy steps: pump handle, pour hot water, insert coffee pods, and press. Uses standard E.S.E. (easy-serving espresso) coffee pods (not included). Made of aluminum and plastic. Hand-wash only.

Size: 2.75h x 8.75l x 4″d

$140.00 ($126.00 Members), Buy it here.