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What are these two objects? Lumps of salt? Some kind of rough plaster paperweight? Or, wait, might it be the set of salt & pepper shakers by Max Lamb? Ding, ding, ding! Your last guess was correct, and should you want to peruse the other items in the collection, be sure to take a look at the Mug, Tall Vase, and smaller Posy Vase, just to name a few.
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Finding spectacular gifts for those favorite people in your life probably isn’t at the top of your priority list just yet, but, don’t you worry, I’m on the hunt. May I turn your attention toward this vision of a flower seen through cut glass? Thanks to visual distortions created by a kaleidoscopic effect, just one flower gives the impression of a bouquet. Yes, it is expensive, but, man-oh-man is it pretty and strange and amazing. Conclusion: excellent, high budget gift.
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Pen and pencil cases aren’t just for school-age children, you know. Those of us on the go don’t want to leave our prized writing/drawing instruments behind, and a case that has a trick up its sleeve might be just the thing to keep our bags and workspaces organized (and clients and coworkers impressed?). Similar to vintage ‘trick boxes’, this Tanno Free Case requires one push of its wood button for the tray to pop out. Sort of fun, isn’t it? Fully constructed in wood save for the one metal spring, the case is a lesson in craftsmanship.
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A spill-proof Soy Sauce Cruet? Pfft, you say. I didn’t believe it either until seeing it in action. It has a beak-like spout that’s built into the adjustable cap; soy sauce (or olive oil or vinegar) simply flows out without a drip. Is this a game changer for anyone who loves their soy sauce (or olive oil or vinegar)? I think so.
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Are these rugs too provocative for you? Well, tough… ummm, you-know-what. Cold Picnic brings us the Private Parts Rugs, with a little something for everyone. Pick the parts you like most and then choose the preferred size and color- most are available in the 2’x3′ size with the cream background. I bet you’ll have fun seeing the rug each and every day; be sure to enjoy that the imagery can be interpreted however you (or your guests) want.
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Ah-ha! This looks like a pen, but it’s really a multi-purpose tool hidden inside a pen-like casing. It’s perfect for those of us that like to be prepared for anything, yet can’t really justify wearing a tool belt everywhere we go (sooo cumbersome, right?). The 16 tool bits can be easily switched out- they’re all stored within the pen, so you cycle through to the one you need*. Taiwanese architect Yu–Hung Cheng and his team call it the world’s first “pop–a–point” pen style tool.
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A small, portable grill that looks a little like a bento box gets a big ‘yes, please’ from anyone who has ever eaten outdoors. It’s a charcoal grill, so there’s nothing complicated about it. A built-in handle and a nylon strap secures the whole thing together to make transport extra easy to the backyard, beach, or campsite. Silicone handles, dishwasher-safe parts, and a black enamel finish all further add to the function and overall aesthetic.
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Deliberate, simple, clean… maybe that’s how your coworkers describe you, but I’m talking about the walnut set you see above. Solid wood, brass, porcelain, and vegetable-tanned leather all work harmoniously together for a desk set that’s sure to say you mean business.
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It’s a very, very large paperclip. Use it as a bookmark, as shown above, or as a paperweight. Considering it’s designed by Carl Auböck, and hand-crafted from solid brass in Auböck’s fourth-generation Viennese workshop, it will retain its value for years to come. Don’t believe me? Do a search for Auböck’s pieces on any collector’s site (or Ebay) and you’ll see. Consider this as a very nice gift for that someone who has everything (except a huge brass paperclip).
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A floating record? What is this, a magic show? Nope, it’s just a simple rethinking of the record player. This turntable plays records vertically- allowing you to enjoy and showcase your records “as both art and a medium to produce analog sound.” If you’re thinking that sounds gimmicky, you’ll be reassured hearing about the dynamic, full-range stereo speakers (two Tymphany 2″ neodymium speakers, to be exact) and a choice between 33-1/3 or 45 RPM (record clamps for both included). More info over at Gramovox.
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You probably can’t tell from the photo above, but this Yupik Light is made from polypropylene foam. That makes it very sturdy and extremely light. And did you notice the clear polycarbonate diffuser? It looks a little like a car headlight, doesn’t it? Set it on its side on a table, place it on the ground facing upwards, or hang it from the ceiling using the included hook. It’s an affordable light with many possible uses all over your home.
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Who needs a trivet? Maybe your dining table, considering Thanksgiving is next month. Better to be prepared than have a big, burnt mark once you clear the table, right? An elegant outline of geometric shapes has been laser cut from smoked oak veneer. Consider all three for a spectactular spread or just one or two for smaller soirees.
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Nice jugs. See, I can say that aloud without fearing a punch in the face. You might need to be a little more careful, especially if you give one of these as a gift to a favorite co-worker or your mother-in-law.

The Gugo Pitcher Jugs are designed by Kanz Architetti and produced by Venetian glass artisan Erre Soffieria. And, if you haven’t noticed the prices, do take a look. Pleasantly surprised? Me too.
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You see an irregular round mirror, which is sort of interesting, and then, as you step to the side, a punch of day-glow color from the recessed frame hits you in the face. That, my friend, raises the bar from sort-of-interesting to high-five-awesome. There’s a few different options in colored glass as well as frames; take a look at mc&co for the full collection.
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Whoooaa, steady, there! Maybe you need the Grip Tray- it will keep those beverages in place as they travel from kitchen to dining room, or, as the case may be, to the living room (you big couch potato, you). Silicone bands wrap around the outside to make sure things stay put no matter how wobbly or weak your arms may be. There’s a Parallel (above) and Round size (shown below) available in a black or white color scheme.
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