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Here’s a perpetual calendar that offers you endless combinations of color compositions. Switch the day, month, and date each day, and, as your schedule permits, switch the six reversible PVC sheets around to make interesting color plays. The designer part of you will be happy discovering new combinations as the days tick by. From Israeli designer Dan Reisinger (1987 was the design year, can you believe it?).
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If you’re opening a bottle, you should probably have both hands on board, but we’ll make one small exception for this bottle opener. Now your other hand can be free to wave at your friends, show off your other bicep, your amazing coordination skills (juggling?), or maybe even get two Kebo Bottle Openers so you’ll look like a cowboy bartender with his/her Six Shooters. That’s my vote. Rush Dixon, the designer, was inspired by the Theodore Low bottle opener from the 1930s.
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The name might refer to a landslide on a Swiss mountain, but you can appreciate gravity on a smaller and safer scale with this card stand that keeps your papers organized. Wooden counterweights loosely set on a sloped base will hold your papers or cards upright where you may enjoy them- or keep them handy for reference- and the Japanese oak will look fine on any desktop surface.
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These small pendant lights are made of recycled cardboard egg cartons, and that’s good news in itself, but it also means the cost is very affordable at $48 each. Mix the three different styles for an eclectic feel above a small dining table or bar or stick with just one in a special spot, either way you can feel good about supporting sustainable practices within the lighting marketplace.

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If you’re a camper (or glamper, there’s room enough for all), chances are that you’ll appreciate the Hozuki Lantern by Snow Peak. It has a Candle Mode setting that lets the LED respond to wind or sound with a flicker, just like a real candle but without the fire hazard. At its lowest setting, it will last for 80 hours; at its highest, 8 hours. The Hozuki Lantern is powered by four AA batteries (Alkaline or NiMh/Zrb rechargeable) or may be powered by a USB cord as well.
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Sitting outside on a summer’s night is made all the more enjoyable with a little fire… and s’mores, of course. The Boo Fire Basket will help contain several logs for an outdoor fire, or, flip it over for a perfect spot to hold a lantern. It’s a good option for a non-permanent fire feature and would be easy to move around an outdoor area as needed.

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What should you do on a windy, sunny day? Go fly a kite, of course. Should you not already be in possession of a semi-wonderful wind instrument, Haptic Lab will set you up right with one of their Signature Kites. Traditional/semi-tradional shapes made from patterned nylon fabric will keep your eyes entertained, while the removable hardwood spars give structure. Each kite is slightly different, as they are handmade, yet all feature one (or two) of Haptic Lab’s signature ten-foot-long patchwork kite tail. Use it as a wall hanging when you’re stuck at your desk.

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We’ve featured some things from Iris Hantverk before, but seeing as Father’s Day is fast approaching, it seems appropriate to spotlight their Concrete Shaving Kit. Designed by Lovisa Wattman, the kit includes a soft concrete shaving dish, shaving soap, and a shaving brush with badger hair bristles. Iris Hantverk is known for their handmade brushes, so you know you’re getting high quality. Plus, join the Ode to Things mailing list and receive 15% off (do take a look at their collection-you’ll like it, I promise).
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It is what it is: a Beer Foamer. What’s the point of that? Well, to those of you that are craft beer aficionados, you know that the “complete beer experience” includes those precious bubbles, and when you pour beer from a bottled or can, it just doesn’t have the same effect. So, that’s where this little device from Norm Architects comes in. A clear, shatterproof container holds your beer while the copper top supports the foaming device. A press of the button will create the dense foam you’d expect straight from the tap. It’s as simple as that.
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Sometimes the simplest innovations have the biggest impact. Imagine the possibilities for storing your favorite (magnetic) things with these magnet tacks. Don’t worry, they’re strong enough for keys, pens, etc. You’d double the function of any bulletin board, for sure, or maybe scatter a few around on a regular wall to float odd-but-necessary things en masse.

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Here’s hoping you’ll make the most of the holiday weekend, and fingers crossed that the weather participates with any out-of-doors plans. If you’re fond of grilling in the open air, be sure to check out the Mon Oncle Barbecue by RS Barcelona, shown above and below. It’s portable (note the briefcase carrying handle) and provides a large surface for all your foodstuffs. Might be a good choice for future patio/picnic/beach excursions. We’ll return with normal posts next Tuesday.

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What’s better than a handwritten card? A handwritten vase. Huh? Well, rather, a handwritten message on an Airvase. Designed by Torafu Architects, each Airvase arrives as a flat, brightly colored paper disk that you shape into a bowl or vase. This gift card version has the option of adding your own note so that the recipient may sculpt your message into a 3D form, perhaps to be enjoyed long after the initial message arrived.
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Your devices’ screens are gross. Who knows what bacteria and ‘schmutz’ are lurking upon their smudgy surfaces? If you had one of these AM Touchscreen Mist Cleaners, you could clean them right up. Spray the mist, and then use the microfiber cloth-clad bar to wipe off all the smudges. Ta-da! A clean screen. Yes, you could buy or make your own alcohol-free cleaner, and sure, you have plenty of microfiber cloths, but the fact that AM has combined both into one handy package means it’ll be easier to keep things pristine. Designed and made by AM, where unfortunately most of the cleaning items/tools seem to be sold out.
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What ever will you do with all the photographs from your Impossible Instant Lab? You’ll put them on this Copper Photo Bar Picture Hanger, that’s what. Yield Design Co. made this picture hanger so that it’s easy to switch out photos and prints; 6 magnets keep items secure when on display. There’s also vertical option available to preorder directly from Yield Design Co.: Photo Ladder, $54 (shown below).
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You guessed it, Scholten and Baijings are back again, this time with towels to make sure your design sensibility is not offended while you’re poolside. After all, you wouldn’t want to be caught lounging/swimming without a fun, color blocked, 100% cotton towel made by one of our favorite dynamic duos, would you? No? I didn’t think so.
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