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Not that you need to be more connected, but this 4-dial dashboard will help you track what’s important. It’s customizable, so you get to pick what info it displays- it’ll wake you up, but maybe you also want to know the weather, how many emails you have, what the morning traffic is like, or just what day it is… the Nimbus will show you it all via each dial/barometer. It syncs in real time, so the data will be accurate. Maybe that means you’ll pick up your phone less? We can hope. Think of it as a desk top accompaniment or a bedside starting point.
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What to get that hard-to-please person? Well, if they like tools, get them this Series One Titanium Tool Set. There’s one Edge tool (for prying, cutting) and one Opener (for opening up bottles); both are lightweight, durable, and keychain friendly. The set is available in titanium from Hand Eye Supply as a limited edition.
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Are you sick of holiday shopping yet? Yeah, me too, but this might help. If you still have one impossible person on your list, and absolutely no idea what to get them, consider ISHUJA’s Eco-Essential Pen and Pencil Set.

Formerly a Kickstarter project, the set is now available for sale, and consists of one pen and one pencil, both with bamboo & aluminum bodies and a high-sensitivity stylus nib on each cap for tablet use. The set is appropriately gift boxed with a set of 5 color rings for identification. Not sure how long shipping will take, so do be sure to double check if you intend it as a Christmas gift.
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Pop. Pop. Pop. And that’s just just how you’ll start each and every day of 2014, one pop at a time, if you like that sort of thing. U.S. holidays and all days of the week are marked, with the weekend days in bold for quick reference.
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Hey Santa, if you’re going to blow your budget on my Christmas present, please make it this Spin Candelabra by Tom Dixon. It’s one heck of a centerpiece, and pretty much takes the place of a low light or chandelier above a larger table. The candelabra’s arms spin 360 degrees to give a variety of configurations, and, as it’s made from cast iron, it will last forever.
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Why are aprons a good gift idea? Beats me, as I’m not fond of the kitchen, but I can guess they protect clothing and also are a little fun in the apparel arena, as no pattern is too big or crazy within the confines of your own home. Now, these patterns by Alvar and Elissa Aalto are not too big or crazy, and you could easily appropriate it for items of clothing worn outside the home (there’s an Artek Tote, after all), but for now you have the option of adding an Apron, Oven Mitt, Trivet or Tray to your kitchen for a little bit of pattern play on very useful items.
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If you’ve ever had a bundle of pens, pencils, and/or markers beside you while drawing or sketching, you know how it takes a little bit of time to find the right implement each time you change your selection. That’s just where this Pencil Display Organizer by Elise Gabriel comes into the picture. Horizontally, it displays all your tools at once; vertically, it holds up to 100 implements and can be wall-mounted to save space on your desktop. Lay it down when you’re working, hang it up when you’re done.
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If you know someone that’s a fan of Eva Zeisel, and they don’t have this stacking Pillow Vase set, then you have a potential slam dunk gift on your hands. Conceived as a series, the three vases stand on their own as functioning vases, yet also stack to form a larger piece. Each piece is slip cast porcelain with KleinReid’s signature satin matte glaze and are available separately as well.
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A-tisket a-tasket, I want this neon basket. Magazines, towels, toys, you name it, and this basket will hold it. The team of Bend Goods hand bends and arranges the iron wires of each basket to ensure structural strength. A powder coated finish will last through all manner of rough and tumble use, making it perfect for any room in the house.
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If you’ve not lined up your 2014 wall calendar options yet, do add the 2014 Linear Letterpress Calendar to your list of considerations. Each calendar is hand-pressed on a giant antique letterpress; you have your pick of black ink on thick white flecked stock as well as a bold turquoise ink on green.
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Any amateur chef needs functional cooking accessories, and the Tilkkutäkki pieces from designer Maija Louekari will offer suitable heat protection along with a jolt of bold color. Maybe the Oven Mitt and/or Pot Holder is plenty enough pattern for you to handle, or, only if you’re truly brave, get the Tilkkutäkki Waist Apron (shown below) to match and have a crazy rainbow kaleidoscope each time you cook up a storm in the kitchen.
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Ah-ha! Now you know what to get your favorite cook: a mortar & pestle that’s a work of art unto itself. Made of Dalbergia Sissoo wood, each mortar & pestle by Tahir Mahmood is hand shaped using the lathe turning technique. Once formed, each piece is coated with vibrant colors created with a sap-based resin. The collection was inspired by the Punjabi agricultural calendar, and I’d reckon that you’ll have a hard time picking your favorite amongst the eleven designs.
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Want a home of the future? Well, you’ve updated your thermostat, maybe even your smoke alarm, so why not your lights? Goldee is a smart light switch that allows you to control your lights with a wave of your hand, or just set it up to take care of them for you automatically. Goldee can begin your day by turning on your lights softly and turning them off when you leave. Set a sleep timer, and your lights will gradually fade to dark. And, yes, you can also control your lights with a smartphone.

Available for preorder now, with plans to ship next summer. Keep in mind that you’ll need to update your bulbs to Smart LED bulbs, and you’ll need one Goldee Controller per room (not per switch), so it can get pretty expensive if you plan to automate several rooms.
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If you need a kick in the pants to make next year better, maybe this agenda by Julie Joliat will be a good fit. Each week gives you a tip or challenge to complete, giving you a little reminder to change things up. Take a day off to do nothing… Bake some walnut bread… Watch a documentary, etc. There’s plenty of room for notes and there’s also useful information that’s bound to come in handy: world maps, conversion tables, monthly planners and the like.
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Who’s this little guy? Designed by Ionna Vautrin for Lexon, this Mezzo Radio is a modern take on vintage radios. Measuring in at 5.5″ long, 3″ wide and 1.5″ deep, it’s a friendly size to tote around, so you’ll have your radio or playlist to keep you company whether you’re working in your kitchen or hanging out at a campsite. A silicone rubber case ensures durability and there’s an output for MP3 players, of course.
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