bltd

With its three broad stripes, the Wipe T-Shirt has an eye-catching appeal to begin with, but there’s also a secret to the design. One of the stripes is actually a strip of microfiber cloth, the go-to remedy for wiping down dirty, finger-printed glasses and gadgets. You may get some strange looks wiping your phone on your chest, but the convenience makes it all worth it.
(more…)

For long haul flights, this mask is a must. Display your meal preference with no room for error (exception: you sleep on your face) and make the best out of the generally unpleasant experience that is flying for hours on end.
(more…)

These origami-inspired rain fenders keeps your backside dry and are easily removable as the weather drifts between sunny and clear, to dreary and wet, perfect for you fixies and single speeders who want the minimal stream-lined look. For a clearer illustration of how they work, check out their accompanying video.
(more…)

For those days when you’re proud of loving what others might hate… by none other than paper-cutter extraordinaire Rob Ryan. Also, be sure to check out the packaging tapes (see below), as they would nicely spruce up your cardboard boxes for shipping.
(more…)

What? You’re still doing your holiday shopping? Check your local bookstores for these maps, because they are genius. Instead of endlessly folding/refolding, you just crumple up this map and throw it in your bag or pocket. Plus, it’s 100% waterproof and includes streets, monuments, museums, art galleries and much more (as in, 10 “SoulSights” to excite you).
(more…)

A hollow coin is a low tech tool for transferring sensitive messages or perhaps also a perfect place for a tiny transmitter (not that I know anything about those sorts of things). Sort of fun, no?

$40.00, Buy it here.

Originally posted Aug 5, 2009.

We’ve posted this pen before (Space Pen), but the black and gold options are eyecatchers. Also, if anyone cites the Russian Space Pen (a pencil) as an alternative, just be sure to note it’s not safe in outer space. See original post for details.
(more…)

Hip flasks seem to go hand in hand with the holidays, just like mistletoe, family visits and frantic shopping. If you’re still not finished crossing off your gift list (get a move on!), consider this flask, or, if it’s a bit pricey, just plug in ‘flask’ into Amazon or your local search engine and you’ll find all manner of flasks that can be shipped overnight to wherever you desire- maybe even your own home.
(more…)

If you’re still looking for a special gift for a quirky friend, you could do a heck of a lot worse than one of these scarves from Donna Wilson. Seriously, they’ll keep necks warm and get all sorts of smiles on the sidewalks- it’s a win/win all around.

(more…)

Whether you’re traveling around the world or just around town, these pouches by Pamela Barsky will keep your stuff organized… with a little bit of commentary thrown in. More below.

Main image: How much I have seen Pouch, 7.75in X 6.25in, $15.00
“No matter how much I have seen there is always so much more I have not”.

(more…)

This small flat lens (called a Fresnel Lens) magnifies up to 2.5, making it ideal for tiny print. Now, you might not need a magnifier every day, but perhaps you’d like to stop smoking? Or know someone who would? You could take a page from the designer’s book by using the magnifier to light a smoke, which would cut down on the habit significantly if you live in a cloudy climate… or if you are just an impatient sort of person.
(more…)

I’ve always thought of the umbrella as a good example of our throw-away culture. After every rainstorm in the city, you’ll be sure to find a blown-out, discarded umbrella on the street. A properly built umbrella is an investment in a product that won’t fall apart and will guarantee to keep you dry for years to come, not just through the next rainy day. Bulletproof and hard-wearing workwear manufacturer Filson applies their rugged and practical design standards to the Cover Cloth Umbrella. It’s made with heavy-duty construction and water repellant Cover Cloth material which will only look better with age. Available in Tan at Blackbird and Otter Green directly from Filson.
(more…)

I’m a bit late in the game in posting these, as you’ve most likely seen them before, but it is MUJI and they are touchscreen gloves, so it’s better late than never. Plus, no doubt you’re in danger of a cold snap soon enough… so, protect your little fingers while you use your touchscreen device with these gloves (they have conductive material in the thumb and forefinger).
(more…)

Do you ever wish for a little extra something when using your phone’s camera? I sure do. This handy little lens boosts your photography on the iPhone 4 or 4S by providing fisheye, wide-angle and macro lenses all in one small package. It connects to the phone in seconds, and you simply flip it over to switch lenses. For those of us that insist on using our smart phones for every conceivable photo, it’ll be added to our wish lists pronto.
(more…)

This looks like a tiny little thing that could possibly improve your iPad/tablet experience. These thin silicone-rubber rails adhere to the back of your device to keep it from slipping or scratching. While I’ve not used or seen these in person, it looks to be a smart idea with minimal impact to your device (and wallet).

(more…)