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Are you old enough to remember (or still use) an actual clipboard? I like how this molded plywood Pupitre* designed by José Cabrita functions sort of like a clipboard, without the clip. Sure, it holds your iPad or tablet upright handily enough with the slot in its curved surface, but that surface also gives you a place to take notes or stack your current papers and magazines. The curvature also makes it easy for you to grab the whole stack and move it from the table to the sofa, or from your desk to the conference room.
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A new measuring tool? Sign us up. The InstruMMent 01 captures dimensions of any object and logs the measurements through your smartphone. One end of the pen/pencil/stylus has a black rubberized wheel that rolls over flat and curved surfaces. Sensors record the distance travelled (in 0.1 mm increments) with a laser to help you gauge exactly where you start and finish. Want to see how big your face is, or capture your exact profile? Roll the end from your forehead to your chin, then watch the line appear in the accompanying app. What about measuring a chair or a sculpture? Roll the end across and around, and ta-da! You’ll have the dimensions ready to share. The app will translate scaled quantities as well (and you can import to CAD!). So fun.
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This DIY Digital Camera is about as simple as it can get. A lightweight transparent case lets you see exactly how it works, which is a plus for those with curious minds. And, it only has two switches: an on/off button (also serves as the shutter clicker) and a selection switch for different photo effects (Normal, Black & White, Sepia and Blue). A fisheye and wide-angle lense are included.
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Need a light backpack for carrying essentials during the day? The City Backpack might just work. It’s made of water-repellent nylon and has a padded interior (for a 13″ laptop) with an inner pocket for an iPad or Kindle. A small front slip with a magnetic snap keeps writing implements and smaller items close at hand; that plus an inner zip pouch will keep your stuff properly sorted. There’s also the no-nonsense nylon City Briefcase (in black or slate, if you’re interested.
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Are you always looking for a decent clothes brush when you travel? Check out the Brushanger from Tim Parsons. It’s an updated version of an original design from the 1930s. The hanger folds up to form a handle for the central brush, allowing you to brush off your coat/jacket efficiently. And, of course, that makes the Brushanger easier to pack away in your luggage as well.
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You may scoff at this travel laundry bag, as it’s not the fanciest, nor the most efficient. However, when one is living out of a hotel room, as I am now, one tends to appreciate a brightly colored bag for less-than-fresh clothes that’s slim enough to fit snugly inside a shallow drawer or stuffed suitcase. It’s certainly more cheerful than a space bag, that I can tell you.
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Let’s call this an altruistic purchase, because if you buy a Handsome Bike, Blu Dot will donate a bike in your name to World Bike Relief. Nice! This particular Handsome Cycle is single speed and has coaster brakes, a Brooks saddle and leather gripped handlebars. It’s a pretty perfect machine for getting you around town, and you’ll enjoy it all the more knowing there’s someone else in a developing country cruising around on their own bike because of you.
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The reflective straps on this Notabag are sure handy, as they will make you very visible when you’re out and about at night. But, the design of the straps is even handier; do you notice their angle? With a single pull of those straps, the bag transforms from a tote into an easy backpack. That makes carrying contents much more convenient, either by foot or by bicycle. Smart.
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No more whining about carrying around a big, clunky water bottle, because you could have a Vapur Anti-Bottle. It’s freezable, attachable, and sustainable. It lays completely flat when empty, and you can fold it up for storage. I don’t know about you, but I think it looks a lot better than any plastic bottle out there. Need filtration? Try the MicroFilter Bottle Set. Need something for your magic juice? There’s a Wine Carrier and Flask as well.
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There’s a good chance someone you know will give or get a VR Headset this holiday season, especially as many retailers are promoting them like crazy. And, yes, you could plonk down $130 for the Zeiss VR ONE Plus Headset or $40-$60 on the many other options, but maybe you’d rather spend $15 just to see what all the fuss is about. These paper Virtual Reality Glasses are easy to assemble/disassemble and could be the perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift.
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Remember the Ostrich Travel Pillow from Banana Things? Those same good folks are back with the Ostrich Pillow Go, which is a little more like your normal travel neck pillow, but better. Total neck support is possible thanks to the big, comfy headrest made of high-sensitivity memory foam. Hidden magnetic buttons ensure three different positions for all neck sizes. You may still get a few funny looks walking through the airport or train station, but you’ll have had a wonderful, restful journey, while all those other suckers will be complaining about neck pain. Note: there’s only 22 hours left to back the project over on Kickstarter.
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Um, how excited are you about a button-down shirt that has hidden reflective strips? If your answer is less than exclamation-point-worthy, you may want to ask someone who depends on alternative means of transportation, like bicycles or skateboards and the like, and see how excited they are, because then I can give them a high five.
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If you are a photographer (amateurs count), or know someone fond of taking photographs, then you may want to take a look at these camera straps. They feature quick release clips and smart little pockets for SD memory cards. Maybe add to your ‘buy later’ folder, if you don’t end up getting one as a gift? You can buy the set together, $160.00, or individually.
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Okay, this is a fun gift. Artist Shabd Simon-Alexander has given the power of alchemy over to you (or your recipient). A jar of a non-toxic blend of permanent dyes and fixatives is paired with a silk crepe de chine scarf for a special, one-of-a-kind accessory. Simply add water, wait an hour while the dyes are released, and then admire the result. Fun!
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Need new luggage for your holiday travels? Maybe something that can tackle rough roads and cracked sidewalks in all sorts of weather? Take a look at the G-Ro Carry-On Bag’s all-terrain wheels. They’re built to handle any terrain, and because of their larger diameter, the load is closer to its center of gravity. That means the bag balances better and feels lighter as you pull it around all those future, far-flung destinations.
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