Hasta La Ideas

The Core77 Ultimate Gift Guide is one of the more popular pieces of content that we put together every year, both for our readers and those of us who have the privilege—and eye—for making the selections. In the interest of capturing the communal spirit of this year’s Gift Guide, the contributors will be selecting a few of their favorite picks from their cohorts’ lists alongside one of their own.

There’s nothing better than gifts that charm long after the wrapping are tossed and day-to-day life resumes (or so I believe). Rarely is the problem finding great gifts; rather, the challenge lies in your ability to thoughtfully select the perfect present that will be cherished and remembered. Sometimes you’ve got to dig deep, think hard and channel your inner co-worker, grandma or two-year-old nephew. I encourage you to leave it all on the court—or Internet, as it were—and go for gold (bonus points for frankincense and myrrh).

The products I’ve gathered for this year’s guide are at first glance familiar items you might encounter every day—a calendar, some building blocks, a magazine subscription. But on closer inspection you’ll find in each a simple twist that transforms the object from mundane to magical. Mirroring my own fascination with detail, material and craft, that extra something goes a long way. And while I can’t promise you flawless alignment of gift and giftee, I can guarantee each is a bona fide delight. Good luck.

Unraveling Calendar – There’s something poignant about seeing the entire year piled up on the floor. My Mom loved this gift so much, she asked for it again this year.

AeroPress Coffeemaker – I swear by mine, and it keeps me from spending $4 on an afternoon coffee. $26 from Amazon

EDC Quick Release Brass Key Ring – So simple (and affordable). $4 from Kaufmann Mercantile

The Magic Charger – This is something I would never buy for myself, but I know I would use it nearly every day. Are you reading this, Smith family? $50 from Mobee Technology

See the full 2013 Gift Guide for more ideas →

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The Core77 Ultimate Gift Guide is one of the more popular pieces of content that we put together every year, both for our readers and those of us who have the privilege—and eye—for making the selections. In the interest of capturing the communal spirit of this year’s Gift Guide, the contributors will be selecting a few of their favorite picks from their cohorts’ lists alongside one of their own.

In other words, hint, hint.

Gifts are silly, and designers are even sillier. Most people really want money, but as humans we love to obsess over gifts so we can show how well we know someone. We want to pick that perfect item that so personifies our friend, or hits on that untapped need that even they didn’t know they had. Perhaps we just want to show we care. What can be more fulfilling of human needs than that, to make a connection with peer and show you understand?

In selecting my list, I tried to pick a variety of things for all different kinds of designers. For that severe utilitarian type who is a closeted brand freak, the Herman Miller desktop power outlet says “I understand your woes my brother.” For that person who can’t just get a drink quietly, they have to make an entire production of it flaunting every tool in their 30 step process, the Stelton Sommelier Foil Cutter says “hurry up already, I just can’t wait for that next glass of Gewürztraminer.” For that designer couple you know who are about to have a designer kid, the LAX minimalist poster says “I care that your child grows up to be an aesthete just like his mama and papa.” For the whimsical iconoclast, the BOOM Swimmer says “I know you are going to do something wrong with this, go for it.” And for the billionaire designer who has a billionaire designer friend, the Icon Thriftmaster is the must-have of the season.

So no matter what type of designer you have on your gift list, I think I selected something that might be enjoyed. Some of these might even work for non-designer types… if you know any of those.

Slyphone – For me researching isn’t a phase of work, it is everyday all day. I’m always trying my hardest to covertly snap photos of things in stores, people on trains and around town, and of things I’m not supposed to in museums and art galleries. This thing is going to make my life so much easier. $19 at Minor Asset

The Magic Charger – I have three Magic Mice. One on my desk in the studio, one in my home office, and one I keep in my bag… they designed this thing for me. $50 from Mobee Technology

See the full 2013 Gift Guide for more ideas →

(more…)

The Core77 Ultimate Gift Guide is one of the more popular pieces of content that we put together every year, both for our readers and those of us who have the privilege—and eye—for making the selections. In the interest of capturing the communal spirit of this year’s Gift Guide, the contributors will be selecting a few of their favorite picks from their cohorts’ lists alongside one of their own.

In other words, hint, hint.

Make good on the phrase and gift the raddest stocking stuffers around. Growing up, it was always one of my favorite parts of the holidays. But there are only so many flavors of gum you can pack into a tiny stocking—trust me, I know. Forgo the gift of fresh breath and take it up a notch this year. That doesn’t mean you have to spend major bucks. These easy-on-the-eyes gifts pack a punch and are all under $50.

The picks I bring to the table are tiny, design-savvy trinkets that will help anyone through their day whether they’re looking to season their dinner, keep their keys together or just keep track of what day it is (we can all relate to that).

When it comes to giving presents, I get pretty picky. Each thing has to have some kind of personal spin or (preferably) have something to do with an absurd inside joke. So this list may not make any possible sense to you as to why I’ve picked them, but it might give you some insight into my favorite of-the-moment ironies.

Drowning in Debt Salt & Pepper Shakers – As a recent grad myself, I feel the pain that is the repaying my financial aid. This is the perfect gift (by a great up-and-coming designer, for the record) for anyone—slave to financial aid or not. We’ve all got our debts.

Unraveling Calendar – If there’s one thing I hate, it’s a nice long thread hanging off of a sweater. Because you know if you pull on it, it’s going to pull out that one row of thread that’s completely essential to the graphic sweater you’re donning. Maybe it’s the irony that gets me with this one. $95 from Patrick Frey

Sacrificial Chair – Sometimes it’s just too hard to actually put your clothes in the closet. Which is why this ghostly chair/clothes rack rocks so much. $180 from Thing Industries

Clampersand – I’m a sucker for anything grammar-related. And anyone who knows me, knows that any quirky, unexpected punctuation mark accessory is up for grabs come Christmastime. $40 from Hand-Eye Supply

Porthole – Pretty kitchen things are always a solid choice for the host(ess) in your life. This simple infusion tool looks good and definitely gets the job done. And you can put alcohol in it—which is always a plus when it comes to the holidays. $90 from Crucial Detail

See the full 2013 Gift Guide for more ideas →

(more…)

The Core77 Ultimate Gift Guide is one of the more popular pieces of content that we put together every year, both for our readers and those of us who have the privilege—and eye—for making the selections. In the interest of capturing the communal spirit of this year’s Gift Guide, the contributors will be selecting a few of their favorite picks from their cohorts’ lists alongside one of their own.

In other words, hint, hint.

I know , I know—no one really wants to think about work over the holidays. But let’s face it: most of us spend most of our time at work, and most of us also work in less-than-ideal environments, be it a windowless cubicle or a mercilessly exposed open-plan office. So anything you can do to improve that situation for a loved one (or for yourself) is certainly worthy of your gift-giving dollar.

Here, I have tried to suggest products that will improve one’s workday in four key areas: caffeination, organization, isolation, and decoration. These critera satisfy my own personal vision of an ideal workplace: one with good coffee, a minimum of clutter, a modicum of privacy, and a few pops of colorful and/or quirky ornamentation. These gifts won’t necessarily make for better or faster work, but they should at least make for more contented workers.

Socks by Henrik Vibskov – I usually prefer to dress in solid, neutral colors—so I need socks like these to save me from being a total sartorial bore. $30 from Henrik Vibskov

LAX Minimalist Poster – I recently moved to Los Angeles, and this neon-colored homage to my local airport would make an excellent addition to my new apartment’s decor. $159 at Zinc Details

5-Year Diary – I’ve never managed to keep a diary for more than a few days, but the idea of having five years’ worth of notes in one volume—and in such a handsomely designed one — makes me want to give it another go. $25 at MoMA Store

Zojirushi Tuff Mug – I don’t actually have much use for a thermos, but, hey, I really like the way this guy looks. $32 on Amazon

See the full 2013 Gift Guide for more ideas →

(more…)

Whether it’s hauling home groceries in the trunk of a classic car, kids in the cargo carrier of a Christiana bike, or tackling laundry in an urban environment, schlepping is a natural part of a busy life. Make it easier on your favorite workhorse with one of the gifts from…

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