Hasta La Ideas

Our selection of imaginative gifts in homage to one of our favorite comediennes

In celebration of the resourceful comedian’s upcoming appearance at the Cool Hunting pop up Monday, 20 December 2011—where she will sign her book “Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People” from 7-9pm—we’ve selected items from our Gift Guide that channel her sensibility. If none of these items get your goat, a flip through “Simple Times” will provide you with plenty of innovative ideas on how to make this joyous (read: stressful) holiday season a bit brighter.

Sedaris draws on nature for many of her ideas, and the Campfire Incense Burner is a clever trinket that serves as a reminder of the outdoors inside. Nothing goes better with incense than a healthy peace pipe, packed with Good Fight and Cool Hunting Smoker’s Blend, a tobacco alternative or herbal enhancement for those times when you need a little smokable something to get more creative.

Show off your artistic prowess with a personalized case made from one of designer Amy Holbrook’s Needlepoint iPod and iPhone Kits, or gift the kit itself to your favorite crafter. A quirky headpiece you think you could probably make on your own, Tom Scott’s Hairy Visor is actually an intricately-knitted accessory that any old-school yarn freak or Sedaris-wannabe would love to adorn.

The Double Rainbow Maker is a gift that would not only brighten up someone’s day, but it reminds us of Sedaris’ continual support of gay rights with its symbolic display of light when attached to any window. One of the most hilarious women in recent history, we think she’d approve of these Pop Culture Pencils boasting funny phrases like “Why Is Alec Baldwin So Cool” and “Why It’s Time For Lost To End.”

Not one to shy away from costume-inspired apparel or bold colors, the Yellow Melissa and Triton Clogh Clog made from recycled/recyclable Melflex is a Sedaris-inspired shoe bound to turn heads. A writer herself, we’re sure she appreciates a good book and David Rakoff’s witty semi-autobiographical tome “Half Empty” would be appreciated by anyone with a refreshingly kooky personality.

While her own kids and pets are reportedly of the imaginary sorts, nothing encourages a child or cat to dream like a cape for the little ones and some catnip for Whiskers. Our faves are this year are the Little Hero Capes, which protect tykes from the elements of the human world as they embark on a creative journey and the Severed Leg Catnip Toy, an offbeat gift that your frisky feline is sure to love.