Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Happy Holidays



Friends - I had hoped to squeeze out a few more gift guides, but it's the holidays and there are parties to attend and baking to do. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to joining these people back in this house for a Christmas like the one we shared two years ago. 

Sending you much love this holiday!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Gift Guide: Tokyo


Photo by James Justin Via
His digital dreams and technical talents make him right at home in this bright, big city. Gift him with gadgets that speak to his stream-lined style, but don't forget the toys for this (sort of) grown up boy.


Kind of creepy notebooks for big ideas. Blue Monster Kraft Notebook set from NotbookNotbuk on Etsy.


For his subversive artist side. Linocut Starter Kit from Linocutboy on Etsy.


The work of masters to display on his coffee table. Beautiful LEGO by Mike Doyle available on Amazon.


For shuffling around the house, what could be better than his out set of sushi slippers. Bonus removable fish flavors included. Sashimi Slipper Set by SushiBooties on Etsy.

Fluent Stash - Wool Die Cut Origami Organizer - Nau.com
A organizational origami to keep his stuff together wherever he goes. Fluent Stash by Nau.


Space invaders socks for wearing his geekdom on his sleeve, er, ankles. Soxfords.


A custom-printed origami version of himself. Because he always wanted his own action figure. Foldable.me

Five Pack Double Tip Pens

A compact set of felt-tip markers. For illustrating his next graphic novel. Five Pack Double Tip Pens from Poketo.

Work fucking harder. (black on black) Mens T-Shirt

A rude shirt with a positive message. Work Fucking Harder Shirt from Good Fucking Design Advice Store.


A baseball-sized robot that interacts with his smartphone or tablet, ights up, goes off jumps and turns his entire apartment into a game. Because, robots. Sphero.

Taste Explosion - Salt and Pepper Shakers - Objects - by Thabto - Designer James Wosiek and Steven 
For kitchen table combat. Taste Explosion Salt & Pepper Shakers from Molecule Design.

BLUE GENIE CAP-SAC
It's a cap, it's a fannypack. It's a fannypack for his head. It's a cap-sac


For headware with a different purpose. A napping necessity, the Ostrich Pillow which provides a "micro environment in which to take a warm and comfortable power nap at ease."

For coffee break constructions. The Lego-lovers Build-On Brick Mug from ThinkGeek.


Cufflinks that pay homage to his favorite game system ever. PS3 Cufflinks from Etnecklace on Etsy.


A totally terrifying robo-attack spider. For everyday. Combat Creatures Attacknids on Amazon.


For daily McMuffins, this incredible advancement in breakfast technology. The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker from Amazon.


A shirt that's also a shark, about to eat his head. Shark Shirt by Lazy Oaf.


Because he'll find something to do with it. Conductive Bare Electric Paint Pen.


For serving his own rolls, or amping up take out. Sushi Gift Set from Bento & co.


Because he's a designer, right? For reliving his youth. Hot Wheels Car Maker on Amazon.


For putting a spring in his step and lighting up his next underground dance party. Fiber Optic Shoe Laces, loads of different options available on Amazon.


Bruce Lee Playing Cards. So what if it's not exactly Japanese... from Dan and Dave.

A soap on a rope in a traditional prosperity-promising form. Tamanohada Welcome Soap from Bigelow Chemists.


Because all the cool kids are playing it. Grand Theft Auto 5 on Amazon.

Finally a bottle of oh so delicious Japanese Whiskey. Our neighborhood bartender does great things with this bottle.  Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whiskey from K&L Wine Merchants.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Gift Guide: Tiny Town


Image Via
For all the littles in your life. Treats to please parents and kiddos alike with smart, stylish design and plenty of cheek. 

Amazon.com: Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug, Bee, Large: Baby
A delightful ride-on toy for cruising around the house. Comes in two sizes and a half-dozen species. Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug available on Amazon.

An enhanced pacifier. Because babies with mustaches. The Mustachifier, comes in "Ladies' Man," "Cowboy," and "Gentleman".
Amazon.com: Uncle Milton Nat Geo Wild Chameleon Vision Goggles: Toys & Games
Goggles with rotating eyes to give her a whole new perspective. Chameleon Vision Goggles available on Amazon.


One of the top picture books of 2013, a gorilla with anger-management issues and his ally, Amelia. No Fits Nilson available on Amazon. See other top books from 2013 here
Wooden elephant
A charming companion for baby's bedroom. Wooden Elephant, a re-release of Lucie Kaas' 1960s original on Skandium.

Nature Baby® booties in stripe
Chic stripey booties in the softest cotton. Nature Baby Booties from J Crew.


Or for babies with more international flair, Fortune Cookie Booties, from Sushi Booties on Etsy.
Puffin Classics Boxed Hardcover Set
A beautifully-bound set of classics to start her collection. Puffin Classic Deluxe Collection from Zulilly.

A snuggly baby seal suit. Because, guh. Plus, it's made from Icelandic sheep wool. From Rejkjavik Corner Store.


A dramatically different take on the nightlight. For junior cosmonauts. Night Light + Moon from Kikkerland.
Onaroo Night Owl Portable Night-Light with OK to Wake! - Free Shipping
And for littler folks, the award-winning soft nightlight that changes colors when it's ok to wake up, promising mom & dad a few more minutes of sleep. Onaroo Night Owl Portable Night-Light with OK to Wake from Diapers.com.

Sailing Ship Kite

An exquisite kite for sailing the skies. Sailing Ship Kite from Haptic Labs.


Snuggly slippers for turning bare feet into bear feet. Baby Bear Slippers from Baby Cricket on Etsy.


Special silicon beads for moms to wear and babies to bite. Sassy Baby Beads Teething Necklace.

Amazon.com: ERGObaby Designer Series Carrier and Hand Muff, Winter Edition: Baby
A cozy carrier for winter walks. Bonus hand muff pocket included. Ergo Baby Winter Edition on Amazon.


A bright t-shirt for the budding entrepreneur. Lemonade Tee from Amelia Presents.


A table-top bowling set featuring a friendly fleet of penguins. Muji Mini-Penguins Bowling Set from MoMA Store.


A handsome kitchen for design-conscious kid chefs, no plastics or primaries in sight. KidKraft Espresso Toddler Play Kitchen from Hayneedle.


Animal House style for your little animal. Preschool Sweatshirt from Hatch for Kids.

Fluid Sippy Cup

A new spin on the sippy cup: less mess, more style. Bpa-free Fluid Sippy Cup from Boon


A homespun simple toy for winter's favorite fruit. Darling Clementine Rattle from Darling Clementine.


A pretty puzzle for font fiends. Font Alphabet Puzzle by Loodus on Etsy.


A creative carrying device for your rainbow rambo. Kid's Crayon Bandolier from Jordandene on Etsy.

Vs. Stuff : Vs. Socks : Kids : Girls 3-Pack

Rival animal pairs as socks, for epic foot battles. Vs. Socks from Vs. Stuff (don't miss the mittens too!).


Finally a kid-proof mp3 player with lots of parent-friendly settings. Horbert, your new favorite German friend.