{die, gift cards, die} gift ideas, mother's day, valentine's day, birthday presents

826 Valencia LA Poster

2008-07-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of what 826 Valencia do, and I plan on supporting the LA branch financially by purchasing one of their cool posters soon. Since the LA branch tutoring center is disguised as a Time Travel Store (with the slogan, "Whenever you are, we're already then") their posters look like 50's style tourism posters but with a twist. Check them out here.

$19.99

Image: 826LA.org

Serving Trio

2008-07-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist. I asked my friend who'll be visiting me this coming weekend to drop down to the MoMA Store in Soho to pick me up one of these. And she got the last one! Horray!

This three-piece glass set includes a creamer with spout, a sugar bowl, and a candy dish. The stackable design makes it easy to carry all at once. Made by Iittala of non-leaded crystal. Hand-wash only.

Designed by Camilla Knopp

$44.95

Gift it: Iittala Serving Trio

Image: MoMA Store

Jimi Wallet

2008-04-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

For boyfriends who don't carry a "real" wallet, but instead use a butterfly or money clip, and have experienced their money and license and credit card fly everywhere at least once. In public.

The Jimi™ wallet is a compact, colorful, and water resistant answer to the stodgy outdated leather wallet. It’s designed to slip into your front pocket, purse, or around your neck on a lanyard.

$14.95

Gift it: Jimi Wallet

Image: Jimi Wallet

Iittala Aalto Small Tray in 1937 Green

2008-04-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

This re-release of an original Aalto color from 1937, this deep green glass tray is another work of modern art by Finnish designer Alvar Aalto. Can be used for serving candies or nuts, or simply put on display.

Measures: 6" L x 7.5" W x 2" tall (15 x 19 x 5 cm)

Originally $110
Now $55

Gift it: From FinnStyle

Image: FinnStyle

Stelton Vacuum Jug

2008-04-07T19:03:00.001-07:00

At $80, this is the best price I've seen online for this Danish classic. Lots more colors available on the iloveuma site.

Made from ABS plastic with a glass vacuum sealed interior, these jugs are ideal for keeping things at temperature.

$80

Gift it: From iloveuma

Image: iloveuma

Stelton Water Jug

2008-04-07T19:00:00.001-07:00

I love the vacuum version of this jug with its great colors, but the price of this water jug can't be beat.

This water jug by Stelton is the perfect thing for cool beverages. Approximately 72 oz capacity.

$35

Gift it: From iloveuma

Image: iloveuma

Lexon On/Off Alarm Clock

2008-04-07T18:57:00.001-07:00

This alarm clock by Lexon has a unique tippy design. Instead of little buttons to turn off the alarm just tip the entire clock to the other side.

$35

Gift it: From iloveuma
Images: iloveuma

Savon de Marseille Soap

2008-04-07T18:53:00.001-07:00

Savon de Marseille Soap by La Compagnie de Provence of France is all natural biodegradable soap. Made in a cauldron according to the traditional recipe for marseille soap, this liquid soap is naturally glycerined and is free of coloring agents, animal fats and surface-active agents. presented in our famous glass pump dispenser.

Available in 3 scents Orange, Fresh Verbena, and Summer Grapefruit. 16.9 oz glass container.

$18 each

Gift it: From iloveuma

Image: iloveuma

Swiss Spice Salt and Pepper Shaker

2008-04-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

The Swiss Spice Salt and Pepper Shaker solves an age-old problem: How do you keep your important condiments dry and well-contained while hiking, biking, camping or mountain climbing? The lightweight, refillable shaker has a stainless steel spring system to keep the lids firmly in place when not in use. Waterproof and made from food-grade polymer, the Shaker is a smart solution for use in a compact kitchen, on the patio or in the park and can also be used to stash other items that can benefit from humidity-free portable storage.
$20

Gift it: Design Within Reach

Image: Design Within Reach

Maptote Chicago Canvas Bag

2008-03-06T20:47:00.001-08:00

I ordered this in white last week and it's pretty much your typical canvas bag, except the Chicago graphic is super cute. The website I ordered it from, Creatures of Comfort, only had the white version, but I much prefer this black one...

100% cotton. Also available in a dozen other U.S. and international cities.

$20 for black
$15 for white

Gift it: Maptote

Images: Maptote

MoMA Store: Desk Tower

2008-03-06T20:35:00.001-08:00

I have a friend who's an interior designer who this would be perfect for. I can already imagine it on her desk, towering -- if you will -- over her other workspace accoutrements.

Un-stack this pyramid-shaped design object to reveal four practical desk accessories in contrasting colors: a paper- weight, paper clip holder, pencil cup, and memo pad. Made of ABS resin. (Two shown in picture.)

$50
Made in Japan

Gift it: From MoMA Store

Image: MoMA Store

J Crew Polka Dot Bikini Top

2008-03-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

Hmmm. Yes. I know it's unlikely anyone would ever gift a 50s style polka-dot bikini top -- unless it was a boyfriend/husband who loved that Yellow Polka Dot Bikini song (yes, it comes in yellow...) -- but I'm putting this up anyway. This is too adorable not to.

$50
Made in U.S.A.

Gift it: J Crew

Image: J Crew

Verre Glass Earrings

2008-03-06T20:21:00.001-08:00

I love these. So simple and elegant. Every time I come across earrings like these, I start to consider getting my ears pierced...

In sterling silver. Shown in color #89 (our of 99 colors).

$55

Gift it: Verre New York

Image: Verre New York

Drakes Snowflake Scarf

2008-02-17T21:14:00.001-08:00

My guy is pretty much a black, white, grey and khaki kind of guy. He's pretty suspicious of colors, so this lambswool scarf would blend in nicely with his current wardrobe. Plus it's unique in that it's British.

£26.00 (was £75.00)

Made in the U.K.

Gift it: From Oki-Ni

Image: Oki-Ni

Patricia Green Suede Travel Slippers

2008-02-17T20:57:00.001-08:00

I'm thinking of getting these slippers for my mum. They're pretty simple and classic, and come with a zip-close carry case.

$47 (or $78 from PatriciaGreen.com)

Gift it: From Bluefly

Image: Bluefly

Alessi Egg Basket

2008-02-17T20:51:00.001-08:00

Know someone who's really into boiled eggs for breakfast? This is pretty cute to have in the kitchen.

$25

Gift it: Alessi USA

Image: Alessi.com

Lego Ice Cube Tray and Magnets

2008-02-11T20:47:00.001-08:00

A friend's just moved apartments. Here are two fridge accessories that are always needed: ice cube trays and magnets. I really like these Lego ones. They're kind of classic in a "So I'm still a kid, so what?" way.

$7.99

Gift it: Lego USA

$9.98 (on sale from $14.99)

Gift it: Lego USA

Images: Lego Shop

Forget Me Knot Silver Ring

2008-02-11T19:57:00.001-08:00

So you've been dating a while and you need to get her a gift. Nothing too serious. Something cute...

By Kiel Mead

$50

Gift it: From Built By Wendy

Image: Built By Wendy

Orrefors Pastillo Mini Votives

2008-02-07T21:08:00.000-08:00

It doesn't get any better than this for $25. Crystal glass. Set of 6. They can be lined up along the windowsill or placed in a circle on the dining table. For tea lights, olives, or M&Ms even...

$25

Gift it: From 2Modern

Image: 2Modern

31 Corn Lane Badminton Tote Bag

2008-02-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

I really like the pseudo-sportiness of this canvas tote. So perfect for spring. (Holy crap, I can't wait for this Chicago winter to be over!) Oh, and the bag comes with a little badminton pin too...

$20

Gift it: 31 Corn Lane

Image: 31 Corn Lane

Williams Sonoma Pig Cutting Board

2008-02-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

Oh man, this is pretty cute. And it should be okay for vegetarians too, right? I mean, it's probably not meant to be a bacon-only cutting board...

This 5/8" thick board is crafted of New England maple, lightly distressed and stained to give it the appearance of an antique. 14" x 9".

$29

Gift it: Williams Sonoma

Image: Williams Sonoma

London Transport Museum Posters

2008-02-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

I've always loved those classic travel posters and it looks like the Tube is keeping that tradition alive. They've got a great selection of promotional posters for sale on the London Transport Museum web site. Lots of different styles, including some fantastic 'Tour de France' prints for the cycling enthusiast in your circle.

£9.95

Gift it: London Transport Museum

Images: London Transport Museum

Shu Uemura Japanese Bath Oil

2008-02-04T19:31:00.001-08:00

I'm one of those people who's more into skincare products than makeup products, but almost all the makeup stuff I do use is Shu Uemura. Their skincare stuff is good too, but I've still got lots (and I mean lots) of cleansers, masks and lotions left to use up before I should even be thinking about getting more. In the meantime though, here's something I think looks and sounds pretty luxurious for the price tag: traditional Japanese bath oil.

$40

Gift it: Shu Uemura

Image: Shu Uemura

Marli Bottle Opener by Alessi

2008-02-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

For the kid on his/her 18th birthday, if you're in Australia. Or 21st birthday, if you're in the U.S. Or just because, if you're in Europe.

Stainless steel. Made by Alessi.

$20

Gift it: MoMA Store

Image: MoMA Store

Perfect Bodum Tea Set

2008-02-02T17:59:00.000-08:00

Say hello to the perfect tea set for one. And I'm not talking about a tea cup and saucer because come on, what's really the point of a saucer? What a tea-lover really needs is a cup that keeps the tea hot, which this one does cause it's double-walled. And then something that keeps the cup hot too, which is the sole purpose of the tea warmer. Also it just looks cool, doesn't it?

$24.99

Gift it: Bistro Double Wall Glass

$19.99

Gift it: Tea Cup Warmer

Images: Bodum USA

Bodum Chocolate Jug

2008-02-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

Mmm, hot chocolate...

The handle and the jug are made of heat-resistant, see-through borosilicate glass. The lid is made of stainless steel and plastic with a silicone gasket for better tightness. All parts are dishwasher safe. The manual blender can be fully disassembled for better cleaning.

$39.99

Gift it: Bodum USA

Image: Bodum

Ikea Kulla Table Lamp

2008-02-02T17:33:00.001-08:00

I'd never thought about giving lamps as gifts until I received one from a friend after I moved into my current place. She knows my taste inside and out, so of course I loved it. But I do know that it can be tough picking out things for the home. That's why you can't really go wrong with a simple design like this, and when it's from Ikea, it can be returned easy peasy.

Made of steel. 22" high.

$49.99

Gift it: Ikea

Image: Ikea

Fishs Eddy Brooklyn Platter

2008-02-02T17:04:00.000-08:00

More from Brooklyn. A cute platter from Fishs Eddy. 12" x 12".

$24.95

Gift it: Fishs Eddy

Image: Fishs Eddy

Lorena Barrezueta Dip Tray

2008-02-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

Remember those disposable tin trays that used come with take-out food? Well, here it is made of fine porcelain. The collection includes take-out containers of all shapes and colors, but I think just one is enough as a conversation piece.

$45
Made in Brooklyn

Gift it: From ReForm School

Images: ReForm School

Industreal Porcelain Uni Container

2008-01-29T18:10:00.000-08:00

So unique. And I'm not just saying that because I love eating uni nigiri.

White/black glazed porcelain. Designed by Giordano Redaelli.

$69
Made in Italy

Gift it: From Rose & Radish

Images: Rose & Radish

Wetter Indochine Cupcake Bowls

2008-01-29T17:57:00.001-08:00

Argh! How cute would these look on the kitchen counter with some Hershey kisses inside?

Hand made form lacquer.

$16 / small
$39 / medium
Made in Vietnam

Gift it: From Rose & Radish

Images: Rose & Radish

Mnkr "I Wish I Could Vote" T-shirt

2008-01-29T17:39:00.001-08:00

Aww, I wish I could vote too! And I wish they had this in my size!

Water-based print on a 100% cotton t-shirt.

$18

Gift it: Mnkr at Supermarket

Image: Mnkr Clothes

Moop Duffel Bag

2008-01-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

I like all the hand-made bags from this designer based in Massachusetts, but especially this one. It's the ideal size for a smaller person and the colors are nicely utilitarian. For guys or girls.

$68

Gift it: Moop at Supermarket

Image: Moop

Velvet Idole Macbook Case

2008-01-29T17:25:00.000-08:00

Ohhh, isn't this nice? Hand-crafted computer case in calf leather. My black Macbook isn't much into fancy outerwear, but I bet other Macs would love it.

For Apple notebooks of all sizes. Also comes in nubuck, white and other prints.

65 euros

Gift it: Velvet Idole

Image: Velvet Idole

Ork City Neighborhood Poster

2008-01-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

I ordered this future Chicago classic more than a few months back. Turned out the first print run had a typo in it, "Ukranian Village" instead of "Ukrainian Village" but the mistake has since been corrected. Ork Design also has similar posters for Boston, Brooklyn, Manhattan and San Francisco with many more cities to come.

This poster is 23” x 34” and is printed on 100% recycled white paper with soy-based inks. Available in colors Spicy Red, Sweet Blue, or Black and White.

$22

Gift it: Ork Posters

Image: Ork Design

Paper Snake Scissors Necklace

2008-01-27T22:43:00.000-08:00

I'd actually already ordered another scissor necklace, but changed my mind once I saw this one. It's just cute. I like necklaces that are "functional." For example, I have a necklace charm from Muji that's an umbrella. Good for rainy days, I say.

Made by Allison Wells, a Canadian jewelry designer and maker. Sterling silver, with your choice of 16", 18", 20" or 22" chain.

$35

Gift it: Paper Snake

Image: Paper Snake

The Laundress Sweater Stone

2008-01-27T22:36:00.000-08:00

A practical gift for the practical friend who loves to wear sweaters. I have no clue how it works, but it makes perfect sense to have one.

The Laundress Sweater Stone® is an easy, convenient and environmentally safe way to remove pilling. Renew your clothes to that "just-bought" look.

$18

Gift it: The Laundress

Image: The Laundress

For Like Ever Poster

2008-01-27T18:45:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day, maybe? If you're a gushy romantic, it's totally fine, you know.

Limited edition of 25" x 38" posters silkscreen printed in pink and fluorescent red inks on acid-free paper. This edition supersedes the original poster, which was a non-archival untrimmed press sheet.

$35

Gift it: Village

Image: Village

Yoyo Ceramics Kitchen Tidy

2008-01-27T18:40:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh! So cute!!!!! These are so adorable. Be sure to check out the other fantastic stuff on the Yoyo Ceramic website. It's from the UK, but it's cute enough to pay for the international shipping.

A really fun kitchen tidy to hang around on your kitchen surfaces. Need to put a mixing spoon down? Or pop a tea bag down without dripping along the floor to get to a bin – here’s a cool solution.

£29 for a set

Gift it: Yoyo Ceramics

Images: Yoyo Ceramics

Yuka Yamaguchi Prints

2008-01-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

I love these two prints side by side. Maybe for seafood lovers? Or sushi lovers?

These are high-quality digital prints using archival pigment inks on acid-free, 238-gram, 100% cotton paper. All prints are available in an open edition and each print is signed by the artist.

$25 / 8.5 x 11"
$45 / 11 x 14"

Gift it: Yuka Yamaguchi

Images: Yuka Yamaguchi

LA Tasting Olive Oils

2008-01-26T17:55:00.000-08:00

I admit that the Philippe Starck tins look pretty cool, but as a big fan of olive oils in general, it's a great idea. I'd take this as a gift to a housewarming party.

Organically made from Spanish olives, these extra-virgin olive oils bring their unique flavors to a variety of foods. Delicate Suave complements fish and vegetables; robust Intenso finishes a steak or becomes a dip for bread. Packaged in tins by designer Philippe Starck.

$21.95
Made in Spain

Gift it: Crate & Barrel

Image: Crate & Barrel

Giorgio Fedon Card Case

2008-01-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

I bought one for myself in navy from a department store in Tokyo back in mid-2006. Then it turned up in MoMA and I saw it at CitySuper! in Taipei. This past Christmas I gave a black one to my very professional friend Steve.

Clean-cut and essential designs are the hallmark of the Giorgio Fedon brand, established in 1919. This business and credit card holder is made from hard bent aluminum covered in Fedon's signature orange or classic black. Compact enough to fit in a shirt pocket. Made of PVC.

$24
Made in Italy

Gift it: MoMA Store

Images: MoMA Store

Taz Ah Mugs

2008-01-26T10:57:00.001-08:00

Maybe $24 is a lot to spend on a mug, but for someone who's a big tea or coffee drinker, this would be an adorable one (or two) to add to the collection.

These seemingly typical white mugs deliver a surprise when used, revealing an amusing pig or dog snout on the bottom. Made of fine bone china. Dishwasher safe.

$24
Made in England

Gift it: MoMA Store

Images: MoMA Store

Letter Holder

2008-01-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

Yep, I have this and I love it. Actually, I'm looking at it right now and I just smiled. I also gave one to my mum as a gift this past Christmas.

Organize your home or office with this letter holder which features a pictogram of an envelope on both sides. Made of powder epoxy-coated steel.

$28
Made in France.

Gift it: MoMA Store

Image: MoMA Store

Sew U

2008-01-25T13:46:00.000-08:00

For those friends who already bake, make soups and other crafty things.

Built by Wendy's how-to-sew guide which includes 3 basic patterns: pants, button down shirt and skirt. (Sizes 0-12 and XS-L)

This book gives basic sewing skills -- how to cut, sew, and light pattern making to alter these patterns so that they're built by YOU! In addition this teaches elements of design through pattern making and sewing techniques.

$25.99

Gift it: Built By Wendy

Image: Built By Wendy

One Year of White Pages

2008-01-25T13:02:00.001-08:00

I still have some new thin Moleskine notebooks in my stash, but these look like a fantastic idea. I don't know if I'd use a whole notebook each month, but for someone who keeps a journal, it would be ideal.

For the writer or artist, One Year of White Pages is a stack of 12 thick moleskin-bound books, tied up in a package. On each cover is a perforated hole denoting the month. The books are each filled with 80 pages of off-white plain paper. Every cover is embossed with “One Year of White Pages.”

$55
Made in Italy.

Gift it: Design Within Reach

Images: Design Within Reach