Christmas Gift List for Lovers of All Things Design
Hello, friends. Well, I wanted my first blog post to be a discussion of why hiring an architect is a valuable choice when faced with a design/construction project, but I have put it off for a while so that one will have to come next, I’m afraid. Keep an eye out for that post soon.
Christmas season is nearly upon us, folks, and I wish I could say I was ready, but alas, I am not. So, instead of stewing over all the gifts I do not have for all my loved ones, I am instead sharing with you a list of really cool and unique (at least, I think they are) gift ideas for those in your life who, like me, love things that are design/architecture-related or that are just seriously well-designed items.
Some of us are just drawn to things that are well-thought-out and designed in a way that makes them lifelong treasures rather than commodities to be used and discarded. I think that those of us who are this way can sometimes be intimidating to buy for when it comes to the holiday season (or so my husband tells me because he sees daily how easily I can tear apart the design of something that is so banal and utilitarian that it makes him overthink everything he purchases for me - sorry!). Sooo, enter the list that you all need for that uber-critical person in your life who makes you bite your nails every time their birthday comes around, or for that person you just know enjoys unique gifts.
Do you love games, or have a game player in your life that loves backgammon? How about this awesome, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired backgammon board and playing pieces? I love board games, and this love probably came from my parents who really love board games (I mean, who else buys their Yahtzee refill score sheets in bulk???). I’m not a backgammon player, but I can appreciate how cool this board is. Check it out if you know someone who admires FLW and also plays backgammon! Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired Backgammon Game
How about something for the abstract art aficionado in your life? I love Piet Mondrian (and if you don’t know his work, you should definitely look him up now), so I’m kind of a sucker for all things rectilinear and graphic with bold colors. These coasters from the AIA Store are super cool, and for something that I consider an added bonus, each one is a unique design, so the set isn’t just four of the same, overused Mondrian print. At just about $30, this is also a reasonably-priced gift for that special someone. Mondrian Coasters: Set of Four
Who loves books as much as I do? This book about women architects who have broken the so-called glass ceiling talks about several different female architects and how they’re contributing to the profession of architecture. Historically, women have been largely overlooked and outnumbered in the male-dominated field of architecture. It’s honestly still a struggle to be a woman in this industry, but there are lots of change-makers out there doing a lot of good, not just for their fellow female architects, but also for their communities and the world at large. This book highlights a few of those women. I hope you check it out! Raising the Roof: Women Architects Who Broke Through the Glass Ceiling
Have you ever felt homesick for a place you really love, or a place that brings back wonderful memories? These candles made by a company called Homesick claim to capture the essence of various places through the power of scent. As many of you may know, I love New York for many reasons and miss it terribly and often, so I’m linking the NY Homesick candle here, but if you have another city or state, or place (like that beach cottage you visited during COVID lockdown), then I suggest you check out their selection. The NY Homesick candle claims to smell of a crisp fall afternoon with aromas like cinnamon, nutmeg, and freshly picked apples, and oh my, I’m ready to go back! New York Homesick Candle
Are you an overthinker? Do you overanalyze everything? Or do you know someone who is? Then this book is for you. It’s called The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Expert Advice for Extreme Situations, and while some situations presented in this book are comical and likely intended for entertainment (think: How to Tell if a Clown is Murderous), many scenarios in this book are the stuff of nightmares for many of us (think: How to Escape from a Mountain Lion). A few years ago, my sister and I went hiking one afternoon, and on our way to the trailhead, we actually saw a cougar running down the road. We realized we weren’t prepared for an encounter like that, were it to happen on the trail. We went hiking anyway, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt that much anxiety! I’ve most definitely thought twice about my hiking supplies since that day. I think having the opportunity to read through how to handle these types of situations could make a lot of us worry-warts feel empowered, especially in those situations where Siri may not be available. So, this book is for that nerd who likes to know trivia that is mostly useless, but could most certainly come in handy at some point! The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook
This gift is for that special someone who loves retro everything. It’s called the Wideboy Alarm Clock, and it’s a close second to the dial on the alarm clock our parents or grandparents may have had. With little graphic touches like the thin lines on the 45-degree angles to the clean, non-fussy digits, this is a really striking design that comes in both black and red. And for being sold on the MoMA Design Store, it’s also not a bad price coming in at $59. Now, the real question is, will it help my teenagers wake up on the first alarm??? Wideboy Alarm Clock
I hope that this list helps some of you find something unique and worthwhile for that person in your life who is drawn to the beautiful, the unique, and the useful. Happy Holidays, friends!
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
