Gift Guide 2011: Think Outside [but also about] the Box!

While some of you race around enjoying the post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy, I've planted myself in one of my favorite coffeehouses, far from the crowds, but nonetheless gift-minded. I am surrounded by catalogs, tear sheets and web "favorites." And I as I start typing, I’m on my second 16-oz drip. So off we go with some gift ideas!  Theme: Built Unique

 

• For fish people.
• For someone who does not have small children.
• For the “cool factor.”

Fishscape Fish Bowl ($140), available through The Conran Shop:

A run-of-the-mill fish bowl, this is not! Aruliden, maker of the Fishscape, won the 2011 International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) from the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) for this innovative design, which combines light and shadow to create an elaborate underwater home for fish, who are not included.
http://www.conranusa.com/159531/FISHSCAPE-FISH-BOWL/Product


 

• For someone who appreciates conversation pieces.
• For the green thumbs.
• Also for the “cool factor.”

Truss Planter by PULL+PUSH ($58), available through Molla Space:

A cement planter designed to represent an abandoned building. Designer Nobuhiro Sato, who is based in Kyoto, hand-makes all his work using concrete as his base material. His products are meant to inspire us, by pulling and pushing new ideas in and out. Works, doesn’t it?!
http://www.mollaspace.com/shop/truss-planter-by-pull-push.html

• For the birder.
• For someone with outdoor space.

The Garden Pavilion Birdhouse ($223), from Home Bazaar:

 

This is just one example of the MANY incredible birdhouses Home Bazaar offers. The Garden Pavilion was inspired by a classic English Conservatory style greenhouse. It features two separate nest boxes, floor-to-ceiling details on all four sides, and a removable base for easy cleaning. This particular model will accommodate wrens, finches, chickadees, nuthatches and titmice. Never heard of the last two; doesn't really matter.
http://www.hbbirdhouse.com/Garden+Pavilion+Birdhouse+-+Large_.a10.htm

• For someone who has kids who don't destroy stuff.
• For someone who has to buy something for a kid, and secretly can't wait to play with it themselves.
• For someone who really likes Mid-Century modern design.

 

The Ultra Modern Doll and Furniture House Set ($198), available through Chiasso:

 

This is one very hip dollhouse! Chiasso's “real estate ad”: "Your move-in-ready, modern dream home—complete with open floor plan, contemporary stairway and the coolest of furniture—20th century master designs in miniature. Windows open."
http://www.chiasso.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=56612

 

• For the boys who will always be boys.
• For someone with tablespace to spare.

LEGO Fallingwater ($100), from ShopWright

 

This is a LEGO replica of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Fallingwater, one of the most unique homes in the world.  Build it like any other LEGO set.  This one, you may not want to de-construct, though. 

http://www.shopwright.org/lego-fallingwater.html

 

• For hobbyists.
• For lovers of On Golden Pond.

Chris Craft 1949 Racing Runabout Kit ($220), available through Garrett Wade:

Honestly, what a gorgeous boat! I'll take a full-size version, thank you!

Until that happens. . . . a beautiful wood-boat kit of moderate complexity. The controls, motor and NICad battery are available separately; yes, it can actually "runabout" the pond.
http://www.garrettwade.com/product.asp?pn=78M01.01

Get gifting.  And remember, Gift Inspired!

 

- E