The stores are closed. Now what?
You're out of wrapping paper. Everything's closed. What to do?
Lifehacker points to a few sweet ideas on how to wrap your gifts (gloriously, we might ad) with the magazines and other stuff laying around your house.
Labels: wrapping
posted by darryl ohrt @ 6:55 AM
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Be a kid again!
Labels: apparel
posted by Chris S @ 8:30 AM
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how to not buy paper that's instantly garbage
You've done all of your shopping...now it's time to do wrapping. And it makes you sick to buy hundreds of feet of forest, just to become garbage in minutes. Not to worry.
Inhabitat has a really cool post featuring 20 eco friendly (and creative) gift wrapping ideas.
Labels: wrapping
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:12 AM
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Airzooka
Doesn’t this just look like it would do major sonic damage? Relax, you’re safe. Sometimes you just want to shoot someone without that whole arrest/homicide paperwork thing. Airzooka shoots a giant blast of... air. $16.99 from Amazon. (Via thisnext.com)
Labels: fun
posted by Make the logo bigger @ 11:23 AM
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MacGyver wish he had this
Labels: camping, nature, tools
posted by Chris S @ 8:16 AM
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old school typewriters are the rage
Fred Flare is selling real deal Olivetti typewriters. Apparently, the very last typewriter still in production today.
You could probably also get a nice IBM Selectric at the local pawn shop. Anyway, the writer on your list will love you for appreciating the old school craft. Even if it's only used as decoration, or a conversation piece.
(How many people just said: "what's a typewriter?")
Labels: writers
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:20 AM
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Snowball fight!
posted by Chris S @ 7:23 PM
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kickin it old skool
Why not get back to basics this holiday season with this complete linoleum block printing kit from Speedball. Carving skills not included. Available at Urban Outfitters.
Source Cool Hunting.
posted by David Plain @ 12:47 PM
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wrist cuffs in every color
Wrist cuffs are hot, hot, hot - and these are sweeeet. Hand made from vintage records, these come in a variety of sizes and styles. Made with love, in Brooklyn, NY.
Labels: apparel, artists, jewelry
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:38 AM
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a light up leash for your pup.
Because good puppies deserve gifts, too. An illuminated leash will make your dog visible to the neighborhood, while groaning in embarrassment. If your dog likes silly outfits, he'll love a light up leash.
Labels: pets
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:40 AM
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Use the force
Labels: apparel, geeks, moviebuffs
posted by Chris S @ 7:49 AM
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an alarm clock that runs and hides
For the person in your life that really doesn't enjoy mornings. An alarm clock that runs away if you don't get up.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:35 AM
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iPhone iWrap iCool.
iWant. Make your iPhone cooler, along with your laptop from Infectious with a series of non-permanent wraps. $9.99 for iPhones and $29.99 for laptops. (Via Bub.blicio.us.)
posted by Make the logo bigger @ 12:19 AM
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Make your mark...er.
What’s better than chalkboard t-shirts? Not much, except... Markertees! (That’s right, shout it out when you know the answer.) Each tee comes with a rewritable marker. You change the message by throwing it in the wash. $28.90 (Via Josh Spear.)
posted by Make the logo bigger @ 12:02 AM
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Brooklyn in the house. Actually, your neighborhood in the house.
Very cool set of posters of various famous neighborhoods in the U.S. Check out Ork Posters! City Neighborhoods for more details. $22. (Via The Amber Show.)
Labels: illustrators
posted by Make the logo bigger @ 11:46 PM
2 comments
Hydra-Alarm Clock
Labels: gadgets
posted by Chris S @ 8:27 AM
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a frame that rocks
A perfect frame for that awesome band photo. A frame made from old records is awesome for the rock star on your list.
Labels: designers, home, photographers
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:56 AM
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for the future street artist
The cool kids don't want to color in Dora the Explorer coloring books. They need to prepare for a career of tagging and coloring the urban landscape. And the Street Art coloring book is a perfect start. (Then try and teach them not to color on the walls.)
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:47 AM
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iphone friendly gloves
Not the silly fingerless gloves that leave your fingertips all frostbitten - these DOTS gloves have magic dots that work with Apple's iPhone. Conveniently available in the best colors - grey and black.
Currently sold out - but you can sign up for an email when they're back in stock. Cross your fingers for a timely delivery!!
Labels: apparel, designers, geeks
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:54 AM
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so much more fun than a stress ball
If you or your gift recipients live anywhere near San Diego - check this out. Sarah's Smash Shack lets you smash stuff. In a completely safe, stress reducing environment. And they'll even clean it up, afterward.
This is an awesome pop up retail idea, too - but in the meantime, buy a Sarah's Smash Shack gift certificate for your friend in California. From Kuanyin Moi, via Twitter.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:44 AM
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Rinse, Wash, Repeat
When your on the move all the time it may be hard to keep a tally of all of your gadgets and gear. Sometimes these items may find themselves heading for a certain watery fate, more specifically the washing machine. Fear not, this USB superstick from King Drive will stand up to the toughest spin cycle your washer has to offer and laughs in the face of the permanent press setting on your dryer. It will probably be fine after you get pushed into the pool with all your clothes on after your uncle has had too much to drink and gets a little too rowdy.
posted by Chris S @ 9:18 PM
2 comments
my what big ear buds you have
Got gigantic ears? Well then these are the earbuds for you. And for you all you people with normal size ears, these make great speakers for your computer or ipod.
Source Core77.com (check out the keyboard for blondes also at the link).
Available at fredflare.com.
posted by David Plain @ 9:26 AM
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matt's magical calendar
Here's a piece of art that's also a calendar. Of sorts. It's a hand-drawn 2009 calendar, by Plaid's own Matt Hunsberger. Get 1 of 250 pieces for your special friend. Or by them all and hoard from the masses until they become collector's items.
Labels: calendars
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:56 AM
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f the rain
Here's a gift that's sure to please everyone. Everyone that hates the rain. An umbrella that's constantly giving a salute to the rain. Also good for turning vertical, and pointing to people across the street.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:11 AM
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It’s T-shirt mania!
First is the chalkboard tee for women @ $38, and the Ampersand tee for anyone @ $22. (Both shirts via The Amber Show.) Just don’t hug anyone with the chalk one on, especially if they’re wearing black.
Labels: tshirts
posted by Make the logo bigger @ 4:15 AM
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coolest straw ever
File this under things I wish I had when I was a kid. Actually, you can really file this under things I would like right now. The Guys over at boysstuff.co.uk offer the way cool DIY Strawz . Set up your own crazy drinking contraption and make mixed drinks without any mixing. This makes those crazy straws I had growing up look positively un-crazy.
posted by David Plain @ 9:36 AM
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Pop-Up Cakes, mmmm
These awesome cards are designed by children's book creators Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart. Load up on these for the year when you have to give a last minute gift, perfect for that person with a sweet tooth or is a origami fanatic.
posted by Chris S @ 8:12 AM
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desktop robot eats crumbs and sweater lint
At our agency, we're a little wary of robots (that's the unofficial office theme song at Plaid, for 2008).
But most people completely trust robots. And love robots. And worship anything inspired by robots. If there's a robotaholic on your gift list, she'll love this desktop robot vacuum.
Use it for fun, to clean up the cookie crumbs next to your keyboard, or use it for evil to keep you entertained during a boring conference call. Whatever your use, Mr. Desktop robot is sure to be your best desktop friend.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:34 AM
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Can't miss with a classic
These watches not only tell time, they tell it with early 90's style. They come in a bunch of color options and can take a beating. You may have had one back in the day when you use to rock out to bands like Mr.Big.
posted by Chris S @ 9:06 PM
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gym bags from old jackets
So you went to art school, and spend all of your time with people dressed in dark clothing and vintage tees. But your brother-in-law is a raging sport hole. What could you possibly get him, that's cool and that he'll appreciate?
These Finisher Bags from No Mas are awesome. Made from recycled of satin sport team jackets, they bring new life to sport-hole fashion. Buy them for their cool color schemes and logos, or buy them for the teams they represent. Team sports where never cooler.
From Matt Noreen, via Twitter.
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:43 AM
1 comments
When you wish you had one.
Ever have the best opportunity for a great picture and it comes out all blurry and botched up? Here's a great solution for the photographer or flickr junkie on your list. Small, portable, lightweight and functional are a few words that come to mind when describing this tiny tripod from Gorrilapod. Get yours and and don't let those rare photo-ops pass you by
Labels: gadgets, photography
posted by Chris S @ 8:17 PM
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subway tokens for your neck
Hanger 3 has recycled subway tokens, world's fair tokens and other classic coinage into awesome necklaces. And they'll only cost you the price of a few rides on the A train.
This is a great gift for someone who just left a favorite city, lives and breathes a particular city, or is otherwise emotionally attached to urban life.
Labels: creatives, jewelry, recycled
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:12 AM
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Rock the Shower
Do you hate parting ways with your ipod while you're in non pod-friendly environments such as the shower? Fear no more, now you can bring your old friend with you with these snazzy new splash proof portable speakers from JVC. Just think you, your ipod, bathing will never be the same again.
Found via Ben Kunz
posted by Chris S @ 8:37 AM
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bring all your stuff with you everywhere
Bracelets are hot again for guys and girls. Why not make them useful? These cool USB bracelets come in a bunch of cool colors as well as 2GB of storage. Hot. Wrist. Action.
Labels: computers, gadgets, geeks, jewelry, usb
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:56 AM
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Don’t forget the Christmas tunes.
Tired of those three A Very Special Christmas CDs? It’s okay, you can say it: You are. Why not try a different collection of holiday tunes from CD Baby. And because it’s the internet, you can try before you buy by clicking on mp3 samples of most tunes. A vector-retro Jingle Bells? Sure it’s hit or miss with winners and losers in this list, but tell me you really want to hear Springsteen ask the E-Street band what time it is again—and again, and...?
Labels: music
posted by Make the logo bigger @ 4:08 AM
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Just don’t let Slash get his hands on these.
From foldable cups to foldable speakers. These MUJI eco-friendly 3 1/4” lightweight, collapsible speakers fit any portable music device you have, and are made of recycled cardboard. Available at MoMA. Rock on.
Labels: music, paper, recycled
posted by Make the logo bigger @ 3:39 AM
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Don’t just have a cow this holiday—give one.
Pretty cool idea for alternative gifting this year. Oxfam America’s Unwrapped gift program lets you donate useful, even life-saving gifts in a range of prices for almost any budget. Cool too because doing some good for others is what it’s about, and that’s never a bad thing. (The alligators are really hard to regift though, so don’t even try and send me one.)
Labels: cause
posted by Make the logo bigger @ 3:20 AM
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Who doesn’t need a cup that folds?
You’re digging around in the car for a cup, something, anything to hold a drink, when you remember this little thing you tucked in the glove compartment that you got for Christmas. It’s the Orikaso Mug that folds flat, perfect stuffers for flat stockings.
Labels: drink
posted by Make the logo bigger @ 2:53 AM
0 comments
This ones not for Whimpy
Separately hamburgers and telephones are pretty cool, put them together and you have an instant classic. This affordable slice of awesomeness will be the envy of everyone in your house or office and have you daydreaming about lunch all morning.
posted by Chris S @ 8:01 PM
1 comments
the age old question
What do you do on Christmas when you're Jewish? Well here's a great way to keep yourself busy before you head out for some Chinese food and a movie. It's Kosherland the first board game made especially for us non-Christmas celebraters.
posted by David Plain @ 5:21 PM
0 comments
this one is strictly for the prankster
This is the perfect gift for the person who's always playing pranks around the office. The Annoy-a-tron 2.0 is a tiny little gadget that comes loaded with six sounds. Choose from a cricket chirping or a mosquito buzzing or plenty of other annoyances. Set the volume, hide the device, and drive your co-workers crazy! That's the best way to show holiday spirit.
posted by Justus Johnson @ 9:33 AM
0 comments
super slick digital time
When Swatch launched back in the glorious 80's, they retailed for about $30, and people referred to them as "disposable" watches. People loved them for their design, for their color and affordability.
These uber modernist watches from Too Late have the same design spirit. And they sell for $29.99!! I'll take the one in black, grey or orange, please.
Labels: apparel, designers, modern
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:25 AM
0 comments
Let it snow, anywhere
This makes a great, affordable stocking stuffer. Doesn't snow where you live? Now you can make your own! Make your kid's day or start an all out snowball fight in your office. It's simple to use - pour out a little of the mix add water and BAM! Instant winter. Make too much, let it dry out and you can use it over and over again.
posted by Chris S @ 1:46 PM
0 comments
a ridiculous laptop bag
For your friends that work until they drop, here's the perfect bag. It's a laptop bag that's also a pillow. Perfect for the afternoon nap, after the sugar crash.
It's also a good place to rest your head, after getting pummeled by the fashion police for carrying a silly messenger bag.
Labels: apparel, artists, computers, creatives, designer
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:26 AM
0 comments
Because we never stop learning
Whether you need to brush up on creating impressive spreadsheets or learning the ins and outs of the newest creative software, Lynda.com is the place to go. Not exactly a cool blinking gadget but this online tutorial source is the perfect gift for that person in your life who spends plenty of time in front the computer trying to figure the software out. From creating cool podcasts to advance photo touching techniques, Lynda.com has you covered.
Labels: bloggers, computers, designer, geeks
posted by Chris S @ 7:09 PM
0 comments
Retro Bluetooth?
posted by Matt Hunsberger @ 4:30 PM
0 comments
Bubbly Good fun
How many times have you had to stave off people who want to pop your bubble wrap? How many times have you had people ask you what date is it? Now you can satisfy both needs with this bubbly fun calendar Simply pop the days away, fun for the whole family.
**Does not include small child, only there for scale
posted by Chris S @ 5:09 PM
2 comments
Wrenchware
Tired of having to decide between changing your oil and eating dinner? These utensils are reinventing the term "fine silver" and perfect for the multi-tasking weekend warrior who can't bring themselves part ways with their projects.
Labels: home
posted by Chris S @ 2:50 PM
0 comments
punk rock skull umbrella
Keep your mohawk, spikes, fauxhawk, and even your mullet dry in the worst winter storms. Rain sleet and snow will be scared to go anywhere near your umbrella. And for those who prefer a more direct approach...
posted by David Plain @ 9:43 AM
1 comments
pirates and ninjas join forces for holiday wishes
The world is made up of two kinds of people: pirates and ninjas. Only the magic of the holiday season can bring them together.
Before you even begin your gift shopping, you'd better get your holiday cards in the mail. And these will be perfect.
Santa rocking out as a pirate and a Ninja spreading Hanukkah cheer. Inside messages include: “YO HO HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAARRGH!” and “HAPPY HANUNCHUCKS!”
Labels: paper
posted by darryl ohrt @ 5:47 PM
0 comments
will you miss your cozy cubicle during the holidays?
Got any gift recipients stuck in a cubicle all day? Get them their very own "The Cubes" to play with in their cubes. Or for when they get home and and their home/apartment doesn't feel cramped and 1980 enough.
Good thing our UPS guy doesn't look like this.
posted by Giuli @ 4:01 PM
0 comments
when shipping is too expensive...
...because you waited too long, give an emailable gift card. And why not give the gift of cool travel on Plaid's favorite airline?
We even have it on tape. We're also JetBlue's very favorite agency.
posted by Giuli @ 3:13 PM
0 comments
Slim Goodbody
Most of us are working in the creative field because we couldn't get into medical school. That doesn't mean we don't like anatomy. Hey I studied it every time we had a nude model in college drawing class. So whether you're a designer or a M.D. these socks will look cool on your feet.
posted by David Plain @ 5:19 PM
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Paper Invaders
Although we're still blogging about gift ideas, you should really be done with all your shopping by now, right? Time to wrap things up, get it? I can't wrap presents to save my life and to be honest I make my Mom do it for me, thanks Mom! The only problem is my Mom buys really lame wrapping paper. You know the kind, you've seen it at your local Walmart. So this year I might have Mom wrap gifts with this killer space invader wrapping paper thanks to whimsypress.
posted by David Plain @ 5:36 PM
0 comments
the Little Lamp that could
For your slightly geeky designy friend. Whose monitor doesn't need one of these tiny lamps? And there's a tiny pull chain!
Make sure you buy Duracell for it!
posted by Giuli @ 5:22 PM
0 comments
The Bearded Cap
Holy crap I want one of these! Ok so this is a slight departure from the norm on our gift guide - it's over $100 and I don't have a web address you can order it from. But if you're close to NYC you can head down to Scandinavian Grace in Brooklyn and grab yourself one of the coolest caps available for the winter for $135 - worth every penny in my opinion (Found via kitsunenoir)
posted by Rob Biddiscombe @ 9:05 AM
1 comments
Tiz the season to get your drink on
Now we all enjoy the occasional 40oz. every once in a while - so the next time you start flashing your gang signs you know it's time to break out your trusty 40 OZ BEER COZY. (Found via thegreenhead.com)
posted by Rob Biddiscombe @ 9:41 AM
0 comments
Stay warm this holiday season
The perfect gift to help your designer stay warm and clean out their desk drawers of all those unwanted old comps!
posted by Rob Biddiscombe @ 8:00 AM
0 comments
Lego's are so cool
Especially when they're made of ice. Goes great with drinks served in Lego tumblers placed on Lego coasters.
posted by David Plain @ 4:46 PM
0 comments
my dog's dream come true
My super cute dog, Cricket, would love to find this toy under the tree. And you know you have some questionable friends who might also be thrilled to receive some plush road kill. Each toy (Twitch, the Raccoon) even comes in a translucent body bag with a toe tag! Stay tuned for the Grind the rabbit, Pop the Weasel, and Splodge the hedgehog.
Further fun road kill stuff here.
Thanks to The Denver Egotist.
posted by Giuli @ 11:01 AM
0 comments
Step off son
We all know you don't F with Helvetica.
posted by David Plain @ 5:39 PM 0 comments<