Pour Over Coffee

Yes, it's all the craze and for good reason. If you are a fan of pour over, the Hario Buono V60 Drip Kettle will help you brew your best cup.

Hario Buono V60 Drip Kettle, $65

Because of its directed spout, this stove top kettle allows great precision for pour over coffee makers. And it's so lovely you will be proud to have it sitting on display. Great for other kitchen uses, as well.

• Materials: Stainless steel
• Dimensions: 11.75" spout to handle x 6" high including lid. holds 40 oz.
• Made in Japan

Pair the Hario V60 Ceramic Drip Cone pictured below with the kettle for a superior brew.

Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper, $27.50

This cone has a larger hole in the bottom than traditional plastic cones and is designed to have water poured slowly into it, a little at a time, in order to extract the solids from the grounds. It's all about the process - take your time and you will be rewarded. 

• Material: Ceramic
• Dimensions: 4.5" diameter x 4" high
• Made in Japan

Happy weekend! Here's to a leisurely cup of coffee enjoyed while perusing the newspaper.

Last Minute Gifts

If you haven't quite managed to check everyone off your gift list, it's not too late. We are happy to help you find the perfect present for all. Here are a few more of our favorite things to consider as you finish up your shopping.

H. Tokyo handkerchiefs are perfect for the stylish gentleman on your list. These special hankies are hand-stitched with a smart little graphic in the corner. We love their motto: "Always carry two handkerchiefs: one to show and one to blow." This is one he will be proud to show.

H.Tokyo Hand-stitched Handkerchief - Airplane, $50

H.Tokyo Hand-stitched Handkerchief - Jaws, $50

H.Tokyo Hand-stitched Handkerchief - Motorcycle, $50

Tivoli Audio is known for making the best table radios on the market. The Model One speaker can really fill a room and Tivoli is known for superior clarity of reception. May also be used as a speaker for an iPod or phone.

Tivoli Audio Model One Radio, $150

It's not only cute, this wooden rechargeable mini speaker boasts surprising audio quality for its tiny size.  

Mini Wooden Speaker, $38

This analog wristwatch from Braun, designed by Dieter Rams and Deitrich Lubs, was originally produced in the 1970s. It's back and just as beautiful as ever.

Braun Wristwatch, $150

Fleet Objects' lovely handmade cribbage set is hand-made in Vancouver, Canada. At 6" x 4" x 2", it is easy to take along while traveling.

Fleet Objects Compact Cribbage, $47

Nuance's Wine Finer is a clever tool for the wine-lovers on your list. This streamlined piece aerates and filters wine by the glass with a no-drip spout. In case you don't finish the bottle, it also has a stopper.

Nuance Wine Finer, $29.95

When you do finish the bottle, turn it into a candle holder with the Toplight. A sturdy stainless steel rim keeps any wax from dripping onto your table.

Toplight by Lena Bergstrom, $35

Yumi Masuko's porcelain Hands Bowl is perfect for displaying any small treasures but is also food safe and looks lovely on the dining table.

Hands Bowl by Yumi Masuko, $58

And if you are heading out to holiday parties, remember Marimekko napkins make a great host/hostess gift. We have a nice selection of patterns.

Marimekko Paper Napkins (set of 20), $6.75

If you still have someone particularly tricky on your list, we'd love to help you find the perfect present. We are up to the challenge! In the meantime, a few things to keep in mind:

• We are open until 8pm through this Friday. Christmas Eve we will be open until 4pm.

• Parking is free downtown until December 26! Shop and dine without worrying about the meter and save those quarters for holiday treats.

       

Gifts for Kids

Hello! The holidays bring lots of gifts for kids, many of which require batteries, make unpleasant noises, and are made from cold, hard plastic.  If you are partial to toys made of natural materials that do not flash, beep or talk, we have a good selection of gifts that are beautiful, fun, and foster creativity. We also have ideas for the older kids on your list.

Nearly every toddler who comes into the shop heads straight to the Soopsori wooden toys to play. The lovely range of colors in these sets is a result of the different varieties of wood used and all are finished using safe linseed oil. 

Soopsori Breakfast Set (17 pieces), $69

Soopsori Doctor Set (6 pieces), $38

Soopsori Musical Instruments (set of 3), $38

Soopsori Cement Mixer, $15

Cate and Levi toys are handmade in Toronto, Canada, using recycled sweaters. Each has its own unique personality since the materials used change from day-to-day:  

Cate & Levi Giraffe Puppet, $30

Cate and Levi Walrus Pencil Set (includes pencils and notebook), $30

Miller Goodman PlayShapes are not just for kids. A set of 74 blocks in an amazing array of shapes, PlayShapes allow you to build vertically, horizontally, stack, balance - you name it. Comes with a poster illustrating some suggested designs but your imagination is truly the only limit. This set will be enjoyed by generations.

Miller Goodman PlayShapes (74 pieces), $150

For the budding scientist, we have a pocket microscope, the opportunity to build your own kaleidoscope, and remember those Spirograph sets from a few decades back? We have a similar pocket-sized version that will be fun for parents, too.

Pocket Microscope, $12

Build Your Own Kaleidoscope, $12

Hypotrochoid Art Set, $10

 Fear not when faced with the mess of empty boxes, bows, and wrapping paper on Christmas morning. Before recycling boxes, bows, and wrapping paper, turn them into sculptures! Makedo Find & Make Sets include reusable connectors, hinges, and a kid-safe cardboard "saw" for constructing either a bouquet of flowers or a robot.  

Makedo Find and Make Robot Kit, $12

Mealtime is often a challenge for parents and kids alike. Modern Twist placemats can help. These food-grade silicone mats are silky smooth to the touch, easy to clean, and best of all they double as a coloring book when paired with Modern Twist's kid-friendly dry-erase markers.

Modern Twist Silicone Placemat, $18.95

Modern Twist Silicone Placemat, $18.95

A cheery Marimekko bib is lightweight and rinses quickly clean and our favorite snack set from notNeutral is now available in red/black.

Marimekko Bib, $11.95

notNeutral Snack Set (6 pieces) $26

Cuddly slugs? Kristin Loffer Theiss of kltworks accomplishes the impossible. These sweet pals are handmade in Mount Vernon, WA and are machine-washable.

kltworks Northwest Slug Lovey, $25

Zid Zid Kids make fair trade toys in Morocco. This airplane toddler backpack is perfect for the little adventurer.  And Zid Zid's sweet animal cushions make a snuggly friend as well as a pillow on which to rest a sleepy head. 

Zid Zid Toddler Backpack, $52

Zid Zid Crocodile Cushion, $40

Tegu magnetic wooden blocks are as much at home on a coffee table as in a toy room. Made from sustainably-harvested wood in Honduras, these sets allow sculptural constructions that defy gravity. We have the 22-piece Endeavor Set and the 8-piece Pocket Pouch (great for strollers and in the car). 

Tegu Endeavor Set (22 pieces) $62

Tegu Pocket Pouch (8 pieces), $32

We have a deep fondness for children's books and have a great selection of favorite titles, from beautifully illustrated picture books to clever activity books that will be cherished mementos one day. Here are just a few examples - we have many more in the shop:

My Listography, $12.95, prompts kids to make intriguing lists.

642 Things to Draw, $16.95

Tomi Ungerer's Adelaide, $14.95, tells of a brave kangaroo with wings. 

J.J. Sempe's Martin Pebble, $19.95, a sweet story about a boy who blushes uncontrollably.

Herve Tullet's Game of Light, $8.95. Use a flashlight to make patterns on the wall.

Herve Tullet's Doodle Cook, $14.95, gives "recipes" for drawing.

This clever Design Your Own Lamp can grow with your kid. Simply insert a drawing between the sheets of the shade to personalize. Easy to switch out, so the design can change with your child's interests.  

Design Your Own Lamp, $32

Chigo Playthings are handmade in Japan from local woods with an emphasis on artisinal craftsmanship. These beauties will be equally coveted by parents and children.

Chigo Playthings Wooden Bowling Set, $65

Chigo Playthings Wooden Yoyo, $15

Chigo Playthings Wooden Toy Camera, $68

If you have a budding photographer in your midst, the KOLA camera accessory is sure to be a hit. This set of pocket-sized color gels makes it easy to give your shots interesting optical effects.  

KOLA Camera Accessory, $14.50

These colorful Twelve Watches are as popular with middle-schoolers as college students (and beyond).  

Twelve Color Watches, $18 each

Here's a sweet deck of cards illustrated with various zoo animals on one side, and a curious boy peeking in the window on the other:

Zoo Playing Cards, $12

David Week's Cubebots are a challenging wooden puzzle (you try getting him back into a cube!), as well as just plain fun to play with and pose:  

Guthrie Cubebot by David Weeks, $32

 That's just a few ideas for kids - don't forget the $10 or less stocking stuffers we sent out two weeks ago. There is much more to see in the shop so please come by for a look or give us a call with any questions. 

We'll be in touch very soon with more gift ideas, but until then here are a few reminders: 

• We have extended our hours this week and next to help with your holiday shopping. December 12-17 (Monday - Saturday) and December 19-23 (Monday - Friday) we will be open until 8pm. Christmas Eve we will be open until 4pm.    
• Parking is free downtown until December 26! Shop and dine without worrying about the meter and save those quarters for holiday treats.

 

           

Good Design for $10 or Less!

Happy December! Did you know we have dozens of well-designed, creative, and interesting gift ideas for $10 or less? These great picks will provide enjoyment long after the holiday decorations have been put away. Here are some ideas for stockings and beyond...
Worldwide Co origami and bobble-head kits make creative fun for kids and adults alike. The origami sets come with 100 sheets of paper and a 28-page instruction booklet. Bobble-head kits include 16 full color sheets plus detailed instructions.

Paper Robot Bobble-Head Kit, $10

5 Minute Origami Set, $10

Hungry Animal Stencil Set, $7

If you loved the boxed stencil sets we had last year from Worldwide Co, we have a few of those back in stock as well  - Facebox, Zoobox, Hypotrochoid (like a mini-Spirograph), and Fingerprint Art Box as well as the Hungry Animals set pictured above.

Traditional coloring books can sometimes be a drag, having to stay inside the lines and all that. Not so with Roz Streeten's Rosie Flo and Johnny Joe Coloring Books. Now your budding artist can customize the costumes and scenes with characters of their choosing.    

Rosie Flo Coloring Book, $8.99

Johnny Joe Coloring Book, $8.99

Sample Pages of Rosie Flo

Sunprints are popular with both scientific and artistic types. Place any object on the paper (leaves, flowers, small toys), briefly expose to sunlight, rinse with water and watch intriguing compositions appear in shades of blue. As the set comes with 12 sheets of paper, you have many opportunities to experiment. 

Sunprint Kit, $6

Nippon Work Gloves from Japan protect your hands in style while gardening, tinkering, or heavy lifting.  We have several vivid patterns to choose from.

Nippon Work Gloves, $6

 These Japanese Wooden Tops are like lovely little sculptures, and spin really well. Also from Japan, Kamenoko Tawashi scrubber, made of 100% natural palm fibers. Designed in 1907 and still widely used, this scrubber has stood the test of time. Perfect for cleaning root vegetables, washing pots and pans, and more.

Wooden Tops, $8 each

Tawashi Scrubber, $8

The original Audubon Bird Call makes a sweet little gift that we've found appeals to everyone from baby to grandpa. Handmade in New England by the Eddy family for over fifty years, the bird call's sound is produced by twisting the cast zinc plug against the wooden cylinder. You'll be surprised by the wide range of chirps and tweets this classic call produces.

Audubon Bird Call, $8

These handy Flip and Tumble bags have long been a shop favorite because they tuck so compactly into their own little pocket. Stash a present inside the bag and the recipient will be grateful for "wrapping paper" they don't need to recycle.

Flip and Tumble Bags, $10 each

Field Notes are the perfect notebook to have on hand for making lists or when creative inspiration strikes. Made in the USA, these slim little books have quite a following. We have the original 3-packs (one of each notebook with ruled, graph, and blank pages) or the newest limited edition set - The Northerly Edition - which features a coated, embossed cover and interior pages of light blue/grey with white grid.

Set of Three Field Notes, $10

Unwind the colorful crepe paper ribbon on these Holiday Surprise Balls to discover five fun holiday trinkets hidden between the festive layers. These make great table favors, as well. Made in Oregon.

Holiday Surprise Ball, $10 each

Hooray! A new sweet treat from Chocolate Editions! Salted Dark Chocolate Bars from Chocolate Editions by Mary and Matt. As always, these two chocolatiers have a very visual approach to their work and we love the beautiful marbleized paper on these bars almost as much as the tasty chocolate inside. Handmade in Brooklyn, NY.

Salted Dark Bar (1.5 oz), $5

The iStand is like a handy kickstand for your iPod or iPhone. Suction this to the back and prop it up to watch a video hands-free. Available in orange, green, and black.

iStand, $6

These clever X-Shaped Rubber Bands from Museum of Modern Art go far beyond the humble bands you may be using. These not only help organize your desk, but also work beautifully to wrap a small box. Each set contains an assortment of four different colors and sizes.

Rubber X-Bands, $6 for set of 16

Sandy Chilewich's pressed vinyl Dahlia Circles not only function as a stylish placemat, they also look festive under a centerpiece or vase on an entry table. Best part of all...simply wipe clean.

Chilewich Dahlia Round Placemat, $8

Alchemy Goods business card holder made from upcycled bicycle innertubes is great for cards and also works as a mini-wallet. 99% recycled material and made in Seattle.

Alchemy Goods Business Card Holder, $10

Also from Alchemy, set of two zipper pulls made from pressure valves:

Alchemy Goods Zipper Pulls, set of two $8

Marimekko paper napkins are available in several patterns and sizes. $5.25 for cocktail size; $6.75 for dinner size.These are perfect hostess gifts and also fit nicely in a stocking.

Marimekko Paper Napkins, $5.25 or $6.75

We are stocked up on Japanese "mt" washi masking tape in many different patterns. Great for wrapping packages, sealing envelopes, and any creative project. 

Japanese masking tape, set of two rolls $9

There you have over 20 ideas for $10 or under and that's not all - we also have a selection of stocking-worthy children's books for less than $10. Stop by for a look!

We'll be in touch again soon with more gift ideas!