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.

       

Back to School

Are there students in your life heading back to school? Or perhaps you are a student yourself? We've got some great ideas to make the transition back to campus a smooth one.

Dorm rooms nearly always lack sufficient storage. It's tricky to cram an entire wardrobe into that teensy closet. Rather than encroaching on your roommate's space, add a little extra with these clever storage hooks from Design House Stockholm. Mounted on the wall, these are perfect for coats, hats, bags, umbrellas, even hangers. They look great empty, as well.

Wave Hanger by Nanni Holen, $60

Arrow Hanger by Gustav Hallen, $40

Fall brings rain showers in the Pacific Northwest. How to keep your precious cargo dry as you trek across campus? Alchemy Goods makes waterproof bags that are as stylish as they are practical. Based in Seattle, Alchemy Goods practices upcycling when making their products. Using discarded bicycle inner tubes and seatbelts, they make bags and accessories that are built to last.

Haversack Bag by Alchemy Goods, $100

Struck by inspiration for the perfect essay? Sitting on the bus thinking about groceries? Needing to capture the song lyrics stuck in your head? Field Notes can help. Made in Portland, Oregon, these are the perfect notebook to always have on-hand for jotting down notes or making inspired doodles. Packs of three notebooks are $10. Pair with a Field Notes Sleeve in selvedge denim from MS&Co. to protect those important musings.  

Field Notes 3-Pack, $10; MS&Co Denim Sleeve, $32

Shred unwanted papers at all hours without disturbing your roommate! Simply turn the hand crank on the Bye Bye Handy Shredder and destroy those pesky documents while being quiet as a mouse. Needs no electricity and tucks away neatly on a bookshelf when not in use.

Bye Bye Handy Shredder, $45

Let your roomie know where to meet you between classes with this shark-shaped  chalkboard. Wipes clean with damp cloth or eraser.

Shark Chalk Board, $15

Spruce up your room by displaying your favorite photos, postcards, or drawings on this mobile. Easy to switch out images of friends and family to suit your mood.

Mobile Clip Photo Hanger, $17.95

8a.m. class? No problem waking up in a pleasant mood with this sweet Bird Alarm Clock from &Design. Forget the jarring "BEEP BEEP" of a standard alarm clock. With this beauty, your choice of two lovely bird calls will help you rise and shine. 

Bird Alarm Clock by &Design, $43

Music is a big part of college life and we have some well-designed ideas for quality listening.

Make your roommate happy by sharing this beautiful radio on a bookshelf. Tivoli Audio is well-known for making the best table radios on the market. Designed by hi-fi legend Henry Kloss, the Model One Radio sounds powerful and clear as a bell. Can also function as a speaker for your MP3 player. Available with black or white cabinet and silver face or walnut cabinet with beige face. 

Tivoli Audio Model One Radio, $150

 While it's still nice weather, studying outside is a great option. Connect an iPod or phone to this rechargeable Yuento Speaker and enjoy several hours of music with friends while hitting the books, headphone-free.

Yuento Balloon Speaker, $45

Finally, every student needs some downtime away from studying. Here's a great way to spark creativity and clear your mind when you need a break. 642 Things to Draw is just what it sounds like: a sketchbook with hundreds of suggestions, some more challenging than others. How would you draw the Bermuda Triangle? 

642 Things to Draw, $16.95

We hope this sampling of good designs brings you inspiration as fall approaches. As always, we have many more ideas and are happy to help you find the perfect piece for any occasion. Give us a call (360-752-5522) or email info@anidealshop.com with any questions.  Until next time, find us on   Facebook for the latest updates on new designs for fall!     

Good Designs for Dad

Hello again! This week we focus on ideas for dear old Dad, who may sometimes seem challenging to shop for but we disagree! Here are just a handful of ideas for the unique fathers in your life.

Tivoli Audio is well-known for making the best table radios on the market. With a tuner that brings clarity to many of the weakest stations, the Model One radio features with a handmade wood cabinet that is both beautiful and the ideal acoustically inert speaker housing. Designed by hi-fi legend Henry Kloss, the Model One Radio sounds powerful and clear as a bell. Available with either walnut or white cabinet and silver face.

Tivoli Audio Model 1 Radio, $150

Stewart/Stand wallets are known for their ultra thin and contemporary profile. This woven stainless steel wallet is composed of the most widely used screen in the industrial world. Although durable and resistant to corrosive materials such as salts, acids and seawater, Stewart/Stand wallets feel like silk to the touch. We have a number of styles and patterns in stock. Stop by to have a look.

Stewart/Stand Driving Wallet, $65

Stewart/Stand V-Pouch, $25

 This Citrus catch-all just may help Dad become a little more organized. Made from powdercoated stainless steel, it's the perfect landing spot for keys, wallet, phone, and mail. Best of all, it is a truly local design, stemming from a collaborative effort between Industrial Design students at WWU and local oven manufacturer Wood Stone. Partial proceeds support student participation in the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA).

"Citrus" Catch-All, $30

Alchemy Goods practices "upcycling" in creating their designs, taking discarded materials such as bicycle inner tubes and car seat belts and transforming them into highly functional products such as bags, wallets, and belts. These smart bags and accessories are practically indestructible and waterproof. Made in Seattle.

Alchemy Goods Franklin Wallet, $38

Alchemy Goods Pike Bag, $130

Alchemy Goods Belt, $42

Field Notes make a sweet little gift. Made in Portland, Oregon, these are the perfect notebook to always have on-hand for jotting down notes or making inspired doodles. Packs of three notebooks are $10, with either a natural cover or the County Fair series, which comes in blue, red, and yellow (ribbon colors for fair competitions). Snippets of trivia about Washington state are printed on the back.

Field Notes 3-Pack, $10

A set of Teroforma's Whiskey Stones are ideal for chilling your favorite spirit without diluting its flavor. Milled in Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the US. Add three chilled stones to your next dram, let stand for 5 minutes and enjoy. Set of 9 stones + muslin storage bag for $20. 

Teroforma Whiskey Stones - set of 9, $20

This Wine Finer from Nuance Design is not your run-of-the-mill aerator. This helpful tool not only aerates your wine by the glass, it also filters out any sediment and works as a stopper if you don't quite finish the entire bottle. We love the sleek, streamlined design and how easy it is to use.

Nuance Designs Wine Finer, $29.95

 

A beautiful birdhouse that's built to last makes a great gift and we've got two very unique designs in the shop right now. Loll Designs is dedicated to creating long-lasting, maintenance free furniture and outdoor accessories that are well-designed and environmentally smart. These two birdhouses are easy to clean and will not fade over time. Each one is created in Duluth, Minnesota from 24 recycled plastic milk jugs. We've got several color choices - come in to take a peek or give us a call with questions.  

Loll Designs Cube Birdhouse, $69

Loll Designs Pitch Birdhouse, $69

While you're in, be sure to test out their Cabrio Chair as well. If you've struggled with maintaining wooden outdoor furniture in the Northwest, Loll will solve your problems. As they are made from recycled #2 plastic, you can leave these out the entire year with absolutely no ill effects. Miraculous! Many other styles of chairs, as well as tables and planters are also available. We are happy to walk you through their catalog.

Loll Designs Cabrio Chair, $399

The Cubebot requires no batteries and is built to enjoy generations of play. David Weeks was inspired by Japanese Shinto Kumi-ki puzzles when designing this non-traditional take on the toy robot. Cubebot's powerful hardwood frame can hold many poses and his elastic band muscles are built to withstand lots of wear and tear. When it's time for him to rest, he folds into a perfect cube.

Cubebot by David Weeks, $27

Brendan Ravenhill's magnetized bottle opener, designed for Areaware, is a beautiful choice for the discriminating beer-lover. A magnet catches the bottle cap, preventing it from falling on the ground after opening.  

Bottle Opener by Brendan Ravenhill, $24

Here's another great option for a unique bottle opener. This tiny cast iron crow fits in the palm of your hand and functions as a lovely little sculpture when not in use. Designed by Tadahiro Baba, it comes from Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan, which has been renowned for its cast iron since the 17th century.  

Cast Iron Crow Bottle Opener, $27.50

anidealshop.com) if you need additional inspiration. It's our mission to help you find the perfect gift and we believe that the stories behind our objects make for more meaningful giving.

Our heartfelt thanks to you for supporting our locally-owned business!

Happy Father's Day!