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!