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.

       

Danish Designs of the Week

It's been another exciting week in the shop with great new designs arriving daily. Here's a taste of the latest, which coincidentally all happen to come from Denmark.


Based in Denmark, AIAIAI designs headphones and other electronics accessories. Their Tracks Headphones bring you not only great audio quality, but also the chance to sport a nice splash of color while enjoying your favorite tunes. These headphones give a nod to the classic design of the Sony Walkman headphones from the 1980s. But while they are retro-styled, the sound quality is absolutely 21st-century. Available in black, cream, or peach. Stop by the shop with your iPod to test them out.

Tracks Headphones, $60

The A-Stand uses simple plumbing-type tubes as structural elements. Designed to make your workstation more ergonomic, this stand is lightweight, portable, and easy to put together. Available in yellow and black.

A-Stand, $60

Also in from Denmark this week - the stunning Krenit Bowl, first designed in 1953 by Herbert Krenchel, is once again being produced by Normann Copenhagen. The Krenit's matte-black exterior, characteristic sharp edge and contrasting enamel interior creates a balance between material and form. For a metal object, it's surprisingly delicate.

Krenit Salad Bowl - iron w/enamel interior, $109

Krenit Salad Servers - melamine, $30

As Krenchel himself explains, “In 1953 the idea was to make a beautiful bowl, preferably so functional and delicate that it was equally suited for use in the kitchen, on the dining table and as a decoration in the sitting room. As a material researcher I really concentrated on getting the different materials to match and look good together as well as making them equally compatible to use together. Enamel is a fantastic material, and even today my heart yearns for an enamel bowl. It is fantastic that the Krenit bowl is coming into production once more.” Pair it with Krenchel's complimentary melamine salad servers for a lovely set. We love the way the white interior contrasts visually with a bright green salad.

The beautiful True Feelings votives are designed by the Claydies, a Danish duo working in clay with often conceptual results. They designed True Feelings while blindfolded, focusing their attention on touch rather than visual stimulation. As they put it, "True Feelings is designed by our fingers and our fingers only. Often the looks of our designs are thoroughly thought through. The idea of True Feelings is to do the opposite and let the hands take control – while being blindfolded. This allows us to lose the sense of proportion and our focus is transferred from our sight to the fingers.”

True Feelings porcelain votives...

...set of two, $26

And here's yet another clever object from Denmark - the Wine Breather from Menu. Need to aerate your wine but don't have hours to wait? This multi-tasking design aerates a bottle of wine in less than two minutes, which can then be served either from the elegant carafe or from the original bottle. Comes with a stopper, as well, in case you don't quite finish the bottle in one sitting.



That's it for today's update, but keep in mind that next Friday, November 5 is Downtown Art Walk, for which we will feature a special trunk show from Alchemy Goods. Enjoy 20% off all Alchemy Goods for the evening! We will be receiving a shipment of their newly released designs next week, so there will be lots to choose from.


In the meantime, stay tuned for news about new designs from Sandy Chilewich, Teroforma, and more. Marimekko is en route from Finland as I type this! We will keep you posted on new arrivals. As always, check our Facebook Page for the latest news.