Reader Vance sent me a link to Declan Microfiber, a little company who makes designy swatches of microfiber cloths to clean your smartphone or tablet screen or your eyeglasses. The fabric pieces are printed with images like old postcards, maps and bikes. Who knew such a company existed? These would make great gifts.
Sure it’s nice to get or give roses and chocolates for Valentine’s Day, but it’s also nice to give something from the — er — heart.
This vase by Eva Milinkovic of Tsunami Glassworks is definitely a heart you wouldn’t want to break. Contact Tsunami Glassworks for purchasing details.
The following post is brought to you by 2Modern. Our sponsors are hand-picked by the Design Milk team because they represent the best in design.
You probably know 2Modern for their killer design blog, or maybe their super Designer Directory, but you probably know them best because of their fantastic selection of modern furniture and decor. However, did you know they had much more? In fact, they’re a super place to get a gift for your modern Valentine that goes beyond chocolate or roses. And, while you’re at it, I’m sure you can find something for yourself, too (isn’t that always how gift-buying turns out?)
Here’s a selection of gifts that I’d sure like to give (and get):
From top left, clockwise: smallthings Cupcake Necklace, Thomas Paul Geometric Rose Scarf, Nooka Zem ZenV Mirror Watch, Kartell Masters Chair, Balanced Design Pillow, Nooka Strip Belt, Thomas Paul Luddite Toiletry Kit, Limited Edition Artwork by emma at home, Wallter Hanging Planter, and for those of us who can’t ever decide, there’s always the 2Modern Gift Card.
London-based designer Lee Washington made the cutest little paperclips shaped like little men.
Scandinavian Made is a new brand shop in the home accessories marketplace that features modern, artisan-made rugs and ceramics all made by hand-picked Scandinavian artisans. This is the US debut for each Scandinavian artisan, and their works are exclusively available in the Scandinavian Made webshop. Founded by Scandinavian design passionistas and mother/daughter team Susan Serra and Kelly Serra Donovan, Scandinavian Made is yet another great niche shop I’ll be visiting often.
As a launch celebration, Scandinavian Made is offering Design Milk readers a 10% discount using code DesignMilk10.
Designed by London-based designers Goodwin + Goodwin, these Typographic Time Zone Clocks are an interesting alternative to traditional time zone clocks. Currently there’s New York, Paris, and London, but more are planned. Perfect for the type-obsessed.
Gift Couture is a new company specializing in creative gift wrapping – smart! Their concept is to develop custom wrapping paper through original photography and design, including the creation of coordinating sets like the cheeseburger above. You can pre-order the cheeseburger paper on Kickstarter through a donation.
These LikeDislike Napkins from Veinticuatrodientes made me laugh. Maybe this is the holiday season when you tell people what you REALLY think about their food or gift.
Stationery and paper geeks, this one’s for you!
Lost Crates is a curated monthly subscription service for lovers of high-end stationery, pens, notebooks and desk accessories. Take the personality quiz first, so they can get to know you. Then, each month, they’ll deliver a customized, curated crate filled with great finds from classic brands like Moleskine, Rhodia, and Field Notes, and boutique or handmade brands right to your doorstep.
So clever.
Word Puzzle universal wrapping paper — design and art direction by Fabio Milito and Francesca Guidotti. Simply locate the holiday you need, circle it, and you’re good to go.
