Architects can be a tricky bunch to buy presents for given their penchant for high-quality design. Luckily, our curated gift guide will make it easy. Whether your family, friend or co-worker is practical or luxe—is into modernism or prefers Swiss design—there is something on this list for just about everyone. And, you might even find something to add to your own wishlist!
For the traveling urbanist: As great as the classic Moleskine is, their travel-centric City Notebook collection is a welcome addition to give that explorer in your life. Featuring places like Paris, New York, and Rome, these handy guides offer preliminary pages for planning your trip; tabbed spaces for you to note where to eat, drink, and visit; and include detailed area maps to help you find your way around.
Buy here.
For the gravity-defying sculptor: These colorful, stone-shaped blocks allow you to create, and then re-create, your own sculptures. Whether balancing them as high as they will go, or setting up a series of unique towers, they are fun for both children and adults alike.
Buy here.
For the prompt minimalist: This item designed by Jamie Wolfond is both cute enough and durable enough to stand the test of time. Comprised of only two fabric strips and standard clock parts, the Sticker Clock can be reapplied up to 200 times and comes in a variety of fun colors.
Buy here.
For the die-hard Angeleno: This LA-Centric postcard pack features vibrant graphics of some of the city’s most important structures. From classics like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House to Bunker Hill’s more recently added Broad Museum, these prints look equally good sent by mail or hung up on the wall.
Buy here.
For the East Coast housing typologist: Give someone the gift of the neighborhood with these enamel pins of various vernacular housing types. From a Chicago Greystone to a Boston-area triple-decker, these cute accessories are perfect for that friend whose copy of A Field Guide to American Houses you still haven’t managed to give back.
For the model utopian: “City Dreams,” the MOMA retrospective devoted to Congolese artist Bodys Isek Kingelez, earned rave reviews this year. Tracing the artist’s three-decade career from his early single-building sculptures, to his spectacular sprawling cities and futuristic late works, the accompanying exhibition catalogue is similarly excellent and handsomely illustrated.
Buy here.
For the transit-oriented teen: The Indianapolis-based nonprofit PUP has partnered with Amtrak to repurpose their leather seat covers into luxury bags as the railroad service prepares for their next-generation fleet. At $385, this backpack is definitely a big ticket item, but if you happen to have it in your budget this year, it is sure to delight any transit fan.
Buy here.
For the functional accessorizer: Designed in collaboration with the LA-based firm Oyler Wu, these exclusive 3D printed rings take on a new approach to jewelry. The stainless steel ring features a built in sizing modification that allows for it to literally be the “perfect fit.” Rugged and stylish, these rings will give its wearer an elevated and machined look.
Buy here.
For the dependable trend-setter: Made from upcycled tarpaulin, these wallets from Swiss brand Freitag are extra-durable and highly fashionable. As they only hold cards, these wallets are the perfect money accessory for your friend who never seems to keep cash on hand.
Buy here.
For the gourmet lunch-packer: These “Food á Porters” created by designer Sakura Adachi are so popular they are currently sold out—though the company is soon restocking just in time for Holiday gifting! Perfect for lunches on the go, the three-compartment containers allow you to transport your food in style.
Buy here.
For the abstract gnome collector: These quasi-functional shelfs by New York-based design practice New Affiliates are inspired by garden gnomes. Coming in three different shapes and four different colors, this line of abstract steel objects is the perfect ornament to place beside the tree.
Buy here.
For the Brutalism-fan celebrating Hanukkah: A modern take on the traditional menorah, this set of hand-poured concrete prisms can help light your way through the eight day long holiday. It’s geometric shapes allow for an endless arrangement of patterns and displays—and it’s contemporary look makes it perfect for post-holiday use.
Buy here.
1 Comment
Thanks for including the upcycled Amtrak bags by my non-profit PUP, Archinect! More here.
The first batch is almost sold out (totes and dopps are gone; we still have a few backpacks) but our second batch goes on sale 3 December. Set an alarm because the totes are sure to go quickly again, and we *may* have a new duffle launching on that date, too...
Also, those beautiful rings by Lace may be for men but I'm instructing my husband to get one sized for me. I looooooooove them.....
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