Whether it be the holidays or a birthday, those important dates seem to sneak up on us every year. Suddenly, the time to shop for gifts is slim and the opportunities to stress are bountiful. If you’re currently panicking about presents, take a breath and take a look through our Last Minute Gift Guide, where all the items are available for fast shipping (whether it be overnight or three-day options). From books to vases, cookware to clothing, there’s plenty still available so you don’t unintentionally become the Grinch.
The Iwachu workshop has been hand-crafting cast iron since 1902, and their team of artisans also does an incredible job updating its collections to include more contemporary pieces—all while remaining true to their traditional processes. The Morioka-based makers turned a typical cast iron teapot into a sculptural work with distinct personality and ultra-functional features. Plus, the deep blue hue, because of the texture of the material, appears speckled in the right light.
Areaware’s tall stoneware stacking planter (which stands eight inches wide and eight inches tall) comprises two parts—a planter and a drainage dish—that nestle into one another to create one clean silhouette. With holes for excess water to escape, the planter is super-functional and easy to clean, while remaining an attractive object for the home. Also available in a smaller four-inch tall size.
To meet the liquid needs of each year’s holidays and special occasions, acclaimed spirits author Aaron Goldfarb’s latest book, Gather Around Cocktails, provides recipes for parties from two to 200 people. Once again, Goldfarb distills the essence of his subject matter to its most useful and provides celebratory substance that all can enjoy. Be it Derby Day, Friendsgiving or a Groundhog Day get-together, Goldfarb’s got a signature drink recipe that all will appreciate.
With panels of subtle hues contrasted by candy colors, this knitted throw blanket is undeniably the work of Brooklyn-based Dusen Dusen. Made from 100% cotton, the Stripe Throw Blanket is super-soft and sizable, at 50 by 70 inches.
For anybody interested in analog technologies and music, Gideon Schwartz’s Hi-Fi: The History of High-End Audio Design offers a deep dive into the history and renaissance of lo-fi audio. From Bang & Olufsen’s glorious wire recorder from 1947, the Beocord 84U, to the stunning Clearaudio Statement V2 turntable from 2008, and so many more, the products highlighted within this 272-page book are some of the most beautifully designed devices in the world. Audio fans will be delighted by the countless turntables, reel-to-reels, vacuum tubes, amplifiers, speakers and more.
Recommended for architecture nerds (over eight years old), model kit maker ARCKIT’s 105-piece set comes with instructions for assembling the basics, but plenty of opportunities for customization, too. Whether an aspiring architect or someone looking for something structural to tinker with, there’s plenty to conceptualize and bring to fruition—from a standalone building to a corridor within a larger complex.
Part game, part puzzle and part educational toy, Moon Picnic’s Make a Face allows children to experiment with creativity and even express emotion. Crafted from solid beech wood, it includes a round base and several facial components that let users cobble together hundreds of different expressions. Beyond the playful experiences, it can also be a jumping off point to discuss feelings.
A recent trip to Japan during Typhoon Hagibis put this Blunt Metro to the test and it remains in one piece. For the cold, gloomy winter months, this umbrella comes in several bold hues to add a pop of color to a drizzly or stormy day. The sturdy design features double-reinforced struts that survive high winds and harsh weather. Its architectural structure is built to hold up over time providing a long lasting and sustainable choice.
With The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion, author Antwaun Sargent addresses breakthroughs for representation of the black image in artistic industries, communities and their respective marketplaces. Turning his attention to pioneering black photographers, Sargent opens a dialogue on institutional barriers, exclusion and the tidal shift underway on an international level. The book, published by Aperture, incorporates 250 four-color images from talent including Awol Erizku, Quil Lemons, Namsa Leuba, Dana Scruggs, Tyler Mitchell and more—as well as conversations with Shaniqwa Jarvis, Deborah Willis and CH favorite Mickalene Thomas.
Written by former jazz and pop critic at The New York Times, Nate Chinen, Playing Changes: Jazz for the New Century is a definitive guide to the genre from the past to the present. While today’s jazz may be different, it’s rooted in the same ideals and ethos, and Chinen argues for its continued relevance while highlighting some contemporary talent. He does this while educating readers on the genre’s illustrious and influential past.
For ice-skaters and hockey players, the Re-Edger from A&R Sports offers assistance with several on-the-fly fixes. At one end, a dual-tip ceramic steel sharpener can whet a blade; in the middle, a replaceable honing stone can be used for de-burring. It’s a handy item that’ll even benefit ice sport hobbyists.
This all-black cap hides its positive message in plain sight: “ART” is embroidered on the front, while on the back, the words “every day.” Made from 100% cotton, the Poketo six-panel cap is available in black on black, white on white, or white on royal blue and serves as a reminder to see beauty in even the ordinary.
Authored by multi-media artist Walt Cassidy (aka Waltpaper), New York: Club Kids proves to be a most comprehensive survey of the legendary antics of ’90s nightlife in NYC. Cassidy, a central figure in the subculture, saw firsthand the “artistic, fashion-conscious youth movement that crossed over into the public consciousness.” Though it includes rare photographs, this book is far more than an attempt at archiving an era that bubbled up from the underground; it also works to contextualize modern-day concepts that originated with the Club Kids: “reality television, self-branding, ‘influencers’ and the gender revolution.”
Intended to carry pooches weighing up to 16 pounds, Wild One’s new Air Travel Carrier is plane- and pet-friendly. Small enough to be placed under regular seats, the carrier features a comfy quilted base mat and mesh panels with retractable screens, should your dog want a view or privacy. Made from neoprene, the outer is washable by hand, while the mat inside can be machine-washed and tumble-dried. The carrier also boasts a handy shoulder strap that doubles as a leash and a panel for sliding it all onto your suitcase.
Made from a blend of virgin wool and polyester, House of Holland’s fluorescent orange blazer is classic, save for its asymmetric hem and belted waist. Made to order, these jackets take three weeks to create, and are a stylish take on a classic. The British designer also donates 25% of proceeds to the AKT Charity, a fund that assists LGBTQ+ people who are facing homelessness.
Available in two sizes (either five or 12 inches tall), sculptor and toy designer Jason Freeny’s Brick Man Anatomical Puzzle is fun for kids aged eight and over—and adults, too. Easy to assemble, with just 16 pieces, the 3D puzzle can then be displayed as a playful objet d’art.
