Capitalist Pig Chalkboard Piggy Bank

by Mat Lyon

Had too much of the collapsing world economy? Fear not, the Capitalist Pig will help you aim for brighter days.
Floundering savers can stay focused by listing or drawing object(s) of desire on the blackboard surface of the bank. Don’t think this is a one-off investment, this little piggy will encourage saving time and time again as it features a removable stopper so you can put the hammer down and gorge on the fruits of your savings without mindless piggy-based destruction. Value for money doesn’t stop there, this piece of wonder comes with four sticks of chalk.

It's £13 from Giftlab.

Penhaligon’s Luxury Crackers

For a truly fabulous way to ring in the New Year, Penhaligon's crackers feature a surprise that far outdoes the usual plastic tchotchke fare. The esteemed British purveyor of grooming products hides a small leather notebook, keychain or other gift (as well as a New Year's resolution) inside a package tied with sumptuous red velvet bows.

A set of six is £90 from Penhaligon's or $180 from London's Bathecary.

Also on Cool Hunting: Angry Christmas Crackers

2007 Gift Guide: Last-Minute Gifts

With precious few shopping days left before Christmas, holiday panic is almost palpable. We've highlighted several selections from our 2007 Gift Guide that are still available for delivery by 24 December 2007.

Giftable

For those with an insatiable curiosity, plug the EyeClops Bionic Eye into your TV to see objects blown up to 200x their size. It's available through Wednesday, 19 December 2007.

The Mix Tape USB Drive is perfect for music lovers who have nostalgia for mix tapes but would rather create them using today's technology.

Edible

These delicious chocolates from John & Kira's can be ordered through 3pm EST Wednesday, 19 December 2007 (free upgrade to two-day express shipping).

The lovely Hand-Pressed Chocolate Ornaments from Garnet Hill are available for next day and two-day shipping.

As a gift that keeps on giving, the Cheese of the Month Club subscription sort of lets you off the hook if you don't have an actual wrapped bundle at gift-swapping time. An appropriate card notifying the recipient of the their forthcoming fromage should make quite an impression.

Dean and Deluca's test-tube Spice Rack is available for next-day delivery.

Readable

Books make great gifts for everyone. For non-readers, consider it a charitable act in increasing literacy (even if they only end up appreciating its decorative qualities). Our 2007 Gift Guide has a great selection of books that are still available for one-day shipping.

Great for technology-lovers, Core Memory profiles 35 vintage computers including the Eniac, Crays 1 3, Apple I and II.

Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds comes packaged in a handsome briefcase with a velvet lining and a combination lock.

For both dandies and the sartorially-challenged, theABC of Men's Fashion features information all aspects of men's fashion.

Designer Mike Perry's Hand Job: A Catalog of Type makes a great resource for designers and typographers.

For the kids on your list, The Dangerous Book for Boys and The Daring Book for Girls offer advice and activities to keep modern kids busy and creative and both are getting rave reviews.

Wearable

The Billykirk Belt Pouch for cameras, iPods or phones is available with next-day shipping.

Luxurious and warm, Lumi Sheep Leather Mittens are available with next-day and Saturday delivery.

The Le Punk Keyfob Charm from Hayden Harnett can be guaranteed to arrive by 24 December if ordered by the end of the day on 19 December 2007.

The clever M&Co Watch, 10-One-4 is available for express shipping if you place your order by 21 December 2007 at 9am EST.

Bird Cage Mobile

$65

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$65

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Adding Victorian flair, these Birdcage Mobiles are like having “a pet without the mess.” They’re laser cut from museum board so they’ll last longer than a pet too.

This product is sold by Ige Design

Hot Chocolate-on-a-Stick

$18

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$18

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Besting Swiss Miss by a long shot, Petrossian’s hot chocolate-on-a-stick is a cube of premium dark Belgian chocolate that makes for a delicious winter treat when stirred into a cup of hot milk (or, for the truly decadent, cream).

This product is sold by Petrossian

2007 Gift Guide: CH Exclusive Discounts

There is no doubt that holiday shopping is taxing on the wallet. Luckily, a few Cool Hunting friends offered up a few discounts in our Gift Guide. Every little bit helps, no?

429
429 Life makes the softest t-shirts around and recently they've started a more comprehensive line including sweaters, henleys and hoodies. Featuring nice cuts with small details, they are always imminently wearable. Order strategically as the sizes run a bit small. Enter CH07 at checkout to get a 30% discount.

Behance
Behance Action Pads are a must-have for any creative professional. Strategically designed to maximize organization resulting in increased productivity, they are the perfect stocking stuffer for OCD types or anyone that likes to make a list.

Watchismo Watches
Our long time friend Watchismo has quite the watch collection. From the oldest vintage pieces to new and futuristic models, he probably has it. If he doesn't I bet he could find it for you and the re-released LIP line will wow any mod out there. For the first time, he's giving readers a special discount from his own collection. Just mention Cool Hunting at checkout for a 10% discount

Action Journal

$6+

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$6+

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The Behance Action line of products helps productivity by strategically spacing out and separating aspects of the creative thought process on paper. Featuring suede like covers which add durability and comfort, they are the perfect notebook for any creative professional.

This product is sold by Action Journal

Angry Christmas Crackers

The Ireland-based design company Angry have created their own take on the traditional Christmas cracker. Each cracker contains materials to create a felt hat, which come in several colors can be customized using the included scissors. Also included within the crackers are jokes written by Angry's own Mike Ahern and one inch pins that say phrases like " Turkey Please" "One More Sprout" and "Pass the Pepper" intended to ease the flow of conversation while your mouth is full.

Available in a set of six for €25 plus shipping from Angry.

Also on Cool Hunting: Angry Celebrity Weighing Scales

Gift Trees

$3

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$3

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From the Arbor Day Foundation are gift trees, a plantable bestowal that can be enjoyed for generations to come. Packaged in a recyclable tube that doubles as a bird feeder, gift trees are available in Redwood, Pine and Spruce.

This product is sold by Arbor Day Foundation

Core Memory: A Visual Survey of Vintage Computers

$23

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$23

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100 striking photographs chronicle 35 vintage computers housed at the Computer History Museum in the Silicon Valley for a book that’s as visually compelling as it is informative.

This product is sold by John Alderman

Graphite Writing Sculptures

$36+

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$36+

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These diligently carved graphite writing sculptures are created by San Francisco artist Agelio Batle. Inspired by woodland beauty, the sculptures can be used like a pencil without rubbing off on your hands.

This product is sold by Agelio Batle

2007 Gift Guide: The Lush List

With shopping crowds, dysfunctional families and Seasonal Affective Disorder (not to mention joy, etc.), there are plenty of reasons to drink during the holiday season. Reward your favorite drunk with a gift related to the age-old pastime. From robots (for those too lazy to pour their own beer) to a surrealist bottle of champagne, there's something for every kind of alcoholic. Below are four of our favorites. (Like our gift guide as a whole, we'll be updating The Lush List daily, so be sure to check back.)

Asahi Beerbot
Westerners train dogs to do things for them, Easterners would rather make robots. If you're too lazy to get off the couch, the Asahi beerbot is a must. Not only does it refrigerate a six-pack, it also pours them for you at the touch of a button. You can even program a custom voice. Your new best friend.

Viktor & Rolf x Piper-Heidsieck Upside Down Champagne
We really want to try and pull out that huge cork in the Upside down Champagne by Victor & Rolf x Piper-Heidsieck. We're also wondering how well it balances on that narrow base. Oh, and we hope the champagne tastes good too, that is, if you open the bottle.

Daiginjyou Sake Glass
The beautifully designed Daiginjyou Sake Glass adds a modern twist to a Japanese classic, adding what looks like an inverted water droplet into the bottom of the glass. The simple touch lends modern elegance that makes this glass literally good to the last drop.

Twist Cocktail Shaker
Not only is the helix-inspired Twist easier to grip than your average shaker, it's also a lot more easy on the eyes. With thermal-retentive metal designed to chill your drinks and a built in strainer, the Twist Cocktail Shaker might just be the best looking thing at the bar.

Mix Tape USB Drive

$13

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$13

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Nostalgic packaging and today’s technology. Make your special someone a mix tape without any of the hassle but with all the love.

This product is sold by SuckUK

2007 Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

We love the idea of hiding something extravagant like jewelry or an iPhone in a stocking, but the more typical fare—knick-knacks, chocolate—will do too. If you're of the non-gentile persuasion, these gifts will work for any (or all) of the eight days of Hanukkah. Check them all out in our gift guide.

Chocolate Cat and Dog Truffles
Hand made by Oregon-based chocolatier Moonstuck, these dog and cat truffles are enrobed in fine chocolate and filled with white chocolate-toffee and milk chocolate ganache filling.

Emoticon Magnet Set
For some, emoticons are a way of life. This set is geek-chic for the fridge.

CH x Furni Farmer Watch
We're a little bit in love with the cheesy retro styling of our all-white, "Casio-inspired" watch. Called the Farmer, it's the result of a collabo between CH and Furni.

Little Lamp
Cute and practical, the battery powers the LED light and acts as a stand.

Bacon and Eggs Cufflinks
A whole new way to say, "Wakey, wakey! Eggs and Bacey!" we're fans of most breakfast-themed items and these cufflinks are no exception.

Preserve Toothbrush
Getting a toothbrush in your stocking kind of sucks, unless its this one with an ergonomically angled handle and made from recycled plastic.

Yoshimoto Cube
A silver-and-gold mathematical plaything, this cube is endlessly entertaining and looks pretty good sitting around too.

Penhaligon’s Miniature Scent Library
For the dandy in your life, this Penhaligon's set is a great way to introduce someone to the ultimate in men's grooming.

Digby and Iona Emerald Cut Cocktail Ring
Cast from an antique ring, this bronze and silver cocktail ring is "on-trend" and already on the wishlist of a few girls we know.

Stacks x Marc Jacobs x Arkitip Playing Cards
From Arkitip's 27th issue, these playing cards are the result of a collaboration between Marc Jacobs, Stacks and Arkitip and come in a die-cut package.

Bing Bang Box Locket
A modern take on a locket, this vermeil box is way less precious and comes filled with seeds. A portion of the proceeds go to the Climate Project.

Leatherman Squirt
The go-to multitool, a Leatherman is maybe even more useful when it can be easily carried on a keychain.

Astronaut Ice Cream Set

$9

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$9

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Evoke memories of childhood trips to the planetarium with freeze dried ice cream. Just like the astronauts eat! The set of two includes a Neapolitan and an ice cream sandwich.

This product is sold by Fred Flare

Industrial Robot

$950+

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$950+

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Using a mix of old and new found objects, Gordon Bennett creates these one-of-a-kind Robot Sculptures. Inspired by the “Modern Age” of industrial design of the ’40s and ’50s the sculptures are made from wood, metal, Bakelite, plastic, rubber and paint.

This product is sold by Bennett Robot Works

I Am Cuba: The Ultimate Edition

$34

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$34

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With its impossibly elaborate camera work this cinematic ode to Cuban/Soviet solidarity ranks as one of the most resplendently beautiful works of moving-image art ever created. This three-disc “Ultimate Edition” DVD release is appropriately extravagant, containing feature-length documentaries about the film’s production, its director Mikhail Kalatozov and an interview with Martin Scorcese, all housed in a beautifully adorned cigar box.

This product is sold by Mikhail Kalatozov

Acrylic Block Frames

$14

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$14

Acrylic Block Frames

Let your photo speak for itself with these acrylic block photo frames. Joined with silver magnets, the variously sized frames display images with minimal distraction.
These clear acrylic block frames are a great way to display art or photographs with minimal distraction. Silver magnets join the frame around the image, . They’re available in various sizes and can be displayed vertically or horizontally.

Available from Crate and Barrel starting at $14.

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Acrylic Block Frames

Let your photo speak for itself with these acrylic block photo frames. Joined with silver magnets, the variously sized frames display images with minimal distraction.
These clear acrylic block frames are a great way to display art or photographs with minimal distraction. Silver magnets join the frame around the image, . They’re available in various sizes and can be displayed vertically or horizontally.

Available from Crate and Barrel starting at $14.

Let your photo speak for itself with these acrylic block photo frames. Joined with silver magnets, the variously sized frames display images with minimal distraction.

Li Xi Year of the Rat Gift Envelopes

The year of the rat is steadily approaching and Portland-based design team Design Night are prepared with the latest version of their signature Li Xi envelopes. Inspired by ancient Chinese papercuts the laser cut envelopes feature the 2008 zodiac animal, a sign of leadership, charisma and order. Li Xi envelopes are also a perfect way to dress up a cash gift for weddings, birthdays and other occasions.

Get yours, starting at $7.50 for one, at Design Night.

Also on Cool Hunting: Year of the Pig Li Xi Envelope

Wooden Cards

$24

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$24

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Modern yet folksy, these flat wooden cards are sustainably harvested from yellow birch trees. Surprisingly easy to write on with either pen or pencil, every card is different because of the wood grain.

This product is sold by Night Owl

Mason

$56

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$56

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Riffing on an antique shape, Brooklyn-based ceramicist Perch’s Mason updates it with a streamlined modern design and appealing contemporary shades of yellow and gray. At eight inches tall, it works as a container, vase and more.

This product is sold by Perch

2007 Gift Guide: CH x Furni Farmer Watch Giveaway

We're stoked about our latest addition of the Farmer Watch to this year's gift guide, because it's the result of a collaboration of yours truly with our Canadian friends Furni. The all-white Farmer is an '80s-style LCD watch with lime green accents, engraved with "we're on the hunt, we're after you" on the reverse. Featuring an alarm, hourly alert, stopwatch, 12 or 24-hour time display and a green backlight, the PVC watch has all the basics—all secondary to its retro style.

To celebrate the launch, we're giving away 10 watches to 10 CH readers. All you have to do to enter is follow the contact link at the bottom of the page, select "CH x Furni Farmer Watch Giveaway" from the pull-down menu and send us an email before Tuesday, 27 November 2007, 11:59pm EST.

To purchase the watch for your whole family, all your friends, co-workers, acquaintances, enemies, doctors, friends of friends, etc., go to Furni and pick it up for $24.

Quarries

$50

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$50

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After 25 years of exploring the impact of industry on our planet, photographer
Edward Burtynsky has accumulated a substantial body of work documenting the world’s major quarries. His images of these plundered landscapes are simultaneously beautiful and disquieting.

This product is sold by Edward Burtynsky

Nine Varietal Honey Flight

$78

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$78

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Elevating honey to the ranks of chocolate, cheese and wine, Bee Raw’s line of varietals are palate exercisers and are great for pairing with teas and cheeses. Flavors include Raspberry, Blueberry, Orange Blossom, Cranberry, Buckwheat, Sage, Sweet Yellow Clover, Basswood, Sourwood, Star Thistle.

This product is sold by Bee Raw

Book Release Club

$100

It’s clichéd, but nothing beats a gift that keeps on giving, especially if it’ll last almost to the next holiday season (which means you might be covered for a birthday that falls in between). For the bookworm who loves witticisms and the clever use of irony in their reading, McSweeney’s Book Release Club sends your reader the next 8 books from the SF-based publisher.

This product is sold by McSweeney's Book Release Club