The Perfect Pencil

Designed and crafted by Graf von Faber Castell this platinum-plated implement has a built in sharpener to ensure there’s always the finest graphite tip when making your point. A built-in replaceable eraser and retractable point make the utensil an ideal gift for the draftsman, architect or sketch artist.

Available from Graf von Faber-Castell for $250

The Perfect Pencil

Designed and crafted by Graf von Faber Castell this platinum-plated implement has a built in sharpener to ensure there’s always the finest graphite tip when making your point. A built-in replaceable eraser and retractable point make the utensil an ideal gift for the draftsman, architect or sketch artist.

Available from Graf von Faber-Castell for $250

Simplehuman Sensor Soap Pump

This automatic soap dispenser is activated by motion for a no muss, no fuss and ultra-hygienic solution to hand-washing. A wide opening makes refills a snap and the dispenser is available in a variety of finishes.

Available from simplehuman for $35

Simplehuman Sensor Soap Pump

This automatic soap dispenser is activated by motion for a no muss, no fuss and ultra-hygienic solution to hand-washing. A wide opening makes refills a snap and the dispenser is available in a variety of finishes.

Available from simplehuman for $35

Megaphone

Italian design firm en&is has fashioned this sublime speaker alternative for the iPod. A hand-crafted wood stand supports the ceramic Megaphone to amplify your tunes without using extra power.

Available from Túaw for $530- $800

Megaphone

Italian design firm en&is has fashioned this sublime speaker alternative for the iPod. A hand-crafted wood stand supports the ceramic Megaphone to amplify your tunes without using extra power.

Available from Túaw for $530- $800

Teas From China, Taiwan and Vietnam Box Set

This sampler of Chinese, Taiwanese and Vietnamese teas contains 12 different teas in metal tubes, each of which can produce a 6-cup teapot. The set also comes with a copy of The Théophile Guide.

Available from Le Palais Des Thés for $65

Teas From China, Taiwan and Vietnam Box Set

This sampler of Chinese, Taiwanese and Vietnamese teas contains 12 different teas in metal tubes, each of which can produce a 6-cup teapot. The set also comes with a copy of The Théophile Guide.

Available from Le Palais Des Thés for $65

Crazy Bird Hand Embroidery

Crazy Bird’s custom-made hand-embroidered bird cartoons feature sweet birds and cheeky little sayings framed with a classic wooden embroidery hoop.

Available from Etsy for $40

Crazy Bird Hand Embroidery

Crazy Bird’s custom-made hand-embroidered bird cartoons feature sweet birds and cheeky little sayings framed with a classic wooden embroidery hoop.

Available from Etsy for $40

Mini Print Note Cards

These note cards feature iconic mini prints of world-renowned music legends and their animals. All photographs are donated for the purpose of raising money for at-risk animals. The sets include 10 mini-cards and envelopes.

Available from Morrison Hotel Gallery for $20

Mini Print Note Cards

These note cards feature iconic mini prints of world-renowned music legends and their animals. All photographs are donated for the purpose of raising money for at-risk animals. The sets include 10 mini-cards and envelopes.

Available from Morrison Hotel Gallery for $20

The Kimchi Chronicles

In this hardcover book, Marja Vongerichten leads the reader through Korean cooking for the American kitchen, with everything from recipes to examples of how Korean flavors can be integrated into any meal.

Available from Amazon for $21

The Kimchi Chronicles

In this hardcover book, Marja Vongerichten leads the reader through Korean cooking for the American kitchen, with everything from recipes to examples of how Korean flavors can be integrated into any meal.

Available from Amazon for $21

KeepCup – Non-Toxic Reusable Coffee Cups

For the eco-conscious caffeine junky, these safe and reusable plastic coffee cups are durable, lightweight, dishwasher and microwave safe and available in a wide range of sizes and colors that can be customized on the brand’s nifty website. Plus, each size replicates standard takeaway coffee sizes and are short enough to fit on the machine, so you’ll never need a disposable cup again.

Available from KeepCup for $8 to $15

KeepCup – Non-Toxic Reusable Coffee Cups

For the eco-conscious caffeine junky, these safe and reusable plastic coffee cups are durable, lightweight, dishwasher and microwave safe and available in a wide range of sizes and colors that can be customized on the brand’s nifty website. Plus, each size replicates standard takeaway coffee sizes and are short enough to fit on the machine, so you’ll never need a disposable cup again.

Available from KeepCup for $8 to $15

iPhone Tank Cases

These military-grade protective cases are made of a polycarbonate hard shell, with a retractable screen shield. As a testament to the case’s indestructibility the owner of Case Mate reportedly ran over the Tank Case with his Hummer with no damage done to his iPhone. The case is available in black, pink, army green, orange, and white.

Available from Case Mate for $60

iPhone Tank Cases

These military-grade protective cases are made of a polycarbonate hard shell, with a retractable screen shield. As a testament to the case’s indestructibility the owner of Case Mate reportedly ran over the Tank Case with his Hummer with no damage done to his iPhone. The case is available in black, pink, army green, orange, and white.

Available from Case Mate for $60

Mother & Child Candles

Mother & Child candles are made of high-quality coconut wax, with a floral blend of night jasmine, peony and gardenia. Each comes in its own hand-blown vessel. Plus, purchase of the candles supports the Tibetan Healing Fund.

Available from Tenover Six for $45

Mother & Child Candles

Mother & Child candles are made of high-quality coconut wax, with a floral blend of night jasmine, peony and gardenia. Each comes in its own hand-blown vessel. Plus, purchase of the candles supports the Tibetan Healing Fund.

Available from Tenover Six for $45

Kata Pro-Light Backpack

The Kata Pro-Light Backpack protects your equipment during extreme weather. An ideal tool for traveling photographers, the backpack features a tripod holder, a camera strap, and a padded laptop compartment.

Available from Amazon for $187

Kata Pro-Light Backpack

The Kata Pro-Light Backpack protects your equipment during extreme weather. An ideal tool for traveling photographers, the backpack features a tripod holder, a camera strap, and a padded laptop compartment.

Available from Amazon for $187

Cannondale Hooligan

This innovative commuter blends functional design and a fun, compact Delta V frame design for the lightest and strongest bike around. Even with 20-inch wheels and an extremely low standover the Hooligan is meant for full-size adults. Plus the small wheels accelerate faster and the condensed design is ideal of dense city living.

Available from Cannondale for $1,100

Cannondale Hooligan

This innovative commuter blends functional design and a fun, compact Delta V frame design for the lightest and strongest bike around. Even with 20-inch wheels and an extremely low standover the Hooligan is meant for full-size adults. Plus the small wheels accelerate faster and the condensed design is ideal of dense city living.

Available from Cannondale for $1,100

African Metropolitan Architecture

This book by architect David Adjaye features groundbreaking photographs of African architecture, in 53 cites, with fact files and maps for each.

Available from Amazon for $63

African Metropolitan Architecture

This book by architect David Adjaye features groundbreaking photographs of African architecture, in 53 cites, with fact files and maps for each.

Available from Amazon for $63

Pavillon St. Germain

French brand Les Ateliers Ruby has created this retro-inspired but thoroughly open-faced helmet. It features a deep gloss black exterior with sensual red Napa lambskin padding on the inside.

Available from Bench & Loom for $750

Pavillon St. Germain

French brand Les Ateliers Ruby has created this retro-inspired but thoroughly open-faced helmet. It features a deep gloss black exterior with sensual red Napa lambskin padding on the inside.

Available from Bench & Loom for $750

Food52 Holiday Recipe & Survival Guide

The FOOD52 guide is made exclusively for the iPad. It features 75 masterfully curated recipes, 100 minutes of video tutorials, and event-planning guidance from the FOOD52 community.

Available from Open Air Pub for $7

Food52 Holiday Recipe & Survival Guide

The FOOD52 guide is made exclusively for the iPad. It features 75 masterfully curated recipes, 100 minutes of video tutorials, and event-planning guidance from the FOOD52 community.

Available from Open Air Pub for $7

Philips Soundring

This bold Airplay speaker from design-driven Dutch makers will look gorgeous on any desk, counter or shelf. Bordering on object of art, the portable sound system delivers 360 degrees of hi-fidelity sound anywhere in the house. With 16W RMS of total output power this wireless speaker will appeal to both the audiophile and design nerd.

Available from Amazon for $250

Philips Soundring

This bold Airplay speaker from design-driven Dutch makers will look gorgeous on any desk, counter or shelf. Bordering on object of art, the portable sound system delivers 360 degrees of hi-fidelity sound anywhere in the house. With 16W RMS of total output power this wireless speaker will appeal to both the audiophile and design nerd.

Available from Amazon for $250

Drawn “O” Drop Necklace

Designer Marion Cage McCollam abstracted the shape of a hand drawn O to create this simple necklace. Choose from sterling silver or 14k or 18k gold.

Available from Marion Cage for $210-425

Drawn “O” Drop Necklace

Designer Marion Cage McCollam abstracted the shape of a hand drawn O to create this simple necklace. Choose from sterling silver or 14k or 18k gold.

Available from Marion Cage for $210-425

JR Lithographs

Fresh off the oldest printing press in Paris, this selection of lithographs from TED prize-winning artist JR goes to benefit the artist’s global art project Inside Out. The limited-edition prints are signed by the artist.

Available from Social Animals starting at $750

JR Lithographs

Fresh off the oldest printing press in Paris, this selection of lithographs from TED prize-winning artist JR goes to benefit the artist’s global art project Inside Out. The limited-edition prints are signed by the artist.

Available from Social Animals starting at $750

Libratone Live Speakers

These gorgeous minimalist speakers ditch the tether in favor of a portable system that can be controlled by your device via the Libratone app. Made of cashmere, chrome and wood, the speakers are a nod to the company’s Scandinavian roots.

Available from the Apple store for $700.

Libratone Live Speakers

These gorgeous minimalist speakers ditch the tether in favor of a portable system that can be controlled by your device via the Libratone app. Made of cashmere, chrome and wood, the speakers are a nod to the company’s Scandinavian roots.

Available from the Apple store for $700.

Discontinued but not forgotten, Braun recently re-issued a line of watches and clocks designed by famed German industrialist Dieter Rams. The spare, functional collection was approved by Rams’ partner Dietrich Lubs and harkens back to design heyday of the 1970s.

Available from Braun starting at $150.

Discontinued but not forgotten, Braun recently re-issued a line of watches and clocks designed by famed German industrialist Dieter Rams. The spare, functional collection was approved by Rams’ partner Dietrich Lubs and harkens back to design heyday of the 1970s.

Available from Braun starting at $150.

Apolis Co-Op Wool & Silk Scarf

This scarf was manufactured in an Indian co-op to benefit its local workers. Made of 50% hand-woven Himalayan wool and 50% silk, the wrap comes in a checkered or striped print.

Available from Apolis for $96

Apolis Co-Op Wool & Silk Scarf

This scarf was manufactured in an Indian co-op to benefit its local workers. Made of 50% hand-woven Himalayan wool and 50% silk, the wrap comes in a checkered or striped print.

Available from Apolis for $96

Best Wishes Book

From Matt Singer, one of sharpest designers out there, this book of cute cards offers the chance to make a wish at any time for any occasion, whether it be to say “Happy Birthday” or “Happy New Year.” Tear out a slip of paper, write your wish, fold it accordion-style and light it. Then blow it out like a candle to slow the burn and watch your wish slowly release into the universe.

Available from Matt Singer for $15

Best Wishes Book

From Matt Singer, one of sharpest designers out there, this book of cute cards offers the chance to make a wish at any time for any occasion, whether it be to say “Happy Birthday” or “Happy New Year.” Tear out a slip of paper, write your wish, fold it accordion-style and light it. Then blow it out like a candle to slow the burn and watch your wish slowly release into the universe.

Available from Matt Singer for $15

Voguing and the House Ballroom Scene of New York, 1989-92

In this wild and vivid book, documentary photographer Chantal Regnault captures the New York City ball culture of the late ’80s and early ’90s. This hardcover edition features hundreds of pictures from the heart of the “voguing” scene.

Available from Amazon for $26

Voguing and the House Ballroom Scene of New York, 1989-92

In this wild and vivid book, documentary photographer Chantal Regnault captures the New York City ball culture of the late ’80s and early ’90s. This hardcover edition features hundreds of pictures from the heart of the “voguing” scene.

Available from Amazon for $26

Juice Pack Powerstation

The Juice Pack Powerstation can charge any USB device in the world including the iPhone, iPad and Android devices, plus the elegantly designed 4000mAh external battery will charge your device lighting-fast.

Available from Morphie for $80

Juice Pack Powerstation

The Juice Pack Powerstation can charge any USB device in the world including the iPhone, iPad and Android devices, plus the elegantly designed 4000mAh external battery will charge your device lighting-fast.

Available from Morphie for $80

Vinegarmaking Kit

This 5-Liter Demi-John vinegar-making kit includes your choice of red or white wine starter culture. It ships with a full instruction book to walk you through the process of making vinegar from scratch at home.

Available from OakBarrel for $55

Vinegarmaking Kit

This 5-Liter Demi-John vinegar-making kit includes your choice of red or white wine starter culture. It ships with a full instruction book to walk you through the process of making vinegar from scratch at home.

Available from OakBarrel for $55