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

Anatomy Models Set

$79

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$79

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For the child who’s always wondering how everything works, here’s a set of five brightly colored anatomical models. The set covers the skeletal system, the heart, eyes, ears and brain.

This product is sold by Learning Resources

Cool Hunting 2007 Holiday Gift Guide

From the Daiginjyou Sake Glass and internal organ-shaped stuffed animals to "Superbad" and Bacon and Eggs cufflinks, we've culled all our favorite stores offline and online for our third annual gift guide. Our picks span a range of prices and a range of recipients that we hope will make your holiday season a little easier.

We'll be updating daily, so check back often to see what we've come up with.

Zipcar Gift Certificates

$50+

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$50+

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Zipcar gift certificates allow the giver to share the convenience of the easy-to-use rental service (now available in 22 cities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.). For college students without wheels or urbanites in need of a break, a Zipcar is a thoughtful way to help them out. Bundle it with a night at a nearby hotel for a way to really say, “I know you’re extremely stressed out.”

This product is sold by Zipcar

Audioengine 2 Powered Desktop Speakers

Based on the superior performance of the Audioengine 5s we were excited when their new smaller desktop speakers arrived and they don't disappoint. Like their predecessors, Audioengine 2s are powered speakers constructed of wood featuring a silk tweeter and a newly updated kevlar woofer which makes for the same impressive bass and satisfyingly rich sound—but packed into a third of the size (approximately 6"x4"x5.5").

The sounds is truly impressive for their size and they look great on a desk, though they might work better on a shelf—they're video shielded but we've run into problems with mobile phone interference. I also think they might be a little more well-suited for desktop use if the power and volume controls were more easily accessible.

Otherwise, for music snobs, the mini Audioengines are a great addition to a workspace or would be perfect for use with TVs, portable players, video games or anything with an 1/8" mini or RCA jack.

Available in white or black, the Audioengine 2s come with all cables and a three-year warranty for $200 from Audioengine.

Also on Cool Hunting: iPod Speakers, Part I, iPod Speakers, Part II

Tatebanko Paper Diorama Kit

Appealing to my weakness for dioramas and DIY paper projects, these kits also are a mini lesson on Tatebanko, the forgotten Edo-era Japanese art of creating perspectives from paper. They come in either a snowy scene representing a painting by the master Hiroshige or in a version of Hokusai's wave.

Designed and printed in Japan by It's a Beautiful Day (the group leading the Tatebanko revival), the kits feature metallic accents and hidden surprises.
Available for $10 each from Giant Robot
or Brooklyn 5 and 10
.

I, Grobot

The latest in the way of grow-your-own plant kits is a sort of Asimovian take on the Chia Pet that makes a great home or office ornament. With an unlikely pairing of nature and futurism, I, Grobot stands about four inches tall, with its grass head at full growth the hair easily adds another two to three inches of height.

Retailing for less than $13 and guaranteed to ship within three days, it's a whimsical piece that makes for an eccentric gift.

Also on Cool Hunting: Canned Goods, Garden in a Bag, Pet Tree Mini, In Vitro Orchid, Magic Bean Word

Vintage Tools

A well-made tool can last a lifetime, and it's often true that they just don't make them like they used to these days. The cleverly named Mantiques carries quality antique tools from well-known brands like Stanley, Bailey and Millers Falls.

Levelers (left), bone handle knives (right), vintage flashlights, old-school binoculars (center) and even some fishing tackle are available for purchase. As functional designer objects they make great gifts for use or for show. Inventory is always changing so be sure to check back at Mantiques often.

Also on Cool Hunting: Stanley Wristwatch Tools

Leo Dog Toy

by Passa Chattra

Face it, any dog owner will tell you they have the smartest dog in the world. Well here"s a toy that's fitting for those canine prodigies. Made by Canine Genius the "Leo" (in honor of Leonordo da Vinci) is like legos for dogs. The individual Leos can be fetched, tugged, and stuffed with treats like other dog toys.

What makes the Leo different is that it can be linked to multiple other Leos. You can create puzzles and shapes that also allow treats that are stuffed inside to move around inside one piece to the other. Looks like its creative problem solving for both humans and animals. Available in original ($19) and mini ($13) from Canine Genius.

Ice Cream

Phaidon has a knack for publishing massive overviews that inform, educate, become trusted resources for years to come, and—as is the case with their "cream" series on emerging artists—boast amazing packaging as well. The latest edition, Ice Cream, is no exception with its rainbow mylar cover that takes us back to our sticker collection days.

Fortunately, what's inside the cover doesn't disappoint, including some artists you may have seen in these pages, such as Gelitin (pictured below right), Brian Jungen, some you've probably heard of like Daniel Johnston and Banks Violette and others (Thomas Bayrle, pictured below left) that we probably should've already known about. Chosen by a committee of 10 international curators, the 100-artist round up includes several from the Whitney's 2006 biennial (no doubt thanks to co-curator Philippe Vergne's involvement) as well as a fairly good representation from around the globe (thanks to the geographic specialties of other curators).

Each four-page spread on the alphabetically-organized artists features a history of selected exhibitions, a brief essay or interview, as well as reproductions of their work. A supplemental section of 10 source artists lends some context to the snapshot of contemporary art that Ice Cream presents.

It's available from Amazon.

Fun Night Lights

Okay, it's a generic title but there's something to be said for these bizarre night lights that are liable to scare a small child worse than whatever's lurking in the closet.

The purplish plasma bulb takes on a Frankenstein-esque quality while the fiber-optic blue looks like the head from a sci-fi Muppet character or Mystery Science Theater 3000.

For only $12 for the pair, these little knick-knacks would make a great White Elephant gift. Available online from Fred Flare.