With 65 years of experience, Crisloid makes long-lasting backgammon sets—and even offers the opportunity to customize your own. While the team is open to exploring all kinds of themes—from palm trees to skull-decorated pieces—they never lose sight of the fact that it’s a game that’s traditional and historical. With a personalized set (with base prices starting at $175), even losing will be a pleasure.
This product is sold by Crisloid
The clever Microgarden is a foldable greenhouse in which to grow vegetable sprouts. Perfect for small spaces, Microgarden blends an appealing, simple design with reliable functionality. Made from a transparent, recyclable and waterproof material, the origami-inspired product comes complete with seeds to begin your own microgreen-growing revolution.
This product is sold by Tomorrow Machine + Infarm
To celebrate Marty McFly, Doc and even Biff today—for Back to the Future Day—and long after, retro pin makers Yesterdays offers this miniature-sized tribute. Wear a version of the movie’s self-lacing sneakers (complete with light-up panels) with pride and never forget: hoverboards don’t work on water, unless you’ve got power.
This product is sold by Yesterdays
After the success of their smart padlock, Utah-based FŪZ Designs created a rugged, easy-on-the-eyes U-lock version for users to easily lock, track and share access to their bike with just a phone tap—thanks to a Bluetooth Smart connection. Should your phone die or go missing, you can still manually click in a code to open the lock. For additional security, the lock features an alarm if someone attempts to crack it open or button-mash the keypad. Raising more than $400,000 on Kickstarter earlier this year, the Noke U-lock is ready to ship this December.
This product is sold by Noke
Good things come in small packages, and Potting Shed Creations has plenty of them. Their Garden-in-a-Bag range—complete with seeds for everything from cat grass to dill, plus growing medium and coconut husks for drainage—is a gift that encourages getting your hands dirty. Our seed of choice is mint (perfect for cooks and cocktail enthusiasts), which fills the air with a refreshing fragrance.
This product is sold by Potting Shed Creations
Cotopaxi’s highly functional Luzon daypack might be forward-thinking and functional in its design, but the retro colorways counter with playfulness. Each Luzon Del Día is made in the Philippines by a Cotopaxi employee who personally picks the bright and bold colors every time—which means no two bags are the same. Crafted from durable repurposed ripstop nylon, the packs will surely add some extra positive vibes to any outdoor adventure.
This product is sold by Cotopaxi
Brooklyn-based Croatian poet, sculptor, graphic and product designer Andrej Urem has created cubic candles that we never want to light. But at the same time, we’re eager to see them transform from their strict structures into molten, organic forms. Urem carves the first models himself, then uses 3D technology for additional sculpting and printing the molds. And due to their symmetrical nature, Urem’s candles have another distinct feature: they’re stackable.
This product is sold by Andrej Urem
For those avoiding the “Sexy Potato” costumes or fake blood but still want to get into the Halloween spirit, Lazy Oaf’s Casper collection is full of sweet yet spooky options. Our pick is the fluffy, powder pink sweater—which features the adorable ghost’s face embroidered over the heart. The cropped sweater stays cute (and useful) long after October 31.
This product is sold by Lazy Oaf + Casper
British architect David Adjaye completes Washington, his debut furniture collection for Knoll, with new geometric pieces (a chair, ottoman and side table) that offer up a powerful visual impression. Each small-scale, multifaceted monument has a gloss laminate base that makes a striking counterpoint to its upholstery on top. Additionally, the weighty-looking Prism lounge chair will be sure to surprise those who sit down, as it has the ability to swivel.
This product is sold by David Adjaye + Knoll
Brooklyn-based design studio and manufacturing house, Good Thing says they are all about “backward design,” but the Easy Mirror (which sacrifices a small amount of its reflective pane to create a leg-stand) is, in fact, quite forward-thinking. Made entirely from polished stainless steel, the mirror is a sleek, minimal and unexpected piece for those who like to look good—and have their decor do the same.
This product is sold by Good Thing
Folch Studio and editor Zio Baritaux created the Strange Plants books to explore contemporary artists who turn to flora as their muse—in the studio, and in personal life. Covering Lee Kwang-Ho’s hyperrealist cacti paintings to plant-inspired flash tattoo art, the two beautifully designed hardcovers delve into this fascination with nature through interviews, commissioned pieces and even sticker versions of the featured artwork to customize the books’ covers and pages.
This product is sold by Folch Studio
As an alternative to standard felt slipmats, Tanner Goods offers a handmade leather version worthy of your thoughtful turntable setup and favorite records. The material collects less dust (and therefore less static build-up) and is uncommonly beautiful, as well. Stamped with Tanner Goods’ signature Geoglyph pattern, the unique slipmat’s design will appeal even to those who don’t own a record player (perhaps it can be used as a gigantic coaster).
This product is sold by Tanner Goods
There are plenty of reliable solar-powered flashlights on the market, but socially-minded tech innovation company Waka Waka has developed a few things that sets their devices apart. Their signature solar flashlight charges in five to ten hours and delivers 80 hours of bright but safe light—utilizing their Patented Intivation SunBoost chip. The flashlight is also designed to be re-positioned easily and even incorporates a hole for resting atop a bottle—making for a makeshift lantern. Most importantly, Waka Waka has a buy one/give one program, meaning with every purchase, someone in a developing nation gets one for free.
This product is sold by Waka Waka
Made from crystals that are shaped and polished by hand without chemicals or dyes at select lapidaries, Chakrubs’ all-natural sex toys promote wellness as well as pleasure. The Yin Yang set—made from black onyx and white jade—supposedly help filter unwanted distractions, increase emotional stability, encourage self-realization and more. And you’ll never have to hurriedly throw them in a drawer when guests come over: for those not in the know, Chakrubs double as beautiful art objects.
This product is sold by Chakrubs
Made with the best all-natural ingredients—focusing on those that are plant-based, organic and food-grade—Herbivore’s new Pineapple + Gemstone Mask promises to refresh and brighten your skin—giving you a healthy glow. With pineapple and papaya (to exfoliate), Brazilian White Tourmaline (to illuminate), rice powder (to smooth) and more, it’s a treat for your face and takes just 20 minutes per application.
This product is sold by Herbivore
Danish type foundry Playtype takes their unique, custom-made typefaces beyond just computer screens and stationery. They’re silently permeating the physical world with bold statements through personalized lightboxes, laptop sleeves and even skateboards, thanks to some choice collaborations. Their experimentation with shapes, silhouettes, letters and words on apparel is worth more than a glimpse, and we’re enamored with the simple yet resolute “Untitled” T-shirt.
This product is sold by Playtype
Inspired by traditional camouflage designs and coloration, the team at Bamford Watch Department have released customized versions of Rolex’s iconic Milgauss and Submariner timepieces for their new Commando line. Rolex debuted the Milgauss back in 1956 but the design applications here harken back even further in time to the battlefields of WWII. Using their Graphite Particle Coating, the clever team at BWD has been able to achieve new colors for the first time. The Commando collection features Desert, Combat and Forest (our favorite, featured here) in both the Milgauss (£12,000 (approx. $18,000) and the Submariner (£13,000 (approx. $20,000).
This product is sold by Bamford Watch Department
Celebrating 100 years of National Park Service (happening in 2016), heritage brands Orvis and Pendleton have collaborated on a collection of accessories for dogs. Their Glacier National Park Dog Bed comes in two sizes (for medium and large pups) and boasts a striped design that adds just the right amount of flair. They’re made from cozy polar fleece and have a washable polyester cover—handy for pooches who enjoy the outdoors as much as the two brands.
This product is sold by Orvis + Pendleton
With handmade Italian acetate frames, Komono’s Dreyfuss sunglasses are high-quality without sacrificing style. While the design is available in various colorways, our pick is the gender-neutral Matte Indigo with a tortoiseshell-esque pattern just loud enough to make a statement. Plus, the scratch-resistant CR-39 lenses mean they’re perfect for boozy weekend brunches and klutzes.
This product is sold by Komono
For fans of the Belchers—and puns—the new Bob’s Burgers cookbook will be a treat for tummies and funny-bones. “The Bob’s Burgers Burger Book: Real Recipes for Joke Burgers” is fully illustrated with all-new art, features cameos from the family (as well as Teddy, Aunt Gayle and other beloved characters) and offers a how-to guide on making meals like the Bleu is the Warmest Cheese Burger, I Know Why the Cajun Burger Sings Burger and more. Available for pre-order now, the book is set for official release in March 2016.
This product is sold by Universe
The Desert Piñon’s needles boast a deliciously sweet but earthy and pine-y fragrance that conjures images of burnt orange from the Southwest—and it’s a scent that Juniper Ridge has recreated with their new campfire incense. Blending this with a smoky and spicy fragrance, the Desert Piñon campfire incense is made up of wildcrafted plants, tree sap, wood and bamboo stick—with no charcoal, perfume or hidden chemicals.
This product is sold by Juniper Ridge
Injecting fun and excitement around electronics, circuitry and coding, Technology Will Save Us offers DIY kits that teach you how to build a solar-powered moisture-sensor for your plants, a portable speaker from everyday household objects, a game console to play games you’ve created, and your own noisy synth. Most noteworthy is the opportunity for customization and experimentation within each kit; it all ties in to Technology Will Save Us’ mission to change the younger generation’s relationship with technology from that of a passive consumer to an active maker and builder.
This product is sold by Technology Will Save Us
At first glance, MadeMe’s cropped, striped turtleneck is super-cute, but don’t be fooled—the patch reads “Touch Me and Die.” Made from a cotton and viscose blend, the sweater channels the ’90s, Mondays and most women’s sentiments perfectly.
This product is sold by Mademe
HAY Mini Market’s “Got This Licked” bag is covered in mouths wide open—tongues, teeth and all. The print is made in collaboration with UK graphic artist Jody Barton, and first appeared in their Wrong for Hay collection; the design is now available in new colorways and roomier sizes. Time to take those wagging tongues all the way down to the beach.
This product is sold by HAY Mini Market
Bouncing from endearingly odd to throwing around wildly positive vibes, Scotland-based David Shrigley never disappoints. Made in collaboration with Melbourne shop Third Drawer Down, this 100% linen “Life is Fantastic” dish towel is a cheerful (perhaps at times delightfully delusional) reminder that can be seen every morning as you labor to make that first batch of coffee.
This product is sold by Third Drawer Down + David Shrigley
Artist and graphic designer Bryce Wilner’s Gradient Puzzle is a feast for the eyes and a true challenge for the brain. Made using thick stock and high-quality paper, the pieces won’t fall apart—no matter how many times to try to make a piece fit. This stunning meditation on color is available in blue/green or red/yellow and is a treat for kids and adults alike.
This product is sold by Bryce Wilner
