Fontifier Personal Font

Fontifier
offers a simple (write and scan) and inexpensive ($9) method to create a personalized font based on your handwriting.

The seven step process requires a printer and scanner. You can create your font with up to four templates, allowing for different weights, italics, doodles, etc. Once you've uploaded it you can preview it prior to purchasing it. Each template or version costs $9. Fontifier produces a TrueType font which can be installed on both Mac and PC, and can easily be edited using FontLab or TypeTool.

Li Xi Gift Envelopes

Those of us who still haven't started our holiday shopping can take comfort in knowing that we are still in time to celebrate Chinese New Year in style. These Li Xi Gift Envelopes are a beautiful way to usher in the Year of the Pig. The laser cut envelopes, traditionally used to give gifts of "lucky money" to family and friends, are inspired by ancient Chinese papercuts. Created by Portland-based husband-and-wife team Design Night, each delicate crepe paper envelope is hand assembled and feature intricate silhouettes and shadows inspired by the Chinese Zodiac.

The Li Xi Gift Envelopes start at $6.50 for one envelope.

GoodStorm T-Shirt Wizard

Photo tees are always a hit when it comes time for gift-giving, but the lead time means last-minute shoppers are out of luck unless they opt for GoodStorm's new T-Shirt Wizard Gift Package. An instant gift at $25, Goodstorm sends the recipient an e-card with a link that takes them to a site where they can create their own t-shirt with photos, graphics and text. The flash-based interface is straightforward enough for even those with basic web skills and their new t-shirt will arrive in 10-12 business days.

Gorillaz Giveaway

Like the concept itself, Gorillaz: Rise of the Ogre is a part fictional, part real account of the band's rise to fame. Faux interviews and Jamie Hewlett's illustrations, as well as a few real photos, make up the hardcover book, bringing out both imagined and true-to-life details. Highlights include track-by-track "making of" stories, British humor and, overall, behind-the-scenes insight into one of the most innovative and successful creative projects of recent years.

Though Gorillaz: Rise of the Ogre has been out since last month, CH has three copies to give away to three readers, who will also get a poster and a full set of the Kid Robot Gorillaz CMYK toys (pictured left). We'll award these prizes to the first three readers who tell us what mode of transportation the Gorillaz guitarist Noodle arrived in when they were first forming the band, according to Rise of the Ogre.

To enter, follow the contact link at the bottom of the page, select "Gorillaz contest" from the pull down menu and send us your answers before this Thursday, 21 December 2006, 11:59pm EST.

Fling

Fling, a Chicago based company, aims to bring art to the general public by transforming works of fine art into accessible everyday objects. Based on the installation "1,000 White Lies" by artist Annie Feldmeier Adams, The Little Box of Lies Buttons feature various phrases like "I'm listening," "It's great to be here," "I promise" and "You look great." Using these less-than-sincere clichés, the buttons poke fun at misguided good intentions and the conventions of small talk. The Little Box of Lies also come in magnet form and both the magnets and the pins are $6 and are four to a box.

Also from Fling, One Less Bag ($10) features an image from photographer Aron Cohen silkscreened on a canvas tote bag. The lightweight tote can easily be folded to tuck away in a purse or pocket for those of us who are tired of accumulating petroleum-based plastic bags that are a nightmare to store.

Artist Beach Towels

A huge hit at the Deitch/Paper store that took place last week in Miami during Art Basel, these artist-designed beach towels ($50) are for those who want to wrap themselves in art. Featuring works by Alex Katz, Marilyn Minter, Richard Phillips and Rob Pruitt (pictured above from L-R), the towels are gigantic (measuring 60"x70"), soft and the colors look great in terry cloth. Though they're currently sold out at Target, you can try your luck faxing an order form to the non-profit behind the project, Works On Whatever.

Jack Spade Prison Key Ring

Handmade by inmates in a Montana prison, the detail on these Jack Spade Prison Key Rings is astounding. Tightly woven horsehair forms a loop around a split ring—perfect for the urban cowboys on your list. The Prison Key Ring is $75 and available in assorted colors (unfortunately, you don't get to pick) from Jack Spade.

Sand Scent

Custom-blended and available exclusively at BASE and through Cool Hunting, SAND already enjoys a legion of fans throughout the world for not only its extraordinary scent but also its unique viscosity. Unlike a "regular" scent SAND is richly emollient and oil-based allowing for a concentrated and enduring fragrance. This special blend features many organic ingredients including oils of Bergamot, Orange, Musk, Patchouli and Lavender. It is equally popular and easily worn by either gender. It comes in a 4 oz. bottle with a fine spray attachment.

$48, Buy it at BASE

3 Watches for Guys

Looking for a watch for yourself or for a gift? Here are three watches that are at the top of my list this holiday season.

ToyWatch (above left) brings fun back to the lower end of the market. These watches are both functional and stylish and come in a range of colors and fabrications. One of my favorites is the 4005-GR, a 44mm watch featuring a black dial, green bezel and green nylon strap. Designed in Italy, it features a Miyota Quartz movement and is water resistant up to 100 feet. Best of all it retails for only $175. Buy it online from Active Endeavors and enter "coolhunting" in the discount field to get 20% off of the watch (and all of your other purchases).

Bell&Ross makes excellent watches and I'm happy with the several I own. One of my new favorites is the Type Demineur (above center), which was designed for France's bomb squad. The 39mm stainless steel watch is antimagnetic (bien sûr) and features a seven ruby ETA 955.612 quartz movement. The face is available in white or black, and is covered by an anti-glare sapphire crystal, rotating bezel, and is powered by a seven year battery. It is water resistant to 200m. The Type Demineur has a msrp of around $1,500. Check out the Bell&Ross site for authorized dealers.

Those of you who have been saving for the right watch, have a rich loved one or are expecting a Wall Street sized bonus should consider the drool-worthy new Patek Philippe Nautilus (above right). Available in a few different styles, some reissued from the 1970s, the 5980/1A features Patek's new self-winding, column-wheel-controlled caliber 28-250 C automatic chronograph movement. This model has a new 44mm case and features a chronograph with an unusual monocounter with both 12 hour and 60 minute hands at the 6 o'clock position. It has a sapphire crystal, stainless steel case and bracelet (other metals are available) and is water resistant to 120m. Of course nothing from Patek is for those on a budget, and the Nautilus 5980/1A is no exception with a MSRP of $32,500. Check out the Patek Philippe site for authorized dealers.

Cereal Bowl Light

As if being made of real Fruit Loops wasn't enough, touch the spoon of the Cereal Bowl Light from Wanderlust Designs and it lights up. Available in seven different bowl colors, it's guaranteed to stay crunchy in milk. Orders can be customized by contacting designer Chris Haines directly. The Cereal Bowl Light is $90 from Etsy.

Rainbow Ring Stacker

Hug them, love them, give them funny names. The toys at Acorn (the latest gift spot picked by Refinery29 for CH) might make you momentarily regress, and that's why you know they're great gifts. The soft knit Rainbow Ring Stacker ($56) and the jungle and farm animal sets ($74) by I Golfini della Nonna are as loveable as they are affordable. To order, call Acorn at 718-522-3760

Keith Michael Face Tee

This 100% cotton crew neck tee from Keith Michael features a diffused print depicting the face of someone you may recognize and an underarm rivet detail. Exclusive to BASE and Cool Hunting, it comes in pre-washed black only.

$75, Buy it at BASE

Juxtaposed: Religion

The first in a series of conceptual shelves called Juxtaposed by design duo Mike and Maaike, this shelf brings all the major religious texts (the Bhagvad Gita, Bible, Qur'an, Confucious' Analects, the Tao Te Ching, Discourses of the Buddha and The Torah) together and puts them on the same level. For atheists and believers alike, the Religion shelf's an artful comment on the many religions of the world and a way to instantly create a complete library. At $2,500, it's for those who have a serious sense of humor about these things. Made from reclaimed hardwood, Juxtaposed: Religion is available from blankblank.

LOVE – LIFE Pillow

This pillow is 16" square, 100% woven wool and exclusive to BASE and CH. It has the word Life on one side and Love on the other and is available in two color combos. All profits from the sale of these pillows will go directly to UNICEF's fund for children infected with HIV. Make someone happy with the perfect gift and know that you have done some good!

$98, Buy it at BASE

Harry Allen Pig Bank

These 100% resin money-banks were cast from a demised piglet (we're assured it died of natural causes)! A large cork stopper under the belly should holds all the treasure in. Available in fuscia or white. The Pig Bank is part of Reality, the first series of Harry Allen Products that consists of objects whose form is 'sampled' from existing sources. Literal, ironic, intelligent and functional!

$120, Buy it at BASE

Mouse Skull Necklace

Skulls might be last year's thing but to me they transcend fad, and I know I'm not alone. This little mouse skull is made of oxidized silver and cast from a found original. Crafted in Brooklyn by Andrea Gentl and India d'Arthenay of Thorn, it comes on a 22" chain.

It's $218 from Active Endeavors, but if you enter the coupon code: COOLHUNTING you'll get 20% off this or anything else they're selling.

Biohazard Alien Detection Watch

Tokyoflash has always brought us great gadget watches flexing new time-telling muscles, but this time, you'll rip flesh trying to determine how late you are. The all-stainless steel Biohazard Alien Detection Watch has an advanced multi-color LCD display. The top row has 12 helix bars, each lit for the hours of the day, the bottom row of blue blocks represent five minute increments, green are one minute each and, more than just a gimmick, the animated "Alien DNA" calculation in the middle determines the date by the percentage shown (12.04% = December 4th). With free shipping, the ¥15900 price converts to approx $138 US. Fun for the whole spacefleet!

Three Gift-Worthy T-Shirts

Everyone has a T-shirt wearer on their gift list. These picks combine eye-catching original design with high-quality cotton shirts for tees a step above vintage reproductions and wink-wink-nudge-nudge one-liners.

This mesmerizing Dots Tee (pictured left) is made by Brooklyn based T-shirt designers Rise and Fall. The cotton T-shirts are hand-printed and custom-dyed making each one unique. Available for $38 from Urban Outfitters.

The Elio-Tree T (pictured center) has a asymmetrical screen-printed design inspired by traditional Japanese graphics. The 100% cotton T-shirt is available in women's small, medium and large online for £23 from More T Vicar.

Momimomi, one of our favorite tee companies that aims to treat the t-shirt "as a billboard for the body, not the other way around" is offering a new monthly T-shirt subscriptions service that they're calling Tea Party. Subscribers will receive a original custom-dyed silkscreened t-shirt in the mail once a month. Subcriptions are available for 3 months ($120), 6 months ($210) or 12 months ($360).

Vitamin Living Powder Seat

You chose that board as much for the beautiful graphics as for its ability to carve up powder, right? So this is for those boarders who get really sad when they have to put their board away after getting home from the slopes. Vitamin Living’s Powder Seat is a great way to display your board all the year round, not to mention a space-saving way to store it during off-season. The Powder Seat is simply a base that suckers onto the underside of the board making it into a sturdy seat. There are two different base designs available, the Trident, with two sleek metal tripod legs (pictured), or the Blade, which is a streamlined single metal structure. £99 from Vitamin Living.

Bark Blankets

Minus the mania of other traffic-heavy NYC hoods, Atlantic Ave is Refinery29's current front-runner for civilized gift-getting. Plus, you don't technically have to live here to shop here—many of the proprietors offer e-commerce as well as shipping options, so that one perfect thing in Brooklyn can be yours in L.A., too. At Bark your gift-giving journey may come to a halt. Stocked with so many eclectic housewares (funky flasks), accessories (Gerard Tully rings), and cool gadgets, you're sure to be stumped over what to get grandma. Our pick: Winter warmth to be found in their colorful, luxe blankets (from $170-$780). To order call Bark at 718-625-8997

Paper Bondage Tape

Over a year in the making, this Chain Tape from Salvor Kiosk will add an extra sense of security to your gift wrapping. The "paper bondage" tape comes in two additional designs, Rope and Webbing, and is available online from Salvor Kiosk for $13.

Also on Cool Hunting: Salvor Kiosk: Mexico, Salvor Kiosk .

Steve Powers: You and Me Print

Perhaps you didn’t have a chance to check out Steve Powers' Street Art show on the corner of West Broadway and Prince Street last month. The artist, graffiti writer and book author sometimes known as ESPO had a sale of his art on the street along with all the other vendors. His “booth†was between the hot dog and scarf stands. You can’t get much more street than that! He still has a few prints left, including “You and Me†(pictured) and “Puzzle,†both limited editions of 50 that cost $1,000 each. Order from his site before 20 December 2006 to get them in time for the Christmas—a perfect gift for the graffiti aficcionado.

Billy Kirk Leather Satchels

Refinery29 takes us to the Brooklyn outpost for men, Hollander and Lexer where shopping for the most stylish guy in your world is a cinch. Those at the top of our wish list are a classic H and L tweed tie ($75) or decide between some of the best men's bags in town like the Billy Kirk Leather satchels (pictured, $325). To order call 718-797-9190.

Samsonite Black x Matthew Williamson Signat Attaché

Launched earlier this year, the limited edition version of the Signat Attaché Case, a collaboration between Samsonite Black Label and British fashion designer Matthew Williamson, is finally available online just in time for gift giving. Also re-released in orange, yellow and pink (see images here), the effort celebrates Samsonite's classic 1960's Signat Attaché Case. For the limited edition version, Williamson accented the cream exterior with a silver and flourescent pink leather sleeve for over the shoulder carrying. The interiors follow the same color scheme mixing pastel colors with fluorescent pink for contrast and combines two prints, one floral and one geometric. Both patterns were designed by Williamson and were featured in his Fall/Winter 06/07 apparel collection. Featuring an organized divider, an interior cosmetics pouch and a key charm, the limited edition bags (only 250 will be sold) are available online from Samsonite for $360.

Three Ephemeral Gifts

Sometimes the best gifts aren't made to last. Everyone appreciates a useful consumable gift that won't add more clutter to their lives. This Soap Rock has the beautiful color and shape of a geological specimen without the permanence. Made from all natural ingredients, extracts and minerals the hand hewn soap rock is available in Amethyst, Turquoise, Aquamarine, Aqua Geode, Watermelon Tourmaline and Lapis Lazuli styles for $12 each online from Auto.

The delicate floral design of Joseph Schmidt's Chocolate Bowl may look like fine tableware but it's actually completely consumable. Made from dark chocolate with a hand-painted white chocolate interior, the Chocolate Bowl is great example of Joseph Schmidt's artistic innovations in the medium. Available exclusively from Dean and Deluca for $45.

What better way to say "Peace on Earth" than with this Hand Signal Candle? Also available in other hand signals, such as "rock horns" and a much less polite gesture ("bird"), the candles are $16 Urban Outfitters.