CH Gift Guide: Last-Minute Solutions
Fingerpaint, hosiery, topiaries and other gifts you can find at a store near you
For those hoping an apocalypse would save them from buying this year’s holiday gifts, it’s looking like you may need to devise a new strategy. If you haven’t bought all the presents for everyone on your list, here are 12 items from the Cool Hunting gift guide that can be found at your local mall or bookshop, as well as few gift card and subscription options you can wrap up with the help of an inkjet printer.
Young Artist Finger Painting Gift Set
From centuries-strong Faber Castell is this high quality kit, which includes washable finger paint, paper, an apron and trays—everything needed for hours of finger painting fun, all storable in a can. Pick it up at arts and craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
Mexican Train Dominoes
Fuel some friendly rivalry with this popular game of strategy, skill and steam engines. Various designs of Mexican Train Dominoes sell from a multitude of game stores, but this particularly handsome set can be found at Restoration Hardware.
Journey by PlayStation
A unique interactive online adventure, Journey for PS3 is by far one of the best games of 2012. It’s also the first video game soundtrack to be nominated for a Grammy. You will be immersed in gorgeous Miyazaki-esque environments and share an experience with others like never before. Grab this one from GameStop or Best Buy stores.
iPod Nano
The iPod Nano is great for browsing photos, listening to music and watching videos, but now the tiny device comes with Nike+ support and a pedometer so you can keep track of all your physical activity. Buy it online and pick it up at your nearest Apple Store.
Hosiery Subscription
Milliner Satya Twena turns her attention to a new endeavor called Pique—a monthly hosiery subscription where subscribers receive a custom-selected package of fine stockings, tights, socks and leggings.
Grace: A Memoir
Instantly recognizable for her flaming red ‘do, Grace Coddington—the enigmatic creative director of Vogue—documents her journey from a fashion model in the ’60s (toting her own props to shoots) to an industry influencer in a captivating new memoir. This book is guaranteed to be on the shelves of any major bookshop from suburbs to cities.
Wilder Quarterly Yearly Subscription
As the name implies, Wilder Quarterly examines the natural world with unconventional eyes, appealing to everyone from green thumbs and rooftop gardeners to cooks and foodies who are making the most of the non-traditional space they’ve been given.
Organic Meyer Lemon Topiary
This year-round lemon plant bears slightly sweeter, less acidic Meyer lemons. This fruitful topiary measures 18 inches high to start and comes in a terra cotta pot. Check your closest nursery for this lemon topiary or other bountiful plant.
Stainless Damascus 7-Piece Block Set
An exclusive line conceived by elite bladesmith Bob Kramer and renowned German knife maker Zwilling J.A. Henckels, these knives are made with Damascus stainless steel for beautiful, razor-sharp and lasting edges. Buy the set or an individual knife at brick-and-mortar Sur La Table stores.
SodaStream Source
We’ve been fans of the SodaStream for years, and the Source is a complete redesign by Yves Behar. The improvements are both technical and stylistic, but the fundamentals are the same—make your own carbonated water or soda. SodaStream sells in shops like Williams-Sonoma or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Etsy Gift Cards
Fulfill your favorite person’s handcrafted dreams with an Etsy gift card, which is now accepted at over 100,000 of the online purveyor’s independent shops.
Damn Good Advice (For People With Talent!)
George Lois—the 80 year old former Esquire art director—has set out to school young creatives with his life experience. “Damn Good Advice (For People With Talent!)” is rife with personal anecdotes from a true icon of the Advertising Creative Revolution. Find it at any major bookshop such as Barnes and Noble or Waterstones.
