Five Favorites: My Holiday Wishlist

I think it is a little late in the game to be posting a holiday wishlist. Maybe I did that on purpose though. Everyone I know has such fabulous taste, I’ve never received an interactive holiday sweater or stale fruitcake or anything like that.

It’s been such a wonderful year full of some of the best gifts and surprises. Even if there were nothing under the tree come Christmas morning, it would still be one of the best holidays yet.

But, just for the fun of it (because imaginary shopping for yourself is always fun) here are my own personal Five Favorites, my holiday wishlist!

1.) Harry Allen Bank in the Form of a Pig (via Areaware)

This has been on the list for several years now. I just love it!

2.) J.Crew Long Leather Zip Gloves

Cashmere-lined (a must!) with an added zip for that dose of urban cool.

3.) No. 6 5″ Aviator Shearling Clog Boot

I just love a fuzzy lining! These are another long-term want.

4.) Cave Canem Regard Ring (via Stuart & Wright)

Prettyprettyprettyprettyprettypretty!

5.) Weck Jars (via Canoe)

Love the simple shape of these for storing food or art supplies.

Five Favorites + Pretty Mommy

Five Favorites again today and this one is entirely for the ladies. Guys, if you don’t know what to get for your girl here is an idea or two (or five) from my favorite e-shop Pretty Mommy.

Michelle and I also collaborate on illustrations for her awesome blog. Here is the latest one showing off some of her favorite pieces from the season along with her baby bump! Congratulations to Michelle and family!

Here are my top gift picks from Pretty Mommy (from left):

1.Stewart + Brown Wells Handknit Sweater - $199

Modeled by Michelle in my illustration, make her feel all fuzzy with the perfect piece for chic winter warmth!

2. Virginia Johnson ZigZag Shawl -$195

Virginia Johnson’s wool shawls are a favorite amongst fashionistas everywhere. Her geometric patterns and bright colors give new life to your winter look.

3. Clare Vivier iPad Case – $99

If she’s an early adopter, chances are she’s got an iPad and loves handbags by Clare Vivier. This stylish iPad case combines two of the hottest trends around right now.

4. John Robshaw Quilt in Tripoli – $350-475

A splurge in every way, these beautiful block-printed quilts are sure to top every girl’s wildest dreams wish list

(I know they do mine!)

5. Laura Lombardi Scale Necklace – $54

If she’s unlike any other, this necklace is just the thing. Lombardi’s geometric shapes and vintage brass parts are beautiful and unique.

Five Favorites + ABC Home

Walking into ABC Home from Union Square is like entering into an oasis of tranquility, peace and pretty things. From housewares, to jewelry, to furniture, to beauty products, ABC is like a global market where every product is made to improve your quality of life.

Here are my five favorite gifts to give from ABC (clockwise from top left):

1. Red Flower Hammam Lemon Coffee Blossom Olive Stone Scrub $62

An indulgence for your over-worked (and partied out) best friend. A gift that gives her the extra incentive to take some time for herself once in a while.

2. Birch Bark Vase $85-$250

For anyone who appreciates the beauty of simple things, this vase is as lovely overflowing with flowers as it is standing on it’s own.

3. Maple Burl Horizontal Frame $75

For someone you’ve made some great memories with, this frame begs to be shown off on the mantle (along with that photo of you from last New Year’s Eve).

4. DwellStudio Distressed Metallic Squares Pillow $48

When you can’t make the trip to see those closest to you, a beautiful pillow can be a surrogate source of comfort.

5. Altru Appreciation Aromatic Soy Candle $48

The name says it all. This is the perfect gift to show some long overdue appreciation. Might need to stock up on these babies!

Five Favorites + The Future Perfect

For the first of my holiday gift guides for the year I am starting with one of my favorite NYC shops: The Future Perfect.

This store can always be counted on for things you won’t find anywhere else and their products always have a sense of humor and an element of sophistication.

Here are my 5 favorites gifts to give from their e-shop:

1. Gold Milk Jug $22.50 – For your favorite coffee drinker. Make his/her morning cup that much more precious.

2. Themis Mobile $27 – Playful and cool. For a new parent or a kid at heart.

3. Verre Rouge $59 – For a true wino. The glass will almost always be half full!

4. Right Wrong Gloves $58 – For those with difficulty making up their mind, or giving directions

5. Versailles Fluo Vase $199 – Gorgeous heirloom piece for someone classic but not too traditional

Five Favorites: Poketo

Ok, we are officially getting into the holiday crunch! Those of us still shopping for gifts are no doubt looking for something special to stand apart from the rest.

It’s ok, don’t worry, inspiration is on the way. Enter Poketo, the shop features clothing, accessories, housewares, etc featuring the works of up and coming artists. Best of all, it’s highly affordable. A perfect place to pick up some gifts that are unique and cool.

Fox Brooch $30

It’s no secret that foxes are pretty fantastic right now. I love the simple abstracted lines of this pin. To give to your favorite wild thing, click here.

Bear Bookmark Tabs $5

For the voracious reader, these adorable tabs keep your place and keep you company while reading. To view, click here.

Poketo SPACETIME Wallet – Damien Correll $20

Poketo is probably most known for their artist edition wallets. This style by one of my favorite graphic designers Damien Correll is just $20 so you’ll have plenty of cash left to fill it. Check it out here.

Blackbird Fly Twin Lens Reflex Camera $140

Not only does this camera look cooler than cool, it also takes great photos. The old school format allows you to take photos in three different formats including full frame so you can actually see the sprockets of the film on your photo. Neat! Click here.

Still of the Day Dreambook $20

I’ve heard of dream journals before but this is the first daydream journal I’ve ever seen. I love the simple, beautiful cover. Perfect for your favorite dreamer. Take a look here.

From left: Fox Brooch, Bear Bookmark Tabs, Poketo SPACETIME Wallet – Damien Correll, Blackbird Fly Twin Lens Reflex Camera, Still of the Day Dreambook.

Five Favorites: Terrain

I am sure you are familiar with Terrain, the youngest sister in the Anthropologie/Urban Outfitters/Free People family. Though Terrain is mostly oriented towards the garden, they carry an array of beautiful, giftable items on their website that anyone would love to recieve, green thumb or no.

Terrarium and Book $50+

Lately I just love terrariums. They are so lovely and limitless. This gift combo provides an empty vessel and loads of inspiration for how to fill it. For terrariums click here and book, here.

Trees & Flowers Vase $22-$34

Fresh-cut flowers always make the winter seem less dreary. This vase provides the perfect base for a wintry bouquet to remind you that spring is almost here. Browse sizes & styles here.

Midnight Honey Body Buzz $34

The perfect gift for someone who deserves a little pampering. These bath products made from whole grains and honey are as wholesome for your body as they are for your peace of mind. Indulge yourself here.

Weck Canning Jars $4.50-$6

I love the old-fashioned look of these canning jars. Fill with colored feathers, candies or some freshly-baked cookies and top with a ribbon for a perfectly inexpensive and lovely offering For shapes and sizes click here.

Fruit Honey Flight $48

The foodie in me is just dying to know what blueberry honey tastes like and I bet someone you know would love to find out. This unique gift is a feast for the senses; fragrant and flavorful contents are wrapped up in a charming package. Take a peek right here.

From left: Terrarium & Book, Trees & Flowers Vase, Midnight Honey Body Buzz, Weck Canning Jars, Fruit Honey Flight.

Five Favorites: MoMA Design Store

MoMA is one of the world’s great design museums and its store has always been one of my favorite places to find something quirky, fun and well, modern to take home with me. Here are my five favorite gift picks from their online shop.

Chat Plates $48

Say what you really mean with these cute conversation starters. Serving plates that evoke the work of Roy Lichtenstein are perfect for your favorite party host.

Point It $7.95

I have given this book to many of my world-traveling friends. Cheeky and actually quite handy, the books features pictures for travelers to use when communicating with the locals.

Washi Paper Masking Tape $25

I can think of a million uses for this beautifully-hued paper tape. Great for high-minded crafting, this gift is a hard one to resist!

Alexander Girard Love Print $95

Iconic print by one of my favorite textile designers, Alexander Girard. Hand-printed on plywood, this lovely piece helps express how you really feel.

Pinhole Camera Kit $28

Get back to basics with this diy kit that utilizes old school camera technology. It takes 35mm film and looks as pretty as a Leica but for a whole lot less dough.

Five Favorites: Charles and Marie

For my second installment of Five Favorites I am focusing on one of my favorite go-to websites for cool gifts.

Charles and Marie is a carefully curated shop that features designy items from across the globe. It was difficult to narrow things down to my top 5 but I did prevail, here are my picks:

Tengu/Tengu Allstar $40

This USB-connected pal lip-synchs along with whatever music you’ve got playing. Comes with customizable stickiers too. Perfect for your karaoke duet partner.

Deer Vase $70

Great for a nature lover or your favorite hipster, flowers create tromp l’oeil antlers in this sweet, wall-mounted deer vase

Crystal Carafe $55

I’ve always loved this piece, the heavy glass of the carafe is playfully contrasted by the colorful plastic cups. Water carafes are such classy gifts to give too!

Desk Tidy $32

This is a great desk accessory because it has so much personality. Perfect for someone with a 9-to-5 or a sweet touch in a home-office.

Walls Notebook $17

Great for a graffiti artiste or someone with a serious knack for scribbling, this notebook features pages of blank New York City walls. It’s a prime canvas for working out your inspirations before taking on a real wall.

Five Favorites: Areaware

Welcome to the first installment of Five Favorites!

Each week leading up to the holidays, this column will highlight a great e-commerce site and feature my five favorite giftable items from its assortment.

I am starting things off with Areaware, a great New York-based design manufacturer. Everything is their collection is witty and wonderful. Here are my five gift picks from their site:

Ursa Minor Wooden Bear $85

It may be a children’s toy but it would also be a great ornament for bookshelf or table!

Pig Bank $190

Love this adult-appropriate metallic gold piggy bank. Give to someone who needs to start saving, every penny counts these days!

Chain Bondage Tape $5

Great gag-gift to spice up your love life or send scandalous packages through the postal service.

Taz-Ah Bunny Mug $25

An unassuming coffee cup has an animal snout hidden underneath, perfect for your best pal who is an absolute beast before her morning coffee.

Mini Precious Wall Decals $24

Cool Graphic gems for anyone who needs a bit of sparkle in her life (or apartment).

All items from Areaware. From left: Ursa Minor, Pig Bank, Chain Bondage Tape, Taz-Ah Mug, Mini Precious Wall Decals