cool christmas gift – Page 2

The hobie mirage revolution kayak.

Dec 12, 2010

this isn’t your kids camp kayak.
The 2011 model of the Hobie Mirage Revolution Kayak is for serious water sportsmen (and women) only. Just what makes it so special? The Hobie Mirage combines the best elements of Austin Kayak’s three other models, meaning it’s fast, rugged and boasts exceptional maneuverability. And don’t forget: it’s propelled by MirageDrive with two underwater flippers. Yeah, that’s right: twin flippers. When was the last time you saw that on a kayak? Certainly not at some hotel rental shack. This thing is not for tourists. At the same time, you don’t have to be a kayak aficionado to use it. It’s easy to use and it’s so sturdy (none of that tipping side to side) you can even fish in it. People who own it call it their second home, and while it’s certainly equipped with enough storage space to keep food, clothes and your toothbrush, we recommend it for recreational use only. ($1,799)

producer: hobiecat

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Wool felt birdhouse.

Dec 11, 2010

i’m the first to admit that these birdhouses look more like alien spore than a potential nesting place for your garden’s winged visitors, but that’s also why I love them.

The long cord/rat tail is used for tying it to a tree branch, and the soft, dark and warm orb that hangs down is like a bird paradise. Made from 100% hand-felted wool, they’re not only sustainable, but they’re made by hand by a women’s NGO in South Africa that uses natural dyes and the run-off form the wool felting mill to water their rooftop garden, the produce of which is sold locally to support their efforts. Cool bird house, cool cause. Win, win. Sprout Home (Small-$49, Large, $58)

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Retool. Jonas damons's tool set.

Dec 11, 2010

I don’t know if it makes me want to build stuff or just gaze at it longingly, but Jonas Damon’s Tool Set is a thing of beauty, whether it’s used for its intended purpose or not.

Damon’s idea was to take the ubiquitous aluminum or rubber-coated flashlight and its metallic friends the ruler, screwdriver and level and recreate them into more than just functional and forgettable tools. This tool set makes the user reconsider items previously dismissed as beyond the reach of good design, and makes you appreciate the effect that design has on user experience.

This is yet another gem from Areaware, which carries lustworthy design objects for the home and more from Damon too. Tool Set, $95.

designer: jonas damon

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Clever everyday nail bottle opener.

Dec 10, 2010

you probably thought you’d never need another bottle opener, but that was until you saw brendan ravenhill’s genius twist on a simple concept.
It’s just a rusty nail, a magnet and a piece of wood but it’s downright delightful to use. That’s because Ravenhill uses wonderfully soft and smooth wood that arcs perfectly into your palm, and the clever redirection of an everyday nail makes this simple but amazing. Don’t believe me? Go tell MoMA, where you can pick one up for $20 and pop the bubbly all holiday long.

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Fuji instant camera holiday fun.

Dec 10, 2010

a polaroid-like instant camera.

Consider the Fuji Instax Mini 7S Instant Camera an update on the boxy and now defunct Polaroid camera, and unlike the Polaroid, the Fuji Instax has an LED exposure indicator. Plus, at 5″ x 5″, it’s a lot less bulky than its predecessor and its curvy body would have even Zaha Hadid swooning. Even the most camera-illiterate person on your gift list will become a instant (pun!) photographer with its user-friendly interface and fool proof operation. It retails for $130, but you can get it at B&H for just $65. Score!

producer: fuji

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