It’s that time of year again. You’ve spotted the festive Coca Cola advert on the television and the holidays are indeed coming. But what to buy the designer in your life?
We’ve asked our teachers and students at Shillington what they’d like for Christmas to bring you this helpful gift guide. One that’s full of ideas, not just for those you love, but to throw some hints for yourself.
From candles and prints to cool Christmas jumpers and pigeons that poop, this list features many independent designers and makers, so you’ll be giving back to the creative community, too.
Made from 100% natural soy wax, this phthalate-free fragrant candle gives out an appealing smoky smell with top notes of orange, leather, tobacco, amber and musk. Hand-poured in Los Angeles by the P.F. Candle Co., it’s a sophisticated gift for someone who appreciates the finer things in life.
What’s not to love about this Snoopy lamp? Paying homage to Charles M. Schulz’s beloved character, it features four different light settings and an auto-dim sleep function. A companion for any design lover’s bedside table.
Woven using a process that runs exclusively on renewable energy, this pure wool blanket by Tekla Fabrics, is designed to last a lifetime. Available in various styles, the fabric is sourced from Gotland, Sweden.
Everyone’s talking about van life these days. Which is why this beautiful book, published by Gestalten, will appeal to those who are longing for an escape. Learn more about life in the Great Outdoors, travelling around in converted vans, trucks or temporary homes on wheels.
We all suffer from bouts of stress. Make someone you love smile with this “ridiculous” stress relieving toy by David Shrigley. An ideal stocking filler for art lovers, packaged in a collectable gift box.
Never mind the classic mantlepiece accessories by Vitra; how about something a little different from May Wild Studio? We’re talking a Coo Plume Bird with its own Golden Coo Pu. Yes, that’s right. A handmade ceramic pigeon with its metal cast and plated poop.
Your designer friend will love you if you treat them to this 2020 planner by Crispin Finn. Allowing you to see the year at a glance, and colour printed on 135gsm Revive 100% recycled paper, it includes bank holidays, daylight saving time and the Lunar calendar.
The book of 2019, this title by Ian Anderson, founder of The Designers Republic, showcases three decades of work by the iconic studio. It’s a no-brainer for any graphic designer who wants to discover more about its rule-defying music work, provocative self-initiated projects and a fierce commitment to conceptual thinking over style.
This gift recommendation is not only useful, it’s beautifully designed and helps to save the planet. Flutter by KeepCup is a reusable coffee cup crafted from blown tempered glass and cork.
Sticking to the theme of sustainability, our next gift suggestion is by Brooklyn-based bag designer, Baggu. Carry in your hand or over your shoulder, this machine washable eco bag is made from tough ripstop nylon and folds away into a small pouch for easy storage. We love the unique designs, especially the tartan patterns.
Know someone who loves to play? How about a set of wooden animals designed by Floris Hovers? Crafted from beechwood, this set features 13 different creatures made in a variety of vibrant colours. Available via Ikonic Toys.
This book by Present & Correct, made in collaboration with Jane McDevitt of Madrid Design, features Eastern Bloc matchbox labels from the 1950s to the early 1980s. Taken from Russia, Czechoslovakia and Poland, there are designs covering everything you can imagine including animals, food, war, sport, industry, the arts and transport.
Choose your favourite letter from these stylish alphabet prints by designer Lorna Freytag. Not just for little ones, each artwork features one letter and an associated word. ‘E’ is for ‘Earth’ and ‘J’ is for ‘Jellybean’. Available in soft muted colours that will look great in any room.
A design collaboration made in heaven, Hey and Laser joined forces last year to create this limited-edition jumper. Featuring Hey’s iconic graphics and made with 100% cotton, this beats any knitted gift out there and will please any fan of the Barcelona studio.
Oh, the fun you can have with Hey’s series of alphabet prints. Purchase one favourite letter or buy three to spell out ‘Fun’. Your designer friend will appreciate your thoughtful gift.
Our favourite iconic jewellery brand, Tatty Devine, has recently launched its new collection dedicated to the much-loved Moomins. Choose from fun necklaces, earrings and brooches, featuring beloved characters and design elements plucked straight from the Scandi world of Moominvalley, created by Finland artist and illustrator Tove Jansson in the 1940s.
Fans of the famous graphic artist and print-maker, Anthony Burrill, will appreciate his latest book full of inspiration and ideas, his best-loved prints as well as new work. It’s essentially a guide to new thinking, creative problem-solving and “getting things done”. Signed in pencil, the book includes a set of four screen-printed postcards.
Another stocking filler idea with sustainability in mind, these reusable straws by HAY are made from reassuringly thick borosilicate glass, for use with hot or cold drinks. Ditch the plastic and appreciate something that’s well designed with this pack of six in a variety of colours.
This handcrafted necklace using 9ct gold-plated sterling silver, is inspired by the iconic Bauhaus font and available in every letter of the alphabet. A perfect personalised gift for friends who appreciate typography and want to wear it with pride.
Hand-thrown, hand-cast and fired in the kiln three times, these sweet ceramic ghosts by Copenhagen-based Studio Arhoj make ideal decorative objects for any desk, shelf or mantlepiece. This is Scandinavian simplicity paired with traditional Japanese culture – a perfect combination.
An absolute classic by Alexander Girard, this pink tray is adorned with his iconic love heart motif in a vibrant red hue. It’s a statement tray that any designer will love adding to their home.
Know someone mad about architecture? These models by Chisel & Mouse are based on some of the most famous buildings in the world. From Battersea Power Station and the Trellick Tower to Helsinki Central Station, there’s an option to suit everyone.
One of our favourite publishers, Counter Print, has launched this Christmas book set featuring classic stories brought to life by the gorgeous contemporary artwork of Finnish illustrator, Sanna Annuka. Casebound and beautifully presented, the set includes The Fir Tree, The Snow Queen and The Nutcracker.
2020 is almost upon us and what better way to start the New Year than with some new stationery? Your designer pal will thank you for this set by Counter Print, featuring a pebble erasers tub, aluminium ruler, large cork notebook and more.
This limited-edition bespoke radio encompasses everything you’d expect from both Ruark and LINLEY. The collaboration features four different styles, so you can find one to suit your designer friend’s personal taste.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
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