Calling all design junkies!  If you are like me, you may find yourself less and less attracted to random “stuff” and more interested in enduring objects that spark joy.  While experiential gifts are always a great alternative, sometimes you need to purchase wrap-able gifts for those on your list – or put something tangible on your own list.  And because I have an undeniable practical streak in me, most of these things are pretty useful, too  

Please enjoy our 12th annual installment of cincinnatimodern’s favorite things.  We hope you will appreciate our hand chosen and curated list of this year’s gifts of accessible good design.  And check out the links at the bottom for previous lists of tried and true favorites. 

This might well be our favorite Charley Harper painting. The modern house! The stylized people! Perfection! Perhaps with enough encouragement the Harper art studio would make prints of it? We can only hope!

igloo retro coolers – We love these Igloo retro coolers in many fun designs, but absolutely could not resist the Scooby Doo Mystery machine!  Zoinks! 

Jonathan Adler Ornaments –  I have always been inexplicably drawn to these whimsical ornaments by ceramic artist Jonathan Adler.  Each year features a new assortment for collecting.  Feel free to ignore the seasonal application and create a year round menagerie of these adorable stylized animals. 

Ikea Dejsa Lamp – These super affordable Ikea glass mushroom lamps are selling out everywhere and are destined to make it to classic status.  There are even #ikeahacks to cover the base with vinyl (as shown in the pic below in GREEN) or wood!

Ikea dejsa lamp as it comes with mushroom colored glass base

#ikeahack dejsa lamps covered in kelly green vinyl. yummy!

Circa Bedwrap –  Sometimes you just have to deal with a bed on an old school bed frame.  But who wants a “fru fru” bedskirt to cover the ugly frame?  Cincinnati based Standard Textile came up with this genius solution to turn traditional into sleek.  We love how it looks in the guest room at the #roushlakehouseproject (see pic above with the green lamps).  It’s a cinch to put it on, too! 

That’s it for this year!  But check out our previous lists from 2011, 2012, 2013 ,2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018,  2019, 2020  and 2021 for many more modern classics!

And don’t forget to shop local:

• City Flea Holiday Market – December  17 & 18  at Washington Park
• Crafty Supermarket – November 26 at Music Hall Ballroom
• Hunky Dory Studio – available online or at Crafty Supermarket
• Fern– THE source for modern plants and planters 6040 Hamilton Ave, College Hill and 737 E McMillan, Walnut Hills
• MiCA 12/v – corner of 12^th and Vine in OTR
• Artichoke OTR – coolest kitchen gadgets anywhere.  Adjacent to Findlay Market.
• Highley Vintage – Riverside Antique Mall 3742 Kellogg Avenue 45226. The rest of the mall is fun to browse around, too!
• Leftcoast Modern – new 1326 Vine St. gallery in OTR
• Mainly Art – 3711 Madison Road, Oakley
• Modern Art Jewelry– 8316 Plainfield Road, Deer Park
• Fabulous Frames and Art – the definitive source for all things Charley, Edie, and Brett Harper.  Several locations around town including Montgomery, Kenwood, Tri County and Downtown.  Don’t miss the annual Harper Art Show December 4.
• Cincinnati Zoo – memberships and gift items that support conservation and our local treasure
• cf3 – gift membership to cincinnati’s only group dedicated to the preservation and celebration of midcentury modern design & architecture

Thanks to all of our cincinnatimodern followers for an interesting and active 2022.  We would not be celebrating 19 amazing years of cincinnatimodern without your support.  Peace, love and a happy healthy new year to all 💚