11th annual gift guide for modern design addicts

a few of our favorite things…….

The Kenner Easy Bake Oven – one of my most memorable Christmas gifts. Because baking cakes with light bulbs was what all the cool kids did in the 60’s. Not sure I will ever be this excited about a gift again. click on image for a brief history of this iconic toy invented by Cincinnatian Ronald Howes, a Walnut Hills High School and University of Cincinnati graduate.

 

Greetings, modern people!  Another interesting year, that’s for sure. Supply chain issues aside, we hope you enjoy our 11th  annual Favorite Things curated list of holiday gift suggestions for design lovers on your list (or items for your own wish list).  Think outside the box.  Buy local.  Buy vintage.  And order from Amazon when you absolutely must…..

 

Minimalist Tiki Book – My better half, @midmodmixologist Arlen spent the pandemic honing his mixology skills.   As a willing taste tester, I can attest that this book is a fabulous guide for starting a Tiki Bar and a good crash course in layering flavors without going crazy having to buy too many ingredients.  Warning: making tiki drinks leads to making more tiki drinks.  And more books on making tiki drinks.  The Saturn is my favorite.  And remember, Tiki is a state of mind.

 

Rum – You just might need some supplies to go along with the Minimalist Tiki book.  Arlen’s picks for good rums include Smith & Cross dark Jamacian and Rhum J.M aged agricole from Martinique, both available from The Party Source or other well stocked liquor stores.  Below is one of @midmodmixologist’s concoctions and the original Beachbum Berry Mai Thai recipe (from the highly recommended Total Tiki app – a great virtual stocking stuffer @ $9.99).  This recipe is also included in the Minimalist Tiki book.

 

SFMOA Art Prints – The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has a fabulous program where you can order prints (in various sizes) of select  works in their collection. This Ellsworth Kelly (Spectrum I, 1953) is a favorite of ours.  We were ecstatic to find out we could own it for a very reasonable amount.  The print and paper quality are excellent.  Several artists are represented in this program.  We had this one framed locally at Fabulous Frames and Art.  Kind of makes the whole kitchen in the #roushlakehouseproject, don’t you think?

 

Cincinnati Food Book – our friend Polly Campbell, longtime Cincinnati Enquirer food critic, wrote this history of eating in the Queen City, because someone had to figure out  why cinnamon scented chili is so damn addictive and why Cincinnatians can’t get enough goetta.  And don’t even get us started on ice cream with giant slabs of chocolate in it.  Great gift for foodies and Cincinnati expats.

Blik Wall Graphics – Eames   –We are hooked on these easy to use and removable wall graphics. Available in several designs and colors, these black and white Eames circles were just what a blank wall at the #roushlakehouseproject needed.

Soda stream – We jumped on the seltzer bandwagon hard – between the tiki drinks and not wanting to drink anything sweet, the easy to use soda stream was just the ticket!  Way cheaper than cans and a splash of lemon or lime in some fizzy water is delightful.  The completely manual and non electric apparatus is lovely to look at on the counter as well.

Quip brushes – Talk about form follows function, we are sold on the design and action of this simple attractive tooth brush.  Not sure bluetooth is at all necessary, but the vibrating brush is great and they send you new heads when they wear out.  We are almost a year in with ours and have yet to change our batteries!

Habitat Skateboards Charley Harper Merch – Our friend Joe at Habitat is about a big of a Harper fan as we are and they have licensed some of the cooler merchandise with Charley’s artwork.  Mugs, yoga mats and their specialty: skateboard decks.

Plumb Goods daisy mugs  -Y’all know I am (in my heart) the 7th Brady kid.  When Eve Plumb came out with her own line of mugs and other daisy themed items this year, I could not resist.  Nor could I resist snapping this pic while sipping coffee and  watching the Brady Brunch on Sunday morning.  This mug makes me smile every day.

Alessi Tissue Box and Soap Pumper  – This might be my favorite design find of the year.  Alessi Birillo tissue box and soap pumper designed by Piero Lissoni.. Love the nod to 80’s/90’s design.  Hard to find an exciting soap pumper that is beautiful and easy to use.  Mission accomplished!

Five Crowns  – My parents turned us on to this fun card game years ago and the whole family loves it.  Easy to learn, we have spend countless hours at family gatherings playing rounds of Five Crowns.  I might have to replace our well used set with this new one in the anniversary tin!

marimekko Pienet Kivet Collection throw + square pillow + rectangular pillow  – We really like this affordable line of marimekko toss pillows and a quilted throw.  Made by Dan River (who used to make the marimekko linens in the 80’s), the quality is nice – especially for the price.

 & pillows (amazon)

square kivet pillow

rectangle striped pillow

The Stahl House Book – And the piece de resistance!  This just published book is perfect for architecture nerds like us.  It is the biography of IMO the second most popular modern house in America.  When we visited The Stahl House (aka Case Study House #22) in March of 2020, we LOVED hearing the stories of the family who lived there.  This book re-tells those tales and so many more in glorious detail and with glorious photos.

**items on this list were curated entirely by us.  for items available on amazon, affiliate links are included which result in compensation to us when purchased via the provided link**

Midcentury Modern style gifts from Newfields -Our friend Jenny is head of retail at Newfields- Indianapolis Museum of Art and she has fabulous taste.  Here is the page from their website devoted to MCM items you can order.  If you are looking for a fun  holiday activity, you can drive up to see their Winterlights display and visit the shop in person!