my dad and his parents, circa 1950. I’m sure my grandfather was happier than he looks 🙂

As we give thanks for family, health, friends and our loyal clients, we also know it’s time to start holiday shopping!  In case you have that cool but hard to buy for friend or family member, or are looking for things for your own wish list, here is our 5th annual installment of our Cincinnatimodern’s Favorite Things.  And if nothing here fits the bill, check out our previous lists from 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.  Many of these gifts have made their way to hall of fame status.  Happy Holidays to you and yours and Happy Shopping! Thank you all for another great year!

casetify phone case 

I’m a sucker for photo gifts, and I’m also very particular about my phone cases.  These high quality cases get an A+ on both counts.  Choose one of their designs or customize your own on their fun and easy website.

kid made modern craft kits

We first fell in love with these Kid Made Modern kits a couple of years ago when Todd Oldham brought us Charley Harper crafts.  This year’s selection brings a modern architecture kit for ages 6 years AND UP!

midcentury modern coloring books

You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy coloring.  Unplug and de-stress with this cool series of books.

drip module modern pet bowls

Let’s not forget that our furry family members can be stylish, too!

wendy magee photography gift certificate

From ‘Santa Sessions’ in a midcentury modern house to natural light outside family photos, good photography is priceless, and Wendy has a great eye to capture personality.

harper pillows 

The options for Harper gifts are almost endless.  In addition to those items on our lists from previous years, we chose a few unique items to highlight here.  But do yourself a favor and wander into a Cincinnati location of Fabulous Frames and Art and check out their incredible Harper selection.  These pillows are particularly lovely and are very good quality!

smartwool harper apparel

We’ve always been a fan of Smartwool socks, so we were super stoked when they announced their Harper knitwear line!  Sure, $25 is a lot for a pair of socks, but even the modern lover who has everything probably doesn’t have these!

harper bubble umbrellas

Pretty sure this umbrella was our idea, as in “why don’t they make harper umbrellas?”  Sure enough, they partnered with locally owned Totes to come out with quite possibly the coolest – and best quality – umbrellas we have ever seen!

custom glass from hunky dory studio

Being from Toledo (glass capitol of the world), I have always been fascinated with glass.  They even had glass blowing at our local mall when I was a kid.  So the unique art glass  gifts from the Cincinnati studio of our friend Amy Flesher are right up my alley!  I especially love the coral inspired fused glass bowl that comes in several colors.  Original art at a bargain price!  She’ll be at the crafty supermarket (see below).

alexander girard scarf

Y’all know how we love the Miller House.  Well, this scarf is based on the house’s Girard designed entry rug, brought to us by our friend Jenny Geiger from the Indianapolis Museum of Art.  Can’t go wrong with a design by the master of textiles!

custom address stamps

I’ve always been obsessed with stationery, dating back to the sealing wax trend of the 70’s.  These modern self inking stamps are much more practical and a super easy way announce your address in style!

hip haven mini bullet planter 

A table top version of the popular stand alone planter, this one is metal, and can be used for plants, fruit, or whatever!

walking cincinnati book 

We were given copy of this book at a Cincinnati Real Estate Ambassador function and have really enjoyed the neighborhood walks.  A great incentive to explore new places and get up close and personal with some awesome historic Cincinnati homes.  Walks are rated by difficulty. Get your copy locally at Park + Vine or Joseph Beth.

bad habit caramels

If you need to send the obligatory edible gift, why not shake it up a little and send some hand made caramels? These are buttery and delicious, without being too sticky. Made by Cincinnati native Cami Ross, now living in Ypsilanti, MI.

ugg slippers

If I am ever stranded on a dessert island, I sure hope I have my UGG slippers!  Our family has been UGG connoisseurs for more than 25 years, since my brother sent my son his first boots when he was just a baby.  Long before they were on trend, they kept surfers’ feet warm and dry.  Long after the trend is over, I will still be wearing my UGG slippers!  Sizes available for men, women and kids.

And don’t miss these local Cincinnati shopping opportunities:

crafty supermarket Nov. 28 @ Music Hall

city flea small mall Nov. 29 @ 21c Hotel

Happy Holidays!