aqua design

Aqua Design Amano is a Japanese company that makes aquarium design products including a layout making manual that you can download here. I never knew that I wanted a Japanese aquarium.

die electric

Die electric's inventive and humorous products insulate AC power plugs and sockets to save energy.

pear tree

This awesome pear tree lamp by Nick Foley has three rechargable, portable lights that you can pick from the tree. Each light recharges through its ultra-strong rare earth magnet and has 10 ultra bright LEDs.

dauphine press

I am loving everything I've seen from Dauphine Press. I first saw their stuff at Paper Source a couple of weeks ago, and the quality and design are just outstanding. I'm trying to think of an excuse to buy yet another blank notebook (although this fall botanical spiral notebook is beautiful enough just to look at), and a set of these can't wait to tell you notecards.

cassettes

Clockwise from top left: cassette wallet via designboom; cassette ipod cases via retrotogo; mix tape USB stick via SUCK UK; retro cassette tote bag via retrotogo.

gold!

I am smitten with these gold lacquer desk accessories from West Elm.

feinedinge

Candleballs by Sandra Haischberger

contura

CONTURA - a ring that is made from the profile of the carrier or the presenter. Slightly creepy and cool at the same time. Seen on notcot.

ellynelly

Mother & daughter team and experienced textile designers, Elaine & Nell Oliver, sell gorgeous and affordable wall decals in a range of colors on their Etsy shop. I wouldn't mind getting some of these for xmas!

obsessive consumption

If you haven't yet seen Obsessive Consumption you should definitely check it out. Kate Bingaman-Burt blogs her daily purchases here through illustration. And she has an etsy shop where you can purchase her lovely monthly magazine of illustrations.

unmonumental

This new title on sculpture released today is published by Phaidon in conjunction with the inaugural exhibition of the New Museum of Contemporary Art's landmark new building (designed by Seijima + Nishazawa/SANAA) on the Bowery in New York.

area

This post is for my dad. Area linens has his kind of taste. They sell bed linens, tablecloths, and sleepware in a variety of nice minimalist patterns.

lapin

I am completely fascinated by the mesmerizing work of French artist lapin, an artist in Barcelona. It makes me long for the days when I lived in Paris.

happy hanukkah

Menorah from Michael Aram

outside in: glass

inside out champagne glass and wine carafe with glass from MoMA; jug of crystal by Jason Miller for Carlo Rossi

guide to green guides

One of my favorites: Design Sponge's eco-friendly guide

Bluehouse is all about eco-friendly gifts and is a carbon neutral company.

Treehugger breaks it down by type of recipient (geek, animal-lover, etc.).


There's even a Yahoo green holiday gift guide.

Core 77 Design Blog reports that Industrial Design Consultancy has created a 'carbon footprint analysis' for holiday gifts.

If you have your own favorite, please share in the comments!

Happy shopping!