2016 Ever Growing NOTCOT Gift List - 12.09.16
Welcome to the 2016 Ever Growing NOTCOT Gift List - it’s ever growing, because instead of making individual gift guides this year, i’ll just keep adding to this post (and bumping it up with each update for your easy viewing pleasure!) WHY? Well, if i were you, i’d much rather have one page i could scroll through for ideas as i shop, rather than trying to hop all over through a litany of links… AND thanks to our fantastic NOTCOT sponsors (Shout outs to David Kind, Distiller, ICON, AutoNation, and AutoDesk Fusion 360 - we love you guys!) we can focus on finding and sharing awesomeness with you! (Versus the old model of ads, that encourages sites to make you open as many pages as possible, as many times as possible, since they’ve got to get those ad views.)
As for what we’re defining “gifts” as this year - fun products that you can wrap your arms around (i.e. no cars, ovens, walk in greenhouses, etc.) that aren’t basic tech items (i.e. computers, speakers, cameras, gaming consoles, kitchen appliances). We’re going to focus on the fun, random, and unexpected… for all that other stuff - there are so many other places to go look! Also, we’re focusing on products you can actually BUY and have under the tree (i.e. no crowdfunding or pre-sales). So it’s kind of a free for all! I’ll show you some stuff that could make for a fun gift (for yourself or others!) and leave it to you to decide who would like what (instead of Gifts for Mom, Gifts for Travelers, Gifts for “insert stereotype that is unlikely to be true here.”) Oooh, also - these are all items our team already has or wants to gift or wouldn’t mind being surprised by.
So - if you’re ready - let’s get our gifting on! To the next page…
Reminder - click any squares/images to go find out more!
#14 - DECEMBER 13, 2016
Le Creuset Raymond Loewy Collection
Siberian Art Jewelry by Amit Eshel could be the perfect gift for a dog lover - especially those who love less common breeds! Lovely interpretation of the dogs in motion!
Four&Sons Magazine - where dogs and culture collide.
#13 - DECEMBER 9, 2016
NerdSugar - sugar cubes and hearts with everything from gold flakes or sprinkles inside to custom colors of your choice…
#12 - DECEMBER 1, 2016
Want BETTER not MORE! And ask more questions! Anthony Burrill prints at School House Electric
Daft Punk - from holiday ornaments and snow globes, to the amazing ads now as available as posters!
#11 - NOVEMBER 26, 2016
Kiehl’s Gifts by Faile - what a gorgeous collab on this years gift packaging!
If i had to pick one must read book for designers… this year, read Design: The Invention of Design by Jessica Helfand. When i was feeling lost about where design is heading and second guessing my instincts… this book beautifully discusses the current state of design, with a focus on the humanity that drives and creates it. It simultaneously felt like it was exposing the emperor’s new clothes, while making me hopeful for what is to come and what our role as designers (and consumers) has evolved to be. Read it so we can talk about it more?
Rumpl Faded Puffy Blankets - THE COLORS!!!
#10 - NOVEMBER 23, 2016
Asilda Store is filled with pin/patch/sticker inspiration for getting creative, exploring, and shooting pictures!
Mahabis Slippers with removable outdoor rubber soles.
Inspired by Australia! Here’s a set of 6 treats from down under!
Back To The Roots Ready To Grow Kits! Perfect for all ages - i’m still amazed how fast the mushrooms grew when i tried it a few years back. Also loving the idea of a mini aquaponic fish tank/herb garden setup.
#9 - NOVEMBER 22, 2016
That isn’t just a xylophone… you can loop and delay and mess with pitch! And those sneakers have a secret colorful side that comes out when reflecting light. The look inside your tech that can hang on your walls! It’s pretty amazing how much pops into that camping cube.
A few ways to control/automate your garden with extreme precision! the 3D Additivist Cookbook! Lovely double walled drip coffee maker! Such a thin ergo keyboard option!
#8 - NOVEMBER 16, 2016
Nintendo NES Classic - “The NES Classic Edition system is a miniaturized version of the groundbreaking NES, originally released in 1985” and it’s preloaded with 30 games. Basically, this has become 2016’s super hyped nostalgic gamer gift, but it does look pretty fun if you don’t have the original around?
We got curious if there were enough espresso sets from luxury automakers to open a little cafe with no repeats… and there are far more than we expected! They are also quite lovely, so here’s a roundup of the best we found - mostly espresso cups, but also a few noteworthy mugs and a milk/sugar set you wouldn’t expect!
So much fun stuff - the Apple book is an easy one for any design lovers! The black and white striped plates are stunning… the & cheese and cracker plate tilts the crackers so perfectly… cutest vikings on those drinks… the new incase split/roller bags are tempting… and how cute is that cast iron quail?
#7 - NOVEMBER 13, 2016
Drinks By The Dram - Whisky, Gin, Very Old & Rare Whisky, Tequila and more Advent Calendars. For the less patient - Holiday Crackers! Pop and sip with friends! And for the least patient of all… Tasting Sets!
Bulls Bay Salt Works Carolina Flake - this Solar Evaporated Sea Salt has become a staple in our kitchen, it’s delicious! And the branding, logo sea creatures, and story are pretty great too!
Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer - on newer tech/beauty products that have driven much lust as curiosity this season, this definitely tops the list.
#6 - NOVEMBER 10, 2016
Denim & Spirits Selvedge Apron - for the selvedge denim diehard in your life… love the leather patch pocket too! Indigo 13.5 oz. Cone Mill selvedge denim apron with white/black selvedge stripe with a leader neck strap and tie back - made in Nashville, TN.
�plat SF has quite the “culinary tote” collection. Perfect totes for pies, casseroles, cake boxes… as well as wine, baguettes, and flowers!
Noble Carriage Organic Baby Gift Sets - cute doll/clothing/hat or teether combos for little ones. And sometimes their outfit will match their little creature too.
#5 - NOVEMBER 9, 2016
Snow Peak Titanium Sake Set - There’s the sake bottle, ready to store and chill your deliciousness, the little double walled cups, and the neoprene sleeve to take care of them until you’re ready.
From Eva Solo mixing bowls (with easy handles) to Aesop’s naturalist inspired holiday kits and a stunning new Leica… and more! Click the pics to explore more.
#4 - NOVEMBER 8, 2016
Lo & Sons Catalina Totes - this is one of my favorites! The less jetsetting and the more roadtripping I do, the more i adore flexible totes. I’ve been intrigued by the newer Catalina Deluxe, but actually prefer the simplicity of the original Catalina that i have!
LL Bean Hunter’s Tote Bag Zip Top - is my other tougher, even more basic, cheaper go to tote. No frills, but holds up to just about anything, and is easy to customize with a monogram or logo.
Ursa Major Holiday Gift Sets - such cute graphics wrap the 2016 sets! Love the mountains and cable cars…
#3 - NOVEMBER 7, 2016
Beautifully packaged goodies at Skeem Matches - if you’re already gifting someone a candle, these would be the perfect accompaniment!
Duncan Shotton’s Soy Shape dishes for soy sauce are magical and full of optical illusions to elevate your sushi experience. Made in Gifu, Japan using Japan-grade “Hakuji” ceramic.
Love the idea of 3D printing a vase that makes use of a standard water bottle! That snake ring! Ooooh that crescent plant stand just grabs your attention in a room. Such lovely aprons from Spain! Stunning greenery in the embroidery loops. What little person wouldn’t hop right into an inflatable bunny chair?
Illuminature - the mind blowing picture book by Carnovsky is a no brainer this holiday season. What a beautiful way to learn about animals (and color!) - see an in depth NOTCOT look at the book.
#2 - NOVEMBER 7, 2016
Our NOTCOT In Plain Sight Collection is back! A subtle black on black - until you flash it and the reflective stripes and custom text will light right up!
We were out of stock and then unable to make them while were out in Nashville this summer (Yes, we hand make them all! Right here in NOTlabs!) - but i’m starting it up back up, and stitching away!
#1 - NOVEMBER 7, 2016
Let’s kick this gift shopping list off with some picks from the last year on NOTCOT.org. Click any of the squares to go shop/find out more about the products. Please note that often these links will take you to FAR more goodies from the same company!
Shot glass with a bullet in it - clearly a stocking stuffer for so many people. And how stunning are the plant/light geodesic domes? The Vipp clips are a cleaner option for hanging posters around the house. That LIGHTER - so tempting and beautiful - but not so good for cigarettes/cigars - apparently they are optimal for incense. Pocket Operators for mini music making in the tiniest (best packaged) format! And crazy eyes stripey cuddly creatures are perfect for new parents (aka their kids who may not be able to tell what they are yet.)
There’s something lovely and loungey about the Nashville made tie-dyed kimonos. I’ve been so curious to curl up in a luscious fatty knit blanket - if only it were chillier here! For a lifetime (and then some) of color pencils and more… that box is HUGE. 3D printed jewelry of your favorite peaks? The stripes of the rolling papers - such cute minimal packaging. From instagram/phone pic to glass tile (or so many other options.)
Chambongs are now even in acrylic?!?! Rainbows of salts and sprinkles to brighten up and meal or kitchen counter. The iconic espresso/coffee cups from cafes to your home. The spherical lights! In the carafes! Baby Tesla with such hilarious details! I just want to smoosh everything Finell.
Who isn’t curious about Cricket Pasta? People keep claiming that bugs are our future protein source. Lovely planter stands in a bunch of popping colors. Throw a party like Dali! These stamps will make you want to send more snail mail. Stunning illustrations to teach about food chains. The waves in that pie dish!
Air plant hangers! Magnetic fidget toys! Car hammock stand! 3D printed lighting that glows so beautifully! Octo-wear! And the new Plumen bulbs make me swoon…
Yes - there’s been a subconscious trend of plant stands/hangers this year - let’s just call it a trend? Mod birdhouses! 360 panoramic umbrellas!!! Fishy spinning tops. That MACE - even if you didn’t use it to work out - what a conversation starter? And one day i will see the northern lights - until then, this candle is pretty beautiful.
Pocket slingshot that can shoot ballbearings OR arrows. laser etched rolling pins add a whole new dimension to your cookies. MOLLE straps and whale tails on your cooler?!?! Puzzle rings to keep anyone busy. Cotton Candy - delivered! and made with organic sugar! in delicious flavors! Babies need a narwhal?
Oh - and if all this isn’t enough - and you need MORE shopping indulgence - here’s a History of NOTCOT Gift Guides that go back to 2007 or so. (Keep in mind, a lot of the products should still exist, but the links may not. So just start googling if you can’t find something!)