Designist Dream

Well, Hanukkah is almost here and I think I’ve both lost count and let life get a bit in the way, so just to finish off my 8-day gift guide extravaganza, I think I’ll take some artistic license and feature the final Day 8 ideas during the holiday. That way, those of you who are behind with your shopping have a chance to catch up.

Otherwise, back to the countdown and four more amazing gifts for you to bestow upon loved ones:
(clockwise from top left)

Don’t let your man forget anything with this super snazzy cartoon wipe board from Israeli designer misfits Monkey Business. Humor and graphics reign supreme in this “Captain Memo” design; a perfect reminder tool or organizing trick for your man’s office or play room. On a side note, I’m really impressed that Monkey Business is now available through Target. Who knew their aesthetic was so accessible that it is now being sold to mainstream America? That is, if mainstream America is a bunch of big-bosomed-female-super-hero-loving comic book fans. Oh, so now I’m starting to understand the universal appeal… or why we’re going to be ordering one of these this holiday season. Available here.

It is no secret that every woman needs a room of her own for contemplation, inspiration and rejuvenation. What you may not know though is that buying your woman a beautiful handmade print - like the one above - to help consecrate her space will make her forever grateful and deeply moved. “All things girly” by Israeli etsy artist Leiaka features a woman’s precious, girly items - lipstick, dress, pearls, heels - it’s over the top and very curly-cue feminine. But even for the most staunch Feminist this print is a sweet touch in one’s bathroom, dressing room or even entranceway. It seems like the perfect piece to match an old Hollywood mirrored vanity set like this one. You know, lounging around in my fur tipped silk robe with matching heeled slippers. Available here on etsy.

With all the toy recalls from China and backlash against plastic, let this Hanukkah season be one of more simpler presents - ones that also give back to the community, not just to your children. Pastel Toys are beautiful handmade wooden toys created in Israel through the Kishorit non-profit organization that as part of its mission, created a kibbutz-style community wherein people with learning, adaptive and functional disabilities receive specialized care that includes health care, residences, educational and enrichment activities and therapeutic programs. Their amazing toys are produced as part of a physical rehabilitation program for residents that includes woodworking, designing and painting the toys (with milk paint). I love their simple abstracted design. And the delicate colors, carefully rubbed out edges to give it that used and loved look. They feel like an old wooden toy that either could gave been or could still be handed down through generations. The “Billy Train” selected above is both a toy train with a cargo carrier and a set of blocks. The perfect gift for youngsters that carries its own message of good will toward others. Available here.

Rated by interior design gurus at apartment therapy as one of the top 10 accessible storage systems for your home, this innovative cubic storage unit from renown Israeli furniture designer Doron Lachish is a generous gift that will solve all - or most - of your storage woes. The Cubitec plastic colored units can be custom linked to fit your exact space. Multiple units can also be joined together to fill out any blank or odd wall space you can’t figure out how to maximize. And recent additions to the Cubitec system include deeper shelves, invisible joinery, and optional doors and back panels. As a bonus, you can choose from a range of colors including translucent white - which lets you build up wall space without closing the rest of your room in. A neat trick not possible with the heavier, wooden or MDF storage options. Available here through NY-based design authority, DWR.