Because I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world since the age of two, I have learned a few things about the highs and lows of the travel experience. Specifically, I’ve perfected the list of goodies that I bring on every trip! So whether traveling yourself or looking for a gift for the frequent traveler…
Okay, okay, so this guide is nothing more than a thinly veiled list of the things I’d like to give and get this year. It’s no secret that I view the world through a romantic lens and the same goes for presents under the tree. Whether it’s a charming print, some unexpected little-old-lady slippers or…
Hi everyone! Simone LeBlanc again, and I want to share with you some thoughts on a topic that keeps popping up for me this holiday — the great state of California. I gain a certain type of satisfaction by looking in my own backyard and being inspired by all that it has to offer. Yes,…
This fall when was finishing up my first round of D*S consulting sessions I had the pleasure of working with Simone LeBlanc. Among other creative services, Simone offers a professional gifting service that just about knocked my socks off. I’d never really thought about professional gift-buying, but when I saw what Simone had done for…
To me, a successful home environment includes a combination of three things: wood, glass and metal. I totally love seeing artful arrangements of both found and collected items that scream, “I’m living with what I love!” and buying things not just to buy them but because you truly love them and enjoy being surrounded by…
When Grace asked me to wrap up the 2010 Design*Sponge gift guide marathon (This is number 24! Whew!) with the ultimate last-minute gift — books — I nearly jumped for joy! After all, I am a librarian, so I have that love of books thing down, but honestly, there have just been so many amazing…
Nothing makes me happier than giving a unique gift, or one that has taken significant personal investment. I have divided my guide into two parts. The first part are all samples of work that some of my favorite artisans make. The images you see are just representative of their work. I have worked with almost…
We are crazy for all of the iconic, heritage brands that are stealing back the spotlight right now. This classic style, paired with a renewed desire to get back to an authentic, hand-crafted way of life, inspired this heritage gift guide for men. If you’re looking for something a tad less “manly” stay tuned for…
Whenever I am prepping my column, What’s in Your Toolbox?, I always want to make a mad dash to the nearest art-supply store. I remember fondly the year I received the Prismacolor complete marker and pencil set for Christmas. Needless to say, I definitely felt like a snazzy, well-prepared freshman at the Savannah College of…
Happy December D*S Readers, we looooove this month! No bah humbugs here. Bing Crosby, snowflakes, hot buttered rum, family get togethers, mistletoe, office parties, Elf on AMC, christmas lights, garland making, pine needle scents, and pretty packages tied up with ribbon! Welcome to our very selfish gift guide. We are quite the shop stalkers over…
We’re still in full gift-guide swing here at D*S, but a two of our editors are carrying on the gift-giving spirit outside of our main page. Kate and Amy having been writing columns at MyLifeScoop and Currency for a while now, but over the past week or two they’ve been sharing great gift ideas with…
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but NERDS. ARE. BACK. Actually, we nerds have always been here, I’ll have you know. It just so happens that right now we are basking in the warm glow of acceptance. As someone who still has cafeteria-stress dreams, I can’t be thankful enough . . . although this news…
Everyone needs a good excuse to break out his or her glitziest best for the holidays, right? While I think it is totally justifiable to wear sequins year-round, and find gold to be timeless, I can understand if you aren’t in that camp. ‘Tis the season to inject a little shine into your life, even…
Can you believe it’s gift-guide time again already? Seems like it was just yesterday that I was staying up until all hours of the morning putting together the gift guide for last year. It also makes me seriously wonder how Grace and all of the editors do this sort of thing every day. I still…
Happy holidays, lovely readers! This gift guide is geared to the flower lover in your life. I included implements on the practical side (like the amazing Felco pruners and Hunter Wellies), as well as more fanciful gifts like vases and candles. If you’re looking to inspire the green thumb in your family, Michael Pollan’s book,…
For nearly a year and a half now, I’ve called Paris home. So it seemed fitting to put together a holiday guide to help you — or your loved one — channel your inner Francophile. Since Parisian apartments are notoriously petite, I wanted to pick out some simple (and easy to ship) items that would…
I know that the novelty of owning items with my name on them probably should have worn off by adulthood, but I have to admit that I still love giving and receiving monogrammed gifts, and I don’t see myself tiring of it anytime soon. There are many great reasons to love personalized objects. Not only…
Any fellow DIY-er can attest that nothing is more thrilling than the gift of new craft supplies! We have an endless wish list, but these things are topping it right now — a couple of cool tools (A hole punch not limited to the edges of the page! The entire alphabet in one stamp!), essentials…
Pet toys share a common trait with children’s toys — the big plastic monstrosities are often the real crowd-pleasers. But I’ve rounded up my favorite items that are sure to please pets and design-conscious owners alike. And if you have a pet-less animal-loving friend, I’ve found some fun animal-themed items, too. — Amy A. Image…
I grew up in a home where, on December 1st, each “everyday” decoration was replaced with a Christmas version of itself. I love the holidays and can hardly wait to fill my home with mica snow and tiny trees! Here are over 45 of the best baubles and elves to trim your tree or give…
