The easiest way to buy a present destined for heartfelt thanks rather than a long return line is to really think about the recipient. Lovers of modern design do have other interests, so whether they are into animals, entertaining, decorating, or they are just one of those people who seem to have everything, PURE CONTEMPORARY can help guide you toward finding gifts that satisfy their holiday wishes and their yen for top-notch designs.
For the Constant Decorator
Give the gift of light with the Uplight glass column floor lamp from Curvet. Available in 7 different rich, jewel tones, this light makes a holiday statement that's perfect all year. For about $645.
By Karim Rashid and Leslie Horowitz, the Ellipses vase is an unmistakably modern flower display that takes cues from art nouveau and even from the curves of ancient urns. Available through Nambe, $100-$175.
The Peanut Planter by Architectural Pottery designer John Follis puts nature on display in a ceramic peanut shaped pot on a walnut stand. It comes in several glazes and retails for about $1,500.
Any design lover would appreciate the Arc End Table by Chris Boissevain and Eric Ziemelis. A unique combination of glass, steel and cherry wood, the table has a floating quality that seems to defy gravity. From the Guild for $2,400.
For the Entertainer
The next-day mess used to be a measurement for a party's success. That might be a thing of the past. "Party" from Villeroy & Boch is a fun-shaped form that lets guests eat, drink & shake hands without awkward fumbling. $21/plate.
Jumpin Java Sugar & Creamer Set by Artist Michael Lambert are playful pieces that are ready to party. Functional porcelain with a black satin glaze. Signed on the bottom. $86
For concert hall quality encased in museum quality form, the Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 8000 defies physics in this sleek shape. The 8000 has been around a few years, but now is available in red or blue as well as the aluminum, grey and black. $4200 a pair.
The Lamborghini of bars is the C-shaped 75" stainless bar with luminous acrylic front, sink and bottle cooler by the UK's Quench. All you need are the guests. Smaller versions available. About $10,000.
For the Little Tyke
Adults and children have different ideas of fun, that's why the cardboard box was introduced into the Toy Hall of Fame this year, while all those flash in the pan fads went forgotten. The Bilibo toy honors the ingenuity of kids with the same low-tech. fan-fare as the cardboard box but in a package that resists rain, sand, snow and the general wear and tear of a much a loved toy. The award winning Bilibo costs about $28.
Lovers of Bent-ply will want their kids to scurry on the Svan Scooter. Made of gently curving birch wood, the Svan Scooter is created for toddlers from 12 to 36
months. From Svan, $120.00.
The Nido Play Cave by Javier Mariscal for Magis's Me Too collection is a friendly monster that invites children to crawl inside to create their own worlds and own games. $1,298.
Scott Henderson's porcelain Coink Piggy Bank has the wide round body and smushed pig-snout of the typical pig-shaped bank, but with a twist. Henderson added a funnel so kids don't have to put each coin in one at a time. Money flows back that way too -- no hammer needed. $34-$38.
For the Person Who Has Everything
Ah the challenge of buying for the person who has everything! But chances are your special someone doesn’t have the Snake towel heater from Scirocco. The heated water is hidden behind chrome-nickel plating to create a hot modern sculpture. $850
On the other hand sometimes it is the little things that make a big statement. Think jewelry -- but for the kitchen. We particularly like Hafele's pulls and knobs that combine metals, woods and plastic. $14-$19 a knob.
Retro modern is hot and these hand-blown crystal vessels from the 1980s by famed designer Achille Castiglioni have a clever twist. Turned one way they are champagne flutes, turned the other, wine goblets. From Danese, $120/stem.
A Modernist is typically a risk taker -- although there is not much risk if you give a bottle of Inniskillin's 2003 Sparkling Vidal Icewine. This specialty of the Niagara Peninsula harvests grapes while frozen and is a well-kept secret in the States but a fast favorite in Europe and Asia. $79 half-bottle.
For the Pet Lover
Whether or not they've behaved all year, pets will always be on an animal lovers gift list. And one thing any pet loves is food. That's why we've included Miriam Mirri's 2005 "Tigrito" Cat Bowl for Alessi. Available now, the "Tigrito" retails for $70, and is a perfect tail on the success of her 2002 "Lupito" dog bowl.
As for dogs, they know a good piece of furniture when they see one, and that's where they'll sit. So keep them off the sleek European furniture by offering them the canine equivalent, the Philipp Plein Dog Bed. The piece shows the good taste and quality expected from Plein with the good sense of easy to clean, removal covers a sanitary and style savvy dog owner appreciates. Available through Postmodern Pets $1,450-$1,650.
Mario Morosino gives dog houses architectural attention. His Transparent Dog House (we think it would be great for cats, too) looks more like a miniature of Philip Johnson's Glass House than a home for an animal, too bad it doesn't come in a 2,000 square foot version. From DOG IS A GOD for about $2,800-$3,000.
Not everyone who likes animals wants them living their home. So for the casual animal observer, modern birdhouses like these Guggenheim inspired and squirrel proof designs by Tom Dukich do the trick. Available for $179.95.
For the Workaholic
Add style to an office with the Moments mousepad from Marimekko. By Maija Louekari, the Moments urban street scene reminds the workaholic that sometimes it's good to leave the office behind. Good advice for about $20.
A workaholic needs a clean organized desk and easy access to information, exactly what the sculptural Perpetual Calendar by Gideon Dagan provides. Available through the MoMA Store for $34-$38.
For the not quite a workaholic on your list waiting until 5 o'clock can be agony. Or, with the Happy Hour Wall Clock from Jeffrey Bernett, it can be fun. Hour marking circles on a white field are all uniform, except for one. At quitting time, the circle is a smiley face. For $39 from Benza.
Described as one of the most beautiful office chairs ever made, and made to meet the exacting ergonomic standards of Niels Diffrient, the Liberty Chair makes an attractive and healthy gift. From Humanscale, about $800.
