At Michael Graves Architecture & Design (MGA&D), we love the holidays, and are excited to share a few of our favorite things through our annual holiday gift guide. Whether you want something practical, luxurious, or just plain fun, our designers have developed a wish list that features items with purpose and personality for any budget. Happy shopping!
Click the buttons to get the right priced gift for that special someone.
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25 and Under
Dollar Beard Club – $1 and up
For the man who appreciates the art of personal grooming, this monthly subscription-based line of products keeps even the burliest of beards in check. Dollar Beard Club has a wide assortment of products and accessories so don’t worry, you will find products that suit your personal style – and your beard.
Lush Handmade Soaps/Bath Bombs – $8
If you ask us, Lush Bath Bombs are a fun and affordable gift choice. Simply drop the product into a filled tub and watch it explode with essential oils, flower petals and tons of fizzy fun. Bath bombs come in a variety of colors, fragrances and oils, enhancing every bathing experience.
Silicone Tools that Get It Right – $10-$17
When designers boast that their products “get it right,” we sit up and take notice. Well, here’s a company called Get it Right or GIR that funded a line of pharmaceutical grade silicone cooking tools largely on Kickstarter. These products are both durable and antimicrobial, smoothly fashioned in one piece, and heatproof to a temperature not even safe to use in a kitchen! We love the fun colors and range of products, from spatulas and fractal bottle stoppers to flexible bowl lids and ladles.
Cookbooks from the American Academy in Rome’s Sustainable Food Project – $17-$22
Michael Graves himself often reminisced about his time as a Fellow and later Trustee of the American Academy, describing how artists and scholars gathered over lunch and dinner. Alice Waters conceived cookbooks that focus on the culturally essential aspects of authentic, sustainable Italian cuisine. These stories and recipes are available in several volumes, including Zuppe, Verdure and Pasta, written by the executive chefs and filled with beautiful photographs. Bravo American Academy!
Mini Personal Care Emergency Kits – $18
Meet the perfect stocking stuffer: Glitter Bomb Minimergency Kits. Each one is packed with all the personal care essentials to get you through in a pinch! These can even be custom made for the recipient in mind!
Now I Sit Me Down, From Klismos to Plastic Chair: A Natural History, by Witold Rybczynski – $18
This comprehensive history of chairs starts with fundamental questions about why we sit in them at all. The author, a wonderful historian-architect, poses the ergonomic dilemma of this “tool for sitting,” and takes readers through various attitudes and approaches over time. Our designers worked with him on the topic of the Klismos chair when he visited our office while researching, and we were delighted that he chose to include the Prime TC transport chair we designed for Stryker Medical!
Slice Tweezers – $19
A great pair of tweezers is hard to come by, that’s why we rely on Slice tweezers. These tweezers feature a wide, comfortable, patented non-slip grip for expert precision. Designed for Slice by MGA&D, they are available in red, pink, purple or stainless.
Blackwing Pencils, 12 Pack – $22
This product is highly appreciated in our studio. Blackwing pencils are crafted using the best materials in the world: genuine incense-cedar and premium Japanese graphite. Not to mention the replaceable eraser to boot – they dare us to make a mistake!
Under 50
Alex Water Bottle – $30
A succinct design indeed. The Alex water bottle twists open at the middle for easy cleaning, is dishwasher safe and compacts to half-size when the bottle is empty. Alex gives us a new reason to cheer this holiday season!
Harry’s – $30
Why not share the gift of personal grooming this holiday season? Harry’s shaving kits are a great choice! This gift features quality craftsmanship, simple design, modern convenience and most importantly an affordable great shave. We especially enjoy the auto-refill option.
Graphic Tights – $31
For the lady who likes to make a statement and keep warm in the winter months. VikenP is a fashion hosiery label created by a young man who loves graphic design. All tights are hand screen-printed on high quality materials, using world-leading technology and are stretchy for extra comfort.
Self-Watering Eleplanter – $35
The gift that keeps on giving; this easy-to-care-for herb planter will keep your homemade meals extra fresh. This little guy holds just the right amount of water to keep kitchen herbs perfectly watered.
R2D2 French Press – $40
This is perfect for coffee lovers with a special Sci-Fi nostalgia in their hearts. This coffee press will deliver a fresh brew to your mug and a smile to your face. May the Force be with you!
Nest Fragrances Candle – $40
We love to set a mood with lighting, Nest Candles have mood fragrances to match. Fill your home with the aroma of holiday cheer and the blending of pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber.
Alessi Tea Infuser – $40
Tea time! This tea infuser keeps us warm and cozy around the holidays. The MG35 tea infuser, designed by MGA&D for Alessi, has a little grip that recalls the shape of the famous tea kettle’s whistling bird. Made of stainless steel and silicone, it is so pretty, you won’t want to take it out of our mug!
Under 100
Verbatim USB Drive – $45
This gift is equivalent to a breath of fresh air! This USB drive allows you to plug directly into your iPhone or iPad to make file transferring between your Apple products and computer a breeze. Verbatim comes complete with both a USB and a Lightning port.
Architect’s Cubes – $58
For adults who still love to build with blocks. The set is designed by architects John Bennett and Gustavo Bonevardi. Each of the eight cubes in this collection is made of a different natural and composite material making for a compellingly tactile experience. Go ahead and buy them for yourself… we couldn’t resist.
Fiskars Axe – $60
It is campfire season, and we recommend being prepared! This axe has an unparalleled combination of design features which allows the blade to disperse wood more effectively, offering more one-strike splits with each swing. Here is the perfect find for the person who loves the great outdoors.
Sephora Perfume Sampler (includes certificate for a full size bottle) – $65
If you feel overwhelmed in the fragrance department this gift is a great choice! This box contains 15 samples of some of Sephora’s most sought-after women’s perfumes. This set includes a certificate to redeem a full-size bottle of your choice. Fantastic!
Logitech Keyboard – $80
Say bye-bye to your tiny smartphone keyboard. This Bluetooth keyboard lets you toggle your typing between your computer, tablet and smart phone! This keyboard provides comfortable silent typing in addition to switching easily between all the devices.
Box Car Planter – $85
For the friend who loves a fresh look and low maintenance décor. This boxcar planter set has sleek lines and rich walnut wood, making a perfectly modern home for your succulents.
Tile – $90
Mate & Slim Combo 4-pack
The thought of never losing our keys again definitely makes us smile. There is more than meets the eye with this little square. The tile utilizes Bluetooth technology to connect to your mobile devices from up to 100ft away; it uses an app so you can track your items fast! Use it for your keys, wallet, even your pets!
Ancestry DNA – $99
Have you ever wanted to verify the stories you’ve heard about your family tree? This simple and accessible DNA test will walk you through your genetics even going back to your ancestors. The Ancestry test is a great gift for those are interested in insights about your family’s origin.
Mahabis Slippers – $99
No more switching shoes to grab the mail! With a quick switch of the sole, this shoe transforms from a comfy indoor slipper to a handy-dandy shoe. Between the breathable wool lining and detachable soles this slipper was designed for both comfort and adventure!
Over 100
Navy and White Amana Weave Throw – $120
From Ebenezer, New York, this commune of German Inspirationists, who moved west to Iowa and became the Amana Society, focus on communal living supported by their crafts including the Amana Woolen Mill, which creates hand-woven blankets and throws from American grown cotton and wool. We love the distinctive, visually rich texture of their navy and white “Amana Weave” throw.
Mado Watch – $135
Introducing the MADO watch, MGA&D’s most recent design for Projects Watches. Mado, the Japanese word for window, is aptly named since this design becomes a perfectly proportioned window through which time is viewed. We love this versatile, sleek design.
Brookstone Mirror – $139
Featuring daylight-spectrum fluorescent bulbs designed to simulate natural sunlight, this dual-sided mirror with 10X/1X magnification provides distortion-free reflections using only a mere 22 watts of energy. Standing 18″ tall with a 180° swivel mirror, this is a perfect vanity addition.
Air Pods – $159
Whether you consider yourself a tech-savvy person or not this product is great for those who love to be hands-free. These Bluetooth wireless ear buds alleviate the hassle of cord-management issues (for gym-goers – a true must), if these are not a great gift, we don’t know what is.
Quitokeeto Fermenting Crocks – $180 – $275
Heidi Swanson of the cooking blog “101 Cookbooks” also runs a small store in San Francisco called Quitokeeto. She commissioned local ceramicist Sarah Kersten to create fermenting crocks in two sizes: (2 quart at $180, and 1.5 Gallon at $275). The graceful shapes and stunning glaze makes these worthy of display on your kitchen counter.
Tea Rex Alessi Tea Kettle – $220
Our famous Alessi Tea Kettle just had an anniversary! Originally designed in 1985, the kettle with the bird-shaped whistle became one of the icons of 20th century design. To mark the 30th anniversary of this famous kettle, MGA&D re-imagined the tiny bird as “Tea-Rex”. The choice of the dragon is a reference to the Chinese culture, symbolizing strength and fortune.
Tumi Backpack – $275
For those who appreciate top quality travel gear and thoughtful design, this backpack from Tumi’s bestselling Voyageur collection is perfect for stylish women on the move. Featuring pebbled leather, it is practical, elegant and versatile – making it a true holiday winner.