It’s that time of year again and architects continue to top the list as some of the most difficult individuals to buy for. That classic black tee or new coffee cup just isn’t cutting it anymore, so we’ve decided to help you out by putting together a list of items any architect would love. Take a look at ArchDaily’s top 15 gifts for architects, after the break.
What: Penultimate App and Jot Script Pen
Why: Because every architect deserves the best writing experience possible. Evernote has developed the first fine-tipped 1.9mm stylus designed for writing. Beautifully crafted from stainless steel, aluminum and plastic, and optimized for iOS, the precision stylus syncs perfectly with Evernote's Penultimate note-taking app to give your handwriting a new digital life.
Where: $74.95 at the Evernote Market
What: OBLIKA Wooden Puzzle
Why: Stimulate your favorite architect's mind with the playful OBLIKA Wooden Puzzle. Arrangements are endless, as the puzzle is composed of 22 uniquely shaped and etched geometric wooden pieces that will inspire unlimited creations.
Where: $65 on AtelierDmontreal's Etsy Shop
What: OSTRICHPILLOW® mini by kawamura-ganjavian
Why: We recommended its full-size predecessor last year, and now we present to you the OSTRICHPILLOW® mini. The architect-designed pillow is perfect for any architecture student or hardworking architect who's known for staying late and arriving early. Power naps happen and this portable pillow can provide a comfortable headrest anywhere.
Where: $25 at studio BANANA THiNGS
What: Aminimal studio GPS Jewelry
Why: Using GPS information from OpenStreetMap, Brooklyn-based Aminimal Studio has created a line of "Urban Gridded Jewelry and Dog Tags" that will please any urbanite. Stylish and intricate, choices range from Boston to Berlin, featuring over 120 urban grids from around the world.
Where: $40-100 at Aminimal studio
What: Sunrise to High-Rise: A wallbook of architecture through the ages
Why: Now what architect wouldn't love an illustrated (and framable) book that takes you through the evolution of the built environment from Neolithic times till today? With 70 Lucy Dalzell illustrations of the world's most iconic buildings, ranging from Stonehenge to the Pompidou Centre and Salk Institute, Sunrise to High-Rise is the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates architecture.
Where: $24.95 on Amazon
What: DIY Concrete Ring Kit
Why: Not only do architects prefer to do things themselves, but they also love anything concrete. Therefore, we recommend the world’s first DIY Concrete Ring Kit. With just a few easy steps, you can create a stunning concrete and silver ring. Designs range from minimal to gabled.
Where: $160 on The Architact Collective
What: Touchscreen Gloves by Verloop
Why: These classy color-blocked gloves, made from nano-metallic conductive yarn, will allow your favorite architect to keep their fingers warm while continuously browsing ArchDaily, despite the winter cold.
Where: $34 at the SFMOMA Museum Store
What: Origami Cushion by Mika Barr
Why: Help an architect sophisticate their couch with the Origami Pillow Cover. Textured with a geometric pattern that goes beyond standard two dimensionality, the cover’s shape-making surface allows the fabric to fold and turn three-dimensional. Right now it's available in grey or white. You can even purchase a matching throw.
Where: €62.00 on Clippings
What: T.4.2 by Julien de Smedt
Why: Have tea with your client with this beautifully designed porcelain “tea set for two” where both cups embrace the teapot as a tribute to conversation.
Where: €135 on Makers With Agendas
What: Boxcar 3-Piece Planter by Joe Gibson
Why: Let’s be honest, architects are the worst at remembering to water the plant. So if you want to give them something green to liven up their workspace, go with some low maintenance cacti in a stunning planter like this. Accents are available in both white or blue.
Where: $62 on SFMOMA Museum Store
What: Personalized Library Book Embosser
Why: An architect’s library is an investment. And although we are willing to lend our beloved books to our studio mates, we hope they will always make it back to our desk. Therefore a personalized book embosser would make a perfect gift for any architect wanting to keep track of those prized possessions.
Where: $22.50 on Amazon
What: The Mies Bag
Why: "Simple, yet functional – a perfect architectural statement on the go." The Mies Bag is handmade by Linefiner in the Netherlands, using organic cotton, and will happily carry architecture tools, books, notebook and laptop.
Where: €18.95 on Linefiner design by architects
What: MidCentury Modern Collection poster by Textbook Example
Why: Because architects love furniture and anything midcentury.
Where: Starting at $20 from Textbook Example
What: 3Doodler - 3D Printing Pen
Why: 3Doodler is the world’s first 3D Printing Pen. Using ABS plastic (the material used by many 3D printers), 3Doodler draws in the air or on surfaces. It’s compact and easy to use, and requires no software or computers. You just plug it into a power socket and can start drawing anything within minutes. What architect wouldn't want that?
Where: $99 on the 3Doodler Website
What: Sponsor a Day of Design via Architecture for Humanity
Why: If you believe that design can make a difference, make a donation in your (or a friend’s) name today.
Where: As much as you want, at Architecture for Humanity
For more ideas, check out our gift guide from last year! And let us know what is topping your christmas list this year in the comment section below.
We've teamed up with our friends at Evernote and we're giving away some great prizes:
Enter the contest using the form below. We'll randomly select winners on December 22nd.
