It’s almost the middle of December, and that means one thing for sure, Christmas shopping is in full swing. I’ve put together another list this year that is sure to please the creative / designer / illustrator / on your Christmas list. Have a look – and if I missed anything you know they’ll love be sure to let me know and I’ll add it to the list.
1 – 12 in no particular order!
1. HiRise for iMac ($79.99)
Anyone using their iMac on a desk (which I’m not sure where else you would be using it) knows that if your desk/chair is not at the right height it’s a huge hassle. In steps Twelve South, the folks that brought you the Back Pack, the PlugBug and the HoverBar to name a few. Twelve South offers an excellent solution to the iMac on a desk conundrum and offers the option to raise your iMac to eye level and in doing so offering you a nice little closeable storage shelf inside itself. The HiRise is an excellent solution to a problem normally solved with a stack of magazine/books.
2. The Manual ($25.00 per issue or $65.00 for all three)
The Manual is a series of three beautiful illustrated hardbound books that each have six articles and six lessons focusing on web design and who we all are as designers. Take a few minutes and step away from your screen and pickup these brilliant books dedicated to what we do on a daily basis.
3. iPad Woll Sleeve ($44-$48)
Designers love their iPads. Designers love to take their iPads with them almost anywhere. And if you or the designer on your list is anything like me, you don’t love huge bulky cases on your iPad. Thanks to the folks from byrd&belle for this gorgeous and simple wool felt and leather sleeve perfect for taking your iPad with you anywhere and protecting it at the same time.
4. A Book Apart – Complete Library ($49-$129)
A Book Apart is an excellent resource for any designer or developer. A Book Apart focuses on such topics as HTML, CSS, Responsive Design, and more – and they do so in a manner that is easy to read and apply for any designer. Get the holiday pricing on the complete library now for the designer on your list that is looking to grow WITH the web instead of being left behind in it all.
5. Chemex Coffee Maker ($37)
Coffee fuels a lot of us. Good coffee is MUCH much better than bad coffee. So why not make it easier on yourself or someone else to enjoy excellent coffee with a new Chemex Coffee Maker this year. Chemex is brewing at its purest (yes I am a coffee snob as well) – all you need to brew is hot water, coffee grounds and a little bit of time and you have an excellent cup to enjoy.
6. Field Notes – Colors Expedition Edition ($9.99)
Field Notes are fantastic little 48 page notebooks that fit perfectly in almost any pocket. We all write things down, whether it’s a list of things to get at the market or sketching out an idea, so why not write it down in style and on a notebook you are sure to NEVER loose, I mean look at the thing it’s bright orange and black. The expedition edition is also tested against the elements so give it all you’ve got and take notes anywhere you can think of – or anywhere your pen will let you.
7. Do What You Love Print ($25.00)
Do what you love, love what you – simple words to live by from Jeff Sheldon aka Ugmonk. We’ve all heard it or read it somewhere, now add it to your wall with these awesome screen prints from Ugmonk. Ugmonk is known for their awesome Tees and & – but this screenprint is one of the best I’ve seen recently and can’t wait to add it to the empty wall beside my desk.
8. Offscreen Magazine ($17.90 per issue or $47.90 for 3 issue subscription)
Offscreen Magazine is just that, a traditional magazine dedicated to life offscreen. Offscreen takes a look at creativity passion and hard workd behind everything. Offscreen focuses on stories and interviews with creatives that make the web wonderful. It’s a brilliant concept to talk with and talk about those that make the web great…offline and away from it all. Brilliant. Order and enjoy a good read.
9. Hacker/Grace & Truth Tees – ($22)
Joel Glovier has an excellent t-shirt shop JAGShop. Get the designer/developer on your list exactly what they need with a Hacker Tee. Spending enough time writing code makes one feel like a true hacker so why not embrace it with an awesome Tee. And stay tuned for Joel’s next dose of awesoness coming out with devtees and his “I Build the Internets” tee.
10. Smooth Sea Print ($30)
Another awesome screenprint from another awesome designer…is probably what you’re thinking. Well you’re both right and wrong! Sean is a super talented designer and letterer. Sean’s smooth sea poster reminds us that a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor, or in other words the less-than-perfect parts of life that we go through are what make us who we are. A positive outlook can help push us through almost anything in life and Sean’s poster is a perfect start – and a perfect addition to the blank hole on your wall.
11. Nike+FuelBand ($149)
The Nike+FuelBand tracks everything you do in a day. The FuelBand let’s you decide how active you want to be, let’s you set the goal and the tracks your daily movements toward that goal. Sync your FuelBand with your iPhone and track when you are most active compared to least active. Let’s be honest, designer and developers tend to spend a lot of time sitting at our desks, so it’s nice to have a little something to encourage us to get up and move/run/dance/whatever it might be to keep us moving and motivated.
12. Team Treehouse Subsricption ($29-$49)
Treehouse is one of the many ways currently available out there to learn the web. Treehouse is “A better way to learn technology.” Treehouse provides you with step-by-step video courses and training on a wide range of topics from websites, iPone and Android apps, to marketing course even how to start a business. Treehouse courses are taught by experts in their respective fields pushing the viewer to new levels of knowledge. Get the designer or developer on your list aTeam Treehouse Subscription and watch them grow!
