The Netherlands are a country where talented and creative designers flourish in a good number. Sadly, most of their design products do not cross the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, most of the Dutch products are exported when a dedicated retailer wishes to carry them and import the goods directly from The Netherlands. This is the case of the UK retailer Dutch by Design. And it is good to know that Dutch by Design will ship their orders internationally.

I was looking for cool and unique design products for Father’s Day when I thought of revisiting Dutch by Design online store. I like what I see. They have affordable stuff that will impress and please your dad. My favorite gift ideas are:

+ Back in Time Radio/Alarm Clock $40 USD
+ Cheese Board $16.50 USD
+ Sandwich Bread Board $16.50 USD

More Gift Ideas for Everyone and All occasions

+ Tree Watercan $20 USD
+ Love Birds Salt & Pepper Set $21 USD

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+ The first idea is city landmark buildings or construction. You can choose between the John Hancock Building in Chicago, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Chrysler Building in New York. City Sculptures $38 USD each at Chiasso

+ Go green with these modern solar powered led house numbers. it makes it easy for visitors to find your home at night without requiring any electrical wiring. $28 USD per number at Chiasso

The second group will enhance his BBQ collection or help him have a better time at the cottage.

For a dad who love grilling

1. Miniature Steak Thermometers set of 4 $22 USD at Smith & Hawken
2. Magnetic Grill Light $25 USD at Smith & Hawken

3. To save his back, get him a Forged Iron Wood Cart $149 USD

For a custom gift

4.  Give him a puzzle with the cover page of The New York Times for any date from 1888 to 2008.  Select the date you are born or the date a big event dear to him has happened. The New York Times Puzzle $45.99 USD at PersonalizationMall.com

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+ The four color-coded polypropylene chopping boards designed by Damian Evans is on my wish list. No more chance of cross-contamination of food types with an identifier for red/raw meat, white/cooked foods, blue/fish, green/vegetables. $85 is cheap for peace of mind. The dishwasher safe Index Chopping Boards come with an ABS plastic horizontal storage unit.

+ The Riki Desk Clock is a MoMA exclusive. Riki Watanabe designed a reproduction in 2007 based on the 1970 original design. The reproduction is made of steel and ABS with a Seiko precision quartz movement. A bestseller at MoMA. $120 USD

+ Nurit Amdur designed a bowling set made of silly characters. Perfect for kids 18 months and over. Bowling Set $38 USD

+ Suitable for cocktails, liqueurs, and desserts, the Colorful Wobble Glasses are dishwasher and microwave safe. I like the cute cheerful touch they add on a casual chic dining table. Available in a set of warm or cool colors. $40 USD for a set of 4 glasses.

+ The annual Phases of the Moon Calendar is an all-time favorite. Stock a couple as you could give it to unexpected gift recipient from a teenager boy to an adult neighbor who invites you to dinner. $17 USD

+ Get stamps of two landmarks: the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. New York City Skyline stamps by MUJI, $6 each stamp

For delivery by December 24 of in-stock merchandise to most U.S. locations

• Standard shipping: order by Thursday, December 18, 9 a.m. ET
• Express shipping: order by Monday, December 22, 9 a.m. ET (additional $15)

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All week long, I will help you with your last minute Holiday shopping. Because we are busy, each list will be from a single store.

+ Oblique Finger Bowls on sale at $20 for set of 3
+ Great White Mingling Plate $24 USD for set of 4
+ Leaf Bottle Coaster on sale at $34
+ Colby Leather Catch-All on sale at $20 – can be personalized with a name or initial.

For US consumers, Pottery Barn told me that the deadline to receive your gifts for Christmas is to order by:

• 12/19 @ 9am for personalized items
• 12/20 @ 9am for standard delivery
• 12/22 @ 5pm for rush delivery

Update: I forgot to mention for my Canadian readers that they are a few Pottery Barn stores in Canada. Find the Canadian store nearest you and place a phone order.

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If you are looking for a special gifts for a wedding or to give to your man this Holiday, I suggest sometimes pretty amazing. Who knows that your genetic codes can be so beautiful?

Your DNA transforms into artwork canvas. From your genetic code, they will create a unique piece of art. This art form is a wonderful way to immortalize the essence of someone dear to you.

DNA 11 was launched in 2005 in Ottawa. There was a CSI:NY episode where the DNA artwork was part of the storyline. It is a cool way to bring a part of yourself into your house.

Select between the DNA portraits, the FingerPrint Portraits or the pop-art style of the Kiss Portraits. You can customize the background to for your décor.

SOURCING:
+ DNA Portraits – Starting at $389 CAD, mini DNA portraits at $187 CAD
+ FingerPrint Portraits – starting at $190 CAD
+ Kiss Portraits – Starting at $289 CAD

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A magenta ice cooler feels like bringing the Pantone colors at your table. Designed in 2007 by Archikò, Alavin aerates and cools wines and beverages in a kit. You place ice cubes or crushed ices inside the colored base. If you drink red wines, use only the carafe.

An earlier creation by Archikò is Vinocchio. You can feel the same influence executed in a more masculine vibe. Features include a slanted non-drip spout and a decanter that sits nicely in the hand or on the deep bottom acrylic base.

I did not find retailers in North America. So if you know one retailer which carries the Italesse decanters, feel free to contact me.

SOURCING:
+ Alavin Magenta – at Kent Design, a Swedish store
+ Alavin by Italesse – 108 ?
+ Vinocchio by Italesse – 109 ?
+ Vinocchio Orange – £57.89 at TheDrinkShop.com

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I like to stock greeting cards and note cards so I do not have to rush to the store when I need them.

A few months ago, I noticed that most cards I buy are suited for women. Since then I try to find more cards suitable for men. But the choices of amazing masculine cards are scarce. That is why I was happy when Kara Magrin of Thoughtful Gent introduced me to her latest venture, ManCards.

The Concept

Kara launched Thoughtful Gent because she saw the same hole in the card market as she searched for note cards for her husband. I received my sample box. It is well done and beautifully presented. If you are in a hurry, you can simply tie a ribbon with a tag instead of gift-wrapping the box.

The tin box packaging extends the man touch. It is also practical since the tin box makes a catchall afterwards. I recommend ManCards for the men in your life: lovers, brothers, fathers, and colleagues. The note cards would make unique gift stuffers this Christmas.

Card Etiquette

ManCards strives to encourage thoughtful notes written by men. They are ideal for women to send to men. My rule of thumb is to select a card that fits the recipient for birthdays, anniversaries and other life events. Otherwise, the cards should reflect the person who writes it.

What is Inside the Box?

Each box includes ten folded note cards and envelopes. The standard note cards exhibit a brown background with blue stripe, green stripe or orange stripe. The variety box contains the three colored stripes.

A special edition box is edited every year. The series reproduced a painting or an illustration by Michael Magrin, Kara’s husband. This year design would be wonderful as a Holiday card and during the winter season.

SOURCING:
+ blue note cards, green note cards, orange note cards, variety note cards – $12.95 for 10 cards + envelops, $84 for set of 100 (tins not included)
+ special edition note cards – $14.95 for 10 cards + envelops, $84 for set of 100 (tins not included)

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Holly Kempe captured Pour Me a Rainbow. You can buy it as a paper photo, on canvas. You can get it ready to hand on a stretched canvas or a frame.

An artistic feeling can also emerge from clever and neat storage. At her last party, my friend Renee of En Direct des Iles took these pictures of her storage bottles for me. Recycling old-fashioned bottles to store fresh beans, lentils and pasta is a smart idea. Renee did an excellent job at repurposing everyday items with style. This is green living at its best.

Renee is the woman who organized the adoption of Leeloo, our Mexican-born kitten.

Scott Listfield likes to paint astronaut and he is definitely a fan of Star Wars and other sfi-ci movies. Give his art to young men and science fiction fans. Scott paints astronauts in surreal down-to-earth situations. It is strange to see them in a Laundromat or next to a small modern pre-fab house.

SOURCING:
+ Pour Me a Rainbow by Holly Kempe – photo starts at $22 USD, canvas starts at $29.40
+ food storage bottles: image by Renee for kimvallee.com
+ Scott Listfield at Fine Art America – photos start at $22 USD
+ Via Art MoCo by MoCo Loco

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I do not often talk about laundry other then how to organize your laundry room but Laundry Locker’s service seems heavenly to me. This is one of many cool business ideas spotted in Springwise.

Your Personal Concierge Laundry Service

Imagine having the freedom to drop off your dirty clothes for dry cleaning or for the wash and fold services 24/7.

Then, imagine not worrying about how and when you get back your clothes. Your clothes are returned the next turnover day. The billing is automatic and you can look at your laundry batches online.

By default, all clothes are cleaned in cold water to reduce shrinking, fading and bleeding which is the way I do it. You can tell them your cleaning preferences (ex: fabric softener, temperatures) on your profile. Since I dislike folding clothes, I wish for this indulgence.

Laundry Locker was founded in 2005 to cater to people who do not wish to deal with the usual business hours of dry cleaners. Their lockers are available in apartment buildings, condos, offices, fitness facilities and other drop-off locations throughout San Francisco. They even offer a home delivery service.

As easy as 1, 2, 3

Here is how the service works:

1. Put your dirty laundry in any available locker and take the key (returning customers get laundry bags)
2. You will be notified by SMS and eMail when your laundry is ready for pick up
3. Return to the same locker where you left your clothes and bring them home

First time users only will need to register to laundrylocker.com and fill up your profile after they put their dirty laundry in the locker.

I read reviews on the Web and patrons seem delighted by their services. If you are looking for a way to simplify your life or an original gift idea for someone living in San Francisco, a year of Laundry Locker’s services sure beat a day at the spa. This is a part of stylish living on my book.

MORE READING:
+ Laundry Locker
Via Springwise

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In 2007, Design Within Reach started the Tools for Living line. It seems only natural to open new stores to serve that market.

Last May, Design Within Reach announced the opening in fall 2008, a Tools for Living store in SOHO, New York and another store in Santa Monica; two places I visited last winter.

If you are looking for out of the ordinary gift ideas, DWR:Tools for Living is a great place to start. I compiled a wish list with a hint of exotic. The Japanese modern culture mixed with the charms of Europe.

Garden Game

I bought a petanque set this summer but it is not as stylish as the Akiko teak petanque set. In fact, we still look for a better container to transport the boules. Here, the old-fashioned teak box elevates the game.

The Akiko petanque set is not French at all since it came out of the collaborative work of Danish designer Hans Thyge and Japanese Akiko Kuwahata, who now lives in Denmark.

For a upscale children toy, look at the woven rattan ball and cypress wood pins as a charming bowling set. Adults can display the set in a vignette.

Water Bottle

With the trends towards serving tab water in a pitcher instead of bottled water, go for the picturesque Italian Glass Water Bottle. I must confess that I still order bottled water in restaurants and serve it at home because I prefer sparkling water. But I served tap water instead of flat bottled water.

Since the Italian glass water bottle holds one liter of liquid, I will buy a second one to store my milk. Milk is colder when it is on a glass jar.

Stoneware and Wood Serving Ware

I became a fan of cold sake this winter. Designer Shunji Kurimori succeed in creating a bentwood low-conduction vessel that keeps cold sake cool, hot sake warm. The design of the Cedar Sake bottle is pretty interesting too.

Adónde is an sophisticated serving ware collection. It is basically an the stoneware assortment of different sized cylinders. Stoneware is a practical material since it is dishwasher, oven and microwave safe.

Sleek Ice Bucket

From spring flowers to champagne chilling, many uses applies to this 16-quart bucket. Graduated marked are imprinted inside the Stainless Steel Bucket.

SOURCING:
+ Akiko Teak Petanque Set – price: $200 USD
+ Akiko Petanque at Skagerak Denmark – price: £79
+ Italian Glass Water Bottle – price: $10 USD
+ Cedar Sake Bottle and Cups – $85 USD for 2 cups, $140 for sake bottle
+ Adónde Appetizer Picks – price: $25 for 6
+ Adónde Olive Bowl – price: $15 USD
+ Adónde Dessert Spoons – price: $25 for 4
+ Stainless Steel Bucket – price: $80 USD
+ Bowling Set for kids – price: $100 USD

Robin and Patches (the owner’s cat) of Lookability produced these cute flipbooks. When flipped properly, this book shows the joys of a primitive animation technique.

The Father-Daughter Robot Dance is so a propos with yesterday’s post. It also demonstrates that the robot theme applies as much to a girl than a boy. Remember it for a kid birthday.

You can read the story behind the making of these two flipbooks on Robin’s blog also called Lookability.

It is late to give that to your dad for Father’s Day but I think these flipbooks were cute gift ideas. I forgot to tell you that Sharman Yarnell interviewed me last week about Father’s Day gift ideas for her radio show Showtime on CJAD 800 AM in Montreal.

Want did you get you dad and what do you do for Happy Father’s Day?

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Father-Daughter Robot Dance Flipbook by Lookability on etsy – price: $9 USD
Buy online: Cave Man Father’s Day Flipbook by Lookability on etsy – price: $9 USD

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A fun party theme idea for this Father’s Day is to host a father and kids baseball game.

Why not make a communal Father’s Day party where brothers, friends, colleagues and neighbors reunite to celebrate together?It allows everyone to have a playful and active day outside.

Food and Drink

These adorable icing baseball cookies caught my eyes last week. They are the creations of a San Diego mom named Lori. She took occasional cooking classes. It shows that Lori worked in the catering business while in college. Her blog, The Recipe Girl is about her adventures in her kitchen and her passion for cooking.

Your guests will be impressed to each have their own cookies. You can also divide the batches of cookies by family name.

Refreshments are important when you play outside. Make sure you have plenty.

The Hokka-Ido stool by Koziol is a stool that becomes an ice bucket if you turn it over. You can buy a tray to convert it to a table. Therefore, the Hokka-Ido is an efficient portable solution for a picnic or a BBQ. You already know that I like the design of the Koziol products.

Planning the Games

Beside the big fathers and kids softball game, plan ahead other kid activities. Coordinate the activities by age group. Hire a babysitter to watch over the youngest kids.

The vintage Baseball pinball game is fun to play. After the party, use it to decorate the playroom. If you are lucky, you can find original in flea market. My friend own a similar game that belonged to his parents.

Organize a batting session during the game for the ones that are to young to play. Several toys companies make such devices. I am showing you the ESPN Jr. Better Batter Baseball trainer from Fisher-Price. That model automatically loads the ball. Make sure to get extra balls if you want the kids to play for a while.

Overall the ESPN Jr. Better Batter Baseball trainer has good reviews. Some parents complained having some issues with the Velcro but several parents find innovative solutions to solve the problems. So read the comments on Toys R Us before you make your purchase.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

A gadget that is totally adorable is the digital picture frame. They are widely available these days. Select a model that can play videos so you can upload memories from the game.

The kids can each write a sweet word to their father and have it embroidered on a CupKozy. This is a special CupKozy Father’s Day edition.

You can recycle these party ideas from the little league Baseball parties. If soccer or football is your father’s game, it is simple to adapt the concept.

How are you planning to celebrate Father’s Day this year?

>>> Sourcing:
Recipe: Baseball Cookies [The Recipe Girl]
Buy online: ESPN Jr. Better Batter Baseball trainer [Toys R Us] – price: $42.99 USD
Buy online: Custom Embroidered Father’s Day CupKozy [cupkozy on etsy] – price: $8 USD
Buy online: Take Me Out to the Pinball Game [The Land of Nod] – price: $39 USD
Buy online: We Want a Pitcher, Not a Belly Itcher [The Land of Nod] – price: $24 unframed, $79 framed USD
Buy online: Digital Picture Frame 10 inch [Digital Framez] – price: $190.36 CAD
Shop: Koziol Hokka-Ido stool / bucket [Ma Zone Home Decor] – price: $95 CAD
Shop: Koziol Hokka-Ido table tray [Ma Zone Home Decor] – price: $30 CAD

RELATED POSTS:
+ Bring Happiness in Your Kitchen with Koziol
+ First Birthday Party Ideas for a Girl

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