77 DESIGN GIFTS UNDER $77

Heavy-Weight Tape Dispenser

There's nothing worse than dragging your tape dispenser all over hell and back when you're trying to tear off just a little piece. Kiss that annoyance goodbye with the"Heavy-Weight".

Mirror angle scope

Budding ethnographers will appreciate the ability to shoot sideways in the wild with this device, breaking the monotony of those mall intercepts to, well, photograph the other researchers, I guess. You get the idea though—probably you're not supposed to be doing what this device allows you to do.

Taste of Corky's Ribs & Pork

We order from these guys every year, so we can promise that it's some of the best Q you'll ever have. Comes packed in dry ice (so you've got a few minute's thrill throwing that into a bucket of water), and if you say that" Elvis sent me " while you're ordering on the phone, they'll throw in a discount. Promise.

79 Short Essays on Design, by Michael Bierut

Sure, it would've been ideal, here, for this book to be titled 77 Short Essays..., but close enough. Need more convincing? Read our review.

IKEA Vippig Seesaw

Rocking back and forth has never been so contemporary. Great for kids at heart who decorate like adults at home.

Great American Novel starter kit for aspiring writers:

Muji notebook   +   BIC Cristal Grip Ballpoint Stic Pen pack   +   Fifth of Hendricks Gin   +   One-way Greyhound ticket from New York to Fayetteville, North Carolina Link New York City to Fayetteville, North Carolina With the characters you meet on Greyhound, inspiration shouldn't be a problem. Depending on your seatmates, you can either crack the Hendricks open when you hit the motel in Fayetteville...or while the bus is still idling at Port Authority.

A Roll of Your Local Currency

Why rely on international banking cartels and the Guv'mint for your duckets? Around the world towns and communities are developing their own local work-based monetary systems. Check out Ithaca, NY's Ithaca Hours. Read this fun comic for an intro! Check this list or this list to see if your town is down!

MATTERIAL Paper Goods

MATTERIAL's collection of eco-friendly paper goods are perfect for to-dos, to-doodles, and everything else worth jotting down. The beautifully designed pads and journals are made from recycled papers and are manufactured right in their Downtown, Denver studio. The perfect present for "designers and other thinking persons."

Giant Wooden Compass

Just a big-ass wooden compass on your wall. Two bucks over our limit of $77, but we figure you gets a lot for the money.

Cronotime Clock by Pio Manzú, 1966

Alessi's brought back this 1966 classic easy-reader. And we love the "cronotime" monikername.

Knot Your Average Door Stopper

Also an unbeatable name, possible double duty in backyard games of Scottish Highland sport.

Steel Letter Stamps

Though the box isn't something you'll hand down to your heirs, these stamps are great for metal, wood, paper, or just about anything. Go on, get crafty!

Ringflash

A little psychedelic is good. Too much is not so good. Way too much is ideal. Dial it up with this device and you really will be the life of the party. If your camera has a hot-shoe and you don't mind a little gerry-rigging you are good to go, otherwise pick up an approved Lomo to go with your new flash!

USBCELL AA Rechargable Battery

You've seen these USB rechargables around by now, but we just love the flip-top lid. And what do you figure they're best at? Well, we got it from the Amazon comments: "They work great. Recharge time is a couple of hours and they work 1 - 2 weeks in my wireless mouse. Never have to worry about a battery for the mouse any more." Something fitting about them staying notebook-side!

    

3D Drawing Pad or Doodle Kit

This one or this one.
A doodler who's doodled for an entire doodle-dang lifetime will surely feel refreshed when presented with an entirely new dimension in doodling.

Tengu by Mr.Jones

Plug this thing into your USB, turn on some tunes and watch the fun!

Printable Pocket Guides

Fish to Watch Out For...   Pesticides in Produce...   and from the RAND Corporation: How to Survive All Kinds of Scary Shit

Buffalo USB Silent Mouse

Sick of your roommate clicking away at all hours? Or maybe your parents want you off the computer and "just going outside!" Either way, this stealth surfer will serve you well...or hack one for free.

Rite in the Rain all-weather field book

The ubiquity of the Moleskine is starting to wear on those looking for some exclusivity. Well, now they can be unique and be outside! Consider the yellow rain-slicker style notebook for a bright change. (Add the all-weather Space Pen for 8 bucks on the same page.)

carbon offset credits

Extra eco-aware gift recipients will appreciate a load of guilt off their shoulders with a few of these credits.

Wine Rack

Free, that is if you have a $10,000 laser cutter sitting around. or a strong arm and a key hole saw! Download the PDF, get some 3mm MDF, make it ASAP.

iTouchless Forever Last Radio/Flashlight/Nightlight - Designer Series

We haven't tried this thing, and the price seems a wee on the cheap side, but this is a stylin' winder-upper. Here's the pitch from Amazon: "This is the most beautiful designed dynamo battery-free AM/FM Radio, Flashlight, and table-top Nightlight. 1 minute of cranking will give you 20 minutes of radio listening or 40 minutes of flashlight and nightlight. Because of its creative design, you can display it on tables, shelves, or next to your bed's nightstands. Before you go to bed, crank it for music listing on your favorite radio stations. It will turn off automatically in 20 minutes while you are falling asleep. Let the flashlight show your way to bathroom at the middle of night. Includes a light cap for soft bright nightlight."

IE voodoo plushie doll

Not hating here, just this seems like such a wonderful analog, mystical, way of addressing digital frustration. Plus the x-ed out eyes are hilarious.

Astronaut Cutting Board

Karen Olze and Gisa Wilkens' cutting boards feature a laser engraved illustration "that is hand positioned for each board, so the design actually interacts with the natural grain of the wood, creating a little scene." (See their others here.)

Takao Yoshida: Hishou Airplane Kit

"The Hishou, with its 2 reverse propellers, dates from 1911, when it crossed the Sumida River in a model plane contest." Zen, bro. Complete illustrated instructions and glue are included.

Up up and away! So long for now....