Unsurprisingly, I'm a big proponent of form getting just as much consideration as function when it comes to how we build the world around us. Luckily, independent artists and creators are making that easier every day — finding the sweet spot between the two and developing some really fantastic products in doing so. This might look like the martini tote from the up-and-coming food-meets-art zine Midnite Snack, with its ultra-heavy duty gusseted material and LP-accommodating size; or the powder-coated, primary-colored cheersie bottle opener from Dutch artist studio We Are Out of Office. For those last few holiday giftees or maybe the early January capricorns in your life, here are five that have specifically caught my eye of late.
Food candles from Artifaqt
This family-owned company casts its beeswax fruit and veggie candles from real produce grown by local farms, making these the only food candles I've seen that actually look like the real thing. Legendary industrial designer John Luttmann, whose clients include the Walt Disney Company, runs the entire operation with his two sons (he's also been hit up by the likes of Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud to design custom tabletop collections for their restaurants). Artifaqt makes these candles with locally sourced pure capping wax which means they have a nice slow burn, gorgeous light amber color, and subtly sweet aroma.
Novelty tabletop lighters from Edie Parker
It's the little plate of peas for me, but you really can't go wrong with any of these mid-century-esque kitschy-classy tabletop lighters from the women-owned and run lifestyle brand based in NYC. There's something for everyone, from jelly molds with lobster claws to the most aesthetically pleasing whip of vanilla soft serve. The secret ashtray hidden within is just good product design, whether you partake or not. And if not, hey, the lighters work for candles, too.
If You Don't Like Tomatoes poster from artist David Shrigley's Shrig Shop
Shrigley is a visual artist from the UK who's worked in just about every medium under the sun. I've always been particularly drawn to his painting and illustrative work. Some of these prints, available in poster size and smaller, are food-themed, and some aren't. I own this tomato print, which always offends my dad whenever he drops by the apartment because he, unfortunately, is not a tomato fan. (Sorry for putting you on blast, Dad.)
Cliik containers from Yowie
Yowie, the boutique hotel shop based in Philly, keeps selling out of these modular storage solutions. Available in white, green, and orange, they're made from ultra durable, BPA-free Tritan plastic, and click or stack together via powerful magnets in the lids. Yowie's whole thing is working with up-and-coming labels, artists, and designers. I trust their curatorial eye implicitly, so you know these containers will slot in nicely, no matter what your kitchen set-up looks like.
Custom food-themed toilet seat by Bailey Hikawa
This is the ball-out gift for your cool friend with the unabashedly quirky taste that also realizes the bathroom is a sacred space and deserves just as much design attention as anywhere else. Hikawa works on a commission basis out of her LA studio, bringing your wildest dreams to life in these durable, resin-based thrones. The world is literally your oyster — my favorite so far is the one at Philly's Middle Child Clubhouse, complete with lemon slices, saltines, and Tabasco mignonette, a proper raw bar scene. If the price point on these feels a bit too high, Hikawa also designs and produces these awesome statement phone cases for the spaghetti, Coke Zero, and broccolini fans in your life.
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