10 great finds for all-year gifting

The sweetest cutlery rests 

From her studio in the countryside outside Lisbon, Lucie Claudia Podrabská designs playful glassware inspired by medieval tablescapes. Her made-to-order crystal candy cutlery rests come in various shapes and colours, and are mouthblown by a father-son partnership based in the Bohemian forest in the Czech Republic.

Massage tools for aches and pains

Unable to find the same kind of massage tools she had grown up with in Taiwan, Juliana Hung, the LA-based founder of The Wax Apple, decided to source her own. Her Squiggle Scalp massager, made from redwood, has rounded teeth for targeting acupuncture points, while the sandalwood Beetle massager runs along your brows and jawbone to release tension.

Lose your marbles over this portable power bank

For charging on-the-go, Gomi has designed a mini power bank made from recycled plastic. The swirly device is powered by repurposed e-bike batteries, reinforced with aluminium for strength and durability, and its components can be replaced or repaired. The power brick can hold up to 10,000 mAh, enough to charge most phones up to three times.

These trestle stools are the cat’s whiskers

British company Foresso specialises in sustainably made wooden furniture and surfaces. The terrazzo-like sheet material featured on its Trestle stools is crafted using timber offcuts from the furniture industry, local sawmills or building sites, and plaster waste from a local bronze foundry, while the company’s power is generated by on-site solar.

Square-toed boots that walk on air

In September this year, Dr Martens launched a collection of square-toed leather shoes packed with attitude. The four new styles include the Maybole Mary Jane with a buckle, a chunky Chelsea boot, the Durrow five-eye shoe and Durrow zipped boots in Buttero leather, as shown above.

A new page 

New York-based fashion designer-turned-ceramic artist Shane Gabier has been moulding with clay since 2018. His work is informed by modernist design, ’70s psychedelia and brutalist architecture, all of which are reflected in his range of slab-built freeform stoneware bookends that are made to order via his Instagram account.

A clear winner 

Paris-based design studio Argot has collaborated with upcycling and vintage boutique Ensō Vintage on a collection of 3D-printed objects. Available in two different shapes, the compact and minimalist designs are crafted from flexible, plant-based thermoplastic polyurethane and feature a silver-metal handle.

Hooked on marble

These chunky, oversized hooks look chic and will happily hold a good towel or two. Crafted from marble, there are 10 different shades to choose from, including the Longbeach made from viola marble, the Loki in Jade Green and the Moo in Brown Calcutta.

Spice things up

From a cabbage sconce to a bronze rhubarb table, the creations of designer and artist Jess Wheeler have always been inspired by the natural world. Her latest offering is a limited-edition collection of pendants hand-cast from cardamon pods, beech nut, walnut, almond and star anise. Each piece is available in solid brass or silver, and comes in a sweet wooden box lined with wool. Each pendant comes with a recycled and naturally dyed silk sari cord to tie it around your neck, wrist or hair.

Pack a pocket synthesiser

This ultra-portable pocket synthesiser from Teenage Engineering allows you to create electronic music from anywhere with studio quality sound. There are nine calculator-like operators to choose from, including a micro sampler, noise percussion drum machine and a live synthesiser and sequencer.