Gift Ideas For Designers

(There is a follow up post to this, with more recent gifts available for designers, check it out!)

The Helvetica Film DVD ($20)
An essential addition to any Designer’s movie collection.

Helvetica the Movie

Swiss Army Knife with Thumb Drive 1GB ($78)
In case you have to save a file in a pinch or widdle a wooden figurine. I got this one for Christmas a few years ago and I use it constantly.

Swiss Army Thumb Drive

Pitter Patter Umbrella ($49)
Be inspired even when its not so nice outside.


Book Journal ($13)
Everyone has a Moleskine these days… so why not be different. These journals are made from recycled books and include original pages. Some even have vintage notes written in them… making each truly unique.

Book Journals

Old School Mac Icon Note Cards ($2.99)
Susan Kare Icons on All sorts of apparel (price varies)
Susan Kare designed the old school Mac icon set in the early 80s (um, an original BadAss), at this price these notecards make a great little stocking stuffer.

icon Note CardsMac Bomb Thong  & Comand Boxers

USB Sushi ($65-$249)
Confuse your coworkers.

Photoshop Tools T-shirt ($17)
We all use them… why not wear them?

photoshop tools t-shirtphotoshop tools t-shirt

Molded Cork Laptop Case ($95)
Cork Pouch ($10-15)
I saw someone at SXSW last year with this case and had to ask where to get one.

Cork Laptop Bag

Designers Complete Index Box Set ($37.79)
Design books are a great gift, but this set is a little more fancy than your average manual. It comes in this slick little case with a handle.

Designers Complete Index

Lomography Pop 9 Camera ($40)
This little camera is a great way to take a break from the perfection of digital and have some fun. It looks hot too.

pop 9

Pantone “Pouchette” Hand Bag ($35.50)
Pantone Back Pack($60)
These clever bags from Pantone are stylish. I just wish they had more colors to choose from. The handbag is on my wish list (hint).

Brushed Aluminum Portfolio Book ($57.80)
I think these books are slick for showing work. Not too big, not too small and very stylish. I found it here at a great price.

4 Responses to “Gift Ideas For Designers”

  1. Jared Goralnick Says:

    Samantha,

    These are awesome ideas. And I’ll echo your first choice-Helvetica was a great flick! Thanks-and I’ll pass this article around.

  2. Dan Drinkard Says:

    Don’t forget http://wireandtwine.com/store/products/subtraction-hel.html !!!

  3. Carly M Says:

    So I finally Netflixed “Helvetica” and I have to say I wasn’t in love with the film. For a while it was entertaining to see all the examples of the font all around town, and to learn more about the history, but the interviews seemed to veer from informative to pointless very quickly. Maybe because I don’t know a lot about WHO the people were, but it just seemed like Person A: “I love Helvetica, use it all the time” Person B: “I never use Helvetica. I hate it. Down with the establishment!” Person C: “I only ever use Helvetica and I’m famous and rich.” . . . It’s not like any one person had a winning argument and hopefully anyone interested in seeing the film has already thought a little bit about the font to begin with. It’d be a good thing to show to college kids, but I can’t say I’m likely to go in for repeat viewings.

  4. Carly Says:

    I saw this today too,
    Core 77 Gift Guide

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