Winter 2007 Gift Guide
Give while the giving’s good
Gift anxiety: It’s never pleasant. Pulse racing, palms
sweating—will they like it? What if they don’t? CHOW’s
got the antidote: an assortment of gifts that will fit
your budget and please everyone. Start buying.
More Giving Goodness
When you’ve had your way with this gift guide, CHOW’s got tons more, ready for the giving and receiving.
Tasty Pleasers
These online stores supply all you need, when what you need is chocolate, wine, cheese, gift baskets, and more.
Tabloid Pleasers
Gingerbread cookies make great gifts. Nicole Richie just gives and gives.
Conscience Pleasers
Not everyone needs a tangible gift. Consider putting your dough toward a worthy charity in a friend’s name.
Little Pleasers
CHOW Picks offer small pleasures. Someone you know wants a Cadbury Ornament Creme Egg.
Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Plastic That’s Good for You
Plastic won’t break and lasts longer than your other plates. Plus: It’s shiny and cute and picnic-ready. Tree Hugger Plate, $6.75Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Write for Posterity
Jot down shopping lists, meal ideas, and recipes in this Hammerpress notebook. Or just doodle. Hammerpress Notebook, $11.95Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Keep Your Cool
Are you or your giftees very, very precise about wine temperature? This thermometer displays a wine’s temp along with guidelines for different varietals. Kikkerland Wine Thermometer, $10Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Don’t Throw This Away
ExceptionLab transforms the New York takeout cup—iconic yet wasteful—into a ceramic mug. We Are Happy to Serve You Ceramic Coffee Mug, $11.99Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Stop Right There
Your greasy fingers will never mar your cookbooks again. This sleek stainless steel bar holds the pages in place. Hold Cook Book Pageholder, $12.50Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Chop, Chop!
Like culinary training wheels, these cute silicone kids-cum-utensils will help the chopstick-impaired gain control over any plate of noodles. Fred & Friends Chopstick Kids, $13 for a set of twoWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Dress Up the Kitchen
Yuko Uemura hand-prints and -sews all of the towels in her PataPri line. The nature-inspired images are a playful twist on ’70s vintage fabrics. PataPri Kitchen Towels, $14 eachWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
No Eggs Roll
This little guy will hold your boiled egg steady while you eat. Available in multiple colors to dress up the breakfast table. Cico Egg Cup with Salt Castor and Spoon, $15Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Heat Things Up
The perfect way to spice up cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Devilish Appetizer Picks, $15 for a set of 12Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Dice and Go
This multipurpose cutting board folds up at the sides to funnel sliced veggies directly into a sauté pan or mixing bowl. Folding Cutting Board, $16Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
A Grate Catch
With an integrated bowl to corral the shreds, this grater keeps your cheese tidy. Red Alessi Parmenide Grater, $19.50Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
From Coast to Coast
This set of moisture-absorbing stone coasters is cheery and functional. Bird Motif Coasters, $16 for a set of twoWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
For Your Inner Betty Crocker
Bring back the ’50s kitchen with this tin recipe box. Comes with starter recipes, 50 blank cards for personal creations, and tabs for easy organization. What’s Cooking? Recipe Box, $16.95Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Mastering Food Trivia
For those who don’t find Trivial Pursuit appetizing enough, this board game has questions about celebrity chefs, food history, and exotic cuisine. Foodie Fight, $18.95Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Milk It for All You Can
Keeping an open carton of milk on the table never looked so classy. Porcelain Milk Container Creamer, $20Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
From Trash to Class
More iconic throwaways get the ceramic and glass treatment, like these stackable glass cups. Plastic Cups of Glass, $20 for a set of threeWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Cupcake Cozies
Grandma’s china revisited. Recycled glassware and saucers are fused together to create dainty platters. Stack one on top of another to create a tiered plate. Invalt RePurposed Cupcake Platter, $21Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Cocktail Nirvana
The hefty stem means your martini glass will stay where you put it. Riedel “O” Martini Glass, $24.90 for a set of twoWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Eat the Unexpected
The perfect stocking stuffer for the chocolate-lover on your list. A minicollection of Vosges exotic candy bars, which include ingredients like chicory, wasabi, and curry powder. Vosges Gift Set of Mini Exotic Candy Bars, $24Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Brew It Up Right
We’ve learned from tea expert James Norwood Pratt that each tea has a specific brewing temperature and time. This handy gadget makes sure green tea doesn’t go bitter. Tea Thermometer, $24.99Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Juicy Fruits
This scratch-resistant, tempered glass board is equally handy for serving drinks or chopping herbs. Kiwi Glass Cutting Board, $27Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Fly Away
An example of Zakka design, this carafe is made from heat-resistant glass, so you can serve your favorite tea iced or hot. Bluebird & Trees Carafe, $28Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Perfect Slice
This adjustable planer will carve Gouda, Brie, and even chocolate into hearty sandwich-size slices or thin shavings. Adjustable Cheese Plane, $28Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Sweet on Sweet
These colorful ceramic dishes make dessert even sweeter. Dessert Dishes, $28 for a set of fourWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
An Apple a Tray
There’s something charming about this melamine serving tray. Do we just like smiling fruit? Melamine Apple Tray, $28Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Fluffy Potato Mounds
If it’s creamy mashed potatoes you want, a good ricer is crucial. No need to peel; just plop the spuds in and press. The angled construction and rubber ridges allow the ricer to rest easily on pots. Deluxe Angled Potato Ricer, $29.95Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Tile It On
Handmade by Xenia Taler, these tiles are so lovely we think it would be a shame to use them as trivets, so we’re hanging ours on the wall. Ceramic Tiles, $30–$45 eachWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Safe for You
With all the concerns surrounding the use of plastics for storing and microwaving food, it’s a wonder we have leftovers at all. Feel safe with these Arzberg containers, made from porcelain and nonleaching elasto-polymers. Form 2006 Storage Containers, $32.50–$42.50 eachWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Pork Gets Its 15 Minutes, Again
Celebrate the end of the Year of the Pig by sporting this hammy watch. Andy Warhol Ham Watch, $35Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Cheat Sheet
This convenient hook is engraved with the most common baking equivalents and will also keep your aprons and tea towels in line. Equivalents Hook, $35Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Hitting Things Is Sometimes Fun
While there are those who may appreciate the simple modern design of this nutcracker, we just like releasing holiday stress with some quick walnut-smashing. Nusskubus Nutcracker, $35Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
The Geometry of Birds
Designer Eleanor Grosch creates stylized portraits of her favorite subject: animals. Her egret designs would look great on the wall, but we love them on these glasses. Egret Glasses, $40 for a set of fourWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Stay in Bed
You’re half asleep and haven’t had coffee: Breakfast in bed can be a dangerous situation. Feel more secure with this integrated serving set, with tableware that fits snugly into custom grooves on a bamboo tray. Dansk Café Blanc Urban Picnic 6-Piece Set, $40Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Grow a Tree Indoors
Give urbanites a reminder of nature with this oil lamp. The flickering light gives the illusion of tree branches gently swaying in the wind. Lumen Candle, $48Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Warm Winter Dishes
Stews deserve to be served from a hearty piece of earthenware. This unpretentious clay tureen conducts heat well and is simple to maintain. Chamba Ware Tureen, $49Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Who’s Calling?
The fact that this cutting-edge thermometer looks like a cordless phone is no coincidence. Insert the probe, set it to your meat type, and it’ll automatically send out an alert to the receiver once the optimal temperature has been reached. Mom, the roast is prank-calling us again! Remote Thermometer, $49.95Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Flower Power
Pottery artist Joanna Mendicino puts out a line of handmade ceramics that she describes as “crafty modern” and we describe as “sweetly charming.” We especially like the garden cutouts and bird vases. J.Mendicino Vases, $30–$60 eachWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Better the Second Time Around
Esther Derkx takes vintage tableware and screen-prints images onto it, creating a modern/old-fashioned meld. Esther Derkx Improved Crockery, $38–$120Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Aluminum Done Fancy
Lorena Barrezueta recasts takeout foil containers in ceramics in her “Gourmet” collection. Lorena Barrezueta Porcelain Dishware, $20–$75Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Food Hammock
Designer Sandy Chilewich’s award-winning RayBowl design is 10 years old, and as fresh as ever. The fabric stretches over the steel frame to hold your fruit safe. Chilewich RayBowls, $48–60Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Cheesy in a Good Way
A playful interpretation of a cheeseboard and knife from designer Michael Aram. Swiss Cheeseboard, $50Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
I Felt You
This felt “sculpture” from designer Josh Jakus could easily just be a beautiful experimentation with material. But after placing a few pomegranates in it, we can’t imagine ever using a fruit bowl again. Josh Jakus Eggflat, $55Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Get Some Horse Sense
This bottle opener seems both regal and kitschy. Made entirely of metal—it’s hefty—it looks statuesque holding court at the bar. Equestrian Bottle Opener, $55Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Create a Bang
Designer Piet Houtenbos coaxes beauty from destruction. Made from U.S. Army surplus grenades, these refillable oil lamps are a surefire way to get the conversation started at a dinner party. Hand Grenade Oil Lamps, $55–$65Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Know Your Meats
Bring the butcher to you. Now, after finishing that last bite of porterhouse, you’ll know exactly where it came from (the short loin, in the middle of the back). Food for Thought Plate Set, $56Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Blossom + Bill = Love
This tray has a definite ’70s vibe, and the couple on it reminded our editor in chief of a younger, in-love Sonny and Cher. Made from sustainable Scandinavian birch wood, it’s laminated for protection against spills. Blossom & Bill Serving Tray, $57Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Tea in Bloom
This set includes a heat-resistant glass teapot (with a removable filter for loose tea) and two matching cups and saucers. But the highlight is the six blooming teas. Made from premium white tea and dried flowers, they expand when immersed in water. Blooming Garden Tea Gift Set, $59Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Leave No Chocolate Behind
Now there’s no reason to frown when the last truffle is snatched up, because even the box and lid of these Charles Chocolates favorites can be eaten. Holiday Chocolate Box, $60Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Under the Sea
For those on your list not ready to let go of the coral trend that hit heavy last year, give this lovely bamboo candleholder. It has all the beauty and grace of live coral without the environmental risk. White Coral Candleholder, $60.50Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Morning Fix
A good espresso machine can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Sometimes the best things come from doing them the traditional way, including stovetop espresso. Stove Top Espresso Maker, $69.95Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Birds on a Wire
It’s so hard to pick just one product from the design duo behind Beehive Kitchenware. At least with these measuring spoons, you get four. Bird Measuring Spoons, $88Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Nooks and Crannies
Balancing a tray of wineglasses is not easy. Give the host a break with this ingenious device. The wineglasses slide firmly into a groove, and the bottle fits snugly into its own hole. MuNiMulA Wine Tray, $98Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Cut It Out
It looks like delicate lace; it’s actually stainless steel. Designer Talila Abraham handcrafts antique lace patterns onto metal. Black Lace Bowl, $98Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Toolbox-Worthy
Sometimes your loved ones need a gentle nudge. This kitchen set from cookware mainstay All-Clad will be the push they need to stop using a fork to flip the pancakes. All-Clad 7-Piece Tool Set, $119.95Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Could-a, Should-a, Wud-a
Handmade to order, this sleek wooden planter would look good on a tabletop or kitchen window sill. Included is a removable acrylic insert, which makes tending herb gardens or changing floral arrangements all that much easier. Wud Planter Box, $120 [Ed. note: After this story was published, 2Modern raised the price for this item, to $275–$325]Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Let’s Table This
Heath Ceramics makes gorgeous midcentury-modern tableware. These two pieces come from the winter 2007 collection, and are available for a limited time. Heath Ceramics Winter 07 Collection, $120 and $125Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
As Easy as Pie
Everybody gets excited about pie. Inspire the folks in your life to make you one with these essential quality tools. Silicone Rolling Pin, Emile Henry Auberge Pie Dish, and Roll’Pat, $124.94 for all three
Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Improve Your Serve
This salad bowl set is made using bamboo, a renewable and sustainable material. Plus it’s handcrafted by fair-trade communities in Vietnam. Globo Salad Bowl and Serving Set, $131 for items shown hereWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
You Darling Bud
It’s a modern approach to the usually dainty bud vase. Designed by furniture company Skram, the bentwood form holds two aluminum vases in place. Skram Vidalia Vase, $140Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Pop a Cork
What better gift to give than to throw a wine party for your friends? These two products provide you with just about everything: glasses, glass markers, tasting scorepads, bottle covers, and more. All that’s left for you to do is pick out the wine. Wine Flight and Wine Tasting Party Kit, $106.21 for everything shown hereWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Tea Time, All the Time
Made from sustainable wood, this box contains six different organic blooming and herbal teas. Pair it with a tea press for added oomph. Organic Tea in Presentation Box and Assam Tea Press, $154.95 for everything shown hereWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
With a Grain of Salt
Morton’s just doesn’t cut it for some. If you’ve got a friend who believes in the power of artisanal salt, get him or her this set of 24 varieties including Himalayan Pink and Sel de Mer, stored nicely in a handmade bamboo box. Artisanal Salt Sampler, $165Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Wine Gets Cradled
Give wines center stage with this well-designed rack. Transparent acrylic in an elegant organic form is both fashionable and functional. Loopsey Wine Rack, $165Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
The Garden of the Future
If Jane Jetson wanted to grow tomatoes in her kitchen, she’d use the AeroGarden Pro 100. The “Adaptive Growth Intelligence” automatically turns the growing lights on and off at optimal times, promising higher yields, while soilless aeroponic growing makes no mess. AeroGarden Pro 100, $169.95Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Never Wake Up Alone
Quirky offerings from designer Jonathan Adler. Each piece has a boy on one side and a girl on the other. Utopia Teapot and Utopia Sugar/Creamer, $183 for bothWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Noble Chef
This a great starter set for someone getting serious about cooking. The blades are sharp and the knives are light, with an easy grip. Global 3 Piece Chef’s Set, $184Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Dress the Table
For CHOW’s Neoslacker Interactive Thanksgiving, design shop Rose and Radish contributed one of its signature centerpieces. The tabletop products it used—especially this cast resin vase—charmed us. Martha Sturdy Rectangle Vase, $191Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Light the Scene
Candelabras aren’t just for queens and Count Dracula anymore. This grandiose crystal candleholder brings drama and intrigue to the dinner table. Nachtmann Ravello 5 Arm Candleholder, $195Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
On the Road Again
These bold, retro-inspired graphic textiles from designer Paula Smail are hand drawn and screen-printed on cotton. Henry Road Textiles, about $200 for a complete table settingWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Bring Manhattan to You
Fruitcake of the Month Club? No! A monthly bourbon club is just the thing to help keep your giftee warm during the winter months. Eggnog optional. Bourbon of the Month Club, $210 for three months or $420 for six monthsWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
No Draining Needed
Pasta purists take note: Master chef Alain Ducasse has revived a preparation method that preserves the natural starches of pasta instead of draining them off with the discarded water. This pot makes the process easy. Alessi Pasta Pot by Alain Ducasse and Patrick Jouin, $238Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Always Have Fruit on the Table
This literal fruit bowl can stand alone as a piece of modern art or cradle some of its real-life counterparts. Harry Allen Fruit Bowl, $350Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Fresh Gifts
We can’t think of a better gift than organic and locally grown food. Simply enter a zip code on this website, and you’ll find all the CSAs that provide seasonal fruits and vegetables in that area. CSA Service, approximately $350 for six months of biweekly shipmentsWinter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
Everything’s in Order
A classic example of 1960s European design, the Uten.Silo will organize anything. Uten.Silo, $375Winter 2007 Gift Guide: Give while the giving’s good
