Last-minute ideas for placing under the tree for the design-loving people in our lives – or for ourselves, because why wait for someone else?
I’m the type who doesn’t leave Christmas gift shopping for the last week; instead, I collect ideas all year long in my phone notes. I like pondering for a long time about what would truly make someone happy – which is why I value this same gesture the most when it comes to receiving gifts myself. Still, I adore beautiful objects, and as an editor at Hype&Hyper, I come across so many stunning items that even an industrial-sized warehouse wouldn’t be enough if I wanted to gather them all. I feel it’s my pleasant duty to share – if not a full warehouse, then at least one well-packed car’s worth – with readers from time to time. So here comes a design editor’s completely subjective and entirely unrealistic Christmas wish list, featuring small regional brands and true design heavyweights.
Magical Fruits by Naomi Devil puzzle, Eeboo
The puzzle is based on a painting by Naomi Devil, a contemporary Hungarian painter, and since an original of hers already hangs on my bedroom wall, and is thus not ideal for puzzle-playing, I would gladly spend a quiet winter evening tinkering with this one.
The Marina Abramović Method Instruction Cards to Reboot Your Life
As a rule of thumb, any game based on visual art is welcome, and who wouldn’t benefit from a little reboot while waiting for the new year? The 30 cards showcase the Slovenian performance artist’s methods for overcoming difficulties and becoming more mindful in everyday life. Not to mention, the photography alone is a pleasure to look at.
Earrings and ring, W.Kruk
This famous Polish jewelry brand recently arrived in Hungary; new to us, but they’ve been crafting beauties since 1840. Alongside diamond engagement rings and more serious pieces, they also offer high-quality everyday jewelry. This ring and these earrings are my favorites; both are made of silver.
MuMu baseball cap
If something spans generations and can be found in every other garden, I consider it a design icon – even if I wouldn’t necessarily buy it for my own garden. So let’s celebrate white plastic chairs with a cool baseball cap.
Devilish small bag, Onov Project
These pieces are truly unique: at Onov Project, each bead is sewn onto these cocktail bags individually. I love the contrast between the bag’s classic elegance and the devil’s quirky shape – a perfect choice for a night out.
Arcs trolley, HAY
Since I promised some design heavyweights: HAY’s red trolley has long been among my favorites – graceful, playful, functional. And there are very few interiors that wouldn’t benefit from an unexpected splash of red, making an exclamation point in the best possible way.
Poodle Chair, Mati Sipiora
I interviewed Mati for the latest print issue of Hype&Hyper because I simply could not take my eyes off this chair. It’s the kind of furniture piece where, if you place just one in a room, you no longer have to overthink anything else – it will draw all the attention, and the only thing left to do is give it space to shine. Plus, it’s Polish-made: Mati launched the now internationally acclaimed business from his father’s workshop.
Tiger plate, Gunia Project
I’m not a grandmother, yet I have several plates hanging on my walls, and I’m not planning to stop! The Ukrainian Gunia Project designers copied the tiger motif from a 16th-century tile and topped the Asian inspiration with a Thai inscription. I’d absolutely hang it!