*** From the Archives ***
This article is from December 3, 2014, and is no longer current.
Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Part 1
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Once again, it’s that crazy gift-giving time of year. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas for your designer friends, or you’re a creative type trying to compile your own wishlist, CreativePro is here to help!
In random, haphazard fashion, Erica Gamet has put together a list of gadgets, books, and a few production-inhibiting timewasters. Now, for your virtual shopping pleasure, the CreativePro 2014 Gift Guide, Part 1:
Apple Watch – Pricing yet to be announced
Let’s get this one out there first. I’m not sure anyone needs the Apple Watch, but we can want it really (REALLY) badly, right?
Touchfire iPad Case – $70
The Touchfire adds a nice protective layer for your precious iPad, but it also provides a tactile keyboard that sits on top of the iPad’s virtual keys.
PowerPot – $159
Juice up your iPhone in the backcountry! Use your fuel source of choice to boil water in this small cooking pot which, in turn, provides 5 watts of charging power.
Nova – $59
This slim little device uses diffused LEDs and Bluetooth to provide an off-camera, controllable light source for all of your iPhone photography.
AMPY – $95 (pre-order)
Your movement actually powers this little charging device. One hour of biking or 30 minutes of running gets you 3 hours of phone power.
Fred and Friends Letterpress Cookie Cutters – $15
Mmmmm…cookies, just like Grandma used to print! Fun cookie cutters for the type geeks on your list (read: you).
Pop Scope – Available via Kickstarter Campaign
These adjustable tripods for smartphones can also be used as an extension bar, thus avoiding the “Is my head really that big?” question after every selfie.
Logo Design Love – $40 (list price)
This book goes beyond showing you examples of good logo design. The author provides in-depth deconstruction of the entire branding process.
Dodo Case Charging Stand for Apple Watch – $60-80 (pre-order)
If you’ve shelled out for the Apple Watch (see the first item in our list), it stands to reason you’d want a good-looking charger stand. This one fits the bill nicely.
GoBuddy+ – $15-25
Charge, sync, open your drink. The GoBuddy+ provides charging and syncing cables in a compact design. It also doubles as a handy bottle opener. Because beer.
Flexible Power Strip – $25
This is seriously one of the smartest power strips I’ve seen. The articulated pieces let you accommodate even the fattest power bri
ck or charging device you can throw at it. But please don’t throw your devices at it.
What’s Important to Graphic Artists T-Shirt – $25
If you’ve ever worked in a printshop’s pre-press department, this t-shirt probably sums up your philosophy nicely. All on a plain white tee, devoid of any real design. Well-played, irony. Well. Played.
Metal Cordies – $10
If everything’s gone wireless, why do we still have so many cables? This clever little device keeps your cable collection from slipping down the back of your desk.
UI Stencils for iPhone Kit – $29
This kit has everything you need to start mocking up a prototype of your app’s interface: stencil, templates, mechanical pencil, UI stickers. Many other stencil kits are also available.
100 Ideas That Changed Graphic Design – $30 (list)
A chronological inventory of important techniques, objects, and ideas from the world of graphic design.
balKonzept Balcony Desk – €138
A great little desk—and bonus flower box—for working on your deck or patio equipped with a railing. When you’re done working, you can serve dinner on it and fill the top section with ice and your favorite beverage!
Build-On Brick Mug – $20
We freelancers can’t expect to be productive all day, every day. When it’s time to let your imagination wander, use this mug with your favorite building bricks.
X-Rite ColorMunki Display – $189
The ColorMunki Display calibrates your monitor or projector for more accurate color between devices and output. Even lets you set profiles for your mobile devices (with mobile app).
Adobe Ink and Slide – $200
Adobe’s foray into the hardware market, the Ink and Slide make quite the dynamic duo. Use the Ink stylus for precise and smooth tablet drawing. The Slide digital ruler lets you draw straight lines, stamp shapes, and even work with French curves with ease.
TruGlide Duo Stylus Pen – $30
A nicely-weighted and well-crafted stylus and writing pen combo. The stylus works on any capacitive screen surface and the pen takes Parker refills.
Luxa2 Groovy Bluetooth Speaker – $89 (list)
The name says it all: Groovy! The retro speaker with aluminum case and leather carry strap lets you stream music from your Bluetooth-capable phone, computer, or tablet. The built-in mic even allows it to double as a speaker phone!
Great Design: The World’s Best Design Explored & Explained – $30 (list)
A DK Book on design? Yes, please! They could make the DK Guide to Solid Waste Management and I’d still salivate over the beautiful presentation and high-quality photos. This title is even better though because it covers the history of modern design of the graphic, product, industrial, and furniture varieties.
Tile – $25
Attach this little device to things you’d rather not lose. When the inevitable happens, use the app to locate the Tile’s Bluetooth signal. The app allows tethering of up to 8 Tiles and you can link multiple phones to the same Tile.
Ready for more? Check out Part 2 of the 2014 Gift Guide!
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