While you can’t go wrong with roses and chocolates, why not earn some extra points this year with a Valentine’s Day gift that is both unexpected and well designed? Here are a few new designythings for all the ones you love. Single this year? Then, in the immortal words of Tom and Donna from Parks & Rec, Treat yo’ self!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
The Heart Bowl by Lukas Urbanec
Image courtesy of Philip Johnson Glass House Design Store.
Handmade in Prague using traditional Czech methods, this lovely 6” x 3” porcelain bowl gives you its heart. When filled with coffee or tea, soups, or snacks, the bowl transforms its contents into a heart shape. The bowl is paired with the Apiniste Limoges Serving Platter (shown below). Available in white or pink through The Glass House Design Store. $45.00
Image courtesy of Philip Johnson Glass House Design Store.
Wordbits
Wordbits are lightweight yet strong alphabet magnets to surprise your Valentine with a personal love note on a fridge or any magnetic surface. Available in a premium matte finish and a custom typeface four colors (blush, mustard, slate, and white). Comes with 60 characters measuring 1.2” tall. BPA and phthalate-free. Intended for ages 14+.
Here are some heart-warming, well-curated gifts available through the MoMA Design Store, including a magic heart bulb, a flower vase, and a comfy robe and slippers.
The Heart Rechargeable Bulb Light features a dual-colored, heart-shaped filament (pink on one side, orange on the other) within a clear bulb. It is powered by a USB-rechargeable battery (cord included) that delivers 5 hours of light after about 90 minutes of charging time. The bulb can be held safely in your hands and has a flat bottom so it can stand on a table or desk. Measures 4.75h x 2.5″ diameter. $30.00 (non-member), $24.00 (member).This special edition of the best-selling Subu Slippers is made from recycled nylon fabric derived from consumer-waste PET bottles. Featuring the MoMA logo and a patchwork of colors, these water- and stain-resistant slippers are like a warm down jacket for your feet.) $69.00 (non-member)Inspired by the artwork of the Netherland’s De Stijl movement, the Mondri Vase is composed of transparent acrylic panels in primary and neon colorways. The vase is designed with three different chambers to accomodate different floral arrangements and flower sizes. The Mondri Vase measures 7.5h x 9.5w x 3.25″d. $100.00 (non-member) $80.00 (member)Brooklyn-based designer Ellen Van Dusen is known for her vibrant color palette. Her extra-soft Dusen Dusen Striped Bathrob is made from 100% cotton terry in colors inspired by Frank Stella paintings from the 1960s. It features contrast-color stripes on the inside. $132.00 (non-member), $105.60 (member)
Moooi Pillows
Design brand Moooi offers a collection of quirky and bold animal-themed pillows to give your Valentine something to snuggle up to when you aren’t there.
Part of the Extinct Animal Pillows collection, the rectangular Denim Indigo Macaque Pillow depicts two Indigo Macaques and is crafted in Moooi’s Denim fabric that is environmentally produced, does not fade, and does not leak color. Insert sold separately. $140.00.
A Quirky Take on Hearts
Italian brand Seletti offers several quirky takes on the heart motif with these clever gift ideas.
The Mouse Lamp Love Edition by Marcantonio features a cute resin mouse stands on its paws presenting someone a heart-shaped red light bulb. Indoor use only. An LED lightbulb is included. The I Love You case by Toiletpaper Home features photographic compositions by Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari. Not for the faint of heart. Yes, I went there. $37.00.The I Love You notebook by Toiletpaper Home features photographic compositions by Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari. Not for the faint of heart. Yes, I went there. $20.00The special-edition Love in Bloom Color porcelain vase comes with a stand. Purchases support AISM – Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society. $140.00.Created by the artist-designer Marcantonio, the Love in Bloom white porcelain box offers a clever take on the traditional symbol of love. Perfect for fans of Nirvana, doctors, It also stores things! $99.00.
Shameless Plug Alert!
Objects of Desire: A Showcase of Modern Erotic Products and the Creative Minds Behind Them by Rita Catinella Orrell and Jason Scuderi
Yes, it’s a shameless plug, but my book on erotic product design truly is a fantastic give for a romantic partner, design lover, or someone who is a little of both. Schiffer Publishing. $34.99.
