All posts filed under: Things for Kids

A Procrastinators Gift Guide: Six Last Minute Ideas

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Better late than never, folks. If you are desperate for a late minute gift for family, friends, or the office Secret Santa, maybe one of these cool ideas will do the trick. And look, you are probably going to have to pay for express shipping at this point, but whose fault is that? Happy Holidays! For the Stylish Art Lover Capella Design’s Grab Bar Picture Frame This unique assistive product integrates seamlessly into a living space to provide discreet support with style. The grab bar is made in North American from solid ash (in light, dark, and white finishes), white coated powder coated steel, and acrylic art protection. A hidden, flexible mounting system allows for easy installation in hallways, landings, and thresholds. $279.00 USD For the Minimal Table Dresser Mud Australia’s Porcelain Dishwater Handcrafted in Sydney, the expansive range of Mud Australia’s porcelain homewares are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe for seamless prep and simple cleanup. Shown here are the brand’s 8”-wide serving platter, a Fish Platter for medium sized fish, snacks, or dips, and a Water Jug …

My Football Kit by Nendo

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Inflatable soccer balls are hard to maintain in impoverished communities because of the unavailability of air pumps or the deterioration and damage of the tube inside the ball. In response, Japanese design firm Nendo has designed a non-inflatable soccer ball that gives the same kicking sensation as a standard ball. Inspired by the structure of the traditional Japanese woven bamboo ball, the My Football Kit is assembled with three types of components and includes a total of 54 parts. The instructions for assembly are designed like a picture book in easily understood illustrations. Instead of relying on internal air pressure, the ball uses the resilience of its surface material, soft, recycled polypropylene and elastomeric synthetic resin components, to bounce. The material won’t hurt bare feet and is unlikely to develop a sharp fractured surface that might cause injury, even if broken. If a component comes off during play, the interlocking structure ensures the ball will not disassemble. Components may be shipped in disassembled states in compact packages, potentially cutting shipping costs. The ball comes in multiple colors, …

New Puzzles from MoMA Design Store

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It’s summer and the living is … mostly at home. If you are looking for a new way to keep your family busy (and sane) during social distancing, you might like to check out these new puzzle designs available through the MoMA Design Store. The 500-piece Andy Warhol double-sided Marilyn puzzle is actually two puzzles in one, featuring two different versions of Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe silkscreen, with a matte side and a glossy side. Several versions of Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe artwork are in MoMA’s collection. The puzzle greyboard contains 90% recycled paper and it measures 18” x 24”. $16.00 The Architecture Building Set was originally designed by Italian artist, designer, and inventor Bruno Munari in 1945. Made in Italy, the new edition allows players to create miniature buildings in 66 wooden blocks made from unhewn beechwood. The enclosed booklet has over 60 building examples to try to replicate. Recommended for ages 12+. $80.00 The 1000-piece Moon and The Earth puzzles were designed by Toronto-based puzzle maker Lindsay Stead in collaboration with NASA Image. The …

Plush Vivacious Vegetables

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These new plush veggie toys are exactly what the world needs right now. Available through the MoMA Design Store, the super-soft Plush Vivacious Vegetables are crafted by the London-based brand Jellycat and include a bell pepper, carrot, leek, onion, and eggplant made of polyester and cotton. Whenever you start to feel stressed, try to imagine a baby chewing on this adorable little onion, or a toddler cuddling up with that little smiling leek at bedtime. It’s better than Xanax. $12.50 each       Joining the veggies are the bipedal Plush Flower Plants ($25.00 each) that were also introduced at the MoMA Design Store Spring 2020 preview earlier this year. All images courtesy MoMA Design Store.

Woolsey Shuffleboard Table

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I’m a huge fan of shuffleboard tables, and can spend hours playing against someone else or even myself. Earlier this year, California craftsman Sean Woolsey launched the Woolsey Shuffleboard Table for fans of the puck sliding game. The handcrafted table features a rift sawn white oak top with two coats of UV-resistant epoxy resin for durability. Black walnut is inlaid as the playing lines and numbers to contrast with the white oak and tie in with the solid walnut legs. The gutters are lined with an industrial charcoal gray felt while hidden levelers are concealed under the top and in the legs. The steel-framed table also comes with four white and four black pucks, plenty of shuffleboard “salt” (wax, powder, and sand) and a magnetic wall mount to hold the pucks when not in use. Each table comes in black and white, comes in 10′ to 16′ sizes, and is built-to-order in six to nine weeks. The table is available from Sean Woolsey Studio starting from $10,000. All of the studio’s products, ranging from lounge …

DIY Shark and Diver Models

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The accessories brand Kontextür has introduced two new model kits created by the Brooklyn-based designer Matt Cavanaugh. Shark and Diver feature flat pieces of vinyl and plastic screws that come in an accordian-style package with graphic step-by-step assembly instructions. So will you be the shark or the diver? ($39.50 each or $79 for the set) Images courtesy of Kontextür.