Image via Complex Original
It's almost the end of the year, so that means you have some major shopping to do. Between religious holidays, crazy sales, and the New Year, this is prime time in terms of scratching that retail itch. But with so many options, it's hard to know where to start sometimes. To help you out, we decided to make this list of the best design items that should probably be on your shopping list this month, either for yourself or for someone who deserves it.
Hövding Invisible Helmet
They say safety first, so here you go! The Hövding Invisible Helmet is an impressive bit of design born out of the desire to be both fashionable and safe while bike riding. Designers Terese Alstin and Anna Haupt of Denmark both hated standard bike helmets for being cumbersome and unattractive, so they designed this device that the rider wears around his/her neck instead. In the event of an accident, the Hovding deploys a single-use airbag in the shape of a standard helmet that envelops the head and protects the rider from serious injury. As a fashion device, there are various patterns available but we think the classic black is the way to go.
Pantone Holiday Ornaments
Nothing says "I'm proud to be a design nerd" like Pantone Christmas ornaments on your tree. Actually, you don't have to celebrate Christmas to buy these dope ornaments. You can hang them from a chandelier in July if you want and they'll still be awesome. There are 10 colors to choose from including 186 Ruby Red, 2120 Honey Suckle, and 7406 Yellow Mimosa.
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Bosse Tools Ergonomic Shovel
If you've ever used a shovel then your body is rejoicing at the sight of this redesigned model from Bosse Tools. Founder Stephen Walden was sick of all the pain he put himself through using standard shovels and got to work making one that takes cues from mid-length handles found on tools like hedge trimmers. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the company is now taking pre-orders for the line of shovels via their website. It would make the perfect gift for any homeowner (or you can keep it for yourself).
Pepper Spray iPhone Case from Spraytect
With the holiday season approaching, people are beginning to get a little crazy. Before you head out to that late night party, you may want to arm yourself to stay safe. Spraytect has you covered with their pepper spray iPhone cases. The cases have a built in holder on the back that holds a mini can of pepper spray, so if a mugger tries to take your gift bags in a parking lot, you will be prepared. The company currently sells cases for the iPhone 4 and 4s, but there are cases out there for other models that will also keep you safe.
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The UnBrella
Hiroshi Kajimoto of Japanese design company h-concept inverted the classic design of an umbrella to solve the number one problem that people have when the wind becomes too powerful. The UnBrella doesn't flip inside out because the wire structure is already on the outside when the device is in use. The solution seems so simple now that it has been done, doesn't it? The UnBrella's design also lets it stand freely while closed. Check out the promo video for the UnBrella below:
La Fonction No. 1 Mobile Workstation
The La Fonction No. 1 is essentially a laptop carrying case and portable office in one. With compartments for your computer, notepads, pens, and other materials, you can run your business or do your homework anywhere, or simply use it to privately view a piece of media thanks to the privacy wings on either side. When you're done, the workstation folds into a classy leather shoulder bag.
The La Fonction No. 1 may be a little pricey for some, but it appears to be made from high quality materials by people who know what they're doing. Check out the promo vid below:
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The Gramohorn II
The Gramohorn II is a 3D-printed acoustic speaker designed for the HTC One and inspired by the 19th century audio recording device. Without wires or batteries, the Gramohorn is able to channel the smartphone's audio and amplify it up to 50 percent. As long as your phone has juice, you can keep the party going anywhere. Each iteration of the Gramohorn is made as a limited run and then the plans are deleted, so you may want to act fast.
The "Pencil" Wooden iPad Stylus
Most iPad stylus designs look exactly the same, but fiftythree is working to change that. The "Pencil" is a stylus with a real wood exterior designed to resemble a carpenter's pencil. The palm rejection feature of the Pencil allows the user to rest his/her hand on the tablet screen while writing from whichever angle is most comfortable. It also fits in the hand more naturally than a round stylus while you use your fingers to blend or smudge your artwork, turn a page, or switch applications. Did we mention that the core slides out for easy recharging via your computer's USB port? Brilliant.
The Pili Double-Decker Table
This Ricard Mollon designed table is perfect for storing and displaying those big coffee table art books so that you still have space to sit your food or kick up your feet. The legs are built at the center of the table to maximize leg room and the glass layers are connected in the center, making it easier to clean and providing obstruction-free access to your stuff.
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Orbit Oil & Vinegar Set
This nifty little kitchen set from XD Design saves space by placing the balsamic vinegar container inside the olive oil container (or vice versa) and it looks really cool. You could pretend you're Heisenberg cooking up a batch of...brown? OK, maybe not, but this is a really cool and smart product. We wish everything in our kitchen pulled double duty like this.
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