I love the idea of giving a gift that sparks the creative wheels. Not to sound like a sap, but honestly the blogosphere has been one huge gift of inspiration for me this year. And I'm really loving my new subscription to this magazine, which is full of imagination. Here's a roundup of finds I love that may inspire the work or wonder of someone in your life.
+ I'm stuck on these tailor sheers that make me want to follow-up on my goal to learn how to sew. For a big gift, you could pair these professional sheers with a gift certificate to a local sewing class. One of my resolutions for 2010 is to take a sewing class at Purl. And I imagine these sheers would be just as lovely to have around to snip ribbons.
+ I don't think there's anyone — young or old — who can resist 3-D glasses. Doodle and and watch your drawing jump off the page with this 3-D doodle kit. Super stocking stuffer.
+ There's something magical about a carousel. I love the idea of this laser-cut merry-go-round mobile floating above a little one (comes in white, too.)
+ If you were a fly on the wall of our apartment recently, you would have heard me hint, suggest, and flat-out ask Dan to soup up our iPods with new playlists as the perfect gift for me (please!). We've both slacked on taking the time to update our music collection, and I need good tunes when I'm working on a project. Here's another way to give the inspiring gift of music: a portable balloon speaker that hooks right into your iPod.
+ Every knitter I know is always short on containers for their balls of yarn waiting to be turned into something special. I adore this blockprinted yarn keep as a practical solution for the constant knitter.
+ I think this was the year of Japanese tape. Who wouldn't love a pack of 10 pretty Japanese tapes for countless creative craft projects.
+ Crocodile Creek makes adorable bouncy balls for kids. Here they can play ball and learn about the solar system.
+ Ideas hit me at the most random times, which is why I always need a notebook on hand. These letterpressed faux bois blank books are filled with 300 unlined pages of possibilities.
+ With all the gloomy economic news, I think us grownups need a lighthearted gift in our stocking. This fantastic coloring book features artwork by Lena Corwin, Shabd Simon-Alexander, Mociun and more. And it's ok if you color outside the lines.
+ I never thought I'd get into mini Christmas villages until I saw Stephanie's elf houses. Simply darling. Imagine the little elves living in these handmade homes. And your elf village might need a little tree.
Tomorrow's gift guide will focus on giving a little something green!
