Mid-Century Modern Holiday Gift Guide
Thanksgiving has come and gone, which means it is official: Christmas is on its way!
If you’re one of those people who has gifts purchased and wrapped by Black Friday, then this post isn’t for you... for everyone else, here are some great suggestions for mid-century modern Christmas gifts.
From the top coffee table books to stocking stuffers with modern style, use this mid-century modern gift guide for friends, family members and stylish people everywhere.
Mid-Century Modern Coloring Books
The adult coloring book trend may have hit its peak a year or two ago, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be an amazing gift at Christmastime. Coloring books are cheap, and they travel well for any holiday trips away from home. Best of all, they are the perfect activity to enjoy that day. As your family and friends sit around nibbling on chocolates from the stockings and smelling the turkey cooking, you can color in awesome designs in books like Mid-Century Modern Patterns, Mid-Century Modern Mania or Retro Groovy Cats.
Vitra Eames House Bird
Perhaps one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable pieces of mid-century modern design is the so-called “Eames Bird”. The very first bird in this style was a piece of Appalachian Folk Art. During a photo shoot featuring chairs in the 1950s, Ray and Charles Eames decided to include the small, black wooden bird. Vitra used 3-D scanning to replicate the bird, and now you can buy a Vitra Eames House Bird for any design enthusiasts on your shopping list.
If you want to take it one step further, you can try 3D printing the Eames House Bird. Yes, really! We used this design from Thingiverse and it turned out great. (Kalamazoo folks: The local library will let you print out small 3D items for free.)
Tickets to an MCM Home Tour
When someone has a perfectly curated home, it’s hard to guess what could possibly improve it. When you’d rather give an experience than a physical item, consider buying tickets to an MCM home tour. There are so many incredible homes that are open to the public, and there’s a good chance that you’ll find one near you. Just a few that we have visited and loved include:
If you’re hunting for the right place locally, check out the DOCOMOMO page and look for local events. Or, head to this list of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings open to the public.
Eames/Uniqlo Products
We’ve talked about the Eames/Uniqlo collection before, but only because the products really are surprisingly great. The price point is low (most items are under $20), and they hold up well. Slippers, blankets, scarves and T-shirts are simple and appealing products that can appeal to all types of people. Plus, the iconic Eames Dot pattern sets these items apart from your run-of-the-mill stocking stuffers. (If you can find any of the blankets left, they are seriously soft.)
Gifts from the Guggenheim or MOMA
Although the Guggenheim and MOMA are both worth a visit, you don't have to go to New York in order to snag amazing gifts from their gift shops. Online, both the Guggenheim and MOMA sell a range of fantastic products, many of which can make excellent holiday gifts. From the MOMA Design Store, you can buy anything from a gorgeous Finn Juhl cabinet to a $60 Mondrian scarf. At the Guggenheim Store, look for a playful Alexander Calder watch or the wooden doll collection from Alexander Girard. If you don't know what to buy someone, these two websites are a treasure trove of great ideas to browse through.
Danish Teak Serving Trays
Instead of bringing another bottle of wine to the next holiday party, bring a gift for the hosts that will truly stand out. Danish teak serving trays are a classic favorite, and anyone who loves mid-century modern style will appreciate your good taste. These items will typically only be found in vintage condition, and they can be quite affordable. Try Etsy or eBay for a wide range of choices, many of which will come in under $50 - even with shipping. Stick on a bow, and you're ready to go. Don't forget to buy yourself one, because these vintage wooden trays can look amazing at your own holiday dinners or parties.
Mid-Century Coffee Table Books
A thick, hardcover coffee table book is often the perfect gift for a friend or family member. There's certainly no shortage of mid-century texts, but narrowing them down and finding the right one can be tricky. Of course, it helps if you know what the recipient is most interested in. If they are interested in woodworking or beautiful wooden furniture, then Nature Form and Spirit by Mira Nakashima has some breathtaking photographs and fascinating insights. Neutra: The Complete Works is a pure visual treat.
Still can't find exactly what you're looking for? Let us help! We have a wide range of mid-century furnishings available in the Trystcraft shop. You can also contact us about online gift certificates. Just choose your amount, and we'll send you or your intended recipient a coupon code to use on all of our available products. Happy shopping!
