It’s that time of year again—our favorite episode to put together. A moment to look back at the objects, experiences, and ideas that sparked creativity for us this year. From books that moved us to tools that surprised us to experiences we can’t stop recommending, we’ve gathered a set of gift ideas for the designers, makers, and curious people in your life (including you).
We’re starting with budget-friendly picks and moving up from there, so whether you’re filling a stocking or going big, you’ll find something here. Let’s get into it.
Before we get to the list, if you’re looking to give (or get) the gift of education, for the next week only you can get or gift a year of premium for 25% off, our only sale of the year. Buying a year-long subscription will get you to our ever-expanding Design Better Toolkit (with over $2K in discounts on tools and courses), as well as monthly AMAs, ad-free episodes, and our library of books. Doing this also supports anyone who can’t afford a subscription through our scholarship program.
Aarron’s list
Burlap and Barrel Spices
Think of it as the third-wave coffee movement, but for your spice cabinet. Burlap and Barrel works directly with farmers around the world to source incredible, fair-trade spices. Their royal cinnamon is life-changing (Aaron’s cinnamon rolls have never been better), and their vanilla kit is a revelation. Great gift sets available.
Burlap and Barrel Spices ($7–30)
Rancho Gordo
Heirloom beans, chilies, and sauces from this legendary California producer. The La Paloma mild sauce is so good that Aarron and his wife accidentally bought each other six bottles of it. Perfect for the home cook who cares about ingredients.
Rancho Gordo beans and sauces ($6-30)
Eames Playing Cards
From the Eames Institute or MoMA. Geometric, functional, beautiful—everything Charles and Ray stood for. These are easy to read mid-game (which matters when you’re competitive) and make a wonderful gift for any design-minded friend.
Eames Starburst Playing Cards (~$18)
Ohto Mechanical Pencil
This pencil has the warmth and feel of a wooden pencil with the precision of a mechanical one. Great eraser, practical design—a perfect stocking stuffer.
OHTO Mechanical Pencil Wood Sharp (~$10)
Teenage Engineering
These little synth toys are endlessly fun—great for musicians, aspiring producers, or curious kids. You can chain them together, customize sounds, and spark creative exploration. The design is pure joy.
Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators (~$60)
Splurge gift: if you’re looking for something at the other end of the budget spectrum, the TP7 field recorder is an amazing product.
JCPAL Keyboards
If you spend your days in Premiere, Photoshop, or Final Cut, these keyboards have all the quick keys built right in. A big productivity upgrade for creative pros.
JCPAL Shortcut Keyboards (~$120)
Imogene + Willie
An American clothing brand based in Nashville with deep roots in denim. Their t-shirts feel like a perfectly broken-in vintage tee, and everything is made thoughtfully with cotton sourced within 40 miles of production. Quality over quantity.
Imogene and Willie: Graphic tees, denim, all of it! $60
Tannen’s Magic Shop
If you’re in New York, seek out this legendary hidden magic shop—home to Harry Houdini’s bathtub and a library of magic history. A destination for magic lovers and curious explorers alike.
Vacation with an Artist
Give the gift of learning. This program sends people to spend time with working artists around the world—like a quilting retreat in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, where African-American women have been making stunning geometric quilts for generations. You support artists and craftspeople while gaining a new skill.
Vacation with an Artist (varies)
Bonus gift: bring along this handy little watercolor travel kit to capture your experience.
The Gift of Repair
Sometimes the best gift isn’t something new—it’s restoring something old. Find a local tailor, cobbler, or craftsperson and repair the things you love.
Bonus: look into Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold leaf. Kits are sold on Etsy.
Kimosabé
A small shop in Taos, New Mexico filled with Native American art, jewelry, and artifacts—Kachina dolls, textiles, vintage bracelets. These are transgenerational objects: things you’ll pass down. Worth a visit in person or online.
Kimosabé Vintage Southwest (varies)
Nash Guitars
For the musician in your life, there’s nothing like an instrument that lights you up. Nash builds vintage-spec guitars—like Aaron’s 1952-style Telecaster—that feel like the real thing without the $70K price tag. Playing music changes your brain in positive ways, and deepens human connection.
(Bonus: if a guitar isn’t quite in the budget, you can always grab a Gibson-themed item of clothing from the brand Billy Reid).
Nash guitars (~$1,700+ used)
Eli’s list
Replay by Jordan Mechner
The creator of Prince of Persia delivers a gorgeous graphic novel memoir about his family’s escape from Nazi Germany. Jordan illustrated it himself after years of doodling and practice—and the result is deeply moving. We had him on the show this year, and the range of his creativity is inspiring.
Replay: Memoir of an Uprooted Family by Jordan Mechner (~$25).
The Lexicon of Comicana
Ever wondered what to call those little sweat droplets above a cartoon character’s head? Cartoonist Mort Walker created a whole dictionary for these visual conventions. It’s playful, nerdy, and perfect for anyone who loves comics or illustration (this one is a suggestion from cartoonist and friend of the show Jason Chatfield) .
Lexicon of Comicana (~$20)
Bonus: Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud. A classic that belongs on every designer’s shelf.
Draplin Design Co. Merch (~$30–40)
Last month we interviewed Portland-based designer Aaron Draplin (keep an ear out for his episode, dropping soon). The guy just exudes joy. His hats, patches, and stickers are full of that familiar Americana vibe—colorful, irreverent, and endlessly fun. Check out his site and stock up.
Draplin Design Co. Merch (~$7–$50)
Bosch Laser Level
Eli used this to build out his new office and now can’t stop using it to hang art. It’s one of those tools you don’t know you need until you have one—then you wonder how you ever lived without it.
Bosch Laser Level (~$50)
The Magic Patio
Andrew is a magician (and Design Better guest) who runs a hidden speakeasy-style magic show in San Francisco. It’s intimate, surprising, and unforgettable. Perfect for a special occasion.
The Magic Patio with Andrew Evans (tickets ~$60)
The James Brand
We visited The James Brand studio in Portland last month (and will release a special episode with The James Brand co-founder Ryan Coulter soon…stay tuned!). We saw all the prototypes that led to this beautifully minimal wallet. Inspired by vintage cigarette cases, it forces you to pare down to the essentials.
The Lowe Wallet by The James Brand (~$120)
iFly Indoor Skydiving
The skydiving experience without the risk. Eli went with his whole family and they loved it—safe, thrilling, and accessible for age 3 to 103. A great alternative to more “stuff.”
iFly Indoor Skydiving (varies)
Allmodern Tripoli Area Rug
Eli picked this up while decorating his new office. The bright colors and warmth it brings make it feel less like a workspace and more like a place you actually want to spend time.
Allmodern Tripoli Area Rug (~$50–$400 depending on size)
Eames Hang-It-All
Another Eames-inspired gift, and a design icon that’s also genuinely useful. Eli has one in his new office; Aaron’s kids hang their backpacks on theirs. They’re modular, timeless, and get better with daily use.
Eames Hang-it-All ($100-$250+ used/new)
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo’s latest is as thoughtfully designed as ever—social, communal, and built for playing together. A great gift for families or anyone who appreciates design that brings people closer.
Nintendo Switch 2 ($350+)
Rhythm Light
A beautifully designed light developed by one of Eli’s former design students at Stanford, to combat seasonal affective disorder. If you or someone you love struggles with winter darkness, this could be genuinely life-changing.
Rhythm therapy light (pre-sale)
If you’re looking to give (or get) the gift of education, for the next week only you can get or gift a year of premium for 25% off, our only sale of the year. Buying a year-long subscription will get you to our ever-expanding Design Better Toolkit (with over $2K in discounts on tools and courses), as well as monthly AMAs, ad-free episodes, and our library of books. Doing this also supports anyone who can’t afford a subscription through our scholarship program.
