1 Soft Series by BassamFellows
BassamFellows uses the off-cuts from its popular solid walnut Tractor Stool to create the tabletop collection that includes this modular box set for storing paperclips and postage stamps. Available through Design Within Reach. Starts at $165.
2 F,l,o,w,e,r,s Ruler by Studio Note
Norkhiko Terayama makes each of these beautiful rulers by hand, embedding real flowers into a thin piece of acrylic. Each bud is meticulously placed with tweezers in one-centimetre intervals. Available through Mjölk. $220.
3 Pen Monster by Okolo
The ultimate pen afficionado’s accessory: a case for holding just four writing utensils. The vibration-absorbing wooden sleeve ensures minimal lead breakage. Available through Okolo. $54.
4 Halftone Rollerball for Acme Studio
Vancouver’s Todd Falkowsky is one of dozens of celebrated designers invited to give Acme pens a new look. His pixilated graphic is gleaned from an image of national heroes, like Terry Fox – a tiny nod to Canadiana that Acme collectors north of the 49th can appreciate. Available through Acme Studio. $73.
5 Heavy Weight by Black + Blum
Black + Blum’s latest is serious about good taping. Its sturdy cast iron core means you can pull a strip of tape with one hand without the one-kilo dispenser moving an inch. It also has a forged stainless steel blade for a perfect cut. Available through Black + Blum. $50.
6 Eraser Brush by Present and Correct
Simple, unbranded and utilitarian, this wood-encased eraser and brush is made by visually impaired craftspeople in Berlin. Available through Present and Correct. $15.
7 Locus 3Way by Metaphys
Metaphys of Japan won a Good Design award in 2008 for this slim tool that combines a pen, mechanical pencil and eraser all in one. Available through Japanese Modern Design. $9
8 36 Colors Pencil Set by Düller and IDEA
Possibly the most beautiful box of coloured pencils ever made comes from Düller art suppliers of Germany. It is the perfect marriage between its two designers’ aesthetics: Dietrich Lubs was the chief designer of the Braun clock and Naori Miyazki heads up Japan’s IDEA. Colours include Prussian blue, Van Dyke Brown, wisteria, pale orange and vermilion. Available through Vetted Shop. $60.
9 Communicator by Marti Guixé for Alessi
The Barcelona designer always finds an ingenious way to incorporate handwritten text into his products. Lately, he’s been creating a number of products for Alessi, including this polished stainless steel desk organizer equipped with “branches” for holding Post-it notes. Available though Alessi. $93.
Pick up Azure‘s November/December 2011 issue, currently on newsstands, for more great holiday ideas.