Design Core’s 2019 Gift Guide

Where is the Design Core team shopping this year for the holidays? We are looking directly to our Detroit Design Network members. Here's a roundup of our top 12 gifts made in Detroit. Support Detroit designers and shop locally for everyone on your gift list.

Click Clock by Aratani Fay -- $135
Click-Clock is a stained porcelain timepiece made of softly sculpted lines that gently hint at the time of day. Shadows on the surface change with the passage of sunlight while the silent movement peacefully dissolves the clamor of life. $135

About the makers: Aratani・Fay is a collaborative design studio by Ayako Aratani and Evan Fay, based in Pontiac, MI. Both received an MFA in 3D design at Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2016 and founded the studio shortly after their graduation.

 

The Side Table by Floyd -- $205
The Floyd Side Table is versatility at its Floyd-est. Whether it serves as a bedside table, sofa-side table, end table, or a place to set your porcelain llama statue, this round beauty fits perfectly in every room of the house. A sturdy, solid design that can also be a stool when you need one. $205

About the maker: Floyd began because we were tired of disposable furniture. So we set out to design products of lasting quality for how people live today. Furniture should be made for the home, not the landfill. Made with materials that last. It’s a different way of making furniture. We call it furniture for keeping.

Forever Unplanned by Paisley Paper-- $30

You remember the Unplanned Planner. You loved it. Now Paisley Paper has Forever Unplanned. What's new? This is an undated planner. You can start today, next month or next year!

About the maker: Paisley Paper Co. designs greeting cards, paper goods and apparel. Made with love in Detroit.

 

Botanic Garland Tea Towels by Scarlet Crane -- $16
This 100% Cotton Flour Sack Tea Towel is perfect for wrapping your baked goods, keeping dinner wine cool or simply brightening your space. It’s durable, highly absorbent and features an elegant botanical print.

About the maker: A dedicated micro-batch textile printing house, Scarlet Crane Creations provides all natural textiles that are durable, stylish and a great fit for any lifestyle. 

 

Neon Bracelet by ElaineB -- $80
A geometric sculpture of it's own, the Neon Bracelet holds its shape as a statement bangle.  It takes up space, has air and light and casts a great shadow.

About the maker: ElaineB jewelry is a design studio that hand-makes jewelry for women, offering everything from alternative-style engagement rings to custom designs and every day pieces. 

 

Ripple Mugs by Form & Seek -- $40
Ripple Cups are revisiting geometry and textures on a small scale. Inspired by old Greek doriccolumns, Ripple mugs are stackable to occupy less shelf space. Ripple cups come in a set of 2 to enjoy your hot beverage with a loved one.

About the maker: Form & Seek creates and curates uniquely crafted products and experiences. Each product emerges from a powerful narrative and is fueled by an interest in human behavior and interaction with objects.

 

Organic Shea Butter with Vitamin E by Ilera --  $15
This raw shea butter, infused with a rich complex of vitamin E works together to replenish the skin, soften fine lines and reduce aging. 

About the maker: ILERA Apothecary was founded by Chinonye and Nneji Akunne with the mission of bringing transparency to the beauty industry by creating vegan and organic skincare products. Products are handmade in Detroit, Michigan with ingredients sustainably sourced in West Africa.

 

Welcome to the Jungle Doormat by Reed Wilson Design-- $50

RWD doormats are constructed from natural coir (coconut) fiber bristles, which are inserted into a weatherproof vinyl backing. Letters are applied through an electrostatic flocking process that permanently bonds the black fibers to the coir.

About the maker: Reed Wilson Design strives to create products that have wit and universal appeal, drawing inspiration from overlooked objects that we interact with everyday.

 

Lighting by Strake Studio -- $200+

Shop handmade wood pendants. The slits spread the light while hindering glare and presenting a vertical gradient from center.

About the makers: Strake Studio is a team of designers and engineers sharing a passion for the outdoors. Utilizing tools and techniques learned through their careers, their goal is to bring the outdoors in.

 

Mini Kelp by Donut Shop -- $150
Mini Kelp is a small sculpture handmade out of blackened steel. It originated as a form study for a larger lamp produced by Donut Shop. Dimensions: 10.75" x 4" x 3"

About the maker: Donut Shop is an independent design studio based in Detroit and co-founded by Jake Saphier and Ian Klipa. The studio specializes in designing and fabricating furniture, interior spaces and objects. 

*NOTE: This sculpture is a limited run. To purchase, email hello@donutshopdesign.com. Cost $150, +$15 for standard shipping. Available for free pick-up at the Donut Shop studio.

 

HME Covers and Scarves by the Track Shop -- $10+

Scarves have always been the perfect accessory and people with a tracheostomy can take full advantage of this look with these light weight scarves. All scarves coordinate with our HME covers as well as out Trach Ties.

About the maker: Traci is the mother of a beautiful 17 year old girl who has a tracheostomy. With a background and expertise in fashion design, Traci's mission is to bring new and exciting products that will help the tracheostomy community look and feel great!

 

I Have Mixed Drinks About Feelings Bottle Opener by Woodward Throwbacks -- $25

A handmade bottle opener made from reclaimed wood. Measurements: 13" x 3.5" x 0.75"

About the makers: Woodward Throwbacks is a passion project turned business. It was developed by Detroit residents Bo Shepherd and Kyle Dubay as a way to furnish their apartments and clean up their streets.