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Modern Gifts: Guest Editors' Picks Guest Editors' Picks

A few of our favorite design editors share what's topping their gift list this season. And we're pretty sure their can't-go-wrong picks will get the "Oh my gosh I love this!" reaction you're looking for.
Who: Jamie Derringer
What: Founder + Editor of Design Milk

Jaime is the founder, editor and spunky blogger at Design-Milk.com. She also has a passion for running and is a self-proclaimed spaz. The worst gift she ever received was a gift certificate to a meat delivery service from a relative that knows she hasn't eaten red meat since she was 13 years old.
Jamie's Gift Picks:
  1. Carrie Gift Basket. I own this, so I would be very comfortable gifting this to someone, knowing its quality and beauty. I would give it to my friend Julie so that we can bike together to the farmer's market.
  2. Eames House Alphabet Blocks. What could be better than eco-friendly and adult-friendly toys for kids? I would give it to my niece since she's still young enough to play with blocks and not yet old enough to like the Jonas Brothers.
  3. Tivoli Audio Model Three AM/FM Clock Radio. I love all of Tivoli's products . . . reminds me a bit of Dieter Ram's work. I would give it to my dad since he hasn't embraced digital music yet.
  4. Fatboy Doggie Lounge. Fatboy, you had me at stain-resistant! If you have dogs, you know how important it is to have a stain-resistant dog bed. I like that it is waterproof too so I can bring it outside in the summertime.
Carrie Gift Basket
Eames House Alphabet Blocks
Tivoli Audio
Fatboy Doggie Lounge
DHS Work Lamp
Uten.Silo
Eames Elephants
Who: Erin Loechner
What: Design Blogger + Freelance Magazine Editor

Erin's unique perspective on the design industry earned her honors as one of the London Time's top 50 design bloggers in the world. Her quirky blog, DesignforMankind.com, is a daily addiction for design lovers across the globe. You can also follow her very own home renovation on HGTV's Design Happens blog. As for the worst present she's ever received? A sheer, used bath robe from her grandmother. Bless her heart.
Erin's Gift Picks:
  1. DHS Work Lamp. A good friend of mine is always begging me to school her on Stockholm design goodies, and this is a lovely piece to jump start her collection!
  2. Uten.Silo. I've been in love with this product for years, as I'm a compartmentalizer of the worst kind. Perfect for the visual thinker and the gal who has everything—and no space to store it all! In other words, myself!
  3. Eames Elephants. Oh, there is little space for all the reasons I love this classic. I would give one of these to my godson, Charlie. The blue palette works perfectly with his room (I decorated it!) and I'd love to see his sweet face lounging on top of it during story time.
Who: Joel Pirela
What: Graphic and Industrial Designer + Contributing Editor

Joel is the jack of all trades. Not only is he a graphic and industrial designer, but he's the founder of BlueAntStudio.com which showcases a curated collection of modern architecture, home accessories and design trends. He's also a contributor to Design-Milk.com and Apartment Therapy's Unplggd.com. He was also a winner in YLiving's Small Spaces contest last summer. But even with that kind of design talent and good taste, he still gets bad gifts. The worst of the worst? When he was 35, he was given a hamster. And to this day, still doesn't know if it was a joke.
Joel's Gift Picks:
  1. Eames Bird. The way it stands; it has a majestic presence, like a guardian. And if it was good enough for Charles and Ray Eames, it is good enough for me. I would give this to newlyweds or a design-conscious teenager (start ‘em young!).
  2. Juicy Salif Miniature Citrus Squeezer. It looks like it was designed by aliens. I would give it to anyone that needs to start a collection.
  3. Cycloc Bicycle Storage. I like the simplicity of the design and the color selection of the Cycloc. This is perfect for the outdoorsy family member or friend. Storage space is always limited at home. This is a great solution.
  4. Mono Cimetric Tray. With a very architectural design, this tray almost looks like a modern chaise lounge. This is a great gift for anyone that entertains in style, or wants to make a visual statement with class.
Eames Bird
Juicy Salif Minature
Cycloc Bicycle Storage
Mono Cimetric Tray
Lou Lou Ghost Chair
Grass Vase
Waterproof Floating Lantern
Who: Jennifer Mitchell
What: Interior Designer + Blogger

Jennifer's love for design started at a young age (we hear her Barbie Doll houses were killer). Today, she's an interior designer and writes a daily blog at DesignHole.com that gives tips on how to turn your home into a place you'll love to live in. When Jennifer was in college she dated a guy who, as it turns out, wasn't so Rico Suave when it came to gift-giving. One Christmas he gave her the “promise” of a round trip train ticket to New York –on the condition she use it for a job interview.
Jennifer's Gift Picks:
  1. Lou Lou Ghost Chair. This is the perfect gift for Marina and Mathias, a stylist and architect living in Geneva, Switzerland. Plus, they're expectant parents. Philippe Starck's Ghost Chair, in a mini size, is a contemporary spin on the traditional "silver spoon." But I recommend you choose a color (they're way better than clear).
  2. Grass Vase. This is a gift for Jean, a master gardener. When in doubt, give someone a vase. You can never have too many nice ones. I like this vase because its design does half the work of the flower arranging. But of course for Jean, this isn't a problem.
  3. Waterproof Floating Lantern. This is a gift for Judith and Joe – entertainers extraordinaire (with a pool). I really love these pool lamps. For pool lighting you need light so you can see in the dark. Then, you need drama. Tea lights are great for the patio, but nothing adds glamour like just one floating lantern. Judith will be my BFF forever.
See Other Gift Ideas: Top Sellers | Under $100 | Guest Editors' Picks | Techie Modernist | Classic Modernist | Happy Hour Modernist | Mini Modernist | Offbeat Modernist

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