I live in an apartment entirely too small to house the dog I intend to someday own, but that hasn’t stopped me from finding just the right accessories for my pooch. I’ve already got the leash in mind, but now I’m obsessing over these amazing designer hanging feeders from These Creatures. Not only do these funky feeders provide a stylish and ergonomic dining station for your dog, but a percentage of the company’s profits goes to the support of animal rescue organizations that make the world a better place for animals and the people who love them. Now I just need to convince them to create a Vizsla version. —Erica P.

Wishing for:

Mini Gasket Seat, $133.11
Dear Santa: I have been coveting one of these slot-together seat-cum-table thingies from Zaishu for the longest time but have balked at the shipping charges from Australia. But you could just sling one on the back of your sleigh, couldn’t you?

Painting by Amy Ruppel, $100
If you’re looking to get me something smaller and more easily transportable, then I wouldn’t say no to this little 5 1/2” x 5 1/2“ guy by Portland-based artist Amy Ruppel. In fact, I have to admit that I liked it so much I couldn’t wait for you to buy it, but there are still a few others left in her latest online art sale.

Wood Button Coasters, $44
Something cheaper you say? I’ve been good, but not THAT good?
Well, I adore these wooden button coasters from Eden and Eden.

Billie Candle Holders by Jean Pelle, $80/pair
Or maybe these polished and ebonized wooden candle holders from Jean Pelle.

And you know that chocolate is ALWAYS acceptable, don’t you? A teensy weensy 10-bar stack of truffle bars from Seattle Chocolates would do just fine. Believe me.

City in a Bag — London, $14
And for that little something something, I’m thrilled that Muji has finally opened an online store in the US and would love this little wooden London set to sit on my desk and remind me of home. (If you’re not a Londoner like me, they also do other cities including New York, Paris, and Tokyo).

Shopping for:

Lundy Stockholm Dollhouse, $200
I just also wanted to say how delighted I am that you will be bringing my small daughter a Lundby Stockholm Dollhouse. It has lights! And a swimming pool in a drawer! And sun loungers! I am beyond excited and might even let her play with it sometimes.

Illy Almodóvar Collection Espresso, set of six, $150
I am also very happy that you’ve bought my coffee-loving husband the latest collectible set of Illy espresso cups, designed by Pedro Almodóvar. Actually, I’m a bit worried about this one, though really, how can he object since they’re covered with pictures of Penelope Cruz? If they’re really too girly for him, you know I’ll give them a very loving home.

But maybe you ought to get him an Eames House of Cards, $35, just in case.

Chocolate Pie Chart, $20
And why not throw in a Chocolate Pie Chart from Mary and Matt while you’re at it? Lots of love and a big hug to Rudolph. — Paola T.

Sarah C’s list
Sarah L’s list
Mary T’s list
Megan B’s list
Katie D’s list

I used to ride my bike around New York, until I had an unfortunate mishap with a car door (but that’s a story for another time). I had a big wire basket attached to my handlebars, but I’m pretty sure if I still had my bike I would replace it with this JanSport 1989 Bike Swinger, $58. I love that your belongings can be safely zippered inside while you ride, and the whole bag can be easily removed for carrying with you. The bag comes in navy or orange from Urban Outfitters. — Erica P.

Wishing for:

IKEA PS MASKROS light, $89.99
It’s made up of hundreds of paper flowers like a big giant dandelion. I have no where to put this yet, but I’d love to have one ready to be the first thing we unpack in our new home (wherever that may be).

Jamie’s Food Revolution, $26.25
I’ve leafed through this cookbook and want to make everything in it. It’s chock full of easy pasta bakes, beginner curries, and gorgeous photos that make me hungry.

A marquee @ sign from Urban Outfitters, $178
This baby would really light up my windowless office. It’s a vintage-inspired nod to our digital world (and my career path!).

A pretty bib necklace to wear with my many cardigans. I always feel silly buying jewelry for myself.

Shopping for:

A Zoku Quick Pop Maker from Williams-Sonoma, $49.95
I really wanted to get this for a family member, but it’s on back order until January! Doh!

For some of my creative buds, something from MoMA’s Tim Burton Collection. Maybe a book or a collectible doll.

A colorful desk lamp for someone whose work space is too dark. If I had money to burn, I’d splurge on a Pablo Link Lamp from Velocity Art & Design.

And finally, limited-edition Nod Chair, $49.95, for Isadora’s new room. — Angela M.

Sarah C’s list
Sarah L’s list
Mary T’s list
Megan B’s list
Katie D’s list

1) Grandmas like Tom & Jerrys. Ellie says: “Aw thanks for the Tom & Jerry recipe, it should come in handy because that’s the smallest batch I’ve ever seen. It is the only drink my nan will have, she’s funny like that; i’m still hoping it isn’t because her name is Jerry.” Click for the link to the recipe.

2) It’s not just Sarah L who wants a Gilmore Girls movie for Christmas. Allison says: “I may or may not have just peed my pants a little in finding out that there will be a Gilmore Girls movie.” Okay, to be clear, it’s still a rumor, but you can learn more here.

3) You can even DIY a rain barrel. Hillary says: “You could make your own rain barrels and spend money on pretty things. Thanks for the tip! See Mary T’s wish list here.

4) You can also make wallets out of Post-Its. Simone Rene says: “I am busy making sticky notepad wallets for my addicted friends – the question I keep asking myself is what did we do before them??” The question we have for you, Simon, is “How do you make a sticky note wallet?!” See Erica’s love for jumbo sticky notes.

5) Magna-Tiles are worth the investment. Daffodil says: “If you’re feeling flush enough to get the Magna-Tiles for your nephew, you’ll be the best aunt ever! My son is also three and plays with these at preschool every day. They’re especially cool on a light table. By the time I figured out what these were called and where to buy them, we’d already spent our Christmas budget. I am hoping he gets enough gift cards/cash for Christmas to get some of these — then we’ll have Grandpa help us build a light table and then we will have a self-entertaining three-year-old! (Hmmm, a self-entertaining three-year-old. Perhaps the price is not so steep after all!)” Love it! See them here.

Photo by Jon Dixon

Could an old holiday drink be your new holiday drink? The Tom and Jerry at Saveur.

Remember the Joey Roth ceramic speakers? According to Boing Boing, they sound as good as they look.

Confused by the Art Basel art fair? Apparently you’re not alone.

Candy cane chocolate pretzels — yum — at Sweet Savory Life.

The smells of the season: Make your own potpourri at Make it Do.

Think your friends are hard to shop for? Whorange goes shopping for Andy Warhol.

The upcycled teapot lamp — love it or hate it?

The Times UK lists 50 of the world’s top design blogs. (No, we weren’t on it, but that’s okay — lots of great new sites to explore!)

Also at the Times, a thoughtful article on the Pogues’ Fairytale of New York. What’s your favorite Christmas song?

Wishing for:

Lutz & Patmos Honeycomb Pillow Cover, $44
It doesn’t get comfier. A thousand times yes!

Cuisinart 3-Cup Mini Food Processor, $39.95
My kitchen isn’t getting any bigger anytime soon. This would be a nice complement to the hand mixer, $49.95, that I would like to serve as a placeholder for the KitchenAid stand mixer of my big-kitchen dreams.

Tabletop Danish Terrarium, $179
We’ve fulfilled our fake-plant quota in the apartment. It’s time to spiff up that sill with the real deal.

Voluspa Seasons Candle Tin, $18
I am all about candles, but I don’t usually buy them for myself. I’d also love a whiff of Angela’s recommended fir candle this season!

Shopping for:

Miniature Book of Quotations, $9
Perfect for my sister, who is always writing quotes down to have at the ready.

One Line a Day, a five-year memory book, $16.99
Even if life is hectic, it’s still important to remember the worth in every day, even if only in a sentence. This would be great for my very busy best friends from college.

L’Occitane Hand Cream Medley, $45
Our apartment is far too dry, and my roommate loves scented products. We should probably get a humidifier for our chapped hands, but that won’t smell like African flowers!

Latte Bowls, $30 for six
So simple, but I love these. Available in so many sizes and colors in-store, they’d be the perfect thing to help a friend who has just moved add some color to the kitchen.

n-a-p Cuddle Blanket, $39.95
I lied above. There’s a tie for comfiest between what I think the pillows must feel like, and how soft I know the n-a-p blanket is. My mom would love this. I’m not letting her know about their Snuggie-esque version. — Sarah C.

Sarah L’s list
Mary T’s list
Megan B’s list
Katie D’s list

Just in time for holiday party season comes the CaliBowl, designed to help dips and salsas stay on your chip and not on your tablecloth. Its ergonomic wave-shaped lip actually rolls food back towards the center of the bowl and on to your dipper of choice, making the CaliBowl not only great for parties, but also incredibly helpful for utensil-training toddlers. I was lucky enough to try a small bowl out on Thanksgiving, and my tabletop stayed beautifully pristine in spite of a barrage of guacamole-crazed guests. It’s available in many sizes and colors, and in both ceramic and BPA-free plastic, starting at just $13.99. — Megan B.

Wishing for:

“Silhouette: The Art of the Shadow” by Emma Rutherford and Lulu Guinness, $40.95

An EAPG cut bowl, $24.99 on eBay
My husband says he is not getting me a “used” bowl for Christmas, so my hopes will have to lie elsewhere.

Natural Red Striped Provence tablecloth, $64 from LinenMe

Finally, news that the rumored “Gilmore Girls” movie is a reality. (Sorry, but the series ender didn’t come close to doing it for me.)

Shopping for:

“The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman, $10.52, for my nephew

A Roku for my husband, $80
Hopefully he got me lots of books so I don’t have to sit through any Netflix instant viewings of Mad Max 1, 2, or 3. (Roku photo via Amazon.)

For my two-year-old nephew, pjs. But to ensure I’m not boring Aunt Sarah, he’s also getting a superhero cape I made with his initial on it, a “Peter Pan” Little Golden Book and a felt Peter Pan hat and sword, made by me as well with instructions from Make It and Love It.

And for my sister, the large round Tiffin Food Box, $39, and a One Story subscription. — Sarah L.

Mary T’s list
Megan B’s list
Katie D’s list

When it comes to the holidays, I am all for the handwritten card. While traditional snail mail is always my preference, I’ve been receiving more and more family newsletters, photo postcards and even e-cards as season’s greetings. Peggy Post, great-granddaughter-in-law of courtesy queen Emily Post, addresses this trend and even approves these methods with some qualifications: Newsletters are to be kept concise and closed with a personal note, and e-mail greetings are to be directed only at those who communicate primarily online. Clearly, there are many creative and courteous ways to send seasonal well wishes, so tell me: what’s your style? — Sarah C.

Photo by Flickr member alternatekev