Wishing for:

Cloche Bell Jar, $20-50
It’s been a buckle-down kind of a year, and most of what I’m wishing for reflects that. But I’ll put this at the top of my list ’cause it’s pretty! (I have some goofy stuff around the house that I’d like to display this way.)

Jiffy Esteam Travel Steamer, $70
Because I really, really hate to iron.

Rain Barrel, $75-200
I would love a couple of these to take advantage of Seattle’s rainy season and to cut down on our watering bills come the rainless stretch of summer. Shown above: Great American Rain Barrel – Unpainted from Real Goods, $189 including shipping.

Voluspa Goji & Tarocco Orange Mini Diffuser, $25
Okay, so I do want one more pretty, smelly-good thing. I bought this exact diffuser for my sister and I really struggled not to keep it for myself. Smells amazing and looks amazing-er.

Shopping for:

Flight of the Conchords CD, $12, and DVD, $19
Right when my husband and I discover this show, they announce they’re not returning for a third season! I think he would appreciate any and all FOTC Merch.

A small Curly Lamp, $35, would also be right in line with his design aesthetic — and mine, of course. Very stylish, and surprisingly affordable!

Mobile from Leah’s Glass Creations, $25-75
I’m really taken with these mobiles from Portland artist Leah Pellegrini. The large glass mobiles are gorgeous, and the mini mobiles are tiny bits of happiness that would be lovely for a friend’s kitchen or office.

Woodworker’s Tool Set for the Very Young by Prettydreamer, $42
Handmade, simple, gorgeous, and sure to inspire the DIY side in certain friends’ new arrivals! — Mary T.

Megan B’s list
Katie D’s list

My boyfriend jokes about the incredible number of Post-It Notes you can find around our apartment on any given day. I will admit, I’m a keeper of lists and a chronic Post-It user. That’s why I got such a kick out of this Jumbo StickIt Pad on Vat19. Each classically colored yellow note is 36 times the size of the original, and a pad of 80 sheets costs just $8.95. Put this one on my must-buy list! — Erica P.

Marissa of Pumpkin & Pomegranate is both a health nut (she can admit that) and a foodie. We’re thrilled to share this holiday recipe that she developed herself.

After changing my diet in order to get to a healthy size, I have battled with what to do over the holidays. Being a bit of a gourmet, I have always celebrated with food, and I see no reason why one must opt out when one has switched up their lifestyle. The only thing you really need to do is to doctor up favorite recipes or find new dishes to make part of your festive tradition. This year, the treats have been tempting me, so one night I decided to come up with something that would satisfy my desire for a holiday tidbit. These are spicy, chewy, and satisfying enough that a couple will do you. The only thing that isn’t healthy is the sugar in the chocolate, but I figure that since I used 88% dark chocolate, they are still healthier than a rum ball. Personally, I prefer them without the coating, but they are oh-so-pretty with their chocolate robes. — Marissa S. Click for Marissa’s Healthy Gingerbread Truffles! (more…)

Wishing for:

IKEA HJUVIK single lever kitchen faucet, $249
For my pragmatic side.

UrbanRebounder, $89
I love to bounce. This could save my mattress!

Dinner at The French Laundry, est. $500 (plus a trip to Napa Valley)
It’s my goal to have dinner there, but I’d also be delighted to have the French Laundry Cookbook, $30.

SodaStream Penguin starter kit, $199
Because I drink way too much San Pellegrino.

Shopping for:

Fireorb ventless fireplace in stainless steel, $7200
It’s pricey, but it’s for my husband! (Who am I kidding? If I could afford this, it would be for me, too.) Okay, how about some more realistic gifts…

Bodum Canteen Double Wall Espresso/Shot Glass, $14.99
He’s also an espresso fanatic, so these chic double wall espresso/shot glasses are a steal at $14.99 per pair.

Rock Candy: The Art of Femke Hiemstra, $29.99
My husband also has a serious art book problem. I could enable it just a little bit more with this new book from Fantagraphics.

Shawnee Pottery ceramic duck planter, $22
My mom collects vintage ceramics, notably Shawnee Pottery. This duck planter would do just fine, perhaps with a little succulent inside?

Magna-Tiles, $49.50
For my three-year-old nephew who’s a mini-architect (Watch out, Frank Gehry), these might be a fun new artistic medium. — Megan B.

See Katie D.’s list.

Forgive the hyperbole, but the holiday season is making us want to crawl into this photo that was posted at the Velocity Art & Design Facebook page. It’s a display in their store, but it looks so inviting. What’s in it? An Angela Adams Flora Peony rug, Kartell Louis Ghost Chair, a Marimekko Christmas Collection wall hanging designed by Sanna Annukka (Click for the Velocity Marimekko collection — they’re currently selling fabric and will be adding more to their online shop soon), G. Romano Byward sofa, Kartell Stone Stool in Crystal, Patrick Townsend Orbit Chandelier, Publique Living Alpaca Pillows, and a vintage pink Christmas tree from eBay.

What’s on your list for Christmas? We’ll share what we’re wishing for and shopping for, starting with Katie D.

Wishing for:

Polished Stingray Cuff by Unearthed, $75
These cuffs are equal parts luxurious and tough, made by two LA sisters in their socially responsible shop. All the stingray skins used in their jewelry are a by-product of the local fishing industry, where the skins would otherwise be thrown away as waste.

Red Velvet Cake Lip Shine by Philosophy, $12
For a girl with a sweet tooth, this takes the cake (sorry). Another delectable option is Philosophy’s S’mores Lip Shine, on sale for $8.

I Heart Zombies Knee High Socks, $7
Nothing says “holidays” like fresh-baked cookies, snuggly accessories, and a zombie marathon. (Just me?) Zombie socks from Hot Topic (No direct link; please search the site) will keep me cozy while reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies or World War Z, or watching Dawn of the Dead and 28 Days Later.

Upside Down Animal Mug from Fred Flare, $20
These are so sweet they’re giving me a toothache! Wrap them up with some Caramel Crème Brulee tea from Tealuxe, and I’ll be your best friend for life.

Shopping for:

You Bake ‘Em Cat Treats, $14
A fantastic gift for any feline fanatic. The kit comes with five adorable cookie cutters, recipe booklet, and gift bags.

Seed Bombs, $9
These are a great, affordable stocking stuffer. The real treat comes in the spring when your lucky recipient’s winter blues are cured with a burst of colorful wildflowers.

Laboratory Flower Vases, $14
A sweet, pretty present for everyone from hipsters to homemakers.

Travel Scrabble, $28
Perfect for anyone traveling this holiday season (especially coming through O’Hare airport) this portable edition of family favorite Scrabble comes with everything you need to kill time. — Katie D.

I stumbled upon Etsy shop The House of Mouse and, hours later, emerged with a warm, fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach. House of Mouse is filled with adorable felted mice fashioned after iconic pop culture characters — the perfect gift for anyone who’s bookmarked Cute Overload. Each little mouse is a labor of love. English-born Anna makes each creature by hand in her studio in the Netherlands, ensuring that every mouse from Chewbacca to Hannibal Lecter is unique. — Katie D.

During the holiday hustle, it’s easy to forget that sometimes the best gifts are free. In Dan Phillips’ case, the best gift is a good idea that keeps on giving. Phillips is the owner of Phoenix Commotion, a construction company dedicated to building low-income housing from reclaimed materials. License plates become roof shingles and wine corks become flooring in his whimsical homes, which number 14 to date in his hometown of Huntsville, Texas. Up to 80% of the resources in each project are salvaged from construction sites, junkyards, and roadside trash heaps, which keeps building costs and home prices extraordinarily low. Phillips also hires unskilled laborers to teach them a trade, and hopes that the company’s for-profit status will attract others to become involved with the knowledge that a living can be made helping others. Read about him in the New York Times, where you can also view a slideshow of his amazing work, or view Today Show video here. — Sarah C.

Photos by Michael Stravato for the New York Times
Related: Home Design on 990,000 Dimes

While playing with my food is a hobby that lives happily in my past, the Food Face Plate by Fred is tempting me to reawaken those creative juices, or at least encourage them in my friends’ kids. And I’ve “wanted it now” for a long, long time. Overwhelming demand has made it sold out everywhere for months, but I’ve kept my ear to the ground and am thrilled to report that many retailers are receiving new shipments this week. Currently available at PopDeluxe for $16.99, the plate will reportedly be available for closer to $11 at Patina , Perpetual Kid, and Oliebollen in the next few days. Certain retailers, like Spoon Sisters, have already sold out this shipment, but are expecting more in mid-late January. More may also become available at Baron Bob, Kitchen Kapers, and shopRockCandy. Finding the Holy Grail might be easier, but I’ll never give up the search! — Sarah C.

While thumbing through the Sahalie catalog the other day, I almost gasped when I saw the gorgeous living wreath, constructed in Southern Oregon from a dazzling mix of succulents. It’s designed to hang indoors throughout the winter months, and then to be brought outside once the weather warms up. And this isn’t just for one season, folks — it’s actually expected to last for years under ideal conditions. It runs around $140, but for an amazing wreath to be enjoyed year-round, I’d say it’s well worth the cost! — Megan B.