Christmas 2013 Gift Guide + Giveaway! · Plus Annual Reader Survey

The Design Files Man Gift Guide MENS EDIT.  Clockwise from top left – Model One AM/FM table radio with bluetooth by Tivoli Audio ($349.00), Le Silence candle by Maison Balzac ($55.00), Home Barista Kit by The Little Guy ($689.00), Torch T2 round table light by Established & Sons from Living Edge ($210.00), Nike+ Sportwatch with GPS and sensor by Nike ($200.00), Black by Comme Des Garcons from Mecca Costmetica ($132.00), Whisky Lover Set by Teroforma from top3 by Design ($90.00).  Photo – Sean Fennessy, art direction and styling – Jess Lillico for The Design Files.

The Design Files Woman Gift Guide WOMENS EDIT. Clockwise from top left – Diamond box by Areaware from Safari Living ($20.00), Limited Edition Orange Chai candle by Diptyque from Mecca Cosmetica ($100.00), Nike Free Flyknit runners by Nike ($200.00), Yellow tote by Uashmama from Safari Living ($169.00), Palm silk scarf by Rapp ($149.00), Classic watch by AARK Collective ($139.00), Brooke sunglasses by Oscar Wylee ($98.00), Magical Marsala crochet necklace by Lucy Folk ($330.00),Vitriini glass jewellery box by Iittala from top3 by Design ($130.00).  Photo – Sean Fennessy, art direction and styling – Jess Lillico for The Design Files.

WELL dear readers.  It's been a hell of a year!  Thanks for sticking with us through all the madness, we reckon it's been our best, if not certainly our busiest year yet! Today, in keeping with our annual tradition, we are thrilled to have a gorgeous line-up of Christmas gift ideas for you, which doubles as our ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!  OH YES.  Each and every supremely photogenic item pictured in today’s post is up for grabs for 28 lucky readers. The items pictured here have all been sourced from some of our favourite local retailers, and, if, like me, you have done ZERO Christmas shopping and have 20 people still to buy for, we hope today's post will encourage you to shop local for your Christmas gifts this year! NOW you might be admiring the pictures in this post and thinking to yourself ‘HOW on earth did Lucy and Lisa have time to create this amazingly styled gift guide when they have spent the past MONTH running around like crazy producing TDF Open House in two cities!?'.  If you are thinking this, then thankyou for your concern, and please allow me to introduce the talented team who created these beautiful pics in our absence - graphic designer / art director Jess Lillico, and her talented partner (who also conveniently happens to be our go-to photographer) Sean Fennessy, who collaborated to produce this beautiful shoot whilst we were gallivanting around Sydney.  MASSIVE thankyou Jess and Sean - what a team! Now dear readers, before you pounce on the comment button, please note that in keeping with our annual tradition, in order to enter the Christmas Giveaway, there is just one little thing you have to do – enter our yearly TDF reader survey. Please click here and fill out The Design Files 2013 Reader Survey! We value your feedback immensely, and would be so grateful if you could spend just 10 minutes on the survey to let us know what you love about TDF, what we could do better, and how we can improve in 2014!  Click here to take the survey, and you will be automatically entered into the giveaway. You have between today and next Tuesday 24 December 2013 to take the survey. Winners will be drawn the week commencing 6 January 2014 and contacted via email.  28 winners will be drawn from all survey respondents at random - unless otherwise stated below, the prizes will be grouped by supplier.  Please note this giveaway is open to all, however bulky / fragile items will not be shipped internationally. Good luck and THANKYOU!  You guys are so seriously awesome and I truly wish I could give each and every one of you a Christmas present, Oprah style.  Maybe one day!

The Full Christmas Giveaway Line-Up

The Little Guy – Home Barista Kit ($689.00), Induction Top ($199.00 - not pictured), and Stainless Steel Tamper ($99.00 - not pictured).  'The Little Guy' is a modern update on Giordano Robbiati's cassic 'Atomic' stovetop espresso maker, developed a little closer to home, by Sydney based coffee enthusiast Craig Hiron!  In 2005, Craig took his own much love Atomic stovetop espresso maker to award winning industrial designers Tiller Design, with the goal of improving the functionality of this classic stovetop machine.  After 4 years in development, 'The Little Guy' was born!  Meticulously engineered,  The Little Guy is crafted almost entirely in stainless steel, and combines superior style with superb coffee, everytime. Tivoli Audio – Model One AM/FM table radio with bluetooth ($349.00). Audio equipment is not often aesthetically pleasing, but there is an exception to this rule!  We are big fans of Tivoli radios around here.  You might have spotted a few of these beauties at TDF Open House this year, and in our Man Week gift guide last year - we are yet to find a better combination of stellar sound quality and devilishly good looks!  There are many more styles / colours to choose from on the Tivoli Audio website. Safari Living – Tom Dixon Eclectic Stone Spice Grinder ($132.00), Uashmama yellow tote ($169.00), and Areaware diamond box ($20.00). Safari Living has long been one of our fave go-to local stores for gifts for all occasions.  This year we're loving Tom Dixon's new range of functional homewares - the stone and brass spice grinder is almost too beautiful to use!  We're also seriously coveting Uashmama's stylish new tote bags.  Many more gorgeous gift ideas can be found in store and online, so do have a look!  Note - We're splitting these prizes up between 2 people. Top3 by Design – Iittala Vitriini glass jewellery box ($130.00), Teroforma Whisky Lover Set ($90.00), and Skip Hop Moby whale bath spout cover ($20.00).  Top3 By Design is another inspired one-stop shop for a great variety of design-inspired gifts, and particularly handy when shopping for the gentlemen in your life.  For Dads / boyfriends / husbands alike, we love the Teroforma Whisky set, which includes a set of two hand blown black glass tumblers alongside a set of 6 'whisky stones' for freezing and using in place of ice, to avoid diluting your favourite drop!  SO cool.  At the other end of the gift-giving spectrum, the Skip Hop Moby whale spout cover is a sweet stocking filler for smaller people who have a few years yet to develop a taste for whisky.  Note - We're splitting these prizes up - 3 prizes for 3 people.   Ganim's Store – Normann Copenhagen dustpan and broom ($42.00), Normann Copenhagen rainbow trivet ($32.00), Miller Goodman Shape Maker blocks ($75.00), and balloon car ($10.00).  Ganim's store remains another firm favourite local Melbourne store - we love it for its unique edit of functional yet super stylish household things, such as the Normann Copenhagen dustpan and broom, and rainbow trivet.  Ganim's always has a great edit for kids too - the Miller Goodman Shape Maker blocks are a classic choice for little people with design-minded parents!  Note - We're splitting these prizes up amongst 2 people.   Mecca Cosmetica – Diptyque Limited Edition Orange Chai candle ($100.oo), Comme Des Garcons Black ($132.oo), and Kit Cosmetics OMG! nail polish kit ($60.00).  You'd think the world would be over scented candles now but, NO, we're not.  The new Diptyque limited edition Orange Chai candle is a spicy Christmassy blend containing orange and quince. Though best known for its gorgeous ladylike gifts, Mecca shouldn't be overlooked for the blokes either, they have an impressive range of men's skincare and fragrances including Comme Des Garcons' newest scent, Black - which combines leather, liquorice, cedarwood and vetiver. Note - We're splitting these prizes up - 3 prizes for 3 people.   Living Edge – Established & Sons Torch T2 round table light ($210.00).  I CANNOT BELIEVE this super cool and versatile table light by Established & Sons is only AU$210.  It's a modern design classic, people!  With its matte black PVC Polymer casing, this versatile lamp will perch happily on a bedside or surface top, emitting an ambient light through the polycarbonate diffuser. Big thanks to Living Edge for offering up this gorgeous light for our giveaway - do check out their website for a host of other gift ideas with serious design credentials. Designstuff – Studio delle Alpi Milk stool ($149.00), Oyoy wooden rabbit ($49.00), and Twig Creative Pixie wooden camera ($40.00).  Let's not get tempted by the latest plastic fantastic best seller in the Target toy aisle, everyone knows the coolest little people have TIMBER toys. We love these three from Designstuff - an Australian home decor store with a great range of Scandinavian design and accessories. Nike – Nike Free Flyknit runners ($200.00) and Nike Sportwatch with GPS and sensor ($200.00).  Summertime presents the perfect opportunity to reacquaint yourself with the gym / bike / running track, and in our experience, there is no better motivation to get back in the habit than by obtaining some gorgeous new gear.  Form meets function effortlessly in these Nike Free Flyknit+ women's runners - which are totally wearable when NOT exercising, also.  Note - We're splitting the runners and the watch up - 2 prizes for 2 people.   Lucy Folk – Magical Marsala Crochet Necklace ($330.00).  Lucy Folk is KILLING it.  Her signature food-inspired jewels have gathered a cult following both here and abroad, and with good reason.  We love her new hand crocheted Magical Marsala necklace, with moonstone chips and signature gold plated triangle charm.  All Lucy's jewels are handmade in Melbourne. Gorman – Charlie Sandford Rocket and Igloo candle holders ($99.00 and $49.00). We already covered Gorman's supremely excellent 'Home Time' homewares range back here... we're love their locally made turned timber candlesticks. Rapp – Palm silk scarf ($149.00).  Earlier this year we profiled Melbourne textile designer Eloise Rapp, who just launched her own label late last year.  We love the brave colour combos and kaleidoscopic prints in her range of digitally printed scarves. AARK Collective – Classic watch ($139.00). You might also recall our coverage earlier this year of AARK collective, the Melbourne based startup kicking seriously goals with their range of stylish watches, available in a great variety of complementary colours and designs, and priced from a very reasonable AU$139. Miniscapes – Large cube terrarium ($130.00).  Just when you thought you had seen every terrarium idea, Miniscapes make ANOTHER stunning new design.  If their new timber-based terrariums weren't enough to reignite our enthusiasm for tabletop gardening, we've fallen head over heels for these new sculptural 'cube' terrariums - SO cool. Oscar Wylee – Brooke sunglasses ($98.00).  Oscar Wylee are a Sydney based online store who offer a great range of affordable eyeglasses, styled with a vintage feel.  Their business is also founded on another important mission - for every pair of glasses sold, they send another pair to someone less fortunate via their I CARE program. Third Drawer Down – Giant Real Lead Pencil ($55.00).  When we featured the Sydney home of film designer Virginia Mesiti and film director Scott Otto Anderson, you guys went a little crazy for their amazing oversized PENCIL.  Whilst this beauty from Third Drawer Down isn't QUITE as huge as Virginia and Scott's, we reckon it's still sure to impress under the Christmas tree! Maison Balzac – Le Silence candle ($55.00). Maison Balzac is the creation of French-born, Sydney based Elise Pioch Chappell, who previously worked as head fashion buyer for Belinda and The Corner Shop stores.  The newest addition to Elise's growing candle range is 'Le Silence' - a elegant unscented candle, perfumed only by the delicate honey-sweetness of 100% natural Australian beeswax. Planet Luxe – Hand Soap ($20.00) + other amazing products!  We are big fans of Melbourne-born brand Planet Luxe, who, as the name suggests, create the most luxurious environmentally responsible cleaning products for the home.  Pictured here is their delicious hand soap with vanilla, kakadu plum and Australian lavender.  Not pictured (but included in the giveaway) are a host of Planet Luxe's other amazing products, which include Australian lemon myrtle, sweet orange and kakadu plum house cleaner (think the best smelling, all natural 'Spray n Wipe' you can possible imagine), and lemon myrtle, rose geranium and kakadu plum dish wash, which is highly addictive - it's impossible to return to fluoro yellow supermarket goop after you have tried this stuff! The Woodsfolk – Cloud coat hangers ($12.50 each, total value $25.00).  During our temporary relocation to Hawthorn in late November to stage TDF Open House, we made lots of lovely new friends in the area, including Amber Clohesly of The Woodsfolk!  These sweet cloud hangers have become a signature product for Amber this year, and at just $12.50 each they're the perfect affordable stocking filler.  They look super sweet hanging in a kids space, and they're also the perfect starting point for a home made mobile. Country Road – Panel kids duffel ($39.95). Don't get us started on the kids section at Country Road.  Can they just make EVERYTHING in adult sizes, already!?  This gorgeous kids duffel channels a nautical vibe with its heavy canvas and oversized rope drawstring.  The perfect beach bag or swimming bag for the stylish small person in your life. Cradlerock - Safari Paper Hand Puppets (set of three - $15.00).  This cool safari paper hand puppets come as a flat printed kit - make your own tiger, zebra, giraffe and/or monkey puppet!  They come in a set of three usually but, disclaimer, we already made the zebra for our photoshoot soooo the winner here will only get 2 of the puppets, 'kay?  We could attempt to send the pre-made zebra in the post, if you like.  You take your chances.

The Design Files Home Gift Guide HOME EDIT.  Clockwise from top left – Charlie Sandford Rocket and Igloo timber candle holders by Gorman ($99.00 and $49.00), dustpan and broom by Normann Copenhagen from Ganim's Store ($42.00), large cube terrarium by Miniscapes ($130.00), rainbow trivet by Normann Copenhagen from Ganim's Store ($32.00), stone spice grinder by Tom Dixon from Safari Living ($132.00), and hand wash by Planet Luxe ($20.00). Photo – Sean Fennessy, art direction and styling – Jess Lillico for The Design Files.

The Design Files Kids Gift Guide KIDS EDIT. Clockwise from top left  – Cloud coat hanger from The Woodsfolk($12.50), OMG nail polish kit by Kit Cosmetics from Mecca Cosmetica ($60.00), wooden rabbit by Oyoy from Designstuff ($49.00), giant lead pencil from Third Drawer Down ($55.00), Panel duffel by Country Road ($39.95),  Shape maker blocks by Miller Goodman from Ganim's Store ($75.00), Balloon car from Ganim's Store ($10.00), Cloud coat hanger from The Woodsfolk ($12.50), Moby bath spout cover by Skip Hop from top3 by design ($20.00),  Pixie wooden camera by Twig Creative from Designstuff ($40.00), Milk Stool by Studio delle Alpi from Designstuff($148.00), and zebra puppet from Cradlerock (15.00 for a set of three).  Photo – Sean Fennessy, art direction and styling – Jess Lillico for The Design Files.