1 The Modern Christmas Tree
Just because it’s contemporary doesn’t mean it has to be stark. The Modern Christmas Tree (pictured above in Charles Deaton’s 1963 Sculptured House, and in Julius Shulman’s 1960 Stahl House at the top of the page) fits a minimalist’s home, but lit from within, it whimsically casts colourful shadows on the ceiling in one of four vibrant hues. Best of all, the flat-packed tree sets up in seconds, and a portion of proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association. from $825
2 Diamond Collection by Richard Brendon
The finely cut diamond pattern of London designer Richard Brendon’s glass bar set balances jewel-like delicacy with the toughness of knurled metal. The five-piece set includes highball, old-fashioned and shot glasses, as well as a decanter and ice bucket. Sold separately; from $80
3 Pucci Street Boards
Italian fashion house Pucci has launched a skateboard collection featuring the bright, kaleidoscopic patterns the brand is so well known for. Designed as a trick board, the graphics are applied to the decks using a printing technology that allows the style to stand up against scuffs, scratches and any other damage a good rail slide might inflict. $535
4 Mon Oncle Tabletop Barbecue by RS Barcelona
When it’s not grilling on a balcony or by the seaside, this portable barbecue can be secured into a suitcase-sized package using handsome leather straps. Designed by Barcelona’s Mermelada Estudio, the charcoal-fueled barbecue is available in four colours. from $470
5 Folly Soaps and Cast Moon dish set by Pelle
Its makers describe this handcrafted collection as both architecture and ornament, whimsical and extravagant, purposeful and foolish. It’s all of those things, and also pretty stunning. But these six soaps are meant to be used, and so include earth-based ingredients such as volcanic rock pumice, pink Himalayan salt, 24 karat gold leaf and natural sea sponge. $390
6 Solid Brass Mechanical Pencil and Magiscope by Best Made Company
The Magiscope was initially devised as a learning tool for kids, but proved so durable and easy to use that it’s growing popular with geologists for use in the field. With a gear-free, brass-on-brass focus action, optical lighting and four magnification levels, it’s perfect for exploring the makeup of everyday materials at a micro-scale. Jot down your observations with a co-ordinating pencil, machined from a single piece of brass and guaranteed to last a lifetime. Magiscope $410; pencil $120
7 Roll Chair by Verena Hennig
The massage chair has been a giving-season standby for years, but truth be told, it’s typically chosen in spite of appearances, not because of them. That will change with Verena Hennig’s Roll collection. Offered in four colours, the line includes a striking chair, stool and bench, each lined with rotating aluminum rods that gently massage as the user slides back and forth. from $630
8 Pressure Series by Rekindle
This Canadian-made set of maple kitchen tools includes a pestle and textured mortar, a muddler and a coffee tamper. The latter can be used at either end, accommodating the two most common sizes of espresso machine portafilters. Each piece is made with simple, smooth and rounded edges that ensure a comfortable grip. $140
9 WearIt by Brionvega
Designer Michael Young re-imagined one of Italian audio brand Brionvega’s earliest products: a groundbreaking portable speaker that fits into a small, leather satchel. The TS 207 was the iPod of the 60s; today’s version connects to your phone or laptop with a wired connection or via Bluetooth, and comes with a carrying case in blue, purple, or retro tobacco. $240
10 Bambi Chair by Elements Optimal
This whimsical stool, designed by Takeshi Sawada, stands just 40 centimetres high and is made with European oak arms and antlers, American walnut feet, and a faux fur seat. It’s part of the Kinder Modern collection, which also includes a sheep-inspired version. from $530
11 Fish Restaurant by Droog
Chinese restaurants worldwide all seem to have a fish tank – a token of good luck and prosperity. Amsterdam’s ever-puckish Droog decided to invert the paradigm by placing a 3D-printed Chinese restaurant inside a fishbowl, complete with miniature vases, paper lampion and dim sum service for six. $590
12 Evo 43 Speedboat by Blu Martin
Nothing is better for tearing across the Tyrrhenian Sea (or the Georgian Bay, if you prefer) than a high-speed motorboat – but when you reach your destination, room to stretch your legs in the sun becomes the priority. Blu Martin has met both needs with the convertible Evo 43, which boasts back walls that can extend (while the boat is at rest) at the touch of a button. The result is a yacht-scale deck that can be tucked into a hydroplane-sized package. price on request
Check out Azure’s full 2015 design gift guide.