today i’m thrilled to post our final gift idea/wishlist from some of my favorite people around: design bloggers! every year i invite some of my favorite colleagues to share the gifts they’ll be giving and (hopefully) receiving and this year i’m excited to have over 20 of my favorite bloggers as part of this year’s roundup. it’s always fun to see what people who make a living of hunting down cool things have on their wishlists so i hope you’ll enjoy their picks (and non-product gift ideas!) as much as i did. thanks so much to everyone who participated this year: joanna of a cup of jo, julia rothman of book by its cover, joy of oh joy!, abby of style me pretty, emily of once wed, allan chochinov of core77, victoria of sfgirlbybay, jill of inhabitat, jean of notcot, vane of brooklyn bride, katie runnels of the constant gatherer, jan of poppytalk, rebecca wood of beautyeveryday, birdie of dear ada, lena corwin, maria vettese of 3191, megan of not martha, brooke of inchmark, susan of art esprit, erin and nicole of bird & banner, katy elliott, and julie of LAist.

CLICK HERE to view all 21 bloggers’ gift lists after the jump!

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*On second thought, maybe introducing Grace to the UFC was a mistake*

Last year it really felt like the sky was falling. The economy was in free-fall, big institutions were melting away every five seconds and I think gas prices actually hit 25 cents a gallon for a few weeks there.

This year I think we’re all a bit less panicked, and more reflective. If you read my guide last year, you’ll remember that I am all about encouraging you to think about gift-giving as a chance to give the man in your life something that enhances their experience with the things they love. It’s really all about them, but what does that mean? If he wants nothing more than Left 4 Dead 2, and you’re still totally sick of him playing the first Left 4 Dead- just get him the thing he wants. He’ll really appreciate it – guys are pretty simple – give us things that you know we like, and you win – try to get too creative/fancy, and think about something that sounds good to you, and you might lose.

The other thing you’ll notice is that my guides are completely biased toward my own personal taste. I hope you don’t think you have to get him what I like, but it will show you that most guys are pre-occupied with a few different things at any given time, and they’re usually pretty obvious about what they are. At least, if you’re willing to find out.

Here are a few clues as to what your guy likes:

That thing he’s always talking to you about that you usually tune out to/nod and smile while surfing the web/wonder what you should eat for dinner. Clearly this thing is kind of annoying and something you are not at all interested in. Usually this thing has to do with him saying that someday he’ll do X or Y or would like to and you assuming that he’ll never do it because he never does.

That show on tv that’s his favorite, that he always watches or DVR’s, during which he gets all irritable and fidgety if you start asking him questions unrelated to the show.

The thing he and his idiot friends are always blabbing on and on about when you all go out and are wondering when he’ll be a gentleman and go up to the bar to get you a drink, and why are they always talking about such lame things.

It’s these “things” that usually give you the best clues as to what he likes and will be really happy. Even if it’s not a perfect fit, he will be happy to know you tried, and it will be ok. [Unless of course that "thing" is fantasy sports, in which case you should probably just break up with him/file for divorce now. Happy Holidays!]

CLICK HERE for AC’s full guy’s guide after the jump!

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today is the final day of budget gift guides (we still have ac’s guy’s gift guide and our blogger’s wishlist coming up!) and now we’re upping the budget a bit- but not too much. each of these 45 products is under $100 and leave room for little extras to be added in if you feel like splurging a bit. i hope you’ll enjoy the roundup and will be able to find something for someone on your list. if you’re looking for something even more budget friendly check out this week’s earlier guides: 50 gifts under $25, 40 gifts under $50.

[image above, clockwise from top left: owl mirror $96, candlebranch candleholder $110 (sorry, this one goes a smidge over), quote/unquote bookends $96, tom sawyer birdhouse $62.50, round recycled glass vase $68, pom pom throws $50 each, notebook portable grill $60 (i love this thing), bright orange toolbox (for the handy person or artist in your life), kate spade organizer $85 (call store to order), hable construction waxed toiletry bag $48 (fill with some girly goodies to complete the package), customized ice bucket $68, cheese grater light $75, orla kiely teacup wallet $98, wood LED flashlight $50 (cute and practical if you live in a building with old wiring like ours), vintage wallpaper ostrich $95, moroccan tea glasses (set of 6 for $20, fill package with fancy tea to complete the gift), squirrel candleholder $88]

[image above, clockwise from top left: french country chalkboard $79, future flora light $97, labradorite bookends $98, charmer hamper/basket $99.95 (filled with fluffy new towels for an extra luxe gift), bell jar terrarium $78, through the looking glass table $79, camilla engdahls bird pots $60, wire wall shelf $89.95, antiqued glass urn $69, wood handled pruning shears (set of 2) $70 (for the gardener in your life), kate spade sausage dog scarf $95, wooden screwdriver set $52.50 (for the handy guy or girl on your list), red rimmed metal basket $79 (filled with a warm throw blanket for an extra luxe gift), penny candy jar $98 (filled with homemade candies, yum!)]

CLICK HERE for the rest of the 45 product gift guide after the jump!

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today the budget-friendly gift guides continue with a roundup of 40 great gift ideas under $50! yesterday we focused on gifts under $25, and today we’ll up the budget, but just a tiny bit. each of these ideas will set you back $50 or less and will still provide plenty of chances for you to customize the gift or add something homemade to it to make it even more special. i hope you’ll enjoy the roundup and are able to find something for someone on your holiday list this year!

[image above, clockwise from top left: hidden storage book boxes $44, frame placemats $36 for 4, wire drop shelf $36, wine tote $12 (fill with a nice bottle for a budget-friendly gift), kate spade thermos $30 (call store to order), cast metal animals $26 (can be used at cute desktop bookends), snake trivet $38, furturtle gomez print $28, handmade oval wire basket $34, magic potion perfume bottle $32, kate spade bow studs $46 (call store to order), granit salt and pepper shakers $38, set of five "fairest" mirrors $30, ferm living mug $33, corky boy $29, cutlery candlesticks $28, black glass sake cup $30 (combine with a nice bottle of sake to complete the gift)]

[image above, clockwise from top left: one of my favorite gift ideas is to pick up a demijohn (like this one from ballard, $39) and turn it into a lamp with this easy lamp converter kit ($29). combine them with a shade as a finished gift, or gift the kit and let your recipient customize the shade. (there's a cheaper cork lamp kit right here)]

[image above, clockwise from top left: saipua candle $38 (they smell SO good), doca pet bowl $30+, round terrine $46, set of 24 rainbow colored chopsticks $35, jen corace 2010 calendar $32 (stay tuned for her free d*s desktop calendar this friday!), pictorial webster's dictionary $35, metal basket shelf $39]

CLICK HERE for the rest of the 40 product guide after the jump!

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today’s gift guide is all about ultra-affordable gifts- everything in this roundup will be $25 and under! so, i hope you’ll find something in this 50-product guide that might be good for someone in your life. keep in mind that some of these smaller pieces would be perfect for filling with handmade goods or a sweet baked treat!

[image above, clockwise from top left: postal code notebooks $12-$18, mermaid bottle opener $15, rose trivet $22, baggu bag $8, silhouette votive $15 each, sailor soap dish $8, kate spade playing cards $15, hemmingway muddler $22, luddite tray $20, preening pen $20, cast iron ram $18, squirrel nutcracker $21.95, set of 2 apothecary jars $20, birdcage stamp set $12, blue hand mold $24.95, seed bombs $9]

[image above, clockwise from top left: wooden tape dispenser $24, churchhill hip flask $25, saipua sauna soap $14, moustache pencils $14, antiqued mercury glass votive holders $12 each, set of 3 japanese masking tapes $12, marimekko coin purse $18, bleeker notebooks $18+, light my fire matches $7, retro storage jar $18 (filled with homemade candies maybe?)]

CLICK HERE for the full 50 product gift guide after the jump!

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happy holidays everyone! this week i’ll be posting a special d*s gift guide at end of each day and for today i thought i’d kick things off with a special gift guide/wishlist from the people that make d*s possible each day: the d*s editors! each editor was kind enough to share a few things they would like to give and receive this year, so i hope you’ll enjoy their favorites. i know i’ve picked up a few ideas to wrap (and hopefully unwrap) this year so happy gifting! stay tuned the rest of this week for gifts under $25 (tomorrow), gifts under $50 (wednesday), gifts under $100 (thursday), ac’s gift guide for guys(friday) and of course, our annual design bloggers’ gift guide/wishlist (the following monday). and of course, we’ll be posting plenty of handmade projects between now and the end of the month for those wishing to make rather than buy.

CLICK HERE for the full list (and images) of editors’ picks after the jump!

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Hey there, I’m AC, Grace’s fiancé, and I’ve been asked to do a roundup of gifts for her readers with boyfriends/husbands/dudes who might not be the kind of guys who read Design*Sponge. As some of you may remember, I did this last year, and I’m back again because either some of you found it helpful or Grace is just being straight up lazy this year. Anything’s possible.

So, because the economy is in the toilet and no one wants to spend a lot of money, it’s important to focus on the fundamental rule of gift giving: it’s the thought that counts. I’m serious! Think about it, we’re in the same economy that you are, and right about now we don’t want to spend a lot of money either. If you’re cool with one nice gift, or two small gifts, so are we. Just do us a favor this year: go with the fun gifts we want instead of the practical stuff that we need.

Today I’ll be giving you my take on “guy gifts” in the following categories: Accessories (aka, “guy jewelry”), Clothes, “Toys & Games”, and Media (Books, DVD’s, etc.).

CLICK HERE for the rest of AC’s guide for guys…
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last year i asked some of my favorite art and design bloggers to share their wish lists for christmas gifts. their ideas certainly helped me with my shopping and i’m hoping that they’ll be just as helpful this year. for 2008 i asked which gifts each blogger would like to give and receive, so read on below to see what they had to say this year. the list (and gift ideas) continue well after the jump so click here to see the full list (or just click “read more” at the bottom of this post). thank you to everyone who participated this year! (all of the images above are referenced and linked to below in the bloggers’ entries)

[stay tuned for ac's guy's gift guide next!]

blogger: sarah of cursive
to give: faceted white wood rocks from kindling, i’m giving homemade ornaments this year to my loved ones with written messages hidden insidethem listing reasons why they are special to me with a card listing what i wrote
to receive: a warm white and black plaid blanket to stay warm this winter, hot cocoa mug

blogger: courtney of style court
to give: a donation to an organization like meals on wheels
to receive: a red velvet cake and hand-blocked cotton kitchen towels or mitts from elizabeth james (her towels are $8 each. would be great paired with a cookbook!)

blogger: camilla engman
to give: one of mimi kirchners ‘tiny worlds‘ to my mum, and i would love to have one myself or one of her tattooed men, this wood print by bryan nash would be perfect for my husband, and i’d like to give nigel peake’s maps book to someone.
to receive: for myself i wish, any of the above, more time, the ability to concentrate, not so much rain. and if it doesn’t rain so much i hope i’ve got this firefork to bring out in the woods. i also like this tin light kit form the same place (if i have to stay inside). in my dreams there is a princess ring from klara eriksson.

blogger: jan of poppytalk
to give: i like these plustaches by shannon gerard, this handmade porcelain dish by rae dunn and this ‘bag of bricks‘
to receive: portable usb turntable, herriott grace spoon (they have a wonderful story behind them), i’d also love a bowl of these ornaments, this coptic bound notebook and this print from kate banazi.

blogger: heather of skinny laminx
to give: tivoli ipal radio, everyone in my family will be getting their own mug (with my ceramic transfers on it)
to receive: earlier this year, i invested in a canon G9 camera, and am desperate to get the little old-school leather case that fits it like a glove, but it’s impossible to find. let’s hope someone’s been resourceful…

blogger: abigail percy
to give: hand-made all the way! in addition to gifting my own jewelery, i have some of these things in mind: nature boy and girl bags from design night, wooden bangles from paloma’s nest, feast from lines and shapes
to receive: some art for my place (i should be so lucky!): rob ryan, fox in mociun, and continued happiness and maybe even some love! (it is the time of year for being sappy after all)

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE BLOGGER’S WISH LIST GUIDE!
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today’s gift guide is my final budget-related installment: everything $100 and under. tomorrow i’ll be continuing with ac’s guides for guys and the second installment of the blogger’s wishlist guide. until then, here is a roundup of great budget-friendly gifts that won’t top $100. there are a few pieces i missed from earlier this week so you’ll see a few under $25 and under $50 items in there, but i figured they were still under $100 so it would be ok to throw them in. hope you enjoy the list and happy gifting! if you missed any of the other guides from this week just click here.

[ps: in non-gift-guide news, my next martha wedding blog is up right here- it's all about cake]

[image above, clockwise from top left: script desk lamp $60 (i love this color), miniature concrete planter $98, decanter and glass $98, pair of blue champagne flutes $68, perch vessel $56, treehooked coat rack $80, log bowls $63+, ram bottle stoppers $95, gold knuckles mug $98, pomegranate salt and pepper shakers $99 (how cute are these?), left and right cufflinks $65, iomoi paperweight $68]

[image above, clockwise from top left: card suits coasters $12.99, dolphin studio calendar $98, spice boy spice grinder $60, hugo guiness tote bag $18, initial pocket mirror $14, office owl print $58, foo dog book ends $50, monogram cuff $58]

[image above, clockwise from top left: icon watch $89, raw crystal bottle stopper $55, chalkboard napkin rings $65, alena hennessy scarf $24.99, trio glasses $68, set of 4 calling birds bowls $58, oriole teapot $60, trio pitcher and bowls $100, pierre graphiques stones $50-$100 (they're almost sold out so order quickly)]

[image above, clockwise from left: john robshaw napkins $90, john robshaw placemats $38]

[image above, clockwise from left: thru the trees chandelier $68, martha stewart flowers for 1800 flowers (i like sending flowers for the holidays for the person who has everything) $59.95 each]

[image above, left to right: scented drawer paper from hammocks and high tea (set of 6) $25, mighty oak gift plant by todd oldham for ftd $39.99, todd oldham snail topiary for ftd $59.99]

[image above: reform pots at tortoise LA (made of chinese quince and perfect for thin candles), $69-$100]

[image above: long oval wooden spoons at shophorne (a fantastic new shop) $22]

today’s third gift guide is devoted to products under $50. i hope you’ll enjoy the roundup. stay tuned for more guides tomorrow and friday- if you’ve missed any of the other guides this week just click here.

[stay tuned for lauren and derek's diy project next at 2pm!]

[image above, clockwise from top left: button coasters $44, very friendly tea towels $38, nature serving set $38, framed bus sign $38, vintage scandinavian books $40, paperweight $45, acrylic and wood bangle $38, self-watering pot $28, trefoil servers $38, bird whistles set of 2 for $42.50, red felt garland $48 (great for diy gifts and wrapping)]

[image above, clockwise from top left: hello card case $35, "dignified" grocery lists $32, feather headband $32, bent ply stand $29, whale chalkboard $44, whale tongs $44, felt doily $38, ink splat cufflinks $50, handmade wallets at fred flare $28]

[image above, clockwise from top left: airplane print eye mask $24 (for the frequent traveler), usb chain $24, italian dish towels $32, small nature tray $50, sugar pot/creamer $27, bronze twig hook $25, bottle cap remover $48, porte key fob $48]

[image above, clockwise from top left: sakurasaku glass $39 (it leaves a pretty water-print pattern on the table), ortolan organic napkin $34, bloom lumen $48, alphabet ice $29]

[image above, left to right: hive wine rack $35, ceramic diamond ring $45]