Gifts for the Discerning Graphic Designer in Your Life

If you’ve had the pleasure of working alongside (or living with) a graphic designer, you’re aware that they can be picky creatures — especially when it comes to items they deem worthy of introducing into their carefully designed workspaces/living rooms/wardrobes.

Luckily, the members of Kick Point’s “Design Island” are here to help! Here are some items we’d be proud to welcome into our lives this Christmas — or anytime, for that matter. Of course, taste is unique to the individual, but we hope that this list helps you put a smile on a designer’s face.

Super Sweet Pins by Super Team Deluxe

As a leader in daily pin-wearing — and owner of several pins from Super Team Deluxe already — Emma can vouch for the quality and attractiveness of these pins. Whether you’re shopping for a lover of Adobe Illustrator or a web design wonder, there’s a pin to suit the person.

At the very least, you have to check out the website — those hovers! That navigation! 😍

Cabin Poster Series by DKNG

DKNG have long been purveyors of awesome poster design, and their latest “Cabin” series is no exception. Featuring three distinct cabin designs in tasteful minimal colour palettes, this set of prints would make a fine addition to any architectural-loving designer’s home. Better yet, buy them as a set and get a pin and patch as well! If cabins don’t fit the bill, how about bikes? Or campers?

Blackwing Pencils

Blackwing are the best pencils, as officially voted by Design Island. With a slogan like “Half the pressure, twice the speed” how could they not be? We go through these fairly quickly, so receiving a box of them as a stocking-stuffer would always be appreciated, and we’re sure other designers would agree. Pair it with a Moleskine notebook to really tip this gift over the edge!

Desk Shelf System by Grovemade

An organized workspace leads to increased productivity — it also makes a creative’s desk look extra cool. Help the designer in your life get organized with these beautifully designed shelves, stands, and accessories from Grovemade. From their site: “Our Desk Shelf System brings clarity and intention to your workspace. It gives you global control of clutter, and a place for everything you need to work.”

Glass Ruler by Areaware

For the creative with a love for unusual stationery pieces, this glass ruler will make an excellent addition to their workspace. Let’s face it — it’s less of a ruler and more of a conversation-starter: “A crystal glass ruler? Does Time Magazine know about you?!”

The Slate by iskn

Touting itself as “the only multipurpose tool that’s compatible with all creative types”, The Slate combines the traditional experience of drawing on paper with the benefits of digital technology. Users can draw on paper via The Slate and then transfer sketches straight to design software, or use The Slate as a graphic tablet, directly drawing within their favourite software.

Its ease of use, range of drawing options, and dual functionality make this a great choice for designers who love to draw.

Uptown Backpack by Timbuk2

Laptops, tablets, phones… creatives sure can carry around a lot of gear, right? Help them out by introducing the Uptown Backpack into their lives. Underneath it’s simple outer design is some supreme functionality — in particular, its laptop and tablet-specific fold-out pocket is excellent for quick access at airport security.

“Hegarty on Creativity: There Are No Rules” by John Hegarty

This book is important. Concise and inspiring, it belongs on every creative’s bookshelf.

Prints by Simon Stålenhag

Simon Stålenhag has been a long-time favourite in the Kick Point office. His illustrations of various scenes from an imagined dystopian future society are intriguing, captivating, and always thought-provoking. These are perfect for a designer with a sci-fi lean, and bonus: you can purchase Stålenhag’s illustrations as prints and posters in whatever size you choose.

Hatchet by Best Made

File this one under: “for the designer who has everything”. Imagine this perfectly-crafted hatchet mounted on the wall above a desk — what a show-stopper! The design of the tiny axe is impressive, the colour options are many, and the best thing is that if the designer in question is into camping, you’ve given them a good-looking gift that is also practical!

Leather Micro Sleeve Wallet by Bellroy

Bellroy make some of the best wallets out there! For the designer with a love of minimalism, this leather micro sleeve wallet is both attractive and sleek. With space for cash and your four favourite cards (Credit, Debit, I.D. and Shoppers Optimum card, of course), this wallet slots nicely into a jeans pocket without adding any bulk.

Logos by Cruz Novillo

This book is a comprehensive guide to the logos of Spanish designer Cruz Novillo, who was responsible for the identities of many Spanish public services including the post office, national police, and railway system. His style favoured the use of thick lines and striking iconography, which will no doubt appeal to fans of Aaron Draplin.

Drink Bottle by Pantone

Is a list of gifts for designers even legitimate if it doesn’t include at least one Pantone product? Better to be safe than sorry.

Bonus: Sites for Design Gift Inspiration

• Canopy.co — as it states on the homepage, “Canopy is Amazon, curated.”. No kitschy items here; just an endless list of thoughtfully designed products and a fair amount of “I never knew someone needed that!” items.
• The Coolector — “cool things from around the universe”, including fashion, design, technology, and more.
• Jessica Hische — what can we say? We’re big fans, and her work is just so good!

Have you recently hit it out of the park with gift-buying for a graphic designer? Share your gift ideas with us!