When space is at a premium, thoughtful gifts go a long way. Think outside — or above — the box with ten gift ideas that make the most of a small area!
1. Utilize corner space with a simple shelf like this one from Martina Carpelan, price by request.
2. Save valuable table space with this hanging terrarium, from Score and Solder, $260.
3. Perfect for bedside reading if there is no room for a bedside table — the invisible bookshelf, from Dutch by Design, $39.
4. This cordless, rechargeable lamp needs only a wineglass to shine; from Uncommon Goods, $200.
5. Take advantage of patio or balcony space to invite some wildlife with a bird feeder designed by Eva Solo; from Emmo Home, $51.
6. Indulge fireside fantasies with a small tabletop fireplace, from Burke Decor, $415.
7. Quick-change frames keep kids' artwork (or your own!) from cluttering up valuable space; from Dynamic Frames, set of 3, $101.85.
8. This wireless speaker combines woofers and tweeters all in one compact box; from Jawbone, $199.95.
9. A convex mirror makes small spaces seem larger; this one from Omelo, starting at £220.
10. Use metallic surfaces to grow a vertical garden; from Urbio, this set, $120.
Want to gift something with an even smaller footprint? Consider a membership to parks, zoos, or museums. Or channel some Christmas Vacation (remember the Jelly of the Month Club?) with a monthly gift of fruit, flowers, or food (uh, bacon of the month club? Yes, please!)
Images: As credited above.










Comments (22)
I like some of the suggested gifts.. the zoo, mmm bacon of the month.. this year I am trying to buy made in the USA products.. things that will keep us working... the flowers and museums are great idea too! I'm checking out some of your list too...
The first shelf is pretty cool. I also really like the birdfeeders!
OMG, every one of these is fantastic!!! What a fun post, thank you!
These are great suggestions, but they are so expensive! Seems you have to be rather wealthy to afford small-space presents.
I do love the museum membership present idea, however, if you can swing it.
I just don't get it..........they are so expensive.......
please people wake up - these things are made in the great US of A. In other words, one has to pay for them because one has to make them in a small scale production. Otherwise, one could purchase any products that made in China....god forbid.....on my lordy.....!
Donating to a charity of mutual interest in someone's name also makes a nice gift, especially for the person who has everything.
A terrific group of gifts. I especially love those floating book holders and the bird feeders.
Even for people with lots of space, it's nice to think about gifts that enrich their lives rather than just more stuff to store in their space. Studies show that happiness comes from experiences rather than material things so, we are trying to give gifts that are experiences, not things.
We give things like memberships (zoos,museums etc.), tickets (plays, movies, museum exhibitions), lessons or workshops etc. Or things that make life better, like homemade granola, jam, bread etc. or 'home assembled' (spaghetti dinner with wine in a basket).
I don't know where you get the idea that these are ALL made in the US, James. Maybe some of them are, but:
#1's designer is located in Finland
#2 is handmade in British Columbia
#3's designer is based in the Netherlands
#5 is made by a Dutch company
#9, which is designed and made in the UK?
The rest have no origin listed.
I agree that these prices are excessive. While it is true that American-made can be more expensive, there are cheaper alternatives to just about anything.
Watch the Nate Show and he always has a high-end vs cheaper alternative segment at least each week. Other shows do the same thing on HGTV.
You do not have to pay high prices to achieve the same basic idea.
I had my condo featured in a regional news magazine a couple years ago, and though I never told anyone, almost everything in two of the rooms was either craigslist finds, found in second hand shops, or made by me. No one knew...
I would also suggest checking out etsy for those who are looking for cheaper alternatives while still remaining stylish.
These gifts are very interesting, but the price tag is unrealistic for most gift buyers... maybe some $25-... suggestions would be lovely.
I really dig that corner shelf, and could use one myself... but "price by request" translates in my mind to "If you have to ask, you can't afford it." I bet it would take about 45 minutes for someone with the proper tools to make; 15 minutes for an experienced woodworker.
@ james, where do you get that these are made in the US? And even if they were, a few pieces of raw wood cut at an angle doesn't warrant a "price on request".....
I agree that these are pretty overpriced. Very cute ideas though and I bet you could fabricate or DIY similar things as gifts. Handmade by you is much more sentimental.
I have to agree that these are too expensive! I could not afford most of these myself, much less consider buying them for someone else. Is it normal to buy someone a $415 dollar gift?!
I was thinking that I really liked the 1st bookshelf. "Price upon request" is silly though. A few linear feet of 1x4s from the hardware store, a handful of nails, and a saw = bookcase! Add another couple dollars for wood stain if you want, and it still would come in under $20.
The Ultimate gift for a friend/member of your family who may be a little hard up presently and lives in a small space???? A few quid (bucks) in an envelope!!!! Always appreciated and never goes to waste;)
All this bitching about prices? $100 for three frames is cheap, $39 for invisible shelves is great, the wall plant thingy is cool and seems completely reasonable as well, and that small fire thingy is awesome! But I think it's better to have a small space and spend a lot on a few things rather than a giant home full of cheap crap anyhow right??? Am I alone here?
@baines You may not be alone, but you are probably a bit more financially fortunate than many just now. What seems like unnecessary price bitching to you may be financial reality to others.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Invisible-Book-Shelf/ make your own floating bookshelves...
If you plan to always have a few books in your stack, & don't have time to construct one yourself, here's a much cheaper version of the invisible bookshelf:
http://www.vat19.com/dvds/conceal-invisible-book-shelf.cfm
Buying one nice, well made item once is still cheaper than buying 10 iKrappa products.
I looked up the 'price on request' shelf: It's 95 Euro so about $125.
#1 would be a great diy project with a few 2x4s.