15 Hostess Gifts for the Design Obessed

These fantastically detailed planters make the perfect gift for those who dream of rooftop gardens. Miniature Concrete Planters by Nobuhiro Sato ($98 at A+R)

The 350 gorgeous images of classic California mid-century modern design in this tome—along with its chic striped cover—would perk up anyone’s coffee table. California Design 1930-1965: Living in a Modern Way, edited by Wendy Kaplan ($60 at SFMOMA Museum Store)

This handcrafted mobile manages to be both minimal and, with its strong geometric pattern, bold. It’s a lovely addition to any room in a host’s house. Modern Mobile: Himmeli No. 1 ($46 at AMradio)

What better way to announce that you’re ready to keep the party going than with Jonathan Adler’s cheeky porcelain canister? Disco Biscuits Vice Canister ($138 at Jonathan Adler)

Artist Michael Leon has teamed with Pendleton Woolen Mills to create this gorgeous limited edition blanket, which renders California in wool. Only 125 were made—so hurry! Michael Leon for Pendleton California blanket ($400 at Arkitip)

This 10-hour, three-disc collection includes 40 early movies depicting the American West, from classic cowboy films to Mantrap, starring Clara Bow. The set also showcases nonfiction gems such as travelogues from 10 western states including Seeing Yosemite, and comes with an illustrated catalog.
Treasures from the American Film Archives: Volume 5: The West (1898-1938) ($33 at Amazon.com)

This colorful tray—made from the Finnish retailer’s famous fabric, laminated onto plywood—serves as functional art. Vattenblank round tray ($75 at Marimekko)

Coolest book ever? Noted graphic designer Paula Scher presents 39 of her amazing painted map creations—and trust us, they’re not like anything you’ve ever seen in an atlas. Paula Scher MAPS ($50 at Princeton Architectural Press)

Know any tea connoisseurs? They’ll be thrilled with this artful ceramic whisk keeper, designer to keep bamboo tea whisks (or chasens) from losing shape.
Whisk Keeper ($16.50 at Hibiki-an)

Bay Area artist Wendy Gold transforms vintage globes into decoupaged works of art. Choose from one of her inventive designs or come up with your own and really impress the lucky recipient. Not All Who Wander Are Lost globe ($350 at ImagineNations)

Thanks to its interchangeable rods, this clever kettle—created by San Francisco-based Miam.Miam—touts itself as the first-ever French coffee press and tea infuser hybrid. Duet Tea Infuser + French Press Coffee System by Miam.Miam ($32 at A + R Store)

Who likes it spicy? This yummy collection includes persimmon and jalapeno jam, farmhouse chutney, and organic Italian seasoning, all crafted in Napa and contained in a reusable wooden tote. ‘Some Like it Hot!’ Gift Tote ($40 at Napa Farm House)