Our 2017 Picks for Great Holiday Gifts: Crowd-Funding Successes

The Cocktail Collection: Glass Decanter Set

Give their holiday bar cart a serious upgrade with this shapely Cocktail Collection made of frosted borosilicate glass and natural cork. The set includes a bar towel that's a favorite here in the studio– so we highly suggest adding a few extra towels to keep for yourself... Cheers! 

DESIGNED BY 
Manual Goods

WHY WE LOVE IT
This set is elegant without being stuffy, and the multi-purpose nature means it's perfect for everything from whiskey to wine to water!

PERFECT FOR
The host who loves their liquids.
$199.00

 

Visible Vinyl: Wooden Record Displays

Records are meant to be seen and heard, the makers at Well Made created Visible Vinyl: the tasteful solution for decorating with album art. Although the crowd-funding campaign was canceled, both the wall-mounted and table-top displays are thankfully in production.

DESIGNED BY
Well Made

WHY WE LOVE IT
Their STiiCKS quickly sold out at our Objective Design Shop! True to their name, Well Made's simple solutions truly are well made in their Chicago studio. 

PERFECT FOR
The audiophile and art lover.
$29.95

 

TripTarp: The Printed [Back]Packing Guide 

Designed to help travelers prepare, plan, and pack for their wilderness adventures, what sets TripTarp apart is what's printed on the lightweight, weather-proof ripstop nylon: All the backcountry essentials, organized into zones. Because "You don't need everything, just everything you need" is especially true when it's all on your back.

DESIGNED BY
TripTarp

WHY WE LOVE IT
Nate recently used his TripTarp on a journey down the Colorado River. Field tested and approved! 

PERFECT FOR
The friend with a fondness for organized adventures.
$59.99

 

Stagg: Kettles for a Precise Pour-Over  

The hot new Stagg EKG is an electric kettle that quickly heats water to a precise temperature for proper brewing of both coffee and teas. Fellow's signature handle is counterbalanced to ensure your pour as smooth as your brew. Tip: Skip the EKG+ bluetooth version so you can give this gift in time for the holidays. 

DESIGNED BY
Fellow

WHY WE LOVE IT
Their Joey Mugs and original Stagg Kettle (with lid featuring a built-in thermometer) were among the best sellers in Objective Design Shop! 

PERFECT FOR
The hot-drink connoisseur with a thirst for precision. 
$69.99 - $149.99

 

The Goodnewspaper: Good News in Your Mailbox

Because everybody could use a little good news! The Goodnewspaper is a quarterly printed paper that "shines a light on the people, ideas and movements that are changing the world for the better." Ah ah– bet we caught you smiling from a glow of hope forming in your heart already. So while you're at it, treat yourself to the Goodnewsletter for heart-warming stories in your inbox for free. 

DESIGNED BY
Branden Harvey and the Good Good Good Co

WHY WE LOVE IT
A subscription to this optimistic periodical promises to put a smile on their face all year long. 

PERFECT FOR
Literally anyone with a mailing address.
$36.00

 

Ho ho hold up – isn't crowd-funding a risk for gift giving?

Sure, backing a campaign in hopes of getting a gift-worthy product by a certain date is... optimistic. That's why for this round-up, we've selected only campaigns that have delivered on their promises. These are all in-production products that are ready to brighten someone's holidays. 

Supporting a crowd-funding project is a risk, no matter the time of year. But isn't that why we love backing campaigns? The excitement of cheering on the dreamers. The thrill of the journey, and of the unknown. It sure isn't your typical online shopping!

It's not surprising how many campaigns deliver disappointment, at best, because bringing a product to market that meets your vision is remarkably difficult. If you're in Charleston, join us at StartUp Grind on November 29th as we share our experiences launching products with Kickstarter in hopes of helping others successfully deliver.