2017 Christmas gift ideas for graphic designers

Graphic designers are most definitely part of their own tribe. They love the smell of printed paper. They get excited about foils. They have an undying passion for beautifully designed things, from fashion and accessories to architecture and interior design.

Image licensed via Adobe Stock

Image licensed via Adobe Stock

With so much to consider, how do you choose the perfect Christmas gift for the graphic designer in your life? Working alongside Creative Boom, we've called upon our friends and lecturers at Shillington to pull together the ultimate gift guide for graphic designers. Expect everything from affordable stocking fillers like pin badges and fun little gadgets to more expensive treats. Rest assured, there's something to suit every taste and budget.

CMYK Pin (£10)

Present & Correct's popular CMYK Pin is perfect for your design pals. Highlighting a dedication to the cause and all-around geekery. It measures 20mm in width and is really quite marvellous, all for just £10.

Stack Magazines (£20)

For those who love independent publications, Stack Magazines is offering Christmas gift packs that cost £20 for three months and include a free magazine from the archive, plus a sheet of their wrapping paper and a welcome card... then a regular subscription will begin from January.

Happy Socks (£15.95)

One size socks that will literally make your designer pal jump for joy. Pick a pair from the Hysteria range, such as the Karen Ankle socks. Made of a mercerised cotton blend to enhance the colours of this design, they give a subtle sheen and add extra comfort.

Studio Arhoj Ghost in Blue (£17)

Based on the Japanese Shinto religion, which believes everything in nature has a soul (including mountains, rocks, plants, pebbles), these ceramic and porcelain ghosts each have a unique look and personality. Available in blue, pink, black, yellow and green via GoodHood.

Onkyo CP-1050 Direct Drive Turntable (£400)

This beautiful wooden housed turntable is pre-amped and ready to go and comes complete with a Moving-Magnet cartridge and features slick aluminium finishing throughout. More importantly, it will make a stunning feature in any graphic designer's home.

Totem Deer (€16.95)

Build and admire your own beautiful totum deer thanks to Studio ROOF. It's just one of the many 3D objects you can build from recycled sturdy cardboard. Other flatpack kits include cardboard mobiles, wall decorations and pop-out cards.

Hug Life Pin (£6)

This limited edition pin by Joshua Harris, aka The A Board Dude, is for designers who love to hug. It's something to wear and know what you stand for – in this case, peace and love.

Glam unicorn bookmark (£22.50)

This glamorous unicorn bookmark by My BookMark is part of its Fairyland collection and just one of many witty and fun bookmarks, crafted from polymer clay. If unicorns don't cut it, check out the wicked witch version, inspired by The Wizard of Oz.

Trump Cushion (£5)

The rather wonderful Trump Cushion will make a decent stocking filler this Christmas. A collaborative effort from Nick Bell, Eoin Glaister, Freddy Taylor and comedy king Mr Bingo, it's just £5 courtesy of The Z List.

HAY Jug (£28.50)

Expert glass artist Jochen Holz has created this glass Jug for HAY. Made from borosilicate glass so it is extra heat resistant and dishwasher safe, it costs just £28.50.

Plant Hanger by Goodhood (£20)

A seriously stylish plant hanger for those designers who love their plants. Available via Goods by Goodhood for £20 it can be suspended from wall or ceiling around the home or garden.

Emerson Throw ($230)

The Emerson Throw is designed by Oakland-based art studio Company Studio and its founder Chaz Bear, who is renowned for his musical project, Toro Y Moi, as well as his artistic and graphic talents. This throw, priced at $230, is popping with primary colours and is perfect for the home, for picnics, or to hang on the wall as art.

Typographic Print by Playtype (€54)

We love this typographic poster by Playtype. Entitled Welcome To The City Of Champions, the 70x100cm print is from the photo project 'Caledonia Jane' by Emil Hartvig. Printed on 150g uncoated paper in PANTONE colours, it's typed in Playtype's signature font Italian Plate No1.

Tattly Tattoos ($47.50)

If your friend has always wanted a tattoo but can never make up their mind what to get, then Tattly is the answer. They create and sell designer temporary tattoos that will excite and delight any graphic designer. We especially love these watercolour tattoos that feature butterflies, feathers and flowers. A snitch at $45.50.

Kaweco Two-Tone fountain pen (£16.50)

Another great stocking filler suggestion, the Kaweco Two Tone pen takes regular cartridges and will make an excellent addition to any stylish desk. Available via the rather irresistible Present & Correct.

Colours by Shanti Sparrow ($16.99)

Your graphic designer pal will love colouring in, so treat them to this highly designed, stunning first concept board book series by artist (and Shillington lecturer) Shanti Sparrow. Blending beautiful patterns and textures with vibrant colours and bold shapes, Shanti has created a magical world for anyone to immerse themselves in.

Smart Charger Set ($24.99)

Is your pal always running out of juice on their devices? This Smart Charger Set by Native Union pairs its signature Belt Cable with a two-port high-speed USB charger with foldable pins, for a small and compact charging solution they can carry everywhere.

Under Dogs by Jean Jullien (€15)

We love Jean Jullien's latest book, Under Dogs which celebrates the best, worst and downright comical moments that come with owning a dog. Courtesy of Hato Press, it's CMYK litho printed and contains a collection of the French illustrator's witty artworks, reminding us to never underestimate man's best friend.

L/Uniform custom-made bag (Price TBC)

If you have a friend who can't get enough of Wes Anderson, then a bespoke bag by L/Uniform might just make the perfect Christmas gift. Combine colours yourself and create your own model online. From royal blue, red and yellow to pink, black and white, the diversity of the edging, webbing and strap colours associated with the shades of canvas and leather let you create something truly unique.

CorkNet tabletennis set (£38)

Love table tennis but don't have room for a table tennis table? CorkNet by Julian Bond turns any indoor or outdoor table or surface into a table tennis table. Made from natural cork, a flexible and hardwearing material, the freestanding ping pong net is lightweight and easy to store. It comes in two parts, making it simple to take with you wherever you go or to keep out of the way when not in use.

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