While some companies boast about community being the center of their business, Tustin, California-based Tricon Residential is physically built for it. Designed by Shubin Donaldson Architects, the new office embodies Tricon’s people-first approach with a biophilic courtyard meant for collaboration situated right in the center of the 66,000-square-foot tilt-up warehouse. Surrounding this space are other featured areas that help create a sense of community similar to the Tricon business.

Various seating reminiscent of smoothed river rocks provides space for impromptu collaboration and meetings. A mix of trees and plans support the biophilic environment, a space where getting fresh air is synonymous with having a casual hangout with your coworkers.

Surrounding the heart of the office are distinct “neighborhoods” that span the various departments of the company. Glass walls provide transparency while also letting in the abundance of natural light that streams in from the ceiling.

Other featured areas that support the community aspect of the office include a tiered seating zone for communal presentations, conference rooms, a cozy cafe, and a spacious kitchenette with access to an outdoor patio.

Illuminated by LED polycarbonate panels, the Tricon Innovation Lab serves as a showcase of the company’s cutting-edge technology.

Photography by Benny Chan.

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.

They’re our best friends, our confidants, and our everyday companions. Pets are family, and they definitely deserve a spot on your gift list this year and every one to come. (Though those of us in the know realize every day is pet day!) Whether you’re a cat person or a dog lover, we’ve tracked down 20 of the best modern pet gifts out there for your favorite furry friends. There’s even a few things for the pet parents in your life!

Any pet toy that’s cute is welcome in our home, and we love this bright citrus scratching ball of fun! Premium jute is irresistible to cats, they just can’t resist sinking their claws in – which is great, because we don’t want them doing that to the living room furniture. Built to endure hours upon hours of play, the Tangerine Scratching Ball is durable, made using non-toxic dyes, and helps maintain nail health of cats of all ages.

This interlocking modular puzzle toy will keep your pooch entertained as they fetch and chew, while also keeping their instincts sharp. The toy’s shape allows pieces to be joined together or enjoyed individually – the puzzle possibilities will keep them guessing! Fill the open ends with their favorite treats (Customers have called it better than Kong!), you can even freeze it for longer play. Natural rubber provides maximum durability and minimal health risks, as well as easy clean-up. Armadillo would be ideal for pets with anxiety.

If your cats are anything like mine, nothing beats finding a good spot to curl up in first. Cozy and warm, the Vevo cat bed checks all the boxes when it comes to cat comfort. Made with silky, velvety materials, it can be transformed into endless shapes that feel snug and secure. The bed’s knotted weave helps relax and massage your kitty with its bumps while they rest. The Vevo is recommended for cats up to 20 lbs.

Is your dog’s wardrobe more stylish than your own? Then I’m sure you (and your pup) would appreciate the addition of this puffer vest that uses vegan down alternative fill as the temperatures continue to drop. Arabella is lightweight and designed to give your pet superior range of motion while remaining effortlessly cool. On-trend and plush, it will keep Fido warm, cozy, and comfortable no matter where you venture outdoors next.

Keep your cat busy and further distracted with this high-quality corrugated paper toy that’s not easy to deform. Designed for scratching, playing, and lounging, the CatCordion can be transformed into four shapes that are fun and attention grabbing. A racing rattle ball is included for active play!

Being a pet owner isn’t all slobbery kisses and unconditional love, it can also come with not-so-pleasant… odors. Barkus’s enzymatic natural deodorizing coat fine mist spray is formulated to neutralize while conditioning your pup’s coat. Choose from unscented, Earth, and Flower concentrates. The well-designed bottle features a soft trigger motion, is reusable, airless, and includes 360º use – you can even turn it upside down to hit all the spots.

It’s a fact: high places make cats feel safest. (Though we’re sure they also enjoy looking down on us, literally and figuratively!) The Wall Mounted Cat Perch is designed using a molded plywood construction and a foam cushion that’s wrapped in either tweed or Pendleton wool. Real, natural wood veneer, available in Walnut, Oak, and Teak, is hand-sanded and finished with high-performance satin lacquer. The perch mounts to the wall with a screw-less appearance, so it won’t be messing up your decor anytime soon.

This bowl and mat set has more going for it than you can imagine. While it’s not making you compromise on aesthetics, its QuickDry Bowl Base – made from diatomite earth and a BPA-free silicone mat – is busy instantly absorbing spills to keep floors clean and dry. It also prevents mold and bacteria growth and is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and antimicrobial. Small grooves help to keep the two dishwasher- and microwave-safe anti-spill ceramic bowls in place. The instant-drying mat doesn’t even need washing – just make sure it dries out between uses.

What furry little guy or girl wouldn’t love to hide, play, and snooze in this hooded pet bed?! Lightweight and covered in grey polyester felt, its cone shape is minimal and ready to blend in with the rest of your decor. Your pet enters through an arched doorway, leading to an interior with a removable striped cushion that provides extra padding. Best of all? You can even roll it up and take it on the go – easy peasy.

If you find your furry family member(s) waking you up before the sun for breakfast, the Feeder-Robot would benefit you both. Your cat or dog will never miss a mealtime and you’ll get a bit more shuteye before the alarm goes off, as it inevitably will. With portion-controlled meal schedules made through the app or unit, anti-jam technology, and the ability to hold up to 32 cups of dry food, it’s the gift that will keep on giving.

If your pooch has been climbing the social ladder at the dog park – or just has the desire to stylishly stroll around the neighborhood in high fashion – LUNGE’s Harness is an accessory they need. Made in Brazil using 100% Nappa leather that’s cushioned for everyday comfort, the designed in Brooklyn Harness is available in multiple sizes and four colors.

For the fancy feline in your life, this hand-cut glass bowl is unique and multifunctional. The tall top bowl holds food, while the smaller bottom bowl can hold water or snacks. A wide, sturdy base with rim and slip-resistant mat helps prevent the bowl from being pushed or tipped over. Made of real crystal glass, the material keeps bacteria at bay, is pet-safe, and easy to clean. The overall design places them in a more comfortable eating posture, and works especially well for flat-faced cats and for preventing whisker fatigue.

Want your pet’s home to feel as modern as your own? This minimalist pet house is clearly inspired by Scandinavian design, giving them a spot that’s cozy and private with plenty of light and airflow. The included natural cotton-covered cushion is stuffed with antimicrobial microfiber that’s ready to keep them warm when it’s cold and cool when it heats up.

Few things can make you jump up faster than a cat about to be sick, and oftentimes it’s simply because they chowed down too fast on their breakfast. This slow feeder paces eating, helps cats unleash their hunting instincts, and acts as entertainment. It also comes apart into two pieces: a wood stand for the provided small and large bowls. The slow feeder is handmade using premium quality plywood and 100% natural plant oil – all safe for animals and children, and food-safe.

Artist Valeria Davide creates these beautiful sketched works under the name May Contain Mutts. No worries if Otto isn’t what you have in mind, as there’s a plethora of breeds and mixes to choose from, as well as print sizes. Digitally printed in the UK, this particular print measures 5″ x 7″. Once the art is enclosed in a solid Obeche wood frame with the choice of a lime wax or painted matte black finish it measures 15.25″ x 13.25″. No dog lover can resist these faces!

While this kitty looks a bit skeptical, he/she is likely to pounce into action once the M2 Ice Cream Ball gets going! Made of premium silicone, the toy features a bright, color-changing LED light, a play-and-rest cycle, three interaction modes, automatic obstacle avoidance, and a long battery life for lots of uninterrupted playtime. Each color choice represents a different ice cream flavor: raspberry, blueberry, and matcha!

We own and love The Fritz Bed in black and white, and can vouch for both its comfiness and style. (So much so that I wouldn’t shy away from using it as a floor pillow for extra seating for guests!) Durable, water-resistant, and scratch-proof, the bed is made of 100% recycled PET bottles while the insert cushion uses recycled PET cotton. The cover is machine washable recycled canvas that will standup to your pup’s nesting pre-nap. The bed is currently available in one size, 35″ x 25″.

If your feline friend likes to change up their scratching poses, the Tab Scratching Board is a great gift. Minimal in design while remaining sturdy, it can be placed horizontally, rested against a wall at an incline, or mounted vertically with the Tab Wall Mount. If you decide to opt for the latter, know that the board entirely covers the mount for a clean look and can be removed in seconds for floor use.

For the dog who loves ice cubes, there’s The Pupsicle. Available in three sizes, simply pre-freeze treats to pop inside and keep your pup busy for up to 40 minutes. There’s no drool to clean up once they’re finished and no shards to accidentally choke on while they’re busy enjoying their frozen treat. The Pupsicle is also easy to clean – a bonus for you.

For those of us partial to orange cats and mid-century modern design, this poster is a must-have. Featuring row upon row of minimalist orange cat faces with unique expressions, it will brighten any space it’s placed within. High-quality print and thick, archival matte paper guarantee a durable and long-lasting art print. Now, which one is your favorite?

Follow along so you don’t miss any of our 2023 Gift Guides this year!

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

Multi-hyphenate artist Christopher Gentner – a formally trained metalsmith responsible for re-creating Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House gates – employs his expertise and Chicago-based studio in an exclusive collaboration with Kelly Wearstler to debut Mock, his first collection for her digital Gallery.

Mock represents the amalgam of Gentner’s prowess as a sculptor, proprietary parts, and Wearstler’s aesthetic dexterity. With a structural composition that harkens to post-modern architecture, the three-piece series comprises a cocktail table, side table, and bench rooted in the language of sculpture with rich surface qualities that rival patina.

To produce each piece a steel base is heated to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows it to accept molten pewter at the same temperature, and manipulated using a large torch and metal rods to apply the finish. Gravity moves the liquid pewter throughout the sculpted alloy landscape as it cools to form a mercurial texture. While the shapes remain the same for each piece, the surfaces are unique expressions of the creation process at the moment of its making.

For fine artists like Gentner, design is often an affliction. “It’s almost like these ideas start bubbling up, they pester me and are a bit consuming. It’s not the romantic notion of creativity. It’s a bit compulsive. The more I make the more ideas start coming to me,” says Gentner of his creative process. “When I feel like a piece is really successful, it contains this power, a vibration created by dynamism.”

To learn more about the Mock collection or to purchase, visit kellywearstler.com.

Photography by Mark Durling.

With professional degrees in architecture and journalism, Joseph has a desire to make living beautifully accessible. His work seeks to enrich the lives of others with visual communication and storytelling through design. A regular contributor to titles under the SANDOW Design Group, including Luxe and Metropolis, Joseph serves the Design Milk team as their Managing Editor. When not practicing, he teaches visual communication, theory, and design. The New York-based writer has also contributed to exhibitions hosted by the AIA New York’s Center for Architecture and Architectural Digest, and recently published essays and collage illustrations with Proseterity, a literary publication.

Captain Balfour is the newest addition to the McKinley Bungalows collection, located in Montauk, New York, designed by Studio Robert McKinley. Spanning 3,800 square feet, the property melds the practice’s signature style, which has influenced East End interiors with a luxurious yet livable approach.

The bungalow’s design is deeply rooted in its environment. Drawing inspiration from Montauk’s natural beauty, the interiors showcase a palette of whites, creams, and earthy tones that mirror the beachfront. Accentuated by white-washed wood paneling, the decor is a blend of vintage and contemporary, harmonizing vintage teak furniture with modern fixtures. Lighting, particularly Akari and rattan variants, sets a calm and inviting mood throughout the property.

Exterior-wise, the house showcases warm silvered cedar and mahogany finishes, reminiscent of the traditional cedar-clad homes of the northeast. Inside, a significant transformation has taken place. Apart from a few original walls, everything has been reimagined. The spacious kitchen now flaunts rough sawn oak cabinets by Reform, travertine countertops, state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances, and expansive windows by Marvin that provide scenic views.

Collaborating once again with Heath Ceramics, the studio has introduced unique tile designs in hues of seaweed greens, warm whites, taupes, and browns. These tiles, complemented by travertine countertops, are used extensively throughout the bathrooms. Enhancing the home’s global appeal, Beni Rugs has provided custom Moroccan rugs, handwoven in Marrakech, combining modern aesthetics with age-old weaving techniques.

Photography by Glen Allsop.

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism into his daily-updated blog Leibal. In addition, you can find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture at the Leibal Store.

New York City has always been a hub of inspiration, and Nik Bentel Studio decided to tap into a “New Yorker” must-have item when creating his latest design. Meet The Puffer Bag, a satchel-style crossbody bag inspired by the iconic black puffer jacket seen throughout the city (and beyond) as soon as the temps drop. The design aims to transcend traditional fashion norms, embracing universal appeal in a compact and unique form. This Puffer Bag isn’t just a bag – it’s a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a tribute to the timeless winter staple.

The Puffer Bag isn’t just about looks – it’s about quality and functionality. Drawing inspiration from the diverse puffy jackets seen across the five boroughs of NYC, this unique bag is meticulously crafted from a high-performance polyblend of nylon and polyester. The Puffer Bag boasts practical front pockets and a functional zipper, ensuring the security and concealment of its contents and keeping everything safe.

The bag measures 15 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 2 inches deep, making it perfectly proportioned to accommodate your standard laptop, along with your daily essentials as you navigate life.

It’s not just a bag – it’s a miniature jacket for your computer. Produced in a limited run of just 400 units, The Puffer Bag design falls right in line with Nik Bentel’s design philosophy: “How can we reimagine the use and potential of everyday, mundane objects?”

The Puffer Bag goes on sale today for $225 at nikolasbentelstudio.com.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

As we roll into what can be the busiest months of the year for entertaining, Material and Death & Co have teamed up to release the limited-edition Stirred Set. The AAPI-founded kitchenware brand and cocktail connoisseurs’ collaborative set is the ideal high design home cocktail set, ready to take your bar – or bar cart – to the next level. The Stirred Set includes The Duo Spoon, The Cloud Jigger, and the colorful straight-walled The Cloud Pitcher, each piece as functional as it is beautiful.

While some of us would love to have the three-piece set, others can choose to go à la carte. The Cloud Pitcher, available in Malachite, Lilac & Haze, Haze, and Clear+White, works as well for pre-batching cocktails (or mocktails) as it does serving up sparkling water. Light and sturdy, its wavy handle is sure to set it apart from your other bar accessories. Featuring measurements in tablespoons and ounces, The Cloud Jigger’s curvaceous shape is very easy on the eyes. It’s a standout, whether you’re serving at a dinner party or holiday hangout. Lastly, for those of us who love a multipurpose tool, The Duo Spoon doubles as both a stainless steel muddler and ice cracker.

Alongside the release of The Stirred Set is the new Lilac Glassware, joining the lineup in Half Glass (set of 4) and Full Glass (set of 4) styles. Matching The Stirred Set’s Lilac Cloud Pitcher, this vibrant hue is perfect for serving your beverage creations in style.

The lilac colorway is also part of Materials biggest sale of the year, the fifth annual Kinder Kitchens initiative, where shoppers can save up to 25% sitewide from 11/8 through 11/28, with 100% of Lilac Glassware purchases donated to Apex For Youth.

To learn more about Material x Death & Co.’s The Stirred Set, visit materialkitchen.com.

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

Gifting the youngest crowd on your list can be a bit precarious. When you pick the right present, you’ll receive the most genuine, overjoyed response that will make your heart burst. On the other hand, if you fall short, your giftee will definitely let you know – kids can rarely hide their true feelings. Luckily, you won’t have to deal with the latter when it comes to our curated list below. From German award-winning stepping stones to a fail-safe option (play dough, of course, but with a twist), we found the best modern gifts for kids that will make your present their favorite of all.

Has any kid ever turned their nose at a bounce house? A splurge worth investing in, bounce houses are perfect for getting all that energy out. They’re great for parties (renting one for a couple hours actually costs about the same) and this one is “smol” enough to fit in the living room if you’re stuck inside during the winter.

An interactive book that requests engagement with taps, claps, and more on every page, Decorate The Tree is the perfect title to add to your readers’ holiday book collection.

This German play maker brand recently made its US debut and has been spreading the fun all over the nation. These stepping stones are made for open-ended play – arguably the best kind of play to keep kids engaged, active, and creative for longer periods of time.

Turn storytime into a show for the senses! After downloading the app, the Moonlite Projector uses your phone to cast the pages from your favorite iconic books onto the wall. Sound effects play during certain words with a tap of your finger while background music creates a soothing ambience.

Made for magnets and dry erase pens, this wall decal is a modern day version of an art easel. The wall decal hangs up on any wall using strong-hold adhesives and the magnets help engage your little one’s creativity. Bonus tip: use your Magna-Tiles for additional play!

This set of four board books are made for the tiny jet-setter in your life. They’re inspired by author Vanessa Lee Christensen’s own global travels and the colorful illustrations by Audrey Lee will delight your baby’s senses as they expand their horizons and learn about different cultures. The books ship on November 20th, 2023 – just in time for the holidays!

These handmade crowns are sweet heirloom treasures that will be used throughout their whole childhood. Use it to celebrate birthdays or make-believe play.

These foam blocks have a modern shape that lend themselves well to be used in multiple ways: as blocks to climb on, as a seat to read on, as a table to play market – the options are endless. No need to pack it away either. The colorway is sure to blend into any home’s interior.

There are $5 dollar sunglasses that feel like they might break at any moment and then there are Izipizi sunglasses that feel like real, adult quality sunglasses. The only negative is that you’ll want to keep tabs on them because they are too cute to lose!

Another toy that facilitates open-ended play, these wooden tiles by German brand Bauspiel are a Montessori must-have for building fine motor and problem-solving skills.

These are the hair version of days of the week underwear of the past! Bonus: for parents who always lose track of the days when juggling life with kids, you can just glance at your child’s head to be reminded.

Designer Nikolas Bentel is back at it again, creating chalk in fun, peculiar shapes that will make even adults curious enough to test out. The vibrant colors are paired up thanks to the interlocking shape, so you can use two colors at the same time.

These blocks will encourage your architect-in-training to create endless configurations to make a successful ball run. Plus, you’ll have this set for years to come as it’s made from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified beech wood in Europe.

Reissued for the first time since 1961, The Little Toy is the Eameses’ creation sparked from their interest in prefab architecture. The set consists of squares, triangles, and wireframes. Wires connect the pieces together to create sculptures, houses, and architectural structures.

Another gift that will last a lifetime, these handmade ornaments can be personalized up to 10 letters. They are so special that we’re sure your kids will continue to hang them up for the holidays, even when they reach adulthood (cue the waterworks now).

Made for specific age groups, these playboxes are filled with toys that will meet your child where they’re at developmentally. Lalo partnered with parent-approved toy manufacturer Plan Toys who are known for their sustainability and eco-friendly practices to curate the sets of toys, all of which are so aesthetically pleasing, parents won’t mind if they’re strewn all over the house. While a one-time purchase is $90, you can save $10 with a subscription. A surprise box of toys delivering all year round? You’d be the favorite of 2024.

What can we say? We love blocks! This one has a fun spin to make little whimsical characters and can be used by babies developing their fine motor skills.

Screen time becomes a thing of the past with this player. Using physical cards that can be easily inserted, kids can listen to stories, music, and educational programs without any ads or distractions. There’s also a full-size player but the mini is perfect for on the go moments.

Based in Los Angeles, Milk Teeth prides itself on designing “un-boring, un-gendered clothes for kids.” When we saw this sweater with the fun swirl motif, we instantly wished it came in our size.

Of course, the never fail option is always play dough, but not just your average play dough. This activity kit includes three packets to make your own play dough to extend the fun – just add water and oil to mix. After that, inspired by the classic Chinese tradition of brunch, you can create your own play version with the included dumpling maker and spatula, bamboo steamers, soup spoon, teacup, and bamboo tong. It even comes with the stamp and dim sum order card to really round out the experience!

Follow along so you don’t miss any of our 2023 Gift Guides this year!

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.

Gifting the youngest crowd on your list can be a bit precarious. When you pick the right present, you’ll receive the most genuine, overjoyed response that will make your heart burst. On the other hand, if you fall short, your giftee will definitely let you know – kids can rarely hide their true feelings. Luckily, you won’t have to deal with the latter when it comes to our curated list below. From German award-winning stepping stones to a fail-safe option (play dough, of course, but with a twist), we found the best modern gifts for kids that will make your present their favorite of all.

Has any kid ever turned their nose at a bounce house? A splurge worth investing in, bounce houses are perfect for getting all that energy out. They’re great for parties (renting one for a couple hours actually costs about the same) and this one is “smol” enough to fit in the living room if you’re stuck inside during the winter.

An interactive book that requests engagement with taps, claps, and more on every page, Decorate The Tree is the perfect title to add to your readers’ holiday book collection.

This German play maker brand recently made its US debut and has been spreading the fun all over the nation. These stepping stones are made for open-ended play – arguably the best kind of play to keep kids engaged, active, and creative for longer periods of time.

Turn storytime into a show for the senses! After downloading the app, the Moonlite Projector uses your phone to cast the pages from your favorite iconic books onto the wall. Sound effects play during certain words with a tap of your finger while background music creates a soothing ambience.

Made for magnets and dry erase pens, this wall decal is a modern day version of an art easel. The wall decal hangs up on any wall using strong-hold adhesives and the magnets help engage your little one’s creativity. Bonus tip: use your Magna-Tiles for additional play!

This set of four board books are made for the tiny jet-setter in your life. They’re inspired by author Vanessa Lee Christensen’s own global travels and the colorful illustrations by Audrey Lee will delight your baby’s senses as they expand their horizons and learn about different cultures. The books ship on November 20th, 2023 – just in time for the holidays!

These handmade crowns are sweet heirloom treasures that will be used throughout their whole childhood. Use it to celebrate birthdays or make-believe play.

These foam blocks have a modern shape that lend themselves well to be used in multiple ways: as blocks to climb on, as a seat to read on, as a table to play market – the options are endless. No need to pack it away either. The colorway is sure to blend into any home’s interior.

There are $5 dollar sunglasses that feel like they might break at any moment and then there are Izipizi sunglasses that feel like real, adult quality sunglasses. The only negative is that you’ll want to keep tabs on them because they are too cute to lose!

Another toy that facilitates open-ended play, these wooden tiles by German brand Bauspiel are a Montessori must-have for building fine motor and problem-solving skills.

These are the hair version of days of the week underwear of the past! Bonus: for parents who always lose track of the days when juggling life with kids, you can just glance at your child’s head to be reminded.

Designer Nikolas Bentel is back at it again, creating chalk in fun, peculiar shapes that will make even adults curious enough to test out. The vibrant colors are paired up thanks to the interlocking shape, so you can use two colors at the same time.

These blocks will encourage your architect-in-training to create endless configurations to make a successful ball run. Plus, you’ll have this set for years to come as it’s made from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified beech wood in Europe.

Reissued for the first time since 1961, The Little Toy is the Eameses’ creation sparked from their interest in prefab architecture. The set consists of squares, triangles, and wireframes. Wires connect the pieces together to create sculptures, houses, and architectural structures.

Another gift that will last a lifetime, these handmade ornaments can be personalized up to 10 letters. They are so special that we’re sure your kids will continue to hang them up for the holidays, even when they reach adulthood (cue the waterworks now).

Made for specific age groups, these playboxes are filled with toys that will meet your child where they’re at developmentally. Lalo partnered with parent-approved toy manufacturer Plan Toys who are known for their sustainability and eco-friendly practices to curate the sets of toys, all of which are so aesthetically pleasing, parents won’t mind if they’re strewn all over the house. While a one-time purchase is $90, you can save $10 with a subscription. A surprise box of toys delivering all year round? You’d be the favorite of 2024.

What can we say? We love blocks! This one has a fun spin to make little whimsical characters and can be used by babies developing their fine motor skills.

Screen time becomes a thing of the past with this player. Using physical cards that can be easily inserted, kids can listen to stories, music, and educational programs without any ads or distractions. There’s also a full-size player but the mini is perfect for on the go moments.

Based in Los Angeles, Milk Teeth prides itself on designing “un-boring, un-gendered clothes for kids.” When we saw this sweater with the fun swirl motif, we instantly wished it came in our size.

Of course, the never fail option is always play dough, but not just your average play dough. This activity kit includes three packets to make your own play dough to extend the fun – just add water and oil to mix. After that, inspired by the classic Chinese tradition of brunch, you can create your own play version with the included dumpling maker and spatula, bamboo steamers, soup spoon, teacup, and bamboo tong. It even comes with the stamp and dim sum order card to really round out the experience!

Follow along so you don’t miss any of our 2023 Gift Guides this year!

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.

Available today for your phones, tablets, and laptops, November’s Designer Desktop features an original design by Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering. What’s exciting about this design is it’s just one example of how you can use your own original artwork and turn it into wall murals and wallcoverings through Momentum Digital Creations. Whether you have a finished piece or just a sketch of an idea, Momentum makes it possible to actualize your design and prints on demand to complete your interior project. If you need a design instead, artwork by Momentum’s designers and world renowned artists, like the ones below, are also available to grace your space. Other original design ideas from Momentum:

For now, start with your tech devices and download this month’s desktop below!

DESKTOP: 1024×768  1280×1024  1680×1050  1900×1200  2560×1440

MOBILE: iPhone XS  iPhone XS Max  iPad Pro

Learn more about Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering here and follow along on IG here.

View and download past Designer Desktops here.

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.

The Net Lounge, designed by Raffaello Galiotto for Nardi, is a modern alternative to the traditional outdoor armchair made with uniformly colored recyclable fiberglass polypropylene resins with UV additives. A generously deep, rounded seat and wave-like profile envelope your body while watching the sunset, reading, napping, or doing absolutely nothing at all.

A member of the larger Net Collection, the Net Lounge features a low seat position and well-designed backrest tilt for ergonomics. The stackable structure is light and breathable, thanks to a radial pattern of square perforations that are uniformly distributed over the surface of the armchair. The smart addition of towel clips helps keep your towel in place and safe from expectedly windy days, while non-slip feet keep the Lounge safely grounded.

The Net Lounge is a perfect choice for poolsides, terraces, and all other outdoor spaces where you just want to sit back and say “ahhhh…” Choose from six matte colors, and add a cushion for even deeper relaxation. Also, check out the rest of the Net Collection, which includes chairs, armchairs, loveseats, tables, and stools.‎

To learn more about the Net Lounge, visit nardioutdoor.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.