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[1] Hydroflask 

This one is the best ‘thermos’ I’ve found. It nails three key things for me. It’s very efficient at keeping beverages hot/cold. It has a wide mouth that makes it easy to clean. The lid is simple and surprisingly pleasant to drink from.  

-Per Erickson

[2] Soap Saver

Set your bar of soap (my preference is goat milk soap) on this handy block of wood and the bottom of your soap will never be soggy.  It also extends the life of your soap.

-Charity Dunphy

[3] Lime Squeezer

You need one when you eat 2/3 limes a day. Specifically my trusty metal squeezer I've had for 10 years.

-Marcela Gracia

[4] Converse Chuck Taylor (Oxfords) 

Timeless, unchanging, essential, and ubiquitous. Lowly canvas and rubber elevated to icon status – no logo required. I wouldn’t recognize my own feet in anything else.

-Josh Hoffman

[5] Vinyl Records

Vinyl Records: Bulky, fussy, & fragile perhaps – but a warmth of tone and level of engagement with your music that no Spotify playlist can approach is the reward. 

-Josh Hoffman

[6] Fiskar Scissors

I have owned the same pair of these scissors since I started in the architecture profession and they are as sharp and useful as the first day I used them. Well proportioned, balanced and tuned to fit your hand so comfortably…the only thing better is the now iconic orange color.

-Eric Naslund

[7] 3DConnection Mouse

I’ve seen many use this mouse before buying my own, and I never understood how much of a difference it really made. It was difficult to use the mouse at first, but it quickly becomes intuitive. It makes sense that for navigating around a three-dimensional object, you would need a three-dimensional mouse. This mouse allows me to pan, zoom, tilt, and rotate all simultaneously which allows me to move around an object so much easier.

-Tyler Napolitano

[8] Ortleib Panniers

I bought Ortleib Panniers for biking to work. They’re big waterproof sacks with a low center of gravity and huge capacity—each can carry two full bags of groceries or long, awkward items like permit drawings (true story.)

-Kevin Bussett

[9] E+M Clutch Workman Pencil

Pocket Sized and Built to Travel. Simple design that never gets old.

-Vince Rosato

[10] Izipizi Reading Glasses

OK – I had to finally admit that I needed some “cheaters”…these put all drug store versions to shame. Designed in Paris. Super light-weight and comfortable. Made of flexible plastic. I got mine at a local museum gift shop…cool, indispensable and modestly priced. 

-John Sheehan

[11] Brass Pin

 I discovered these 2 years ago and I can't get enough! Nothing keeps my hair in place but these little pins. They're so simple and raw, but they work perfectly.

-Marcela Gracia

[12] Avocado Saver 

The avocado saver gives you the option to eat half of your avocado today and the other half another day.  

-Charity Dunphy

[13] Yamaha U1 Upright Piano 

Classic style, premium sound. I grew up playing a hand me down piano – nothing wrong with that. But I recently purchased a used Yamaha U1 upright piano. Its glossy shine graces my living room and begs to be played!  Much like riding a bike, you don’t forget skills learned while a kid. I’ve been enjoying rekindling my love of playing the piano. It is a great way to relax and tune out the world and get lost in playing a beautiful piece of music.

-Maxine Ward

[14] Cast Aluminum Ice Cream Scoop 

Then just don’t make ‘em like this anymore…really they don’t. This mid-century gem is the perfect size to fit in your hand and delivers the perfect size scoop. The ribbed handle aids in maintaining a firm grip when diving in on a super cold carton. Best ever! 

-John Sheehan

[15] Tennis Ball

This common object is useful long after it has served its short life on the tennis court. It’s the ubiquitous dog toy. It’s a great toy for kids of all ages. Lately I’ve realized its usefulness as a massage tool, and when I grow old, I might have a couple of these on the ends of my walker.

-Per Erickson

[16] Owl Cup

I love listening to the music of movies. I picked this one because it is the first one that I bought (some years ago at the airport in London)

-Vittora Molinaro

[17] Anova Sous Vide

I must admit, cooking things in a vacuum bag sounds strange, but this bad boy cooks with a consistency that’s remarkable. It is also a lot more diverse than creating the perfect steak. Some things you might not know it can do: poached eggs, mashed potatoes, infusing cocktails, and even crème brulee. 

-Perriann Hodges

[18] Olfa Knife

The Olfa knife has replaced both X-actos and box cutters in my toolbox. The latter two are dangerous, non-ergonomic, and require constant blade changes. Olfa blades are powerful, long-lasting and a fresh blade is just a snap away—no more boxes of used blades labeled “DANGER!”

-Kevin Bussett

[19] OXO Salt and Pepper Grinders

Until I owned these, I had a role call of now discarded versions that provided very little condiment but lots of frustration. Maybe that is why every time I use these it puts a smile on my face. Durable, easily adjustable and friendly to both hands and eyes, every kitchen needs a pair of these.

-Eric Naslund

[20] Melitta Ceramic Pour-over  

I start every day with a Melitta ceramic pour-over because it’s nice to have a morning ritual. My tip: Go for the larger #4 cone.

-Mathilda Bialk

[21] Chemex

This is more than just a vehicle for my morning cup of coffee- it is an opportunity to get my mind oriented at the beginning of the day while spending a slightly unnecessary amount of time hand- pouring hot water over ground beans.

-Nate Vandermeulen

[22] Corkcicle Tumbler

This is my “must have” for my coffee in the morning. It comes in a rainbow of fun colors, but most importantly keeps my cold brew coffee cold for 9 hours. Don’t judge. I’m a sipper. 

-Perriann Hodges

[23] Bialetti Moka Pot

(Caffeine + Science) --> (Form + Function) = Industrial Design Classic

-Josh Hoffman

[24] Boon Lawn Drying Rack 

The Boon Lawn drying rack because it allows the baby stuff to be separate and cute. All things Boon are pretty amazing.

-Mathilda Bialk

[25] Apple TV Remote 

Sleek, minimal, and elusive. It always finds great hiding spots.

-Vince Rosato

[26] Magnetic Pickup Tool

How else would I fish my bobby pins, clips, and assorted keys from the underworld that is my bag?

-Marcela Gracia

[27] Moleskine

3 ½” x 5 ½” preferred, but not necessary.  I keep one of these at work, one in the car, one on the coffee table and one next to my bed for processing ideas, taking notes, documenting occasional spontaneous inspiration and (mostly) putting down things on paper before I forget them

-Nate Vandermeulen

[28] Wsken Magnetic USB Charger 

This charger makes charging my phone so much easier, not that it was necessarily that difficult in the first place. The charger comes with a little nub that stays inside my phone (or any micro USB port), and the custom charger will snap to it any time they’re close. They also make one for Apple devices, too, which allows me to finally share charging cables with my roommate!

-Tyler Napolitano

[29] Pride & Prejudice Soundtrack

I love listening to the music of movies. I picked this one because it is the first one that I bought (some years ago at the airport in London)

-Vittora Molinaro

[30] Bianchi Milano Café Racer

What’s not to love about a mint green, retro style bicycle? I love my Bianchi Milano Café Racer. Just wish I had the time to take it for more rides.

-Maxine Ward