The Blog

Christmas Gifts for 2017

The time has come again, 2017 is almost over

and you’ve avoided the malls where crazed shoppers takeover.

But now you’re behind. Presents, you have none.

And you have no gift ideas, not even one.

But, don’t you fear, that’s what we’re here for

To help with holiday stress and give your mind peace once more.

A list we’ve complied with our favorite things

from planners to light tables and all in between.

So good tidings to you and all you hold dear

Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year!

1. Nest Thermostats

The first item on our Christmas Gifts for 2017 list is one for the home- who would have guessed? Nest Thermostats are the thermostats of the 21^st century. This device is cutting-edge, easy to replace with your current thermostat, and can connect to your phone, which gives you 24-7 access even when you aren’t home. It’s also eco-friendly. The device has grown in popularity over the past few years and has even won the Red Dot Design Award for innovative solutions.

2. Leuchtturm1917 Notebook

“Bullet journaling,” the idea of using a practically blank notebook to create lists that can help relieve stress, be a creative outlet and track progress all in the form of bulleting, has been one of the most pervasive trends of 2017 (it’s practically a to-do list, planner, sketchbook and diary all rolled into one). Our favorite journal is the Leuchtturm1917 Notebook. When it comes down to it, the convenient size, bleed-proof paper, and durability make it simply irresistible.

3. Panda Planner

If “bullet journaling” doesn’t suit your fancy, check out this other option to keep your plans organized. The Panda Planner is a ready-made planner that is split in sections daily, weekly and monthly. All the pages are divided into sections, some of which are Morning Review, Priorities for the Day, Schedule and Task Notes, and End of the Day Review. Additionally, it is extremely well made with fantastic binding, extremely durable, and (best of all) affordable.

4. Old State Capitol Print

The Old State Capitol is one of Baton Rouge’s greatest staples. Between its signature stained-glass windows and the grandeur of its interior, it is no wonder that it has become a beloved local landmark. The OSC offers a 16” x 20” architectural rendering of one of the windows of the House Chamber, Senate Chamber, or Rotunda for a $100 donation. This rendering is hand-colored on 100% rag paper. If someone you know loves Baton Rouge culture, architecture or decorative wall art, this is the present for them.

5. Marie Constantin Photography

Baton Rouge local and 2017 LSU Manship School Hall of Fame Inductee Marie Constantin is one of the greatest photographers our area has to offer. Other than creating breathtaking prints, she has written a book named Finding Calcutta: Memoirs of a Photographer which documents her many experiences with now Saint Mother Teresa as she traveled. If you are looking for Christmas gifts for 2017 for someone with deep spirituality, this could be the item.

6. GenevieveDesignsBR

Genevieve Tucci is a young Baton Rouge native who creates one-of-a-kind wreaths, bows, and monograms for your door. They are eye-catching, made with the best materials, and perfect for anyone moving into a new home or trying to spruce up an old one. Plus, you can personalize them with a mini chalkboard made especially for you.

7. LED Tracing Light Pad Light Box

If you have someone artistic in your life, this gift idea is not just a great idea… it’s a game-changer. Light tables used to be the size of an actual table, which is beneficial for massive projects such as architecture and interior design, but not so much for little endeavors. Not to mention they are also really expensive. Well now, thanks to modern technology, those huge tables are a thing of the past. This new LED Light Table is inexpensive, lightweight, and doesn’t even have to be connected to a plug. All you need is a pen, paper, and an idea.

8. Mignon Faget Highball Glasses

Mignon Faget is a Louisiana jewelry legend with no need for introduction. Her pieces are exquisite and many of them also represent parts of the rich Louisiana culture we all know and love. Other than just jewelry, the Faget brand has delved into creating items for the home. This year our pick from Mignon Faget is not jewelry but instead the “Creole Cottage” highball glasses. These glasses feature the facades of classic New Orleans-styled homes, which is a staple of Southern Louisiana culture and architecture. This is one of those Christmas gifts of 2017 that will be enjoyed in 2018 and beyond.

9. GoldieBlox

We couldn’t go through a Christmas list without mentioning something for the kiddos! GoldieBlox is a toy company created to, “disrupt the pink aisle in toy stores globally and challenge gender stereotypes with the world’s first girl engineer character”. These toys combine the ideas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and reading comprehension to create something truly magical. Girls, and boys, can work with GoldieBlox to create spinning machines, parade floats, dunk tanks, and more.

10. The Forever Home by Kevin Harris

Have questions about building a forever home? Do you actually know what an architect and contractor do? Are you curious about what goes into building a home? If you answered yes to any of these questions, or know someone who would have answered yes, this is the perfect gift. If you live in Baton Rouge, you can head to Cottonwood Books or Barnes and Noble at Citiplace to get it now. It is also sold on Amazon! And if you want a copy signed, come by the office, Kevin would be happy to sign it for you or your special someone. And if you’re out of state, have no fear- we can mail anywhere!

From all of us here at Kevin Harris Architect, LLC, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Gifting! If you have any gift ideas for next year, comment below!

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© 2017 Kevin Harris, Architect, LLC

Kevin Harris, Architect, LLC designs custom homes to satisfy, support, and sustain our client’s best life, to be an authentic expression of their site, lifestyle, and culture, while remaining rooted in history and expressive of the times. For more information on Kevin or the firm go to www.kevinharrisarchitect.com.