Wondering what to get the Mid-Century Modern Design Lover for the holidays? You still have time! Here are 20+ terrific options that any enthusiast of the genre would appreciate. From stocking stuffers to home decor, these iconic pieces by the likes of George Nelson, Alexander Girard, Charles and Ray Eames, Kay Bojensen and more range in price and size.
Mid-Century Modern Gifts
REAC Miniature Chairs:
Everyone loves the Vitra miniatures, but no one likes the prices.
REAC Japan’s Designers Miniature Chairs are immensely less expensive than the highly desirable miniatures by Vitra. Made of plastic, they are easily broken (I own several) so they are not to be played with as toys, but instead to display.
You can find several of them sold individually from the companies many editions here or buy a set like the one shown above.
buy the Designers Miniature Chair Vol.6 (1/12 Scale); Set
Kay Bojensen Teak Monkey for Rosenthal.
The iconic wooden carved animal by Dutch silversmith and designer Kay Bojensen for Rosendahl is available in various sizes.
Shop for it here
Find other Kay Bojensen teak animals for Rosendahl here.
Eames House Bird
The simple black bird was carved by Edna Perdew around 1910 became a highly sought-after model in the 1950s, when it was popularized by Charles and Ray Eames, who acquired one on their travels in the Appalachian mountains. The wooden bird became a center piece of the Eames living room and soon started to make an appearance in many of their product photo-shoots. It can even be seen in a 1952 cover of the Architectural Review, a solid shape among a grid created by Eames chairs.
The iconic design element measures 10 ¾” x3 ½” x11″
Vitra has recently started reproducing them by creating 3D scans of the original. However, unlike Perdew’s versions, which were mostly carved out of pine, the Vitra version is made of solid alder with a black lacquer finish and steel wire legs. Its reappearance has brought the little black bird back to many mid-century inspired homes, where it often perches on top of furniture, elegant and unobtrusive at the same time.
buy it here
George Nelson Wall Clocks
What Mid Century Design enthusiast doesn’t love the George Nelson wall clocks? The original clocks designed from 1948-1960 have been reproduced by Vitra. The Sunburst, Star, Spindle, Asterisk, Ball and Eye clocks are almost mandatory additions to the Mid Century home. While there are cheaper knockoffs, these should last a lifetime.
Shop for Vitra George Nelson Wall Clocks here
George Nelson Bubble Pendant Lamps
Both Nelson Lamps and Modernica continue to produce the series of George Nelson’s Bubble lamps and sells the legendary Saucer, Criss, Cross, Cigar, Apple, Pear and Ball lamps in various sizes.
Shop for them here
Mushroom Salt and Pepper Shakers
The stainless steel and cork elements of this Icelandic designer’s whimsical salt-and-pepper shakers combine to form button mushrooms. The one-holed shaker holds salt and the three-holed shaker holds pepper. Hand-wash only. 2″h x 2″w
buy them here
Museum of Modern Art Eames Acrylic Chairs Coasters by MoMA
Four clear acrylic coasters each display a different Eames chair and have rubber feet to protect your surfaces.
Buy them here
The Philip Johnson Glass House Snow Globe
Custom made for the Glass House Design Store, it’s a glass dome with gently falling snow on the small reproduction of Philip Johnson‘s Glasshouse. Base measures 5″ square. A Blue version has been released this fall. Two more colored versions are said to be coming.
Original version:
buy it here
Special Blue version:
buy it here
1000 piece Mid Century Modern Design Puzzle:
It’s made of recycled materials and features bright, colorful original artwork by artist Linda Tillman. When Finished the puzzle measures 19.25 x 26.75 inches.
Other wonderful Mid-Century Modern design puzzles include the Christmas and Vintage Trailers shown below.
Shop for all the Hennessey Puzzles here
Alexander Girard Eden Giant Floor Puzzle (for the kids)
At 24 x 36 inches, this jigsaw puzzle is made up of 24 jumbo-sized pieces that create Girard’s Eden.
Buy it here
Eames Memory Game
The Eames Memory Game features the iconic designs of Charles and Ray Eames. For younger children, play with nine pairs or fewer. For a more challenging game, geared toward older children and adults, play with all 36 pairs.
buy it here
Alexander Girard Blocks consist of 10 blocks that make up various puzzles with Girard’s iconic imagery.
House Industries Eames House and Studio Blocks
The Uncle Goose blocks are made of sustainable harvested basswood in Michigan and are printed with non-toxic, lead-free child safe inks.
Buy them here
Mid-Century Modern Coloring Books:
Just Add Color: Mid-Century Modern Mania
Just Add Color: Mid-Century Modern Patterns
Just Add Color: Mid-Century Modern Animals
Find more Mid-Century Modern Coloring books here.
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table Books:
Alexander Girard: popular edition