I live in a city where seeing birds out in the concrete jungle is very rare since all the noise, smog, and the tall buildings have probably scared them away. So when I visited New Zealand and saw birds just “walking” around and mingling with people (and stealing their food at times), I was enchanted and wished our cities were bird-friendly as well. It’s a good sign when an urban space has birds freely flying around and not afraid of people and their environment.
Numbird is a nesting box that can invite small birds to rest and stay in it while also doubling as a street address marker since they’re shaped as digits. There’s a small hole in the middle that serves as the space where the birds can nest. So it’s just tiny birds that can fit into that although the bigger birds can perch on the numbers if they wanted to. The birdhouses are easy to assemble so it can be a group activity in your family or it can also be a community project to show that people and birds can co-exist even in a highly urbanized area.
The nesting box is made from waterproof plywood components that were impregnated with natural oil. The kit has all the necessary parts and tools needed to put together the birdhouses that are also your house or building number. It looks pretty easy to assemble so both kids and grown-ups can have a fun and easy time putting them together. They say that the shared number is not only a practical thing but also a symbolic element into “improving the lives of all city inhabitants”.
A lot of the natural habitats of these birds, particularly the small ones, have been destroyed by rapid urbanization. These digit-shaped nesting boxes cannot bring back their original homes or make them less afraid of interacting with humans but it’s a step towards helping humans and the avian species in our urban spaces “co-exist peacefully”.
No one can escape the passage of time or how the body grows old and frail. We can really only delay the inevitable with a healthy lifestyle, but there will always come a time when we’ll need someone or something to lean on while walking or need to sit down more regularly even if there’s not a chair in sight. Walking aids and stools are common sights in everyday life, and products that combine these two are also no longer alien to our eyes. Unfortunately, most of them, while functional, are also unattractive and sometimes even difficult to use. They’re often a cause of embarrassment for users who’d rather leave these at home and endure discomfort rather than be seen using them. Fortunately, all hope is not lost and this rather unique “sitting cane” shows how a well-designed tool can be functional, beautiful, and uplifting all at the same time.
Made from a single piece of solid ash wood split in the middle and held together with six brass bolts, the SNILD, the Danish word for handy or dextrous, shatters expectations of what a walking aid should look like. Rather than a traditional stick or a rod that ends with legs at the bottom, it looks more like a tapered paper clip viewed from the front. The curved top and bottom edges along with the sloping sides give the tool a more elegant and stylish appearance, while also providing bigger surface areas for holding or standing on the floor. The loop at the top also lets you hoist the sitting cane over your shoulder if you need to make use of both hands.
Unlike walking aids that also function as stools, transforming the SNILD is as easy as pulling the top halves apart. This reveals a leather seat that is both durable and comfortable, and it uses simple physics to hold the person up. The rubber feet of the legs provide the necessary grip to prevent the stool or the cane from sliding.
More than its functionality, it’s the design and aesthetic that puts the SNILD above the rest. It has a dignified appearance that goes beyond a simple walking aid or seat, and that sense of dignity is transferred to the user who no longer feels the shame of carrying one. It is a part of the designer’s vision of Everyday Assistive Furniture (EAF) design furniture that’s not only a tool but can even be a source of pride and an heirloom for future generations.
There is truly something magical about retro-inspired designs, They manage to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia within us, taking us right back to the 80s. And you know who truly loves a good old retro-themed product? Our dads! Maybe because they were actually alive during the 80s, and they feel a sense of wholeness and comfort when they come across such thoughtful designs. With Father’s Day around the corner, you may want to take your dad on a trip down memory lane, by gifting him a cool retro-inspired product. And, we’ve curated a collection of such designs for you to pick from! Though these designs are wonderfully retro-esque, they have been imbibed with modern functionality. Their aesthetics may be from their past, but their utility is embedded in the future. Have a look!
1. NIXOID NEXT
Nixie designed this steampunk-inspired NIXIOD NEXT which incorporates Nixie tubes. The watch features rare Nixie VFD lamps which were discovered around 25 years ago. This unique design beautifully merges a healthy and fascinating mix of futurism and retro, by integrating retro tubes into the form of a modern wristwatch. It’s the perfect Father’s Day present for dads who love a nostalgic touch and want to show off their retro possessions on their wrists.
Why is it noteworthy?
The NIXIOD NEXT merges an accelerometer which lights up the VFD tubes when moved toward the user. The interesting tubes were found in a warehouse from the days of the USSR, making it a historic limited-edition collectible.
What we like
Equipped with charging points on the back, making it an easy charge
Features a scratch-resistant sapphire case
What we dislike
When the watch display changes from hours to minutes, there is a 1.5-second pause
2. Portable CD Cover Player
Called the Portable CD Cover Player, this minimalist CD player is designed to be a unique retro design that merges an exceptional listening experience with the beauty of visual art. You can slip the CD jacket or sleeve inside the specially designed-pocket, enabling you to display and showcase your favorite CD. It’s a great present for your dad, letting him boast his prized CDs from his youthful days, in his home!
The Portable CD Cover Player is essentially the physical equivalent of showcasing digital album art, with the extra benefit of being able to showcase your physical original CD.
What we like
It is a portable product with a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit, allowing you to listen to your favorite music wherever you please
Features a 1,800mAh battery providing 7-8 hours of exceptional audio
What we dislike
It does not support syncing music with any digital medium, only an analog style of music-listening
3. ‘A for Ara’ Speakers
If your dad is a music lover, and someone who loves an occasional trip down memory lane, then you may want to consider gifting him these speakers this Father’s Day. Designed by ‘A for Ara’, and called the FS-1 and Fs-2 speakers, these retro-modern speakers feature an eclectic blend of design styles. They have an appeal to them which seems grand and larger-than-life, while also showcasing a nature-inspired theme.
Why is it noteworthy?
The retro-themed speakers have two visual parts – the basic unit, and the upper phonograph-inspired horn. The base unit holds the audio drivers and acoustic cabinet, while the horn has both visual and functional utility. The speakers literally look like massive morning glory flowers, which amplifies sound.
What we like
Merges audiophile-grade engineering and tuning with a mesmerizing avant-garde aesthetic
What we dislike
Bulky and space-consuming design, not suitable for homes with space constraints
4. Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass
Called the Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass, this glass is inspired by the range of metallic hues, and it recreates the fascinating light and color play. The result is a stunning visual experience for you with its 1 /f fluctuating pattern, reminiscent of phenomena like murmuring streams. The pure titanium body is not just a material, its a material that amplifies your drinking experience with its purity. The Whisky Glass is a classic piece, handcrafted by skilled Japanese artisans from Shizuoka, making for a wonderful retro-themed gift for your father, if he likes to enjoy a drink or two.
It uses cutting-edge technology which forms a mesmerizing color play. The glass is highly biocompatible and safe, even more than platinum or gold. It is resistant to odors and stains and facilitates long-term hygiene.
What we like
It is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation
Utilizes advanced space development technology
What we dislike
Given that its a solid glass, we cannot look at the quantity being poured or the quantity in the glass from a distance.
5. The Ballast Pen
Promised to be unnecessarily heavy and gloriously over-engineered, this pen is one for the generations. As the name suggests, this pen draws inspiration from the ship’s ballast and is machined from solid brass. The result is a pen that is extremely smooth and heavy, weighing almost 50x more than the disposable alternatives. For father’s who love to collect and cherish heritage pieces, this one is for the ages.
Why is it noteworthy?
Writing with this pen is an exercise, requiring your entire hand. It’s inspiration, the ballad, is the essential yet unseen weight that steadies ships during their age of explorations. The ballast pen embodies this crucial weightiness and history in it’s design.
What we like
Machined from 100% solid brass
Every component of this pen is machined to within one-thousandth of an inch, delivering maximum smoothness
What we dislike
The pen is so outrageously heavy, it is not convenient for long periods of writing.
6. The AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit
Called the AirFlow 8-Panel Fire Pit, this modular 8-panel design is a portable sheet metal wonder designed for the outdoors. The unique firepit can be used to create a warm campfire in the winter, or as a high-temperature grilling pit to start up an amazing barbecue for a delicious outdoor meal. If your father enjoys camping or spending time outdoors, this one-of-a-kind firepit allows him to experience the joy of an outdoor fire with ease, so he can spend more time enjoying the campfire rather than fiddling with building it.
The Fire Pit is the perfect lightweight fire-building gear for dads who love spending time outdoors, letting them swiftly build campfires without any trouble. It has a cinder within, which keeps the fire covered, ensuring no embers fall out.
What we like
You can disassemble it into various parts and carry it in a special carrying case
It can be easily assembled within a minute
What we dislike
The design weighs higher than about 6kgs, making it less portable than some of the designs available in the market.
7. Retroduck Q
Called the Retroduck Q, this little design provides fast wireless charging in the form of an aesthetically unique design, which looks like a retro-style television! It is designed to be a quick wireless charger that looks like an old TV but with a modern touch. The design is reminiscent and feels familiar, while also featuring proven technology. It is a handy little gadget to gift your dad on Father’s Day, ensuring his phone never runs out of juice.
Why is it noteworthy?
The original Retroduck was upgraded to form the RetroduckQ, and it features a retro-style smartphone dock, and an added smart wireless charging function. You cannot really compare it with any other wireless charger, it packs modern functionality with nostalgic design into one form.
What we like
A stylish and convenient way to fast charge your smartphone
What we dislike
Given it’s fixed size, it maybe difficult to accommodate the bigger phones comfortably.
8. LEGO Radio
For the father’s who enjoy tinkering with their own design and create something, this LEGO Radio gives them the best of both world’s. The set unfortunately cannot play your local radio station, but it can play the pre-recorded tunes it comes with. The dial can be turned, along with Spotify or Apple Music and comes with an extendable antenna and tuner window as well for those old world feels. After all, it’s never too late to play and rekindle your childhood again.
Why is it noteworthy?
The radio is actually functional, with a select tunes and Apple Music/Spotify support and comes with a colour palette that adds to overall nostalgic feel. Standing at 13 inches high, 9 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep, it is a model that you can tinker with as much as you want without any worry of spoiling the equipment.
What we like
Comes in vintage-inspired green and beige palette
You can plug your smartphone in a concealed compartment on the back panel and play your favourite music
What we dislike
We wish there was a transmitter inserted to actually play live radio stations when we want to!
9. The Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad
Called the Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad, this little product is inspired by the retro aesthetic of the tech from the 80s and 90s. It functions as an independent peripheral device that can be teamed up with its companion keyboard, or even used separately as an old-school calculator. It features a red and black seven-segment display which is pure retro-inspired beauty. If your dad works from home, then the Numpad will make for an exceptional addition to his WFH desk accessories!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Numpad is available in four different colors, each inspired by iconic gaming systems – the M edition, the Famicom edition, the C64 model, and the N edition. They are inspired by the design language of classic consoles, adding a pinch of retro charm to a desk setup.
What we like
Features a rechargeable 1000mAh Li-on battery that offers a solid 160 hours of use on a single charge
What we dislike
It may not match the overall aesthetic of their desk setup, unless we plan on upgrading your keyboard and mouse as well!
10. PENNA
If your father is someone who enjoys retro-inspired designs and works from home, then you may want to consider gifting him PENNA. PENNA is a wireless Bluetooth keyboard inspired by a typewriter. It is far from a normal keyboard – it features diamond or chrome keycaps, as well as a cherry key switch. It has a macro bar to save frequently used keys/words. Best of all, you can dock your tablet or phone in the keyboard for ease of use while typing on the go.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is amped with Bluetooth 4.2 with a low energy requirement which ensures long idle battery time. You can register up to 5 devices with the keyboard using Bluetooth. It supports all OS including Windows, Android, and iOS.
What we like
The perfect combination of nostalgic design and modern tech
Maintains up to 6 months of idle time with two AA-size batteries
What we dislike
The switch labeling on one side of the keyboard looks quite unappealing and isn’t very clear either
The iPhone has always been a powerful device, but like many smartphones, that power is always tested when it comes to gaming. Of course, there are plenty of games that run smoothly on the iPhone, especially those either designed specifically for iOS or optimized for it under the Apple Arcade ecosystem. Recently, however, the chance for emulators and emulated games to run on iPhones has become more feasible, which puts game controllers under a microscope. Although these have been around for years now, the large majority of them felt inconvenient, clunky, and less ideal for gaming on the go. This upcoming design tries to address those concerns from a different angle, and it takes inspiration from sliders like the PSP Go or, closer to home, the Xperia Play.
Phone game controllers these days mostly come in two flavors. One is a bulky, traditional controller with a clip to hold your phone, while the more popular design flanks the phone with split controls. The latter is more portable but still tedious to use, especially when it requires taking off your iPhone’s protective case every time you want to play. To fix this design problem, the M-Con looks to other portable gaming systems that are more suitable for phone-sized devices, and it turns out that Sony already answered the same problem years ago.
The short-lived Xperia Play smartphone, and the PSP Go handheld console before it, utilized a sliding mechanism to keep the buttons and joysticks out of the way when you’re not playing. This, however, was built into the devices themselves, which made the Xperia Play too bulky to be used as a regular phone. The M-Con, in contrast, is removable just like those other smartphone controllers today, but the difference is that it uses MagSafe technology to easily and securely attach to an iPhone’s back. You can opt to have it attached all the time or quickly separate the two pieces to shove them into your pockets separately.
The design, however, has one more trick up its sleeve. The controller part and the MagSafe plate can also part ways, as the latter can also be used as a stand for the iPhone. Since M-Con uses Bluetooth to connect to the iPhone, the controller can still be used as normal, allowing you to play with the phone standing on a table. In fact, you can even connect the iPhone to a larger screen to have a home console experience in the same manner.
M-Con is said to be coming soon, but availability details and pricing are still unknown. Since it was born from a DIY and 3D printed project, the quality of the resulting product is also an open question. And while this sliding controller does have a more compact and convenient design, it also squeezes the controls tightly together, which could lead to a cramped and uncomfortable gaming experience.
No, it isn’t a car fob. It might look like one, but the MELLO is a fast-charger and honestly, it had me fooled too. Built with a uniquely compact design thanks to the Gallium Nitride semiconductor on the inside, the MELLO holds the title of the sleekest, smallest charging adapter we’ve ever seen. It opens into a plug that works in 180+ countries and fast-charges all your devices at speeds of up to 20W. Oh, don’t worry, it has its own USB-C cable too, integrated into its design to look like a classy leatherette lanyard.
Never did I expect to see chargers become EDC (everyday carry) but here we are. Our lives are filled with tonnes of tech devices, and they all need power. However, carrying a pair of AirPods seems easy, but carrying a charger around wherever you go can be quite the hassle. They’re cumbersome, have cables that get tangled, and the adapters of fast chargers aren’t particularly pocket-friendly. Designers focus so much on making main products like phones and TWS earbuds portable/pocketable, that they sometimes forget that the accessories might need to be portable or pocketable too. The MELLO, to that end, is a start to a tech movement that should hopefully pick up. It’s the most portable charger you’ll ever carry, with a design that fits in your pocket, clasps to your belt loop or handbag, and blends right into your aesthetic as a stylish accessory rather than a tech charger.
Type-C port
20W GaN Charging
At first glance, the MELLO looks like the fob of a luxury car, with a chrome rim, a leather-textured fascia, a leatherette lanyard, and a carabiner clip. Flip it over, however, and you’ve got a fold-out plug that comes in a variety of styles, suiting the socket designs of 180+ countries. On the base of the chrome rim is a USB-C port, and the MELLO comes with a leather lanyard that opens out into a USB-C to USB-C cable, allowing you to quickly go from stylish accessory to charging apparatus in under a minute. Plug the charger and use it to juice any of your USB-C compatible devices (phones, earbuds, power banks, Bluetooth speakers, etc.), and when you’re done, fold the charging pins in and tuck the MELLO away either in your pocket or attach it back to your belt loop or bag strap using the carabiner clip and you’re done. The charger effectively becomes a fashion statement again, allowing you to go about your day.
What makes the MELLO so impressive is its internals. Most fast-chargers today (or at least the ones you get with your phones) use silicon-carbide semiconductors, which are ideal for transmitting energy, but end up making your charging adapters massive and even cause them to heat up. The tech industry has, for the past few years, begun shifting instead to GaN or Gallium Nitride, a material that’s much more power-efficient than its predecessor. The MELLO comes equipped with GaN on the inside, which allows it to be so tiny, while still being able to output a whopping 20W.
That 20W is honestly perfect for most regular devices. It should easily fast-charge any phone or TWS earbud, having you go from 0% to a healthy battery in well under an hour. The charging cable/lanyard included with the MELLO supports fast charging too, giving you the benefit of plugging in anywhere to ensure your gadgets remain juiced through the day.
The MELLO is impressive for how tiny it is. It fits comfortably in your palm, weighing a mere 28 grams or under an ounce. You can choose between 5 color variants (you’ll get a color-matching USB-C charging cable too), as well as from 4 different plug designs based on what works in your country.
The average price of a hearing aid in the US is upwards of $2,000. The average price of a pair of TWS Earbuds, on the other hand, is $150. Doesn’t that sound a little wrong to you? It would be like pricing prescription spectacles at thousands of dollars but selling sunglasses for a mere hundred bucks. There’s a pretty sizeable gap in price between hearing aids and TWS earbuds, but functionally, the two of them share a major overlap… so the folks at Olive Union just decided to bridge the massive price gap by designing the Olive Air, a set of AI-powered OTC (over the counter) hearing aids that look fashionable, bring ANC to the hearing-disabled community, and are priced in the sub-$250 category so that you don’t go bankrupt just to be able to regain the power of hearing.
Styled to look exactly like a pair of TWS earbuds, the Olive Air shatters the notion that hearing aids need to look like medical devices. Instead of a design that often is associated with awkwardness and stigma, the Olive Air comes with a stylish aesthetic that makes them look like your average pair of earbuds. They’re designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and are classified as FDA Class II aids that can be sold over the counter. Wear them and select one of the AI-powered preset hearing modes to start using them for everything from hearing the world around you to having conversations, listening to music, or even taking calls from your smartphone.
Built-in microphones pick up the soundscape of your environment, and Olive Air processes the signal to create “anti noise” — an opposite soundwave that effectively cancels out the noise of your surroundings.
This design bridge between the hearing aid and the TWS Earbud isn’t just a visual one, it manifests in the Olive Air’s features too. The earbuds come with active noise cancelation that helps tune outside noise out so you can focus on your music and media. ANC is a staple feature in earbuds but is unheard of in hearing aids. The Olive Air’s ANC feature puts it in lock-step with current technologies and then goes beyond with the inclusion of AI presets. Olive Union’s custom My Olive app lets you access the hearing presets as well as tinker with your earpiece’s performance. Aside from simply adjusting the volume and EQ in each earpiece, the app’s AI-powered hearing modes allow the hearing aids to intuitively focus on certain sounds. A preset for Television focuses on directional audio coming from a TV or playback device, a Restaurant preset cuts out the chatter of everyone around you, and a Meeting Room preset accentuates the voices of active speakers.
AI supported hearing presets let you swap between different hearing settings to best match your environment. Plus, customize volume and specific frequency bands with Hearing EQ and Music EQ for a personalized listening journey.
This isn’t Olive Union’s first rodeo, the Olive Air is their third iteration of affordable, attractive, and accessible hearing aids. Founded in 2016, the company has focused on eliminating hearing aid stigma by designing hearing aids that are at par with consumer-grade earphones. To that end, the Olive Air comes with a slick design and an all-day battery life. Buttons on each earpiece help you manually adjust volume/gain, while the smartphone app gives you access to the ANC and AI presets, along with EQ adjustment. Setting up the hearing aids is a breeze too, and doesn’t require you to go to a hospital or medical professional. Once you’ve set the Olive Air up, it serves its triple purpose well, as aids to boost hearing, as hands-free earbuds for music/calls/videos, and as stylish earbuds that empower you rather than perpetuating the stigma around disability-friendly medical devices.
The Olive Air starts at a discounted $229, which includes the earbuds and charging case, 8 pairs of replaceable ear-tips (of different sizes, materials, and colors), a user manual, and a USB charging cable.
Do you own an Apple Watch? Cause I do, and it is honestly one of the handiest devices I own. Today, the Apple Watch is considered one of the most popular smartwatches globally, and it’s not a surprising fact when you consider the number of people you see walking or jogging on the street with their Apple Watch smartly strapped around their wrists. And, if you’re someone who absolutely cannot do without their Apple Watch, then this collection of innovative and nifty accessories is for you. From an iPod-shaped cover to bands made from plant-based leather – these super cool accessories are a must-have for Apple Watch lovers.
1. RSTR Case
Called the RSTR Case, this beautiful transparent crystalline case for your Apple Watch is designed to be shown off. Created by Golden Concept, the case converts your Apple Watch into a lovely shimmering jewel that you can wear on your wrist. It is available in four pretty colors and is made using 50 meticulously engineered parts. Crafted from stainless steel, the home and action buttons are bigger than usual and more accessible.
2. tinyPod
Dubbed the tinyPod, this little design wraps up your Apple Watch in a case, and it looks exactly like the iPod! the tinyPod is a perfect replica of an iPod, except that it also has a colored screen. You can control the Apple Watch via an authentic click wheel, however we’re unsure how it manages to do this. But, this is quite an important little detail, as Apple Watch’s digital crown cannot be accessed in this new and innovative form.
3. ErgonBand
This ergonomic Apple Watch accessory may look a little ridiculous and funny, but it is quite functional. The band is designed to be more of a strap, and it resembles those thumb or hand braces used by athletes for protection. The Apple Watch is strapped into place utilizing clips that feature standard lugs, and placed below the joint of your thumb. The location was chosen as this allows the screen to be visible without the need to twist your wrist.
4. Pod Case
Designed by Joyce Kang and C.O Design Lab, this is the Pod Case that gives your Apple Watch a nostalgic touch. It introduces the watch to its ancestor which kickstarted the apple craze. The watch’s screen almost matches the screen size of the classic iPod Nanos, while its body is just a little thicker. The Pod Case is built from silicone, and it smoothly slides over the Apple Watch’s body, providing it with a refreshing yet nostalgic throwback.
5. Y24 Apple Watch Cases
This collection of luxurious and aesthetic Apple watch cases is actually quite price-friendly. They draw inspiration from the lifestyle of Tokyo and are designed by Y24. Each watch design captures the cool and charming vibes of Tokyo and converts that fascinating culture into interesting accessories. The cases have been designed to elevate and upgrade the young generation’s style, providing them with a unique and one-of-a-kind identity, without altering Apple’s originality or personality.
6. NightWatch
Named the NightWatch, this Apple Watch dock features a massive curved glass element on the front, which interestingly magnifies the screen. You can place your watch behind the massive lens, and it seems to enlarge the watch screen, increasing the visibility. It can transform your charging smartwatch into an innovative bedside click. It can even enhance your watch’s audio, which makes your alarm more audible.
7. Wristcam
Dubbed the Wristcam, this little device gives your Apple Watch the ability to click pictures all by itself! It features a front-mounted 8MP camera which can shoot images in 4K resolution, while also recording videos in Full HD. It has a selfie camera which can be used for video calling, or for live streaming. It is amped with 8GB of storage, as well as a long-lasting battery that can support a day’s worth of shooting and fun. It is water-resistant up to 1 meter as well.
8.(Re)Classic Band
Designed by Native Union, the (Re)Classic Band for Apple Watch is a cruelty-free Italian leather-inspired band. The unique band is built from repurposed mycelium, which is basically fungal threads that cover long distances underground. Mushrooms grow and bloom from these fungal threads. It forms a plant-based leather which is also one of the many all-natural resources used in the synthesis of Yatay by Coronet.
9. hardgraft Collector’s Watch Case
This artisanal leather product is called the hardgraft Collectors Watch case. It is designed to store your smartwatch in style and elegance. It has a soft Alcantara lining on the inside and is pretty padded. The exterior is made of vegetable-tanned Italian leather and a scratch-free zipper. It has a round compact form, which makes it portable and pretty easy to carry around. You can pick from three elegant color options – Classic, Coal, and Off Grey.
10. 2-in-1 Apple Devices Charging Stand
Designed by Taesung Yoon, and inspired by the daily sunrise, this is the 2-in-1 Apple Devices Charging Stand. The design does exactly what its name implies. It is created using feedback from data-driven research, and what people truly want from their unified Apple charging stand. It is the perfect integration of form and functionality and features a vertical stance with a slightly arched top which holds your iPhone comfortably without letting it topple over.
Jackets have had a reputation for being predominantly a winter/rain garment. However, the folks at Alpargali have designed a jacket that isn’t just made to be worn all around the year, but it also has enough storage to replace your backpack or sling bag. With an all-weather design that allows you to wear the jacket anywhere you go, and a whopping 14 pockets for everything from your keys to even a laptop, the Alpargali gives you the convenience of a waterproof/windproof jacket that looks slick, and distributes all your belongings so effectively, you can carry an entire backpack worth of stuff without the bulk or shoulder-strain of a backpack.
There are two distinct parts to the Alpargali’s design – its build, and its functionality. On the build front, the Alpargali looks like your classic outdoor windbreaker-style jacket, with a nylon exterior that keeps wind and water out. It’s simultaneously built to be durable yet comfortable – with 70D nylon on the outside and the inside that offers protection from the elements as well as gives the jacket abrasion resistance. The Alpargali also has a zip that extends upwards to become a windguard for your mouth, and an adjustable hood with clear windows on the side that let you have 180° vision on the sides. When it’s cold, the jacket’s built-in fingerless gloves keep you toasty, and when it’s hot, underarm vents let your body breathe by boosting ventilation inside the jacket. A reflective graphic on the back keeps you visible at night – pretty helpful considering the jacket’s all-black design, and built-in shoulder straps let you carry the jacket like a backpack when you don’t want to wear it.
The second, and arguably the part worth highlighting the most, is the Alpargali’s functionality. Armed with more pockets than you could imagine, the jacket doubles as storage for every single one of your belonging, practically turning them into EDC or everyday carry. It comes with pockets strategically located on both the inside as well as the outside of the garmet, giving you a place to store every conceivable thing you own, from a dedicated slot for your phone, to separate pockets for your keys, an RFID-blocking pocket for your payment cards, a tappable pocket for subway cards or access cards at work, a separate pocket for a camera, as well as another for a camera lens, a waterproof pocket for bottles or cans, and even a large pocket at the back for a tablet or even a small 13″ laptop. Overshadowing most jacket pockets by 7x, the Alpargali is basically a backpack built into a jacket. Your belongings get spaced out across your body, keeping the jacket looking slim, and you don’t feel the weight on your shoulders either.
A jacket that doubles as a backpack comes with a heavy list of responsibilities, which means there’s a high emphasis on quality. The Alpargali is made from 70D nylon, which can resist 18,000 abrasion cycles, while still being waterproof and breathable. The jacket is made from 92 panels of fabric (it’s all those pockets), assembled together using 40,000 stitches. The nylon fabric as well as the jacket’s cut offer incredible freedom of movement, so you never feel restricted. 13 waterproof YKK zippers protect you as well as your belongings, and with a moisture vapor transmission rate of 15,000g/m²/24h, the jacket’s fabric does a remarkable job of keeping water out no matter how bad the weather. It may stop water, but it lets vapor pass through, so your body’s sweat makes it out of the jacket, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Given that backpacks really don’t have a season, the Alpargali was also made to be an all-weather jacket. Of course it works well in the rain and the cold, but the jacket’s just as well suited for spring too, with underarm flaps that boost breathability and ventilation. If you ever feel like taking your jacket off in the summers, the Alpargali comes with backpack-inspired straps that let you wear the jacket on your shoulders, so you can shed the jacket in the heat while still carrying it on you.
The Alpargali Jacket starts at a discounted $149, which is quite a steal considering you’re getting a jacket AND a backpack for that amount. It comes in 5 different sizes, ranging from S to 2XL, ships worldwide, and for just $30 more, you can upgrade to the Adventure combo that includes a functional 6-pocket sling bag along with the jacket.
Content creation these days looks so simple the way influencers like to show off in behind-the-scenes videos, but the reality is that they can be overwhelmingly complex as the content they create, especially as they level up their craft. While it’s definitely possible to stick to the tried and true keyboard, mouse, or drawing tablet, the demands of today’s creators and their audiences call for better tools that help make their lives easier. That said, no two artists or designers are alike, and they work in different ways with different techniques, tools, and processes. Most gadgets and devices try to force users to a specific way of working, but this modular stream kit lets you decide not only the specific controls that you need but even the layout that you want.
As the name implies, stream kits were originally designed for live streamers as they usually need to access some functions quickly without having to perform finger calisthenics over their keyboard. Over time, however, the flexibility of these programmable buttons with tiny LCD displays has become a favored tool by many content creators, from designers to artists to video editors to general enthusiasts. The MasterHUB comes from this lineage but has one special power that very few have: it can change its shape to adapt to your needs, workflow, or even your whim!
The MasterHUB’s foundation is a base where you can mix and match modules that each deliver a different kind of control. The most common of these is the App Control with 15 programmable keys, each with a customizable display, that can be used to trigger an action or launch an app. Another module is the Encoder which is a large dial with an integrated circular LCD display that can be used for something like scrubbing through audio and video timelines. A Knob Module has three knobs that can be mapped to changing brush sizes, undoing and redoing steps, and similar actions. Completing the set is a Fader Precision module with five sliders and a Roller Scroll Module with two rolling bars.
This modular system allows creators to define the layout out of their control center. They can even set it up vertically instead of the conventional horizontal layout, and you can pretty much change the combination on a whim, presuming you’re prepared to do the work of setting up the configuration again. Such a flexible control hub will also benefit even computer users who don’t create content, like gamers and power users that need more knobs and buttons than their keyboard can provide. Availability details for this powerful creativity tool, unfortunately, are still unavailable at the moment.
Japanese design has a soft place in my heart, and for good reason. It is quintessentially functional, thoughtful, and pretty-looking too! I have a soft spot for Japanese product designs as they always manage to be – simple, sophisticated, and high-value. I love incorporating Japanese products in my home space, they have such a soothing effect and can add an elegant touch to any home. I also enjoy using Japanese kitchen appliances and tools. Not only are they adorable to look at and gentle to use, but they’re also high on functionality and very rarely give you any trouble. They’re foolproof designs that you can depend on to tackle your cooking prep and other kitchen tasks, and we’ve curated some top-notch Japanese kitchen tools for you!
1. Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife
Dubbed the Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife, this kitchen tool is the epitome of Japanese craftsmanship and a revolutionary design. It is created with care, thoughtfulness, and advanced technology. This exceptional knife is designed to elevate the culinary art of sashimi, allowing it to serve as an important tool for professional chefs and culinary lovers.
The sleek ceramic knife lets you cut through delicate sashimi with ease, without damaging the soft pieces of fish. It functions with effortless ease and precision. It features a lightweight and sharp blade, and the use of ceramic requires minimal maintenance and doesn’t require constant sharpening.
What we like
Slices through sashimi with the finesse of an expert Japanese swordsman
Helps in preparing aesthetically appealing and delicious dishes
What we dislike
Fragile as compared to steel knives
It can be difficult to sharpen if the need arises
2. Mitsubishi Bread Oven
Named the Mitsubishi Bread Oven, this waffle maker-looking toaster will prepare the perfect toast for you. It has a classy veneer brown appearance, which seems to be right out of the ’80s. The toaster features a sealed thermal-insulated structure, letting you toast the perfect toast without releasing any moisture.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Bread Oven features two plates that can handle temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The plates are quite handy, as they seal the bread slice and transfer the heat to it, preparing a soft and fluffy slice of toast for you, that isn’t dry at all.
What we like
Features four handy cooking settings – Toast, Frozen Toast, Topping, and French Toast
Elegant and good-looking appliance, which doesn’t look like an eye-sore on your dinner table or kitchen counter
What we dislike
It can only toast a single piece of bread, which isn’t very efficient
Bread with low sugar content takes longer to toast
3. PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs
Named the PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs, these unique little tongs are shaped like chopsticks. They’re great for picking up small pieces of food, supporting you with portion control, and preventing you from overeating. You can even turn the tongs over on the pan, letting you prepare meals like a pro chef.
The Chopsticks Tongs are excellent for putting together bento boxes or eating sushi. The tongs are quite easy to use, and there is no wrong way to hold and use the tool.
What we like
Made from sustainable SUS821L1 stainless steel which is derived from scraps and offcuts
What we dislike
Difficult to use for larger pieces and cuts, only ideal for smaller food items
4. Ishiyaki Set
Called the Ishiyaki Set, this kitchen appliance brings an authentic and fascinating Japanese dining experience to your home, letting you prepare food in true teppanyaki style. It functions as a tabletop stone grill, allowing you to cook your meat the way you like it, in a personalized grilling set.
Why is it noteworthy?
It brings the Benihana experience to your home, letting you dry-sear your food before you eat it. It features a board with an additional porcelain tray to hold your food, as well as two bowls to hold your soy sauce and wasabi, creating the ultimate modern teppanyaki experience for you.
What we like
It brings the Benihana-style teppanyaki experience to your home
Ideal for dry-searing sashimi-style seafood like Tuna, Salmon, or Scallops, or meats like beef
What we dislike
Bulky, space-consuming design
5. Playful Palm Grater
Named the Playful Palm Grater, this compact little grater will add some whimsical yet functional fun to your dining experience. The grater is designed to fit into the palm of your hand, and you can nicely grate fresh ingredients into your food, elevating your meal to a gourmet-level experience.
The palm grater looks like a curled piece of paper, and it is made from a single aluminum alloy plate. You can make your pick, as the grater is available in a variety of cool colors. You can select the one that suits your kitchen and personal taste.
What we like
Provides a firm grip, and is pretty easy to use
It converts the tedious act of grating into something exciting and fun
What we dislike
The grater’s size is quite cute and handy, but it doesn’t have the best design to grate large amounts of food
6. Rassen Chopsticks
The Rassen (spiral chopsticks) are designed by Nendo for Hashikura Matsukan. They are the perfect combination of fun and functionality, forming a product that is truly Japanese. You can combine the chopsticks together creating one convenient single unit, and you can pull them apart when needed.
Why is it noteworthy?
Bringing the chopsticks together and then separating them feels like you’re playing with a jigsaw puzzle. Using the chopsticks becomes a fun and interactive experience, bringing joy to your daily meal. And since you can easily combine the pair, you never have to live in fear of losing one!
What we like
Merges fun and functionality to form an interesting product
It is handmade by artisans
What we dislike
The design is quite new and unlike traditional chopsticks, and it can take a while to get used to them
7. Plate Grater
Called the Plate Grater, this tiny product looks like a little plate and can be set on the table. Once put on the table, you can use it to grate fresh ingredients into your meal. It merges the functionality of a plate with a grater. You can add fresh garnishes to your meal, preparing gourmet-style dishes.
The Plate Grater features dual functionality and is a visually pleasing design, which lets you elevate your basic meal with some fresh garnishes.
What we like
Excellent for grating fresh ingredients onto your meal, and adding a gourmet touch
What we dislike
It may take a while for users to adjust to it and use it
8. Slim Fold Dish Rack
Say hello to the Slim Fold Dish Rack! This unique dish rack is portable, and you can carry it everywhere with you. It has a patent-pending spring mechanism which can be easily adjusted and drunk. You can deploy the dish rack when needed, making it super easy to set up and utilize.
It features a minimal and sturdy design, which offers adequate ventilation, and makes more than enough space to store utensils, plates, and different cookware. The dish rack is an excellent product for your kitchen or for camping outdoors.
What we like
Easy to clean, maintain, and set up
Has a flexible collapsible form that you can carry anywhere with you
What we dislike
The wires of the rack are thin, making it tough to hold utensils
9. Hinoki Essence Cutting Board
Meet the Hinoki Essence Cutting Board – a beautiful wooden cutting board that offers you a hassle-free food-cutting experience. It is made from majestic hinoki cypress, and it is amped with a medium hardness which provides resistance without damaging knives. The cutting board has a minimal and visually appealing appearance.
The Hinoki Essence Cutting Board has a simple yet stunning aesthetic, and the use of premium cypress wood makes it the perfect companion to the Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife. Pair up the two to have a stunning and functional duo for all your cutting needs.
What we like
Built from Hinoki Cypress Wood which is not too harsh on knives
It has a water-resistant silicone coating which prevents damage
What we dislike
Requires special care to maintain it, which can be tedious
10. Thanko Electric Bento Rice Cooker
Dubbed the Thanko Electric Bento Rice Cooker, this portable cooker allows you to cook up a bowl of warm rice whenever needed. The cooker has a small portable size, and it is designed to cook single-serve rice in a short duration of time. The light glows once your bowl of rice is cooked.
Why is it noteworthy?
The cooker is excellent for those who like to travel often and need a fresh bowl of rice for dinner. You can prepare six ounces of rice in one go, and it has a measuring cup for convenience.
What we like
It has a portable and easy-to-carry design
You can eat rice right from the corner
What we dislike
There doesn’t seem to be a variety of choices in sizes and colors
