Holiday Gift Guides

We’re art lovers here at Aldea, and we’ll bet you know and love a few, too. We picked out some things from our shelves that are sure to appeal to all your favorite aficionados and make their holidays a celebration in aesthetics.

1. What better compliment to your friend’s coffee table than a set of Jeff Koons-inspired Balloon Animal Book Ends?
2. For the lover of iconic San Francisco engineering, this detailed, decorative Golden Gate Bridge Tower model is sure to instill both inspiration and nostalgia.
3. If your cultured chum likes to create art as well as consume it, he can build his own little piece of home with the Sutro Tower and Oakland Crane Wood Kits.
4. Artist love statement pieces and this brass Crest Bottle Opener is one that’s both functional and exquisitely designed.
5. The Eames House Blocks are great for the whimsical artist who loves iconic architectural mastery as much as she loves playtime.
6. Your pal can have control over just how abstract her Christmas tree is this year with the wooden Infinity Tree that has, that’s right, an infinite number of festive compositions.

When we were in high school, it wasn’t exactly a compliment to be called a nerd. Those kids that everyone picked on for acing tests, reading for fun, and playing with action figures (they’re not dolls!) have grown up and pretty much rule the world now. The techie is like a big, fun kid who also happens to be the smartest and most successful person in the room. If you’ve got a Techie or two in your life, crack their code with these tech-savvy gifts.

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1. Still think Luke isn’t completely convinced of his paternal origin? Practice convincing him some more with this speech-altering Voice Recorder.
2. Hex, yeah! These modular, molecular, Magnetic Sketch Wall boards will keep your Techie stylishly organized.
3. Compliment her collection of portable devices with the Bluboom Portable Speaker. Its rechargeable battery lasts for 7 hours and connects via Bluetooth.
4. Meet Kyle. He’s a plush with personality who will keep your grown-up whiz kid company during those long hours of writing code and browsing memes.
5. Encourage the nerd to go out and get some color with the Beach Sounds Portable Speaker. After all, the warm glow from a monitor may be comforting, but lacks a serious dose of Vitamin D.

Ah, the Flaneur—that friend you have who seems to know about all the new and hip happening things months before the rest of the world. He’s an urban explorer, a cultural connoisseur. She’s out pounding the pavement—or more likely, cycling the streets—keeping her finger on the pulse of the city. Here are some gifts that are sure to impress this endearing, endeavoring hipster.

1. By making his extensive collection of small-batch and specialty whiskeys portable, the stainless steel Flask & Funnel set allows on-the-go party-preparedness for the Flaneur with a more particular palate.
2. Don’t let a flat tire ruin this swanky cyclist’s day—help keep her prepared with this vintage-inspired and compact Bike Repair Kit.
3. The Flaneur likes to stand out—even in those black tie occasions where dapperly suited men tend to blend into a mass of black and white handsomeness. Let him show his originality with these Bicycle Chain Cufflinks.
4. The U-Locker Necklace will remind your favorite fixie fanatic of her beloved, noble steed—even when it’s parked right outside.
5. Your friend is eco-friendly and immensely creative, so inspire him to log his ideas and findings in the ‘Penny for Your Thoughts’ Leather Journal. It’s made of top grain ‘oil pull’ leather and recycled paper, complete with a punny penny tucked into a little pocket on the front cover.
6. It’s likely your friend’s glassware collection consists mainly of repurposed jam and mason jars. Add some diversity to his collection with this upcycled Cancun Tumbler.

Have an impeccably styled and polished friend you love to envy? Gift her with our curated collection of fabulous goods to show her your gratitude for letting you raid her closet all those times. From timeless accessories to whimsical pieces for the home, the fashion maven in your life will be beside herself with glee.

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1. Every vogue lady should have the liberty to change her home decor on a whim. The luxe quality and marvelous designs of these Temporary Wallpapers will let a girl change the ambience of her home as often as she changes her heels.
2. All graceful curves and functional design, the Wool Swan Scarf will keep a girl cozy and elegant throughout the winter. Whether you choose the black or white swan, you can be sure this scarf will accentuate any outfit!
3. Unique, historic accessories are statement pieces that are hard to come by. The Beaded Stone Cuff draws from the old Victorian tradition of floriography where flowers are arranged to depict secret messages, and are sure to capture the attention and envy of all who spy it.
4. This timeless 5 Year Journal is perfect for Jane Austen fans, complete with daily witty quotes to help you recall the classics as you record your day. After all, what's more classic than Jane Austen? Only a pair of patent leather heels.
5. Is your style as unique as a jackalope? Well, now you can get a matching Jackalope Jewelry Holder! (Not that it'll be in competition with you, of course.) Only mother nature could design such a perfect animal to faithfully guard your jewelry!
6. You'll be all oohs and ahs at the end of every drink with this remarkably adorable Creature Tea Cup. At the end of every beverage, you'll see a delightful little face peeking up at you for a quick hello.

We all have that friend, the one we call the 'Urban Yeti' because they spend more time in the mountains than they do in the city. Help your apline-loving pal bring a little high-tech living to the mountains the next time they head off for an epic excursion with this crunchy and clever collection of gifts.

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1. Need to spend the night on a ledge, 4,800 ft above a glorious national park? No problem. The Safe Bamboo Radio will keep you company in nature with everything from 'This American Life' to the oldies.
2. After a weekend in the mountains, everything needs a good scrubbing, including your water bottle. Easily and quickly wash the inside of your water bottle with the Clean Beans—just drop these eco-friendly beans inside your bottle and shake!
3. Bring nature into your home with the Baltic birch San Francisco Bay Wood Chart. A bathymetric map hand stained in a custom solid-wood frame, this laser cut, layered artpiece is perfect for reminding you of a nearby or distant bay.
4. This unquely shaped Square Bottle is designed so it won't roll out of any cupholders on your trips to and from the slopes. And cleaning while you're on the go is a cinch—simply screw off the top or bottom and scrub away!
5. You shouldn't have to nurse your camera or phone battery if you're outside all day. Be liberated from battery conservation with the Solar Backup Battery and feel free to snap away when you summit that mountain!

We're not talking Jeff Bridges here (okay, maybe a little bit, but less 'The Big Lebowski' and more real life JB)—this is the guy you call when your car does 'that thing' and you're too anxious to call the mechanic, the fellow who brings a six pack to a baby shower (and is invited every time thereafter), the one who makes you short ribs after a breakup...you know, The Dude. What do you get that supremely awesome person you'd never introduce to your folks, but can count on for everything? Here are five of our favorite gifts for all the dearly beloved dudes (and dudettes!) in our lives:

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1. Because the dude loves his drink, and because you're always trying to sneak a bit of class into his demeanor, the Stainless Steel Glacier Rocks are a perfect way to keep the dude's drink strong and give him an unintentional sense of style all at the same time.
2. We love a guy who loves his grill because we reap the benefits in amazing, downright scrumptious barbecues. Gift the master griller with the All American Spatula so every weekend can be a July 4th weekend, complete with burgers and beer.
3. You know what's at the soul of every true dude? An old grump. And there's nothing this lovable curmudgeon enjoys more than a game of high stakes backgammon, so be a dear—humor him with this gorgeously graphic, handprinted Backgammon Set.
4. The Dude's always talking about retiring to Mexico when he turns forty, so why not introduce a bit of the future glory days into his drinkware? These Cancun Tumblers are made from reclaimed beer bottles, so your dude can be both nostalgic and eco-friendly in the same sip.
5. For all the times he let you switch from the game to the latest marathon of Law & Order, repay the Dude's patience with a Vintage Stadium Bottle Opener, a collectible artifact made from authentic stadium and sports equipment materials, so that every beer he cracks open can be a memorable one.

Going to the most amazing Thanksgiving dinner this week? Make sure to bring the hostess a memorable gift to show her how much you appreciate her hospitality, beautiful home, and stunning culinary skills. With this collection of goods specifically curated for the hostess with the mostess, there's no doubt you'll be invited to all the best dinner parties in the upcoming year.

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1. Show the baker some love by getting her this beautifully designed Baking Set. Who knows, you might get some cookies out of this!
2. The hostess will love these Decorative Animal Place Card Holders, both the perfect finish to an exquisitely set table and great conversation starters for new dinner guests.
3. These striking birch Honeycomb Coasters will have guests buzzing about their flare all throughout the party.
4. Are the Mr. and Mrs. of the house a truly foxy pair? Gift them with the dainty and stylish porcelain Mr. and Mrs. Fox Salt and Pepper Shakers to remind them of how lovely and spicy they are.
5. Give the hostess the joy of being able to arrange a new table setting daily with the mix and match array of colors from our Pastel Dinnerware Collection. Designed to combine tactile pleasure and visual delight, the pieces from this collection will add a personal touch to any table setting or kitchen.

Getting ready to celebrate the Festival of Lights with your family? We've combed through our products and compiled a list of the most wonderful and witty small gifts so you can really delight your loved ones during your celebration.

1. Commemorate Thanksgivukkah with your children with these beautiful Natural Finish Dreidels (it won't happen for another 70,000 years, so you better play with the kids while they're still young!).
2. Make your holiday memorable with this unforgettable Elephant Menorah, a unique gift that works before, during, and after Hanukkah.
3. The warm and fragrant Voluspa Candle will make any home glow in its aromatic ambience.
4. Turn your home into a wintery wonderland with the Holiday Quatrefoil Candle and bathe in its soft candle light as the holiday scents waft through the air.
5. These black on black etched Playing Cards will have you paying more attention to the cards than the game—we promise, you've never seen the King, Queen and Joker look as sexy and edgy.
6. You'll never need to tell your guests to use a coaster again—the Zuzu Coasters have such a beautifully punchy design, your guests will be picking them up all on their own.
7. Need a reason to look forward to next month? With the Origami Calendar, you can start each month creatively by crafting a graphically gorgeous and colorful origami animal (it's even printed on recycled paper).
8. Battle boredom with Cubebot! Keep him neatly folded in a perfect cube until break time, then whip out the Cubebot for a fifteen minute dance party (or aerobics—he can do that, too).
9. Use it for your jewellry, condiments, or herbs and spices—the delightfully versatile handmade Double Pinch Bowl can be used in every room of your home.
10. What happens if you forget to charge your phone and your backup battery? With the Solar Backup Battery, you'll always have extra juice with its solar and USB chargeable battery, so you'll never have to miss another call, text, or email while you're out and about.
11. Harness the power of the sun at night! This solar powered Safe Bamboo Pocket Light will come in handy in the dark, and you won't even have to keep a pack of spare batteries around.
12. Keep drinks wicked strong and banish diluted tipples forever with these Skull Whisky Stones.
13. Light up your holiday with these raw cut copper High Plains Arrow Ornaments or use them as accents throughout the year.
14. Get your gardener friend a little plant pal to keep them company through the winter months: the Eggling Crack and Grow is a precious, oversized egg that will flourish for up to five months with just a bit of water and fits perfectly on any desk.
15. Bring home the essence of Morocco as you savor sweet mint tea out of these gorgeous and geometric Moroccan Blue Tea Glasses, complementary for beverages hot and cold.

Check out our Hanukkah Gifting Guide for your little ones, too!

Make this year the year you become the best secret santa ever. From whimsical gifts fit for any gardening nut to fragrant teas that will keep your fellow coworkers chipper through the day, we've compiled a splendid collection of gifts sure to earn you the title 'Secret Santa of the Year'.

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1. What do you get your awesome coworker who brings you fresh produce from their garden every week? A plant friend for their desk! The Eggling Crack and Grow is a precious, oversized egg that will grow for up to five months, so it can keep your coworker company through the entire winter season.
2. Hard work calls for a good, strong drink at the end of the day, and these Whisky Stones will keep any liquor chilled and undiluted for some well-deserved relaxation.
3. For your friend who grew up in the city and has a serious dose of SF O.G. pride, what else can you get them but the San Francisco Rocks Glasses? Help them kick back and rep in style with these fun and perfectly-sized glasses.
4. Always borrowing your cubicle mate's hand sanitizer? It's time to gift them back with the delightfully functional Clean Beans. All they'll have to do is drop the beans in their reuseable water bottle and shake, and they'll have a squeaky clean bottle in 30 seconds.
5. So, your office mate makes the best baked goods ever and you're getting a craving for treats again. Send the baker a subtle hint with the classic and scrumptious Café Du Monde Beignet Mix.
6. Your brew bro's always got your back in the break room, so get them back with the fragrant and exotic Tea Sampler Tin (and they come in cute pyramid infusers!).
7. Have a secret doggy treat drawer to lure the office dog to your desk? Show the pooch's owner how grateful you are for the office cuddle bug by getting them the Best Friends Mug, complete with a personalized illustration!
8. Every office has that amazing person who coordinates all the parties and events, so what better gift to get them than the Celebration Champagne Flutes? Elegant and functional, these dishwasher-safe flutes will help them commemorate special occasions in six different languages.
9. For the lovable geek who fixes your computer every time it crashes, the Cubebot is a perfect new desk friend that will hold an array of amusing positions and fold back neatly into a perfect cube when playtime's over.

Move over Santa—we're about to bring gifting to a new level. Have a dear friend for whom you want to get an exceptional gift? Instead of just one perfect gift, what about a collection of carefully curated gifts? These new Aldea gift baskets will fit the unique people in your life and are beautifully packaged, as well as discounted at 15% off the full retail price. Check out what we have in store for your pals on the 'Nice' list:

Techie Gift Basket

Have no idea what to get your geek whiz friend who already has all the latest gadgets? This eclectic set of whimsical and clever gifts will make them the envy of all at the startup.

Includes:
Greenboom Speaker
Solar Backup Battery
Bike Repair Kit
Square Clean Bottle
Guthrie Cubebot
Geek Wisdom: The Sacred Teachings of Nerd Culture



Cocktails Gift Basket

No more headaches over what to gift your drinking buddy, pour yourself a drink and we'll take care of the rest.

Includes:
Skull Whisky Stones
Zuzu Coasters
Stainless Steel Flask
Woodthumb Roll and Brew
Eiffel Tower Glass
The Gentleman's Guide to Cocktails

Spa Gift Basket

Relax, soak and unwind while we take care of gifting for you.

Includes:
Scented Pop Candle
Tokyo Milk Hand Creme
Sumptuous Wash Cloths
Lavender Eye Pillow
Library of Flowers Bath Soap
Decorative Matches