Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift?

Posted by tnorthcutt on Monday May 16, 2011 @09:49AM
from the ask-hn dept.

My partner's birthday is coming up in a couple of months and I'd like to get him something designer-y. It doesn't have to be something with strictly work utility, but that's certainly an option. He already has a Behance Action Book (http://www.creativesoutfitter.com/Products/Action-Book/4) so I don't think I want to get him a sketchbook or something like that. Any suggestions for something else? If you're a designer, what would be a really cool, unique gift for under $50?

( 11 comments | 6 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by Jun8 on Monday May 16, 2011 @10:05AM (#2552525)

If s/he's a bit technically oriented this might be a great idea (http://www.flight404.com/blog/?p=131), it's on my to-do list for a long time and is absolutely awesome. The dice cost around $80, though.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by tnorthcutt on Tuesday May 17, 2011 @08:02AM (#2556079)

Probably a bit 'out there' for this person, but very cool idea nonetheless. Thanks for the link.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by eswat on Monday May 16, 2011 @11:43AM (#2552876)

The gifts category on swissmiss may help: http://www.swiss-miss.com/gift_guide_generic?c=gift_guide_ge...

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Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by tnorthcutt on Tuesday May 17, 2011 @08:01AM (#2556075)

This is great. I've found lots of items and ideas here. Thanks!

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Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by ryanburke on Monday May 16, 2011 @05:08PM (#2554184)

101 Things I Learned in Architecture School - Sits on my desk at work (I'm a designer) and always inspirational http://www.amazon.com/101-Things-Learned-Architecture-School...

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Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by tnorthcutt on Tuesday May 17, 2011 @08:03AM (#2556080)

Thanks for the suggestion! Not sure that's the right gift for this person but I do think it would be great for someone else I know.

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Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by gallerytungsten on Monday May 16, 2011 @03:27PM (#2553820)

http://www.amazon.com/Logo-Lettering-Bible-Leslie-Cabarga/dp...

This is the most "no BS" design book ever, with absolutely zero fluff and maximum good information per page.

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Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by tnorthcutt on Tuesday May 17, 2011 @08:02AM (#2556077)

This looks great. He really enjoys (and is really good at) logo creation, so this should be a good resource for him. Thanks!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by antonioe on Monday May 16, 2011 @06:06PM (#2554373)

Usually I would just go to a museum store. There is always a bunch of items that you wouldn't find normally in a shop.

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Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by surfingdino on Monday May 16, 2011 @10:28AM (#2552594)

UX Sticky Notes? http://www.uxstickynotes.com/

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Re:Ask HN: What to buy a designer as a gift? by tnorthcutt on Tuesday May 17, 2011 @08:05AM (#2556084)

Do you use these? Do you find them more useful than something like the UX Sketchbook (http://appsketchbook.com/products/ux-sketchbook)?

[ Parent | on HN ]