The Gift Guide

by Josh Rubin

Stumped for what to get your friends and family this holiday season? Want to take care of all your shopping online? Looking for things to put on your own wish list?

With the help of a few friends, I've just launched a holiday gift guide full of great products not before seen here on Cool Hunting. There's also a list of fantastic web boutiques full of things I love.

The guide is true curatorial. No one has paid to be in there-- that would compromise the integrity of what I have to offer. It's also advertisement free, which is a nice change of pace. Currently there are 39 items in the guide and new stuff will be added every day.

Now some of you may be upset to have to pay for the guide (c'mon, it's only $7.95). The fact is that I'm trying to make a living here, so even if you don't believe in paying for content, buy it anyway as a 'thank you' for the last 2 years of Cool Hunting. And don't worry, Cool Hunting will remain free.

A big thanks to Evan, Joel and Josh S. for all their help in getting this thing live.

Buy it now or read on for more information.

Cat Tree

by Josh Rubin

I generally steer clear of cats, but I hear they like to scratch things. I guess that's why the scratching post was invented. But aren't they all so ugly? Not anymore! Everyday Studio, makers of the lovely Cat Tree. The Sophisticated Scratcher is made using 16 gauge steel finished in one of 6 bright colors. If you prefer not to make your own cardboard refills, they're also available from Everyday Studio.

Biodegradable Mobile Phones

by Josh Rubin

Well... not the entire phone. University of Warwick, together with PVAXX R&D, have created a prototype mobile phone casing, made of a biodegradable polymer. To exaggerate (and beautify) the point, they embedded a sunflower seed in the case so that once it goes back to the earth a sun flower will grow.

via Treehugger