15th Annual Holiday Gift Guide for Web & Design Geeks

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Each year, our team puts together our top, hand-picked gifts to help you explore new ideas for everyone on your holiday list. Our gift ideas include everything from experiences to tangible, practical, (sometimes) affordable, and sentimental gifts.

Happy holiday season to you and yours!

- The VIA Team

I'm a firm believer that half of the fun of gift-giving is in the presentation and thoughtful details. Instead of throwing away gobs of wrapping paper after the holidays, consider using the Japanese art of Furoshiki wrapping to make the wrap part of the gift. The fabric can then be reused as a tote or scarf afterward!

Add some thoughtful detail!

Furoshiki Wrapping

This little kit is perfect to throw in your bag for where ever and whenever inspiration strikes. I love that it includes a little water well, since water brush pens get too wild and wooly for my liking. The reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments is also a gift in itself.

Portable Watercolor Kit

Since having a baby, there's not much that I value more than a good night's sleep. I haven't tried this weighted sleep mask but keep hearing that it's the cat's pajamas. It's just the type of cozy, treat-your-self gift that I'd love to have under the tree.

Weighted Blanket For Your Eyes.

Nodpod Sleep Mask

And if you’re anything like me, who can resist owning the best, fanciest, most beautiful, feels-amazing-in-your-hands kind of books? I mean, come on. SAME HERE. That’s exactly why you need to check out The Folio Society. They’re basically the Criterion Collection, but for books. And if you don’t get that reference, well, I’m sorry, but we simply can’t be friends.

Who doesn’t love books?

BOOKS!

If you're looking to ensure TSA gives your luggage special attention, then these casket cases should do the trick! Designed for the traveler who is checked out but hasn’t checked in, or for the nearly departed with impeccable taste, these bags are sure to stop your fellow travelers dead in their tracks.

Casket Cases!

Luggage To Die For

If you love scribbling ideas with markers, but your home office doesn’t exactly have the wall space (or budget) for a massive whiteboard, then this desktop organizer might be your new favorite thing. There’s just something satisfying about writing on a surface that isn’t permanent. (Especially for work notes, to-do lists, or that brilliant idea you’ll definitely forget by lunch.) I don’t actually own one of these, but honestly? I think I’d be kind of obsessed if I did. 

Get that brain a'stormin!

Desktop Whiteboard

The best partner Chelsea's sourdough starter could possibly have! This two-piece cast iron cooker really shines when making bread. Bake covered for the first two thirds of the cooking time to rise in moisture, and then remove the top to get it nice and crispy.

An excellent multi-tasker in the kitchen

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker

In the last year we've seen a revolution in bike pump tech - and the fine folks at Silca up in Indianapolis are leading the charge. Literally. This rechargeable, electric bike pump fits in the palm of your hand and has a gauge and holds charge for months. No more CO2 inflators freezing your hands or endless manual pumping by the roadside. Are we living the future?

Ben HAS to have a bike tool on his list, right?

Silca Elettrico Ultimate Inflator

Timeless technology plus the timeless sound of Vince Guaraldi - on vinyl! In honor of the 60th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas, throw this on your turntable and watch animated scenes from the movie come to life. 

A Charlie Brown Christmas Zoetrope Picture Disc

Xmas magic for fans of Vince Guaraldi

This 2-in-1 teapot and kettle makes brewing loose-leaf tea effortless — just heat, steep, and sip! Crafted from sleek glass and stainless steel, it’s as beautiful as it is practical.

No plastics here!

Teabloom One-Touch Tea Maker

The Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven — no seasoning required (thank you, porcelain enamel surface!). Just cook, clean, and keep on experimenting. It’s perfect for soups and quick bread, eventually I'll attempt sourdough.

Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Jumping on the cast iron bandwagon? Same.

Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid 

Made from classic seersucker and personalized for that extra-special touch, it’s perfect for girls of all ages. I’ve already gifted two this year, and they were a total hit! Whether your daughter’s off to another birthday party or you’re curating thoughtful bridal party gifts, this little bag makes every occasion feel personal and special. Pro tip: fill it with a face mask and lip gloss for an extra touch of charm!

This isn’t just a cosmetic bag — it’s a gift-giving favorite!

Monogrammed Seersucker Toiletry Bag

The Heavy Mug is a 22lb stainless steel mug built for strength, endurance, and anyone who wants their coffee ritual to double as a workout. A completely worthless and ridiculous gift, but that's what makes it fun!

22lbs of ridiculous

The World's Heaviest Mug 

Brian Eno has been at the forefront of music and culture his entire career. In addition to inventing the genre of (or at least coining the phrase) "ambient music", he has produced many great albums, and is also a visual artist. Here's a chance to own a small original art piece of his.

Brian Eno "Blocks" Original Art

I just love to cook, and I read a lot about how difficult it is to sharpen a knife. With a whetstone that is no longer a chore! The term "whetstone" comes from the Old English word hwettan, which meant "to sharpen," "to incite," or "to encourage."

A sharp knife is a safe knife

Knife Whetstone

Continuing our agency's food motivations, I've recently been dreaming about a rotisserie for my Big Green Egg. I'm super interested in trying out shawarma, gyro meats, or chickens, but I don't want to drop $300 on this guy, which is why I want you to buy it for me. 

Big Green Egg Rotisserie

It features a variety of goodies that may not be easy to pronounce, but go great with tea or coffee. Or if you want something more classic, their white dinner rolls are cat-approved and definitely worth smacking off of somebody’s plate when they’re not looking.

Get a taste of the Dutch capital of Washington State

Lynden Dutch Bakery’s Dutch Sampler

For those of us from the Pacific Northwest, we’re often known for having trees. And with trees comes camping during the nice weather, and power outages during the bad weather. Be prepared for both with the AlpenGlow 250. It offers a variety of modes and light levels controlled by a single button and an accelerometer. Those range from a flickering, warm yellow to a surprisingly bright white that can light up your tent or kitchen. And since it’s rechargeable with a long battery life, you don’t have to worry about burning through batteries.

Biolite AlpenGlow 250

Staying hydrated is important, but half the battle is having water in a form that’s both convenient and enjoyable to drink during a busy day. FreeSip tries to do both as a cold-sustaining stainless steel water bottle, which comes in a variety of sizes and colors, plus features a unique cap that supports sipping or chugging. For an added touch, you can even have your name or custom imagery engraved on it. When in doubt, go for the larger size!

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle

My household has a busy schedule - I coach high school wrestling, my wife has a shifting schedule as a nurse, and then the normal life events like a doctor's appointment. With all of these moving parts, keeping track of who's doing what and when can be a major pain.

In comes the Skylight Calendar. It's a touchscreen tablet that serves one purpose: being a calendar (which it does extremely well). It can pull events from different sources (such as a Google Calendar), you can even send it photos of events (ex, concert flier), and it is smart enough to import it. It can also help with chores and meal planning. 

Skylight Calendar

I used my old Ninja CREAMi constantly and the new, updated version is no different. In Ninja's latest update to the CREAMi, you can make soft serve! The soft serve texture is pretty close to the real thing and it's always mindblowing when it comes out. We make protein-based ice cream and a few other homemade flavors with our CREAMi.

Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream Maker

Soft Serve!

I've used the different variations of AirTags in Wallet, but the Nomad Tracking Card takes the cake. The Tracking Card is an Apple AirTag inside of a credit card, so you get a sleek and slim way to track your wallet. 

Nomad Tracking Card

I’m in my cozy girl era, but as a single Mom to two under five, my capacity is limited. My favorite gifts to give or receive feel thoughtful, useful, and a little indulgent, like small upgrades that make ordinary moments feel like rituals. Here are a few of my go-tos this season.

The aesthetic is so soothing, I buy one for each season and keep it out year-round. Something is grounding about watching your family drift by, adding a few pieces between bites or before bed. And when you're just a few pieces away from the end, watch everyone rally together to finish it like it's the game-winning play. It’s a slow, quiet connection (the opposite of doomscrolling), and it becomes its own kind of rhythm through the year.

Galison Puzzles

This kitchen gadget has been my secret for nearly a decade: serving a meal that looks like Martha Stewart or Ina Garten was here, while putting in the effort of Sandra Lee yule log. The sous vide does all the work, cooking meat at the perfect, even temperature. When it’s done, all I have to do is sear it in a bit of rosemary-infused butter in a cast-iron pan and pretend I planned it that way. For extra credit, pair it with a Rubbermaid bin and lid with a cutout, a low-cost hack for insulation that makes you feel like a professional chef.

(any version!)

Anova Sous Vide

My favorite gift for book clubs, teachers, or new parents...or really anyone who believes books are meant to be shared. It’s a small touch that makes your home library feel magical. In our house, if you love a book enough to buy it, read it, underline it, and dog-ear it, you emboss it, and then pass it on to a friend.

Personalized Book Embosser

Bonus tip for new parents - I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS 

 ENOUGH. It has saved me thousands of hours in cutting grapes.

As a lover of art, history and art history; this deep dive into the 60s New York underground art scene is an essential read. I've been listening to nothing lately but the podcast A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs (this is a gift guide, not a podcast recommendation list, but I cannot recommend it highly enough for music fans), and this pairs perfectly as an exploration of the massive artistic, cultural and political shifts of the 1960s. If you're a fan of indie-anything, you'll be interested in this history.

Everything is Now by J. Hoberman

I like to cook, but only really because I love to eat; so I'm much better at collecting recipes than at getting creative with the odds and ends left in between eating and meal-planning. This book is an essential resource, then, for making use of every last bit of food I buy. It's helped me both to be less wasteful and also to be more thoughtful about cooking. This book is a very utilitarian resource, with some philosophical ideas interspersed but operating primarily as an index of foods to look up when you find them in your fridge and can't think of a use for them, but if you're interested in more of a meditation on the act of cooking, consider its companion, An Everlasting Meal.

The Everlasting Meal Cookbook by Tamar Adler

I have yet to find a food — especially leftovers — that isn't improved by adding a dose of this stuff to each bite. More of an actual condiment than your typical hot sauce, think of it like Taco Bell sauce for people who feel a little weird about topping their meal with that packet they grabbed for free out of a pile and responsibly stowed away in their junk drawer for a few months since for all we know they're shelf-stable at least until the singularity has us all eating Soylent Green... And with the variety pack you've got every spice level accounted for, from a touch of heat to a serious kick for the adventurous giftee.

Xal approved!

Secret Aardvark 5 Alarm Gift Set

A must-read for the true crime fan in your life, this book explores the stories of people who have met their tragic ends in Yellowstone. Entertaining while also showing appropriate sensitivity, it's exceptionally well researched and serves as a reminder of the awesome power of nature.

Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park

Death in Yellowstone

After a busy day, my favorite way to wind down is with a big bowl of popcorn and working through my endless lists of "to watch" movies and shows. Prepackaged bags of popcorn often tasted stale and had a ton of unpopped kernels. With the HotPop, you pop your own kernels while still getting the convenience of cooking in a microwave. And it's super easy to clean. Warning: you won't be able to go back go prepackaged bags after this.

Original HotPop Silicone Popcorn Maker

Searching for a stocking stuffer so the sock isn't slight? If they like coffee, check out these chocolate covered espresso beans. An absolute lifesaver when entering hand-to-hand combat with the 3pm energy lull.

Coffee Lover's Espresso Beans from Trader Joe's

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2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Web & Design Geeks

Welcome to our 14th Annual Holiday Gift Guide for Web & Design Geeks!

Each year, our team puts together our top, hand-picked gifts to help you explore new ideas for everyone on your holiday list. Our gift ideas include everything from experiences to tangible, practical, (sometimes) affordable, and sentimental gifts.

Happy holiday season to you and yours!

- The VIA Team

I can almost hear you saying, "Scott, we have AI now. We don't need markers." But I must respectfully disagree. Do yourself a favor. Rediscover the kid who loves to color.

Coloured Graphic Pen Collection: Set of 16

Brush & Fineline Pens

I love this sketchbook. The size is just perfect, fitting snugly between me and my laptop on my desk. The paper quality is exceptional, and the subtle dot pattern makes it ideal for sketching designs and storyboarding. It even comes with a beautiful slipcase that looks great when archived on a shelf. Go get you one!

The Perfect Sketchbook

Natalie Andrewson's  plays with lines, colors, and subjects that speak to my soul. Whimsical, affordable and — because they're printed on a Riso machine — each is one-of-a-kind. Your friends will think you’re so cool.

Riso Print Art

This about sums up my feelings on exactly when the internet took a wrong turn. Also, all this website's merchandise is hysterical.

from DaShareZone

Bring Back RSS Readers and Blogs

I have this irrational fear that if I pour my fizzy water out of a can that it will lose it's fizziness, but I also have an irrational fear that I'll cut my lip open on an aluminum can. This lil guy solves both problems. And your beer tastes less like aluminum. 

The Draft Top Lift – Topless Can Opener

Ridiculous? Useful? You Decide!

If you liked The Overstory, this book is its equal at worst. Powers' ability to tell a sprawling story and link it both to our central humanity, the earth, and technology is captivating. Possibly my favorite book of 2024 so far.

"Four lives are drawn together in a sweeping, panoramic new novel from Richard Powers, showcasing the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Overstory at the height of his skills. Twelve-year-old Evie Beaulieu sinks to the bottom of a swimming pool in Montreal strapped to one of the world’s first aqualungs. Ina Aroita grows up on naval bases across the Pacific with art as her only home. Two polar opposites at an elite Chicago high school bond over a three-thousand-year-old board game; Rafi Young will get lost in literature, while Todd Keane’s work will lead to a startling AI breakthrough."

Playground by Richard Powers on Goodreads

Playground by Richard Powers

I've always wanted a Theremin, but the pro options always made one seem too expensive for an instrument that I would almost certainly not include in my music recordings. Enter the STYLOPHONE THEREMIN! A fun little box that's ridiculous and engaging at the same time. Recreate all your haunted house soundtracks for a little over $100!

Note: Currently sold out, but join their waiting list if you want one. Srsly fun!

A fun sound toy for all ages!

Stylophone Theremin

I must represent the great PNW. And who doesn't need soap? My friend Priscilla left a life of TV production behind and moved to Whidbey Island where they grow their own herbs and flowers and practice natural dying techniques. They have gift boxes of soaps, bath fizzes, and oils if you really want to impress your mom. 

WATO Soap

Make troubleshooting feel like a quest! A friend got me my first video game record a few years back and I laughed because who needs physical video game music? Me. I do. It sounds so cool and looks so rad spinning and I get to say things like, "actually, the plural of vinyl is vinyl"

Proof That You're Cool: Video Game Vinyl

Revered as a lyricist when he was among the living, MF DOOM has recently ascended to "iconic" status with new hip hop fans after his untimely passing in 2020.

His fascination with superheroes and food lends itself to amazing tributes like this 20th Anniversary pressing of his legendary 2004 album "MM..FOOD" and a Super7 produced cereal bowl and action figure. (https://gasdrawls.com/products/mm-food-super7-figure-cereal-bowl)

If you've got a hip hop head among your friends and family, this limited edition set is what you need.

"Watch cartoons 'til noon and then I'd switch to Ralph McDaniels
I was, makin up a miracle flow, over a cereal bowl
And a pause beat from my stereo"

20th Anniversary Edition: Deluxe Vinyl + 7 Inch

 Album + Action Figure, Cereal Bowl

MF DOOM "MM..FOOD" 20th Anniversary

John Derian is a designer, collector and curator of old things. In 2016 he published an incredibly inspiring and just a little creepy picture book called The John Derian Picture Book. If "inspiring and just a little creepy" is your aesthetic, then this is your new favorite book. This is my wife's whole being - so she's bought one to flip through, and the other to cut up and use as fodder for her incredible gallery wall compositions. We now buy it for all of our spooky slash crafty friends. (But wait there's more! On October 15th, he released Book II.)

The John Derian Picture Books

I like to know what makes things tick. I also love a good timepiece. Best of both worlds. This company sends you a kit packed with high quality watch components and instructions to build your own watch.

Watchmaking Kit: Stealth Skeleton Tool Watch

DIY Watch Making Kit

... But sometimes I'm lazy. For those days, Swatch me. I'm always checking out their new designs. Fun looks, great quality and pretty affordable. I have a couple, but I'll take another, please & thanks. 

... But sometimes I'm lazy.

Swatch

Fun story. In high school, I won a printmaking scholarship and got to show my work at the St. James Art Fair. I met Mary Lou Hess when she came over to my booth and talked to me for a long time about printmaking, her journey, my work and life. She wound up giving me a business card and a print of hers and we stayed in touch for a while. I'd love to think that when I'm older, this is something I would do. The mentorship for me as a young artist meant a lot. Would love to hang up another piece of hers.

Mary Lou Hess Print

Can you buy this somewhere? Not sure ... But nothing like a good, homemade gift, right? I saw this online and thought it was kind of silly and funny but also ... genius? I'm a big fan of form meeting function in the middle, and this is a perfect example. My dog slops water EVERYWHERE when he drinks. Why not do what I often forget to do - Water the plants? 

Dog Bowl / Planter

I can relate to the urge to disappear into a crowd, and respect Waldo's boundaries on that one. But trying to spot our great dane amidst a sea of pups at the PAW-fee Shop, PUP-up Carnival, and Museum of ARF? I can't ask for anything cuter.

Where Did My Dog Go Custom Search & Find

*Shriek!* Brace yourself, there's been...a murder. And it's up to you to solve the crime, piece by piece. Elegance meets a touch of the macabre in these mysterious and absorbing puzzles. Begin by reading the story of the incident. Then, guided by the narrative rather than a visual reference, complete the jigsaw. The finished image provides all the clues you need to decipher whodunit. Choose your adventure:

If I can't puzzle with Hercule Poirot over crème de menthe down the Nile, then I'll accept this as the next best thing.

Murder Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle

If you're ready for your daily dose of 'news that makes me want to throw things', inmates are charged 5 cents per minute to read ebooks in prison, including texts that are public domain and free. The Appalachian Prison Book Project is providing an alternative by donating requested paperback books to inmates throughout Appalachia - and the holidays are a perfect time to give the gift of reading. Check out their requested books, including a wishlist from our local indie bookstore, Carmichael's. 

Appalachian Prison Book Project

Puzzling with cats is a risky endeavor, especially when you need to take a break. This Puzzle board provide a great surface for your puzzle and can keep it safe when you need to step away!

Portable Jigsaw Puzzle Board with Four Sorting Trays

...for Up to 1000 Pieces

Scrabble is mine and my wife's favorite game to play together. Upgrade you Scrabble experience with this custom board from L.L. Bean. Includes a raised grid and plastic playing surface keeps tiles in place, a sand timer to keep the game moving, and can be personalized to make it a treasured keepsake!

L.L.Bean Deluxe Scrabble

The Stormlight Archive is a high fantasy novel series written by author Brandon Sanderson. The first four books have been published and the fifth book, "Wind and Truth," will be released on December 6, 2024. This epic series is perfect for any fantasy/sci-fi fan in your life!

The Stormlight Archive Series

This has completely replaced MAMP as my quick and dirty local development tool - it's super fast, can run multiple PHP versions side by side, and feels extremely lightweight. I really like it for a quick spin of a LAMP site.

Indigo Stack

Next in the Ninja line of products you want but don't actually need, the Ninja Slushi let's you make slushis, milkshakes, and more at home. While you can make your own concoctions (like your own Wendy's Frosty), you can also just pour Mountain Dew in and 30 minutes later get a slushi.

Ninja Slushi

After Mint was shuttered, I bounced from app to app until I found Monarch. It does a great job at projecting spending, pulling the different accounts in, and automatic budgeting based on prior spending.

Monarch Money

There are a million different variations and brands of these general concept, but I really like this cheap one off of Amazon. It holds an AirTag and 7 cards, plus an external spot for one or two cards. The AirTag has saved me a few times, like leaving my wallet behind at Kroger.

Pop Up Wallet with AirTag Holder

Great stocking stuffer for your book lovers! Makes reading in the dark much easier :) Built in USB makes it easy to charge (no additional cords to keep track of).

Rechargeable Book Light

I've spent years eliminating toxins from my home, but there's someting peaceful about a burning candle. Fate Naturals offers a non-toxic fragrance solutions for the home. The seasonal bundles are the best!

Fate Naturals

Lots of power in a compact portable Bluetooth speaker. Easy to pack up and carry around for those outdoor activities.

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2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Web & Design Geeks

2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Web & Design Geeks