Brown paper packages tied up with strings...

So just a random few of my favorite fun and practical accessories to help brighten up any room, that also make really great gifts for the upcoming holidays...

Everyone needs a radio/iPod dock nowadays, and there's no reason it shouldn't also be attractive to look at while sounding good.  I have two favorites, both of which I own and use.  They come in many different finishes and sizes, but I just find the sizing and aesthetics of both products to be so much better than a standard dock from your local electronics shop...  This is the Small sized stereo from Gevena, and the Model One from Tivoli Audio, both shown in Walnut.

 

So who doesn't need to tell time?  Well no one really, so this is one of the more whimsical items I love, and actually showed installed a few posts ago, but this is the wonderful Cuckoo Clock by Pascal Tarabay...  It comes in a wide variety of finishes, such as the Walnut and White shown below; all with a great setting on the clock to only sound when the room is lit so no one needs to be disturbed while sleeping...

Lastly, a neat little thing that is amusing and educational not only for children but adults as well is the EcoSphere.  It is basically a blown glass sphere filled with everything needed to sustain life, without having to feed or care for the little shrimp in the orb.  I found it fascinating the first time I saw this years ago, and still am intrigued at the fact that this little science project of sorts can be something that is beautiful and inspiring...

The science behind the EcoSphere