Ask the Gift Genies

So this is late by a few weeks (I've been busy) and some of you reading this will probably hate me for posting this just after Christmas but I have discovered a brilliant app: Ask the Gift Genies.  The brains behind the operation are the lovely people at peoplelovepresents.com, who ask you a few simple questions about the person you're buying for and then trot off across cyberspace to find you the perfect present within your budget.

Yes, actual people do it, which means that the request I put in for my mother on Christmas Eve hasn't yet been fulfilled (everyone needs a break right?!) but before Christmas responses were speedy.  I have only tried this for a few people and I haven't actually purchased any of their recommendations.  Name, age, relationship and brief info isn't really enough for them to know a person completely (and present buying should include your own thoughtfulness) but they can definitely inspire you.  Of course the more you give them to work with the better.  i.e. "she is a girl and likes pretty things" is never going to be as good as "she loves blue candles". Yes my examples are appalling but you get the gist...put in something more structured and you get a better result.

Here's the best bit though: It's entirely free.  Watch this little video by Lady Geek TV to give you a better idea and then head to the App Store pronto.

Mien Clothing

I love to stumble across new and unique brands...and it's even better when someone I know has started it.  Sarah Morton started Mien with her boyfriend Tom during the summer as a mini project.  Tom's graphic design makes for some quirky illustrations, whilst Sarah creates bold prints and photography orientated t-shirts.

Sarah's Godzilla and Tree Designs

Tom's Peekaboo and Zulu Designs

Each of their t-shirts is screen printed by hand and would make fantastic gifts.  They are currently hoping to rebrand so all Mien branded t-shirts are on sale from as little as £5...hand designed and hand printed for a fiver is a bargain I think, especially when you won't be seeing anyone else walking down the street wearing one. They're in the process of creating a website but currently sell via Facebook and sporadically eBay.  Simply email them on mienclothing@hotmail.com to say hello or to order.

Troy Davis: Making the Invisible Visible

"Troy Davis has spent 19 years on death row in the USA despite doubts about his conviction. German street art collective Mentalgassi have teamed up with Amnesty International to highlight his case by creating unique lenticular fence posters across London."  The three posters are located at 4-7 Great Pulteney St, 21 Great Pulteney Street, and 5 Berners St (all W1).

This clever use of lenticular design creates a great illusion that could be adapted to many different situations.  The fact it highlights such a serious issue only adds depth to the project as the last time I saw lenticular used was on Thunderbird stamps, which are solely novelty with no real meaning behind them.  It is a great apparition, using the lenticular concept in a creative way that is sure to grab attention.


Troy Davis: Making the invisible visible from Amnesty International on Vimeo.