We can’t get enough felt products here at Grassroots Modern! These fun coasters from Etcetera Media are made from industrial felt and come in four reversible color options. Protect your tabletops and practice your math skills all at once. This could be a fun way to help the kids learn, too – just add candy!

PlaceMaths Coaster Set from Etcetera Media: $22 / set of 5

I realize Winter may be winding down (at least on the West Coast), but I thought these new space heaters from Plus Minus Zero were pretty sweet. With a sleek shape and ceramic heater, this little guy will definitely keep your toes warm and look good doing it! I really like the unobtrusive buttons on top, too. This heater has a high/low setting as well as a timer with 1, 3, and 6 hour settings. Available in blue, red, or green. The price seems a bit high, but if looks are important to you, it may be worth it.

Available from GNR8 Design: $389

Is it weird that I can get excited about something as boring sounding as a stapler and tape dispenser? Weird or not, I am loving these ordinary items made sexy by Urban Prefer. The simple yet attractive white minimalist design might make those meaningless office tasks just a little more exciting.

If you speak Taiwanese, get them here.
Anyone know if these are available stateside?

This Brazilian designed Cucampre key holder could finally help me keep my keys in one place. Available in several different colors and styles these modular sections can line up together to create one long keyholder, or be used individually.

Clever and functional, the Cucampre is available direct from the designer for $40.

This happy little spotted stool holds up to 300 lbs and folds away for easy storage. Perfect for pantries or as an extra boost for little ones. Available in gray, orange, or black.

Kikkerland Easy Fold Step Stool available from Velocity Art and Design: $14

Sometimes I like innovative ideas even if they don’t make a whole lot of sense. For example I happen to think this Cubic Timer designed by the Japanese collective IDEA would be a great timer, even though it can only count down from 3, 10, 30 or 60 minutes. While it may not be real versatile, at least it’s easy to set. As soon as you set it down with the number facing up it starts to count down for you. Did I mention it comes in three different colors, orange, white and yellow?

Cubic Timer from A + R for $34

For blowing your nose in understated style. Birch with a white top, made in Japan.

Tissue Box available from OK Store: $60

Bushka! Ring in the new year (and those New Year’s resolutions) with these ceramic banks from designer Racheli Chaba Sharfshtein. Saving money never looked so good – a “piggy bank” for coins shaped in the silhouette of the famous matryoshka or babushka doll. Available in three sizes.

Bushka Bank available from GNR8: $29 – $39

Looking for some last minute stocking stuffers? Here are a couple cool/unique products that I found over at Fredflare.com. These Talking Japanese Watches come in a variety of colors, and you can even mix and match parts. Best part of all though is that with the push of a button it will tell you the time… in Japanese. On sale for $15.

The Repro Depot note card book includes 24 retro patterned cards and envelopes. These kickback patterns could be just the thing for the MCM lover on your shopping list. $16

The white Russian Dolls are actually Russian Doll Measuring cups! Includes six standard measuring cups made of sturdy plastic. Stack them all together inside the largest 5″ doll or spread them out. $16

Last but not least are some retro inspired headphones for the music lover. Imported from Japan these Zumreed Headphones come in lime, pink, blue, white or black. If you want the white, better act quick. There are only two left! $65

These Designer Emulation Kits (DEKs) would make great stocking stuffers or humorous gifts for your mod cubicle buddies. Designed by Mark McKenna, each DEK has one super-bright LED powered by a single 9 volt battery. Available in three styles: Lucellino Lamp, Arco Floor Lamp, and Tizio Lamp.

DEK available from A+R Store: $29