Interior Designer Andee Hess’s Gift Guide Has Something for Everyone on Your Nice List

The Portland native suggests quirky gifts by fellow creatives in her hometown, like velvet-and-wool circle pillows or a Bermuda Triangle–themed comic.
Text by

Known for bringing a touch of funk to projects around the world—including cult-favorite eateries like Salt & Straw Ice Cream and Stumptown Coffee—Andee Hess is the mind behind Osmose Design. Here, she lets us in on some of the best gifts to come out of Portland's rich arts and design scene. 

Looking for something else? Check out the rest of our holiday gift guides here.

Andee Hess, principal designer at Osmose Design.

Andee Hess, principal designer at Osmose Design.

"My old Portland pal, the amazing glass artist Andi Kovel of Esque Studio, has a new product out for Design Within Reach: the Söt Carafe and Cup Set. Crafted with a metallic silver powder coating, I love how these are sculptural and truly unique, but also functional."

Esque Studio Söt Carafe and Cup Set
Named for a word meaning cute in Swedish and fool in English, the Søt Carafe and Cup Set is functionality at it’s finest. This handblown piece is coated with metallic silver powder and features an opening that perfectly cradles its matching cup.

"In Spy Island: A Bermuda Island Mystery, a four-issue miniseries coproduced by Dark Horse Comics and The Ministry of Trouble, the Portland author and comic writer Chelsea Cain whisks us to the Bermuda Triangle. I love the comic books’ retro covers. This collection would make a clever gift for a friend with a graphic eye."

Spy Island
The new graphic novel from the team behind bestseller Man-Eaters is a terrifying, sexy, and thought-provoking espionage thriller-that also happens to be laugh-out-loud funny! The world's best spies keep watch over the Bermuda Triangle from a mysterious island outpost teeming with supernatural...

"I love playing games, often to the dismay of my friends. Created by indie rockers and Portland locals, The Decemberists, Illimat is a card game that states: ‘If you've ever enjoyed hearts, bridge, cassino, or gin, Illimat will feel both familiar and unlike anything you've ever played before.’ I also love the unique aesthetic of its world."

Illimat
Illimat has the style and flavor of a classic card game with a dynamic twist. As you play, you combine cards and collect them, trying to gather more than your opponents. But hidden luminaries and changing seasons can alter your plans.

"Ladies and Gentlemen Studio’s Lightscape candle sculpture is inspired by the principles of Moholy-Nagy's ‘Light Modulators’.  It’s simple and clever at the same time. Also, it is a limited edition piece, and 50% of proceeds will be donated to food justice through Soul Fire Farm."

Ladies & Gentlemen Studio Lightscape Candle Light
Ladies & Gentlemen Studio focuses on one of the most elemental of human-made illuminations: the flame.

"Check out this album by my friend Chris Funk. Ambient tunes that are perfect for working or walking your dog (and some Osmose credit on the cover art)."

Songs For Dog Fitness by Chris Funk
Limited edition purple vinyl with a 3/4" wide, 53" long leash, perfect for walkies! 

"These are the perfect, not-so-perfectly round pillows for anywhere in the home."

Schoolhouse Green Velvet + Wool - Circle Pillow
The Velvet + Wool Circle Pillow adds a pop of composed color to any seating arrangement or bed. Forest green velvet and pear green wool play counterpoint while the lush texture of the fabrics make both sides equally suited for display. Each pillow is sewn in our Portland, Ore.
Ian Zunt
Ian Zunt is the one behind all of Dwell's socials. Along with the work he does to get us on your phone screen, he also writes on trends and design culture.

Published

Get the Shop Newsletter

Smart shopping for the design obsessed. Find what you love in our expertly curated selection of finely crafted home, office, travel, and lifestyle products.