Ten Christmas gift ideas for 2021
Head of Open House Festival, Siân Milliner, lists her top ten gift ideas for the London explorers and design fanatics in your life
Recycled CD Star Decoration from the Design Museum
If you’re looking to have a more sustainable Christmas this year, take a look at the Design Museum’s 100% recycled decorations.
2. A bullet journal from London based The Inspired Stories
A blank notebook is the perfect way to start a new year, ready to be filled with adventures in 2022. The dotted pages can be used for anything you need. They can also be personalised so they make a great gift.
3. Margaret Howell Calendar from the Open City Shop
You’ll need a calendar to note down all your big 2022 plans, this Margaret Howell calendar features the work of British mid-century sculptor Brian Willsher and will be a beautiful addition to your room. All profits from this sale go to support the work of Open City
4. Public House: A Cultural and Social History of the London Pub, edited by Cristina Monteiro and David Knight
This book celebrates the incredible diversity, design and culture of London’s public houses from opulent Victorian Gin Palaces and homely medieval Taverns to contemporary Micropubs and community-owned breweries. A great way to plan some new year pub outings
5. Walls T-Shirt by AOC, Architecture Foundation
These limited edition Architecture Foundation T-Shirts help raise money to support their ongoing work. They are specially designed by AOC to reference architectural drawing traditions and are screen printed in Bermondsey using water-based inks on 100% cotton.
6. Isokon and the Bauhaus in Britain by Leyla Daybelge and Magnus Englund
This book tells the story of the Isokon building from its beginnings to the present day, and fully examines the work, artistic networks and legacy of the Bauhaus artists during their time in Britain. A lovely way to explore an Open House Festival favourite.
7. OLA SLG Bespoke Fire Station Details Foil Postcard from the South London Gallery
If you’re looking for some cards that aren’t too ‘christmassy’ these foil postcards from South London Gallery are the perfect option.
8. The London Society “Package”
This 2021 package from the London Society includes there most recent publications with contributions from Kyle Buchanan, Sarah Gaventa, Peter Murray, Yorgo Lykouria, Richard Upton, Ben Masterston-Smith and many others. A great gift for the reader in your life.
9. Pocket London Tours Gift Subscription from Open City
The perfect gift subscription for any London lover. The recipient of a Pocket London Tours subscription will receive engaging, incisively written and architecturally adventurous walking and cycling tours directly to their door each month.
10. Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Bottle
A great gift for any friends on your gift list who are planning on going on Open City’s walking and cycle tours. This bottle will keep drinks hot or cold and has a handy straw for when you’re out on the go. As an added bonus, you can also customise them.
