GearGripper arrives in the shape of a well formed wave, just push your cell phone into it & feel the soft firm grip! The GearGripper is a creation of it’s material.. in whatever shape you want, a soft tactile foam with a formable core allows total customization. You can form it to suit your needs..leave it as is or create your own perfect shape. Besides being great for your everyday gear, ”a perfect place to empty your pockets”, GearGripper has endless applications.

$8.95 at Expo Design, Inc.

This folding step stool is great for getting to those hard to reach places in the kitchen, to help kids reach the bathroom sink or to throw in the back of your RV. When not in use it folds flat and the top morphs into a convenient carry handle. Can support up to 300 pounds. Comes in two sizes: 9”H x 11”W in Black or Grey for $21.00 and 21 x 4 x 15 ¼” in Orange for $28.00. 9” weighs 2.9 pounds. Plastic.

$28 at The Spoon Sisters

This soaking tub is patterned after Japanese ofuro in which a single person sits, relaxing in soothing hot water as part of a traditional, centuries-old daily bathing ritual designed to cleanse the body and calm the spirit. Favored by high-end spas and resorts, the soaking tub is individually handcrafted in the U.S. of 14-gauge, 304-grade stainless steel with 18% chromium composition for years of durability and simple maintenance, and it is tungsten inert gas (TIG)-welded for the smoothest seams possible. Three non-slip steps with a handrail provide access to the tub and the rail extends around the rim of the tub. The seat sits 15″ from the bottom of the hand-buffed 3″ thick, double-walled metal tub, which warms quickly to a soothing temperature when filled with hot water. Eighteen air jets built into the seat and sides of the tub provide streams of water that massage and soothe muscles; the jet system has three settings, controlled with the touch of a button. Insulation within the walls retain heat, ensuring a comfortable soak. Though spacious and deep, the tub takes up minimal floor space; it can be installed into a deck or used as a free-standing tub. A built-in drain and overflow assembly is on the outside of the tub; plumbing is accessed beneath the seat from the outside. Our white glove delivery includes in-home set up and removal of packing materials. Plugs into AC. 71 1/2″ L x 48″ W x 45 1/2″ H. (500 lbs.)

$2,000 at Hammacher Schemmer

The tradition of Japanese woodcraft called Magewappa has been practiced for 400 years in Odate City. This area, located on the east end of the Shirakami Mountains, is known for its history of growing cedar. Designer Shunji Kurimori is part of a history that’s equally rich, building on six generations of his family’s business, established in 1874. Kurimori’s Cedar Sake Bottle is made using old cedar trees with a striking narrow grain, resulting in a bentwood low-conduction vessel that keeps cold sake cool, hot sake warm. Kurimori is a Master of Traditional Craft, recognized by the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Pair the Cedar Sake Bottle with the Cedar Sake Cups (sold separately) to practice a third Japanese tradition: sharing sake and conversation with friends.

$140 at Design Within Reach

The ultimate collection of practical kitchenware, ‘Nest ‘ is available in a choice of two different sets and includes all the everyday essentials, from non-slip mixing bowls to juicer and measuring cups, all of which nest together, taking up minimal space. Not to mention it looks great too, together or apart.

$57 at Generate

Exclusive design. Aluminium frame with stainless steel runners. Practical folding mechanism: no loose parts, ready for use within seconds. Porsche logo on top. Durable waterproof seat made from imitation leather. UV-resistant. Tested by German safety standards agency (TÜV). Highquality carrying bag. Black. Made in Germany. Available from November 2008.

£ 283.48 at Porsche Online Store

Leave it to the Italians to design a revolutionary cappuccino-latte maker that produces rich and frothy café-style drinks, yet is stovetop simple. Just fill the base with water, the filter with finely ground coffee or espresso, and the top carafe with milk. Place on the stove at medium-high heat, and in just five minutes you’ll have a barrista-quality cappuccino or latte—without using a frothing wand. Innovative two-part machine is crafted of cast aluminum with a stay-cool handle.

$89.95 at Crate and Barrel

With this handy contemporary holder close to your front door, you can swoop in and out of your home without losing or misplacing important items again. Wall mounted, the very strong magnetic panel effortlessly holds onto all the keys on your key ring. Mail neatly stacks behind. All in all, its the modern solution for storing household essentials: put them all in one place. Fiberboard, with an espresso finish.

$18 at Chiasso

Distinctively intelligent and social, this inspiration from the animal kingdom, the Elephant Lamp, serves as companion and table light. Made of polypropylene, the elephant shaped flat magically turns into a 3-dimensional sculpture without the use of tools, screws, glue or hardware. This uniquely designed masterpiece is heat resistant, durable and washable. The Elephant Lamp’s translucent polypropylene casts a pleasant, soft light. Easily turn its standard white form in to a new color by using a colored light bulb.

Notes: Delivered with easy to follow assembly instructions, eye stickers and electrical wire6-foot power cord with on/off switch. Self-assembly. No glue, screws, hardware or tools needed. Max 40-watt standard bulb (not included).

$69.95 at Zwello

The elegant Rido Bottle Opener by Blomus® puts a stylish twist on the classic bar essential. Crafted in sleek European style, this state-of-the-art bottle opener features an ergonomically designed handle that is easy and comfortable to use. This German engineered piece is made from strong stainless steel with a classy matte finish. A perfect complement for your contemporary bar!

$11.99 at Organize.com