So you're looking for something special for the creative genius in your life. You want to get the best Christmas present that really says “I've really thought about what interests you”. Well here's a list (in no particular order) of presents that should do the trick...

• Anyone with an interest in fashion/celebrity/lifestyle magazines should check out magCulture by Jeremy Leslie. Its slightly long in the tooth now, as it was published in 2003, but it represents a great snapshot of magazine design of the time. Something a bit more recent is David Crowleys' Magazine Covers. This publication takes a look at the whole history of magazine cover design with examples of many global brands.


• I've blogged this book before but its a stunning round up of all sorts of design theories and rules and deserves repeating. Its called Universal Principles of Design and has 100 of these concepts all clearly described and accompanied by clear examples. It covers the whole gamut of design, from graphic to furniture, architecture to fashion. If there's one purchase you make from this list then it MUST be this one!


• Most designers are big kids at heart - you only have to look at the array of stuffed toys and vinyl figurines they gather around their macs to see this. So here's a cheap but valuable way to steal their soul: Top Trumps! Okay, I've linked to Star Wars but it could be any of the titles they produce. This is definitely one for those who remember their eighties school days. Lets face it, Top Trumps is a design classic. Please note, big kids love Space Hoppers too!


• Its a bit of a given that anyone involved in creating aesthetics should include one of these in their wishlist: the Ipod Touch. It looks great, its UI is simplicity itself and you can load it with banging tunes to drown out the corporate suits that hover around looking for corners to cut on your design budgets. Let Jimi take over...


• If the suits are really getting to your significant other then you'll want to get them my next recommendation. It'll give them everything they need to set up shop on their own and give “the man” the bird. Adobe CS3 Design Premium. This software is essential if you want to produce anything of any value or quality. Its expensive, but well worth it to see your arty amore stress free. Not much use for those involved in furniture design though!


• Unusual watches are always a good bet. This one by Diesel is quite macho but if you are looking for something more feminine then try this...


• The Design Industry is full of chin-strokers. Its usually the case that you'll find interesting bum-fluff adorning a fair few of them. So get them one of these little fellas - a DIY hairclipper. Especially good as a hint to those who are still hanging on to their David Seaman ponytails.

Anyway, this list should set you on your way, but check back here as I'm bound to think of more things to add.