Necessary Luxuries
By Phillip Rhodes December 01, 2010
Living without these nifty little items is possible—but we don't recommend it.
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Our Favorite Necessary Luxuries
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
You would never gift a bottle of detergent—atleast we hope not—but, miniature packages of Soak Wash can be a thoughtful choice. How about giving a broom? We wouldn't hear it! But, present us with an itsy whisk sweeper and we will swoon. These gifts are everyday housewares with a special mix of function and fabulous.
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Créa Créa Butterfly Clips
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Don't you love it when something as pedestrian as a chip clip gets a stylish update? So do we.
Price: $14
Shop: Pylones
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Soak Wash Travel Packs
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Individual capsules of gentle detergent are tailor-made for travelers who won't let busy schedules stand in the way of workouts.
Price: $10/pack of 7
Shop: Soak Wash Inc.
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Sweep Dreams Whisks
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Little messes deserve little brooms. Sweep Dreams' colorful wee whisks can make fast work of spilt sugar.
Price: $13
Shop: Sweep Dreams
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Jonathan's Coffee Scoop
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Each Pennsylvania-made cherry or maple coffee scoop measures 2 tablespoons
Price: $18–$22
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Yoshii Chambray Kitchen Towels
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Yoshii towels have peach-skin-soft chambray on one side, absorbent terry on the other.
Price: $10
Shop: Rikumo
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Toast Coasters
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
A touch of breakfast-table whimsy.
Price: $10 (Set of 8)
Shop: Organize.com
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Foxgloves Original
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
A touch of Jackie O. elegance: Wrists stay covered to avoid bug bites or poison ivy.
Price: $20
Shop: Foxgloves Inc.
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F.A. Seeds Co. Parlor Maid's Helper
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
F.A. Seeds' old-school-style kit includes polishes for silver, brass, copper, marble, and wood. Your kitchen will positively gleam.
Price: $40
Shop: F.A. Seeds Co.
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Lovell Bins
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Sturdy canvas bins are perfect for pantries—store magazines, dish towels, onions, whatever...
Price: $64-$70
Shop: Lovell
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TableArt In & Out Trivet
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
TableArt's flexible silicone version turns inside-out for bigger dishes.
Price: $38
Shop: TableArt
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Zip & Dry Apron
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
There's no need to sling a dish towel over your shoulder if you're wearing this apron, which includes an absorbent terry cloth towel attached by zipper.
Price: $40
Shop: Just Perfect Inc.
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Ring Vegetable Brush
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Recycled bristles and a bamboo handle are worked into a lovely easy-to-grip design.
Price: $5
Shop: Full Circle
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Hapeez Clipper Trios
Hapeez clips adhere to an array of kitchen surfaces, notably magnet-unfriendly glass and stainless steel. And you can fearlessly put a recipe where you can see it: These clips unstick without leaving any residue.
Price: $15/set of 3
Shop: Mayfair Lane
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Patina Onion Saver
You'll never waste a half-used onion again with this shapely airtight keeper.
Price: $6
Shop: Patina
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Megan Auman Coffee Cozy
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Trade wasteful cardboard for a reusable felt coffee cozy.
Price: $25
Shop: Megan Auman
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Oots Lunchbox
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Oots' cute but sturdy lunch box prevents sandwich smush. They also have handy containers for sides and salads.
Price: $30
Shop: Oots!
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Bleach Safe Kitchen Towels
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Swipe chicken-y countertops without fear—bleach-safe colored kitchen towels are here.
Price: $5
Shop: Bleach Safe Home
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Box Appetit Lunch Container
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
If toting lunch is a resolution for health or money, you might as well feel stylish doing it.
Price: $22
Shop: MoMA Store
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Crate and Barrel Sparrow Clips
Just right for keeping the chips closed.
Price: $8/12 clips
Shop: Crate and Barrel