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Gift Guide: 50 Flat or Foldable Finds
Make shipping extra easy this holiday with gifts you can send in a flat-rate envelope
Hectic schedules and the cost of travel often make it impossible to be with all your friends and family during the holidays. Let the ones you love know you're thinking of them by sending one of these easily mailable products as a temporary replacement for your company. Every gift in this guide folds or squishes flat to fit in a 9.5"x12.5" $4.95 flat-rate envelope or smaller, so there's no need to feel like Scrooge when deciding who makes your list this year.
More: 50 Great Gifts Under $50
More: 50 Great Gifts Under $50
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Not only are the bold and brilliant colors of this vase sure to impress any design fan, but the fact that it ships flat and is constructed entirely of paper will trim your holiday postal expenses.
Mailing size: Flat 7.9" square
Mailing size: Flat 7.9" square
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For the friend with impeccable taste who is impossible to buy for, consider this clean and well-designed home accessory a safe bet. No one can resist unique designer ornaments.
Mailing size: Thin bundle 4.5" long
Mailing size: Thin bundle 4.5" long
by 3939shop.com
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Nothing gives the serious businessman instant street cred like pulling out a sleek pink card case. This is the perfect gift for someone who needs to have a little more fun at work.
Mailing size: 3.9" x 2.5" x .5"
Mailing size: 3.9" x 2.5" x .5"
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You may be struck by how beautiful these necklaces will look draped around your loved one's neck, but they are also functional USB drives.
Mailing size: Flat; protect with in an inch of bubble-wrap.
Mailing size: Flat; protect with in an inch of bubble-wrap.
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Whether you send it alone or with a special trinket to tuck inside, this foldable box and lid set is a nice storage solution for those who believe that an object is only as good as its wrapping.
Mailing size: Flat 8.7" x 11.8" sheet
Mailing size: Flat 8.7" x 11.8" sheet
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For 2012, I predict a Pantone color that will be more on the natural side — your own skin. Who wouldn't want to receive designer tattoos in the mail this holiday season, or any season at that?
Mailing size: Fits in a note card
Mailing size: Fits in a note card
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Send flowers that are sure to survive more than a few days. These 32 unique floral papers can grace the table every day.
Mailing size: 11.4" stack of 32 sheets folds or rolls up for shipping
Mailing size: 11.4" stack of 32 sheets folds or rolls up for shipping
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Keep that special someone from running out of battery life on an iPhone or iPod. Keep this mini charger handy and always have that necessary extra juice.
Mailing size: 1.5" x 3" x .5"
Mailing size: 1.5" x 3" x .5"
by Yanko Design
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Surprise your tea-snob friends with this Korean diver-inspired strainer. But by no means should you recommend what tea to use with it.
Mailing size: 5.8" x 1.9" x 1.9"
Mailing size: 5.8" x 1.9" x 1.9"
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by Mikro Mart
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| Create your own miniature home-improvement vignette without the pain or frustration of the real deal. These amazingly intricate sculptures by Sam Buxton mail flat and unfold to become sculpture. Mailing size: Flat 5.3" x 3.3" sheet |
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For the friend who thinks folding and rolling maps is for people with too much time on their hands, send a travel accessory that can easily be stuffed into a coat pocket. These well-designed travel maps can stand up to any adventure.
Mailing size: 4.5″ x 6″ x 1″
Mailing size: 4.5″ x 6″ x 1″
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by The Foundry
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| Your friends and family will never again have to guess whether apples or zucchini are in season. With this handy and elegant chart, produce guides are clearly displayed by season and hemisphere. Mailing size: Flat 11.4" x 5.1" |
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The heavy Nordic influence of this candelabra means that it's more than just visually stunning; it's also practical and versatile. Notice how the arms swivel to any position. Give this to someone who values understated design.
Mailing size: 12" x 8" x 1.5" collapsed
Mailing size: 12" x 8" x 1.5" collapsed
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This gives add function and decorative flair to a raised bed or indoor planter.
Mailing size: Flat 11.8" x 5.9"
Mailing size: Flat 11.8" x 5.9"
by Walker Shop
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For someone who notices the beauty in nature's creations, share these brilliantly thoughtful ginkgo sticky notes that even detail the veining of the leaves.
Mailing size: Flat 7.9" x 5.9" pad
Mailing size: Flat 7.9" x 5.9" pad
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by Hard Graft
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| Follow the slogan of this company, "you lose what you don't hold," and give this folding phone wallet. Your friend can use it to keep his phone, money, keys and more at hand. Mailing size: Slightly bigger than an iPhone |
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Give the midcentury design enthusiast the gift that they've always wanted — Castiglioni's Arco floor lamp, Maurer's Lucellino lamp, or Sapper's Tizio lamp. With this pop-out kit, you can send all three.
Mailing size: Flat 4.8" x 6.8" card
Mailing size: Flat 4.8" x 6.8" card
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While I love the idea of tea towels, they tend to look like they were designed solely for use in a kitchen that counts doilies as its main design feature. Not this neon pair.
Mailing size: Folds to 7.5" x 10"
Mailing size: Folds to 7.5" x 10"
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Help a friend safely join the bicycle revolution with these fun and colorful bicycle lights. There are also many possibilites for incorporating these little detachable lights into the home.
Mailing size: 1.3" x .8" x .5"
Mailing size: 1.3" x .8" x .5"
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This flat-packed, leather globe is anything but ordinary. Also available in bamboo and metal, give one or all three for an attractive and informative home accessory.
Mailing size: Flat 7.9" x 11.8" pack
Mailing size: Flat 7.9" x 11.8" pack
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David Carter redefines the pop-up book, repackaging it in a beautifully modern language that is entertaining and attractive to children and adults alike.
Mailing size: 9.4" x 9.4" x 1.3"
Mailing size: 9.4" x 9.4" x 1.3"
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Interactive art is always fun to give and receive. Send one or more of these concentric ring mobiles to add some needed flair to any space, particularly when winter is at its dreariest.
Mailing size: Flat 10" or 3" diameter
Mailing size: Flat 10" or 3" diameter
by NET-A-PORTER
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Surprisingly still relevant, this magnifying glass by Maison Martin Margiela will let everyone know how serious about style you are.
Mailing size: 2" x 3"
Mailing size: 2" x 3"
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Have a friend who constantly complains about being bored at work? Give him a set of fun magnetic Buckyballs. This desk puzzle will inspire the most reluctant worker.
Mailing size: 2" x 2" x 5.2"
Mailing size: 2" x 2" x 5.2"
by Hu2 Design
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Send a subtle and friendly reminder that it's always wise to conserve energy.
Mailing size: Flat 12.5" x 4.7"
Mailing size: Flat 12.5" x 4.7"
by Yanko Design
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Without resorting to a dingy wicker basket for the dining room table, keep all of your fruit corralled and in plain sight. This solid surface bowl hugs your fruit to keep it in place, and would make a great gift for any advocate of form follows function.
Mailing size: 11.3" x 9.5" x .5"
Mailing size: 11.3" x 9.5" x .5"
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Allow your urban-dwelling friends to join in on the vegetable-growing party by sending them these insta-grow, dehydrated vegetable packs.
Mailing size: 7.1" x 7.1" x 2.4"
Mailing size: 7.1" x 7.1" x 2.4"
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Along with a delicious bottle of pinot noir, send a package of these elegant paper-drip ruffs to protect the white linen tablecloth.
Mailing size: 5.5" x 2.2" x 1.2" box
Mailing size: 5.5" x 2.2" x 1.2" box
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Scan, sync and instantly send to the cloud more than 600 pages of documents in just one battery life. Looking for cable management? Here's your ultimate solution.
Mailing size: 10.5" x 1.7" x 2.2"
Mailing size: 10.5" x 1.7" x 2.2"
by Demelza Hill
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Know someone who is never content with the status quo when it comes to home accessories? Send this laser-cut flat-packed basket and let that certain someone know that you're anything but predictable.
Mailing size: 15" diameter, folds flat
Mailing size: 15" diameter, folds flat
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A well-made coaster is essential to keeping your furniture protected, but surprisingly hard to come by — and no one makes beer accessories like the Germans do. Send a friend a set or two of these Bierfilzl wool coasters for some holiday cheers.
Mailing size: 4" x 4" x 1"
Mailing size: 4" x 4" x 1"
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Looking to brighten someone's holidays? Send this colorful hanging mobile. It's one big party in a little bag.
Mailing size: 4" x 4" x .5"
Mailing size: 4" x 4" x .5"
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Send holiday cheer and an indoor garden in one festive little postcard. Your pals can exercise their green thumbs even while stuck indoors during winter.
Mailing size: 6.25" x 4” x .75" closed
Mailing size: 6.25" x 4” x .75" closed
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Looking for holiday decorations that don't scream "Santa's workshop exploded in my living room"? Look no further than these beautifully simple Nordic reindeer.
Mailing size: Flat 3" card
Mailing size: Flat 3" card
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| Gift a piece of home decor that relies on simplicity and function for its beauty. Mailing size: Folds to 11" x 1.5" |
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As a devotee of the reused glass bottle vase, I advocate a little extra effort for your gifted floral arrangements with a beautifully knitted cover.
Mailing size: 9.8" long, squishes flat
Mailing size: 9.8" long, squishes flat
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Ensure that there is always a fresh floral arrangement on hand with a miniature necklace vase.
Mailing size: Small pendant sizes vary
Mailing size: Small pendant sizes vary
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Few things are as fantastic as receiving a paper fox shadow puppet in the mail.
Mailing size: 4" x 2.8"
Mailing size: 4" x 2.8"
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by Hidden Art
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| Sometimes it only takes a pencil and an eraser to make a workspace. Allow the next big idea to flourish by keeping this handy set within arm's reach. Mailing size: 2.8" x 2.8" x .5" |
by The Foundry
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Send someone a letter that is a gift in itself. Inspired by the thaumatrope toys of the 1820s, this optical illusion game will be fun and inspiring for all.
Mailing size: Flat 4" x 4"
Mailing size: Flat 4" x 4"
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By giving this collapsible cork birdhouse, you not only provide neighborhood birds a place to park, but also return a piece of nature back to its former habitat.
Mailing size: 11" x .6"
Mailing size: 11" x .6"
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| Help artistic friends keep drawing and writing supplies portable, organized and easily accessible with an attractive canvas roll case. Mailing size: 10" x 8" case rolls up for shipping |
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by flight001.com
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| Allow loved ones to organize their lives and their closets while away on holiday — visiting you, of course! Mailing size: 12" x 9" pouch folds to 6" x 4.5" or smaller |
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Any fan of modern architecture should own this documentary on photographer Julius Shulman.
Mailing size: 5.3" x 7.5" x .6"
Mailing size: 5.3" x 7.5" x .6"
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For someone who finds that an iPad's design is hidden and even hindered with fancy protective cases, opt for this clean and understated alternative. Every time you pull out your iPad, the case cleans the screen for you.
Mailing size: 8" x 10"
Mailing size: 8" x 10"
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Blur the boundary between personal accessories and home accessories with this hand-carved, ebony bracelet.
Mailing size: Flat; opening is 2.25" in diameter
Mailing size: Flat; opening is 2.25" in diameter
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A stellar gift for the organization fiend, these powerful desktop magnets are strong enough to gather groups of business cards.
Mailing size: 4.5 x .8" x .8"
Mailing size: 4.5 x .8" x .8"
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Know a bookworm with an ever-expanding reading collection? Share these cute felt animals to index a personal library and keep track of each and every title.
Mailing size: Up to 7.7" x 7.2"
Mailing size: Up to 7.7" x 7.2"
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by Sanna Annukka
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| Stories that accompany a gift are often the most meaningful. When you send the Soul Bird to someone special, be sure to share the story of the Sielulintu as well. Mailing size: 6.9" x 6.3" x 1.7" |
by Hidden Art
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Send one or more of these colorful 3-D puzzles to anyone with a flair for creating. Never make the same sculpture twice, and combine multiple sets for the ultimate iridescent masterpiece.
Mailing size: 3.5" x 2.4" x 1" stack
What are you giving this year?
More: 50 Great Gifts Under $50
Mailing size: 3.5" x 2.4" x 1" stack
What are you giving this year?
More: 50 Great Gifts Under $50
Comments
Becky Harris Wow Annie, I have no idea how you ever came up with all of these! So clever!
18 months ago · Like
Vanessa Brunner Such a fun idea for a gift guide — I love this! It's giving me great Christmas shopping inspiration.
18 months ago · Like
Janet Paik Love this roundup, Annie. I've already added a few of these to ideabooks! Love the animal index and Pantone tattoo.
18 months ago · Like
islandsheriff i want everything!!!!!!
18 months ago · Like
snowfleury Great ideas - especially since I live abroad and postage is expensive!! Thanks!
18 months ago · Like
Laurie at Bird in Hand VTG Very creative post! Easy shipping, storage, transport. The animal index cards grabbed me right away!
18 months ago · Like
Bright Bold and Beautiful Colorful Art prints are a great option for easy and affordable shipping ~ that's a plus! http://www.etsy.com/shop/lauratrevey 
18 months ago · Like
pspgirl Terrific article! Some wonderful creations AND just in time for Christmas! Thanx Annie!
18 months ago · Like
writeher This article gives great and unique ideas that don't break the bank! One question - how much is the flat pack carrier?
18 months ago · Like
linbar Laughed out loud when I saw the first entry. Looks just like the yellow mesh that goes around the turkey I got at the store. It also makes a fashionable hat (or hair net) if you cut the small end off, roll up the sides and let the price tag dangle. Well, yes, there is a lot of eye rolling from my kids when I wear this but hey, it's free with the turkey!
18 months ago · Like
Janet Paik @writeher, If you're based in the U.S., you can pick up the flat-rate envelope at your local Post Office, or order some for free off of their website:click here.
18 months ago · Like
Margaret Tonkin Absolutely fabulous selection - terrific and hats off to the researcher.
18 months ago · Like
Patience Hong Thanks Annie ! Very creative post for sharing.
4 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Nov. 16, 2011.
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