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If you like to add a little feng shui to things, you’ll know that wood is the first of the five elements because it symbolises the beginning of life.  While a true feng shui purist will tell you that living wood is really the only element that can truly evoke proper feng shui, Aunt Beep Shui will tell you that giving a gift of something earthy, woodsy and eco-chic can possibly do just as much to settle the frazzled nerves of your recipient.  Let alone make them smile.

OhSweetheart bought this gorgeous wooden briefcase from Takumi Shimsmura for her boyfriend, and she says after “after six months of wear and tear it’s still just as beautiful now.”  I love the polished light woodgrain of this briefcase.  It’s very Feng Shui James Bond, wouldn’t you say?

Much like Faux Trophy, Faux Wood can be equally as alluring.  There’s just something about making elements of nature into plasticy manufactured modern objects, like this Ever Together Tyvek Wallet, equally loved by stylish bloggers decor8 and Creature Comforts, and available at GreenerGrassDesign. 

Says GreenerGrassDesign this faux wood wallet is “Designed with a simple folding pattern that reduces the number of seams and strengthens the wallet allowing it to expand and grow as it is filled. Made with the amazing water and tear-resistant Tyvek, the smooth material creates the perfect moisture-resistant surface that will protect your valuables from the wear and tear that destroys normal stitching or leather. These wallets are made from 25 percent post-consumer recycled content.” Earth Friendly AND an affordable gift for the guys! Would it be too much to throw this wallet inside the Takumi briefcase? Probably. 

One of my fave designs and designers is Kenneth Wingard’s gorgeous modern vases (not to mention his gorgeous wall art). Typically Wingard goes for high gloss colors like baby blue and white, but lucky for us he’s created a woodgrain ceramic Crescent Vase.  The Crescent Vases come in two sizes and are priced at $44 and $88. Just lovely.

For some serious Faux Bois, one of our more popular tech gadgets on ThisNext is about as natural as can be.  The Wooden Memory Stick is turning a lot of heads and storing a lot of data these days.  And why not??  The simple design of this USB drive looks like a random piece of wood.  The ironic contrast to plugging the Wooden Memory Stick into your suped-up MacBook or Vaio must be a triumph for feng shui champions everywhere. 

RevolutionaryGirl has added the Wooden Memory Stick to two of her shopcasts including her cool gift guide Technology Heart Design saying “What better way to marry nature to technology, while throwing a bit of environmental reuse tactics with this REAL Wooden memory stick. Guaranteed to pique others interest as well as remind you of what you’re missing while your stuck in cubical land.” On the nature side,  StephanieCannarlato thinks “I personally love nature, but embrace the fact that I must work on my laptop most times instead of sitting in the woods. This just makes the trade off much easier.”

Perfect to stuff stockings.

Another of my very favorite woody creations is the Bent Wood Dog Bowl by Holden Designs.  Not too often is a bowl of food and water left out in the kitchen an attractive sight, but Holden mixes some serious functionality with some even more serious design.  For the most part, I’m not on the “pamper your pets to death” bandwagon, but a few key pieces to keep the home and it’s inhabitants happy and well designed seems like a wise investment to me. I bet you have a dog or cat lover on your list who would just go gaga over Holden’s sleek woodgrain designs.

For even more wood-inspired eco chic gift ideas, check out my Gift Guide 06: Everybody Loves Wood shopcast on ThisNext.