Photography, Retouching, and Life. 

The free-writing platform of Pratik Naik. A mix of curated content and personal writings. 

12 Affordable Gifts For People Who Love Color: From $5 to $50

12 Affordable Gifts For People Who Love Color: From $5 to $50

Being that it's Amazon Prime Day, I think many of us have been keeping an eye on the deals out there. It reminded me that I wanted to put together a list of gifts for people who are color obsessed! It may even be for yourself, no shame. #treatyourself 

On my travels, I've been finding really great gifts that I've been taking photos of for this purpose, and I wanted to share them with you! These were found mostly in museums, gift shops, and quirky pop-up shops across through the world. 


1. The Secret Lives of Colours

Link: http://amzn.to/2v8WLdD
Price: $20 (hardcover) and $10 (digital download)

The Secret Lives of Colour tells the unusual stories of the 75 most fascinating shades, dyes and hues. From blonde to ginger, the brown that changed the way battles were fought to the white that protected against the plague, Picasso's blue period to the charcoal on the cave walls at Lascaux, acid yellow to kelly green, and from scarlet women to imperial purple, these surprising stories run like a bright thread throughout history. In this book Kassia St Clair has turned her lifelong obsession with colours and where they come from (whether Van Gogh's chrome yellow sunflowers or punk's fluorescent pink) into a unique study of human civilisation. Across fashion and politics, art and war, The Secret Lives of Colour tell the vivid story of our culture


2. Archi-Graphic: An Infographic Look at Architecture

Link: http://amzn.to/2tayClu
Price: $14.46 (paperback) 

This informative and engaging book uses a variety of inventive infographics to take an unusual look at architecture in a way that would not be possible with words and images alone. Through a variety of different infographics it compares, for example, the range of materials and colours used by different architects, the relative locations of their buildings, who influenced who, and which architects are the most discussed. It also approaches architecture from more unconventional angles with spreads that show the kinds of architecture favoured by dictators, the networks of love affairs that architects got entangled in; the defining facial features of famous architects and so on. Irreverent and entertaining, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in architecture or infographics.


3. I Don't Have A Favorite Color

Link: http://amzn.to/2taGK5k
Price: $39.39 (hardcover)

A vibrant lesson in the interaction between facades and surfaces Discover the uses and explore the possibilities of a nuanced world of colors and textures. Ten years ago, the designer Hella Jongerius began a research project for the Swiss furniture company, Vitra, to study the properties and possibilities of colors, textures, finishes, and materials This long-term project has resulted in the Vitra Colour & Material Library, which is dedicated to the establishment and further development of an intelligent system of colors, materials, and textiles that make it easy to create inspiring environments in offices, homes and public spaces. In the book I Don’t Have a Favourite Colour, Hella Jongerius describes her method of research and the application of its results to the Vitra product portfolio. Creating innovative products and concepts is VITRA’S essence. Developed in Switzerland and installed worldwide, they build inspirational spaces. Vitra believes in loyalty, durable products, sustainable growth, and the power of design. The Vitra Campus and Design Museum inspire visitors, inform the design process, and create a flourishing atmosphere.


4. Pocket Color Wheel

Link: http://amzn.to/2uey6HZ
Price: $5.70

This little handy color wheel is pretty useful, and makes a great little gift for someone who is always particular about color schemes. I would probably use this in real life when buying things that fit into a specific color scheme. 


5. Magnet Dots

Link: https://www.vitra.com/en-us/living/product/details/magnet-dots
Price: $29

File this one under, "I don't know why I would need it, but I kind of want it." 


6. Gradient Puzzle

Link: http://amzn.to/2taFnnb
Price: $22.95

When I came across this in a museum gift shop, I knew this would be for those people who scored highly on the X-Rite hue test. They would get a blast out of doing this little puzzle! I would probably go insane trying to put it all together, but it would make for a great piece framed on your wall as well once you're done!


7. Encyclopedia of Rainbows

Link: http://amzn.to/2taHh7x
Price: $11.70 (hardcover) and $8.79 (digital book)

This playful collection of rainbows is a bright and beautiful appreciation of all the color that surrounds us. Artist Julie Seabrook Ream invites us to see the extraordinary beauty of ordinary objects: she gathers colorful iterations of a single type of thing, from feathers to fishing gear, matchbooks to macarons, and neatly arranges them in rainbow order. A fascinating index details all the objects in each rainbow, bringing the magnetic appeal of meticulous organization to this burst of color in book form. A striking package with a rainbow-colored spine makes this celebratory book a treasure for those who love art, design, and a fresh perspective.


8. PANTONE One Sketch A Day

Link: http://amzn.to/2u55ujZ
Price: $7.00

This unique, colorfully chic sketchbook by PANTONE offers space to sketch one drawing a day for an entire year, allowing users to watch the evolution of their drawings over time.


9. Color Theory Post Cards

Link: http://amzn.to/2ueO0SY
Price: $15.25 

Blending a classic watercolor feel with a fresh, modern aesthetic, this notecard collection celebrates the mesmerizing beauty of color. Color has long fascinated artists, designers, philosophers, and makers of all stripes. This enchanting set from artist Mimi Robinson contains six cards illustrating key principles of color theory and four different envelope designs—each with a wash of watercolor on the inside of the flap. All cards feature a detailed caption explaining the principle of color theory illustrated on the front of the card.


10. Fortune-Telling Book of Colors

Link: http://amzn.to/2v90SpU
Price: $8.79 (hardcover) and $5.99 (digital download)

The latest addition to the bestselling Fortune-Telling series, this pocket-size book divines auspicious signs and offers whimsical insights into all things color. Those hoping to brighten their fortunes will learn the portents of chromatic combinations, the meaning behind color auras, and the astrology of various hues. Featuring an extensive color catalog with vibrantly illustrated interiors, this treasure makes a lovely gift for housewarmings, color enthusiasts, and anyone searching for a little extra luck in life.


11. PANTONE Cups

Link: http://amzn.to/2sMAvVY
Price: $19.99 

I have quite a few of these! They look great placed on your desk. It fits in with the entire decor and adds some beautiful visual cues to it. They come in so many different colors too. Also, they have coffee mugs as well! I sometimes use these are accessory holders for batteries, pens, etc.


12. PANTONE Speakers

Link: http://amzn.to/2v8Zm7j
Price: $39.99

Rounding out the list are these little speakers. At just $40, they sound like they'd be fun to have around. 

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