But the other thing we couldn’t live without? Our local library.

When the recession hit, it made most of us examine how we were living. As the headlines got gloomier, I looked around at our house, full of far too many things. I began to think how we could have the same rich experiences, but without acquiring as much and spending far less.

Which made me think about our library, which we frequented for story hour and occasional borrowing, but never really fully utilized. It’s just a tiny building, your standard red brick fare. No impressive columns or historical significance, it’s a bit like a geode. Rather unassuming on the outside, but you should really crack it open and see what’s inside.

We have three children. They often grow tired of things in short order. There are their cherished toys, books, and movies, but most other items are relegated to a dark corner after a few play sessions. But at the library there are countless books and DVDs to borrow. There’s even a huge selection of puzzles, stuffed animals, and puppets to check out. And after a week or so, when we’ve grown tired of them, we return them for someone else to use.

The inter-library loan is another phenomenon I find nearly as magical as the internet. If our library doesn’t have an item you need, another branch likely does. And if another branch doesn’t have it, they have connections to other bigger library systems. A few clicks and several days later, a bundle of things are waiting for me on the hold shelf, ready to be checked out. The other day I left the library with an 18″ mammoth puppet, a comprehensive book on felting, an obscure Japanese children’s movie, and the complete set of Elephant and Piggie books.

And once we find that perfect microscope for the kids this summer (suggestions welcome), I’ve heard rumors that I can check out slides of tissues and cells for study and examination.

So that little red basket that sits in our hallway? Quite possibly the best used real estate in our house these days. Hooray for the library!

Anyway, we filed his return mailer with the wrongly shipped shirts away in the restock basket.

Months pass.

Finally I’m clearing out the bin and discover Andrew included a drawing of the two mistakenly shipped shirts (Dino Smart-Tee and Play Station). These were modeled by two members of The Pretenders with the words “Back to Ohio,” awesomely using the typeface of their debut album.

We were so excited by this (and ashamed it took us months to discover it) that we printed up a special shirt with Aaron’s drawing and shipped it back to him.

There he is over there on the left modeling said tee. Turns out, Aaron has a website chock full of excellent work with everything from illustrations to music. So check him out on Baarbarian.com and know that something as cut and dry as a product return is an opportunity for awesomeness. We are taking note.

Here’s what we’ve got in the queue right now:

CHRIS SPINS:

Four Tet – There is Love in You
Whenever someone plays Four Tet (Kieran Hebden) at the studio I always ask, “Who is this?” because it’s got great energy; totally good-for-working music. This new release adds another solid mix to the library. Good in whole doses.

Ox Tails: Songs from 2009
I admire Khoi’s aesthetic and perspective in design, so it was a pleasure to see him post a collection of favorite music from 2009. There were several songs on the list I already knew and loved, but the real joy was discovering new artists.

Mika – The Boy Who Knew Too Much
Bright, layered pop that I’d say mixes a bit of Queen with Jellyfish and Scissor Sisters; a guilty pleasure I listen to on headphones.

JOEL SPINS:

Know Better Learn Faster – Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
The quintessentially fun album. Sometimes when I come in to the shop and am feeling down, I put this on and it completely gets me in the mood to be positive….and when I’m happy, it makes me happier. Complete with an appearance from Andrew Bird and catchy hooks, this album keeps the foot tappin’ and mouth whistling.

Dosh - Dosh
The first album from a man that constantly amazes me with what he can do with two hands and feet. Electronic program beats meets organic loops and a propensity for improvisation. Dance numbers meets the odd time signature. This is a super chill album that makes you forget that what he’s doing IS complicated.

Flight of the Conchords – I Told You I Was Freaky
Normally, I dislike pop music and parody albums for the most part. I rejected the idea of even listening to these guys due to their being parody/comedy musicians. That was until this album. The songs on this album REALLY nail the style that is being parodied. From R & B songs about a girl with a lazy eye that lost her epileptic dog in the park to dance tunes about ladies wanting a taste of Jermaine’s sugarlumps. Hilarious.

TOM SPINS:

Aidan Baker – Liminoid/Lifeforms
Just got this in. Already my favorite solo release from Nadja’s Aidan Baker. Slow and evolving without getting lost. A perfect soundtrack for the snow covered ground outside.

The Antlers – Hospice
Loving this indie rock album. Sounds like Grandaddy and “Deserter’s Songs”  Mercury Rev go on a camping trip.

Boston Spaceships – 0 to 99
I am a huge Guided by Voices fan (check out the video for Soundburger for some evidence). After a long time (and test of hopefulness) the sound that I love is back. Super hooky and loaded with many earworms. This combination of Pollard, Slusarenko, and The Decemberists John Moen is a pleasure and relief. A+.

WENDY SPINS:

Middle Cyclone – Neko Case
During these snowy winter days, I need to find something that has a mellow sound that pairs well with the soft snow, but doesn’t lull me to the couch for a long nap. This album strikes that happy medium. Plus, she mentions killer whales, which are really big around here these days.

* Wendy gets a pass on recommending three albums since she’s generally under a pile of children demanding to watch Noggin.

As I hunted around, I stumbled upon this template for a three-dimensional model of a volcano, which unfolds to illustrate the inner workings. A few clicks later I discovered I’d stumbled upon Canon’s Creative Park, which offers templates for hundreds of paper models. From dinosaurs to the Taj Mahal, there’s a paper craft for everyone. Some of them are pretty spectacular.

We set to work on building the volcano model. The design is beautiful and the instructions were easy to follow, but this is definitely for those with advanced paper skills and a good chunk of time on their hands.

It took us well over an hour to get it all together. (We’d like to blame our sluggish pace on the fact that in the midst of turning the office upside down, we couldn’t put our hands on a single bottle of glue.) But it was fun diversion, and I think I know far more about volcanos this evening than I did this morning.

One day I had a flash of inspiration when I remembered the drawer organizers I purchased for our closet. I found a few extras in the basement, and I swear, when I installed them, the clouds parted and the sun shone with a brilliance we hadn’t seen in years. Peace and order was restored to the produce, and we declared it good. A very simple way to start the new year just a bit more organized.

While digging around online, there’s a fantastic and in-depth article that digs into the history of his work at Ford Times. This particular bit caught my eye, but the entire article on Charley Harper Prints is a trove:

By 1951-2, Charley was an increasingly regular contributor to Ford Times. With his first cover we also see his first forays into illustrations of nature, to become the hallmark of his later career. However, it was not yet a specialty, or focus.

– A Charley Harper Ford Times Retrospective by Terry Wright [ link ]

Everyone at the studio is enamored with Charlie’s work and we turn to it for inspiration, often. Below? A few more scans from our collection that weren’t found in this super awesome Flickr pool.

For more on Charley, visit the studio site maintained by his family:
The Charley Harper Art Studio.

Baking is always a quick and easy gift. In a pinch for time or no talent in the kitchen? My mom’s secret quick recipe is to buy slice and bake sugar cookie dough, dust with sugar and tastefully arrange a few almond slices on top before baking. They look like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Whatever you throw together, packaging can be quick and simple. The Container Store offers loads of wrapping options—boxes, bags, and tins. In a pinch I’ve used brown lunch bags, which look fabulous after you’ve adorned them with a ribbon and a nice tag.

And nice tags? No need to run out and buy something. We’ve collected a few links below free, downloadable files. Simply print, clip, and wrap!

Martha Stewart Classic Confections
Martha not only provides the recipes, but also provides labels for download to allow you to package your confections like a pro. While you’re at it, bookmark Martha’s best clip art for year-round ideas.

Small Object Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Tags
Fabulous artist Sarah Neuburger offers these gift tags as a free download as a thanks for all the support her customers have shown her. 

PaperCrave Holiday Tags
Download these holiday tags courtesy of PaperCrave. You can download the tags from 2009 or 2008—they’re all delightful!

Wendy’s daughter summed it up on the family calendar :

It snowed today. We might build snow men. We hope it doesn’t rain. (Translated)

This is one of those days that you avoid driving if possible. Not because of the road itself, but because of the other folks on the road.

So while the kids have already been out in their boots, we’re keeping the fires stoked during this busy season. Tom’s cranking on Processing orders out in the studio and I’m working from home on a website for an renewable energy company based in Africa.

Good times.

Now when we get a really big snow, we’re totally going out and helping build those snowmen.

Here’s what we’ve got in the queue right now:

TOM SPINS:

King Crimson – Lark’s Tongue in Aspic
For some reason I’m on a journey to find a lot of new in a lot of old. Just got hold of the 1973 prog mammoth. Super heavy grooves with a little flute thrown in.

Risil – Non Meters Volume One
I buy a lot of stuff from Important Records. They are one of the few labels willing to take chances, and those chances almost always pay off. Risil is a super underground collective given room to freely collaborate. Songs are loose and not hooky, but there is definitely some magic going on. This is the first volume of three.

Def Leppard – High ’N Dry
Released before breakthrough Pyromania, this album rocks. Super hooky, ballad free musicians scraping together enough money to buy a corndog. Highlight is “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” going into “Switch 625” instrumental. If you need an early metal fix, this will not disappoint.

WENDY SPINS:

The Swell Season – Strict Joy
I give Chris full credit for recommending this album. I loved the movie, Once, so this was an excellent addition to the collection.

The Beatles – Yellow Submarine
The kids adore this movie and the accompanying soundtrack. I love putting laundry away and hearing a four-year-old singing “When I’m 64” at the top of his lungs. The stars must be aligned, since as the kids were listening to the soundtrack, I noticed swissmiss had just blogged about it.

TMBG – Here Comes Science
I’ve always been a fan of the music They Might Be Giants do for kids, but this is by far my favorite.  After a few listens, my pre-schooler was telling me all about the DNA in his cells and that most things are made up of four basic elements. In a few more listens, they will have exceeded all my science knowledge. An added bonus is the delightful animation in the DVD version of the album.

JOEL SPINS:

Mahavishnu Orchestra – Between Nothingness and Eternity
Full throttle live 70′s rock. Music so fast and loud it is a must for when I’m in a hurry to get orders out the door.

St. Vincent - Actor
Annie Clark is brilliant. A ferocious set of tunes that makes the musician in me say ‘I wish I rocked that hard.’ Aggressive and colorful from beginning to end.

Andrew Bird – Noble Beast
A ingeniously complex and simply beautiful album that’s almost perfect for any situation.

CHRIS SPINS:

Imogen Heap – Ellipse
Well, since Wendy stole my Swell Season pick and I used up the New Moon soundtrack earlier this week, I’m going down the list of what gets played the most. I start off this joint with the single “First Train Home,” play that a couple times, then I let the rest of the album ride out and loop around.

Ray LaMontagne – Gossip in the Grain
I first saw this dude on SNL. This fact alone means I’m totally out of touch. But man, I loved his approach and delivery. He’s got one of those sounds that seems like it’s from another time, when soul was in fashion.

Ben Folds – Cologne
I love this song. I don’t think it’s a single or anything, but it’s where I start off Ben’s “Way to Normal” album. I love the deadpan humor and pining in the lyric. You’ve probably figured out by now that I’m a big emotional marshmallow.

In the spirit of the season, we thought we’d share our favorite holiday gift ideas. Of course, the perfect gift would be a product from Wire & Twine, but we declare these other suggestions a close second!

Tom’s picks from left to right: Mini Orange App, booty from the Pirate Store, 1 hour of art, Buddha Machine, Vogues Bacon Chocolate

TOM’S LIST

1. Orange Micro Crush Amp
Granted, you’ll never get the full roar of a full size Orange amp, but maybe all you need is just a little sound to rock out. This tiny battery powered amp sounds pretty good for a mini and has a built in guitar tuner to boot. A lot of fun for a low price.

2. Booty from The Pirate Store / 826 Valencia
Started by Dave Eggers and Ninive Calegari in 2002, 826 Valencia sells pirate themed goods to help fund writing workshops and other educational adventures in their community. There are now more chapters in others cities with themes such as superheroes and robots.

3. One Hour of Art from Jason Polan
Jason Polan is awesome. At the beginning of 2005 he sketched every piece of art at the NY MOMA and landed a job. As part of his shop, he offers one hour of art. Whatever he comes up with in one hour is yours, and he’s open to your suggestions and ideas. Perfect for the person who has everything (except Jason Polan art).

4. FM3 Buddha Machine
Om. Om. The concept is simple, the execution is brilliant. Housed inside a small handheld box are nine looping drones that range from 2 to 42 seconds. The same drone plays until you switch to the next drone. Each unit has it’s own built in speaker and a headphone jack. It’s the zen answer to the iPod.

5. Vosges Bacon Chocolate
It sounds wrong, but, man, is it right! Katrina Markoff’s obsession with flavor led to this unexpected treat. Strangely delicious.

Wendy’s picks from left to right: Playmobil, The Self-Sufficent Life and How to Live It, Ribbon from Retrosaria, Mostly True Collected Stories & Drawings, The World’s Smallest Postal Service

WENDY’S LIST

1. Playmobil
You might think this is just for kids, but I would respectfully disagree and then proudly show you my ridiculously large collection. My daughter brought the dentist set as a gift to her first dental appointment, which is now proudly displayed for all their patients. Give a tiny office to someone to display in their cubicle, or a classroom to your favorite teacher. One year we interchanged parts from several different characters, and created Chris Glass in Playmobil. I suppose the kids might enjoy it, too…

2. The Self-Sufficent Life and How to Live It
Whether you’re just thinking about growing tomatoes on your patio or going completely off the grid, this book is the place to start. With dreamy illustrations and  thoughtful planning, this is one inspiring book.

3. Ribbon from Retrosaria
If you’ve got a crafty person on your list, consider purchasing a few yards of spectacular ribbon from Rosa Pomar. The Little Red Riding Hood ribbon makes me smile each time I see it. Although she’s based in Portugal, she’ll ship nearly anywhere.

4. Mostly True Collected Stories & Drawings
I stumbled upon this book many years, and immediately purchased the rest of the collection. Brian Andreas writes thoughts and observations about life, both humorous and poignant. He can pack more into one sentence than most of my aimless rambling.

5. The World’s Smallest Postal Service (via Junior Society)
One of those gifts for the person who has everything. Write a note of adoration, a poem, or tell a short story. Postmaster Lea Redmond will transcribe into tiny form, and send you on your way with a tiny magnifying glass.

Chris’ picks from left to right: New Super Mario Bros Wii, Mobilosity mobile, Souldier custom camera strap, New Moon soundtrack (for reals), Duluth Trading Co Suspenders

CHRIS’ LIST

1. New Super Mario Bros. Wii
A modern version of the game that made me fall in love with pixels. And though this update doesn’t pack a lot of innovation, the co-op mode with up to 4 players elevates this game to new levels of awesomeness. If someone already has the game, ask to see if they have 4 controllers. If not, a gift opportunity still exists.

2. Mobilosity Mobile
Every time I look in the corner of my apartment and see this fine handmade mobile, I feel unbridled joy.

3. Souldier Custom Camera Strap
When I wear my deluxe camera strap with owls in oranges, browns and gold, I get compliments. They also make belts and guitar straps. Though the site is a little difficult to navigate, the products are well worth the challenge. (or visit a retail location)

4. The New Moon Soundtrack
Seriously. This is my favorite album this season. The trick to make it even better? Replace the shoddy, over-Photoshopped album art with some of your own creation. Then enjoy the soundtrack that packs all the emo alt-pop punch of an old John Hughes film.

5. Duluth Trading Co. Suspenders
Surely you have a friend that’s constantly tugging at their waistband. Get them some suspenders.

Kid stuff from left to right: Magna-Tiles, Maisy Pop-up Book, LED Color Wand, digital camera, Scholastic Classics

GIFTS FOR KIDS

1. Magna-Tiles
These magnetic shapes click together into endless configurations, and are nearly impossible to put down. When we have guests, we often find older kids and grown-ups playing with them just as much as the kids.

2. Maisy’s Pop-Up Playhouse
This book opens up into a three-dimensional paper house where Maisy the mouse can go about her day. Since it conveniently folds back into the book, this is a fantastic item for those who are traveling or limited on space.

3. LED Glo-Stick
Hours of fun can come at the low price of $1.99! Our kids have spent hours with this toy. In the daylight. In a dark room. Running through the yard after dark. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer.

4. A digital camera
We’re giving this one to our six-year-old this year after she has continually borrowed ours. It’s a fantastic tool to enable self-expression and creativity, and she’s even beginning her first stop-animation films. Although many cameras will do, we settled on this one which is reasonably priced, shoots both stills and video, is touted as being extremely rugged, and can even go under water.

5. Scholastic Treasury of 100 Storybook Classics
Few items in our parenting and uncle-ing careers have been as useful as this collection. All the childhood classics you remember, at your fingertips in DVD format. Perfect for a wide range of ages.