OK, they are actually three products, but we like them for the same reasons... They're great for Millennials just starting out in a small apartment or home. Low on space = maximizing the space that you have! The Buddha Bowl allows you to eat soup, cereal, even noodles, in less conventional spaces. The Lap and Knee Mugs make it easy to sip coffee or tea while sitting on the couch. We know that Millennials don't often eat meals at the kitchen table, and these products make it easy to eat or drink on the couch or in the living room.
2. Corkcicle
Millennials love to entertain friends and family (72% say they entertain at least once a month) and the Corkcicle is a neat new product that can enhance that experience. The Corkcicle is designed to keep wine at the perfect temperature. It looks just like an icicle that fits inside an opened bottle of wine to keep chilled white wine cold, and keep tepid red wine from getting too warm. It is reusable, won't water down your wine, and is dishwasher-safe.
3. Recycled Dog Leash by Harry Barker
We were amazed to learn that these bright, beautiful dog collars and leashes are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. They look and feel just like wove fabric. Because they are made from recycled bottles, they will hold up to just about anything and will last forever. They come in tons of great colors and patterns, and can even be monogrammed. 44% of Millennials are dog owners, and this product line allows them to provide for their pooches while respecting the environment.
4. Moshi Moshi handset by Native Union
These handsets are so fun! The bright colors originally caught our eye, but the concept made us stick around to learn more about these throwback products. These telephone handsets have high quality speakers and microphones to improve call quality, and are compatible with all mobile phones, iPads, and computers. the design factor is awesome with these phones, ranging from nostalgia old-fashioned models to sleep, shiny, and modern. Millennials love classic, traditional style, and coupled with concern about cell phone radiation, these Moshi Moshi handsets would make a great gift for a Millennial.
5. Aria Autoseal Travel Mug by Contigo
Once you use this product, you will love it! It has vacuum insulation that keeps beverages hot for 5 hours or cold for 14 hours. Its Autoseal technology makes the mug 100% leak- and spill- proof, and trust us, we have tested this claim! With Millennials' jam-packed schedules, travel mugs are a popular item to begin with. But throw in the added features of one-touch opening and spill-proof storage, and you've got a perfect gift for a Millennial. Bonus-it fits perfectly under a Keurig one-cup coffee brewer, talk about convenience!
6. Plant Pots by Bacsac
Bacsac's plant pots are perfect urban solution for Millennials living in the city without a garden plot. Called "pots," they are actually geotextile fabric bags. They are lightweight, portable, and 100% recyclable. The bags are very strong and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on what type of garden you are looking for and what space you have available. The bags help protect the plants' roots, and let the soil breathe while allowing water to pass through. If you have a few square feet of balcony space, or even an open area near a window, you can grow your own fruits, vegetables, and/or herbs with the help of these plant pots!
7. 24/7 Bags by Flip & Tumble
These handy little bags recently made it into the MOMA design store, and with good reason! There were a variety of reusable bags at NYIGF, but these stood out from the pack. They are made of a light, ripstop nylon, and have a felt patch on the shoulder strap to keep the bag from slipping. They are so convenient because they easily fold up and store inside a stretchy inside pocket, squishing down to about the size of a peach. Any product that cuts down on waste and saves space is sure to catch a Millennial's eye. The 24/7 Bags come in a variety of prints and colors, so we can see Millennials using them for just about anything!
8. Coiled Bamboo and Coconut Bowls by bambu
In addition to looking great, these hand-produced bowls are made from natural and renewable resources. They are made from natural bamboo and coconut shells, and use water based, formaldehyde-free adhesives and natural lacquers. The bowls are crafted by production teams in Shanghai, and bambu has been granted the Green American Seal of Approval for their fair trade practices. The bowls are light, durable, and come in a bunch of fun, bright colors...a great green addition to any Millennial's kitchen.
9. Tocky by Nanda Home
This is the perfect product for any Millennial who has a hard time getting up in the morning. It's a cute little clock that can play an alarm sound, MP3's, and even personal messages to wake you up. But the kicker - Tocky jumps from your nightstand and rolls around the room, forcing you to get out of bed and wake up! Hitting the snooze button on traditional alarm clocks can be tempting, but ultimately wastes time and you often wake up more tired than you originally were. With Tocky, you're forced to get up out of bed and start your day...and with a crammed day as Millennials often have, this product is sure to get you off to the right start.
10. Swedish Dish Cloths by cose nuove
Don't let their small size fool you, these natural dishcloths are super absorbent! They absorb up to 15 times their own weight, making the chore of drying dishes quick and easy. In Millennials' small kitchens, these little dish cloths are a great space saver that still gets the job done. They are made from natural cotton and cellulose and are printed with water-based inks, making them fully compostable. They are very durable, able to stand up to repeated machine washing. These dishcloths feature Scandinavian designs in lots of different fun patterns and colors, making them easy to coordinate with any Millennial's kitchen.
Honorable Mentions
These products didn't make AIM's top ten, but they were close contenders!
