These products loved by employees of Local Projects are perfect for the host in your life

New York–based exhibition and media design firm Local Projects is known for its work on the National September 11 Memorial Museum, as well as historical venues such as Hyde Park Barracks, a museum focused on the impact of colonialism in Australia. This year, we asked them for product recommendations that would make our own homes and kitchens exhibit-worthy. Here’s what they suggest.

Miguel Bermudez, lead full-stack developer

Hedley & Bennett Crossback Apron, from $95Not all aprons are created equal. I can wear this all day and I have. They wash well, have all kinds of useful pockets and loops, and look fantastic.

Richard Brendon Diamond Double Old Fashioned Tumbler, $147My drinks may not taste better when I use it, but they feel better due to the weight and tactility of this glass.

Any book from Standards Manual, from $20An independent publishing imprint, Standards Manual books are beautiful reproductions of iconic graphic design tomes. My favorites are the NASA and Parks editions.

Nina Boesch, interaction design director

Blamo Toys, from $50Don’t let the name fool you. Blamo Toys are not really toys. They’re small handcrafted, beautifully designed sculptures of whimsical, rebellious, fantastical creatures. No, don’t think dragons and sci-fi—think claymation and stop-motion. Made in various designs and materials ranging from leather and ceramics to brass and wood the little “buddies” represent high fives and hugs that just warm your heart whenever you need it.

Death by Toys action figures, from $40The artist Dan Polydoris creates one-of-a-kind action figures and each is sure to put a smile on your face. Action figures such as “Ignoring Cat” or “Fun with Electricity Playset” are the result of Dan’s silly and dark sense of humor. His art also touches on contemporary issues such as empty packaging beautifully branded as “Genuine Thoughts And Prayers” and a “Conspiracy Theory Starter Pack.”

Emma Exley, project manager

Got Bag Rolltop bag, $159All of the bags from this brand are made from ocean impact plastic and come in a variety of beautiful matte colors. The make the perfect carry-on bags for your holiday getaway.

John Francis Designs ravioli molds, from $68John Francis hand-carves these bespoke ravioli molds in a variety of patterns—perfect for impressing the holiday dinner party.

Mr Lyan’s cocktails at home, $26.99A decade ago, I stumbled upon the magic of one of London’s best bars—an impeccable, possibly unrivaled example of hospitality that extends to several cities, stands the test of time and, thankfully, extends into the printed format. Perfect for holiday planning.

Ben Millstein, marketing director

Lomi Classic composter, from $399, plus $20 per monthMy parents live in Maine, where outdoor composting would attract all sorts of forest creatures. The Lomi solves this problem by turning food waste into soil that you can immediately use in your backyard or community garden.

Omsom Saucy Noodle Sampler, $49Growing up half Chinese in a Boston suburb, I wasn’t always super vocal about my Asian identity or family traditions. That’s why Kim and Vanessa Pham from Omsom really speak to me with their “loud and proud” brand of Asian foods and sauces.

Literally anything from my colleague Nina Boesch’s Store, from $150When my talented colleague Nina Boesch isn’t leading user experience on our projects, she’s spinning up beautiful design objects, including a miniature water tower inspired by the warm sun-drenched palettes of Edward Hopper’s images of rooftops of New York City, which was featured in the Whitney Museum’s gift shop. Her MetroCard mosaics were also featured on Good Morning America a few months ago.

Rio Rocket Valledor, director of physical design