As kids (and future architects), we loved imagining new places by playing with building blocks, Lincoln Logs, and LEGOS®. Drawing, painting, and making things were some of our favorite activities. Little did we know, that kind of play boosts imagination and creativity, problem-solving, and develops STEM skills. Our little minds were hard at work helping us become the architects we would grow up to be.
If you have creative little ones (or grown ups) on your gift list, check out our 2018 Architectural Gift Guide for All Ages below. You are sure to find a gift that will spark imagination and hours of fun!
Gifts are organized into the following categories:
- ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING SETS
- PUTTING YOUR MODEL BUILDING SKILLS TO WORK
- ARCHITECTURAL BOOKS
- CLOTHING
- DRINK LIKE AN ARCHITECT
- PERSONAL GIFTS, JEWELRY, AND ACCESSORIES
- ARCHITECTURAL PRINTS
- DRAW LIKE AN ARCHITECT
- ARCHITECTURAL FURNITURE
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ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING SETS
LEGO Architecture Studio Building Blocks Set
We have these in our office. 😉 There’s something about the all white pieces that makes this set so “architectural.” Build detailed structures and learn architectural design fundamentals with this kit created by LEGO® for people interested in architecture. For LEGO® lovers over the age of 16 years old (but my son played with these when he was 8, so use your best judgement).
Magna-Tiles
Both of my kids love these colorful magnetic tiles. They discovered them in preschool and continue to be entertained by the many ways they click together.
Engino Building and Architecture Sets
These modular connector kits enable children to quickly build fully functional technological models. There are more than 50 different sets, ranging from simple structures and mechanisms to solar energy sets and wireless robotics. Kits are available for children ages 3 years & up.
Arckit Go Architectural Model Building Kit
Invented by Irish architect Damien Murtagh, Arckit is the latest in snap-together plastic model-building tools. The 1:48-scale modular components come in three sets: 60, 120 and 240; the numbers reflect the minimum square meters possible to scale-build with each kit. Kits are available for children ages 4 years to 10+.
Architect’s Drawing Kit: Draw Your Home in 3-D
An educational drawing and coloring kit for professionals and students of architecture, design, art, and STEM. The kit includes interior and exterior perspective and isometric drawing charts showing three dimensions, detailed sample illustrations, plus instructions and tracing paper.
SmartLab Toys Archi-TECH Electronic Smart House
Young architects and engineers can design the house of their dreams with this kit that features 75 building concepts and 15 circuits to construct modular structures and power them up with lights, sounds, sensors, and motorized parts including elevators, alarms, trapdoors, and more! Smart Lab Toys promote STEM concepts. Designed for children ages 8 years & up.
K’NEX Thrill Rides – Sky Sprinter Roller Coaster Building Set
What a great and fun way for kids to learn about architecture, engineering, and aerodynamics! This set includes almost 800 pieces and stands over 7 feet tall when constructed. For kids ages 9 years and up.
PUTTING YOUR MODEL BUILDING SKILLS TO WORK
Model Kit of ‘The Star Orb’ a Stellated Dodecahedron inside a Dodecahedron, Sacred Geometry Kit
Architects love to make intricate things with their hands. This beautiful, laser cut model is both a puzzle and decoration. This piece and the two below are designed by Tom Houha and Patty Mora, an architect and artist/photographer pair in Oregon, Houha Designs.
Miniature drafting table model kit with real wood tabletop
So idyllic. Small, nostalgic model of an old school drafting table with stool, is perfect for an architect’s shelf. By Houha Designs.
Super Deluxe Tree House Model Kit, 17″ Tall, Laser Cut Parts
We can’t get enough of this laser cut tree house kit. By Houha Designs.
ARCHITECTURAL BOOKS
Cool Architecture book
The Cool Architecture book is filled with absorbing facts and quirky illustrations and is a perfect introduction to what’s cool about the fascinating world of architecture.
101 Things I Learned in Architecture School hardcover book
Written by an architect and instructor who well remembers the fog of his own student days, 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School covers concise lessons in design, drawing, the creative process, and presentation–from the basics of how to draw a line to the complexities of color theory.
Archidoodle: The Architect’s Activity Book
An innovative book providing a fun, interactive way to learn about architecture. Filled with an array of beautiful and elegant drawings, it poses all manner of architectural challenges for the user: from designing your own skyscraper to drawing an island house or creating a Constructivist monument, plus many more.
The LEGO Architect, Kindle Edition
Travel through the history of architecture in The LEGO Architect. You’ll learn about styles like Art Deco, Modernism, and High-Tech, and find inspiration in galleries of LEGO models. Your favorite architect can snap together some bricks and take their turn building 12 models in a variety of styles.
CLOTHING
Funny architect T-Shirt
“I’m An Architect. To Save Time, Let’s Just Assume That I’m Never Wrong.”
Short-sleeved men’s T-shirt. Premium 100% Cotton. Wash inside out in cold water and hang dry.
Trust Me I’m Almost An Architect Funny Design Gift T Shirt
A fun and funny T-shirt for the architectural intern in your life.
The Spunky Stork Future Architect Organic Cotton Baby Bodysuit
Hand printed and designed in the USA this “Future Architect” onesie is a perfect gift for the future architect in your life.
Architectural infinity scarf for architects and interior designers
If wall sections and parapet details are high fashion to you, then you’ll love this scarf. This would make a fantastic white elephant gift for your office holiday party. Handmade Chiffon circle scarf can be worn in many different ways. Length: approx. 31″ (62″ in circumference). Width: approx. 27″.
DRINK LIKE AN ARCHITECT
10 oz. Architecture Coffee Mug
Architectural drawings of 10 famous buildings from classical to classic. Who wouldn’t love this mug? Dishwasher and microwave safe. Comes in a fun and colorful box.
“Keep Calm And Trust The Architect” Drinking Glass
A 16 oz. lead-free drinking glass. A great gift for a barware or man cave collection. Professionally printed and dishwasher safe for easy and convenient use.
Architect Wine Bottle Holder with a Wine Foil Cutter and Vacuum Stopper
Do you have a quirky architect boss who collects pop art sculpture? Does he or she have this in their collection? Perfect themed gift and a great collectible.
PERSONAL GIFTS, JEWELRY, AND ACCESSORIES
Personalized Pen Sets for Architects
Set includes 1 case, 1 roller ball pen and 1 ballpoint pen made of high-quality rosewood. FREE custom engraving with the name of your architect.
Wagner Swiss, Ballpoint pen, Free Customization
Architects love useful implements in simple black. Add a touch of Swiss to it, and it’s a winner. Deep, glossy black lacquer finish combined with golden trim and clip, Solid Brass (Black ink)
ArcPress RFID Blocking Modern Bifold Wallet with Wood, Concrete, and Architectural Design Finish
Great gift for young man who aspires to be an architect. This unique wallet is modern and will stand out from the rest. Each wallet comes with an ArcPress gift box.
ARCHITECTURAL PRINTS
11″ x 14″ Cinderella’s Castle Unframed Blueprint
A great architectural gift for the Disney fan in your life.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home Blueprint
An 11 x 14 unframed real photographic patent print. A great gift for architects. The original artwork has been reinterpreted by award-winning artist Norm Lanier. Great gifts for architects.
Boxer Blueprint
A fun gift for the adult architect in your life. Celebrate your favorite dog breed’s most adorable attributes with a framed blueprint. Created in the style of mid-century blueprints, these detailed illustrations are accompanied by “design specs” and documentation about breed origins and temperament.
Custom Alphabet Photography Family Name Print
A personalized 10 x 20 alphabet photo print with photos of things you see every day.
DRAW LIKE AN ARCHITECT
Prismacolor Double Ended Art Markers
These markers were coveted during studio class and always made hand drawings look amazing.
Prismacolor Pencils
Always on the required class supply list for design studio. Having good quality drawing tools makes all the difference.
Architectural House Plan and Furniture Templates, 1/4″=1′-0″ Scale
If you want to channel your inner Mike Brady, and do some old school drafting, these templates are great for planning furniture layouts in your dream home. Used by architects, interior designers, and students, these are great for not having to guess at the size and shape of most home plan items.
Mr. Pen – 3 Pc Triangular Ruler Set
This ruler set is designed to equip architects, engineers, artists, designers, students, and teachers with the right tools for various projects.
Equilibrium Architects Scale
A 12-inch matte aluminum triangular drafting scale ruler in common Imperial units. A great gift for engineers, drafts-people, students and more.
ARCHITECTURAL FURNITURE
Studio Designs 10057 Futura Tower
LED Swing Arm Dimmable Lamp
A must for any project or drafting table. Late nights and long hours require good lighting.
Do you have any fun architectural gift ideas you’d like to share? Email us at info@hpdarch.com or leave a comment below.
If you need assistance with architectural or interior design issues, hpd architecture + interiors can help. Just give us a call at 214.751.2304.
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