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Architectural Gift Guide for All Ages

December 17, 2019

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 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

This post contains links to products we love. We participate in the Amazon Associates program. If you choose to purchase, it does not increase the cost to you, but we may receive a small commission in return.

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

hpd architecture + interiors

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.

 

KEVA Brain Builders from MindWare

Train your brain to turn 2-dimensional diagrams into 3-dimensional reality with this interactive STEM tool! By MindWare.

 


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 is designed by Tom Houha and Patty Mora, an architect and artist/photographer pair in Oregon, Houha Designs.

 

Wooden 3D Puzzle Miniature Drafting Table 

So idyllic. Small, nostalgic wooden 3D puzzle miniature drafting table with stool, is perfect for an architect’s shelf. By StonKraft.

 

Wooden Toy Mechanical Model Ferris Wheel

Fit a Ferris Wheel on the top of your palm. The finished model will become the centerpiece decoration of your household. By WoodTrick.


ARCHITECTURAL BOOKS

Cool Architecture book

hpd architecture + interiors

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

hpd architecture + interiors

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

hpd architecture + interiors

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

hpd architecture + interiors

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

hpd architecture + interiors

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” Mug


A 11 oz. ceramic mug. 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

 

Image credit: TheMapShop on Etsy.com

A great architectural gift for the Disney fan in your life.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home Blueprint

hpd architecture + interiors
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

hpd architecture + interiors
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

hpd architecture + interiors

This ruler set is designed to equip architects, engineers, artists, designers, students, and teachers with the right tools for various projects.

Equilibrium Architects Scale

hpd architecture + interiors

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

hpd architecture + interiors

The Futura Tower desk features a 24” x 9” tower shelf and an extra-large slide-out drawer for storage. The table top adjusts to 6 different angles. Also includes a 24” pencil ledge, 4 removable art trays, 2 cup holders and a combo magnetic/cork board. Floor levelers on each leg provide stability on any surface.

 

QuickLIFT Portable Adjustable Art Easel

Use this adjustable art easel anywhere –  on the bed, couch, floor desk or table! The adjustable legs allow you to change the angle and height for your viewing preference. Using an easel helps keep your hands free and reduce fatigue.

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.

Follow hpd architecture + interiors on Facebook and Instagram.

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Category: Architecture as a Profession

About Laura Davis

Laura Davis is a registered architect and interior designer, as well as a founding member of hpd architecture + interiors. Laura is a graduate of Texas A&M University. While a student, she focused on historic preservation and now enjoys working with existing homes to bring new life to older properties.

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The Lakewood Theater opened on October 27, 1938, showing "Love Finds Andy Hardy," starring Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, and Lana Turner. It brought in movie-goers from throughout East Dallas. It continued operation during World War II but then saw a decrease in movie attendance in the 1950s due to the television's addition in private homes. The Lakewood changed hands several times through the years and underwent many alterations and renovations between 1950 and 2007.  The jazz lounge, the Balcony Club, currently operates out of the loft above the historic Lakewood Theater.

A Dallas Landmark, the Lakewood Theater retains the vast majority of its original design, including its iconic round pylons, as well as its historic integrity. It is believed to be one of the most fully intact Interstate theaters remaining in Texas. The Lakewood Theater is an excellent representation of the historical development and cultural characteristics of the 1930s Lakewood Neighborhood.

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On #TBT, we are featuring some of Dallas County’s unique architecture that has earned their prestigious spot on the Texas Historic Landmarks record. Content and photos derived from historical data at Dallas City Hall’s Landmark Structures & Sites.⠀
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