Quite often when I post a little <a href="http://cravenmaven.com/category/craven-wishlist/" title="craven wishlists">craven wishlist</a> I drool and wax lyrical over the things I'd love to have in my space that would make my food endeavours even more fun than they already are. In reality though, my mental wishlist's often contains goodies for my friends. I love to gift, but I especially like to gift things that are useful, personal and sometimes a little bit zany.

I've compiled a wishlist for a few of my friends, identifiable through their character titles, { though by doing so I will ruin the element of surprise as they all read this blog and will be able to figure out who they are from my descriptions }, hopefully someday I will be able to get them some of these things listed. After all a gift is still a gift - expected or otherwise is it not?

<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://www.remain-silent.com/cm/kewlstuff/friendslist.jpg" alt="friends wish list" width="450" height="800" /></p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">all image via <a href="http://www.beef.de/">beef magazine</a></span></p>

<em><strong>The Beer Enthusiast</strong></em>

<em>They love beer, but not just a pint at the pub. The processes, the varieties, the food pairings and the packaging - nothing escapes their notice. They drink it as an expression of appreciation for the delicate balance of water, hops, barley and yeast. They are the Beer Enthusiast.
</em>
1. <a href="http://popchartlab.com/products/the-very-many-varieties-of-beer" title="beer variety chart">Beer Variety Chart</a> - $25

I love this chart, not only does it appeal to my creative + logical sides, but it's actually an informative listing of ales, lagers, and their brands. A great list for a beer enthusiast to drink through and to identify new brews to go with dinner. 

2. <a href="http://patchnyc.com/wordpress/?p=153" title="patch tree trunk mug">Patch NYC Tree Trunk Mug</a> - $18

Sadly Anthropologie no longer sell this mug. When they did I bought several and gave them as gifts as well as held on to one for myself. One person I gifted it to thought it was a beer mug { not a ginormous tea cup which is how I use it }, which totally changed my perspective of this vessel. It's the perfect size for disguising a pint of brew in the late autumn evening while sitting in front of a warm fire. 

3. <a href="http://www.denbydalecoffee.co.uk/coffee-machines/domestic-coffee-makers/espresso-coffee-makers/francis-francis-x1-light-blue" title="espresso machine">Francis Francis X1 Espresso machine</a> { in light blue } - £399

No self respecting beer drinker drinks bad coffee in the morning. Access to good beans is getting easier and easier from <a href="http://www.gilttaste.com/products/84783214-gustiamo-espresso-grind-sant-eustachio-coffee" title="gilt taste">online vendors</a> to <a href="http://www.coffeefoundry.com/" title="coffee foundry">local roasters</a> popping up all over. There is no other way to brew than to brew in style, and this X1 has lots of it!

4. <a href="http://www.brokelyn.com/introducing-the-brokelyn-beer-book/" title="brokelyn beer coupon book">Brokelyn Beer Book </a>- $25
Each year Brokelyn collaborate with 25 Brooklyn pubs and bars to produce the Brokelyn Beer book. Twenty-five beers for $25, it doesn't get much better than that!

<em><strong>The Summer Picnic'er</strong>

The summer picnic'er is a seasonal creature. Every summer they pack a basket with a simple meal, grab a blanket and head to the nearest green space they can find. The result? Games, eats and lots of fresh air - all a distant memory and a future hope once the brutal winter rolls in.</em>

5. <a href="http://www.gilttaste.com/products/76570663-boxsal-urban-picnic" title="boxsal urban picnic box">Boxsal Urban Picnic</a> - $24.95

I love, love, love this box. In part because of the old school boom box design and also because it contains compostable cutlery and vessels. 

6. <a href="http://www.homegardenliving.co.uk/cement-bag-trolley?keyword=cement%20bag%20trolley&category_id=0&description=1&model=1" title="cement bag trolley">Cement bag trolley</a> - £39.99

For the items that don't fit into the Urban Picnic box { above } this <a href="http://www.homegardenliving.co.uk/cement-bag-trolley?keyword=cement%20bag%20trolley&category_id=0&description=1&model=1">cement bag trolley </a> is a unique piece to say the least. Manufactured by fair trade partners in Bangladesh, each trolley bag is handmade and unique. I like it so much I want one for myself..

7. <a href="http://thepeanutvendor.co.uk/PV2271.htm" title="vintage wool blanket">Vintage wool blanket</a> - £30

The vibrant colours in this vintage wool blanket at the <a href="http://thepeanutvendor.co.uk/PV2271.htm">Peanut Vendor</a> reflect the feel of summer perfectly. 

8. <a href="http://www.conranusa.com/30849/ECRU-DIRECTORS-CHAIR/Product" title="conran usa director chair">Conran Director Chair</a> { only black and white left }  - $71

Why default to a typical old deck chair when you can use this stellar directors chair from the Conran Shop? Another summery colour that instantly makes you smile. 