I love Muji. The Japanese store. But I could never find an American shop, outside of NYC, that stocks any of their products. And since I’ve moved away from NYC, that’s not really an option. And although my husband is known to travel to Japan now and again, I very well could not ask him to bring this desk home with him on his next journey. I’d really like that desk. For my home office. And perhaps I’ll buy it. Just as soon as we finish work on all of the other rooms in our new home.

But if you go to the MoMA website, there’s a small stock of Muji products, from housewares to office.

The best thing about Muji, aside from it’s obvious style, would have to be the prices. And since I’m in Holiday mode right now, I’m already adding many items to my list. For my mother, the forever frustrated artist, colored pencils and sketchbooks. For Pea, in her Christmas stocking, an envelope of markers and a stack of notebooks to scribble and doodle in.

Seriously, though. Consider some of the larger items. Such as furniture. I’m a huge fan of mixing styles. You won’t ever nail me down to one look. My husband and I, as a general design rule, love to work our home around our art and things from our travels. His Mao statue. My Italian watercolors. His ancient license plate collection – a worthy grouping of Americana. My Fat French Royalty Guy with Crumbs on His Gut print from my very first trip to the Louvre in Paris. These are sentimental items, and they each tell a story. And while they are pulled together with neutral furniture, such as our Ralph Lauren sofa or our pair of French Deco leather club chairs, there is always room for a bit of sass. The unexpected. Such as this coffee table, in aluminum. Although it’s not large enough for our needs, I think it’s fantastic. That it’s on casters makes it even cooler. Very industrial, no? And at $180, it’s practically a steal.

And the bangle watch? Love it. Has Christmas gift written all over it. And the jewelry box? I’ve had one on my list forever, but couldn’t find one chic enough to leave out. Until I came across this clear acrylic one, for under $40. I have to have it. The laptop case? Perfect gift for the guy who carries his laptop to and from the office. And the travel accessories? Perfect gifts for someone like my husband, who is on the road more than he’s at home. He can always use a new toiletry bag, or the travel organizer, which is perfect to pack all of the essentials that he’ll need on an international flight.

This stuff is basic; the items you use every day. Staplers, pens, lint brushes. Even trash bins. The line is simple. Utilitarian. But in all of that is the fantastic style. And with these prices, I plan to stock my gift drawer to the hilt. You just can’t go wrong with these items that we use each and every day. Why shouldn’t these things be gorgeous? And affordable?