Five Favorite Things for 2025
Because sometimes, OG AI (aka, actual intelligence) needs great tools too.
This issue of The New New is different than any that have come before.
The 38th roundup features my five favorite things for 2025.
This list does not include affiliate links, sponsorship deals, or referral codes—it is just a list of the things I rave about most these days.
I’ll be back in the new year with one of my regular editions of this newsletter. Until then, here’s to spreading some joy by celebrating some incredible things.
The Roundup
The last time I did one of these lists, I focused on the travel gear that I recommend the most.
This time through I’m focusing on the tools I love for getting work done.
Since I love all of these recommendations for different reasons, I’m laying out this roundup in alphabetical order.
Blackwing
This is a brand that gets everything right. Over the past year, they’ve become my go-to for not just pencils but for an entire ecosystem of beautifully designed, high-quality writing tools.
It all started with the pencils.
Blackwing pencils write like a dream—smooth, precise, and perfect for capturing everything from quick to-dos to long-form notes. Their replaceable erasers and extenders (so you can use every last inch of your pencil) make them as functional as they are elegant.
Sharpening them with the One-Step Long Point Sharpener is pure satisfaction (yes, it has become what I fidget with throughout my days at my desk).
And now, they’ve taken beauty to a new level with collaborations. I’m completely obsessed with the Blackwing x Eames Pencil Set (exclusively at MoMA).
But Blackwing doesn’t stop at pencils. Their notebooks, boxes, and holders are all built to the same exacting standards. Every product feels thoughtfully crafted, with detailed manufacturing that shows in every corner and curve. Even their t-shirts and totes are delightfully done (and, comparably, reasonably priced).
Blackwing isn’t just a brand—it’s a statement. If you value quality, design, and creativity, you’ll find a lot to love here.
Brain.fm
For at least seven years (and maybe longer), I’ve been a Brain.fm Pro member. In fact, many years ago I shelled out the cash to become a lifetime member—and I am definitely getting my money’s worth!
When I’m working (and not in meetings), Brain.fm is playing.
When I’m looking to relax, meditate, or get in a great night’s sleep (especially when traveling), Brain.fm is playing.
Why?
They have a science-first approach to creating music that sounds different and affects your brain differently than any other music—it really does shift your brain into a desired mental state
Their science goes deep on this. They hold patents on the technologies (they call it “neural entrainment”) and are even supported by the National Science Foundation.
They have a ton of tracks and a great variety of song types. After seven years of constant listening, it still sounds great and works even better.
Communication Arts
This one is hardly new to the world. Communication Arts (aka, CommArts) is coming up on its 65th anniversary. I am personally coming up on my 25th year of being a subscriber to their print magazine.
Why?
Their annual issues are a celebration of the creative world, with dedicated editions focused on exceptional design, advertising, illustration, photography, interactive, and typography. Each edition is packed with stunning visuals, thoughtful features, and a look at the very best in the industry.
And then there are the columnists. CommArts features some of the sharpest voices in the creative field, including my absolute favorite in any publication:
.Each issue of the printed magazine is a work of art. Thick paper stock, archival-quality inks, and meticulous printing make every issue a joy to hold and read.
This is more than just a magazine—it’s a collection to keep. In fact, in my office, right behind me on every Zoom call, is just a small part of my ever-growing pile of back issues.
In a world flooded with artificial “creativity,” taste will become the ultimate differentiator—and this magazine always defines what great taste looks like.
ENKELSPÅRIG
Okay, this one is not from a small business. It’s Ikea Doing Ikea Things (which is pretty obvious based on the product name). With this product, Ikea created what I deem to be The Perfect Travel Bottle.
It is shockingly small for being so deceptively big.
The base model holds 17 ounces yet fits perfectly in the side pocket of my beloved backpack, airplane seat backs, car cup holders, jeans' back pockets, and more. (There are bigger and smaller versions in my house that are also used daily.)
The handle that flips up out of the lid adds to its elegant, simple design, making it easy to carry when hands are full.
Plus, it is stainless steel—so drop it, tip it, or roll it without worry.
Panopad (and Panobook)
I’m a notebook snob, aficionado, critic, collector. It is rare for me to find one that is so perfectly designed, that it instantly becomes indispensable. That’s exactly how I feel about the Panopad (and its more classic notebook version, Panobook) from Studio Neat.
These are more than just a notepads—they’re a system. The landscape orientation and thoughtfully designed dot grid are perfect for sketching out ideas, organizing thoughts, jotting down notes, and tiering my to-dos.
And here’s the real joy: every page is sticky-backed, like a giant Post-it. This means I can move them around in ways that align with my current focus (and reminders on what I need to focus on next/soon).
Studio Neat’s attention to detail shines through with these. They’re minimal, modern, and functional in all the ways that work best (for me).
If you’re someone still uses paper for your notes and you appreciate a smartly design notepad, then add one of these to your (actual) desktop.
Check it out on the Studio Neat site here.
The New New’s mission is to fuel foresight. Every issue delivers a curated view into the discoveries, launches, trends, and movements shaping tomorrow—all explored through broad landscapes, from labs and studios to businesses and culture.
Each month(ish), this is pulled together by me,Brent Turner, and published on LinkedIn, Substack, and my site.
Okay, I'm off to wash some water bottles, sharpen some pencils, and flip through the latest issue of CommArts while Brain.fm is in Focus Mode.
- B
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