Here are some little things that tickle and will also quietly show them they need to be schooled when it when it comes to cool.

Tenori-on! Every designer thinks they are some sort of musical aficionado. Tell them to translate their images to music, and then you'll be impressed.

Made in Canada. A portable hockey rink is just what the dentist ordered.

Smushable pig toy from Japan. You really can't get this here in the states, but I think it would be perfectly therapeutic for the poor designer on her 12th revision.

Gearhead alarm clock. (they call it retro, I dunno about that.) I could imagine reaching over to try and find the "Sleep" button and getting a pinky chopped off.

Bulb table lamp. Sorta bewildering, but super slick.

Drop Glasses. Formed with a drop in the bottom, I honestly think these some of the nicest drinking glasses I have seen in a while.

To wrap up this giftlist, consider picking up the design emulation kit, a low-tech stocking stuffer that attampts to summon all that is nifty about some of the best lighting designers of the past and today.