I’ve Gifted This Funny Hedgehog Brush to More Than 20 Friends

I’ve written about shopping and products for most of my editorial career. Even after all these years, I’m continually surprised by the things that get the biggest response, whether in a published article or as a real-life gift. This brush currently tops the list. I can’t say that my discovery of it was all that earth-shattering — I spotted it a couple years ago at Crate & Barrel.

It was around the holidays, and I had wandered in because I needed a Secret Santa gift. This little guy was in the cleaning section, and while I am so not into cleaning products, I experienced that very specific “I need this” reaction. I mean, look at it — it’s basically a vintage modern-style table brush, in the shape of a hedgehog. I bought one for myself, one for my Secret Santa person, and five more to give as gifts.

A bit of background: The brush is made by Bürstenhaus Redecker, a German company that’s been hand-crafting all sorts of brushes for 75 years. This particular style is made of oiled beechwood and horsehair, which not only look great, but function splendidly for dusting off a keyboard, cleaning up a kitchen counter, or sweeping up the odd spill of Cheerios or planter dirt. I’d estimate that since that first purchase, I’ve given this brush to at least 20 friends. Recently, a friend was in town (he’s the studio director for Heath Ceramics), saw the brush on my counter, and went nuts. So I gave it to him, too. Everybody loves it, probably because it is unexpectedly functional, but also because it’s a stylish design with just a touch of whimsy — it makes people smile. Imagine saying that about a broom.