side by side

Side by Side was founded in 2001 as a design collection of the Caritas Wendelstein Werkstätte in Raubling, Bavaria. The idea: develop high-quality design objects in wood, crafted in inclusive workshops — products that compete with any conventional design brand. Working with project manager Sabine Meyer, the agency factor product and over 30 independent designers, Side by Side creates products that are functional, sustainable and beautiful. The Wendelstein Werkstätte employs over 490 people with disabilities. 80 of them work in the woodshop where Side by Side products are made.

Kitchen: The Schneidebrett XL and Schneidebrett Groß in maple and oak, the Brotschneidebrett with linen bag, the Messerblock Timber Twin in ash, extendable trivets in walnut (Topfuntersetzer S, Topfuntersetzer M, Topfuntersetzer L), the Obstschale Oh Là Là and the Vorratsglas with oak lid. Living: Folding wall hooks in Wandhaken Eiche or Wandhaken Nussbaum with aluminium, the magnetic Schlüsselhaus. Decorative: The WeinLicht Klarglas and WeinLicht Grünglas lanterns in oak, magnetic picture rails (Bilderleiste A4, Bilderleiste A3, Bilderleiste A2), the Bilderrahmen Oh, schön in ash, the perpetual calendar Monthly Measure and the Spardose Sparhaus. Pets: The Futternapf Spike & Tom in ash with stainless steel bowl.

For the Advent and Christmas season, Side by Side offers a dedicated collection in wood: The Adventskranz in oak for four tree candles, the Adventskalender Advent Measure as a reusable wooden Advent calendar, the Adventsleuchter Countdown for ten candles and Adventsleuchter Four Steps for four tea lights, plus the Keksschale Klaus in porcelain and maple. All Advent products are sustainable alternatives to disposable decorations — long-lasting, made of solid wood and reusable year after year. More seasonal gift ideas: our Christmas Gifts.

Side by Side works with four European woods: oak, ash, maple and walnut. Each wood is chosen for its purpose — sturdy oak for cutting boards and picture rails, light ash for the knife block and picture frame, fine walnut for trivets and wall hooks. All surfaces are treated with natural oils. Production is deliberately artisanal: many steps are done by hand, every product is individually inspected. Made in the Caritas Wendelstein workshops and 20 further inclusive partner workshops in Germany.

Side by Side products are gifts with a double impact — the product itself delights and every purchase supports inclusive jobs. The Schlüsselhaus is a charming entry point: a magnetic key rack shaped like a house. The Spardose Sparhaus in oiled oak suits children and adults alike. The perpetual calendar Monthly Measure is a timeless wall accessory. For a premium kitchen gift, the Schneidebrett XL or the Messerblock Timber Twin are excellent choices. In the same basket: products from Spring Copenhagen, boyhood and other wood design brands. More inspiration: Gift Ideas and Bestsellers.