Blending sophistication and playful irreverence, Palito’s toothpicks are made to be design objects

Toothpicks are just toothpicks, right? Palito will have you think differently. Recognising the immense aesthetic and functional potential of such a small, delicate object, Palito has reimagined the humble toothpick as a luxury object. Serious in craftsmanship yet playful in spirit, the brand explores the potential of a simple tool, having fun while delivering a collectible object. Made with premium woods like Peteribí and Guayubira, each piece is meticulously handcrafted to elevate this everyday item into something extraordinary. Palito’s toothpicks, Designer & Art Director Ariel Chiesa explains, “explore the versatility of such a noble object.” Its identity, initiated in-house, combines the talents of illustrator Fernando Bittar, photography studio Val&Musso, and the expertise of Buenos Aires Letterpress, resulting in a playful and precise visual language, spanning not just Palito’s website and online presence, but also the product’s packaging consisting of a beautifully crafted wooden box with a letterpressed paper cover. “The design direction was driven by a neurotic search for detail and clarity,” Chiesa reveals, “every element had to be precise, intentional, refined and communicate something.” The typography, for example, implements Dinamo Typeface’s smart and balanced Synt and Synt Mono, chosen for their ability to convey sophistication while remaining compatible with letterpress techniques.