Finding fabulous holiday gifts for those who seemingly have it all can be a challenge at best. Here’s a mix of tasteful, trendy, and high quality items perfectly suited for gals and guys - some extravagant, some practical - that are all sure to please.
*****GALS*****
Tarina Tarantino for Paul Mitchell (www.paulmitchell.com) - $160-$190
Everyone wants fabulous hair this season and well, every day of the year! That’s why Paul Mitchell has teamed up with famed jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino to create a limited-edition new line of Paul Mitchell Pro Tools especially for the 2011 holiday. The Paul Mitchell Tarina Tarantino collection features Paul Mitchell signature tools, including the Express Ion Dry TurboLight Dryer, and Express Ion Smooth Smoothing Iron. Both feature professional styling power with reduced styling time and superior control, also boasting a limited-edition, feminine and vintage-inspired Tarina Tarantino designed cameo-girl print in dazzling colors. These are so haute! They can be gifted with a “Duo” and “Trio” product set that is girly, fun, and gorgeous.
Jouany MARRAKECH Perfume (www.BeautyHabit.com) - $125
Like the great Moroccan city from which it takes its name, MARRAKECH perfume transports you into the subtle but stirring pleasure of a Moroccan orange grove. The scintillating scent begins with fresh citrus head notes of orange blossoms, bergamot and grapefruit. Next, heart notes emerge with delicate hints of jasmine and neroli. Finally, MARRAKECH concludes its intoxicating olfactory odyssey with woody base notes of patchouli and white musk. The Jouany MARRAKECH is an Eau de Parfum in 1.7 fluid ounces that is manufactured in France. It is made with a dilution ratio of 18% compound and 82% alcohol. The compound is made of 68% pure essential oils of the highest quality. Jouany Perfume, created by noted fashion photographer Christophe Jouany, launched this past September and is actually suitable as a unisex scent.
Therapedic Royal Mink Electric Blanket (www.bedbathandbeyond.com) - $99 (Twin) - $219 (King)
When temperatures drop, the Therapedic Royal Mink Electric Blanket is the perfect winter companion for the home. The Ultra-Soft Royal Mink fabric makes this blanket warm and cozy—even before it’s turned on. It features 10 heat settings and a 10-hour auto-off and a pre-heat feature, allowing the blanket to warm up your bed so it’s the perfect temperature when you get in! Oversized for greater coverage, the machine washable blanket comes in a variety of colors to suit any décor and includes a five-year warranty. Who wouldn’t want such a cozy gift to keep the chill off during those cold, winter nights?
ISOTONER smarTouch Gloves (www.smartouchgloves.com) - $42
Fit means flexibility and function with ISOTONER smarTouch gloves designed with ISOTONER stretch fabrics for proper fingertip fit. The smarTouch gloves use a conductive thread embroidered on the index fingers and thumbs that sends an electrical impulse to touchscreen devices –allowing uninterrupted typing and texting in cold weather. SmarTouch gloves also feature a non-slip palm to improve grip. The gloves are compatible with most smartphones, MP3 players, GPS units and more. SmarTouch Gloves are available in multiple sizes, styles and colors.
Footzyrolls (www.footzyrolls.com) _ $20-$40
This collection of rollable “pocket portable” shoes, created by designer sisters Jenifer and Sarah Caplan, were developed to rescue women from the aches and pains of sky-high stilettos. Keeping in line with the brand’s original mission to relieve women from the pain of high heels, Footzyfold foldable shoe styles provide even more comfort, style and support than the original Footzyroll design. These luxurious folding shoes, compact enough to tote in a purse, are constructed with fully-lined insoles from the highest quality synthetic leather and also have a durable, skid resistant underside surface, making them a versatile shoe for all seasons. They are available in an array of styles and colors so you can have a pair for every outfit.
Camiband (www.camibands.com) - $24.99
Just when you think there’s nothing new in the fashion accessories marketplace, something comes along to surprise you! Enter Camiband – a versatile cleavage concealer, shirt extender, low-rise jean defender, muffin top smoother, side bulge eliminator and bikini cover-up. It’s really an all-in-one fashion fix-it that is available in eight essential colors. This revolutionary new accessory, comprised of a stretchy, 8 1/2” elegant stretch lace band (or 10” solid spandex - great for athletic use), can literally double your wardrobe while eliminating some of your biggest fashion faux pas like magic. This makes Camiband “The Ultimate Wardrobe Extender” and it will be something that any female in your life will appreciate as the feel-good – and look-great – accessory of the year.
Orchid Jewelry Tree (www.umbra.com) - $20
The Orchid jewelry tree beautifully organizes and displays necklaces, bracelets, rings and more. Twelve "buds" line the gracefully-curving "stem" and provide ample spots for hanging baubles. The leaf-shaped dish at the base holds rings and watches. Constructed of metal with a gray powder-coated finish, the lovely nature-inspired design is the creation of Anne Charbonneau - a young, innovative designer focused on sustainable design materials and elements. Available from Umbra, this is just one of many uniquely designed products that break the mold when it comes to décor and home goods.
Footzysocks (www.footzyrolls.com) - $15
Footzysocks arestylish, cozy foot warmers that protect your feet from the cold while dressing up your boring rubber kicks.Worn tall, which makes them look like a knee-high boot, or short, Footzysocks are a stylish addition to any boot this coming fall season. With faux fur trim in either black or leopard, Footzysocks are a luxurious fashion finish. There is just one size that fits every fashionista. These make the perfect holiday gift as a great stocking stuffer for your mom, sister, best friend or co-worker who will love the look and feel of these fun and functional foot warmers.
*****GUYS*****
Hammered USB Flash Drive Cufflinks (www.cufflinks.com) - $225
Created by Ravi Ratan, these are the perfect pair of cufflinks for any business professional. These4GB USB Flash Drive Cufflinks (2 GB each, for a total 4 GB) are not only engravable on a whale backing, but they also feature functional USB drives, making it possible for him to keep all must-have presentations and important documents with him wherever he goes. With an edgy, distressed Rhodium-plated base metal, and hammered silver finish, he’ll never be without functional fashion again. Measuringapproximately 7/8" by 3/4", these are a boss gift for, well, the boss or any other stylish businessman on-the-go.
Tahitian Pearl Tie Tack (www.pearlparadise.com) - $195
Recently featured in the 78th Annual Academy Award's Luxury Lounge, this classic tie tack adds value and fashion to an ordinary tie. The tie tack is made with an exotic dark Tahitian AAA pearl that measures 9.0-10 mm in size, and it is set on a yellow gold-plated base. The perfectly round pearl features a smooth surface, high luster, and rich iridescent overtones in Peacock, Silver, Green and Copper. Your significant other is sure to treasure such a stunning, elegant gift that sets off their formal or office wear.
Stainless Steel Bottle Opener Cufflinks (www.cufflinks.com) - $50
Made by Cufflinks, Inc., this is the perfect pair of cufflinks to transition from work to happy hour. These clever stainless steel cufflinks actually double as a bottle opener, making them quite handy in a time of need. Available with a bullet back, they are approximately 7/8" by 3/4.” He’ll surely be pleased to receive such an innovative gift for the holidays. His friends will be duly impressed and undoubtedly envious.
Audi Men’s Chronographic Watch (www.audi-collection.com) - $169
Bold styling makes this handsome watch perfect for any occasion. This chronographic watch features a stainless steel case, a striking black matte dial with white printed hour markings, black printed tension ring and flat black natural leather strap. It also contains the well-recognized Audi ring logo. This is a considered to be a limited edition piece, which every Audi aficionado is sure to enjoy and want to have as part of their collection. Dad, granddad, or even a co-worker or boss will surely find this a timely gift for the holidays and appreciate that you recognized that they have long admired this famous European automaker.
Stauer Meisterzeit Timepiece (www.stauer.com) - $99
Handcrafted and inspired by the first watch with an automatic mechanical drive, which required no batteries and never needed to be manually wound, the limited editionStauer Meisterzeit timepiece has been painstakingly handcrafted to meet the demanding standards of vintage watch collectors.Every interior dial has been carefully engineered to replicate the "complications" of the earliest multifunction watches. Two interior dials display day and month and are run by a perpetual calendar mechanism. The 27-ruby-jewel movement utilizes an automatic self-winding mechanism inspired by a patent from 1923. With an exhibition back, you can see into the heart of its engineering; you can see the rotor spin to keep it wound powered by the movement of your body.This spectacular Stauer Meisterzeit allows him to wear a watch that’s far more exclusive than most new "upscale" models. Here is a chance to claim a piece of watchmaking history in a rare design that is priced for every day wear.
Audi Sport Grill Kit (www.audi-collection.com) - $39
Many Audi drivers feel right at home behind the wheel as well as in front of the grill, cooking for family and friends. This complete set for barbequing includes a stainless steel grill brush, spatula, basting brush and tongs. The case also features interior pockets to store tools along with an exterior pocket. Emblazoned on this black with red-colored kit is the famous Audi Sport logo. The grill kit is available online at the Audi Collection store along with many other gifts for the man in your life.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
