THE HUFFINGTON POST MAGAZINE
Hundreds of Ways to Give to the People You Love (But Hate to Shop For)
NOVEMBER 18, 2012
Contents
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
Enter THE EXPERTS Behind the scenes with the people who are changing the way we shop. QUOTED HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP From NYC to SF, Huffington finds the best local gifts money can buy.
Exit POP CULTURE How to Give Like a Celebrity TINY TREASURES How to Give Great Stocking Stuffers TRAVEL How to Give Your Favorite Place DIY WRAPPING How to Give a Gorgeous Gift PHILANTHROPY How to Give Back APPROVAL Appy Holidays!
DIGITAL VISION / GETTY IMAGES
TFU Gifts for Your Favorite Oddballs
The Gift Guide The Traveler • The Trendsetter • The Connoisseur The Professional • The Rugrat The Sporty Type • The Environmentalist • The Gearhead The Entertainment Fan • The Do-Gooder
FROM THE EDITOR Reinventing the Art of Giving ABOUT THIS ISSUE Welcome to the Giving Season ON THE COVER: Illustration for
Huffington by Justin Mezzell
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
EDITOR LETTER
Reinventing
THE ART OF GIVING
ART STREIBER
I
N THIS DOUBLE issue, I’m delighted to present our first-ever Huffington gift guide. Our editors have drawn up a list of their favorite gift ideas for everyone: from travelers, sports fans and gadget lovers to environmentalists, culture buffs and kids. But as special issue editors Kate Palmer and Theresa D’Angelo write, our guide is more than just a list of stuff to buy; it’s about “seeing the holiday season as a time of reinvention.”
To honor that spirit of reinvention, we’re spotlighting some of the most creative thinkers in the holiday realm—from entrepreneurs launching holiday-themed startups to retailers redefining the brick-and-mortar experience. Our holiday road trip features affordable local gifts in cities across America. And beyond the practical questions of what gifts to buy and how to buy (and wrap) them, we ask some larger questions: Why do we give? Why is it important to give back? And John Poisson, CEO of Wantful.com, brings in a theme we’ve long been focus-
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
EDITOR LETTER ing on at HuffPost: stress. “We have so much stress around buying gifts,” he says. “It has become transactional, and we’ve lost the emotional aspects, the ritual.” So, we hope the Huffington gift guide will be a stress-reducing way to shop for the ones you love. Part of the joy of browsing the guide is its mix of familiar items and new discoveries. I gravitated to the ostrich pillow (don’t worry, it’s not made of ostrich feathers!), the “library-scented” reading candle and the online yoga classes. And I learned about “Story,” a concept store in my own neighborhood, Chelsea, which changes its merchandise and decor every four to eight weeks in order to tell a different story—“a magazine that comes to life,” as owner Rachel Shechtman puts it. Most of all, we hope our gift guide will provide perspective— something we can all use, especially at this time of year. As part of our commitment to going beyond the frenzy of gift-giving and understanding where those gifts come from, we feature the voice of Sushila Ashok, an artisan from western India whose crafts are sold by fair trade companies each year. “I start working at 9:30, doing embroidery work until 5:30,
and then I go back home with the children and cook food, wash clothes and do household work,” says Ashok, who works for a nonprofit devoted to paying artisans a livable wage. And those who want to give back this holiday season will find a variety of charities and funds, from relief for veterans and victims of Hurricane Sandy to abandoned pets and hospitalized children in need of toys and books. So, happy holidays from all of us at Huffington. Growing up in Athens, I looked forward each year to the holidays, when my mother would bake melomakarona, the traditional Greek Christmas cookies. I hope the Huffington gift guide will become a holiday tradition, too.
We hope our gift guide will provide perspective— something we can all use, especially at this time of year.”
ARIANNA
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
Editor Letter
ABOUT THIS ISSUE
Welcome to WENDY GEORGE
THE GIVING SEASON
Y
OU KNOW THE look. It’s the one on Ralphie’s face in A Christmas Story when his dad pulls out one last present: the Red Ryder BB gun he’s been coveting. Is there anything better than see-
ing that look of pure bliss when a loved one opens our gift, whether it’s something we took a gamble on or a sure bet? Bonus if they don’t shoot their eye out. Finding those perfect gifts is never easy, and we all approach it in our own way. Some of us relish the holiday-shopping quest. For others, it’s about as pleasant as an eggnog hangover. Wherever you
Theresa D’Angelo and Kate Palmer
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
Editor Letter
ABOUT THIS ISSUE fall, we have you covered this year, with spectacular gifts of all price ranges for everyone on your list, from the trendsetter to the gadget geek to the kid who has it all. Prefer gifts with a sense of place? We’ll take you on a cross-country holiday road trip spotlighting our favorite cities’ delicacies and treasures, from San Francisco’s awardwinning artisanal cheeses to pearl shark earrings straight out of Miami. Shopping local has never been so convenient. But this issue of Huffington isn’t just about great gifts. It’s also about seeing the holiday season as a time of reinvention. We introduce you to some of the visionaries behind the scenes of the holiday retail experience—people who are changing the way we give, browse and think about where our products come from. You’ll meet a woman whose New York store rotates its entire theme and product line every month or two; a man whose website is transforming gift
certificates into luxe catalogs; and an Indian artisan whose handmade wares are upending tradition. You’ll also discover how to wrap up those lovely gifts with unexpected do-it-yourself materials, tour the world’s best hotel gift shops and see how to fill stockings with pocket-sized pleasures. We even take a stab at guessing what your favorite stars will be gifting each other this holiday. And of course, after all this decadence, we’ll pass along some of the best ways to give back this year. We’re so happy to give you, our readers, this guide to all your holiday retail dilemmas. Here’s to wishing you and yours a season filled with stressfree shopping and happy faces on the ones you love.
Some of us relish the holidayshopping quest. For others, it’s about as pleasant as an eggnog hangover.”
KATE PALMER AND THERESA D’ANGELO
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The Curator
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OU WANT TO buy a gift they’ll love, but gift cards are too impersonal, and tangible presents can miss the mark. Enter Wantful.com. Offer some information about your friend’s style and a price range, choose from a collection of carefully curated gifts, and they produce a customized catalog of handsome products from which your recipient can choose. CEO and founder John Poisson spoke to Huffington about changing the way we give to each other. — Kate Palmer How did you come up with the idea? After my last startup was acquired, I moved to Europe for a bit to travel and reflect on what I wanted to do next. While there, I needed to buy a wedding gift for some dear friends, and despite spending a lot of time in some of the best shop-
ping cities in the world, I realized I was struggling with what to get them. I starting thinking about how everyone struggles with gift giving at least some of the time, and riffed on my experiences living in Japan—the gift-giving culture there, the obsession with presentation—and two things became clear: giving great gifts is both about finding the right choice for some-
Choices, choices: A customized catalog from Wantful lets the recipient pick his gift.
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Q&A one, and presenting it with style. That resonated with me, because we have so much stress around buying gifts. Someone spends a certain amount on you, you want to buy something similarly priced for them. It has become transactional, and we’ve lost the emotional aspects, the ritual. Why do you think it’s resonating with people? Our customers tell us that Wantful resonates with them because it takes into account the emotional aspects of gift giving. There’s more to a Wantful gift than just getting a product. They get the surprise of the concept, then they get the pleasure of making their own selection, then they receive it and get to know more about the story behind the product. There’s a whole process to it. For the person buying the gift, it’s great because it doesn’t take long to create a really thoughtful and successful gift for someone and make it really personal. We curate our product selection very carefully, so our customer is confident they’re giving something special. One indicator of how well this works always surprises people
who work in retail: Our return rates are close to zero. How do you choose the products you’re going to feature? As a starting point, we focus on well-designed, quality products, whatever the price point. If it’s not exceptional in some way, or if it’s the same thing you see on shelves at every store, we're going to look for
When we asked one woman why she hadn’t made her selection yet, she said, ‘Until I choose, they’re all mine.’” something better. That’s part of what’s important in a gift: You want to give something that’s unique, and that has a story behind it. We know our customers don’t have much loyalty to the cheap and trendy thing. They’re looking for products of substance. We ask ourselves, why is this special? Why is this olive oil different? We have free rein to assort whichever products we think are worth highlighting, however specialized.
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What’s the best bit of feedback you’ve heard so far? Either in the development stage, or from customers? One piece of feedback we received when we first launched last November was that we didn't have enough products for men. Men can be so much harder to shop for than women. The options tend to be focused on really obvious things—ties, tools, gadgets—so we doubled down on sourcing unique products that break out of this mold. The heritage brands we carry have been very popular, from outdoor products to great axes from Gränsfors Bruks,
a century-old Swedish company. And this was a really interesting [lesson] from our first holiday season: There was a ton of enthusiasm and great numbers through Christmas last year, but as we got past the holidays, gift redemptions were slow to start coming in. Week one went by, week two went by, and we were getting a bit nervous. And then it became clear that this was an entirely positive indicator: Gift recipients were having a hard time choosing! When we asked one woman why she hadn’t made her selection yet, she said, “Until I choose, they’re all mine.” And that possibility is part of the joy we help to create.
The sleek Wantful catalog arrives in a black, engraved envelope.
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The Beauty Baron
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ATIA BEAUCHAMP IS the co-founder of Birchbox, a curation and discovery service based in New York for lifestyle brands, and the people who love them. For $10/month, Birchbox subscribers receive a specially created box of handpicked beauty and lifestyle sample products, vetted by Beauchamp and her team—and they’ve launched a men’s service just in time for the holidays. — Annemarie Dooling
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Birchbox selects beauty samples from wellknown and emerging brands.
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COURTESY OF BIRCHBOX
As the CEO of a retail company, what have you learned about the holiday season that you didn’t know as a consumer? I’ve learned that in retail, the holiday season is far longer than just November and December. We start working nearly a year ahead of time to ensure we have the newest and best products in our shop for the holidays. I also have a lot more knowledge of shipping and logistics than I ever thought I would. Our business relies heavily on execution [in] that area. I have so much respect for what happens after I get that "thank you for your order" message. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about consumers since launching Birchbox? Or the most interesting feedback? How open people are to the concept of discovery retail. While we had great responses during our initial beta test, we never imagined the growth that we had in such a short time. Before Birchbox, there was no easy way to discover new brands and purchase products with confidence, for the first time, online. We found that this new way to discover really resonated—consumers are ready
for a new way to try, learn about and then buy products they love. What new trends in shopping are you expecting to see this holiday season? We are seeing people shop earlier every year, and are making sure our gifting options and holiday shop deadlines are set to meet that demand. Where will you personally be shopping this holiday season? Can't just pick one; I will be visiting BaubleBar for the people in my life who love statement pieces. I love Quirky for the handy/crafty people in my life. I found some fun and unique gifts on Fab last year, and my husband is a J.Crew fan so I am sure to be there this year.
What’s inside this Birchbox? It’s a mystery until it arrives on your doorstep.
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HAT DO YOU see when you imagine a holiday window display? Tiny elves? A dated Santa’s workshop, trudged out year after year to entice the same weary shoppers into the same stores? Linsey Burritt and Crystal Grover don’t. The co-creators of Chicago design firm INDO are rethinking retail with their innovative, recycled window designs—think a colossal maze of reused Styrofoam cups, or a beautiful cascade of paper cylinders. Their work is a visual treat that lasts long beyond the holiday season. — Kate Palmer Sustainability and eco-friendly materials are part of your ethos. How did that take shape? It was just how we make decisions in our personal lives. When we started out, though, we used to use props. And we would borrow them from
[Chicago antique store] Salvage One. It grew organically into using discarded materials. By now you must have a network of people giving you these things, but how did you get started asking people for their leftover materials? I think it just started with friends, and friends of friends. We looked at all the
INDO collaborated with designer Jason Wu and advertisers Young and Laramore on this window display that mimics the look of ink being dropped into water.
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Q&A obvious routes like Craigslist and Facebook, Twitter. We would take cardboard, and we’d find stuff in alleyways, thrift stores. Do you have a term for your art? We started by calling it window display, because we use windows as our venue, but we’re merging into other venues; we’re doing interiors, too, like private offices. The evolution we’ve had recently is “environmental design.” Have you ever done anything or thought about doing anything tied to the holidays? We’ve done displays that have been up during the holidays, but we don’t stay within that traditional holiday theme. Usually we try to invoke a wintery feeling. We’ve done “glacier” windows before. And the windows we have currently [at our studio] have a snowy feel to them. When you imagine hurried holiday shoppers running around, popping into this place or that place, what would you want them to know about the work you’ve put into, or that anyone has put into, a display this intricate? I feel like a lot of what we try to do is get
people to just slow down and actually think about it. Even when you’re just shopping for clothing, or whatever you’re shopping for at the holidays, sometimes you’re just buying to buy something for somebody, and maybe if you stop and think about it for a second, you might make different decisions. So thinking about where things come from, or the work that went into it—it’s the same with window display as it is with anything else. It could be inspiring somebody to create, or inspiring them to change the way they think about things. When you think about how consumers will tie your art into their holiday season, what do you want them to take away from it after they’ve left the store, after all the presents are unwrapped? We pay a lot of attention to where our materials go, not just where we get them. We make sure they’re recycled or repurposed. We try really hard not to throw anything away. That’s an important part of Christmas, too. Not throwing away all that paper, reusing paper and repackaging it. Can you imagine every household in the United States? All that waste? It’s crazy. As a community, I feel like that can all be rethought.
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The Story Teller
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ART RETAIL visionary, part editor, Rachel Shechtman wants to make shopping fun again. Her new concept store, Story—based in Chelsea, New York—isn’t just about shopping. It’s about the in-store experience, which changes its theme every four-to-eight weeks—merchandise, decor and all. Of course, the gorgeous gifts inside don’t hurt. — Kate Palmer How did you get involved in "concept" shopping? I’ve always been fascinated by the creative side of things, and the business side of things. [I got to thinking that] there’s been all this innovation online, but we live in real life. And other than the Apple store, it’s hard to really think of other innovative retail experiences. The concept [of Story] is pretty straightforward. I describe it in simple terms as a magazine that comes to life. Our version of editorial is the merchandise that we curate
around a certain story, and the events that we also host during that story. Our publishing side of the business is our sponsorship. Benjamin Moore was the sponsor for our “Color” story, General Electric [sponsored] our “Making Things” story. Our holiday story will be in partnership with Hewlett-Packard and Quirky. When will the holiday story begin? It opens November 14. It’s called “Home for the Holidays”—the store’s going to be designed like an apartment. The whole concept is a gift guide that comes to life. So our dining room will be “some-
Rachel Shechtman, founder of Story
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thing for everyone.” Our playroom will be for the kids. In the men’s study, you’ll have a pool table. We’ll have a hot chocolate stand on weekends, and [you can] make your own ice cream. What have been some of your favorite concepts that you’ve done so far? My favorite one is whatever the next one is, because all we’re doing is snowballing our learnings and our experiences from each story to become better storytellers. People always say, "who’s your market?" And I always say I only have two rules. Every story needs to appeal to someone between the ages of 5
and 80, and there has to be something for sale that’s $5, and it can go as high as $5,000. Why do you think pop-up shopping resonates with sponsors and with consumers, especially at the holidays? If you think about it, we have our mobile devices, and our iPads, and everything around us, and we get new content every two seconds. Everywhere we look, there’s news and there’s information. And yet, you walk into a store on a Monday, and you walk into a store on a Friday, and it’s the exact same experience. So I think what works and resonates for us, is that we’re always changing, even within a story. We will put in new items in week three that
Wonder wall: A customer explores Shechtman’s Chelsea boutique at the December 2011 opening.
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weren’t in week one. The truth is that all we’re doing is mirroring behaviors and patterns in other parts of people’s lives in an experience that no one has delivered yet. And I also think that as people have less time—and the ultimate luxury on the planet right now is time—they want more out of their experiences. In the past, you could compete on price, quality and service. I think what people compete on now is sur-
prise and delight, and the experience factor. For us, I think that’s what makes people come back. As both a retailer and a shopper, what are you seeing for the holidays that is a bit different this year than in years past? With all this change—you have an election, a horrendous natural disaster—the focus to some degree becomes less on material luxuries and more on the luxury of time and place and people. I think products and experience related to that will become important.
The welcome wall at a Story event.
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The Fair Trade Artisan
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
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ANDMADE, FAIR TRADE gifts might help you avoid the monotony of mall buys this holiday season, but few give much thought to the skilled artists who craft these unique gifts—the Ghanaian woman who intricately wove and twisted your basket into a colorful pattern; or the Haitian artisan who cut, perforated and painted that piece of recycled metal wall art you've been eyeing. Sushila Ashok, from Ahmedabad in western India, is one such artisan, whose crafts—created in collaboration with other artisans—are sold by fair trade companies each holiday season. Ashok works for St. Mary's, a local division of fair trade nonprofit SERRV, which employs marginalized artisans worldwide and sells their goods at prices that create livable wages. Ashok, who speaks Hindi—and her translator and St. Mary's co-director, Sister Silvia Aranha—spoke with Huffington about the story behind the gifts you love to give. — Jessica Prois
Sister Silvia Aranha and Sushila Ashok at the Madison, Wis., SERRV office in October.
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Q&A What types of items do you make, and do these pieces symbolize parts of you or your culture? Sushila Ashok: [I make] wall art, pillowcases and a sampling of products. My favorite pattern is called “Under the Sea”— mostly because I can do it faster (laughs). Culture comes into play sometimes and other times not. Designs include images like elephants and other things that symbolize India, but it's also about the stitches—which are most efficient. Crafting these fair trade gifts is anything but an assembly line. What does it look like when all these artisans come together to hand-make a one-of-akind item? SA: There is a process, from buying cloth in the market, dying, cutting, preparing the design, hand-embroidering, washing, ironing, stitching and backing. There may be around 10 people involved in creating the product. I do embroidery. Tell us about your family and how you balance work with caring for them. SA: We are poor, lower class. I have a girl, 18, and a boy, 12. I only have a seventh-grade education. I start working at 9:30, doing embroidery work
until 5:30, and then I go back home with the children and cook food, wash clothes and do household work. My husband doesn't work. Sister Silvia, How do we know fair trade is actually fair? Is there a formula for deciding wages? Sister Silvia Aranha: They're paid per piece and we
Culture comes into play sometimes and other times not. It’s also about the stitches–which are most efficient .” have a fair-wage calculator that allocates for time, resources and skill. It's different for each handcrafted product. How are the fair trade artisans who work for your organization paid? SSA: With money and also in-kind household items. [St. Mary's] sets up savings plans for them, and also bonuses, benefits and loans. A person takes out a loan with us, and it's deducted over time from their salary. They put 12 percent of their salary into savings, and we match that for retirement.
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MARVIN JOSEPH/THE WASHINGTON POST VIA GETTY IMAGES (ANGELOU); RON GALELLA/WIREIMAGE/GETTY IMAGES (HEPBURN); PAUL HAWTHORNE/GETTY IMAGES (ROONEY)
QUOTED
“ We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
—Winston
Churchill
“ I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” Maya Angelou —
“ One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” —Andy
Rooney
“ You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you.”
—Audrey
Hepburn
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IMAGNO/GETTY IMAGES (TEMPLE); PETER KRAMER/NBC/NBC NEWSWIRE VIA GETTY IMAGES (RIVERS); HULTON ARCHIVE/GETTY IMAGES (NIETZSCHE)
QUOTED
“ The one thing women don’t want to find in their stocking on Christmas morning is their husband.”
—Joan
Rivers
“ I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.” — Shirley
Temple
Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? You know... the birth of Santa. —Bart
Simpson
“ It is the privilege of greatness to give great enjoyment with trifling gifts.” —Friedrich Nietzsche
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HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP
Holiday
ROAD TRIP
For evocative presents they won’t regift, HuffPost Local hit the road in search of unique goods and edible treats crafted in some of our favorite towns. These great gifts have a real sense of place—and you don’t even have to spring for the airline ticket. Happy Holidays, America! BY ASHLEY MCADAMS
ILLLUSTRATIONS BY ANN SHEN
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF MOMOFUKU; COURTESY OF BUILD YOUR BLOCK; COURTESY OF LIZZIE FORTUNATO JEWELS
HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP
New York BUILD YOUR BLOCK PILLOWS, FROM $36
Buy your favorite couch potato a plush Brooklyn brownstone or Park Avenue pad—no loan required—with these charming pillows inspired by your favorite hood. At buildyourblock. bigcartel.com.
MOMOFUKU CRACK PIE,
LIZZIE FORTUNATO JEWELS,
The salty-sweet goodness of this pie will please even the pickiest of palates. Don’t be surprised if they end up addicted. At momofukustore.com.
Make any gal on your holiday list merry with statement baubles and crafty-couture handbags from sister design duo Lizzie Fortunato. At shop. lizziefortunatojewels.com.
$44
FROM $130
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF TASTES OF CHICAGO; COURTESY OF APORTA; COURTESY OF THE UNCOMMON GREEN
HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP
Chicago APORTA SCARF, $230
Surviving a Windy City winter is no easy feat. Help friends in colder climates show off their winter cred with a thick handmade Aporta scarf. At aporta. bigcartel.com.
DEEP DISH & HOT DOGS,
MAPS ROCKS GLASSES,
When Chitown cravings hit harder than a slugger at Wrigley Field, nothing satisfies like Lou Malnati’s authentic deep dish pizza and hot dog duo. At tastesofchicago.com.
Lost on what to get your drinking buddy? Cheers to one of our fairest cities with these glasses, etched with wraparound local street maps. At theuncommongreen.com.
$84
$25
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HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP
Los Angeles HARBOUR SURFBOARDS, FROM $900
The search for endless summer doesn’t have to halt come December. For a lifetime of swells, a custommade wave rider is sure to have your surf rat stoked. At harboursurfboards. com.
PRESSED JUICERY, FROM $130
Not everyone has easy access to year-round fresh fruits and veggies. Give those outside the sunny SoCal bubble healthy sips from Pressed Juicery. At pressedjuicery.com.
UNEARTHEN CASSANITI VIAL NECKLACE, $225
Help displaced Californians keep home close to their hearts with a vial necklace filled with drops of the Pacific Ocean, crude oil or compost from the Golden State. At seeunearthen.com.
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF COWGIRL CREAMERY; COURTESY OF HEATH CERAMICS; COURTESY OF JOB & BOSS
HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP
San Francisco HEATH CERAMICS, FROM $22
Those with a penchant for the modern and serene will swoon over any piece from Sausalitobased design company. Bungalow not included. At heathceramics.com.
COWGIRL CREAMERY CHEESE,
JOB & BOSS ACCESSORIES,
Cheese fanatics will love Cowgirl Creamery’s award-winning artisanal curds, crafted in small batches just north of San Francisco. At cowgirlcreamery.com.
Secret Santa says (bo)ho ho. For the stylish hippie on your list, Job & Boss’s one-of-a-kind hand-dyed scarves and totes are just groovy enough. At jobboss. bigcartel.com.
FROM $35
FROM $68
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF GREAT LAKES COFFEE; COURTESY OF SHINOLA; COURTESY OF ETSY.COM/AHEIRLOOM
HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP
Detroit SHINOLA BIKES, FROM $2,500
A brand-new Detroit factory committed to the highest design standards, these twowheelers will delight even the snootiest cycling fans. At shinola.com.
DETROIT FRENCH ROAST,
MICHIGAN CUTTING BOARD,
Dark and robust with a roasty character, Detroit French Roast coffee is a strong stocking stuffer choice for java junkies. At greatlakescoffee.com.
At least Wolverine and Spartan fans can agree on one thing: a fetching and functional Michiganshaped cutting board makes for the perfect present. At etsy.com/ listing/61489158.
$13
$48
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF PASTELITOS TO GO; COURTESY OF NEKTAR DE STAGNI; COURTESY OF ENCHANTED PLASTIC
HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP
Miami PEARL SHARK EARRINGS BY NEKTAR DE STAGNI, $198
Give a fashionable friend a pair of great, white pearlescent enamel tooth earrings. They don't bite. At nektardestagni.com.
PASTELITOS DE GUAYABA,
ENCHANTED PLASTIC,
Give these tropical Cuban pastries (delicate layers of dough folded over vibrant guava-filled centers) to every sweet tooth on your list. At pastelitostogo.com.
Life in plastic is fantastic when it’s a creepy-cool, limited-edition print of a doll. At enchantedplastic.com.
$25
FROM $150
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF TENDER BELLY; COURTESY OF BOULDER BEER; COURTESY OF ROCKMOUNT RANCH WEAR
HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP
Denver BOULDER BEER, FROM $8
Colorado is famous for its peaks and local brew-haha. Since you can't move mountains, gift your buds with suds from the state’s first microbrewery, Boulder Beer. At liquormart.com.
TENDER BELLY PORK, FROM $33
Bring home the bacon for every swine lover on your list with Tender Belly Pork’s artisanal eats. At tenderbelly.com.
BLANKETS FROM ROCKMOUNT RANCH WEAR, $50
Baby, it's cold outside. Warm hearts and toes with a Southwesternmotif fleece blanket from Rockmount Ranch Wear’s collaboration with the King Ranch. At rockmount.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
Enter
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF MARYLAND BLUE CRAB EXPRESS; COURTESY OF RED BARN MERCANTILE; COURTESY OF ODLCO
HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP
Washington, D.C. DEMOCRAT & REPUBLICAN PILLOWS, $85
Let political junkies duke out their opposing views with a pillow fight, courtesy of Red Barn’s darling donkey and elephant throw pillows. At redbarnmercantile.com.
MARYLAND CRAB AND SEAFOOD PACKAGE,
CAPITOL BUTTER DISH,
Seafood lovers won’t mind getting pinched by Maryland’s fresh native blue crabs, delivered alive or steamed for ultimate deliciousness. At marylandbluecrabexpress.com.
Butter them up with this kitschy-cool dish—cast in high-fire porcelain. At odlco.com.
$50
$50
Holiday Gift Guide DIGITAL VISION/ GETTY IMAGES
The search is over! A gift for every personality on your list, from the sports fan to the film buff. ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEPHEN WEBSTER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN KUCZALA
The
TRAVELER
THE JETSETTER
THE TRAVELING BOOMER
The Traveler
THE JETSETTER
NEW BALANCE RC1600, $109.99 Travelers often have good intentions about hitting the hotel gym—until they try to pack bulky trainers. Enter these lightweight roadracers that can tuck into even the slimmest carry-on. At runningwarehouse.com.
LUXE GUIDES BESPOKE BOX, $55 Sleek, well-edited LUXE guides are jam-packed with useful information. The Bespoke Box offers a handpicked selection of any five of the company's 36 world-spanning titles. At luxecityguides.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
WHERE I’VE BEEN SCRATCH MAP, $20 Pushpins and yarn have had their day. This lottoticket-inspired map lets globetrotters scratch off their travel accomplishments as they rack up the passport stamps. At fredflare.com.
GRUNDIG G2 REPORTER, $150 In a world of iPods and earbuds, there's something romantic about turning the dial on an honest-to-God radio like the G2, which picks up shortwaves from around the world. At amazon.com.
BECKEL CANVAS NECESSARY BAG, $27
MOPHIE JUICE PACK RESERVE MICRO, $39.95
This small stash pocket is perfect for keeping electronics, makeup or knick-knacks in one place—rather than rattling around in a suitcase. At beckelcanvas.com.
With this keychainfriendly rechargeable battery, they'll be ready to juice up their smartphone on the fly. Mophie also makes a similar device for iPhone devotees. At mophie.com.
TUMI TEGRA-LITE INTERNATIONAL CARRY-ON, $595 The luggage maker doubles down on its featherweight Tegra-Lite technology with new carry-on cases that are barely there—but still pack the bulletproof durability you'd expect from Tumi. At tumi.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
The Traveler
THE TRAVELING BOOMER
THE DAVEK TRAVELER, $89 Your favorite boomer will appreciate this sleek umbrella’s lifetime guarantee, which even covers damage from normal wear and tear. At davekny.com.
WANDERFOLIO FOR iPAD, $69.95 Make them look like a travel pro with this tri-fold case that features hide-away pockets to hold credit cards, passports and other things they can’t afford to lose. At speckproducts.com.
SAMSONITE LUGGAGE INFLATABLE NECK PILLOW WITH COVER, $12 Protect their neck with this plush pillow, which inflates and deflates easily and stores neatly to minimize packing space. At amazon.com.
T4MO ORGANIC COTTON AIRFLO HAT, $82 A crushable sun hat that is virtually indestructible, comfortable, versatile and stylish without screaming "tourist." Now, about those shoes... At tilley.com.
BROOKSTONE 7-PIECE CONVERTER KIT, $40.99 This kit adapts gadgets in more than 150 countries and is compatible with most electric shavers, battery chargers, hair dryers and irons. They’ll have no excuse to stay at home. At brookstone.com.
4G LTE MIFI LIBERATE, $49.99 Help your traveling boomer stay connected on the go with the first mobile hotspot with a touchscreen display. This gadget allows them to connect up to 10 Wi-Fi devices at once. At att.com.
The
TRENDSETTER
THE FASHIONISTA
THE BEAUTY QUEEN
THE DAPPER GENTLEMAN
The Trendsetter
THE FASHIONISTA
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
RESIDENTIAL CANDLES BY TRINA TURK, $38 These brightly packaged beauties are deceptively affordable. They’re a gorgeous complement to any mantel or bookshelf. At trinaturk.com.
NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD “SUNO” BOOTS, $1,295 It may still be winter, but these shoes will have her dreaming of warmer days and put a little spring in her step. At saksfifthavenue.com.
KATE: THE KATE MOSS BOOK, $85 The style icon always keeps us interested. And this is a gift that will keep on giving: Not only does it look chic on the coffee table, it's also full of great styling ideas. At amazon.com.
NARCISO RODRIGUEZ FOR KOHL’S COAT, $150 This tweed topper is anything but staid. The coat is from the designer's lower-priced collection, but it's just as stunning as his main line at a fraction of the cost. At kohls.com.
PRADA SPAZZOLATO FIORI ZIP WALLET, $580 A wallet may seem like a boring gift, but not when it’s a Prada wallet. She'll love it—if she can bear to take it out of the gorgeous packaging. At neimanmarcus.com.
SURFACE TO AIR BI MATERIAL GLOVES V1, $170 Staying warm and in style is always hard. Give her a hand with these sleek leather gloves. At surfacetoair.com.
The Trendsetter
THE BEAUTY QUEEN NARS X ANDY WARHOL COLOR COLLECTION SOFT TOUCH SHADOW PENCILS, $24 Instead of the usual black liner, these creamy pencils will add a pop of color to her eyes. At sephora.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
GUERLAIN LIU HOLIDAY COLLECTION PERFUMED SHIMMER POWDER FACE & BODY, $88 The light-reflecting powder that this fancy diffuser releases is sure to catch the eye of that special someone. At nordstrom.com.
CHANEL LUMINOUS MATTE LIP COLOR IN ROUGE ALLURE VELVET, $32.50, AND MALICE NAIL COLOR, $26 If your favorite lady likes matchy-matchy lips and nails, look no further than this sophisticated bordeaux set. At chanel.com.
JENNIFER BEHR LYRA HEADWRAP IN CRYSTAL GUNMETAL, $168 This crystal beading will lend a romantic elegance to any evening updo. At jenniferbehr.com.
The Trendsetter
THE DAPPER GENTLEMEN FRIDAY & RIVER MCGRAW SLIM WALLET, $45 A wallet for the minimalist—but you can probably fit a picture of yourself in there somehow to remind him who gave him this great gift. At fridayandriver.com.
J. CREW FLANNEL SHIRT IN DESERT SAND PLAID, $79.50 Give your guy the gift of style with a classic plaid button-down that's so comfy you'll probably want to borrow it. At jcrew.com.
GOOGLE NEXUS 7, $199 Whether he's using it to surf the web or watch movies at the gym, he'll love this portable tablet. At google.com/nexus/.
FILSON TRAVEL KIT, $90 Hopefully this convenient travel accessory will inspire him to plan a trip for the two of you. Hey, you can hope. At brooksbrothers.com.
NIKON D3200, $699.95 This is an entry-level, professional-grade camera that will certainly step up his photography skills, not to mention his ability to take 1080p HD video. At amazon.com.
The
CONNOISSEUR
THE FOODIE
THE BOOZEHOUND
THE SERIOUS CHEF
THE NOVICE COOK
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
The Connoisseur
THE FOODIE
WINE-PAIRING TOWEL SET, $28 Adorable wine-pairing cheat sheets that can also clean up a spill. At uncommongoods.com.
BKLYN LARDER FOOD ART POSTERS, $20
BACON OF THE MONTH CLUB, $99 - $189
Gorgeous illustrations of the foods we love most. This one’s a lot classier than your typical Budweiser poster. At bklynlarder.com.
Your favorite foodie will receive a new kind of bacon every month, plus recipes, stories, and a bacon magnet to show off their porcine appreciation. At zingermans.com.
MARKET AND FRUIT PICKING PACK, $104
SALTS OF THE WORLD TEST TUBE SET, $35
This incredibly lightweight basket carries apples, wildflowers or picnic sandwiches, and keeps hands free for frolicking. At kaufmann-mercantile.com.
Six varieties of salt, packed into glass tubes. Yes, when presented like this, salt is beautiful. At uncommongoods.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
The Connoisseur
THE BOOZEHOUND
BEER CONNOISSEUR SET, $50 The aroma, taste and appearance of beer can be enhanced by glassware, just like wine. Give beer its proper vessel with this set. At momastore.org.
HERMETUS BOTTLE OPENER & RESEALER, $8.70 A handy tool that both opens and reseals glass bottles, keeping drinks from spilling or going flat. At kaufmann-mercantile.com.
BALCONES 'BRIMSTONE' TEXAS SCRUB OAK SMOKED CORN WHISKY, $66.99 SILICONE ICE BALL MAKER, $11.75 Help them play mixologist with spherical, slow-melting ice cubes that won’t water down their drinks. At muji.us.
This smoky, meaty, burly whisky tastes like someone barbecued your whisky for you. Because they did. At drinkupny.com.
FEE BROTHERS COCKTAIL BITTERS COMPLETE SET (12 BOTTLES), $74.95 Flavors like rhubarb, Aztec chocolate and celery will add that special something to their signature cocktail. At kegworks.com.
The Connoisseur
THE SERIOUS CHEF
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
SWISSMAR LAUSANNE 11-PIECE COPPER FONDUE SET, $120 This beautiful copper set makes easy work of meat, cheese or chocolate fondue. Yet another excuse for a party. At amazon.com.
CUISINE R-EVOLUTION MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY KIT, $60 A comprehensive how-to kit for the kitchen scientist in your life. They’ll be turning liquids into spheres in no time. At uncommongoods.com.
SWISSMAR 8-PERSON RED CLASSIC RACLETTE PARTY GRILL WITH GRANITE STONE, $120 This Swiss tradition makes dinner—and an instant party— out of melting cheese and pouring it over potatoes, pickles, bread, anything really. At amazon.com.
ATLAS PASTA MAKER, $125 Ever wonder how Italian grandmothers roll paperthin sheets of lasagna? Perfect pappardelle? The best ravioli? The secret is out. At whisknyc.com.
CUISINART ELECTRIC PRESSURE COOKER, $185 Takes the guesswork (and danger) out of pressure cooking with preprogrammed settings for high- and low-pressure cooking. At williams-sonoma.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
The Connoisseur
THE NOVICE COOK
SILPAT BAKING LINER, $26.99 Even if they have the most unreliable oven on the planet, these sheets will ensure evenly baked results every time. At amazon.com.
JOSEPH JOSEPH NEST 9 PLUS, $49.95 All the basics, nested together to prevent messy cupboard explosions. At surlatable.com.
HEDLEY & BENNETT APRONS, $35-$75 Possibly the only unisex aprons that aren’t embarrassing for either gender to wear. At hedleyandbennett.com.
COOK WITH JAMIE: MY GUIDE TO MAKING YOU A BETTER COOK, $37.50 This book is bursting with recipes destined to become favorites. It focuses on simple, accessible meals with special touches only a chef would think of. Kitchen game-changer. At amazon.com.
LE CREUSET SIGNATURE ROUND DUTCH OVEN, $140-$590 These pots do everything: fry, braise, sauté, roast, simmer. A must-have for any cook, from beginner to expert. Bonus: It lasts forever. At williams-sonoma.com.
The
PROFESSIONAL
THE WORKAHOLIC
THE ENTREPRENEUR
THE PENNY PINCHER
THE WORK HUSBAND
The Professional
THE WORKAHOLIC MONOGRAMMED LEGAL SIZE LEATHER PORTFOLIO, $199 If Ron Burgundy can have many leather-bound books, your favorite workaholic deserves one, too. This attractive leather portfolio should do the trick. At frontgate.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
ZEN CHARGING STATION, $25.99 Help them hide their cord mess and destress with the Zen Charging Station, immersing their tech devices in a patch of faux grass. At perpetualkid.com.
STEVE JOBS, BY WALTER ISAACSON, $35 Was Steve Jobs a genius or a bully? An inspiration or a cautionary tale? This year’s much-loved, 650page biography suggests he was a little bit of everything. At amazon.com.
HANDPRESSO AUTO ESE, â‚Ź149 (ABOUT $190) Caffeine-fueled workaholics can brew while they commute with this espresso machine that plugs into the car cigarette lighter. At handpresso.com.
OSTRICH PILLOW, $96.80 For when the workaholic needs a power nap. This contraption envelops your head inside a pillow, complete with holes for resting your hands. At studiobananathings.com.
The Professional
THE ENTREPRENEUR
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
HP PHOTOSMART 7520 E-ALL-INONE, $199.99 This nifty machine lets them print, copy, scan and fax from one device, virtually anywhere. At hp.com.
FANCY HANDS, FROM $25 FOR FIVE REQUESTS A MONTH Fancy Hands has got the overbooked entrepreneur covered. The site offers “assistants for everyone," willing to help with everything from office work to dog walking. At fancyhands.com.
EVERPURSE, FROM $189 Few things panic an independent business owner like a dying phone battery. With the phone-charging Everpurse, the businesswoman can keep her phone juiced and look smart doing it. At everpurse.com.
PAYPAL HERE CARD READER, $14.98 This small business lifeline is available free via the Paypal Here website, but to gift it with a bonus, purchase one at walmart.com for $14.98, and the recipient will get $15 in their PayPal account.
CUSTOM BUSINESS CARDS, FROM $19.99 FOR 50 CARDS Help your favorite entrepreneur make a great first impression on potential clients with professional business cards like these. At moo.com.
ENTREPRENEUR PRINT AND APP SUBSCRIPTION, $19.97/YEAR Give them all their entrepreneurial news and inspiration with a subscription to this small business bible. At entrepreneur.com.
The Professional
THE PENNY PINCHER
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
ECOBUTTON HALO, ÂŁ12.99 (ABOUT $21) Leaving the computer running can get expensive. This power-saving device will help them save on electricity and prevent carbon dioxide from being wasted. At ecobutton.com.
BIRCHBOX, $30 FOR WOMEN, $60 FOR MEN (3-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION) Don't let your penny pincher scrimp when it comes to looking good. Enter Birchbox, a subscription service that sends different beauty products and samples once a month. At birchbox.com.
NORTHERN BREWER DELUXE BREWING STARTER KIT, FROM $149.99 Help them save on beer by making their own. Northern Brewer even offers home brew kits with the recipe for President Obama’s White House beer. At northernbrewer.com.
iWALLET SLIM, $500 This high-tech wallet only opens with their fingerprint to keep their hard-earned money safe. At neimanmarcus.com.
THE WATERPEBBLE, $10 This gadget sits in the shower and tells you how much water—and money—is going down the drain. At uncommongoods.com.
The Professional
THE WORK HUSBAND
GROVE CUSTOM WOODEN iPHONE 5 CASE, $79 This case is like a really well-made shop class project—except he doesn't have to go back to school. At grovemade.com.
MINI ESPRESSO MAKER, $49 The coffee snob will love having his own DIY espresso maker so much that he'll make you a cup every morning. Behold, the gift that gives back. At restorationhardware.com.
PERSONALIZED GUITAR PICK, FROM $6 If your office BFF is an emo guitarist on the side—or just on the inside—express your appreciation for his true calling with this personalized guitar pick. At etsy.com/shop/NiciLaskin.
WTF PEN, $14 Nothing says, "work husband, you are not alone in the Kafkaesque thought vacuum that is our workplace" like a WTF pen. At knockknockstuff.com.
SOLAR WINDOW CHARGER BY XD DESIGN, $90 He can charge his phone and save the Earth at the same time by sticking this solar panel to his office window to soak up the sun. At thefancy.com.
NIKE SPORTWATCH GPS, $168.99 This watch will help him get more buff than Paul Ryan. He can map his runs, track his heart rate and misrepresent his time with the best of them. At roadrunnersports.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
The
RUGRAT
THE NEW PARENT
THE SPORTY KID
THE LITTLE BUILDER
THE PINT-SIZED PICASSO
THE KID WHO HAS IT ALL
The Rugrat
THE NEW PARENT 2013 DAILY JOURNAL BRIGHTS LEATHER, $78 This datebook will be the stressed-out new parent's place to jot down first smiles and claps as well as all 35 first-year doctor's visits. At graphicimage.com.
NOSEFRIDA THE SNOTSUCKER NASAL ASPIRATOR, $15.99 Because every baby eventually turns into a snot-nosed kid. Just be sure to save this gift for friends who will know you are being “helpful.” At diapers.com.
COCOAGRAPH CHOCOLATE BARS MADE FROM YOUR PHOTOS, FROM $14 Liberate those coollooking baby photos from the clutches of Instagram, add chocolate to the mix, and you have the perfect new parent present. At cocoagraph.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
ADEN & ANAIS MUM + BUB SKIN CARE AND PRODUCTS, FROM $15.95 Infant-safe products that masquerade as grown-up bath and body treats. All by the company that makes the best swaddle blankets around. At adenandanais.com.
BEBE AU LAIT NURSING COVER AND BURP CLOTHS, $50 Gorgeous patterns and soft fabrics turn a practical new-mom necessity into an immensely appealing accessory. At bebeaulait.com.
HARRY AND DAVID GIFT BOX, $24.95-$199.95 Friends don't let friends with kids go without treats. An easy gift that any new mom or dad will love. At harryanddavid.com.
The Rugrat
THE SPORTY KID
HAVING A BALL 5-IN-1 SPORTS ZONE, $49.99 Why limit a future Hall of Famer's options? With this toy, the kid can practice basketball, baseball, golf, soccer and hockey. At toysrus.com.
DISNEY PIXAR BRAVE BOW AND ARROW, $17.99 Kids inspired by Merida can become experts at hitting the bullseye as well. Wild red hair not required. At toysrus.com.
BOYS’ UA SILENCE THE CROWD GRAPHIC T-SHIRT, $19.99 This yellow tee should keep him looking and feeling cool. Plus, he'll be easy to spot on the court. At underarmour.com.
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS BIG BOOK OF WHY SPORTS EDITION, $17.95 This book will not only help you field rapid-fire questions from little sports fans, it will also give them a huge advantage at future trivia nights. At amazon.com.
MAXFLI JUNIOR RED SERIES II COMPLETE SET, $159.99 The putt-putt course is fun, but how many times can you really face off against that windmill? With this bag, the kids can start golfing with the grown-ups. At dickssportinggoods.com.
CITIBLOCS LITTLE BUILDER SET, $35.99 Blocks + Rattles = Hours of entertainment for a toddler. You can’t go wrong with a classic, and these old-school wooden blocks are about as classic as it gets. At yoyo.com.
The Rugrat
THE LITTLE BUILDER LEGO MONSTER FIGHTERS: THE CRAZY SCIENTIST AND HIS MONSTER, $49.99 Because nothing says "Happy Holidays" like recreating Frankenstein. At lego.com.
NANOBLOCKS, FROM $9.99 Miniature building block kits construct everything from the Statue of Liberty to the White House. At amazon.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
CRA-Z-ART LITE BRIX 3D CONSTRUCTION BUILDING SYSTEM, $59.99 Everything is better when it glows in the dark, and that includes building blocks. At toysrus.com.
ANGRY BIRDS MISSION MAY'HAM BUILDING SET, $30.99 Just like the game, with the added benefit of getting kids off the computer. At knex.com.
The Rugrat
THE PINT-SIZED PICASSO
ORBEEZ FLOWER POWER LIGHT SHOW, $19.99
SCRATCH MAGIC DELUXE BOXED SET, $14.99
HOHNER 5-PIECE TODDLER MUSIC BAND, $40
Add water, petals and light to create your very own magical light show that will display on the ceiling. At toysrus.com.
This all-inclusive kit is a great bonding experience for parents and kids—fun at any age! At melissaanddoug.com.
Ready to turn your family into the Jackson 5? Here’s a good place to start. At amazon.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
The Rugrat
THE KID WHO HAS IT ALL DINOSAUR DIGS Awaken a kid's inner paleontologist by digging deep into the time when dinosaurs ruled the world. PaleoAdventures in South Dakota, for example, offers full-day trips for $125 per kid. At paleoadventures.com.
iTIKES CANVAS, $39.99
ORIGAMI FUN KIT FOR BEGINNERS, $14.95
Bringing doodle time to the digital world, the iTikes canvas is a great way for toddlers to experiment with shapes. At toysrus.com.
For the sharp-minded and eager to learn, 55 projects will keep the kids busy 'till New Year’s. At amazon.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES Enjoy a flying family tour! Above and Beyond Ballooning offers group rates for $200 a person in New Jersey and $180 in Pennsylvania. At njhotair.com.
YOUNG CHEFS ACADEMY Before you know it, your kids will be cooking for you. One school in Gahanna, Ohio, offers single classes for $30 and monthly memberships for $79. Find a Young Chefs Academy near you at youngchefsacademy.com.
SKATING LESSONS Sure to get a perfect score from aspiring Olympians everywhere. Basic skills programs typically run about $150 or so for eight weeks. Find a program near you at usfsa.org.
L.L. BEAN OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SCHOOLS Fill their lungs with fresh air on these outdoor adventures: kayaking, canoeing and crosscountry skiing are just a few of the miniature escapes on offer for just $20. At llbean.com.
The
SPORTY TYPE
THE SPORTS FAN
THE HEALTH NUT
The Sporty Type
THE SPORTS FAN
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
DISPOSABLE FLASKS, $15 Here's something for the clandestine stadium imbiber who doesn't want to risk losing his beverage—or an expensive monogrammed flask—at the entrance to the ballpark. At restorationhardware.com.
FREEDARKO BASKETBALL LIMITED EDITION PRINTS, $65 From the hoops-addled minds that brought you The Macrophenomenal Pro Basketball Almanac and The Undisputed Guide to Pro Basketball History comes... ART! At freedarkostore. bigcartel.com.
CR7 T-SHIRT, $28 This shirt is a must-have for the footie fan in your life—unless of course you’re shopping for a Barcelona supporter. At ultras.com.
W W W.JA Y B UC
KLE
Y.C O
M
AME RIC NAT IONA A’S FIR S L BA SEB T AND L A LL TOU ARGEST R BU SINE SS
JAY BUCKLEY BASEBALL TOURS Give the diehard baseball fan the trip of a lifetime with a baseball tour of pro venues that includes game tickets, transportation and meals. An Arizona spring training tour starts at $1,695. At jaybuckley.com.
FUEGO ELEMENT PORTABLE GAS GRILL, $199.99 Help them impress everyone at their next parking lot tailgate with this nononsense Element Portable. At amazon.com.
THE OFFICIAL WORLD SERIES FILM COLLECTION, $229.95 This 20-disc set catalogs all of the classic moments in World Series history from 1943 through 2008. At amazon.com.
The Sporty Type
THE HEALTH NUT ONLINE YOGA CLASSES Your friends don't need a yoga studio to reap the benefits of downward dog. Sites like YogaGlo.com, which charges $18/month, allow them to strike a pose from their living room.
COURTESY OF DJ SKINS
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
ENTRY FEE TO A RACE OR FITNESS EVENT Give the gift of finish-line glory. Races and marathons often charge an entry fee—pick up the tab for a fitness-minded recipient. Check online for your local runner's club.
MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATES
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/GETTY IMAGES (RUNNERS); GETTY IMAGES (MASSAGE); SHUTTERSTOCK (VEGETABLES, TRAINER, ACUPUNCTURE)
Research has linked rubdowns to decreased pain, better sleep, immunity boosts and more. Massage Envy has locations nationwide—a $49 monthly membership buys one massage a month. At massageenvy.com.
LOCAL CSA MEMBERSHIP Community Supported Agriculture gives your recipient fresh local food, and it gives a boost to nearby farmers. A membership usually covers operation costs and farmer salaries. Find a local CSA at nal. usda.gov.
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS Devotees swear by this traditional Chinese healing practice. Locate a practitioner at Acufinder.com; rates typically range from $60$120 per session.
PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS One-on-one workouts are motivating and keep workouts fresh. Most gyms have trainers on staff, or you can snag a local deal on a flash sale site like Groupon.com.
The
ENVIRONMENTALIST THE URBAN GARDENER
THE ECO-CHIC MAVEN
THE DIY DEVOTEE
The Environmentalist
THE URBAN GARDNER
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
WELLIES, $125 A little mud doesn't have to hold them back. These will keep feet happy and dry. At hunter-boot.com.
MORNING GLORY GLOVES, $28 Help your favorite gardener get down and dirty in style with this sunny floral print. At nybgshop.org.
BIKE PLANTER, $45 With these tiny vessels, green-thumbed cyclists never have to leave their plants behind. At uncommongoods.com.
ORANGE COIN CARVING GARDEN STOOL, $296.67 Give them a pretty perch so they can sit back and admire the fruits of their labor. At belleandjune.com.
The Environmentalist
THE ECO-CHIC MAVEN REUSABLE STACKABLE LUNCH KIT, $22 Throw some home-cooked goodies in there and you're golden. At uncommongoods.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
SALVAGED WOOD WINE RACK, FROM RAIL YARD STUDIOS, $695 A rustic wine rack made from real wood. Now if only they could make wine from water. At railyardstudios.com.
RECYCLED HAND WARMERS, $19.90 Show her you're concerned about both her comfort and the Earth’s. At fairindigo.com.
PULPOP MP3 SPEAKER, $56 This MP3 speaker made almost entirely of paper will be unlike any other electronic they've seen before—and certainly more green. At mollaspace.com.
VALDEZ RECYCLED iPAD CASE, $58 Finally, a sustainable way to carry their favorite gadget. At revealshop.com.
The Environmentalist
THE DIY DEVOTEE DIY iPHONE CASE, $18 Help them stand out from the masses by embroidering their own design. At connectdesign.co.kr.
LETTERPRESS COOKIE CUTTERS, $19.95 Help them make a statement by turning baked goods into handmade messages. At paper-source.com.
THE BRIT KIT, $19.99/MONTH WITH SUBSCRIPTION A monthly delivery filled with crafty supplies and handy instructions for a year's worth of masterpieces. They’ll thank you every month! At brit.com.
KLEIN TOOLS TOTE, $59.99 Every DIY devotee needs a good tool kit. This sturdy bag will hold their hammers, pliers and other instruments necessary to get the job done. At homedepot.com.
LETTERPRESS KIT AND ACCESSORIES, $99.95 FOR LETTERPRESS; $69.95 FOR STARTER KIT Let their inner-craft-lover shine while creating handmade cards and prints. At dailygrommet.com.
CARVE-A-STAMP KIT, $40 Complete with a cutter, carving block and stamp pad, this nifty kit gives them everything they need to carve their very own stamps for cards, gift tags and more. At yellowowlworkshop.com.
The
GEARHEAD
THE GADGET GURU
THE DESIGN-LOVING GEEK
The Gearhead
THE GADGET GURU
THE IDEA FACTORY, $29.95 This book offers a behindthe-scenes look into Bell Labs, where everything from lasers to mobile phones were tested throughout the 20th century. At amazon.com.
TOPLAND ETIQUETTE CHECKER, $59.99 This handy tool will rate the stench of your gadget guru's breath from 1 ("Irresistible") to 6 ("DEATH"). Added bonus: It also tests blood alcohol content. At acgears.com.
SAMSUNG MV900 MULTIVIEW SMART CAMERA, $349.99 This 16.3-megapixel shooter featuring built-in WiFi and an adjustable LCD screen uploads photos straight to Facebook, Flickr, email and more. At samsung.com.
NEST THERMOSTAT, $249 ($199 FOR FIRST INSTALLATION, $25 FOR EACH AFTER) This smart thermostat will remember their daily routine and adjust the temperature accordingly to save energy. At nest.com.
THE FORM 1 HIGH RESOLUTION DESKTOP 3D PRINTER, $2,699 ON KICKSTARTER Ever want to print (yes, print) 3D objects from liquid plastic? This 3D printer from MIT is one of the cheapest on the market. At formlabs.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
The Gearhead
THE DESIGN-LOVING GEEK
NOKIA LUMIA 920, $99.99 WITH 2-YEAR CONTRACT Candy-colored cases meet the eye-catching Windows Phone 8 operating system in Nokia's premier smartphone. At att.com.
JAWBONE JAMBOX WIRELESS SPEAKER, $199.99 This tiny portable wireless speaker gives users super sound, from the palm of their hands. At jawbone.com.
INFORMATION GRAPHICS, $69.99 Don't worry if you find blocks of text daunting. This book is chock-full of gorgeous data visualizations that will delight—and inform. At amazon.com.
DATAMANCER 'DIVINER' KEYBOARD, $500 This hand-stained, wooden keyboard resembles a typewriter, for the wealthy hipster set. At datamancer.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
APPLE iPAD MINI, FROM $329 No gearhead guide would be complete without the latest iPad offering from Apple. The Mini is a third smaller than the fullsized model—compact enough to fit in a stocking. Don't forget to download the free HuffPost Live app! At apple.com.
The
ENTERTAINMENT Fan
THE FILM BUFF
THE MUSIC SNOB
THE COUCH POTATO
THE BOOK WORM
THE COMEDY LOVER
THE CULTURE VULTURE
The Entertainment Fan
THE FILM BUFF
AVATAR 3D (BLU-RAY), $39.99 You might as well add the most popular movie of all time to their collection. And when a picture is as pretty as this, don't skimp on the format. At amazon.com.
ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE MASTERPIECE COLLECTION, $299.98 The winter months are great for catching up on the classics. Help them prepare for Anthony Hopkins' turn as the famed director in Hitchcock by revisiting the master's catalogue. At amazon.com.
TARANTINO XX 8-FILM COLLECTION (BLU-RAY), $119.99 Tarantino is a dual threat: He makes good movies, and he's defined “cool” for a generation. Sure, these films are violent as all hell, but when's the last time you saw Kill Bill? Too long ago. At amazon.com.
BOND 50: THE COMPLETE 22 FILM COLLECTION (BLU-RAY), $299.99 Bond movies range from ultra campy to dark and seductive, and this set enables you to bless the 007 fanatic in your life with all of them at once. Commence arguing over whether or not Daniel Craig is too rugged for the role in 3... 2... 1. At amazon.com.
HARRY POTTER WIZARD'S COLLECTION (BLU-RAY/DVD COMBO), $499.99 This treasure chest is bragging rights in a box. No one will question their obsession with Potter with this in their collection. There's even a Horcrux Locket! At amazon.com.
The Entertainment Fan
THE MUSIC SNOB BEATS BY DRE HEADPHONES, $199.95
Sure, they're trendy, but with great sound quality and a new line of colors to choose from, your music snob will love these Beats Solo HDs. At beatsbydre.com.
MICHAEL JACKSON’S BAD, 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION, $49.98 Now that we're finally done with all that Conrad Murray business, let's get back to the music. This new issue features three CDs and a concert DVD from the Bad tour. At amazon.com.
REGA RP3 TURNTABLE, $1,095 We're told this record player strikes the perfect balance between ease of use and top-line performance. Those Beatles vinyls never sounded so good. At hifiheaven.net.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
THE BEATLES STEREO VINYL BOX SET, $399.99 Beatlemania turned 50 this year, and it's just as strong as ever. This collection is a must-have for any true fan of the Fab Four. At amazon.com.
THE DISINTEGRATION LOOPS BOX SET, $249.99 William Basinski finished these unique tracks on Sept. 10, 2001, and debuted them the next day. Instantly, they became a eulogy for 9/11. At temporaryresidence.com.
PRINCE FROM ANOTHER PLANET ELVIS BOX SET, $34.98 Elvis just lost a Billboard record to Lil Wayne. Show some respect and honor the legacy of the man who brought us “Blue Suede Shoes.” At amazon.com.
The Entertainment Fan
THE COUCH POTATO
DEXTER HEAT SENSITIVE MUG, $16.95 Pour something hot in here and the design on this clever mug turns from simple black and white into a bloodstained mess like the kind TV's favorite killer leaves behind. At store.sho.com.
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER MINIMAL ART PRINT, $12.99 Give them original artwork inspired by their favorite show. Canadian-born designer Nick Morrison also creates prints inspired by Breaking Bad, Mad Men and more. At etsy.com/shop/ designbynickmorrison.
GAME OF THRONES DIREWOLF BOOKENDS, $79.99 Fans of the HBO hit will love these 8-inch-tall bookends displaying the ominous creatures of House Stark's family sigil. At store.hbo.com.
6 Mont hs 47 94
$
APPLE TV, $99
6 MO NTH G IFT C A RD W
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HULU PLUS SUBSCRIPTION, $7.99/MONTH Even couch potatoes have to leave the couch sometime. The streaming subscription service lets them watch their favorite shows on smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and more. At hulu.com.
THE UNOFFICIAL DOWNTON ABBEY COOKBOOK: FROM LADY MARY'S CRAB CANAPES TO MRS. PATMORE'S CHRISTMAS PUDDING, $21.95 This collection of recipes inspired by the Emmy Award-winning series features such delicacies as Crispy Roast Duck with Blackberry Sauce and Tom Branson's Guinness Corned Beef. At amazon.com.
Give them a simple way to stream all the movies and TV shows from their iTunes library to their HDTV. If only deciding what to watch were this easy. At apple.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
The Entertainment Fan
THE BOOK WORM
THE GREAT GATSBY FIRST EDITION T-SHIRT, $28 Your favorite bookworm can proudly display her favorite tome right on her chest. If she thinks The Great Gatsby is too overrated, there are plenty of others to choose from. At outofprintclothing.com.
DROP-CAP REDESIGNED CLASSICS, $22 IKAT PERSONALIZED STATIONERY, $50 FOR 25 CARDS Bookish people appreciate a nice handwritten note and will love this personalized stationery. At hellolucky.com.
MONTBLANC MEISTERSTUCK LE GRAND BALLPOINT PEN, $425 Give your favorite writer something worth writing with! This beautiful pen is sure to inspire the next Jonathan Franzen. At montblanc.com.
These drop-cap classics will add style to any bookshelf with their elegant design. Feel free to judge titles including Jane Eyre and Great Expectations by their covers. At amazon.com.
BOOKS CANDLE, $49 What better way to read a book than by the light of a library-scented candle? At assouline.com.
COLORED DODOCASE FOR J.CREW FOR KINDLE 3, $59.95 If they’ve gone digital, help them look smart and stylish with these chic Kindle cases. At jcrew.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
The Entertainment Fan
THE COMEDY LOVER
SOUTH PARK MONOPOLY, $39.99 Boardwalk? More like BOREDwalk. Monopoly is a lot more fun with a South Park twist. At amazon.com.
PARKS AND RECREATION RON F***ING SWANSON BBQ SAUCE AND APRON, $39.99 The comedy-loving carnivore in your life should know: No one knows BBQ better than Ron Swanson. At nbcuniversalstore.com.
JIM GAFFIGAN: MR. UNIVERSE, $14.98 Listen, laugh and thank the lord you don't live in a two-bedroom NYC apartment with five children. At amazon.com.
WE KILLED: THE RISE OF WOMEN IN AMERICAN COMEDY, $27 This book is perfect for any funny female (or anyone who still thinks women aren't funny). At amazon.com.
THE ONION BOOK OF KNOWN KNOWLEDGE, $29.99 Everything you've ever wanted to know about anything, from the editors of The Onion. At amazon.com.
STEVE MARTIN: THE TELEVISION STUFF DVD, $34.93 This three-disc collection featuring the funnyman's early comedy specials and clips from Saturday Night Live is perfect for the wild and crazy guy in your life. At amazon.com.
The Entertainment Fan
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
THE CULTURE VULTURE JEAN-LUC GODARD'S WEEKEND, $39.95 Godard's stunning 1967 film, just released in the Criterion Collection, will make you want to ditch your bourgeois life and become a revolutionary cannibal. Almost. At amazon.com
GUSTAV KLIMT: THE COMPLETE PAINTINGS, $200 For Klimt's 150th birthday, check out the intoxicating complete collection from the artist who famously noted, “all art is erotic.” At taschen.com.
R. CRUMB: SKETCHBOOKS 1982-2011, $1,000 The underground comic and gifted dirty old man handpicks his finest unsavory doodles. At taschen.com.
BOMB MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION, $22/YEAR FOR PRINT AND DIGITAL Creative people interviewing other creative people— what's not to love? At bombsite.com.
URBAN OUTFITTERS LOMOGRAPHY DIANA + DREAMER CAMERA, $65 Help them turn their favorite gutter, bodega or fast food joint into ethereal eye candy with the click of a hipster camera button. At urbanoutfitters.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
MODERN ARCHITECTURE GAME, $78 Put your favorite art fan's inner modernist to the test with the architect's board game of choice. At nbm.org.
The
DO-GOODER
THE FAIR TRADE FANATIC
THE PHILANTHROPIST
The Do-Gooder
THE FAIR TRADE FANATIC
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
FAIR TRADE LEATHER DOG COLLAR & LEASH SET, $63 Your favorite fido will be the most stylish pooch at the dog park with this collar and leash set handmade by fair trade artisans in Peru. At connectedgoods.com.
RECYCLED MAGAZINE MESSENGER BAG, $56 This funky and highly functional bag is handmade by Cambodian mothers whose income from their craft helped them get their children off the streets and send them to school. At globalgoodspartners.org.
BOX LANTERN, $14.95 Any room can have a romantic glow with these gorgeous lanterns made by artisans in India using recycled glass. At greenheartshop.org.
FAIR TRADE SOCCER BALLS, $45 Afghan women from the social network DOSTI, meaning “friendship� in Dari, hand-stitched these soccer balls, which bear DOSTI's signature doves in flight pattern. At globalgoodspartners.org.
FREEDOM SCARVES, $50 Cambodian women who survived modern-day slavery wove these vibrant silk scarves. Proceeds help the nonprofit Somaly Mam Foundation work to end slavery around the world. At empowermentstore.org.
The Do-Gooder
THE PHILANTHROPIST
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
EQUALITY ILLINOIS TRUMAN TEE, $30 This extra-soft T-shirt features the logo of Equality Illinois, a group that fights for LGBT rights. 51% of proceeds benefit the organization. At fashioningchange.com.
GIVING KEYS NECKLACE, $35 Made by the homeless using old keys, these unique pendants are inscribed with messages such as “peace” or “courage.” The recipient must give it away at some point to someone who needs the message. At thegivingkeys.com.
SAME SKY FABRIC WRAPS, $40 These bracelets are made of Rwandan fabric and decorated with hand-blown glass beads. Proceeds help provide employment to HIVpositive women in Africa. At sameskyshop.com.
PLATE WITH PURPOSECITY HARVEST, $50 This custom-designed plate re-imagines the New York City skyline with forks and spoons. $10 from every purchase goes to City Harvest, an organization that works to feed the hungry. At uncommongoods.com.
JELLYCAT STUFFED TOYS, $17.99 - $58 From Cordy Roy Dino to Bashful Black & Cream Puppy, these plush stuffed animals are sure to bring smiles. $1 out of every $5 from the sale goes to any cause of your choice. At giftsthatgive.com.
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
POP CULTURE
How to Give
LIKE A CELEBRITY
Jay-Z and Beyonce may give each other jets and cars, but come the holidays, even celebs need gift advice. Huffington has a few suggestions. ILLUSTRATIONS BY STANLEY CHOW
PRINCE WILLIAM TO KATE MIDDLETON: A ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT So she’ll be safe from even the most insensitive prying eyes.
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POP CULTURE
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
BARACK OBAMA TO HILLARY CLINTON: 2016 CALENDAR
Perhaps she’ll want to do some long-term planning...
TAYLOR SWIFT TO MILEY CYRUS: A BRA
SHUTTERSTOCK (BRA)
One phrase we’d like to banish in 2013: side boob.
SURI CRUISE TO SHILOH JOLIE-PITT: SURI'S BURN BOOK: WELL-DRESSED COMMENTARY FROM HOLLYWOOD'S LITTLE SWEETHEART She may have moved across the country, but Suri can still give Shiloh fashion tips worthy of Vogue Kids. If that were a thing.
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POP CULTURE
DEMI MOORE TO ASHTON KUTCHER: A JET PACK
LANCE ARMSTRONG TO HIS FANS: ‘I’M SORRY’ BOUQUET
The former Mrs. Kutcher could use a creative way to get rid of her ex.
Perhaps they’ll understand?
ANDY RYAN/STONE SUB/GETTY IMAGES (JETPACK); SHUTTERSTOCK (BRACELETS)
JAY-Z TO BLUE IVY: A TASER
Lucky though this kid may be, she’s still going to need some protection.
LADY GAGA TO DONATELLA VERSACE: GOLD-PLATED FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS Definitely better than a meat necklace.
ROBERT PATTINSON TO KRISTEN STEWART: THE TIME MACHINE BY H.G. WELLS “Oh, R-Patz. If only we could go back in time.”
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TINY TREASURES
How to Give
GETTY IMAGES
GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS Stocking stuffers don’t have to be the unappreciated afterthought of the season. From the world’s greatest chocolate bars to soap that cleans up the Gulf, these pocket-sized presents pleasantly surprise. BY THERESA D’ANGELO AND KATE PALMER
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
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TINY TREASURES
SOLITAIRE DECK OF CARDS,
2-CARAT CUP,
THE HANDS-FREE OVER-EAR BOOK LIGHT,
SHUFFLE CALENDAR,
LAFRESH TRAVEL NAIL POLISH REMOVER, $7.95
MAST BROTHERS CHOCOLATE BARS,
FROM $40 FOR 5 BARS
POCKET IQ CARDS,
BIRD PROJECT SOAP,
BIKE CHAIN BOTTLE OPENER,
EVERLASTING TEA BAG,
$20
JOHN KUCZALA
$24.95
TRACEY TANNER LEATHER POUCH, $45
$15.95
CLICK EACH PRODUCT FOR MORE INFORMATION
$32
$24.95
$8
FAIL STAMP, $5.95
$12
$25
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TRAVEL
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
How to Give
COURTESY OF SEDONA ENCHANTMENT RESORT
YOUR FAVORITE PLACE
Plan to do your holiday shopping from a hotel gift shop? Only if your friends are really into shot glasses and tiny packets of Advil. Or, unless you plan to be at some of the best hotels in the world, whose shops double as well-curated boutiques. Herewith, proof you can give your loved ones the world. BY MELANIE NAYER
Travelers flock to Sedona for its "vortex," which many believe has various magical powers. It's fitting, then, that the Mii amo spa boutique at Sedona Enchantment Resort sells a variety of locally produced items, each one infused with a bit of mythical mystery. Our pick: the Mii amo Facial Line. From $20.
525 Boynton Canyon Rd., Sedona, AZ 86336 928-203-8500
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FROM TOP: COURTESY OF HOTEL BEL AIR; COURTESY OF THE DORCHESTER
TRAVEL
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
Honoring Hotel Bel Air’s famous swan lake, the luxury hotel sells specially-designed swan cufflinks exclusively at the hotel gift shop, the Boutique Pavilion. An ideal gift for the fashionable man in your life. The cufflinks come in white, blue and gold. $189.
701 Stone Canyon Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90077 310-472-1211
The Dorchester in London teamed up with British fashion designer duo Teatum Jones to create a printed silk scarf, which is inspired by the architecture, history and elegance of the storied hotel. £245 (about $380).
53 Park Ln. London, Greater London W1K 1QA, UK 020-7629-8888
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TRAVEL
At Paris' famous Hôtel Plaza Athénée, a leather jewel case in the hotel's signature red color makes a luxurious gift. It's the ideal splurge for storing her Tiffany diamond necklace and Akoya pearl earrings. €500 (about $649).
FROM TOP: COURTESY OF HOTEL PLAZA ATHENEE; COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON AMELIA ISLAND
25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France; 01-53-67-66-65
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island's SALT Boutique (named for the numerous salt marshes in the area) offers more than 40 salt selections from around the world. Citrus, black garlic, rosemary, and chocolate are the most popular, and there are always seasonal flavors. From $8.
4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, FL 32034 904-557-2043
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
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DIY WRAPPING
How to Give
A GORGEOUS GIFT
What do you get when you combine paint chips, yarn and sheet music? A terrible symphony, perhaps. But also three inspired ways to wrap up all those thoughtful gifts without dropping even more cash. BY SHANA ECKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY WENDY GEORGE
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DIY WRAPPING SHEET MUSIC Wrapping up a token for a music lover? Try using vintage sheet music in place of traditional paper and embellishing it with a little bell or a guitar pick. These pages are also great to line envelopes for your holiday cards. Just trace the shape of the flap onto the paper, cut it out and stick with doublesided tape. Other bold options: Old maps, foreign-language books and antique cookbooks.
YARN
Wrap colorful yarn several times around your gift, taping it securely on the bottom. Then wrap a contrasting color across the package in the other direction, weaving it over and under the first piece of yarn to create a pretty basket effect. This looks intricate, but it only takes minutes, we promise. PAINT CHIPS Most of us have a few paint chips leftover from our last home improvement project, and these are perfect to add a splash of color to a simply wrapped gift. To create a fabulous paint chip bow, just bend the strips in half, forming loops, and tape the ends to the center of the gift in a radiating circle. Alternate and overlap with additional loops, trimming the ends shorter as you get to the center.
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PHILANTHROPY
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
How to
GIVE BACK
There’s no better gift to give at the holidays than one that improves the lot of others. If giving back is your kind of giving, have a look at both new and tried-and-true charities doing their part to make the world a bit better. BY
COURTESY OF HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
JESSICA PROIS AND THERESA D'ANGELO
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL This organization provides struggling families around the world with animals ranging from cows to goats, so they can provide food for themselves. Learn more at heifer.org.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
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FROM TOP: COURTESY OF IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS OF AMERICA; COURTESY OF WOMAN2WOMAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION; COURTESY OF LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
PHILANTHROPY
IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS OF AMERICA Help the men and women who return home from battle lead successful lives. IAVA provides health, employment, education and community resources to veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Visit iava.org.
IT GETS BETTER: This worldwide movement has inspired more than 50,000 people to create videos letting LGBT and other bullied teens understand that life does get better. Donations help raise awareness as well as fund suicide prevention and anti-bullying programs. Visit itgetsbetter.org.
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY Thanks to this Wisconsin nonprofit, miniature book depots resembling large birdhouses are popping up in front yards, parks and shopping areas from Pittsburgh to Pakistan, inviting folks to take or donate a book. Find one near you or start your own by visiting littlefreelibrary.org.
WOMAN2WOMAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Woman2Woman promotes the early detection of breast cancer and provides financial assistance and support resources to victims of the disease. Visit w2wbcf.org.
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PHILANTHROPY
ANDREW BURTON/GETTY IMAGES
TUNNEL TO TOWERS HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF FUND Donations to this fund are assisting residents of Staten Island and New Jersey hardest hit by the superstorm. Learn more at tunneltotowers.org. You can also help the Red Cross provide shelter, food and other assistance to those in affected areas by donating at redcross.org.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
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PHILANTHROPY
FROM TOP: COURTESY OF IT GETS BETTER; COURTESY OF CHILD'S PLAY
IT GETS BETTER This worldwide movement has inspired more than 50,000 people to create videos letting LGBT and other bullied teens know that life does get better. Donations help raise awareness as well as fund suicide prevention and anti-bullying programs. Visit itgetsbetter.org.
CHILD'S PLAY This charity provides kids in hospitals with video games, toys and books. You can give a cash donation or give products to specific hospitals by choosing from their Amazon wishlists. Visit childsplaycharity.org.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF FORECLOSED UPON PETS; COURTESY OF DRESS FOR SUCCESS; COURTESY OF INVISIBLE PEOPLE
PHILANTHROPY
FORECLOSED UPON PETS
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
INVISIBLE PEOPLE
The recession has been rough on pets, too. This group rescues animals who have been ditched by their owners due to foreclosure or other financial trouble and finds them new homes. Donate at forecloseduponpets.org.
This organization offers disadvantaged women professional clothing and career development tools to help them become economically independent. Learn more at dressforsuccess.org.
Homeless people find a voice on Invisible People, a platform that tells their stories through videos posted on the organization's website, Facebook and other sites. Learn more at invisiblepeople.tv/blog.
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
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APPROVAL
Appy Holidays WE COULD ALL use a little help with our gift lists on the go. Instead of asking Siri, look to these apps to navigate your holiday shopping. That is, after you’ve exhausted this gift guide from Huffington. BY KATE PALMER
SHOPKICK (IPHONE, ANDROID)
SHOP SAVVY (IPHONE, ANDROID, WINDOWS)
SNAPTELL (IPHONE, ANDROID)
You think you should get rewarded just for venturing out during the holidays, right? So does Shopkick. Get points, or “kicks,” by walking into your favorite stores.
Sure, there are other barcode-scanning apps out there to save you money. But Shop Savvy is fast, extensive and lets you add your own. Don’t overthink this one.
This app works the way your brain does. Snap a photo of any media product—book cover, DVD, etc.—and it looks up the online and in-person prices and reviews.
CHART SOURCE: APPLE; DATA AS OF 11/12/12
PRICE: FREE
PRICE: FREE
PRICE: FREE
SMOOPA (IPHONE, ANDROID)
GOODGUIDE (IPHONE, ANDROID)
GILT (IPHONE, IPAD, ANDROID, BLACKBERRY)
Smoopa randomly rewards users at local shops for comparison shopping with their scanner. In other words, you can shop local and still save.
Shop with your values. Search a product’s impact on the earth, your health, and society, just by using the scanner. Think toys, beauty products and clothing.
The mother of all luxury flash sale sites has a mobile app that will not only help you wrap up holiday shopping, but also tempt you to play Santa for yourself.
PRICE: FREE
PRICE: FREE
PRICE: FREE
ITUNES TOP FREE LIFESTYLE APPS
1
BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING REINVENT HOLDINGS, INC.
Get a head start on the crowds for holiday shopping with this app that tracks Black Friday ads, your wishlists and sales from more than 1,200 retailers.
2
TARGET TARGET
3
AMAZON MOBILE AMZN MOBILE, LLC
4
WALGREENS WALGREEN CO.
5
EBAY EBAY, INC.
6
GROUPON GROUPON, INC.
7
WOOT WOOT MOBILE, LLC
8
LIVING SOCIAL HUNGRY MACHINE INC.
9
ETSY ETSY, INC.
10
APPLE STORE APPLE INC.
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
01
COURTESY OF DEMETER FRAGRANCE; COURTESY OF MIRRORGEAR; COURTESY OF KOOKIK; COURTESY OF UNDER-UPS; COURTESY OF TRENDY TOP
TFU BY DAVID MOYE
FUNERAL HOME FRAGRANCE, FROM $6 The stiffs in your life will appreciate a
scent with notes of floral arrangements, mahogany and newly vacuumed carpet. At demeterfragrance.com.
3
D Dog LampOops, $150 The key to this lamp is the switch. You have to step in dog poop to turn it on. At kookik.com.
2
MirrorGear, $14.99
The trouble with rearview mirrors is they don’t reflect the driver’s personality—until now. At mirrorgear.com.
4
UnderUps, $19.95
These suspenders fit under the shirt so he’ll get the pantshoisting function minus the nerdy form. At suspenders.com.
05
Trendy Top, $10 This modified half-skirt, halfshirt hides the skin they don’t want to show. At gettrendytop.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HUFFINGTON 11.18.12
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06
COURTESY OF CANBEGLOBAL; COURTESY OF QCIDIRECT.COM; COURTESY OF COOLER FUN; COURTESY OF CHEESEHEAD BED; COURTESY OF TVSTOREONLINE.COM
TFU
CanBeGlobal, 25.99€ (about $33) Can’t afford to buy them plane tickets? Give them Paris in a can. At eshop. canbeglobal.com.
9
CHEESE BED, $799-$1,399
Any fan of the Packers, Wisconsin or cheese will melt when they see this. At cheeseheadbed.com.
8
Wine Rack Stealth Cooler Bra, $29.99
Help her get her drink on and fill out her holiday sweater at the same time with this boozeholding bra. At bigkitchen.com.
7
BARKING ALARM SECURITY BAR, $32.99
Watch dogs are a hassle. This security bar is a cheaper alternative: Push the door, an angry canine recording goes nuts. At qcidirect.com.
10
Christmas Story ‘Bunny Suit,’ $59.99 This adult version of Ralphie’s bunny suit will have them set for their next Furry convention. At tvstoreonline.com.
Editor-in-Chief:
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