LIFE & STYLE
Holiday Gift Guide 2021
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate—decorating trees, lighting menorahs, sharing mega-feasts or reveling in intimate gatherings—the tradition of gift-giving will always be an intrinsic part of the season that sparkles with good cheer. Gifting promises to be even more important now, as we reunite with family and friends who were relegated to Skype and Zoom a year ago. I hope you’ll join me in blending the time-honored with the unorthodox to enchant everyone on your nice—and what the heck, naughty, too—list!
If you’ve a sports fanatic on your list, think Thuzio, a membership gateway to exclusive experiential sports/events featuring pros like Christian McCaffrey and legends like Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen. Eight to 20 events per month (in-person or virtual), are on tap, many in the tri-state area. Info: thuzio.com
He may not have created Kross Studio’s Star Wars™ Collectible Watch Winder, but Darth Vader’s spirit inhabits this dramatic, Bluetooth enabled sculpture. Inspired by DV’s TIE Advance X1 Starfighter, this limited-edition winding capsule is definitely 2021’s ultimate Star Wars splurge. Info:kross.studio.com
Love Metallica? Love aged whiskey? Love the idea of merging hard rock with the hard stuff? Enter sonic enhancement BlackNoise, harnessing vibrations from Metallica music to enhance the taste of Blackened American Whiskey. The best only got better. For more on-topic details visit the website: Info: blackenedwhiskey.com
Customization is key at Cleverman, where zeroing in on the perfect at-home color for hair and/or beards is a smart and simple process. Made-to-order, from tools to organic products to timing and technique for an awesomely natural grand reveal to friends and family (just in time for the holidays!).
Info: becleverman.com
I dated a rock guitarist once, and if Fender’s Mustang Micro personal amp were around then, he would have sold his ponytail to get his hands on one. Pocket-sized yet packed with tones. Plug it directly into your guitar, connect to a pair of wired headphones and let her rip. at home or on the road.
Info: fender.com
Even if your guy says he couldn’t care less, his subtext reads: “I want to look put together with minimal effort.” Pendleton’s Camp Stripe Lambswool Henley Sweater (based on the company’s iconic camp blankets) fits the bill, offering your devil-may-care dude the kind of go-to look he’ll love. Info: pendleton-usa.com
Originally offered for Father’s Day, California Crafted’s diverse collection of guy goodies has a heat launch point of “spicy” (Giddy Up Nuts), topping out at “medium-hot” (Char Man Verde Hot Sauce). As for Makabi & Sons Oaxaca Chocolate Shortbread cookies—the tangy “after-bite” is transcendent!
Info: californiacrafted.com
In conjunction with a new pair of high-tops, or as a stand-alone present for a sneaker “survivalist,” Gentlemen’s Hardware’s Sneaker Cleaning Kit will be a welcome addition to any athlete, gym member or casual stroller’s holiday haul. Retro tin holds all you need to give fresh life to elderly sneaks. Info: gentlemenshardware.com
Is there a secret art to finding a cool-looking belt that doesn’t fall down on the job? I thought so until I discovered Ellany Belts. Equine-inspired metal buckles – gold, black, silver -- couple with stretchable belt patterns or solids for a singular look that translates to a beautifully bulge-free silhouette. Info: ellany.com
Seriously, a quarterly bonanza of full-sized, intensely effective skincare solutions curated by dermatologist Dr Ava Shamban. The Box by Dr Ava is a revelation of pure ingredients, face-savers and the unique, like Fall Box’s Ebony Mala meditation beads. Next up, Winter wonderful!
Info: theboxbydrava.com
They’re billed as “2 in 1”, which they are, but Modzori’s Reversible Jada Clogs, with their bootie gestalt – especially when you shift to the faux shearling side – are a fashion statement that defies competition. And don’t get me started on Modzori’s comfort level: profoundly wow.
Info: modzori.com
As the weather plays havoc with body temps, it’s time to surrender to Jill Martin’s Oversized Plush Sherpa Lounger Hoodie from G.I.L.I. Winners of the holiday gift lottery will adore this indoor/outdoor wrap, from its ribbed thumb-holed cuffs to its myriad color/print options.
Info: www.qvc.com
Sparkle with a retro point of view was clearly the mindset behind this Vintage Ruby and Diamond Pendant created by Shane Co. I don’t get swept away easily, but this stunner left me in a puddle of “please, please, please” for the holidays. Minor splurge, major pay-off! Info: shaneco.com
Initially, I was thinking “stocking stuffer”, but DefenAge’s 100% Natural Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, with its luxe personality and A+ packaging, rates primo presentation. The luxury fabric jettisons wrinkles and bad hair, all while sugarplums and/or dreidels dance in her head.
Info: defenage.com
The marbled design reminiscent of posh book endpapers, seduced my eye. Then came the color palate -- ivory, shades of turquoise, smatterings of deep peach. Grey Bandit’s Katie Top: all kinds of super-soft sexy sans bra, yet holiday discreet when layered. Color me smitten.
Info: greybandit.com
Lipstick, ID, cash, keys and done. Her Orb Mini Bags, by Kuwaiti-designer Sarah S., are redefining red-carpet chic with Lilliputian wherewithal. Mirror is built-in; chain is detachable, and styles range from double-sided denim to glam Metallic Nova to a colorful duo—one red/one pink. Info: herorb.com
Not your big sister’s stretch & squish slime 101, for sure. The latest in slime nirvana is wildly ingenious, offering slime fanatics everything it takes, including a mini mic, to “capture amazing slime sounds.” The source? Compound Kings A.S.M.R. Sensory Tubs. Included, too, are snow, beads, cookie cutters & more! Info: wecooltoys.com
Scrap the DeLorean, travelling back the future, I’d want lightning speed and a semi’s worth of 21st-century bells and whistles. And LumiTEK™ R/C – Neon Giant would be my prototype. Mondo in every sense, this big boy comes with a .4 GHz 1/10 scale remote control, customizable chassis, and multi-colored neon lighting options.
Info:wecooltoys.com
Magnetic connectivity may be the colorful nuts and bolts of Magformers, but dedication to Edu-Play is what gives the company’s toys their creative edge. For ages 3+, Magformers Backyard Adventure Set promises to be a hot item this holiday season. Familiar shapes are joined by a slide, seesaw, Minibot, Maggie, Max, and inspiration galore!
Info: magformers.com
While mini in size, make no mistake, Loog Mini Acoustic Guitars are real deal instruments, just designed to accommodate to young finger placement. And thanks to flashcards and the free Loog app (video lessons/tuner/classic and contemporary songbook), it’s just a matter of time before the rockstar in your little one is jamming center stage.
Info: loogguitars.com
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone may have introduced kids to Wizard Chess, but it took LEGO to make it a reality—okay, without total destruction, but still. For HP fans, LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Wizard Chess set not only captures the look of the pieces from the movie, but it also includes minifigures of key characters and collectible card tiles. Brilliant! Info: lego.com
Ready to accompany a budding young dancer to Lincoln Center for “The Nutcracker,” prima Ballerina Rabbit, Kate by Teddykompaniet is the epitome of grace, with a fashion sense to match tulle tutu flecked with gold, and matching slippers and crown. Most importantly, this BFF to be is also the epitome of softness. Brava, Kate, brava! Info: triactiontoys.com
Possibly the hottest toy resurrection ever (thanks to co-creator/Henson alum, Tim Clarke), this new siege of grotesquely irresistible Boglins, introduced in 1987, have slithered back to hand-puppet life. Just in for the holiday: kings Vlobb and Dwork, snarling and primed to deliver gross-out havoc at the hands of monster-loving kids everywhere.
Info: triactiontoys.com
Since receiving iPlay, iLearn Flynoculars, my pre-school nephew has proclaimed himself a pilot, birdwatcher, and explorer – one who rarely leaves the house without his airplane-shaped binoculars around his neck. With a cool cache of DIY stickers, he’s personalized them and once summer hits, for sure he’ll put the fan feature to good use. Info: iplayilearntoys.com
