Gift Guide

It’s getting down to the wire for sure, but it’s not too late to get a few of your favorite things delivered in time for Christmas- or, maybe New Year.:) Here’s a few of my picks for gifting this season…

FOOD.

I know. We don’t have enough to eat, already, right? It’s like there’s a big conspiracy to pack 20 pounds on all of us right before the spring thaw. But with some of these tempting treats, I’m a willing co-conspirator, baby. Believe me when I say, just send these to yourself. Or send your Hubs this list. Tell him you want them all, and you’ll wear a scanty Santa outfit to Christmas Dinner with his family if he gets them. You’ll be in like Flynn.

Silver Moon Ice Cream and Sorbets: www.silvermoondesserts.com : Ships in dry ice, starts at $30.

For Adults Only! This tasty concoction both hits your ice cream spot and soothes your jangled Holiday nerves with alcohol. That’s right, someone finally figured it out! I’ve tried the Spiced Pear, Cranberry Chambord, and Bourbon Vanilla, and all I can say is, AMAZING. If this were the only ice cream in the world, I think we’d all be very happy dairy addicts.

The Holiday Gift Pack includes:

- Cranberry-Chambord Sorbet: festive cranberry with a hint of Chambord liqueur

- Frangelico with Cocoa Nibs Ice Cream: hazelnut ice cream laced with Frangelico liqueur and freckled with crunchy little cocoa bits

- And, for the kiddies: velvety vanilla ice cream sprinkled with red and green peppermint bark bits – no liqueur.

Handpresso Handheld Espresso Machine: http://www.handpresso.com/ : $89, on sale at Dean and Deluca, Target, and Amazon

For those moments when Starbucks are more then 20 feet apart- and they do happen! There’s Handpresso. So crucial, I had it overnighted to me on vacation in a non-espresso friendly zone. Never get caught with a caffeine withdrawal headache again. The Handpresso will quickly become indispensable for vacations, camping trips, or while hiding in the bathroom from your small children. All you need is an espresso pod, a cup, and hot water, and you’re back in the mix, sister.

Joel Durand Chocolate, San Remy, France: http://www.chocolat-durand.com/fr/ : Prices and shipping vary

My parents brought this back from France, forever dooming me to a lifetime of paying a fortune in Euros for shipping. Currently not imported anywhere in America, but unthinkable to not have once yo’ve tasted it. Joel Durand, a chocolatier in the Provence region of France, created an “Alphabet De Saveurs”- an Alphabet to Savor- in chocolate. And oh, you will savor it. From the dark chocolate with orange to the black chocolate with szechwan pepper, you will never be the same cocoa girl again. The bar has been obliterated.

Drawbacks:

- You have to use Google Translate to order, and shipping is not cheap.

- But, bulk up your order, and it’s worth it. Some things just are.

San Francisco Cookie Company: http://www.sanfranciscocookie.com/ : Small gift box starts at $44.95

These award winning all-natural gourmet cookies are made using premium ingredients including whole grains, heart healthy oats, organic dairy, and loaded with chocolate. The result? A cookie beyond the ordinary – whether a gift for you or someone else, these are a distinctive choice that won’t soon be forgotten.

FAM ON THE GO.

Just because you’ve got a few little rugrats doesn’t mean you never feel the urge for a road trip…and it’s necessary every now and then, or Grandma’s going to come looking for you! Here’s my hottest picks for putting some miles on the car this holiday season, while keeping the grey out of your hair.

——————–

Zoobies: www.zoobies.com $25.00 and up, personalization available

These sweet little plush creatures mean a piece of familiarity wherever your child needs to lay his or her head. The head is a soft, cuddly pillow, while the body holds a surprise – a large blanket, just the right size for a snooze on the go. Anyone who’s seen a cranky, overtired baby at the airport can see why a soothing sleep cue is just what the doctor ordered for travel. Bonus: Can also be used as a germ shield/cushion in shopping carts, then tossed n the wash. Comes in a variety of animal styles, each arriving with their own unique name.

V-Moda Faze Noise Cancelling Headphones: http://www.v-moda.com/headphones/faze.aspx $49.99

For those times Mommy just needs to go hide in the hotel bathroom and rock out for a minute – and her boss calls for a 3 pm conference call at the same time. Faze incorporates a hands-free microphone and call/music control button that allows users to conveniently transition from talking on the phone to bumping to their favorite beats. And this is not your Mama’s 45 gramaphone: Faze offers a signature sound, highlighting deep yet precise bass levels, while  special soft  silicone helps reduce the outside noise (Hey, sometimes you HAVE to tune it out unless someone’s bleeding.)  Universally compatible with iPhone, iPod, latest BlackBerry Smartphones, MP3, CD, DVD, and computers. Go on, treat yourself – or, buy them for your husband and let them get “Lost” in the wash- only to mysteriously turn up in your gym bag.

Poketo Travel Journal: www.poketo.com $24.00

For all those things you don’t want to forget, but know you will. Because sometimes, low-tech is the way to go on a trip. Ever roll up to the airport check in, go to pull up your reservation number from your email, and realize your Iphone is dead? (Not that that’s a familiar scenario to me- cough cough.) That won’t happen with this baby. Something about the heavy chipboard and the vintage styling reminds me of when travel was elegant instead of a cattle call. When the steamer trunk ruled over the rolling suitcase. Oh. And did I mention it’s useful? It sports a pocket to save your tickets, receipts, etc., pre-planning section with a packing check-list, and a detailed day by day itinerary. I’m feeling more organized just thinking about it! We Gift it or ask for it.

Dadgear: www.dadgear.com $82 and up

You know how you’re always the one carting the kid stuff around? Give your husband the gift of not having to carry your Coach bag when your shoulder gives out. These retro-sleek bags by Dadgear are hip enough for any dude to want to carry just for fun but have a multitude of  baby-friendly features that render them truly unique. One of my personal favorites: the built in wipes case. That’s right, kids. No more fumbling in the bottom of your bag, while trying to keep your kid from smearing…um, stufff…all over his back while writhing on a gas station changing table. The hinge swings open, and bam. Wipes! In case you have bag envy, they also make a mama line called DaisyGear.

ECOlunchbox: www.ecolunchboxes.com $45 for full kit

Great for avoiding fast food runs on the road, or sending to school or the office everyday. ECOlunchbox is 100% plastic-free, waste-free, lead-free, BPA-free, PVC-free and vinyl-free. Whoa! What’s not to like? Comes with a lunchbag, a stainless steel food container, three matching napkins and a bamboo spork. The handmade ECOlunchbag is machine washable and 100% cotton. Tucked inside the bag is a two-tier stainless steel food container, independently tested as lead-free and made from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel. So the next time you’re making time on the highway and hear “Moooooooommmmmm! I’m hungry Nooooooooooow!” from the backseat, you’ll have an alternative to feel good about. Or, you could keep it for yourself.:)

The Jimi: www.thejimi.com $14.95

Billed as “The Wallet For People Who Hate Wallets”, the Jimi is a lifestyle revolution. Perfect for those who like to travel light, this low-profile sweetie holds five cards and a money clip. It’s hard plastic, water resistant, and can be clipped to a carabineer and tucked away for safety. Bring only what you need for travel, and minimize the risk and inconvenience of other cards being lost or stolen. Plus, it’s cool. Comes in a wide range of colors, now including camo! This is a gift that will win you cool points for sure.

Goody Green Bags: www.goodygreenbags.com $9.95 for 1, reduced multiple pricing

You know all that stuff you gather on trips, but have no way to get home? Look no further. Throw a couple of these bad boys in your duffle on the way out of town,and you’re golden. Goody Green bags fold down to the size of an envelope, and maintain their neatly packaged shape when folded. But open ‘em up, and Shazam! A sturdy, re-usuable bag  (that’s supercute!) to drag your travel booty home. Or, your groceries  from Trader Joe’s, whatever strikes your fancy. And with their sampler  package deals, you can afford to trick out your eco-style. Also a great option for gift packaging during the holidays- Something they’ll  use again! And it’s made from non-woven polypropylene – a coated, water resistant material that is light-weight, durable, fire resistant, water resistant, washable and recyclable. Who wouldn’t like to get that?