For the Foodie:
Sometimes the most dedicated foodies have small kitchens and a need for cooking products that do big jobs in tiny spaces. Enter the Swiss Diamond XD Classic Nonstick Double-Burner Grill/Griddle Combination, a workhorse that combines two popular and versatile home appliances, the electric griddle and the grill.
Pancakes can be cooked on the griddle, right next to bacon and sausage on the grill – all on the stove top. The extra thick, cast aluminum body will not warp over time, and provides extremely even heat distribution, ensuring no hot spots on the pan and the rivet-free cooking surface provides maximum protection against bacteria build up.
The Swiss Diamond XD nonstick coating features a significantly improved seal between the cooking surface of the pan and the aluminum base, creating a more durable and more corrosion resistant layer.
Though the pan is dishwasher safe, clean up is simple as a soft soapy sponge and a rinse of warm water. It is oven safe, up to 500 degrees and can be used on the following cooktops: Gas, electric, radiant ring, ceramic and halogen. MSRP $229.95
DiamoTech 9.5” Fry Pan. Every kitchen needs a workhorse non-stick fry pan, and DiamoTech has one for just $19.99. Made from aluminum and coated with diamond-infused ceramic, the pan cooks evenly and thoroughly, providing non-stick cooking performance without using PFOA/PTFE/PFOS , chemicals that may put home cooks at risk of health issues. The pan is dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 500°. The ergonomic handle stays cool to the touch.
Many kitchens (mine included) house a hodge podge of beaten up baking pans, some probably long past their prime. So now, the perfect gift for bakeware-challenged kitchens: the Farberware® Colorvive™ 4-Piece Nonstick Bakeware. These sturdy steel pans with quilted cook surfaces resist warping, heat evenly, and allow easy food release and quick cleanup. And, they bring a fresh pop of color to any kitchen.
The pans have durable rolled edges with dual handles prevent warping and are easy to grasp; nonstick interior surface that allows easy food release and quick cleanup; sturdy steel construction that delivers even heat distribution for even browning and a quilted surface that promotes airflow for balanced baking. The set includes: two 9″ round cake pans, a 9″ x 13″ cake pan and a 10″ x 15″ cookie pan. The pans are oven safe to 450 degrees F and are dishwasher safe, though hand-washing is recommended. MSRP 29.99. (However, the pans frequently go on sale at Macy’s and other retailers.)
Every kitchen deserves at least one cast-iron skillet, and the Ayesha Curry 10-inch Cast-Iron Square Grill Pan with Pour Spouts is as attractive as it is functional. Constructed of sturdy virgin cast-iron, it is easy to handle and ideal for cooking on any surface, including gas and induction. The skillet has a solid main handle and a smaller helper handle. The black enamel on the pan’s interior is great for searing and browning and the raised ridges on the cooking surface impresses appetizing grill marks and keeps excess fat away from food. It is oven safe to 500°F. Hand wash. The pan is available at many retailers, including Bed, Bath & Beyond. MSRP $34.99
For the Techie
For the techie who never has enough outlets to charge multiple electronics, the ChargeHub X5 Elite E3005 would be a welcome gift.
Features included: The ability to charge up to 6 devices simultaneously; wireless charging that offers up to 5W of power for a fast charge; Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ to charge devices fast; 1 Type-C power delivery port to provide more power and greater flexibility to charge large devices such as tablets and laptops; universal compatibility that provides an optimal charge for virtually any device. Total power: 64W
It is available in black, navy blue, light blue, grey, purple, and white—and has a soft matte finish that resist scuffs and fingerprints. MSRP $79.99
For some tech fun, check out the hot new BoneHeads iSmart Audio Glasses, BoneHeads IPro 1080, and the ultimate tech indulgence–BoneHeads 4K Pro. Made and assembled in America, this wearable wireless hands-free gadget, the newest line for AVIwear, is a fun gift for the holidays.
The product line of wearable electronic technology is integrated into sunglasses, goggles, helmets and other accessories that seamlessly connect with your Smartphone or computer.
It’s the perfect gift for everyone!
For the Home
Who doesn’t need a cozy blanket for snuggling on those cold winter nights? The blankets from Ecuadane are not only beautiful and warm, they also do some good in the world.
The traditional South American designs are married with simple Nordic style Ultra-soft quality and of a generous size. The blankets are made mainly of recycled textile fibers and soft alpaca wool by Ecuadorian Otavaleños, with respect for the environment. They come with a lifetime warranty.
This family-run business offers the environmentally conscious consumer sustainable products—ponchos and scarves are also available–of high quality and authentic beauty. Between 5 and 10% of the profits are donated in Ecuador to various humanitarian efforts such children’s hospitals, schools, etc.
Fitness Gift
I like this one because it eliminates the need for a gym. It’s the SomaSole Gym-In-A-Bag. Finesse Fitness does a line of portable total body workout bundles housed in a custom-designed backpack or duffel. Built to fit anyone’s lifestyle or fitness level, the bundles consist of carefully designed equipment created with high-quality and durable materials.
The bundle includes: the SomaSole™ Foot Harnesses; 2 – 41″ Snap-Proof Link™ Resistance Bands; 1 – 62″ Snap-Proof Link™ Resistance Band; 2 – Padded Handles; 1 – Dual-Pocket Drawstring Bag. The purchase gives free unlimited access to the video workout library.
Subscriptions
For gifts that continue giving well beyond the holidays, subscriptions to various products are becoming increasingly popular. Everything from monthly beauty boxes to clothing boxes to boxes for your pets, these are also an easy way to self-gift (a new survey says nearly a quarter of Americans self -gift over the holidays).
A standout in this category comes from Ellie Activewear, where for $39.95/month–$49.95/month, 3 to 5 hand-selected fitness items from quality brands will show up at your door. Outfits include a legging, sports bra and seasonal tops ranging from tanks, tees, hoodies and lightweight jackets. For an additional $10, you can get the 5-piece option and two fun fitness accessories (such as jump ropes and yoga socks) to complement a pre-styled 3-piece outfit. (See Featured Image for a sample outfit.)
And for men who let their underwear fall to pieces before they get around to shopping, a subscription to high quality boxers is the perfect choice. The website Warriors & Scholars is showcasing a fresh look with their new men’s boxer brief line for the active working man.
With their moisture-wicking technology, these briefs absorb and wick away sweat to keep the wearer feeling fresh all day long. Featuring a durable stretch fabric, these briefs are soft on the inside and strong on the outside; they have an engineered fit that prevents them from riding up!
Available as a 1-pack, 2-pack, 3-pack or 4-pack, from $19 to $55.
For the Host and Hostess
A beautifully presented bottle of wine, especially one that is organic is and free from harmful chemicals can be a welcome gift. Consider a Merlot, the Château Mamin from LaTaste Vineyards. Château Mamin is situated in Arbanats, in the heart of the wine area of Graves. A traditional Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, the wine is nicely balanced between the fruit and toasty oak on the nose and palate.
This brand was created generations ago; today, Vincent is a third generation winemaker and continues to carry out the family tradition, combining history with modernity.
To complete the gift, and since so few people have a perfect wine opener, include one with the wine.
The Legacy Wine Opener is a one-of-a-kind device that uses a low-pressure gas cartridge to efficiently remove the cork from any bottle of wine quickly and efficiently and with little effort! Step 1: Insert the needle through the cork; 2) Push the top button; 3) Voila! The inert propellant will lift the cork up and out of the bottle! The 2-in-1 opener also features a foil cutter. MSRP $28
The cooking connoisseurs on your list would love this Hepp’s Salt Passport Collection from The Grommet. Made in the USA without any additives, artificial flavorings, or anti-caking agents the all-natural salt collection comes in a hand-made wooden slide box and includes a 1oz. jar of each of the following: Himalayan Pink, Spanish Flake, Black Lava, Black Truffle, White Truffle, Roasted Garlic, Lemon, Ghost Pepper, Thai Ginger, Applewood Smoke. MSRP $65
For hosts and hostesses who love spa visits, give the scents of Hawaiian aromatherapy to transform any space into a spa-like oasis.
The Malie Island Ambiance gift set consists of three 2-ounce reed diffusers using only pure perfume oil (no alcohol); each lasts three to four months. The aromas are plumeria, pikake and koke’e and come in a box adorned with the 3 Hawaiian lei. MSRP $73
Flowers are a perfect host/hostess gift, but wouldn’t it be great to give real flowers that will last a year?
Saaya Roses are real 100% Ecuadorian roses that are specially preserved to last one to two years with proper care. Even undergoing a unique preservation process, these roses still maintain a completely natural appearance and feel, just as if were just freshly cut. Unlike traditional flowers, Saaya Roses require no water, or stem cutting. Arrangements arrive in hat boxes made with soft touch paper or suede.
For the Woman Who Has a Lot
Chances are she won’t have a truly luxurious, stylish and indulgently soft hair towel by Luin Living, a luxury lifestyle brand of home, bath and body products. Luin Living bath fashions are made in Turkey, long known for high-quality home textiles. The towels are woven with a unique technology that allows for plushness on both sides, adding to their softness and absorbency.
I have never seen a hair towel this lovely, so well made—and so beautifully packaged. Luin Living debuted their product line at various Saks Fifth Avenue stories.
And for the Woman Who Travels a Lot
Arcopedico shoes and boots make a great gift for the traveler. This footwear is made in Portugal and is famous for comfort. Because they are so lightweight, they are easily packable and make a great traveling shoe. They are not only fashionable, they are washable—and vegan as well. I especially like the L19 boot, which has a suede-look Lytech® upper with an inside side zipper for easy entry. Lytech is a sblend of Lycra® and polyurethane that is water resistant and breathable–and stretches and forms to the foot, so it accommodates such issues as hammertoes and bunions. The soft textile insole provides just cushioning for lasting, fatigue-free wear. Bottom line: the boot feels light as a feather on the foot, yet is sturdy enough to provide both support and cushioning. Find the boots and shoes on Zappos and Shoes.com. MSRP $125
Stocking Stuffers
Decidedly un-glamorous but welcome in any stocking (and home), the products from Furniture Clinic, high-end, professional quality cleaning and repair for leather and furniture. The leather products clean, remove stains, restore and condition leather shoes, coats, handbags, etc.
The wood care products have been designed to revive the appearance and quality of your wood products, and increase the longevity of your wood materials. They fall into two categories. The wood cleaners reverse the signs of time and restore the shades of color found in new wood materials. The wood oils and waxes enhance the surface and finish of wood furniture and include Beeswax Polish, Boiled Linseed Oil, Wood Oil, and the Wood Wax Care Kit – designed to clean and wax any type of furniture.
Since almost everyone can use a new toothbrush, make it one of Dr. Plotka’s, which keep teeth clean with two innovative features. The first is their antimicrobial technology, whereby the bristles are infused with natural bacteria-fighting silver that kills 99.9% of bacteria within 6 hours after brushing. The second is the flossing bristles, which are ultra-thin, allowing them to reach areas that other toothbrushes often miss—and they are made from polyester, so they last longer than traditional toothbrush bristles.
Unisex computer glasses by Pixel Eyewear are engineered to protect your eyes from blue light that emits from computer screens. They reduce eyestrain and are offered in different styles that will work for almost everyone.
And finally, a gift that will help to keep you healthy throughout the holiday season and in the new year, whether you’re traveling (on a plane, bus or train), pushing your way through crowds at the mall or sharing a work space where others may cough or sneeze or otherwise “share” their germs. The best-selling AirTamer A315 personal air purifier cleans the air around you by pushing airborne pollutants away from your personal space. This sleek design is the smallest AirTamer ever made and is so lightweight that you’ll scarcely notice you have it on while you’re traveling. The AirTamer A315 is rechargeable, 31% smaller and 23% lighter than previous models. With Integrated Power Boost Technology, you get 9x cleaner air than with any other personal air purifier.
It is available in black and white with a new feature of customizable, interchangeable covers and comes with a replaceable, high comfort lanyard, battery charge indicator, travel case and a chargeable battery that can last up to 30 – 40 hours on one full charge. USB charge cable included. MSRP $149.99
