Holiday Gift Guide 2011, Part 1

From Trina Turk

Know a spectacle wearer? While the hard cases many designer sunglasses and prescription glasses come in are protective, they are too bulky for a small handbag. Who wouldn’t want to pull this snappy Trina Turk Ogee Needlepoint Eyeglass Case out of her bag? At $28., it’s good looking, a bargain and available at TrinaTurk.com. 

For the man who has everything, including a bunch of holiday party invitations, Trina Turk’s velvet bow tie may be just the thing to make him happy this holiday season. Pre-tied, clips behind neck, $58. at TrinaTurk.com

From Annie Fink designs

Faux fur is this season’s ultimate fashion trend. These glamorous neck warmers from Annie Fink will help you and those on your gift list stay stylish on the slopes or strolling through the city.  Available in lots of colors for $25. from Annie Fink designs.

From Isabelle Grace Jewelry

What could be more special than a personalized piece of jewelry? This Circle of Love Necklace is made using (.999) fine silver and then inscribed by hand with your special message and enhanced with cubic zirconias or birthstones, $185. Visit Isabelle Grace Jewelry  to purchase and for lots of other great gift ideas.

From Custom Nail Solutions

Now you – or someone on your list – can have your very own set of custom nails thanks to the innovative, patented nail system by Custom Nail Solutions. The nails are custom fit from a personal impression, using dental putty, taken from each client’s individual nail beds which are as unique as your fingerprint. They will fit no one else in the world. They are removable, reusable and will last your lifetime. No more harsh grindings and filings and exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. You’re not tied to regular visits spending hours at a salon. $179-345, available at http://www.customnailsolutions.com.

From EdibleGiftsPlus.com

How about giving someone on your list a double layer towel cake? It comes with luxurious bath and body products that contain shea butter, known to soothe and moisturize skin. After finishing her spa experience, she’ll be swept away with a double truffle hot cocoa mix. Items included are a luxurious bath and coordinating bath face towel, body cream, body wash, lip balm, chocolate scented tea lights and shea butter. $67.95, available at EdibleGiftsPlus.com.

From Speakal.com

Take the fun outdoors with this cute iHog hog-shaped iPod/iPhone docking station in pink, white or black. A fun holiday gift for kids and adults, iHog from Speakal lets you play your iPod/iPhone outdoors or indoors with 4 booming speakers that deliver 360 degrees of sound with 2 tweeters, 2 sound diffusers, a super amplification system and optimized airflow with frequencies from 50Hz-20KHz that fill up a room with music.  The iHog docking station features Humanized Touch Volume Controls to adjust the navigation of the iHog/iPod with a light touch of the hand.  iHog provides 8 hours of lithium rechargeable battery life that also charges the iPod.  Both kids and adults alike love the cute, entertaining hog shape and powerful sounding speaker system that’s perfect for parties and special events. Available for $139.99. from http://www.speakal.com

From macsales.com

NewerTech’s NuGuard GripStand/GripBase Bundle is the perfect gift for a friend that has just bought a new iPad or iPad 2.  It lets you use your iPad or iPad 2 while standing/walking, during meetings, on your desk, in the car, or at home.  The iPad or iPad 2 bundle includes the GripStand for portable use, GripBase for your desktop, and Nylon Strap (iPad 2 only) for car. Gripstand’s hard plastic protective shell grips the iPad or iPad 2 snugly with a 360° view that positions the iPad wherever you want it.  It also doubles as a one hand grip, so you can use your iPad while standing or walking. GripBase lets you turn your iPad or iPad 2 into a desktop workstation. The Nylon Strap securely mounts your iPad 2 to a car headrest for easy viewing. From $29.99 at http://www.macsales.com

From Dawn Baker

Emmy-nominated costume designer (honored for her prior work on the Ellen DeGeneres Show), stylist and boutique owner; jewelry and fashion designer Dawn Baker, has a Holiday/Resort lineup of Essentials that reflects her discerning aesthetics and chic style philosophy. The black enamel Disc Bracelet, $48., shown, makes a chic and affordable gift. There’s one in champagne diamonds too. Check out the site to see Dawn Baker’s collection of clothing and jewelry:  www.dawn-baker.com

From AQUIESSE

AQUIESSE is a nature-inspired candle line that offers a wide variety of fragrances. AQUIESSE’s original inspiration is from indigenous scents found throughout the rich coastal region of Central California. AQUIESSE employs centuries-old candle making techniques and uses organic soybean oil and carefully selected lead-free wicks for their candles. AQUIESSE can currently be purchased at Planet Beauty, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Anthropologie and various online retailers including http://www.candleluxury.com where you will find products such as the very popular Luxe Linen scent, soy candles, oil reed diffusers and more.

From RUBR

Need a fun – and inexpensive gift – for almost anyone on your list? How about a customized, lightweight and colorful watch from RUBR? Available in primary, neon and pastel shades, RUBR silicone watches allow you to create your own unique, water resistant timepiece for just $25. Choose from a huge selection of colorful bands and then choose the face from an equally dazzling choice of colors. The combinations are almost endless. RUBR watches are also available in trendy animal prints, $30. To purchase, visit: http://www.rubrwatchnation.com

From 80 Acres

80 Acres has some great beauty gift sets that will make lucky recipients feel pampered and loved. The Muslin Gift Set from the Hydrating Collection comes with a linen stamped carry all bag and includes a mini hand & body lotion tube, an olive oil bar soap and olive oil lip balm – perfect for winter chapped lips. The gift sets come in 3 scents: Blood Orange, Lavender, and Verde and retails for $26. Available at http://mcevoyranch.com.

From Kiss My Face

Celebrate the holidays and instill good will with new Pomegranate Acai and Grassy Mint scents of the Kiss My Face Peace Soaps. Formulated with just 6 natural ingredients, these soaps are perfect for the body and hands and are as gentle as they are effective. Coconut oil cleanses without harshness, while olive oil soothes and moisturizes. Kiss My Face Peace Soap is named for its support of Seeds of Peace Organization. 10% of profits from every bottle of Peace Soap support this organization that brings teens from regions of conflict around the world, like Israel and Palestine, to a camp in Maine to develop a better understanding of each other, build leadership skills and learn how to build a new generation of peace. Kiss My Face Peace Soap is free of parabens, phthalates and was not tested on animals. The packaging features “peace” written in languages from around the world and is made from 50% recycled plastic. The following Kiss My Face Peace Soaps for Holiday 2011 are available at Whole Foods, Natural Supermarkets, KissMyFace.com and wherever natural body care products are sold:

·         Holiday Foaming Soap Gift Pack featuring Pomegranate Acai and Grassy Mint scents ($12.99)

·         17 oz Liquid Castile Soap ($9.99)

·         8 oz Peace Castile Foaming Hand Soap ($7.99)

·         3.4 oz Travel Size ($2.99)

Check out Holiday Gift Guide, Part 2