If you’re looking for a gift for that classic music lover on your list, Frank Sinatra’s Best of the Best Collection might be just what you’re looking for. This great set includes two discs, one of which includes out of print material.

Track Listing for the Two-Disc Set:

Sinatra: Best of the Best
1. I’ve Got The World On A String
2. My Funny Valentine
3. Young At Heart
4. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
5. Love And Marriage
6. You Make Me Feel So Young
7. I’ve Got You Under My Skin
8. The Lady Is A Tramp
9. Witchcraft
10. All The Way
11. Come Fly With Me
12. Angel Eyes
13. Nice ‘N’ Easy
14. Night And Day
15. The Way You Look Tonight
16. My Kind Of Town
17. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)
18. It Was A Very Good Year
19. Strangers In The Night
20. Summer Wind
21. That’s Life
22. My Way
23. Theme From New York, New York

CD 2 – In Concert: Live In Seattle (out-of-print)
1. Introduction/You Make Me Feel So Young
2. It Happened In Monterey
3. At Long Last Love
4. I Get A Kick Out Of You
5. Just One Of Those Things
6. A Foggy Day
7. The Lady Is A Tramp
8. They Can’t Take That Away From Me
9. I Won’t Dance
10. Sinatra Dialogue
11. When Your Lover Has Gone
12. Violets For Your Furs
13. My Funny Valentine
14. Glad To Be Unhappy
15. One For My Baby
16. The Tender Trap
17. Hey Jealous Lover
18. I’ve Got You Under My Skin
19. Oh! Look At Me Now

Technorati Tags: Frank Sinatra, Holiday, Gift Idea, Music, Classic, Greatest Hits, Best of the Best, CD

The Master Chef Kit by Limoneira was one of those unique gifts we wanted to include in our guides, but we were not sure where to put it. We considered putting it in our food and cooking guide, but it would have been the only kid-friendly, kid-inspired product. We also considered putting it in toys guide, but it really isn’t a toy. The Limoneira Master Chef Kit has everything you will need to get your child started as a future Master Chef. Who knows he/she may one day have their own cooking show thanks to your allowing them to explore their creativity in the kitchen now!

The most important part of any little chef’s arsenal is the proper attire. The Limoneira Master Chef Kit provides your child with a small chef’s hat and apron. These are for younger kids, so unless you have a small teen, one size does not fit most. However, these do look ultra-adorable. Our six year old chef tried to wear his hat the entire day, even after we were done cooking. You’ll want to make sure you get lots of pictures of them in their hats, because they definitely provide a Kodak moment.

Once they are suited up and hands washed, it is time to get down to business. This kit comes with some kid-friendly recipes. Not only will your little chef enjoy cooking these delicacies, they will also enjoy eating them. The cooking part is made easy because they will be given all the tools of the trade, which they will need to create cooking/baking masterpieces. Their tools include a rolling pin, wisk, wooden spoon, spatula and scraper, all in a kid friendly size. You will have to provide the bowls and other cooking necessities, but what is here is enough to inspire the imagination of even the youngest of future chefs.

The only area of concern might be the price. This kit is $32, which may seem like a lot for these hard, economic times. However, this kit is bound to provide endless hours of fun for you and your child and you really cannot put a price tag on that. These kits are super cute, fun and allow for family time, which is what every child needs. For that reason alone, the $32 price tag seems relatively minor, especially since this kit is worth its weight in gold.

To find out more about Limoneira, and check out the Limoneira Master Chef Kit, please visit www.limoneiralifestyles.com.

Technorati Tags: Cool Item Review, Limoneira, Master Chef Kit, Kids, Little Kids Chef, Kids Cooking, Fun, Family, Unique Gifts

Oneida Stainless Pro Series – Stainless Steel Multi-Pot
The Oneida Stainless Steel Multi-pot is such an awesome part of the kitchen that I wanted to use it as soon as I unwrapped it from the packaging. Whether you’re making pasta, steaming some vegetables, or making a delicious winter soup, Oneida and the Stainless Steel Multi-pot have got you covered. This is the first multi-pot I have owned and I knew I was going to love it from the moment I started using it. Cooking is a breeze no matter what you make with this pot. Just drop your pasta into the colander and you can cook and drain it all in the same pot. Steaming vegetables has also never been easier. Oneida gives you plenty of excuses to make family-style meals that the whole family can enjoy, all in one pot.

You can learn more about the Oneida Stainless Steel Multipot at the Oneida website. You should be able to find this where fine kitchen products are sold online or offline. It currently has a list price of under $70 on Amazon.

Cuisine Foundations: The Chefs of Le Cordon Bleu
It doesn’t seem to matter whether you know how to cook or you’d just prefer to eat, most people are familiar with the Le Cordon Bleu name and reputation. This is one of the reasons that I am thrilled to recommend Cuisine Foundations. Sold in a box set, you receive two books that will take any cook and make them a chef, if only for a meal. Not only that, but if you can’t cook this will be sure to propel you to at least a basic cook status.

If you have no cooking knowledge reading or looking through Cuisine Foundations can be a daunting task, but if you read and follow the basic instructions you will find that cooking is easier than you ever thought it could be. With a wide range of recipes you have the ability to start in your comfort zone and venture into the unknown once you are more comfortable. Each book offers plenty of full-color illustrations, step by step instructions, and the ability to look up cooking terms as you need them. The Cuisine Foundations set also includes a Chef’s Tea Towel.

Any foodie that likes to cook from recipe books needs this set. This will end up being the foundation for any gourmet meals cooked by new chefs at home, so if you’re buying for the person that loves to cook you should really consider this set for their present this year. Amazon has the Cuisine Foundations Set available for around $50.

Capresso Automatic Milk Frother – FrothPRO
The Capresso FrothPRO is the absolute perfect gift for the budding barista. Coffee drinks are incredibly popular these days, but they are also unnecessarily expensive. That being said, with a FrothPRO and a cappuccino, espresso or even a coffee maker there is no reason why someone can’t create the same amazing drinks at a fraction of the price. The froth PRO includes settings for hot, warm, and cold and you can choose to froth or just warm something up. While the froth setting will help to create delicious coffee based drinks, the warm setting is perfect for creating hot chocolate or just warm milk, if you like that sort of thing. The froth PRO is a standalone small appliance that won’t take up much space. It even includes an auto shut-off feature for safety. Two frothing discs and one heating disc is included. All parts are even dishwasher safe, so even cleanup will be a breeze.

I love our Capresso Froth PRO and use it often. While it may not seem to be the normal holiday gift, if you have a coffee shop fan in your family, this will be an invaluable present and they will love it!

The FrothPRO is also cost effective as far as presents go. You can order this through the Capresso website for $59.99. If you really want to splurge (or let your relatives feel like they live in a coffee shop) you might even want to consider the Capresso Impressa C9 One Touch Coffee Maker.

NuWave Oven
The NuWave Oven was something I had been curious about for some time. Whenever I see something on an infomercial I tend to write it off and move on, but I kept coming back to this intriguing item. The thing I liked the most about this was the convenience factor. Cleanup is simple and there is almost nothing that this oven won’t do. The NuWave oven will fry, bake, broil, grill, and dehydrate. I am sure it does other things, but you get the idea. You can cook poached eggs in the NuWave for breakfast and have ribs for dinner. You can even cook meat from a frozen state.

Using three cooking methods (infared, convection, and conduction) the NuWave Oven offers a fast, easy, and simple way to get dinner made in a healthy, delicious way. The NuWave doesn’t take up too much space but it will hold plenty of food. It comes with an extender ring to allow it to hold more food, but to give you an idea, without the ring it will cook a ten pound turkey. If you add the extender, the turkey can be as heavy as sixteen pounds! After hearing about this I considered buying it just for the convenience during holidays. I don’t know about you, but I always need more room in my oven. Foodies might be shocked at this present, but everyone I know that has one loves it. It will just take one meal for them to be incredibly thankful (if they aren’t to begin with).

You can learn more about the NuWave Oven at the NuWave Oven Website. This is available through the website for $120 and you receive numerous free extras at the time of purchase.

Conserving Now – Bring Your Own – Family Starter Eco Kit
If you have someone in your family that wants to make shopping trips easier or that cares about the environment then Conserving Now needs to be on your radar. Offering a host of eco-friendly products including ways to educate classrooms on the environment, Conserving Now offers excellent products at fair prices. We received the family starter eco-kit, which includes two oversized cotton totes, a set of three market bags with a cinch bag for storage, a bag recycler, some door hangers, and some static clings. While things like the door hangers and the static clings have not really been used by us, I have found the bags to be invaluable. They are huge, hold a great deal and are incredibly well made. With that in mind, these make a fabulous gift for shoppers and people hoping to avoid plastic bags in the future. These bags would easily hold the contents created in a small to medium shopping trip.

You can learn more at the Conserving Now website. The Family Starter Eco Kit is available on the website for $40.99.

Green Ostrich – Preserve Recycled Plastic Large Apple Green Colander
Green Ostrich offers a host of products that are all eco-friendly. Offering everything from kitchen products to various school supplies, Green Ostrich has you covered. I was shocked to find out how much I loved the Preserve line they carry. We recently moved and I was missing some key kitchen essentials so we decided to focus on those things. We received one of the Plastic Large Apple Green Colanders and its been love at first use ever since. Not only is it sturdy and made to last, it’s also incredibly inexpensive. I have priced other (non eco-friendly) colanders of this quality and found then to be in the $20 range. The Preserve colander is $8 less than that. It’s also a vibrant, gorgeous color. If you’re looking for practical gift options, I highly suggest putting this towards the top of your list.

You can learn more about the Preserve line and the Apple Green Colander at the Green Ostrich website. The Preserve Apple Green Colander is available on the Green Ostrich website for just over $12.

Green Ostrich – Preserve Recycled Plastic Apple Green Tableware Pack
Preserve eco-friendly tableware made me consider switching to completely eco-friendly dishes. While I have yet to make the full transition I will say that for about the last month this set of dishes (cups, plates, and bowls) has been our main set. We use them for the majority of our casual meals and snacks. As someone that needs to diet, I love the plates because they are a tad smaller than some dinner plates, which means less food. I still end up getting enough, but find that I am not taking too much because there just isn’t room for extras. Cleanup is simple and these packs come in a variety of great, vibrant colors. We chose the green and I absolutely adore them! These would be great for young families, college students, and people considering the switch to eco-friendly products.

You can learn more about the Preserve line and the Recycled Plastic Apple Green Tableware Set at the Green Ostrich website. The Preserve Apple Green Tableware Set is available on the Green Ostrich website for just under $20.

George Foreman Healthy Cooking Smart Kitchen Multi-Cooker
One of the coolest brands for cooking with small appliances these days is George Foreman Healthy Cooking. I have used George Foreman products in the past and it seems that everything works fabulous for my needs. We have an Evolve Grill that we received awhile back and I use it often. I was thrilled to try the Multicooker because it’s not what you’d normally expect from the George Foreman Healthy Cooking name. However, it works just as well as other products in the brand. Sporting a 26-cup (5 quart) cooking space, the Smart Kitchen Multicooker can steam rice, cook vegetables and meat, and is the perfect space to make delicious soups and strews. Like other Smart Kitchen products, this Multicooker is nonstick so you do not need to use excessive amounts of butter or oil. It’s also a cinch to clean. The Intelli-Probe has cook settings for rice, steaming, and different temperature settings including searing for stews and other foods. A stainless steel steaming basket is also included for fish, vegetables and other foods. Best of all, when you’re done cooking you can remove the pan (which is quite stylish) and bring it to the table for some delectable family style meals. This makes an excellent gift for the entire family or your favorite foodie.

You can learn more about the Smart Kitchen Multicooker at the George Foreman Healthy Cooking website. Some other great options (I have yet to try, but have my eye on) include the Skillite Searing Skillet and the Panini Grill. You can order the Smart Kitchen Multicooker at the George Foreman Healthy Cooking website. It’s normally $80, but is currently on sale for $40 so it’s the perfect time to buy one. We’re also giving one away so make sure to enter for your chance to win one!

TJ Maxx Kitchenware Products
I have been a TJ Maxx shopper for years. While the clothing section can always be hit or miss, I often find amazing deals on home products. If you’re looking for a brand name cookware set at the fraction of the price or you want some beautiful accent pieces to brighten up your kitchen TJMaxx is the perfect store to look. On a recent trip I purchased some glass canisters for around $12. They sit on my counter holding dried pasta, sugar, and flour. This is just one of the great finds that was available that day. From knife sets to gourmet pans, TJMaxx has just about everything your kitchen might need and could be missing. This makes TJMaxx an excellent option for holiday shopping. If you have any picky relatives or friends you’re buying for, TJMaxx offers such an eclectic range of products that you shouldn’t have a problem finding something for everyone. If you find you like what you see, but can’t find that perfect gift you can even consider a gift card, which would allow the gift participant to do the shopping for themselves.

You can visit the TJ Maxx website to find a store near you!

Novica Hand Blown Glass Products
We have had the pleasure of writing about Novica products in the past. We received a few items from them when we moved into our home. One of the items that we received, the Spirals of Thought Glasses in Blue were a huge hit. These handblown glasses are absolutely amazing. They are thicker than your average glasses and the art work involved in creating these offers something simple yet dynamic. The spirals running through the glasses are fabulous. Our friends love them and we use them all the time. Purchasing from Novica also allows you to support artisans from around the world. The glasses we purchased were made by a duo of artisans that are incredibly talented. The men hail from Mexico and offer a number of different products through the Novica website.

You can learn more about The Spirals of Thought glasses at the Novica website. You can currently purchase these glasses for under $40 and there are a host of other amazing products available on the site.

Noodle and Boo Reed Diffuser
I’m a sucker for any product that adds a light, breezy scent to the room. The Crème Douce scent of the Noodle & Boo Reed Diffuser is simply exquisite. It combines the scents of peach, water blossoms, mixed berries, clover honey, milk and vanilla beans. You’ll get a whiff of the individual scents, which combine to form a sweet, delicate flavor within the air. What I love about the Noodle & Boo Reed Diffuser is that the scent isn’t overpowering. Just the right hint of each scent combines to form a new, layered scent that gently wafts through the room or any other environment where you place it.

This gift is great for those who are looking for ways to make their home unique. This is definitely an original product. So many air fresheners do not last, but this reed diffuser is continuous, leaving the room smelling delicious. To find out more about Noodle and Boo visit the following website.

Don’t forget to visit our other holiday guides:
Food – Books – Toys

Technorati Tags: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide, Gift Giving, Ten Items, List of Ten, Home, Kitchen, NuWave, TJ Maxx, Novica, Recycled, Preserver, Capresso, Le Cordon Bleu, Oneida

So without further adieu, here is the best of the best in our Beauty and Body Care lineup!

Must-Have Make-Up

EyeCandy Eye Coolers: These little pads you put over your eyes really cool you down, especially when you are experiencing a headache. Shaped like small, blue (I received blue, but they come in a variety of colors), cucumber slices, you just pop these babies in the freezer and when you need them, you get them out. Before you place them over your eyes, you will have to lay down or lean back, otherwise they will fall off. You won’t want to move much either while the Eye Candy Eye Coolers do their magic. Not only do these tiny, blue, round healers help with headaches, they are also great for removing puffiness and swelling around the eyes. Best of all, you can reuse these, by placing them in the freezer, fridge, or even in a glass of ice water. With their compact size and large ability to benefit most people, the Eye Candy Eye Coolers make the perfect stocking stuffer!

To find out more about Eye Candy Eye Coolers, visit the http://www.eyecandycoolers.com/ website.

CND Super Treatments Nail Polish Duo: Super Treatments offers a duo of nail top coats. In the pack you will receive a bottle of Super Shiney and a bottle of Super Matte. The Matte offers your nails a suede finish, while the Shiney offers a patent (like patent leather) finish. You just have to apply a base coat, two coats of the color of your choice and finish with a layer of one of these top coats. These are great because you can get a totally different look, even if you use the same color of polish beneath the top coat. They are also affordable, allowing for longer lasting, stronger nails. Just an FYI, this works great with the Silver and Gold Sparkling Effects nail glitter, by CND. If you want a glossy, shiny, or matted look to your nails, these make the perfect stocking stuffer.

To find out more about all of the great products by CND, including the CND Super Treatments Nail Polish Duo, visit http://www.cnd.com/.

MAC Cosmetics: How do I love MAC? Let me count the ways. The MAC line of cosmetics offers professional quality makeup, for the average woman. I am not going to lie. MAC is more expensive than many other brands, but oh so worth it! Every woman who knows about makeup knows the name MAC. You will be giving that special woman in your life quite the extravagant gift when you get her MAC cosmetics, but the price tag attached is oh so worth it. I would say everything from lipstick to foundation would fit great in a stocking, but if you plan to pamper her with MAC cosmetics, you’ll want to wrap whatever you buy up and put it under the tree. No matter the time of year (but especially during the holidays) MAC cosmetics are worth their weight in wrapping paper.

To find out more on MAC cosmetics and to see all the offerings, from eye shadow, to skincare products and even accessories, visit the MAC website.

Arbonne Lip Polish: Give the gift of luscious lips this holiday. The Lip Polish I received came in a set of three, in a little bag. There were three unique colors; nude, raisin and brown sugar, but the Arbonne Lip Polish product page lists several other colors to choose from, when picking out this silky smooth, lip covering delight. What I love about Arbonne Lip Polish is that it gives you that glossy sheen, which is classic for a lip gloss, but instead of wearing off relatively quickly, Arbonne Lip Polish stays on longer, like lipstick does. It does not have that waxy lipstick feel, it is not heavy on your lips, and it is also not sticky, which is more common with a lip gloss. Overall, Arbonne Lip Polish is the perfect way to provide a little color and shine to your lips without being annoyed by how it feels when you wear it.

To check out the other colors available, visit the Arbonne Lip Polish Product Page.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish: Sinful Colors has quite a selection of colors and styles of polish. I recommend you check out the Sinful Colors Nail Art Wild About Color Set, Dark Red, Neon Green, and White. You will also want to consider the Sinful Colors Professional, which I recommend in Silver, Gold, Red, Blue or Green. What I like about this set is the versatility of colors. I received at least ten different colors, and I still did not have every shade. With neon, sparkly, glossy, and even emo shades like black, there is a Sinful Colors Nail Polish for everyone, regardless of gender. The color when you paint your nails, with two coats, is brilliant. This is not a polish that mutes in color when coming out of the bottle. The shade you buy is the shade you’ll wear. I also like how strong this polish is. I work a lot with my hands and the polish did not chip easily. This year, make sure to get a variety of colors and stick Sinful Colors Nail Polish bottles in her (or his) stocking or gift basket.

To see the massive selection of Sinful Colors Products and Polish Colors, please visit the Sinful Colors Color Guide.

Cosmoholic Lip Gloss: Make a bold statement this holiday with Cosmoholic Lip Gloss. These are super bright colors. I received Cosmoholic Lip Gloss in Pink and Red and we’re not talking light pink or soft red. These shades are Hot Pink and Candy Apple Red. While I prefer a more muted, darker look, I have some friends who love the more vibrant colors. After trying these out myself, I decided to purchase a set for a friend who enjoys showing off her lips! What I noticed about Cosmoholic Lip Gloss is its lack of stickiness. I love lip gloss, but I often find my lips get stuck together when wearing it. Not so with Cosmoholic Lip Gloss. Also a chemist is said to have designed this gloss to nourish the lips, which is always an added bonus. If you know someone who wants to show off her lips this holiday and beyond, get her Cosmoholic Lip Gloss. She’ll thank you for it.

You can find out where to buy Cosmoholic Lip Gloss and more about the product at the Cosmoholic website.

Must-Have Skin Care

CND Scentsations Sparkling Champagne Hand and Body Lotion: More than anything, I loved the smell. They don’t call this product Scentsations for nothing. This Body and Hand Lotion actually smells like champagne and the scent lingers, once you rub it on, for quite some time. CND has a variety of other Scentsations Hand and Body Lotion scents, so even if you are not fond of champagne you can purchase another Lotion. Other scents include Black Cherry & Nutmeg and Cranberry. Many of the Gift Sets offered by CND provide smaller sized bottles, which is great, because I just slip them in my purse and take them everywhere I go. Scentsations Sparkling Champagne Hand and Body Lotion is amazing for those with dry skin as it mosturizes well, leaving skin feeling smooth and silky.

You can check out Scentsations at the CND website.

Body Essence Tea Tree Oil Ultra-Moisturizing Body Wash: I hate the smell of Tea Tree Oil, but there is no doubt the oil has amazing benefits. I have been trying to find both body wash and shampoo that offers the benefits of Tea Tree Oil without the nasty smell. Body Essence offers a few different Body Gels for showering. Besides the Tea Tree Oil, there is Cucumber Melon (with extracts of Cucumber and Papaya fruits) and Sweet Pomegranate. I love the Tea Tree Oil, because it leaves the skin feeling smooth and clean without irritating it. I use it on Dom, who has a lot of skin problems, and it is one of the few body gels he has never complained about when using it. The Body Essence Tea Tree Oil Ultra-Moisturizing Body Wash helps to prevent skin irritation, smooths and sooths dry skin, and it even helped to relieve some of Dom’s itching, which is common when a person has dry or dead skin. The bottle we use is 28 oz. It is well worth the $4 price tag and lasts quite a while. If you know someone with skin sensitivities this is the perfect gift for them, plus it smells absolutely divine.

For more information on the Body Essence Body Gels and other skin products, visit http://www.body-essence.com.

Softsoap Moisturizing Body Wash: While I prefer the Pomegranate and Mango SoftSoap Moisturizing Body Wash, there are a variety of scents to please any consumer. The Pomegranate and Mango contains actual extracts of Pomegranate and Mango. It is also incredibly thick and lathers really well, so you do not have to use a ton of soap. This means Softsoap Moisturizing Body Wash lasts longer, and you get more bang for your buck. I find that after using Softsoap Moisturizing Body Wash, my body feels clean, smooth, and silky. Plus I smell great and the scent lasts longer than it does with most body washes. If you want to brighten that special someone’s day, get them Softsoap Moisturizing Body Wash. It will leave them feeling clean, refreshed, and smelling amazing!

To see all of the SoftSoap products and choose the right scent for you, visit Colgate’s website.

St. Ives Moisturizing Body Wash: If you want to moisturize and hydrate your skin, then you need to check out the Oatmeal and Shea Butter St. Ives Moisturizing Body Wash. I am in love with many of the scents available by St. Ives, from Creamy Vanilla to WhippedSilk, but the Oatmeal and Shea Butter has to be my favorite. St. Ives is a brand I have used and trusted for years, when buying lotion. Now, I trust the brand for my body washing needs, as well. I chose this specific scent because I know how great oatmeal is for your skin. It leaves it looking shiny, smooth and healthy. Adding in shea butter, this gel moisturizes to help dry, cracked and itchy skin. I will alternate this with the Body Essence Tea Tree Oil Body Wash, for Dom, and together, these two Body Washes have made a difference on his dry, cracked, and damaged skin. He itches less and complains less about skin sensitivities. Whether you have sensitive skin or not, Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash by St. Ives will leave your skin feeling vibrant and looking brilliant.

You can visit the St. Ives website at http://www.stives.com/.

Eshu Skin Assist: Made in Australia, the Eshu Skin Assist is part of a Skin Care line that is made entirely for men. While most of the aforementioned products are primarily for women, this one is perfect for the man in your life that cares about his complexion. Men battle acne and blemishes, too. They often care as much about keeping their skin healthy, vibrant and clean, as women do. This works really great. It is very light and does not take much to get the job done, making this an economical option to more commercial brands of skin assisting products. Eshu Skin Assist can be used by younger men who still may be facing the dermatological affects of puberty or by older men to prevent the occasional blemishes that every person is prone to getting. If you have a guy who cares about how he looks, make sure to get him Eshu Skin Assist this year.

To learn more about Eshu and its various products for men, please go to http://www.eshu.com.au/.

Smith and Vandiver Aroma Therapy Treatment Packets: You can receive healthy, nutrient-enriched packets through Smith and Vandiver. Their all-natural Treatment Packets are convenient and affordable. These are great if you are going on a business trip or even heading out to stay with the family during the holidays. There are a variety of Treatment packs available, each for under $2. They include Body Gel, Soothing Foot Soak, Green Tea Bath Oil, Conditioning Hair Mask, Salt Body Scrub, Face Mask, Foot Cream, Face Polish, Invigorating Body Scrub and Toning Face Mud. Depending on the packet, what you receive may be enriched with natural healing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Chamomile, Honey, Sea Salt, Clays, Geranium and Rosewood, to name a few. These packets brought my skin back to life. I felt vibrant and energized after using the Shower Gel, Face Mask, the Foot Soak, the Body Scrub and the Hair Mask. With these packets being so affordable, if you are looking for great stocking stuffers and are on a budget, I highly recommend Smith and Vandiver Aroma Therapy Treatment Packets.

To find out about Smith & VanDiver and their Treatment Packets and to purchase them directly from the site, visit the Smith & VanDiver website.

Antica Farmacista Champagne Body Gel:
If you want to pamper yourself (or that someone special) you owe it to yourself to try Antica Farmacista Champagne Body Gel. While I cannot say how realistic the scent of champagne is in this body gel, I can say that the body gel does smell quite scrumptious. More importantly, the pleasing smell is long lasting. A little bit goes a long way. Everything about this body gel screams luxury from the beautiful body to the soft, smooth, lavish bathing experience that it helps to provide. This would make an excellent stocking stuffer for the holiday or a wonderful smaller gift for family or friends that love luxury and want to be pampered right from home.

You can check out all of the Antica Farmacista Bath and Body products by visiting http://www.anticafarmacista.com.

Must-Have Beautiful Hair

Conair You Style Ceramic Straightener: I have very thick, heavy, naturally curly hair. Because my hair is so thick, it only curls in the most inappropriate places, such as my bangs and at random spots in the back of my hair. I also am prone to headaches due to the weight of my hair, but I prefer to keep my hair longer because I look cuter. I was looking for a straightener that would both lighten the weight of my hair and straighten those problem areas. I initially chose the Conair You Style Ceramic Straightener because it cost under $25 and straighteners can be quite expensive. However, I have come to absolutely love this product. It heats up in seconds, so if you are running late you still have a chance to do your hair. The setup of the plates makes it impossible to burn yourself with the Conair You Style Ceramic Straightener. I can also use it to curl my hair if I want more control over the location and style of my curls after straightening it. I have always hated my bangs, but with the Conair You Style Ceramic Straightener they look super cute. Straightening it makes my hair feel lighter, look thinner and it looks more together. I cannot recommend the Conair You Style Ceramic Straightener more highly if I tried.

Check out ConAir’s selection of Straighteners at the ConAir website.

John Frieda Root Awakening Health Infusing Shampoo: I try not to buy John Frieda because let’s face it. His products are expensive. That being said, I LOVE John Frieda products. I use the John Frieda Root Awakening Health Infusing Shampoo once a week. This way, it lasts longer, but I still get the benefits of using a John Frieda Product. When you use it on a schedule as opposed to every day, I find that it takes the residue off that is left from daily use shampoos. With John Frieda Root Awakening Health Infusing Shampoo my hair feels fresh and almost as if it have been awakened. It is alive, energized, bouncy, shiny, and makes me feel like a million bucks after using it. If you are looking to splurge this holiday, a bottle of John Freida shampoo is the way to go!

Check out all of John Frieda’s Root Awakening Products at the John Frieda website.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

CND Snuggle Set: CND products are a great way to create that spa experience right from home. Offering a range of products for the hands, feet, and all over the body, CND has you covered when you want to feel good and look your best. The Snuggle Set includes Almond hydrating lotion, Solar oil, and a pair of toeless pedicure socks. These socks are absolutely soft and wondrous. If you know someone that loves painting their toenails these socks will keep their feet toasty while they do their toes. Of course, the socks are just an added bonus that goes with the hydrating lotion, which smells great and keeps skin hydrated and feeling alive and the solar oil that also offers your skin a number of benefits. All of these items together in one set make for a great gift this holiday season.

You can find out more about this Snuggle Set from CND at the CND website.

AmeriBag I Love My Life Healthy Backbag: The Healthy Backbag was created because of all the problems that people may encounter when using a traditional backpack. The Healthy Backbag is a cross between a backpack and a purse. It might not be big enough to hold things like school books or a laptop, but it will handle all of your smaller items with ease and it is aerodynamically designed to ensure that it does not hurt your back in any way. The Ameribag is black and offers a beautiful, yet subtle design. This is great for women that do not want to use traditional purses or teens that need to carry things with them, but don’t necessarily require a backpack or a purse. When I first saw the Healthy Backbag it reminded me of a trendier version of the fanny pack for your back. Combining comfort and style, the Healthy Backbag is sure to become a mainstay in any woman’s grab and go fashion arsenal.

You can visit the AmeriBag website and find out more about the AmeriBag I Love My Life Healthy Backbag at www.ameribag.com.

Kiwi Leather Care Kit: This leather kit makes the perfect offering for anyone that has a newer pair of leather shoes. Suitable for both black and brown leather, the Kiwi Leather Care Kit includes everything you need to make sure that your new shoes are protected from the elements and the majority of things that can do damage to your leather. The kit comes with two daubers, a shine cloth, and a shine brush. Two tins of polish, one for black leather and the other for brown are also included. While this might seem like an unconventional gift, it’s also an invaluable one. Treating your shoes is so important if you want them to last for longer periods of time and the Kiwi Leather Care Kit can definitely help to make sure that this happens.

You can check out the Kiwi Leather Care Kit and other Kiwi products at the Kiwi website.

Scandle Shimmering Lotion Candle: I have to admit, I was sold at Pumpkin Pie Spice. I was further sold when I learned that is smells even better than I thought it would. This fabulous candle just screams sex appeal. Candles are nice enough on their own, but this one is a special candle. You see, not only does the Scandle candle smell great, it also doubles as a massage candle. Using a low temperature wax, these candles turn into massage oil when melted. Just burn your candle down and the next thing you know you are able to use the wax for a massage. A Scandle Shimmering Lotion Candle massage mixed with the tempting aroma of pumpkin pie spice makes for one relaxing evening. This makes a perfect stocking stuffer or would go great in a homemade spa gift basket. Either way, this is a must have gift for the special, over-worked woman in your life.

You can check out all of the different Scandle Shimmering Lotion Candle scents available besides Pumpkin Pie Spice by visiting www.abodycandle.com.

Schick Ultimate Skin Comfort Gift Set: Good razors can not only be hard to come by, they can also be rather expensive. Knowing this, Schick is offering the Schick Hydro 5 gift set for a reasonable price. The set includes the Schick Hydro 5 razor with extra blades and a can of Moisturizing Shave Gel. Considering the cost of most razors (which usually do not come with additional blades) this is a great deal and one that the man in your life can truly appreciate. Schick offers high quality razors and this gives a person the chance to sample them before buying them on their own. This also makes a great gift for the teenage boy that is just beginning to need to shave. Not only will it serve a purpose, it will likely make him feel good just by receiving it!

To find out more about this Schick Hydro line and all of its assorted products, visit the Schick Hydro website.

Arbonne Pampermint Gift Set: I adore everything about the Arbonne Pampermint Gift Set from the snuggly, fuzzy candy cane socks all the way to the exfoliating cream and the foot lotion. The whole set is divine. Everything smells great and the large jars of cream and scrub help to keep your feet smooth and relaxed. The Pampermint set includes a jar of FootWork Foot Scrub, a jar of SoleMate Foot Cream and Signature candy cane fuzzy socks that are all wrapped up in an adorable holiday gift box. This makes a great gift for mom, but would work for anyone that suffers from dry, cracked feet or other assorted foot problems. Fuzzy sock lovers would like this too, for the socks if nothing else!

To find out more about Arbonne and the Pampermint Gift Set (which may only be available during the holidays) please visit the Arbonne website.

Smith and Vandiver Bath Products: Smith and Vandiver is going to be a savior for anyone having trouble getting their little ones to take a bath. Offering some truly fun products for younger people and some spa essentials for adults, it seems as if Smith and Vandiver offers it all. For kids alone, Smith & Vandiver offers some totally fun stocking stuffers like Dino Fizz Eggs (bath fizzy beads), Ducky or Dino Bubbles (all natural bath suds), Frog Bath Fizzies and other Bath Party essentials. If you have friends in college that have showers but no bath tubs, Aroma Therapy Energize or Destress Spa Shower Tablets offer a spa-like aroma therapy experience without a tub. Just place one of the spa tablets into the shower stall and the aroma envelops you offering you all the benefits right from the shower! I have yet to find a Smith & Vandiver product that I wouldn’t recommend to a friend. I highly suggest checking out Smith & Vandiver for all of your supplemental gift giving needs.

To discover all of the wonderful Bath Products Smith and Vandiver offer (for both kids and adults), please visit the Smith and Vandiver website.

Frownies Face Lift in a Bag: Frownies Face Lift in a Bag was the perfect gift for my mom, who is always on the lookout for a good face product that will make her look and feel younger without costing her a fortune or leading her towards surgery. Face Lift in a Bag is excellent. Even if you’re using it as a facial regime without hopes of taking off years it’s wonderful. The bag includes a number of products that will peel the years off your skin and keep you looking younger and fresher, while offering a beautiful, more youthful appearance. Each kit comes with pH Balancing Complexion Wash, Biologically Active Immune Perfect, Rose Water Hydrator, Forehead & Between the Eyes Facial Patches, Corner of Eyes & Mouth Patches, Gel Eye Patches, and Immune Shield. Each product works to tone your skin and remove those pesky fine lines and wrinkles.

To order a Face Lift in a Bag or find out about more Frownies products, visit www.frownies.com.

Axe Men Gift Sets: All of the men in my life like to smell good. My brother, Dom, EmoTeen and even my nephew, Lil B. All of them enjoy the fresh feeling of using Axe Body Wash, Shampoo and Deodorant. This year, I decided to give Dom and EmoTeen Axe Body Sets (early, of course, otherwise I would ruin it in this guide!). I bought Dom the Dark Temptations and EmoTeen the Axe Twist. Both sets include Body Wash, Spray, Deodorant, and Sample Size Shampoo and Conditioner. These sets both smell great and Axe always leaves them feeling clean and refreshed. The only complaint Dom has is that the scent does not last nearly as long as he would like it to, but that is a minor complaint, in the grand scheme of things. If you have a man in your life that likes to smell great, consider getting them an Axe Men’s Gift Set for the holidays.

Check out Axe at the Axe website, http://www.theaxeeffect.com/.

Yantra Mat: I was nervous when presenting this mat to the family, because it seems sharp and spiky. Dom has excessive amounts of pain in his legs, hip and back. EmoTeen has Asperger’s Syndrome so he is very finicky when it comes to tactile sensations. Both of them absolutely loved the Yantra Mat. EmoTeen would lay his back against it, and he said it helped to sooth him and calm him down. Dom would have me tuck it in the side of his wheelchair so it created constant pressure against his ailing hip and leg or I would lift both legs up and lay them on the mat. It creates pressure that makes the pain tolerable without pricking the skin or being too abrasive. The mat is a source of acupressure that can relieve tension, stress and fatigue, as well as pain, as we found in Dom’s case. If you have a lot of stress in your life, chronic pain or tension in your muscles, the Yantra Mat is a soothing, natural solution to help you feel better.

Check out the Yantra Mat and all its benefits at the Yantra Mat website.

Clothing Must-Haves

Out of Print Clothing: I love, love, love, love LOVE the t-shirts we received from Out of Print Clothing. We received the 1984 and To Kill a Mockingbird shirts. These shirts are soft, comfortable, and feel amazing against your skin. They are also stylish and as a bookworm I am totally down with the fact that they promote literacy. Out of Print Clothing comes in a variety of sizes and is perfect for either genders. Dom has exceptionally large shoulders, which often prove to make t-shirt wearing uncomfortable for him. These shirts are plenty big without being humongous on him and are able to accommodate his shoulder width without feeling tight in the shoulders and arms. The material stretches back because after he wears it, I can wear the shirts, too and my shoulders and body are smaller than his. The material is also durable without being harsh or abrasive. If you want to buy a cool, well-designed, comfortable t-shirt, you owe it to yourself to check out Out of Print Clothing.

This holiday, go buy a tee from Out of Print Clothing at their website. You will love them!

Crazy Dog T-Shirts: I could give you a million reasons why you should buy a Crazy Dog T-shirt. First off, they have some of the best designs if you’re looking for anything nostalgia-oriented. This is especially true if you want something from the 80s or that deals with movies or television pop culture references. While this is definitely a necessity in a good tee, more importantly is the fact that these shirts are crazy comfortable! This has to be some of the softest cotton I’ve ever felt. These shirts are amazing for wearing around the house, but they are fashionable and funny enough to wear whenever you go out, too. We received the Dick in a Box T-Shirt and the Ninja’s Don’t Kill People T-Shirt and we love them both! They are comfortable, funny and illicit responses (usually laughter) from those who see us wearing them. Crazy Dog T-Shirts make great gifts for pop culture junkies, movie lovers, and anyone emo that’s in need of a good black t-shirt with some smart ass saying on it.

To view all the cool T-Shirts Crazy Dog Tees has available, visit www.crazydogtshirts.com.

Future Oxygen Ecowear: The special thing about Future Oxygen Ecowear is that it’s jewelry that you can wear that eventually becomes biodegradable. What’s even neater than that is that inside the jewelry there are seeds for flowers or plants. Essentially, by offering someone Future Oxygen wear for the holidays you’re offering them fashion and beauty that later turns into flowers, plants or something else equally as beautiful. This is such a unique gift people can’t help but smile when they receive it. Teenagers will love them (or at least ours did) because you’re offering them something that will benefit the planet but that also is designed with style in mind for them. Each necklace lasts for over a year, so you get plenty of time with it before it goes into the ground to release the seeds. From there, it begins to grow into something new. The Dragon Necklace we received was one of our all time favorite gift guide submissions this year. Future Oxygen takes eco-responsibility to a fashion-friendly level that we won’t soon forget!

To learn more about Future Oxygen and view all of the Ecowear they have available, visit www.futureoxygencards.com/.

Crocs: Prior to receiving these Crocs for review for this guide I had never owned a pair. Immediately, I was shocked at just how many styles are available. It’s hard to imagine that a shoe lover would not find something they were looking for in the Crocs lineup. I received a pair of Mary Janes and a midlength knee boot that goes by the name of Berryessa. The Mary Janes were the perfect casual shoe and the boots worked with casual outfits or with something a little more fashionable. Crocs are incredibly comfortable and they work in a variety of settings. If you need a pair of shoes that aren’t tennis shoes I highly recommend checking out the amazing selection and finding something for you and the rest of the family. Whether you’re buying shoes for gifts or because you need some new shoes, Crocs is a good place to start your search.

You can check out all of the varieties of Crocs available at the Crocs website.

Technorati Tags: Must-Have, Beauty, Body Care, Products, Clothing, Miscellaneous, Makeup, Skin Care, Hair Care, Gift Set, 2010 Holiday Gift Guide, Presents, Holiday

Roku HD: This is a nifty little device that is also affordable. The Roku lets you watch Netflix, MLBtv, the NFL channel, Hulu Plus, Vimeo videos, view Flickr galleries, listen to Pandora, and utilize a variety of other media services. For most of these, there may be an added fee (such as buying Netflix each month). However, it beats using these programs on your computer, which often has substandard graphics. We use the Roku on our Big Screen television and it looks like we are watching shows or movies as they would air on television. A Roku HD costs around $60, but this is a one time fee. This is a low cost option to watch Netflix on your television, especially if you do not have an Xbox 360, Wii or PS3. This won’t be for everyone, but it is certainly going to be a great purchase for non-gamers who enjoy movies and television.

You can find out more about the Roku HD by visiting the http://www.roku.com/roku-products webpage.

Apple iPod Shuffle, 4th Generation: Having a teenager means we end up buying more electronics than toys these days. Our son is a bit obsessed with technology, so we wanted something he could play with, but that we knew would be safe for him to use. Enter the iPod Shuffle. You will be hard-pressed to find a kid (let alone anyone) who does not like music and with the sleek, 4th generation design to the iPod Shuffle, this is the perfect, portable device. On the outside, the new shuffle is small and comes in five different colors, but inside it packs quite the punch. There is 2 GB of storage room for plenty of songs downloadable through iTunes, and easily accessible track, play and volume buttons. The iPod Shuffle is not loaded with features that will allow your teen to browse the web, which we like, because those sorts of gadgets can get kids in trouble. The iPod Shuffle is also relatively affordable, unlike many of the other Apple products out there! This mp3 player is a simple yet stylish music player your kids are going to love receiving from you this holiday.

You can check out the Apple iPod Shuffle at http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/.

Apple iPad: It is hard to say anything bad about the iPad. I admit, initially we did not get the appeal of the iPad and we were two of the people who made jokes about it. Truth be told, it was not long before we wanted an iPad of our very own. The unique thing is that the iPad is a great device for everyone. This mini-computer/apps house is showing that it has the potential to allow for communication with children and adults with disabilities who may not be able to talk and many who cannot handle using a traditional computer with keyboard and mouse. From those with autistic spectrum disorders to muscle diseases, thanks to the touchscreen interface, the benefits of using an iPad are becoming vast. For everyone else, the iPad is convenient, portable and an asset to any work/business situation. If you splurge on anything this holiday, splurge on an iPad. You won’t regret it.

The Apple website offers more information on the Apple iPad. You can get there by visiting http://www.apple.com/ipad/.

Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ HD Media Player: This media player is awesome because you can take the external hard drive and fill it with music, movies and other media from your computer and then play it on your television. It is also a bonus that the Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ HD offers HD quality. If you are using the Seagate without the external hard drive, it can be used to stream NetFlix. This is great for televisions that are not connected to gaming consoles, such as the TVs in your bedroom. It is also thin, stylish and takes up very little space, making it much more economical than other, similar media systems. The Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ HD Media Player can be used to stream YouTube videos and view pictures from Picasa and Flickr. Widgets and programs continue to be added to this device, such as the weather widget and the Text and Video Feeds RSS.

You can get more information on the Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ HD Media Player by visiting its product page at the Seagate website.

Rockin’ Accessories

Lexar JumpDrives: If you are looking into USB devices, you will want to check out Lexar’s line of JumpDrives. They can be pricey (for the bigger drives), but are well worth the price you’ll pay. Our favorite was the Lexar JumpDrive TwistTurn USB Flash Drive. The TwistTurn is available for as low as $14 for a 2 GB storage device to $200 for the 64 GB device. Depending on the capacity of the drive, the TwistTurn USB Flash Drive comes in a variety of colors. There are white, red, silver, blue, and black options. The TwistTurn comes in a small package, in order to connect to your USB, but it packs quite the punch. With the Lexar JumpDrive TwistTurn USB Flash Drive you can easily and quickly store, transfer, and share large amounts of data from your computer. These are especially great for college students and business professionals who need to transfer and share data with other computer systems on a regular basis.

To see about pricing considerations and find out more about these JumpDrives, check out the Lexar website.

Duracell Rechargeable Batteries GoMobile: This holiday, you’ll probably be using a lot of batteries. It is always good to have some on hand, and they make a great stocking stuffer. Your kids may not get why they received batteries until you start putting all their toys together, but once you do they will be grateful for the purchase. This is an eco-friendly option, because you will not be purchasing an array of disposable batteries. You can charge up to four AA or AAA rechargeable batteries and it takes just one hour to get them going, with the Duracell GoMobile. This nifty little device also features a car adapter, so you can charge while on the go with minimal effort. This is great for charging batteries during the long ride home from Grandma’s house after a holiday meal or in your living room after the kids open their presents (and even the grown ups) and then want to play with all the new items they’ve received. The GoMobile comes with the charger, External AC power, a car adapter, and either 4 AA or 4 AAA rechargeable batteries. This is one item you will not want to be without this holiday.

You can check out the GoMobile, and some of the other Rechargable Battery options from Duracell at http://www.duracell.com/en-US/product/gomobile-battery-charger.jspx.

Duracell Holiday Promotional Packs: This Holiday, pick up one of the Duracell Multipacks. These are available specifically for the holiday. We go through loads of batteries, once all the presents are open. Most families do. Of course, the nice thing about the AA and AAA multipacks is what comes with them. During this holiday season, you can pick up a AA Multipack and also get a box cutter. With all the boxes you will receive this holiday, you will find this item to be quite useful. The AAA Multipack comes with a mini-screwdriver. Then, when the presents are opened, you will be ready to start installing batteries in all the goodies you (and the kids) receive. This is a special holiday promotion, so pick up a Duracell Multipack while you can.

Note: This picture shows the 10-pack. We received the 24-pack.

In the meantime, feel free to check out the Duracell website, to learn more about the company and their various products that can make the holidays easier.

Epson Stylus NX420: We love this printer. It is an all-in-one and it works great! The Epson Stylus NX420 can be used to scan, print, and copy documents, pictures, fliers, and pretty much handles any other printing needs you have. The cool thing is that you can network it (without a wire) to your computer for easy control over your printing, copying and scanning. We have been using our Epson Stylus for quite a while and we have not had to change the ink. For the quality of printer you will receive, the Epson Stylus NX420 is quite affordable, running at just under $100. We cannot say enough good things about this printer. You need to order one for yourself (or that special someone) and see all of the great things it can do for you when it comes to your printing needs.

To find out more about the Epson Stylus NX420, go to its product page on the Epson website. While there, you can read over 300 reviews posted by others using this printer, with the majority of them satisfied with their purchase.

NuPower Charge & Sync+: Developed by Newer Technology, the NuPower Charge & Sync+ offers a portable way to easily charge iPhones, iPod Touches, micro-USB devices and mini-USB devices. The small charger is light, stylish and comes with an AC adapter and charger, a USB charging cable and a 1mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack. This will charge pretty much all of your portable devices and it comes in one, small, sleek, white package. While the NuPower Charge & Sync+ is going to be limited in its length of charging ability, its versatility and ease of use make this semi-affordable device (it runs around $40) worth the purchase, especially if you have a family member who has to have their gadgets! While this is not going to break the bank, it won’t be recommended for just anyone, unless they have a need to charge multiple, portable devices.

You can find out information on the NuPower Charge & Sync+ by going here.

Awesome Computer Software

Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite 2010: One of the leading innovators in computer software for 3D design, Maya is a must-have product on every graphic designer’s holiday wishlist. Autodesk took the time to put together this exciting Creation Suite, which contains Autodesk Maya 2010, Autodesk Mudbox 2010, and Autodesk MotionBuilder 2010. These three applications work together to create full graphic animations in 3D. Maya is used primarily for modeling, compositing and rendering images, adding visual effects and designing the overall animation. Mudbox is used for painting 3D textures and digital sculpting and MotionBuilder adds motion and character simulations in ways that a variety of animators (from game developers to cartoonists), film editors and directors, and other creators can use to make their lives easier.

The Maya Entertainment Creation Suite 2010 can be used to create animations that go above and beyond industry standards. It also is easy enough to use that both professionals and beginning animators can benefit from this software. Each of the Maya products offer tutorial videos to help you get started and there are a variety of tutorial images just waiting to be used when practicing your animation skills. However, there is one downside when using Mudbox. If you do not have an ATI or NVIDIA graphics card you cannot use the software. However, if you have plans of being a graphic designer, animator or work at another profession in the video arts, you should already be looking into purchasing a computer with such a high quality graphics card.

While this is professional grade software and the Maya Entertainment Creation Suite 2010 package runs close to $5,000, if you know anyone who is looking to become an animator, film director or artist in any capacity, this invaluable software is going to be one of the main tools they will be able to use to find success.

To find out more about Maya, check out the Autodesk Website.

Microsoft Windows 7: From the time Windows Vista was released, all we heard was complaints. Friends disliked it. Our family members begged to go back to XP. Vista was a rat trap. Well, Microsoft listened to all of the complaints and took action. Essentially, the core of what Vista had remains within Windows 7. Anything good about Vista remains while all of the things that users complained about have been fixed. For instance, users have way more control over the new, customizable user interface for this Operating System. It is a cleaner, less cluttered system, which allows you to pin the programs you used the most to the taskbar (this comes in handy!). Plus, Microsoft 7 allows for the use of cool programs when combined with Windows Live, such as The Cloud, a nifty, photo and video editing program that has some powerful performance features. If you hate Vista, upgrade to Windows 7. You’ll love it!

To find out more about Microsoft Windows 7, visit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/home.

Microsoft Office 2010: Whether you are a student or a business professional, chances are you’ve had to use at least one of the Microsoft Office software applications. The latest version of Microsoft Office is 2010, which builds off of the previous version. All of the Microsoft Office products have a sleek, ribbon interface and the ability to integrate between applications with ease. There are three main versions available, Professional, Home, and Student. The differences between the three lie in their price and what programs you receive. Students receive a discount because they only receive Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. These are the primary programs college students use, though. Home users also get OutLook and Professionals get all of the aforementioned programs plus Access and Publisher.

While Microsoft Office 2010 retains its core design from the last release, it offers more flexibility when it comes to sharing, saving and printing your Office creations. Information on the document is easy to access, and an invaluable feature we use all the time, that has become much easier to use, is access to Recent Files that have been opened previously. While Microsoft Office 2010 does not offer a complete makeover of any of its products (and we’re thankful for that), there are enough cool features to make upgrading a worthy consideration. If you have an amazing student or business professional in your life, they will appreciate Microsoft Office 2010 this holiday season.

To find out more about Microsoft Office, visit the Microsoft Office page.

Adobe Creative Suite 5: Adobe offers software that allows for photo editing, illustration, film editing, website design and even magazine-style creation. The vast array of programs make the purchase of Creative Suite 5 worthwhile for those involved in website and graphic design and other artistic pursuits. If you or your loved one designs, you probably already know how great the Adobe line of products are. The thing is, the majority of the programs have been updated, so making the chance to CS 5 is worth it. The programs have been updated so that they are easier to use by both beginners and seasoned professionals, who have been using the most common Adobe applications, like Photoshop, for years.

To find out more about Adobe Creative at http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/.

Technorati Tags: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide, Electronics, Software, Microsoft, Apple, Maya, Entertainment, Adobe, Accessories, Gadgets

Wise Alec Family Trivia Game:
Normally I don’t advocate the predetermined ages on a board game unless it appears to be as hard as the makers say it is. Wise Alec’s age is 8 years and up and in this case I would agree. It’s not that the game is hard, but it has the potential to be hard. The questions, at times, can be uneven. With two scoring options you get the ability to pick the question you want. Unfortunately, what we learned is that sometimes the lesser point questions are actually harder! So, you will want to watch out for that. Questions are based on school subjects, so this is great to sneak a little learning into the kids when they aren’t looking. Finally, you have the Wise Alec cards. These are lower point cards that have you doing little challenges. These are the most fun cards, unless you are the one drawing them repeatedly, because due to the lower points you get from them, it becomes virtually impossible to win.

Still, as far as family games go, people with tweens will like this game. I wouldn’t recommend it for all adults, but it would be great if you’re playing with kids. You can learn more about Wise Alec at Griddly Games. You can find Wise Alec in a number of specialty stores or online at places like Amazon where it is available for $25.

Lego Games Race 3000:
Lego Race 3000 is a cute game, aimed at younger kids for two or more people to race. You get to build the board, which LEGO fans should enjoy quite a bit. A bonus for parents is that once built, the board seems to fit fine in the box. The major problem with this game seems to be instructions. They tend to be vague, so parents will want to be on hand to explain things to the kids. If not, there might be some problems. Otherwise, this game will be fun for kids. As the board is a bit smaller, it’s harder for adult hands to navigate, but this game is going to be far more amusing to children anyway, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

You can learn more about Lego Games Race 3000 at the Lego Website. You can find this at most stores that sell Lego products including Amazon where it is available for $11.

Rack-O:
Rack-O is a good choice for any family board game collection. Now in its 50th year, Rack-O has simple rules and offers an all around good time. The rules are easy to learn. All you have to do is get ten cards in sequential order from lowest to highest. It might sound easy, but it’s not. If you get what you’re hoping you can win some big points. You also get points if you have three cards in a row and through other combinations. The person with 500 points will win, but you can bet it will take more than one round. On the plus side, time flies when you play this game, so you won’t get bored while playing and trying to win! This is even great for younger kids learning their numbers. Not only will you have some fun with the family, you can sneak in some learning, too.

You can find Rack-O in most major department stores and online, where it generally retails for under $10.

Bezzerwizzer:
I admit that we have not spent an extensive amount of time playing Bezzerwizzer, but I can tell you that you will either love this game or feel like a complete moron when you play it. This has to be one of the most challenging trivia games that I have played in recent years. In many ways, that makes it excellent. On the downside, kids might end up frustrated with this game for that reason. Don’t expect an easy win here (unless you’re a previous Jeopardy winner). That being said, if you like trivia games and want to learn something new, Bezzerwizzer is going to become a classic in your eyes relatively quickly. Danish for know-it-all, this game is already a hit in Denmark and now its sweeping the nation. Utilizing 20 categories there are more than 5,000 questions so you don’t have to worry about this game becoming tiresome. You will have quite a few questions to go through before you start running into duplicates.

Using a set of game tiles, you draw four categories and put them in order of easiest (the category you’ll have the most trouble with) to hardest (the one you’re most familiar with) and you have to complete the questions in those categories to win. Of course, some trickery is involved to, so it’s not as easy as it sounds. You can even steal people’s questions so if you’re not sure about something in your own deck, you do have some other options. You can find this at most stores where Mattel games are sold. It’s also available online for around $30.

Say Anything:
Say Anything is a fun, conversational style game created by the makers of Wits and Wagers. Meant to be a party-style game, this is perfect for teens and adults with the more people available to play, the merrier the time you will have. The questions are sure to cause debate. One minute you’re answering (or arguing) about the best movie or all time and the next minute you’re talking about the biggest thing you’d ever love to own. You have the chance to ask any question from the card that is drawn and people need to…say anything…that they want or can think of. The answers are written on cards and the person asking the question gets to decide the best answer. From there, everyone has to make a guess about what answer was picked as the best.

Even people that are not fond of traditional board games will have a fun time playing this. Say Anything should be available where board games are sold. You can also find it online through Amazon for under $20.

Wits and Wagers:
Speak of the devil (or in this case Wits and Wagers) and it shall appear. The game mixes a good dose of guessing with some trivia that pretty much wouldn’t possibly be known by the average person. The good news is that you don’t need to know the answers to win. Everyone writes their answer on a tablet and the answers are lined up appropriately. From there, you get to wager which answer you think is correct. As long as you make the correct wagers you have a good chance at winning. The whole mix of betting and trivia allows fans of both types of activities to have a little fun. Wits and Wagers is suitable for ages ten and up. This is one of those games that is going to provide a better time if you have more people playing, so you will want to keep that in mind!

You can find out about Wits and Wagers and other North Star games at the North Star Games website. You can also find this on Amazon for around $20.

Chronicles of the Mind:
The thing that makes Chronicles of the Mind fun is that you can say whatever you want! You are asked a conversation based question. For example, of the around 119 prompts you might be asked who your first crush was or where you went on your first date. You can tell the truth, fix up the story to make it a little more exciting, or you can create a lie. It will be up to the others in the group to determine if you’re telling the truth or not. This party game is going to be most suitable for adults and you will want to have a small or large group to get the most fun out of this.

You can learn more about this and other Griddly Games over at the Griddly Games website. Chronicles of the Mind is available online for $13.

Yamodo!:
Yamodo Party Time is a game that gets the mind going and offers a hilarious time for all players. The rules are simple. You receive some made up words. That’s right, the words you are dealing with will have no official meaning. As a player it will be your job to breathe meaning into these words. You can create any type of meaning you want, but you have to define these words! Use your imagination because you will be competing against every other player. The judge gets to pick the best definition and the winner of the round! The makers of the game suggest this for teens to adults, though it’s possible that slightly younger kids could play this successfully, as well.

You can find Yamodo and Yamodo Party Time online at various retailers including Amazon, where it is available for under $50.

Zunker Christmas Party Gift Exchange Game:
I will admit we have not actually played Zunker yet, but if you’ve ever done Secret Santa you will absolutely adore Zunker. This game is all about the holiday gift exchange. This makes it perfect for office parties and large families that tend to offer one gift as opposed to buying for everyone in the family. During round one you get to roll the dice and take turns unwrapping the gifts so all the amazing presents are laid out for everyone to see. The next round has you rolling to pass, win and lose the presents that you had your eyes on. Zunker is fast paced, fun, and sure to leave a lasting impression on all your present-oriented parties. This will be great for all kinds of events! We cannot wait to use it at our holiday party, this year!

You can learn more about the Zunker Gift Exchange website. Zunker is available for around $25.

Technorati Tags: Zunker, Board Games, 2010 Holiday Gift Guide, Wits and Wagers, Yamodo Party Time, Chronicles of the Mind, Bezzerwizzer, Say Anything, Rack-O, Lego Games Race 3000, Wise Alec

Ripley’s Believe it or Not: Enter if You Dare

About the Book: This book is filled with a selection of wacky, crazy and incredible facts. There are also features relating to these facts and interviews with the people associated with the stories included in this book. The book has been newly designed for this new year edition. Within the book, you will find information on how to access the fully-integrated Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Enter if you Dare website, where you can gain access to a plethora of video clips that accompany the book. In the gatefold section, there are eight. amazing pages worth of tales of vampires that are said to be “true”! There are also additional pullouts with amazing, full-size images that are downright shocking!

What Makes it Great: If you asked our son he would say it was because it is filled with odd and interesting facts that are simply unbelievable! He asks for these books every year, so it’s kind of a tradition in our house making sure that he gets them for Christmas. They are always some of his favorite presents every year, too. This makes a great gift for an older child or an adult that likes learning about oddities and things that are too weird to normally be true!

You can learn more about Ripley’s Believe it or Not: Enter if You Dare on the Ripley’s website. You can also purchase this online, at Amazon for under $18.

Guinness World Records 2011

Check out some of the new Guinness features: New to The Guinness Book of World Records 2011 edition is a new design. To usher in the new decade, those behind this infamous book have given it a new, eclectic design with a fun, poster-style motif sure to remind you off the circus, the wild west and there are even pressed WANTED ads. The records are presented GPS style. Starting in Greenwich, London, the starting place of time, Guinness takes us round the world, city by city, to find wild, crazy, and amazing, world record setting feats. There is an extensive glossary, that is bound to help you learn new words, and a selection of spreads on the Space Shuttle being retired this year, the 75th year (Diamond) Anniversary of Television, a Pop Culture Chapter with information on all your favorite movies, comics, manga, graphic novels, DVDs, and more, and, of course, information on Mr. World Record Breaker.

What Makes it Great: It seems silly even filling this section out. Everyone knows what makes the Guinness Book great. Filled with record breaking items, the Guinness Book gives the average guy or gal a chance to be a record holder. I know in our house, every year this is a must-have gift for our son. He’s been collecting the Guinness books ever since he discovered them when he was around five years old and he’s not planning to stop any time soon. The Guinness book is one of those rare gifts that works just as well for an eight year old as it does for an eighty year old!

You can learn more about Guinness 2011 at the Guinness World Records website. You can pick up the Guinness 2011 at Amazon for under $17.

Crave by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz

Description for Crave: The rare blood disorder that Shay was born with has confounded even the most dedicated of doctors, including her step-father, Martin. Shay’s mother married him who was one of her doctors, and he has been trying to figure out both what is wrong with her blood and how to find a cure for Shay. He even stopped work on his world-renowned leukemia research to help Shay. Things change for Shay when she turns 17. Not only is she given new blood transfusions, but she begins to feel stronger. These transfusions comes with a price and soon Shay is having weird visions…visions that include vampires.

What Makes it Great: Vampires are all the rage these days. Normally, I am pretty against them because while I love vampires, I find that writers usually mess them up. Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz do a nice job building characters that we can enjoy. Fans of Roswell might recognize the names Burns and Metz as they used to write for the show prior to creating this book concept. Shay is an interesting, if not sometimes frustrating, character that suffers from a debilitating illness that limits her life. Through a series of events Shay’s life soon changes and the things that happen make it easy to lose yourself in what appears to be the first novel in a future series.

You can learn more about Crave at the Simon and Schuster, where you can purchase the paperback for $9.99. You can also pick this up at book stores and department stores where books are sold.

Slayed by Amanda Marrone

Description for Slayed: Vampire hunting is a legacy for Daphne and her family. The sixteen-year-old is a part of the Van Helsing family of vampire hunters, a tradition dating back hundred of years. Daphne is not thrilled to be passed down such a legacy, especially when her parents are off decapitating vampires for money. Daphne craves normalcy. She’s tired of moving around and wants to settle so she can actually attend school and make friends. Instead, this young vampire has left her fate in the hands of her family, spending her life going from motel to motel, but never without a hefty supply of garlic!

Daphne’s life changes forever when the Van Helsing’s must head to a small coastal town in Maine. These vampires have no fangs, but they enjoy eating small children, a new breed of monster they have never seen. Along the way, she meets and falls for a boy, Tyler Harker, but he is the son of her family’s slaying rivals, so their relationship can never be…or can it?

Tyler Harker, AKA, the son of the rival slayer family. What’s a teen vampire slayer to do?

What Makes it Great: Amanda Marrone has a knack for writing books about teenage girls that have parents that just don’t get where they are coming from. Daphne is seventeen (though I felt she was written slightly younger) and she wants to be normal. Vampire slaying isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be unless you’re Buffy. Making use of the Dracula line of characters, this future tale will make fans of the classic novel curious and it will thrill teenage girls that love fantasy. This is a fun, light-hearted kind of read that goes by relatively quick. Vampire-loving, fantasy enthusiasts should enjoy this young adult novel.

You can learn more about Slayed at the Simon and Schuster website. You can purchase this wherever books are sold. It is currently available in paperback form through the Simon & Schuster website for $9.99.

Crusade by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

Description for Crusade: Jenn has been training and living at the Sacred Heart Academy Against the Cursed Ones in Spain for the past two years. She is one of a select few who have pledged to defend humanity or die in the process. With each passing day, vampires gain power, and the fierce battles she will face against them are just beginning. When a family member dies, Jenn returns to San Francisco, which has become a stronghold for her enemies. Alone without her slaying team, Jenn feels isolated and knows she has put herself at risk just being here. She also misses Antonio, her fighting partner, whom she has fallen for, despite the odds and dangers of having any form of relationship with him. When Jenn faces a massive betrayal, she begins to doubt herself and her cause, but she must rely on her head, her heart, and her training to stay alive.

What Makes it Great: Girls that like a little romance with their violence, fear, and intimidation are going to be mighty fond of Crusade. In a world where vampires reign supreme, ruling the world through violence and fear, there are only a handful of people able to fight the good fight and keep them at bay. As you might imagine, its a fight that these rare vampire hunters probably will not win. While Crusade takes a couple of chapters for some to warm up to, the writing is captivating and the story should prove to be pleasing to the teenage audience that it was written for. Teenagers will appreciate this in their stocking or as a gift because not only will it entertain them, but it’s the first in a new series, so now is the perfect time to pick it up!

Crusade is available at major bookstores and other stores were books are sold. You can learn more about Crusade on the Simon & Schuster website, where the hardcover is available for $16.99.

The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith

Description of The Other Side of Dark: Katie Mullens has gone crazy. She was normal once, before her mother died…before she started filling her sketch pads with insane drawings filled with darkness and blood. Law Walker knew Katie before she went crazy, when she was just your average, talented, artist, but he does not know the truth behind her artwork. Katie sees dead people, in accidents, from suicides and in a variety of other fashions and then she draws them. Law wants to get to know Katie better, even if his father is against this, especially since Katie is white and potentially dangerous. One of the dead people she sees has a secret and Law needs to know it, even if it is more shocking than he anticipated.

What Makes it Great: The Other Side of Dark succeeds on so many levels because the author had the ingenious idea of taking a good old fashioned ghost story and melding it with history, romance, and a nice dose of suspense. Smith’s writing cuts right to the heart of things. She has a way of putting words on a page that let you know exactly how her characters think and feel. This gives the reader a chance to really feel the characters emotions and it enhances the connection between the reader and the book. While I am new to Smith’s books I look forward to reading more of her work as soon as possible!

The Other Side of Dark is available in hardcover format for $16.99 and e-book format. You can learn more about the book at the Simon & Schuster website.

Blank Confession by Pete Hautman

Blank Confession Description: Even in a new town, Shayne Blank is in trouble right away. The new kid on the block, the other kids find him to be weird. Though he seems smart and fearless, there is something that isn’t right concerning his background. Then, one day, Shayne walks into the Police Station in town and confesses to a murder. This shocking revelation leads investigators down the road into an even more complicated series of events than even they could have anticipated.

What Makes it Great: Told through alternating viewpoints, when the new kid in town walks into a police station to confess to being a murderer, it’s up to the reader to get a grasp as to how the new kid got himself into that situation. Hautman is known for his writing skills and with that in mind, this would be a great gift for his fans. The only real downside to this book is that it goes by fairly quickly. It’s not very long, but it is a compelling story and it does not make any attempt to overstay its welcome. If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer and need an intriguing book, this might work out well. It’s the perfect size to peek out of a stocking and it will be an easy read to finish before school is back in session.

You can learn more about Blank Confession on the Simon & Schuster website where it is available for $16.99.

The Mortal Instruments Box Set by Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments Boxed Set Description: The Shadowhunters-touched by angels and charged with protecting innocents—battle demons and other evil in the bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

City of Bones: When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons—and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It’s also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

City of Ashes: Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what’s normal when you’re a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? Clary would love to spend more time with her best friend, Simon. But the Shadowhunters won’t let her go—especially handsome, infuriating Jace. Clary’s only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil—and also Jace’s father. When the second of the Mortal Instruments is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor suspects Jace. Could Jace really be willing to betray everything he believes in to help his father?

City of Glass: To save her mother’s life, Clary travels to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters—never mind that by doing so she is breaking the Law, which could mean death. Even worse, Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by Shadowhunters who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight. Luckily, Clary finds an ally in the mysterious Sebastian, who holds a strange attraction for her. As Valentine musters a demon army, can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their ancient hatred and work together? And can Clary harness her newfound powers to help save them all—whatever the cost?

What Makes it Great: This is the perfect series for a middle or highschooler looking for something new and interesting to keep them busy. I have seen this series compared to the likes of Harry Potter, Twilight, and even Percy Jackson and the Olympians. While I admit, I have not read most of those series, I will say that I loved this one. The world is similar to the others, in that this is a fantasy style book, as well. However, comparing this to Twilight does a great disservice to Cassandra Clare, who seems to have a decent grasp on writing and plenty of talent. With strong characters, a well drawn-out plot, and excellent storytelling The Mortal Instruments set will be sure to please any book addict between the ages of ten and forty.

You can learn more about the Mortal Instruments Boxed Set at the Simon and Schuster website, where you can also purchase it for $26.99.

Garden of Shadows by VC Andrews

Garden of Shadows Description: Before Flowers in the Attic there was a young girl, filled with hope and innocence. That woman was Olivia, soon to be Olivia Foxworth. Despite to feel joy in her life, the happiness she expects to feel from marrying rich and powerful Malcolm Foxworth and living in Foxworth Hall never appears. Malcolm barely pays attention to her, and she is stuck in a gloomy, lonesome, forboding, and huge mansion. With nothing to do but let her emotions fester, life in the Hall sets the stage for an evil that will triumph over the lives of her children, as well as their future generations to come.

What Makes it Great: V.C. Andrews is one of those writers that is so dramatically scandalous you can’t help but want to read her soap opera style of writing. Her characters border on ridiculous at times. No matter what series you are reading you know that someone is going to fall and end up in a wheelchair and there is going to be a plot that includes incest in some form or fashion before the end of the series. I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone that was on the younger spectrum of their teenage years. It contains rape, incest, abuse, and plenty of other adult topics. While the graphic nature of these things are not always laid out, it’s still a pretty scandalous for younger audiences. If you’ve read Flowers in the Attic, this prequel is certainly worth checking out. It will lead you to a much better understanding of how Olivia Foxworth came to be the woman that she ended up being later in life.

Garden of Shadows is a reprint from the original novel which came out in the late 80s. You can pick up either print on Amazon for under ten dollars.

The Dragon’s Apprentice by James A. Owen

Dragon’s Apprentice Description: The sequel to The Shadow Dragons, takes place seven years later. John, Jack and Charles are finally able to make it back to the Archipelago of Dreams. This reunion, though joyous amongst the three and their friends, is overshadowed by the threat of Ecthroi, primordial Shadow, and the threat of the splitting of Time. This trio must travel through a forgotten Door from the Keep of Time, which was destroyed, in the hopes of restoring time. There, they must seek the Dragon’s Apprentice. Failure means the end of both of these worlds, but success comes with its own drama.

What Makes it Great: Our son read the previous book in the series and made us swear that we would get him this one. Since then, he has read it several more times. Despite the high number of pages in these books, time seems to fly when reading them. The writer, James A. Owen has a great grasp on what it is to tell a story, so you will be shocked at how fast reading this will go. If you are buying for someone that has never read the other books in this series, it would do you best to start from the beginning. However, if you know someone that has read the other books and has been waiting for this one, you have to get it for them. Fans of the previous novels will not be disappointed.

You can pick up The Dragon’s Apprentice at Simon & Schuster where it is available for $17.99.

Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

Rot & Ruin Description: Benny Imura is more than just your everyday teenager. He is living in a zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America. In this world, it is every teen for himself. Teens must find a job by the time they turn 15 or they end up losing half their rations. Benny is not thrilled at riding shotgun with his older brother, Tom, who is a zombie hunter. Not wanting to lose his rations he has no choice but to become Tom’s apprentice. Thinking the job is going to suck, Benny soon learns there is much more to this job, and being human, especially in this chaotic world he lives in.

What Makes it Great: It’s a zombie book. Do I really need to say more than that? Zombies battle it out against the Bounty Hunters that are there to make some cash by bashing in some zombies. I had no clue who Jonathan Maberry was until reading this, but you can bet I will be keeping him in my sights now that I know what he is capable of writing. This is the first in the series, so get it while its hot. Zombie, horror, and violence/action fans will really enjoy Maberry’s take on the modern day zombie and the cash-for-hire hunters that are trying to get rid of them.

You can pick up Rot & Ruin through the Simon & Schuster website for $17.99.

Technorati Tags: 2010, Holiday Gift Guide, LI Kids, Top Ten, Books, Literature, Teens, Tweens, Reading, Must Have, Holidays, Christmas, Chanukah, Hanukkah, Winter Celebration

For the Little Mommy/Daddy

Loveable Look-A-Like
These dolls are awesome for all the right reasons. They might not look like something your child would initially take to, but if they have anyone in their life that they miss or wish was with them, the Loveable Look-A-Like could be the perfect solution! On the outside, the Loveable Look-a-Like dolls are androgynous and rather basic. They have on a white shirt and some jeans, which makes them perfect for both boys and girls. It also makes it perfect for turning a doll into your child’s favorite person no matter who they are. You just take a picture of your child’s favorite person or the one they miss the most and iron it onto the doll’s face. This is absolutely perfect for young kids that have parents in the military. We had a young reviewer check this out for us and we put her daddy’s head on it, because he is away in the war. Alexis pointed out that the head looked kind of funny (it is ironed on, after all), but it reminded her of her daddy and for that reason alone, she loved it.

We received the Do-it-Yourself Doll Kit which was easy to handle and its cost effective at $25. Loveable Look-A-Likes also offers personalized kits for $10 more or $15 more if you’d also like a personalized t-shirt. Either way, this is a great gift for children that have recently lost someone or have a parent that is currently away from home.

Fisher Price – Little Mommy Play All Day
If you know a little one that wants to be a parent (boy or girl) this is going to be a fabulous toy for them and it will be sure to make their holiday brighter. The Little Mommy Play All Day also works as an excellent toy to get back at a friend or sibling. Just give it to their child and watch the parent pull their hair out. This only works if they do not like toys that produce excessive amounts of noise, so keep that in mind, if you’re purchasing solely for revenge. The Little Mommy Play All Day is a talking baby doll that has plenty to say! She is motion activated so if you so much as nudge her she is talking! The one we received even speaks in Spanish occasionally, though I am not sure if that makes her defective or if they all do that. In fact, she knows up to 50 phrases and responses to basic play activities like rocking, flying like a birdie, and dancing. The doll takes 3 AA batteries, but they are already installed, so you will just need more for later. Alexis loves this doll so much she wants to play with her all day.

With that in mind, I am sure that $35 is more than a fair price for the Little Mommy Play All Day!

Precious Baby Doll – Katya
Precious baby dolls allow your child to adopt a baby from another destination. While it’s nice to have a doll that shares the same features, it’s even better to have a doll that is unique. Precious baby dolls are absolutely gorgeous with fine details down to a tee and a sweet baby smell that is reminiscent of real children. We received Katya Irina to check out and I fell in love with her. Our child reviewer, of course, feels the same way!

Each Precious Baby Doll is 17 inches long and has a cloth body with arms, legs, and has a face made of vinyl. The hands and feet even look real, which goes to show the amount of fine detail put into each doll. All babies are dressed in accordance to their culture/home location. Each doll (there are currently four to choose from) costs $69.99. In addition to the dolls, books about the dolls homeland are also available. Each book costs an additional $9.99. With or without the books these dolls are highly recommended. They are so beautiful it almost seems like a crime to let them be toys, but knowing the joy a child will get from one of these dolls makes it a worthwhile gift consideration.

The Precious Baby Dolls are our most expensive doll option on this guide this year, but they are also the most precious and well crafted in the bunch, too. The folks over at Precious Baby Dolls want to extend our readers a special deal, which makes this holiday gift even sweeter. You can use the following coupon code to get an additional $10 off on each doll:

Katya doll = 1000
Kimberly doll = 1500
Sophia doll = 2000
Li Ming = 2500

For the Little Professional

“The Budding Artist”: – Kidzsack
Kidzsack is perfect for the kid on the go that likes to color and has an artistic streak. This great back sack comes in a variety of designs and includes eight washable markers so your kids can create the perfect scene for the moment. Then when they are ready, they can wash it out (or you can, of course) and start all over again. In the meantime, they can use the bag to carry their favorite possessions when they are out and about. Whether they are going to school or to a friends house, the Kidzsack can transport all of the items they need. They can even toss their markers in there and finish coloring their bag in the car, if it’s not completed when they leave the house. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, but fun, eco-friendly gift idea for kids, you should really consider Kidzsacks. Not only are they practical, they are lots of fun, too.

The main Kidzsacks designs include Jungle, SeaLife, Sports, and Castle. There are plenty of custom designs available as well to suit the taste of most children. You can pick up a Kidzsack for $23.00, which includes shipping and handling charges. This might be a bit pricier than your average book bag, but this is one that your child can create and re-create as the mood strikes. The artistic quality alone (and the eco-friendliness) makes it well worth the purchase!

“The Banker”: Zillionz Savings Goal ATM Bank
If your child uses a jar or standard piggy bank to hold their money, the Zillons Savings Goal ATM Bank might be something that they would enjoy greatly. There are a number of great things about this bank. First off, it teaches your kids about ATMs and banking. It’s always a nice lesson to let them see that the ATM isn’t an endless money pit and that you need to put money in to get it out. If they have siblings, this is always a great way to keep the money safe and hidden, as you need the credit card and pin number to deposit the money and to get it out. CT loves banks like this, so we knew we had to check this out. It ends up being a great solution for kids that are saving up their money for something and it allows them a little independence in handling their money, too, which is a good thing. Some people have had problems with change being miscounted, but we have not experienced this issue. It ends up being both a practical present for older kids and a fun, amusing toy for younger ones.

Amazon has the Zillions Savings Banks available for just under $30. If you’re hoping to buy something for a younger child I would recommend looking for something else, as the Zillions Bank is not going to be as popular with the kids that just want a toy and not a safe way to handle their money. However, if you have a child looking to keep track of their dough and have a safe way to do it, this would be perfect!

“The Sports Star”: One World Futbol
I could say plenty of great things about the One World Futbal. I could talk about how it seems sturdy enough to last for life or how great the blue color is. I could even go into the fabulous concept behind the futbal and why I feel the way I do. What it all comes down to though is that your kids are gonna love this! From a purchase perspective, you can’t go wrong with this ball. It will never go flat even if it is punctured because it is made using state-of-the-art technology that requires no stitching. It also carries the same rebound characteristics of traditional soccer balls.

However, the real reason to buy a One World Futbal has little to do with the pretty color or the durability (though these are certainly nice reasons). More importantly, when you purchase a ball for yourself, someone else receives a ball through an organization that helps people in need. So, buying one of these balls for your budding sport’s star means that someone in a third world country or another impoverished area will also receive a present, as well.

Purchasing a One World Futbal is simple. Just visit the One World Futbal website and you can purchase them right there. The balls are listed for a price of $39.50, which secures a ball for you and one that will be sent to charity. Two One World Futbals for under $40 is not a bad deal at all. In fact, it’s one of the best on this list!

“The Sports Star”: The Pro Mini Hoop
The SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop is by far the best constructed and most durable mini-hoop I have ever seen for home use. While I was not expecting much for this relatively inexpensive product, I am happy to say that this really does appear to be a mini basketball hoop. Basketball fans will absolutely adore this whether it’s for a younger child needing some excitement in their bedroom or some older kids wanting to have some dorm room fun. Sporting a shatter-proof backboard and a spring-action breakaway rim this is the closest thing to real basketball you’ll find inside a house. The backboard can take shots with ease and the rim won’t break should you decide to practice your jump shot. The weakest part of this set is the basketball and even that is fine, should you decide to keep the one that comes with the set. Everything you need construction-wise is included, with exception to the pump required to inflate the basketball.

You can learn more about the Pro Mini Hoop or other SKLZ products by visiting the SKLZ website. The Pro Mini Hoop is available on the site for just $29.99 or if you’d prefer a larger backboard you can opt for the Pro Mini Hoop XL for just $39.99.

“The Roadster”: Road Rippers RC Motor Muscle Car
Perfect for car lovers of any age, the Road Ripper RC is suited for kids seven years old and up. These great remote control cars come in a small variety of popular car models and various colors. We received the yellow car from the various product options and it was a hit with everyone in the house. The best thing about Road Rippers is the level of realism that you will find here. These babies have working radios, lights that come on and off, and realistic sounds. They are controlled completely via a remote control and they are simple to use. If you have a boy (or girl) that loves cars and is growing up, but isn’t too old this would make a great gift. Toys like this are still toys, but they are a little more adult, so the kids can’t say you’re treating them like babies. They will love it and chances are, so will you.

Road Rippers RC cars take three AA batteries for the remote, which are included in the box. You will need an additional four AA batteries for the car, so you might want to keep that in mind. You can learn more about these cars at the Road Rippers website. The Road Ripper RC cars are available at most major retailers for under $30.

For the Little Builder

NASCAR 88 Amp Energy Car Building Set:
Knex offers some of the coolest building products on the market. Whether you’re five years old or 25, Knex has something inventive and challenging for you to create. This building set, the NASCAR 88 AMP Car, was made for budding race fans. Kids interested in NASCAR and current fans of Dale Jr will really enjoy building this stock car and playing with it when it is all done. The Knex NASCAR 88 Amp Energy Car includes 100+ K’NEX bricks, rods and connectors, as well as wheels for push play. There is also a Dale Jr. K’NEX-man to complete the set! After all, it wouldn’t be a true 88 car without Dale Jr!

You can learn more about the Knex NASCAR 88 Amp Energy Car Building Set at the Knex website. According to the Knex website the 88 car is suitable for ages five years and up. You should be able to find this in stores that sell Knex including the Knex site, which has it listed for just under $15.

K’Nex Speed Demon Coaster
Unlike the 88 car, the Speed Demon Coaster by Knex is suitable for someone nine years old and older. Standing over three feet tall, the Speed Demon Coaster includes over 625 colorful K’NEX pieces, including a coaster car, motor, chain lift and track. That’s right, this is a fully working coaster! I don’t know who enjoyed this more, the kids or the adults. I suppose it didn’t matter, the point is that everyone truly enjoyed it! It takes some time to build but that is because it’s just that big! The instructions are easy to follow and are color coded so there shouldn’t be any problem putting this together. Once it’s together your kids (or the adult that gets this bad boy) can watch the coaster car move to the top of the peak only to fly down through 19 feet of twists, turns, and loops!

Available for only $30 the Knex Speed Demon Coaster is definitely a bargain! You can learn more about the Speed Demon on the Knex website. The website should have a link for purchasing, but you shouldn’t have a hard time finding these locally at stores like Walmart and Target.

Miscellaneous Goodies

Glide Table Top Shuffleboard:
I know what you’re thinking. Shuffleboard?!? For kids?!? I thought that too, until we received the Glide Shuffleboard. Suitable for pairs of players or teams ages six years old and up, the Glide tabletop Shuffleboard game will have kids and adults competing and having a ball! Zabazoo offers plenty of unique gifts for the whole family. Glide comes with four different colored stones that you slide along the four foot long board. The rules are the same as traditional shuffleboard and it will take some talent to ensure that you knock our your opponents with ease. Whether the kids win or lose though they are bound to have loads of fun. Parents will also appreciate the easy cleanup and the ability to have this out or fold it up and keep it up and away unless in use.

You can learn more about the Glide at the Zabazoo website. The Glide is available at numerous stores online, including Amazon where it can be found for $24.99.

Z Wind Up Toys:
The holiday would not be complete without some uniquely fun and totally outrageous stocking stuffers. I remember a time when parents would use the stocking to add all those little gifts that wouldn’t go over well if they were wrapped up. You know, things like shampoo and toothpaste. Well, if you must you can still add those things, just throw in a few Z Windups and it will transform your child’s stocking into something fun and exciting for them! As they plow through the deodorant and the chewing gum, a few of these windup toys are guaranteed to put a smile on their face! Z’s Windups come in a variety of designs that are sure to please every child in your house.

The Z’s Windup store will give you a clue as to just how many options are available. At around $5 a piece (some toys are more or less), these make a great inexpensive addition to the stockings in your home. Some personal Windup favorites include Larry Slider, Cookie, Ferris, and Basie!

We hope that this list has helped you to complete your shopping this year. If you’re looking for other gifts make sure to check out our other guides and suggestions!

Food

Technorati Tags: 2010, Holiday Guide, Hot Holiday Toys, Dolls, Building Sets, Unique Gifts, Holidays, Presents, Kids, Board Games, Children’s Gifts, Shopping, Gift Guide

Make sure to stop back by and let us know if you tried any of the items below and if you enjoyed them as much as we did! We cannot wait to hear what you think!

WineTime Chocolate Bars:
WineTime chocolate bars and actual wine have something in common. Reservatrol is a powerful antioxidant that is found in grapes. It has such health benefits that scientists have claimed that it could explain how French citizens can have such a fatty diet and yet remain fairly healthy. WineTime Bars take the reservatrol from the wine and create a chocolate bar that you won’t soon forget. The suspected health benefits are nice, but they wouldn’t mean much if the chocolate didn’t taste good. Come to find out, I would be pleasantly surprised with what I received in WineTime. Each bar contains various super fruits (cranberry, pomegranate, acai, and blueberry), along with dates and almonds all hiding in delicious dark chocolate. The result is a chewy, rich chocolate bar that tastes fabulous and is healthier for you than you could imagine.

You can pick up WineTime Bars at the WineTime website, where you can learn more about Resveratrol and about WineTime. Pricing options include a 10 bar pack for $29.90, a 20 bar monthly package for $59.80, and a 40 bar “family pack” for $89.70.

Green and Blacks Organic Chocolate Bars:
There are no words to describe how much I truly love Green & Black’s organic chocolate bars. I like to consider myself a chocolate snob. Not all brands do it for me. I tend to only prefer dark chocolates and find milk chocolates to be revolting in most cases. However, Green & Black’s tends to be an exception to this rule. The folks at G&B’s were nice enough to send us a variety of the bars to try out. Among the options were Milk, Dark, Toffee, Peanut, Maya Gold, and Mint. All of them were fabulous, though I personally was partial to the dark, toffee, and peanut. I liked the mint, but you have to really enjoy mint to enjoy this candy bar because it offers an intensley strong mint flavor that many mint chocolate bars lack. If you’re planning chocolate in the stocking this year, do yourself a favor and get Green & Black’s for the whole family – they have a variety of selections that are sure to satisfy all the different tastes in your home.

You can learn more about Green & Black’s at the Green & Black’s website. If you are looking for some stocking stuffers you can find Green & Black’s in most places where chocolate is sold, including stores such as Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger. Prices will vary, but in most cases you find find Green & Blacks for around $2 a bar.

Cari-Free Lollipops:
CariFree Lollies are great for kids and parents whether we’re talking holidays or anytime of year. Kids will enjoy the five tasty flavors including cherry, grape, lime, citrus, and raspberry. Parents will like the fact that each lollie contains .5g of xylitol, which helps to fight cavities and removes cavity-causing bacteria. This is a perfect mid-day treat because it will get some tooth defense in between the morning and night brushing. These are sugar free, but still taste good so kids should like them as much as any other lollipop. According to the website, you shouldn’t eat more than 20 of these per day. I don’t know anyone that offers their child more than 20 suckers though, so this shouldn’t be a major issue though. These would be great for stocking stuffers. The kids don’t even have to know that they are good for them and their teeth!

You can learn more about CariFree products at the CariFree website. Currently a 24-lollie, variety pack comes to $12.50 on the website. Prices likely do not include shipping.

PopChips:
PopChips are the best and most mysterious chips that you will ever truly enjoy. They taste like traditional chips. They taste fried, fatty, and utterly delicious. The funny thing is that they aren’t fried and they aren’t fatty. They are delicious though! Offering a chip with some good crunch and fabulous flavors, PopChip offers a healthy snack alternative that tastes about a million times better than baked or other healthy chips. These yummy chips taste like the chips that you crave without all the crap you don’t need. As a result after one of these chips you will be hooked and that won’t be a bad thing. With flavors like Parmesan Garlic and Cheddar Potato, traditional chip lovers should be very happy. They are also inexpensive (no more than most regular brands), All-Natural, and easy to find (available at Whole Foods, Target, and other retailers).

Check out more about PopChips or Read our PopChips Review!

The Fresh Market Good Cheer Basket:
We often have adverse things to say about gift baskets. After receiving a stale, seemingly outdated gift basket from Bea’s Gift Baskets earlier in the year we’ve been weary about the things that we consider for review in this area. However, The Fresh Market looked so yummy it was hard to say no. So, we agreed to check out The Good Cheer Basket and come to find out this was the best gift basket we reviewed all year! Filled with tasty goodies like pistachios, peanuts, sesame sticks, crackers, Nueske’s Summer Sausage, stone ground mustard, Jelly Belly’s, and other great items, The Good Cheer basket will be sure to please even the pickiest snacker. A box of Back to Nature Chocolate Chip Cookies and some amazing, Kell Bran Caramel Popcorn are also included. At $49.99 the Good Cheer basket is worth every penny.

The Fresh Market also offers a number of other holiday goodies and gift baskets to suit all tastes and budgets.

Navitas Naturals Chocolate Kit:
One of the best part of the holidays is the food! I love baking and enjoying the fine treats that we get to make each year. The last couple of years we’ve received a chocolate making kit each year to review. I was nervous with my first one, but I’ve since learned that there is nothing to making chocolate in kits like this. Navitas Naturals makes chocolate making a snap with easy instructions and all of the ingredients laid out as they should be. You can choose from a variety of kits that offer additions of the most important super foods into your chocolate. If I didn’t know better I would think the super foods were an excuse to eat more of the chocolate! These make great family gifts for friends that love chocolate. They are inexpensive, delicious, and offer a chance for some fun family friendly memories.

You can learn more about these Organic Chocolate Making Kits at the Navitas Naturals website.

Vosges Baking Mixes: When I received an email from Vosges and it included the moniker “Haute Chocolate,” I couldn’t help but laugh. That was because at the time, I was not very familiar with the company. I knew they offered chocolates and yummy eatables, but that was about it. The folks at Vosges offered to send us some baking mixes to see if they would make the cut for the guide. We received Vosges Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chunk Brownies, and Super Duper Sugar Cookies. All I can say is you HAVE to try these! Vosges definitely earned the haute chocolate label they use! Each box comes with all of the dry ingredients in the box. All ingredients are the top of the line and it shows in the final result. Make sure to read your boxes for all the instruction you need to make the perfect dessert. In order to make most of the mixes you will need things like water, oil, milk, unsalted butter, and/or vanilla depending on the mix. A card with detailed instructions comes with each mix, allowing even the most inexperienced baker a chance to shine in the kitchen this holiday!

Vosges mixes are perfect gifts for your favorite foodie. Alternately, if you like to give food oriented gifts that you’ve baked yourself you could pick up some Vosges mixes and make some cookies and brownies that will blow your mind. You can learn more about these amazing bake mixes at the Vosges website.

Fairytale Brownies:
Earlier in the year we reviewed Fairytale Brownies. They did not ask to be included in this gift guide, but they did submit their product for review and they were so good we felt we couldn’t leave them out here. You can choose between two flavors of Fairytale Cookies or a scrumptious selection of brownies. In a standard dozen you receive such flavors as Original, Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Cream Cheese, Espresso Nib, Mint Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Pecan, Raspberry Swirl, Toffee Crunch, Walnut and White Chocolate. It’s been awhile since we indulged, but if memory serves correctly there was not one specific flavor that we didn’t like. We even went as far as to fight over a couple.

Okay, we’re not proud of it, but they were so good, we just couldn’t help ourselves. A standard dozen is around $40, but for the moist, melt-in-your-mouth brownies that you receive you won’t think twice about what you paid for them. They are worth the price you pay as they end up putting a smile on the face of everyone I have seen eat one. It’s no wonder the brand name is Fairytale Brownies – it’s hard to believe these are as good as they are. We even won a few brownie haters over when we tried them out last time!

You can learn more about these delish brownies at the Fairytale Brownies website or you can check out our Fairytale Brownies review!

Swiss Colony Products:
Swiss Colony is one of those brands that nearly everyone is familiar with. Chances are you’ve received their catalogs and have viewed their website. If you’re like me, despite all this advertising and the delicious appearing food, you’ve never tried them. Rectifying that was one of the best decisions that I made this whole holiday season. I’ve only had a chance to try two things from Swiss Colony so far, but I can say that they will not be the last things we try. We received the Reindeer Torte (ribbons upon ribbons of rich fudge creme and tender chocolate cake blanketed in milk chocolate) and some Incredible Spreadables with Crisps. In the case of the latter item, we received the $19.95 set that includes Mellow Cheddar and Herb Garden Cheese along with three flavors of crisps. I don’t recall asking for either item, but I have to say that the whole review team loved them! The items arrived just before lunch and we had to force ourselves to stop eating the crisps and cheese and start eating our lunch. On the plus side, the Reindeer Torte provided some excellent dessert and the combination of both items made some future customers out of us!

You can learn more about all of the delicious items for gifts (or to indulge on your own) at Swiss Colony. We will also be reviewing both items soon (look out for the links to come soon).

The Fresh Market Pumpkin Butter:
Rounding out our holiday guide this year is Pumpkin Butter from The Fresh Market. I was skeptical about this when we first received it, merely because of the presence of apricot in the butter. Dom loved TFM Pumpkin Butter more than any pumpkin item that we’ve had recently. I liked it, though I admit, I was not as in love with it. I felt that in many bites I got more apricot and less pumpkin. Ignoring the pumpkin name, the flavored butter is actually quite good. If you have a fan of jellies, jams, and flavored butters in your family, this will win them over. Each bottle is available for $5 and is well worth every penny.

To learn more about TheFreshMarket Pumpkin Butter or other great products in the lineup we recommend checking out The Fresh Market website.

Technorati Tags: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide, Yummy Food, Season’s Greetings, Season’s Eatings, Candy, Cookies, Chocolate, Gift Basket, The Fresh Market, Vosges, PopChips, Holidays

For the Style Conscious and/or Tech Savvy Dad

Jawbone ICON – The Rogue

When the nice folks at Jawbone sent us one of these for review it was The Rogue. They have plenty of other great styles though and you might find that dad likes one of those better. At $99 this is one of the coolest things on this guide. The ICON is a Bluetooth ear-piece that is stylish enough for the cool dad, but practical and simple enough for the more serious dad. The ICON provides a flawless talk experience. Noise Assassin makes sure that no one dad is talking to can hear the background noise (it works, we tried it). If dad isn’t familiar with Bluetooth it’s okay because the ICON is a snap to setup and use. Setup took seconds and we were wearing it and testing it out right away. You can even pick up some apps and use it for music and other programs and services that dad enjoys. The ICON provides a beautiful sounding hands-free experience that dad is sure to love!

For more info, visit the Jawbone Website and view our review of the Jawbone ICON (Coming Soon)

Corel Digital Studio 2010

If dad is into email, Facebook, and family memories in slideshows then he needs Corel Digital Studio 2010. While we wouldn’t recommend this for the professional artist/graphic guru, the average dad will love the ease that Corel allows him to create slideshows, photo books, and other fun products. This is a one-stop solution for editing, sharing, and burning dad’s favorite family memories. In no time, dad will be adding frames to the photos he has uploaded and he will be making jazzy effects for his slideshows. The Digital Studio 2010 includes PaintShop Photo Express 2010 (allowing for super simple photo editing), Video Studio Express 2010 (video editing made simple), DVD Factory 2010 (burn and convert your memories in a snap), and WinDVD 2010 (if you’ve already burned them, now you can watch them). Corel Digital Studio 2010 retails for $100, but is currently on sale for $59.99 through the Corel Website.

For more info, check out Corel Online and don’t forget to check out our review (Coming Soon).

Flip Slide HD

Words cannot describe how much I love the Flip Slide HD and if your dad loves taking pictures and playing the video master at family events, he will love this camera, too. It’s small enough to carry around in your pocket, but the power is not matched by the size. You have the ability to shoot for up to four hours in HD and you can watch the videos you create in the viewer when you slide open the Flip (you just turn it sideways and slide it open). The only video knowledge you need to run the Flip Slide HD is the ability to point and click. You can see the video as you are shooting it and as nice as it looks on the small screen, you can bet it looks better as it gets bigger. You can choose the white Slide or you can personalize or design one so dad has one all his own. Either option is $279, which is well worth it considering you have the capabilities of an HD video camera but it is small enough to transfer anywhere. Since it’s cheaper than the average video camera it opens up the market for people that wouldn’t normally be able to have a great toy like this. If making movies is dad’s thing, get him a Slide. He will love it.

For more info, check out the Flip Slide Store or View our Review (Coming Soon).

Oberon Socks

When these stylish socks showed up with pirates on one pair and pink elephants carrying umbrellas on the other, I knew they would end up on this gift guide. My nephew demanded they be on here because pirate socks are something special. The argyle design makes them fashionable enough for work, but sporty enough for outings. Both designs come in gray and black or in blues. Each pair is $14.99. Dad will love these dress socks because they are unconventional enough to be fun yet they are suitable for multiple situations and comfortable enough for all day wear whether you’re at the office or the golf course.

For more info, check out Oberon Socks Online.

Shutterfly Photo Books

If you feel like your dad has everything and doesn’t need anything else, the Shutterfly Photo Books are going to be the perfect gift for him this year. Taking family pictures that you have saved on your computer and through Facebook (you also have access to your friend’s pictures on FB) you can create a book that’s just right for dad. Making the book is as simple as picking a template, dragging and dropping pictures, and adding text. You start with about 20 pages, but can use less or add more if you want. They also come in a variety of sizes so that you have the ability to create the perfect gift for dad. You can use pictures throughout his life and create a living history or you can use pictures of your childhood so that he has all of those fantastic family memories in one place. However you do it, dad will be sure to love what you’ve created.

For more info, learn more at the Shutterfly Website.

The Motormouse

Sure, chances are you can’t afford to buy dad a Porsche this year. That doesn’t mean you can’t get him a little piece of one that is functional in a whole new way. If your dad is a computer user you should consider the Motormouse This computer mouse gives your computer savvy dad a chance to own his own highly detailed Porsche. The Motormouse is a functional, wireless computer mouse that is detailed to look like a Porsche. You tap on the left and right portions of the hood to left and right click, and there is a spare tire in the hood, which doubles as a scroll-wheel for his scrolling convenience. No expense has been spared when it comes to creating the perfect Porsche for dad. Each mouse not only offers the Porsche body, but it has the front/back headlights, a front window and a back shuttered window, and some pretty sporty hubcaps on the real rubber tires. For $50 you receive the Motormouse or for a bit more you can order one gift wrapped.

For more info, visit the Motormouse website and check out our review (Coming Soon).

Anchor Neckwear

I know that we said ties are a wave of the past that needed to be put to bed, but every now and then there is a tie so great even dad won’t mind getting it on Father’s Day. Anchor Ties are trendy, stylish, and they don’t slip. Like the brand name implies you can anchor these ties and ensure for a perfect position all day long. You just attach the back of the tie to two buttons on the dress shirt and you don’t have to worry about any tie issues for the rest of the day. This was not the only reason we chose Anchor Neckwear as our only tie this year. We love the look of them. Dad will never look better than he will in one of these vibrant, stylish ties. You can choose from patterns, stripes, solids, or even paisley that comes in a variety of colors. Each tie is between $25-$30, putting it right up there with the average designer tie, but with a solution to fly-away tie which most of the other brands do not offer. If dad is stuck wearing ties for work, get him an Anchor. He’ll thank you for it (and mean it).

For more info, visit Anchor Neckwear Online.

Rebit Save Me

We did a review of the Rebit on LI Reviews and we loved it. Recently the Rebit Save Me came out and we’re equally as satisfied. If your dad isn’t familiar with backing up his computer this is going to be the gift that keeps on giving for him. All he needs to do is plug in the Rebit external hard drive and run the software from the disc that is provided. You can either buy the Rebit with the hard drive or you can purchase a separate one and just buy the disc. Once a full scan has been done, dad just leaves it plugged in and regular saves are performed as he makes changes. The fact that he never has to worry about losing anything will be nice for both him and you. Save Me works on up to six computers and requires virtually no setup making it perfect for just about anyone. The disc is available for $39.99 or you can purchase it with a hard drive, which costs more depending on the size of the drive that you choose. Whatever you decide, Rebit drive or not, the Save Me is something that every computer user should have. So if dad uses the computer a lot, make sure to pick one of these up for him.

For more info, visit Rebit Online and check out our review of the Rebit.

For the Dad that likes to be Spoiled

Homedics Deluxe Shiatsu One Massaging Cushion

If you have a hard working dad that needs a little pampering, you should highly consider the Shiatsu One Massaging Cushion. This cushion is nothing short of amazing. You can place it in a chair or on the couch. It’s controlled by remote and ready to go out of the box. Just remove two tabs and plug it in and you’re good to go. You have the option of adding heat and/or vibration to each massage. You can choose initially from rolling or shiatsu. From there you can choose your whole back or a portion (upper, lower). You even have a separate setting with optional heat for neck/shoulder area. This cushion might cost $200, but it’s one of the most worthwhile purchases you will make for your dad that is on this list. You can use it for years and it provides soothing relief, knocking out those kinks and allowing you to reduce your stress levels. Not to mention all of that, but we’ve had multiple people of all ages use this cushion and every single one has asked to take it home with them. If dad has a bad back, get with your siblings and make sure that those problems fade away with the Homedics Deluxe Shiatsu One Massaging Cushion.

For more info, visit the Homedics website and check out our review of the Deluxe Shiatsu One Massage Cushion (Coming Soon).

Ole Henriksen Men’s Kit

If your dad is interested in all natural products and skin/facial care to promote a more youthful look, Ole Henriksen products would be perfect for him. The Men’s Kit is a collection of four products that will make your skin look great and your hair will be silky smooth. The products include On the Go Cleanser, Sheer Transformation Moisturizer, Walnut Complexion Scrub, and Natural Hair Wash. The hair wash can be used daily like shampoo. The Cleanser and Moisturizer are also daily use products. The Scrub only needs to be used twice weekly in order to remove impurities from the skin. Ole Henriksen offers products that men can trust to effectively better their skin without adding any unnecessary chemicals. The Men’s Kit is $70, but if you feel that is too pricey Ole Henriksen has a variety of gift packs and separate items from which you can choose.

For more info, visit the Ole Henriksen Website for more information.

Good Karmal: Crate O’ Karmal

If your dad likes caramel, stop right now and buy him the Good Karmal: Crate O’ Karmal. These are the best caramels I have ever tried. They are soft, gooey, and they melt in your mouth. They come in a variety of flavors (all of them awesome) and they are all-natural! You couldn’t ask for a better caramel and even if you could, you probably wouldn’t find it. The flavors in the crate include Vanilla, Sea Salt, Espresso, Black Raspberry, Green Apple, Chocolate Sea Salt, and Chipotle. You can get these in just Vanilla if you want, too. Our favorites were the Green Apple, Vanilla, and Chocolate Sea Salt, but all of them were good. They come with a fortune/quotation on each wrapper that binds the wrapper shut. A crate is available for $40 and it comes highly recommended.

For more info, visit the Good Karmal Website and check out our review (Coming Soon).

Sticky Fingers Father’s Day Grilling Caddy

Sticky Fingers is known for their fabulous barbecue sauces so the fact that they’ve created a special gift pack just for dad, is like the icing on the cake. This caddy features six compartments. It includes a pound of hickory wood chips with instructions in case dad is new to using them, an apron, a sauce mop, a bottle of Memphis Original Barbecue Sauce, a bottle of Carolina Sweet Barbecue Sauce, some Sticky Fingers Dry Rub, and a grilling mitt. It’s wrapped up pretty with a ribbon and even includes a Father’s Day card. This limited edition set is available for around $65 and well worth every penny for the dad that loves to grill. This caddy could be the start of a great summer and tons of good food for the whole family.

For more info, visit Sticky Fingers Online and check out our review of the Grilling Caddy (Coming Soon).

Chocomize Candy Bars

The thing that makes Chocomize so great is that they let you design the candy bar that you will be giving to dad. You can pick all of his favorite ingredients and pop them in one candy bar or you can make a few different creations that you know dad will enjoy. You start with a base of white, milk, or dark chocolate and from there you can add nuts, fruits or fun extras like marshmallows, gummy bears, teddy grahams, and cocoa nibs. Of course, these are just a few of the items. There are plenty of other options from which you can choose. Each bar is priced based on the items that you put in it. However, it’s worth noting that the bars are so big that dad would need at least a couple of sittings to eat one bar. Oh, and did we mention that these chocolate bars are absolutely delicious? If dad has a sweet tooth this is the place for you to get his next set of chocolate bars.

For more info, cisit Chocomize Online or read our review of the bars that we made! (Coming Soon)

For the Practical Dad

Socket Sense Surge Protector

The Socket Sense Surge is practically a necessity for any dad. This surge protector runs around the same price as the others on the market, but it offers angled outlets and the ability to pull each outlet out to ensure that you can use all six of them rather than just three or four, like other protectors on the market. The Socket Sense is also thin enough that it will hug the wall and not take up much space. For $24.99 you won’t find a better surge protector. Dads will love these because it will clean up clutter and multiple outlets under the computer desk or during the holidays (two places where surge protectors are used the most). If your dad is one of the practical kind that only prefers gifts that he can use (rather than the kind that spoil him) we highly recommend the Socket Sense Surge Protector!

For more info, visit the Socket Sense website and check out our review (Coming Soon).

De Odor Works

While we recommend this one, we also recommend that you might want to treat this one with kid gloves. Don’t make it the only gift you give, otherwise dad might get the wrong idea! De Odor Works is the only (to my knowledge) stainless steel deodorizer. That’s right, you just run it under water and you rub it on your problem areas and that’s it. You don’t need to use deodorant and you remain clean smelling until the next shower. For health conscious dads this is great because it reduces the need for deodorant, which can cause potential health problems and in some cases isn’t great for the environment. It’s also great for the spend thrift dad, because De Odor Works doesn’t have to be purchased several times a month like deodorant might. We were skeptical but we tried it and it really works. This makes for a great, inexpensive gift add-on for dad this year.

For more info, visit De Odor Works.

Paul Mitchell Australian Tea Tree Products

This would actually fit in with the style conscious dad, quite well, too. Tea Tree Oil has more benefits than we can actually list here, but the problem with it is that it smells horrible. Paul Mitchell fixes that problem creating products that smell good and that give you all the benefits of Tea Tree. We had the chance to try some styling gels and grooming pomade. However the things that really impressed us were the Hair & Scalp Treatment and the Body Bar. If your dad has sensitive skin or a dry, irritable scalp, both of these products would be excellent for him. The Hair & Scalp Treatment can be used once a week (more if needed) and after five minutes you end up with smoother, more manageable, happier hair. Meanwhile, the Body Bar works on things like sensitive skin and blemishes. If you were planning a Daddy Gift Bag, these would be perfect additions to ensure dad keeps looking and feeling good!

For more info, visit Paul Mitchell or check out our review (Coming Soon).

YourNameUniversity.com T-shirt

For under $30 you can get a t-shirt personalized just for your dad. You can have “Property of Your Last Name,” “Your Last Name University,” or plenty of humorous options that are available via the Your Name University website. The t-shirts are high quality as far as t-shirts go and they are comfortable, too. Designing them is as simple as picking out the design you want, the item you want, and adding it to the shopping cart. They have a selection of options, though the t-shirts are the most cost effective and we’re sure this is something that t-shirt and sweat pants wearing dad would love!

For more info, visit YourNameUniversity.com!

Fuel Doctor FD-47

If you have a dad that likes to complain about the price of gas, this might just be the thing for him. The FD-47 plugs into the cigarette lighter in your car and allows clean power to flow through the electrical control unit and on to the fuel injection and timing equipment. The result is a more efficiently running engine that requires less fuel, produces more power, and reduces the CO2 level that it puts out, so dad even has a chance to reduce his carbon footprint. The Fuel Doctor retails for $59.95 and can be purchased through many online stores or at traditional retailers such as Best Buy.

You can learn more about the Fuel Doctor FD-47 at the Fuel Doctor Website.

For the Dad that can Take a Joke

TIM (Time is Money)

If your dad is always prattling on about the meaning of a dollar and how much time is wasted in a day then this is the perfect gift for him. TIM stands for Time is Money. It’s a clock that also doubles as a money drainage meter. When dad hits the button, the clock shows you how long you’ve been doing something and how much money you have wasted as a result. We only recommend this for dad’s that like a good joke or ones that are so serious about time management that they need to calm down a little. While this is a cute gag gift for most dads we don’t recommend that it’s the only thing you give him. If you choose to add it in the Father’s Day offerings though, we are sure that he will get a kick out of it. TIM is just $24.99 plus shipping.

For more info, Check out the TIM Online.

Save the Tata’s T-shirts

While these are bound to give your dad a good chuckle, the message behind Save the Tata’s is actually quite serious. For every t-shirt purchased Save the Tata’s donates money to cure breast cancer. To date, they have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars. Each t-shirt is around $26. Considering you get a shirt and a donation is made, it’s like giving two gifts in one. Dad is bound to love the shirts that are great conversation starters and sure to be unique in his circle of friends. Next time he goes out wearing the “Save a Life, Grope your Wife” t-shirt he will be sure to turn heads and get plenty of attention. The t-shirts are made of heavy cotton and well worth the price that is being charged. These are recommended for families where breast cancer has been an issue or for dads that just want to show off their love of tatas.

For more info, visit Save the Tatas.

Busted Tees

Busted Tees is practically guaranteed to have at least one shirt for everyone. We can’t even visit this site without wanting about 30 of their shirts at any given time. Whether your dad is political, comical, or retro there is a t-shirt to suit his needs. Each shirt is ultra-comfortable, wears well, and is made of material that will last. If you’re looking for a budget gift we highly recommend Busted Tees. Some of our favorites include SILF, All the Single Ladies, and One Ring to Rule them All.

For more info, check out Busted Tees!

Honorable Mentions

Valet Hotspot from Cisco

This is perfect for the man with a family that is always using their favorite gadgets. For less than $100 you can help dad turn his house into a wireless hotspot. If you have multiple computers, laptops, game systems, and other tech gadgets having a wireless house will make things so much easier. The Valet is inexpensive, reliable and easy to use, which makes it perfect for a dad that has more gadgets than he does Internet cords.

For more info, visit Cisco or The Valet.

Roaste Gift Cards

Does your dad love coffee? If he does Roaste is going to be the way to go. This great website is all about coffee. You can purchase coffee from around the world. Choose from various roasts numerous countries to make sure dad gets all of the best blends, especially those he can’t get in his own grocery store. If you aren’t sure what blends would suit him best a gift card will allow him to buy the ones that he thinks he will like. You can visit the site and read the ratings for each coffee to determine which will be right for dad. If he loves coffee you can’t go wrong with this!

For more info, visit the Roaste website.

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