Today, I suddenly realized that Christmas is just a few days away, and that I neglected to publish my list of gift ideas for that special – or difficult to shop for – individual in your precious life.
So, bright-and-early this morning, I window-shopped – and perused the slick glossy pages of a few catalogues on the racks – to rustle up a handful of novel presents that will surely be appreciated come Christmas morning under the tree.
Cartier Tank Watch
If you’re been taking a gander at the morning paper in recent days, you’ve probably spied the full-page ads for Cartier’s exquisite Tank Watch. As a rule, most dudes prefer timepieces that are bulky, pricey, and oozing with status (such as a Rolex). But, some classy gents – myself included – prefer the wafer-thin styles that scream out classy (as opposed to vulgar). Yes, the Cartier beauty is expensive, but, here’s a tip. A couple of years ago I purchased a Swiss Army watch that is strikingly similar to the Cartier being advertised now. In spite of the fact the face in embedded with a smattering of diamonds, the Swiss model is a fraction of the cost. Notwithstanding, it’s quite the conversation piece. Wherever I go, I get oodles of complements, so go for it, eh?
Skin Exfoliater
Many folks find the thought of injecting Botox – or going under the knife – quite a scary proposition when it comes to combating wrinkled facial skin. But, there’s another solution to the problem (a do-it-yourself method that is easy to warm up to).
The handy tool – which is about the size of an electric tooth brush – exfoliates (sloughs off the dead skin) in a gentle safe manner without any tell-tale signs of an individual’s sly attempts to regain a healthy youthful glow to their skin by artificial means. I know from whence I speak, because I’ve tried it. The inexpensive gift ($29.99 for the nifty tool; $9.99 for the exfoliating pads which have to be changed regularly) may be purchased at your local pharmacy with a minimum amount of fuss (and facilitated about three times a week in five minute sessions to be effective.
Backscratcher
Backscratcher
One day I was standing in line at the check-out at an upscale retail outlet when I spied a backscratcher crafted in a myriad of eye-catching colors. I thought to myself, "What a fun stocking-stuffer". It’s also a great functional gift, too. There’s nothing worse than having to deal with an “itch” on your back that you can’t possibly scratch without the help of a loving companion (or rubbing your back up against a piece of hard angular furniture). Go a step further, and personalize the present by inscribing something clever on its own back – like – “You scratch mine and I’ll scratch yours”. In Hollywood, that's the name-of-the-game, folks.
Chanel Cologne
This is the ideal prezzie for a Brad Pitt fan. The recipient may never have the golden opportunity to cross paths with the sexy hunk in person, but at least the infatuated stalker will be able to swim in Brad’s favorite scent for time memorial!
Custom-made Doggie Bed
They say a way to a person’s heart is by way of their “pet”. So, consider gifting the object of your affection with a hand-selected gift for their pouch. You’re bound to be in-like-Flynn, then! Down the road a bit, it shouldn’t be difficult to maneuver a puppy move into a dog-house outside. I don’t know about you, but a cold nose sniffing around my butt-hole at the crack-of-dawn, doesn’t quite fit with my idea of a perfect romantic fling! Doggie Bed Info: www.Duroque.com
Cast Shoe
One of the funniest novelty items I uncovered in my travels this past week was a man’s cast “shoe”. The dressy footwear is designed to be used or played with. For example, the replica may double as a doorstop (imagine all the jokes you’ll trigger about trying to get a foot in the door!) or a paperweight (a shoe-in for folks with a lot of clutter on their desks). For the man who has everything! The models are crafted in either copper or a black powder coated finish. Info: Tom Dixon Eclectic Collection: www.tomdixon.net
Chic Designer Water Cooler
When gathering around the water cool to gab, why not do it in style with an office fixture that is environmentally-sound and aesthetically pleasing to the eye? OVOPUR by AQUAOVO is an eco-designed water filter that folks will get hooked on once they give it half-the-chance. The nifty gift combines the shape of an egg with the thermal properties of porcelain to preserve and revitalize water. The aesthetically-pleasing cooler comes with a glass, acrylic, bamboo or wood base. INFO: www.aquaovo.com
Dowton Abbey Memorabilia
The creators of the popular Upstairs-Downstairs English drama were really on-the-ball when they rustled up a handful of keepsakes for fans to gift friends and family with during the Yuletide Season. The Downton Abbey Calendar is a sure-fire winner because it features the loveable characters portrayed by Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, and Dan Stevens (to name a few). Cooks may find some appeal in the Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook as well (From Lady Mary’s crab canapés to Mrs. Patmore’s Christmas pudding) which spotlights 150 recipes within its artfully-crafted pages Info: www.Amazon.com or www.barnes-sandnoble.com
The Do’s and Don’ts of Christmas Gifting
Don't
For the most part, avoid presents that are too personal in nature, such as clothing (it’s difficult to drum up a gift that zeroes in on an individual’s personal taste and style, after all).
Also, avoid gifting tacky ties (clip-on styles, in particular), gaudy patterned sweaters, fruitcake (Dave Letterman’s favorite holiday treat! Oh, yeah!), lifeless household appliances (a “no-no” for mummy dearest especially), vulgar jewellery (mood rings and pooka shells), cheap chocolates, and – of course - anything purchased at the 99 cent store (unless you wrap it artfully in expensive decorative paper to disguise its humble beginnings).
Re-gifting is strictly taboo also.
DO
Gift-wrap all items with loving care.
Also, be sure to make a splash with decorative flair by utilizing candy canes, festive bows, and eye-catching ribbons in rich delicious colors on top.
Only open gifts on Christmas morning under the tree (unless out-of-towners are just popping in over the holidays).
And, remember, it is not the cost of the gift that matters.
It's the thought (and love) behind it that says it all to the receiver.
Happy Holidays.
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