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Music with a local flavor
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D.C. eats in quick bites
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Small screen, big ideas
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Sports talk with attitude
WHETHER YOU GO CUSHY (snuggly knits, huggable toys) or uncrushable (not-just-for-tots Legos), a tactile gift shows you're a real softy. Plus, these presents offer a way to reach out and touch someone without inciting a restraining order.
» Power Puffs
D.C.'s Gretchen Cook creates wool felt pillows blending mod style with hot hues, meaning they'll work in a loft or a Logan rowhouse ( $85-$95, RCKNDY, 1515 U St. NW; 202-332-5639)
» Built to Thrill
Lego's Architecture series pays tribute to iconic buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum, Empire State Building and Frank Lloyd Wright's modern masterpiece, Fallingwater ($100, Momastore.org).
» Matey Fine
Smathers & Branson's needlepoint Jolly Roger lends Jack Sparrow flair to a preppy wallet ($115, Sherman Pickey, 1647 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-333-4212). Eye patch not included.
A NOSE FULL of Eau de Douglas Fir or Grandma's pie might get you in the spirit of the season. But we suspect this arsenal of aromatic gifts, from berry-scented salves to a tabletop herb garden, will work, too.
» Ring Zinger
The abstract flower topper of Marc Jacobs' newest scent, Lola, gets reinvented as a glam cocktail ring that slides open to reveal a solid perfume inside ($42, Bloomingdale's, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase; 240-744-4700).
» Lab Partner
Flowers go mad-scientist cool in a test-tube vase with three vessels, which could also be used for oddball, odorous experiments ($19, RCKNDY, 1515 U St. NW; 202-332-5639).
» Chic Lit
Kobo's organic soy candles boast natural scents such as Portuguese olive blossom and come in pretty patterned canisters worth repurposing ($36, Tabletop, 1608 20th St. NW; 202-387-7117).
THE HOLIDAYS MEAN lots of harking and hearing, from silver bells ding-a-linging to herald angels singing. This hit list of melodic presents — from an antique-y brass bell to a super-modern wireless radio — should help ring in the new year.
» Ring Tones
A clementine orange mid-century phone (which also comes in red, green, turquoise and lemon) has been restored to work with modern technology ($195, Anthropologie.com).
» Music, Boxed
No bells or whistles here: Simply plug an MP3 player into this handmade mahogany and maple speaker by Boston-based Dinsmore's Workshop for a blissfully basic way to amplify tunes ($56, Mjdinsmore.etsy.com).
» Melody Shaker
Four handheld sound-makers — including this bead tumbler — turns a pack of kids into a mini-orchestra ($26 for four, Giggle, 5330 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase; 301-664-6407).
SANTA HAS IT easy. The big elf gets people (often under 10) to just tell him, by letter or lap communication, what they want for Christmas or whichever holiday they mark. But for the rest of us, in an age of gift cards, experiential presents and more variations on the Kindle than there are books in the Library of Congress, we're stuck mind-reading what would make Aunt Suzie, Gramps or a pal smile, or at least not gag.
"Selecting the right gift in any culture is a big deal. And in each culture it's different," says Gary Weaver, professor of international communication at American University. In other words, a fruitcake-shaped doorstop from Wal-Mart won't please everyone (er, anyone) on your list. For presents with a big-bang factor, pros say the secret lies, like a suit, in a custom fit.
VISIONS OF SUGARPLUMS may work for "Nutcracker" fiends, but foodies and oenophiles would like you to put your (gift) money where their mouths are. Here's a feast of gourmet or just plain appetizing presents:
» Pretty, Sweet
Philosophy's Red Velvet Cake bubble bath and lip gloss set turns the old Southern dessert into lickable, lathering tub treats ($15 for both, Philosophy.com).
» Brew Points
Ten brightly colored organic tea bags form the Teastar, which doubles as a tree decoration until after the holidays ($30, Apres Peau, 1430 K St. NW; 202-783-0022).
» Cold, Less Than a Case
Chill pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc one goblet at a time with Skybar Wine Chill Drops, which cool vino 20 times faster than a fridge and don't water the stuff down like ice cubes ($50 for two, Skybarhome.com).
» Chomp Change
Encourage Fido to leave your shoe collection alone by giving him a Jimmy Chew toy to gnaw on ($18, Simply Soles, 1438 Park Road NW; 800-909-3679; Simplysoles.com).
» Old St. Nip
Cater to your favorite F. Scott Fitzgerald (or just a camper who craves something more potent than trail mix in his backpack) with Stanley's manly metal flask ($25, Sundance
catalog.com).
» Dolce Vittles
Way-beyond-the-Olive Garden recipes (Radicchio with Horseradish, Apples and Asiago) and scenic photos star in "The Italian Farmer's Table" ($20, Amazon.com).
» Art Forms
Since kids like snacking on Play-Doh as much as shaping it, swap in this all-natural version made with fruit and veggie extracts ($20, Giggle, 5330 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Chevy Chase; 301-664-6407).
» Desert Cart
Spices of the bush, sands and savannah — potent Moroccan harissa, megawatt devil chiles — headline in a set of fresh, exotic spices for adventurous cooks and culinary daredevils ($40, Flavorbank.com).
» Neon Bagel?
Chrome toasters seem so early aughties. Update Mom's kitchen with Bodum's bright toast roaster, which comes in lime and other hot hues ($80, Home Rule, 1807 14th St. NW; 202-797-5544).
Written by Express' Jennifer Barger and Betsy Lowther
Photo by Marge Ely/Express
SLEIGH BELLS RINGING. Tannenbaums twinkling. Eggnog hitting your taste buds. The holiday season amounts to an assault on the five senses, mostly nice (except the endless loop of "Wonderful Christmastime" blasting at the mall). Drawing on yule's all-points charm, we suggest scoring presents meant to be touched, tasted, smelled, seen or heard. That could mean an eye-popping vintage bracelet for your fashionista pal or a gadget to chill your wine-loving father's chardonnay. That way, your family and friends both receive and perceive, perhaps the most thoughtful gifts of all.
» Chic Dreams
For jet-setters (or stylish insomniacs), give Cris Notti's silk sleep masks, which feature Pucci-esque swirls or Japanese florals ($20, Proper Topper, 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-842-3055).
» Hip Shot
The Blackbird Fly camera shoots old-school, square-format photos with 35mm film ($125, Momastore.org), making it ideal for both steampunkers and tech fiends.
Continue Reading "Gift Guide 2009: Unique Thrills, Vintage to Modern" »
EVERY TIME FEB. 14 rolls around, it's the same old, same old: If you're a lady in a relationship, you can bank on chocolates (mmm, Hershey's Pot of Gold); flowers (roses, if you're lucky); and possibly some vaguely inappropriate undergarments (after all, Valentine's Day is probably the only holiday when an offering from Frederick's of Hollywood is totally socially accepted, and even expected).
And if you're a dude ... well, you don't really get anything if you're a dude. For men, Valentine's Day is more about giving than getting — kind of like a more sexually charged Christmas, but with more delicious treats (chocolates > eggnog any day). And if you happen to be a guy who needs to get his girl a gift, yet also wants to break out of that whole yum-yums/plants/lingerie thing, we don't blame you.
Instead, we lovingly embrace your free-thinking spirit and outside-the-box ideology — so much so that we assembled a handy-dandy list of some of the wackiest Valentine's Day gifts available on the fine World Wide Web, all for your buying pleasure. Be warned: They're all pretty ridiculous, but hey, every girl wants a guy who can make her laugh, right?
Continue Reading "The Serious Guide to Wacky Valentine's Day Gifts" »
PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS complaining about how much they hate Valentine's Day. New Year's Eve is overrated, Thanksgiving can be volatile, and Passover or Ramadan fasting can provoke crankiness, but no holiday is as universally disparaged as Feb. 14. Single people feel conspicuous, and those in couples feel obliged to somehow materially demonstrate their affection.
One option is actually skipping it. If both you and your loved one can mutually agree that your relationship doesn't need to be symbolically confirmed with the purchase of socially mandated gifts on a particular day, by all means liberate yourselves. This will free up funds for meals out on less crowded nights, gifts you might actually want or even, God forbid, mundane daily expenses.
If you have to celebrate Valentine's Day, however, at the very least you shouldn't have to spend much money. Below, you ll find some inexpensive Valentine possibilities that just might convince your loved one to agree to a no-gift policy next year.
Continue Reading "The Cheapskate's Guide to Valentine's Day" »
THE BEST PRESENT folks can wake up to on Christmas morning after more than a month of pumpkin pie eating and eggnog swilling is something to make them feel like active elves again. Whether they're training for a marathon, taking up yoga, considering bike commuting, planning the ultimate family camping trip or just trying to increase their exercise level, everyone could use a push to get going. (Even Santa! You might stuff your face at the company holiday party, but Santa has to make up for millions of cookies.) And if none of these 10 choices is a winner for any of the names on your list, don't forget that experiential gifts can be goodies, too. Rock-climbing classes, dance class gift cards, ski getaways and race entrance fees are sure to make the season brighter, and lighter, for fitness fanatics.
» To Have and to Fold
The Dahon MU P8 might not fit inside a stocking, but the bike does collapse into a manageable bundle that makes commuting on two wheels a cinch. After a ride to work, just store it under your desk. But expect jealous stares from your co-workers. ($560, Amazon.com)
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» Hipper Sipper
Outside it may be cold and nasty, but it's always spring on this floral-patterned aluminum water bottle. Plus, it looks like a much-more-expensive Sigg, although it's perfectly priced for office secret Santas. ($13, Gaiam.com)
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» Porky the Pod
The iPig ($140, Speakal.com) dock turns that suave status symbol in your pocket into a big joke. We suggest loading your iPod with the proper music, say, the Bacon Brothers.
Pictured above.
» Get Blastered
Of course we're buying the Hasbro Lazer Tag System ($75, Toysrus.com) for a kid! Really. We're not going to have epic inter-office battles between the accounting department and human resources.
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» Digital Digits
Your pal can use his touch-screen phone even in the winter with gloves ($15, Dotsgloves.com) that have tiny scratch-proof metal dots embedded in them. They'll conduct enough current between his fingers and the screen to let him text you all winter.
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» TiVo for Radio
The portable XMp3 from Pioneer ($250, XMRadio.com/xmp3) will record up to five XM stations at once and play back MP3s from portable media. You can listen to Howard Stern and record Oprah for later!
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» Small Favorite
Ditch the bulky tower! If a desktop computer is your thing, try the paperback book-size Eee Box from Asus (in white at Amazon.com), which for only $300 packs a large list of features.
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» Sharp Focus
The Blackbird, fly ($135, Shopping.icp.org/store/) camera hearkens back to the old days of photography, yet it takes regular 35mm film. Plus, you'll look retro cool while shooting.
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» Hot Snapshot
Epson's new all-in-one Artisan 700 printer ($200, Epson.com) features two paper trays (one for photo, one for text), Wi-Fi and a sleek black design that's less than 8 inches tall. Plus, it churns out text pages at an amazing 38 pages per minute!
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» Two for One
Philanthropy can feel good in the wallet, too, not just your heart: For $400, get two XO laptops from One Laptop Per Child (Laptop.org). An underprivileged child overseas gets a kidproof laptop, and then the wee one in your life scores one, too.
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Written by Express contributor Rachel Kaufman
Addison Road