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Holiday Gift Guide 2 (and too!)
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Produced by Rebecca Christian
Our Holiday Gift Guide proved so popular that we’ve created a second one, with 29 all-new items—gizmos, accessories, candy, jewelry, home accents, electronics, toys, and items from designers such as Jonathan Adler. To see our first Holiday Gift Guide, click here.
Our editor-in-chief, an animal lover, is crazy for this “barkitecture”—that is, blueprint-like art of cats and dogs for the holidays. The artwork features a distressed finish to give it the look and feel of a working blueprint used by architects, engineers and construction supervisors in mid-20th century. Prices start at $110, with framing and matting available. Click here.
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Give your favorite blogger Sony’s Bloggie Duo HD Camera, which has a full-color two-inch screen and makes self-recording almost foolproof. It’s easy to record on the run and upload to sites like YouTube, plus great for recording and sharing memorable moments with kids and grandkids, too. $139 from Sony. Click here.
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This Reversible Silk Fleece Throw, $94.95 from Soft Surroundings in four yummy color combinations, is so appealing you might just have to get one for yourself. Click here.
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Mmm. Try Dark Chocolate, Cinnamon Glazed, and Roasted Salted Pecans from Schermer Pecan Co., and they may well become a holiday tradition. $33 for 2 bags of any flavor combination, including shipping, from Schermer Pecan Company. Click here.
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Even the technically adept still have times when there’s nothing for it but to write something down. These colorful notebooks are small enough to tuck in a bag and have whimsical titles, like “Politicians I Met and Liked.” At $11 from Jasper + Black, they make a nice stocking stuffer. Click here.
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Help her add the wow factor to her quiet jacket with this German Patchwork Scarf, made of cashmere and lambs wool, $95 from European Market. Click here.
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Silhouettes are a classic motif in decorating. That’s why we like this firescreen from The Well Appointed House, $413. Click here.
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Hot coffee, warm milk and pralines are a winning combination in these Swiss Café Macchiato Pralines, $13.50 for six, from European Market. Click here.
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If someone who loves listening to music has been very, very good, consider the Geneva Sound System Model M, $649.95, from Crate and Barrel. State of the art sound looks as good as it sounds with its white lacquer finish and sleek shape. Speakers project rich sound from a shelf or other flat surface but only use one-fifth the energy of a traditional hi-fi. Click here.
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A bottle of red + a bottle of white + a handsome box = one very nice hostess gift from Pasanella and Son Vintners. For the Bella Figura Wine Gift Set, $33.99, Click here.
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He’ll be in good, if rakish company, with the Letterpress Correspondence System, with paper stock of 100% cotton from the same 15th century Italian paper mill used by Napoleon and Picasso. It’s packaged in a laser-engraved, velvet-lined hard wood cigar box, $75, from The Forgetful Gentleman, Click here.
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Awww. What a cute Swiss Baby Book ($19) for toddlers learning to identify animals—while cuddling on your lap. And young dog lovers will have fun with the Dog House Play Set, $35, both from European Market. Click here.
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Confer a little wisdom with these “Snowy Owl Earrings,” created by Dawn Estrin, in sterling silver with a color photomontage. $100 from Artful Home. Click here.
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Yes, we know, at $7,900 this Director’s Chair (Number 0222) made from solid cast aluminum with leather seat and backrest, is far too extravagant for most of us. But isn’t it gorgeous? The seat and back material can be customized. For more information, contact out of info@johnhoushmand.com or call 212-965-1238.
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We like the clean, simple look of the Vintage Apothecary line from Barr-Co. For Bath Salts made of oatmeal, milk powder and mineral salts, $32. Click here.
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Organic bedding is coming into its own style-wise. The Stone Hearth Collection, one of several handsome ones from Coyuchi, will warm hearts (and cold feet) with cotton linen sheets and densely woven wool blankets. Prices range from $99 for the accent pillow to $400 for the lattice coverlet in a king size. Click here.
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Stuff your favorite baseball’s fan stocking with a DVD of Ed Randall talking baseball with his favorite team. Talking Baseball with Ed Randall is a collection of collectors’ DVDs of classic interviews with the icons of the sport from 13 different teams, from Mickey Mantle to Ernie Banks. Each DVD is $14.99. Click here.
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One of our editors test drove this Mr. Coffee Latte Maker and loved it. She reports it’s easy to use, has a powerful automatic frother that makes wonderfully frothy drinks, and comes with recipes for fun dessert lattes like Raspberry Chocolate and Crème Caramel. $99 from Mr. Coffee Café Latte. Click here.
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For carnivores, consider The Brisket Book by Stephanie Pierson (Andrews McMeel Publishing) devoted to all things brisket—braised or barbecued, from recipes handed down in families like heirlooms and used in everything from Korean Chile to Scandinavian Aquavit Brisket. $18. Click here.
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Designed by Otomi craftswomen in Mexico and made by their families, Mexican coverlets made of unbleached muslin add a bright, Boho touch to the home, $295 from The Loaded Trunk. Click here.
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Is there a frequent flyer on your list? Keep her comfy with this DreamSacks Airline Comfort Set, $59, in soft silk in green, blue, and lilac. The blanket has a pocket for the feet. It also comes with a pillowcase that is airline pillow size and eyeshades. Everything rolls into a 12-inch bag from Yala Designs. Click here.
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Almost anything designed by Jonathan Adler is destined to become a future classic, and this Peacock Letter Opener in polished brass, $98, is no exception. (Maybe it will inspire you to write the recipient a newsy letter.) Click here.
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The epitome of fine materials and workmanship, this Architect Tote in handwoven calfskin with nickel hardware and marine grade canvas from Sunbrella will always be in style. $395 for a small tote, $595 for a large, from Lance Wovens. Click here.
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A-tisket, a-tasket, we really like this wonderfully simple and durable basket Iringa basket used all around the world. From The Loaded Trunk for $59, it’s made in Tanzania from swamp grass. Click here.
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What’s the holiday without one racket-making toy? Kids will love this Old-Time Train Whistle from Duluth Trading Co. that sounds like the real thing, only not (quite) as loud. Click here.
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Now you can do good—and make someone feel good—at the same time. Charity Pot Hand and Body Cream, $21.95, is made with fair-trade cocoa butter and with geranium and other luscious fragrances. Every penny of the retail price goes to causes like animal rights, environmental protection and humanitarian concerns. Click here.
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Love to give, but hate to wrap? Consider ellaWrap, beautiful, reusable package wrapping that eliminates cutting and taping—slip your gift in a bag, sack or envelope (different sizes and many patterns and collections available), tie the gorgeous ribbon, and you’re done. From $10.99 for a jewelry bag to $39.99 for a large sack. Click here.
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Cure canine boredom with clever Swedish-designed solid wood games, $69, from Orvis, that hide treats under blocks until your pooch figures it out and slides the blocks with nose or paw. Click here.
Also from Orvis are dog ornaments in pug, Jack Russell, German shepherd, beagle, Lab (black, yellow and chocolate) and golden retriever, $19. Click here.
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Our tech editor likes these desktop speakers by Harman that are small but deliver big sound and are easy to use. Plus you can pair them with multiple devices—computer, digital music players, smartphones and gaming consoles. A separate headphone jack provides private listening. JBL Jembe Speakers, $59.95. Click here.
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