Avoid the mall, save your sanity - December 4/08
Originally appeared in Uptown Magazine.
Shop in your underwear! Anthony Augustine has the lowdown on the coolest gadgets available on the web
ELECTRONICS
Tivo
While the monthly access fee is kind of a drag, you can’t beat Tivo’s DVR and mobile functionality.
Garmin GPS Navigation System
Have someone in your family who constantly gets lost? You can’t go wrong with a Garmin GPS.
iPod Boom Box
There are hundreds of portable speaker systems for Apple’s ubiquitous iPod, but this retro Boom Box is definitely the coolest looking.
GADGETS
Universal Remote
They got the massive stereo a couple years back, a flat-screen plasma TV and the Blu-ray player last year, now get them the ultimate remote to control everything.
Anti-Fog goggles
Snowboarders and skiers will love these new anti-fog goggles.
Men’s and women’s heated fleece jackets
This heated fleece jacket should have been invented a long time ago.
Ravi
This instant wine chiller may not make cheap wine taste good, but it will ensure it’s served at the right temperature.
KITCHEN
Dough-Nu-Matic
Who wouldn’t want to make his or her own mini donuts?
Two Dudes, One Pan: Maximum Flavor from a Minimalist Kitchen, by Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo
If you know someone who really wants to be like Guy Fieri from the Food Network, but doesn’t really know his way around the kitchen, this cookbook could be a big hit.
Starbucks Sirena Espresso Machine
Why not save your Starbucks-addicted friend a few minutes waiting in line every morning and get him or her this ultra-slick Sirena Espresso Machine?
Cool Shooter Ice Shoot Glass Maker
Ice shooter + some secret cocktail = instant party.
GAMES
Grand Theft Auto 4 (PC Version)
Gears of War 2 (Xbox)
Wii Fit (Wii)
CLOTHING
The Cobrasnake
Pick up a limited-edition T-shirt from North America’s most famous nightlife photographer for the hipster on your list. It’s the next best thing to getting a picture on his massively popular photo blog.
Cordially Yours
Local handmade clothing, accessories, housewares and gifts, along with a bunch of vintage stuff.
Threadless
Unique T-shirt designs that are crowd-sourced and voted on. Only the best survive.
ODDS ‘N’ ENDS
2009 Bubble Calendar
If you like including a calendar in someone’s stocking, this cool bubble-wrap calendar will let them channel their inner child every day for a year.
Self Watering Pot
These self-watering pots are sure to help a few plants survive - even under the care of the most neglectful owner.
Etsy
Looking to buy local handmade gifts? Check out Etsy.
Note: Although some of these items can be found locally, if you plan on buying something from the web, be sure to check what method your purchase is being shipped to you by. The cheapest method is usually through the U.S. Postal Service. Companies such as Purolator, UPS and DHL typically charge brokerage fees that can quickly drive up the cost of your purchase.
