elfing it

This is one of the coolest gifts I've discovered this year. A flower growing kit that comes in a tube, and it requires zero skills to grow! That's a nice, safe gifts for anyone. I particularly like the fact it can be given as a great business gift, as well as a personal one. Biotech Blooms does not need attention, except to be admired. No water necessary because the biotechnology does the work for you. When the plant reaches the top of the tube, simply transfer to potting soil. $30

The Buddha Board ($30) is a modern version of the Etch-A-Sketch, but with much more artistic flexibility. It uses water and a bamboo paint brush to sketch water-color style renderings and dries clear for repainting. Great for daily self-expression. What is your mood today? This hour?

I've always been a fan of these glass teapots, ever since I've seen them introduced at the MOMA more than a decade ago. I'm glad they've come down in price (back then they were $150 for one). They are especially perfect for flowering teas (next post). $23

These are so Hollywood, aren't they? A touch of glam can't hurt any paperwork. These star paper clips come 30 per box in silver or gold (I vote for gold). $9.50.

For a mere $150, this Flip Pocket Camcorder provides 60 minutes recording time in full VGA-quality video on 2GB of built-in memory. Plugs into your computer visa USB for instant viewing and sharing or do it the old-fashioned way by plugging the included cable to your TV. For the internet fanatics, this unit has built-in software that lets you easily email, capture still photos, and upload videos to YouTube and AOL. For $150. Unbelievable. (And... I dig the orange!)

This 1.5" photo key chain is the digital version of the photo locket, but with more perks. It can store up to 31 photos on an 8MB flash memory drive. Uses a rechargeable battery and work with PC or MAC.

Great for mom, dad or someone who travels often. Photo album benefits in a small, compact size. $49.99

I, too, thought these robotic vacuum thingies were a gimmick. Until I got one. People! It will change your life! I was so crazy about the thing, I went and bought three more as gifts. Talk about viral growth!

Now I'm ready for an upgrade. The Scooba is what I'm after next. This little bot mops your floor! Actually, even better - it vacuums and washes your floor. The Scooba will pick up dirt and debris before it cycles to the wash phase, where it will actually brush and scrub your floor. All you have to do is fill it will cleaning solution. Push one button, and watch it climb rugs, stop itself from getting trapped in corners, turn around before it falls down the stairs. I swear. I've tested this over and over again, and it never failed.

My very favorite part is watching the machine automatically return to its docking station when it runs low on battery. When it begins the self-docking process, it beeps. Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep..... (Like a commercial truck backing up.) Very entertaining. $320-$420

Gone are the days of unattractive soap rocks. These soap rocks are great gemstone replicas, a surprisingly beautiful upgrade to the old soap-by-the-slice versions.  At $14.95, they make great gifts for Secret Santa exchanges under $15, hostess gift or small thank you gift.  Add an unused jewelry box as packaging to create a fun presentation. (green=jade, purple=amethyst, yellow=citrine, blue=opal)

Time to move on from those eco-unfriendly plastic grocery bags and upgrade to ones that can be used and reused. These Environax Bags were designed with sturdy straps that fit nicely on the shoulder and strong fabrication to hold lots and lots of groceries. Besides, they're so much more attractive to tote around! A great under $10 gift exchange candidate, each is $7.95 at Amazon.

Reader Comments (1)

November 27, 2007 | Chief Elfen

BIG T - this one is for you!

I'm a big fan of the Moo mini cards (half-sized custom photo business cards), though I'm still mystified by their ability to make money. For $19.99 (+ shipping) , they will print up to 100 unique cards with your own images/photos on the back-side, produce it in France, package it in a nice gift box, and ship it internationally to your front door within two weeks. They were so much fun to create and so inexpensive that I somehow ended up with four.

This season, Moo added customizable note cards, greeting cards and stickers. In addition to enabling photo customization, they also provide art images you can mix and match to create your own set. You can customize your message inside or leave the card blank. Nice little detail. How much? $20 at Moo.

 

 

 

There are so many great uses for these antique typewriter alphabet stamps, like creating personalized greeting cards, labeling storage boxes, or decorating your wall with poetic words. For $5.99 this makes an exceptional stocking stuffer.