elfing it

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?

This is the gift they will love and despise, each and every morning. Clocky is a little alarm bot clock that runs away from you when you try to hit the snooze button. I know a few people who qualify for this gift, don't you? $45-$50 at Amazon.

I first read about this moon mimicking light from Japan, and I was sad it was not available in the U.S. At that time, the light was about $150, which I thought was worth it. Big surprise. This year I found this lamp available everywhere, and at crazy low prices. This Moon Light from National Geographic is available for $21.

How does it work? It is a wall-mounted lamp that is a replica of the moon. You can program it to mimic the real moon's cycle. It comes with a remote control for easy control.

I don't think this item is for kids only. I am going to install a few in my home. I think they make great ambient light, and multiple units on a large wall create a fun and interesting wall display.

With this planetarium star projector, they can select one of 600 stars to wish upon. Features include a searchable database with over 600 star facts and myths, an interactive talking computer, and a backlit navigational screen. Fancy stuff for $80.

This solar mobile gives 'spacing out' a new meaning. A great replacement for night lights, this unit also spins for added effect. $29

Does this hit you at the heart or what? One of my all-time favorite childhood memories - watching A Charlie Brown Christmas.

You, too, can have your own pathetic tree, with one single red ornament included, for $24 at Urban Outfitters. (I highly recommend buying early. Last year they sold out by the end of November.)

 

 

Other notable Charlie Brown gifts...

 

           

         

A Charlie Brown Christmas        A Charlie Brown Christmas            Charlie Brown Zig Zag T-Shirt

Book + Tree, $8.95                   Original Soundtrack, $7-$8             Adult + Youth, $17.95

Amazon                                    Amazon                                        Amazon

charlie

 

 

 

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. 

 

More collectible than toy, really, these wind-up tin toys continue to grow in popularity. With the overwhelming style options available, I recommend buying the ones that tell a personal story shared by you and your gift recipient. 

I bought this Wind-Up Tin Ping Pong Toy ($24.99) for my Dad last holiday, because he was the one who taught me how to play when I was young. I was also privately reminding him about the awesome little fact that he was once a national champion player. Available at Mudan Boutique.