Each year I do one post listing what I feel is among the cream of the crop in terms of all-round people pleasing. Most are lasting gifts, a few may be so unique they are worth listing. Spans all price ranges and ages. Here's my Top Gifts for 2017.
It's Baaack. The Polaroid Instant Camera! I used to be an experimental photographer for Polaroid Corporation and it was like working at NASA. They saw the future and made it happen. I was so sorry to see their cameras and film go when digital came in. But much like vinyl, the Polaroid camera, with it's inimitable artistic possibilities, is once again available. It's also just plain FUN. Perhaps the best part of this gift is returning the user to a time when we had to be far more intentional before we snapped, framing and composing each shot. That's almost as important a gift as the camera itself!
One Step 2 i-Type is $99 at Polaroid.com in white. Pre-order for delivery on December 11. Black is on preorder but won't be delivered till January 8. Find Color or black and white film HERE. TIP: You can now find film for the old cameras if they have them in an attic somewhere, so film could be a gift in itself if you know which model they have.
Or CLICK HERE to get the camera and 3 packs of film - 2 color, one B&W, for $139.
Now this will be their BEST gift, GUARANTEED. Commission a pet portrait with Alicia Irick Cohen, aka thepaintgirl. Give her a photo and she'll turn it into the most stunning, realistic, classical portrait --- and if you wish, with a bit (or a lot) of whimsey. Do yourself a favor and click on her site. The range is impressive.
Just love her art? Visit her ETSY shop to purchase something wonderful that will be a guaranteed conversation piece. Contact Alicia, as she may have other items.
A New Kind of Radio Flier!
Great for children aged 9 months to 5 years - and parents too- From the trusted, nostalgic Radio Flyer! This converts from converts from a stroller to a steering trike, a learning-to-ride trike and lastly, a classic tricycle. The seat adjusts along with your child's growth. There is a canopy for UV protection. Foot rests on the stroller become pedals. The the head rest along with a tray and cup holder is removable. Comes with a 3-point safety harness. $90 Four-in-1-Trike by Radio Flyer
Want more ideas for the best gifts of my entire blog? CLICK HERE to see all past year's TOP GIFTS!
It's Baaack. The Polaroid Instant Camera! I used to be an experimental photographer for Polaroid Corporation and it was like working at NASA. They saw the future and made it happen. I was so sorry to see their cameras and film go when digital came in. But much like vinyl, the Polaroid camera, with it's inimitable artistic possibilities, is once again available. It's also just plain FUN. Perhaps the best part of this gift is returning the user to a time when we had to be far more intentional before we snapped, framing and composing each shot. That's almost as important a gift as the camera itself!
Or CLICK HERE to get the camera and 3 packs of film - 2 color, one B&W, for $139.
Now this will be their BEST gift, GUARANTEED. Commission a pet portrait with Alicia Irick Cohen, aka thepaintgirl. Give her a photo and she'll turn it into the most stunning, realistic, classical portrait --- and if you wish, with a bit (or a lot) of whimsey. Do yourself a favor and click on her site. The range is impressive.
Just love her art? Visit her ETSY shop to purchase something wonderful that will be a guaranteed conversation piece. Contact Alicia, as she may have other items.
A New Kind of Radio Flier!
Great for children aged 9 months to 5 years - and parents too- From the trusted, nostalgic Radio Flyer! This converts from converts from a stroller to a steering trike, a learning-to-ride trike and lastly, a classic tricycle. The seat adjusts along with your child's growth. There is a canopy for UV protection. Foot rests on the stroller become pedals. The the head rest along with a tray and cup holder is removable. Comes with a 3-point safety harness. $90 Four-in-1-Trike by Radio Flyer
Hiking poles are growing in popularity. It's not because you can't do a trail without them, because they are so light weight and compact, it's kinda silly to not use this tool in a variety of ways. Makes a welcome gift! Touted as the Best Bang for the Buck, the Cascade Mountain Tech carbon Fiber trekking poles are what I'm posting as an affordable, all round use for hiking and other activities. $50.80 On Amazon. Read the article to see and compare the other four on best reviews.com.
INSTAPOT! All the rage:
Instapots have been around for a few years but in 2017 it's become all the rage - so much so that the NY Times has written about it twice, touting it as "a device that combines an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and yogurt maker in one handy unit — and sends even mild-mannered cooks into fits of passion." You can find a zillion all over for prices that work for you, but here is a smaller one my friend has bought and used if you just want a recommendation: The MINI , 3 qt programmable 7 in one use Instapot for 51.99 at AMAZON.
I have one of these and love it. It keeps my three remotes and iPad or phone within reach by the bed without taking up space on the always too small nightstand. They are great for couches too. In attractive gray felt that goes with just about everything (and seems to collect no dust), just slip a flap between mattress and box spring/bed frame or couch/armchair cushion and voila! Standard fro $20, large for $25 at Uncommon Goods.
They will USE the Spiralizer more than you think. The low carb, gluten free, healthy eating trends make this an invaluable tool in most kitchens. You can make zucchini pasta noodles from it, but its five blades offer a variety of ways to perk up the vegetable, which has more and more become a mainstay entree. Only $26.99 on AMAZON.
Lose the wedges and mallets! The Chopper1 Axe is designed with rotating levers that open out when the axe hits the wood, sending the downward force out - thus exploding the log from inside and it splits apart! The company reports that this also eliminates the axe getting stuck. Awesome! $89 from Chopper1Axe.com. TIP: Jump on it as it takes 2 wks to deliver - or call to see what you can pay to rush it!
The APPLE TV 4K, for the legions who are leaving Cable TV - and want a A10X fusion chip for games. 32G for $179 but the better deal is 64GB for $199. Read more or buy on APPLE.com.
HELLO GORGEOUS. Simple, modern and utterly elegant, these flutes can hold wine or bubbly from champagne to Perrier and will make any occasion extra special. These are the real deal - Waterford crystal - and come in three rich, smoky shades: green as pictured, plum and a cobalt blue - all to die for. Must make a pretty sound when clinking. $195 a pair at Macy's but right now, get 30% off with code: FRIEND
Lined Hurricane Shirt: If your guy doesn't like to wear a jacket even in funky weather, especially if he's doing work outside, this will be what he reaches for. Lined with 4.3 cotton flannel in a tasteful plaid, the outside is cotton treated to be rain and wind resistant and repel stains and oil. Great from fall through spring. Comes in steel blue as shown, a nice cranberry and just the right gray. Relaxed fit, so a sweater or layers could work in addition. $74 regular sizes, $79 Tall sizes at LL BEAN.
It is always great to get new sheets - yet it's rarely thought of for a gift. But slipping between the softest flannel (but not too heavy so you're warm but not HOT) is heavenly if you live where it's cold, and when it's warm, crisp, cool smooth cotton feels like a million bucks! Not to mention that they can greatly impact your sleep quality for the better. The Company Store has great quality comforters, and flannel or cotton sheets - and they last for decades, so check them out...
But more and more linen is making a comeback and its likely your recipient hasn't sampled them...
The rich dressed in linen in the 20's and 30's and there is a good reason for that. They stay cool in the summer, hold warmth when temperatures drop and become softer with every wash. And creases are part of it, unlike anything else we wear or use... so don't fret. I call it "the expensive wrinkle."
They ain't cheap - and you want ones that aren't scratchy (like wool can be a little scratchy). I have looked around and read reviews and recommend Belgian Flax Linen From West Elm. Sets go for $149 -$250 and pillow cases from $25-44 depending on sizes. Several subtle colors available. TIP: 15% off to sign up for their mailing list right now!
Too Pricey? As an alternative, I bought a linen and cotton set of myself -- a way to cut the cost and fairly guarantee no scratch -- by Kenneth Cole. The price runs for $139-$179 at Bed Bath Beyond. TIP: BBB inundates people with 20% off coupons - use it on this. If you don't have one, sign up online to instantly get one, Ask for their 20% off coupon or get one immediately on your phone by signing up for their texts! Or ask a neighbor if they have an extra!
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