TOP GIFTS OF THE YEAR 2018 ** UPDATED **

Editors note: I added a few more great items so am re-publishing it! 

Big things, small things, this list TOP GIFTS of the Year List aims each year to come up with a little something for everyone of all tastes and budgets. DIVE IN and find just the right thing... for them, or maybe for you! 

Let's start with something small - but a sure to be a BIG hit with anyone of any age or gender. THE INSTA SQUARE 6,

For only $108 you can get a very sleek looking pocket instant camera and relive the days of Polaroids (or discover them, depending on your age). These produce small photos from the top of the cam, and while a novelty, will definitely bring a big smile and be USED IMMEDIATELY. There are mixed reviews on Amazon, so read to make your own decision before you pick this- nothing beats the old Polaroids! It's nice because it's bigger than the Minis but offers less features than that one. Square format with several shooting modes and 3 colored filters included for effect.  Battery operated. It weight .5 lb and measured 6" x 6" x 4".



TIP: GET EXTRA FILM! Try Best Buy or Kohls to spread your business around but here's what to get on Amazonfor $19 for a box of 10 pics Carrying case is $15, in three colors on Amazon.  See all the colors offered below.

Blue Light is a big issue right now. We're all hearing how the devices we're now so reliant on are BAD for us, Largely due to the blue light screens transmit, we are now to limit if not entirely abandon our phones, tablets and readers well before bed - and you KNOW you use it most THEN!  Perhaps these will help.... Focus Readers.  I  can't vouch for them as I have not tried them but they're on Oprah'sList too, so check them out, read and decide! $25 From PEEPERS. (as of this publishing, 2 styles are on sale for $19). And yes Virginia, they do make them in the color purple.

While we're on technology....  TwelveSouth AirFly makes a wifi booster for wireless headphones or earbuds, which make it easy to use your own while you use the overhead TV's or music at the gym, on an airplane or anywhere else with only wired headphone jackes.  Pretty sure it also would allow your kid to game SILENTLY so you can keep your sanity.   For $39.99 on TWELVESOUTH. 



For the connoisseur of all libations, or the tequila lover, Casa Dragones offers several gift bottles of their fantastic, clean nectar.  All choices are good - their Sipping Tequila was rated the best by Forbes, and their Blanco, was in the Top Ten Tequilas by Food and Wine Magazine, which is 100% blue Agave Tequila.  You can even personalize your label (so act fast). Find them all HERE. Prices vary. 




Take the helmet to the next level by adding much more safety both front and back with LED lights. I looked into these last year and think they deserve to be on this list. As more people are looking beyond fitness or pleasure to biking to reduce their carbon footprint, it means they don't only bike by day but would need to have the ability to get home safely after dark. Giving a gift to make someone you love safer can't be beat. The Kickstart helmet is by LUMOS, and there's lots of info and a few videos to answer your questions on their site. For $179.



THE BACK VIEW:


Tea Drops are a really lovely and unusual gift - guaranteed to delight. Organic lightly sweetened pressed tea comes not loose or in bags but in a variety of shapes that dissolve once dropped into hot water. The large assortment box pictured contains 5 drops each of their best-selling Christmas Flavored Tea Drops: citrus ginger, rose earl grey, sweet peppermint, matcha green tea, and blueberry acai white tea. $34.00 from TEADROPS.COM.  TIP: get 25% off if you sign up to their newsletter at time of this publication.



YUM!!! Something small can be the best gift. I love this trifecta of pasta perfection. Great for when you have gluten free diners, mixed with those who just don't like those kind of noodles - or those who want vegan cheese, while some real, or someone who insists lasagne isn't lasagne without meat, and you're a vegetarian! Here is the solution. A pan that allows you to make and serve three different kinds. Also great for small parties when you want serve a variety.


There are two kinds - whatever works best for you. The one pictured has metal liners with handles for each bay so you can pick it up and display or serve the whole length of each, called the Easy Lift Trisagne pan by Chef Tony. $19.98. If you think that is too much to clean and keep or just want to make it for the kids and don't mind digging each piece out, here's a regular non-handled pan for only $15.99 (Then add their  20% coupons for signing up) at BED BATH AND BEYOND. '


Lego Lovers young and old will be very happy with the Vestas Wind Turbine from Lego's Creator Expert Collection.  This is a toy of the moment in two ways: This is the first set that features one of the all-new sustainably sourced plant-based plastic LEGO elements, Plants from Plants. and reflects and teaches renewable energy technology.


A fully functional, motorized wind turbine that stands 3' tall above a red cottage and furnished patio with a picket fence, amailbox on a hill with trees and a working porch light.  The company says the LEGO Group balances 100% of the energy used to make LEGO bricks with energy from renewable sources through their investment in wind power. 826 pieces - wonderful but you will have to invest some green: $329.00. TIP: GOOGLE this because there are a great range of folks offering this for prices from $49...

Here's something that the person who has everything will not have. A cork yoga mat. Why cork? Because for those who really drip in regular classes or practice Hot yoga, a cork mat absorbs sweat so there's no need for a towel. And it's light weight, grips the floor and is naturally antimicrobial - 
TIP: I found two for very different prices - the more expensive one -$79 from 42 Birds - claims to be 100% recyclable, it's self cleaning. Slightly thicker (.5") and varying cork to rubber ratio, and 4" longer than the one below from Yoga Outlet which is half the price. The below says you must clean it once a week. You compare and decide. 
ON SALE NOW for $35.98 from YOGA OUTLET

Let's face it - Sending a cheese basket is still always welcome, but you DO want it to be different and special - not the same old same old. Here is a dynamite one for $49 from William Sonoma.  In it you get a wedge the famous Barely Buzzed cheese from Utah’s Beehive Cheese Company (aged 7 mo), a salami from Utah's Crisitano Creminelli, Pan Forte Crostini crackers and piquant Pepperlane blood orange preserves.


Does your recipient have a sweet tooth instead? Then it's not too late to order and ship the most creative and delicious hand made whoopee pies created fresh each day at Chococoa Baking Company. They have gotten rave reviews from everyone from Oprah to Yankee Magazine and are right in my own town, where I have coffee and give these regularly, so I can attest first hand to their quality. AND YES THEY OFFER GLUTEN FREE! 

Choose from a dozen flavors like: Chocolate Ganache, Peppermint, Raspberry or Espresso Cream, Salted Caramel, Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream or Pumpkin Cake with Pumpkin Ginger Cream -- Find special seasonal flavors in their Holiday Collection.


Click around on their site to find what amount and flavors you want, and get 4 bags of them in each box for $24, which arrives within 2 days in a cold-box. Keep it cool, wrap it with a ribbon and watch their eyes roll back when they take the first bite! TIP: Order several for a great hostess gift, or for girls night out treats, and they have always been a hit at charity raffles or auctions I've done


 255 letters (several never published before) reveal how Mandela kept his spirits up living in almost complete isolation, yet somehow staying connected and raising awareness through the world, of what he stood for. The letters are presented in a well organized way, chronologically and divided into each place he was held.  The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela, about $22.

"Arrested in 1962 as South Africa’s apartheid regime intensified its brutal campaign against political opponents, forty-four-year-old lawyer and African National Congress activist Nelson Mandela had no idea that he would spend the next twenty-seven years in jail. During his 10,052 days of incarceration, the future leader of South Africa wrote a multitude of letters to unyielding prison authorities, fellow activists, government officials, and, most memorably, to his courageous wife, Winnie, and his five children."

It's not a hi fit, but it is a simple way to play some of your old records, or a way for kids who are newly discovered bring vinyl to do so without breaking the bank. Suitcase style with built in speakers. Lots of reviews if you want to read them before you decide. There is even a usb port for straight to computer recording! The Numark PT01 is available lots of places - strangely it was $1239 at B&H Photo, but only $59 on AMAZON.



this is the most incredible face cream  that both men and women love. I recommend it for simple reasons - it is creamy without being heavy or oily, seems to be good for even the most sensitive skin, and SMELLS HEAVENLY- a light, clean orange scent that is not at all perfume. I have problems with most scents and that makes one you can handle all the more delicious.  It also is a" 2-in-1, overnight moisturizer & peel with Fruit-Derived AHAs that puts dullness to rest for glowing skin that’s smoothed & renewed." 
Right now get 20% off when you order Night A Mins from Origins
Comes in two sizes, from $27-45. 


Let's end with the big thing. This is a flat screen that boasts a chameleon quality, being able to morph into your wall by becoming art or somehow duplicating whatever the wall's color or pattern is! The future is here people! 


 Offers deep blacks and ultra-vivid colors with a non reflective screen. Wall mount is flat against the wall with one invisible connection or it comes with a brushed silver minimalist stand.   The 55" is about  $1500 but you may be able to find it on sale for less. The 55" Class Q7FN QLED Smart 4K UHD TV by Samsung. 

WANT MORE IDEAS?   See the ENTIRE category of TOP GIFTS for each year HERE. If any links don't work, just google around for them. It's the ideas that count! Happy Holidays!!!! 

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