Card couture
For those who truly want to go all out, there are the Gilded Age Greetings luxury greeting cards ( www.gildedagegreetings.com; from $300). Considered to be the most expensive cards in the world, they are studded with items such as white diamonds, emeralds, rubies, gold and authentic Swarovski crystals. To make the feeling of receiving these cards even more exclusive, the tassel-bound cards are penned to order and come with three additional inserts—as well as documentation and white gloves.
Kiehl-ing me softly
Known for its myriad skin-care products, Kiehl's ( www.kiehls.com ) steps up its game with a lip-balm set ($30) that features items in vanilla, coconut and mango. There's also the Ultimate Man Refueling Kit ($58), which includes a face wash, shaving cream, facial moisture treatment and even a hand salve. People won't be able to keep their hands off you—for better or for worse.
Cop to it
The '80s classic Cagney & Lacey: The Complete Series ( www.amazon.com; $139.99) shows groundbreaking cops Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly dealing with personal and professional challenges—including catching the bad guys, of course. This expansive set includes 32 discs encompassing 119 episodes and more than 90 hours. The release just left me with one question: Has it really been 30 years since this show?
Whiskey business
Angel's Envy bourbon (various retailers at www.angelsenvy.com; $45) is a top-notch whiskey that master distiller Lincoln Henderson created. One of the distinguishing traits about Angel's Envy is that the whiskey is aged up to six years in charred white oak barrels and finished in ruby port wine casks. It all results in one very smooth drink (or more than one).
Image is everything
The Pentax K-30 camera ( www.pentaximaging.com; $799.95) has so many attractive features it's practically irresistible. It has a large three-inch LCD with brightness and color adjustments, and allows the user to freeze the action with a fast six-frames-per-second continuous shooting mode. In addition, the camera allows for full 1080p HD video capture at 30 frames per second—and the body is coldproof, thanks to full weather sealing.
Warming up
It's been unseasonably warm in Chicago lately, but you know those blizzard-like conditions are on their way. Stay warm with the Therapedic Oversized Royal Mink Electric Blanket ( www.bedbathandbeyond.com; from $99.99), which features 10 heat settings and even a pre-heat feature. Even more impressive, it has a five-year warranty.
Honoring a legend
With the book Alexander McQueen: The Life and the Legacy ($35), Judith Watt takes a look at the personal and professional lives of the late, gay fashion designer, producing fascinating detail after fascinating detail. Also, McQueen's personal drawings are peppered throughout the book, making this a must-have for anyone who's interested in fashion.
Old faithful
There are a lot of trendy stores, but sometimes people forget the tried and true. Macy's ( www..macys.com ) has a stunning array of items for people who want to get stylish items on a budget. The Rwanda basket ($50, with half of the wholesale price going to the artisan), the Michael Kors key fob ($48), the Martha Stewart Collection decorative pillow ($80) and the LoungeFly Hello Kitty tote ($70) are just a sample of what Macy's has to offer.
Pad about you
Innovatively aiding health, the GoSmart RestPad ( justgosmart.squarespace.com/store; $34.95) has a sheepskin wrist rest attached to a mousepad to provide pressure relief. Other plusses include a large mousepad and a wrist area that's also large and rounded to increase user comfort. Now you can hang around those chat rooms more comfortably.
Board chair
Blending snowboarding with the look/feel of skis, Dual Snowboards ( www.dualsnowboards.com; $299) has items that are worn on each foot. Designed for everyone from professional athletes to the novice beginner, Dual Snowboards allow bodies to move more naturally on the slopes, making it easier and safer to learn to snowboard—or hone your midair twists, you daredevil.
Lime traveler
Crabtree & Evelyn ($14.95) has unveiled its holiday collections to take care of your skin. Among the items are the hand preservation kit ($12) and the nomad sampler travel kit ($26), available in scents such as citron and West Indian lime—and I have to admit the lime is the best-smelling skin care-related product I've smelled in quite some time.
Generation app
The Next Issue app ( www.nextissue.com; $9.99-$14.99/month) is perfect for people who love to read. Available for iPad or Android tablets, the app allows you to access up to 75 magazines every month—including Details, Men's Journal, Vogue, Esquire and Essence, among others. A person who tried it out for Windy City Times remarked, "I downloaded 12 magazines before leaving on a flight to England and loved being able to read them all during the flight (yet only have to carry my iPad, which also had a movie to watch and two newspapers on it)."
The skin game
Justin Monroe is known for his provocative photography—and he certainly provokes with two recent items: the Flavor of the Month 2013 calendar ($27.95) and the book Rock Bottom ($36.51). Fans of Monroe's photography (and fans of skin, in general) should be appreciative.
Entitled
Unique (and even eco-friendly), Highland Titles, which specializes in land preservation, is offering the opportunity to purchase souvenir plots on its estate in Glencoe Wood, Scotland—granting the legal use of the Scottish title of laird, lord or lady ($49.99). Just don't get too carried away with your new title or it might be, "OK, my lord—now take out the garbage."
Walk on by
The Omron pedometer ( www.omronfitness.com; $44.99) will help you get started early on that New Year's resolution to get fitter. Featuring smart sensor technology, you can wear the pedometer practically anywhere on your person—and tracks both steps and distance to keep you motivated to go further each day.
Flask force
A lot of people say that their water bottles are the best ever made, but Hydro Flask ($19.99-$49.99) might be able to lay claim to that title. Among other perks, the flask's double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks ice-cold up to 24 hours (even in the summer sun) and hot drinks hot for up to 12. In addition, 5 percent of the purchase price will be donated to a charity of the consumer's choice, as part of Five Percent Back.
Snow bunnies
O'Neill Snow has unveiled its 2012-13 apparel collection ( www.oneill.com; various price points), with items such as insulated snow jackets, shells, backcountry gear, pants, beanies, flannel shirts, fleece and more. Not only will you be able to brave the cold, but you'll be able to do it stylishly.
Case study
Pelican ProGear ( www.PelicanProGear.com ) is perfect for those who believe in security, as the company manufactures crushproof cases designed to protect smartphones, laptops and other precious items. I was skeptical at first—and then I tried the sport wallet ($29.95); not only is it completely waterproof, but it is quite simple to operate.
Espresso yourself
If you're looking for something that's a little different, look no further than Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka ( www.vangoghvodka.com; $27). Using a double-infusion method, distiller Tim Vos handcrafts all Van Gogh vodkas, resulting in a vodka in a rich shade of brown that has bite and smoothness.
With a twist
Areaware ( www.areaware.com ) is known for innovative items that you could go for the person who has everything. Among some of the company's items are the banana bowl ($140), silicone key keychain ($14) and distortion candlesticks ($45).
Gleaming the cube
Designed to be a pint-sized audio center, the NuForce Cube ( www.nuforce.com; $99) is a quality headphone amplifier, high-performance speaker, and audiophile-grade USB DAC (digital audio converter). What's even more enticing is that it's available in a variety of colors (black, silver, red or blue)—you can even get a couple different hues to suit your mood.
Chop, chop
Benihana is offering the ultimate experience for any chef wannabe with its "Be the Chef" package ( www.benihana.com/bethechef; from $140). The package includes a training session for the recipient with one of the restaurant's master chefs, followed by a special dinner performance for three guests where the recipient can show off his or her cooking skills.
tag—you're it
The company tag ( www.tag2u.com or www.tagltd.com ) has some pretty cool items—including some for oenophiles (or wine aficionados). Among some intriguing things are stemless wine glasses ($5.95 each) and the Viva Scandinavia wine decanter and aerator funnel set ($39.95).
Keeping cool
Mission AthleteCare's Enduracool instant cooling towel ( www.missionathletecare.com; $14.95) is a 12.25" x 33" items made from a performance fabric that instantly cools when wet with water or sweat, wrung out and snapped in the air to activate cooling properties. It works for hours, whether you're on the tennis court (like Serena Williams, who uses it) or practicing Bikram yoga in the studio.
Tee, myself and I
Ideal for people who want to protect those expensive dress shirts, the Thompson Tee ( www.thompsontee.com; $19.99) is a special undershirt that uses special technology that blocks underarm sweat and odor (as well as those dreaded yellow stains). Now, you can wear that Hugo Boss with confidence.
