The 2009 Luxury Holiday Gift Guide

By: Inna Shamis

Tis the season to show loved ones you care! Follow us on the journey to find something for everyone on your list.

Our favorite part? No need to stand in those long, aggravating shopping lines at the mall – many of these great holiday gift finds are available online:

Gifts for Him

Shirts My Way – Since there’s nothing better than a perfect pit, Shirts My Way is an online clothing company that designs custom-made dress shirts based no body build and dimensions.  The company’s website lets shoppers design their own dress shirts using an interactive model online, which includes the selection of: color, fabric, design, detail and more!

Nobis Headwear – Offering stylish and unique cold weather selections, Nobis provides a new class and culture of headwear – pushing boundaries with unique designs, uncommon textures and unseen styles.  Often made from quality-hand knits like angora and llama wools, Nobis also uses recycled PE materials, hemp and more!  Talk about a great way to cover up this winter season!  (Available for women too!).

 

 

 

 

 

Mount Gay Rum – For the friend or family member who cherishes tradition and appreciates the finer things in life, Mount Gay 1703 Old Cask Selection, can make the quintessential gift.  Warm him up this holiday season with a bottle of Mount Gay Rum!

The Dalmore – With its stag’s head logo, this single malt whiskey from the Highlands of Scotland couldn’t be more perfect for the outdoorsmen in your life! Whoever the recipient is, he’ll warm up to this gift from the first sip. Selections from the line include everything from the basic 12-Year-Old to the limited edition 1263 King Alexander.

 

 

 

 

 

The Fusion Chrome Collection Power Shave Set – Featuring the world’s most technologically advanced razor, this set from The Art of Shaving includes shaving essentials thoughtfully designed for an exceptional blend of style and performance.  The Set includes The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil, Shaving Cream, Shaving Brush, and After-Shave Balm all together in one convenient gift package!

Gifts for Her

Pura Vida Adventures – Located on the beautiful coast of Costa Rica, Pura Vida Adventures aims to provide an empowering, active retreat for today¹s modern women.  The revitalizing seven-day, six-night adventure combines surfing, yoga and rich cultural experiences, along with the expansive rainforest and stunning beachfront locale, for a rich and fulfilling retreat that might just transform your outlook on life.

 

Recycled Bangle Bracelets – Who knew a magazine would look so good on the wrist? Made from recycled magazines, these luxurious and eco-friendly Recycled Planet bangle bracelets are available in three different (all gorgeous) patterns – another fabulous find from fashion stylist Amy Gordon, and a great holiday gift for the fashion-forward gal from the online fashion boutique Artfulwears.com!

Doie Designs Hoodie & Pants Set – A perfect choice for the jet-setting fashionista, Doie Designs offers selections that are both stylish and comfortable – all of which are made from organic cotton.  A great option for lounging and travel!

Skin Authority’s Wrinkle Reversing Serum – Facelifts are so passé!  Go for Skin Authority’s newest breakthrough wrinkle-reversing serum instead, which reduces fine lines and delivers firmer skin.  The serum is the first of the company’s products to include its exclusive SGF-4 Technology™, which consists of four natural nourishing proteins and skin growth factors.

Keep Me – Who doesn’t love pajamas?  With a name like “Keep Me”, its hard to resist!  Offering a selection of robes, undergarments, nighties and more, Keep Me has the perfect wardrobe staples ideal for those who can’t wait to change into something more comfortable after work, or when you’re about to curl up with a good read.

Gifts For Anyone

 

 

 

Echo D’Amour – Using the letters or numbers that are special to each recipient (e.g., initials of their name, children’s names, etc.), designer Chad Rullman offers unique couture monogram jewelry for men & women.  Born from the traditional “monogram” idea, the company’s signature “mirror image” designs make these selections unlike anything else on the market!

Vivabox – An exciting new product that combines the freedom of choice with the personal touch of a real gift.  Offering two gifts in one, Vivabox’s are available in a variety of themes, which include: wine, food, beauty, tech, entertainment, and more!  Here’s how it works:  first you pick the theme, the recipient received the box and tries the samples (depending on the box, this could be a gift to try, taste or use based on the theme of the box), lastly the recipient chooses the gift (by visiting the Vivabox website and entering their card number, where they are taken through the redemption process where they choose their final present).  This is where the freedom of choice happens.   Talk about giving the ultimate customized gift to everyone on your list!

La Falaise – Dedicated to creating a luxurious & therapeutic bathtub experience, La Falaise is a French organic line of bath products (now available in the U.S.!) which consists of seven fragrant combinations across a selection of bath washes, salts and lotions in three categories:  Need, Mood & Occasion.  Our favorite:  The Organic Green Tea & Muscat Rose Gift Set, which includes a Bar Soap, Body Wash and Body Lotion.  Gift Sets can be customized with any scent combination, and presented in a choice of a sustainable Jute Bag, Bath Tray or Shopping Tote.  The best part?  Each purchase helps the planet through La Falaise’s gifting charity program!

Stave Puzzles – Deemed the “Rolls-Royce of puzzles” by Smithsonian Magazine, Stave Puzzles are hand-made and offer a modern twist on the classic fireside activity. Each puzzle is meticulously hand-cut, one piece at a time, by a skilled crafter, which means it can also be customized for each individual recipient.  Pieces in the puzzle can represent hobbies/interests, spell out names or even include photo silhouettes.

 

 

 

The Tuck Box – A British tradition now available in the U.S., The Tuck Box is a gorgeous personalized heirloom-quality box with lots of nooks and crannies, covered in elegant leather and “the ultimate gift of love”. A small but intimate vehicle for loved ones, The Tuck Box is perfect for safekeeping of pictures, letters, nostalgic heirlooms, a baby’s first tooth – and more!  Each box is customized to your preferences and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies – Kathie Lee and Hoda love them, as does Rachael Ray – and now we can’t get enough!  Need more convincing?  If you’ve got a cookie monster on your list, go for a cookie delivery from Heidis Heavenly Cookies!  Our favorite?  The Holiday Enchantment – a gourmet cookie tower that includes a mix of favorites like Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Ginger and more!

 

 

 

 

 

Buddha Board – Based on the Zen concept of living in the moment, the artist in your life will truly enjoy this unique gift!  Simply paint on the surface with water and watch your creation come to life in bold design. Then, as the water slowly evaporates, your art will magically disappear leaving a clean slate and clear mind – ready for your next new masterpiece. What a way to live in the moment and enlighten!

 

 

 

 

 

Wine Crate Serving Trays – Handcrafted out of authentic wine crates from prestigious European and Californian vineyards, Whiner and Diner’s high-end wooden wine crate serving trays are gorgeous and unique way to serve your favorite foods and drinks while entertaining!  Available in 6 custom colors, each serving tray can be embellished with a hand-painted monogram and/or with hand-painted designs, for a personalized touch!

 

 

 

 

 

Jaques of London – A recreational gifts for any friend, colleague or member of the family, Jaques of London offers beautifully made games that can be passed down through generations!  As the oldest sports and games manufacturer in the world, and creator of such traditional family games as ping pong, croquet and Tiddley-Winks, Jaques of London offers an extensive catalog of selections – everything from chess and backgammon to solitaire and score four.

Numi’s Bamboo Flowering Tea Gift Set – Packaged in an exotic hand-made dark bamboo case, this Set holds a bin of Numi’s Bouquet Flowering Tea that’s filled with bouquets of tea leaves and Numi’s Teahouse glass teapot through which to serve and observe the blooming tea petals. Talk about a luxurious way to experience the simplicity of tea!

Gifts for the Eco-Conscious

 

 

 

 

 

Ajne Rare & Precious – The destination for couture all-natural fragrances made from the finest organic oils around the world, Ajne specializes in creating unique, personal fragrances that are paraben, phthalate, and synthetic free; vegan, and packaged entirely in glass a healthier alternative for both the client and the environment.  Each selection is based on the ancient chakra system (client can even take their computerized fragrance analysis test which helps determine which areas of his or her body need harmonizing).  That’s when the exciting process of choosing the essential oils to create his or her own signature scent begins!  No wonder Patrick Dempsey, Reese Witherspoon, Hilary Swank, as well as the cast of Mad Men and Entourage are fans!

 

 

 

 

 

Bagladies – Chic, organic and stylish, these environmentally hip tote bags from Australia are now available in the U.S.!  Emblazoned with sayings such as “My Other Bags are Prada,” (our favorite!), “Louis Who?” and “Plastic is So Last Season”, Bagladies provide a great alternative to going green in style!

Butterfly Effects – Based on the physics concept that observes the impact of small actions on the overall outcome of an event, Butterfly Effects handcrafted soy candles are packaged in recyclable materials and contain no color additives or dyes, GMO’s, paraffin, pesticides or herbicides. The line features over 55 fragrance selections, with something for everyone!  Our favorites?  Candycane and Cranberry Apple Marmalade!

“The Wrapping Scarf Revolution” – A gorgeous coffee table book that opens earth-friendly eyes to a whole new world of beauty!  “The Wrapping Scarf Revolution” showcases step-by-step bojagi-wrapping techniques from the ingenious ancient handicraft of wrapping with fabric. Throughout the page, you’ll find techniques for knotting reusable fabric scarves into ten styles of gift-wrap and six must-make handbags. Additional scarf-tying methods for carrying and beautifying household items are also included, along with tips for creating handmade wrapping scarves.

Gifts for the Foodie

Finale’s Dark Chocolate Decadence Cake – It’s no wonder this cake is described as “the maximum chocolate experience”.  Made with coffee, eggs, heavy cream, chocolate, butter and sugar, this to-die-for rich, fudgy decadence is accompanied by a truffle-like center with just a hint of mocha.  If you want to purchase a gift of indulgence, this would be it!  Your recipient not a chocolate lover?  No worries – just choose from their selection of other award-winning desserts, which includes pastries, cookies, cakes and more!

 

 

 

 

Harvard Sweet Boutique – Gourmet sweet selections that are as decadently magnificent as they get!  If you’re looking for an abundant mouth-watering selection, go for Sparkle Tower from the company’s 2009 Holiday Gift Collection.  The line’s most magnificent selection, the Sparkle Tower consists of a stack of five festive boxes – all of which are filled to the brim, and include: Double Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Bark Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans, White Chocolate Iced Snowflake Cookies, Raspberry Chocolate Fudge Brownies, Chocolate Fudge Brownies and Chocolate Almond Toffee.

Fissler’s Original Pro Collection – Like the Mercedes Benz of cookware, Fissler delivers high style and performance in its premium line of cookware.  From pots and pan, to cutlery and other kitchen accessories, this line out of Germany does not disappoint!  The ultimate luxury gift for any foodie? Fissler’s Original Pro Collection – a 10 piece set that includes sauce pans, sauté pans, a casserole and more!

Black River Caviar – An eco-friendly gift selection for the foodies and environmentalists in your life, Black River Caviar is not only one of the most delicious caviar’s we’ve tasted, but also the ninth largest exporter of caviar to the U.S. and the only one of its kind harvested with its “wild-raised” farming techniques in the heart of the Rio Negro, Uruguay.  A classic and luxurious indulgence that is sure to pleasure!

 

 

 

 

De’Longhi Artista Series – An innovative way of bringing art into the kitchen, De’Longhi Artista Series, is a limited edition series of espresso makers designed by 10 professional artists commissioned by De’Longhi, including: fashion designer Nicole Miller, jewelry designer John Hardy and interior designer Kelly Hoppen.  Each designer created originals styles that have been laser-etched on De’Longhi’s Perfecta Fully Automatic Espresso Machines. The 10 machines are currently up for purchase on eBay thru the holiday shopping season.  Proceeds benefit Oxfam America – a relief organization committed to battling poverty worldwide. (Pictured here is the Nicole Miller design.)

Stocking Stuffers

 

 

 

Downtown Dog Collection Collar – Offering this and many other choices for our furry friends, Kane and Couture is an urban, edgy line of high-end clothes and accessories for dogs and their lovers – with everything from t-shirts and collars, to beds and bowls!

Original Beans Chocolate – A new and innovative chocolate company, Original Beans blends the production of premium chocolate with restoration of some of the world’s most ecologically threatened regions. For each bar sold, the company plants a tree in the chocolate’s forest of origin (Ecuador, Bolivia, D.R. Congo).  Buy a bar, go online and enter the lot number found on each package – this designates the location of a new tree so that you can track the ongoing reforestation efforts on the company’s website.  Another great reason to eat chocolate!

Lumnique’s Personalized Candles – Custom-created candles as unique as the recipients themselves!  At Lumnique, each candle selection is personalized: initiated, tailored, and hand-poured based on the customer’s request.  This includes choosing the color (the line offers nearly 15 colors), fragrance (three categories are available: citrus/fruit, floral/aromatherapy, and nature/spice/cuisine), and message (which is presented as part of the candle’s certificate of authenticity).  Talk about an intimate, gift–giving experience!

 

 

 

 

Jendarling Bags – Perfect for jet-setters, this line of eco-friendly garment, tote and show bags are a great way to preserve that little black dress or those magnificent Louboutin’s!  Stylish and reusable, its not surprise they’ve been seen on the arms of Rachel Zoe, Anne Hathaway and Renee Loux. (Pictured here is the Capri Violet Shoe Bag).

Milliken Creek Inn – Everyone could use a little rest and relaxation after the holidays! Wondering what to get the over-worked family member for Christmas? In need of a romantic getaway?  How about a Gift Certificate at the Milliken Creek Inn & Spa in Napa Valley – the perfect escape from all the holiday stress! Labeled “charmingly sophisticated” by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report and “stylish and tranquil” by Travel + Leisure, it’s no wonder that both locals and visitors enjoy their experience at Milliken! From coordinated winery tours and bicycle rides, to outdoor picnics and rejuvenating spa treatments, Milliken is guaranteed to bring out the best in you and yours!

Red Door Spa – With 31 locations across the country, Red Door Spa is the perfect gift idea for friends across the country or the traveler on your list! What better way to give the gift of luxury than with expertly-delivered pampering!

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