For Him

I don't know about you but I find men terribly difficult to buy gifts for. Ask a woman what she would like to find under the tree at Christmas and she'll likely rattle off a list of lovely things. Ask a man and he's more likely to suggest socks and underwear.

Socks and underwear??? How.... um.... boring and totally pedestrian and lacking imagination.

Instead of filling his stocking with daily needs, rock his socks with something like....

Golf Ball Paper Clip Holder

Desk accessories seem to multiply like a warren of rabbits on store shelves this time of year, obviously a big gift choice for men. This brushed stainless steel golf ball drives home the point that desk accessories need not be mundane. Nicely gift boxed and replete with paper clips, this magnetic beauty is about the size of a real golf ball.

Carrying a Torch

The Tykho Torch makes a mundane flashlight seem so last century.

If its something we need, something everyone should have on hand to light the way, why shouldn't also be beautiful?

The anodized aluminum body is coated in silicone rubber and available in a plethora of colors.

Arriving in store this week.

Whisky Lovers Set

You may have heard of Whisky Rocks - the hot grown up gift this season.

The Whisky Lovers Set steps things up a notch with two distinctive mouth blown glasses and six rocks.

We have a limited number of these sets arriving in time for the holiday season and don't expect they'll last long. If you have someone in your life who enjoys the company of a good friend to share a dram with, then you may want to consider pre-ordering a set before they're all gone!

Retro Bicycle

What is it about a vintage bicycle that charms us so? Is it a yearning for simpler times when kids could safely pedal many blocks to school, books strapped securely in their place? Is it the quality craftsmanship from a time when things were built to last?

Whatever it is, this piece is certain to evoke a certain nostalgic yearning.

This precisely built model has moving pedals and chain which turn the back wheel.

Whether for the cycling enthusiast or he who has always wanted a vintage ride, this unique piece looks great on display.

Self Balancing Tray

If your guy loves gadgets then he is going to flip over this. Not just any ordinary tray, the Self Balancing Tray is exactly what it implies. It is physics made beautiful. Words do not do justice...

Retro Inspired Radio(s)

Arriving this week, two styles of retro inspired am/fm radios...

Mini Dolmen is ultra modern technology with a vintage feel. Aluminum wrapped in bamboo, with a telescopic antennae. By Lexon, where emphasis is on design, quality and value.

Also by Lexon, and winner of seven prestigious design awards around the globe, we're pleased to offer the Tykho Silicone Radio. Available in six vibrant colors (white not shown here), the silicone rubber encased Tykho is splash proof and shock resistant. The antennae does double duty as a rotating tuner to search out favourite stations. Not only does it look great, it has terrific sound and is part of the permanent collection at MoMA, New York.

ChiChi Home

Holiday Gift Guide ~ The Love of Your Life

Its The Little Things.

Life, in general, isn't comprised of a series of great, big events. Great big events are typically the defining moments in our lives... buying your first car. Taking possession of your first house. Getting married. Having a baby, or three. We remember these things well as they alter and impact our lives in a drastic way. What shapes us, and influences the Big Events, are the little things.

I know. Cliche. But true.

If the man you marry turns out to be a couch potato with the tv remote grafted to his hand - that is what will define your marriage twenty five years down the road. If, on the other hand, he brings you flowers now and again (cliche again - but sweet nonetheless), tells you how happy he is he found you, makes conversing with you a priority over that Cheers or Mash re-run and, in many other ways, makes you aware that he appreciates and loves you... you will likely weather inevitable storms together and do it well. Twenty five years down the road you will likely still feel like a honeymooner.

It really is the little things that make a difference. Which is why we paid special attention to little somethings when searching for sweet things to stuff a stocking with. Here are six ways you can say "I adore you." "You really are special." "I was paying attention."

Share your music - up close and personal.

SplitterBot looks to me like he's about to lose his head over a big crush - wide eyed and trying his best to impress with a cool smile. Actually he's ready to lose his head for you and your crush. Load up her (or his) mp3 player with 'your songs', pop off SplitterBot's head and plug him in to the player, insert two sets of ear buds into the ports and snuggle up together to trip down memory lane.

Say it and say it again...

Nothing warms the cockles (what, exactly IS a cockle anyway?) like hearing those magical three words. You can never hear that too many times. When you're not around to say it, let this little sprout say it for you. Laser etched bean lets love bloom with its sweet sentiment.

Saving for something special?

I hear, from time to time, "we're going light on gifts this year cuz we're saving for.... a house, a vacation, our wedding". Celebrate that commitment with a Nest Egg. Big, beautiful and clean ceramic egg with a wide slot for deposits. Um, but you have to actually break this bank to get the goods out. That seems like a waste, and a shame because it really is pretty to look at. What to do? Save your deposit slips! When you've reached your savings goal, make a note and date the egg. Then keep it somewhere special where it will tweak memories of that special occasion!

Take a cooking class together.

I like to cook but I'm not good enough to teach anyone else. I can suggest it, though, as a great couple gift. And a great way to spring that on your love is by tucking a note, or certificate, into something more substantial than an envelope. Say.... the Intelligent Apron! What makes it so smart? Little things, always little things! Like... the button adjustable neck loop. The elasticized ties (I hate 7 miles of tie to trip over on an apron). The buttons on the bib for hanging dish towels (clever!) and the split apron with (are you ready for this?) built in oven mitts!

Add a little ambience to your ambiance.

I don't have to tell you candle light sets a mood. Usually a warm, tender mood. A Chalkboard candle, a delightfully scented soy wax chalkboard candle, can make everyone in proximity glow with a sweet sentiment on prominent display. Use the included chalk to draw a picture of love, suggest something naughty, write a poem or simply say "I love you". Wipes clean so you can share your mutual admiration. Burn time of the candle is approximately 30 hours. Vessel can be used forever more.

Celebrate.

Rejoice that you found each other. In this big old world disappointment is relatively easy to find. I believe that every convivial couple is a miracle of sorts. A line from one of my favourite movies goes something like this... "Two people could be across the room from each other and never find each other. Two others could be on opposite ends of the world... and nothing could keep them apart." One bottle of something sparkly. Two beautifully quirky glasses. And thou.

Neon Lights of Broadway Calling

When I was in my 20's they would have been luring me to the stage. I would have been glammered by the call to adoring audiences. Today they draw me to... well, sometimes its easier to say with pictures...

and...

Unfortunately we didn't get inside, we checked in to the hotel and got back out on the street after midnight. Though Broadway was still overflowing with people, most of the shops had closed at the witching hour. Pfffft. And I thought this was the city that never sleeps.

And now, with very little sleep ourselves, we're off to a different kind of show...