Still of the Day Dreambook

With our ubiquitous digital devices, it's almost hard to find a situation to use a pencil anymore. But I believe that some ideas can only be translated through a sketch, a scribble or handwritten thoughts. Try to leave a sketch book at work, at your home office, on the coffee table or even by your bed, you will be surprised by all the random ideas that you collect. Do you have an artist, designer or creative friend in your life? They may enjoy a new canvas like this dream book. Available at Poketo.com.

 

What do you day-dream about? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $32

For: Her, Him, Kids
Interest: Stationery, Sketching
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Williams-Sonoma Kids In the Kitchen, Sweet Treats

Summer is great time to introduce kids to cooking. They have lots of spare pockets of free time, the markets are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables and of course, they are always hungry after all the swimming, chasing and exploring. Here's a cookbook filled with sweet treats they can learn to make themselves like chocolate pudding, thumb print cookies and watermelon ice pops. Learning to cook teaches kids: measurements, appreciation for how things are made from scratch, understanding of what goes into their favorite foods and a sense of satisfaction towards mindful eating. Plus, it's so much fun, especially as a party activity, and you will see their creativity spill and splash. Available at WilliamsSonoma.com. 

 

What are your kids' favorite things to do in the summer? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $19.95

For: Kids
Interest: Food, Cooking, Parties

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Leather Travel Jewelry Case by Mblife

Are you a zip-lock bag addict, especially for all your travel items? Sadly I am. They work really well for lotions and potions but not for all my accessories. It's often a good idea to invest in a jewelry travel case just to carefully sort and protect all the itty bitty studs and keep necklaces untangled. Lately, I've been receiving a lot of questions about brides-maid gifts, here's one they will enjoy and use over and over again. Available at Mblife.com.

 

How do you store all your necklaces and earrings? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $40

For: Her

Interest: Accessories

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San Francisco Hat: Tara Packable Sunhat

Whether you are gardening outside, cruising in Bora Bora or just out shopping on a late Friday afternoon, you will have a cooler experience with a summer hat. The trick about hats is to find one that will pack well and retain it's form at your destination. Here's one that is crushable and provides ample shade, so if you have any sun-paranoid friends and family (which I'm sure everyone does!) they will appreciate this portable hideway. Available at SFHats.com.

How do you stay cool under the sun? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $54

For: Her
Interest: Outdoors, Travelling
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Green Toys Sand Pail Set

Growing up on an island, I spent many many hours in the summer on the beach building sand castles, making sand dumplings and digging dams. The tools of choice were always: buckets (to collect water, sea shells and little sea creatures), a round shovel, and all sorts of molds: starfish, round and shell. If you have kiddie friends in your life, they would love this gift set for their next beach day. For the green-conscious shopper, these toys are eco-friendly: made from recycled milk containers and packaged adorably with recycled corrugated boxes. Read more about GreenToys here. Available at KumquatArt.com.

 

What are your best summer beach memories? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $21.95

For: Kids
Interest: Parties, Outdoor, Beach

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Nuvi 800 Voice Activated Navigation

Have you seen the ad for the nuvi 800 series with voice activated functionality?

I got my Garmin GPS as a gift and love it - it's up there with my iPhone, TIVO, Roomba and Soniccare: smart gadgets that I cannot live without. I've never had to read a map since or ever, I hope. But the touch screen commands can sometimes be distracting especially if you are driving by yourself. The new voice-activated navigation system can help you find your destination while keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. So if you are planning to splurge for someone's special birthday or a well-deserved promotion, here's a gift with the wow-factor. Available at Amazon.com.

Are you getting a GPS, which models are you comparing? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $999

For: Her, Him Interest: Gadgets, Electronics, Cars

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Watch the demo here:

Boon Snack Ball

Cheeros. Don't know what it is about this circular snack that appeases kids. Now there is a very charming way to tote them along to the park or a groceries run. This construction of the snack ball protects the contents from crushing, and the two halves unscrew for easy cleaning. The best part: it's fun to play with by itself encouraging your baby to practice and hone his or her coordination. Recommended for kids 1yr and up. Available at KangarooBoo.com.

 

What are your baby food tools and gadgets? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $6.50

For: Kids
Interest: Food, Gadgets

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Teavana Embossed Porcelain Lotus Mug

Believe or not, every Summer, I start to collect gifts for Christmas. Reason being:

1) You see something that is perfect for someone, why wait till Christmas?

2) There are lots of summer sales.

3) You are not stuck with candles, perfume gift sets and last minute boring options.

4) You can distribute the spending over a couple months, so your January and February bills don't look insane =)

One afternoon I stopped by Teavana for some antioxidant filled pomegranate tea and while I was waiting for the brew, I noticed these porcelain tea cups with a porcelain sieve that fits perfectly inside and a beautiful lid to keep the steam in while the leaves unravel. It's the perfect gift for my grandma who starts everyday with a cup of Chinese tea. Available at Teavana.com.

Do you have a tea-lover in your life? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $16.95

For: Her Interest: Home, Tea, Accessories

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Original Good: Ethnically Sourced Gifts, Housewares & Accessories

Here's a suggestion from my friend Jean: Original Good, an organization that sources products from artisans around the world. Started by a Stanford graduate, the purpose of this company is to provide employment and opportunity to artisans around the world and alleviate poverty in developing countries. Think of it as the second step of micro-finance, you can make a difference by showing your support for people who are working towards a better life. Available at OriginalGood.com. What's your favorite Original Good product? Email me or leave a comment. Here's my pick: a handcrafted bag from Thailand made with all natural dyes. Price: $9.95 For: Him, Her Interest: Accessories Buy Now Watch and see what The World of Good is all about:

H20 Audio iN3 Waterproof Case

Heading to the beach, kayaking with your friends, diving amongst the coral reefs or just floating in the pool? Don't forget your ipod because now you can bring it along to all your outdoor splashing activities. H20 Audio makes both waterproof cases and headsets, so you can cruise, dive and paddle with digital entertainment. Available at H20Audio.com.

 

What's your favorite podcast? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $79.99

For: Him, Her

Interest: Gadgets, Electronics

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Mud Australia Porcelain Bowls

This weekend, my brother visited and asked me why I have two of every dish and glass. The reason is because I love to collect beautiful serving plates, bowls and other vessels, so I always just get two of something so I can make space for new additions.

 

Mud Australia makes some of the most organically shaped porcelain containers tinted in warm natural colors. Even a bowl of simple fresh berries or yogurt + granola taste fruitfully satisfying when served in a set of Flared Bowls. Available at MudAustralia.com or Unicahome.com.

 
What's your favorite cereal bowl? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $17/each

For: Him, Her

Interest: Home, Entertaining, Food
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Flip Mino

Shop Mini Gifts! These are gifts that I would add as stocking stuffers and morsels of fun in goodie bags. Taking videos just got easier and smaller again. Flip recently introduced their latest version: Flip Mino. It's one touch recording that holds up to 60 minutes of video. Once you've captured your Kodak moments, just flip out the USB and easily load your video into the computer for easy sharing. Available at Flip.com.

What's your favorite YouTube video? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $179.99

For: Him, Her

Interest: Gadgets, Electronics Buy Now

Super Paper Mario

Remember Mario Brother's on the Game Boy from 20 years ago? Well, now they have the Super Paper Mario on the Wii. It's a two dimensional version of Mario but with so many new, fun and colorful features. I have a friend who plays this game with his nephew who is just 6 years old and everyone gathers around to watch them get to the next level by navigating through charming, imaginative and delightful puzzle rooms. Available at Amazon.com.

 
What's your favorite Wii game? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $39.99

For: Him, Her, Kids
Interest: Games, Gadgets, Electronics
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Star of the Sea 18 Carat Gold Diamond Pendant

When I'm travelling, I normally just bring one or two pieces of accessories that I know will match everything I wear. So whether you are heading off to a garden party, beach wedding or cruising on the Mediterranean, here's a piece that will complement all your breezy dresses and cool capris. Available at Mblife.com.

What's your favorite summer travel spot? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $866.67

For: Her Interest: Accessories Buy Now

Catch Phrase

For all you Taboo fans out there, here's the latest and greatest gadget to play the game without all the cards. It's portable and lightweight, perfect for your next beach party or late afternoon barbecue.

 

Here's how you play: form a circle of friends and every other person is on your team. Describe the word on the display for your team to guess, once they make the right guess pass the Catch Phrase onto the next person. The key is to guess as many words as possible before the buzzer goes off and which ever team has the gadget in their hands losses the round. Available at Toysrus.com.

 

Gift Set Tip!

Bring this game along with a cheese set or a couple pints of gourmet ice cream to your next get together. Everyone will enjoy a fantastic time.

 

Price: $25.99

For: Him, Her, Kids

Interest: Games, Gadgets

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The New iPhone 3G

Just came back from Chicago's Internet Retailer Conference. The days were filled with interesting talks and lots of talented people testing out new paradigms for delivering a better shopping experience online. I spent one late afternoon shopping on Michigan Avenue and of course had to stop by my favorite soap and lotion store, Sabon, this time picking up two jars of body sorbet: ginger + orange and vanilla + coconut.

But during my few days in Chicago, I couldn't stop reading about the hype back here in the Bay Area when Steve Jobs delivered the next generation iPhone. I love my 2.5G version so I don't really need to upgrade but the coolest part about this release is that they have opened up the product in 22 markets. So if you are looking to buy a gift for your college roommate in Hong Kong, a coworker based in Paris or a local you met during Oktober Fest, now you can get them the latest and greatest in mobile technology, starting July 11th, 2008. Available at Apple.com.

Do you have an iPhone, if so, love or hate? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $199

For: Her, Him Interests: Accessories, Gadgets, Electronics

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See the latest ad:

Laptop Porter by Built

I love bags. All kinds of bags. Shopping bags, beach totes, day clutches, evening satchels. Basically, you name it, I love them all. A few years back, I got a couple of Built wine bags which I love because they distribute weight evenly, provide a safe cushioning and of course look beautiful. I didn't notice that they have been developing a whole collection of bags for your laptop, baby, beer and more. From the people who made shock-proof wine bags, here's one that will take good care of your laptop. Available at Built.com. What's your favorite bag? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $70 For: Her, Him Interest: Electronics, Gadgets, Accessories Buy Now

Working Girl's Survival Kit

We have all had those long 10 hour days where our schedules are blocked out for breakfast meetings, 6 hour long brain-storming sessions, followed by *mandatory* happy hour and dinner with the family. How do you keep it all together? Here's a gift for yourself or someone in your life to help her get past the most stressful days. It's filled with 22 beauty, grooming and healthcare products. Available at MsandMrs.com. What's your work/life balance secret? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $43 For: Her Interests: Work, Professional, Gadgets Buy Now

Spaghetti Ring by Konstantin Slawinski

Over the weekend, I made Bolognese sauce. These are some of my tricks: caramelized onions, sweet carrots, canned Italian tomatoes, ketchup and the right balance of sauce and noodles. It's taken me a while to figure out how much the two of us can eat (approx 1/3 of a packet). Before you cook the noodles, they look like a skinny bunch but once they expand into their full starch power even a pasta lover can be overwhelmed. Here's a tool for you, plus 1, plus 2 and plus 3. Just place the pasta within the portion holes and make the perfect amount for your party. Available at Unicahome.com. What's your favorite pasta dish? Email me or leave a comment. Price: 36 For: Him, Her Interest: Cooking, Food, Entertaining Buy Now

Notebook Portable Grill

With summer well on it's way, I've been spending more time outside picking strawberries and growing tomatoes. On Saturday afternoons there is the occasional mouthwatering scent of BBQ steaks from my neighbours and I've been thinking of getting an outdoor grill. 

 

I love to cook but grilling is really not my thing so I'm not planning on a giant grill station, just something small and sleek. And this notebook grill fits the bill perfectly, measuring just 18" wide. Available at APlusRStore.com.

 

What are your grilling secrets and tools? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $48

For: Her, Him

Interests: Food, Entertaining, Grilling
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Christian Lacroix 2008 Limited Edition

Being a water-holic, I always prefer H20 over wine or cocktails. Now most people think water is too plain. But not in this case of limited edition Christian Lacroix "Pret-a-Porter" Evian bottles. They are delightfully ornate designed with snowy crystals reminiscient of the French Alps. Deck your dinner tables with this or bring a case to surprise your host at a special get together. Available at ShopEvian.com.

 
What's your favorite everyday drink? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $13.99 each or $118 (case of 12)

For: Her, Him

Interests: Food, Entertaining
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The 3G Rule: 3 Gift Ideas for Him

It's the 3G rule: Games, Gadgets and Gourmet food. One or all of these will help you get the gift that will ring a bell in his heart.

Games because they like to get competitive. There is nothing like a steak and mashed potatoes dinner followed by ice-cream sundaes and a casual game of Banangram (for the Scrabble type), Catch Phrase (for the Taboo fan) or Citadel (for the more strategic folks). Get a party going with a game of Wii tennis or better now the Wii Fit or Super Paper Mario.

Alternatively, head outside for a round of Island Golf by the pool or a flying contest with Palm Size Helicopters.

Gadgets because they make them look smart.

It's hard to find a guy who doesn't like gadgets. Simple tools that solve problems fast like the Electric Wine Opener is always a party pleaser. If he's a java guy, then perhaps the Bialetti Cappuccino Maker. Or if he is a true foodie that cooks, he will enjoy Jamie Oliver's Spice Shaker, the modernized version of the mortar and pestle.

The printer and the navigator are staples to any guy's gadget collection. If he already has one, then upgrade it (sell the old one on eBay). If he doesn't already have one, then now's the time. No one is going to say no to either the sleek, black and glossy Samsung 3 in 1 printer, scanner and copier or the smart Garmin Nuvi GPS.

Want to get him outside to work out and catch some fresh air? He's going to want to show off this Strida Folding Bike at the park. Get a few more steps into his work out with Gaiam's Pedometer.

Gourmet food because it is the key to happiness.

For the one with a sweet tooth: surprise him with a few pints of gourmet ice-cream from Boule or fly in a box of shortbread cookies from Hawaii. If he's more of a retro person, he will appreciate a Blast from the Past candy basket.

Got a savory tooth? Then he has to try smoked salmon from Vancouver or a Cheese Lover's Starter Kit from California's famed Cowgirl Creamery.

Got ideas on "wow" gifts? Send them in or leave a comment.

Samsung SCX-4500 Printer

About 5 years ago, my brother introduced me to Samsung laptops and since then I've been a fan. Now I'm onto my second laptop and a sleek monitor. So of course when I saw this award winning design I had to feature it here. It's a printer, copier, scanner all in one glossy package. Available at NewEgg.com.

 
What's your favorite digital device? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $249 (Original: $299)
For: Her, Him

Interests: Gadgets, Electronics
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Spring Bud, an education fund for girls in China

Last night, we had dinner at the Empress of China (*really great view*) and met some very interesting friends. I was introduced to an organization called Spring Bud. It's a program that started in 2000 committed to educating 1000 Chinese girls from Shaanxi province, one of the poorest regions in China where few girls go to school and at best not beyond third grade.

There are many great causes I believe in, but education ranks #1 because I believe that when you empower a person with literacy, you give them access to make a difference in the world. More importantly, when you educate a woman, you open the gates of education to her children and generations to come. Give in the name of a friend or your children. This is one of those gifts that continue to grow in the future. Read about their most recent achievements and upcoming goals. Available at 1990Institute.Org.

Have a great cause that you contribute to? Email me or leave a comment. Price: Any amount

For: Her, Him, Kids

Interests: Giving back, Education

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Wind Power Kit by Thames & Kosmos

These are some of the coolest products I've seen in a very long time. In a day and age where video games, portable DVDs and games *inside* a box prevail, it's hard to find interesting, educational and *out* of the box fun that sparks imagination.

 

Want your kids to understand the majesty of science and contribute to the undeniable future of alternative energy and it's implications, here's a great start: a wind power science kit. Other interesting experiment kits include: plants, time, weather, cars, colors and boats. 

 

Let them discover the answers to fundamentally interesting questions like, "why do things float?" Available at Thames&Kosmos.com.

 

What were your favorite childhood games? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $49.95

For: Her, Him, Kids

Interests: Games, Science

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Boule Ice Cream and Sorbet

The amazing age of overnight shipping for Internet orders has gone from just books and shoes to something that melts in your mouth, yes, ice cream! Think gourmet: passion fruit, Venezuelan chocolate, Sicilian pistachio and wild honey. Surprise someone with this sweet treat from LA's chic patisserie. Available at BouleLA.com

 

Gift Set Tip!

Get a couple pints of ice cream and also send along a set of stoneware ice cream bowls, together they will bring both instant gratification and long term indulgence.

 

What is the most delicious thing you have bought online? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $22 for 2 pints

For: Her, Him

Interests: Food

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Personalized Terra Cotta Wine Cooler

Most gourmet kitchen stores today stock the electric wine coolers that have special functionalities with bold, silver and black trims. Although they have the modern, sports-car appeal, I've often found them to be too contemporary and impersonal. Here's one that has a rustic appeal made with terra cotta. It blends in with a simple Italian dinner of pizza and pasta vongole or even outdoors by the barbecue with sizzling steaks and kabobs. The terra cotta keeps wine cool for hours and best of all you can personalize it, say with "Tom's Wine Cellar" or "Michelle's Reserve" and maybe even a significant date like a birthday or an anniversary. Available at InternationalWineAccessories.com.

 

Gift Set Tip!

Get this personalized wine cooler with a case of wine. If you are celebrating a big birthday, a graduation or a newborn baby, it's always a good idea to get a case bottled during the special year. The person who receives this gift will remember and savor this set for a very long time.

 

Have you received or given a personalized gift, what was it? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $34.95

For: Her, Him

Interests: Wine, Dining, Entertaining

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