It’s holiday time! Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are all coming up. You’ll certainly be looking for gifts for your friends and family. Check out some of the hottest gift ideas for the holidays. Check it all out in the slideshow below and you’ll certainly be able to find something for everyone on your list.
BOMBAY HAIR has just the hair products that you need. Want to add texture and volume ladies? Well the the 3-in-1 curling wand has got your back. This sturdy titanium wand contains a 360 swivel cord, adjustable sleep mode and temperature control from 170F to 450F. It’s lightweight, but most importantly it will give you the best curls you could imagine. The 3-in-1 CURLING WAND is currently retailing for an extremely affordable price of $59 (free shipping in the US for items over $50). To purchase and for more products visit: http://www.bombayhair.com
It’s a viral phenomenon, you saw it on Shark Tank, and now you can get one for yourself. I’m talking about the Banana..Phone! This bluetooth-enabled handset lets you talk, listen to music, even get Siri and Google Assistant to help out. Make and receive phone calls with a 20 hour talk time, connect it to your iPhone or Android via Bluetooth, rechargeable via micro USB. The Banana Phone makes a fun and unique holiday gift, that also will see 1% of the profits go to saving gorillas. The Banana Phone retails for $39.99. Available on Amazon, ShareASale, Skimlinks and the company’s website: http://www.bananaphone.io
Winter is just around the corner, so what better way to relax and warm up than with a nice hot bath. Indulge in the aroma of a bath bomb during your bath. Ooh La La has the best selection of bath bombs. Featuring unique scents and looks. My personal favorite is the “winter snow”, which has a vintry scent to it with a vanilla, mint and lavender blend. The bath bombs leave your skin feeling soft and the scents have aromatherapy benefits with its essential oils and natural fragrances. Pick up your bath bomb for an affordable price of $7. Check out the Ooh La La selection of bath balls and products at: http://www.douoohlala.com
Pure and coffee just get along perfectly. The mission of Pure Origin Coffee comes from the vision of connecting the world. Places like Peru, Indonesia, Congo, Honduras, Colombia and Kenya. Taste the region and support it. It’s great original flavorful coffee. Get a 10 or 12oz pack for only $14.99 or buy a bundle pack. Check out all the options and learn more about the company’s mission at: http://www.pureorigincoffee.org
You have a favorite cup or glass? Right? Of course. Now imagine that cup or glass repping your town and city? Thanks to the creatives at Well Told customize your pint glass or even tumbler (basically anything you drink from) to your favorite city. Basically your glass will feature the map of your desired town. It’s so cool. I have my Chicago pint glass! The map of the city is engraved to the nearest detail. That’s not where it stops with Well Told designs, they kitchen and bar accessories, home and apparel. So you can get a candle customized. Also, it’s not limited to cities as your customization, you can have national parks, custom topography, custom night sky and custom quotes, they do it all. Such cool creativity and whatever item speaks to you, it makes a wonderfully cool gift. One you can bet won’t be returned. Prices vary by item. You can see all the selections and purchase at: http://www.welltolddesign.com and also available at Etsy and UncommonGoods
Looking for some pampering for your man? Look no further than MICHAL MAX. They offer three fantastic products, the All-In-1 Men’s Anti-Aging Moisturizer, Hydrating Shave Cream and Restoring Eye Cream. All fantastic products. It’s really designed for men’s skin with natural ingredients such as chamomilla, safflower seed oil and witch hazel among others. The scent is great also. I’ve noticed changes in my skin since using it. More elastic, brighter and softer. The prices range from $39 to $69. So very fair, especially considering the quality. To purchase visit: http://www.michalandmax.com
There is something about a natural product that just smells and feels different from the other. Ooh la la offers premium natural skin care products. Their selection of natural and organic soaps is top-notch. With over a dozen of soaps to choose from ranging from unscented oatmeal goat to my personal favorite lemongrass. The scent is fantastic and the smooth feeling it leaves on your skin is even better. A bar of Ooh La La soap retails for only $6.50. Check out their selection of soaps and skin care products at: http://www.douoohlala.com
Eat your favorite meal in style. That’s what Stone+Lain dishware offers. Gorgeous looking plates and bowls. Crafted out of fine porcelain, china and stone. The high-quality tableware comes in a variety of colorful designs. It’s become my favorite dinnerware that I own, instantly. Very impressed with the selection and it was hard to pick my favorite, with so many options. Sturdy, well-crafted and spacious. I highly recommend any of the wide array and variety of sets. Prices vary according to the tableware, but I found them all to be affordable and reasonably priced, especially for the quality that you’re getting.. Check out the Stone+Lain website to search for your favorite set: http://www.stonelain.co
Admit it, your dog could use a bath, right? Well, AQUAPAW is about to make things a lot more convenient for you and your dog. So how can you can keep your pooch clean without the hassle of getting them to oblige? This uniquely designed brush spray and scrubber allows you total flexibility and control of bathing your furry friend. I found it super easy to use and install to my shower. The cool thing is that you can also get the suction Aquapaw lick mat so your pet will be occupied licking their favorite treat. AQUAPAW Pet Bathing Tool retails for only $24.95 and you can purchase it on Amazon or the company site at: http://www.aquapaw.com
Having some trouble with leather? Not anymore. Leather Honey is the best in the business when it comes to cleaning and conditioning leather. I’ve been using this product non-stop, on my couches, car seats and jackets and shoes. It’s truly a fantastic product. Ladies, it works wonders on your purses also. I encourage getting the Leather Care Kit, which comes with the Leather Conditioner and Leather Cleaner. The conditioner offers six-months of protection with it’s non-toxic water-repellent formula. Both products are sold individually or together in the kit. The Leather Care Kit is priced at $43.99 and is available on Amazon and the Leather Honey website: http://www.leatherhoney.com
Do you fancy yourself as a house party host? Then you must have a Lynn & Liana Designs cheese boards and serving trays. A large spacious and beautifully designed boards. Made from prime acacia wood. They come in a variety of sizes, so plan on how big you want your charcuterie board to be. These boards make for great holiday gifts and you can even personalize them and get them engraved with the hosts name! How cool is that? I have one and it’s so pretty that I feel guilty using it. When I’m not it hangs in my kitchen like a fancy ornament. Get your board and see the incredible selection at: http://www.lynnliana.com and also available on Amazon
Save the earth and your food. That’s what you’ll be doing with the Great Mate “Great Wrap”. Made out of compostable materials, with the environment in mind. I find wraps to be generally messy and hard to cut to cover my food. This is the time of year where you need a reliable wrap with the holiday get-togethers and plenty of leftover meals. This product is super easy and convenient to use. Like a ziplock bag, just slide the button for easy and seamless slicing. Plus, it’s made from recycled PET bottles and the wrap is made from potato waste.
THE GREAT MATE Starter Kit is priced at $39 and the Nudie Rools (wrap) two-pack is $19.
For more information and purchase visit: http://www.greatwrap.co
LECTROFAN is what you need when you’re on the go and traveling. The LectroFan Micro2 is a portable Bluetooth speaker with built-in sleep sounds. So it’s a sound machine and Bluetooth speaker al-in-one. It has 11 built-in sleep sounds and it can be paired with your smartphone for streaming audio and making calls. Another fun and convenient option is that you can rotate the speaker. This is a small and cool device that you can fit almost anywhere with you. LECTROFAN MICRO2 retails for $34.95 and you can get more information and purchase it on the company website at http://www.soundofsleep.com
I can’t imagine anyone likes dealing with smelly clothes. So what do you do if you’re not able to wash them immediately, but have to store them somewhere? Enter STNKY, a washable laundry bag. Yes, not only is thee bag excellent for storing your dirty laundry, but you can actually wash the laundry inside this bag! If you’re traveling, in college or in a rush, just drop the bag with your stinky clothes in the washer and you’re good to go. Store, wash, carry and dry it all-in-one.Just open the bottom zipper, turn the bag inside out and your STNKY Bag becomes a wash bag. STNKY Bag Pro large size retails for $30 and you can purchase it at: http://www.stnky.us
How does the feeling of silky smooth fresh skin feel and smell like? Ooh La La body sugar scrubs will make you say “ooh la la”. It’s a fantastic body scrub, with a variety of scents. The scrubs can be used for hands and body, or both. My favorite is the “Tropical Blast” infused with the combination coconut, pineapple and mango scents. Amazing smell, it really is, plus it’s made from organic natural ingredients. All it will cost you is $20 for a large 8 ounce container. For more products from Ooh La La visit their website at: http://www.douoohlala.com
Candle lovers, where ya at? Let me introduce you to the candle company that will blow you away (no pun intended). BROKEN TOP BRANDS has a selection of candles you probably couldn’t even imagine, from incredible scents such as “honey horchata” to my personal favorite the sweet and musky “black coral tide” that reminds you of a cologne. This brand has over 20 unique candle scents. Aside from the soy candles, they also sell linen sprays, body washes and car fresheners among other items. Products and candles vary by price. Visit the website to view the selection of products and purchase: http://www.brokentopcandleco.com
As many kids, I used to be afraid of the dark as a child. Now thanks to the creatives at VUDECO LIFE, your child can keep warm and feel comfort knowing they are wrapped in a Vudeco glow-in-the-dark blanket. These blankets are not only super comfy, but they only need 10 minutes of light exposure (daylight/lamp) to glow for 3 hours! The blankets have nice designs also, with a unicorn theme and vibrant colors to match. This is a great gift idea, right in time for the holidays. You can get the glow in the dark kids’ throw blanket for only $29.99. For products and to purchase visit the company website at: http://www.vudeco.life and also available on Amazon and Walmart
This one is for adults only. All you 21+ mimosa lovers, let me introduce you to Mayne and Co. The best handcrafted mimosas that come conveniently canned in a pack. It’s Italian wine blended with organic California orange juice. The cans are cool because they have a twist mechanism that blends the drink. The 250ml cans are a refreshing summertime drink and also great for holiday gatherings. The cans come in 4,8,16 and 24 packs. Prices vary. Get your Mayne and Co. mimosas on their website at: http://www.maynesip.com
Ladies, if you have any hair needs, HENNA SOOQ has got you covered. Their company motto is “Your Hair, Your Way. Naturally!”. The selection of hair regimen products they have is next level. Hair care based on individual hair type, their products cover all hair types. Bundle up and create your care regimen from the wide array of products they have available. Get the Sukesh Ayurveda hair mask for stronger healthier hair. Moroccan Clay hair shampoo and moisture your hair with the Organic Amla Oil. All these products have a fantastic natural scent and are chemical-free, pesticide-free, vegan, cruelty-free and never tested on animals. I can go on and on about Henna Sooq, but check it out for yourself. Prices vary depending on product. Visit the website for more: http://www.hennasooq.com
Raise your hand if you experience back pain or soreness? My hand is raised. In order to prevent back pain and soreness that’s often caused by sitting around, you need to stretch it. This is where Everlasting Comfort “Back Stretcher” comes in. This affordable, comfortable (memory foam cover) and easy to use back stretcher is all you need. This product adhers to the natural curve of your back. The stretcher elongates the spine to reduce pain and pressure. The acupressure nodes it comes with gently massage your back to relieve tension and soreness. I found this convenient and easy, all it takes is 5 minutes to get a good stretch to start out your day pain-free. The stretcher has three adjustable levels to adjust to your personal comfort. I found this device easy to use and definitely felt a nice stretch after using it. Get your Everlasting Comfort back stretcher on their website at: http://www.everlastingcomfort.net. Also, available on Amazon
Undeniably Christopher Nolan is one of the best film directors in the world. He’s the man that brought you the Batman trilogy, Inception, Tenet and if you followed him early on in his career, incredible movies like The Prestige (personal favorite) and Momento. Nolan is a creative genius. Find out all about Nolan and his films in the new fantastic book from author Ian Nathan titled “Christopher Nolan: The Iconic Filmmaker and His Work”. The 175 page book is filled with 150 great images from Nolan’s iconic films, many of them being behind-the-scenes shots. This book offers a full-breakdown of Nolan’s films individually, as well as a insightful account of the man himself. I’m a huge Nolan fan, so this book was an easy sell for me, but it’s a fantastic book all-around. If you’re not overly familiar with Nolan or his films, you will be after checking out this book. It makes a fantastic holiday gift for the movie lover in your life. The book is available as of November 8th from White Lion Publishing and retails for $36 (well worth investment in my opinion).
All you tea lovers (I’m one of them), I have some news for you. TEA RUNNERS offers you a subscription based customized blend of tea choices. Tea Runners offers 4 boxes to choose from, an Original Tea Box, Black Tea Box, Herbal Tea Box and Pure Tea Box. There are 4 pouches of curated loose-leaf teas available for you each month, with a selection of 400+ teas to choose from. These teas are incredibly flavorful. My personal favorite are the fall and wintry choices of “cranberry spice” and “roasted chestnut black”. This is a cool company that knows what tea lovers like and want. The subscriptions range from monthly, bi-monthly to tri-monthly, and ranges from 1,3,6 or 12 boxes to choose from for your cycle. So pick a best plan for you, or better yet, give a subscription as a Christmas present these holidays. Check out the company website at: http://www.tearunners.com. Also available on Amazon.
Do you have a Disney lover in your family? Who doesn’t? Of course you do. This one is especially for the little princess in your life. “Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara” is a must-have for this holiday season. This book from Emily Zemler is filled with colorful illustrations and full insight on all the Disney Princesses. The book examines the legacy of the Princesses and how it fits and speaks to today’s world we live in. How did they become icons that have transcended time and culture? This book answers that in-depth. The cool thing I enjoyed about the books is all the people featured in it, from historians to Disney voice actors to fans. It gives a wide-ranging perspective. It also explores the themes of origins of the Princesses, their cultural impact with collectibles, theme parks, fashion, music and more. This is a fantastic holiday gift that will be enjoyed by all the Princess lovers. This hardcover book features 192 pages and over 200 illustrations. It retails for $40 and is available now.
Rough morning? A little miracle will help uplift it. I’m talking about MORNING MIRACLE. Congestion, swelling, allergies, Morning Miracle has got you covered. You can put away the allergy pills and sprays this thing works to knock out those allergies. It has a flavorful tangy citrus taste I liked. Just mix a packet of MM with 4 or 8 ounces of water and see the awesome results. Make sure it’s the first thing you have in the morning before you eat. You can also get aa MM + Energy (with caffeine) for added boost. You can get this product as part of a monthly subscription (30 count) at $34.95/month or an individual purchase at $44.95. To purchase visit the momilabs website at: http://www.momilabs.com
It’s getting cold outside (unless you’re one of the lucky ones living in warm climates) so no better way to warm and snuggle up than with the new “The Comfy Splash”. Yes, the ultra comfy wearable blanket has some new additions to it. Want a hoodie? Comfy just added one for you. How about a pocket for your phone? You got it. Want to walk the dog and go outside in it, but the weather isn’t cooperating? No problem, the Comfy Splash is now 100% water-resistant. I had the original Comfy and loved it, but this one is even better while offering the same cozy comfort the original one did. The Comfy is a great gift idea for anyone in your life this holiday season. So head on over to the company site and find your favorite color and style at: http://www.thecomfy.com
Get your posture right and your back pain alleviated with SOLEX. Created by Aman Dhaliwal, a doctor of physical therapy, whose experience with patients lead to this product. The product is a fairly large foam roller that helps realign your spine. It takes a few minutes to just lay on it to feel the difference. I tried rollers at the gym, but none of them measured up to this one. It’s easy and quick to use and you can use it anywhere. It has a contour to it to help your body lay naturally with comfort on it, unlike some back rollers who hurt to lay on. I’ve been using it for my neck, shoulders and spine and have noticed tension alleviated. The Solex can make a great holiday gift also. It retails for $99.99. You can order it online on the Solex website at: http://www.getsolex.com
A magic capsule for your hair? Ellips is the premiere hair vitamin capsule. So if your hair faced damage due to sun, coloring or products, these are the capsules to help nourish it. The cool thing is the capsules are good for hair of any kind. So what’s in the capsule? Each serum capsule is enriched with natural Moroccan oil and specific vitamins like A, C, E, and Pro Vit B-5. You’re putting good natural things in your hair from the capsule. I found my hair to have more shine and was easier to style and manage after using these capsules regularly. It’s easy to use, just apply on damp, combed, hair to the ends and then blow dry. You can style as you usually do. There is a variety of capsules you can get for your specific hair needs. To make them easier to destinguish, they come in different colors, hair treatment ones are pink, while smooth and shine are yellow capsules. So since they are colorful, DO NOT try to eat them by any means. They are for your HAIR. ELLIPS is affordable, a 50 capsule container retails at $19. You can purchase them on Amazon or on the company website at: http://www.ellipshaircare.id/en
The holidays are here. You’re probably searching for last-minute gifts, but don’t worry, I got you. The season is frightful in many parts of the country, but you’ll be feeling delightful in Hello Mello loungewear. The company offers the coolest holiday themed loungewear. Get a matching pj set with a holiday theme. Hello Mello collection includes pants, shorts, joggers, cardis, sweaters, hoodies, tees, and robes. There is a wide variety of looks and styles, you’ll certainly find a look that perfectly suits you. Guys, this is the gift to go with to surprise the woman in your life. Ladies, you know styles and cute looks at first glance. Check out the HELLO MELLO selection of Christmas themed shirts and pajama bottoms ranging between $27-35. Visit the company website at: http://www.hellomello.com, and also available on Amazon.
Lisa Rinna is pretty much an icon. A television star, turned reality TV star turned cosmetics entrepreneur. Rinna Beauty is a top of the line cosmetics brand curated by Rinna herself. Rinna’s collection contains some of the hottest lipstick, glosses, lip plumping glosses and eye kits. My sister freaked out when she heard I had a sample of the Rinna collection. She’s a fan and I trust her when it comes to beauty products, so take it from her ladies, it’s a great product. New Years Eve is coming so if you plan on going out, some Rinna products would be the way to go to glow up your look. For more on the products and to purchase visit: http://www.rinnabeauty.com
Everlasting Comfort is known for quality products. Their shoe, glove and boot dryer is a major help for this cold winter season. If you’re in the midwest like I am, boots and shoes can feel like icicles on some frigid days. This easy-to-use heater gets the job done. In less than 80 minutes your items will be dry and warm as if they never left the house. The cool thing is that the dryer also deodorizes the garments and you can dry multiple at the same time. This is a really neat and convenient item to own. i’ve used it and it’s terrific, dried my wet and soggy shoes and gloves. You can purchase the Everlasting Comfort Boot Heater on Amazon.
Jim Alexander hails from Chicago where he started his journalism career as a film critic and founder of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle (CIFCC). He's a Rotten Tomatoes approved critic. Jim founded Reel Talker as a platform to share his love of movies and entertainment. Jim's favorite part of being a journalist is getting to meet and interview actors, filmmakers and entertainers. Jim is a host and on-camera personality for AfterBuzz TV. Aside from his work with Reel Talker, he's the site owner of the Bachelor Universe website, where he recaps and talks about all this ABC's 'The Bachelor'. He also runs the Reel Talker Podcast that can be found on iTunes. In his free time he enjoys attending sports events and playing in recreational leagues.
Jim Alexander hails from Chicago where he started his journalism career as a film critic and founder of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle (CIFCC). He's a Rotten Tomatoes approved critic. Jim founded Reel Talker as a platform to share his love of movies and entertainment. Jim's favorite part of being a journalist is getting to meet and interview actors, filmmakers and entertainers. Jim is a host and on-camera personality for AfterBuzz TV. Aside from his work with Reel Talker, he's the site owner of the Bachelor Universe website, where he recaps and talks about all this ABC's 'The Bachelor'. He also runs the Reel Talker Podcast that can be found on iTunes. In his free time he enjoys attending sports events and playing in recreational leagues. View all posts by Jim Alexander
