The editors and staff of The Pulse have gathered together a wide-ranging collection of holiday gift ideas from around the city and around the world. Each week between now and a week before Christmas itself, we'll be sharing our ideas with you. Happy holidays!
When a late-night snack just won't do, reach for the Cookie Pillow for no-calorie snacking. Or rather, don't, as it's really just a very fun pillow.
$18
The consummate luxury liqueur, carefully crafted for connoisseurs who appreciate the combination of contemporary American luxury with the time-honored traditions of fine artisan distilling and craftsmanship. And Rivulet Artisan Pecan Liqueur mixes well with bourbons, vodkas and tequilas, as well as lending a profile all its own to other flavored spirits to create one-of-a kind cocktails you will suddenly love.
Sure, it's cool to have a poster of your favorite movie. But you know what's cooler? Movie Prints by Cooley which brings to life scenes from your favorite flicks. Artist Josh Cooley has dozens of archival prints on fine art paper, perfect for framing.
$25 (regular prints), $50 (limited editions)
This is the backpack for the college student or musician in your life. The Everlane Twill Snap Backpack is the perfect accessory to a busy life. It’s a sleek, unpretentious upgrade of a classic design. It features a padded interior laptop pocket, two side pockets and a zip compartment on the exterior, and high-end leather details throughout.
$65
Turn piping hot coffee or tea into a delicious chilled beverage in as little as five minutes with this Zoku Iced Coffee Maker. Don’t let ice dilute your favorite flavor; just store your stainless steel mug in your freezer, add it to the insulating sleeve, pour in your beverage and snap the lid on tight.
$29.99
One of the nicest gifts you can give a loved one is a unique piece of handmade jewelry, such as this Heather Hoffman Ring. Heather has many one-of-a-kind jewelry works of art available at Plum Nelly on the Northshore.
330 Frazier Ave.
Glee Gum is natural chewing gum made with sustainably harvested rainforest chicle. It comes in nine great flavors and is the #1 healthy alternative to synthetic chewing gum and bubble gum.
$11.95 a case
The whimsical and enchanting Oaxacan Wood Carving figures are hand-carved in Mexico from Copal wood and no two are alike. Come see for yourself at New Moon Gallery, 307 Manufacturers Rd. near Whole Foods.
Gifts for the Techie and Foodie
The musical maestro on your list won't miss a beat scratching on this portable turntable. The Jensen DJ Scratch Mixer uses music from an iPod or MP3 player so they can practice their club DJ skills.
$30
We love a good holiday tradition around here, and a big Christmas breakfast is one of the best. The Christmas Morning Collection from David's Tea combines Bubbie’s Baklava, Cocomint Cream, and Santa’s Secret for a tasty holiday morning.
$19.50
Lightweight and warm, these Evolg Touch Panel Gloves feature integrated fabric on the tips of the index, middle finger and thumb, specially designed to interact with touch-screen devices.
$28
Its a classic kitchen tool that you can’t actually find in enough kitchens: a stone mortar and pestle. The Authentic Mexican Molcajete features genuine Mexican volcanic rock and will make your guacamole taste better than ever before.
$49.95
Gifts for our 4 Legged Friends
Enough with baggy or ill-fitting sweaters for your pooch. This Stretch Fleece Sweater is a fantastic and useful garment that features 7 percent spandex for 4-way stretch and comfort. The finish is unbelievably soft, like velvet, and easy to wash. It’s a piece of cake to put on and moves with your dog, making it the most comfortable coat around.
$18
The star of Animal Planet’s hit television series My Cat from Hell, Jackson Galaxy, shows cat owners everywhere how to make their homes both cat-friendly and chic with Catification: Designing a Happy and Stylish Home for Your Cat (and You!). A must-read for all humans who are owned by a cat (or ten).
$12.90
Naturally, your pet is the best-looking pet in the entire world. Show off their beauty with a Custom Smartphone Padded Cover that offers added protection incorporating a rubber honeycomb patterned liner which surrounds the phone.
$29.95
Even the laziest of cats won't be able to resist the FroliCat Bolt Interactive Laser Pet Toy. They will love the random patterns they can chase across the floor, up the walls, and over furniture. Best of all, it has an automatic mode that moves the laser in random patterns for hands-free play.
$22.95
Of course there's a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Collar. Made in Italy.
$390