Holiday gift ideas from around the city and around the world, as selected by the hard working elves in the Pulse office.
Looking for the perfect cup of coffee every time without having to lug around a brewer? The AeroPress Coffee Maker utilizes a breakthrough in the coffee brewing process to yield the smoothest, richest coffee that you have ever tasted. Pick one up today locally at Velo Coffee Roasters at 509 E. Main St. or visit them online for more details (and testimonials). $29.95, aerobie.com
The idea for Wash With Joe came to founder Jane Schub when she realized that coffee—in addition to being a great beverage—was also a great health and grooming aid. These invigorating body washes blend essential oils and other exotic ingredients with a touch of eccentricity—and coffee. $30, washwithjoe.com
Protect your coffee table and side tables with a modern touch with these beaded Emoji Coasters. Designer Kim Seybert combines personal study in Old World techniques with a sense of current style to create uniquely elegant pieces for the home. Since 1997, her beaded and embroidered designs have helped to redefine beauty in home decor...albeit with a sometimes whimsical sense of humor. $93, bergdorfgoodman.com
Write your notes and ideas naturally with a pen on any paper. With the push of a button, the Wacom Bamboo Folio Smartpad converts your handwriting into “living” digital files. The Wacom Inkspace app lets you organize, edit and share your notes and sketches on your iOS or Android Bluetooth-enabled devices. With the Inkspace cloud service you can sync your notes in the cloud and access anywhere at anytime. $191, wacom.com
Delivering complete cold-weather protection for all your outdoor pursuits, the Nike Lunar Force 1 Duckboot Men’s Boot features water-repellent leather and ground-gripping traction, along with iconic Air Force 1 design details. $165, nike.com
Discover a new world of unexpected gaming and entertainment experiences with Sony's new PlayStation VR. Redefine your expectations of immersion in gaming with moments so intense your intuition takes over. Step into incredible new virtual worlds and experience entertainment in extraordinary ways. $400, playstation.com
Zackees’ award-winning Turn Signal Gloves are the latest, must-have safety innovation for cyclists. Simply press your thumb to your index finger to activate your LED blinker. Designed by a former Google engineer, these innovative gloves make it easy than ever to communicate with cars. Put the power of signals in your hands. $75, zackees.com
With smooth braking, powerful electric motors, and simple wireless control, the Boosted Board is an amazing riding experience. The 2nd generation delivers key upgrades—an extended range battery pack, water-resistant electronics, and advanced connectivity—and still has everything you love, including the Loaded bamboo deck, a high-torque drivetrain, and industry-leading customer support. $999, boostedboards.com
Put down your smartphone and pick up a pencil with Fredericks & Mae Paper Games! This fresh interpretation of classic paper-and-pencil games features five tear-off pads with colorful edging and sleek modern graphics. Each pad has 150 sheets for a total of 750 single games, and includes five two-player games—some familiar and some brand new—enough to keep players of any age happy for hours! $19, papress.com
Have you ever wondered what your LEGO creations would look like on the big screen? The LEGO Animation Book will show you how to bring your models to life with stop-motion animation--no experience required! From storyboards to post-production, it explains it all! $15, amazon.com
This Egg Cream Mask features an ultra-soft microfiber sheet drenched in egg extracts, coconut water, niacinamide, and other botanical extracts to deliver ultimate hydration, nourishment, and brightening benefits. In as little as 20 minutes, skin appears more visibly radiant and glowy, and feels well hydrated and nourished. $24, sephora.com
Be the hit of the Christmas party with this Light-Up Reindeer Wreath Sweater. It has four flashing led lights that come on with movement (no batteries needed), is made of 60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic, and is machine washable. Sure, some may call it the ultimate "ugly sweater", but fashion takes a backseat during the holidays. As it should. $34, amazon.com
Make your desk magical with this Unicorn Tape Dispenser and rainbow tape. Perfect for that too-dreary office or cubicle farm, and a guaranteed conversation piece. Includes two rolls of tape. What are you waiting for? $15, papersource.com
Crafted in small batches, Restorative Botanical Perfume Oils stimulate your mind, body and spirit with a balancing combination of apple, citrus and heliotrope aroma notes. Great for personal fragrance, and for maximum benefits use the rollerballs on temples and pressure points such as your crown chakra, bottoms of your feet and solar plexus. $24, soapandpaperfactory.com
Nothing's quite like the smell of a new Mac. Notes of mint, peach, basil, lavender, mandarin and sage mixed in with the frash plastic and metal overtone. Relive the experience anytime with the New Mac Candle, made of 100% soy wax and sure to impress the most ardent Apple fanboi on your holiday list. $24, twelvesouth.com
Bring a bit of the arcade along to the office with this classic and portable Desktop Skee Ball game. Whether you're rekindling an old love for a childhood pastime, or practicing for the real thing after hours, this beautifully crafted game, equipped with automatic ball return, will definitely ramp up the fun on those lunch breaks. And if anyone questions your work ethic, insist it's an elaborate paperweight. $35, uncommongoods.com