Holiday gift ideas from around the city and around the world, as researched and compiled by our crack team of elves here at The Pulse.
If you are one of those folks for whom things must be just so, then this cutting board is for you. The Obsessive Chef is a 9 x 12 inch cutting board made of strong, long-wearing beechwood, and it clearly spells out the most precise measurements in exacting detail. So, don't worry...it's OK to go a little overboard. And if you want to wash it twenty times after you use it, we won't tell. $26, brit.co
Looking for neat new things from around the world? The Try The World Gift Box comes to your door every two months, chock full of gourmet items curated by expert chefs. They work with small, family-owned companies who follow artisanal methods of production. The result is a box of items that are hard to find in the U.S., but loved by locals. $39, trytheworld.com
Individually sculpted by hand, these stoneware Dash Planters are left unglazed, exposing a sandy texture with dimensional dashes in white or gold. The interior is finished with a metallic palladium glaze, and the planter rests on a footed base. $60, leifshop.com
It's the "must have" toy of this holiday season: the BB-8 Droid from the eagerly anticipated upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie. BB-8 has something unlike any other robot—an adaptive personality that changes as you play. It’s now possible to explore the galaxy with your own trusty Astromech Droid by your side. BB-8 is more than a toy—it’s your companion. $149.99, sphero.com
Depth, strength and elegance combined in an expression of simplicity. Obaku Watches are designed to be subtly and confidently beautiful. Come see these elegant timepieces at Wright Jewelers, 6311 East Brainerd Rd. wrightjeweler.com
The slow drip method of brewing coffee, once only found in select specialty coffee shops, is known for producing a less acidic, less bitter cup with exceptional complexity. Drip by drip the Slow Drip Cold Bruer coffee pot's slow hypnotic process unmasks the natural sweetness, and full-bodied original flavors of any coffee you choose to brew. $80, bruer.co
Revitalize your skin and create and Infinitely sumptuous tan with the Infinity Sun™ Glow on the Go Bronze all natural, anti-aging sunless tanning aerosol. Come stock up for the winter months at Healthy Glow Studio, 2 North Shore, Suite 204. healthyglowstudio.com
This holiday season, share Black Broadway: African Americans on The Great White Way, the acclaimed new book by six-time Tony Award winning producer and author Stewart F. Lane (La Cage aux Folles, A Gentleman's Guide..., War Horse). Uniquely illustrated with over 300 dynamic photographs (many of which have never been published to date), Black Broadway chronicles the journey of black theatre in America, alongside a running timeline of African-American history. $26.91, amazon.com
The Dylan Fedora is made with the hardest felt to date, giving it a nice crunch that is sure to break in like a beauty. Because no man's wardrobe is complete without a stylish fedora. $108, sizes S to XL, yellow108.com
Based on a classic French city bike design, the Public M8 Electric Bicycle mixte frame offers the versatility of a step-through with the performance of a diamond frame, with a strong new full-chromoly frame uniquely designed for e-bike performance for added strength and stiffness. It can go up to 20mph with a range of 25-35 miles on a full charge depending on your riding conditions. $2,499 (reduced from $2,699), publicbikes.com
The Rikke Hagen's Whiskey Glass combines elegance, pleasure and function in a simple, Nordic design. Aroma, temperature and volume all come together in one superb glass. $50, set of two, yliving.com
These Animal Paper Clips are tremendously adorable—not to mention functional. (And they're the perfect gift for an animal lover.) Sturdy, reusable, in squirrel, dog, rabbit, alligator, deer and turtle shapes, and come with a slide-open storage case. $9, mignon-shop.com
A modern twist on the classic inkblot personality test, The Redstone Inkblot Test includes 12 beautiful inkblots to analyze and interpret. Any interpretation can be a jumping-off point for self-discovery, or maybe just a good laugh! A 32-page handbook features a full personality profile for each blot, a short history of inkblots, and tips on how to use the test. $14.95, mcachicagostore.org
Burn this bundle of Juniper Ridge White Sage and breathe in the aroma that brings to mind beautiful leaf clusters and enormous flowering stalks that burst forth in the spring, painting streaks of white against the rusty green hillsides. $11, juniperridge.com
An aromatic botanical bathroom deodorizer to combat the malodorous. After vigorous activity has occurred in the bathroom, Post-Poo Drop's crisp citrus peel notes—fortified with rich floral elements—effectively neutralize disagreeable smells. The perfect stocking stuffer for the manly man on your list. $29, aesop.com
The Parrot Zik 2.0 are the most advanced headphones in the world. Bluetooth enabled, sound canceling, and 17% lighter than the 1.0, these elegantly engineered headphones are pefect for the audiophile and traveler. $299, parrot.com
The Crosley Messenger Turntable is a functional shoulder bag containing a turntable (yes, really!), so your music maven won’t miss a beat. A lightweight construction and an adjustable shoulder strap ensure easy transport, and a headphone jack makes it easy to hold a personal concert anywhere. $89.95, crosleyradio.com
Fall in love with the spirit of Christmas with this 18” Karen Didion Collectibles Santa that is great for any shelf, mantle, and countertop. With this character’s traditional design and whimsical touch, he’s sure to add character and style to any home. Stop by The Galleries on Williams Street to see their entire selection of Santas. 1403 Williams St. thegalleriesonwilliams.com
The Imperium Woodcraft Double Edge Hardwood is a modern version of the classic razor your Dad used. It is made from sustainable Brazilian Cocobolo wood and finished to a high shine making it durable and water resistant and features a heavy nickel plating. $54,99, imperiumwood.com
Every man needs a kilt, whether or not he has Scottish heritage. This Traditional Kilt from Got-Kilt is made from quality acrylic, fully lined, and comes with three snazzy buckles. $69, got-kilt.com
For the Sunday morning chef with a sense of whimsy: a stovetop waffle iron that turns out generous—and hilarious—breakfasts. The Keyboard Waffle Iron has cordless construction that even allows it to be used on the grill! It’s a keyboard he won’t mind sitting in front of over the weekend. $85, thekeyboardwaffleiron.com
This unique set of jewelry is by artist Christine Gladden and can be found—along with more of her work—at Plum Nelly on the Northshore at 330 Frazier Ave., #104. And be sure to mark your calendars as they host a trunk show featuring her jewelry on Tuesday, December 8th.
The Soma Water Pitcher includes a filter that features coconut shell carbon and a plant-based casing so you can feel good about your water...and yourself. For every pitcher sold, $15 will be donated to Charity:Water to support their water project in Bangladesh. $49-$159, drinksoma.com