Archive for the ‘hanukkah’ tag
Amber’s 2008 Gift Guide – Art and Photography Stuff
* See my note below.
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Chuckles 2009, $20
Heather Armstrong (Dooce!) takes photos of her dog Chuck and turns them into calendars. This year she is donating the proceeds to the Humane Society of Utah. So you can buy two.
at dooce.com
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Aperture2, $200
For the Mac user who is a photography enthusiast (*coughAmbercough*) this software is the perfect gift. It allows you to edit photos using controls beyond the iPhoto basic adjustments, and it’s still easier to use than Photoshop. I play with it every time I’m in the Apple store, and day dream. Over the weekend we did Hanukkah early with Rob’s family, and my in laws got this for me! Woo hoo!
at apple.com
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Cupcake Print by Sandra Juto, $15
I’m a big fan of Sandra Juto. I’d like these cheerful cupcakes for my kitchen.
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20″ x 20″ Fingerprint Portrait, $290
Because you really are a beautiful and unique snowflake. Available in larger and smaller sizes, and in tons of colors. DNA11 also offers a genetic mapping of your DNA which they then translate into visual form, as well as art made from your lip prints if you’re looking for something sexier than thumbs. Currently, they do not have an option for ass prints, but I guess you could ask… Robert.
at dna11.com
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Hand-painted Nesting Russian Dolls, $27
Less fussy than the traditional sets.
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Flickr pro account, $25
My Flickr pro account is pretty much the best twenty-five bucks I’ve ever spent. If you know an internet-savvy photog, especially if they’re using the free version already, chances are they’d love a pro account. Now with video, too!
at flickr.com
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Ork Posters screen print, $27
The concept behind Ork Posters is very cool, and the folks who run the company are so nice, too; I met them this summer at a craft show. Each location they offer a map for has a unique selection of colors and prints and is available in both printed form and screen prints, which have a bit more texture and character than the printed ones. Of course, I want a Brooklyn poster (I’m waiting for a fun limited edition one, maybe in orange on a cream paper… hint, hint!) in a screen print.
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Charlotte’s Web cover art lithograph, $2500
Only 250 lithographs were made from Garth Williams’ original artwork of the cover her did for Charlotte’s Web, and they’re hand signed by the late illustrator himself. Even so, I’m not sure how anyone is justifying the price tag on this… but I still want it.
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Fuiji Instax Camera, $130
Tiny, simple, instant. It’s almost as good as an instant Polaroid which, of course, is soon-to-be no more. I think this looks like it came off the set of Star Wars. Want!
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Polaroid Super Shooter Land Camera, $28
It probably doesn’t work, but it comes with cool flash cubes! I love the rainbow stripes on the package, too.
at etsy.com
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Holga 135BC Plastic 35mm Camera – “Black Corners” Version, $46
Holgas are typically a medium format camera, meaning they take 120mm film and produce square photos, not the standard 35mm with 2:3 rectangle photos that everyone is used to. I love my Holga, which was $25 new, but the film is so expensive and niche that between buying one roll and having it developed, I was spending more than the camera itself cost me. Recently, the manufacturer created three new versions Holga in 35mm format. Expensive film problem solved. Out of the three, this is my favorite. It similar to the 120N that I have, except that it includes a cable release adapter in the shutter release button. Very cool. There is an internal mask to create a soft vignetting of the corners, a.k.a. the “bent corners” effect.
I love lomo cameras; they’re whimsical, unpredictable, quirky and fun. Everyone from children to professional photographers will appreciate having one of these, and therein lies the beauty of lomo photography: it is art for everyone to make.
at adorama.com
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Frolic print by Yellena, $20
I’m hoping not to sound insulting when I say that I envision this print going in my bathroom. It’s so pretty, and would make me happy when I saw it every day as I was putting on my face.
at etsy.com
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eco-packaged Joby Gorillapod for SLR, $40
Hats off to Joby for offering this without the packaging and giving a discount for people who buy it this way. As for the thing itself, I have one. It’s invaluable. You can put it in your camera bag and set it up anywhere. The ingenious way it attaches to your camera reduces the set up and take down time to about two seconds, it’s virtually indestructible, and it’s so darn cute, too! I love this.
at joby.com
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*I mentioned that this would be the “awkward” section of the gift guide. Art is a weird gift, and not everyone likes strange and/or old cameras and photo stuff. Tomorrow is more “kind of strange” things to give; I’m going to show you all of the cool kitchen and home stuff I came up with.
Still, the concept of my gift guide started out as a way to give Rob gift hints for me, and all of this is stuff I love. Some of it I already own, everything else I would like to. This one is mostly for me, but I hope it makes you happy, too.
Amber’s 2008 Gift Guide – Techy, Geeky and Designy
Tepee, $2200
Both environmentally friendlier and much prettier than a standard tent. It’s designed to have a minimal impact where it’s pitched; it doesn’t kill the grass it sits on. The 100% cotton fabric is mildew and water resistant. Other features include reinforced stress points, critter-proof floor design and gorgeous pine poles for support. Just add one campfire, a motley crew of guitars and harmonicas and a few ghost stories. Perfect!
at dwr.com
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15″ MacBook Pro with 2.53GHz, $2500
I asked all of my friends what they wanted for the holidays, and this was Brian‘s pick.
at apple.com
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Muppet Whatnot Gift Kit, $130
What’s a Whatnot? A Muppet extra on the Muppet Show! This kit allows gift recipients to design their own Whatnot and have it made on the spot at the FAO Schwartz store in NYC. Starting in February 2009 you will also be able to send away for it. Then they get to keep it!
at fao.com
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Handel’s Messiah Sing-a-long, $12
You’ll have to give this gift a bit early, but that’s alright! Get into the Christmas spirit with the West Village Chorale’s annual sing-a-long of Handel’s Messiah. It takes place this coming Monday, December 15 at 7:30pm. You don’t actually have to sing, either, you can just go and listen… but where’s the fun in that?
Photo by my friend Tracy, who I love more than pancakes.
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Wall-E (Three-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy), $23
Pure Pixar genius. This three-disc special addition DVD has tons of cool extras including featurettes on the creation of the movie, animated shorts, and tons of deleted scenes. Waaaaaalllleeeeee!
at amazon.com
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Mallomars 3-box Value Pack, $16
Along with his old hair line and a new apartment, my buddy Jeff says he would like a lifetime supply of Mallomars for Christmas. My mother-in-law also loves these. Because they melt easily, devoted fans stock up in the winter for the hotter months when stores don’t sell them. Both Jeff and Mrs. Blatt are New Yorkers, which makes sense: 70% of all Mallomars sold are sold in metropolitan New York.
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Freaks & Geeks: Yearbook Edition, $130
Why this show only got one season I don’t know. It’s easily one of the best television shows of our time. This special edition DVD set includes actor auditions, and most episodes have two audio commentaries each.
at amazon.com
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Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life, $126
Charley Harper died in June of last year. He was a modernist that inspired, and continues to inspire, many other artists, including noted designer Todd Oldham who edited this tome. I would love to have gorgeous book to refer to over and over, so it could inspire me, too.
at amazon.com
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Set of nine hand-printed cards, assorted, $24
Eliza Jane Curtis is the artist behind Morris & Essex. Her work is a combination of Gocco (a type of printer that prints a very fine ink) and traditional silkscreening. This listing is for a “grab bag” of 9 cards. I love the combination of earthy paper with bold colors. So me!
at etsy.com
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Flight of the Conchords – The Complete First Season, $24
They call me the Hiphopopotamus
Flows that glow like phosphorous
Poppin’ off the top of this esophagus
Rockin’ this metropolis
I’m not a large water-dwelling mammal
Where did you get that preposterous hypothesis?
Did Steve tell you that, perchance?
Steve.
at amazon.com
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Vers hand crafted wood ipod speaker, $180
Sustainable materials, good design and great quality. I’ve been drooling over these for a while. The reviews are great, too. If you’re buying this and have an old iPod dock you would like to trade in, go through Vers Audio, the company that makes them, for $30 off. If you don’t, it’s slightly cheaper at Amazon.
at amazon.com
Amber’s 2008 Gift Guide – For the Ladies to Wear
Fingerless Gloves, $58 per pair
Nancy makes these, and got swamped with orders when Dooce featured them in her Daily Style section. From the sound of things, she’s “sick of knitting”, but maybe if you emailed her and said, “Nancy, please please PLEASE make me some fingerless gloves!”, she’ll do it. Trust me: they’re worth begging for. My solid chocolate brown ones are sooooo cozy! There are also two pairs in her Etsy shop at the moment.
at etsy.com
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Red low-top Chuck Taylors, $42
Everyone needs at least one pair. I’ve got the classics in low-top black and white, and I’m hoping Santa will bring me a pair in red, too.
at jacksshoes.com
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Unisex Sheer Jersey Scarf 3-Pack, $36
According to the blog Stuff White People Like, scarves make up “a key part of the white wardrobe” and “also function as a vital pillar of the white gift economy.” So, if you’re shopping for a white person, these are nice. I have the 3-pack in black, eggplant and olive. They’re fun to throw on as accessories if not to keep warm.
Shirt underneath is, apparently, optional.
at americanapparel.net
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Dove Grey, $38
Hands down, this my favorite item of all of gift guides. Lynsey is a “20-something girl” and the artist behind VerreEncore, a studio dedicated to the art of enameling. This pendant from her etsy shop exudes warmth in both the color and the shape, and it made me sigh out loud when I first saw it. I really love this.
at etsy.com
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Lima Beanie, $62
Made from 100% wool and a little more refined than the chunky-knit-with-tassels sort of hat, but still playful enough for a snowball fight.
at eluxury.com
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Ampersand T-Shirt, $22
Available in a handful of typefaces; make mine Helvetica! Don’t be afraid to show the world you’re a word nerd.
at ampertee.com
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Fingerprint Bands, info at camillehempel dot com or 718-387-5076 for pricing
Artist Camille Hempel (a fellow Brooklynite) fashions jewelry with a unique, organic twist. I’m digging these fingerprint wedding bands.
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The Chalkboard Tee, $38 (for womens)
Either made by or invented by the guy who painted my apartment; I’m not quite sure. He was the nicest guy, though, and these things are hilarious.
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Vintage Tin Asymmetrical Circles, $160
Crafted by a fellow Amber. She cuts circles from vintage tin and uses sterling silver to craft them into jewelry. The fronts are protected by watch crystals.
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Super64 Yellow Umbrella, $24
I’m a fairly whimsical person, but I don’t like cutesy umbrellas. I think it’s because “cute” usually means cheap, and there’s NOTHING I hate more than being stuck in the rain with an umbrella that’s gone inside out, too flimsy to hold up to a New York City rainstorm. I like my umbrellas hardy and plain black. Still there is an appeal to being “the girl with the yellow umbrella“, and this seems like it could stand up to a few strong gusts.
Amber's 2008 Gift Guide – Stocking Stuffers
Winter Oak Rubber Stamp, $3
This tiny tree stamp is so sweet.
at etsy.com
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Sock monkey, $0 – $10 (depending on if you already have the socks)
These are made with Rockford red heel socks, and no other sock will do. I’ve always wanted one; how charming would it be to see one peeking out of a stocking Christmas morning?
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Sharpie 12 pack, $15
Seriously useful.
at target.com
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Monster Pencil Case, $12
The perfect pouch for your Sharpie collection.
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Gentle Jackrabbit Nightlight, $45
A pretty way to light your night.
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Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder, $207 (currently, at Amazon)
When my brother was born, my dad got this behemoth of a camcorder; it was so big because you had to insert an entire VHS tape into it, which it would record directly onto. Home movies have come a long, long way in the past 20 years, and this credit-card sized video camera is a much more user friendly way to capture happy memories (also, it’s much easier to grab quickly should you discover your husband wedged somewhere.)
at amazon.com
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Coffee Peanut Bunny, $24
Made out of “angora, lambswool, thread, and fancy felt from japan”. Handmade by Sonja. These make me so, so happy.
at etsy.com
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Jimi Wallet, $15
Rob loves his Jimi Wallet; they’re made from recycled plastic and proceeds go to the Jimi fund. They’re quite small, which is perfect for pockets.
at thejimi.com
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Banana Bunker, $10 for a set of 2
You’re meant to transport your lunch banana in it so it doesn’t get squashed. It might raise a few eyebrows, though. Ahem.
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Swiss Chocolate Knife, $3.50
Something different from the usual chocolate Santas.
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Tea Towel Wallet, $20
Wallets handmade from an unused vintage tea towel. I find these quite charming.
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Nova Tangelos, $22 for a 1/2 tray
A modern alternative to the traditional orange in the toe.
A Dog for Christmas
At Thanksgiving with Rob’s family, a “pick a name out of a hat and buy for that person” idea was suggested for Hanukkah gift exchange. I happen to like this method, but Rob and I have already decided that we’re doing donations this year in lieu of gifts. One, it’s less expensive. Even though we’re ok and will be for a long time, we’re being cautious. Two, there are people we love doing work we believe in, and they need help. I’d rather save lives than give unnecessary things. In my own mind (or “heart”, if you will), this kind of holiday has been a long time coming, and I’m excited. I’m not condemning frivolous gift-giving; it’s fun, and joyful! But right now it’s not where we’re at.
I have to figure out how to present a donation gift. I was thinking individual pictures of dogs that we’d be helping printed onto cards. My sister-in-law gave cards out when she donated money to Noah’s Ark, and those were cool.
Any other ideas? I don’t want to be cheesy.
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P.S. Be sure to check out my gift guide, coming on December 8, which will feature fun and frivolous gifts, as well as where and how you can find charities to donate to for holiday gift giving. I will share all the methods I’ve come up with on presenting these humanitarian gifts. Also, if you are doing a gift guide on your blog, send me the link and I’ll feature it here. I’m curious to see what my fellow bloggers are cooking up!
What Do You Want?
I want to know what’s on your wish list for Christmas or Hanukkah (whatever you celebrate in which gifts are exchanged).
Every year I do a gift list of things I would want to post on my blog, but this year, I’d like you to tell me what YOU would like. (Include links if you have them). It can be literally anything… a $5 kitchen gadget you’d love in your stocking or a world-class month-long vacation to some place exotic and fabulous. It can be intangible, like world peace, or far-fetched, like a nice-smelling, sharply dressed, sexy-haired, twinkly-eyed, well-employed (and well-endowed!) husband who loves to cook. Electronics. Kittens. Anything. Just let me know.
Comment, or email if it’s a secret. I’m putting my list together now, and would love to make it a group effort.
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photo by flickr user nurseynicole, who rocks my world.
