Our Favorite Gifts
What should you get for your Best Bud? Something to tote those tunes. 'Pod, Nano, Shuffle? Naw! So generic.
Stay-at-home dad Pat Misterovich has collaborated with PEZ to turn his fave childhood toy into the first 'pod with personality. Looking exactly like the beloved candy dispenser and sporting all the fab features of an industry standard MP3 player-MP3, WMA, WMA w/DRM; Mac OS X and Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP compatible; USB 2.0, plug and play, drag and drop, repeat or random play, nested directories, lanyard hook-this groovey lightweight uses 1 AAA battery, holds around 120 songs (512mb), and comes pre-loaded with what Misterovich describes as "great indie music."
The limited (1500) first edition PEZ Pal Boy will only set you back $99.00 and ships in 2-3 weeks. Both player and packaging are marked "first" and the unit comes with earbud 'phones and USB cable.
"Boy" will be joined in the coming months by more Pez Pal MP3 player characters.
Order from www.pezmp3.com. Then, come the holidays, your lucky friend can just flip back the Pez head for ear candy.
www.pezmp3.com
Pebbleco.com is the site great for that aspiring ninja, spy or assassin in your life. Know someone who has a yen for concealed weaponry? Check out their cane swords with dragon claw handles ($15.90) and compact lipstick knives ($4.99). For that special ninja,Êmini throwing stars ($13.95) are a necessity. They can'tÊscale buildings without hand claws, foot spikes and grappling hooks ($20.99). A spy just ain't complete without his lock picks and sunglasses camera ($510.90). Need a stocking stuffer? Grab one of their salad dressing safes ($9.52). Put them all in your basket to show them that you do care and support their career paths.
www.Pebbleco.com
You haven't mastered the skill of carrying a razor in your mouth? That's okay. The belt bucket knife (plain-$70.00) is here to save your ass. It's the "world's fastest knife" and fits right over your belt. Kept on by a magnet and pin, this little baby cuts down time fumbling with sheaths and pockets and is in your hands in a matter of seconds. "Mine is in my hands and open before you could even say switchblade," says the inventor Greg Gillespie on his website. Buckles come in the same shape with different designs that range from a flaming skull ($110.00) to a bear head with scrolls ($185.00) www.Belt-buckle-knife.com
Ivan loves rock n' roll. When he's not working his day job, he's playing guitar in a couple of bands or hitting a show or two. Wolfgang's Vault is an excellent choice to pick up a gift for him or any of the other music obsessed on your list. You'll find everything from rare Jimi Hendrix concert poster ($22,500) to a Bon Jovi 1987 backstage pass ($14) to a 1974 Santana pin ($4). Thinking about a vintage rock tee? Buy a real one here. Most of these items are from the late Bill Graham's archives, not only was he one of rock's first promoters, he was a collector. Not sure what to pick up for your giftee? Don't fret; Wolfgang's Vault has gift certificates starting at $29.
www.wolfgangsvault.com
Chip Kidd: Book One : Work: 1986-2006
If a book cover has caught your eye over the past 20 years-even if you had no interest in the book whatsoever-chances are it was designed by Chip Kidd. He's known as the cleverest and most sought-after graphic designer in the business. He was the man responsible for the iconic Jurassic Park cover, for all those James Ellroy and David Sedaris books, for anthologies of Peanuts and DC comics. This massive new portfolio of his work not only brings all these cover designs together in one beautiful volume; it also gives Kidd an opportunity to explain how some of these designs came together. Writers like Sedaris, John Updike and Elmore Leonard chime in too, describing how Kidd's covers have enhanced their work; perhaps even helping sell a few more copies than were deserved.