During this holiday season, were there some things that you asked for but didn’t get? Don’t you just hate that? Somebody asks you to make them a list of possible gift ideas, and then they don’t get you one item off that list. It’s like they wanted to know what you wanted for the sheer idea of expressing avoiding any of those items. There are some people though who can go off book and still manage to come up with the most awesome gifts imaginable. Depending on your point of view, this may or may not be one of those times.
One thing’s for sure, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Funky Cozy (Hot Topic, $28.00) is definitely not your usual holiday gift fare. Essentially the same as a Snuggie, this “Funky Cozy” helps keep you warm while lounging yet still allowing for freedom of mobility. Lazy people everywhere are rejoicing now that they can cozy up on the couch dressed as their favorite turtle teen idol. I mean, how else are you supposed to stay bundled up while eating your ramen? Available in one size, there’s sure to be enough slanket to cover your shivering self. Just be sure you don’t sit too close to the fire because this baby’s made of 100% polyester – not even Splinter could save you from the flames.
Curiously enough, this “Funky Cozy” is only available in three out of four ninja turtles. Even stranger, the ostracized turtle is not Raphael (he is the moodiest of the bunch), but rather Michelangelo. What did Michelangelo ever do to deserve such a snub? It is quite possible that he’s so popular and is currently unavailable, but I think there’s a conspiracy afoot. And I bet we all know who’s behind this one…Oroku Saki!
5 out of 5 ridiculously obvious Snuggie rip-off stars.
Specs:
-Choose from Leonardo, Donatello, or Raphael
-Care instructions: wash cold, dry low
-One size
-Made of 100% polyester
A lot of room decor is pretty boring. I mean, you could go with the standard coat of paint and a few pictures hung on the wall, but where’s the fun in that? Sure, it might seem classier than some crazy compilation of unrelated objects, but it’s not nearly as interesting. You may have to compromise on your idea of a sophisticated pad, but I think you’ll find that it’s totally worth it. Don’t you want your friends to come over to your place for the first time and just be totally wowed? I thought so.
Nintendo Wall Graphics (ThinkGeek) are the perfect way to spice up your home decor, without breaking the bank or ruining your home structure. The beauty of these vinyl wall decals is that they’re easily restickable and removable. So if you put a few up in the hallway and then decide that they’d look better in the guest room, no problem. All you have to do is pull them off the wall (carefully!) and affix them to the new spot. They don’t leave behind any residue and, more importantly for renters, they won’t tear off chunks of paint when removed. Each package comes with three 26″ x 40″ sheets of decals, amounting to dozens of decals per package. You can use the package to create one giant scene, split them up into smaller vignettes, or get a few packages and go to town on the whole house.
These decals come in three different sets: Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros, and New Super Mario Bros. For me, it’s no contest – I’ve gotta go with the original Super Mario Bros. I mean, is there anything better than that 15 pixel Mario running around trying to save the princess? I didn’t think so.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Prices:
Donkey Kong: $49.99
Super Mario Bros: $69.99
New Super Mario Bros: $69.99
-Includes three 26″ x 40″ sheets of decals
-Restickable vinyl wall decals
-Dozens of removable decals in each package
-3 sets to choose from: Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros, New Super Mario Bros
Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean that you have to stop having wintry fun! I mean, there are all sorts of things out there that can provide endless hours of amusement and I bet a lot of them are of the electronic entertainment variety (i.e. DVDs, video games, iPods, etc.). And while it’s perfectly understandable to get caught up in your new and exciting technological purchases, shouldn’t you enjoy the outdoors a bit? Yes, I’m not a huge fan of outdoorsy activities and I absolutely abhor camping, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a good outdoor activity now and then. Oddly enough, I think some of the most fun outdoor activities occur in the winter months – snowmen, snow angels, and best of all, snowball fights.
Now, you could participate in a snowball fight the old fashioned way, but I think the Snofling Snow Ball Throwing Stick (Amazon, $5.95) is a fantastic tool to use to ensure swift victory. See, instead of having to stick your hands in the freezing snow over and over to form a plethora of snow ammunition, all you have to do is push this contraption in the snow until it forms a ball. But the fun doesn’t stop there! You don’t even have to pick up the snowball! You can form it and fling it at your opponent, all without having to freeze your digits off. And you’re bound to hurl that snowball a million times farther than you would with just your scrawny little arm. Oh, and there’s even a built-in horn so you can further taunt your nemesis after railing them in the face.
Some of you out there might think it’s a little unsportsmanlike to get excited about pelting others in the face with snowballs. You might even go so far as to say that using a snowball aid is cheating. To you people I say, PREPOSTEROUS!
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Makes snowballs with ease
-Keeps hands warms
-Also features horn sound unit
-Not for children under age 3
-Made of high impact plastic
I feel like I’ve skimped on the home decor aspects of Christmas this year. I mean, they’re just as important, if not more, than the actual act of gift giving. Who doesn’t like to start their Christmas season by going out and getting a freshly cut Christmas tree from some sketchy parking lot? Ok, so there are some of us who prefer a faux tree to a real one. Some possible reasons for that are cost – real trees can range from $25-$60 every year, so think of what an investment a fake tree would be. Also, a fake tree doesn’t need to watered and doesn’t lose its needles, so there’s far less maintenance required (one might even say none at all). Sure, you don’t get that fresh pine scent, but you can fake that with a nice candle.
For those of us out there who are full of Christmas spirit, but somewhat lacking in the cash and space departments, there’s the Wall Hanging Christmas Tree (Walter Drake, $39.99). Yes, it’s a fake tree, so all you haters out there might want to shut your eyes for a few minutes if you don’t like it. It’s only three feet tall, so it’s a bit of a baby tree, but it’ll get the job done for small spaces. Also, since it’s wall mounted, you’re actually saving a ton of extra space, perhaps for a banging recliner or ping pong table. This tree is already pre-strung with 50 white lights, so that’s one agonizing light untangling step you can skip. All you have to do is attach the tree to the wall, throw some ornaments on there, and plug it in. Ta da! Easy Christmas cheer for the lazy person in us all.
Ok, so even if you’re already down with the whole fake tree concept, you might want to reconsider this wall tree. Why? Well, let me ask you, do you have any pets? Does it get to be a hassles, real or fake tree, to keep your animals from constantly harassing your Christmas tree? If it’s wall mounted, it’s just a touch more difficult for them to run into it and knock all the ornaments off. Just a suggestion.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3′ tall
-Pre strung with 50 white lights
-Life like pine needles
-Bendable wire branches
-Metal brace pole
-Space saving
Ok, so let’s face it, we’ve pretty much come to the point where if you were going to buy a gift for someone, it’s not gonna be online. Sure, there’s that small window of opportunity with 2-day shipping, but that’s pretty expensive and a lot times, it’s not even going to guarantee that your gifts will arrive in time for Christmas. So I thought today would be the perfect time to talk about a spectacular gift, one perfect for all occasions, yet just slightly unattainable.
The item in question happens to be the totally boss La-Z-Boy Cool Chair (Drinkstuff, £1299.99). I know you know this chair. And even if by some slim chance you have no knowledge of said chair, there’s no way that you’re not completely awestruck right now. I mean, you’ve got a La-Z-Boy recliner, for starters. Right away, you know you’re gonna be super comfortable lounging around in this chair all day. But the first upgrade is the built-in lumbar heating system. Who doesn’t like a nice heated chair during these winter months or after a long day at the office? Another noteworthy feature is the six motor massage system that is built into the chair. Again, who doesn’t want a personal massage controlled by a conveniently located handset after a hard day? Oh, but I saved the best part for last. The pièce de résistance, if you will, is the built-in mini fridge. That’s right, I said built-in, as in part of the chair, as in don’t ever have to get up to get a beer ever again. The fridge is located in one of the armrests and holds up to six cans of your favorite beverage. The fridge lid also comes equipped with a cup holder, because who could be expected to lift a finger when sitting in this heavenly cloud?
Ok, so what’s the downside when it comes to this beautiful chair? It’s only available for delivery in Northern Ireland. Yup, looks like us Yanks are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to gluttonous lush comforts. I mean, don’t we have the market cornered on laziness and obesity? You would think this chair would be marketed exclusively to Americans.
5 out of 5 Joey Tribbiani stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 1150mm x 1040mm x 850mm
-Fridge dimensions: 360mm x 145mm x 230mm
-Built in fridge holds up to 6 beverage cans
-Cup holder situated on lid
-6 motor massage system
-Built in lumbar heating system
-Hand crafted
-Only available for delivery in Northern Ireland
