I have a strong theory that pretty much any food can be transformed into something tasty, or tastier, if it’s presented in an intriguing fashion. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of not-so-pretty food presentations are still quite delicious (think anything that was ever made in a casserole dish and then been reheated), but even an ordinary meal can be transformed by a little bit of decoration. For example, take your normal birthday cake. Chances are, the yum factor is already pretty high, but if you add some piped icing then that yum score shoots way up. And if it’s star shaped piped icing? Watch out, because that yum score will be off the charts.
For those of you out there who thought it was impossible to improve on the standard cookie, the ABC Cookie Cutter (Amazon, $8.31) is sure to prove you wrong. I mean, we all know that cookie cutter instantly improve any cookie’s popularity by 110% and usually the shape in question doesn’t even matter. These cookie cutters make it acceptable for you to make gingerbread cookies year-round instead of saving them for Christmas. See, each cookie cutter has a body part missing, either a head, a leg, or an arm. This gives the illusion of a deformed gingerbread man as well as a half-eaten cookie. Make them to bring to a friend’s house and see how many people shy away from eating them because they assume these cookies are ABC: Already Been Chewed. And just think of the endless decorating possibilities!
My one real quibble with these cookie cutters doesn’t really have anything to do with the cookie cutters themselves. If you check out their product page, you’ll notice that the shipment time is listed as 3 to 6 weeks. I mean, that’s just crazy talk! What if I decided to make these ingenious cookies on a whim? Do you really expect me to wait over a month to receive these cookie cutters? Oh, you do? Well, ok then. I guess I will.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 8″ x 4.8″ x 0.8″
-Weight: 3.2 oz
-Features 3 different gingerbread men
-Easy to clean
-Made of cast aluminum
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
There’s been a lot of Christmas talk these past few weeks, but it seems like we’ve left someone out. I don’t want you to think that we forgot about the little one in your life! Today, we’re going to focus on what your daughter, niece, cousin, or really any child with an affinity for sweets would like this holiday season. I think the best thing about tasty holiday treats, besides how delicious they are, is their festiveness. Although a holiday cupcake’s high level of festivity tends to drastically decrease its lifespan, it’s still a good thing (maybe not for the cupcake).
The Mini Cupcake Maker (Perpetual Kid, $29.99) is basically an Easy-Bake oven, but so much cooler. For one, you’re not cooking with the heat of a light bulb so it’s a lot faster – think just five minutes for each batch. Also, you don’t have to use those expensive specially packaged ingredients. Instead, you can pick your baking materials at whim, creating cupcakes, muffins, and even brownies in just about any flavor you can think of. My favorite part? The whole thing is covered in a nonstick coating, so cleaning up is amazingly easy. That’s right, easy cleanup is exciting to me. Deal with it.
Ok, so while this would be a great gift for a child (supervised, of course) or tween, I think adults would really enjoy it as well. I say that mostly because I love cupcakes and would be more inclined to make them if it was this easy. Kids, now you know what to get your mother for Christmas.
4 out of 5 easy baking stars.
Specs:
-Makes 7 cupcakes at a time
-Takes only 5 minutes to bake
-Nonstick baking tray
-Also great for muffins and brownies
From geeks and techies to home decor and personal well being, we’ve covered quite a few gift ideas for this holiday season. However, if you’re still desperate for some ideas, check out last year’s December archive. Since there’s only 9 days left until Christmas, I thought I would take one topic and break it down for you, namely Christmas hats. So without further ado, here’s a Top 10 List – Christmas Hat Edition, courtesy of Amazon’s wonderful Christmas hat selection:
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Starting off our countdown is the Green & Red Santa Claus Helper Elf Christmas Sequin Hat ($7.99). Right away, you should be able to tell that this is an exceptionally terrible Christmas hat – just look at the super long name. I mean, how many Christmas buzz words could they throw in there? All that’s really missing is “Rudolph” or “Frosty” because, let’s face it, nothing about this hat really screams Christmas, much less Santa or Elf.
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Next up is the Tree Hat with Presents ($3.50), which is slightly better in that it actually pertains to the holiday in question. Upon closer inspection, it’s a little light on the holiday spirit. I mean, it’s a pretty sad looking tree if you ask me. Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree had more holiday spirit than this hat.
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8.
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The Felt Elf Hat w/ Bells ($6.99) actually isn’t that bad. Here’s a Christmas hat that someone could actually wear without feeling, or looking, like too much of a tool. Alas, that is not the point of this list. I mean, you’re gonna look like a tool, so why not go all the way? You can do better than a curly hat with a few little bells on it!
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Ok, you got me, Rudolph’s Holiday Flashing Reindeer Nose ($2.99) isn’t actually a hat. It is a headwear accessory though, so I’m counting it. And it’s my list, so I can do whatever I want. I personally love this flashing nose because it’s pretty much minimal effort, but there’s no way that anyone is gonna pass by you without noticing your flashing red nose. Then why is it all the way down at #7? It’s been pointed out that wearing a flashing nose strapped to your face can be a touch uncomfortable, and while the perfect Christmas hat should ruin your social stature, physical pain is not required.
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Actually, I was wrong, the title of most minimal effort headwear has to go to the Christmas Holiday Reindeer Antlers Headband ($1.99). Pretty much anyone can pull this look off, regardless of age, gender, or intelligence. But height is one possible hurdle to overcome when wearing this, especially if you’re tall. You’ll have to duck through doorways to make sure you don’t knock this beauty off your head, and let’s be honest, you look ridiculous enough already.
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Rounding out the Top 5 is the Plush Santa Chimney Hat ($9.99). Silly? Yes. Slightly adorable? I have to agree that yes, yes it is. I really don’t have anything sarcastic to say about this hat. Sure, you’ll look like an idiot wearing it, but no more so than if you wore a traditional Santa hat.
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If you want to look like a total imbecile, then the Deluxe Rasta Santa Hat ($21.99) is the way to go. First off, was there a regular Rasta Santa Hat that just wasn’t cutting it so they had to create a “deluxe” version? Also, who’s paying almost $25 for a hat this terrible? The whole hat with dreads look is so not attractive, not to mention completely dated. If you purchase this, please let the only reason be a gag gift.
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Remember how that last elf hat wasn’t cutting it? The Elf Hat with Ears ($6.49) may not have bells, but it does sound a lot more appealing. In case you missed that clever pun, I’m talking about the ears. Elf ears will always trump bells. You could put bells on anything and it’s not necessarily Christmas, but throw some elf ears on there, and we’re in business. Yes, it’s a little less flashy than most hats on this list, but I prefer to think of it as understated elegance, with elf ears.
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8 words: Red Santa Pimp Hat with White Fur Trim ($9.48). 2 more words: Freaking Ridiculous. I have more than a few questions about this hat. Seriously, who’s wearing this? Are pimps wearing this? Are pimps known for being particularly into Christmas? How in the name of Rudolph is this girl smiling while wearing this hat? If you were looking to show up to Christmas dinner wearing something wildly inappropriate and blatantly stupid, I do believe you’ve found it.
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Here we are, at the #1 Christmas Hat: the Springy Mistletoe Headband ($7.99)! This hat is the epitome of Christmas spirit – I mean, what’s better than portable mistletoe? Ok, so it’s totally absurd, but in a completely positive way. There’s no way you thought that you were gonna fly under the radar while wearing a Christmas hat, but it’s important to pick the right one. This one is full of holiday cheer, easy to wear, adequately priced, and you might even get some action while wearing it. Hands down, the winner.
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