So, it’s down to the wire and you forgot to get a friend or family member a gift for the holidays. Instead of being a bore and picking up that generic gift card, pick through our list of unique last minute suggestions.
Electric Wine Opener
If you have a wino in the family but don’t have the time to find an obscure or high-end bottle they would appreciate, an electric wine opener is a great option. Most work on natural or synthetic corks and will help your oenophile open bottles quickly and effortlessly. A few recommendations: Peugeot Rechargeable Electric Wine Opener ($100), Metrokane Electric Rabbit ($45), Oster ($20)
Belkin Conserve Valet
Any of the products in the Belkin Conserve Valet suite would make a great gift for a green enthusiast. These devices plug into outlets and sense when electronics are done charging or not in use. Once electronics are fully charged, the Belkin automatically cuts off power (including standby power), conserving energy and saving you money, as well. The Belkin Conserve Socket (~$10) is perfect for charging mobile devices, digital cameras, curling/straightening irons and electric toothbrushes. Or, you can get the Belkin Valet Smart USB Charging Station (~$40) and charge up to four mobile devices at once, including Blackberrys, iPhones, iPods, etc.
Contigo AutoSEAL Kangaroo Water Bottle
This unique water bottle makes an excellent stocking stuffer for runner or hikers. It comes with a built-in compartment perfect for carrying an ID or gym card, money, keys and more. This water bottle is easy to drink from while on the go and virtually leak-proof. Instead of a spout or lid, it has a button; press on it and sip, release it and the bottle seals automatically.
Back to Basics TEM500 Egg-and-Muffin 2-Slice Toaster and Egg Poacher ($35)
With this innovative toaster, you can make a breakfast sandwich in approximately four minutes. While you toast bread, you can use the side compartment to simultaneously poach or steam-scramble an egg or warm a pre-cooked slice of meat. With this unit you can also boil up to four eggs at a time. Other features include light to dark toast settings, automatic shut-off, an easy-to-clean control touchpad and a removable crumb tray.
Compact Photo Cube Printer ($150)
Have a friend who is always snapping pictures on their phone? Perhaps this would-be paparazzi would appreciate having such photos printed out for framing. The Compact Photo Cube printer lets them do just that, with the ability to print out high resolution images from Apples and Droids. The printer, only seven inches wide, comes with a carrying case so it can go anywhere – just like your photographer friend’s mobile device. Prepare to say cheese.