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Product Review: Last minute holiday gift ideas

By Merilee Kern   |  

Like untold millions of others, amid the rapidly approaching holiday you may be frantically trying to find that perfect gift for someone special but your mind is drawing a blank. This pressure is exponentially harder when shopping for that person who “has it all.” Keep calm and read on, as here are a few diverse gift ideas that, given easy online purchasing, can still swing the time crunch for the impending exchange.

Skybuds Wireless Earbuds (www.Skybuds.com)
Skybuds are truly wireless earbuds that can forever change the way we listen to audio while on-the-move. With immersive sound and convenient charging and storage, Skybuds are a stellar gift for anyone on your holiday list. Aside from the fact that these are in-ear listening devices that don’t require any wires or cords, they also proffer the strongest and most reliable connection to the music source possible. This is thanks to on-board NFMI (Near Field Magnetic Induction), which is technology used in hearing aids. Created in collaboration with ECCO design, Skybuds are also thoughtfully designed to fit the natural shape of the ear so they are comfortable and will stay put! They also come with 3 fit tips to help assure that. Available in three colors—white, black or silver—these wireless earbuds also have a four hour battery life for on-the-go listening plus 24 hours more thanks to the Skydock charging case that comes with each pair. This is an audio tech gift providing day-to-day versatility with a discreet profile that’ll transform the way users experience sound.

Armitron Watches (www.Armitron.com)
Launched just in time for the holidays, Armitron’s line of fashionable, functional and affordable wristwatches is designed with everyone’s individual style in mind. The Armitron Men’s Ion Plated Stainless-Steel and Black Dial Bracelet Watch is sophisticated and sleek, easy to transition from the office to wherever the night takes him. This handsome watch features a black dial with white hour hands, silver-tone Arabic numerals, a sweep second hand with a red tip and a date window at 4 o’clock. The bracelet is adjustable with a one-touch fold over clasp and is water resistant to 165 feet. Another great style for men is the Armitron Men’s Stainless Steel Watch, which is perfect for the man who has everything—and wants one watch to that matches everything! The mineral crystal lens, silver-tone tachymeter and multi-zone dial help this watch stand out with any outfit. It also has a silver-tone adjustable link bracelet with two-button fold over buckle, and is also water resistant to 165 feet. For a more rugged vibe, sports watches like the Armitron Men’s Sport Large Chronograph Digital Watch with metallic red accents and a black resin strap. Water-resistant for over 330 feet, it features a chronograph with lap time, alarm, dual-time, and military time as well as two-zone LCD displays with sub dials, including the day, date, time and seconds. This super cool-looking watch is up for any challenge.

JLEW ‘Celebrity’ Clutch Handbags (www.JlewBags.com)
Looking for a versatile handbag that can hold all of your essentials and transition seamlessly from the office to dinner and beyond? At 5.75″ high x 9.75″ wide, JLEW’s Celebrity Clutch is an incredibly versatile accessory that can stand alone as the perfect evening companion or daytime helper, or can be used as a makeup bag or an extra-large wallet on a weekend shopping spree. The colored leather (available in graphite, black and more) is full grain cowhide, and is accented with a gunmetal zip top closure with signature stitch zipper pull. The lining is silver grosgrain viscose polyester.  Or, go glam with the Platinum Celebrity Clutch design complete with a tassel zipper pull. With an extensive background on Wall Street as a hedge fund executive, Jamie Lewis—designer and founder of JLEW Bags, conceived her entire collection on the basic principle of daily necessity. All of these bags are designed and handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York in a small leather factory using the finest materials. The level of craftsmanship is exquisite, proving that luxury and “Made in America” are not mutually exclusive. Whatever you play, ride and love, these bags will carry you in forward motion.

PromGirl.com Gift Card (www.PromGirl.com)
Whether you know someone looking for a dress to ring in the New Year or for other outings throughout 2017, A PromGirl.com Gift Card is a fashionably fantastic solution. It’s always in style and can help make someone’s special occasion more affordable. Not just for girls getting dressed up for prom, there are a bevy of beautiful dresses for all occasions that are suitable for adult women and younger girls, alike.  Whether the style being sought is bold and bright, subtle and simple, long or short or playful or elegant, this site has it all.  Of course, they do also offer a range of prom, homecoming, graduation, sweet 16 and bridesmaid dresses in sizes from junior to plus. PromGirl.com was founded on the idea that consumers should have access to the top special occasion fashions on the market, from dresses to accessories, and should be able to shop for it all in one place. The company’s fashion team, located in New York City, searches multiple markets to bring the newest and hottest looks to the site. This stocking stuffer-friendly gift card, available in denominations between $25 and $500, will ensure fabulous dresses are shipped directly to the recipient’s door.

Juicy Couture ‘Viva La Juicy’ Fragrances (www.macys.com)
Give a toast to the women in your life with Viva La Juicy Rosé from Juicy Couture. With notes of pink blossoms, citrus, and amber in this fabulous fragrance, it’s a feminine yet playful pick that’s perfect for the holidays. One spritz of Viva La Juicy Rose will take any girl from an ordinary day to an unforgettable and vivacious party. This scent is tailor-made for turning a moment into something special and memorable. Know a gal who loves to surprise others, perhaps treating everyone at the dinner table with an unexpected order of champagne? This fragrance is for her! Another stellar scent is the classic Viva La Juicy, which is a treat for the best girls in your life who seek the iconic and unforgettable The combination of caramel, vanilla and praline notes and the characteristic pink bow design, which all sparked Juicy fragrance fever upon its debut in 2008, today becoming a staple on every fashionable girl’s vanity. This luxurious scent captures all the glamour of Juicy Couture but with playful undertones. It’s perfect for the girl who loves being the life of the holiday party and makes every moment couture. For the younger ladies, it’s also a great prom scent for spring!

Tech21 iPhone 7 and 7 Plus cases (www.tech21.com)
Since 2005, tech21 has been developing advanced, scientifically proven cases and screen shields for mobile, tablet and laptop devices worldwide. The company combines science, engineering and British design to create products that address three core consumer benefits: style, protection and performance. In fact, it has developed what it cites as most advanced impact protection material on the market: FlexShock. The ultra-thin and lightweight material absorbs and dissipates force and can withstand drops. In addition tech21 puts all its products through a rigorous testing program, and in an industry first has partnered with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to develop its testing methodology. This ensures that the tests tech21 products have to pass are overseen by independent experts. This season there are a number of designs that I especially like for iPhone7. The first is the Evo Elite, for which the iPhone color-matched finish is highly durable with improved scratch resistance. It’s available in Rose Gold, Gold and Silver and with a 6.6 foot drop protection. The Evo Tactical Extreme Edition is designed to keep your phone safe in the toughest environments, offering a full 13-foot drop protection in a slim and lightweight package that also keeps your device free from dust and debris. Finally, the Evo Wallet Active Edition provides quick and easy access to essential items like keys, earphones or cards. A detachable screen cover features an expandable slot that holds your cards, key and earbuds, while a soft microfiber lining protects the screen. Whichever you choose your device will be stylishly secure!

extravaGONZO Culinary Oils (www.ExtravagonzoFoods.com) – $13.99 Oils/$15.49 Balsamics
Foodies, rejoice! extravaGONZO premium infused culinary oils will add the “hum” to your hummus. Make your deviled eggs more devilish. Add a people-pleasing punch to your pasta. They make that which is already good taste even better. Indeed, even just a drizzle can turn everyday fare into something special. Just in time for the holidays, extravaGONZO has expanded its gourmet line of infused olive oils to include Jalapeño Lime, Roasted Garlic, Blood Orange and Meyer Lemon. They’ve also added Creamy White and Red Balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy to its collection. Cook, drizzle, splash and pour with reckless abandon these flavorsome chef-quality products! Through December 31, extravaGONZO is offering free ground shipping on orders of any size and an additional 20% discount on orders of 3 or more bottles.

BōKU Gift of Health (www.BokuSuperfood.com)
With those New Year health resolutions well in mind, give the ultimate jump start this holiday season with a BōKU’s Gift of Health package—currently available for a limited time at discounted prices. The Santa Super Starter Kit, available for just $25.99, contains nutritious and delicious things like Cacao Nibs, Chocolate and Vanilla Essentials Super Protein and BōKU Organic Sweet Berries (an organically sweetened, powdered blend of goji berries, hawthorn berries, blackberries, tart cherries, pomegranate, blueberries, acai, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries). The various bountiful bundles from BōKU Superfood, a boutique online company specializing in the absolute highest quality certified organic, vegan and kosher super food products, are perfect for people of all ages and walks of life who are wellness-minded. Each gift is carefully crafted by hand and shipped in a festive woven basket or wooden crate to you or your loved ones, so there’s no wrapping required!

Video Games: Assassin’s Creed the Ezio Collection; Watch Dogs 2; Steep (www.Ubisoft.com)
In time for the holidays, video game publisher Ubisoft has launched some cool new titles.  Among those sure to be a huge hit this season is Assassin’s Creed the Ezio Collection (Rated M), which includes three critically-acclaimed games for the price of one: the single-player campaigns and single-player DLC from Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, and Assassin’s Creed Revelations for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 system. Specially marked packages include a voucher for a ticket to the upcoming Assassin’s Creed movie, in theaters this December. Available on PS4 and Xbox One. Another sure-fire hit for mature audiences will be the much anticipated sequel Watch Dogs 2 (Rated M). Set in the San Francisco Bay Area, users play as Marcus Holloway, a hacker attempting to take down a corrupt establishment using his unique skills. In this open-world, almost everything is hackable giving the player the freedom to explore the world and make their own decisions. Available on PS4, Xbox One and PC. On the “Rated E for Everyone” front there’s Steep, allowing players to ride the massive open world of the Alps where the powder is always fresh and the run never ends. Defy and master the world’s most epic mountains via skis, wingsuit, snowboard and paraglider. Go solo or drop-in side-by-side with other players. Record and share the most insane stunts ever captured and challenge your friends to do the same. Available for PS4, Xbox One and PC.

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“The Luxe List” Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost and/or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***