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Product Review: Practical Holiday Gifts with an Attention-Getting Twist

By Merilee Kern   |  

Like millions of others you may frantically be trying to think of a Christmas gift for someone special but your mind is drawing a blank. Keep calm and read on, as we’ve compiled a list of useful, interesting and even unexpected holiday gift ideas—many practical that can be used every day—which may very well fit the bill and foil those panic attacks!

Travel Org Carry Case (www.TheTravelOrg.com) – $295
Here’s a fantastic and fashionable way to keep family passports and travel documents safe and orderly. The British-made, fine leather Travel Org is a stylish organizer that allows travelers to store and carry travel and other documents, small gadgets, writing utensils and more with ease, ensuring items are on hand and in good order when they’re needed. This carrying case is certainly practical, but it’s also a chic style-statement ensuring the user looks sophisticated while jet setting. This handy travel accessory, available in orange, tan, navy and black, is comprised of one large zip wallet for currencies and keys, fifteen document sleeves for tickets or other references as well as a compartment that can fit up to eight credit cards. With the Travel Org, traveling is made easier and more secure.

FERI Faux Animal Skin iPhone Cases (www.FeriDesignerLines.com) – Starting at $128
Even on the accessory front, animal prints are an enduring trend right now and FERI has a number of tech items that follow suit. The Python iPhone 6 Case is one gorgeous example that’ll elevate the look of a smartphone while protecting it at the same time. This fold over case, with its hidden tech-safe magnet strap closure, is made from high quality faux leather that looks like authentic Python. Embellished with customized hardware, it’s lined with suede microfiber to protect the glass screen from scratches and the holding case is made from expert fitting soft touch plastic to protect the back of the phone. Also great as a wristlet, this case comes with a detachable wrist band and hold up to three cards in its inner flap. Beyond python, other available textures range from shimmering suede to a high gloss patent leather. All make a fierce fashion statement.

Ahnu Yoga Flex Fitness Shoe (www.Ahnu.com) – $120
The Yoga Flex Fitness Shoe by Ahnu is a new category of fitness shoe. It’s designed for medium to high-impact hybrid workouts like cardio barre, Crossfit, TRX and Zumba where there’s a need to move laterally rather than just running or walking, and when balance, flexibility and lightweight support is also required. The shoe boasts many great features, including an air mesh upper for comfort and breathability, a shortened lacing system for added comfort and flexibility (that’s ideal for moves like the plank position). It has a dual density memory foam foot-bed that provides even more comfort flexibility and support, while an engineered forefoot flex zone and second density heel pod allows the foot to naturally bend and flex. Its ultra-gripping Spider Rubber outsole prevents slippage and promotes balance and stability in standing poses. The Yoga Flex functions as a casual commuter shoe as well as an effective gym shoe. Also great looking and available in six colorways, the Ahnu Yoga Flex Fitness Shoe is as fashionable as they are functional.

Bedgear Dri-Tec Performance Sheets (www.Bedgear.com) – $195 – $255
Demand performance in bed…with your sheets, that is! Great for athletes, fitness enthusiasts or anyone who’s regularly active (or tends to overheat while they sleep), Bedgear Dri-Tec Performance Sheets will help them sleep cool and dry to ensure a quality night’s sleep and maximum physical recovery. The sheets utilize heat and moisture wicking Dri-Tec fabric along with Air-X mesh sidewalls and hems to regulate body temperature and provide maximum airflow, resulting in superior comfort and recovery. The material’s lightweight, functional fibers conform to the body and provide a no cling, no pull stretch. High recovery core compression bands ensure fit and grip on all mattresses. Bedgear is a leading manufacturer of performance bedding essentials with a philosophy centered on delivering superior sleep quality to enhance one’s active lifestyle. With the option of four different colors–aqua blue, champagne, grey and white– these sheets offer a sleek and modern look.

iBobber Bluetooth Fish-finder (www.Amazon.com) – $89.99
The iBobber Bluetooth Fish-finder by ReelSonar is the first device to utilize both Bluetooth Smart and sonar technology to give fishing enthusiasts a clear and reliable way to spot their next catch. Unlike boat-mounted fish-finders that only show what’s directly underneath the craft, iBobber can be cast up to 100-feet away and will deliver sonar pings up to 135 feet deep. It turns on upon contact with the water, then syncs with a smart device, both iOS and Android, to show fish location, size (over/under 15 inches) and more. iBobber is lighter, smaller and has a longer battery life—10 hours—compared to other related products currently on the market. Other iBobber features include the ability to GPS tag favorite hotspots, map waterbed contours, and measure water temperature. You can even log your trip and share all the action on social media. With this handy device, anglers can target fish more efficiently to see where the “catch of the day” might be hiding. There is also an LED indicator for easy spotting or night fishing.

CDN Bluetooth Dual Probe Thermometer & Timer (www.KitchenKapers.com) – $69.99
With the CDN Bluetooth Dual Probe Thermometer & Timer, the user can check on their roast right from a smart device! That’s right, the CDN Bluetooth Dual Probe Thermometer includes Bluetooth connectivity and a free companion app for iOS and Android mobile devices allowing cooks to monitor two separate internal temperatures and up to 10 independent timers from anywhere in the house or yard up to 32 feet from the kitchen. This high tech thermometer features two removable stainless probes that can be used to monitor two parts of the same roast, two separate foods, or a food and the oven temperature. Plus the app allows users to store cooking history, images and personal notes, or even share cooking creations and information through social networks or email. There are several pre-programmed functions for common meats and poultry, or users can add their own custom programs. This thermometer will accurately measure a range of -40° to 482°F and is fitted with a mounting magnet and counter top stand. A useful “Anticipation” feature will even forecast exactly when foods will be done. The device measures 3″ length x 3″ width x 3/8″ high and comes in a gift box with a clear display top.

My Mighty Magnet Displays (www.MyMightyMagnet.com) – $10
Here’s a creative and whimsical holiday gift: My Mighty Magnet. With it, photos, love notes, holiday cards–all of the mementos that mark the sweetest moments of life–can adorn the walls of a bedroom, family room, dorm room…anywhere, really. Wherever someone want to revel in memories and see them every day, My Mighty Magnet keeps them in place, safe and secure without ruining the wall. Think of it as a private message board. The incredibly powerful magnets that are attached to a hanging cable hold it all together are tough, lightweight and always reliable. My Mighty Magnet is great for the home office or workplace as well, posting those must-see memos and works-in-progress where they can easily be seen, found and retrieved. The tiny magnets come in various shapes to suit any personality such as paw prints, soccer balls, flowers, cupcakes, flip flops, peace signs and more.

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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 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.***