Thursday 22 November 2012

Gift Guide: What to Get Friends, Staff and Customer

Evernote Smart Notebook by Moleskine, $24.95

Available in a pocket size and notebook size (for $29.99), this Moleskin pad uses either lined or "squared" pages. Using the Evernote Camera App, you can snap a photo of the page and transfer the notes as searchable text to the app (iPhone or Android). Price includes a three-month subscription to Evernote Premium

Hydros Bottle, $27.99

You don’t really want to know what is in an ordinary glass of tap water. And even if you use one of those water machines at the office, bacteria can build up on the dispenser. This water bottle uses a filter on the bottle itself that removes most contaminants like chlorine and chloramine.

Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad, $25

Nothing says “thanks for being an awesome employee” like a bottle of wine. Freixenetusa.com imports cava sparkling wines from the Sant Sadurni d'Anoia region near Barcelona. This blend, aged on lees for about three years, comes from hand-picked grapes and vinified from nine different wines.

Parker Ingenuity Pen, $190

A bit pricey but built for a lifetime of use, this high-end writing instrument uses a “smart glide” tip that adjusts to your writing style. The grip has a texturized rubber finish, and there is a gold finish on the arrow and tip. Bonus: The pen comes in a stylish gift box. Refill cartridges cost $8 each.

Biscoff Holiday Favor Boxes, $22.95

This set of four gift boxes, meant to hang on a tree, includes four cookies in each box. They’re caramelized crisps, originally served on Delta airlines as a coffee accoutrement. To buy them in bulk, there’s also an eight-box set available at Biscoff.com for $36.95.

Marbles JuggleFit, $24.99

Minnesota-based Marbles Brain Store makes games that improve gray matter. Studies show that learning how to juggle can improve brain cell activity in one week. This kit includes three scarfs for practicing and three heavier balls, plus a training DVD and a handy tote.

The Fruit Guys TakeHome Case, $26

This eclectic mix of fruits and nuts comes in a few different sizes to fit your budget. There are mini packs with five or eight pieces of fruit all the way up to a bountiful 36-piece pack with four bags of nuts. There’s also an organic veggie case with avocados, garlic, sweet potatoes, and kale.