Guide to quirky, creative gifts
Photo credit: Handout Photo | Pink Ladiez Tool Kit. $20, www.fredflare.com. With the Spice Girls back on the music scene, there is no better time or way to show your girl power than with this handy tool kit. This female-friendly tool box, complete with tickled-pink screwdrivers, pliers and a hammer is made for the crafty woman who likes to take matters into her own hands.
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Stuck in a gift-giving rut? On your next holiday shopping excursion, put down the humdrum vanilla candles, flannel-lined pajamas or -- even worse -- mugs filled with reindeer-shaped chocolates, and check out these unconventional goodies.
Sandcastle Bundt Pan $32, Williams-Sonoma, 110 Seventh Ave., 212-633-2203 Don't let the winter blues get your favorite baker down. Made of durable aluminum, this summery cake mold's non-stick interior guarantees a perfect castle of confections any time of year.
Hug Salt and Pepper Shakers $25, MoMA Design Store, 81 Spring St., 646-613-1367 When tensions arise, sometimes it's best to just hug it out. These adorable, embracing shakers serve as a reminder of this -- a perfect sentiment for the holiday season. Created by New York designer Alberto Mantilla, these shakers are made of porcelain and can bring joy to any meal. We dare you not to say "awww."
Ping Pong Paddle Set $25, www.fredflare.com Pat Benatar meant business when she sang "Hit me with your best shot," and so will anyone with this uber-competitive ping-pong gear. This set comes with a canvas case, two cheeky paddles and three ping-pong balls -- ideal for any retro fan or fierce table-tennis player. Let the battle begin.
Electric Guitar Lamp $50, www.uncommongoods.com When Guitar Hero 1, 2 and 3 aren't enough, channel that inner rock star with this soft-white light lamp. Not your little brother's night-light, this out-there piece is made of frosted glass with a metal pedestal and gentle light to rock any music fan to sleep.
Drink ice luge $24, Urban Outfitters, 526 Sixth Ave., 646-638-1646 Whether they're fresh out of the frat house or just stuck in their college glory days, professional party animals will love this ice luge. Simply freeze water in the mold, pour in the drink of choice and enjoy the slippery slopes of inebriation again and again.
Fish shoulder bag $35.95, www.reefandreed.com If you know a child (or adult) who has watched "Finding Nemo" more than any human should, this is the gift to give. Available in a variety of fish, these bags are built to last with a water-resistant exterior to protect belongings. Best of all, 10 percent of profits go toward environmental causes that help keep our finned friends safe.
Dart Wall Hooks $35 for set of three, www.uncommongoods.com Bring bar games closer to home with a present that is right on target. Easy to screw into any wall, these stainless-steel hooks are sturdy and stylish additions to any aspiring dart champ's wall.
JumpSnap Ropeless Jump Rope $59.95, Hammacher Schlemmer, 147 E. 57th St., 800-421-9002 Playing jump rope is an undeniably great way to stay in shape, but not everyone has the space or grace to hop around a room without getting tangled up. This compact, computerized ropeless jump rope counts how many calories you burn during a session, and is klutz-proof for fitness buffs in training.
Condom compact $24.95, www.justincaseinc.com This girly mirror compact has a dirty little secret; underneath the mirror is a hidden compartment that can store two condoms. This chic compact comes with two free condoms and is the perfect gift for any sexy and smart female on your list.
CritBuns cushion $25, MoMA Design Store, 81 Spring St., 646-613-1367 Nothing ruins a day at the office or football field more than a sore bottom from prolonged sitting. Made of cushy foam, this colorful, indoor/outdoor seat cushion is portable and comfortable enough to keep all buns on your shopping list happy.
Hogwarts Knit Scarf $24, www.fredflare.com Now that the "Harry Potter" book series is finished, you can comfort mourning wizard wannabes with this comfy scarf, embellished with the school crest, stripes and fringe. Your grateful recipient will be just one pair of round-rimmed glasses away from a complete muggle-to-magician makeover.
Flying Alarm Clock $24, Urban Outfitters, 526 Sixth Ave., 646-638-1646 When blaring music or robotic beeping won't do, this mobile alarm clock will wake up even chronic snoozers. When the alarm goes off, part of the clock detaches itself and flies away from the nightstand. Unless you physically get out of bed and replace the key, the alarm will be like the Energizer Bunny and keep going and going and, well, you get the point.
Home Plate Mat $25, www.uncommongoods.com Baseball season is never over with this clever indoor/outdoor mat for sports fans. Diamond-shaped like a base, guest can feel like they've entered a real game -- only without the overpriced peanuts and belligerent fans.
Innovage Jumbo Universal Remote Control $24.99, Kohls, 8973 Bay Parkway, Suite 1, Brooklyn, 718-266-6357 For some couch potatoes, the only exercise they get on any given day is the 10 minutes they spend searching for the TV remote. This super-sized device can save them the extra effort. Equipped to control up to eight devices and measuring almost a foot long, this remote is nearly impossible to lose in between the cushions.
Splurge Flexus menorah $125, MoMA Design Store, 81 Spring St., 646-613-1367 This glass menorah is not only beautifully crafted, it's versatile, too. Each piece fits together to form a nine-candle menorah so you can celebrate Hanukkah this month, but separates into nine decorative candleholders for the rest of the year.
Under $20 Starbucks ornament $5.95, Starbucks stores If your friends know their local baristas by name (as well as age, hometown and life goals), this adorable ornament will be sure to delight.
Chick of the Sea foaming bath crystals $8, www.honeycatcosmetics.com When it comes to luxurious bath products, sardines are probably the last thing on your mind. Yet this cute fish-style can is filled with pretty pink chocolate, raspberry and mint bath crystals for a quick-fix bath time that is purely delicious.
Pink Ladiez Tool Kit $20, www.fredflare.com With the Spice Girls back on the music scene, there is no better time or way to show your "girl power" than with this handy tool kit. This female-friendly tool box, complete with tickled-pink screwdrivers, pliers and a hammer is made for the crafty woman who likes to take matters into her own hands.
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