Unique Holiday Gift Ideas {WGN TV Morning News Segment}

1).  Fits for the Occasion Tiles (placetile.com) – For the home entertainer

Fits for the Occasion Tiles are a new line of stylish, erasable ceramic accent labels with interchangeable, magnetically attached motif designs, perfect as dinner table place cards for guests, as descriptive accessories for each dish being served and for many other entertaining uses.  Each Fits for the Occasion ceramic label tile can be customized for the setting and occasion by simply detaching one motif and attaching a new one.  Comes in 16 different motifs to fit any party or gathering theme.  The Fits for the Occasion Tiles come in 2 sizes, 6” x 8” MessageTile size and 2.25”x3.75” PlaceTile size.  $14.95 – $38.95, depending on size and style.  PlaceTile.com

2).  Downton Abbey Fragrances (downtonabbeyfragrances.com) – For the perfume lover

The Downton Abbey fine fragrance collection are sensual and sophisticated perfumes designed to embody the personality and style of the central female characters of the show, including Anna Bates, Lady Cora, Lady Mary, Daisy Mason, Lady Edith, Lady Rose and Countess Violet.  The collection’s fragrances are crafted in the artisanal method utilized by the master perfumers so highly in demand during the early 1900’s time period during which the show is set, allowing the fragrances to be very close approximations of the luxurious and complex perfumes which the high society ladies of that era actually wore.  The rich and varied scents of the fragrances have been crafted from pure perfume oils, without alcohol, chemicals, additives, artificial colors, parabens or phthalates.  These fragrances are pure and undiluted, vastly different than most perfumes on the market, which generally are up to 75% alcohol. Whereas alcohol-based perfumes evaporate in a rush, obscuring the delicate nuances of a fragrance’s complexity, the richness of each of the Downton Abbey fragrances can be appreciated much like fine wines. Each scent has top, middle and bottom notes that develop slowly after application on the skin, creating a sensual experience that lasts for and develops over a period of hours.  It is this kind of painstaking fragrance artistry that allows the Downton Abbey collection perfumes to reflect the personality of the show’s characters.  Downtonabbeyfragrances.com, $74.99 (8 ml).

3).  Light Affection (lightaffection.com) – For those who appreciate unique memory/keepsake items

Light Affections offer a special alternative to the traditional way of displaying photos.  Light Affection frames are framed sculpture duplications of any photograph. The photograph is duplicated perfectly in sculpture and then combined with a beautiful lighting system that illuminates every aspect of the sculpture, creating a work of art that makes the memory displayed in a photograph seem as if alive and making it even more treasured.  Based on an age-old art form known as lithophanes (Greek for vision in stone), the engraving of an image comes to life when illuminated from behind. The varying thickness of the translucent material creates the illusion of the original image. Just email a digital image or mail a physical photograph and the company generates the Light Affection without damage to the original image.  Comes in sizes from night-lights to large frames in various styles and shapes. $45 – $239 depending on size, lightaffection.com.

4).  Sachi Insulated Fashion Handbags (sachi-bags.com) – For work or on the go

Sachi Insulated Fashion Bags are insulated, fashionable lunch bags suitable for any setting.  Stylish and roomy enough to double as a purse or handbag, while effectively keeping food hot or cold as desired.  Easily wipes clean with a damp cloth.  Handles fold down for easy fit in the refrigerator.  Zips closed and handles fold down to the sides so that you may lay it flat, allowing for easy refrigerator storage.  Comes in a variety of styles and colors.  Retails for $5.99 – $27.99.  sachi-bags.com

5).  Cushies (nufoot.com) – For comfort around the house

Cushies, the newest indoor footwear creation from the Nufoot Company, are a comfortably padded and soft slipper-shaped footwear, but which is also nearly weightless, amazingly flexible and has a breathable mesh top.  They are also antimicrobial and both water and skid resistant.  Its sturdy neoprene construction makes it durable and comfortable on any indoor surface.  Comes in a variety of colors in sizes for both men and women.  $19.99, nufoot.com

6).  Sound Oasis Bluetooth Sleep Sound Therapy System (soundoasis.com) – for the music lover

The Sound Oasis Bluetooth Sleep Sound Therapy System combines the best facets of a high-quality, wireless bluetooth speaker and a therapeutic sound and sleep therapy device.  As a Bluetooth speaker, it has a 30 ft. range to stream music from your mobile device or computer.  Its built-in usb-rechargeable battery allows for 5-8 hours of cordless use on one charge.  Super compact size at 2 ½ inches tall by 2 ½ inches in diameter makes it very portable but still has excellent sound quality and powerful bass.  Built-in sleep therapy sound tracks can be customized to run seamlessly for up to 8 hours.  Perfect for improving sleep, blocking noise and managing tinnitus.  10 different sounds are built-in and more sleep/sound therapy tracks/sounds can be downloaded from the SoundOasis.com store or from the Sound Oasis Apps.  $59.99, soundoasis.com

7).  Clever Crates Folding Utility Boxes (clevercrates.com) – For the home organizer

Pop’em up, fold’em down, Clever Crates are the smartest, easiest way to organize and transport household items. The secret is the unique lightweight and collapsible lift, pop and pack design that creates a spacious container that can be folded, stacked and stored away almost anywhere.  Pop them up to bring gear, drinks and snacks to family activities.  Great for the garden, garage, camping, parties, travel and so many other uses, as well as space-saving and efficient storage.  Ranging in size from 32 Liter (35 lb capacity) to 62 Liter (132 lb. capacity), coming in both open walled and solid wall versions and with or without handles.   Clever Crates provide great portability for both daily activities and in home storage while being easily collapsible when not in use without cluttering your home or vehicle.  Clever Crates are hygienic and easily washed. They are made from durable, reusable, sustainable and recyclable material.  A great alternative to plastic and paper disposable bags and cardboard boxes, Clever Crates have advantages that no other box, crate or basket can match.  Video of it in action can be seen at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33OrjS1a3aw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWp9zbIkGkA.  Comes in a variety of colors.  $11.99 – $19.99 depending on size

8).  Glacier Glass (rolfglass.com) – For the eco-conscious

Glacier Glass is a new line of beautiful, eco-inspired glassware crafted from recycled wine bottles.   The look and feel of the glass for individual glassware is truly unique.  Utilizing state of the art diamond-wheel engraving technology, the former wine bottles are completely transformed into a beautiful and substantial piece of glassware with a design which, combined with the blue tint of the glass, is reminiscent of majestic glaciers.  Comes in tumbler and high ball sizes.  59.99 for set of 4.

9).  Wine Caddy Sculptures (winecaddys.com) – For the wine lover

Wine Caddy Sculptures, from H & K Recycled Metal Art, are beautifully hand-crafted metal art pieces made from recycled steel and copper by European artisans. Preserving old world craftsmanship, each piece is individually bent, cut, welded and brushed, resulting in an original work of art. $29 – $119