After months of shopping for the perfect gifts you realize at the 11th hour that you’ve forgotten something for your best friend/boss/unexpected dinner guest. Well, fret not. You can still pick up a little something that makes you look as though you’ve been planning it all along.
In no particular order:
- If you want to treat your hostess to some elegant breakfast fixings, consider Donsuemor Gourmet Madeleines (seriously delish and swoonworthy) paired with some world-class coffee. Dancing Moon Coffee is small batch, single source, strictly organic coffee that’s also fair trade compliant. And a portion of the proceeds of every sale goes to the Semper Fi Fund, set up post-9/11 to provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for the wounded, critically ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Because when it comes right down to it, giving is really important around the holidays, but giving back is probably the most important thing of all.
- Book of Man, A Navy SEAL’s Guide to the Lost Art of Manhood: Derrick Van Orden is a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, member of SEAL Team and star of the hit movie Act of Valor, and now he’s written a book offering tips on the basic principles of manhood. But before you get all offended, realize that Van Orden was raised by a single mother and offers real-life advice about life in poignant and matter-of-fact ways.
- NFL Barware Man Crate: No, really–this is a thing. For when simply donning face paint and team colors isn’t enough, Man Crate has created the ultimate game day experience. Included are four officially licensed NFL team pint glasses and four numbered wooden coasters (with bottle openers) and some random man grub. In fact, it’s all so manly that he’ll need to pry open the gift box with the included crowbar (Again, no, really!) Or you could always treat your NFL-obsessed pal to a Swingline NFL stapler to keep at work. I’m told that it promotes harmony and good will (Not, really. Lots of fun team bashing and heckling may ensue).
- For the burgeoning Ms. Fixit in your life, Home Depot has a full line of Ryobi Power Tools including The RYOBI 18V ONE+ Lithium-ion Starter Combo Kit (P825) which is ideal for the beginner who needs the basics. The kit includes a drill with a screwdriver bit, a circular saw and blade, a dual chemistry charger, one 18V battery and a tool bag. Because some girls are more interested in power tools than Barbies!
- Since the days of golfing in silly plaid pants and sillier hats are gone for good (wishful thinking has got to count for something), you might want to treat him to something to seriously up his game. Ecco Men’s Casual Hybrid shoe looks like a stylish leather sneaker but is also treated for weather resistance and offers 800 traction angles for better grip. (But you should probably treat yourself to something while you’re at it. Lizzie Driver women’s golf apparel isn’t just for golfing, but more lifestyle wear that’s extremely stylish for every day. I’m particularly enamored with the Solar Eclipse Pullover, a really beautiful half-zip top that can be worn with cute skirts or golf skirts as an extra layering piece.
- OK, it occurs to me that this is probably a good time to start thinking more about yourself in general. Since it looks like it’s on sale right now, you might want to treat both your mom and yourself to JCPenney Xersion Technical Fleece Jacket which looks like a stylish workout jacket, but is lined with baby soft fleece (even in the pockets!). It also has thumb holes in the sleeves and UV protection, so you should probably pick one up for your sister as well.
- For your guests who will be traveling home after the main event, Hydrapak Stash is a leak proof, collapsible water bottle that can be emptied before they hit the line for the TSA and refilled again and again.
- And because we can’t end things on too mushy a note, for all your Walking Dead-obsessed friends, the new Walking DeadPop-Up book brings some of the show’s more iconic moments to life in a 3-D way that’s not exactly right for most coffee tables, but sure to delight anyone preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse.
- And just in case you find yourself wondering what’s on my own coffee table these days, it’s The World According to Wonder Woman, which offers excellent insights and advice into becoming a superhero in your own right. Oh. And I still really, really want this Wonder Woman tiara ring, though thesebracelets are definitely making their way up my wish list (and yes, I checked with the shop owner, and yes– they are adjustable).
