By Ed Lowe
Senior Writer
During the course of the past year, we have walked through several miles of aisles in the major trade shows that fill McCormick Place with business visitors. In those shows, we usually find merchandise that's available at every major store in the area. Places like Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe's, Target, Kohl's and so many others are filled with the merchandise that is being exhibited. But there are other items on display which seem, somehow to be under the radar of the major store buyers. We have collected catalog sheets on many of them that would make highly unusual, useful, and in many cases relatively inexpensive Christmas gifts. Most are available on the Internet Web sites that have become such an important part of retail shopping.
For example, the Solo Lighter Company, based in Miami, offers a unique extended butane lighter designed for candles which are inside glass vessels or which are too deep to be lit with conventional lighters or matches. Their extend-a-flame "Candlelighter" or a more decorative "Social Light" are available between $14 and $30, depending on the model you select. Their telephone number is (305) 665-9393. There's a Web site at www.getlit.com. If they can't refer you to a retailer in your area, they will ship direct using your credit card.
For those who are particularly sensitive about dental health, especially for the traveler, check out the Violight toothbrush sanitizer and storage system. It uses a battery operated germicidal light to eliminate 99.9 percent of the germs that can accumulate on a toothbrush, especially when it's placed on an unfamiliar sink. Local distributors are listed on their Web site www.violight.com. The company also makes a line of sanitizing toothbrush storage systems for home use.
For the hi-fi buff, there's a new set of earphones on the market made by Noisebuster. This product features active noise reduction (ANR) technology which until now has been available only in much higher priced units. These earphones sell for $69. Electronically, they actively reduce background noises by coupling low frequency noise waves with their exact mirror image waves. If you were to ask how they worked, you'd have to see someone familiar with hi-tech audio information. But believe me, they work remarkably well. They are a bargain for use in a plane or when you want to actively block background noise like lawn mowers and TV. Information on the product is available by calling Fort Pierce, FL, at (772) 464-5100 or visiting www.protechcommunications.com.
One of the problems with aging is the inability to open jars. Helfet Inventions, Inc. has found an answer with the development of its "Grip-Master" and "Cap Gripper" openers. Using a thumb wheel or a ratchet grip, the device slips over a cap and allows the user to exert enough torque to easily open a jar that would otherwise be a real chore. It's an ideal gift for aging friends and parents—and it's not a bad idea for your own kitchen. You can contact the inventor directly by e-mail at leon@helfetinventions.com or visit www.helfetinventions.com.
For anyone who enjoys reading in bed—or who travels by plane where light is simply not designed for reading—Verilux has developed a new book and travel light that does a great job. It clips on a surface and provides enough light to read reports, books or anything that might otherwise be too dimly lit. Information about these neat little lightweight units is available at the Verilux Web site, www.verilux.net. We have found that their products are made with outstanding quality and, while they aren't readily available in retail outlets, they represent the best value in the market. We've used one of their floor lamps for over a year and find that it is even better than advertised.
Have you noticed that the numbers on your kitchen clock seem to get smaller every year? Where we once had large clocks with easy to read numerals, we now tend to rely on the electronic clocks that are on our microwave ovens or stoves. There's an answer that, though it might seem retro, will make reading time a little easier. The answer is available as a broad range of battery-operated decorator clocks from Ziro Design, which is based in San Diego. Scott Middleton, Ziro's national sales manager, referred us to Ziro's Web site, www.zirodesign.com. The company also has a convenient phone at (800) 451-7005. Pick a model from the Web and then check with the company to find a local retailer that has the clock you want.
The final gadget is the personal safety flashlight designed for folks who bike after dark. The tiny light is visible for more than a mile and has a variable beam which can be dimmed or brightened easily. A clip is supplied with the light, making it easy to affix to the brim of your cap or to the rear of your bike seat. Powered by two lithium batteries, it can burn for up to 100 hours and weighs under seven grams—about a quarter of an ounce. Information on how to buy one of these lights is available at www.photonlight.com.
But gadgets aren't the only thing to give for the holiday celebration. 'Tis the season for food! Contrasting items you might find delicious include the Original No Pudge Fudge Brownie Mix which offers the ultimate indulgence without the guilt of calories. There is no fat in the product, and all that's needed is some no-fat vanilla yogurt added to the mix and a little baking time for a great guilt-free desert. The Web site for Reily Foods Company is www.nopudge.com. However, you might not have to worry about calories and want to go the entire distance. Then, you should consider a Triple Chocolate Layer Cake Mix with Frosting from The King's Cupboard in Red Lodge, MT. Their Web site at www.kingscupboard.com will tell you how you can order these treats.
For your Christmas morning brunch, you might want to surprise the family with foods topped with some of Moosewood Hollow's infused maple syrups. Starting with pure Vermont maple syrup, sweet spices are added to the bottle, or you might like a chai or ginger flavor. There are some that add herbs like rosemary, thyme and a twist of lemon. "O" magazine recommends them poured over ribs. Better Homes suggests the addition of the syrup to sweet potatoes or harvest puddings. Only your imagination will limit your use of this unusual product. And you can find more about it at www.moosewoodhollow.com.
If you're doing some heavier cooking for the holidays, you might want to try some of the products of Pacific Natural Foods. Their all natural and organic broths include beef, several varieties of chicken, mushroom and vegetable that are fat free with certified all natural or organic ingredients. Pacific Natural Foods is based in Tualatin, OR, and has a Web site at www.pacificfoods.com.
Watching a game on TV? Snacks are important and a Chicago product seems to fill the bill and the stomach. Kim and Scott Holstein produce stuffed, frozen pretzels in a dozen varieties, including a sourdough asiago-cheese-filled one, or spinach feta, or a desert pretzel filled with apple cinnamon. Their handmade soft pretzels are a snacker's delight. Call them at (800) 57-TWIST to find local retailers or check out the entire line on the Web site at www.kimandscott.com.
When the holidays finally end and the diet promises from your New Year's resolutions begin to kick in, you might want to get some of the Island Oasis frozen fruit concentrates which are perfect for smoothies and fruit shakes with few calories and high concentrations of vitamins. Walpole, MA, based Island Oasis can be reached at (800) 777-4752. Visit www.islandoasis.com.
So many new ideas are available for your holiday shopping on the Internet. We hope these suggestions will allow you to broaden your horizons and find something just a little out of the ordinary. Happy shopping and a festive holiday season. |
