The Observer, December 2, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 12
Creative gift ideas for the holidays
The holidays are quickly approaching and there is no better feeling than finding the perfect gift for that special someone, or even someone not so special. Shopping can be tough (and sometimes dangerous!) so we've done most of the legwork for you by coming up with some gift ideas you might not have thought of.
TurboTap: Remember Thermo? OK, maybe you don't… but reading about the laminar flow created by the TurboTap, capable of pouring a pint in just under two seconds, may remind you. The TurboTap is marketed toward concession stands and bars but there is no reason why the average college student wouldn't want one of their own. For as little as $179, give your friends the gift capable of turning their kegerators into machines capable of dishing out pint after pint with less foam than any seasoned pro is capable of. Check out the website, TurboTap.com, for some unbelievable movies showcasing what might be the most important invention since the light bulb.
SlingBox: First there were VCRs, then DVDs, then TiVo, and now behold the SlingBox. Created by Sling Media, the SlingBox sits at home connected between your cable box and your TV. Once connected to your broadband home network, the SlingBox can stream TV to any PC or laptop around the world with an internet connection. For just $219.99 from Amazon.com, give the gift of procrastination this year. It's the gift that everyone can enjoy.
Playstation Portable Windshield Mount: Have you ever driven down Euclid and thought to yourself, "Wow, I could really go for a Sony movie on a 4.3 inch screen right about now?" Of course you have, and it's likely that others have as well. Who wouldn't want to watch a movie while driving in Cleveland? Now, thanks to the Playstation Portable Windshield Mount, vehicular safety will be a thing of the past. Through the wonders of Arkon's advanced suction cup technology, drivers can watch Spiderman 2 while screaming down I-90 or let out some road rage with a quick round of Grand Theft Auto at red lights. This questionably safe device is a must-have for every Playstation Portable owner.
Tiffany Bean: For every guy out there looking for the perfect gift for his loved one, look no further. Tiffany & Co. sells the Elsa Peretti Bean in prices ranging from $3,600 with pavé diamonds to simple sterling silver for $130. There are mini-bean earrings, bean lighters, and ladies can even get their men a pair of bean cuff links. The best part of buying a bean, other than the name, is that no matter which you purchase it always comes in a Tiffany & Co. box, a guaranteed success.
Artificial Surf Pool: For the any surfing fanatic, this is the world's best holiday gift. Artificial wave pools aren't a new invention but the Versareef, debuting in 2006 at the Ron Jon Surfpark in Florida, actually comes with a moving, adjustable artificial-reef floor to create gnarly waves just like the real thing. Sixty-four foam and stainless-steel pneumatic panels on the floor of the pool control the shape of a rubber-coated reef that creates the waves. The result is a more natural breaking wave that feels like the real thing. Sure, none exist yet, and the Internet has no price tag on it, but that's what the rich uncle is for.
Think outside the box this year and get everyone on your holiday list something that they didn't know they needed, but soon won't be able to live without. Shop early, shop smart, and don't be afraid to splurge a little on those you love. Think of it as an investment: get them the perfect gift this year and you might get one next time around.
