Holiday Gift Guide Review – The Luxe List 2016 Picks (Includes Product Description)

Statistics reveal that nearly half of Americans are planning to use a digital device as a primary means of holiday shopping, and just over 33-percent are planning to brave the crowds and shop in-store, digital mobile consumerism has clearly come of age.

I, myself, am indelibly on the hunt for great gifts and gets that can be bought online with all the comfort and convenience that affords. Given the National Retail Federation finding that personal holiday spending this season will reach the second highest in the 13-year history of its consumer survey, it seems cyberspace will be one busy place this year.

In the spirit of easing and expediting your efforts, here are this year's holiday gift picks starting as low as $20 in the tech, style, wellness, foodie, sport, self-care, beauty and kids categories that can all be purchased lickety-split via a viable Internet connection.

***** TECH *****

VocoPro TabletOke (www.BestBuy.com) – $130.99
Having a summer soirée? Getting together for family game night? Do you just looove to sing? How about karaoke to add even more fun into the mix! VocoPro makes that easy with the TabletOke—a digital karaoke mixer with two digital wireless microphones and a built-in Bluetooth music receiver that'll turn a smartphone, tablet or laptop into a fully functioning karaoke machine! All you need is a sound system or portable powered speaker with an 1/8″ audio input to connect to the TabletOke and you have the setup for a great karaoke party. You can connect to the TabletOke via Bluetooth with any compatible device that connects with the included 1/8″ to 1/8″ cable. Search for thousands of songs on the Internet, or use any of the many karaoke apps available on either the iTunes store or marketplace for Android users.

BIT by Polk Boom Wearable Bluetooth Speaker (www.PolkBoom.com) - $29.99
BIT by Polk BOOM is a wearable Bluetooth speaker that can be securely clipped anywhere on the body (such as attached to a t-shirt, backpack, pocket, and such) to create your own bubble of sound while out and about. Not only is this speaker sweat, dirt and shock-proof, but the BIT also allows cyclists, hikers and runners to keep listening to their favorite music without hindering their ability to hear cars, approaching cyclists and other potential outside dangers. The BIT on-the-go speaker also boasts a built-in speakerphone and a three-hour battery life.

Jabra 'Freeway' In-Car Speakerphone (www.Jabra.com) - $99.99
The Jabra Freeway is the most advanced in-car speakerphone that delivers clear, noise-free calls and powerful music performance with 3-speaker Virtual Surround Sound. One of the first in-car speakerphones to have 3 speakers coupled with Virtual Surround Sound. Sound so clear, you'll think you're talking to a passenger in the car. Also great for playing your favorite music. Prefer your car's sound system? Just use the FM transmitter to send music and calls directly to your car radio. You will be ready for those long road trips with up to 14 hours of talk time and 40 days standby time. The Jabra Freeway turns itself on and off automatically using the built-in motion sensor. Start the car, and your Jabra Freeway is ready to use so that you can stay fully focused on the road. Once you've left the car, it turns off to save battery.

Caseology Fashion Phone Cases (www.CaseologyCases.com) - $20-$35
Caseology phone cases are stylish "tech-cessories" designed to protect your phone while also complementing your unique style. Reportedly one of the best-selling cases on Amazon, Caseology combines modern aesthetics and premium materials to offer phone cases that are high-quality, slim and protective. Cases are available in on-trend colorways such as rose gold, matte black and turquoise, with designs often paired with distinctive features like leather detailing, geometric patterns and translucent backings. They don't just look good, they also protect your phone, of course, thanks to shock absorbent TPU and polycarbonate bumpers. Raised edges around the camera, ports and front display screen also help keep phones safe from drops and scratches. Caseology cases are available for iPhones 4s to 7 Plus models, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy and Galaxy Note models, as well as select LG and Motorola models.

Mai Couture Beauty Phone Charger (www.MaiCouture.com) - $59
The all new Mai Couture Beauty Phone Charger not only provides a reliable and portable charging system for cell phones and other devices, it also contains both a LED-illuminated mirror and a 5x magnifying mirror—perfect for on-the-go hair and makeup spot checks. Whether you need to amp up your look or charge up your phone, this lovely little gadget—that is compatible with iPhone, Android and other smart devices—will help get you through the day and those nights out on the town. What's more, this portable LED light source comes in super handy when you're inspired to take a selfie in a dark or dim area. You can have instant illumination when and where you need it, never more suffering the fact that your smartphone won't accommodate flash photography in selfie mode. The gadget is available in Glam White and Rose Gold. This is yet another example of how Mai Couture continues to revolutionize beauty for gals-on–the-go.


***** STYLE *****

Chamilia 'Treasure Necklaces' (www.Chamilia.com) - $75
Wear a symbol of what you treasure most with the new Treasure Necklaces collection from Chamilia, a Swarovski Company. Six delicate sterling silver disc pendants complete this sweet collection, each featuring an engraved sentiment on the front—Love, Friend, Family, Mom, Sister or Daughter—and Chamilia's iconic hummingbird logo on the back.  Beautiful sterling silver, open-filigree frames are electroplated in 14 karat gold and lay freely on top of the discs, which hang from 18" sterling silver chains with a 2" extender. This collection is destined to be a classic and is pretty much perfect for any female in your life. It's outstanding for holiday gift giving in a way that expresses love and a reverence for those treasured relationships in your life, all year through.

'Picture Your Street' Personalized Photo Art (www.PictureYourStreet.com) – Starting at $50
Ever drive by a street sign with a name on it and want to have it? Well, now you can! Picture Your Street locates, photographs and creates artwork out of authentic U.S. street signs that feature familiar first names. Each work has a photo of an actual street sign sourced from all over America, with each name image being unique. There are more than 1,000 names to pick from, from the common to not-so-common. A handsome addition for any room, the black and white photos are double matted and framed under glass in black wood. You can pick from one photo, a double, triple, quad and quint. Picture Your Street makes a unique and personalized gift not just for the holidays, as it's also ideal for housewarmings, new baby, weddings, birthdays and other important milestones. Create a collage representing the whole family for your wall, or decorate the man cave. With this name-based gift for adults and kids (guys and gals), you just can't go wrong. Use promotion code 'THELUXELIST' for 15% off any framed products.


***** FOODIE *****


Allen Brothers' USDA Prime Filet Mignon and Burger of the Month Gift Boxes (www.AllenBrothers.com) – Starting at $109.95
Allen Brothers' USDA Prime Filet Mignon and Burger of the Month gift boxes make the perfect, luxurious gift for the meat-loving man in your life. An iconic, century-old purveyor of certified USDA Prime and Choice meats, seafood, ready-to-eat entrees, and decadent desserts, Allen Brothers' legacy is built on its commitment to providing only the highest-quality products, hand-selecting each cut of meat and aging it to perfection. A staple of top chefs, restaurants, and hotels across the country, brand loyalists include Nobu Matsuhisa, Mario Batali, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and David Burke, and the Four Seasons. Each Prime filet is slowly wet-aged for buttery tenderness and delectable taste. Trimmed of all exterior fat, the filets are beautifully- marbled to deliver full flavor.  The Burger of the Month service boasts a shipment of their special blend burgers every month, for customers to grill and customize to taste. Burger varieties include Wagyu, Elk, Triple Beef Blend, and more. Allen Brothers' sole focus is to ensure that the world's finest beef and other foods are enjoyed by all.

PRIME by Chicago Cutlery Block Sets (www.ChicagoCutlery.com) - $69.99 - $349.99
These PRIME by Chicago Cutlery knives are the perfect blend of form and function to help you effortlessly prepare for your soirées all year through. Redesigned from tip to grip, this collection features an ergonomic handle with a Responsive Touch Technology grip, so the knives conform to the user's hand, giving you remarkable control and making it comfortable to chop tons of veggies, meat and poultry for your apps and entrées. The company's 5 Piece Magnetic Block Set is perfect for the culinary entertainer, showcasing a sleek black finish and contemporary curves while protecting your knives without hiding their beauty. This set includes an 8-inch Chef knife, 5-inch Partoku knife, 4-inch Paring knife, 8-inch Bread knife and one magnetic block with extra slots for you to add knives you may already have for easy access. Their other Digital Tablet Holder Block design is perfect for the novice cook as its slanted face and angled steel lip provides a great resting place for digital tablets, recipe books, how-to videos and notes. You can slice, dice, chop and mince without getting your technology messy! This block does not come with knives, but has seven empty slots for you to add some of your own.


***** WELLNESS & SPORTS *****

The Level Balance Board (www.FluidStance.com) - $289-$489
Your body is designed to move, but it's likely your workspace is not. With the rise in use of standing desks, FluidStance has created the Level. This award-winning, beautifully engineered balance board that creates a subtle instability underfoot and increases your range of motion and heart rate while you work. It also fires up your core muscles and is really fun to use, kind of like surfing at your desk! It keeps you moving and adds motion to your day, but not so much that it distracts you. Indeed, you can multitask while onboard, and the mind-body connection actually helps increase productivity. From your standing desk to the conference room to the living room,  The Level provides a shift where you need it most—physically, emotionally and intellectually. The Level is an exceptionally-designed tool that brings motion to any common work or meeting area.

VARIChair (www.Varidesk.com) - $195
A durable, cushioned seat and articulating pedestal, the VARIChair is designed to engage your leg, back and core muscles giving you the freedom to move throughout your day—and also promote good posture. The VARIChair's Air-lift piston also raises the seat up allowing you to lean comfortably and the low back design encourages good posture and a weighted base so it stays put while you do the moving. Like other VARIDESK products, the VARIChair comes fully assembled, so simply remove it from the box and you're ready to go. This chair provides dynamic range of movement both sitting and standing.

Skechers Men's Performance 'GOtrail Ultra 3' Performance  & 'On the Go' Sneakers (www.Skechers.com) - $55 - $125
Discover new ground in more comfort than ever before with the Skechers GOtrail Ultra 3 running shoe. Ultra lightweight upper, next generation Resalyte cushioning system and aggressive traction system combine for an all-terrain running experience like no other. It also features GOdri all weather protection, helping result in a water-resistant running shoe.  The marathon caliber thick cushioned midsole provides tremendous support as the well-ventilated design keeps feet cool.  These shoes are designed with the athlete in mind, featuring maximum comfort, technology and performance. Another Skechers sneaker that'll amp up your style and comfort is the On the GO design. This raise style combines performance and fashion. It's a smooth leather upper lace up that's a casual comfortable walking sneaker, providing extreme flexibility thanks to responsive materials, including Goga Mat Pillar technology. It's a fab addition to a guy's wardrobe!


***** SELF-CARE & BEAUTY *****

Atelocollagen Skincare & Pure Gold Mask with Native Fish Collagen (www.NaturelCollagen.com) - $56.25 - $86.25
Indulge yourself with these breakthrough products from Naturel Collagen.  Great for gifting the gift of gold, the Pure Gold Mask with Native Fish Collagen (a set of 3 Masks) is a revolutionary new product she's sure to love. Gold particles in the mask's liquid rejuvenate the skin, and are supported by the intensive, regenerating activity of hydrated fish collagen and elastin. The mask also contains moisturizing vitamin B3, rejuvenating vitamin E, soothing Aloe Vera and hyaluronic acid. Another super effective skincare option is Atelocollagen. This deeply penetrating, low-molecular tropocollagen, atelocollagen and procollagen combination targets deficiencies in mature skin by turbo boosting collagen stimulation. Small protein aggregates in the collagen complex increase absorption, while pepsin ensures medicinal purity. Sericin gives this fish-derived, triple helix gel its velvety finish, while rose oil soothes and heals.


***** KIDS *****

Kidpik Curated Children's Apparel Service (www.Kidpik.com) - $85 per box

Children's preferences in clothing have evolved over the decades as has the shopping and delivery system. A new company in the children's apparel space that's thinking "inside" the subscription box is Kidpik. This custom-curated fashion box contains head-to-toe looks for girls ages 3-12. By combining convenience with the luxury of personal styling, Kidpik takes the difficulty, time and guesswork out of shopping for the girls in your life. Kidpik offers a super convenient, expert-based way to shop for your daughter by offering a personal stylist to help pick out clothes, accessories and shoes. Each box contains six to seven high quality items designed to mix-and-match to complete two or more outfits. All you need to do is go on www.Kidpik.com and fill out a style profile for personalized fashionable outfits delivered directly to the door!

 

Magic School Bus Science Kits (Retail and By Mail Subscription) (www.TheYoungScientistClub.com) – Starting at $39.99
Fans of The Magic School Bus television and book series will fondly recognize Ms. Frizzle and her students Ralphie, Keesha, Phoebe and Arnold. She encourages elementary school-aged students to buckle their seat belts and take a wild ride to learn something new. The bus transforms into a science lab and journeys inside the Human Body or out to Space with these two new lab kits. The Human Body Lab will mesmerize kids as they make a lung model, measure a pulse and even dilate a pupil. A highlight is the large plastic human body skeleton to put together, label and then proudly display. With the Space Lab Young Scientists will navigate the sky by learning to locate a constellation, make a solar system mobile, create a night-vision flashlight and a specialized astronomical device called the Star Pilot to locate constellations—both in the kit and in the night sky. Families can get a new Magic School Bus science kit in the mail every month with the subscription series. Normally $239.88 for a 1-year subscription, this is now available for $119.00 with code LUXESCIENCE—a full 50% savings.

FlipaZoo Pillow/Plush Toy Hybrid (www.FlipaZoo.com) - $19.99
FlipaZoo, from Jay at Play, is a super-sweet and cuddly-soft collection of plush characters with each doubling as a pillow for naptime, playtime and family travel. The adorable new FlipaZoo line features more than twelve standout FlipaZoo characters that magically transform from one animal to another, and then easily flip back again. With the new line's patented one-of-a-kind "easy flip" designs, little ones can simply hold their favorite two-sided FlipaZoo friend, "flip" its soft back, and instantly reveal a totally new FlipaZoo! There are a variety of characters available: Giraffe/Hippo, Cat/Mouse, Unicorn/Dragon, Elephant/Tiger, and Husky Dog/Polar Bear.

'Lily the Fancipoo' and "Piper Was Afraid" Story Books (www.Amazon.com) - $29.99 - $35.00
Little girls, and those young at heart or fond of Maltese puppies, will fall in love with Lily the Fancipoo—the newest book by Pawz Publishing. It is a beautiful hardcover title for kids ages 5-7 with gorgeous illustrations and a wonderful message that "love" is what matters most! The book comes with an absolutely adorable Maltese plush toy, a plush mouse named Lottie who follows Lily throughout the story, complete with an adoption certificate! Lily's hair is perfect for adding barrettes just like in the book. Another Pawz title, "Piper was Afraid," is the first book in a series of seven by author and Illustrator Rebekah Phillips. This beautifully illustrated hardcover book teaches children to be brave...especially at bed time! The book is intended for children ages 3-5, who will have lots of fun getting louder and LOUDER as the words get larger and LARGER! The book set comes with an adorable plush Piper toy complete with his bowtie and, yes, an adoption certificate. The set also includes Cornelius the mouse who is a hidden character on each page throughout the book. Children will have fun looking for Cornelius as he hunts for his cheese throughout the story.



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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions can be seen at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations, experiences, items and/or services detailed are provided at no cost to accommodate reviews, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Republished by permission of and provided to Haute-Lifestyle.com by author.


Sources:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/245308/leading-channels-used-for-holiday-shopping-according-to-us-online-buyers/

https://nrf.com/resources/consumer-data/holiday-headquarters

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