2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Adults

It is here! The 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Adults with giveaways and discount codes! If you are looking for gifts for the techies in your life, never fear! That gift guide is on its way next week because it was too massive to include here!
For the Fashionista

• Yummie Tummie (beginning at $62)- To truly look stunning in that Little Black Dress, Yummie Tummie’s new shapewear is unlike anything that I’ve ever tried. The entire line of sexy tanks, camis, and the brand new Sweetie Slip Dress ($86- plunging neckline and convertible removable straps) feature slimming panels where you need them the most along with super soft cotton to make them comfortable for everyday wear instead of squeezing you like a sausage. You know what I mean! I love the way my Yummie Tummie products smooth, slim, and makes me look and feel sleek whether I’m at home in a great pair of jeans and a fleece top or heading out for a date night with Tech Savvy Daddy. My favorites include the Peek-a-Boo Cami ($96) which is a slimming slip dress which is perfect under holiday dresses and the Skinny Tanks ($62) that have wide straps to conceal bra straps, cotton bust, slimming tummy panel, and cotton on the bottom that you can leave out for a trendy layered look or tuck into jeans. **Win a $100 gift card to go on a Yummie Tummie shopping spree on their website, courtesy of Yummie Tummie! I am a brand ambassador for Yummie Tummie and received my Yummie Tummies from the company by being their blogger-in-charge of a Washington DC event held this fall and also from the Clever Girls Collective Sweet Suite at Blogalicious. I plan on purchasing the new Sweetie Slip Dress to add to my Yummie Tummie collection though!

• Lands’ End Cashmere (starting at $89.50)– Land’s End has stunning 2-ply cashmere at affordable prices. Their heirloom cashmere comes from Kashmir goats that live in a remote and bitterly cold region of Inner Mongolia that borders China and is both incredibly soft and warm. I have a Lands’ End Classic Cashmere Crew Cardigan Sweater ($149.50) that has become a staple piece of my wardrobe since I got it this fall. Cashmere is warm without being bulky and I find that my sweater is never wrinkled, whether pulled out of a stack of sweaters in my closet or tucked into my bag while traveling. Thanks to my Lands’ End cashmere, I always look pulled together and classy when wearing it. Lands’ End also has a lifetime guarantee that ensures I will always be satisfied with this item. I received my Classic Cashmere Crew Cardigan Sweater courtesy of Lands’ End as part of my Blogalicious wardrobe.

• e.l.f. Cosmetics (starting at $1)- Mineral makeup is the hot thing in cosmetics these days but it doesn’t have to break the bank. E.l.f. Cosmetics has an affordable and high quality line of mineral makeup and professional brushes that start at $3 each. Yes, $3 each! Or go with an over the top makeup set that will provide a look for every occasion like Master Makeup Collection that contains 84 eyeshadow shades, 36 lip gloss shades, 6 blush shades, 4 concealers, 4 shimmer cream shades, 4 bronzer shades, 1 face brush, 1 lip brush and 1 duo eyeshadow applicator and is $40. I also love my 12 Piece Professional Brush Set ($12) because they have been designed and tested by a professional team of makeup artists and each brush has been ergonomically designed to perfectly fit into your hand and facilitate a flawless finish. I hosted an e.l.f. muah Party for blogging friends and was given a chance to try their makeup and was provided with a Master Makeup Collection as a thank you gift.

• Hayden Harnett– My new handbag love is Hayden Hartnett. As a birthday present to myself, I splurged and bought myself the Lorca Turnlock in Black ($335). The thick buttery soft leather is so pleasing to the touch and is just the right size to carry on my shoulder, on the crook of my arm, or as a clutch. It has beautiful hardware in the form of gleaming zippers and clasps that shine against leather that will last a lifetime. I plan to grow old with this bag! Since my first purchase, I’ve been coveting more bags on the Hayden Hartnett site. I troll the site dreaming about my next purchase? Perhaps the Sloane Satchel in Steel ($515) that is pictured above or the Grape Shine Trophy Satchel ($678)? Join Hayden Hartnett’s e-mail list to get advance notice of sales and special offers like free shipping and discounts. I purchased my Hayden Hartnett Lorca bag with my own money it is worth every cent! Hayden Hartnett does not know how much I love their bags but I wish they did and would offer me a sweet discount for the satchels I now covet.

• Sondra Roberts Handbags (Starting at $35)- From shoppers, totes, crossbody, hobo, clutch, shoulder bags, and satchel styles, Sondra Roberts has it all. There is a gorgeous bridal/evening line that is perfect for special night out or the more functional and affordable SR Squared Collection that features beautiful faux nappa leather that is durable and pleasing to the touch. I recently modeled Sondra Roberts bags and got to see items from the collection in person. I love the thoughtful details, plentiful pockets, and zippers throughout both lines. Favorites include the Embossed Bone/Cognac Hobo ($107) and the Trupunto Circles in Fuchsia ($124), pictured above. Free shipping from now until December 30 on the Sondra Roberts website! I received a Sondra Roberts bag for modeling them during a live streamed Twitter party.

For Those Needing Their Caffeine Fix

• Tassimo Suprema Hot Beverage Machine ($129.99-169.99)- Made by high-end appliance manufacturer, Bosch, the single-serve TASSIMO hot beverage system brews coffeehouse quality beverages and offers more than 40 hot beverage varieties through their patented T DISC technology. Tassimo’s hot beverage choices include coffee, real milk cappuccino and latte, espresso, crema, tea and hot chocolate. The newest version, which launched in August of this year, features a liquid crystal display that shows all brewer functions and operating steps, while a cup stand lighting system puts the spotlight on every cup as it is prepared.

• Adagio Teas– Adiago has a great selection of specialty teas. I ordered their Thai Chai and like the subtle flavor of coconut and lemongrass in this great black tea. If you can’t decide, their tea samplers ($10-14) provide enough loose tea to make 8-10 cups. I personally purchased Thai Chai and received a tea sampler with my purchase.

• Oxo LiquiSeal Mug ($21.99)- Out of all of my travel mugs, the Oxo LiquiDeal is my favorite. It features three silicone seals to prevent leaks and spills and clicks open with a satisfying click that only requires only one hand to open so the other is free to drive. It has a double-walled cup and vacuum insulation so the 14 ounces of your favorite really does stay hot for the seven hours that Oxo promises. I find that my morning coffee is always still hot at lunch time! The shape also accommodates a wide variety of car cup holders. My Oxo LiquiSeal Mug was a gift from Tech Savvy Daddy.

For the Literary Types

• Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind ($22.99) by Phillip Done- Close Encounters of the Third Grade kind is by teacher and author and teacher, Phil Done. In his newest book, Done offers the inside scoop to parents, teachers and anyone else who works with children the opportunity to see inside his third grade classroom as he teaches 23 students, confiscates yardsticks that masquerade as swords, tells tales of his class pets, and prepares them for fourth grade and beyond. Phil’s first book was fabulous and his second work is just as great as the first because it is full of warmth, wit, and priceless lessons. A copy of Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind was given to me for review purposes.

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  What Kindergarten Teachers Know ($13.95) by Lisa Holewa and Joan Rice- If you find yourself lamenting the fact that your child behaves better at school than at home, What Kindergarten Teachers Know is full of practical advice, real life examples, and creative ideas that are designed to help your young child be a good listener, independent learner, and cooperative at home. This book is an easy read full of real life scenarios that share the classroom techniques that can also be used to make life at home easier. A copy of What Kindergarten Teachers Know was given to me for review purposes.

• Parent & Child Magazine by Scholastic (8 issues for $9.97)- Every month I look forward to Parent & Child Magazine arriving in my mailbox. Unlike subscriptions to other parenting magazines, Parent & Child always has fresh new content that is a joy to read that is helpful without being overwhelming and making you feel like you are being a bad parent. I love December’s issue for the New Decade, New Traditions article that gave me simple ideas that maximize our time together and 5 Gifts to Teach because of the focus on positive character traits like gratitude, generosity, and empathy. An affordable gift for all parents, but will be especially treasured by new parents! Subscribe here. Scholastic provides me with a copy of their current Parent & Child Magazine each month for review purposes.

• Pat the Husband ($9.95) Cider Mill Press Book Publishers- For any parent who has read Pat the Bunny so much that the rabbit is now furless, Pat the Husband is a fantastically funny parody done in the same way as the children’s classic. In this version Paul is married to Judy and pokes fun husbands in an interactive way with movable flaps, pieces with Velcro, and a mirror. Help Paul get dressed, locate the ketchup in the fridge and the remote control in the couch, and ask for directions when he becomes lost. I won this book from Kim Moldofsky’s My Hormone Colored Days.

• The Internet Mommy ($12.95) by Kimberley Clayton Boyd- Like other moms, the internet is a crucial part of my life. The Internet Mommy features inspiring interviews and stories from moms just like me who work and play online. Also known as The Go To Mom, mother and blogger Kimberley Clayton Boyd assembled a wonderful collection of stories by some of my favorite bloggers for her new book. My personal faves are Stacy Libby’s My Double Life, Beth Blecherman live blogging the pillow fight between her 3 boys, Tricia Haas wondering if social networking killed the work-at-home-mom, and Kristine Needleman explaining how Twitter takes an emotional hold on those of us who use it. It is a must read for any mom who feels a void when she can’t update her status, connect to Twitter, or favors catching up on latest news through her reader rather than the daily newspaper! A copy of The Internet Mommy was given to me for review purposes.

For the Kid at Heart

• Klutz: Encyclopedia of Immaturity Volume 2 ($19.95)– Enjoyed by teens and adults alike, this is the second volume of the complete guide to never growing up! More than 400 pages of skills, activities, mischief and secret knowledge are in this hard cover spiral bound book. For adults of all ages! A copy of Klutz: Encyclopedia of Immaturity Volume 2 was given to me for review purposes.

• Lego Digital Blue Alarm Clock Radio ($29.99) – Waxing nostalgic about childhood, I remember how much my brother and I loved playing with Legos. Despite being full fledged grownups with responsibilities and jobs, we still aren’t too old for Legos to still our lives. The Lego Alarm Clock Radio still allows kids at heart to give their alarm clock a customized look by adding Lego bricks to the top. Just don’t destroy your creation when the thing goes off to wake you for another Monday of work. Comes in blue, green, pink, and red.

For Those Who Love Personalized and Handmade Jewelry

• Imprecious Jewelry– If you like personalized jewelry that you hope to pass along to your children one day, check out Imprecious. Imprecious makes darling jewelry out of your child’s fingerprints that are captured in a putty-like substance that is sent to you and you return along with your order. I received my kit and it couldn’t have been easier to capture thumb and finger prints from everyone in our family. I ordered a 4 print Cascade necklace that features fingerprints from everyone in our family. The small silver discs hang in a line from a chain at my clavicle and is a stunning piece of jewelry that serves as a snapshot in time. Never again will my children’s fingers be as they are now and I wanted to capture their little prints forever. Choose from earrings, necklaces, bracelets in a variety of styles and if you can’t decide, owner Robin, has great suggestions and can even help you design something to fit your needs if what you want isn’t pictured on her site. I purchased my necklace at a 50% discount as part of a blogger promotion.

• Moda di Magno– These fine silver pendants, rings, bracelets, and necklaces are gorgeous, affordable and handmade by a Massachusets based artist. Choose from whimsical pendants on silver chains (starting at $35), a family bracelet with the first initial of each of your loved ones ($50), or charming earrings like India Dot Earrings ($22), or sweet rings like Cherry Blossom rings ($25). I’ve found wonderful gift options for the many women in our lives from this great site and love supporting handmade crafts. 25% off and free shipping from now until November 30. Or get 20% off all items between Dec 1-30 with the code TECHSAVVYMAMA at checkout. A great deal on beautiful handmade works of art! I personally purchased 5 necklaces from Moda di Magno which will be holiday gifts.

• Silpada Jewelry– Silpada silver fans might like to take advantage of the 15% off discount being offered by Kelly. Browse Silpada’s online catalog and contact Kelly if you would like to make a purchase. Get 15% off by mentioning BananaBlueberry. Thanks to Nicole from BananaBlueberry for sharing this discount with Tech Savvy Mama readers!

For the True Gourmet

• The French Laundry Cookbook ($29.25 from Amazon)- Oh Thomas Keller! How I dream of dining at The French Laundry and enjoying one of your 9 course tasting menu during a romantic weekend in Napa. Until I score one of your highly coveted reservations, I think I’ll practice my cooking techniques using step by step directions from your gorgeous The French Laundry Cookbook. I love that there are 150 recipes and 200 photos and I hope you don’t mind the little splatters of ingredients on my well worn copy when I bring it for you to autograph after what will surely be a delightful dinner. What I really want is the The Complete Keller: The French Laundry Cookbook & Bouchon Box Set ($63 from Amazon) but it is currently out of stock.

• Avery Customized Recipe Binder from Zazzle (beginning at $18)- All chefs need a place to store their favorite recipes so give the gift of Zazzle and let them create a delectable binder to house the recipes for all of their tasty treats. Pick from one of the many pre-designed recipe binders that can be customized with a name or create your own signature binder by uploading a design of your own. **Win a gift card good for creating your own Avery Customizable Binder courtesy of Zazzle. I was given a gift card to create a recipe binder courtesy of Zazzle.

• g-Spout ($12.99)- The g-Spout is a removable, multi-purpose spout and strainer that helps you strain and pour hot cooking oil and grease, batters, soups and sauces. New to the market, this innovative device simply clips onto the side of frying pans, saucepans, double boilers, and bowls. Made of high temperature food grade silicone, the g-Spout is microwave and dishwasher safe. **Win a g-Spout and get $2 off the $12.99 price with the coupon code: techsavvy. I received a g-Spout for review purposes.

• The Gourmet Cookbook ($26.40 from Amazon)- Long live Gourmet Magazine for its delectable recipes and glossy food porn that used to arrive in my mailbox. While you may not be able to get your monthly fix, the recipes live on in this anthology that will always pay homage to the print magazine that began in 1941. Have The Gourmet Cookbook? Then add Gourmet Today to your kitchen library since it contains “more than 1000 all-new recipes for the contemporary kitchen.”

For the Health Conscious

• Wii Fit Plus ($89.95 from Amazon)- Whether you are a current Wii owner, play the old version of Wii Fit, or have been contemplating a Wii purchase like I have, I think yo u will love the new Wii Fit Plus. I recently had the chance to attend a Wii Fit Plus Party and try the yoga and the many games included with the system and had a blast even when flapping like a bird to work my arms as I tried to land on a launch pad in the middle of the water. Wii Fit Plus gives you the ability to customize your workout based on your fitness goals and work out as much or as little as you want from the comfort of your own home. And from anyone who thinks you can’t really workout with a Wii, I beg to differ. Sad to say, I haven’t done yoga for awhile and it really did work my muscles in a good way! Wii Fit Plus comes with balance board, Wii Fit Plus software that includes 60 activities and exercises and 20 new strength training aerobics, yoga, and activities for your customized routine. Wii Fit owners can upgr ade to the Wii Fit Plus for $19.95. I attended a Wii Fit Plus Party hosted by Stimey, the Wii Fit Plus Team, and Brand About Town and was given a Wii Fit Plus.
  

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  SkirtSports- Founder and Ironman distance triathlete, Nicole DeBoom, knows functional and fashionable fitness for women. Her tough but soft tights with built in skirts are a dream for a winter workout and will take her from the trails to yoga class and even maybe out to a club in a pair of hot boots! I like the classic ToughGirl Skirt ($90) with boot cut pants, IceQueen Skirt ($125) that features wind proofing and water-resistance to stay warm and dry in the cold, or skirts like the CityGirl ($58) or HappyHour ($66) perfect for those who live in warmer climates during the winter months. I became aware of SkirtSports before I started blogging when I met founder, Nicole DeBoom, at my brother’s first Ironman World Championship in Kona in 2005 where she gave me a SkirtSports visor.
  

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  Withings: Connected Bodyscale ($159.00)- You may not need the world’s first bathroom scale with WiFi and iPhone compatibility, but why not? This super scale makes it easier to reach your personal fitness goals by recording your body weight, lean & fat mass, and calculated body mass index (BMI). The data is instantly transmitted over WiFi to a private webpage or free iPhone application. The multi-user function automatically recognizes up to 8 users the moment they step on the scale. The scale measures <1” style=””> Weight is displayed in lbs or kg and can weigh up to 396 lbs.

• Thermos Intak Bottle ($11)- This is my favorite BPA free bottle because it is leakproof, and has a flip top lid that can be operated with one hand. Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested 32 reusable BPA free bottles to determine the best spill proof, easy to use, durable, stylish, and easy to clean ones and ranked Intak among their Best Reusable Water Bottles. I received a Thermos Intak for participating in the Workout Mommy’s BlogHer 5K this summer.

To enter to win the $100 Yummie Tummie gift card, a gSpout pouring spout, or a customized recipe binder from Zazzle, just leave a comment with your e-mail address below and share what is on your wish list this holiday season.

For extra entries, do any of the following:

• Tweet this: @TechSavvyMama’s Adult Gift Guide w/gift suggestions & giveaways: http://tr.im/FZi9. Guides for all ages here: http://tr.im/F776. Then leave a comment linking to your Tweet.
  

• Write a blog post about my gift guide for grownups and include the words “Tech Savvy Mama’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Adults” and link to this post: http://tr.imFZi9/ Receive your extra entry by leaving the permalink to your post in the comments.

Fine print: Winners will be notified between December 11-13. Comments must contain an e-mail address so I can reach you when you win. Good luck!

Feel free to browse my other gift guides for other holiday suggestions for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary ages, teens & tweens. Gift guides for teachers, tech gifts, CDs & DVDs, and iPhone apps are coming!