Anand Bhatt's Ready For the Red Carpet
Host of the TV Show Rock Star Recipes and the 1st Indian-American to walk the Latin Grammy Red Carpet, Anand Bhatt brings us the inside scoop & behind-the-scenes on Everything from Kitchen and Fitness Hacks, who's wearing what, the latest fashion and beauty trends, Inspiration on how celebs keep it together under stress, and more!
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LOL, ok there really was no way to title this article without cancel culture coming after me. Seriously, try it – try naming this yourself.
It sounds sexist no matter what words you use and in what order LOLOL. Naming articles like this post-2020 should be a drinking game. Luckily if you’re a regular reader you’re already mentally healthy enough to understand that this is a useful gift guide for buying gifts for those that identify as women!
We already did the Men’s Shaving Gift Guide, so this one is for when you’re shopping for the ladies!
Because I’m not a woman, I actually enlisted help. The R4RR team of writers went through a crazy amount of gift ideas and products and tried them all! Below is a list of gift suggestions that made the cut that we feel would make great gifts.
[NOTE: Pretty much all of these gifts are gender neutral – Dudes like yoga mats and exercise gear too].
Let’s start with the most timely.
Gourmanity Loose Tea Sampler Sets
GOURMET LOOSE-LEAF TEA SAMPLER SETS are Ideal as a gift for any tea enthusiast Sustainably produced in Austria, these premium loose-leaf teas are manufactured in small batches. I tried the Morning Tea Mix and OMG, that Assam, Ceylon, Nilgiri blend is ROCKIN’! Three of my favorite regions for tea loaded into one English Breakfast style tea, The other is a calming herbal blend and a killer green tea + herbal blend.
Clasp for Her Mask
https://www.claspforyourmask.com/
That’s right, super awesome attractive masks with cool designs and sexy chains. This is such a great idea – a cool gift thought would be to grab her 7 of them for each day of the week. Or at least a variety to be used on formal occasions vs. day to day occasions. Pretty awesome, highly recommended.
Yoga Force Yoga Mat
https://www.yogaforce.com/
Yes, Yes, Yes! Some of us like to pretend we’re badasses and do our morning sun salutations on plain carpet (I’ve even tried the hard stone kitchen floor!), but a yoga mat that you can take where you go – like on a hike – is a Godsend.
This mat has sections on it which help with poses more than you’d think, it rolls easy, and carries really well. And it still looks badass. In other words, it’s not hot pink. Has a section to stash your phone too!
Stay tuned to the Latindian Style ROKU channel, when production starts again, we might use this mat in some videos!
Spark, Vegan Anti-Bloat Fat Burners
https://www.califinalife.com/
OK, I know some of you are like “You can’t buy someone fat burners!” You can, if they’re already into fitness. Why we’re mentioning this right after a Yoga Mat suggestion.
The reason these make for great gifts is the awesome box it comes in. Sure the ingredients are pretty great, definitely a step up from the scary dangerous nonsense you get at GNC. But there are a lot of good fat burners to choose from – this is the only one we know of that comes in a super cool box. In other words, it looks gift worthy when you’re giving it. There is a lot of happy anti-anxiety stuff in the ingredients as well, probably to balance out the caffeine and thermogenics.
Dr. Len’s Portable My Pull-Up Bar
https://www.mypullupbar.com/
We’ll stop with the fitness gift ideas soon, I swear! This one has to be mentioned though. It is totally what we have been talking about around here for a while, just didn’t know something like this existed. A portable device that you can take to the office, or use in front of the TV, that eliminates the need for all those stretchy bands. There are handles on the bottom for push ups, but most women we know aren’t a big fan of push ups OR traditional pull ups. They’re uncomfortable. This gives you the same pump you feel after a good rowing. It is like a reverse push up, it’s a pull up, but more fun.
Stay tuned to the Latindian Style ROKU channel and/or the Rock Star Recipes ROKU Channel, when production starts again, we might show this puppy off in some videos!
Also keep coming back and checking for updates, the above three gift suggestions will most likely be mentioned and further reviewed in other articles related to keeping fit and reducing post holiday bloat (and prepping for the next round of awards to attend, just because we’re zooming in to the Grammys and the Oscars doesn’t mean ppl won’t be able to see that stay-at-home-lockdown weight gain)!
Nomader Collpsible Water Bottle
https://www.nomader.com
Super cool – and I swear this will be our transition from buying for fitness loving women to different personality types! Because this could work for someone that works in an office as well. Or someone who has to drive around all day. As far as color options, I prefer this stormtrooper look, but you may want to consider some of the other colors like pink, green, a couple of blues and a bunch more. This is probably the most eco-friendly gift in this guide. It is really really neat how it holds water, and then can collapse and roll up. Doesn’t leak, saves space, light. Only downside is it is complicated to use and probably will not clean easily. Water from a steel bottle definitely tastes better BUT collapsible is cool.
Alchemy Skin Care
https://myalchemyskincare.com/
You know how we’re crazy about products that have natural yet effective ingredients here at R4RR? If you’re a regular reader you know exactly what I’m talking about. We bring it up all the time.
This brand passes muster. We tried the hand soap, lotion and hand sanitizer. Everything smells amazing. There are interesting ingredient combos, and good for travel/keeping in a purse. (Saving you from a public bathroom anyone?).
Block Island Night Cream
https://www.blockislandorganics.com/
So speaking about how OCD we are about natural ingredients, this is one of those rare find night creams that has good natural stuff in it, yet absorbs well. Rosehip and Aloe are a smart combo, and they are smart enough to use essential oils instead of dimethicone or anything evil. It’s probably safe enough to use on your eye area or on lashes. It’s a night cream though, please remind whoever you’re getting this for to use as directed even if we’re trying it everywhere.
Masami Hair Products
https://www.lovemasami.com/
What makes these fantastic gifts is the packaging. We tried the Shampoo and Conditioner, which came in a nice box and each in a cool fabric pouch. Opening a gift is at least 50% of the experience (if not more). While we’ve recommended a variety of hair care suggestions and products here at R4RR, this is the first time the presentation screamed “This is a great gift!” The product itself? While the conditioner has alcohol in it, the shampoo itself is primarily awesome ingredients. But you want to give them as a shampoo + conditioner set. Maybe add in some of their shine serum if you’re going for it. The conditioner feels good and has other great ingredients despite the alcohol content. As a gift, this primarily looks good as a set. and the selling point is that it is super cool unique SEAWEED Shampoo and Conditioner. Trust me, it is a magical feel when opening the box, and then opening those pouches and seeing the matching cool seaweed green bottles of Mekabu Shampoo and Conditioner. You won’t miss with this as a gift idea.
Dionne James Products
https://www.dionnejamessolutions.store/
Speaking of good hair. Wow. When we first opened up the package in the mail the Dionne James hair products are delivered in, the whole package smelled amazing. Not kidding! It took a mysteriously long time to arrive, but as soon as opened it up there was a minty nutty smell that was so good.
All of her hair products are stellar, and meet our criteria like champs. #1 Reason? (You know exactly what I’m about to say if you’ve been following along) – – – – Awesome Ingredients! The star of the show is this mint scalp tonic. Anyone you give this to will probably want to rub in more than just hair. There is also a Vegan and Plant Based Detangler, everyone can use a good detangler and it is difficult to find some that isn’t basically chemicals.
Also, looking at the ingredients of their Kinky Curly Cocktail Mousse, it appears that it would actually be good for hair to use., and the twist butter works like magic, really good for braiding. Our suggestion is take notice of her hair and estimate what kind of hair type she has and get a 3 to 5 good items for her hair type and arrange them in a basket.
Be The Miracle Hoodie
https://www.themiracles.store/
We chose purple here, because Mani went to Northwestern and she loves that crazy stuff. Go Wildcats!
This is inspirational uplifting clothing without being overtly “grrrl power-y.” They’re soft and comfortable. Double up with a “Blessed” beanie and it’s a pretty great gift.
Personalized Wine Tumbler and Robe Set
https://www.bridesmaidgiftsboutique.com/
So technically this is a bridesmaid gift, but it works for all occasions. And we’re going to prove it to you! We were going to drop this on a particular person (who shall not be yet named, although hints are already alive and well) but instead we’re going to actually reveal it to her on an auspicious date! THEN cover it again! Stay tuned for the reaction. In the meantime, for the rest of us in the know. Trust us, this is a stellar gift idea. You won’t even have to wrap it, just a ribbon – it is that good. Why I haven’t been buying these for everyone all the time I don’t know.
SensaCalm Weighted Blanket
https://www.sensacalm.com/
Yeah, this is awesome on many levels. 1. You can buy it for her and use it for yourself and 2. it really is something else. This might be the most amazing and most comfortable blanket ever made. Too bold of a statement? Man, if only I could have something like a touch-and-feel rub your screen plugin for this blog. It’s like, imagine you knew a giant stuffed Koala bear and you went to sleep in it’s pouch. It’s weighted (aka HEAVY) so alongside living in a stuffed animal’s pouch it is also hugging you while this is happening.
Mulling Spices
https://www.thezenofslowcooking.com/
And no, it’s not tea. These are spice mixes created by hometown alum Eden Laurin. To be fair, I actually tried using one as tea – and it was awesome. The intended use is to toss this into your slow cooker/pot and make a slow simmered cider sort of drink. which is way better than treating as a tea bag, because there is a lot in here. It is very Christmas-y AND I bet it makes great Indian food. Maybe stay tuned to the Rock Star Recipes ROKU channel and I might make a Chole or a Mung Dal or similar using these mulling spices.
Crystal Clear Carats Portable Jewelry Cleaner
https://www.theminecompany.com
OK, so technically this is another bridal gift but it works for anyone on any occasion. Definitely a must have on the red carpet that’s for sure. It is a jewelry cleaning pen that is really easy to use. It clicks just like a normal pen (You have to do it a bunch of times though) and there is a brush on the end that you just brush the jewelry with and it sparkles like new. Not just for gemstones either, worked on cosmetic gold earings too. Quite versatile. Hmmm, will it work on our healing crystals?
Celestial Silk Pillowcases
https://www.celestialsilk.com
Silk pillowcases are the best. Especially if you know someone that cares about their hair. These pillowcases are made from mulberry silk and they are the real deal. A big reason these made it on the list is they are packaged well in nice boxes. Plus they are nice and thick as far as silk goes. They entire unboxing presentation from start to finish will definitely put a smile on someone’s face. Dig it! A set of these are a definite recommend.
Magic Wrap
https://sharesomemagic.com/
Waffle Fleece is a fun thing to say. Magic Wraps are a blanket meets pseudo-robe combo, but different than a Snuggie. It is thicker, softer – and much more blanket-y. They’re really really really soft. What makes these great gifts are that you can easily add a custom note And they’re packaged nicely. Almost don’t need to wrap it.
Ohm Minerals
https://ohmstateofmind.com/
So we’ve held healing crystals in our hands, used them during Hindu holidays, kept them around the house – but this is something new. These are healing crystals to use in baths and crystal blends to use in diffusers. So right now, as of this writing, Mercury is retrograde – ignore the rest of this paragraph if that means nothing to you – and the Elements diffusion blend is EXACTLY what we needed around here. I mean, EXACTLY. It also goes well in the bathroom where there’s a display made of shells collected from Marco Island (that you may have seen being made DIY on the Latindian Style ROKU Channel – or at least a picture of it on Anand’s facebook/insta ) because the air now matches the theme of that bathroom as well as the “shell display” so well. Plus, now that bathroom is the new “grounding room” until Mercury’s back direct – thx to the diffusion blend’s Blue Calcite, Lepidolite and other crystals. Same with the bath crystals. Breath that air (slowly). Ohm’s got a an excellent set of collections for the crystal lover. Even if she doesn’t know about crystals, you can probably guess which mineral remedies would be appreciated by whomever you’re getting these for.
SevenSkin Led Beauty Mask
https://sevenskinbeauty.com
For all you ballers out there, this is the gift to get! You may have seen similar, much larger, setups in spa and doctor offices. This is a super hero looking mask that emits different wavelengths of light for different purposes for collagen stimulation, to closing pores and smoothing wrinkles, to solving pimples, to anti-inflammation to, balancing skin tone etc. Yes, she is going to look like Iron Man when wearing it, but this is a baller option – right up there with Michael Jackson’s oxygen chamber. Anyone who gives this gift will look like an instant badass. It arrives in a really really nice carrying case. The case alone would make an excellent tiny carry-on bag. I think, for an episode on the Latindian Style ROKU Channel we might put Anand under one of these for 5 minutes and see it how it works!
Jackie Earrings from Studio L
https://studioljewelry.com/
Studio L has earrings in general that are raw and elegant at the same time, really good for on the red carpet wear. They’re nice, but if one falls and you lose it your publicist won’t scream at you for being on the hook for a million dollars. The Jackie earrings have a super nice jagged yet almost Egyptian look to them. They come in gold and silver but we recommend the gold. You will probably see some in action on an upcoming episode on the Latindian Style ROKU channel, maybe we can convince the camera to get a closeup, so stay tuned. Or try a pair as a gift, these are versatile enough to fit most anyone’s style.
Idol Light Necklace
http://www.idol-light.com
This is a Stunningly beautiful necklace, under the new category of Eco-Bling. In other words, they took glass that would have been thrown out in landfills and turned it into this opalesque-meets-magic crystal light bending jewelry. It is an elegant minimalist design that changes color depending on the angle.
Under the Sea Personalized Pearl Necklace
https://www.bridesmaidgiftsboutique.com/
I know the URL says this is meant for Bridesmaids but I don’t think anyone actually gets these for that purpose, although that is smart. Note the rhinestone is added, doesn’t actually come with it. Below is what it looks like when you order it. In actuality this is a super nice necklace with a freshwater pearl and a monogrammed custom charm. It makes for an excellent gift for sure!
Wind Passion Nautical Bracelets
https://www.windpassion.net/
These are cool sailing themed bracelets. They come in a HUGE variety of colors and styles. We like the Victory and the Dark Ocean. The are handmade, inspired by the sea, and are made of sailing cord and other marine materials. Every one of these designs is gift worthy. Makes me want to get a boat actually (maybe, as soon as I think of the maintenance – I’m out). You wouldn’t realize it but the marine rope is pretty comfortable. Don’t get me wrong, you definitely notice it is there but it feels comforting to have on. AND if you are Indian-American (or Indian from anywhere I suppose) I think these would make excellent Rakhi gifts: she ties one one your wrist, you put a super cool bracelet on hers that, let’s face it, is going to be better than the one she just gave you ;).
Receptra Relax
https://receptranaturals.com/
This is a CBD Body oil with Arnica in it. It smells fantastic! One of the best smelling CBD body oils on the market. A lot of CBD oils focus on muscle relaxation or mind relaxation, one or the other. We like this one because is self-applied (or couples appplied) massage lotion essentially that makes any sore spot feel great quite quickly as well as a overall relaxing effect on the mind. Instant anti-inflammatory oil, and boosts the mood.
Diamond CBD Lotions and Scrubs
https://www.diamondcbd.com/
While we’re on the topic of CBD, Diamond CBD has some of the most unique lotion and scrub combos that we’ve come across. I mean Turmeric and Neem CBD Scrub? C’Mon, that’s pure genious! They also have a lavender and hemp lotion, and a CBD aloe and jojoba lotion. The best part? Yeah, you know this blog and what I’m about to say – All 100% good ingredients. Absolutely nothing in the ingredients that will make you flinch when you read it. The scrub even bothered to use Sea Salt, they didn’t have to – but it is definitely appreciated.
iReliev Percussion Massage Gun
https://ireliev.com/
When we first heard about this massage gun, to be honest the initial thought was -is this secretly a sex toy? (you’ll think the same thing when you see a couple of the attachments). Especially when the specs talk about stroke length and how it “penetrates deep.” That’s not the reason why we tried it out for real though! This gun is impressive! It works brilliantly on the hip post a long yoga/meditation session. It is surprisingly quiet. And let it work on your shoulder? Wow! Like a tiny fist making the whole world better. Still, the little textured dildo attachment is suspect BUT I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t be thrilled to get this as a gift! It doesn’t weigh much either so it is easy to use. It really gets in there, and these days when you have to wear a mask to go to a massage therapist – this is going to be one of her most loved items. Keep coming back, we might be able to update with some video! In fact, I think we’re going to try it out on Earl in an episode on the Tech D ROKU Channel.
Vibrastraight Pro
https://beautopiahair.com/
She has probably seen this on TV. Out of all the flatirons we’ve considered over the years, this one has consistently outstanding reviews. You have to press the center button down for a few seconds to activate the vibration and setting the temperature is easy. This is the flat iron we often see on set, I think a lot of stylists use this brand. Her hair will look great after just a few passes -assuming she likes straightening her hair, she’ll dig it.
The Slice N Fun Cutting Board
https://www.slicenfun.com/
This is such a cool idea. It doesn’t take up much counter space, it has insanely strong suction cups to keep it still, and while it is sharp it is smartly laid out to really minimize someone cutting themselves. There is actually a lot going on with this thing, including being able to cut and roll into a little serving section. It holds what is being cut in place and I have to say, it is pretty fun to use. Perhaps when production resumes, you might just see me using this in some episodes on the Rock Star Recipes Roku Channel.
Shanti Creations Coconut Wax Candles
https://www.shanticreationsnyc.com/
I am serious when I say this are probably the most intense smelling candles I’ve ever smelled. I don’t know which one I opened up to scent-test first BUT it smelled like 100 mogras at once. Mogras are super powered jasmine like flowers for those that aren’t mogra-hip ;). These candles have the perfect name, the perfect set of ingredients, the jars are cool (and reusable), and they come in organic cotton drawstring fabric pouches making them really fun as gifts.
ARIA PURE Lipstick
https://www.hyntbeauty.com
In true R4RR fashion we dig this lipstick for having the right ingredients. It’s clean, vegan, makeup that feels very pro. The colors are smart and it feels natural. Find out what her go-to color is (just look on her counter) and you should be able to find a matching one in an ARIA shade. She’ll like it.
MomRemedy
https://www.mom-remedy.com
So is it sexist to give a woman cleaning supplies as a gift post 2020? NO! In fact, this brand could just as well be called DadRemedy or AnyoneWhoWantsACleanHouseRemedy. We like it here at R4RR because …. wait for it . . . yeah you guessed it – Natural Ingredients! This stuff is basically alcohol, peroxide and d-limonene (yes, that same terpene in gerd pills and in mood pills). Here is the thing, it smells good and it works. Plus, they have Gift Packs! A little nervous about the peroxide – I want to try it on the stone floors and see if it doesn’t hurt them. This stuff should kill most any bacteria (or virus?? 😉 ) and is awesome on countertops. In fact, when production restarts on the Rock Star Recipes ROKU Channel, you might just see this stuff featured in a couple of videos so you can see how well it handles the cleanup.
1 Tree Mission Bracelets
https://www.1treemission.com
You should have known I’d recommend these ;). This has Anand approved gift all over it on so many levels. Healing stones and Trees? C’Mon. It’s amazing I didn’t start this company myself lol. Basically it is Buy a Bracelet, Plant a Tree. And they’ve thoughtfully mapped out which combo of stones on a bracelet matches with which type of tree they’re going to plant. What would be great when shopping on their site is if you could shop by crystal function or type of tree’s “meaning” – you can, by typing search terms on the magnifying glass for the overall site but I couldn’t figure out how to do it easily with the shop page drop down menu – like, Mercury is currently retrograde. Prob not necessary for anyone but me – just use the search function for the site if you would like to look up which bracelet has the appropriate stones on it for “stress” or “communication” etc. and/or which tree someone you know would dig to have planted. OR, we could all just buy all of them.
Enlighten Bath Tea
https://www.luneriacosmetics.com/
Speaking of crystals, this Enlighten bath tea comes with amazing candles with bits of citrine and quarts in it. Ingenious. Citrine helps encourage creativity and manifests wealth and prosperity as well as reduces anxiety. Quartz helps with healing, relief from negativity, and provides clarity. A bath tea us exactly what it sounds like, a big awesome amazing smelling tea bag that you steep in the tub for your body. It is both invigorating and relaxing at the same time. Interestingly, the Enlighten combo would make for an excellent version of herbal tea (don’t drink your bath water though).
A Breeze-Wind
https://breeze-wind.com
So While Unsuccessfully trying to do a series of photos with one of these to show how to put one on, I realized wait – there’s already a video for that! Check it out above. Don’t let the lack of smile on her face deter you from thinking that this isn’t a thoughtful gift, because these things are WARM! They work. If someone you know has to go outside in the winter for Anything, this is a pretty smart gift idea to get them. We like the blue one, but they come in a few colors.
Munchrooms
https://www.munchrooms.com
Yeah, mushroom jerky! When I first saw these I was like -huh, it would have been nice to know about these in college. And then it hit me, WAIT -can I eat these during the day when I have stuff to do?? I looked at the ingredients, and it is Shitake mushrooms …. so, I was safe. Not going to trip out from a handful of these. That being said, could have used these flavors idea in college ;). They actually taste like jerky, but with a better texture! Very clever flavors.
Twirl Pillow Case Gift Sets
https://www.twirlconnect.com/
These are fancy Egyptian cotton pillow case sets that are embroidered with either “love and appreciation” or “dream BIG”. They’ll also donate a bit to the Pink Fund. The sets are packaged Really nices, look like great gifts immediately upon opening, and include 2 pillow cases, and eye mask or eye pillow, the Dream Big set has earplugs and the Love and Appreciation set has a bookmark.
Mona’s Chocolates
https://www.monaschocolates.com/
Mona Moufid has all sorts of exciting things going on from Nail Stylist to Chocolatier. This pretzel platter of hers caught our eye. To be fair, we haven’t tried it (I think everyone is keto over here right not, aka scared of sugar). We like her nails though so we assume that this is as awesome as it looks! It’s a party platter of dipped chocolate caramel with dark, white, and milk chocolate.
LissommeX Waist Trainer
https://www.lissommex.com/
OK, now that we’ve tempted you with chocolates it’s a good time to mention this gift idea. This one is going to a be a touchy subject, so you better know the person you are buying this for well! Touchy enough where we decided at the last minute we’re not posting our own before and after pics here – the pic above is from a model that OK’d it with the brand. The scoop? This thing works without being uncomfortable! It’s pretty amazing, if you know anyone that won’t be offended that you gave her this, and if you know that this is something she actually wants, then you’ve found yourself a gift. Let’s face it, a lot of readers of this blog are models or know models – you know exactly how useful this is and who won’t flinch at getting one!
Cross Body Phone Case
https://www.zaphyr-cases.com/
The Zaphyr phone case necklaces are such a cool gift idea because this is one of the hottest growing trends! They basically will turn her phone into a cross-body purse in and of itself. It hangs low (although it is adjustable), and looks really good. Also, she is not going to lose her phone! So win win. Cross body cases are a growing trend, and you can see why. It’s a bit of a life changer.
If She Has a Dog
https://www.pawpurity.com
Maybe because this is the entertainment industry, but I am pretty sure it is safe to say that we all know at least one woman that carries a tiny dog in her purse. If not in her purse, she’s got one at home. We also know that when you put moisturizer on paws, dogs lick them off. Weirdos. Paw Purity makes a very unique healing paw conditioner that smells sort of like Necco wafers. For some reason it stays on. If she’s got a dog, she’ll be happy you discovered this for her. The question now is (after seeing that is has natural pretty great ingredients) -can humans use it too?
This one is for the “kids!” I have kids in quotes because for those readers that have been with us for a while, I’ve seen you at events, you’ve shared pics of your kids. They’re older now. Also, it is already super easy to shop for little kids. There is a near infinite amount of options, and let’s face it – little kids are into just about everything. It is when they hit about 10 years old does it start taking the same amount of thought as you would put into an adult. So we figured, we should probably look into this. What are some of the best gift ideas for what to get for kids Ages 10-14 (or older in some cases, a couple of these would actually make great dorm room gifts too). Here’s what we came up with!
Marmals
https://www.marmals.com/
Yeah MARMALS! I bet you’ve never heard of such a thing! They’re new, and they are super cool! This is EXACTLY the type of thing you want a kid to be playing with. They come in a STEAM-style cardboard KIT of sorts where kids can assemble in creative ways, color (they come with little markers), swap, and move. So if you want a kid to get into constructions toys and art toys, these are a 100% fit.
The Gabb Z2 Phone For Kids
https://www.gabbwireless.com
This is a full on smartphone with music, phone, messaging, contacts, camera, video, gallery, calendar, calculator, clock, voice recorder, FM radio, file manager, bluetooth and of course: fingerprint sign in and gps tracking! It’s a parent’s dream come true. Now, even though it looks like a smartphone, there is No Internet Browser, No Social Media, and No foolish apps. It helps kids learn how to use phones well so they are not left behind tech-wise But protects them from all the downsides of screen addiction and scary apps and every other societal horror that smart phones have unleashed on previous generations. They can’t be cyberbullied on here, but they Can Call YOU!
“TOP 100” Scratch-Off Poster
https://www.ennovatti.com
These are Bucket-List posters and they’re awesome. There posters where you can scratch off movies you’ve seen or albums you’ve listened to. Great for older kids! And for the 10 year olds there is one for Top 100 Kids Movies. You can even play it where you watch the movies WITH the kids in order for it qualify for a scratch off. Plus, let’s face it, for some of you regular readers on of this blog you’re probably in a few of these movies or on a few of these albums. That makes it extra fun.
Spontuneous
https://www.songgame.com/
This is a crazy fun game where a word is given and it’s a race to blurt out any song containing that word. Don’t pretend like you already don’t have a Pavlovian response to trigger words that make you belt out a song (even if most of the time in your head). This is definitely a win with kids, and another game that you can play with the kids should you choose.
Tellinga Stories!
https://www.tellinga.com
This is super cool, you send them pics and they create cards with hand drawn stories – a card arrives every other day to tell a story.
Learning Blankets
https://www.birdyboutique.com
Birdy Boutique makes these Very big and quite soft educational blankets. Most are for younger kids but their world map + dinosaurs blanket would be a good fit for a kid who is going to learn this material in school soon or has just recently covered it. This is the perfect movie night blanket for kids too. It’ll also look cool in their room IF you can get them to make their beds :D.
Acrylic Painting Party
https://www.artstudiolive.com/
I love this. It is 4 canvases and 4 full sets of acrylic paints and brushes. So, great for 1 kid, and up to 4 at a time. Also good for a family fun night. They have step by step videos that you access too. Keep in mind, acrylic paint is not easy BUT it is super fun – a lot of kids will really dig this.
Little Learning Hands
https://littlelearninghands.com/
This is Hands Down my new favorite cultural education company. This subscription company seems so down to earth, yet this is some serious quality stuff. Opening one of their subscription boxes is a totally exciting experience. I absolutely love the complete myriad of things that kids can learn, and so in fun ways from 3D puzzles (which are the best part) to language and info books, fun facts, realistic play money, to science-y and other fun projects. I almost want to divide up the box into multiple gifts :D. But don’t, a kid getting to open up a box like this every month has got to be exciting for them. Think about it, you’re going to give one of these to a kid and say “You love this one? Just wait, you’re getting a new one every month!” Only downside? They have artists from Spain and Cuba on their “Listen to Mexican Music” playlist lol. But I won’t tell if they add some Anand Bhatt “El Latindio” music to it :D.
Creativity for Kids
https://www.fabercastell.com/
I love these! This brand rocks. They make everything from Grow yourself glow in the dark terrariums, pour on rock painting kits, to acrylic sets to a #HATNOTHATE Hat Knitting Kit to a Modern Calligraphy set! Everything here makes for absolutely stellar gifts. The best part about gifts like these is you can have fun with the kids too. The terrarium is so much fun, it is a HUGE upgrade from the chia pets we had to play with as kids.
Craftbud Candle Making Kit
https://www.Amazon.com/
The first thing you notice when you open the box is WOW! It smells Awesome. As in you will just sit there for a while and keep smelling the inside of the box. I am not kidding. It is something else. This is an excellent gift idea. And could last for years of candle making. There is A LOT of stuff in this kit. Parents will need to help – but you will want to. My guess is this will eventually secretly turn into a gift for the parents. It is completely useful and a zen-like level of fun.
Personalized Mini Basketball
https://www.groovyguygifts.com/
OK, so this is a ringbearer gift but who says it has to be? Look how cool it is. It is actually a pretty high quality mini basketball. As in, the kid can actually use it! It is easily palm-able and will be dunk-able in most at home indoor toy hoops.
Shopping for kids over the age of 10 does not have to be a pain, it can be just as much fun as shopping for an adult you know well!
It’s the Men’s Shaving Gift Guide! This “what to buy for men” guide is for anyone that cares enough to NOT buy a dude a tie. Seriously, guys get the most boring gifts. I don’t blame you though, every time someone asks me what I want, my usual thought is “I already have everything I want. What could someone else possibly give me.” Well, anything I might actually think is cool is going to be way to pricey for me to suggest to someone to get. Right guys? I know every guy that is looking at this knows exactly what I am talking about. The answer to “What do you want?” is something akin to: “A new $3k laptop, but I don’t actually need a new new laptop so that’s a waste of money and it will just sit around taking up space. How about you convert a room in the house into my own private movie screening room, but then again I would have done that already if that is what I wanted so in truth the existing rooms in the house are already perfect as they are, how about a night with your one of your girlfriends? LOL, ok I actually don’t want that drama … hmmmm …. A private jet that goes to Asia every two weeks? But then who is going to maintain that thing? WAIT WHAT? Your budget is under $100? In that case, what I REALLY WANT is $99.99 to put towards the electric bill.” And that is how we end up with ties. They really don’t have any options. In truth, $$ towards bills that we have no control over cancelling like electricity or insurance is EXACTLY what a guy Actually wants and can always use – but that is not fun for the gift giver and they usually refuse even if you ask. So what else does a man do that is not “cancellable?” Shaving. Fuck having a beard, those itch. We shave. We shave like we pay the electric bill. We just do it, whether we like it or not. So if you can somehow help make shaving a more pleasurable (or at the very least a more efficient) experience? That is good gift giving right there.
So here are the top picks for Men’s Shaving products that will make Great Gifts:
What make these stand out is the amazing way they’re shipped. They arrive wrapped with an old school wax seal stamp. I can just imaging monks sitting there shipping these out! Then they are boxed in cork material. The presentation is second to none. The bristles in the brush worked well – super soft, lathered well. Played with the center of it quite a bit with my finger and it didn’t shed. (note it did not feel synthetic, real boar hair bristles I believe – something to keep in mind). Also tried the brush on a hard soap and it worked brilliantly.
Their Masamune razor itself has a very comfortable grip, and a manly look to it. Feels like you’re doing the real deal – it is a lightweight razor so requires some skill to get a very smooth shave but also nice to use if you’re spacing out and in a morning rush. It is an excellent daily razor.
The combo of the razor And the brush as a matching gift is actually part of the experience, I highly suggest it.
GroovyGuys Engraved Shave Kit
https://www.groovyguysgifts.com
OK, technically this is a Groomsman gift, but C’Mon! How cool is this? It is a nice sized engraved wooden box (wood, super manly already) with a nice monogrammed razor that takes Mach 3 cartridges (for those that aren’t used to the old fashioned scary razors that we’ll mention in the rest of this guide) along with a shave brush and a bowl with hanging apparatus. This is a gift and a half for any guy on any occasion!
Save the Wave Ultimate Shave Kit
https://www.savethewaveskincare.com
This is an all in one gift pack that has a really nice Tobacco and Bay Leaf shave soap. I don’t smoke, but this smell is exactly what I want to smell like all day. I seriously sniffed the tin a dozen times before wetting it. I didn’t bother transferring it to a bowl either btw, worked just fine in the tin.
The brush is synthetic. Lathered better than I thought a synthetic brush would. The feel of it is so crazy soft compared to a boar or badger brush, how do I put this, if you were on molly you wouldn’t stop touching it.
The “Everything Oil “as an aftershave felt good – although I don’t think that is its intended purpose. Honestly, I am personally not a fan of anything with lavender in it as a guy. Weirds me out as an ingredient based on some (admittedly not 100% scientifically sound) studies. The oil would make for an effective beard conditioner though, so is probably a good idea to use it as a pre-shave.
All in all, this is a great turnkey gift. Comes in a nice pouch too and you can wrap the box it ships in to make an awesome “opening” experience.
Badass Anodized Safety Razor
https://www.shave.net
Guys totally understand that not everyone has the $175 to spend on a Tatara razor. This one from Shave.net is super cool! It changes various rainbow colors as you move it. I looks great! If a guy isn’t used to this type of razor, he may cut himself like crazy. The angle on this one is important, can’t space out while shaving. BUT this razor is thankfully close-combed which helps a great deal. It is super comfortable to grip and has a nice weight to it. Overall this is an extremely badass razor. Can’t stop looking at it actually.
The Bib & Tucker Sandalwood Shave Kit
https://www.bibandtucker.com
Kudos to B&T for making a shave bowl with a generous supply of sandalwood shaving cream. It’s the soft kind that you don’t have to soak for a crazy amount of time.
It whipped up nicely with the included badger hair brush. Although the brush is super soft, it still works best after a quick warm water soak. Note: all though the cream is a “bowl” of cream,
you’ll definitely want to buy a separate bowl for whipping it up which would make a nice additional gift.
Paired also with the MUHLE Aftershave the above combo is a pretty awesome gift package. The MUHLE aftershave is actually the best aftershave mentioned in this guide. Really soothing.
People’s Barber Pre-Shave Oil
https://shop.peoplesbarber.com/
Sativa Oil – ‘Nuff Said. OK, seriously this is really good pre-shave oil with eucalyptus and sativa oil. A really nice pre-shave oil to help calm and coat the skin is a Man’s best friend. Especially if he is a wet shaver, this will help preventing his neck from looking like it fought in World War II. People’s Barber also makes a good after shave balm. They also make shave gel which will take some getting used to if used to soap and a brush (or even canned shaving cream). The benefit of a gel is you can actually see what’s going on if you’ve got the skill to shave without lather. That and it also has hemp seed oil in it.
The Global Commuter See Thru Shaving Kit Bag
https://www.theglobalcommuter.com/
This is a super nice leather TSA approved bag. Keeps airport security from opening up and rummaging through a shaving kit. Even when not flying it is nice to be able to see to be able to see everything you need without opening the pouch to remind you that you have everything packed and nothing is missing. As a gift, it comes in a nice box that you can wrap.
Pacific Shaving Company
https://www.pacificshaving.com/
PSC sells a lot of really cool stuff, and since we are talking about gifts you are probably not going to want to give someone one small item (even though if you are, their bamboo pre-shaving scrub qualifies for sure).
We suggest you pick up a large variety of their coolest stuff and arrange it in a gift basket. For starters, they have a Three Item Shave Regimen pack that has the Bamboo pre-shave Scrub (awesome), some shaving cream and a post shave moisturizer.
You also may want to add their caffeinated products too (yes, caffeine for shaving – it is pretty fun). They also have an additional bundle that has the caffeinated shaving cream plus caffeinated after shave plus an additional NICK STICK.
The nick stick, whether any man wants to admit it or not, is useful after EVERY shave. If guys tell you they don’t nick their necks – they’re either lying or are more nerdy about shaving than they should be letting on. They also have some pretty great shave oil, and for travel something called a Shave Stick – which looks like a stick of deodorant but make sure the two don’t get confused. A shave stick is essentially shave soap you can rub on and then easily brush into a lather right on the face. Quite useful.
TrendHim
https://www.trendhim.com
If he is a straight razor enthusiast, then the Guardenza Black Edition Beard Kit might be the way to go! This is also the recommended gift if he wants to keep some beard but shave around it. This kit, which comes from Denmark, has a nice wooden handled straight razor, some Beard Butter, and a fancy bottle of beard oil. It comes in a nice black tin, which makes it fun to open!
Bel Essence
https://www.belessence.com
So this technically is not traditional shaving gear, but hear me out. I am fan of this brand for sure for a variety of reasons. You’ve seen me praise their eye cream and you’ve watched me unbox a few of their other products. There is a secret magic combo here for shaving as well. They have a Hemp Oil soap that lathers when brushed! The ingredients are stellar on the face. If combined with their anti-wrinkle oil cream as a pre-shave as well as an aftershave the combo is quite impressive. Plus each bar of the hemp oil soap comes in this super cool shiny wrapping paper.
JUST FOR FUN!! JJ Suspenders
https://www.jjsuspenders.com
Leather suspenders are awesome! Since this guide was dedicated to making shaving less tedious, bringing the fun back to it (notice the products recommended here use brushes and shave soaps) you’ve got to trust me on this – being shirtless but wearing a pair of old timey suspenders in the morning, even if connected to your pajamas, while you’re shaving is fun as hell. You should totally include old timey suspenders with any shaving gift. The only thing missing is having a horse tied up outside the window (I totally pretend there’s a horse around even when there isn’t one). Anything you can do to help a man turn his chores into something fun is definitely a gift.