"Home" 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Go to the Lifetime Moms Holiday Gift Guide

 

This Holiday season I wanted to showcase products that I absolutely love. Many of the products are from Europe, featuring some of my favorites of Scandinavian and Italian design. I believe in giving fewer gifts of better quality, and the products in my first annual Lifetime Moms Holiday Gift Guide are all what I could call everyday luxuries. Products that will make your day feel luxurious, every day, and help you live life to the fullest. I am hoping you will find gift ideas for everyone on your list, including you.

 

1. Iittala Taika Holiday Ornaments

Iittala's Taika ornaments are deisgned by Klaus Haapaniemi and they bring elegance and whimsical sophistication to anyone's Christmas tree. These glass ornaments have an owl and a peacock painted on them - unexpected, yet traditional. $18 for a pair at FinnStyle.com

 

2. We Take The Cake 6" Chocolate Layer Cake

We Take The Cake is a gourmet bakery in Florida, but lucky us - they deliver everywhere in the US. The chocolate cake is my absolute favorite, and I know that it will arrive in perfect shape for my friends and family, as it comes so well packed. The delicious cake will impress every chocolate lover and it serves 10 people, making it a perfect dessert for Holiday gatherings. Just remember to oder one for yourself too! $47 at We Take The Cake

 

 

3. Martha Stewart Classic Holiday Wreath & Garland

Martha knows good things, good classic things especially, and what would be a more classic and more elegant way to decorate one's home for the Holidays than with a Holiday Wreath & Garland? The set is created of noble fir, variegated holly, green holly, juniper, western red cedar, and incense cedar and decorated with pinecones and red berry clusters. Classic beauty! Available separately or together, starting at $49.99, at 1-800-Flowers

 

4. Aarikka Poro Reindeer Blanket

If you are looking for a high quality wool blanket with a modern design that's perfect for the Holiday season, Aarikka's Poro (reindeer) blanket is it. Made of 100% new wool, it's a warm, cozy modern design with holiday cheer. $147 at FinnishGifts.com

 

5. Anka Mini Furniture by Scandinavian Child

The modern table and chair set by Scandinavian Child makes a great gift for young families. The set is made of birch and comes in different finishes. The chairs are stackable, making it easy to store when not in use. The set comes with a table, three chairs and a stool sturdy enough for an adult to sit on and join the party around the table. Classic Scandinavian design, inspired by architect Alvar Aalto, and high quality that will last for generations. Starting at $195 at Amazon

 

6. Electrolux ICON Designer Series 48 Bottle Wine Cooler

If you are a wine lover and consider yourself the neighborhood sommelier, the Electrolux ICON Wine Cooler is for you. It fits nicely under the counter, has space for 48 of your favorite wines, and the shelves slide out easily when you are picking a bottle for your holiday gathering. With tinted glass doors helping to preserve the wines and theatre style lighting to find the bottle you want, this has it all. If you are serious about your wines, you know that the $1,951 is worth it.

 

7. DeLonghi Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine

I have owned at least 10 different coffee/espresso machines, and this one has lasted the longest, and makes the best espresso with a push of a button. All you need are coffee beans and this automatic coffee maker grinds the beans and makes the espresso quickly, delivering a nice, fresh crema every time. $745 at Amazon (If you drink two cups of medium coffee-shop lattes a day, this machine will earn itself in less than 4 months!)

 

 

8. Bose Lifestyle 48 Series Home Entertainment System

A well-equipped home theatre with premium TV viewing is a must for families. Who can afford to take the whole family to the movies these days anyways? Staying home and enjoying family movie nights is a gift that I'd like to give to any family. And any mom deserves to watch Project Runway and Army Wives in HD and with high quality sound, not to mention dad's sports programming. Bose Lifestyle 48 provides premium sound and has amazing properties like uMusic - which stores your music, learns to recognize your favorites, and then plays your music according to your preferences. $3,999 and worth every penny (especially if a family of 5 skips the movie nights and stays home instead)

 

9. Alessi Mediterraneo Tealight Holder

Beautiful Italian design, the Alessi Mediterraneo candle holder is a great gift for anyone who likes modern design. The holder brings sophistication and style, and the candle light dances in the room so beautifully through this votive holder. Made of steel and available in two colors. $34 from Alessi

 

10. Fatboy Bean Bag

Fatboy bean bags are great for kids of any age. For cuddling and reading books in a toddler's room, to the student's dorm - even for living rooms. It's easy to clean, gives color to any room, and is a gift that will be loved and cherished for many relaxing moments. My favorite is the red Unikko print by marimekko, but Fatboys are available in a few sizes and several colors. Starting at $149 for the junior size at Amazon