The Sansa slotRadio Player is a great musical accessory for everyone on your list. This first-of-its-kind music player comes pre-loaded with 1,000 songs from Billboard charts so all someone has to do is press “Play.” The 1,000 songs are categorized into seven different playlists, including rock, country, urban, alternative, contemporary, workout and chillout, so just pick the music that fits the mood. I’m assuming Lady Gaga would be in “contemporary” and not “alternative.”
$79; www.slotRadio.com,
www.radioshack.com and
www.BestBuy.com
Hot dates
John Gress’ 2010 Cool Down Calendar is probably a misnomer, considering that looking at the hunks featured here will warm practically anyone. Each month features a different athlete showcased in an 12 x 18″ picture—including cover/April model Alexander William, who recently provided fitness tips to Windy City Times readers. By the way, some models will be at Gay Mart, 3457 N. Halsted, on Saturday, Dec. 12, 1-3 p.m.; part of the calendar’s proceeds that day will benefit Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
$14.95; store.JohnGress.com
Heart (land) and soul
Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights—a Chicago-based non-profit that helps people who are threatened by poverty or danger improve their lives and realize their human rights—has developed an online gift catalog so people can help support families and individuals in need in their communities and still partake in the holiday spirit of giving back. Gift price points start at $15, and include gifts that kids can give to other kids, too.
www.heartlandalliance.org/
howtohelp/giveagift
Trail mix
One of the overlooked gems in Chicago is Andersonville’s Paper Trail store, which contains a very enticing mix of affordable gifts that are—dare I say it?—classy. From the high-quality greeting cards to irreverent Mikwright plates to stainless-steel wallets to sleek wine accessories, you really can’t go wrong here.
$16.95-$85; 5307 N. Clark or
773-275-2191
Living on the edge
For those who like their clothes to have a little edge, Solis provides lots of options. With labels such as Affliction, Diesel, DyOh Jewelry, Joyrich, Division E and Sunday Rocks, Solis has plenty of alternatives for those looking for a change from the Gap or Banana Republic—not that there’s anything wrong with those labels.
various prices; store.soliscompany.com
ZEN and now
ZEN Green Tea Liqueur—a unique blend of the finest Japanese green tea leaves, premium herbs and natural flavors—is the first super-premium green-tea liqueur ever introduced in the United States. Try the liqueur (described as “light and refreshing” in a press release) alone, or make a ZENtini, which contains two parts ZEN, two parts SKYY Vodka and a splash of fresh orange juice. Bottoms up!
$29.99; www.ZenLiqueur.com
Hour of power
You may know Energizer for its batteries for your various (household) items, but the product line also includes chargers, flashlights and even gaming consoles. Among its heavy-hitters is the swivel light, which as a rugged, waterproof case as well as a variety of lighting modes. You never know when you might need one—whether you’re camping or dealing with a flooded basement.
$79.99; www.energizer.com