—ABBA Gold-Greatest Hits (Special Edition): This CD/DVD package has all of the legendary Swedish group’s hits so you can enjoy them aurally and visually. The CD has songs such as “Waterloo,” “Fernando” and, of course, “Dancing Queen,” while the DVD features all 19 video clips of the hits on the CD. (Interesting side note: Most of ABBA’s videos were directed by Lasse Hallström, since acclaimed for such films as My Life As A Dog, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and Chocolat.)
—Brookstone.com: One of my favorite tech-sale websites, Brookstone.com, has everything from a sofa pillow that doubles as a remote control to sound-therapy systems to a video spy pen that writes as well as records video. I try to get someone something from this site every year.
—Vosges Chocolate: For sweets that are delicious and edgy, this is the place to go. Among the items here are The Enchanted Mushroom,($75) which combines dark chocolate praline, organic Reishi mushroom and white chocolate shell decorated with red dots; and the four-piece Exotic Truffle Collection ($10.50), with chocolate pieces infused with violets, curry, paprika, ginger and wasabi. There’s even a section devoted to bacon and chocolate. Enjoy! See www.VosgesChocolate.com.
—Edible Gifts Plus: Continuing our journey through delicious food, you should also check out this website (www.EdibleGiftsPlus.com), from which you can choose a cornucopia of goodies. Find everything from cake pops to wine baskets to cookie bouquets here—and what makes it even more special is that you can personalize items.
—Illume Candles: All I can say is “Wow.” You’re bound to fall in love with the scents of the items here (www.IllumeCandles.com). The Mini Diffuser Gift Set ($28; with balsam and cedar; mulled wine; and eggnog latte scents) is almost guaranteed to make the recipient fall in love with you. However, there is so much more on the website, listed under categories such as “boho jars” and “Happiology”—which, I assume, is a brand aimed at making you happy.
—Andrew Davis
(Andrew@WindyCityTimes.com)