One of the things that we love most about shopping for Christmas gifts is finding that unique – and often one-of-a-kind – item that truly fits the personality or style of the person we’re shopping for. In most cases, we do this by shopping at local stores, Christmas bazaars, and other craft fairs or art shows. We also find products on television or while we are streaming a show or movie.
There are some really cool and innovative products on the market, and since we are about two weeks from Christmas, I decided to share some of them so people can have a few more gift-giving choices.
In addition to gift-giving, there is an increase in charitable giving during the holidays. According to a recent survey, 57 percent of respondents said that they donate in some way to charity over the holiday season, compared to 25 percent of respondents who donate during the rest of the year. Many nonprofit organizations state that they receive as much as two-thirds of their annual donations during the holiday season.
There are many ways to give back during the holidays, and the first two products allow a person to do just that. They allow one to give back while buying cool, unique products. The first product is Bombas, which is a sock that is designed to be comfortable and supportive regardless of the activity. The socks are made of extra-long staple cotton, have a reinforced footbed, feature “stay up” technology, have built in blister tabs, (ankle socks), have a Y-stitched heel which creates a natural cup, have a honeycomb support system, and “invisitoe” technology which eliminates the bump that runs across the toes on most socks. In addition to having a really good sock, the company was founded with the mission of providing durable, long-lasting socks to the homeless. So for every pair of socks purchased, a pair of socks that has been specially engineered to meet the needs of those who do not get a clean pair of socks every day, is donated. More information about Bombas as well as their products can be found on their website.
The second product is a tote sold by Taaluma. High quality fabric is purchased from a country, the fabric is shipped here to the States where the totes are made by adults with disabilities, the totes are sold, and 20 percent of the profits are returned to the country where the fabric was purchased and used to provide microloans for businesses. More fabric is also purchased from the country and the process begins again. The partner countries and regions include Australia, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Guatemala, Indonesia, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, and Thailand. More information about Taaluma as well as their products can be found on their website.
With the New Year approaching, many people think about working out to lose weight, whether it be a goal or just to lose those extra pounds gained during the holidays. The next product, the Simply Fit Board, may be what you’re looking for if firming up is on your list. The Simply Fit board is a balance board in which the user stands on and twists, which results in a low-impact workout. More information on the board as well as additional products are available on their website.
Another health-related product is the Q-flex Acupressure Back and Body Massage Tool, which is a self-massage device that enables the user to massage hard to reach areas anywhere on the body. The Q-flex is designed to apply tension to muscles or trigger points that are used in acupressure techniques. Using acupressure techniques is said to be effective in releasing tension, increasing circulation, reducing pain, and boosting the body’s immune system. The product as well as more information can be found at their website.
Pet health is important as well, and if you are looking to provide a fresh alternative to store-bought dog food, then PetPlate may be for you. PetPlate provides veterinarian designed, chef crafted meals made from fresh, real ingredients. The pre-portioned meals are delivered to your door in frequencies determined by the plan the customer chooses. PetPlate products and more information are available at their website.
A great idea for those who enjoy receiving different cosmetics to sample before buying a larger quantity is Birchbox. Birchbox is a subscription service that provides a monthly delivery of five beauty products, selected based on the customer’s profile. Larger sizes of products are available for purchase on their website. More information about Birchbox can also be found there.
A few final ideas include Line Cutterz, an adjustable ring that cuts fishing line; Hand Out Gloves, waterproof gloves and mittens with waterproof zippers to allow the user to quickly get their entire hand out; and Snap Circuits, electronic kits that have color-coded, snap on parts to make learning about electricity and creating projects fun.
There are many unique, innovative products available to fit every taste and budget. My hope is that these ideas help you through the decision and shopping process this holiday season.
This will be my last post prior to the Holiday so I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!
Born in Nashua, Brian Chicoine spent his early years in Raymond before moving to Manchester at the age of 9. A few years after graduating from West High School, Brian moved to Providence to complete his undergraduate degree at Rhode Island College. After college Brian got married then he and his new wife Jackie spent a little more than five years in New Hampshire, where their two boys were born. The Chicoine family then returned to Jackie’s home state of Rhode Island and have been living there since. Brian has merged his passion for entrepreneurship and innovation with his love of new and bold ideas to bring fresh perspectives on the way things are done. Brian, Jackie, and their two boys currently live in Rhode Island, but their hearts are in New Hampshire.
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