Some years I’m so on top of gift-giving, and other years I’m already planning my IOU’s!! Perhaps because Thanksgiving occurred in the very last days of November, and in a blink of the eye it was December. The usual runway to the holidays seemed shorter than usual. This list is also great for birthday and special occasion gift-giving.

Give gifts that keep on giving:

Hair is something we “wear” everyday:

For the woman who seems to have everything, make hair drying and styling special and “healthier” with the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer and Dyson Airwrap Styler. It is the latest technology that dries and styles hair without high heat to minimize damage, in less time. I’ve had a blow out at a salon with the Dyson Hairdryer and the stylist said it was worth every penny. It delivers on shorter drying time and she loved the lighter weight tool.

When you love her/him to the moon and back:

Get some good luggage to go with that romantic trip! Good travel bags are indispensable and will last for many more trips! You’ll find luggage with a portable charger, like Away, and extremely lightweight and stylish, like Tumi. Especially because good luggage is something that we may not buy for ourselves this is the time to splurge for your loved one. Go beyond the basic. Upgrade your special someone to luggage, travel bags or a computer/messenger bags that they’ll be proud to have TSA search!

Upgrade your soundscape:

These stand up speakers by Martin Logan are an impressive and beautifully designed set of home speakers. The audio specialist at Abt explained to me that the thin screen vibrates to amplify the sound. So instead of distortion when you turn up the volume, it just sounds like you get closer to the source.

My visit to the Abt store reminded me of the quality of sound that’s possible in home. Portable blue tooth and voice controlled devices that produce “pretty good” sound have replaced some of very large and high fidelity speakers. These used to be the sign of an audiophile, or just boy’s toys that made listening to music a spiritual experience. Re-visit the audio section because everything is ready to wire and pair with digital devices for easy pairing.

Check out this video of my visit:

Your bed is your recovery lab:

There are so many things to consider when getting a new mattress. And online mattress companies have disrupted the industry. I still think that the best way to find the best mattress is to go to a mattress store, or mattress gallery at a place like Abt, and just spend some time laying on beds. Also feel what it’s like to get out of the bed. Make it fun and part of the gift-giving experience!

The Perfect Roommate:

Imagine if the daily sweep of floors was done automatically and by a cute little disc that maneuvers around furniture while you are away? You’ll come home to clean floors to welcome your tired feet! I discovered what a treat this was when I was visiting a friend, arrived while she was at work, and noticed the iRobot Roomba doing “his” thing. I was pretty impressed and stayed out of “his” way.

Living yoga off the mat:

Ayurvedic consultations can be so insightful on living powerfully and deeply. For the committed yoga practitioner or teacher this might be a true up-level experience. Some of the deeper practices of yoga (like pranayama and bandhas) can really support the big work that we are up to in life. I highly recommend Shweta Parmar, of Gutsier Living. Seeking wisdom on that level for times of transition (career, motherhood/fatherhood, divorce, between seasons, etc) can make a difference between just keeping all the balls in the air to being your best Self in these important moments. Advice on food choices, working with your internal chemistry (the right spices, foods etc), daily rhythm and rituals, as well as attending to the energetic subtle body makes sense especially if yoga is a regular practice.