Technology :: Personal Tech
2005 Holiday Gift Guide :: Video Games
by David Foucher EDGE Publisher Wednesday Nov 23, 2005 Video game fans are always seeking new and improved ways to beat their opponents, making them an easy target for gift givers. In the spirit of the holidays, we looked at some of this season’s must-have games and gadgets. But first, the basics. What game system you choose largely depends on whether you want to play on the go or sit in front of the television. This was the year that portable games really took off, as evidenced by the popularity of the $130 Nintendo DS by Nintendo Co. and the $299 PlayStation Portable from Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news). The PSP is a sleek gadget that plays movies and music as well as sharp-looking games. The DS, meanwhile, packs dual screens, touch sensitivity and a microphone for some truly interactive gaming. If you want to game without looking like the kiddies, consider the Game Boy Micro. At $99, it only plays aging Game Boy Advance games, but the Micro’s modern, diminutive design fits in a boardroom as easily as a classroom (or a shirt pocket). On the console side, the machine du jour is Microsoft Corp.’s new Xbox 360. At $399.99 for the fully loaded version, it’s a worthy successor to the old Xbox and a must-have for anyone wondering what the next-generation of video game consoles can do. Older game systems — the original Xbox, Nintendo’s GameCube and Sony’s venerable PlayStation 2 — remain relative bargains, all of them costing $150 or less. In fact, most new titles are still being made for these aging systems, so don’t worry about obsolescence anytime soon. At the same time, personal computers have become the system of choice for vast online multiplayer worlds that can take years to conquer. So you’ve plunked down the cash for a console — be prepared to spend from $30 to $50 on average for the actual games. There are hundreds of games to choose from, more than I can fit. But here’s a sampling of a few that are sure to please gamers of every persuasion.
Made with organic soy wax, Lumia Organic candles are as heavenly clean burning and eco-friendly as they are wonderfully scented. Soot free and environmentally friendly, they’re made with organic soy wax and natural scents designed to energize, relax or just plain make you happy. Lavender Love is my favorite for nights in bed with my other half. The combination of lavender, orange and ylang ylang (however you pronounce that is beyond me) is relaxing, sensual and sets the mood for love… During the day I like to burn Cinnamon Spice (cinnamon, clove and sweet orange), Lemongrass & Bergamot, and Rosemary Mint. The natural candles are available in different sizes and styles including tall crackled-glass, smaller globes, bulb jars with lids and flared glass styles. Prices range from about $7-$20 depending on the size. For more information go to www.lumia.us
What surely must be French for ‘incredibly scented, long-lasting and simply elegant,’ L’Occitane is no longer known only for their incredibly effective (and addictive!) hand cream, but their amazingly long-lasting candles as well. From the south of France, L’Occitane creates authentic products true to their Mediterranean roots, using natural perfumes in pure scents. Designed to burn clean and safely (the cotton wicks are non-toxic), the classic metal tins fit perfectly in any décor and any room. The classic scents (Madagascan Vanilla, Orange Blossom and Clementine) are wonderful, but our favorites were the more unusual and stirring scents, like Lavender Amber, Rose Pepper and Citron Blackberry. Available in the classic metal tins, various size glass containers and seasonal pots, shapes and gift sets, no matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong. L’Occitane candles run from $16-38 depending on size and can be found at L’Occitane boutiques nationwide and at www.loccitane.com
What does Kabbalah smell like? Light a candle and find out… Seriously though, what must surely be a favorite of Madge this holiday season (depending on what holiday she’s currently celebrating), what these candles may lack in religious sensitivity and taste, they more than make up for in beauty, scent and celebrity-love-factor. Made by Slatkin & Co. (long known for their high quality, attention to detail and celebrity following), while the marketing may be a bit much (“Crafted of rare ingredients traced to Biblical times.”) the products themselves are divine. Available in eight scents (Passion, Sexual Energy, Prosperity and DNA of the Soul among them), each with their own unique blend of fragrances, they also come with a red string to tie around your left wrist to ward off the evil eye… especially effective if your name is Brittney and you’re married to trailer trash. For as much as I joke, the candles are hot, long lasting and smell divine. If you’re buying a gift for anyone in LA, or want to look like you know the goings-on of the Hollywood elite, run to Neimans and pick up a Kabbalah candle. $22 each, available at Neiman Marcus and online at www.neimanmarcus.com For more information, www.Slatkin.com
Whenever I need to buy a gift to impress, I go to Alora. Their packaging, their products, and their scents have an air of quiet, sophisticated beauty, which makes them the perfect housewarming, host or anytime gift for the discerning person who thinks that they have everything. Made in Italy, these soy-based candles burn cleaner and at a low temperature than their nasty paraffin-based cousins. This lower burning point allows for the use of more essential oils, meaning they’re so infused with heavenly scents that one candle will keep your entire house smelling delightfully fresh and welcoming. Poured in heavy glass with a handcrafted wood top (that can also be used as a base), they look as beautiful as they smell. Give the gift of an Alora Ambiance candle and you’re sure to be remembered for years to come. Alora Ambiance candles come in seven scents (uno, due, isola and caldo are my favorites) from fresh and floral to clean and crisp to dark, musky and manly, come with beautiful matches, and are available for $40. For more information and to buy them, go to www.aloraambiance.com
It seems that there’s no end to the number of products that Crabtree & Evelyn creates, and believe me- that’s a good thing! The scented candles from their Home Fragrance line are deliciously yummy, simply packaged and wonderfully priced. Each candle burns for 30 hours, comes in a fine white porcelain holder and is heaven to the senses. The wax is vegetable based and the wick is lead-free for a clean, even burn. Their seasonal scents are incredibly delicious (and bring a bit of the holidays to every day) but their rich Vanilla Truffle in particular makes me weak at the knees. Crabtree & Evelyn candles can be purchased at Crabtree & Evelyn boutiques and at www.crabtree-evelyn.com for $25.
From the Goddess Line of products, Lakshmi NYC has brought a bit of the ancient ways to today’s hectic world. Keeping it simple, Lakshmi products are available in three scents; Parvati (the goddess of perseverance), Lakshmi (the goddess of abundance) and Athena (the goddess of wisdom). Our favorite- Athena- is made with lemongrass in a natural beeswax base. Its energizing scent permeates the air, giving a crisp sense of awakening and brightening your day. Lakshmi NYC candles are available online at www.lakshminyc.com
Perhaps the candles that most embody ‘fun,’ Bluewick candles became my best friends on a recent spa trip to Phoenix. Following a particularly enlightening massage and facial, I emerged from the spa to the most wonderful scent of citrus & mint, floral & musk, fruit & spice. Sure that it was me, and the products that I had just so liberally applied, I was abruptly informed (by a colleague) that it was in fact candles. Amazingly fragrant and beautiful candles. You see, Bluewick chooses the most wonderful fragrances (often in seemingly unusual combinations that blend in perfect harmony) for all their candles, and infuses them into a soy-based wax with cotton-paper wicks (and in many cases, recycled packaging!). That day I scooped up a large Guavapeel and an Anjoumint (pear and mint!) 3-pack from their Groove collection, an Apricotkiss (perfect for bringing back the feeling of spring in this gloomy weather!) from the new Happy collection, and a ‘Marley’ (Santal vanilla) for my dad, from the Illumina series. For the holidays, be sure to check out their limited edition candles that come in foil boxes ready for giving. With names like Blitzen and Kringle, you can’t go wrong! Bluewick candles are available (from $6-32) at W Hotels, high-end boutiques everywhere, and at www.bluewick.com (Where you can shop and find a retailer near you.)
Last but certainly not least, when it comes to arousing the senses and awakening the beast within, Red Ambrosia is your destination. Aimed at pleasing you in all the right ways, this sophisticated sensual boutique is inspired by romance, and certainly good at arousing the luxurious pleasures of love. Red Ambrosia’s artisan-crafted specialty items from around the world touch on everything from setting the tone to intimate play and romantic gifts. Their candles are guaranteed to get you in the mood, creating just enough light and heat to bring out a bit of naughtiness…and that’s very nice! Decorated with authentic Italian paper, the 70-hour candles by Karen Klein are meant to evoke your innermost feelings and arouse emotions for that special someone. Believe me- they work! As soon as you open the box your spirit begins to stir; the scents are strong and rousing, without being overpowering. Light the wick and prepare to explore your fantasies. Our favorite- the Basil Pomegranate- combined rich, sweet, tangy pomegranate with basil- Italy’s most romantic herb. This spicy, seductive pairing (the symbol of deep love and devotion) put us in exactly the mood we wanted to be in. Create seductive ambiance with candles from Red Ambrosia at www.redambrosia.com The incredibly gorgeous Karen Klein candles (available in 5 scents) are $34.
This article is part of our "2005 Holiday Gift Guide" series. Want to read more?
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