When it comes to gifts for or from C-level executives, the thinking is always that money is no object.
But we all know how difficult it can be to please someone who is accustomed to being in control, so sometimes it’s best to focus on the unusual gift that may not be on the holiday shopping radar.
After all, it’s easy to buy a Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet or iPad, but a gift of Saint-Louis crystal isn’t an obvious choice.
Crystal beer glasses
As the holidays approach, it’s important to remember two things: more and more people are choosing to stay home to enjoy their liquor and a daily drink has its proven health benefits. So, combine good health and economical entertaining with a beer glass that costs more than $300.
Saint-Louis crystal, a Hermés owned brand, is France’s oldest and most valued cristallerie. It has been producing one-of-a-kind mouth-blown and hand-cut crystal stemware, lighting and objet since 1586. Among two of its special items for the holidays are Le Méticuleux flûte ($415) and Le Méticuleux chope, ($315) (part of the new Les Confidents beer collection).
Great headphones
Subjekt is a headphone company that first launched in 2009 and quickly gained a lot of attention for its high-quality headphones with innovative designs. Those designs caught the attention of teen retailer Aeropostale, which sells T.N.T. headphones custom designed for the store.
For the 2011 holiday season, Subjekt has three headphone offerings that could make great gifts:
• HerPhones are the first headphones designed with women in mind. They are 40 percent smaller for a more comfortable fit on smaller ears. ($24.99)
• The T.N.T. line is compact with a low-profile design and flexible headband design that keeps wires untangled. ($49.99)
• Of course, you can totally avoid wires by going with the Pulse Bluetooth that syncs with your tablets, smart phones or other Bluetooth devices. They come with on-ear volume and track skip controls. ($79.99)
Make your iDevices pop
It takes a lot of nerve to name your product iWow 3D, but SRS Labs can’t be accused of hyperbole with this headphone adapter that plugs into your iPhone, iPad or iPad and positively makes your earbuds pop.
Utilizing several patented SRS audio solutions, the iWOW 3D retrieves and restores audio cues that are buried deep within the original source material to provide an immersive 3D sound stage with renewed depth and clarity, as well as deep bass.
Plus the iWOW 3D (but of course) comes with its own app that personalizes the output settings of the iWOW 3D with custom-tuned programs for headphones, external speakers and car audio systems. The app also provides the ability to increase bass or treble, as well as add a surround sound effect to their audio. Hearing is believing. The price seems steep but business travelers will especially appreciate them when flying. ($99.99)
Control your world
Peace of mind is welcome any time of year. With a Control4 system, you can control as much or as little of your home as you choose. You can control your lighting, locks, security system, and thermostats. The system will tell you if you left garage door open, send you a text when your kids get home and unlock the door, or set your lights to vacation mode to confuse burglars. It also can detect leaks in your basement (especially great if you are traveling during the winter months).
For under $1,500 you can enjoy the gift of safety with a Control4 smart home. Suggested starter “packages” — (Locks) controller, remote, MyHome license for your smart phone or tablet, and a smart door lock, or (Lights) controller, remote, MyHome license, three smart lights or outlet modules. Find out how easy it is to make your home safe at www.control4.com.
Play:3 takes you round the world
Sonos has introduced a wireless system that is perfect for the home or the office. Especially interesting is a feature that lets you play any of 100,000 radio stations from around the world by location. Sonos PLAY:3 is a compact, all-in-one player with wall-to-wall HiFi sound.
PLAY:3 is connected to the Internet for unlimited access to music. Users can play their entire digital music library, including iTunes stored on any computer or network attached storage, such as an Apple Time Capsule. Plus, Sonos works seamlessly with most popular music streaming services like Napster, Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Spotify, and Stitcher SmartRadio.
To control the music and PLAY:3, you can use free Sonos Controller apps for Android, iPhone and iPad. Once downloaded, you can wirelessly search for songs and stations, choose the music and control the volume. PLAY:3 also includes the free Sonos Controller for Mac or PC. Also available is the dedicated Sonos Control (sold separately). ($299).
Jewelry from LeCirque
Foodies who enjoy dining in New York City can walk away with a fond memory of a culinary experience at the world-famous Le Cirque restaurant, which has been entertaining diners for 37 years with its four-star cuisine.
Le Cirque is now offering jewelry for the holidays available at the restaurant or via www.lecirque.com by designer Riccardo Gennai Jewelry of Montecatini Tuscany Italy representing the circus theme of the restaurant. A small monkey gold necklace costs $1,769. Diamond cufflinks are available for $2,012.
Help others
Trying to buy for the person who truly has everything and wants nothing? Charitable donations are always an alternative. At Rescue.org/Gifts, holiday shoppers can select from many Rescue Gift ideas to dedicate to friends and family members:
• A Safe Delivery — $24 can ensure critical supplies for the safe delivery of a baby in a crisis zone;
• A Flock of Chickens — $30 can supply a flock of chickens that provides food and income for a family getting back on its feet;
• A Full Year of School — $52 can provide the tuition, books and other supplies for one year of a child’s schooling in a country recovering from war;
• A Community Garden — $60 can equip newly arrived refugees with tools and seeds to grow vegetables at an IRC community garden in the United States;
• Warm Blankets — $84 can deliver warmth and comfort to three families of five who’ve lost their homes in a disaster or conflict.
