Gifts

Tgtg Ho09 7600We’ve always had this thing against training wheels. It comes from seeing kids on the sea wall on bikes that are far to big for them leaning over all sideways on one trainer completely oblivious to the fact that one day they are going to have to learn to balance.

If kids are going to be on training wheels they should be on a trike. That’s why we think these Prince Lionheart Balance Bike ($89.99), available at Geppetto’s Toys, is the perfect Christmas gift for two and three-year-olds.

For starters, the Balance Bike looks totally cool. Beyond that, it’s a wonderful way to ready your child for his first pedal bicycle. For now, he will master the art of balance on this great little starter bike, made of 100% birch wood, with 12″ rubber tires, solid rubber handgrips and a padded, adjustable-height seat. The “look-what-I-can-do” expression on his face will be priceless.

Exactly what we were thinking.

Geppetto’s Toys, The Forum at Carlsbad, 1935 Calle Barcelona (760) 632-1107

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Ben Sherman At The M Collection
2. iPhone Boombox From Livespeakr.com

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4-SmCarlsbadistan based consumer electronics company Digital Group Audio’s Livespeakr for the Apple iPhone turns any Apple iPod, iPod Touch, or iPhone into a miniature boombox with it’s patent pending technology.

Sometimes, especially during the holidays, it’s fun to share music, movies, or TV without having to use headphone splitter cables, and that’s why Livespeakr makes a perfect gift this Christmas.

This amazing new speaker system features a set of speakers that fold-up and store conveniently behind the iPhone when they are not in use allowing for maximum portability. When the unit is stored (or hidden) it piggy-backs on the iPhone or iPod Touch making it portable enough to fit in your pocket for on-the-go portability. The unique style of the Livespeakr™ is visually stunning featuring bold design inspired by modern art.

Livespeakr is currently on sale online for $79.99 and comes in black or white designs that go perfectly with any Apple iPod/iPhone product. Follow the jump to see the

Livespeakr.com

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Ben Sherman At The M Collection
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Be-Mx1119M Dark FrontNothing says clean, understated style like Ben Sherman and if you’re interested getting your guy out of his favorite logo T-shirt and into something a little nicer this Christmas then there is no better place to go than The M Collection on State Street in Carlsbadistan.

There, among their large selection of fashion forward men’s and women’s clothing, we found the Ben Sherman Bullfinch (pictured right) for $89.99. This long sleeve plaid woven features flap pockets and a point collar that leads to a button front closure and ends in logo embroidery. Throw in a pair of pants and know that he’ll be looking good for 2010.

The M Collection, 2971 State Street (760) 720-1252

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October Is Military Month At Mulloys

by The Editors on September 28, 2009

Mulloys LogoEach time we roll in to Mulloys Fine Jewelry at 2978 State Street in the Village of Carlsbadistan, we are surprised. Surprised by the friendly staff, by the depth of high quality merchandise, and by the fact that we don’t do it more often as it is well within walking distance. This month, there is even more of a reason to be surprised as Mulloys celebrates “Honor Our Military” month.

“During these times of uncertainty in the economy, I’ll do whatever it takes to help my fellow Americans serving our country save money and still get the respect, dignity and customer service they deserve,” said the founder of Mulloys Fine Jewelry. “I want to continue to be a part of all of our service members lives and in doing so, I ask if you’ve had a terrific experience at MulloysJewelry.com then please spread the word and take advantage of our Friends and Family referral program specially directed to those Military servicemen and women.”

Obviously, these deals won’t do a whole lot for us, but for those in the Armed Forces it could make a huge difference. Follow the jump for even more special offers. . . [click to continue…]

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Green House

On the twelfth day of Carlsbadistan Christmas my true love gave to me a swanky, 1978 Donald Cromley designed home on the golf course at La Costa. According to Modern San Diego the design for the home was “inspired by the Bauhaus architects” of the early 20th Century. But don’t think for a minute that this is a 30-year-old Christmas gift. The Green Home was totally updated with a new gourmet kitchen, cabinets, and complete bathroom and wiring upgrades in 2008.

Make white Christmas dreams come true. And remember: it’s a buyer’s market so don’t expect to pay the $2,495,000 asking price. Contact Tom and Peggy Cozens and ask them about MLS listing #080074794.

Tom and Peggy Cozens, Century 21 Sea Coast (760) 930-9336.

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot
5. Cufflinks & Earrings From Mulloys Fine Jewelry
6. Harry Barker Tennis Balls and Teafco Collar From Dog Mania
7. Skidless Yoga Towel From Bodacious Living
8. Black & Decker Cordless Drill From DeNault’s
9. Mud Pie Ceramic Coin Banks From Ella Grace
10. New Village Arts Theatre Four Pass
11. R. Taylor Style 2 From Epic Guitars

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Epic Lead

Epic Guitars founder Kevin Kinnear believes handmade guitars are as much art as they are instrument; maybe more. That’s why his new store on State Street in the Village feels more like an art gallery than a retail business. The guitars are presented in the three room store like paintings in a gallery. Each guitar is given its own breathing space while couches and comfortable chairs line the walls. None look better in the space than the all Koa R. Taylor Style 2 with Cocobolo binding.

As a result of the carefully thinned back, sides and top, and the light scalloped bracing, it takes very little energy to make the entire guitar body come alive. The sound is signature R. Taylor, offering superb note definition over the entire fingerboard, exquisite sustain, and chords that bloom as a finely balanced palette of expression.

At $6,280 the R. Taylor Style 2 may be the kind of present people buy for themselves, but there is no doubt that the guitarist on any Christmas list would be blown away to find something like this under the tree.

Epic Guitars, 2656 State Street (760) 730-0022

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot
5. Cufflinks & Earrings From Mulloys Fine Jewelry
6. Harry Barker Tennis Balls and Teafco Collar From Dog Mania
7. Skidless Yoga Towel From Bodacious Living
8. Black & Decker Cordless Drill From DeNault’s
9. Mud Pie Ceramic Coin Banks From Ella Grace
10: New Village Arts Theatre Four Pass

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Seahdr

Carlsbadistan has its own theatre in the Village, but we just don’t go enough. We’re guessing we’re not the only ones. That’s just one of the reasons why a New Village Arts Theatre Season 8 / Four Show Package ($163.00) is such a perfect gift this holiday season. The package includes tickets to one play before Christmas Off The Ground, and then Bulrusher, Be Aggressive, and Four Dogs and A Bone.

More than something to open on Christmas morning, the gift of the theatre says, “We are going out four times in the coming six month, no matter what else happens, and it’s not going to be to the movies.” Even better: this gift can be purchased online right now. And will only take five minutes.

[Link: New Village Arts Theatre]

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot
5. Cufflinks & Earrings From Mulloys Fine Jewelry
6. Harry Barker Tennis Balls and Teafco Collar From Dog Mania
7. Skidless Yoga Towel From Bodacious Living
8. Black & Decker Cordless Drill From DeNault’s
9. Mud Pie Ceramic Coin Banks From Ella Grace

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Ellagrace08

Judging from the current economic free fall, it’s not a bad time to teach your kids the value of a dollar. Start them off right with a new Mud Pie Coin Bank ($36) from Ella Grace in the Shops at The Village Faire. Available in these cool Airplane and Car designs, the ceramic banks are also offered in a crocodile or the classic pig style. Even the littlest of kids can appreciate a little money under the tree when it comes in such a sweet package.

Ella Grace, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive Suite 105, (760) 720-1414.

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot
5. Cufflinks & Earrings From Mulloys Fine Jewelry
6. Harry Barker Tennis Balls and Teafco Collar From Dog Mania
7. Skidless Yoga Towel From Bodacious Living
8. Black & Decker Cordless Drill From DeNault’s

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Denault BdDeNault’s True Value Hardware in the Albertsons Center on Carlsbad Village Drive has never let us down. And we’ve asked for all kinds of crazy stuff: Zip Ties? Machete? Christmas ornament hooks? Lawn scissors? Urethane coated cable? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

In fact, once when we asked for an old-school biscuit cutter (a question that drew blank stares at Sur La Table) we were directed to the isle number and shelf by a kind woman who knows her hardware.

That’s why rather than fighting the Christmas rush at the big-box-cluster stores we suggest a trip to Denault’s where this Black & Decker 12V Cordless Drill With Hand Tools, Accessories and Storage Bag ($59.99) will setup even the most incompetent handy man/woman with pretty much everything needed to fix (or destroy) anything around the house. The kit including the drill, and the following: a 12 oz. hammer, tape measure, stud finder, lineman pliers, tape measure, five screw-bits, and 10 drill bits and more. It all comes in a black nylon storage bag.

This gift will have you saying, “Merry Christmas honey, now get to work.”

DeNault´s TrueValue Hardware, 975 Carlsbad Village Dr. (760) 434-1711

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot
5. Cufflinks & Earrings From Mulloys Fine Jewelry
6. Harry Barker Tennis Balls and Teafco Collar From Dog Mania
7. Skidless Yoga Towel From Bodacious Living

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Yogitoes

Any good Yoga student knows that while having a mat is important, bringing a towel along to mop up your sweat is essential. This Yogitoes Skidless Yoga Towel ($60) from Bodacious Living is the perfect gift for the Yoga affectionado. Available in a wide range of colors, the mat-sized towel has one sided coated with 100% silicone nubs to prevent slippage mid pose. Not to mention, the super-absorbant towel is the best way to put a hygienic layer between you and those non-washable loaner mats that smell like old jock straps.

Bodacious Living Anusara Yoga & Boutique, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 205 (760) 720-YOGA

Previous Carlsbadistan Days of Christmas Gifts:
1. Organic Play Dough From Rock’n Sprouts
2. Foaming Bath From Chandler’s Boutique
3. Carrera Safari From Sunglass Lounge
4. The Signature Club from The Wine Spot
5. Cufflinks & Earrings From Mulloys Fine Jewelry
6. Harry Barker Tennis Balls and Teafco Collar From Dog Mania

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