By BROOKE HENDERSON
Special to South Florida Times
For Him
This is a bold gift, sure to grow into a fond memory. These flirty images are often given in small books as gifts for that special someone. Sugar and Spice Boudoir Photography in Fort Lauderdale offers a deal on Groupon for a one-hour boudoir photo-shoot package for one or two at 68 percent off. ($80) The package includes a fashion consultation to help choose your sensual threads, and one of up to 40 images will be chosen for an 8-inch by 10-inch print and along with a digital copy. You get treated with the experience of getting dolled up for a photo-shoot, making this a gift for you as much as it is for him.
Another win-win gift is Amazon’s answer to Google’s Chromecast, the Fire TV Stick. It streams your media to your TV with four times the storage and twice the memory of a Chromecast, with better Wi-Fi reliability. For $39, it’s an easy way to get him to watch your movies with you.
Even a manly man likes a little spoiling, don’t let him fool you. He enjoys special products as long as it’s “his” and not “hers.” The Working Man’s Hygiene Kit ($50) is just the gift to get him to admit it. This all-natural set was created by a mechanic who knows what the business can do to a man’s hands. The salves, scrubs and balms included are specially made to meet the needs of a working man, manly scent included. From his sore feet, cracked lips, knuckles, and dry skin, all of him will enjoy this kit.
If he can’t appreciate a little pampering, he’ll accept the practical and stylish Hyperglide by King of Shaves, ($12.95). Its patented super-hydrophilic self-lubricating cartridge makes all the difference. He doesn’t have to worry about shaving cream with this razor because it creates a HydroGel when it comes into contact with water. The real innovation behind the lubricating cartridge on the Hyperglide is an ultra-thin polymer that is chemically-bonded to it and creates a lubrication layer with less friction than Teflon. It’s a razor that creates its own lubricant, allowing even the laziest man to get a close shave.
Then, for a man who likes the finer things and knows it, Eros by Versace will impress him. This men’s fragrance draws on inspiration from Greek mythology with its bold cerulean bottle depicting the God of Love. Straying from the more woodsy scents dominating men’s perfume this season, Eros is a vibrant blend of mint leaves, Italian lemon zest and green apple on a light cedar wood and oak moss base. (1.7 oz., $62)
With the Karma Wi-Fi Hotspot ($99), he can stop using up your shared data plan and even earn data. Karma Mobility from MVNO is from the ranks of unconventional wireless companies offering affordable mobile data over Clear’s soon-to-be-defunct WiMAX network. After the prepaid data cost, they ask that you to pay it forward by leaving your hotspot open at all times, and the more you share, the more you earn—with no limit. With that in mind, the Karma Wi-Fi Hotspot could be your only ticket to limitless data.
For Her
It’s not a new gadget, but for the fitness junkie, this Nike wireless tracker is perfect. Its sleek design and gold accents make it just as much of a fashion statement as it is a workout tool. , The Nike Fuelband Se ($90 -$169) tracks the intensity of your workouts and even enables sleep tracking with Nike+ Sessions, and the Bluetooth 4.0 technology allows you to stay connected to your phone at all times
Along the same lines is the Nike’s Roshe Run sneakers, ($85 – $140). They are not new on the shoe scene, but they’re still on top because of their clean, simplistic design and pure comfort. Out of all the various color schemes it comes in, one is sure to be her perfect fit.
An iPhone case might not seem like the most romantic gift, but it’s something that she’ll have on her at all times. Choose the design that reflects her own personal style so she’ll think of you every time she picks up her phone. Society6 sells a multitude of cases for a variety of cell phone models for around $35.
There are some gifts that will always be timeless, and Kate Spade jewelry perpetuates this notion. The New York “One in a Million” initial pendant necklace ($58) lets you tell her “I love you” with classic flair. Choose the gold-plated pendant suspended from a delicate rolo chain with her initial, and the pendant’s reverse side will show her how much she means to you every time she puts it on.
Another gift is the MG Décor Personalized Ceramic & Wood Jewelry Box, ($18). A colorful ceramic tile is painted with your letter of choice and nestled atop a charming, handcrafted wooden box, creating storage space for small treasures as well as a stylish accent to your décor. Its price makes an affordable and stylish place to put that new necklace or earrings.
Perfume Guide
BOTTEGA VENETA EAU DE PARFUM
Its bottle reveals its complexity only over time. A brunito cap and collar, the ebano logo and the skin colored leather ribbon clipped with a brunito butterfly identify its Bottega Veneta heritage. The bottle itself, inspired by Venetian glasswork and the traditional Italian carafe, was crafted with an eye for timeless lines and contrasts. This minimal but luxurious aesthetic perfume has a leathery floral that is decidedly primal, but the fresh jasmine is ladylike and modern, (1.7 oz., $115).
ELIE SAAB LE PARFUM
The designer’s namesake perfume embodies the same spirit as his dresses. Orange blossom, jasmine, patchouli, and cedar are feminine, but not overbearing. Inspired by Saab’s native Lebanon, the scent is creamy, warm, and light, perfect for everyday wear, (1.6 oz., $130).
GIVENCHY DAHLIA NOIR
This is what she’ll wear when you take her out on the town. The black dahlia has no real discernible smell. It is an imaginary flower, meant to be more suggestive than olfactory. Powdery, with a touch of Tonka bean and wood, Dahlia Noir is seriously sexy, (1.7 oz., $90).
FENDI FAN DI FENDI
The brand alone would make this an impressive gift, but the scent also noteworthy. Just like the daring bottle, this perfume is dramatic and strong. Subtle is not its vocabulary as spicy leather, patchouli, citrus, and jasmine dominate your senses. Just wearing this fragrancew is an event she’ll always look forward to, (1.7 oz., $81).
No Comment