686 Toolbelt

Good design is all about elegant problem solving. In this case, you often need to make an adjustment to your bindings while snowboarding, but carrying a set of tools around isn't always convenient. The Toolbelt from 686 Clothing Company solves this problem (and the baggy pants issue) by building 2 screwdrivers, 3 wrenches and a bottle opener in to a belt buckle. Very nice. £39.99 …

The Purple Book

Hillary Mendelsohn's The Purple Book is an obsessively compiled directory of on-line shopping. Originally released last year, the 2005 edition is out just in time for the holidays. Hillary not only lists and reviews over 1600 shopping sites, she also introduces helper sites like how to figure out your ring size, or a directory of pet acupuncturists, or online birthday reminder services. It might seem …

Freeboard

Many have tried to create a skateboard that emulates the feeling of a snowboard with varying degrees of success. Though I haven't tried a Freeboard, this video certainly makes it look like the San Francisco based, rider owned company got it right. You can carve, slide, spin and stop using all the same movements as on the slope. Granted, concrete is not as forgiving as …