Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2009, Part One

We know we're not alone in the general uneasiness inspired by the pressures of Valentine's day. In addition to provoking relationship anxiety (among singles and couples alike) and the extra strain on wallets, there's something particularly stressful about picking out yet another gift when confronted by the sappy, frilly options out there. In an effort to help restore a little sincerity to the holiday, this first of two guides sorts the sweet from the saccharine, the cute from the cheesy and the lovely from the precious.

For those looking to avoid shopping all together, check out our DIY guide.

Anatomical Heart Paperweight
Gilded but unsentimental, this paperweight is a nerdy twist on the symbolism of the day and perfect for all those flashy scientists on your list. The pewter objet is coated in 14k gold and will set you back $180 from

Melissa's Passion Fruit
This unconventional gift sends a sweet message (never mind that they're named for the Passion of the Christ) to a paramour. Sweet and tart, the fruit's purple wrinkly exterior and soft edible seeds lend an exotic beauty and sensuality to the holiday. A box of eight is $30 from Melissa's and requires three-day shipping which varies in price depending on location.

Carve Your Own Postcard
With winter still here for many of us, finding a tree malleable enough to carve out you and your honey's initials may be hard to do. SUCK UK allows you to keep the same sentiment with their wooden postcard, a lightweight version of the real thing. All you need now is a sharp set of keys. Available at A+R for $12.

LOVE Earrings
From custom jewelry designer Janet Fraile, these 14K gold earrings are a cute interpretation of Robert Indiana's famous sculpture. The dainty LOVE earrings are sure to please any girl, whether she's into jewelry or just you. Available from Auto for $900.

Petit Bateau Floral Print Underwear
Increase your odds by giving your girl a sweet set of underwear she's bound to feel sexy in and will also want to wear year round. This charming floral set from Petit Bateau will show her that you don't just want to see her in skivvies but that you want to see her in tasteful skivvies. Available from Petit Bateau for $56 for the set.

Ring +
Puzzle her with this one-dimensional felt cut-out that turns into a three-dimensional ring. It's aptly named for the plus sign appearance the "diamond" ring gives off from an aerial view. Available from Molla Space for $20.

We Are So Good Together Poster
If you're not ready to say those three magic words but you want to let your special someone know you're digging them in a major way, this simple graphic is for you. The fact that it's letter-pressed on recycled paper with soy-based inks just makes you even more big-hearted. Available exclusively at ReForm School for $36.

American Apparel Adjustable Apron
Heat things up with this customizable apron from American Apparel. It's a great gift for the chef in your life or a fun accessory to sport while you cook your honey a romantic dinner. Have yours professionally emblazoned at your local silk screen printer or DIY with these easy iron-ons from Dutch Trade Shop. Available from American Apparel for $24.

Tandem Umbrella
Unfortunately Jasmine Raznahan's umbrella built for two (pictured) isn't in production, but we liked the concept so much we managed to track down a similar style for all you lovebirds out there who want to keep close and stay dry. Available from Kikkerland for $25.

Martin Margiela Silver Hospital Bracelet
We like the edginess of giving Margiela's hospital bracelet re-envisioned as a silver-plated brass bangle. The adjustable band makes it unisex and the label's engraved logo stands-in for a patient's name. Pick it up for £139 from Eva Schildt who likes to ad humorous twists to objects from our daily lives. Available at The Shop At Cooper-Hewitt for $25.

with contributions by Karen Day

Frederik Roijé: Two of a Kind Ring

Bucking nearly every Valentine's Day gift cliché out there by dispensing with traditional materials, colors, ornamentation and the like, this porcelain double ring is a minimalist piece of jewelry that still packs a sweetly sentimental punch. Designed by Dutch designer Frederik Roijé and produced by Droog, "in breaking the ring an engagement with each other will exist." We can't think of a more elegant interpretation of a ring's symbolism, though we imagine this one's more suited to wearing on a chain than on a finger due to its size and fragility.

The Two of a Kind ring is $119 from Generate Design. Ground shipping is free in the U.S. and Canada but can take up to four weeks, so order at your own risk.

Hidetoshi Takahashi: Cara & Kami Cups

Carved out of wood from Japanese trees, Hidetoshi Takahashi's new series of cups for design-oriented boutique Merchant No. 4 are excellent examples of his meticulously executed work. The series offers two styles, the Cara and Kami.

The Cara cups, designed by Rina Ono, include a tea cup, a milk cup and an egg cup, all comprised of wood from the Linden tree. The Kami is a collection of three various-sized drinking cups, made out of wood from the Castor Aralia tree. Both the Cara and Kami cups are solid wood and coated in a food-safe resin to protect the wood from liquids. With their brilliant finish, the cups are not only great for their intended purpose, but also as a small flower vase or pencil holder.

Takahashi, who works from his studio in Asahikawa, formerly only sold his products in Japan. His series for Merchant No. 4 is the first available work from him for the U.S.

The cups are available from Merchant No. 4 and range in price from $15-85.

Winter Skin and Hair Revival

Come late January, the winter sky is not the only thing that gets dull. With low humidity and cold winds outside but high heat indoors, it's easy to feel that no amount of water will ever replenish our systems. With so many items out there offering to cure distressed skin and hair, figuring out which ones that work well can be a tedious and costly experience. After a few weeks of trying them out, we've picked our favorites that are sure to have you glowing again.

Espa White Clay Hand Cream
By combining ancient and modern therapies with the finest quality ingredients found in science and nature, Espa creates products that are of the highest caliber. Made in England, the White Clay Hand Cream protects your nails and rejuvenates your hands while reducing irregular pigmentation and skin spots. A blend of minerals, Rosehip oil, shea butter and apricot kernel provide complete nourishment to your hands. One of our favorites from the group, the hand cream is available at Espa online or at any of their unique spas for $36 (above left).

Molton Brown Reawakening Mer-rouge Hydramasque
Originally a London hair salon, Molton Brown began making their natural products in a makeshift lab above the boutique using nettles and camomile. Applying the same innovative method today, their hair care products are comprised of fortifying plants and vitamins. For extremely dry hair, the best bet is this Reawakening Mer-rouge Hydramasque—an intense conditioner that will rejuvenate your hair and restore shine. Available at Molton Brown for $40 (above middle).

Maui Babe Ultra Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion
A "local secret," Maui Babe started with a guy named Joe who decided to add coffee to his tanning oil while hanging out on his roof, contemplating life. After adding fresh Aloe and Kukui Nut oil, he bottled up his recipe and passed it out to friends. All fell in love with it and demanded more. To keep their skin moisturized after all that sun exposure (or in our case, all the dry winter air), they created the Ultra Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion. Composed of Aloe Vera, macadamia Nut Oil, and vitamins A,C, & E, the lotion is nourishing and the smell will give you a tropical boost during the winter months. Available at Maui Babe for $23 (above right).

Skyn Iceland Arctic Face Mist
Harnessing nature to relieve stressed skin, skyn Iceland sources the country's most effective and potent ingredients from its untouched, unspoiled arctic tundras, glaciers, nutrient-rich soil, volcanoes and waterfalls. The Arctic Face Mist is a refreshing boost with its pleasant fragrance and biospheric complex. Anti-inflammatory ingredients including yeast, chapparral extract, a blend of white, yellow, and green teas, and white willow bark are added to the solution. Available from skyn for $35 (above left).

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
A truly medicating skin cream, Yu-Be was created by Japanese pharmacist Yoshikiyo Nowatari in 1957 to cure mountaineer, Sumiyo Tsuzuki, from dry, cracked skin. The cream is so effective it even allowed Tsuzuki to overcome extreme winds and sub-zero temperatures as she skied the South Pole, the lowest point on Earth. Made up of a concentrated glycerin, the non-greasy formula can be used on any area of skin that is in need of help. Available for $15 at Smallflower (above middle).

Ren Ultra-Moisture Osmotic Infusion Day Cream
With their bio active technology, recyclable packaging and donations made to campaigns that promote a better environment, REN's clean products won't pollute your skin or the earth. Ahead of the game with their skin care formula, the Ultra-Moisture Osmotic Infusion Day Cream provides immediate moisture. Even better, the osmotic regulator carries water deep into the skin and releases it when extra hydration is needed. Available at REN for £26 or at Sephora for $55 (above right).

Caudalíe Moisturizing Cream Mask
Caudalíe was born out of a random observation by a professor at the University of Pharmacy in Bordeaux on his visit to the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard. A specialist in grapevine polyphenols, he noticed the chateau's dismissal of leftover skins and seeds, which are extraordinarily rich in anti-oxidants. Utilizing this waste, they immediately began researching and creating 'vinotherapy' products, offering the best anti-aging shield for skin. The Moisturizing Cream Mask is a twice-weekly mask that is applied with an innovative brush to help soften the skin and provide relief against harsh weather conditions. Available online at Caudalíe for $40, or their Vinothérapie Spa at the Plaza Hotel in New York City (above left).

Zenergize Hydrate DrinkTab
Staying hydrated is still probably one the best things you can do for your skin. A healthy boost you can add to water, Zenergize drink tablets are 100% natural, full of vitamins and nutrients, and void of sugar and calories. The Hydrate tab is packed full of electrolytes and vitamin-B, keeping you hydrated and energized on the go. Available at Zenergize or at various Whole Foods for $7, for a package of 10 tabs (above middle).

Nuxe Ultra Comfortable Foot Cream
A combination of nature and luxury, Nuxe keeps their passion for plants at the heart of the brand's philosophy. Part of the Rêve de Miel line, this thick, non-greasy foot cream is made with honey and cereal oils that restore your feet after just one use and leaves them smelling great. Available at Nuxe for $22 (above right).

Labello Med Protection Lip Care
After 100 years of making lip balm, Labello is still one of the best for curing dry, chapped lips. Their Med Protection lip care is long-lasting, and its combination of Hydramine and Grape Seed extracts strengthens your lips and leaves them feeling super smooth. Available for $9 at Smallflower (above left).

Sustainable Youth Elastifirm Supplements
Driven by the philosophy that beauty is achieved from the inside out, Sustainable Youth uses technology to create products that are clinically tested to increase skin's elasticity while reducing inflammation. Their all natural, vegan-friendly formula uses Alasta, a proprietary blend shown to boost immunity and stimulate healing and collagen production. The compact, recyclable bottle containing 60 capsules is available on their site, for $65 (above middle).

Mission Revive Gel
Designed for ultra-endurance athletes on a mission, the Revive Gel is a high-performance moisturizer that relieves your skin after prolonged sun or wind exposure. We tested it out after skiing at Crested Butte and the gel is proved to soothe and cool our wind burnt skin. It's also said to replace the vitamins and antioxidants lost during activity. Highly recommended if you like snow sports, it's available from Mission Skincare for $9 (above right).

With contributions by Ami Kealoha, Tim Yu and Bailee Wolfson

Miju Jewelery: Ebony and Ivory

Newly added to Miju, the new collection

The pair (yes, you get one of each) is $36 from

As a bonus for CH readers, until 12 January 2009, they'll offer a 15% discount to usher in the New Year. Just enter the code "CH" at checkout.

Caffeinated Bodywash

$24

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$24

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An anti-oxidant, natural deodorant and said to reduce cellulite as well as repair and prevent UV damage, this coffee-based bodywash makes the otherwise generic gift of soap into a conversation-starter. Inspired by Brazilian farmers who pour coffee onto their skin, Wash With Joe is unisex and perfect for javaholics and product junkies alike.

This product is sold by Wash With Joe

Caviar Showcase for Two

$350

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$350

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Nothing says “special occasion” like caviar. Celebrate with your favorite bon vivant by giving 125 grams of Petrossian’s farm-raised Royal Transmontanus (likened to the finest Ossetra), two vodka flutes and two mother-of-pearl caviar spoons.

This product is sold by Petrossian

Stainless Steel Double Magnetic Measuring Spoons

$15

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$15

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Three things make these the perfect measuring spoons: The magnet keeps them together but allows easy access—no annoying ring; each measure has both a liquid and a dry scoop; and flat bottoms allow the measure to rest squarely and spill-free on the counter.

Exercise Cards

$15

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$15

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Perfect for those who can’t swing a gym membership and lack the discipline needed for solo workouts, the FitDeck packs all the necessary exercises while keeping things interesting. Just pick a card at random, do what it says and repeat at will. They also have sets tailored for yoga, offices or airplane seats.

This product is sold by FitDeck

The Ghostly Box Series 8.0

Now into its third year, the Ghostly Box Series is a smart way to introduce your friends and family to the Ghostly Universe. Series 8.0 of The Ghostly Box for 2008 is a hand-numbered edition of 50 that includes a Text Ghost Tee (designed by Ashkhan from Don't Stop Studio), an exclusive Ghostly Moleskine notebook with embossed logo and a copy of the Ghostly Swim compilation (which we covered earlier this year), available on CD for the first time.

Also included in the box set is your choice of any CD from Ghostly's 2008 full-length releases, a pair of Ghostly & Spectral lapel pins, an assortment of stickers and (a Cool Hunting office favorite) a set of three Ghostly Computer Decals that will turn any MacBook into a spooky ghost machine (see right).

To purchase the box set for $60 plus shipping, simply head to the Ghostly Store. To guarantee domestic holiday delivery, order Friday 19 December 2008 by 2pm EST to ship via UPS three-day Select or Monday 22 December 2008 by 2pm EST to ship via UPS 2nd Day Air.

Last Minute Shopping in the Cool Hunting Gift Guide

If you're like us, you're sitting around wondering how you can get your packages to your holiday destination without paying an extortionate fee at the airport. The best option is order online and have them sent—especially with all of the free shipping offers in the Cool Hunting Exclusive Deals & Steals section of our 2008 Holiday Gift Guide.

But are you too late to get it there on time you ask? Maybe it's the holiday spirit, but we've decided to help you sort through the options and provide you with a list of places and the details that will guarantee you get it there before the 25th. This way, even if you can't make Mama proud with a shiny new Rolex, at least she'll think you have your act togehter and that's something even Santa can't get her.

Patagonia
Get free two-day shipping on all U.S. orders over $100, for online orders placed between 15-22 December. Warm up your friends with an Isotope Parka or a Down Sweater, both offer slim fits and minimal weight while providing ultra insulation.

Uncommon Goods
To order items like their Wine Thermometer or Drop Stop Tea Strainer by 24 December, order by 5pm on 18 December via standard shipping or shop through 23 December and choose express checkout.

Amazon
While the last full day to order is 22 December, this year Amazon is offering Local Express Shipping as late as 9:30am on 24 December for select cities. With a flexible shipping method and books like The Flavor Bible, Christopher Walken A to Z, and the Robert Bolaño: 2666 Three-Volume Boxed Set in addition to music like Cornelius: Sensurround + B-Sides and Grace Jones: Hurricane, or gadgets like the Travel Sewing Kit there's something there for everyone.

MoMA Store
Offering unique gifts for the design-savvy crowd, the MoMA Store's last day to shop with guaranteed standard shipping to U.S. locations is 18 December, but luckily they're offering to accept orders placed by 9am on 22 December and ship them express for an extra $15. For the java-lover in your life, there's the Handpresso Portable Espresso Maker which will get they're morning going even when on the go, or pick up a Tigrado Backpack for the tykes, or show someone you care and keep them bicycle accident-free with Windrider Bicycle Clips.

Selfridges
For our U.K. readers, Selfridges offers clever and decadent hampers available for xmas delivery provide you order by noon on 22 December 2008.

Playing Around: Kid’s Gifts For Any Age

Winter break means the kids are home and most likely trapped indoors with little to do. Double the fun by giving them gifts you can both enjoy, they'll be happy to spend time with you and you'll be happy to act like a kid again. Here's a list of our top items from the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide that allow you to hang with anyone, from the smallest of tykes to your teenage sibling.

Project No. 8's Leather Skateboard combines skateboarding, fashion and art.

Japanese musician and producer Cornelius' 5.1 DVD Cornelius: Sensurround + B-Sides is perfect for audiophiles while entertaining kids—it's like a modern Fantasia.

Create your own Muppet with Muppet Whatnot Workshop.

We often wish we hadn't given away our childhood Lite-Brite. With Bandai Luminodot Lite-Brite HD Board we can recapture the magic and more.

This jazzed up Flashflight Light-Up Flying Disc features LED lights that change colors.

The Sno-Baller effortlessly makes the perfect ball every time for dominating any snow skirmishes this winter.

Experiment with molecular gastronomy in the comfort of your own kitchen with the Texturas Spherification Mini-kit, keeping tweens occupied and teaching them a lesson in science.

Start the toddlers young with this Wooden Cell Phone.

Moss returns this holiday season with Gone But Not Forgotten Finger Puppets, designed by the wonderful Il Golfini della Nonna.

Make your own ukulele with this customizable DIY Ukulele Kit.

Instructions for essential skills to get you through the rigors and challenges of modern living are included in "Show Me How: 500 Things You Should Know."

Simultaneously fun and educational, Boa Stacking Rings with Sounds is a stack and squeeze toy with a different sound for each squishy ring and a giggling head when stacking is complete.

Get crafty with Mona Doll, a truly an imaginary friend. The blank Mona doll comes equipped with 10 machine washable markers, leaving the looks of Mona solely up to any kid's (and yours) imagination.

A classic film that most of us grew up with, the The Red Balloon book is a great way to pass on the story to a another generation.

Playing a series of notes when you break any of the six laser beams with the movement of your hands, the Laser Beam Music Generator allows you to reproduce music and save it for immediate playback.

Leather Lanthe Notebook

£45

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£45

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This leather bound diary is embossed with Liberty of London’s signature Lanthe pattern. It’s available in three sizes.

This product is sold by Liberty of London

Ikon Hand Held Knife Sharpener

$30

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$30

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This knife sharpener by industry leaders Wusthof has diamond and ceramic sharpening wheels. It works with several varieties of blades including straight, serrated and left- or right-handed scissors.

This product is sold by Wusthof

Brewing Pitcher

$39

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$39

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This attractive pitcher from Tea Forte has a lidded upper container for steeping tea which can then be poured into ice in the lower container to flash chill. It’s made from hand-blown heat-resistant glass.

This product is sold by Tea Forte

Mmm Mmm Good Gifts

Food's temporal nature eliminates the burden of gifting an object of questionable desirability. When in doubt, look to consumables. Rather than the usual box of chocolates, we've gathered some items that will express your gift-giving personality and bring joy to tummies worldwide, like milk chocolate-covered bacon, an array of English cheeses or macaroons handmade in New Orleans. Check the Cool Hunting Holiday 2008 Gift Guide for a wider assortment of goodies and some kitchen gadgets for pairing or on their own for the chef in your life.

Wicked Good Hand Warmers

$10

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$10

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Made from all-natural ingredients, these hand warmers offer instant relief from the cold. They fit comfortably inside mittens and last for up to six hours.

This product is sold by L.L. Bean

Typeface: Classic Typography for Contemporary Design

$26

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$26

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Sixty classic fonts are documented, discussed and shown in action. One nice feature is the display of similar typefaces that work as substitutes for each other.

This product is sold by Tamye Riggs

Classic Dog Raincoat

$50+

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$50+

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We are not supportive of frivolous decorative gear for dogs, but rainy days call for a little protection. CH mascots Otis and Logan protest but ultimately give in to their stylish raincoats, which are easy to get on and off, well-made, well-priced and available in multiple sizes/colors.

This product is sold by Zoomie's

Seriously Funny Gifts

Take the misery out of holiday shopping with these funny gifts, designed to make even Scrooge crack a smile. Our favorite is the F*CK The Rain Umbrella, which would cheer up any gloomy day. Other fun items are bacon dental floss (look for other bacon-inspired items in the gift guide), and the Savin' Up For series of tin banks which offer a plethora of options to save up for, everything from your next vacation to drug money. All these items and more can be found in our 2008 Holiday Gift Guide.

Candele Da Viaggio

$42

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$42

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For true girly-girls, this set of candles includes Cleopatra, Grace, Havana and Kyoto, a sampling of Tocca’s deliciously heady scents. The votive-size glass is small enough to tuck into carry-ones for mood-setting on the road.

This product is sold by Tocca

Vegan Bag

$45+

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$45+

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Vegan accessories are hard to come by, but this Canadian label is certainly leading the field in terms of sophisticated bag design. We love their innovative use of materials and bold colors.

This product is sold by Matt & Nat

Plant A Tree

$100

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$100

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If you want to offset your carbon footprint or a friend’s, Trees for the Future can help. TTF works with communities in environmentally at risk areas, giving them seeds and teaching them how to restore tree cover to their lands, which helps to preserve traditional livelihoods. For $100 they will plant 1,000 trees.

This product is sold by Trees For The Future

Wrapping Paper Wrap-Up

'Tis the season to start thinking about how you're going to wrap up all of your thoughtful presents. Need we remind you that, especially for the humblest of gifts, it's all in the presentation? As design enthusiasts, we enjoy finding great wrapping paper that really stands out for its graphic motif or method of construction.

Eco-Friendly Paper

Feeling guilty isn't very festive and neither is wrapping your gifts in recycled brown paper bags. We've found three sites that offer eco-friendly wrapping paper and prove that environmentally-driven products don't have to be plain and simple. We particularly like the jolly prints from New York City-based Seltzer Goods (above left), with their bright graphics, like this camel-inspired design printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. They even use veggie ink, making it all the more green.

For patterns that really shine, look to Fish Lips (above center), who spread holiday cheer on recycled satin paper using soy-based inks. Their aim is to bridge the gap between contemporary prints, like this one with antlers and fire hydrants, and eco-conscious products.

Another source for responsible wrapping paper is