Guide 2 the Good Life

Everyone has that one friend: the one that is difficult to buy gifts for. To remedy this predicament, my best suggestion is to look towards that person’s special interests and try to find something that will fill one of their niche interests. Here are some ideas.

For the Carnivore whose only food group is “meat”:

It’s time to graduate from their George Foreman grill. Get them a “smokefree” indoor grill with enough wattage and heat intensity to give their meat a good sear and actually brown (unlike that weird grayish tone that G.Foreman grilled meats tend to take on). This grill is very easy to use and clean, meat lovers will surely use this everyday. No more need for pots, pans, or even serving dishes–this little gadget cooks up everything so deliciously that the food won’t even make it to a plate.
Indoor Grill $39.95 with free shipping! at Shop the Good Life

For Someone Who thinks they Know Everything

Trivia buffs will thoroughly enjoy these books by former Vogue food editor and frequent Iron Chef judge Jeffrey Steingarten. This man takes his gastronomic quests very far as he searches the world for the best or most authentic versions of global cuisine. Each quest is a scientific and gluttonous case study, which he obsessively probes to the most precise details. For example, Steingarten asserts that espresso must be made with a specific amount of atmospheric pressure, or else the cup is all but ruined! Do you know what this amount is? Leave a comment if you are one of the enlightened ones!

Books by Jeffrey Steingarten $10.85 each @ Shop the Good Life.

For Friends with a Sweet Tooth:

Candies and chocolates are a safe default gift because everyone loves them! But after receiving multiple holiday baskets (aka the 10 lb corporate plague), the concepts gets a little old. To keep things interesting, give an assortment of imported Japanese sweets that are both intruiging and tasty!
Japanese Sweets Assortment $37.58 at Shop the Good Life

For the Alcoholic Friend (we all have one, ha!)

I kid, I kid! Public Service Announcement: Alcoholism is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. But for those of you that can handle your liquor responsibly, an at home brewery kit is a pretty novel gift. Chances are, even someone with everything has never received something this. This gift has the initial wow factor and can lead to good times down the road. Wouldn’t it be awesome to break out a bottle of your own lager at the next barbecue?

Beer Making Kit $29.99 at Shop the Good Life.

For the Corporate Slave (akaCaffeine Addict)

Enjoying (or maybe tolerating–for those of you that have seen the light and switched to espresso) a few cups of drip coffee during the day are one of the few creature comforts that are socially acceptable, and encouraged, to bring to work. Sorry, I know your boss is mean, but please leave the security blanket at home. I really hate how my cup goes cold just a few minutes after I get it all nice and steamy. Solution: a cup warmer that keeps the mug and it’s contents nice and toasty. Might seem a bit superfluous, but I can assure you than any overworked employee will welcome this gift with open arms.

Mug Warmer $14.95 @ Shop the Good Life

For the Frequent Traveler

They love to travel but hate to live out of a suitcase. Help them organize their necessities in a stylish and useful way with washable travel bags labeled for their particular purpose.

Travel Bags $10.19 at Shop the Good Life

For the Hostess with the Mostess:

Entertainers out there love to wine and dine their guests, but many fear that awkwardness that can result from the botched opening of a wine bottle. Have no fear, an automatic wine opener is here. Makes an excellent conversation piece as well and looks so snazzy.

Automatic Wine Opener $29.99 at Shop the Good Life.

Good luck to everyone with their last minute holiday shopping!