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You say you care, but show him/her you mean it with a cellphone signal-blocking hanky. That’s right, it’s a nylon and silver handkerchief that blocks all cell signals and says so with the phrase “My Phone is Off For You” just in case you or your significant other forgets what it’s doing wrapped around your phone. You could also purchase it for someone that is on their phone ALL the freaking time as a big hint that their habit is rude and annoying. The ‘Phonekerchief’ comes with a chocolate bar to soften the blow or, more likely, just to make it a more typical Valentine’s gift.

Note: Or, instead, just make a habit of turning off your phone or putting it on silent, which would obviously be a better method of conveying your attention to your companion(s). Hopefully those around you will get the hint to do the same.
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Queuger, whaa?? Exactly. The Queuger is apparently for any use you can find for it. It’s a flexible elastomer wire with aluminum core, so you can bend it or twist it any which way you want. Maybe you’ll use it to keep wires organized, or to hold cabinet doors closed, or to help ease uncomfortable handles on a heavy bag… those suggestions are based entirely on the ‘ideas’ picture shown below, but you’ll think of many more.

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You might have heard the 10,000+ steps a day suggestion, but it’s not until you strap on a pedometer or one of the other recent tracking devices that you actually know if you meet that minimum. I’ve posted the Fitbit before, as I currently own one and find it very helpful as motivation to move around more, but I’ve heard from friends that the $99 price tag seems a bit steep for a teeny tiny thing that counts your steps (and calories burned, flights climbed, sleep cycle, etc.). Coming in at $40 less, now there’s the Fitbit Zip. It does the same- tracks steps, distance, calories burned and syncs it to your computer- except it won’t be able to track your sleep cycle. It’s also a wee bit wider/larger and has a replaceable battery instead of a charger.

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You might completely dismiss this Tabletop Hifi from Symbol Audio once you learn its price, but if you’re serious about sound (i.e. audio geek) and interior aesthetics then you might just be happy to see the specs and available finishes. Using traditional speaker design, the Tabletop Hifi delivers high quality sound with “two 4 in. high efficiency full range drivers, with titanium cones, set in dampened cabinets, ported for optimum sound and paired with a down firing 5 1/4 in. subwoofer to create deep full bass response.” Enough technical specs to please the discerning, don’t you think? Plus, it’s available in all sorts of cabinet and speaker front finishes.
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Only 8 days left for this indiegogo campaign, and pay attention because it’s for bluetooth stickers. Each small sticker has Bluetooth, so you can track any device, person, or animal, and find it/them with an app on your smartphone. Where are your keys? Where’s the dog? Where’s the remote? Easily found, all via the app’s radar. The stickers are about the size of a quarter and adheres to objects with a strong 3M VHB adhesive.
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Somehow I missed that Bluelounge, the cord/cable/charging station company, has gotten into the bag and backpack game. While backpacks can be hit or miss when it comes to fashion, this one makes the grade for its simple exterior style and very functional interior. There’s a neoprene cushioned laptop compartment as well as a custom iPad pocket- so both of your devices are adequately protected- along with ergonomic shoulder straps. And, for extra credit, the fabric is made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.
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As it’s January, most of us will find ourselves huddled around a hot bowl of soup for lunch or dinner. So, of course, let’s look again at the Thermo-Pot from Black + Blum. Think of it as an updated thermos; its stainless steel flask keeps drinks/soups/meals hot for up to six hours and an airtight cork capper ensures a vacuum seal. The spoon is magnetically attached to the side for convenience.
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Now that the holiday season has passed, it’s time to focus on escaping for ski trips or warmer climes. And what will you need to distinguish your bag from all the other black cases at the airport? How about a custom leather tag hand stamped with your name, phone number, and email address? (Skip your address, for safety concerns and/or just in case you move house.) On a personal note, I watched someone receive his very own custom tag on Christmas morning, and that someone (a frequent flyer) looked like Ralphie with a Red Ryder BB gun.
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The following post is sponsored by Aether Apparel.

Take a walk in downtown Manhattan in the middle of January and you’ll see a few trends in women’s fashion -most notably, the full-length insulated parka. When it’s freezing cold outside, women dress for the occasion. But while the typical quilted parka does a wonderful job of keeping you warm, it’s not exactly the most flattering of options.

Too frequently women are forced to choose between wearing something warm or wearing something fashionable. Either dress well and die of hypothermia or dress warm and look like the Michelin Man. This dilemma was the inspiration for the Arctic Trench. Designed for women in cold urban environments, it offers some serious insulation, but with a refined modern aesthetic.
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Nice! The Oreflector is a safety reflective badge for when you’re out and about at night. Whether you’re on your bike, walking your dog, or going for a run, its reflective material shines out to let cars and other passers-by know to steer clear of your soft self. Best of all, it’s not as bulky (or obnoxious) as a blinking bike light clipped on to clothing. Comes as a set of two badges- one mini and one maxi size.
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Add this to the list of possible perfect gifts. This cardboard and paper DIY Combo can use 35mm or 120 film and allows for partial-frame and multiple exposures. Perhaps there will be more than a few soft focused images that quality as ‘art’ when using this puppy… you won’t know until you try it out. Also, not that you need reminding (because you’re so on top of things this year), but time is running short for shipping time, so best do your ordering today.
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A folding bicycle helmet? Yes, please. Overade’s helmet is now available for pre-sale on Ulule, and it looks well worth some consideration for anyone who’s ever been on a bike. It folds down to a third of its size, making it easier to stash in a bag for quick trips around town. Suitable for cycling in all forms, skateboarding, skating, or scooters, and available in two colors and two sizes.

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The following post is sponsored by Aether Apparel.

Aether Apparel started out as a Men’s outerwear company, and was formed in reaction to its co-founders own frustrations while shopping. As outdoor enthusiasts living in the city, they felt there was a need for men’s technical performance jackets with a refined urban aesthetic. However, after their first season of Aether, they discovered this combination not only struck a chord with men, but with women as well – who have been asking for Aether Women’s since the company launched.
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Get everything on your grocery list. Don’t skimp out on the 12 pack and the cake just because you can’t haul it home on your bike. The Donkybike sports both front and rear cargo racks that are attached directly to the frame, allowing for a stable ride without any unwieldy steering or swaying rear end. The frame is created in no-nonsense and durable steel, sure to last a lifetime. Available in green and black.
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The following post is sponsored by Aether Apparel.

A mix of form and function, the ALTITUDE ski jacket has been designed to combine the highest level of technical performance with a refined aesthetic and tailored fit.

Each winter Jonah Smith and Palmer West, co-founders of Aether Apparel, make a pilgrimage to the Canadian Rockies for a week of CAT skiing at Baldface Lodge. While there they keep a close eye on the different types of gear being worn. They noticed that while many of top-end ski jackets perform phenomenally under the conditions, they left a lot to be desired in terms of fit. Everything was just a little baggy. The jackets were also made from “hard” fabrics that crinkled like wrapping paper in the cold air. After seeing this, Jonah and Palmer decided it was time to make a top-end ski jacket of their own. One that incorporated all the technical features, but one designed with a more refined fit and quieter fabrics.
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