NINE LINES
Have a Nine Lines holiday
Most people will tell you it doesn’t matter what you get them for the holidays as long as you put some thought into the gift. Baloney. One minute they’re thanking you, the next minute they’re online tracking down how much you paid. But if you insist on sticking to “the thought that counts” ethic, here are my suggestions.
Listen Up
$14.95 AT ASSEENONTV.COM
If they’re like me, your relatives or loved ones are extremely self-conscious and paranoid about what other people are saying about them. Problem solved! The Listen Up amplifies sound so you can hear far-off conversations. It’s being marketed for the hard of hearing, but mostly you’ll want to use it to trick people into thinking you can read minds.
More Top Picks Rebounders
Natural Born Hustler belt buckle
$15.95 ON SALE (REG. $19.95) AT HOTBUCKLES.COM
Gentlemen, this belt buckle is guaranteed to be a conversation starter with the ladies. And ladies, everybody loves hustlers, especially one who’s been grimy since birth. I bet Jay-Z wears one of these.
Cuisinart Prep Express hand-held food processor
$49.95 AT WILLIAMS-SONOMA STORES AND WILLIAMS-SONOMA.COM
Elegant craftsmanship meets cold, hard efficiency in the kitchen. This is probably the most practical gift your recipient is going to get from anyone, and he/she will be singing your praises over the muted tones of red bell pepper being sliced up and flung into a salad bowl at top speed.
SHOW PATROL
Patrolling for gifts
There’s more to a couch potato’s life than watching TV. Such as keeping your feet warm while watching TV; or eating at the same time. I even like to read about TV. So when you’re considering gifts for a TV fan, think outside the DVD box set. Here are a few things I wouldn’t mind receiving.
Meerkat slippers
$25 AT SHOPPING.DISCOVERY.COM
This past season was a sad, trying one for “Meerkat Manor” fans, but these cuddly slippers will bring back fond memories of the ‘kats on Animal Planet. And remember, no meerkats were harmed in the making of these slippers.
TV trays
$48 EACH AT UNCOMMONGOODS.COM
Hey, a guy’s gotta eat. And since I hate cleaning, I’d rather not drop food on the floor around my couch. These 1950s-inspired metal trays have a retro flare.
‘Heroes’ graphic novel
$29.99 AT NBCSTORE.COM
The writer’s strike has halted “Heroes” on TV, but fans can get their fix with this hardcover, 240-page novel from DC Comic’s WildStorm imprint. It collects the tales that were presented on nbc.com and features all your favorite characters. “Heroes” star Masi Oka wrote the introduction.
GOING PUBLIC
Stocking stuffers for CTA lovers
Going crazy trying to get gifts for that “Going Public” person in your life? I’ve got some CTA-themed solutions for you and all your bus- and “L”-loving friends and family. Maybe “love” isn’t the right choice, but here goes.
Solid Fuel pocket hand warmer
$9.95 AT BODYHEATERS.COM
No room under the heat lamps on the “L” platform or that bus shelter? No worries. Help your commuter stay toasty in transit with this hand warmer. Its easy-to-light solid fuel stick burns for up to 100 hours of heating. Increase the toast-factor with the Extreme Comfort hand warmer for $19.95 on that same site.
Bundle up, don’t plump up
VARIOUS PRICES AND STYLES AT NORTHFACE.COM
With possible cuts to 81 bus routes coming down the pike in January, space on the remaining routes will be even tighter than it is now. Riders can do their part by cutting down their public transit footprint with slimmer jackets. For the ladies, get the Insulated Grace Jacket ($199) and for the fellas, a Dolomite Transformer Jacket ($369) with the added bonus of a built-in backpack.
Kindle wireless reading device
$399.99 AT AMAZON.COM
Why allow your giftees to waste time waiting for “L” trains and buses? They can use that time to boost their book learning. Personally, I’m waiting on the price to drop, but Amazon’s new Kindle — think an iPod for books — might be just the time-killing device.
iPHONE, THEREFORE I BLOG
What u need for your iPhone
What do I know about iPhone accessories? Plenty, including the hottest ones you’ll want — to give — for the holidays.
Waterfield Designs iPhone cases
$9-$39 AT SFBAGS.COM
This small San Francisco company makes high-quality and nice-to-look-at laptop bags and iPhone cases. I use the $9 suede jacket case for simple scratch protection, but the $39 smart case will clip onto your belt.
V-moda Vibe Duo earphones
$99 AT V-MODA.COM AND MOST ELECTRONICS STORES
Those iconic white earbuds Apple includes with the iPhone are fine, but if you want a step up to better sound and increased comfort, check out the Vibe Duo. Set comes with several ear piece sizes and a case.
WHIZZER
When the season bears down on you
More Top Picks Best Vibration Plates Under 300 Dollars
It’s that time of year again. No, not for Bears fans to cry in their beers. It’s time to give the sports fan you love — or don’t hate, at least — a one-of-a-kind gift. They do still say it’s better to give than receive, right? In any case, here now, my picks.
Sporty dog basket
$29.98 AT SUGARPAWW.COM
Includes a frisbee, two tug-a-ropes, a tasty bone and a sports bandanna. And, yes, I do celebrate Christmas.
Tony Romo jersey
$224.99 FOR AUTHENTIC JERSEY, $74.99 FOR REPLICA AT NFL.COM
What are you going to do, get a Rex Grossman jersey? If you’re that delusional have ROMO stitched onto a Bears jersey.
Wrigley Field brick
$175 PER SIDEWALK BRICK AND $30 PER WALL BRICK AT CUBS.COM (this item as published has been corrected in this text)
Now, you can have your name be part of the sidewalk around Wrigley and, just like Jacque Jones, know what it’s like to have Cub fans walk all over you.
AUDIODOC
Restarting traditions with new tunes
Maybe it’s me, but I’m over box sets as holiday gifts. I’ve received one every Christmas for the last 10 years. Music fans on your list probably have most of the old songs from many of these money vacuums. So why not give the gift of new music for the hard-to-please folks on your list.
FOR THE KLUB KID
Daft Punk
“Alive 2007”
Recorded in Paris, this album captures the live genius of what has long been one of the most inventive duos in dance music history.
FOR THE RHYME JUNKIE
Lupe Fiasco
“THE COOL,” AVAILABLE DEC. 18
The racks will be full of new hip-hop releases in the weeks leading up to Christmas, but don’t bother with anything other than Chicago’s own Lupe Fiasco. Long heralded as the next great MC, “The Cool” will be his breakout.
FRUGAL FASHIONISTA
Gifts that shimmer, everyone glimmers
At a loss for what to get for loved ones this holiday? If you’re looking to spruce up a boring wardrobe or give someone’s accessories shelf an extra boost, look no further. Below are some great gift ideas for both those who love looking their best at all times — and those who could use some help. [ joanna gustafson is a redeye special contributor. ]
FOR WOMEN
J Crew zebra print merino wool cardigan
$90 AT J CREW AND JCREW.COM
Marc by Marc Jacobs cut fruit bauble necklace watch
$150 AT NORDSTROM AND NORDSTROM.COM
FOR MEN
Lacoste fleece-lined skull cap
$35 AT NORDSTROM AND NORDSTROM.COM
RayBan Classic Wayfarer
$190 AT BARNEYS COOP AND BARNEYS.COM
[PRICES AND AVAILABILITY MAY VARY]