What’s Hot in Southwest Florida
The new version of the BlendJet portable blender doubles the size of the drinks, or whatever you may be blending. A new attachment allows the BlendJet 2 to increase capacity to 32 ounces, making it easy to enjoy a protein shake or a multitude of beverages on the go. Just be sure it’s charged via USB connection. $49.95; blendjet.com
BLEND ON THE GO TINY BUBBLES BREAD IN A BOX
A new high-tech kitchen device allows cooks to check their steaks wirelessly. The MeatStick Mini is “the world’s smallest meat thermometer” and the first to work wirelessly. It sends real-time data to your phone so you can multitask at mealtime and still cook the perfect, steakhouse-quality meats at home. $99.99; themeatstick.com
MEDIUM RARE?
Aerators make great gifts for wine lovers, and this one is unique. The Bocavin Electric Wine Aerator fills the wine with millions of tiny bubbles as you pour it. The bubbles expose the wine to even more oxygen, which enhances the flavor. It does the job much faster than a decanter. $39.99; bocavin.com
This sentimental piece of jewelry from Love Talla is as unique as the fingerprint it holds. Simply take a photo of the fingerprint you want to use, and then choose the jewelry design in silver or gold. It’s the perfect gift for a parent, spouse, or best friend. $195-$1,800; lovetalla.com
FINGERPRINT NECKLACE
Wildgrain is the first membership food box that delivers bake-from-frozen sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisan pastries to your home. It takes 25 minutes or less to make and results in homemade quality. Entertaining for the holidays just got easier and more flavorful. $89 per box; wildgrain.com
Stewart’s is an iconic soda brand dating back to 1924. Its flagship root beer is the only licorice-based root beer in the U.S., and it’s packed with flavor. Stewart’s is all grown up now with its new low-calorie, low-alcohol spiked seltzers in four flavors: Root Beer, Black Cherry, Orange Cream, and Key Lime. Find them at Total Wine. $10.99 per fourpack of 12-ounce cans; stewartspiked.com/stewarts-spiked-sodas
SPIKED SODA
Using the immersion method, the stylish CafeSolo coffee maker from cribsi is perfect for the coffee lover on your list. Spoon ground coffee into the flask, add hot water, stir, and then insert the filter to keep the grounds out of your cup. The lid opens automatically when you’re ready to pour the coffee, and the neoprene covering keeps it hot. $99.95; cribsi.com
DESIGNER COFFEE CANDLES THAT GIVE BACK TASTING BOARD
Puzzles are entertainment for the entire family during the holidays and all year long. WerkShoppe has an array of artful puzzles to ignite wanderlust and celebrate family, including a limited-edition Festive Nutcracker jigsaw puzzle embellished with gold foil. A portion of each purchase is donated to art education and engagement programs. From $25; werkshoppe.com
PUZZLING FUN
Duet is the ultimate feel-good, smell-good, betterfor-the-environment candle. The company’s founder produces the candles at IDDeal Foundation in Coral Springs, Florida, which employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, $2 of each purchase is donated back to the foundation. $49; duetcandles.com
The hands-free, travel cup caddy from riemot makes negotiating airports a breeze. It attaches to your luggage via Velcro and easily folds up when not in use. With room for two, you can board with both coffee and water. It even has a pocket to hold your phone and/or boarding passes. $14.99; riemot.com
LUGGAGE CUP HOLDER
For the wine lover who has everything, the wineflight board from cribsi is the ultimate gift. Made from sturdy acacia wood, it has four cut-outs to hold wines that include the same grape such as cabernet, or four selections from the same winery, or any combination you choose. $39.95; cribsi.com
This innovative gadget from Banana Loca makes snacking fun and delicious. It can core a banana, while still in its peel, allowing you to fill the middle with anything from yogurt or honey to peanut butter or Nutella. $28.99; bananaloca.com
FUN WITH BANANAS LEG JACKET ALL-PURPOSE SHIRT
These colorful, reusable straws from LipSips are both kind to the planet, and to your lips. Made from food-grade silicone, the ergonomic design eliminates the pucker motion that over time causes wrinkles around the lips. $14.95; lipsips.com
WRINKLE-FREE STRAWS
For tailgating, cool nights on the boat, or beach bonfires, try the Mozy, a lightweight, multifunctional wrap that is water resistant and sand repellent. In a variety of colors and sizes, it has pockets, a carabiner clip, and a built-in wrist strap for ease in carrying. $65; getthemozy.com
The ultimate in active lifestyle apparel, the High Water shirt from California Cowboy has a sunglasses loop, a dry pocket for your cell phone, and a pocket that not only holds your bottle of beer, but is also designed with the capability to open that bottle. $145; shop.californiacowboy.com
These classics come from Andrea Carrano, the original creator of high-end luxury leather shoes, worn by Hollywood icons the likes of Audrey Hepburn. Handmade in Naples, Italy, they’re both comfortable and stylish. $295-$570; andreacarrano.com
CLASSIC SLIP-ONS
For hands-on pet grooming, these HandsOn animal gloves are designed not only to gather excess hair before it ends up on your furniture, but also to offer your furry friend a soothing massage in the process. Available in child and adult sizes. $24.99; handsongloves.com