Surprise.com Cool Gift of the Day

Ecological Calendar 2010

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What it is: A unique calendar that offers a new way to experience time.

Why we love it: Created to help put us back in touch with the cycles of nature and our surroundings, The Ecological Calendar is light years away from the typical grid-format calendar that measures time in 7-day increments. Packed with information about the year and its seasons, it walks with us through time and puts the focus on nature and its phenomena. Four colorful 3-foot-long panels depict each of Earth's four seasons -- from solstice to equinox to solstice to equinox. Each panel encompasses the spatial relationships between Earth, sea, and sky while emphasizing the procession of life from season to season. This calendar is more of a wall display than something with which to track time as we typically view it.

Who we'd give it to: Earth lovers will enjoy this decorative calendar for the home.

Where to get it: From Isabella Catalog for an informative $14.99.

Radica Ucreate Music System

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What it is: A digital music-making system that allows kids to mix music just like a music producer.

Why we love it: Whether your kids play a musical instrument or not, they will love Radica's Ucreate Music system. They can record samples, mix and match loops, share creations with friends and update and explore new content on the myucreate.com website. They have an online library of tracks and special effects that will keep the kids busy for hours. You can also plug in your MP3 player to add to the mix. All in all, it's a great way for kids and teens to express themselves through creating their own songs. Includes 4x 'AA' batteries. PC and Mac-compatible.

Who we'd give it to: Older elementary school kids, tweens and teens who like music.

Where to get it: From Amazon.com for a mix-master $32.99.

The Chef's Planning Kit

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What it is: The ultimate organization tool for feast preparation.

Why we love it: From staging a meal for family and friends to orchestrating a feast for a battalion of loved ones, the Chef's Planning Kit will help you execute your vision with organization and aplomb. Set includes 3 pads - The Menu, Shopping Pad and Prep Pad, a pen, pin that reads "I do it from scratch", a refrigerator magnet, sticky note pad, and a booklet containing witty quotes about food and cooking. Comes packaged in a decorative flip-top keepsake box that measures 8.5 x 11.25 x 1.75 inches. Pads have 60 sheets; sticky notes is 50 sheets, quote book is 48 pages.

Who we'd give it to: An ideal gift for the amateur chef looking to create a romantic meal for two or festive holiday dinner party for the whole family.

Where to get it: From Amazon.com for a totally in control $19.99.

Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What it is: A 2-inch thick toiletry kit that neatly packs flat.

Why we love it: With the airlines now charging extra for checked bags, it's important to pack as efficiently as possible. This clever toiletry bag packs flat, leaving you room for other essentials like more clothes! It comes with a variety of travel bottles and four roomy separate compartments. Perfect for a business trip or long weekend!

Who we'd give it to: Whether you travel for business or pleasure, the Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit will keep you neat and organized.

Where to get it: From Amazon.com for a space-saving $34.99.

Work For Their Food Dog Toy

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What it is: A dog food dispenser toy that will keep them will entertained.

Why we love it: This dog food dispenser toy is a fun and rewarding challenge. Unscrew the two sides, add up to 2 cups of dry dog food. Food is dispensed as your dog noses it along. Tough polycarbonate construction. Rubber bumpers keep the noise level at a minimum.

Who we'd give it to: All dogs will enjoy this toy.

Where to get it: From Orvis for a treat-filled $19.00.