misosouper, a shopping blog

For my favorite swiller:  bourbon on one side, rye on the other.  Like a Medi-Alert bracelet for the soon-to-be drunk.

First things first:  congrats to the winner of last week’s Vivabox giveaway, Helen L., who charmed us with a ten word entry about her tree-climbing toenails.

And now for this week’s giveaway:  six gorgeous letterpressed popptags, perfect for gifting with a bottle of holiday wine.  While the tags’ designs are classic, the messages are decidedly not; why stick a floppy bow on the bottle when you can adorn it with an elegant “From one wino to another” tag?  (That one’s going to an 85-year-old friend.  Everyone has a wino in their life, and she just happens to be mine.)

To enter, you need to subscribe to misosouper’s feed, which you can find here, and also on the home page (look for the pretty blue button in the right hand column).  When you have successfully subscribed, please leave a comment that you have done so.  Current subscribers can also enter the contest; just leave a note in the comments below.

As the popptags say, ’tis the season to get tipsy, so get to getting.

the fine print:

Comments will be closed and entries will not be accepted after 11:59 pm on Saturday, December 6, 2008.  The winner will be selected on Sunday, December 7, 2008, and notified by e-mail.  Results of the giveaway will be announced on Monday, December 8, 2008.  Multiple entries are not accepted.  Misosouper, a shopping blog reserves the right to disqualify entries that are considered spam.

Not in the mood for love?  These gifts will bring out your cheeky side.

These animals will keep that library in line.

Mix your Mexican beverage metaphors and serve her up with a tray full of Negra Modelos.

My favorite martian.

Way creepier than playing poker with mirrored glasses.  A true objet d’art.

Why should Radiohead get all the rainbows?

A satisfyingly dramatic way to pass the days.

Now that the election is over, you need someone else to root for.

Lover, you should have come over.

My teenage cousin is obsessed with phone charms.  Here’s one (a miniature terrarium!) that doesn’t involve pink beads.

Perhaps my favorite item in the whole gift guide.  Perhaps the cheapest, too.

Do these derby critters remind anyone else of the Hummer soapbox derby kids?

Portable iPod karaoke sets bring joy to the world.

A daschund bag needs no commentary.

I warned you that I like small things writ large.

Yo to the yo.

This koi pitcher makes a lovely gurgling sound when it pours.

I’m thinking this tape isn’t fireproof.

Parrots are the new Rabbits.

Cleaning toilets probably isn’t what Pinocchio signed up for.

Unwrap it.  You know you want to.

What this sleek white instant camera lacks in vintage charm, it makes up for in features, like autofocus.  Plus, it hasn’t been discontinued, which is always a plus.  RIP, Polaroid.

And to think you were going to get them a Jawbone.

If a thematic mantra unites the gifts in the ‘08 Wishful List, it’s this:  smaller is indeed better.  Not necessarily in scale–as you’ll see, I have a particular affection for objects that are usually small, but have been writ large–but in scope, and certainly in price. Today we begin with gifts chosen for their utility; as all good devolutions go, we’ll end the week in a heap of frivolity.

For my family and friends: you’re probably getting something from this list.  Sorry, and you’re welcome.

Bringing beer to the party?  You could just dump out the swill and fill the cans with flowers instead.  I’m sure someone will be taken by your gesture and share theirs.

As a social smoker (only when I drank, and only one!) who was shoved onto the brutal, bitter NYC sidewalks in the great Bloombergian smokeout of ‘03, I empathize.  Use these to keep your favorite smoker’s hands warm.

Oil is on one side, vinegar is on the other.  Separate spouts guarantee that ne’er the twain will meet, except on your salad.  Bonus points for looking gorgeous on the table.

A spilt bottle of water is the cause of many purse moatings.  Friends don’t let friends be that wet, soggy girl.

This skullcap with built-in headphones is just one step away from the ultimate in wireless, which is having the speakers implanted directly in your brain.  Maybe next Christmas.

As a design object, jiggers are usually ugly; this sleek aluminum cube proves they don’t have to be.

The possibilities are endless for this little bag made out of steel (literally!  the thread is coated with it):  toys, shoes, produce, small dogs…

Ladybuds, which are perfect for keeping your earplugs in while you rock your body at concerts, are not to be confused with ladybugs or ladylumps, neither of which would make good gifts.

This luggage tag makes me laugh.  Give one to your travel partner, and make them laugh too.

Best line ever:  “Your wife is so hot–is she a stay-at-home?”  Perfect for the party planning committee.

Yes, these gloves do have a bit of street urchin about them; but for professorial friends who toil in dank library basements, they may not stave off boredom, but they will prevent frostbite.

For those of us who don’t have a bike, a shoulder-strapped version of the iconic Carrie shopping basket.

They say lazy, I say efficient; hook this spoon’s notched edge onto a pot to preserve your counters from caked-on food.

Actually a great travel gift:  use this device to turn off annoying TVs around the globe, from bars in Kenosha to the airport in Bangor.

Sculptural and affordable, unlike so many other modern clocks on the market.  For a very tall wall.

Tomorrow:  gifts suited for a houseful of your favorite people.