misosouper, a shopping blog

This milky glass tray is largely responsible for teaching my daughter her letters; imagine what it could do for you.

Run, run, run to the cb2 sale; lots of goodies have been marked down, often deeply.  Such as the curve cooler glasses (only 95¢ each, marked down from $3.95!),  perfect for the casual cocktail, or the peekaboo umbrella holder (62% off), which would clearly be chic in any foyer.    I’ve got my own eye on the Gemini bed,  whose dual (duel?) headboards are perfect for the warring factions (names omitted to preserve domestic tranquility) that often bunk in our guest room.

Today Barack told us that we should, and I paraphrase, liberate ourselves from small thinking.  I’m going to begin by drinking my wine tonight in an exceptionally large glass.  The rest of my giant ideas can wait until tomorrow.

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.

Depends on how much wine is left in the glass.