Gifts of Beauty, Accessories & For The Home

I-DOG (Hasbro) Ages 8+, $29.99  B00083HIL8
Our tween fashionista tester who wanted the purse dogs but isn't lucky enough to get one is having a blast toting around her little I-DOG, reports her mom.  This cute little pal has a personality as well as functionality.  The I-DOG can be plugged into an iPod (or any other MP3 player) and he works as speakers, he also barks, has ears that move and a face that lights up with the music.  The music and movement change with the music!  Our tester just loved it!  In addition, she loved the little outfits and purse that you can now get.  Sweater sets retail for  $9.99 and purses for $14.99 These cute items are not just for tweens though, cool teens and college kids will enjoy the versatility of these fun little portable pooches.  They are available in various colors, as well as Dalmatian and Tiger patterns!  Not a dog fan?  Be sure to check out the I-FISH -- it retails for $39.99 and it Requires 2 “AA” batteries (not included). Includes dual-plug cable.

Denim Bean Bag (MyBeanBagBlitz) $79.95
Okay, beanbags were popular when I was a kid and believe it or not, they are still popular now.  Why?  Well, they are comfortable as can be!  Our reviewers, including their parents just loved this beanbag!  They commented that it was "large enough for the adults, yet not too big for the kids.  What kid wouldn't want one of these in their bedroom!"  The thought that this would make a great gift because it's function and fun!  We got to review the denim fabric covered one, but they are available in all sorts of fabrics and colors.  If you have a passion for wild animal print you can get that - or there's leather, micro suede, fleece and more!  They make great gifts for parents too!  For the nitty gritty, Each has a circumference of 112" (taking up approximately 3 feet on the floor). Features double stitched seams and an auto lock zipper for safety and durability. It is filled with 12 cubic feet of soft, comfortable recycled polystyrene beans and is easily refilled. Made in the USA.

Flutter Girl: Dream Wrap (High Intencity)  $18.00
Here's a fun gift that's sure to make your granddaughter happy.  These fun wrap bracelets are funky, hip and loaded with style.  They are one size fits all, and full of fun, jingly charms.  They're a hip gift this Holiday season!



Pedre Watches --  $82.50
Over the years we have been fortunate enough to test a couple of these watches and they are always raved about.  They are trendy and feminine and very durable.  They appeal to people of all ages from tweens and teens to moms and grandmas!  This year we were able to review a very stylish black leather watch with rhinestones.  Our grandma tester thought it was "just gorgeous" and was thrilled to be able to wear it  and review it.  She loved the leather strap, and commented that she constantly gets compliments on it!   They are made by Pedre and they have been featured by in "O" Magazine, InStyle Magazine and Vogue.  This watch retails for $82.50 and can be found at pedrewatch.com or call Toll Free (800) 969-2151 for a retailer near you.

Designer Cell Phone Case (Nicole Rivera)  $44.95
Designed by a hip designer, this cell phone case called "Lightening" is designed for the Motorola Razr phone.  It's slim, sleek and full of bling!  "The rhinestones on the pink are a perfect pop," commented our 19-year-old tester.  She just loves that it protects her phone, while looking cool at the same time.  It has a great little detachable hand strap, swivel belt clip at back, magnet closure, and micro fiber lining and comes in a micro suede pouch.  This is a great little gift for the trendy granddaughter in your life!

Mobile Phone Strap (Fashion Angels) $9.99 and up.
We just LOVE this bling for your phones!  All our testers, from college kids to moms and grandmas have all had a blast putting these little decorations on our bags.  What's even better?  You can easily find your phone!  One of our mom testers likes to dangle the little gems outside her pocket so her phone is easier to reach.  Other just like the fact that they have a little decoration on an otherwise relatively bland, but necessary object!  Got something to say? (pictured right) You can do that too!  This is a great little gift that's easy to mail, wrap or stuff!

Girlvival:  Looking for something special for your granddaughter? Since they come in all shapes, sizes and with different joys and challenges, here is a product that is sure to bring a smile to any girls face, no matter what is going on in her life! A girlvival gift kit. There are kits for almost any up or down that she may be facing like going back to school, discovering boys, birthday celebrations, or fighting with her best friend! You can even design your own kit! Started by a teenager named Carrie, her grandmother is one of her best sales people. Visit www.girlvival.com to view all the gift kits and place an order. Or feel free to contact girlvival directly at 630-873-3115 and they will be happy to help you select the perfect gift to send her spirits soaring! They provide free gift cards and wrapping. 

BONNEBELL® Cool Kisses Collection, Berry Flavorful Collection, Fresh Glow Collection (Bonne Bell) $9.95
Here's a great gift for a teen - just a hint of sheer color, in three great flavors. All the glosses have just a hint of shimmer, perfect for the holiday season - but not too bold!  They are all vitamin enriched to moisturize and protect.  Teens will love them - moms and grandmas may borrow!  Available at your local drug, mass market retailers and more. 

Ogallala Comfort Company:  Prices range from $322 - $925 Here's a great gift to give to your grandchild going off to college or in college - a really nice comforter!  I purchased the King Monarch Duvet for my husband and I and it's so great I just had to write about it.  These duvets are investments that can certainly be handed down.  The Monarch is made of a a soft cotton sateen that has satin piping.  It has the classic classic box design that is baffled for consistent appearance and warmth. Its 300 thread count cotton soft and luxurious.  One of the really great features is the loops at each corner that allow you to attach it to the duvet covers so that it doesn't slip down.  Its fill power is 700 Hypodown which is 80% Goose Down and 20% Syriaca Clusters.   It has the weight of the duvets I remember snuggling under when I was a kid at my grandma's house!  They are a great gift that will be appreciated all year long - not just in the cool or cold winter months! Prices range from $322 - $925
 

Deck the Dorm with Gel Gems!  (Design Ideas) Prices start at $5.00 for a small box of dots.  The Holiday Related ones are on the left.  There is also the Star of David, Santa Clause, Candy canes and more!  Let your creative juices flow.  You don't only have to give Holiday related gems.  There are snakes, flower pots, the Statue of Liberty and more!  For added fun and ideas check out their Design Gallery  where you can see Shrek, the Twin Towers and more!

And if you want to do your own research to find out what your granddaughter might be seeing on the Web, click on some of these sites. Be warned: They all have annoying pop-up ads and launch extra advertising windows. Just close the ads out as you surf. Here are some of the hot sites: GirlZone, GirlyNation, YM, Gurl, Seventeen.