All wet
A timely twist in eco-design, the Bedol Water-Powered Alarm Clock is a truly unique eco-friendly gift offering for the holidays. A perfect green-minded gift, Bedol's sustainable design has an intriguing practical functionkeeping perfect time without batteries. It even has an alarm. You just add fresh water to the clock's tank to make it work. Electrodes harvest energy from the water, powering the clock for as long as four weeks. There's no word, however, on if it's better to use Evian or tap.
$16; www.bedolwhatsnext.com
Star power
Star Wars The Clone Wars: The Complete Season One takes place immediately after the events of Star Wars-Episode II: Attack of the Clones. The 22-episode series follows Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, and introduces us to some new characters such as Ahsoka Tano, a girl Jedi knight. Your niece or nephew will never stop loving you, I suspect.
$44.95; www.amazon.com
Skin tight
According to its Web site, Zia Daily Moisture Screen SPF 15 "simplifies your life with this lightweight complex that moisturizes as it protects." Well, I'm for anything that makes my life easier. The product contains aloe and rice bran oil, which provide light, non-greasy moisture to soften and nourish skin. Moreover, Neil Patrick Harris is reportedly a big fanand he certainly looks, um, supple.
$20.95; www.zianatural.com
Local color
Artist Steve Ohlrich is selling high-quality, original art reproductions of his acclaimed 2002 "Chicago Composition" poster. It is a signed reproduction of a commissioned, 4' x 5' oil painting of the City of Chicago. Every time I look at it, I see something I'd previously missed.
$34, including shipping;
www.steveohlrich.com
Tea time
For a beverage that's a little different, consider Firefly Vodkawhich is infused with sweet tea. And the roots of this vodka are definitely Southern: Firefly was first created at the Firefly Distillery on Wadmalaw Island, S.C. In addition, you can mix it up; there are original, peach, raspberry, lemon and mint-flavored versions.
$17.99; www.fireflyvodka.com and
www.superwinewarehouse.com
Roasted chestnuts
Christopher Anthony Toasty Boys are undies for those who definitely want to stay warm during the Chicago winter. However, these items ( from Oak Lawn-based Anthony ) don't just keep you toastythe thermal undies also help to shape, if you know what I mean.
$24; www.christopheranthony.net