Holiday Gift Guide Day 11: Stuff for the Stockings

HEAD’S UP: Is it December already? YES, it is. In many parts of the world that means it is holiday gifting season. For many, the very idea presents a little conundrum. They have no idea what to gift, poor things! These are the very souls that the elves at VEVLYN’S PEN endeavor to lend a hand. We’re starting a bit early this year with our humble Holiday Gift Guide, because the spirit hit us and … well … we’re filled with the spirit! From today through 24 Dec., every day or every other day or so – willy-nilly, actually – we will introduce one or a series of products/services, items and brands that we believe would make a smashing holiday gift(s). And (as the old saying goes) … we’re off!!!

OK, so they are not Beats by Dre. Nothing is in the realm of headphones, not yet anyway.

But Skullcandy headphones provide some pretty good sound quality, many levels up the rung from earphones and earbuds for cheaper than Beats. And SkullCandy has something that Beats doesn’t: An edit function.

Yes, an edit function that allows the wearer to customize or choose for his or her headphones from a range of colors for the various parts of the whole, not just a choice of a different color for the whole headset. The new headphones are called Skullcandy Aviator Edit. The edit function is easy as pie. Women should simply imagine that they are shopping online for dresses or shoes.

Here’s how it work. First, go to the Skullcandy Aviaitor Edit page (http://www.skullcandy.com/shop/custom-aviators). A large image of the cord and headphone set should be visible. To the right are a series of small boxes that are shaded with different colors. These are the colors in which the parts of the headphone set are available. Above the shaded boxes are the names of the headphones parts: Headband, Frames, Caps, Cord. Click on a shaded box under any part and it will be highlighted on the image in the middle of the screen. (See demo video above.)

Models in the W118 by Walter Baker Spring 2013 Presentation rock Skullcandy Aviator Edit headphones. Photo by Photos by Mike Coppola/Getty Images.

For my Skullcandy Aviator Edit headphones, I would eventually choose – after many starts and fits – a black Headband, red Frame, teal Cap and black Cord. I could see the results right on the screen. Once the editing/customization is complete, “ADD TO CART” for purchase (starting at $179.99) immediately or continue shopping.

My Skullcandy Aviator Edit headphones look smashing. And they also look cool, as they did on the models at the W118 by Walter Baker Spring 2013 Presentation during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York.

Visit http://www.skullcandy.com/shop/custom-aviators to learn more about Skullcandy Aviator Edit headphones, including features and specs and http://www.skullcandy.com to learn more about all Skullcandy product.

Say Okey-Dokey to tokidoki

The DIY Unicorno Vinyl Toy is a blank canvass awaiting paint. Photos from tokidoki Web site.

PULL out those sharpies. Here’s an opportunity for you and you and you to decorate your very own Unicorno.

With the DIY Unicorno Vinyl Toy, the artist within can turn the little white collectible into a multi-hued creation or as many colors as can be derived from blending sharpies in Adios Black, Bruttino Blue and Stellina Magenta. (http://www.bit.ly/Rta3ZU)

The tokidoki pouch makes for a nice cocoon for a little stuff.

This is a new deal from Milan-based tokidoki. Could co-founder/artist and lover of many things Japanese Simone Legno be weary of painting/coloring his cute-as-a-button figures and is now handing over the reins to fans? No, not exactly. As anyone who is familiar with the six-year-old lifestyle brand knows, there are a number of other characters that need makeup for the myriad platforms on which they exist.


tokidoki Frenzies are simply charming.

And to think that tokidoki, which means “sometimes” in Japanese, started with the likes of distinctive cartoons Cactus Friends and the Moofia appearing on LeSportsac handbags with the now-familiar skulls and bones logo. Aside from the Unicornos, it now includes “Donutella and her sweet friends,” ‘Til Death Do Us Part and punkstar. All appear on objects, including skateboards and gear, apparel, makeup, shoes, hats, gadgets, collectibles and so on.

Unlike the DIY Unicorno Vinyl Toy, the Continental Large Flat Pouch needs no particular ministrations. It’s ready-to-wear and contain one’s pouchables. It’s also on sale. (http://www.bit.ly/RNxb9l)

In the hands of tokidoki, some Marvel Comic characters get a new look.

For bejeweling, tokidoki-style are the tokidoki Frenzies. They are 22 charms that feature “players” from Moofia, Cactus Friends and other character series. They can be attached to backpacks, key rings, clip-ons and so on. Buyer beware; they are sold separately, though featured together in photos. (http://www.bit.ly/iVTL3)

More frenzies come in the form of the tokidki X Marvel Frenzies, a manifestation of tokidoki’s collaboration with Marvel Comic, one of a number of such relationships,including Skullcandy — could it be the skull and bones things? (See article above.) Spider-Man and Mighty Thor are among the superheroes given a tokidoki makeover in Marvel frenzies.( http://www.bit.ly/M0arJX)

Skateboarder Stevie Williams is such a doll.

New from tokidoki’s streetwear brand, TKDK, is the DGK X TKDK Stevie Williams Collectible Vinyl Toy. The set that pays homage to the skateboarding phenomenon comes with a 4-inch tall doll, hat and skateboard. (http://www.bit.ly/TiFTwS)

Another prominent fellow that tokidoki paid homage to back in the day three years ago was Karl Lagerfeld. Only 1,000 of the tokidoki x K Karl Lagerfeld figures were created. Word is that they sold out in record time.

tokidoki!

Visit http://www.tokidoki.it/ to learn more about tokidoki.