Hotspots Holiday Gift Guide 2016

Scott Holland READ TIME: 8 MIN.

The holiday season is upon us, and if you are like me, you like to get suggestions on what to purchase. Therefore, I compiled a list of things I believe will be big hits with your loved ones. I have 30 suggestions designed not to break your bank. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!

Health & Beauty

Mavericks
GetMavericks.com

  • Face Kit ($89 for 90-day supply) is a total skincare solution in a box. Three items - a sunscreen, a face wash, and a nighttime moisturizer - complete a daily regimen of protecting, cleansing, and repairing skin.

  • Shave ($25 per 4 oz. tube) is a new category of "shaving moisturizer" which combines moisturizer, shave cream, and aftershave, all three into one. It's engineered from the skin-up so your skin can give babies' bottoms everywhere a run for their money.

    Caviar Hair Products
    $28 each - AlternaHairCare.com

    Every Caviar product contains caviar extract sourced from France. 100% free of parabens, sulfates and synthetic color.

  • Caviar Style Luxe Shape Versatile Cr�me Gel is a medium hold cr�me gel that shapes and transforms the hair effortlessly.

  • Caviar Style Grit is a flexible texturizing paste with medium hold in styling that creates hi-definition silhouettes, separating layers and providing just the right amount of hold you need.

    Scentbird Trendsetter
    $59.95 (over $85 value) - ScentBird.com/giftboxes

    The gift that keeps on giving, for men! It's a designer cologne subscription site that delivers a different 30-day supply of cologne each month from brands such as Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Dior, Hermes, and over 350 others. They are launching two gift boxes just for the holidays. The perfect gift for anyone on your list, these gorgeous gift boxes feature three cases in limited edition colors. Plus, each gift box includes a free month of Scentbird.

    Pevonia's NEW Collagen Boost for HIM
    Pevonia.com

    With the loss of collagen starting in our early 20's, Pevonia is proud to launch new breakthrough products for men who want to look their best called Collagen Boost. The modern man is now ready to fight against the signs of aging with Pevonia's award winning products.

  • Collagen Boost Face Balm ($74) - is formulated with anti-aging and rejuvenating ingredients Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptides-7 to reduce catabolic damage, regenerate and repair vital skin components, and firm the skin. Also contains antioxidants as well as plumping and toning Marine Collagen and Elastin for extended age-defying benefits. Anti-free radicals Vitamins C & E repair, protect and preserve the skin's youthfulness.

  • Collagen Boost Eye Contour ($74) - contains Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, a revolutionary natural neuropeptide, works as a dynamic anti-aging and wrinkle smoothing ingredient offering a modern approach to progressive wrinkle control. The hi-tech time-release sph�rulites delivery system loaded with Hyaluronic Acid provides long-lasting hydration and protection.

    Liquor/Wines

  • The Dreaming Tree Wines Holiday Gift Pack
    $69 - DreamingTreeWines.com

    This is an eco-friendly, affordable, and approachable wine portfolio from world-renowned musician Dave Matthews, and award winning winemaker Sean McKenzie. Dreaming Tree offers a holiday gift pack including three favorite varieties (Chardonnay, Crush and Cabernet Sauvignon) and a $50 gift card to Ticketmaster.

    Savoring SIMI: Since 1876 Cookbook & Cabernet Sauvignon
    $39 - SimiWinery.com

    Inspired by SIMI's food-friendly wines and rich history in Sonoma County, "Savoring SIMI: Since 1876 Cookbook' is the ultimate gift for the food and wine lover on your holiday gift list this year. The cookbook features a collection of classic recipes from past and present SIMI Winery chefs including Chef Kolin Vazzoler, as well as palate-pleasing wine and food pairings for every occasion.

    Somrus
    $24.99 Somrus.com

    This is an Indian Cr�me Liqueur and is the modern interpretation of "Nectar of the Gods," which has references dating to 2600 BC. Made with an intricate blend of pure dairy cream and hand-crafted rum with the luscious flavors of cardamom, saffron, almonds, pistachios and rose, its taste transports you to India. It can be enjoyed on its own, mixed in a cocktail, in desserts or added to tea. The elegant gold-coated custom-made glass bottle draws inspiration from an ancient Indian decanter creating a dramatic look that complements the exquisite elixir it contains.

    Clothing

    King & Stone
    $25 per month - kingandstone.com

    Capitalizing on the massive growth of subscription services for men's fashion and lifestyle products, King & Stone debuted a subscription shoe service last year. They present subscribers with a highly-curated selection of on-trend designs to choose from, delivering four pairs of shoes per year (one per season).

    Blade + Blue
    bladeandblue.com

    Dismayed by the reality of the modern point-and-click wardrobe, Peter Papas, a 20-year fashion industry veteran, created his vision after finding himself lost in the sea of uniformity in men's fashion. Inspired by the clothing of his father and his grandfather, Papas works with families who have been making shirts since the 1950s to create designs based in the classic style, but ones that fit perfectly and add flair. The shirts feature slim collars made for today's workwear, and an interior cuff trim - a perfect accent for rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done. Blade + Blue creates timeless clothing for the stylish man.

    Snoozies Socks!
    $7.99-8.99 - snoozies.com

    Snoozies (cross between socks and slippers), which if you are a long time reader of the gift guides you know is one of my favorites has recently come out with socks.

    Jack Adams

    JackAdamsUSA.com
    Lux Brief and Trunk ($24-$34)

    The Lux Collection is micro lenzing modal underwear that feels like you are wearing nothing at all. This extremely luxurious fabric is cool to the touch, absorbent and similar in texture to silk or cotton, but is resistant to shrinkage and less likely to fade or pill. Fits and feels like a second skin.

    Triumph Brief
    ($32)

    This sexy sailor style low cut brief is made of the finest fabric with vertical stripes contrasting on the left side. 95% cotton and 5% Elastane.

    DVDs/CDs

    American Horror Story: Hotel
    $59.99 - available nationwide

    Check in to the fifth season of the deliciously diabolical series from creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, starring a killer cast that includes Lady Gaga - in her Golden Globe�-winning role as The Countess - along with Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Matt Bomer, Denis O'Hare and Sarah Paulson. A string of grisly murders is traced back to the sinister, sensuous Countess, an infamous resident of the stylish Hotel Cortez in downtown Los Angeles. Explore the hidden corridors of this fiendishly entertaining show, and go gaga over Lady Gaga and all of the exclusive extras on Blu-ray, DVD and DHD!

    X-Men: Apocalypse
    4K Ultra HD - $25.99

    OSCAR� Winner Jennifer Lawrence*, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy lead a powerhouse cast in director Bryan Singer's extraordinary follow-up to "X-Men: Days of Future Past." After thousands of years, Apocalypse - the world's first and most powerful mutant - has awakened to find a world led by humans. Intent on cleansing the Earth of mankind, he recruits a group of mutants to create a new world order. In a desperate race to save humanity, Professor X (McAvoy) leads the young X-Men in an epic showdown - against an unstoppable enemy - that will determine the fate of the world.

    Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates
    $25.99

    You are cordially invited to the comedy event of the year! In order to avoid embarrassing their family, hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) place an online ad to find "respectable" dates for their sister's Hawaiian wedding. Instead, the boys find themselves out-hustled by an uncontrollable duo (Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza). Based on hilarious true events, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is the perfect marriage of over-the-top humor and outrageous fun!

    Empire: Season 2
    $25.99

    Welcome back to the Lyons' den, with all its passion, music, and jaw-dropping performances! Three months have passed since Lucious Lyon's (OSCAR� Nominee Terrence Howard*) shocking arrest. Now, released from prison, he and Cookie (Taraji P. Henson in her GOLDEN GLOBE�-winning** role) enter a hostile competition to dominate the music industry. Despite an ongoing feud between their sons Jamal and Hakeem, a stunning betrayal may unite the family against an outside takeover of Empire Records. Meanwhile, Cookie learns a frightening truth about her new lover, and tragedy tests Andre's newfound faith. Featuring off-the-charts guest stars, the acclaimed second season of Empire is here, along with exciting special features that grant you backstage access!

    Broadway's Carols for a Cure
    The 2 CD's set is $25 - BroadwayCares.org

    This is the latest compilation album that embodies the spirit of the season like nothing else can and pairs the casts from famous Broadway musicals with songs that are both classic and new. The result is pure gold that will make you reach for the "repeat" button over and over again.

    David Bowie Who Can I Be Now? (1974-1976)
    Vinyl version - $249.98 & CD version $175.99.; available nationwide

    The second in a series of box sets spanning his career from 1969. The follow up to the award winning and critically acclaimed DAVID BOWIE FIVE YEARS 1969 - 1973 will contain the previously unreleased album from 1974 called The Gouster. The 12-CD box, 13-LP vinyl set, and digital download feature all of the material officially released by Bowie during the so-called "American" phase of his career from 1974 to 1976.

    Kate Bush's "Before The Dawn"
    Prices vary - KateBush.com

    In 2014 Kate Bush performed 22 sold-out shows at London's Hammersmith Apollo - her first concert series in over 30 years. This live album has recently been released in a 3-DISC CD deluxe edition and a deluxe 4-DISC 180-GRAM vinyl edition.

    Miscellaneous

    Shore Projects
    ShoreProjects.com/collections/watches

    Shore Projects is a watch brand inspired by the beauty and fun of the British seaside. Started by a group of friends who one day noticed that none of them actually wore watches, their ambition was simply to create a timeless, quality product that could be worn every day. One of the most exciting features of the watches is the innovative strap mechanism that makes it easy to swap straps on a daily basis, so the look of the watch can change in just a few seconds.

    Hungry Fan� Pumpkin Spice Spice Blend
    $6.99 - Hop.HungryFan.com

    Enjoy the flavor of fall all year long! Use this organic pumpkin spice blend for homemade pumpkin spice lattes and chai, add it to your pancake or waffle mix, make pumpkin spice cookies, add it to vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, or dissolve it into beer to enjoy pumpkin spice beer all year!

    Pecs and Pups
    $19.95 - LouiesLegacy.org/PecsandPups

    Louie's Legacy Animal Rescue collaborated with photographer Mike Ruiz to create the 2017 calendar entitled "Pecs and Pups." Each month features jaw-dropping chiseled hunks paired with a rescue dog in ways you have never seen and in ways you will never forget.

    Limelens
    $49.99 - LimeLens.com

    These lenses capture intricate detail that a smartphone camera cannot achieve on its own. Lenses boast incredible framing capabilities, removing the limitations of the smartphone camera to produce stunning photographs with a greater choice of photo angles, framing and composition. The Limelens introductory set includes The Thinker (a dual macro/wide lens), The Captain (a 190 degree fisheye lens), and the Limeclip attachment that fits over 40 devices including leading smartphones and tablet brands.

    Dekkoo (Subscription Streaming Entertainment)
    $9.99/month or $95.99/year - dekkoo.com

    Gift a subscription to the new gay streaming service offering more gay films and shows than Netflix or Amazon Prime. Home to the hit original dramatic series "Feral" and hilarious new gay blind date reality show, "Love Is Blind." Dekkoo is available via iTunes, Google Play, AppleTV and RokuTo gift: Click "Start Your Free Trial," then "Gift This". Free for 14 days. Cancel anytime.

    Love With Food
    Memberships start as low as $7.99 a month - LoveWithFood.com

    This is the easiest way to snack smart and do good. They help you discover new organic, all-natural or gluten-free snacks delivered to your door monthly. Receive a box of mystery better-for-you snacks and go on a fun foodie adventure with them every month.

    They donate a portion of the proceeds to help fight childhood hunger in the US and around the world.

    L.A.'s Legendary Restaurants
    MSRP $45, available nationwide

    Celebrating the Famous Places Where Hollywood Ate, Drank, and Played by author George Geary with the foreword by Barbara Fairchild. This is a 336 page hardcover 8.5 by 11 book that contains hundreds of photos.

    Miss Gay America Pageant T-Shirt
    $21.95 - MissGayAmerica.com

    The first from a hot new line of T-shirts and gifts from the Miss Gay America pageant, the longest running (since 1972), female impersonator pageant in the world. Modeling the T-shirt here is the reigning Miss Gay America 2017 Suzy Wong (aka Arnold Myint of Bravo's "Top Chef" and Food Network fame). Also available: Miss Gay America logo T-shirt, keychain, notecards and holiday ornament.


    by Scott Holland

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