Holiday Gift Ideas: LISTEN.

For music lovers: musical wine glasses; drumstick pencils; a DIY ukulele; and a box of white chocolate, Champagne, and gold leaf truffles, inspired by hip-hop's love of bling.

Clockwise, from top left: Typography poster, $20; Johnny Cash portrait, $40; Music Branch headphone splitter, $10; Beatles iPhone and iPod skin, $15; Ukulele kit, $50; Musical wine glasses, approx. $62; Hip Hop Truffle Collection, $29; Drumstick pencils, $7.95; Karaoke machine, $99.

Three artists I've loved this year:

-Lianne La Havas.

-LP. (Most talented whistler ever.)

-The Lumineers.

Have a wonderful weekend - and stay warm!

Holiday Gift Ideas: PLAY.

For kids - or, in some cases, kids at heart: a book about the wonderful world of words; a cooking set for make-believe crepes; and a pair of sweet snow-white mittens (with claws!). 

Clockwise, from top left: Baby fox print, $25 for 8.5" x 11"; Wool fleece bonnet, $44; Craftspring ram, $32; "Sparkle and Spin," $15.95; Glitter bounce ball, $5; Pancake Shop set, $67.50; Wood camera, $32; Wooden train toy, $98; Animal mittens, $48; Baby bunny doll, $20.

Further, three charities that benefit children:

-First Book, which distributes reading material to needy kids.

-PeacePlayers International, whose mission is to "unite, educate and inspire young people in divided communities through basketball."

-The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Tomorrow, gifts for music fans...

Holiday Gift Ideas: WEAR.

For fashion-minded guys and girls: a handcrafted, moss-green bowtie; a truth-telling t-shirt (the words translate to, I would like to eat something); and a pair of pointy-toed slippers the color of a kiss.

Clockwise, from top left: Herschel backpack, $69.99; Forage bow-tie, $68; Wool hat, $95; Dunderdoon sweater, $179; Anonymous Ism Navajo socks, $28.

Clockwise, from top left: Urban Cricket t-shirt, $32, (it's technically for men, but I'd wear it baggy); Flurry Pouf, $35; "Ta Da" studs, $48; Wallet pouch, $44; Turkish slippers, $45.

Tomorrow, gifts for kids...

PS: This week on the Equals Record, changing my definition of the word "valuable" - as always, thank you so much for reading!

Holiday Gift Ideas: READ.

For bibliophiles: a Frank Lloyd Wright bookmark and and an Oscar Wilde candle, a strap that turns stacks of books into seating, and a golden pig to keep your tomes standing tall.

Clockwise from top left: Tote bag, $18; Frank Lloyd Wright Robie Window Bookmark, $18; Oscar Wilde glass candle, $25; "My Ideal Bookshelf," $16.49; Gold Pig Bookends, $29.95; Field Notes memo book, $9.95 for three; Book Stool, $39.

Also, three books that would make great gifts: 

-"Kurt Vonnegut: Letters." Includes these gems.

-"Bluets" by Maggie Nelson, author of the beautiful poem referenced here.  

-"Who I Am," a memoir by Pete Townshend, one of my all-time favorites.

Tomorrow, gifts for those with an eye for fashion...

Holiday Gift Ideas: EAT.

For foodies: peach jam with an attitude; stroopwafels, perfect for making ice cream sandwiches; the thickest, most indulgent goat milk caramel; and the very best cheese on Earth (according to me, anyway). 

Clockwise from top left: Gruyere de Comte Reserve, $12.99-$24.99; McClure's Spicy Bloody Mary Mix, $12.50; Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading Co. maple kitchen tools, $85-$110; Olivewood Mini Cup and Spoon, $20; Fat Toad Farms Goat Milk Caramel, $12; "The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks," $29.95; Anarchy in a Jar Peach Lemon Verbena jam, $8; BrooklynHardCandy Peppermints, $8; The Good Batch Classic Stroopwafels, $15.

Other useful food-related links: 

-Best cookbooks of 2012.

-Classes make great gifts. New Yorkers and Angelenos, check out Course Horse for a multitude of cooking options (I'd choose this one). 

-Ways to give back.

Tomorrow, gifts for readers...