K.I.D. Collective

Here is a quick and comprehensive list on just a few of the ways you can help out in Haiti. If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you have $5 or $10 to spare. You can even donate via text, it only takes a few seconds. Text “Haiti” to 90999 and a donation of ten dollars will be added to your next phone bill and forwarded to the Red Cross. How easy is that? And if you haven’t heard, things aren’t getting better any time soon.

Illustration: Daniel Stolle for the NYT. This article will also give you insight into the struggles of a Haitian.

Thanks even cleveland for first sharing the photo and link.

I was recently introduced to a new to me line, Digby and Iona out of Brooklyn, NY. They are having a holiday sale through the end of the year. Enter the word “holiday” when checking out in the promo section and get 20% off the entire collection. Happy shopping!

The holidays aren’t complete without sending out cards to everyone on your list. While going to Target to pick up a box or 10 is easy and cheap (if you call dealing with thousands of other mad shoppers easy) thrill your sendee with something a little more original. These cards and wrapping paper from Rifle Paper Company should do the trick. They also do custom wedding invites and really great spoon recipe cards.

The holidays offer plenty of opportunity for indulgence. From gifts to food to drink even the most conscientious person tends to over do it, at least a little. Tis the season, as they say. As an alternative to all the consumption, there are so many organizations around the world that are in need. Especially this time of year when the high in my neighborhood was 15 degrees and the overnight low settling in around zero. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be homeless. Typing that just makes my heart break.

So in honor of the season of giving, here are a number of ways to give back. Whether it’s by purchasing products, volunteering your time or just donating cold hard cash in a friend or family member’s name or even your own the possibilities are endless. The list below is one that is near and dear to each of our hearts. Take some time checking out the links. There are some great products to purchase that support each cause as well as a number of ways to donate.

Thanks to everyone for the positive support this week on my first ever round of gift guides. My first year of blogging is nearing an end and I can’t believe the tremendous support group that has developed. I could not have pulled together such a well rounded list if it weren’t for each and every one of the bloggers featured this week. Also, thanks to everyone for commenting, sending me emails, retweeting and facebook messaging me. I love spending time developing this blog and it’s content and, although I don’t make any money doing it, it’s nice to know it’s appreciated.

SIMPLY LOVELY : Women for Women : Mission : Helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. From seeds to sewing machines, there are a number of ways to give back. If you prefer not to purchase products you can also donate cash.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Women’s Bean Project : Mission : Helping women break the cycle of poverty and unemployment. WB is a nonprofit organization that teaches job readiness and life skills for entry-level jobs through employment in the gourmet food production business. Buy a range of gifts like brownie mix, bean soup, or even a gift basket.

PAIGE NYKOLE : Oxfam : Mission : We work directly with communities and we seek to influence the powerful to ensure that poor people can improve their lives and livelihoods and have a say in decisions that affect them. For just $30, you can buy a miracle tree and your gift will help a family learn to plant their own trees and produce enough seeds to purify their drinking water.

JEVAN : Chill : Mission : Build the self-esteem of underserved youth through board sports. Get involved here.

Another great cause that deserves attention is the Colon Club. Their mission is dedicated to raising awareness of colorectal cancer in an out-of-the-box way. My father along with a very close friend have both gone through the trials and tribulations of colon cancer. The most difficult symptom to detect is, oddly enough, no symptoms at all. Because of this, it’s often that the cancer isn’t found until a late stage. This is why awareness is so critical. Fortunately both my dad and Dom are on the road to recovery.

There’s no denying it, we are still smack in the middle of a recession. It seems a little counter intuitive to show you items with titles that include the words luxury or extravagant. At the beginning of the week, I questioned this category just for that reason. But when items kept showing up in my inbox that had one strong theme, timeless well made products, I couldn’t resist.

These gift ideas while on the higher cost spectrum will stand the test of time. They were all selected because of their durability, functionality, timeless appeal or are manufactured by companies who have spent years perfecting their product. There’s something to be said about spending more money on something that will last a lifetime rather than something to be tossed to the curb in a couple of years because it’s either dated or broken.

This is the last guide for 2009. Tomorrow check back for ways to give back. While getting a gift is always great. Sometimes it feels just a little bit better knowing you are helping someone in need. I hope you were inspired by the ideas this week. I know I enjoyed working with everyone and putting this guide together. Happy Holidays!

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K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Stranahan’s Whiskey : $50. Small batch Colorado whiskey. Need I say more?

MIKE from HECKLEWOOD : CDG Parfums – Dover Street Market : $95. An unusually modern construction of a classic woody fragrance. Men and Women can both wear it.

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K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Bacon Jam : $37 for 3 jars. A savory blend of bacon, onions, spices, and balsamic vinegar. Add it to your morning scramble, a burger with blue cheese or even a Cobb Salad.

I have to admit, earlier this week, I was a little discouraged. I had zero contributors from a male perspective and only a handful of my own ideas for gifts for guys. The last thing I wanted was for this guide to be one-sided. I’m not exactly well versed in what men want. Don’t get me wrong, I have a couple of ideas but I am in no shape, form or fashion an expert. That’s when Jevan chipped in and put together his list for me. Although he’s not a blogger, he’s married to one. So that counts, right?

When he really noticed the furrow in my brow he reminded me of Sam and Mike. The Tanner crew we met up with in NYC last weekend. By the end of the evening I had over a dozen wonderful gift ideas for guys from guys.  So good, I was able to knock out a gift for the most difficult person on my list to shop for, my dad. I hope you enjoy today’s posts completely dedicated to all you guys.

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MIKE from HECKLEWOOD : Old Lawnmowers Book : $11.95. What man doesn’t enjoy the smell of fresh cut grass.

JEVAN : Brixton Hat : $20. Stay warm with this simple yet stylish beanie offered in a range of colors.

SAM from HECKLEWOOD : Camp Mess Kit : $21.95.  A mess kit for 21st century camping.

JEVAN : Rural Alberta Advantage LP : $14.99. Everything’s better on vinyl. One of my favorite albums of 2009.

[from left to right, top to bottom]. I call this group the survival kit.

MIKE from HECKLEWOOD : Turkish Fig Bar Soap : $5.00. Because guys don’t like to smell like flowers. UPDATE: The soap is sold out, but you can find more products here and here.

SAM from HECKLEWOOD : Jet Boil Coffee Press : $19.95. He has the jet boil. Now he can enjoy morning coffee around the camp fire.

MIKE from HECKLEWOOD : 3pc Albacore Tuna Set : $21.75. Man must eat to survive. Why not enjoy some delicious albacore.

SAM from HECKLEWOOD : Gerber Knife : $24.99. For the outdoorsman on your list. Or even the city guy. Guys like knives.

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K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Bird Bottle Opener : $25. Jevan and I have a small collection of vintage and new bottle openers. This one would be a great addition.

JEVAN : Adidas World Cup 2010 Replica Soccer Ball : $24.99. Enjoy the world’s beautiful game. Go USA!

JEVAN : Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea (hardcover) : $14.95.  A graphic novel based on French-Canadian cartoonist Delisle and his travels while in North Korea

JEVAN : Graham Parsons – Return of the Greivous Angel (LP) : $18 new. Or go crate digging at your local record store for a used version of this country classic.

If you’re looking to spend a little more on that special someone the last guide for today focuses on a few luxurious finds for the home. These items that will spoil the giftee.  From one-of-a-kind hand-made pieces to vintage finds to art you’re bound to find something for a loved one or maybe even something for yourself. Check back tomorrow for a range of highly curated gifts for the guys in your life. Whether it’s brother, father, uncle, boss or husband, there’s bound to be something perfect. And be sure to check out all the gifts for her and the kids.

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K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Woolen Blanket : $185.Will keep even the coldest nights cozy.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Jielde Signal Desk Lamp : $405. A lamp that will brighten any room, on or off.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Navy Award Pillows : $165. Made from vintage Navy awards.

PAPER N STITCH : Hand Crocheted Throw : $115. Intricate, delicate and one of a kind.

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K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Pastoral Wine and Cheese Basket : $109. For the person who has everything. One can never have too much cheese or wine.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Flatsawn Bench : $275. A classic piece that will take lots of wear and tear and be a staple in anyone’s home.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Evan Hecox Print : $125 unframed. Inspired by his travels Hecox finds interest in every day things.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Vintage Bakelite Dominoes : $10 – $299. Game night anyone?

WIDE OPEN SPACES : Constellation Globe : $37. This would be perfect as a nightlight for a nursery or child’s room.

WHO’S YOUR DACKY : Alto Champagne Saucers : $60. Ideal for ringing in 2010.

PAPER N STITCH : Small Tuck Pot : $32. Made to order pot that’s small enough to fit on a window sill.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Recycled Rubber Basket : $58. Industrial, practical and eco-minded. Perfect for storing magazines, toys or just about anything you can dream up.

WHO’S YOUR DACKY : French Press : $50. Who needs drip when you have your own French Press.

PAPER N STITCH : Marrisse clay sculpture : $80. Comes ready to hang and could be a perfect ornament that’s cherished for years to come.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Vintage Polaroid Land Camera – Model 100 : $75. Great for display. Even better if you want to tinker with it.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Hot Oven Serving Bowl : $44.95. Goes from oven to table and even comes with it’s own stand.