Holiday Gift Guide 2016: The Year’s Best Gifts for the Home and Garden

Somewhere, over the rainbow, Judy Garland will be asking Santa to bring her Kikkerland’s Solar-Powered RainbowMaker. The genuine Swarovski crystal rotates and refracts sunlight to create a swirl of rainbows in any room.rain2 A few tips: Always place the RainbowMaker in direct sun. You may have to adjust its placement at different times of the year depending on how the sun shines through your window. Not only does it case many pretty colors, the must-have device brings good Chi into your home according to Feng Shui . . . and the God(dess) of Rainbows. Item 1588; $37.50. Visit Kikkerland

If musick has charms to sooth a savage breast, it can do the same calming to any beast. Kikkerland’s innovative Make Your Own Music Box hits all the right notes. And you create them! Create your own melody by punching holes in the music paper strips provided. musicboxThe Happy Birthday melody is included for you to get started. The kit also includes an instruction booklet to help you get started. And when the music has ended, start a new one: Kikkerland also sells paper refill strips. Item 1200; $23. Visit Kikkerland

We freely make asses of ourselves when we steer you to the cat’s meow: Kikkerland’s Cat Butt Magnets. Their whimsical wonder, from the hand and mind of Steph Mantis, have no ifs, ands or buts about it . . . instead, six hilarious animal butt magnets, plastic animal butts perfect for displaying everything. mg53_cat_butt_magnets_action1_1024x1024 Sizes vary but approximately 1 to 2 inches.  Item MG53; $15. Also available in Safari Butt MagnetsDog Butt Magnets and Farm Butt Magnets. Visit Kikkerland

Ever since we were littl’ sprouts, we have firmly planted the Gardener’s Supply Company’s catalog closer to our hearts than, say, the Sears Gift Book. To this day, we unearth nifty, necessary and never-been-seen must-haves for the garden and home . . . the heap of thank you notes will grow from everyone who receives any of these treasures.

Whether you live in a palatial home or teeny balcony apartment, the VegTrug Patio Garden is just the thing to go green. So innovative is the VegTrug that it was named winner of the 2012 Green Thumb Award for Outstanding New Product. Grow plants at an easy working height in this unique patio garden; no bending or kneeling to plant, tend and harvest. The elevated bed means no weeds and fewer pests, too. The V-shape makes efficient use of space and planting mix—grow deep-rooted plants like tomatoes in the center, shallow-rooted crops like salad greens along the edges.gs40331_01_vegtrug-patio-garden
The Veg-Trug boasts quality construction and easy assembly and is meant to last. (The solid wood is FSC-certified, sustainable plantation-grown fir with non-toxic stain; with dovetail joints and a food-safe finish.) There’s also a fitted fabric liner to keep soil contained while letting excess water drain; plastic feet protect wood from wet surfaces. Get growing! Item 40-331; $279; gardeners.com

Hot dog! Those who like to DYI will relish the Gardener’s Supply exclusive Make Your Own Zesty Homemade Mustard Kit. Created and assembled in Vermont, it includes everything you need to make three different varieties, including mustard seeds, spice blends, vinegars, jars and more. A fun family activity with delicious results: The mustard will be made from natural ingredients, no preservatives and GMO-free.8593911_7445_homemade-mustard-kit-for-dijon-brown-and-yellow This is just one of the crop of  new, exclusive Gardener’s Pantry do-it-yourself homemade food kits. The three you’ll make? Sweet Brown Mustard ( featuring maple syrup, brown and yellow mustard seeds); Dijon Style Mustard (a classic Dijon style with onion and garlic); and Grainy Yellow Mustard ( yellow and brown mustard seeds give it a medium-aggressive kick). Weiners not included! Item 8593911; $29.95; gardeners.com

When Gardener’s Supply promises something is for the birds, that’s a major compliment. Witness this Natural Birch Log Bird Feeder—carefully handcrafted from birch logs, this feeder is not only beautiful, it also provides natural camouflage to protect birds from predators. There are six entrances for small birds to access seed. The overhanging roof protects the seed inside from getting wet.8589118_029 And the center lid lifts off for easy filling. Ready to hang with a built-in braided rope loop. Made from sustainably harvested birch trees from Latvia. Holds 3/4 cup of any kids of seed. Item 8589118; $19.99; gardeners.com

We now chime in with news about Gardener’s Supply’s Butterfly Wind Chimes. This delightful, nature-inspired decoration features  graceful chimes and adds interest to any porch or garden. A gentle breeze sets this flock of butterflies in motion, accompanied by the sweet chiming of handmade bells.8586392_02 Light dapples off the hand-painted sculpture, adding to its allure. Hang on a porch, door or branch to enjoy the captivating sound and movement. Item 8586392; $39.99; gardeners.com

Can’t stand plants all over the house? Take a stand: This Glass and Metal Branch Plant Stand is the most gorgeous solution. Plants and cherished curios take center stage when displayed on this nature-inspired plant stand. The sturdy steel frame has a rustic bronze finish and holds three glass shelves. The compact footprint fits easily into any indoor living space, and is ideal for use in a corner. It’s 52 inches high; folds flat for easy storage.gs37315_04_branch-plant-stand Item 37-315; $84.95; gardeners.com

Yes, Virginia, you can fence it in. Neatly. Easily. The Gardener’s Supply No-Dig Garden Edging creates a polished, 1-1/2″ high border with Ease . . . not the capital “E”.  Use this easy-to-install edging to create a tidy border on garden beds, tree rings and walkways. Keeps mulch and gravel contained. No-dig edging installs on the soil surface using the included spikes. Easy to bend into curves. 8592452_001v_dimex-easyflex-no-dig-edging-garden-lawn-landscape-recycled-plastic There’s 50 feet of edging made from recycled polyethylene,  16 eight-inch spikes and two connectors. Item# 8592452; $49.95;  gardeners.com

Has the mall haul hurt your feet? Are those arches and heels and toes aching? Two offers of advice: Stop doing the mall haul. Do you really want to fight for a parking spot and then fight with those other shoppers for that gift for Sweetums? Second bite: Receive a stimulating foot massage from the HoMedics Shiatsu Pro Foot Massager. Using soothing heat, 4 rotational heads and 12 massage nodes, the Shiatsu Pro Foot Massager delivers a deep kneading, relaxing massage for both feet.fms-250h-lifestyle_final_1 With its easy to use toe-touch control, you don’t have to bend over to adjust the settings. It’s time to give your feet the rest they deserve in your own home. Model FMS-250H;$49.95;
homedics.com

 

Are your kitchen counters cluttered with just too many appliances? Here’s the recipe for being clean and tidy: KitchenAid’s 4-Quart Multi-Cooker , with more than 10 cooking methods and 4 step-by-step modes. We consider the Multi-Cooker the ultimate in versatility for cooks of all levels–unlimited versatility, exceptional control and consistent results with every dish. Serve up Irish Porridge with Berry Compote for breakfast, enjoy Fennel and Potato Bisque for lunch, and then close the day with Asparagus Parmesan Risotto.  2aa4890e-aae2-4900-9bcd-995b290256c0-jpg-_cb317811252__sl220__All meals are done to perfection, thanks to the even heat technology. It’s so simple to operate: Digital display guides you through simple step-by -step instructions, and displays temperature and timer for up to 12 hours of cooking. Once the tasty treats are finished, keep the grub warm for up to 24 hours! The Multi-Cooker comes in Stainless Steel, Candy Apple and Onyx Black,  boasts a soft grip handle with clear tempered glass lid; there’s even a dual purpose steam basket and roasting rack. Model KMC4241SS; $245; kitchenaid.com

The Battle of Gettysburg won’t compare to the battle over the great gifts offered by GettysGear. We don’t advocate smoking, but we do think this hand-cast, hand-finished aluminum ashtray is smokin’.  Made in the centuries old sand-casting method, the finished pieces yield exceptional detail and a wonderful patina.
img_2949_1024x1024Weighing in at more than one pound, these hefty 6 1/4-inches pieces feature a deep ash bowl as well as two cigar slots. Available in our antique pewter or antique black finishes they come gift boxed and ready to use.  Since all of their ashtrays are hand made, no two will be exactly alike. Made in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. $24.99 each; gettysgear.com

If you are a connoisseur of gourmet coffee, then we have a treat for you.  Great Gettysburg Coffee Company procures the finest high mountain, shade-grown beans possible.  The beans originate from Central and South America and are locally hand roasted in small batches and then packaged to ensure the freshest and most aromatic cup of coffee you can imagine. fullsizerender_medium All of their coffees are packed in high quality, foil lined bags that are heat sealed with a one-way valve to ensure freshness.  Each bag also has a resealable tape to help maintain freshness while you are enjoying your coffee.  An extra bonus:  These bags are a full 16 ounces of coffee rather than the more common 12 ounce bags that you might find elsewhere. Good to the very last drop! $14.99 per pound; gettysgear.com

We don’t mean to be a drip when it comes to making a fresh and hot cup o’ Joe. Skip those enviromentally unkind K cups. Enter KithenAid’s Precision Coffee Maker. It’s a classic French press without any of the hassle. 81c3pfukppl-_sl1500_This 25-ounce wonder is enchaned with an intergrated scale and timer. Model KCM0512SS; $265; kitchenaid.com

Arm your favorite Civil War buff with this non-firing replica of the famous Colt revolver.  This hand-cast piece is made of solid aluminum and does an excellent job of representing the revolvers that were generally carried by officers during the American Civil War. After the piece is cast, the gun is laser etched “Battle of Gettysburg” on the barrel and “July 1-3 1863” between the grip and cylinder. img_3757_1024x1024 Then a hand-rubbed, two-part finishing process yields the final result.  This is a great conversation piece for a desk, bookshelf or wall hanging.  It weighs in at more than 1.5 pounds, is 14″ long and has a great feel in your hand.  As these pieces are hand made, no two are exactly alike. Made in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. $34.99; gettysgear.com

Attention! GettysGear offers two sets of Guardians of Gettysburg, mini statues that pay tribute to the valor, bravery and commitment to all those that have served. img_3045_1024x1024Hand-cast and hand finished in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, these solid aluminum figures weight in at more than 6 ounces and make a great accessory for your mantel, desk, bookcase or shelf. The 5 1/2-inch tall statues are available in four different finishes:  Antique Bronze, Antique Butternut, Antique Pewter and Antique Silver.fullsizerender_medium-1  Be sure to check out their Union counterparts! Remember, since they are hand made, no two are exactly alike.  $12.99 each; gettysgear.com

 

 

Bissell has done it again. That’s “Bissell” with a “B”, as in “best”. Get your hard floors cleaner than you could have ever imagined with the Bissell CrossWave—a groundbreaking new machine that vacuums and washes your floors at the same time.

http://https://youtu.be/VbAgKrFV2Yo

With a Dual-Action Brush Roll rotating at 3,500 RPM and an innovative multi-surface cleaning solution, the CrossWave cleans better than a sponge mop and bucket, in less time. Plus, with the touch of a button, you can seamlessly switch from cleaning hard floors to vacuuming and washing your area rugs. This one-of-a-kind tool removes debris, spills, and sticky messes from hard surfaces and it freshens area rugs, too. Get a fresher, deeper clean the quick, easy way with the amazing CrossWave. $249.95; bissellcrosswave.com