Gift-Giving Guide, Part 2: Skincare + Devices

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1.  Clarisonic Mia 2 Polka Dot Duo, $149.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

One Mia 2 is $149.99, so for $50.00 more, you can purchase two.  Keep one for yourself or gift them both.  The each come with their own bag and charger, which means they are perfect for travel.  You can read more about Clarisonic and my personal experiences here.

2.  Mia 2 Keith Haring Set, $149.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Clarisonic has paid homage to the late artist and activist, Keith Haring.  There are a couple of designs to choose from.  Any of the designs are perfect for the pop art lover or Keith Haring appreciator in your life.  Set contains (list courtesy of sephora.com):

– Mia 2 Keith Haring “Love” Facial Cleansing Device
– Sensitive Brush Head
– Universal pLink Charger
– Keith Haring travel bag
– 1 oz Refreshing Gel Cleanser

3.  Clinique Sonic System, $89.50 and up

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Clarisonic can be a bit pricey, and while the Clinique cleansing brush is steep as well, it’s a bit more affordable.  

The set in the image above contains the following (list courtesy of sephora.com):

– Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush in pink/orange
– Charging base
– Pink/orange travel case
– 1 oz Foaming Sonic Facial Soap
– 2 oz Clarifying Lotion 2
– 1 oz Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ 

4. Caroline Chu Anti-Aging Starter Kit, $59.95

Image courtesy of carolinechu.com

Give the gift amazingly radiant, youthful skin with the Anti-Aging Starter Kit from Caroline Chu.  Each set contains a moisturizer, serum, and eye cream.  The products work well with all skin types, and can be used day and night.  They also work together to reveal firm, hydrated skin, and fades away fine lines and wrinkles.       

I have used several of her products, and if you are interested, here is a link to a review of some of the others.  There isn’t a product I have used that I didn’t like.  The moisturizers keep my skin hydrated all day, and the eye cream is perfect for banishing tired eyes with dark circles.  Any recipient of her skincare, haircare, or makeup will not be disappointed.    

Set contains (list from carolinechu.com): 

–  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.17OZ/5g
–  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING DAY & NIGHT with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.35 OZ/10g
–  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING SERUM with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.33 FL OZ/ 10ml

5.  COOLA 4-Piece Organic Suncare Travel Set, $40.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

In case you missed it, I reviewed COOLA, and you can read that review by clicking
here.  I LOVE their suncare.  Of the plethora of suncare companies, they are in my top 3.  I had purchased this set in a suncare haul (I haven’t posted it yet, but I will), and think it’s a great buy.  As we all know, anything organic is going to cost more, but it’s not always worth it.  This suncare definitely is.  The spray is wonderful and absorbs faster than any spray I’ve used.  The lip conditioner comes with spf as well.  This is the perfect way to try out COOLA and protect all your recipient’s bits.  The products even come with their own travel bag.   This set contains the following (list by sephora.com):

– 3.4 oz Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 in Piña Colada
– 2 oz ER+ Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion
– 0.85 oz Classic Face Moisturizer SPF 30 in Cucumber
– 0.15 oz Liplux SPF 30 in Original Formula
– Zippered travel pouch

6.  boscia Black Charcoal Pore Perfection Set, $10.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Charcoal is a wonderful adsorbent, so one way to beautiful skin is through this set from boscia.  With a mini charcoal cleanser and charcoal blot paper, you recipient’s skin will be clean and detoxified.  The best part?  It won’t put too big of a dent in your wallet.

Set contents (list courtesy of sephora.com):

– 1 oz Detoxifying Black Cleanser
– 100 x Black Charcoal Blotting Linens

7.  First Aid Beauty FAB Cleanse & Exfoliate Kit, $10.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Perfect for the recipient on-the-go, this cleanser and facial pad combo fits perfectly in any gym bag, weekender, or carry-on.    

Kit list (courtesy of sephora.com):

– 2 oz Face Cleanser
– 10 x Facial Radiance Pads

8.  Murad Acne Mini Cleanser Set, $25.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

If you give this as a gift, hopefully the recipient isn’t offended.  Personally, I LOVE Murad.  Everything works well, and this travel set is perfect for anyone on-the-go, dorming, or needs their skin rejuvenated.  Each product works quickly to clear up problem skin.  The mini set is the perfect way for your recipient to try what Murad has to offer.  This set contains cleansers and an exfoliator for face and body. 
 
Set contents (courtesy of sephora.com):

– 1.5 oz Clarifying Cleanser
– 1.5 oz Time Release Acne Cleanser
– 0.043 oz Transforming Powder Dual-Action Cleanser & Exfoliator
– 2 oz Acne Body Wash

Two Weeks Until Christmas!

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Over the last week, we have been busy decking our halls with all sorts of holiday ornaments.  From snowmen to moose and everything else festive, the house looks a bit like a decor store.  I am nearly done making the gifts for the ones on my list, and have completed the shopping portion. 

It’s hard to believe the new year is so close, which means Christmas is even closer.   This weekend, I will have posts up this weekend focusing on all types of gifts.  They will also contain links for those of you who are getting your holiday shopping online.  Personally, I’d rather skip the malls, especially since they are so packed.  By the time you get there, find a space, park and enter, it’s been over 20 minutes!  And in-store deals aren’t always worth the hassle.  

What are you looking forward to the most this season?
Stay beautiful!

Countdown to Gift-Giving Day!

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It’s already December!!  Where has this year gone?!   There is so much to do, and not enough time (isn’t that always the case?).  I’m nearly done with the buying end of things.  Now I just have to complete the items I am making.  Holiday music is allowed in the car.  I never play it prior to December because I like to enjoy the holidays one at a time.  When you start seeing Christmas items in August/September, it’s just too soon.  Since you now have 24 days to get everything you need, I will be positing several pieces that will (hopefully) give you some ideas.  In case you missed it, here are the links to previous gift-giving posts:


This is an 8-part series, covering:  kids, adults, pets, beauty, gadgets, and more.   
What’s on your gift-giving list this year?
Stay beautiful! 

Foodie Feature: Chocolate Water

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I was flipping through YouTube videos, and came across a Jamie Oliver beverage channel.  I don’t really know how, since I wasn’t searching for anything related to him.  Anyway, this guy was making cold brew chocolate water.  And why not?  We add fruit & veggies to amp up the flavor of water, so it seems fitting that someone would simply add cacao nibs.  One of my favorite flavored water companies, metromint, makes a cocoa-mint water that is really good and refreshing, so this is sort of a play on that I suppose. 

I decided to give it a try, and must say that I’m quite pleased.  The taste is a light cocoa (depending on your water-to-cacao nib ratio) with a slightly bitter finish.  I’m not a huge fan of bitter, so I added a little cinnamon & sugar to my drink.  Tossed it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, and done! A relatively guilt-free hot chocolate.  You can add virtually anything to it, and it to anything.  It’s a nice replacement if you’re making a dessert that calls for water (and chocolate won’t ruin it), and you can indulge by adding your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk, sweetener, whipped cream, etc.  Just remember to filter the water through a paper towel or cheesecloth.  Nobody likes gritty drinks!

Recipe:
1/2 c. Cacao Nibs (unsweetened)
32 oz.  Filtered Water

This is the brand I used, since it was on sale. 
Image courtesy of navitasnaturals.com
Cacao nibs.  Image courtesy of
navitasnaturals.com

Using a spice grinder or mortar & pestle, break up the cacao nibs.  You want them to be coarsely ground; we aren’t going for a powder.  Once you have a coarse grind, add them to your container.  I used a mason jar, but really anything will do.  Next, add your filtered water.  That’s it!  After you’ve finished, it becomes a waiting game.  Yes, it will look like murky water, but looks are deceiving with this one.  When I opened the jar and took a whiff, a wonderful cocoa aroma filled my nostrils.  I couldn’t wait to experiment with all different types of drinks & foods.  What a fun way to channel some creativity!  I really encourage you to play around with the ratio to suit your taste.  Hopefully you enjoy this as much as I do.  It’s simple and easy, which is sometimes, exactly what we need.  Oh, the little things in life.  What will you do with your chocolate water?

The end result.
Looks are so deceiving sometimes!
Reminds me of the Orbitz drink
(that really needs to make a comeback). 
Photo doesn’t do it justice. 
It definitely looked better in person.

Stay beautiful!   

Updates, Updates

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How was your holiday?  Mine was nice.  A good dinner with family is always welcome.  While I have my own opinions on this holiday, it is a time for reflection.  There are many things I am thankful for, which I tend to think about more and more as time goes on.  

Anyway, I’ve been working on the rest of a gift-giving series, which will be completed next week.  Hopefully they help you and your holiday shopping needs.  I have also been experimenting with some recipes, so I will try to post those as well.  
These days, I’m trying to organize every aspect of my life, starting with cleaning out my closet.  Literally.  Everything that I can donate will be given to Out of the Closet, since 96 cents of every dollar goes to AIDS research.  You can learn more about the non-profit here:  http://outofthecloset.org
I guess that’s all for now.  We are staring to deck our halls, so I better get busy.  
Stay beautiful!

My Short Life as a Vegan

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Some people live to eat, and others eat to live.  Me?  I love food, which is no surprise to people.  I also love trying new recipes, restaurants, etc.  Thus far I have been very lucky to have also experienced the world and the various foods that other cultures provide.  There is so much to learn about an area just from what the locals eat. 

Anything can be inspiring.  Sometimes, I will go out to a place, have a meal, and figure out how to make it, and what I would do to tailor it more to my taste.  Everyone is different, so when trying out a recipe (with rare exception) I use the main ingredients, but change the quantities.  One of my favorite places to eat in Las Vegas is Ri-Ra, which is an Irish pub.  There isn’t anything I’ve had that I didn’t like.  They make these amazing honey-Jameson wings, and easily the best pork chop I have ever had.  I have since re-created those wings the best I could, and they are pretty amazing.  I will have a recipe up soon for them.  By now, you’re probably wondering how any of this is related to the post’s title.  Well, here it is.  A little side story about me:

Before being vegan was a thing, I was.  In high school I was having some horrible intestinal issues, or so I thought.  They never could figure out what the problem was.  It turned out that I was lactose intolerant.  After that, I went through a vegetarian phase.  Yes, I was one of those “meat is murder”, and “PETA is amazing” kids.  Now I realize how horrible PETA is, and how irritating it is when people push their views on others.  Oddly enough, my mom was far more accepting of my meatless ways than anyone else.  In fact, I had other family members say I was negatively affecting their businesses because they are cattle ranchers, and I wouldn’t buy beef.  I know they were exaggerating, but it was still upsetting.  Looking back, it’s embarrassing to think of how I acted when it came to food.  Fast-forward, and I’m out of high school.  I had started eating meat again, well, everything but red meat.  Then, one day, we drove by In-N-Out.  Prior I was never a fan, but as we drove by, I felt like I really needed a cheeseburger.  I still have issues with milk, but on the occasion where I want something dairy, I have medication to help.  Now, I am all about having what I want, when I want it, but not going overboard.  So, long story short:  Found out I was lactose intolerant, became a vegan without knowing, then went back to eating meat.   

What did I learn?  Well, vegetarianism and veganism did not change my body.  At least, I never felt like it did.  So many people talk about how being meat-free changes their energy levels, stamina, skin, etc.  My body never experienced any of that.  I never had a spiritual awakening, and did not feel any more connected to Earth and its many different inhabitants.  There are days when I don’t feel like eating any meat and/or dairy products, and I often wonder if it’s my body communicating, or if it is a bit from my past.  I did learn the following: (1)  To listen more to my body, (2)  I can’t eat like I used to,  (3)  Youth truly is wasted on the young, (4)  Never limit yourself unless you medically have to, (5)  Indulgence is necessary once in awhile, (6)  Don’t push your views, regardless of what they are, on others, (7) Love you, and (8) You are not in control of your body.  Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and sometimes it’s better to just listen.

First Impressions: Aveda

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I have only been into an Aveda store/salon twice.  The first time was to get dolled up for an event about 10 years ago, and the other was when my friend was visiting a couple of months ago.  Initially I didn’t go back because the smell from the products they used didn’t go away for about a week.  All I kept thinking was, “Why won’t this smell go away?!”  And I was washing my hair daily.

Fast-forward a decade, and my friend & I stopped in because she loves their products.  I received a couple of single-use samples (Rosemary + Mint Shampoo and Scalp Benefits Conditioner).  While the samples were not large enough for me to say whether or not they worked, the scents were not as obnoxious as I had remembered.  Since I am on a dry shampoo kick, I waited until theirs debuted before I purchased anything.   

I bought the “Gift of Lasting Style for the Road” set ($56.50), which is quite pricey.  It contains a full-sized Shampure Dry Shampoo, a travel-sized hairspray, and a travel-sized thickening tonic.  The products come wrapped in tissue and are stored in a lokta bark paper box made in Nepal.  There were a couple of promotions going on, so I also received several samples, and a breast cancer awareness ribbon.  Since I didn’t have my usual space to photograph the products, they fit on the BlizzCon box.  I will have a post of those items later on. 

Un-boxed gift set.
Wrapped package and samples.

Samples include body cream, shampoo, conditioner, and the Ivanti trio.

I have tried the dry shampoo and body cream sample.  Overall, I like the dry shampoo.  The bottle is the same as blowpro.  To dispense the product, you have to shake the bottle, and then squeeze the base of the bottle.  The more pressure you apply, the more product will come out.  Be careful, or you might end up with a huge white powder spot in your hair that will fall onto your clothes.  The cream is nice, too.  It is rich and thick, with a light scent that I can’t really explain.  Since the weather is changing day-to-day, my hands have been especially dry.  This cream is long-lasting with the hydrating power I need.  I will post updates as I try out the other products.

Do you have a favorite product form Aveda?

Stay beautiful!

Fun in the Sun with Sun Bum!

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I should start by saying that this post should have been up long ago… about four months ago.  So, I extend my apologies to Sun Bum.  I can’t believe that (1) it’s November, and (2) it still feels like summer.  Since it is, I’ve been spending some extra time at the beach.  

Before getting into my beach day with Sun Bum, there are some [awesome] things you need to know about their company.  All of the information came from their website (trustthebum.com), so all credit goes to them:

Sun Bum (est. 2010) has created a top-of-the-line suncare, made for those who love (and live) in the sun.  In order to minimize the risk of skin cancer, Sun Bum has a wide array of sprays, solids, and liquids to protect every inch of your body (including your hair!).  You can even get awesome gear. All suncare products are, “… tested, approved, and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation,” (trustthebum.com).

Products courtesy of Sun Bum.
Sun Bum at the beach.

Leave-in hair spray.

Sun Bum products are fast-absorbing, lightweight, and non-greasy, which I love.  They are also travel-friendly.  It’s always a plus, since I’m gone a lot of the time.  My suncare routine starts with my hair.  I purchased the Sun Bum 3 in 1 leave in conditioner, which has UV protection.  It smells great and is a wonderful leave-in conditioner.  Then comes the body protection.  I always apply sunscreen to my arms, chest, neck, shoulders, and face.  My legs get a coat when I wear shorts, but that isn’t often. And yes, I know clothes don’t protect you 100% from the rays.   Guess that’s the lazy part of me.  

Anyway, every day I put the smaller size sunscreen in my bag, because I like to re-apply throughout the day.  The other day, we went to the beach, and then took an unexpected detour to Disneyland.  By the time it was 2pm, it was nearly 90 with a high UV index.  I was never more happy to have my Sun Bum.  Before I left the house I used a leave-in hair treatment, that I purchased, to help protect my hair & scalp.  I then used Sun Bum on my usual bits, packed up my bag, and we were off.

The beach near our campsite.

Over the weekend, I was camping out by the beach.  During the day it was sunny and warm.  Many people were in the water or building sandcastles.  By night, the temperature dropped into the low 40s, which is freezing to those of us in SoCal.  Again, it was Sun Bum that protected my skin and hair.    

Cooling spray.

I love everything, so far, that I have tried with one exception.  The cooling spray (not to be confused with the cooling lotion) did not work as I had expected.  When I purchased the spray, I thought it would be like a cooling, fast-absorbing oil.  When it was applied, there was no cooling effect whatsoever.  The cooling lotion, however, is another story.  It is one exceptional product.  My partner ended up with a horrible sunburn on both arms (someone doesn’t think they need sunscreen…), so I applied the lotion.  Within moments, the itch was gone, and the recovery was fast. 

Mini Haul: Sephora

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Hair Mini Haul

I just received a package from Sephora, and it only took a couple of days to receive, which was nice.  Since I was running out of dry shampoo, I decided to purchase a set since it was actually worth the money.  I also purchased a set by VERB, a company based in Austin (all products are made in the USA).

1.  Sephora Favorites:  Extend Your Style, $32.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

If you like to try different types of dry shampoo collection, or are looking for one you will love, this set is perfect.  Currently, I’m really into trying different hair products.  I don’t know about you, but I go through these phases of wanting to use hair products, then not.  Anyway, on with the set.  This favorites set comes with the following (list courtesy of sephora.com):

– 1.25 oz Alterna Bamboo Style Translucent Dry Shampoo
– 0.75 oz Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
– 0.5 oz Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder
– 1.4 oz Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo
– 1 oz Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
– 1.8 oz Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
– 1.5 oz 24K Sally Hershberger Supreme Stylist Voluminous Dry Shampoo

All but the Bumble & Bumble dry shampoo are sprays.  They are all travel-sized, so if you end up not liking one (or more) of the products, you are not stuck with anything full-sized.  The dry shampoos also make for great gifts, whether you give one or all is up to you.  This set will (hopefully) last me through summer.   Did any of your favorite dry shampoos make it in this variety pack?

2.  Style with VERB Set, $34.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com
Image courtesy of sephora.com
Just to show how small the shampo
& conditioner are.

Have any of you tried VERB?  I have yet to, but I’m excited about it.  It’s relatively affordable (each product is $14.00), and this set came with three full-sized products, the bag, and the mini samples of shampoo and conditioner.  I have long, thin hair, but a lot of it, so the shampoo/conditioner will probably be just enough for one or two uses.  The bag fits everything in the photos and then some, so I will be using it as my gym toiletry bag.

Set specs (courtesy of sephora.com):

– 0.065 oz Hydrating Shampoo
– 0.065 oz Hydrating Conditioner
– 2 oz Dry Shampoo
– 8 oz Leave-In Mist
– 6.3 oz Sea Spray

3.  Gift with Purchase and Samples

While supplies last, you can use the promo code PARTY PICKS to choose one of four sample bags.  Each set comes with a small clutch (more like a small makeup bag).  Each bag contains 8 free samples, on top of the three you can choose upon checkout (see photos below).  I chose the Party Prep bag since it contains some of my favorite products, and a couple that I wanted to try.  The samples that are available at checkout always change.  Even though there wasn’t a lot I wanted to try, I chose the following:  Alien fragrance, Nest Verde fragrance, and a serum by Jurlique.

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Image courtesy of sephora.com
Image courtesy of sephora.com
Image courtesy of sephora.com

I think these little packs are pretty great, and well worth the $25.00 purchase you have to make to get one.  For example, the Roller Lash is $12.00.  Which are you looking forward to getting?

Stay beautiful!

Stocking-Stuffers for All

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Sometimes you just need a token gift or something small to fill the stocking.  Listed below are a few things for everyone in varying price ranges.  For those who are on a tighter budget, I highly recommend a trip to Daiso, if you have one near you, or the Dollar Store, because you never know what you’ll find.

1.  On-the-Go Gamepad, $8.99 

Image courtesy of worldmarket.com

 Do you know anyone who is going away on holiday?  This gamepad comes with 5 games to choose from, so  your traveling recipients will never be bored.  Great for long flights and rest-stops during road trips, the gamepad takes up hardly any space, and will keep everyone entertained.

2.  Clear Glass Fox Salt & Pepper Shakers, $12.99/set

Image courtesy of worldmarket.com

A fun, cute, and sophisticated stocking stuffer/housewarming gift is this fox salt/pepper shaker set.  They don’t come filled (yes, I realize that should be a given, but you never know), so you could always throw in a small jar of your favorite salt & pepper for the recipient.  

3.  Cat Timer, $5.99

Image courtesy of worldmarket.com

What cat person wouldn’t want to have this cat timer in his/her kitchen?  It’s adorable, and the bottom bit looks like a oversized collar.  Functional, cute, and doesn’t take up that much space, this timer is the perfect addition to any cat person’s home. 

4.  Desktop Basketball Set, $7.99

Image courtesy of worldmarket.com

I firmly believe in having a strong work ethic.  Sometimes, you just need to take a little break, and what better way than a game of basketball?  Desktop basketball, that is!  This set comes with two ball, two launchers, and a hoop.  Desktop games are great for adults and kids.  Create challenges, play by yourself or with others, and add make your day a little less stressful.

5.  Rau Hot Chocolate Spoons, $8.97/set of 3

Image courtesy of worldmarket.com

If you are looking for something a little different, these drinking chocolate spoons are a great addition to any stocking.  Each set comes with the following flavors:  Orange Caramel (white/milk), Strawberry + Chili (white/dark), and Dark with Amaretto Cookie.  Eat the chocolate right off the spoon or stir it into a hot beverage.  The choices are endless.     

6.  Men’s Striped Dopp Kit, $12.99

Image courtesy of worldmarket.com

The title may say it’s for men, but this bag is a great product for any traveler.  Whether jet-setting or
heading off to the gym, this dopp kit will hold the recipient’s travel toiletries and other necessities.  This product is a World Market exculsive.

7.  Noshkins Felt Food, $5.00 & up

Image courtesy of noshkins.com
Image courtesy of noshkins.com

Do you have a little one who loves to pretend s/he is a chef?  These felt food creations are a great addition to anyone’s playtime.  There are so many individual items and sets to choose from, such as: cakes, vegetables, sandwiches, pizza, etc.  Recently, I purchased the sushi and banana (what a combination!) for my nephew.  He loves to pretend he’s a chef.  With these, he can take them apart and put them together, without the hassle of having them break, tear, fall apart.  They are also non-toxic.  The petit fours and other dessert items are cute to display, especially if you have pedestal plates that are not being used.  They are great for parties and stocking-stuffers!   

8.  Viktor & Rolf:  Spice Bomb Fresh Fragrance, $98.00

Image courtesy of nordstrom.com

Apparently Viktor & Rolf’s fragrances are quite popular.  Personally, I don’t know how this one smells, alone or on a person, but I LOVE the packaging.  The little frosted grenade is just adorable.  You will also get deluxe samples of the after-shave balm and eau de toilette, while supplies last.  And what is really awesome is the gift with purchase promotion happening at Nordstrom.com, again, while supplies last.  If you spend $100 on men’s grooming/fragrance, you also get a dopp kit filled with samples (automatically added at checkout). 

Image courtesy of nordstrom.com

9.  Death Star Ice Sphere Mold, $11.99

Image courtesy of thinkgeek.com

How fun is his ice mold?!  You may only get one, but there are so many ways to use it.  Ice, Jell-O, fruit, soap (yes, soap!), chocolate…the list goes on.  The mold has a 2.4″ diameter, which makes it the perfect size for whatever you are molding.     

10.  Glow-in-the-Dark Play-Doh, $3.49 (currently on sale)

Image courtesy of target.com
Image courtesy of target.com

This Target-exclusive Play-Doh is a fun way to channel any recipient’s creativity.  It glows in the dark, and looks wonderful under a black light.  What kid wouldn’t want to build a castle, cake, or plate of spaghetti & meatballs that glows?