Our Favorite Gifts

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Finding the serenity needed for yoga can be hard to do in the mad-dash culture of New York City, where I live. But for two New Yorkers, that is their mission. The founders of Flying Carpets offer a line of beautiful and fun yoga mats to enhance the yoga experience, changing the urban mindset of yoga from a sweat-at-the-gym experience into a mind-body revitalizer.

I like the red and white hibiscus pattern, which reminds me of a cool sandy beach in Hawaii, a perfect setting for yoga. I also like the Eastern-inspired designs, which come in red and blue. Each mat comes in coordinated handmade sack with a shoulder strap for the yogis on the move.

Flying Carpets mats and bags are available online, order-by-phone, and at

around the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

$39

Since Hanukkah usually falls during winter vacation, it's often hard to stay put in one place for the full eight days of the holiday. For Jews who want to make sure they light candles every night of Hanukkah, travel menorahs can be very useful.

They come in a few different styles, but the most unique (and useful) one I've come across combines two Hanukkah symbols in one. This colorful menorah, designed by Israeli artist Avia Agayof and made of anodized aluminum, can be displayed folded out, or quickly folded into the shape of a dreidel for easy packing and storage. --

$120

I gave 5-lb. bags of Bokek Dead Sea bath salts to friends last Christmas. Dead Sea water has a total salt concentration that is ten times higher than ocean water. And according to my favorite supplier of bath salts in bulk, Saltwork.us, the Dead Sea's reputation dates back 2,000 years, when Roman historian Flavius said it "cannot be praised too highly." This brine is composed of magnesium, potassium and calcium chlorides--great for anyone seeking simple relaxation or relief from skin or rheumatic disorders. Personally, I like the squeaky-clean feel I get from the salt on my skin. Saltwork.us sells 5-lb. bags, which leave plenty to go around, or 20-lb. bags for the heaviest Dead Sea heads. Note: it's better to salt your tub heavily once a week than lightly every night. --

$19.95 for a 5-lb. bag

425.885.7258

For those who feel a part of spirituality is being in tune with your physical and mental energy, the Grace Note Wind Chimes actually seem to change the vibrations around you to create a feeling of tranquility and good health within. Never before have I felt an energetic change like I do when I listen to these harmonic wind chimes. Created by musician Jeff Kile, the chimes are designed for ultimate clarity and purity of tone. The unique suspension design allows the chimes to resonate longer and clearer while the varying level of the tubes allows the striker to hit each tube in the center, the "sweet spot" radiating the purest tone. They are made from durable aluminum tubing, making them weather resistant. Visit the

to see samples, listen to audio files and purchase. --

$49-$238

One Christmas I stumbled onto the perfect gift to give my closest friends: an empty box, plain box. It wasn't really empty and it wasn't exactly plain. On the top of the box, in black permanent marker, I wrote the verse, "Encourage one another daily as long as it is called Today…" Hebrews 3:13. Inside the box, I tucked a handwritten note thanking my friend for the gift of her friendship and the difference knowing her has made in my life. I also wrote the following:

"Before stashing this box away or finding a home for it, fill it with other notes, cards and mementos from friends and family that mean something to you and perhaps, have encouraged you. So, on those days around here that the sun doesn't shine, or on those days you're feeling lonely and discouraged, all you have to do is glance at this box and remember what's inside and know you are making a difference and that your life is having an impact on others. And use the memories in this box as a reminder to frequently write notes of encouragement to tell those you love just how much you appreciate them."

I buy my

at Joann's Fabrics. Most arts & crafts stores carry plain boxes in different sizes. --

From $7.00 to $15.00, depending on size