Schipul Cheer Archives - Tendenci - The Open Source AMS Blog

2009-12-172014-11-02

Schipul Cheer Gift Guide ’09’ For People Who Have Everything

Quick Note: Our Schipul Cheer ’09 Contest ends at 5pm TODAY! So make sure you enter by submitting a photo of your Christmas tree in the blog comments or on Twitter with the tag #schipulcheer09!

Some people are harder to shop for than others, and not just because they have a stinker of a personality. This week’s gift guide will feature more unusual gifts that you can get for those people who have everything. Or those people who you kinda know, but wouldn’t really call them a friend because they are acquaintances and you have to buy them a gift because you heard that they bought you a gift.

Peanut Butter of the Month Club:

This gift only works for those not allergic to nuts. While there are several “of the month” clubs, peanut butter gets added to the list simply because it is peanut butter and it is amazing that it can come in flavors other than peanut.

http://www.amazingclubs.com/peanutbutter_01.html
Price: $17.95/month – $19.95/month

Penguin Water Carbonator:

Did they call it a penguin because it looks like one? Or did they make it look like one on purpose?

Do you often drink water and think, “This could really use little bubbles of carbonation”? If so, this penguin is here to help. It will even allow you to customize carbonation to suit your taste.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/e196/?pkey=ggftthsthf
Price: $199.95

“Our Lady of Lucha Libre” Candle:

Never give a boring candle as a gift ever again. Look at this thing. It is amazing. And it also comes in Christos Mysterio Jr.

http://www.merchline.com/palehorse/productdisplay.9873.p.htm
Price: $14

Bow Tie AND Button-Down Collar:

This. Cracks. Me. Up. And no, you do not HAVE to buy it for your crazy cat loving friend. You can buy it for your crazy dog loving friend too.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36866797
Price: $17

Tentacle Scarf:

The product description is so good that I am simply going to copy and paste it: Have you ever dreamed you were being attacked by a giant squid? Of tentacles wrapping around you, pulling you down to the depths, where an eye as big as a dinner plate looked back at you…

Now you can make your dream come true, without all the fear and discomfort of the nightmare realm.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32196126
Price: $45 (Etsy shows very very few left in stock, so act fast!)

Ninja Salt and Pepper Set:

Guess which one holds the pepper.

http://www.patinastores.com/Products/Ninja_SP_Set_088367.cfm
Price: 16.95

Krylon Spray Paint Lamp:

No worries, the paint was removed first. For graffiti purposes.

Know someone who is younger and into urban design? Snag them one of these lamps. Tear off the tag and tell them you made it yourself.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36485964
Price: $75

Novel Tea:

Tea can only be made better by one thing! No… I’m not talking about vodka. I’m talking about literary quotes from folks like CS Lewis, Alice Hoffman, and others that you only pretend to know about. Great for book nerds and your friends who prefer tea over coffee (for some really insane reason).

http://bagladiestea.com/novel-tea.html
Price: $2.50/pouch – $12.50/box

Baker’s Edge Brownie Pan:

Buy two of these. The first one will wear out in no time.

Perhaps the greatest thing produced this decade. No longer will people fight over corner pieces and edges. You can read through the unique features on the product page, but let’s face it, you saw it and knew it was a winner.

http://www.bakersedge.com/product_ebp.html
Price: $34.95

Coffee Cuff:

Comes in different colors of wood. Yes, wood comes in different colors. I was shocked too.

Coffee cuff! Both fashionable and practical. Wear it as a unique cuff and when you grab that hot cup to go, slip the cuff onto the cup as a sleeve. Not a good gift for absent minded people who may toss the cuff with the cup. Like me. Because I did.

http://www.contexture.ca/coffeecuff.php
Price: $68

Mr. Beer Beer Kit:

I have no idea if this works, but the idea is cool.

Guys–well, mainly guys–can be a little weird about beer. They love it, can tell you where it came from, the type, how it can be improved, and so forth. But they can’t seem to remember where their keys are. Know a dude who might get a kick out of home brewing? Then this is the gift.

http://www.mrbeer.com/category-exec/category_id/3
Price: $42.46

Hall Gallery Frame Set:

I wouldn't bother replacing the frames with real photos.

Yes, photo frames. How is this unique? It isn’t. BUT! This is one of those gifts that is great for people you may not know very well. Like… your mother-in-law. Or an Aunt that you got in the Secret Santa name pull deal.

http://gifts.redenvelope.com/
Price: $89.99

Mini Baja Race:

Racing! Dune buggies! Obstacle course! You can actually purchase a mini Baja race ride! How cool is THAT? Screw giving it as a gift, I’m buying it for myself. Because, ya know, it is right outside of the Vegas strip.

http://www.cloud9living.com/experience-gifts/las-vegas/mini-baja-chase
Price: $240 – $545

Architectural Name Frame:

Photos of architecture and nature that resemble letters are put together according to whatever name you type into a box. Done in black and white photos since everyone seems to think that pictures are more artistic without color.

http://www.scribetime.com/Personalized-Black-amp-White-Wall-Art–Architectural-Name-Frame_p_2235.html
Price: $71.99 (cheaper if only purchasing a 3 letter name)

WowWee Rovio Wi-Fi Robotic Webcam:

If you squint, it kinda looks like a little dog.

It was a wi-fi camera on it. And microphone. But, I think the description on the site pretty much makes this product. It really sells you on the idea that you never have to interact face-to-face with family, collegues, or elderly people ever again.

http://www.etoys.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3372595
Price: $299.99 …small price to pay to never see someone again. Just sayin’.

Piano Wire Bracelets:

Chocking hazard. GET IT? HAHA... ok, I watch too much CSI.

For anyone interested in music, this could make a great gift. Finally give a gift of jewelry without breaking the bank or making it seem like you are totally all for a serious commitment.

http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HH4542&websource=findgift&keyword=HH4542&source_code=S02FG1
Price: $24.95 – $34.95

The Land Sailor:

Forget the sailboat and having to deal with water – get a land sailor. Rather than selling you on this totally rad product, I would much rather mention that there are group meet-ups for people who land sail. Think Hells Angels with polo shirts and that whole not being hardcore thing.

http://www.hammacher.com/Product/11444?source=FROOGLE
Price: $999.95

Mezzo Roserva Wine Enhancer:

This is a gift for those snooty wine people you know. Place a bottle of wine on one of these and through the power of sound waves and… stuff… it can enhance the flavor of wine. It even (supposedly) eliminates red wine headaches. Buy me this and a couple of bottles of wine and I’ll test that theory for ya.

http://www.wineenhancer.net/store/medium-copper-wine-enhancer-021,Product.asp
Price: $84.99

Custom Fingerprint Rings:

Have a ring custom made with your fingerprint put on the inside. This is ridiculously awesome and thoughtful and my gosh, just amazing. Probably the most “special” gift on this list.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36355529
Price: $150

Bottle of Fernet-Branca Liqueur:

Why should you get someone a bottle of Fernet? Easy. Fernet can be used to prevent and/or cure hangovers. That is right, taking a shot of this bitter drink before a night out will keep you functioning in the morning. Just keep in mind that it generally tastes terrible.

http://www.napacabs.com/Fernet-Branca-Liqueur-750ml-P3687.aspx
Price: $25.95 (prices vary on brand and where you buy)

Stovetop Glass Vacuum Coffee Maker:

There are wine snobs and then there are coffee snobs. Tell them to ditch their drip maker and give them this as a gift. Makes fresh coffee (if you have fresh beans and grind them) and is so much better than a machine doing the work.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005NCX5/notcot-20
Price: $74.79

Feed Cats, Hang out with Sealions:

The Houston Zoo (yeah, they are a client) offers people the chance to get close to large cats and feed them. Not only that, but the deal comes with a chance to hang out with the sealions and get your picture taken. I’ve done this and I gotta say, it is pretty awesome. Especially with cool Zoo Keepers.

Since Schipul is based in Houston, it is easier to list the Houston Zoo, but definitely check out your local zoo to see what they have to offer.

http://www.houstonzoo.org/events/tours/cat/
Price: $100

miShare iPod Transfer System:

Looks a little like a camera. Just thought I'd mention that.

First, let me state that this is NOT compatible with the iPhone or iPod Touch. But outside of that, this is one hell of a nifty tool. You can actually transfer music between two different iPods in a matter of seconds. I mean, do I even have to say anything else about this? No. No I do not.

http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=18173&k=ZZ50923
Price: $99.50

That’s a wrap! Submit a photo of your Christmas tree to win some prizes, take some time to do some online shopping, and stay tuned for next week’s gift guide! It’ll be brightly colored and the last one!

2009-12-07

Schipul Cheer – Super Awesome Contest Time!

In case you missed the memo, we will be releasing a series of gift guides this month. Last week we went over gifts to get for geeks and gamers and this week we will list out some items for those artsy types.

BUT WAIT!

You didn’t think that I would write a series of posts without having a sweet contest extravaganza to go with it, did you? It is Christmas time, yo!

Starting immediately, we are going to have the first official Schipul Cheer contest! And yes, winning will be just as easy as every other contest I have done. So yeah, lets break this down and get to deckin’ halls with good tidings and some pimped out joy and stuff.

HOW TO WIN:

Super easy. Ready?

Take a picture of your Christmas tree.

That’s it! Take a photo and post it in our comments section of this post, any of the Schipul Cheer Gift Guide posts, –OR– our new thing, post it to Twitter with the tag #schipulcheer09!

PRIZE(S):

Psyche! It is CHRISTMAS, geeze. You cant know what we are getting you. But yeah, I guess I can give you this hint: Some of the items (yes, more than one thing) are hidden within the Schipul Cheer Gift Guide lists. That’s right, you have the chance to win something rad from those lists.

But it isn’t that $200 robot so don’t ask.

DEADLINES:

Contest starts December 7^th and runs until the 17^th!

We will take all of the photos and run them through our random integer counter thing of magic and randomly select a winner. One entry per person.

So what are you waiting for? Show me some trees! And seriously, someone needs to remove the exclamation point from my keyboard.

2009-12-03

Schipul Cheer Gift Guide ’09 – Geeks and Gamers

Need some stellar gift ideas? We’ve got you covered. Personally, I am a huge Christmas fan (I started celebrating in October) and am always on the lookout for unique gifts to give. This year, my gift to everyone is my secret stash of awesome gift ideas and online shops.

This week, I present to you a quick gift guide for all of those geeks, gamers, and techy people in your life. Feel free to purchase anything on this list and mail it to the Schipul office with an ‘Attn: to Brandi.â€

ALSO (BONUS!): If nothing on the list fits for your geek/gamer/techy then leave a comment that tells me a little about them and a price range and I will try to help you find something special! Or, tweet it using the tag #schipulcheer09.

And literally, in no particular order whatsoever, the gift guide:

Kikkerland Wind-up Toys:

Buy 20, wind them all up, watch them go!

These make for some great stocking stuffers, white elephant gifts, and toys for secret Santa. I have a large collection of them and have attempted to take them apart and rebuild them several times. Total choking hazard, by the way.

http://www.kikkerland.com/
Price: $12-$18

Mimobot Flash USB Drives:

I wish Darth Vador was my father. Sorta. — I wish Darth Vader was my father. Sorta.

These are totally rad! Perfect for someone needing information on the go and appreciates awesomely designed tech toys. And check out the Halo themed ones that are on sale!

http://www.mimoco.com/shop/mimobot-designer-usb-flash-drives?limit=all
Price: $10- $25

You are the CSS to my HTML T-Shirt:

This shirt was made for lovers. Of code.

Declare your love in the best way possible. If your girl or guy doesn’t get it, then consider hooking up with a geek next time. Oh, and you can also buy it in button form.

http://www.popandshorty.bigcartel.com/product/you-are-the-css-to-my-html-t-shirt
Price: $25

Xbox 360 Text Messaging Kit:

If you are playing online and you really can’t deal with n00bs screaming through the headset you can attach a keyboard and type out your insults instead.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Text-Messaging-Kit/dp/B000UN3UDQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1259117947&sr=8-1-catcorr
Price: $29.46 (regularly $29.99′ gee, what a saving)

Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) Locket Charm Necklace:

If you are a bit of geek (technically a nerd in this case) who happens to be dating a girl who is also pretty nerdy, this is a good option for jewelry. Some ladies like their Johnny Depps’ and Justin Timberlakes’ but nerd girls get a lil’ flutter for Mr. Darcy.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35348620
Price: $42

Sir Isaac Newton Action Figure:

I would date him if he were still alive.

You know who was the shiz? Sir Freakin’ Isaac Newton. True nerds will appreciate this figurine and forever keep it on their desk–which is most likely at NASA, ‘cus NASA totally gets it.

http://www.jackstoybox.com/servlet/the-1148/Isaac-Newton-Oddfellows-Figure/Detail
Price: $4.49

Harry: Thick Tendrils of Organization:

Geeks are already a little messy, so it is easier to just throw everything into a ball and declare it as being “organized.”

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/cubegoodies/8b4e/
Price: $24.99 (regularly $29.99)

Super Mario Piranha Plant Scarf:

It may not get very cold in Houston (TX), but who the hell cares. IT IS A PIRANHA PLANT SCARF. I’d wear it in the freakin’ desert!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34184810
Price: $38

Command Doormat:

Its for Apple users because M$ people prefer to track in dirt.

Someone needs to reassure me that I am not the only one who walks around expecting keyboard shortcuts to work in real world scenarios

http://www.meninos.us/products.php?product=Command-Doormat
Price: $50

Nintendo Controller Knit Hat (Reversible):

Gamers know their roots and no matter if they have moved on to the PS3 or Xbox 360, the still pay some homage to the NES. Note: A lot of gamers avoid the outdoors, so buying a hat to wear in cold weather may not be the most practical idea.

http://www.80stees.com/products/Reversible-Controller-Nintendo-Knit-Hat.asp
Price: $20

Matryoshkus Blanco:

The site also creates them in black — Also comes in black

If you are a geek, you should go out of your way to make sure that every space in your home reflects your geekiness. These Russian doll.. uh.. things.. are great for storing cooking ingredients. Or just for show if you don’t really cook.

http://store.artlebedev.com/toys/first-floor/matryoshkus-blanco/
Price: $38.46

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0:

Better than a cat! Then again, what isnt?

Give the gift of a LEGO robot! Either give the gift to a friend or build the robot and offer it’s cleaning services to a loved one. Or buy one and keep it for yourself. Or buy thousands of them, build a robot army, and take over the world. Your call. I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords.

http://shop.lego.com/Product/?p=8547&cmp=afc-csena&hqs=8547
Price: $279.99

Etre Touchy Gloves:

Not just for iPhones! ... but should be.

With so many things that require you to touch them with your thumb and index finger, giving the gift of finger freedom is always a sweet idea. Or you can just cut and sew your own gloves if you’re one of those crafty types.

http://www.etretouchy.com/
Price: $33.12

PS3 Blu-ray Disc Remote:

PS3’s makes for an amazing game console and blu-ray player. Being created for gaming first, the idea of having a remote (outside of the PS gaming controller) was not factored in until later.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-PlayStation-3-Blu-ray-Disc-Remote/dp/B000M17AVO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1259118150&sr=1-1
Price: $19.82 (regularly $24)

Zelda the Solar Cyborg Bugbot v0.2:

Don't look at it directly in the eye.. uh.. face.. area

I hate bugs, I’m not into the benefits of solar power, but holy wow do I love a good ‘bot. Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a handmade toy that serves no real purpose other than ten minutes of amusement.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25784366
Price: $85.00

Nintendo Controller Bag:

This bag will bring all of the milkshakes to the yard

If you don’t think your soon-to-be-gift-recipient needs a bag, then you are sorely mistaken. This. This bag. This is magic.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35668764&ref=sc_2
Price: $42

Screwpop Tool:

This little thing is great to have and is one of those “something extra” gifts. If you know an IT guy/gal who is always running around helping people, this tool can come in handy. It also opens beer. So, ya know, that is totally win.

http://screwpoptool.com/
Price: $4.95

MonkeyLectric Bike Wheel Light M133S:

I love my bike geek friends! No matter how many times I nearly run them over, they still get back up. These LED lights are super awesome and bring that something extra to a bike. And they are LED lights. LED lights are amazing… and can be used for some weird stuff.

http://store.monkeylectric.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=m133s
Price: $64.99

Mana Mug:

Ahhahahahahahah ah hah ah ahahahaha hahahaha! Oh MAN! HAHAHA! Ok, ok, if you don’t get it, your gamer friends will. Especially if they are heavy coffee drinkers.

http://www.splitreason.com/product/469
Price: $10.95

Firefly (The Complete Season):

"We're not gonna die. We can't die, Bendis. You know why? Because we are so...very...pretty. We are just too pretty for God to let us die."

This does not need any explanation or additional selling points. It is Firefly. That is more than good enough.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Firefly:+The+Complete+Series+%5B4+Discs%5D+-+DVD/6096681.p?skuId=6096681&id=1324175
Price: $39.99

And so concludes this week’s gift guide. Still looking for something more? I’ll be posting a new guide each week! Next week we will list out some rockin’ gifts for those Designers, Crafties and Indie friends of yours.

But, before I skedaddle, I want to let everyone know about GiftBox! It organizes your present list(s), tracks how much they are, where they are, who they are for, if they have been purchased, how much money you have spent, and so much more! It’s a free service, so go get it!