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Sprinkle On The Cheer

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Penny Carnathan and Kim Folstad

Published: November 24, 2007

Forget the diamond journey necklace for her and the talking beer stein for him. Real homebodies want stuff to perk up the house — without a whole lot of effort.

These new products are great for people who crave beauty, comfort and accessories that aren't on every big box store shelf. Some are also perfect gifts for people who want to simplify household chores.

However, cleaning tools should be given only with great care. They can be painful when flung from under the Christmas tree.

- Penny Carnathan and Kim Folstad

For Those Who Like Shiny Things

Black & Decker's ScumBuster Xtreme is a gift that holds neither romance nor sentiment, but it could give your beloved more energy for both. Charge it up and it scrubs for about 30 minutes. Now that's staying power. A reservoir holds his favorite cleanser. It comes with a brush, scouring pads and an extension handle that stretches his reach by 33 inches.

Cost: $39.99
Available at: major discount retailers and home improvement stores

Red With A Touch Of Green

Turn a wine bottle from a special event into a one-of-a-kind candelabra with this innovative iron Wine Bottle Taper Holder from Gardener's Supply Co. Just insert the cork base into the bottle's top and voila! — conversation piece. And you score recycling points.

Cost: $14.95
Available at: Gardener's Supply, 1-800-427-3363 or www.gardeners.com

Extended Holidays

This Hanging Bromeliad Wreath, with its Meyendorfii bromeliad, will add cheer during the holidays and beyond. The bromeliad and a touch of Spanish moss are attached to a 13-inch grapevine wreath. It's easy to care for: Just water or mist weekly. It comes with a hook for hanging indoors or out.

Cost: $29.95
Available at: Logee's, 1-888-330-8038 or www.logees.com

Easy Chair

This New Gloucester Rocker, from Thos. Moser, is built for comfort and durability with beautiful lines. The Shaker-style chair is a gift that will be handed down for generations to come.
Cost: $1,750
Available at: www.thosmoser.com

Go Green — With Envy!

You won't want to part with these 100 percent organic cotton towels from the Haven by Hotel Collection. They're supersoft and made with low-impact dyes that will please the eco-friendly friends on your gift list.

Cost: $10 to $50
Available at: Macy's

Whimsy That Works

Gardeners love new gadgets, especially when they combine beauty and practicality. Hook up SprinkLites acrylic accent lights to a water source, and they can be used as mini sprinklers, drippers or misters. They're easy to attach to trees, poles or an outdoor umbrella — or they can be used inside with a fountain.

Cost: $199.95 for a set of six SprinkLites
Available at: sprinklites.com

Dishes For The Deck

When the holiday-themed serving pieces are all put away, your favorite hostess will be thrilled to have these seaside-inspired Nautica On Deck Appetizer Dishes to take their place.
Cost: $14.50 each
Available at: Bed, Bath & Beyond

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