iPhone
If you don’t already have one, then there is no better time to get one than the summer. Not only is it elegant and easy to use, but the endless apps will get you where you want to go, keep you up to date with all of your friends, enemies and frenemies and keep you occupied while you’re sipping on your cocktail. Get the iPhone 4 now, or hold out just a little while longer to find out about the 5.WWW.APPLE.COM (Starts at USD $199 on contract with AT&T or Verizon)
SABRE Pepper Spray Home & Away Protection Kit
We didn’t want to make such a clear delineation between the sexes, but women do have different needs from men. And when it comes to personal safety, something like the SABRE pepper spray system will make a big difference whether you are alone at home or out at the club. Remember – there’s nothing embarrassing about staying prepared. WWW.SABRERED.COM (Starts at USD $21)
CP-12 Babycakes Cake Pop Maker
Need to impress the boss at the annual company picnic? Don’t want to be yet another person bringing a Jello-mold? The Babycakes Cake Pop Maker allows you to bake mini, bite-sized cake morsels that will make you the life of the party and intimidate your rivals. And if you want to snag a guy, this machine also makes excellent donut ‘holes’. WWW.THEBABYCAKESSHOP.COM (Available for USD $24.99)
SodaStream Penguin
All that sparkles doesn’t have to be jewelry. With the SodaStream machine, you can quickly make your own sparkling water, soda, fizzy juices or anything else that you can imagine. Just insert the gas canister into the machine and then you’re good to go, with little mess and less impact on the environment. This is indeed an essential for any home bar, and a favorite for the health conscious, sugar-addicts and social alcoholics alike. WWW.SODASTREAMUSA.COM (Starter kit costs USD $199 and up)
MacBook Air
While we rarely feature two design objects by the same company on one list, the MacBook Air is simply too great to ignore. If you are looking for a full-fledged laptop that is almost as thin and light as an iPad but has the power (and real keyboard) to run your home office, then this is it. You can get either an 11-inch or 13-inch version, both offering the design and build quality that Apple is famous for. WWW.APPLE.COM (Starts as low as $999 for the 11-inch, $1299 for the 13-inch)
Clé USB
A USB key will be an essential accessory for your new MacBook Air – so why not have a USB key that actually looks like a key? The ingenious designers at byAMT have blended classic designs with multiple gigabytes of digital memory. Keep all of your photos, music or important files on this, and it’s eye-catching enough that you won’t forget it somewhere. WWW.BYAMT.COM (Starts at USD $50)
Tanita BC-568 Segmental Body Composition Monitor
Need something that will motivate you to be in tip top shape this summer? Don’t want to rely on the unreasonable expectations of your trainer, a jealous girlfriend who would benefit from you becoming lazy or an overly supportive boyfriend? This machine will not lie, and it gives you a full breakdown of your body composition. Not for the faint of heart, but an invaluable tool for hardcore fitness junkies for sure. WWW.TANITA.COM (Nice but pricey at $349.99)
Fujifilm Instax 210
You may be old enough to remember instant printing cameras like the Polaroid, or young enough to think of it as a resurrected and trendy technology – but either way the charm of printing single images is impossible to ignore. In a sea of digital cameras and iPhones you’ll definitely stand out with this retro gem and get some unique images to boot. WWW.FUJIFILM.COM (Sells for $91.99 but you may be able to find deals online)
J-41 Genesis Water Ready Sneaker
Tired of looking like one of the boys when going on summer outdoor adventures? Hate the sensation of sweaty feet that comes from bulky footwear? This water ready and lightweight sneaker line will get you through all manner of terrain, from mountain trails to the beachfront, and in high style. WWW.J-41.COM (A steal at $59.95)
Musso Lussino 4080 Â Ice Cream Maker
After all is said and done, summer will be the time for ice cream. If you’re going to indulge, we say indulge big – and invest in this Mussimo Lussino Ice Cream maker. Direct from Italy, you know that you can’t go wrong with this workhorse. Make all your favorite classic flavors, or go creative and try something completely new. This will definitely ease you into sweatpants for the Fall and Winter.WWW.MUSSOLUSSINO.CO.UK (Euro $789, and well worth it!)