Because backpacks are old hat and this messenger bag is one neat newcomer for your every carrying need: books, baby stuff, beach gear, laptop or actual messages. Made by Timbuk2 Designs in San Francisco of rugged cordura and curiously called the “Dee Dog,” this waterproof satchel is downright hip. $79.95 at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, Chesterfield Towne Center (794-2004) and 10164 W. Broad St. (965-0494)
Because you can always use an extra hammer and you might as well have a new and different one like this Ridgid RoboHammer, “the ultimate hammer technology.” That little crack in the head absorbs shock, the triple-layered grip minimizes vibration and fatigue, and the tool comes in both right- and left-handed models. $39 at Home Depot
Because, as maker Embryonics says, learning begins in the womb and hits top speed in the first years of life. Because music stimulates the entire brain and lays a foundation for future reading and math skills. The Mozart Magic Cube only requires a touch to play sweet sounds of harp, flute, violin, horn, piano and orchestra. $39.99 at Zany Brainy, Chesterfield Towne Center
Because tea is a cultural thing and you get to take your pick of pots: cast-iron Japanese tetsubin with year-of-the-dragon motif for the ceremony of it all, the British Brown Betty for 4 o’clock comfort, the glass model for the American gotta-watch-it-brew sipper. Because coffee, in all of its Starbucks glory, is finally cooling off, while tea is hot. $79.99 for the Joyce Chen tetsubin; $19.99 for the Caledonia Brown Betty; $19.99 for the Riviera Cristal Tea Maker, all at Kitchen Kuisine, Short Pump (360-1964), Stony Point (330-0606), Willow Lawn (282-7930)
Because, whether you’re decorating your first tree or your 50th, a new ornament is always welcome. Because ornaments are personal memory-makers with meaning for years to come. Fanciful Flight ornaments (shown here, $22) are a few of thousands on display at Lane Sanson, 3423 W. Cary St., 358-0053
[image-6]Because you know quality when you step on it, and Dansko clogs are exceptionally anatomically and ergonomically friendly to your footsies. Because even though the shelves are full of clogs at the moment, long after the fad is gone you’ll still wear these Danish babies to the barn, grocery, school and shops. $99 at Saxon Shoes, 1527 N. Parham Rd., 285-3473
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