Play Dates [1]
The Fretlight Guitar (www.fretlight.com), which features a program that lights the position for fingers, makes independent learning a cool experience; $499 to $799.
For Paper Enthusiasts [2,3]
Malcolm Gladwell: Collected (Little, Brown and Co.) is a boxed set of three of his most celebrated offerings: Blink, The Tipping Point, and Outliers–all No. 1 New York Times best-sellers. A perfect desktop addition for $80.
Black-and-white and color photos, illustrations, exclusive interviews, memorabilia, and even fliers that date back to 1978 are among the nostalgic mix that will enchant hip-hop lovers in Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label (Rizzoli; $60).
Water Works [4]
A creative design of art and function, Aquaovo’s Ovopur purifier (www.aquaovo.com) renders water free of chemicals and pollutants through eco-friendly materials and engineering; $699 to $999.
A Special Tribute [5]
Inspired by the unveiling of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, handcrafted jewelry designer Cerese D (www.ceresed.com)pays honor with bracelet designs in gold and silver; $75.
New Beats [6]
Offering clearer viewing, an 8MP camera, and Beats Audio technology with a discreet iBeats headset the HTC Rezound by Verizon is an upgrade to the smartphone; $299.
Exotic Tastes [7]
The Aloha Sea Salt Collection by The Spice Lab (shop.thespicelab.com) provides an eclectic blend of coarse and fine flavored sea salts. Sample tube sets allow for culinary exploration; $24.95 to $59.95.
In the Spirits [8]
Brugal Rum is a dark, complex Dominican classic, rich in flavor, aroma, and tradition from five generations of rum masters. It is available only in select markets in the U.S. for $49.99.
In a contribution beyond exquisite taste, this offering of (BELVEDERE) RED Special Edition is donating 50% of profits to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa; $29.99.
Artists and collectors will appreciate one of the 420,000 Hennessy Cognac bottles colorfully designed and signed by graffiti artist KAWS.
A winner of several prestigious awards, an esteemed distillery delivers an unprecedented mix of fruit and floral flavors in Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin; $49.99.