When you’ve got a bunch of technology addicted friends like I do, it can be difficult to find gifts for them!  True geeks seem to already have amassed all the latest and greatest technology.  My little brother is a computer addict and already has the special keyboard, headset, gamer mouse – you name it, he has it.  So what’s left?

Surprisingly, he doesn’t have a laptop bag.  Something so simple, and yet it’s missing!  I find this to be the case with a lot of my tech friends; they’ve got high end equipment but they’re tossing into their backpacks or tucking it under their arms, rather than storing it safely.

When I got a new laptop in the fall, the first thing I did was start looking for a bag for it!  Probably because I’m so addicted to purses…  Pinder was kind enough to send me their GiddyUp bag (pictured above) in Black & Lime.

Best.Bag.Ever.  It’s so functional and convenient that I often toss a few vital items into this bag and skip bringing my purse altogether.  A bag that’s replaced my purse?  Seriously, you know it’s got to be good.

“Are you looking for a laptop bag that has room for files/folders, lightweight, protective, water repellent and doesn’t look like a traditional laptop bag? Then the new GiddyUp laptop tote is ready to be your new best friend. With a durable ballistic nylon exterior and 100% cruelty-free faux leather trim, the GiddyUp will keep you and your laptop looking snazzy. It offers one zip compartment to carry your laptop and another compartment to carry all that other stuff like your power supply, mouse, folders, files and magazines.”

The GiddyUp comfortably fits my Mac, laptop charger, cellphone, wallet, planner, two notebooks, a folder of press releases, pens, lip gloss, and whatever else I know I’m going to need during the day.  That’s actually more than my purse holds – by far! – so you can see why I’ve started carrying it all the time.

The GiddyUp is incredibly well made, stylish, and durable.  Currently, it’s on sale for $40 and offered in a wide range of colors.  I love the big handles, but there is another style available with a much smaller handle as well.  You can also visit sister site Gut Cases for a range of cases for hand held devices sch as Blackberries and iPhones.

Excuse my potential plethora of food related gifts.  I’m calorie counting, which means I’m pretty much always hungry.  Fortunately, my obsession with looking at food rather than eating it has it’s benefits…  I’ve discovered quite a few unique, thoughtful gifts for the gourmet in your life.

As I mentioned, I’m on the “suck it up and eat less” diet.  In order to feel satisfied with the meals I do eat, seasoning is key.  And ladies, I loooove my salt.  However, regular old salt can get a little boring, so let me introduce you to Saltistry‘s mouth watering selection:

Apricot Salt

Coconut Black Salt

Genmaicha Salt

Heirloom Tomato Salt

Herb Grey Salt

Lavender Salt

Lemon Thyme Salt

Lime Flake Salt

Mushroom Herb Salt

Popcorn Salt

Preserved Lemon Salt

Salish Smoked Salt

Six Pepper Salt

Smoke Chili Salt

Tangerine Salt

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The different blends are available in various Gift Sets, beautiful glass jars, sea salt caramels, and there’s even a selection of “Rare & Prized” salt blends (including Fennel Pollen Salt and Sicilian Riserva Special).

Each of the five Samplers retail for $18, and as this is a great gift for a cooking couple, Salt makes quite an affordable gift!

PS:  If you’re worried about giving a gift that seems “unhealthy,” check out Saltistry’s Salt & Health article on how and why salt consumption isn’t something you should rule out.

Organic Shea Butter & African Black Soap Shave Butter

What is it: Pure African Black Soap, unrefined organic African Shea Butter, healing oils of Coconut, Black Seed, Juniper and Willow Bark Extract create this age old shaving preparation for fighting ingrown hairs and razor bumps with a vengeance.

How to Use: It can be lathered up with a Shaving Brush (recommended) or with fingers. Remember this Shave Butter is chock full of vegetable butters, botanical extracts and vitamins, NOT harsh soaps and synthetics so don’t expect a lot of foam but expect a rich lather and luxuriously close shave.

Get it on www.sheamoisture.com for $7.99

You can also pick up the Men’s Shea Moisture Shave 3-pc. Travel Kit at Target for only $14.99.