Healthy subscription for yourself and the environment

Now this is smart: you sign up, pay in advance, then leave it to Preserve to send you a toothbrush every couple or few months. What’s even cooler is that when you get your new brush, you can send back your old one which will then be further recycled into a park bench. Or something.

If you’re not familiar with Preserve, they are our toothbrush of choice – let’s be honest here, what much can be said about a toothbrush. But these have a nice little curve, are easy to hold and are made from old yogurt cups, which let’s us feel better about throwing them out every couple months.

The subscription is for 4 brushes, the first comes with a travel case, the others in a mail back pack so you can send back your used ones. They also have a subscription for kids brushes.

$15

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From bike to beer...

Because really, what do cyclists do other than cycle? Drink beer.

Or maybe that’s just a cliche, but it’s still pretty cool to have one of these around. The bicycle chain is actually a good asset because it allows you to hang it where you like, or just spin it around on your finger.

Anodized aluminum opener should stand up to lots of caps.

On sale now for $9 (regularly $11)

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Ahhh.

We aren’t promoting drinking your way through the holidays, but we aren’t not promoting it either. Think how much easier it will be to deal with the familial guilt and shortcomings, the awkward work party conversations and kisses from your mustachioed aunties when you’re half in the bag!

And as an added bonus: you will be the envy (and newly coveted friend) of all the alcoholics in your family when you pull out this stainless flask. It’s Mad Men in styling, but eco in nature (it is made from recycled scrap steel). Fill it with your choice: schnapps for the cold climates, rum for spiking the punch or good old cheap vodka to speed up that downward spiral you’re on. Or maybe just a little wine or brandy might be nice to have on hand now and again.

OK, but seriously, this is pretty cool and would be handy on the slopes or for kitch cache…fun gift for the stylish, eco-conscious nipper in your life.

Just $25 (on sale now for $15!)

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Official iPad Carring Case for the Pony Express

This tablet carrying case (the designer, Kenton Sorenson calls it a “Tablet Portfolio” and credits his minimal design style to his Scandanavian roots) is fit for iPad 1 and 2, as well as many of the 9″+ Android tablets. What we like about this is the classic matte leather finish (we could see the Pony Express pulling this out to get directions in the Maps app), rounded corners and durable craftsmanship.

This would be a great gift for the cool nerd on your list…

$190

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Wow. Behold.

O.M.G. I have finally found what I was missing (thought I didn’t know it until I saw it): a wine carrier for a bike. That’s right, strap on a bottle and head off into the night (not on a fixie now, though, they are so passe anymore). Nothing could be more hipster-y and elitist (yes, I will wear those monikers if I must). Imagine the next dinner party: I rode here without adding to my carbon footprint (you’re welcome) and I brought you a lovely bottle of biodynamic (organic is too easy) wine whose fields were tended by dwarves and their ponies.

I’m fairly certain no one can top that.

Unless, of course, they gave the host one of these leather beauties.

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Save landfill space. Eat good to go food.

Get to-go food ever? We do to. Who has time to always cook? But the problem is that every time you go to get Ma po tofu or sushi or what have you, they always throw in plastic ware. If you’re lucky it’s made from corn – but in the end it’s still going to the landfill.

So we were excited when we saw these on sale while eating some delicious macro food at Seed (amazing vegan burger/fries, btw) in Venice yesterday: bamboo reusable portable tableware. Now we just throw these in with our lunch. We keep an extra in the car so when we get food on the go, we’re good.

Oh and it comes with spoon, knife, fork and chopsticks too! And a handy carrying case with a carabiner to snap on to your backpack or whatever.

Fun gift idea for the environmentalist or college student in your life (seriously, remember all the to go food back then?), as well.

This comes as a 2-pack.

$25

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Make your mac more organic

Check out these MacBook skins by Karvt. Slap some wood on it. Doesn’t that just make you feel nice and cozy? Ready to snuggle up and maybe crank out some Javascript? Or skype with your ex?

OK. Maybe not that cozy.

But they are pretty cool. And unique. They are actual wood with adhesive backing and come in an assortment of colors and wood styles from bamboo to cherry to cedar (shown) to zebrawood, wenge and more.

Also available: iPad wood skins and iPhone wood skins

$39

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(Want another idea? Check out the Banksy decals).

Carry your stuff without burden

So my bicycle got stolen. Right out under my face while I was sipping coffee on Main St. Santa Monica. Life in the big city, I guess. So I’ve been out shopping for replacements (recommendations coming soon…). I’m looking at building the ultimate urban vehicle. The main issue I’ve come upon if you’re really going to commute is that you need space. Trunk space. Space to carry crap. Nothing will pre-empt a biking trip more than needing to actually carry something (or bring something – like groceries – home).

But the age old conundrum is whether to get expensive and cumbersome pannier bags or to use a backpack or messenger bag.

Leave it to the Brits. Basil’s d’Azur Weekender Bag is a nice bag that will hold some stuff (23 liters worth), and when it’s full, you just zip back the hidden pocket and use the hooks revealed to hang it on your bike rack. Instant pannier.

It’s treated to be water-resistant. Basil also makes a couple smaller bags like this and a similar pannier bag as well as a number of more girlie colors and designs.

$105

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mmm...espresso on the go...

Now this is cool: the Mypressi Twist Portable Espresso Maker. How it works: hot water + espresso grounds + pressure from CO2 cartridge = your own espresso maker…anywhere. The problem with homemade espresso is almost always lack of pressure because, frankly, it’s hard to build it up without some serious tubes and whatnot.

But some genius has figured it out: use the pre-pressurized cartridges. Each cartridge will make 8 shots (or 4 double shots) of espresso. This little device is also really portable and really sturdy so you can take it with on trips if you need (which I do) a decent shot to keep you going. Think how much better you’ll be able to make those portages in the BWCA – you’ll be running through the woods with 2 packs and a canoe on your shoulders.

Or work? Your ass may be glued to that seat, but your face will be holding back 1000hp of pure brainpower.

Or maybe not. But people do love this thing – it’s almost universally well-regarded. We’ve reviewed lots of coffee makers and it’s topping the list, especially of portables.

Happy drinking.

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Put Banksy on your laptop

Apple does a good job of making a good looking computer. But sometimes it’s kind of fun to spice things up a bit. If you’re a young skatepunk, you can plaster it with decals of truck manufacturers and whatnot, but for us grown ups (who still feel a need to assert our individuality), we want something with a little more subtlety.

Fortunately, the Etsy people have really upped their game and offered some sweet options. We like this one from Banksy. Why? Because Banksy is the real article. But there’s a ton of others out there. Honestly, many are very Banksyesque.

Also, check out Hu2′s selections. And Vinylville’s. You won’t be sorry.

Prices range from $10 – $30.

ETSY SEARCH

(Want something more organic? Check out Karvt Wood MacBook Skins)