Merchandise Monday: ‘Tis the Season!

OK, maybe not quite. But even though Halloween may have just ended, that doesn’t mean it’s not too soon to start thinking about the holidays! The store aisles are already lined with Christmas trees, menorahs and other winter holiday décor, and it’s time for you to start planning now before the season really comes into full swing!

Lucky, Hinda is here to help you with everything you need. Whether it’s your turn to host or you’re planning on being a guest, we’ve got everything you need to make your holidays merry and bright!

Ginkgo® Lafayette 20-Piece Stainless Flatware Set

If a rustic, hammered look is what you're going for, look no further than Ginkgo®’s Lafayette style flatware. Lafayette's handle is bell-shaped and the stainless steel is extremely easy to care for. Set includes four each of dinner forks, dinner spoons, dinner knives, salad forks and teaspoons.

Hamilton Beach® 6-Quart Programmable Cool-Surround Slow Cooker

Sear or brown meat on your stovetop, then finish the meal in your slow cooker – the stovetop-safe non-stick pan nestles inside base. Other features include reduced energy consumption, simple programmability, cool-touch base handles, a digital timer and time adjustment buttons.

Leed’s Moscow Mule Mug Gift Set

This gift set is inspired by the popular Moscow Mule cocktail. Each 14-ounce mug is made of aluminum with full copper coating. Gift box features a robust history of the cocktail and a recipe card. Mugs measure 4" H. You’ll be the hit of the holidays when you serve this refreshing drink!

Nachtmann Crystal 12-inch Serving Bowl

Beautiful, non-lead crystal makes this basketweave-designed bowl durable and dishwasher safe. The ideal complement to fine china or casual service, each Bossa Nova collection piece will contribute style and function to your table. Show some sparkle this holiday season!

Nachtmann Crystal 40-oz. Pitcher

The Crystal 40-ounce Pitcher features beautiful Bavarian crystal in the basketweave pattern known as Dancing Stars Bossa Nova. Hand washing recommended. Pair this with the Crystal Serving Bowl or let it glimmer on its own when you fill it with your favorite chilled holiday beverages!

Riedel Ouverture Red, White & Champagne Glasses 12-Piece Value Set

Riedel’s introductory wine glass series is for those who appreciate good wines as well as for novices beginning their wine journey. The durable, all-purpose glasses also make an easy-care option for entertaining. The set includes four each of white wine, red wine and Champagne glasses.

The 3D Revolution: Merch Monday

Tweet

Earlier in the year following the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, we briefly touched on 3D Televisions and how they would see useage in the future. The future is here and so far, we've been right.

The adoption of 3D technology has been very dependent on the amount of content available for that medium. Even though ESPN has broadcast some sporting events along with a handful of other cable channels, functionality for everyday 3DTV viewing still hasn't completely come to surface yet. As predicted in our previous CES post, the heaviest applications are being seen in the film and video game arenas. Several 3D films have been released on DVD and Blu-ray titles such as Monsters vs Aliens, Toy Story 3 among others. In regards to expansion of useage in the 3D world, the film industry will help push a lot of that adoption.

Gaming, like film, will help further push 3D technology along - if not more so.

Recently released gaming systems like Playstation's Move and Xbox 360's Kinect are bringing several elements to the table. In response to Wii's success, both gaming systems feature high-tech motion sensing elements to their gameplay, adding more than just thumbs to the gaming experience. In addition, many new game titles are being released with 3D capabilites, making already realistic game experiences come to life that much more.

So what's the barrier to 3D technology? Price.

Being that its relatively new, the price points on 3D televisions are still relatively high. Along with the high price of TVs there's also the additional cost of the viewing glasses (not cheap) costing around over $100 a pair. It'll take the development of technology giving the users the ability to enjoy the 3D experience without the aid of glasses.

That concept may not be too far away. Nintendo's new DS handheld system is designed for a glasses-free 3D gaming experience. The screen is on a much smaller scale than a television obviously. However, if that technology is already starting to make a small appearance, it could mean that application on a larger scale could be around the corner.

What do you all think? Will 3D technology be part of popular gift selections this holiday season?