App-roved
In case you've been living under a rock for the past two years, apps for iPads, iPhones and other smartphones can be extremely useful for almost any task and are often free. That said, sorting through the dross to find the best ones is not something most people have time for. Instead, check out meetingapps.com, which lists planner-approved apps for meetings. Thanks to James Spellos, founder and president of Meeting U. (meeting-u.com), for the suggestion.
White Magic
If you're holding a meeting in a room without a whiteboard, make your own with Wizard Wall. Simply unroll a piece of the clingy white film and cut it, and it will stick to any indoor surface without adhesives. Unlike with a whiteboard, you can write on the Wizard Wall with permanent marker and save it for later. A starter pack costs $128.50. wizardwall.com
Pie Break
In the typical break, attendees feed, ingest caffeine and return to breakout sessions. Encourage interactivity and stimulate creativity by adding a DIY aspect to the snack. Loews Hotels, for example, offers a "Makin' Whoopie" break, in which attendees assemble whoopie pies, selecting among two cake types and three different filling flavors. An optional chocolate dip turns it into a Moon Pie. loewshotels.com
Stem Wares
This clever bud vase imagines a root system for whatever flower its owner puts in it. It's small and useful enough to work well as a holiday gift. The Nekko Bud Vase costs $30 each; bulk pricing is available. (978) 443-4308; www.japanesemoderndesign.com
Puppet Masters
For years, the intelligentsia have been gifting the tongue-in-cheek Magnetic Personalities, refrigerator-magnet finger puppets of history's greatest personages. Now with just a photo of the CEO or an image of the company mascot, The Unemployed Philosophers Guild can make a customized Magnetic Personality. The custom puppets cost between $2.75 and $4, with a minimum order of 500 pieces. (718) 243-9492; philosophersguild.com/wholesale
Knit Pick
Knits are on-trend in fashion right now, and knitting itself is gaining popularity as a hobby. Wool and the Gang sells designer knit kits that include needles, yarn and simple instructions. Kits start at $59; for recipients without time on their hands, the finished products are also available for purchase. (212) 966-9266; usa.woolandthegang.com
Baked Regards
Corporate gifts are generally sleek and shiny, but there's something to be said for gifts that are homemade with love. The Sugar Mommy custom-bakes cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels and other chocolatey treats. The platter shown costs about $40. (603) 305-6026; thesugarmommy.com
Nice Pad
Given Steve Jobs's claim that one iPad is being sold every three seconds, many techies will be hoping to receive iPad accessories this holiday season. Consider the pricey but highly useful PowerBack Battery Case with Kickstand and Dock, a three-in-one stand, protective case and charger from Kensington. Cost, $129.99. (800) 235-6708; us.kensington.com
Travel Intelligence
SmartWomenTravelers.com, written by road warrior Carol Margolis, offers countless insightful tips for safer, smarter and more pleasurable travel. For example, this posting helps readers pack light and within TSA regulations. Tip #1: Pick a color-of-the-week so that you only have to pack one pair of shoes.
Posh Paper
Give any table setting an inexpensive personal touch with these linenlike napkins. Armchem International offers Touch of Linen products in white with a two-color logo. Cost, $79.95 per case of 1,000. (888) 276-2436; armchem.com
Valet in a Box
Never fear wardrobe mishaps on the road again. This portable Stylin' Kit contains 12 handy items, including a stain-removing sponge and adhesive clothing tape, to keep your garb looking great. Cost, $30. (310) 450-2202; bristols6.com
Flower Power
The gorgeous flowers from Organic Bouquet are grown by eco-friendly
methods. Choose from dozens of blossoms, such as miniature Vermeer Calla
Lillies. Cost, $59.95 for 10 stems. The company will donate $10 from
each bouquet to the Gulf cleanup effort. (877) 899-2468; organicbouquet.com