Hi guys! You see, I’ve always waited until the last moment possible to do any Christmas shopping. As a result, I have a bunch of family members who get a bunch of lame gifts. Its so bad that the gifts have started coming back to me at White Elephant parties. So for Christmas, 2011, I’ve [...]
I am blown away. Lalaloopsy has done it again. All right, so you’ve already heard about the Lalaloopsy dolls. They’ve been a hot item for a couple of years now, and in for Christmas 2011 they once again stole the spotlight as one of the absolute hottest toys of the year with their newest member [...]
Christmas Gift Ideas For Those Out-Of-Doors Types The great outdoors. Some people love it. Everyone else wonders what is so wonderful about it. Well, if you are shopping for Christmas Gift Ideas for an outdoorsman (or woman) this holiday season, then you need some insight into their mind(s). Here are a few quick reasons why [...]
So what makes a winning Christmas gift? Is it the price? The fact that it is the “hottest toy of 2011” (or 2012, 2013, 2023…) ? Sure, some of these factors can play into that. But instead of jumping on the bandwagon year after year (or worse, settling for trite gifts like white socks), check [...]
Drawing! Painting! This kit has it all! It’s a kit that is just brimming with excitement, waiting to bring out the artist in everyone. Let’s take a look at what it comes with: 24 color pencils 24 oil pastels 24 water color cakes 2 paint brushes 2 drawing pencils It also comes with a couple [...]
I’m a big fan of camping. I’m camping or canoeing overnight at least several times a year. Those best treks are the ones that take you miles from a trail or cell phone signal with nothing but your compass and your buddy’s gut to get you to camp before night fall. Those stars are so [...]
I am a big fan of charcoal grilling — but it wasn’t always that way. You see, I’m a sucker for convenience. I want my grilled flesh as fast as possible. Charcoal isn’t fast. But when my apartment complex ruled that I must have a charcoal grill instead of a gas one, I learned to [...]
Edens Garden offers over 100 essential oils for all of your aromatherapy needs. Just in time for the holiday season they have released their top 6 scents in a beautiful, boxed set. Each comes in a sealed, 10 ml bottle to introduce your friends to the wonders of aromatherapy. Check out these scents! Eucalyptus – [...]
We’re all worried about under-cooking our meat. I mean, a steak is great, but none of us want to be left sick the day after a cookout. If, you are like me, you typically end up with dry, over cooked meats… I’m pretty impressed with the reviews on the Maverick Wireless Barbeque Thermometer set. This [...]
There is just something so alluring about lost treasure. Metal detectors are an excellent gift. Even people who have never considered getting a detector will quickly find themselves “on the hunt” for those curious scraps of metal and coins that seem to lurk everywhere. The Bounty TK-4 PL is an exceptionally good choice for novice [...]
I love giving sewing machines for Christmas. They have all of the good markings of a Christmas present – They come in that big box that sits under the tree, taking up a nice footprint and intriguing the giftee with unbridled anticipation…. (Can you tell I’ve given a sewing machine as a Christmas gift before?) [...]
Like I mentioned when discussing the Leatherman Skeletool, we guys need a great way to discretely carry every tool imagine-able. Who knows when you life might depend on it? (or, at least your social life. These tools are great conversation starters) While the Leatherman is a true all-in-one tool, this 6-in-one keytool from Swiss Tech [...]
Ladies, you have purses to carry your “attachments” in. Since the dawn of man, we guys have been trying to carry our necessary tools without being too conspicuous. It’s a tough gig. The multi-tool is the perfect solution to our need to both answer the Boy Scout motto (Sell Lotsa Popcorn Be Prepared), and still [...]
Espresso – “a strong coffee prepared by forcing live steam under pressure, or boiling water, through ground dark-roast coffee beans.” – Dictionary.com I am a coffee snob. There is nothing more satisfying than a well made, dark roast espresso. (With a little milk added, of course) Creating your own espresso’s require a little skill – [...]
I remember the first time I saw someone start a fire without using a match. He was a long-haired, hippie-looking fellow that possess an adept knack for taking harmless-looking sticks and bits of string and converting them into a powerful bow and stick firestarter. I have never gotten very good with the stick-on-stick method for [...]
Hi guys!
You see, I’ve always waited until the last moment possible to do any Christmas shopping.
As a result, I have a bunch of family members who get a bunch of lame gifts.
Its so bad that the gifts have started coming back to me at White Elephant parties.
So for Christmas, 2011, I’ve made a resolution:
There will be no more lame gifts.
There will be no more last minute shopping.
I will know what is hot.
I will pre-order
I will not buy my loved ones white socks for Christmas!
And, while I’m doing my own shopping, why shouldn’t I share my research with you?
After all, Christmas gift ideas are hard enough to come by. There are so many great products out there, and despite what everyone will tell you, an iPad and an Xbox 360 will NOT meet the needs of everyone on your Christmas list.
Here you will find reviews of a bunch of value-priced holiday items. I have basically spent several hundred hours reviewing the websites of major department stores to find what gifts your friends and family members have been adding to their “wish lists” all year long.
Sometimes you don’t need Christmas gift ideas. What you really need is some great advice on how to pick out a unique Christmas present that will leave a winning impression on your loved one.
Since I’ve spent some time researching these important life lessons (can we say “over-analytical”?), I’ve decided to include these ideas here for your benefit:
Also, I’ve picked up on some of the hottest trends. You have to be careful about the “hot” trends, though. Some of them like the Air Swimmers fish are just down right stupid ($40 for a fish + $20 for a helium tank = 1 week of fun)
Yes, I’ve gone to the store and checked out the ones that look questionable – this stuff has gotta’ be better than white socks, remember?
Here’s how I’ve broken it down for easy navigation:
Bring out the Xmas Presents! We are Ready to spread Holiday Cheer!
I am blown away. Lalaloopsy has done it again.
All right, so you’ve already heard about the Lalaloopsy dolls. They’ve been a hot item for a couple of years now, and in for Christmas 2011 they once again stole the spotlight as one of the absolute hottest toys of the year with their newest member of the family the Silly Hair Doll.
There was only one thing that Lalaloopsy could do to make their family cooler.
These little guys are so amazing. They pack all of the joy and character of their bigger siblings into a tinier, cuter, package — which somehow simply makes them more loveable.
Mini Lalaloopsies have been hard to find for some time since so many families are waiting to welcome them into their new homes. Thankfully, though, more of them are becoming available so you may just get your chance to bring one home!
Sometimes you can find them online faster, since the major online retailers have more ‘clout’ when it comes to getting their share of Lalaloopsy product.
Check out these great prices I found on in-stock mini Lalaloopsies!
Like the Tiny Tots of the Lalaloopsy World, Only More Fun!
These little dolls are the perfect size to be loved by chubby hands and big hearts, and their little gingham spirits simply soar every time they are invited to another tea party. (And yes, you can buy the Lalaloopsy Tea Party Playset, as well as the Sleepover Party Playset and the Big Top’s Spinning Ferris Wheel — all in mini Lalaloopsy sizes.)
The Mini Lalaloopsies Love a Tea Party!
From a practical standpoint, these little 3 inch dolls are the perfect size to tote anywhere, and easy to store in a purse or day bag (or their little box which doubles as their “home”)
Plus, you can get them in all the same characters as you can with the larger-sized Lalaloopsies.
So check them out. It’s the one gift you know you can get that will light up your child’s life and be treasured for years to come!
“…She holds each doll with unleashed love…” – One Amazon Reviewer
The great outdoors. Some people love it. Everyone else wonders what is so wonderful about it.
Well, if you are shopping for Christmas Gift Ideas for an outdoorsman (or woman) this holiday season, then you need some insight into their mind(s).
Here are a few quick reasons why I love the outdoors:
And, now that you know why we love the out of doors, here is some great Christmas gift ideas — that I would love to see under my tree — in no particular order.
Not every outdoorsman is going to be willing to spend time with a book. However, a lot of the vital skills of outdoors survival that used to be taught as part of a normal child’s upbringing have now been mostly lost.
This ultimate outdoors book has 31 chapters chocked full of vital, life-saving skills such as shelter building, game preparation and trapping set up in an encyclopedia – style layout. It’s a perfect gift for the outdoors lover who is looking to take their game to the next level.
Click here to view on Amazon.com
These survival bracelets combine form and function into a killer look.
Made from parachord (also known as a parachute cord or 550 cord) this super-stranded cord was used by parachuting infantry units for securing equipment and hanging camouflage. Plus, the interior strands of cord can be removed for tasks such as fishing or sewing.
These bracelets are not only a great gift as the ultimate outdoors tool, but also a fun fashion piece that speaks of one’s love for the out-of-doors and an adventurous lifestyle. A perfect stocking stuffer.
Click here to view on Amazon.com
P90x Move over! Often sold as the stage 2 of the super-popular P90x , Insanity’s 60 day workout is nothing short of brutal.
And for the outdoorsman who needs to be ready to face every life-or-death situation imaginable, Insanity’s workout program is proven to provide the strength training they need. Sure, this gift is going to require a little more out of your pocket — especially if you pair it with a set of adjustable dumbells — but its a gift that you know they will enjoy all year long.
And, of course, brag about to all of their freinds. Who doesn’t want to be insanely ripped?
Click here to view on Amazon.com
The USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife has a long history of being a fighter since 1942 when the Marine Corp first commisioned it to be designed.
Now, it is the coveted choice of outdoorsman everywhere as a practical hunting knife. I’ve had friends who have used this knife for everything from making camp to killing animals with it in survival situations. It’s a solid knife that will give its owner years of use and allow them to craft their own legacy with it.
Every Outdoorsman will agree that this is probably one of the best gifts they could possibly find under their tree.
Click here to view on Amazon.com
When I was in Africa, I gained a new appreciation for America’s water sanitation procedures. Additionally, being a cheapskate, I have typically relied on water purification tablets to treat my water with – which can leave it a little odd-tasting to say the least.
So for the outdoorsman who may find himself drinking from a nearby creek, the Katadyn Water Microfilter is an excellent gift ideas that packs easily and goes anywhere. Plus with its silver – impregnated ceramic filter, the Katadyn takes some of the highest level scientific equipment for water purification, and enables you to create clean water wherever you go.
Plus, it doesn’t taste like chemicals when you are done with it.
Click here to view on Amazon.com
You may have already read my review of the emergency fire starter.
These fire starters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all pretty much work in the same way: use some magnesium to create a 3,000 degree fire and then enjoy the warmth. It works for Bear Grylls and it will work for you, too.
Combine it with the Paracord Survival Bracelet for an ultimate stocking-stuffer combo.
Click Here to View On Amazon.com
Sure, they make cheaper adjustable dumbbells, but these ‘take the cake’ in both form and functionality.
The Bowflex brand is a well-trusted name, and these dumbbells have a reputation to prove it. Add these to the Insanity 60-day kit for an ultimate, beat-your-body experience that will make the out of doors look like a ‘piece of cake’.
And, of course, with the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, you are able to combine 15 different dumbbells into one, for ease of storage.
I’ll stop here before I make another ‘cake’ reference. Just click on the link to see for yourself.
Click here to view on Amazon.com
On a recent hiking trip, we found ourselves staring at the map of our park service’s poorly maintaintened circuitous trails. In a stroke of utter inspiration, we decided to have one of our group orienteer our own path through the woods.
Orienteering is one of the oldest – and cheapest – outdoors activities. It also is probably one of the most life-or-death skills you will ever learn. Having a good sighting compass makes all of the difference.
This SE Military compass is an excellent sighting compass, rivalling those ten times its price. For anyone who spends time in the out-of-doors it is a perfect gift that will be much appreciated.
Click here to view on Amazon.com
Not all flashlights are created equally. More and more, quality flashlights are becoming hard to find.
The Streamlight flashlight has 180 lumens of output from its C4 LED lights. It’s less than 5 inches long, and less than inch in diameter around. With only 3 ounces of weight, it will go anywhere super easily.
The Streamlight is a flashlight to be proud of whether you are using it outside or in the car.
Click here to view on Amazon.com
If all else fails, this is the ultimate outdoors kit to buy somebody.
‘nough said.
So what makes a winning Christmas gift? Is it the price? The fact that it is the “hottest toy of 2011” (or 2012, 2013, 2023…) ?
Sure, some of these factors can play into that. But instead of jumping on the bandwagon year after year (or worse, settling for trite gifts like white socks), check out these tips to make sure your gifts are relevant, unique, stylish and special.
After all, Christmas is a special time of the year. Your gifts had better be special.
Ok, so you are not here trying to find the ultimate gift for your boss. (If you are, this isn’t the website for you) Typically, the person you are shopping for, is someone that you love and respect. The ultimate Christmas gift will reflect that.
So start with what you know about your loved one. Is the recipient a hobbyist? A Book reader? A closet smoker? What music do they love? What art do they admire? What is their favorite place to vacation? And – more importantly – what is their favorite way to relax?
I hope some of these questions are stirring up ideas. Grab a pen and paper and jot them down.
And be sure to rack your brain. Even if you don’t live with someone, if you are friends with them on facebook or see them occasionally, you are bound to have heard some of their interests mentioned, at least in passing.
Your Christmas gift should show them that you care.
It’s tempting to try to get too practical. I mean, Norton 360 is an excellent anti-virus protection. But unless we’re talking about your Grandpa who is just dying to be on his computer every moment of the day, those kind of practical gifts are not going to cut it.
The whole idea is to get away from “white-sock-syndrome.”
So throw out the practical gifts. Scratch them off your list. Burn ‘em. We want to come up with things that reflect their passions.
And “fun” means different things to different people.
Here’s an example: The Cuisinart Smart Stick is an excellent kitchen tool. For the person who loves cooking in their spare time, it would be a superb gift. For your wife who only cooks because everyone else in the household won’t… let’s just say you’d better duck when she opens it.
You’ve decided on their passions, now its time to pick a gift that fits those passions.
I love the Internet for this step. Try doing some research on their field. Check out niche websites and forums devoted to their hobbies and try to see which products everyone considers a “must have”. Magazines are another great resource, and this time of year they are typically filled with suggestions. Run by your local Barnes and Noble (or library!) and spend an afternoon sipping a coffee and perusing magazines devoted to your loved one’s hobby. Pick out some of the best product suggestions you think they might appreciate
So now you have some gift ideas. Let’s do some homework to make sure you are getting a quality item. Amazon.com and other major online stores have product reviews by real customers. These are great resources for cutting through the marketing hype, and discovering just how good a product really is.
Each year, there are well-thought-out marketing plans by major companies geared towards releasing the hottest items for the holiday season. And, many of these items are excellent product choices that your loved ones will enjoy year after year. Take the Kindle Fire, for example — or the iPad. These devices are always at the top of the hottest gift list, and they are truly gifts that your loved ones will use all year long.
However, stay away from fads. Just because an iPad is hot, does not mean that it is the right choice for your loved one’s browsing style. Be especially wary of some of these fads are only released for the holiday season. For example, those air swimmers are a cheap gift, that look great on TV, and are prepared to do nothing but deflate one week after Christmas is over.
Which brings us to a very important point…
Now, this does not mean that you all need to go buy diamonds and gold. (although those could make great gifts!)
However, it does mean that you should buy quality, lasting items that will be used frequently.
Part of the reason that I encourage you to get items that have good reviews, is to make sure the item you purchase is going to last year after year. There is nothing more frustrating then purchasing an item that breaks two months after it is given. Plus, you want them to be able to be using your gift a decade later, and remember that special Christmas morning.
For this reason, consumable gifts such as chocolates, should not be typically made a main gift. Other consumable gifts,such as fine wines, should be used with caution — although if the gift is unique enough, it could last long enough to qualify. For example, a vintage wine sampler that lasts all year long.
Still, your best bet is going for a special gift that lasts for years to come.
So stick those restaurant gift cards back in the sock drawer. We are going for the long-term here.
Two words: Black Friday.
There are so many holiday specials this time of the year, that it is almost a crime to pay full price for any item. And, many stores are rewarding customers for shopping early, by promising price matching. So, a little savvy shopping can go a long ways in making sure that you get the best gift possible for the price.
This is just a final reminder to make sure that you are not handing out gifts cards this holiday season.
Perhaps you don’t know exactly what gift to get them. That’s okay, we all have hesitations when it comes to purchasing gifts for our friends and family. Just make sure that you include a gift receipt with the item, and understand that they can always return it for something that will better suit their taste.
After all, people purchase items for themselves and then return them all the time. A gift that you purchase for them will be no different.
However, by stepping outside your comfort zone and actually picking a gift for them, you show a lot of courage and trust in your relationship.
Don’t believe me? Just wait until you see that sparkle in their eyes when you hand them your carefully chosen gift on Christmas morning.
Drawing! Painting! This kit has it all! It’s a kit that is just brimming with excitement, waiting to bring out the artist in everyone.
Let’s take a look at what it comes with:
It also comes with a couple of key tools. It has a kneaded eraser which is a putty-like eraser that actually absorbs graphite and pencil marks to prevent smudges and eraser residue when making corrections.
It also comes with a sandpaper block for sharpening the color pencils down to a sharp, controlled point as you work.
Now, if you are a professional artist, this is not the kit your need (if you are a professional artist, you already know that.) However for children who love drawing, this is a great way to encourage their creative side.
There are a lot of art kits out there. This one comes in a smart wooden case that will last many years. It also holds up well to travel and keeps all of the art pieces snugly tucked inside — years after the cheaper, plastic models have long disintegrated.
For an excellent combination gift you might consider pairing this art set with a drawing easel or drawing book.
The 80 – Piece Art Set On Amazon.com
I’m a big fan of camping. I’m camping or canoeing overnight at least several times a year.
Those best treks are the ones that take you miles from a trail or cell phone signal with nothing but your compass and your buddy’s gut to get you to camp before night fall.
Those stars are so beautiful.
Do you know someone like that? Well, do I have the perfect gift!
The 24” pocket chain saw by Chainmate is the perfect gift to have tucked away in your luggage. I can’t tell you how many late nights I have spent hacking feverishly at green saplings trying to get structures built and fires started before nightfall.
Probably a little larger log than you will typically want to attack - but this saw can do it.
The Chainmate is one of the best pocket saws you can by. It is actually made in the USA — which is hard to find these days, considering so many of these saws are made in china with inferior metals.
It also has large, comfortable handles to give you the solid grip you need without cutting your hands. Large, carbon steel teeth hold their sharpness, allowing you to gnaw through any tree.
So, slip this in your favorite outdoorsman’s kit. He’ll be thrilled. (And you might consider pairing it with this pocket knife sharpener to keep this saw in top shape!)
Check out the Amazing Holiday Prices on the Chainmate 24 Inch Survival Saw at Amazon
I am a big fan of charcoal grilling — but it wasn’t always that way. You see, I’m a sucker for convenience. I want my grilled flesh as fast as possible.
Charcoal isn’t fast.
But when my apartment complex ruled that I must have a charcoal grill instead of a gas one, I learned to adapt.
And I love it. I love the taste, I love the heat, I love the smoke….
There is nothing like a charcoal grilled steak or chicken breast.
But we still have that major delay in getting the briquets all working together with even heat.
Enter the Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter. This ingenious device makes it easy to start briquets without using nasty-tasting lighter fluid. Just crumple up some newspaper in the bottom of this chimney and light it with a match through one of the ample draft holes.
Heats up Briquets Fast
Secondly, the chimney starter’s design lets you stack the briquets for fast, even heating. lets you pile your briquets so that they all catch fire evenly. Once the heat has spread, just use the double, thermoplastic handle (you won’t burn yourself!) to dump them into your grill.
The time required to prep the grill gets cut down to about 20 minutes. And the taste is so much better than traditional gas grills offer.
It doesn’t get much easier than the Rapidfire Chimney Starter. If nothing else, it will easily pay for itself in the amount of lighter fluid it will save you!
Give this gift to the grill-master in your life and you will be giving them their favorite grill tool that they will use summer after summer.
(Don’t believe me? Click on the link below to find hundreds of smoking (pun intended) reviews!)
Click here to add one to your Shopping Cart!
Edens Garden offers over 100 essential oils for all of your aromatherapy needs.
Just in time for the holiday season they have released their top 6 scents in a beautiful, boxed set. Each comes in a sealed, 10 ml bottle to introduce your friends to the wonders of aromatherapy.
Eucalyptus – Relieving colds, sinus congestion and flu symptoms
Lavender – For skin ailments such as bruises, burns, itches and even works as an insect repellant
Lemongrass – Great for aching muscles
Peppermint – Helps open passageways for asthmatics as well as a great pick-me-up when your are exhausted
Sweet Orange & Tea Tree – Relieving stress and creating a fresh smelling room
If you are a big aromatherapy fan, you may wish to combine this set with an ornate steam or warm burner diffuser.
Others use these scents more medicinally by diluting them with olive oil and rubbing them on the affect body part (sore muscles, sinuses, etc). You can also use them as part of massages or in the bath tub for a little aromatherapy relaxation at the end of the day (the lavender is great for that – just saying).
Caution: Never use essential oils without diluting them. Never take them internally.
And, to complete the kit, Eden’s Garden includes a pamphlet with 45 ways to use essential oils – making you (or your lucky friend) the expert on the amazing world of essential oils in no time.
A very thoughtful gift with excellent presentation. You can’t go wrong with this one.
Click here to see Eden’s Gardens Top 6 Essential Oils Boxed Set
We’re all worried about under-cooking our meat. I mean, a steak is great, but none of us want to be left sick the day after a cookout.
If, you are like me, you typically end up with dry, over cooked meats…
I’m pretty impressed with the reviews on the Maverick Wireless Barbeque Thermometer set. This little guy is an absolutely ingenious idea. It has a probe that can monitor meat up to 6” thick (should handle about everything but camels.) The heat resistant thermometer can withstand temperatures up to 716 degrees fahrenheit so you can use it in the kitchen or out at the grill.
Basically you set up the probe with your preferences. What temperature do you need the meat to be at? How long does it need to cook. Get everything cooking and then slip the thermometer in your pocket. The probe will transmit the temperature to you up to 300’ away. (It has a warning light to let you know when you are out of range)
The perfect roast - everytime.
This little remote thermometer will revolutionize your cooking. You can slip dinner in the oven and go back to being the life of the party while it is cooking. The status of the oven is always right there in your pocket. A warning beep alerts you when your cooking is done (or conversely, not getting cooked in time – go turn the heat up!)
When you turn off the thermometer it saves all of your preferences for the next time.
It doesn’t get any safer or convenient.
Great for gauging the temperature of barbeque, smokers and the Christmas turkey.
(For a combination gift idea, also look at our Rapidfire Charcoal Chimney review.)
Check out these Great Prices on the Maverick Remote Thermometer Set
Not the right gift? Click here to go to our list of Christmas Gift Ideas
There is just something so alluring about lost treasure.
Metal detectors are an excellent gift. Even people who have never considered getting a detector will quickly find themselves “on the hunt” for those curious scraps of metal and coins that seem to lurk everywhere.
The Bounty TK-4 PL is an exceptionally good choice for novice to intermediate hunters. First of all, it is easy to use. It’s fairly lightweight, and novice hunters will appreciate how intuitive it is to use.
However, with its 8” coil it covers quite a bit of ground, allowing you to find more in less time — making your hunts more rewarding. With its trash discriminator, it can help tune out the pop can tabs and other junk, which a lot of more advanced hunters appreciate.
Plus, it comes in at an excellent price point. You are getting enough metal detector that you will enjoy using it every weekend for years to come — but an easy to use interface that won’t require hours of practice before you can start having successful hunts.
(I hate learning curves on my new toys)
Requires two, 9 volt batteries and comes with a 5 year warranty. You might also consider adding the headphones which help the batteries last longer than using the speakers alone.
Additionally, if you are feeling a little gold-hungry, there is a 4-inch gold nugget search coil you can might also purchase to help improve your odds of finding those little yellow rocks (which, right now are selling for astronomical prices!)
Sure, there are more expensive metal detectors out there. But for a fun gift that is sure to please, the Bounty Hunter TK-4 PL is a great model to consider.
Click here to see the Bounty Hunter Tk-4 PL at its reduced price!
I love giving sewing machines for Christmas. They have all of the good markings of a Christmas present – They come in that big box that sits under the tree, taking up a nice footprint and intriguing the giftee with unbridled anticipation….
(Can you tell I’ve given a sewing machine as a Christmas gift before?)
It used to be that I was not a fan of computerized sewing machines. Sure, they were “cool”, but they also looked so complicated. Plus, were they durable?
The Brother CS60001 Sewing machine is the perfect gift for the beginning to moderate seamstress in your family (advanced seamstresses need a nice gift card and a trip to their favorite sewing store.)
The Brother CS60001 is computerized to be able to cover all of your sewing and embroidery needs. It has a simple to use LCD display to help you easily choose the correct stitch every time. Over 60 stitches included, with adjustable length and width (up to 7 mm!) for each stitch.
It also has an automatic buttonhole stitch. Just insert a button in the foot and the machine creates a stitch to the correct size.
Plus, with the automatic threader and drop-in bobber system, you can get sewing in less time than it takes to get the wrapping paper collected into the recycle bin.
It has all of the standard attachments that you expect in a high-quality sewing machine. Most sewing machines advertise a lot of features and then leave you with a “laundry list” of things that are not included. Which means, the day after Christmas enough to run around buying all the important feet for your sewing machine. 
Not with the Brother. The Brother CS60001 comes with all of the feature could think of — button hole foot, overcasting foot, monogramming foot, blind stitch foot –and then it throws in a quilting package with extra feet for quilting and embroidery. Plus, it includes the wide table for larger projects.
This machine is listed on a lot of wish lists this Holiday season. It has great reviews (Just check out the Amazon link below to read over 500, 5-star reviews). As long as you are purchasing this for someone with beginning-to-moderate sewing skills, you’ve just found the perfect gift for them.
Click here for more information or to buy the Brother CS60001 Sewing Machine
