We're back with yet another installment of our monthly Shopping Guide column. With Christmas just around the corner, our staff diligently searched far and wide across internet and retail stores to find and feature some of the coolest items to purchase for yourself or for others as gifts. We compiled a list of something for just about everyone. So, get your credit cards out, and enjoy your holidays!
 IPATH's Sherling Green Lab Sneaker
Price: $85
Buy It: iPath.com
Just in time for winter/holidays, skate shoe company has collaborated with Japan's Green Lab on a new version of their Shearling sneaker. The Green Lab crew sustainably harvests wood from the Nagano forest to create cores for skis, snowboards, resort terrain parks and children's playgrounds. So, both came together to create a version of the Shearlining a "green" way.
The original Shearling is a convertible version of the IPATH Cat, with a flexible upper than can be folded down when you’re indoors. The updated version features a new, waterproof suede, and higher gussets than the standard Shearling, to help keep the snow out.
Green Lab's logo is front and center on the tongue, and IPATH's signature stash pockets are on the inside, ready to keep your valuables safe from prying eyes. Cop them while they last.
 LRG's Grass Roots Longsleeve Thermal
Price: $30
Buy It: Karmaloop.com
Here's yet another winter option for the holidays, courtesy of the folks at long-standing streetwear giant LRG. Since its cold in most areas of the country, we chose this piece -- from LRG's Core Collection -- because its lightweight enough for the folks in Cali and can help keep you warmer (in addition to other layers of clothing) in the freezing temperatures of the east coast.
The Grass Roots thermal is available in white (and others colors as well), and is made from 60% cotton, 40% polyester. It features a crew neck, embroidered giraffe logo on the left chest, and logo tag on the bottom front right seam.
There's lots of options for thermals out there, but for $30, you can have a branded one from the good people at LRG. We already ordered ours as a holiday gift, did you?
 The Jordan Classic '90 by Nike
Price: $110
Buy It: ChampSports.com
Ladies, Jordans are always a great gift for your man, or friend/sneakerhead during the holidays. Just a little free advice ... and these slick, new Jordan Classic's are a sure way to get a smile from him when they unwrap their gift.
Over the past three years, Jordan Brand has unleashed an installment of its ongoing "Classic" series, says NiceKicks.com. There was the Jordan Classic 87 in 2008, the Jordan Classic '91 in 2009, and then last month, Nike unleashed the Jordan Classic '90. It combines textures such as nubuck (predominance of the upper), premium leather (lower section of the base) and a mesh-like texture on the collar area.
While its available in two other colorways -- black/gunmetal/varsity red and white/varsity red-black -- we loved this option currently being sold. The white and metallic silver is dope, and purple accents really make this pair of kicks very nice! For $110, you can't go wrong with a new pair of Jordans.
 Arnette Fire Drill Sunglasses
Price: $69 or $99
Buy It: Arnette.com
The Arnette Fire Drills are one of three new styles the southern California-based shades company released for the winter, and one of our favorite pairs of shades right now.
Inspired by shades typically found at the checkout counter of your local service station, the Fire Drills give you a quality pair of sunglasses with a recognizable style. They come in six in-line colors, as well as three limited versions, and feature a large, square nylon frame with over-sized 6D-base polycarbonate lenses, and slick metal logo plaques on the temples.
The sunglasses are available with either polarized and non-polarized lens options, depending on frame color, retailing for $69.95 and $99.95 respectively. The colors options include: gloss black, gloss black/red, gloss white/violet, transparent/aqua, transparent red, and gradient brown.
 Akomplice Hooded Varsity
Price: $110
Buy It: Akomplice-Clothing.com
Do you or a friend of yours new a need jacket for Christmas? Well, then Akomplice has you covered. The Colorado-based streetwear brand has a very slick one on sale now. One of their most popular items, they previously dropped this same hooded jacket in white/grey and red/black, and while all are dope, we love this grey and black version.
The buttoned-down hoodie boasts a draw cord hood; two side panel pockets with black ribbed cuffs, hem line and neck line; the Akomplice logo embroidered at the left side of chest; and the Akomplice Clothing Company label sewn at the back side of neck.
One thing we've noticed about Akomplice is that they focus on quality rather than quantity. All their pieces are made with durable materials and the end-result is: dope product. We have a few of the company's jackets in our closet, and wouldn't mind if someone sent this as a holiday gift. If not, get one for a friend.
 Sumo's Omni Beanbag
Price: $139
Buy It: SunoLounge.com
We picked a lot of clothes, jackets and other gear, so we wanted to add a something little different for the 2010 Holiday Guide. This is a good one for gamers, or even people who just wanna lounge. Sumo's Omni beanbag is perfect for just about anyone.
The super-sized beanbags are definitely made with quality in mind, and are unlike the typical ones you see. First off, it's huge! It's a whopping 4.5' x 5.5', but weights just 18 pounds. It's made of rip-proof nylon nd is filled with top quality Sumo beads. The best part is you can configure it to all kinds of different positions, 10 in all, says Sumo -- whether you wanna nap on it, sit up to get your game on, or just lounge while watching the game, it can be contorted to sit how you want.
We got one for our offices recently, and we love it. It sells for $139 and comes in 10 different colors. Its worth it, plus shipping is free. A perfect gift for the holidays definitely!
 Tunebug Vibe
Price: $69.95
Buy It: TuneBug.com
Feel the vibe with this cool gadget. Mobile music usually means listening through headphones and isolating yourself from others and your environment. The Tunebug Vibe now gives you the opportunity to share you music anywhere and anytime with others. It’s an ultra-portable sound device that can be connected to MP3 players, mobile phones, laptops or any other device with a 3.5 mm audio jack.
Compared to its compact size (2,3" x 1"), the Tunebug Vibe is pretty heavy, weighting 5.3oz. Included in the box are a LiPoly battery – good for 5 hours of playtime, a USB charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable and a Sound Base/case. This black/silver case is something you can’t do without. The best sound results occur with hollow surfaces, so the small box not only protects the device but also ensures the sound quality – however, the sound is not outstanding, no matter on what surface you put the Tunebug Vibe. The device is perfect to share some music with friends, but don’t even think about taking it to the recording studio or to labels when your shopping for a deal.
 Ion's Block Rocker
Price: $199.99
Buy It: IonAudio.com
The Block Rocker is a dope little gadget, and for you music lovers, you can carry this around with your MP3 player and/or iPhone/iPod and have loud speakers to blast off with, of up to over 150 feet. Or, if you wanna sing, or play other things, it does that too. Just plug in a mic.
You can rock out with the Block Rocker for more than 12 hours on its internal, rechargeable battery or wall power. It boasts a built-in amplifier to ensure clean, clear audio; sturdy construction and portable design with wheels; and a telescoping handle to allow it to go just about anywhere.
It can connect to various audio devices, including a microphone, instruments, CD/MP3 players, and your iPod using the built-in dock. It also boasts an 8 in' sub-woofer for a little bass.
 Jay-Z's Decoded Book
Price: $18 - $35
Buy It: Amazon.com
Jay dropped his first book back in November, and so far, it's gotten rave reviews. For a hip-hop fan, or even fans of Jay-Z, it seems to be a must-have.
It's a book of rhymes, according to its description, in which Jay decodes various lyrics from his songs over the years. But, as the rapper has explained, it's much more.
"It's also about how my work is sometimes not about my life at all, but about pushing the boundaries of what I can express through the poetry of rap -- trying to use words to find fresh angles into emotions that we all share, which is the hidden mission in even the hardest hip-hop," Jay explains.
We've yet to cop it, but its on the way.
 The Reed Backpack by Know1edge
Price: $58
Buy It: Karmaloop.com
Here's a little piece you can get the kids for their return to school after the Christmas break, or a college kid, or anything in between. Made by Hong Kong-based brand Know1edge, the Reed pack is a beautiful option when it comes to backpack options.
The Reed Backpack is available in two colors ways: all-black or ivory/brown. It boasts a canvas body, leather detailing on the base, a front pocket, zipper pull, and a logo patch in the middle. It has a zip-up cell phone pocket on the right strap, as well as three inside pockets that include a lightly-padded laptop pocket.
We really dig the backpack, so we thought our readers would love it!
Video Game Gift Picks
In addition to specific apparel and gadget items, below our favorite video games this year, which should be hot buys for Christmas. You know, gifts for the kids, or gamers in general
- Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit - $44.99 - Buy It
The new Need For Speed is a high energy racing game that brings the franchise back to its racing/chasing roots. It allows players to experience a massive open-world game environment from both the perspective of a racer or a cop bent on shutting down racer.
- NBA 2K11 - $39.99 - Buy It
It's been touted, by critics as the best sports simulation ever. NBA 2K11 is the latest installment in the best selling, and highest-rated NBA videogame series. It's basically the best way to plug into NBA culture.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops - $47 - Buy It
The latest Call of Duty is a first-person shooter with stealth and tactical play aspect that puts players in the role of a shadow soldier fighting in a variety of historically-representative fictional Black Ops missions of the Cold War era. One of the hottest first-person shooters on the market right now.
- UFC Undisputed: 2010 - $27 - Buy It
The 2010 UFC Undisputed is the second release under THQ's deal with the UFC. The title gives gamers the chance to recreate the excitement and intensity of the real-life UFC fights and careers. If the person you're looking for a gift for is a UFC fan/gamer, there's no reason to look any further.
- Gran Turismo 5 - $53.99 - Buy It
Produced exclusively for Playstation consoles, the Gran Turismo game franchise has been THE title for gamers looking for a racing simulation. The fifth installment continues its award-winning series, known for its signature beauty and precision. It boasts over 1,000 vehicles, and more than 20 courses to race your souped-up rides.
- Madden 11 - $40 - Buy It
For gamers who love football, there's no other game that captures it the way Madden does. One of the most anticipated titles every year, Madden 11 is a perfect gift for the guys, if they don't have it already. Its the 22nd version of EA Sports' classic video game football franchise, featuring cover athlete Drew Brees. It incorporates a blend of simpler, quicker and deeper new features with time-tested classic features expected from a game in the Madden franchise. Cop it already... damn!
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II - $49.99 - Buy It
This is one of the latest game releases from the Stars Wars franchise. It's a single player action game for Xbox 360 and sequel to 2008's debut installment of The Force Unleashed. The game revels in addictive and over-the-top Force-based gameplay powers which include those seen in the first game as well as new powerful additions like Force Fury and the Jedi Mind Trick. Welding lightsabers and battling Darth Vader is our idea of a good time!
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