Christmas Gift Guide: She's Electric

As a lady of somewhat old-fashioned persuasions, I’m not ashamed to admit that technology-based wizardry often passes me by. I lust over my fair share of electrical items, but you can guarantee it’ll have more to do with the way they look than any specific snazzy feature or memory capacity that seems to get the more gadget-minded among us drooling.

So, usually, I’m at a loss when it comes to Christmas gifts for gadget-whore friends and family. But no more shall I wonder the aisles of department stores, dizzy with choice and secretly baffled beyond belief, hoping my rabbit-in-headlights grimace of confusion won’t attract sales staff to hover around me like moths to a flame, bamboozling me with science until I’m coerced into spending a ludicrous amount on a piece of super-shiny and supposedly hi-tech equipment that I’ll stumble home with and never figure out how to work. Not this year! Instead, I’ve been swotting up on the options, and am proud to present this ‘ere gift guide of exciting items for the electrically-enamoured:

We spotted these vintage-style hairdryers a while back on the rather spiffing Retro to Go. They’re small, practical, perfect for chucking in a suitcase for overnight adventures, and come in their own co-ordinating pouch. And as much as I’m a sucker for pastel shades of pink, I think the floral one’s my favourite. It reminds me of the Cath Kidston prints but the shape is sleek enough that it isn’t too overkill kitsch. Best of all, it’s a mere £25, from Heal’s. Bagsy one for your sister or other female family member, then sneakily ‘borrow’ it next you visit, never to be returned. Or, to avoid familial feuds, get one for yourself too. Whatever works. (Domestic Sluttery accepts no responsibility for accident or injury resulting from arguing about fabulous haircare accessories over the brussel sprouts.)


Or, how about this nostalgic-for-the-nineties cassette-shaped MP3 player? You can use it as a standalone MP3 player to play all your favourite eighties cock-rock “classics”, or because it’s built into standard cassette casing, if you so desire you can actually play it in any stereo tape deck. Amazing! Dazzle your friends with timelord-like skills by playing the latest Cheryl Cole chart-topper on a now near-obsolete format for £29.95, from CuteBitz.com.

If cassettes might be sniffed at by your nearest and dearest as dreary and all too old-skool, then this mobile cinema DVD projector might suit them instead. It’s £159.99, from Firebox, but since having your own private cinema will make you feel like a millionaire, I think it’s quite the bargain. Rustle up some snacks and have your friends over for your own private showing of your favourite film. I recommend getting dolled up, mixing some martinis and showing something classy, like a Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn flick. But each to their own – if you want to watch hardcore porn on it, Zoolander, Anchorman, or if you feeling festive then Christmas cinematic classic Elf, that’s up to you. We won’t judge you, promise.

It’s got built-in stereo speakers, so all you need is a blank wall to project on, and you’re set. The controls look a little toytown, but we like to think that’ll just make it simpler to use. And it’s gotta beat paying a fortune to have popcorn thrown at you from the yobbos on the back row whilst you try to ignore their cackling and instead gaze lovingly into Draco Malfoy’s eyes. Or maybe that’s just me...