Have you peeped Product Appeal yet? Product Appeal is a simple and fun concept. We troll the internet searching for the coolest appliances, gadgets, clothes, electronics, games, movies, shoes and accessories and bring them to you. We help you discover great bargains, cutting edge technology, esoteric items and off beat goods such as the Deluxe Red Rider Leg Lamp as featured in the movie, A Christmas Story. C'mon, this stuff is important. So, without further delay, we proudly present, the Product Appeal Best of 2006:

Best Accessory:

OPI's Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ Nail Polish

Best Apparel:

Skinny Jeans

Best Appliance:

Cooper Cooler Tailgater

Best Baby Gear:

Kaloo Soft Baby Sleeping Bag

Best Cell Phone:

Blackberry Pearl 1800

Best 10 Digital Cameras:

Digital Cameras

Best Electronics:

Apple Nike iPod Sport Kit

Best Game Console:

Nintendo Wii

Best Video Game:

Guitar Hero 2

Best MP3 Player:

Apple iPod

Best Shoes:

Steve Madden Brandey Boots

In the new year, be sure to check Product Appeal for the latest and greatest in items available on the world wide web. Have a happy and healthy new year.

-Store and Product Appeal

Oprah's favorite things are cool, but Store Appeal's favorite things...save you money. As 2006 comes to a close, Store Appeal reflects on some of the wonderful stores we have profiled for you over the past year. We have featured a wide variety of merchants selling everything from cigars and sunglasses to flip flops, wetsuits and Disney Halloween costumes. We hope that you have enjoyed Store Appeal, and will continue to remain loyal readers of our newsletter. Your responses to our blog entries have been both gratifying and informative. We encourage you to continue writing to us with your comments, ideas and criticisms. The new year will bring more blogs dedicated to your specific interests, and our usual casting of the widest possible net, to discover the web's freshest, hottest and most unique stores. We now present, Store Appeal's favorite online stores of 2006:

Favorite Electronics Store:

Tigerdirect.com

Favorite Clothing & Accessories Store:

eLuxury.com

Favorite Baby Store:

Strollers.com

Favorite Outdoors Store:

REI.com

Favorite Toys & Games Store:

eStarland.com

Favorite Home & Garden Store:

Factorycard.com

Favorite Pet Supplies Store:

Chimpfeet.com

Favorite Food Store:

Trufflemarket.com

See you next year!

You are a movie snob, technology geek and a lover of the classics. Yep, all three combined. But, you don’t fret because you have company. You tweak your Dolby digital surround sound as if you were a scientist splitting atoms. You crank up your receiver, twitch and realize, your television is as good as a Full House reunion. You need THX, but not on your little box. As you ease on down the road, searching for a new television, you shriek, “LCDs, projectors and plasmas, oh my!” Armed with courage, brains, and heart, you take the yellow brick road to Bhphotovideo.com, and discover the Emerald City of electronics.

THX

Bhphotovideo.com has served imaging markets for more than 30 years. Their competitive pricing, and honest and helpful dealings with outstanding service, before, during, and after a sale, are what makes them one of the greatest electronics stores around. Bhphotovideo.com sells almost every imaginable type of electronics gear.

Discover portable entertainment, lighting, home entertainment, film, tapes, media, digital cameras, darkroom supplies, VCRs, DVD players, televisions, MP3 players, laptops, camcorders, home theater systems and more. With trade-ins, repairs, quality used gear, and multiple shipping methods, Bhphotovideo.com is the very best at what they do. So, slip on your ruby slippers, and treat yourself to a home theater kit.

Only then, can you sit back in your recliner, crank the stereo and watch the Wizard of Oz the way it was meant to be: on a 100 foot screen.

-Andrew W.

You are a sophisticated consumer, and you want the best, without a wait. You have been called Miss Convenient, and he never knew what hit him. Clerks worldwide have heard your battle cry, “hold the fuss, bells and confetti, and ring me up!” As temperatures drop, your focus is winter, and all the great gear and accessories that come with the most magical time of the year. This winter season, you have the mountain bug, and to keep you in your sophisticated state, Store Appeal suggests that you stick to convenience by clicking on Proboardshop.com, the best online snowboard shop in cyberspace.

Proboardshop.com boasts the largest collection of snowboards and snowboarding gear on the ‘net, with top brand names such as Rossignol, Burton, Spy, and Volcom. They offer a variety of sizes and styles for men, women, and kids looking to hit the slopes in style. Proboardshop.com has been in the boarding game since 1982, long before most ski areas opened their slopes to boarding. No matter what time of year, Proboardshop.com is stocked with thousands of boards, boots, bindings and accessories.

For only $45, purchase the Burton Welsh Headphone Snowboard Beanie. It comes with a two foot cable that you can connect to an iPod or other stereo device. Plug the beanie into an iPod Nano 4GB and you will never run out of tunes at a 10,000 foot elevation, far, far from hot chocolate.

Keep your feet nice and toasty with a pair of Volcom Snargyle Socks. These super-warm socks have quick dry, moisture wicking, antimicrobial features that provide necessary arch support. They also have shin padding and a dropped-out heel for easier boot entry. This season, be sure to treat yourself well at Proboardshop.com and pick up something for those close to you. Happy – and convenient – shopping!

-Mara P.

Oh, and for even more cool snow gear, check this out.

With the thought of a picnic, you do everything you can to organize the perfect day. Selecting food is easy. Choosing a dress is simple. Finding a location…effortless. Wine? Check. Cheese? Got it. Blanket? Clean and folded. McDreamy? Starting the car. LG Chocolate? Charged. Because you are a planning pro, the details are covered. However, finding the perfect basket to lug your picnic particulars proves to be a pain every time. Well, who ever said you needed a basket anyway? Check out Picnicbasketsplus.com and discover the picnic basket for the 21st century.

Picnicbasketsplus.com has over 10 years of experience in the picnic basket retail industry, featuring stylish, affordable picnic gift products in all shapes, sizes, materials and price levels. Discover amazing baskets such as the Sonoma Picnic Basket for four or the Romance Picnic Basket for a mere $88.

For a new school style of picnic basket, check out the Super Deluxe Backpack. Classically designed with expert craftsmanship, the Super Deluxe Backpack comes complete with all the accessories for two. Featuring Thermal Shield insulation, the food compartment and side wine/drink holder will keep food and drinks the perfect temperature.

Find baskets for two and four people, totes and coolers, English style baskets, coffee and tea, and much more. Picnincbasketsplus.com features free shipping, lifetime warranties and an easy Paypal.com option for payment. Don't forget your bug spray and Impax Revolutions for a quick hike.

-Jen R.

You are a single guy, hosting a holiday party, and your place needs to look good. While you are not a design freak, your Star Wars inspired art is certainly not going to impress your guests, especially those you hope to woo. So, let’s walk before we run, okay? You love movie art and that’s never going away. So, perhaps a classic movie poster is the way to go. If that sounds okay, let’s go to Art.com and do it right.
Art.com opened its virtual doors in 1995, and over that time, has helped over 4 million customers decorate their walls from the world’s large collection of art imagery. Their selection of over 400,000 images includes nearly every imaginable topic, from art reproductions to decorative prints to specialty posters. Art.com offers value-added services, including custom framing, mounting, and canvas transfers, to allow customers to enhance their image of choice in a multitude of original ways.
Whether you’re looking for a print from a classic painting by a major artist or something a little less known but no less renowned, Art.com has got it. If you’re more into modern art, they’ve got that, too. Or maybe photographs are your thing. Whether it’s an amazing urban photo, or something more scenic, you’ll decorate your apartment properly if you use Art.com. They’ve even got a print of the greatest subway stop in all of sports! Whatever your needs, Art.com is dedicated to providing you with that art you’re looking for—pictures that express and celebrate your distinct qualities. So, relax and get ready for the party, your bachelor pad just got some style. -Joey Z.

So won't you, please, be my, be my baby. Any baby would joyfully oblige if they new what you could purchase for them at Petitbaby.com. Your burst of light is a budding star, and deserves nothing but a galaxy of the best in baby toys and accessories.

Petitbaby.com is a small family owned and operated company that offers a wide selection of unique European toys, clothes and accessories for babies. They strive to provide the finest quality products by European designers and manufacturers we know you will adore. Discover products that will inspire your children, opening a world of imagination and creativity.

Check out the wide variety of imported baby toys and accessories from prestigious brands such as Kaloo, Vilac and Petit Bateau. Discover cute doudous, plush toys and colorful stuffed animals such as the Kaloo 123 Rabbit Mini Patapouf. Find unique baby shower gifts, original birthday presents and ideas to help decorate your baby’s nursery room. An easy site to navigate; shop by collection, gender, category, manufacturer or new arrivals. With free shipping on orders over $65, Petitbaby.com has the stuff to make you go ga-ga.

-Virginie L.

You had your strategy against the cold: shearling slippers, goose down robe, and dining in to offset the cost of a 75 degree thermostat. Yet the cold continues its barrage of haymakers and uppercuts as your standing 8 count leaves you blowing on your hands, and shivering by the coffee maker, while the drip meanders through its sludgey 5-minute descent from filter to pot. “What do you want from me?” you shout to the Gods of Cold. A voice responds, “Curtains. I have two words for you: insulated curtains.” You run to the computer, log onto Domestications.com and find the perfect pair of insulated curtains to keep your bod and abode warm.

For more than 20 years, Domestications.com has helped its customers create their dream homes -- quickly, easily with an eye toward value. Their experienced buyers travel the world looking for the latest ideas in bedding, rugs, window coverings, dinnerware and more. From Milan to Hong Kong and all across the United States, their team is always searching for the best products at the lowest prices.

What makes Domestications.com truly unique is their Design Studio: a resident staff of artists and designers in France, Japan, Great Britain, Italy and New York that look for the latest trends in fabric and design, and develop innovative and exciting items that will become Domestications.com exclusives. Domestications.com’s design team created the trademarked concept SleepyTees, the cotton knit bedding that looks and feels just like a t-shirt. Domestications.com has plenty of insulated curtains in all styles, from urban to country, and their prices are truly impressive: $35.00 for one pair of pleated, insulated curtains. These awesome curtains will also protect your furniture from sun fading. Simply type Domestications.com on your keyboard and get on the road to warmth. You could also remain in the fight of your life against an opponent who will keep coming again and again every year...don't ignore those pesky voices – it's your choice!

-Jennie D.

According to Freud, “A cigar is just a cigar.” According to you, a cigar is flavor, conversation, laughter, and good times. Freud, your session just ended. The best times of your life have happened over a cigar…just check the photos of junior’s birth and the boys with cigars. You know how to set the cigar tone-bluesy jazz wafts through the room, ice chimes your glass, and scotch is primed for pouring. When you go the whole nine, you put on your special jacket and slippers. The laughter dies, your feet are warm, and flavor begins. Playful laughter turns deadpan when your guests peek at the beautiful, quality cigars you recently purchased at Famous-smoke.com.

Famous-smoke.com is our favorite place to shop for cigars. In 1939, the New York Yankees’ Lou Gerhig led his team to the first of four straight championships and Famous-smoke.com’s retail store opened their doors. Rumor has it, Famous-smoke.com supplied the Bronx Bombers with their victory puffs. Famous-smoke.com features almost every type of cigar you can imagine.

Pull out your atlas to navigate the large number of countries Famous-smoke.com's cigars originate from. The site is insanely comprehensive and full of wonderful features to get you started. Shop by Cigars On Sale, Samplers On Sale or their One Day Sale. Find Discontinued Closeouts, a cigar terms glossary, suggestion guides and other helpful links such as the Ring & Length Guide, 5 Pack Frenzy and Great Gift Ideas.

Famous-smoke.com produces a beautiful full-color catalog of cigars and accessories, including humidors, cutters and lighters. Save dough with their Monster Deal, and if your purchase turns out to be a monster dud, return it within 30 days for a refund. If you’re looking for a nice, long, easy smoke with a full body or a spicy cigar with just the right bite, you will find them here. Enthusiasts are clamoring for rare cigars these days, so put down the pacifier, peruse Famous-smoke.com, and find Christmas gifts, gift certificates and a bunch of cigars for your big smoke out.

-Joey Z.

The holiday season rolls around, and you feel naughty. It’s nothing new; you feel the urge at this time, every year. Like an anxious child tearing a tiny hole in the biggest package under the tree – you take a peek at your boyfriend’s credit card bill and find a charge for an upcoming trip to the Bahamas. Of course it’s not your fault, he should not have left it out. Who knew you could taste pina coladas, feel a massage, and picture your new bikini with a glance at a credit card bill? You bypass guilt, and dip into generosity. It’s there, it needs to be unearthed and dusted. Dignity restored, you immediately surf to eWatches.com and find the perfect gift for your benevolent man and maybe a lil' something for you.

eWatches.com is an authorized dealer of Bulova, Citizen, Festina, Longines, Luminox, Movado, Pulsar, Swiss Army, TechnoMarine, Tissot, and Yes watches, among many other brands. You can go here and find these watches, but all of eWatches.com’s products come brand new in the original gift box with a full factory warranty. They offer free shipping, free gifts with purchases and ship promptly. An incredibly easy site to navigate, shop by price, brand or features, including diamond, military, gold, dive, titanium, chornograph and more. Check out their watch education page with information on the history of watches, and how watches work.

The Tissot Official MotoGP 'T-Race' Chronograph is a super cool watch. With its Swiss Quartz movement and stainless steel casing, it is water-resistant up to fifty meters. Plus, its black rubber strap will look sharp with your wetsuit and snorkel gear.

-Mara P.

You are getting married. You are a man. Holy Moses. Your fiancé’s furled brow has yet to chill since talk of flowers, color patterns, and cake began. When she asks for your opinion, “Whatever you want,” is your reply as you dip a chip, and watch the game. However, all of the banter now has you thinking, “What’s with all the planning? Um, am I supposed to be doing something?” You picked out the ring and popped the question…you did your part, right? Wrong. Did you find your best man? Groomsmen? Have you picked out their gifts? "What? I have to buy the groomsmen gifts?" Now you are sweating. Unless you are comfortable with your wife-to-be picking out matching capelets, this is a decision you probably want to make, and Groomsonlinegifts.com is your salvation.

Thankfully, Groomsonlinegifts.com will help make this decision an easy one. In an industry teeming with sites targeting the bride, Groomsonlinegifts.com is at the forefront of an exciting new trend — offering an essential service to grooms that was previously difficult, if not impossible, to find.

Funny groomsmen entrance:

The shop offers personalized beer mugs, pilsner glasses, bar accessories, money clips, cuff links, utility tools, cigars, travelling accessories, pens, keepsake boxes and more. Find products for grooms, the best man, groomsmen and dads. Groomsonlinegifts.com’s knack for finding the freshest ideas for male wedding party gift giving is teamed with free engraving and fast shipping capabilities.

Discover flasks, humidors, and a myriad of other gifts as well as tips for the wedding day and suggestions on how to plan a bachelor party. Another fun and popular area on the site is the monthly Cigar Photo Contest, where grooms and groomsmen can submit a picture of their favorite stogie moment from the wedding day. A winning picture is selected each month and featured on the website, and the winner is also awarded with their very own cigar travel humidifier. So, if you’re looking to add a man’s touch to your wedding, Groomsonlinegifts.com is the manliest of them all.

-Andrew W.

Home, home on the range, where the deer, ahhh, you know the rest. You belong to the city, but your heart is all nature; on a trail, or at a campsite. Frequent hiker passes are only given to those who spend the sort of time you do in the outdoors. Fallen branches could be your next BFF. For you, hiking is as much of a physical journey, as it is contemplative. Spiritual rituals? You are the guru. You know that the best way to enjoy the outdoors is with the proper equipment, and REI.com sells everything you need.

REI.com is the premier source for quality outdoor gear. They stand behind their products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Whether you're new to outdoor adventure or a seasoned pro, they’ll gladly share their enthusiasm for their products—and the trails, slopes and waterways where they play.

If you’re about to hit the trail and need a great new pair of hiking boots, a first aid kit or the best way to carry water, REI.com will have it for you. Maybe camping is your style. If you need an all-purpose tool for around the campsite, a way to keep the bugs away or the perfect way to cook a great dinner, you can find that at REI.com, too.

REI.com donates millions of dollars to support conservation efforts nationwide. They send scores of volunteers to build trails, clean up beaches, and teach outdoor ethics to kids. Through responsible business practices, they strive to reduce their environmental footprint. So, go ahead and buy a new fleece for the lodge. When you are ready to do it in nature, make sure you trailblaze your way to REI.com first—they’ll make sure you have what you need. Pack your gear and park your car. It’s time to walk in the woods!

-Joey Z.