Dahon Ciao P8 folding bike
$990, Urbane Cyclist, 180 John St., ucycle.com
The P8 gets an edge on thieves: fold it up and stash it indoors during the day. Voted Urban Transport Bike of the Year at the Netherlands’ Fiets RAI show, (trust us, it’s a big deal), this is the perfect cruiser for the office commute. Bonus: Pedal away on Via’s Bike Train to Niagara Falls (biketrain.ca).
OtterBox Blackberry Pearl 8120/8130 Series Defender Case
US$49.95, otterbox.com
If you must read your email during your next white-water adventure, this ultimate defence against the elements will keep your office-away-from-the-office safe from dust, water, bumps, and scratches. All features are accessible through the case, including camera and sound.
Nike+iPod Sport Kit
$39, nike.com/canada
A tiny trainer in your ear. The Nike+iPod Sport Kit syncs your iPod Nano with a customized workout, feeding power tunes into your ears and tracking your running distance, speed, and calories burned. It also updates throughout the workout to help you stay on track. Just slip a sensor into your shoes and you’re ready to go. Don’t have an iPod? Opt for the just-released Nike+Sportband, which tracks your stats minus the musical accompaniment.
Sanyo Xacti E1
$550, sanyo.ca
The world’s first waterproof camcorder, the Xacti lets you track embarrassing moments and cheesy memories all the way out to the middle of the lake. It records up to ten pocket-sized hours of your summer shenanigans, perfect for bragging (or blackmailing).
Tomato Window Box
$19.99, grassrootsstore.com
Even if you’ve got nothing more than a small condo balcony, or you’re stuck in the office all day, there’s no reason to be eating store-bought this summer. Garden-fresh heirloom tomatoes? Just add water.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
$27, Kiehl’s, 407 Queen St. W., 2518 Yonge St.
Spent the weekend roughing it in the garden or sleeping in a tent? Get your hands back into shape for Monday’s client meetings with this blend of botanical oils and natural waxes that protect and moisturize throughout the day.
Traditional Turkish Grill
$219, leevalley.ca
Summer cookouts simmer on this traditional Turkish grill made from recycled copper and wrought iron. It’s small enough to toss in the trunk and take camping, to the park, or even to the office for a patio afternoon.