Gifts that Give
For some much-needed end-of-the-year R&R, invest in some simple healing rituals. For starters, those peds have been pounding the boards all year, not to mention being squeezed into pointe shoes, so they deserve a reward. How 'bout the best booties in the comfort biz: Bucky's plush chenille booties are filled with buckwheat seeds (and an aromatherapy sachet!) to soothe and revive tender tootsies. Pop in the freezer when feet need to be iced, or warm in the microwave for sweet heat relief. $45. To spend more time hibernating this winter, or get caught up on those much-needed, performance-enhancing Zzzzz's, slip on the 40 Blinks Eyemask ($13); light-weight and comfortable, it'll keep you sleeping until you're ready to see the light. And it's concave shape ensures you won't muss your makeup, so you could even catch a quick nap backstage! Both are available at
www.theperfectpresent.net, which may be the best part. Even if you're cosseting yourself, you're still contributing to others, because The Perfect Present donates 10% of the price of any item to one of the charities you can choose from on their Charity and Non-Profit Links page, such as Dance Relief!