Boston - March 24, 2005

Cheap Thrills

Ten Neat Things Under $10

Ask any good Yankee: frugality is in our blood. Which is why it always helps to have a ready list of ten great buys under $10. Read on.
Stealing Home
Mariposa pearled napkin rings look like they belong in the Vanderbilt Mansion but cost about as much as a hot dog (Bliss Home, 121 Newbury Street; 617-421-5544). Light candles in style with matchbooks stamped with sayings like “Burn, baby, burn” (Louis Boston, 234 Berkeley Street; 800-225-5135).

And who says tea has to be stuffy? Tealuxe’s black-and-red striped tray funks up the ritual. Plagued by a boring bureau? Brass starfish drawer pulls bring the bling.

Sweet Deals
Something to lick your lips over: Smith’s Rosebud Salve now comes in strawberry (Urban Outfitters, 361 Newbury Street; 617-236-0088). Meanwhile, Pure Pharmacy Soaps do double duty as moisturizer in scents like aloe and olive oil (Remedix, 279 Newbury Street; 617-437-1155).

For something actually edible, grab some cotton candy in trippy flavors like Silly Nilly Vanilly (Sugar Heaven, 218 Newbury Street; 617-266-6969).

That’s the Trinket
Cure chronic key loss with a Bombay Duck key chain. Each sports a telling label: pied-a-terre, sugar daddy, lover …

Or just decorate yourself: a scoop of India tutti glass beads is enough to string a luminescent necklace. Meanwhile, form truly meets function in colorful wedge doorstops.

The better to help get all your new bargains through the front door.