The Hoboken Commuter's Ultimate Wish List: The 10 Coolest Gifts to Give (and Get) this Holiday Season

This Holiday Season, give your friends and family something they could really use to ensure that they're connected, comfortable, and caffinated in their 2011 PATH travels! From cool gadgets to commuting essentials, I'm here to break down the ultimate list in commuter gift giving this Holiday Season!

I'm making the list, be sure to check it twice to ensure your Hoboken commuter opens the perfect gift!

1. Eliminate the Unnecessary PATH Noise: The Ultimate Headphones

These days, you can't get on a PATH train without seeing everyone with the white Apple

earphones. But, let's face it, they fall out of your ears so easily and the sound quality isn't that great right? Don't look over-the-top with those huge headphones for that crisp sound quality, check out the new Etymotic customized ear phones! The $100 dollar price tag include a trip to your local audiologist so they can tailor the bud earphones to each individual aural canal. Three weeks later, you receive these state-of-the-art headphones at your doorstep.

Check out the bespoke headphones at etymotic.com $100

2. Rise & Shine: The Coolest State of the Art Alarm Clock for your Hoboken Pad

Let's face it, how many times has your phone died in the middle of the night and you've missed your alarm for work in the

morning? Nothing is more important to jump-starting your day than waking up on time for your commute. It's time to invest in an alarm clock, but let's keep it cool and stylish, shall we?

Details.com breaks down the ultimate "4 Clocks that Rock". My favorite,

The LA 73 Dolmen LCD Clock Radio by Lexon, $150 at lexonusa.com, featurin

g a earth-friendly bamboo casing with LCD Screen and Ipod adapter to wake up to your favorite tunes!

3. No Excuses: The Powermat Wireless Battery Charger

Never run out of battery power on your wireless de

vice again! This is perfect for the on-the-go Hoboken commuter. Get the wireless charging mat and receiver for your IPhone, IPod, Blackberry, and other wireless devices. The device attaches to the back of the phone and charges the phone instantaneously!

Starting at 39.99 at Powermat.com

4. Bring Your Friends and Family to Work Day: Digital Photo Travel Mug

Turn the traditional coffee mug into a something sentimental. Instead of keeping your loved one's pictures stuffed in the wallet for keepsake, keep them out on your coffee mug. This way, there's something to remind you of something besides your daily commute and a long day at the office!

Remember, like your Facebook account, you'll want to keep the partying pictures to a minimum.

Don't forget to stuff the stocking with starbucks gift card for extra measure.

Available for $24.99 at Thinkgeek.com

5. Don't be Shy! Get Minty Fresh with Colgate Wisp

There's nothing more uncomfortable than entering an early business meeting with that morning coffee breath. I always find myself running out of gum or mints at the most inconvenient times. Wisp can be used without water and actually cleans teeth, unlike gum or mints, and leave your breath smelling minty fresh! (Also great for nights out).

As Colgate puts it, "Don't get caught without it!"

Available at Drugstore Nationwide $8 for a 16 Pack

6. Men, Time to Tech-Up Your Style withThe USB Cufflinks

Carrying your heavy laptop into the City is nothing short of a pain in the neck, literally. Guys, can now whip out any file with the flick of a wrist! Make Fashion Functional: these stylish cufflinks carry a portable USB card with 2GB capacity for storing files. This is a neat way to breed the blazer cufflink and the USB card to make one techie Holiday Gift!

Available at Cufflinks.com for $195

7. The Ultimate Tech Consol for Work... and Play: The Apple IPad

This is perhaps the most popular gift to give (and get) this Holiday Season. With the ability to upload magazines, newspapers, books, music and videos, it's perfect for all-in-one, on-the-go entertainment on the PATH or buy the stand and create the perfect at-home entert

ainment consol. Why not punch the PATH Advisories website in as a homepage to keep your fellow PATH rider well connected into the New Year.

Starting at $499 at Apple.com

8. Ladies, Here's A Treat for the Feet: The Compact Dr. Scholl's Fast Flats

From personal experience, there is nothing worse than treading the long walk to and from work in those fashionably high heels. Yes, they are stunning and make your legs look amazing, but they are just so impractical! So, don't be the female commuter who pairs a pencil skirt with dingy gym sneakers. Ladies, please pick up these stylish (and inexpensive) fast flats for your girlfriends. They are comfortable, compact, and durable

$12.99 Available at Walmart and Wallgreens locations

9. Send them on a Virtual Trip to The Islands: Bob Marley's Legend (Remastered)

When your fellow commuter can't escape the winter blues this Holiday season, nothing is better than a PATH trip with Bob Marley - load up their ipod or ipad with these great mood-lifting tracks!

Available for 7.99 on ITunes Legend Remastered Because

Nothing makes you feel like you're on the beach with a Corona like "Is This Love"

10. THE ULTIMATE GIFT: The Unlimited PATH Smartlink Card

Wouldn't it be nice if we found a lifetime unlimited PATH Smartlink card under the tree this Christmas? If only Santa were that generous! Give your fellow commuter the gift you know they'll use in 2011. Jump start their New Year Travels with a

Smartlink gives riders more bang for their hard earned bucks! If you're constantly going in and out of the City like I am, you know this pays off.

One Month pass for only $54 at pathsmartlinkcard.com.

After that, your friend can easily refill online from the comfort of their home or office without waiting on the hectic line at the MTA machines.

A View from the East River

In honor of the Brooklyn band, Atomic Tom, who blew up on Youtube for turning the B train into a rock show on their IPhone's, I was inspired to do something I've never done before- venture into Brooklyn! I had the pleasure of meeting the talented hipsters at the Kenneth Cole Reaction event at Macy's Herald Square in collaboration with Details Magazine, my personal office space, and decided to see what the fuss was all about!

While nothing beats the pristine skyline view from Hoboken's Waterfront for local residents, but dare I ask, how much must our eyes exhaust the view of the Hudson River?

This is why on one beautiful Sunday morning I decided to take the World Trade Center PATH to the pedestrian walk on the Brooklyn Bridge. I must admit I got the idea from the quite endearing scene in the Sex and the City movie where Miranda and Steve share a reuniting embrace. Yet, beyond my cinematic curiosity, it is always great to discover new sites for jogging and sightseeing on a weekend afternoons.

That being said, immediately upon entering the World Trade Center area, signs lead you to a quick and easy route to the Brooklyn Bridge. Along the way, you will be pleased to find some architecturally and historically stimulating New York buildings such as the New York Court House, New York's Municipal Building and New York's City Hall.

Upon entering the Bridge, one can immediately spot the legendary archways that define the adjacent borough. While enjoying my walk, and quickly realizing to stay to my right as pushy bikers swipe by, one can immediately spot the cultural meeting-ground between the two boroughs. Walking Eastbound, we have our plaid-clad Brooklyn Hipsters amongst the fanny-clad international tourists while walking Westbound are our easy to spot, oh-so-stylish Manhattan residents.

As I make it to the center of the bridge, I come to appreciate one of the greatest views for sightseeing. Looking to the South, I see the South Street Seaport, Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, and helicopters as they make their steady landing into Manhattan's JRB Heliport. Looking toward the city are some of the most Stellar views of Manhattan, but more primarily, I am focused on discovering the unfamiliar. Upon entering the Brooklyn entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge, I see views of the world famous Watermark tower, the Brooklyn Bridge Park, or even The River Cafe.

After a long walk, I shared one of my favorite Sunday brunch at Ulysses' on Manhattan's Stone Street, a hop, skip, and a jump from The Brooklyn Bridge's Manhattan entrance.

Despite a lack of direct train service on weekend travel into the PATH's World Trade Center Station, the trip is worth the change in scenery, the great people-watching opportunities, and some incredible views of New York's most coveted landmarks.

Although I didn't make into Brooklyn today, I've discovered a site that will guide you once you've reached the Brooklyn terrain: please check out ugoigo.com for the complete list!

For more information on the great cultural and architectural history of this fascinating New York Landmark, please click here.

The Essential Information for the Hoboken Commuter

In sight of some recent and rather frustrating news for any tri-state commuter, MTA announces that a price hike in single and monthly MTA cards may take effect in the near future. With this in effect, this could mean a 25 cent increase in single ticket fares and an approximate $15 increase in the commuter's monthly MTA ticket.

While us Hoboken residents may not be fortunate enough to live in walking distance to our Manhattan office, we are granted with multiple ways to enter the city. Whether your destination be uptown or downtown, whether you choose to under the river or sail smoothly above it, Hoboken has the commute for you!

With a variety of options, I've outlined the multiple ways a Hoboken commuter to enter the city. Perhaps you'll discover a more convenient or cost-effective alternative to cross the Hudson!

PATH

The most common and convenient used source of transportation in Hoboken, The PATH system will drop the Hoboken Commuter off in the middle of the action- or close to your nearest MTA connection. Whether it be Christopher Street, 9th St., 14th, 23rd, 33rd, or the World Trade Center, the PATH will deliver you to your desired destination in 15 minutes or less!

Located at The Hoboken Terminal in Downtown Hoboken

Priced at $1.75 each way

For Scheduling and more information, please click here.

The Downtown Ferry

Although a tad pricey for the average commuter, the cool morning breeze on the deck on a sun-filled morning will be sure to liven up the spirit of the day. With a perfect view of the city from the Hudson. This ferry will drop you off at either Pier 11 at Wall St. or The World Financial Center- perfect for the investment banker.

Located at the Downtown Hoboken terminal

Price: Adults $8.50, Children 6-11 $5.50, Children 5-under are free

Special pricing is also available for students and seniors here.

The Uptown Ferry

Perfect for the swanky Uptown Hoboken resident, the Uptown ferry station is conveniently located on 14th street. This port is also adjacent to the Hoboken's favorite new pier, playground, and faux beach, while also having

Service will either bring you to the 39th Street pier or The World Financial Center.

Price: Adults $8.50, Children 6-11 $5.50, Children 5-under are free

Special pricing is also available for students and seniors here.

The Light Rail

For Hoboken residents looking for an easy way to reach the Hoboken Terminal from Hoboken's West end. The light rail stretches as far as Bergen county and Jersey City, all intersecting at the Hoboken Terminal.

Price per ticket is $2.10 for an Adult/one-way

For more information, please visit NJtransit.com

The Bus

When looking to land north of the ultimate PATH destination? NJ Transit provides bus transportation from the Hoboken Terminal to Port Authority in New York at $3.20 per ride.

Additionally buses also provide local cross-town services for residents looking to get from Uptown or the Westside to the Hoboken terminal.

For Scheduling and information, please visit NJtransit.com

Whether this post provides you with some cost-effective tips or new information, I strongly advice for Hoboken residents to switch up their commuting routines to make things new and interesting. Stop taking the same route to work each day and turn the daily commute into an adventure..

5 Places to get your Daily Caffeine Fix in the City

The Top 5 Coffee Stops Right off the Christopher St. PATH Stop

Joe's The Art of Coffee

Nestled in Greenwich Village's cozy Waverly Place, this famous coffee spot turns the ordinary coffee into a piece of culinary art. While designing fun shapes with some frothed milk, baristas know how to make the ordinary cappuccino into a delicious masterpiece!

Located at 141 Waverly Place

Il Cantuccio

Looking for a real pick-me-up? Il Cantuccio's Italian roasts are sure to give any commuter a real kick in the butt! Along with their very reasonably priced panini's (I'm talking $3.50) and Italian desserts, how could you go wrong?

Located on the Corner of Bleeker and Christopher St.

Magnolia's Bakery

known for their outrageous lines, but oh-so-sweet buttery frosting, Magnolia's Bakery also brews their own brand of delicious coffee. While it is hard to resist the aromatic smell that consumes the bakery from their world-famous cupcakes, why not try something that might be much less of a guilty pleasure!

Located at 401 Bleeker St.

Cafe Angelique

Despite a strong opposition to the over-priced coffee and sweet baked treats, the occasional trip to Cafe Angelique is worth every penny! It's worth the sit-down price, this charmingly antique cafe gives any patron the feeling of entering a European Cafe.

On the side of your morning coffee?

Top Picks: The Vegan Chocolate Walnut Cookie, The Smoked Salmon Bagel Stick, or the buttery brioche.

located at 49 Grove St. (Corner of Bleeker)

Mojo Coffee

A coffee shop adorned with chalkboard menus, a laid back staff, in a little hideaway in the West Village. This is a perfect coffee joint to sit outside on a breezy fall afternoon. It's also the perfect place to stop for lunch because their pesto panini is out of this world!

located at 128 Charles St.

If there's one thing I learned on my Summer abroad in Europe it's that Starbucks is International, but simply overrated. Try something new and unique to spice up the ordinary day- you might be surprised to find your new favorite coffee spot!

Time Out Magazine's Central Park Fall Tour

While I pass Central Park's Southwest entrance each and every time I commute to school, I never had an interest in discovering what the park really has to offer. In fact, I often wonder how a park can override New York's interest in excavating one of the world's most valuable slices of real estate!

Nevertheless, I came across an interesting article in New York's Time Out, featuring Central Park's Fall Guide. Despite my utmost hesitations to commute into the city in gym clothes, I laced up my old Nike's and hopped on the train.

Once I entered the park, I felt an instantaneous feeling of relief and solitude- a complete oasis from the tall skyscrapers, loud gridlock traffic, and pushy street dwellers.

As I followed Time Out's guide to Central Park, a much needed navigational tool for a piece of land that sweeps 770 acres of New York's landscape, I checked out the following spots:

The Central Park Zoo

The Conservatory Garden

The Alice and Wonderland Statue

The Boathouse

The Bow Bridge

The Shakespeare Garden

& Wagner Cove

Without Time Out's Guide, I would never have found some of these unique spots!

It was no wonder Time Out timed this article for the Fall, the foliage was absolutely breathtaking with some of the most beautiful hues. One could feel completely at peace to the pitter-patter of horse-drawn carriages, children playing, and guitarists strumming.

I have never considered myself the outdoorsy type or the adventurous type for that matter, but I felt the unsurpressed childhood desire to climb the big stone hills and run across the park. I could not have asked for more joy than in the straight simplicity of nature, right smack in the middle of a busy and chaotic New York City.

So, while you're stressed out at work, looking to get away from the artificial glare of your desktop computer or just looking to engage in a little bit of childhood fun- forget the simple Hoboken parks and enjoy the acres and acres of free adventures and discoveries!

"My Little Town Blues, They are Melting Away"

While taking my traditional Saturday morning jog, one sun-swept September morning along Hoboken's astounding waterfront trail, I stop on the Frank Sinatra pier in downtown Hoboken as I ask myself, how much of this momentous city have I truly experienced?

In the precious sight that we pay extra rent each month to view from our simple brownstones, the city appears particularly manageable, but when we enter the city five days a week for our daily commutes, the gridlock streets and the bustling crowds become a bit overwhelming for the simple Hoboken resident to handle.

At the end of a busy workday, there's nothing we'd rather do than call up a few friends to meet at a local bar to watch some Monday Night Football. Engaging in a similar mentality myself, there's nothing I'd rather do than hop right on the PATH after classes and work in search of some much needed relief from the big city.

Yet, after three years of living in Hoboken, while attending school on the Upper West Side, my sense of New York's cultural and historical necessities are quite narrow. Over the past few months, I realized that my time in college is almost at an end and I may not have the city in my backyard for much longer. Although I might be exhausted after a busy day, I have made it a goal to discover as much of New York as possible with the convenience of the PATH.

My Mission: to create a New York Bucket List for Hoboken commuters that will engage them to participate in convenient, cheap and easy things to do in the big city. Whether it be a weekend adventure or a new place to get your mid-day coffee fix. (I'm talking to you, Starbucks drinkers!), come with me to discover what Hoboken's backyard really has to offer! I look to share a wealth of information and experiences I have had in this beautiful city, along with new exciting things to discover together.

As the Hoboken legend, Frank Sinatra, once sang, "I'm about to make a brand new start of it, right there in old New York"