1. Hawaii Fun Food Rentals makes it easy to provide tasty treats at your party or family gathering. Popcorn, cotton candy and shave ice machine rentals are $55 per weekday or $55 for the weekend (supplies are offered for an extra fee).
The best part is you don’t have to clean the machines when pau. Party packages are available, too. For example, $90 gets you a popcorn machine, a case of kernels and 200 popcorn bags. Instructions are provided when you pick up the equipment at 901 Gulick Ave.
Visit hawaiifunfoodrentals.com, call 841-3888 or email info@shaveicesupplies.com.
— Nancy Arcayna, Star-Advertiser
2. Any girl can feel like a superhero with Alex and Ani’s new lineup of jewelry inspired by Wonder Woman. Both gold- and silver-finish Wonder Woman logos are featured on the expandable necklace ($38) and charm bangle ($38), and the Wonder Woman cuff ($48) looks like something young women could get away with rocking at their 9-to-5 and while hanging out with friends.
Made in Rhode Island, most of Alex and Ani’s jewelry is manufactured from recycled brass and is designed to be adjustable. See the complete Wonder Woman line at the brand’s sole Oahu location at Ala Moana Center.
Call 945-7910 or visit alexandani.com to buy online.
— Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser
3. Baker Dudes is downtown Honolulu’s best-kept secret. Visit 923 Alakea St. to get hot, fresh sticky buns ($3 each or two for $5) every weekday morning. The pastries are loaded with macadamia nuts and have a delightfully gooey caramel coating.Also try the croissants, biscotti, scones, bread, focaccia and a local favorite, mouthwatering blueberry-lilikoi Danish.
Baker Dudes has booths at local farmers markets, too. Check out bakerdudes.com.
— Cris Devine, Honolulu
4. The Aloha Collection of travel bags is great for stowing your wet swimsuit and other damp items while on the go.
The miniature duffel bag ($47) and small zippered clutches ($29) are made of coated Tyvek, a lightweight waterproof fabric that’s soft to the touch. The line, started by Heather Aiu of Kauai and surfer/flight attendant Rachael Leina‘ala, offers colorful and tropical chic designs, such as coconut palms, hibiscus flowers, pineapples and stripes.
Small clutches measure about 9.5 by 8 inches. Miniature duffel bags are about 15 by 7 inches, with side and inside zipper pockets, handles and an adjustable carry strap. Find them at Splash Hawaii boutiques in Kailua, Ala Moana Center and Kahala Mall; splashhawaii.com.
Learn more about the Aloha Collection at aloha-collection.com and on Instagram at @alohacollection.
— Nina Wu, Star-Advertiser
5. If the high school grads in your life won’t listen to your hard-won wisdom upon embarking on adulthood, maybe they’ll take it from Dr. Seuss. “Seuss-isms! A Guide to Life for Those Just Starting Out … and Those Already on Their Way” (Random House, $9.99) is a compilation of sly verses from the Dr. Seuss books they loved as little kids. Topics include “Face up to adversity,” “Try new things” and “Know when to call it a night.”
“Be true to yourself” reads: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
I can’t think of a more apt parting gift for college-bound students.
— Christie Wilson, Star-Advertiser
“5 Things We Love” is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
