This year I was searching for a unique and practical Christmas gift for my wife, and I stumbled upon Hot Chocolate Designs tote bags. For reference to help men with their decision, my wife is in her mid 40's and takes pride in being the "cool aunt" when choosing Birthday & Christmas gifts for our nieces and nephews. She has an eye for style and design, within reason. In many ways she's old school BUT she also appreciates changing things up - like changing out the curtains in our house when the seasons change. Hope that helps ;-)So, with that said, while scanning Amazon two weeks before Christmas, the bright, multi colored designs of Hot Chocolate Designs totes caught my eye. Especially Rico's Tacos and the Russian Stacking Dolls (Matryoshka). Totes usually are boring and dull, and these looked unique and fun. I know my wife hauls a ton of stuff to work each day, so I figured I was on to a good gift idea. I read the Amazon reviews, and for the most part everyone that bought one agreed that they were well made, sturdy & up to the task, had unique graphics, and gathered lots of positive compliments.So, after a LOT of looking at all the designs that were available, I narrowed it down and I wound up getting her the Russian Stacking Dolls, and my wife loves it! The box that the tote comes in has unique graphics, so when she ripped off all of the Christmas paper, she was scratching her head as to wondering what was inside. It was great to watch the whole gift opening process. When she finally opened the box and pulled out the tote, a smile came across her face. She was pleasantly surprised that I thought so far "out of the box" and was able to buy her something so unique and fashionable all on my own - LOL! BTW - I showed her the other designs that were available and she said that Rico's Tacos was a cool and totally acceptable choice. She went on to say that the "Frankenstein & Bride of Frankenstein" tote would be great for her best friend, because she got married on Halloween - but I digress...In no time flat my wife transferred all of her stuff from her purse to the new tote. She appreciates the heavy-duty construction of the bag, the inside zippered pocket (for her keys), as well as the OUTSIDE zipper that keeps the tote closed and reasonably secure. She also commented on the length of the shoulder straps - they're sturdy, and not too long, not too short - they're "just right" - designed by someone that actually used the tote for it's intended purpose.Since sporting her new tote, my wife has got comments from everyone at her job as well as co-workers that visit her from other locations. Overall - Two Thumbs UP to the graphic & physical design crews at Hot Chocolate Design - I hope to see more unique and fun tote designs from them in the future!