Greer's OC

Upon returning to OC from a relief trip to Haiti six months following the devastating earthquake, Jeff and Jackie Bird of Newport Coast came home with a heightened passion for philanthropy.

Their experience set the groundwork for Epic Timepieces, a newly launched online watch company that will make an ideal holiday gift with meaning. Epic watches come in 15 color variations and cost just $39.95.

The concept is simple: for each watch sold, Epic will provide clean drinking water for a person in a developing country for one year. “We chose to provide water because we observed that a lack of clean water was a key element that hindered Haiti from recovery,” Jackie says, adding that they’re giving away filters that purify the water.

Their goal is to sell 2,500 watches before year-end for an early January filter distribution to Haiti because of the recent Cholera outbreak. In Port-au-Prince, this disease could potentially kill thousands. After they provide 10,000 filters to Haitians from the first 10,000 watches, they will focus efforts on another developing country in need. 800.921.7065.

Personalized at Bloomies!

If you’re looking for unique holiday gifts stop by Bloomingdale’s at South Coast Plaza Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. Michael Aram, tabletop designer, will be making an appearance and signing purchased pieces with an etching tool to write a personalized inscription. His reasonably priced collections ($50 to $350) are inspired by nature. Pictured above Michael Aram’s “Pomegranate” Nut Bowl ($75). Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza, Home Store, Lower Level. 714.824.4593.