Holiday Idea Book 2015

idea book CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

The Most-Wanted ‘STAR WARS’ Toys

STOCKING STUFFERS:

Books, Movies & Music WHY WATCHES ARE RIGHT, RIGHT NOW

Boys’ Toys Girls’ Toys

KIDS’ TOYS

The HOTTEST Kids’ Toys for 2015

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Visit our 2 Madison Locations: L LOCALLY OWNED & Westside 231 Junction Rd., 608.833.9191 / M-S 10-9, SUN 10-7 OPERATED Downtown 216 N. Henry St., 608.257.5043 / M-S 10-8 , SUN 11-6 SINCE Holiday Hours begin Friday, Nov. 27th 1949

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 3

HOLIDAY idea book

LEGO

As retailers move to non-gendered signage for their aisles, it’s good to simply remember that toys will be toys

BOYS’ GIRLS’ KIDS’ TOYS

BY JESSICA ROYER OCKEN CTW FEATURES

This holiday season your local Target is sure to be decked out in red and green, but not so much in pink and blue.

Over the last few months, so shoppers don’t “feel frustrated or limited by the way things are presented,” the retailer has eliminated many of the gender-based labels in their stores, including in the toy section.

But rather than causing gift-gathering pandemonium, this move may actually be irrelevant to the best kind of holiday shopping, which keeps the individual child – not their gender – in mind.

Selecting a great gift is about “finding out what a child naturally gravitates to,” says toy expert Chris Byrne, content director for TTPM, a website that offers toy reviews and price comparisons.

“I wasn’t a kid who would sit and do Legos. I wanted to be physical,” Byrne says. “That [sort of preference] varies as much as gender preferences.” And it’s likely to be a more useful shopping guide for parents.

“Both of my kids like what they like regardless of their gender,” says Norma Lopez, a mom of a second-grade daughter and fourth-grade boy in Oak Park, Illinois. “My daughter in particular has never liked typical ‘girl’ toys. We would have missed Legos, for sure, if we had lived in that girl section, but because our son is older we never even had to walk down one of those aisles. We’ve always shopped in the ‘boys’ Lego section for both kids.”

Obviously, if there’s something you’d prefer your child not play with, that’s your choice as a parent, Byrne notes. But “play lets kids explore, express themselves and have new experiences,” he adds. So selecting toys that the children in your life will love means finding “the things that help them do that,” he says. continued on page 4

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And there are lots of possibilities on the toy shelves this season that will bring smiles to girls and boys alike.

GO ARTSY In contrast to all the technology out there, look for arts-and-crafts supplies and kits that can interest all kinds of kids, Byrne suggests. An easel, a batch of crazy markers, a book of ready-to-make paper airplanes or an assortment of colored/patterned paper may be just the thing to kickstart a grand creation. (Lopez vouches for this option, too.)

HELP THEM START A COLLECTION Collecting is a popular play pattern for kids, Byrne reports, and the sheer range of items available and waiting to be gathered makes collectibles – whether they’re Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or dinosaurs or Minions or cats or Disney characters or pencils or stickers – a good gift choice for all sorts of personalities.

moundspet.com

GO WILD WITH ANIMALS

Humane Holidays Help Dane & Rock County Humane Societies brighten the holidays for yet to be adopted pets. Pick up a wish list at any Mounds location.

Look for these signs for wish list items.

Wish List Item

Giving Thanks To our Mounds Customers who make it possible for us to give back to local animal groups and organizations throughout the year!

Animal-related toys are another option with broad appeal. Lopez says both her kids like stuffed animals. “It’s their way to have more pets,” she says, and there are near-limitless varieties of animal-focused figures, puzzles and games.

As you’re shopping, just be sure to think more about the small person who will be unwrapping the gift you choose than the likely full-sized adult who developed the season’s marketing ploys. “At TTPM, we always say the ‘hot toy’ is only hot if it’s hot for your child,” Byrne says.

“All these things are being promoted and advertised, but if your child isn’t into it, if it doesn’t resonate, it doesn’t matter.”

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 5

Women who

Rock

STOCKING STUFFERS: MUSIC

10 hot albums from music’s most talented ladies

T

hanks in no small part to the utter dominance of megaartists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, women have ruled the music landscape in 2015. And, if Adele’s long-awaited “25” hits store shelves before the holidays, it will go down as one of the best years of all time for women in music. No matter the preferred genre of the music fan on your gift list, there’s a new album arriving guaranteed to please.

Nearly every album here also comes available on back-in-vogue vinyl – which comes with a free digital download – making for a substantial, collectible present for any audiophile.

1. PATTY GRIFFIN Servant Of Love (Thirty Tigers, 2015)

2. LINDI ORTEGA Faded Gloryville (Last Gang Records, 2015))

3. JANET JACKSON Unbreakable (Rhythm Nation/ BMG, 2015)

4. FKA TWIGS M3LL155X (Young Turks Recordings, 2015) continued on page 9

Holiday Fun! Great Shopping! Trolley Rides, Free Family Shows, Crafting, Music, & More!

Downtown Madison Holiday Open House, Nov. 27-28, 2015 Giving Thanks at Madison Submitted by Madison’s Central Business Children’s Museum, Improvement District (BID) 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Enjoy trolley rides, free family shows and crafting, plus special offers and refreshments at participating merchants, at the Downtown Holiday Open House!

Join us Friday and Saturday, November 27-28, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM, on State Street and the Capitol Square. Visit downtown businesses, many locally owned, to get a start on your holiday shopping and giving.

EVENT SCHEDULE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27: Special Kids in the Rotunda shows!

Bubble Wonders!

(9:30 AM, 11 AM & 1 PM), Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St. (Free) “Anything is possible” is the mantra Bubbleosopher Bubble-ologist, Geoff Akins Hannah conveys through his wondrous, awe-inspiring show.

Combining incredible bubble wizardry with whimsical words of wisdom, Bubble Wonders cultivates the natural curiosity and enthusiasm that makes kids eager to learn and grow.

100 N. Hamilton St. (regular admission applies)

Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St. Attitude of Gratitude (9 AM – 4 PM) (Free)

Stop by for art activities, special book displays and more, inspired by themes Visit the MCM Art Studio to craft holiday of harvest, giving, and thanks. cards, gift baskets, and a “thankful” Giving Thanks at Madison community collage.

Children’s Museum Free Kids Activities at DreamBank! 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, 100 N. Hamilton St. (regular admission applies) 1 N. Pinckney St. Pictures with Santa (10 AM – 1 PM) and Visit the MCM Art Studio to craft holiday Holiday Crafting Party (10 AM – 4 PM). cards, gift baskets, and a “thankful” community collage.

Kids will have a special chance to get their picture taken with Santa, tell him Free Kids Activities at DreamBank! what’s on their list, and stop by our 1 N. Pinckney St. holiday crafting station! Free crafting Pictures with Santa (10 AM – 1 PM) and and cocoa are available all day, but Holiday Crafting Party (10 AM – 4 PM).

Santa’s only visiting from 10am to 1pm! Get your picture taken with Santa, tell him what’s on your list, and come Free Holiday Trolley, enjoy our holiday crafting station!

State St. & Capitol Square (10 AM – 4 PM). Welcome Bags and Treats for Kids. Catch at bus stops.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28: Kids in the Rotunda shows 9:30 AM, 11 AM & 1 PM (Free) Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St. Rockin’ blues with The Cash Box Kings. Learn about the blues, dance, sing and even get up on stage to play harmonica. A be-bopping party that will have the entire family on their feet!

Free Holiday Trolley, State St. & Capitol Square (10 AM – 4 PM). Welcome Bags and Treats for Kids. Catch at bus stops.

BOTH DAYS: Maps, directions, event info & more at the Downtown Visitor Center (452 State St., 9 AM – 6 PM) or Downtown Info Table in Overture Center Lobby (201 State St., 10 AM – 2 PM).

Schedule subject to change.

See visitdowntownmadison.com for full information.

More Downtown Holiday Fun Saturdays Dec. 5, 12 & 19 Free Holiday Trolley, State St. & Capitol Square, (10 AM – 4 PM) Welcome Bags and Treats for Kids. Catch at bus stops.

Carolers Stroll and Sing, (11 AM – 3 PM)

Chazen Museum of Art Shop

GIFT OF ART Tues, Wed, Fri: 9:30–4:30 Thur: 9:30–8:30 Sat, Sun: 11:30–4:30 chazen.wisc.edu/shop 750 University Ave., Madison, WI (608) 263-2240

ANTHOLOGY

GIVE

SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM WISCONSIN

Introducing our Wisconsin coloring book

218 State Street • www.anthology.typepad.com • 608-204-2644 LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1949

• Footwear • Snowboard • Snowshoes • Climbing • Paddling

MUSEUM STORE HOLIDAY SALE DEC.10-13

HIGH QUALITY CLOTHING & GEAR • Apparel • Downhill Ski • X-Country Ski • Camping • Fly Fishing

WISCONSIN HISTORICAL

Unique gifts inspired by our love of fried fish, cheese and the great outdoors!

shop.wisconsinhistory.org

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Downtown 216 N. Henry St., 608.257.5043 / M-S 10-8, SUN 11-6 Westside 231 Junction Rd., 608.833.9191 / M-S 10-9, SUN 10-7

ON MADISON’S CAPITOL SQUARE 30 North Carroll Street Madison, WI 53703 608-264-6555 WisconsinHistoricalMuseum.org

The Finishing Touch Top off your cold-weather outfit with the hand-knit Jax hat from Pistil.You’ll love its easy-going style, and the headband is

Sorel Winter Boots Classic outdoor utility & Modern urban flair

lined for comfort and warmth.

Styles for women and men

Locally Owned 414 State Street 608-255-2522

Locally Owned 414 State Street 608-255-2522

Classic Style

‘Tis the Season for Great Gifts from Vera Bradley!

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Made with the best materials, revolutionary technology, and good old-fashioned hand craftsmanship • Waterproof • Designed for edictable weather

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HOLIDAY idea book

â–

Page 9

STOCKING STUFFERS: MUSIC continued from page 5

5. JOANNA NEWSOM Divers (Redeye Label, 2015)

6. CHVRCHES Every Open Eye (Glassnote Entertainment Group, 2015)

7. CARRIE UNDERWOOD Storyteller (Sony Nashville/Arista, 2015)

8. KACEY MUSGRAVES Natalie Pageant Material (Mercury Nashville, 2015)

9. LANA DEL REY Honeymoon (Interscope Records, 2015)

10. DEMI LOVATO Confident (Hollywood Records, 2015)

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RETAILERS RACE TO MEET DEMAND Holiday Fun! Great Shopping!

Trolley Rides, Free Family Shows, Crafting, Music, & More!

Downtown Madison Holiday Open House, Nov. 27-28, 2015

1 2 3 4 5

AN EXTRA GIFTY, ULTRA THRIFTY TIN FILLED WITH 20 COASTER GIFT CARDS WORTH $10 OFF YOUR TAB AT EACH OF THE 20 ICONIC LOCALLY-OWNED MADISON-AREA RESTAURANTS. A $200 VALUE INSIDE EVERY CLEVER LITTLE TIN FOR ONLY $30.

NEW! Bar & Lounge Edition

PAYS FOR ITSELF IN JUST THREE USES. VALID ALL YEAR WITH NEW EDITIONS ANNUALLY!

ANNE D’INNOCENZIO, AP Retail Writer

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — Christmas won’t come early this year, but the gifts might.

Just in time for the winter holiday shopping season, Amazon, Wal-Mart, Macy’s and other retailers are working behind the scenes to more quickly deliver online orders to shoppers.

Retailers are building bigger warehouses – some the size of 20 football fields – to handle shipments. They’re also sending orders to shoppers directly from their stores and using sophisticated software that tells them the quickest, cheapest way to ship orders. And Amazon is cutting the time it takes to process an order from hours to minutes by using robots to pull items in its warehouses for shipment.

It’s a race for time by retailers as more people shop online. U.S. online sales are expected to increase 12 percent to $371 billion this year, accounting for 10 percent of overall retail sales, says Forrester Research. But as online shopping grows, so does the impatience of shoppers who want their orders fast.

Traditional brick-and-mortar stores are trying to catch up to Amazon.com, which set the standard for speed with its twoday delivery for members of its Prime loyalty program who pay $99 a year. But even Amazon feels pressure to please customers who have little tolerance for lengthy delivery waits.

“I would like to plan ahead, but I’ve been able to wait until the last minute to get things done,” said Keri Early, a Clyde, Illinois, resident who orders from Amazon frequently.

For many retailers, the goal is to make two-day delivery standard to meet the demands for speedy service of shoppers like Early. That’s half the average for standard delivery for the top-40 online retailers, according to data company StellaService. But most are stopping short of

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warehouses opened in July and is considered the retailer’s crown jewel. It has two towers with four stories of the fastest-moving items of the season that can be retrieved through a computerized chute.

“By mid-November, this place will be humming,” said Justen Traweek, WalMart’s vice-president of e-commerce operations and fulfillment. continued on page 37

guaranteeing customers faster deliveries.

For a majority of the United States this holiday season Wal-Mart says it aims for packages to arrive within two days to shoppers who select standard shipping.

The retailer now uses 83 of its more than 4,500 U.S. stores to ship to customers.

The world’s largest retailer also is spending $900,000 in online investments for the current fiscal year and $1.1 billion next year. That’s up from $700,000 in its last fiscal year, which ended in January.

The investments are squeezing profit: Wal-Mart stock tumbled Wednesday after it warned earnings would be down as much as 12 percent next year in part because of its heavy spending on e-commerce.

Still, Wal-Mart is spending to stay competitive with online rivals. Since last year, the world’s largest retailer has opened five warehouses across the country to handle online orders – in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Fort Worth, Texas; Plainfield, Indiana; and Atlanta. Next year Wal-Mart plans to open another center in southern California, one in Dallas and two more in Florida.

The new warehouses each will ship hundreds of thousands of orders daily, four to five times its dozens of existing smaller warehouses. Each new warehouse has several million items, five times the network of older warehouses.

That will enable Wal-Mart to offer more consolidated orders arriving in fewer boxes.

“This is going to allow us to be more efficient, to do it faster, to do it cheaper and be more accurate with the orders, which is important with the customers,” said Greg Foran, CEO of Wal-Mart’s U.S. business.

One of Wal-Mart’s two Bethlehem

A stay in Madison makes a great gi !

......................................

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BEST.

GIFT.

A trendy toy or outfit can make a good gift, but the best gift ever is one that lasts a lifetime – a college education. It fits children of all ages, can be used at colleges and universities, technical colleges and graduate schools, and giving it is easy– no assembly required. Plus, this gift comes complete with tax advantages for you.

Contribute at Edvest.com/lifetimegift or call toll-free at 877.235.4607.

EVER.

Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Edvest College Savings Plan. Please visit Edvest.com for a Plan Disclosure Booklet with this and more information. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., Plan Manager.Beforeinvestingina529plan,considerwhetherthestatewhereyouoryourBeneficiaryresideshasa529planthatoffersfavorablestatetaxbenefitsthatareavailableifyou invest in that state’s 529 plan. The tax information contained herein is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. Taxpayers should seek advice from an independent tax advisor based on their own particular circumstances. The Edvest College Savings Plan is administered by the State of Wisconsin. C19832

Huge selection of Down Comforters – Pillows – Linens – Quilts

Give the Gift of Comfort this Holiday Season All comforters & pillows are made in Wisconsin at our LaCrosse factory

THANKSGIVING SALE Fri. November 27th - Tues. December 1st.

Open at 8:00AM on Black Friday (11/27).

Huge Storewide Sale Both Stock & Clearance merchandise!

Extra door buster deals Friday morning!

Cambridge Court Center | 7404 Mineral Point Road | Madison M-F: 10-7 • Sat: 10-6 • Sun: 11-5

(608) 833-8333

Gift Cards Available

HOLIDAY idea book STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE AWAKENS

STAR WARS

Strikes Back!

A new “Star Wars” movie this holiday season brings with it an empire’s worth of toys for the new generation of fans

THE MUST-HAVE STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS REMOTE CONTROL BB-8 (TARGET EXCLUSIVE) With the push of a button, BB-8 rolls in any direction as his head stays facing forward—as seen in the film!

Also features expressive droid sound effects.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 15

WEAPONS & MASKS STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS KYLO REN WITH CONNECT AND CUSTOMIZE LIGHTSABER SET (KOHL’S EXCLUSIVE)

Includes KYLO REN MASK and KYLO REN EXTEND LIGHTSABER, featuring a BLADEBUILDERS connector and a LIGHT DAGGER

CHEWBACCA ROLE-PLAY MULTI-PACK (SAM’S CLUB EXCLUSIVE)

contains both the NERF CHEWBACCA BOWCASTER, which features exclusive deco and exclusive FIRST ORDER targets, and the CHEWBACCA ELECTRONIC MASK

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES FORCE FX LIGHTSABERS Detailed adult collectible LIGHTSABER replicas with glowing light effects, and sensor-controlled sound effects — power up, idle hum, clash and power down — digitally recorded from the films.

Luke Skywalker

Yoda

Kylo Ren

Darth Vader

continued on page 16

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FIGURES

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH FIGURE ASSORTMENT

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH KYLO REN (KMART EXCLUSIVE)

A dark warrior strong with the Force, KYLO REN commands First Order missions with a temper as fiery as his unconventional Lightsaber.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH DARTH VADER EMPEROR’S WRATH FIGURE (WALGREENS EXCLUSIVE)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH FIGURE 4-PACK (ENTERTAINMENTEARTH.COM EXCLUSIVE) Includes Sandtrooper Sergeant, Crimson Stormtrooper, Lieutenant Oxio and R2-Q5.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 17

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH FIRST ORDER SNOWTROOPER OFFICER FIGURE (TOYS “R” US EXCLUSIVE)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH TROOPER EVOLUTION 4-PACK (AMAZON EXCLUSIVE)

Includes Phase I Clone Trooper Commander, Phase II Clone Trooper, Imperial Stormtrooper and First Order Stromtrooper Officer.

STAR WARS HERO MASHERS STAR WARS HERO MASHERS feature your favorite STAR WARS heroes and villains with completely interchangeable parts and accessories, so kids can create their ultimate figure.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 3 3/4-INCH FIGURES (WALMART EXCLUSIVE)

Includes Episode VI Darth Vader, Episode VI Luke Skywalker, Episode IV Princess Leia and new Episode VII First Order Stormtrooper and Kylo Ren.

STAR WARS HERO MASHERS ULTIMATE BOUNTY MULTI-PACK (COSTCO EXCLUSIVE)

Features five 6-inch customizable action figures from “The Empire Strikes Back,” including Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett, plus extra gear and accessories. continued on page 18

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PLAYSKOOL HEROES STAR WARS MILLENNIUM FALCON PLAYSET STAR WARS FEATURED FIGURE ASSORTMENT Includes Luke Skywalker and training target and Darth Vader and training target

PLAY-DOH PLAY-DOH MILLENNIUM FALCON PLAYSET FEATURING STAR WARS CAN-HEADS STAR WARS DELUXE FIGURE ASSORTMENT Includes Biker Scout with Speeder Bike and Han Solo with Tauntaun

STAR WARS ADVENTURE PACK ASSORTMENT Includes Echo Base Encounter and Endor Adventure packs

MR. POTATO HEAD CLASSIC STAR WARS ASSORTMENT

PLAY-DOH STAR WARS CAN-HEADS TWO-PACK ASSORTMENT Includes Luke Skywalker & R2-D2 featuring a Landspeeder and Luke Skywalker & Snowtrooper featuring a Snowspeeder.

Includes SpudTrooper, Luke Frywalker, Darth Tater and Frylo Ren

PLAY-DOH STAR WARS CAN-HEADS VEHICLE ASSORTMENT The Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader pack features X-Wing and TIE-Fighter vehicles and three CAN-HEADS characters: the Death Star, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader. Assortment

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 19

VEHICLES STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES BLIND BAG ASSORTMENT

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES 3-PACK ASSORTMENT

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES DELUXE VEHICLE ASSORTMENT

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES MILLENNIUM FALCON PLAYSET

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES BATTLE SET ASSORTMENT STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES FIRST ORDER STAR DESTROYER PLAYSET

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES RC Vehicle Assortment

continued on page 20

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STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES FIRST ORDER SPECIAL FORCES TIE FIGHTER 6-INCH SCALE VEHICLE Incredibly detailed STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS vehicle features movie-accurate wings and cockpit and comes with an exclusive 6-inch FIRST ORDER TIE FIGHTER PILOT ELITE to steer the starfighter into battle.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES TITANIUM SERIES VEHICLE MULTI-PACK Includes the MILLENNIUM FALCON, POE DAMERON’S X-WING, BIGGS DARKLIGHTER’S X-WING and TIE FIGHTER

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES TITANIUM SERIES VEHICLE ASSORTMENT Includes the MILLENNIUM FALCON, KYLO REN’S COMMAND SHUTTLE, X-WING, DARTH VADER’S TIE ADVANCED, FIRST ORDER SPECIAL FORCES TIE FIGHTER, STAR DESTROYER FINALIZER, REY’S SPEEDER BIKE (JAKKU), LUKE’S LANDSPEEDER and more.

Each pack includes one vehicle and one collector stand.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 21

GAMES

STAR WARS BATTLESHIP

RISK: STAR WARS EDITION Prepare a plan, arm for battle, and advance characters until you have taken over the universe.

When the ultimate goal is to search and destroy, iconic STAR WARS vehicles like the MILLENNIUM FALCON and TIE FIGHTER go head-to-head for their place in the galaxy.

ELECTRONIC CATCH PHRASE: STAR WARS EDITION Shout, gesture, and say anything else but the words in the answer to help your team guess correctly before time runs out!

BOP IT! STAR WARS R2-D2 EDITION Just like the classic BOP IT! game, players must twist, bop, and pull the R2-D2 figure in response to his commands to be the last JEDI standing in this fun and fast reaction memory game.

STAR WARS LOOPIN’ CHEWIE Players must help CHEWIE co-pilot the MILLENNIUM FALCON and try to send him swinging straight into the STORMTROOPERS on the other player’s rack.

STAR WARS CHESS Eye-popping pieces include villains and heroes from all seven STAR WARS movies, including THE FORCE AWAKENS.

MONOPOLY: STAR WARS EDITION Travel around the galaxy and build bases on planets. When every planet is owned, count up the bases.

The player with the most bases on the winning side is the ultimate winner! May the Force be with you!

gift guide

buy local Your Terrace memories can last a lifetime.

GET IN THE SPIRIT Spirits made from scratch using local ingredients make a gift of good taste.

Open Thursdays & Fridays 4-10pm, Saturday Noon-10pm 931 East Main Madison (608) 260-0812 oldsugardistillery.com

Buy your brick today at T E R R AC E PAV E R . O R G

The Vinery www.FontanaSports.com

Stained Glass Studio

The place to find great gifts, or make your own!

Stained Glass Fused Glass Mosaics Blown Glass Ornaments

1422 MacArthur Rd., Madison

Westside 231 Junction Rd., 608.833.9191 / M-S 10-9, SUN 10-7 W D Downtown 216 N. Henry St., 608.257.5043 / M-S 10-8 , SUN 11-6

Give Christmas Past for Christmas Presents

608-244-9900 vineryglass.com

MUSEUM STORE Fine objects designed & made by artists.

Janet’s Antiques

Brooch by Patricia Locke

Midvale at University

N

608-238-3300

MIDVALE

➧

JANET’S★ UNNIVERSITY NIVERSITY A U AVE VE..

HWY. 12 & 18

Mon.-Sat. 11-7

227 State Street · 608.257.3222 · mmoca.org

B L AC K F R I DAY

SALE 8AM –

NOON

25% OFF one non-consigned item. MMoCA members may add their discount; no other discounts apply.

gift guide

buy local

SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT? The Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission suggests the perfect gift: “Shining Lights,” our 2016 desktop calendar. The landscape, weather, outdoor activities, everyday workers, and children contribute to our loving community and are part of the Shining Lights of Dane County.

During the holidays, as we enjoy our families and friends, Dane Arts’ 2016 calendar, “Shining Lights” makes for a wonderful gift for those you love.

Dane County Cultural Affairs/ • Dane Arts • (608) 266-4114 • danearts.com

Sewing Machines starting as low as $169 Free owner’s classes with any purchase

4261 Lien Road Madison • 608-242-8555 940 East Main Street Reedsburg • 608-524-8435

WWW.QQUILTS.COM

HOLIDAY PARTY PACKAGES Affordable, fun, hassle free and family friendly packages available.

dreamlanes.com 221-3596 13 Atlas Ct. Madison

We Bring People & Nature Together!™

8402 Old Sauk Rd. ··· 608-664-1414 ··· wbumadison.com

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HOLIDAY idea book STOCKING STUFFERS: AWARD-WINNING KIDS’ BOOKS

Golden BOOKS

For a literary gift that shines, go for the gold with 2015’s medal-winning titles

I

t’s OK to judge a kids’ book by its cover.

When you see that shiny medal badge on the jacket, signifying the title is winner or honoree of the Newbery Medal (tops in kids’ literature) or the Caldecott Medal (best in kids’ picture books), you know it’s going to be good. Here are the distinguished books for 2015:

2015 CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE: THE UNIMAGINARY FRIEND Written and illustrated by Dan Santat (Little, Brown and Company, $17) continued on page 28

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 25

STOCKING STUFFERS: MOVIES

HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST HITS The box office’s highest grossing films are best bets for the film fan on your list

6. CINDERELLA (Fox) Blu-ray — $40 DVD — $30

A

record year at the box office makes movie gifts a cinch. Just grab one of 2015’s Top 10 blockbusters.

They already have moviegoers’ seal of approval.

7. PITCH PERFECT 2

1. JURASSIC WORLD

(Universal Studios) Blu-ray + DVD + Digital — $37 DVD — $30

(Universal Studios) Blu-ray + DVD + Digital — $35 DVD + Digital — $30

2. AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

8. HOME ( Dreamworks Animation) Blu-ray + DVD + Digital — $37 DVD — $30

(Walt Disney Studios) Blu-ray — $33 DVD — $30

3. FURIOUS 7 (Universal Studios) Blu-ray + DVD + Digital — $35 DVD + Digital — $30

9. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION (Sony) Blu-ray + DVD + Digital — $40 DVD — $30

4. INSIDE OUT (Walt Disney Studios) Blu-ray + DVD + Digital — $40 DVD — $30

5. MINIONS (Universal Studios) Blu-ray + DVD + Digital/DVD — $35 DVD — $30

10. ANT-MAN (Walt Disney Studios) Blu-ray — $33 DVD — $30 © CTW FEATURES

Monroe Street

Monroe Street Christmas Walk Sunday, December 6th • 12:00 - 4:00pm • 1700-1900 Blocks of Monroe St. Join the Monroe Street Merchants for the annual Christmas Walk!

There will be carolers, refreshments and special events.

Katy’s Annual Holiday Show & Sale Friday, Dec. 11th & Saturday Dec. 12th 10 am - 5 pm Sunday, Dec. 13th Noon to 4pm

Join us at KATY’S in welcoming Navajo silversmith, Artie Yellowhorse, in person!

Sale includes jewelry, pottery, Oaxacan carvings & much more. See you soon!

1817 Monroe St., katys@att.net KatysAmericanIndianArts.com 608.251.5451 Like us on Facebook!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Nov. 21: The Hunt Nov. 27: Black Friday Nov. 28: Small Business Saturday

1925 Monroe Street, Madison, WI 53711 (608) 285-5959 • VelvetButtonBoutique.com

Monroe Street

Monroe Street Christmas Walk NUTCRACKER Sunday, December 6th •12:00 - 4:00pm • 1700-1900 Blocks of Monroe St. D A N C E

W I S C O N S I N

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The

Wisconsin Union Theater S

Join the Monroe Street Merchants for the annual Christmas Walk!

There will be carolers, refreshments and special events.

Rupert Cornelius

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Sponsored by the American Girl Fund for Children, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Dane Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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November 18, 2015 to December 27, 2015

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ditional o a shows!

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All ticket orders are final – no refunds or exchanges.

Prices are subject to taxes and processing fee.

564 Wisconsin Dells Parkway S., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

608-253-4000 • www.DellsPalace.com

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STOCKING STUFFERS:

AWARD-WINNING KIDS’ BOOKS

2015 CALDECOTT HONOR BOOKS NANA IN THE CITY Written and illustrated by Lauren Castillo (Clarion Books, $17) THE NOISY PAINT BOX: THE COLORS AND SOUNDS OF KANDINSKY’S ABSTRACT ART Illustrated by Mary GrandPré and written

by Barb Rosenstock (Alfred A. Knopf, $18) SAM & DAVE DIG A HOLE Illustrated by Jon Klassen and written by Mac Barnett (Candlewick Press, $17) VIVA FRIDA Illustrated and written by Yuyi Morales (Roaring Book Press, $18) THE RIGHT WORD: ROGET AND HIS THESAURUS Illustrated by Melissa Sweet and written by Jen Bryant (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, $17.50) THIS ONE SUMMER Illustrated by Jillian Tamaki and written

by Mariko Tamaki (First Second, $18)

continued on page 29

HOURS

Close to everything, far from ordinary.

Monday–Saturday: 10am – 9pm Sunday: 11am – 6pm Customer Service: 608.238.6640 Some stores, restaurants & Sundance Cinemas, may be open additional hours.

Metcalfe’s Market open 6AM to midnight.

WWW.HILLDALE.COM

702 N. Midvale Boulevard, Madison, WI 53705

HOLIDAY idea book

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STOCKING STUFFERS: HOURS

AWARD-WINNING KIDS’ BOOKS

Close to everything, far from ordinary.

Monday–Saturday: 10am – 9pm Sunday: 11am – 6pm Customer Service: 608.238.6640 Some stores, restaurants & Sundance Cinemas, may be open additional hours.

Metcalfe’s Market open 6AM to midnight.

continued from page 28

WWW.HILLDALE.COM

702 N. Midvale Boulevard, Madison, WI 53705

Great Gifts!

2015 NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER THE CROSSOVER

by Kwame Alexander (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $17)

Boots, shoes, slippers, socks, jewelry, handbags, wallets, scarves and more!

Featuring

and

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Wisconsin’s Only Brighton Heart Store!

The Art & Sole Collection Messages from the heart

See our NEW location at Hilldale between Sur la Table and Metcalfe's Market

716 N. Midvale Blvd.

Madison, WI 53705

608-238-9282 Locally Owned

BROWN GIRL DREAMING

by Jacqueline Woodson (Nancy Paulsen Books, $17)

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■ SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

APPLE WATCH WITH HERMES DOUBLE TOUR BAND, $1,250

ALL ABOUT THE WATCH Whether they’re eyeing a shiny new Apple Watch or one that doesn’t require Wi-Fi, the timepiece is a timeless holiday gift they’ll always cherish. Here’s how to shop for one now

BY NOLA SARKISIAN-MILLER CTW FEATURES

W

ith the time of day listed everywhere from smartphone displays to laptops to our car dashboards, the need for a watch to tell time isn’t as pressing as it was even just a few years ago.

Instead, watch brands are adding features to compel shoppers to want watches, from creating more functional gadgets that track stock quotes or the number of calories burned to transforming the watch itself into a fashion accessory.

The launch of the APPLE WATCH (from $349) has made the smartwatch – and its apps galore – an appealing alternative to analog watches. That allure is siphoning shoppers away from traditional fashion brands with sales down in dollar volume about 5 percent in July compared to the year prior.

“While Apple’s [sales] figures aren’t crystal clear … it’s hard not to draw conclusions that there’s some cannibalism in the market,” says Fred Levin, president of the luxury practice at NPD Group.

A bump now, but in the long term

Apple’s grand entrance in the timepiece sector will prove to be a boon for all of the business, as the tech giant draws in customers who previously shunned watches, especially the younger millennial market.

“A very significant amount of Apple watches are being purchased by people who don’t wear watches today, representing about 40 percent of sales, ” says Levin, citing

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 31

research figures from CivicScience Inc. “Once people get into the habit of wearing the accessory, they’ll likely add fine watches, Swiss watches and even lift the finewatch market.”

In preparation, some watch companies are rethinking strategies or pumping up their technology offerings. TAG Heuer, the 155-year-old Swiss watchmaker is partnering with Intel and Google to create a mechanical watch with tech features. Intel also teamed up with Fossil Group last year to create wearable connected devices in time for the holidays. Bulgari is adding a smartwatch to its lineup that eventually will help the wearer automate calls, open doors and transmit payments.

Traditional brands like Seiko are utilizing technologies to be better stewards of the environment. THE SEIKO COUTURA ($495), redesigned this year, offers the Solar Perpetual Chronograph and Kinetic Retrograde styles – powered by light energy and movement, respectively - with no battery charge required.

And anything loaded with health and fitness sensors doesn’t have to look dowdy.

Wearable tech companies such as Fitbit are upping the pizzazz quotient. Last year Fitbit partnered with designer Tory Burch to add accessory wristbands to house the Fitbit Flex tracker, now sold separately at stores such as Nordstrom with designs including the metal-hinged bracelet made of stainless steel. Garmin teamed up with designer Jonathan Adler this year for stylish bands to fit the vivofit and vivofit2 tracking devices.

The versatility of interchangeable bands – also in the non-tech sector – is one way brands can court customers.

“Anything where [the consumer is] getting value, getting more in the end is playing well into their wallets,” said Patty Leto, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of women’s and men’s accessories at The Doneger Group in New York.

Sold at retailers such as Macy’s and

Nordstrom, ANNE KLEIN is offering a BANGLE BRACELET WATCH SET IN ROSE GOLD PAIRED WITH THREE BRACELETS ($150) featuring a linked chain, ivory inlay and round, pavé disc. Fossil offers interchangeable watch sets for men and women, including the women’s limited edition Cecile set that comes with bands in stainless steel, a reversible field strap, a blue canvas leather strap and a dark leather strap for $285.

The movement for a blending of jewelry and watches continues as brands turn up the volume in hues and shapes. ARMITRON ($30 to $35) sport watches that sell at Kohl’s don’t shy away from color, showcasing combinations of gray and purple and navy and green. La Mer Collections offer wrap watches embellished with a host of options from studs to attachments of turquoise heishi stones and gold cable chains. Calvin Klein is adding bracelet novelty by creating wavy patterns in polished stainless steel, curving open links and clean lines of swirling stainless steel. Of-the-moment brand SHINOLA ($475 to $525), known for its vintage-inspired charms, sells double-wrap leather strap watches in a bevy of colors such as slate blue, jade green and dark camel.

Novelty straps also are key trends in the men’s watch market. Casual lines like Tommy Bahama are mixing textures in their watches such as offering navy and green silicone straps as a jaunty contrast to the stainless steel case and bezel of its timepiece at $145. Lacoste’s nylon canvas strap styles in green, red or black sport the iconic croc logo on the strap for $185.

Character-driven watches will continue to beckon kids during the holidays. Sanrio’s Hello Kitty character graces styles, including the Bus Stop watch with a white rubber link band. And, it will be hard to go against the force this holiday season with the arrival of the latest Star Wars movie installment in December, “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.” Target is offering Darth Vader and Storm Trooper black digital watches. © CTW FEATURES

Downtown Sun Prairie where the holiday season comes alive!

The 100th annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Fire Truck Parade Friday, November 27, 5:15pm Sun Prairie Historical Museum, 115 East Main Street Join us for the 100th annual Holiday Tree Lighting the festivities kick off at 5:15pm with cookies, hot apple cider, and seasonal entertainment.

At 5:45pm enjoy a parade of fire trucks decorated in holiday lights, ending with Santa magically lighting the holiday tree!

Free Horse Drawn Wagon Rides Friday, November 27, 10am – 3pm Saturday, November 28, 10am – 3pm Sun Prairie Historical Museum, 115 East Main Street Come to tour Downtown Sun Prairie on our free horse drawn wagon rides, stay to enjoy holiday shopping at our many retail establishments, or dine at one of our wonderful restaurants.

109 West Main Street, Sun Prairie • www.watertowerchophouse.com For Reservations: 608-318-1857 NEED BANQUET SPACE? Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Business Meetings, Special Events, Graduation Parties.

Space from 25 to 140.

4 Sal 0+ Ite m ad Bar

238 E. Main St. • Sun Prairie • 825-1515 Open Daily at 11am • www.eddiesalehouse.com

Purchase a $50 Gift Card & Receive a $10 Gift Card FREE!

Thu BBQ Ribs

Friday Fish Fry

Wed & Sat Prime Rib

Dane County’s East Side Homebrew Headquarters Offering a variety of local and hardto-find craft beers along with unique wines, liquor, specialty foods and gifts.

Attend one of our weekly free tasting events.

Like us on 240 East Main Street | Sun Prairie, WI 53590 www.cannerywineandspirits.com 608.318.0595

Downtown Sun Prairie…we’re having fun down here!

Ladies Night Out

Begin at The Lighthouse of Sun Prairie or The Crosse House to pick up your swag bag, participant map and prize drawing punch card!

Thursday, December 10, 5pm – 8pm The Lighthouse of Sun Prairie, 222 South Bristol St. The Crosse House, 133 West Main St.

Visit with Santa at the Crosse House

Ladies bring your friends and shop the streets of Downtown Sun Prairie to explore all that our wonderful retail stores and restaurants have to offer! Participating businesses offer entertainment, specials, treats, or sales to welcome you to Downtown Sun Prairie. The first 200 participants receive a complimentary swag bag!

Saturday, November 28 10am – 2pm Saturday, December 5 10am – 2pm The Crosse House, 133 West Main St. Bring your list and camera to visit with Santa and share your holiday wishes!

We have

PIZZAMAZING.

17 YEARS OF AWARD-WINNING PIZZA .

From the classics to the imaginative including Fetalicous ®, Boaris Karloff and Pizza of the Month. To the much loved salads and homemade lasagna. To subs with Boar’s Head ® meats, pasta and more. Dare we say a to-do list taste is t ffor or your ta a ste buds? We do. Let’s eat.

Fetalicious ®

Beautiful full bar with Happy Hour.

Remodeled Dine-in. Enjoy some GNP in SP with a little OMG.

LATE NIGHT DELIVERY! Y!

2:00 a.m. Fridays & Saturdays

L O C A L LY OW N E D A N D O P E R AT E D

608 834-9919 101 West Main St. • Sun Prairie

Buy a $25 Gift Certificate and get a $5 Gift Certificate for FREE

Late Night Delivery. Dine-in. Carry-out. Catering.

116 E. Main St. • Sun Prairie pitstoppubllc.com • 608-825-9977

For a full menu, coupons or ordering online, tap your fingers to glassnickelpizza.com

Private rooms availableGreat for Holidays y Parties!

public enemy tattoo • Custom Tattoos • • Body Piercing • • Jewelry • • Glass Novelties • 208 E. Main St., Sun Prairie (608) 825-7877

Sun Prairie - 315 E Linnerud Dr - 837- 4999

Bring this coupon in for 50% any regular priced merchandise Expires: 1/1/16

gift guide | christmas trees Take home the perfect Christmas tree from one of these fine tree specialist CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE! Spruce & Fir • $60.00 Pine • $50.00

Real Trees Make Scents

Prices include sales tax

Nothing says Christmas like a real tree!

The Paint Farm

Christmas Trees – Fraser Fir Any Size $50 Open Nov. 27th - Dec. 24th 9 a.m. to Dusk W6958 King Rd., Poynette 608-635-8037 From Madison: Hwy 51 North 15 miles to Jct. 51, 60 & 22.

Take 22 North 4 miles to King Rd., 1 mile West on King Rd.

ta Visit Sanig h le & his s 29 Nov. 28 6 Dec. 5- m 10am - 2p

▲ Christmas Shop ▲ Gift Certificates Available ▲ Fresh Green Arrangements ▲ Wreaths ▲ Garlands ▲ Boughs ▲ Pre-Cut Trees Available

SUMMERS CHRISTMAS TREE FARM – Since 1957 –

4610 Rocky Dell Road • 831-4414 www.summerschristmastreefarm.com

3 miles west of Middleton off Airport Rd. Exit 250

Open Daily 8am - 5pm

OPENING

FRIDAY

NOVEMBER

2 7 TH

CAPAUL’S

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM & GIFT SHOP

Over 30 Years of Serving You Conveniently Located Between Madison & Waunakee

5895 River Road • Waunakee, WI • (608) 849-4276 or 849-5973 Open Monday - Friday 1-5 • Saturday & Sunday 8-5 Choose and Cut...

Fraser Fir up to 11’- $50.95 White & Scotch Pine up to 9’- $36.95 Pre-Cut Fraser Firs Only $55.95 Applicable sales tax on all sales.

Wreaths...

Hand decorated wreaths (assorted sizes) and fresh balsam garland

Gift Shop offers special and unique holiday gifts & ornaments.

www.capaulschristmastrees.com SPECIAL HOURS! 8 am - 5 pm Wed.Nov.25,Thurs.Nov.26,Fri.Nov.27

t our Come meeer, Reinde ! y Ivy & Holl

Register for Weekend Door Prizes.

FREE Tree cleaning, Complimentary Hot Cider baling & indoor showroom. will warm you up as you browse through our gift shop.

To receive updates on the farm.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER ANY TREE W/ THIS AD Coupon valid with cash or written check only.

Visit

Stoughton... during the Christmas Holidays OPEN

I 9-6 M-FR 9-4 SAT 0-4 1 SUN

YEAR ROUND

• Weber Grills • Bird Products • Seasonal Gifts • Badger & Packer Items

Great for

Holiday Gifts

STOUGHTONGARDENCENTER.COM 608-873-9602

Nordic Nook Scandinavian Gifts and Apparel

176 W. Main St., Stoughton, WI Phone: 1-608-877-0848

www.nordic-nook.com

Scandinavian Christmas Shop Now Open!

Sparkle & Shine

’Tis the Season to

139 E. Main Street – Stoughton, WI 608.873.3529 • www.ShopDiamondsDirect.com Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm • Sat 10am-2pm

• Custom Design / Full Service Jewelry/Repair • Paying Top Dollar for Your Unwanted Gold, Silver & Coins • Watch batteries ONLY $2.99

Holiday Events each Saturday in December!

Downtown Stoughton has Unique Gifts and a Great Atmosphere for Your Holiday Shopping • Art, Jewelry and Specialty Shops • Holiday Dresses and Norwegian Items • Home Goods, Sports Apparel and more!

Don’t Miss Stoughton’s Victorian Holiday Celebration Dec. 4,5,&6

Don’t miss Christmas in Paoli Afternoon on Saturday, December 5th Carolers, carriage rides, and St. Nicholas

6858 Paoli Rd., (Now located within The Artisan Gallery) 608-848-7477 • johnchristinedesigns.com Please call or check our web site for holiday hours.

This season treat yourself to a festive holiday dining & shopping experience at

Cool gifts for

CHICKEN LOVERS and their friends

Paintings, ceramics and jewelry by local artists. Books, toys, chicken coops and supplies too! www.cluckthechickenstore.com

Paoli, WI • 608-848-1200

6857 Paoli Rd, Paoli, WI 53508 Phone: (608) 848-6261 Website: paolischoolhouseshops.com Lunch ~ Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am–2:30pm Dinner ~ Thursday-Saturday beginning at 5:00pm Brunch/Lunch Sunday 10:00-2:30pm

For your shopping convenience our shop will be open every day in December

Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm & Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm

RETAILERS continued from page 11

For its part, Amazon, which has 50 U.S. warehouses that typically house millions of products, is building a facility in Kent, Washington, that will house 20 percent more items. Amazon also acquired the Boston-based robotics company Kiva in 2012 for $775 million. The robots pull shelves of goods out of storage areas and bring them to workers. Amazon now has more than 30,000 robots in 13 warehouses.

“We’re using software and algorithms to make decisions rather than people, which we think is more efficient and scales better and will be more accurate,” said Brian Olsavsky, Amazon’s chief financial officer.

Mike Koppel, Nordstrom’s chief financial officer, said, “You know our friends in Seattle (Amazon) continue to set the standard. In order to be an exemplar in that, you’re going to have to invest in that because that’s what people are going to expect.”

Other retailers also have built new warehouses to meet demand: • Home Depot opened its third and largest warehouse in September in Troy, Ohio, to handle online orders. Together, the warehouses will allow Home Depot to ship to 90 percent of shoppers within two days.

• Macy’s new facility, which recently opened in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will enable the retailer to send 90 percent of packages in central western states within two days. By year’s end, Macy’s says the chain will be able to deliver packages within two days overall, faster than its standard of three to six days.

• Target opened two new warehouses this year. It also is now shipping products from 462 of its 1,800 stores, up from 150 a year ago. Target said online shoppers are likely to receive deliveries within two days if the product is delivered from the store, compared with four days from the warehouse. Target also launched a program that enables it to tell shoppers a precise delivery date. That’s instead of offering a wide delivery window of, for example, four to six days.

• Nordstrom opened a third warehouse in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, to handle online orders. That will eventually allow the chain to deliver orders to half of its customers in two days.

gift guide

buy local

&

CREATIVE UNUSUALL A collection of creative and unusual gifts, cards and home accessories designed to match up with your unique needs and style.

2322 Atwood Ave. (608) 238-4331

TURKEYS, CHICKENS, AND ROASTS, OH MY! Order for the holidays now!

608.244.8600 1436 NORTHPORT DR jimsofmadison.com

JIM’S MEAT MARKET

an original Swiss settlement

New Glarus Hotel Restaurant

Setting the standard for Swiss Hospitality in southern Wisconsin for over 30 years‌

larus Visit New G for Holiday Shopping!

Savor • Sip • Shop

• Play • Stay

Discover the historic New Glarus Hotel, in the center of America’s “Little Switzerland!� The Hotel has long been a landmark known for its fine Swiss cuisine, Swiss atmosphere and entertainment.

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100 6th Ave, New Glarus WI 53574 (800) 727-9477 or (608) 527-5244

www.newglarushotel.com

Experience Switzerland close to home!

Modern convenience combined with Old World charm‌

Chalet Landhaus Inn Your perfect get away – a Swiss country chalet with all the modern conveniences you expect.

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Just 25 miles south of Madison, in scenic Green County, Wisconsin

www.chaletlandhaus.com

801 Hwy. 69, New Glarus, WI 53574 (800) 944-1716 or (608) 527-5234

Cheese andChocolate Haus

Home of Schocoladen Confections

New Glarus’ Finest Cheese & Chocolate Shop

554 1st St., New Glarus • 1.888.624.1234 • 608.527.2000 mapleleafcheeseandchocolatehaus.com • Open daily (Except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May thru December

Shop Local and Organic for the Holidays

Cow & Quince

Local Food Market & Eatery Breakfast Menu

Soups & Salads

Dinner Entrees

Variety of Local, Sustainably-Raised Meats

Organic Eggs & Produce

Cheese

Market & Gift Items

Open Thursday through Monday • 407 2nd Street, New Glarus • 608-527-2900 Check Facebook for Hours, Special Events, and Menu Items • www.facebook.com/cowandquince

www.swisstown.com • 800.527.6838 Just 25 miles south of Madison, in scenic Green County, Wisconsin

Big Fondue pot selection Raclette Grills • Heritage Lace Swiss Bells • Jewelry Much more

UniqueBoutique

The Finest In Ladies Fashions’ & Accessories Ask About In-House Parties

Mary Coppens 608-347-0899

www.shopswiss.com

(608) 527-2417 info@shopswiss.com

muniquebtq@yahoo.com

200 6th Ave New Glarus, WI 53574

523 First St., New Glarus, WI 53574

Polish Pottery ‘Tis the Season for Something Special

GIFTS

OF GREAT TASTE

are always in season!

Designed for Everyday Use Thousands of Items in Stock Now More Than You Can Imagine f i nd this and more at:

102 5th Ave, New Glarus, WI 608-527-4878 www.thebramblepatch.biz

526 1ST STREET, NEW GLARUS, WI 608.527.5858

So Much More than a kitchen store!

Page 40

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HOLIDAY idea book

■ SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

HOLIDAY idea book

Have Yourself a Selfie Little Christmas Step up their selfie game with one of these snap-it-yourself gifts

BY CARLEY LINTZ CTW FEATURES

G

ot a selfie queen or king in the family?

Treat them to the perfect gift for this holiday season: a selfie stick.

These extendable camera holders allow the user to get a wider shot, ideal for group photos or travelers looking to capture a picturesque background.

Price – they can range from around $15 to more than $100 – is just one factor to consider when shopping for a selfie stick.

It’s important to know what type of smartphone and/or camera it’s compatible with, the length of device and also how it takes the picture, such as via Bluetooth, an app or a camera timer. Here, six popular sticks that would please the selfie enthusiast in your life.

LOOQ DG ($20) This third-generation monopod is perfect for taking selfies anytime, anywhere. It works using

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 41

a continuously updating app and requires no battery, Wi-Fi connection or Bluetooth, making it super easy to use. It also comes in three colors: blue, green and pink. Extends from 8 inches to more than 40 inches. Compatible with most iOS/Android smartphones.

GOPRO 3-WAY ($70) Versatility is this extension pole’s specialty. The mount can be used in three ways: as a camera grip, extension arm or tripod, making it perfect for a wide range of dynamic footage. Waterproof, lightweight and extendable up to 20 inches, it’s the ideal adventure-travel companion. Compatible with all GoPro cameras.

QUIK POD SMARTPHONE SELFIE POLE ($30) From the inventor of the first modern selfie pole, the Quik Pod operates by using your phone’s built-in camera timer or with a downloadable app. It’s also waterproof and comes with a hiking clip, wrist strap, carry bag and tripod legs. Compatible with most iOS/ Android phones.

THUMBSUP CLICK STICK ($13) The Click Stick allows you to capture a group portrait that rivals Ellen’s Oscars selfie. Simply plug your smartphone into the headphone jack and get to clicking, no Bluetooth or batteries required. Extends to about 39 inches and is compatible with most iOS/Android phones; Android users must download an app.

POLARPRO POWERPOLE SELFIE STICK ($100) Durable, lightweight and splash resistant, the PowerPole is equipped to handle any adventure you take it on. Not only does the pole extend your camera’s reach up to 30 inches, the integrated battery – the first of its kind – allows you to film for up to 10 hours.

The PowerPole is compatible with all GoPro cameras.

CAMKIX EXTENDABLE SELFIE STICK ($15) Fill your Instagram feed with perfectly composed selfies with the simple and affordable CamKix selfie stick, which extends a full 40 inches. You also can buy a Bluetooth remote to make snapping photos even easier. Big phones be aware, though: The CamKix only is compatible with phones up to 3.25 inches wide. © CTW FEATURES

Page 42

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HOLIDAY idea book

■ SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

KIDS’ TOYS

WHAT’S NEW, WHAT’S AWESOME

In 2015, tech reigns supreme when it comes to kids’ gifts. But those looking to avoid gifting another ‘screen,’ these Internet-inspired, movie-driven, techinfluenced gifts will delight the imagination of any tiny techie

BY MATTHEW M.F. MILLER CTW FEATURES

T

oday’s kids are completely immersed in and obsessed with technology, and even the little ones on your shopping list might be anxious to get their hands on the a new iPhone or some sweet Beats headphones this holiday season. For the tried-and-true purist who can’t stomach the thought of buying a 6-year-old his first selfie stick, don’t fret.There is still plenty of room under the tree for everyone’s favorite gift-list item: toys!

Modern toys have adapted to the age in which we live. Many of 2015’s most coveted gifts have roots in a web series, video game, app or blockbuster movie, or they help kids explore the science of creating technology all on their own.

Rest easy. These can’t-miss gifts are sure to please the tech-savvy, Internet-fanatical kid in your life.

INTERNET REINVENTION For the uninitiated, Barbie is very in-vogue again due in large part to the wildly popular reality-TV-spoof web series (also streaming on Netflix), “Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse.” Hot this season are the newly remodeled DREAMHOUSE ($199) featuring three floors, seven rooms and a working elevator. Technology upgrades include “smart” accessories that light up, make sounds and even simulate motion. A flip-open

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 43

faux flat-screen TV allows you to insert a smartphone for Barbie to play videos. The Dreamhouse garage is a perfect place to park the BARBIE POP-UP CAMPER ($99), which features prominently in the series and transforms from a simple camper into a glamping must, replete with water slide and a front cab that converts into a bathroom. For a non-Barbie yet ultimately consumer-driven trend, check out Shopkins, a web-based pretend shopping world with mini-collectible plastic foods and household goods. SHOPKINS SMALL MART PLAYSET ($25) won the 2015 Girl Toy of the Year at the TOTY awards, and the So Cool Fridge Playset ($21) is a musthave for young girls.

“Ever After High” is another popular web series for young girls, and it explores the lives of the children of classic fairy tale characters as they seek out they attempt to write their own stories. Tied to the latest series, Ever After High Way Too Wonderland Dolls ($25 each) include finely coiffed and high-styled Apple White, Madeline Hatter, Briar Beauty, Kitty Cheshire and Lizzie Hearts, and the Ever After High Way Too Wonderland Raven Queen Playset ($55) includes a trifold display allowing kids to re-enact three different scenes from the web series.

Minecraft started as an open-world video game and is now looking to take over the real world. Tie-in merchandise is abundant, and at the top of the list is the MINECRAFT STOP-MOTION MOVIE CREATOR ($33), a mini Minecraft movie set that teaches kids how to make their own stop-action movies using reallife objects and a mobile app on their mobile device of choice. On the lower-tech end of the spectrum, Lego Minecraft The Ender Dragon ($70) includes 634 pieces, a mini-figure of Minecraft’s hero Steve, the Ender Dragon, dragon egg, crystals and more imagination opportunities than once thought humanly possible.

For the roleplay loving kid,

the Minecraft 2-in-1 Sword and Pickaxe ($30) is coveted. For a real-world, Minecraft-esque building experience, check out Qixels Design Creator ($17), which comes with templates to create pixelated characters using colorful cubes that fuse with water. continued on page 44

Page 44

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HOLIDAY idea book

■ SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

KIDS’ TOYS

continued from page 43

SCREEN TIME “Jurassic World” was the biggest movie of 2015, and the accompanying toy line offers any kid the opportunity to bring the multiplex excitement to life at home. The JURASSIC WORLD CHOMPING INDOMINUS REX FIGURE ($47), is a lifelike replica of the color-changing queen of destruction, complete with giant chomping jaw, massive tail and, yes, color-changing skin.

JURASSIC WORLD HERO MASHERS ULTIMATE TYRANNOSAURUS REX FIGURE ($20) allows kids to customize a T-Rex with interchangeable legs, heads, wings and more.

LEGO JURASSIC WORLD RAPTOR RAMPAGE BUILDING KIT ($80) gives kids the opportunity to re-enact the movie’s pulse-pounding final scene and includes the mobile research unit, a mini Owen figure (the character played by Chris Pratt) and two Velociraptors.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” was a close second at the box office but No. 1 one on retailer shelves thanks in large part to the sheer number of superheroes packed into one film. The Avengers HQ Captain America Tower Defense Set ($22), Iron Man Lab Attack Set ($22) and HQ Hulk Buster Breakout Set ($22) are available separately, but

connect into ONE MASSIVE, IMPRESSIVE PLAY TOWER. The Captain America Star Launch Shield ($22) allows kids to pull a ripcord and launch shield discs from the center of the star.

Iron Man Arc FX Armor ($22) is a set of gloves that power up, power down and produce motion-activated battle sounds.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ Page 45

costumes and, most importantly, THE DOLLS ($20 EACH, IF YOU CAN FIND THEM); Mal (daughter of Maleficent), Evie (daughter of the Evil Queen from Snow White), Audrey (daughter of Aurora), Jane (daughter of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother) and Lonnie (daughter of Mulan).

Little “Minions” fans will delight in the PLAY-DOH DESPICABLE ME MINIONS STAMP AND ROLL SET ($7), which turns the classic yellow canisters into Minions on unicycles. “The Spongebob SquarePants Movie: Sponge Out of Water” was a surprise hit, and the Mega Blocks SpongeBob SquarePants Bad Neighbors Playset ($45) includes a buildable pineapple under the sea, as well as the house of his crabby neighbor and nemesis, Squidward. And just in case you thought you’d get off easy this year, “Frozen” remains wildly popular. Anna and Elsa’s Musical Bicycle ($35) includes two 12-inch dolls, a tandem bicycle, Olaf figure and, of course, they play “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” at the press of a button.

“DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS” came out of nowhere to be the smash TV-movie success of the summer, and leave it to Disney to be prepared for such success. Tie-in toys are already hard to come by, as kids rush to get their hands on backpacks, underwear, hair chalk,

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