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AN EDITION OF F THE PROGRESS-INDEX
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Gift Guide HOLIDAY 2014
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Little surprises
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By Melissa Erickson | More Content Now
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he big gifts may get all the attention, but the small treasures are just as heartfelt. Check out these sweet yet petite stocking stuffers sure to grab more than their share of attention on Christmas morning.
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Vintage-Inspired Elf Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
■ Fitting
Urban Outfitters, urbanoutfitters.com With their oversized ears and cheeky facial expressions, these charming red and green salt and pepper shakers will be a delightful addition to the holiday table. Complete with a decorative gift box, they’re ready to add to your favorite’s stocking. $16
Developed by leathercrafters with over 30 years of experience, Fitting tassels are made at Soft Star Shoes in Oregon. Each tassel is handcrafted from full grain leather and fitted with fine hardware for an ornament that is both refined and practical. The finished tassel clips easily onto keys, purses, belt loops and all forms of jewelry. Starting at $35
■ Digital Luci Dog Print Socks
■ Rose
TopShop, us.topshop.com
Forever 21, forever21.com
This pup is ready for the party. Fun and practical, these ankle socks are adorned with a digital print featuring Luci the dog, the winning entry from the Topshop Pet Sock Star competition. $6
Cute and flirty, this twirly skater skirt features a bold, oversized rose print and a comfy elasticized waist. The price is right for this adorable skirt that’s casual enough for day but can be glammed up for a party. $8
Soft Star, softstarshoes.com
URBAN OUTFITTERS
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Tassels
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 | Holiday Gift Guide
Print Skater Skirt
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■ Bottle
Opener Key chain
Resource Revival, resourcerevival.com A mini edition of Resource Revival’s best-selling Bike Chain Bottle Opener – with one sweet extra: it’s a keychain. The recycled bike chain handle’s movable joints keep hands amused. The 3-inchlong key chains are handmade in Oregon and available in six color options. $9
ONLINE progress-index.com The Gift Guide is created by GateHouse Media LLC, the Progress-Index’s parent company, and is distributed with various GateHouse papers across the country. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication. Cover photo: Courtesy photo ©2014 GATEHOUSE MEDIA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
TECH
On the
Tech for those on the move By Melissa Erickson | More Content Now
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■ JVC HA-S400 Carbon Nanotubes headphones
JVC, amazon.com With Beats By Dre headphones still flying off the shelves this holiday season, budget-savvy consumers may opt for something different: seriously cheaper yet still good quality headphones for under $30. JVC’s HA-S400 Carbon Nanotubes headphones pack a big bang for your buck and are perfect for times when you don’t want to tote along your highend cans. They’re reliable, comfortable, fold up and lie flat (but don’t include a carry case) and sound much more expensive than they are. These headphones are the exception to the saying “you get what you pay for.” $26
A
re you shopping for a gadget-obsessed friend or family member? Here are some tech favorites that will appeal to the music, computer, fitness and selfie lovers on your list. ■ Jawbone
Up24 Fitness
Tracker Jawbone, jawbone.com Not only does this fitness tracker monitor your steps and your sleep, it can also give the wearer a little nudge to get up and moving when you’ve missed a few days. There’s a vibrating alarm clock, diet monitoring through a convenient app and a “Today I Will” feature, which asks you to commit to doing one healthy thing each day. Its open platform also allows other apps to take advantage of its data, and you can even set it up with in-home technology like the Nest to have your house respond to when you’re going to sleep or waking up. Available in a wide range of colors, the Jawbone Up24 bracelet is a well-designed and accurate fitness tracker. $129 ■ 2nd Gen Astro 6400mAh Portable External Battery Charger with PowerIQ Technology
Anker, amazon.com Don’t lose power again. This is a great choice for business people, students and travelers who have to rely on a smartphone or tablet for long periods of time without the ability to get to an AC power source to recharge. Beautifully packaged in a black rubberized case, this powerful battery pack delivers the fastest possible charge speed up to 2 amps. Its super capacity charges the iPad mini once, the Galaxy S5 over one
and a half times, the iPhone 5s almost three times and other smartphones multiple times. $25.99 ■ Dash
7 travel speaker
Soundmatters, amazon.com Sleek and sexy in white, red or black, the Dash 7 is an amazing travel speaker that packs superior sound quality into an ultra-flat soundbar/ speakerphone. It’s only ¾-inch wide and weighs 7.1 ounces. This wireless, pocket-portable Bluetooth speaker will turn your tablet, smartphone or laptop into a personal amphitheater. It nests in front of a tablet without blocking the screen for a full movie experience or provides omnidirectional sound anywhere. $199 ■ iStabilizer Monopod and Shutter Remote Bundle
iStabilizer, istabilizer.com A great holiday gift for self-possessed teens and adults for us on social media, the iStabilizer Monopod and Shutter Remote Bundle is the perfect selfie creator. The patentpending iStabilizer Monopod and Bluetooth Shutter Remote captures photo and video selfies and group shots that fit everyone in without cutting off heads, extreme close-ups, facial distortions/warping, awkward positions or missing photographer — never leave yourself out of a family photo again. $59.95
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The Progress-Index www.progress-index.com Holiday Gift Guide | Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014
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FOODIE GIFTS
Delectable edibles Everyone likes gifts they can eat By Melissa Erickson | More Content Now
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he holidays are a foodie’s favorite. It’s the time of year to indulge in delicious foods — some filled with nostalgia and tradition and others just so rich and over-the-top you must try them. Since most people love a gift they can eat, here are a few delectable edibles: ■
Holiday Star Celebration
Edible Arrangements, ediblearrangements.com A beautiful winter fruit bouquet that’s sure to be the star of your holiday party. The Holiday Star Celebration features star-shaped pineapple dipped in semi-sweet chocolate, and is filled with a variety of fresh fruit favorites. Plus, half the included strawberries are dipped in semi-sweet chocolate. Three sizes starting at $63 ■
Celebration Gift Basket
iGourmet, igourmet.com Specialty food store iGourmet produces incredible gift baskets filled with artisanal delicacies from around the globe. The Celebration Gift Basket includes Amaretti di Saronno, the Italian almond cookies; Vanilla Buttercream Pecans; a sampling of Ecrin premium French chocolate, ganache and praline; Petits Tresors, chocolatedipped butter shortbread cookies with fruit and spices from France; traditional Swiss Tiger Fondue, which blends Emmental, Gruyere, white wine, Kirsch brandy and special spices; Grissini con Olio d’Olivia Italian breadsticks; and Rieme’s Sparkling French Limonade. All is assembled in an Earthfriendly woven basket with ribbon. $59 ■
Oh Christmas Tree Whoopie Pies
Dean & DeLuca, deandeluca.com Nothing evokes the holiday spirit like a Christmas tree, and nothing evokes an appetite like a rich, chocolatey Dean & DeLuca whoopie pie
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with a sweet, creamy filling. For extra holiday sparkle and crunch, a packet of crushed peppermint candy comes packed inside each box of 12 gourmet whoopie pies with which you can adorn your tree. $72 ■
Almost as Good as Grandma’s Gift Basket
Zingerman’s, Zingermans.com One of Zingerman’s most popular baskets, Almost as Good as Grandma’s includes a selection of some of the best baked goods made by Zingerman’s Bakehouse, presented in a wooden box emblazoned with the Zingerman’s name. The $75 deluxe size includes Cinnamon Raisin Bread, Zingerman’s Magic Brownie and Black Magic Brownie, Dried Currant Scone and Lemon Scone, Funky Chunky Chocolate Cookie, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Triple Chocolate Cookie, Ginger JumpUp Cookie, Italian Honey and English Preserves. Two sizes starting at $75 ■
Jack Stack BBQ
Goldbely, Goldbely.com Goldbely sources delicious, regional food from local providers, and ships it across the country. For example, you can order Chicago-style deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s or cheesesteak sandwiches from Jim’s Steak in Philadelphia. For a taste of legendary barbecue, pick the Burnt End Combo from Jack Stack BBQ of Kansas City, Missouri, for premium brisket and pork shoulder, double smoked in hickory-fired ovens and cross-cut into bite-sized pieces. Includes a pint each of real Hickory Pit Beans and Cheesy Corn Bake. Packages start at $69.95
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 | Holiday Gift Guide
IGOURMET
SPLURGES
Live it up LO & SONS
When you’re ready to splurge, do it here By Melissa Erickson | More Content Now
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ife’s little luxuries are worth the splurge. For the impeccably stylish tastemaker on your list, here are a few finds that won’t disappoint.
O.G. Bag
Lo & Sons, loandsons.com There’s a reason celebrities look so effortless when strolling through the airport: The right accessories make all the difference. The O.G. overnight and gym bag from Lo & Sons is incredibly well-designed and fits securely over the handle of a rolling suitcase. It’s stylish and lightweight, yet super durable and expertly sized for an overhead bin and a weekend away. $275 ■
Lucid Drop Earrings
Lulu Frost, lulufrost.com These earrings feature a moody combination of matte black plating, crystals and oceanic-colored glass stones that touch on themes of clairvoyance and purity. Measuring 2.75 inches — don’t worry, they’re lightweight — they’re an eye-catching choice to wear with a patterned or solid outfit. $295 ■
Swarovski Crystal Wireless Mice
Goldgenie, goldgenie.com Add some wireless bling with Goldgenie’s lavish Swarovski Crystal computer mouse. Ergonomically designed for ease of comfort, this compact car mouse features the world’s smallest 19-mm USB
receiver, even smaller than a coin. With the 2.4 GHz digital receiver, your mouse is ready to use but possesses an automatic save function to conserve battery power. Available in red, blue, black or silver, its trunk can be opened and used to store batteries or the included USB receiver. $540 ■
GOLD GENIE
Turnbull & Asser Shirt
mrporter.com London shirt maker Turnbull & Asser was established in 1885 and has been supplying illustrious figures both real and fictional over its history, from Sir Winston Churchill to James Bond. Its men’s shirts are made in England to the highest standards. This micro-check style features all of the emblems of the esteemed brand: fine cotton, an elegantly slim fit, structured collars and cuffs and mother-of-pearl buttons. $365 ■
Top Hat Champagne Cooler
Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com You’ll be putting on the ritz when you add this unique wine cooler to your entertainment serveware. It makes an ideal gift for those who love to entertain. Handcrafted of aluminum alloy with 24-karat goldplated finish. $189 Holiday Gift Guide | Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014
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CUSTOMIZABLE GIFTS
Just for you Can’t find the perfect gift? Create it By Melissa Erickson | More Content Now
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e don’t live in a one-size-fits-all world. Sometimes the perfect gift can’t be found right off the shelf or a click away. If you’re looking for something truly special, check out these gifts that can be personalized to make them even more unique. ■
Fragrance Combining
Jo Malone, jomalone.com Fragrance is a personal statement, and while every Jo Malone cologne is stunning alone, each is designed to be layered for truly individual effects. Freshen a rich floral with a citrus zing. Add spice for a warm allure. Create a signature scent. Starting at $120 ■
Aluminum Wall Panel
Snapfish, snapfish.com Make a bold, beautiful statement with Snapfish’s new aluminum wall panels that will give a much-loved photo a stunning metallic look. The colors are muted printing on aluminum, yet the effect is brilliant. This lightweight panel includes an attached wall-mount piece that allows it to sit away from the wall, creating a lovely floating effect. Works best with black and white shots and photos with lots of contrast. Starting at $45.99 ■
Family Tree Platter
Rust Designs, rustdesigns.com A fun family gift, this 12-inch platter makes a wonderful gift for the grandparents who have everything. It features the names of the founding grandparents along with up to four families and their children’s names. Rust Designs also offers customized porcelain plates, mugs and other serveware such as the Birch Dinner Plate that features a very green way to carve your initials into a tree. $60
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Lauren Suede Wrap Monogram Bracelet
Jenny Present, jennypresent.com Preppy meets punk with this adorable wrap bracelet with that’s completely adjustable. Available in pink, black, denim, brown or red, wrap the microfiber suede around your wrist as many times as you like and simply tie — your inner fashionista will come alive. The sterling silver hand-stamped pendant can include a monogram with either a large center initial or three smaller same-size initials. The hand stamped characters are oxidized (blackened) and polished. $68 ■
Personalized North Pole Family Of 6 Ornament
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, bronners.com Originator Walter Bronner began hand-painting personalized ornaments for staff members’ children in the 1960s, starting a tradition that continues today. Celebrate your family this holiday season with a personalized North Pole family ornament crafted of resin and painted with vibrant glazes and accents of shimmering red glitter. Comes ready to hang with a red ribbon, this 4½-inch keepsake can be personalized with a black paint pen by one of Bronner’s artists at no additional charge. $12.95
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 | Holiday Gift Guide
RUST DESIGNS
TOYS
PLAY TIME! Hot toys for the holidays By Melissa Erickson | More Content Now
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oy-buying is fun as long as you can get your hands on the season’s most sought-after playthings. Some of this holiday’s must-have items are movie-based toys that show that Hollywood’s hits have a deep influence on what kids will be playing with in 2015. Here are a few sure-to-be top sellers: ■
Disney “Frozen” Snow Glow Elsa Doll
Jakks Pacific, walmart.com Toy-buyers won’t be letting go this holiday season as they reach for Snow Glow Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen.” With a touch of her magical snowflake necklace, Elsa speaks and sings her signature song (featuring the voice of Idina Menzel) and her dress becomes a flurry of lights. The perfect gift for your favorite toddler, who can sing along with her or re-enact “Frozen” tales. $34.99 ■
Lego Fusion Town Master
Lego, toyrus.com The fun of building goes virtual with Lego’s new Fusion, which is aimed at kids 7-12 and available in three sets: Town Master, Battle Towers and Room Designer. In Town Master kids can build stores, fire stations, pizza places and more, then use a phone or tablet to take a digital picture, import it into the companion game and watch it come to life. Then they’ll need to keep building to keep residents of the town happy, complete missions and play mini-games as they pop up around the town. $34.99 ■
Disney’s Infinity Marvel Super Heroes 2.0 Starter Pack
Disney, amazon.com The Marvel-themed sequel to Disney Infinity includes three action figures from “Guardians of the Galaxy” and other popular Marvel Comics films, and a cartoony-style video game
that’s aimed at younger players. Place the chip-enabled action figure on a special base attached to a gaming console and the character becomes part of the on-screen action. Played alone or with a friend in the same room, it also supports four-player online play with short, combat adventures. Be prepared to buy add-on sets for future play. $74.96
TOYS R US
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H107L X4 Mini RTF RC Quadcopter
Hubsan, amazon.com This ready-to-fly drone is for the bigger kids or the fun-loving adults on your list. Be ready to be awed by its performance ability. It’s fast, nimble and goes really high. The X4 features a durable one-piece mainframe body, precision six-axle gyro, a four channel 2.4-ghz remote control and LED lights for night flying. Just be sure to fly responsibly! $39.88 ■
Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile Clinic Just Play, walmart.com Encouraging imaginative play and creative storytelling for ages 3 and up, the Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile Cart gives kids everything they need to provide on-the-go care. Kids can let friends know they’re in a hurry with the motion-activated siren that lights up and plays the Doc Mobile song. Future doctors can use the light and sound EKG, otoscope and thermometer to give on-site checkups and fix boo-boos with the bandage sticker dispenser. $44.99 Holiday Gift Guide | Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014
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