Holiday Gift Guide - 2010

HOLIDAY GIFT

Holidays 2010

Green to GO!

Secrets of the

Wrap How to give the season’s best packages

10 Top… – DVDs with Oscar cred – Award-winning childrens’books – Board games you know, sorta

Shopping for eco movers and shakers

Gifts for Kids Bright ideas for all ages

Vamp It Up Is there a ‘Twi’-hard in your life?

Just a Little Something For Him, For Her « Wrap artist Wanda Wen, Soolip

Everything you need to keep

your holidays

in tune.

Everything for your Musician Huge Selection of Accessories Strings (Bass & Guitar) Cables (Guitars, Microphones, Speakers…) & Amps

Serving Middle Georgia for over 47 years Guitars • Amps • Band Instruments

We 5pc.

Acoustic/ also offer: Drum Sets Electric Guitar Banjo Packs starting at Pack with case

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Holiday Gift Guide

2010

When it comes to the perfect gifts, Santa always gets it right. The rest of us – Are they sleeping? Are they awake? Have they been good? Bad? – struggle. Help is in your hands.

In this year’s gift guide you’ll find plenty of inspired ideas, with many more in stores right around the corner. So for goodness’ sake, get reading and get going. Time is short. And smarty-pants is coming to town.

Secrets of the Wrap Stars Sticks and stones?

Three of today’s most talented wrappers talk about their signature styles and share fresh ideas to help even the notso-crafty gifter look brilliant.

Good and Green… to Go! The movers and shakers in your life will appreciate a gift that’s easy on the environment and looks great on the go.

Kids’ Gifts: Old-Fashioned Fun Gifts for children take a decidedly old-school turn.

Get Personal

BIBB MUSIC 317 Cotton Ave. • Macon, GA (478) 746-3232 • 800-235-5768 www.bibbmusiccenter.com

A gift for someone special calls for, well something special.

Seasonal Indulgences Go ahead – you know you want to!

Shop in the Fast Lane When the one you love loves a car or truck, a certain gift-giving focus is called for.

The Lists: 10 Top DVDs: 2010’s Oscarwinning movies and finalists 10 Top Books: Distinguished and new for children 10 Top Board Games: Let the matchups begin!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010

Affordable

Indulgence When it comes to thoughtful gifting, luxury is in the hands of the receiver

Color-matched to his favorite car: Bianci Pro Racing watches

Handpainted bracelets by Angela Moore

BY JESSICA ROYER OCKEN

CTW Features For years,the unusual “fantasy”gifts offered in the Neiman-Marcus

INTRODUCING

ew...

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010 with Elton John (2005,$1.5 million).A Dallas Cowboys end zone in your backyard (2008,$500,000).

Even with the economic swoon, the over-the-top tradition continues.

And if few of us can afford to bestow a customizable cupcake car upon our beloved (2009,$25,000), we can afford the small indulgence.

For those willing to invest some time to search,the options are virtually endless.

Of course,it’s not the amount of money you spend that makes a gift luxurious and indulgent – it’s how the gift makes the recipient feel.

The best gifts make someone feel appreciated and pampered,says Leah Ingram,author and founder of

giftsandetiquette.com.“The biggest headache people create for themselves is being acutely aware of how much someone else spends and feeling they have to match them dollar for dollar,” says Ingram.

“Spend what’s comfortable for you.”

Do a little sleuthing as you shop and you can find items that ooze indulgence in a way that belies their modest price tags.Spending wisely does not mean you’re a cheapskate.After all,when Santa makes a list,even he checks it twice.That’s a technique smart shoppers will put to good use this year.

“Holiday shopping is a lot like food shopping,” says Ingram.“Make

Fabulous faux: a fuzzy throw with pom-poms, Pier 1

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010 a list,categorize what you’ll buy and see if there are discounts or coupons,” she suggests.If you have a credit card or store card that offers rewards points,stockpile them and use them to supplement your budget for holiday gifts.“Maybe you received gift cards last year you haven’t used,” adds Ingram.“I’m not saying re-gift them,but you can use them to offset your spending when doing this year’s holiday shopping.

That’s your money,” she says.“Spend it!”

A sumptuous throw in buttery velvet or fabulous,fuzzy faux fur, suitable for just about anyone on your list,will elicit a gasp at first touch.A kicky zebra-print blanket or a rich,red throw trimmed with exuberant pom-poms would bring haute holiday cheer to the couch or work just as well in the car.($45, Pier 1).

Organic and fair trade have been shopping buzz words for some time now,and although they often indicate higher cost (for a good cause!), that’s not always the case.Maggie’s Organics fair-trade certified organic cotton garments will impress the

Fair trade and comfy: an organic cotton hoodie from Maggie’s Organics

eco-minded ladies on your list without nuking your pocket.Maggie’s hoodies and wraps are soft and slouchy with fashion-forward details that give them life beyond the yoga studio ($20 and up,specialty stores; see maggiesorganics.com for retailers) .

Accessories are among the ultimate luxuries.Here,it’s possible to live large while spending relatively little to delight your loved ones.A nice watch,much like a nice car, catches many a masculine eye.

Roberto Bianci lets you have a little fun with the new Pro Racing series: impeccable Swiss chronograph watches inspired by the mechanics and color palettes of fine automobiles.Select the one that best matches his ride – or the wheels he covets (from $330,department stores and bianciwatches.com).Quirky handpainted bead bracelets from Angela Moore celebrate the season,pets, animal prints or even sushi in a chic,conversation-starting way ($50-$60,specialty stores).

Ornaments,the accessories of the season,are another great way to bestow an elegant,indulgent gift without emptying your wallet.For right around $10,choose something rich with glamorous details,like feathery clip-on peacocks,or a bauble that complements the personality of your hostess or officemate.Handblown,handpainted beauties by Angela Moore come packaged in a clear box,no wrapping required ($12,specialty stores).

An ornament alone makes an engaging smaller gift,or select a stunning decoration as the starting point for a collection.One way to create a seemingly extravagant gift is to choose a theme,then select several smaller,less-expensive items you can package together,explains gift guru Ingram.Indulge their inner child with a stack of col-

orful boxes to unwrap or an overflowing basket of fun.Whether it’s coffee or cocktails,cooking or gardening,the spa or the beach,thematic possibilities are endless,and you can supplement with some edible treats if you’re so inclined.Holiday goodies are a luxury nearly everyone is thrilled to receive.

Qi doesn’t deal in fantasy gifts (solar-powered,diamond-encrusted socks,anyone?) but it does offer a lovely assortment of indulgent cashmere:luxurious hats and gloves and soft,sassy sweaters for less than you might expect ($50 for gloves,cardigans $130 and up, specialty stores;see qinewyork.com for retailers).

So start your list,compile your gift cards,and shop assured.This holiday, luxury lives! © CTW Features Handpainted Christmas ornaments

by Angela Moore

Greensboro Jewelers Downtown Greensboro www.greensborojewelersga.com 706-453-9222

INDEPENDENT JEWELERS ORGANIZATION

U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,507 • © • All rights reserved • PANDORA-JEWELRY.COM

Give the gift of fitness this Christmas Ever heard that old cliché, ‘don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today’? Well it couldn’t apply better than to starting a fitness program this time of year. So many people are already thinking about that number one new year’s resolution of losing weight and getting fit in 2011. You say to yourself, with the months ahead there are so many parties, big family meals, and holiday treats there is no reason to start anything now. You couldn’t be more wrong!

How about this statement, ‘for every action there is an equal and

opposite reaction’. If my action is overeating then let my reaction be exercise instead of 10 extra pounds.

Getting a jump start on your fitness program with the holidays approaching is the best decision you could ever make. We all know that we will overdo it during this season and be less conscious of both what and how much we eat. This is why, starting exercise now is so important to counter some of the bad behavior to come.

First of all common sense tells us that by working out we will burn off many of those extra calories we take

in.

Secondly, we begin to increase our metabolism which enables our bodies to burn more calories and work on that extra body fat 24/7.

The third thing is when we start exercising we also tend to become a little more conscious of our health in general. This in turn makes us think more about how we eat.

Now I’m not saying you will drastically change your lifestyle just in time for the holidays, but what I am saying is that you may eat 2 cookies and not 5, or may go back for just a small amount of seconds instead of a full plate. Small subtle changes can go a long way in helping to navigate the months ahead of us. Either go check out your local gym or if you can’t make the time, set up a small workout area at home and exercise on your schedule.

In any case, get started today! In summary it is very simple, there is no down side and a big upside. Start a fitness program today and enjoy the season with just a small amount of moderation then guess what – on January 1st you will be healthier and more fit than you are today and maybe even a pound or two lighter.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010

Gifts for

Gear Heads From a full-blown electric vehicle to a set of spark-plug cufflinks, auto enthusiasts will get a charge out of these car-crazy gifts

BY JIM GORZELANY CTW Features Auto aficionados tend to be a breed apart from mere motorists.

No,motor oil does not course through their veins,but their interest in all things vehicular runs much deeper than that of the aver-

age driver.

Tracking down gifts for a carloving friend or relative can be a lot of fun.There are more nicely designed,imaginative products more widely available – from auto shops and tech stores to the finest jewelry counters in town.Here’s a look at a few gifts guaranteed to

make their hearts race this holiday season.

The ultimate high-tech auto gizmo of the season has to be an electric car, like the stylishly aerodynamic Nissan Leaf.Delivering true “plug and play” operation with zero emissions,the Leaf promises as much as a 100-mile range on a charge.It includes Internet and smart phone connectivity and a navigation system that can show the location of nearby charging stations ($32,780,select markets in December).

A less costly gift for environmentally conscious auto buffs is the nifty car care kit from Green Earth Tech-

Hands-free chat using an iPhone via the Belkin Tunebase

nologies.It consists of five ecofriendly products made from plant oils:organic glass cleaner,brake dust shield,hydrophobic car wash,tire shine and wheel cleaner ($20,auto, hardware and big box stores; getg.com).Motorists who want to maintain the showroom shine of their rides also will appreciate Meguiar’s complete care gift kit ($20,auto and hardware stores;

the kitchen store & more at oconee interiors in the Village at Harmony Crossing, Hwy 44 (Lake Oconee Parkway), Eatonton, Ga. • 706-484-0303

Blowout Black Friday~November 26

Open 8:00 AM-6:00 PM

STOREWIDE SALE Many items 30%-70% OFF! Check out our website: www.oconeeinteriors.com use the link to view our exciting Fall Catalog and online shopping!

OPEN HOUSE~First Friday,December 3 TRUNK SHOW

WINE TASTING

We are hosting a Trunk Show featuring Tena Z. Payne of Earthborn Studios!

Complementary wine tasting event from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Don’t miss this event showcasing the magnificent, sturdy, oven proof & microwavable pottery that is used in dozens of America’s finest restaurants.

Fantastic Sales All Day! If we didn’t move it on Black Friday, we will be looking to make deals!

The Kitchen Store & More is teaming up with the Oconee Cellar for this event.

At least 20% off every item in store!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010 meguiars.com) Why not give an exotic sports car for a pittance? Upgrade his or her computer mouse with a racier model – a Porsche 911,to be exact.

The Motormouse is a 2.4g wireless mouse that’s a strikingly detailed replica of the iconic coupe ($50, motormouse.us.com).

Another gift sure to appeal to enthusiasts who can’t yet afford their dream cars is the Soundracer, which can make even an old beater at least sound like a Ferrari.The device plugs into a 12-volt power point and replicates the roar of a sports car engine through the car’s audio system via a built in FM transmitter.Soundracer works in perfect sync with the vehicle’s actual accel-

erations and decelerations ($40, auto accessory retailers,soundracer.se.)

Those who like to – literally – wear their affection for autos on their sleeves will enjoy a pair of carthemed cufflinks:charming miniature shift knobs,tires,spark plugs, dashboard gauges,headlamps and road signs ($45 to $425,department stores and cufflinks.com).

Leading the race to build a better travel mug is the aptly named Brugo,designed to eliminate spills and scalded lips.A “tip and cool” mode allows users to transfer small amounts of too-hot take-out beverages to a temperature-controlled chamber,where it cools down a gulp at a time ($15 to $20,coffee

shops and specialty stores;brugomug.com) Making driving safer and more convenient is the Belkin Tunebase with Hands-Free,which allows iPhone owners to conduct handsfree conversations through their car stereo systems.The “Direct”version ($70) connects through an auxiliary audio input jack (found on later model cars),while the “FM”model ($100) transmits to an unused FM radio station.It also streams music stored on an iPhone and allows users to charge up to two mobile devices while en route (electronics retailers;belkin.com) Another hands-free calling adapter – this one using Bluetooth wireless connectivity – serves as a

e

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speaker phone,a personal safety device and a wireless “leash”to prevent motorists from losing their cell phones.ZOMM attaches to a keychain and will flash,vibrate and even sound an alarm if an owner walks away from his or her phone ($80,Best Buy;zomm.com).

Speed enthusiasts can document and share their vehicular adventures thanks to the GoPro HD Motorsports HERO camera.It mounts to a helmet or dashboard and records first-person high-definition video or a succession of still photos.It can store up to nine hours of footage on a 32GB SD memory card (not included).($300,auto supply retailers;www.goprocamera.com) © CTW Features

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010

ECOWISE GIFTS HIT THE ROAD

Good & Green To Go

BY ANNA SACHSE CTW Features Conserving resources,eating organic,using non-toxic cleaning products and recycling everything humanly possible – it’s 2010 and it seems like every household has gone green.The next step? Taking the eco-friendly lifestyle on the road – literally.From stylish bags,outer-

wear and outdoor dining accoutrements,to sun care,portable toys and transportation devices,this holiday season there’s something truly useful to please all the busy environmentalists on your list.Get ready to take green into the next decade.

People Movers Help your favorite guy,gal or techie

Now you see it… now you see just half: the Dahon Ios XL folding bicycle

teen go green and get fit with a folding bicycle.Perfect for commuters, these ultra-flexible peddlers have all the economical,ecological and health benefits of a standard bike and they’re easier to store or trans-

port via car,train or plane.New this summer,the full-size Dahon Ios XL ($1,499 at bike shops) has 24-inch wheels,an eight-speed Shimano Alfine hub,hydraulic disc brakes and puncture-resistant tires.The Ios

116 Highway 49 • 478-452-9339 M-F 8 am - 6 pm Sat. 8 am - 2 pm

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Bird Feeders Unique Stocking Stuffers Knives Swarovski Crystals Roasted & Raw Peanuts House Tack & Pet Supplies Hours: M-F 8-6 • Sat 8-2 Closed Sunday

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1891 North Columbia Street, Suite 109 Milledgeville, Ga~31061

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Across from BoJo’s Restaurant

Georgia RV Depot

1 mile south of Lake Sinclair on U.S. 441

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010 weighs about 33 pounds and takes just 15 seconds to fold down to less than half its original dimension.A dynamo in the front hub uses pedalgenerated energy to juice up a battery that powers an LED headlamp and can even charge a phone,iPod or GPS. Bike Friday,based in bicycleobsessed Eugene,Ore.,also produces high-end folding bikes, including a wide range of built-toorder models (from $898 at bike shops) If your gift-ee isn’t a serious gear head,Kent,Schwinn,Polaris and F-160 make simpler folding bicycles with smaller wheels and fewer speeds (from $150 at major retailers).

And what if your list also includes a little squirt who yearns for their

own two-wheeler? Made from sustainable birch wood and non-toxic varnish,the award-winning pedalfree Skuut ($90 at sporting goods and toy stores) is perfect for tykes between two and five years old.Riders kick off the ground as if running, thus gliding or“skuuting”themselves forward and learning balance and coordination.There’s a new metal version available,with adjustable handlebars,hand brake and bell.

Outside Eaters Your loved ones can always dine alfresco with a picnic basket made from sustainable materials like bamboo or rattan wicker.Opt for a classic hand-woven willow Picnic Plus eco picnic basket for two and you’ll

also get recycled boxsal.com).Each glass wine glassreusable and recyclaes,natural cotton ble box comes with a napkins,and bamcompostable trash boo plates,flatware, bag and four sets of cutting board and compostable corncheese knife,all starch cups,trays, packed in a chemicalbowls and utensils. free cotton insulated Even with a cardboard lining ($109.99 at handle it can carry more sporting goods stores). than 20 pounds.ConsidIf you’re more er pairing a picnic box inclined toward ecogift with a luscious bottle chic,it’s tough to beat of Amity Vineyards’2007 the all-new cardboard Eco-Wine Willamette ValEating green: reusable bamboo (yes,cardboard!) Boxsal ley Pinot Noir.No synthetplace setting from To-Go Ware packed in a recycled plastic holder Picnic Boxes.The ic sulfites are added during three graphic styles were inspired processing,making it one of the by a boom box,a briefcase and few truly organic wines to be procolor-by-numbers paintings ($35 duced in the U.S.($20 at wine at specialty stores and shops).

Give the Holiday Gifts that last

Battery Powered Deere Toys

Miscellaneous John Deere toys

Outdoor John Deere toys by Erty!

Pedal Power John Deere toys

Bikes and Trikes

SOUTHSIDE EQUIPMENT 478-452-5523 • 140 E. ANDREWS • MILLEDGEVILLE, GA

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010 To-Go Ware RePEat bamboo utensils will reduce your forkprint.The reusable place setting (bamboo fork, knife, spoon and chopstick), rolled in a handy utensil holder made from plastic bags ($11.95, upscale gourmet stores and groceries, outdoor retailers), would make a perfect stocking stuffer.

Hi-TechTotes You’d be hard-pressed to find someone on your list who couldn’t use one of the latest green bags.

Active women will love the Sherpani carryall collections,which feature clean silhouettes and fresh feminine designs,and are made with 67-percent recycled nylon,alu-

minum hardware and non-toxic dyes.Depending on her needs,consider the new Tupelo cycling backpack with hydration ($55.95),the uni-sex Rumba child backpack carrier ($229.95),or the Meridian expandable upright wheeled carryon luggage,which is small enough to use as a carry-on when zippered,but expands to offer more room for long car trips ($199.95, see sherpani.com for a list of retailers nationwide).

Modern men might like the decidedly un-lunch-box-looking GreenSmart Sifaka dual-compartment insulated lunch bag made of Neogreene,an eco-friendly and non-toxic water-based alternative to neoprene ($29.95 at mass mer-

chants).Or maybe he’d prefer REI’s new Quantum laptop messenger bag ($74.50),part of the outdoor chain’s ecoSensitive line (see rei.com for locations).Made from recycled PET,each durable, multipurpose satchel liberates 34 16-ounce plastic bottles from the trash.And,of course,it has a plethora of pockets for transporting all his adventure-friendly gizmos – perhaps an Eton Solarlink FR600 American Red Cross Digital AM/FM/shortwave/NOAA and S.A.M.E.Weather Radio ($80,outdoor stores) with flashlight,siren, alarm clock,cell phone charger and four different power sources, including hand crank and solar power!

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located in the Village at Harmony Crossing - Eatonton, GA 706.485.5777 • spapatio@plantationcable.net

Stylin’ in the great outdoors: Rumba child backpack carrier; REI recycled PET down jacket in eggplant; Badger chemical-free sunscreen

Alfresco Beauty & Style Burt’s Bees is known for its all-natural,paraben-,sulfate- and phthalate-

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010 free lotions,cleansers and lip balms,but did you know that they also make an herbal insect repellent? Rosemary,lemongrass and citronella oils ensure bugs buzz off,and are safe for children and pets ($8 at drugstores).For campers,package this sweetsmelling pest-rejecter with the Badger no-mess SPF 30 zinc oxide sunscreen face stick.One of the top-rated products in the Environmental Working Group’s 2010 Sunscreen Guide,it provides chemical-free protection and fits nicely in a beach bag or carry-on ($8.50 at natural foods stores).

As for the latest cozy cover-ups, REI’s ecoSensitive line has something for everyone.The sweet

recycled PET polyester down jacket for toddler girls comes in eggplant purple and punch pink ($49.50).The newest incarnation of the men’s Muir Woods fleece jacket is made with 50 percent recycled Polartec Thermal Pro fabric ($79.50). ’Tis the season for giving.With every pair of TOMS canvas shoes you purchase,the company gives a pair to a child in need.A fashionable woman would jump at the chance to receive a pair of shoes from TOMS new fall collection,especially the hip pink plaid Murray organic cotton vegan classics with faded toe or the sexy gray canvas wedges ($54, $69;toms.com for retailers).

LAYAWAY NOW AVAILABLE! on everything including livestock

Gift Certificates available in any amount

Mobile Distraction Long car and plane trips are far more fun if the kids are entertained.Why not let them read up about eco-friendly practices?

Released in April to coincide with Earth Month,“The Greenzys”(Zeus Media Publishing,2010) introduces a gaggle of animals that learn the importance of being green when they help save Orinda, the world’s oldest tree ($17.99).

The Greenzys characters – such as Willow the Elephant,who collects rainwater for her plants and uses her trunk as the hose – are also available as cuddly plush toys ($29.99) made from soy fibers and non-toxic dyes in socially responsible factories.Bonus:Each critter

comes with a personalized certificate acknowledging that the Arbor Day Foundation has planted a tree in the new owner’s honor (FAO Schwarz).

You can also feel good about gifting your favorite cubs with the Green Toys product line,all made in the U.S.The company’s awardwinning recycling truck,dump truck and sand play set and the new fire truck ($20 - $25,available at toy stores) are BPA-,PVC- and phthalate-free.The toys are made from recycled plastic milk containers and are durable enough for any park or beach adventure. © CTW Features

Give her a Christmas she’ll never forget!

Largest selection of jewelry in this area!

Gold, Diamond & Gemstones!

Why buy new when pre-owned will do?

Grooming Special Have your pet groomed in December and receive 20% off your next grooming visit in January!

Buy • Sell • Trade

905 S. Wayne St. 478-452-5201

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010

Wrap Stars Three of America’s most talented gift wrappers offer the season’s best presentation tips

By Taniesha Robinson | CTW Features

Extraordinary: celebrity wrapper Wanda Wen uses humble leaves, stones, twigs and even wax paper to create special packages

Expert gift wrappers innovate year after year,gathering inspiration for their fanciful creations from nature,the recycling bin – or the giftee himself.

Take notes as three of today’s top wrappers share thoughts behind their signature styles,tips for the not-so-crafty gift-giver and ideas for what to do with some of those odd-shaped items.

WandaWen Wanda Wen, author of “The Art of Gift Wrapping”(2010, Potter Craft) is co-founder of Soolip, the fashionable West Hollywood purveyor of fine paper.Wen isn’t just a wrap star;she wraps for stars, including Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Halle Berry.

Gift-wrapping should say a little about you and something about the person receiving the gift.Of course,I have my own collection of papers that I’m drawn to,but first I think of the person.

Signature style: Organic and natural Must-have materials: twine, string,ribbon,pressed flowers, papers made of natural fibers like Thai unryu,kozo and Nepalese lokta On her style: I’m really inspired by nature and looking at ordinary material in a new,fresh,enlightened

way.

Her best wrap so far: a gift topped with a rock and twine.It makes me happy to inspire people to see such a common thing that is at our feet every single day and accentuate that.

Favorite embellishments: stones or a bundle of twigs Tricks of the trade: Always foldin the exposed edges so there is a finished look to your gift.When you’re done wrapping your gift,take your pointed finger and your thumb and pinch the edges.It creates a sharper

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010 edge.

Wrapping odd shapes: To wrap a wine or champagne bottle,Wen suggests using thin paper such as tissue or translucent Thai unryu paper that will easily gather around the object.

Ann Erickson Ann Erickson, winner of the 2009 “Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper” award, encourages gift-givers to take a risk when they wrap.Here,

she shares tips on achieving a unique style: Don’t be afraid to do something unique because that’s what people will remember.

Signature style: Ribboned and bowed Must-have materials: Simply designed paper,ribbons with wire On her style: I put a lot of effort into the ribbons and bows.I don’t usually use the traditional bow;I use the square-knot bow.

Crown jewels: Gina Tepper swaddles packages in gold wrap, scrapbook paper and ribbon, and tops them off with individual jewels and jeweled holiday ornaments.

The packages coordinate with the gift bag.

Her best wrap so far: Probably when I wrapped everyone’s gift in the same paper.It creates a nice cohesive look.

Favorite embellishments: small ornaments,candy,and small stuffed animals for kids Tricks of the trade: Tease what’s inside the gift.Use a scarf as a ribbon if it goes with something inside the package.Also,tape paper to the box before wrapping.

Wrapping odd shapes: For a plant,find some beautiful paper or fabric and make a giant circle.Put the plant in the center and pull the material up and around the pot leaving the top exposed.Try cellophane underneath the wrapping material so it sticks up at the top.

GinaTepper

The Toolbox THE INCISION

HO, HO HOLE

Tepper uses mediumsized scissors – no more than six or seven inches – for detail. All three wrappers recommend the Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter for easy, straight edges.

Wen recommends a hole puncher to make gift tags; string twine around gifts for decoration.

STICK IT TO ’EM Tepper warns against glue guns and recommends glue sticks for layering effects. The sticks leave room for adjustments because the adhesive doesn’t dry right away.

penser may prove to be a helpful tool. To wrap like a pro, however, consider double-sided tape. Try foam tape to paste unconventional toppers.

STRAIGHT TALKING When layering gift wraps, Tepper is sure to have a pencil and acrylic ruler at hand to make sure pieces are even.

THE TAPELINE For gift wrappers who use one-sided clear tape, the Scotch Pop-Up Tape dis-

DON’T FORGET …

Your hands are the most important tool you have, Wen says. She has wrapped masterpieces with paper torn with her hands. But let’s leave this technique to the pros.

Gina Tepper, founder of Giftdecorating.com and a freelance designer for 3M Scotch brand and others, instructs gift wrappers around the globe 24/7 through her website and newsletter.Her theory of design? Figure out the recipient’s hobbies and passions: Tailor the gift to their different hobbies and interests.Try to find some kind of color or embellishments that matches the theme of their life.

Signature style: Lofty layers Must-have materials: raffia,yarn, bans of color and any small thing of interest On her style: It’s the accents,the layering and the little extra touches that really makes someone take notice.My goal is to teach people to make beautiful and unique gift wrap designs that are easy to create using interesting household items and inexpensive materials found at local craft stores.

Her best wrap so far:A gift for an 18-year-old tough guy that was warmly layered and decoratively tied with raffia and a wooden bead.I gave him that gift and he was stunned.It

Bright ideas:Wanda Wen wrapped a wine bottle in decorative paper and cotton balls, top; Gina Tepper framed charming holiday photos on the tops of gifts to indicate the recipients

wasn’t so much that it was beautiful, it was just the effort put into it.

Favorite embellishments: Pictures,small ornaments Tricks of the trade: For a perfect package,cut the wrapping paper two inches wider than the box;use the box length plus the two ends to determine paper length.Leaving too much paper is a rookie wrapping error that leaves a package looking lumpy and uneven.

Wrapping odd shapes: Print out a picture of the gift on cardstock and provide directions to the actual gift’s secret location.Place the card in a small box and wrap it creatively. © CTW Features

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010

Old-Fashioned

Fun

BY SALLY FARHAT KASSAB CTW Features When buying gifts for children this holiday season,think back to your childhood and what you loved and consider buying new versions of those toys.This year,nostalgic toys – oldies but goodies – are very popu-

lar.

“Companies are feeding on our growing need to connect with the product,” says Mari Richards,toy designer and head of Smallforbig.com.“They are tapping old brands that parents remember from their own childhood3s,or high-

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Every child loves bubbles,and there’s little that’s more fun than blowing them in the bathtub.

Munchkin Bubble Monkeys let you do just that.Two bubble monkey wands are fun to hold and include a dip tray that suctions to the wall (we love this part) and bubble solution ($9,major retailers).

For endless entertainment without mom,the Chicco Bilingual Talking Farm is a plastic,interactive “farm”with learning games such as naming,and it teaches numbers, colors,animals and sounds.This toy invites children to sing along with nursery rhymes (my son’s favorite is “Old MacDonald”) and flashing

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The toys and gifts we feature in this guide are our favorite new ones.“Picking toys that serve double-duty in that they entertain and teach is a surefire way to get more bang for your buck when gift-giving,” says toy expert Wendy Young, founder of Michigan-based Kidlutions Preferred Product Awards.We have many of those below.Still not sure? Another big trend that continues:anything eco-friendly is hot.

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Cloud B’s Gentle Giraffe on the Go Travel-Size Plush Sound Machine is a gift for both baby and parents.It helps baby sleep,especially on those long plane rides! The stuffed Giraffe On The Go helps recreate sleep time routines by bringing familiar soothing sounds while away from home.

There are four sounds,including a “babbling brook”($23,boutiques nationwide;see cloudb.com for locations).

Another practical-yet-fun item for parents:The Designer Diner by Bella Tunno is a wipe-clean place mat on one side and a reusable chalk mat on the other and is perfect for restaurants and planes ($22,baby and kid boutiques,see bellatunno.com for stores).

Jojo Bump Bump by Silverlit Toys is a top-selling brand in France,and it’s no wonder.It’s a sleekly designed remote control car for little ones.

Jojo Bump Bump comes with headlights and remote control carrot.

After hitting a road block,Jojo spins and moves in another direction,until he hits too many obstacles and is ejected ($25,Walmart).

5 to 10 Years Old At this age especially,think about the child’s personality when buying a gift,Young says.“The beauty of openended activities such as blocks,art supplies or dress-up is that they encourage active imagination,” Young says.“Imagination and intelligence are linked.We should encourage it whenever we can.”

When girls begin dressing up, they don’t want to look like their friends.Enter Snap Caps interchangeable necklaces Maddie Bradshaw is the 14-year-old president and designer.

The jewelry is made of old-fashioned embellished bottle caps, which stemmed from an idea to decorate her locker with magnetic bottle caps ($17,400 boutiques nationwide; see m3girldesigns.com).

For the wanna-be in all of us, Paper Jamz are affordable and inno-

Attention shoppers: players race along supermarket aisles to collect groceries in the Shopping Cart Dash board game

vative play instruments that provide an instant rock star experience.Technology allows circuit-embedded paper,enabling you to play the thin, stringless guitars like a pro simply by touching the paper surface ($25, Walgreens and others).

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010 Shopping Cart Dash by Pressman Toys is a cute board game.Players take a moveable shopping cart and a shopping list and race along “supermarket aisles”to collect fruit,vegetables,meat and fish.By paying at the end of every turn,players get closer to winning ($15,specialty retailers).

The Dollie & Me collection includes a doll and matching girls’ clothing.The outfits are sweet,and the 18-inch doll has some very holiday-appropriate dresses ($30 for doll;girl clothes $7 to $80,major department stores).

Finally,some new books in this age category.“TheWorst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook (Junior Edition)”by David Borgenicht and Robin Epstein is a riot.From how to“survive a bad report card”to“time travel”to“being

shipwrecked,”these three books provide endless entertainment ($20 for a boxed set,bookstores).

Teens Board games are fun for the whole family,and the classics are being repackaged.But there are some new great new ones,such as Truth Be Told

by Buffalo Games.It helps kids get to know their friends. One player is the host and plays a question card,“Truth Be Told,my favorite snack is… ”The Host writes a True Answer:pork rinds.

All other players pretend to host and write bluff answers:pretzels,carrots, pickles.The host reads all answers aloud,and players guess the True Answer to score points ($25,major retailers).

Tween girls love to journal,and

Senario’s My Secret Circle gives them a special place to record their innermost thoughts.Some are calling it the “safe”Facebook.Users can create photo pages and scrapbook in a digital world,keeping everything private or sharing only with friends ($20,Target).

Lunchbots are a cool way to take lunch to school.Think of a sleek,stainless steel box with a colorful lid,part of a trend steering away from plastic containers ($15,natural groceries nationwide;see lunchbots.com for stores).

Many companies are introducing new versions of old favorites,such as the OP skateboard by Bravo Sports,a nod to 1970s skateboarders with its long deck and big,soft cruiser wheels ($60,Walmart).

Olivia + Joey just launched a new

handbag line that teens love.Our favorite is the“Knight Life”hobo bag.

Very stylish and hip ($98,Macy’s).

If this article hasn’t sparked your gift imagination,“Ask,”Young says.

“You can still keep the element of surprise if you ask questions about broad topics and subjects kids like, rather than a specific gift suggestion.”

The most important person to treat this holiday season? You! “Don’t forget to treat yourself to something,” says Lyss Stern,CEO of DivaMoms.com “As parents,we are so busy with taking care of gifts for the kids,our spouses,the grandparents, cousins and teachers that we forget about ourselves.” © CTW Features

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010

Take 10: The Year’s Best Children’s Books

Book an AwardWinning Adventure

Books open a world of discovery in ways even the coolest toys can’t achieve. This season, tempt a kid to turn off the TV and find an adventure in words and pictures on a printed page.

These acclaimed titles were winners or finalists for some of the most esteemed awards in children’s literature for 2010.

–Danielle Cadet

1 “Going Bovine” by Libba Bray (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $17.99) Printz Award for Young Adult Literature 2 “When you Reach Me” by Rebecca Stead (Wendy Lamb Books, $15.99) Newbery Medal 3 “Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice” by Phillip Hoose (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $19.95) Newbery Honor 4 “The Lion & the Mouse” by Jerry Pickney (Little, Brown and Company for Young Readers, $16.99) Caldecott Medal

5 “Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal,” by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (Carolrhoda Books, $17.95) Coretta Scott King Award 6“The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” by Jacqueline Kelly (Henry Holt, $16.99) Newbery Honor 7 “Mare’s War” by Tanita S. Davis (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.99) Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book

8 “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” by Grace Lin (Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers, $16.99) Newbery Honor 9 “Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors” by Joyce Sidman (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, $16) Caldecott Honor

10 “The Most True Adventures of Homer P. Figg” by Rodman Philbrick, (The Blue Sky Press, $16.99) Newbery Honor © CTW Features

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2 010

Take 10: Game Upgrades

Board Meeting For old-fashioned family fun, nothing beats a board game. Not to be outdone by the new movers and shakers in home entertainment, motion-sensing video game systems like Nintendo Wii and Kinect for Xbox 360, old school classics have upped their game. New editions use text messaging, electronic components instead of cards, and rules that reward speed and efficiency. Here’s a look at the new generation.

– Danielle Cadet

1 Monopoly: Revolution Edition (Hasbro, $34.99) Celebrating 75 years of miniature capitalism, Monopoly still

rules. This contemporary version features a round game board, updated “here and now” pricing and a unit that plays sound effects and acts as an electronic banker.

3Scrabble Slam (Hasbro, $29.99) Arranging wood letter chips to make words is so ... last century.

The latest version of Scrabble puts a premium on speedy, serious word building.

Players must think and act fast. Get locked in a high-speed race to build a chain of words in 75 seconds.

4 Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It Edition 2 Clue: Secrets & Spies (Parker Brothers, $24.99) The timeless game of murder and mayhem now includes a new optional text-messaging feature. Use an ultraviolet secret decoder to assist agents Plum, Scarlet, Mustard and others on their international crimesolving adventure.

5 The Game of Life: 50th Anniversary Edition

9U-Build Battleship (Hasbro, $19.99)Customization is key in this revolutionary new line of brick-based games. Participants build fleets of battleships, aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines and must work to keep their ship safe and blow their opponent’s ships out of the water.

(Hasbro, $17.99)Entertaining families for 50 years, Life continues to present the milestones and mundane everyday tasks we experience in a lifetime. This commemorative edition includes golden accents and Life coins that spark conversation. Spin the golden wheel and experience the ups and downs of Life.

10 Candyland: The World of Sweets Game

6 Operation Silly Skill Game (Milton Bradley, $16.99)Although it still requires a top doc to save the day, Operation boasts a revamped board that makes crazy new sounds like chimes, burps and barks. Press Cavity Sam’s nose to find out if a procedure was a success, and then listen up as the game dictates the next direction.

(Hasbro, $29.99)In this version, participants field questions in a variety of styles with 1,800 fresh questions that include images and multiple-choice options. Players don’t have to know all the answers to win; they also can bet chips on whether opponents know the answer. A good guess can mean one step closer to victory.

8 Cranium Scribblish 7 Sorry! Spin (Hasbro, $24.99)Game night will never be the same as participants seek sweet revenge with a turn of the Sorry! Wheel on a new rotating board. Getting “home” is more unpredictable than ever, making it anybody’s game to the bitter end.

(Hasbro, $19.99)A hilarious new take on the classic “telephone” game, this edition of Cranium requires players to create scribbles and sketches and pass them on. The whole family is sure to enjoy the final product when the last player reads the accumulated story out loud.

(Hasbro, $9.99)The sweet classic looks much the same as it did back in the day, and continues to introduce little ones to board games via the magical world of tasty treats. Colored cards and fanciful illustrations direct players to the Cupcake Commons and the Chocolate Mountains as they journey to the castle. A simple move of the pawn is enough to make imaginations run wild. © CTW Features