2011 holiday gift guide

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gift guide

Transcript of 2011 holiday gift guide

Page 1: 2011 holiday gift guide
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011 | PAGE 3

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Holiday Gift GuidePPaaggee 44.. BBrriigghhtt aanndd sshhiinnyyAfter a few seasons of sack clothand ashes, where practicalitytrumped indulgence, jewelry, thequintessential gift of luxury, loveand passion, has come roaringback as the season’s best gift.

PPaaggee 77.. YYoouutthh mmoovveemmeennttGive youth in a jar. Or tube. Orbottle, box, vial, stick or compact.Wildly popular, anti-aging prod-ucts make perfect gifts.

PPaaggee 99.. II ccaann hhaazz pprreezzeennttss??!!Yeah, we know who’s beennaughty. And they’ll get gifts forChristmas and Hanukkah any-way, the little darlings.

PPaaggee 1111.. HHoolliiddaayy PPJJss oonn ppaarraaddeeSo much for mamma in her ker-chief and dad in his cap. Today,goofy holiday pajamas are whatwe love, and the whole familygets in on the act.

PPaaggee 1133.. RReeaaddyy ttoo ggoo rreettrroo??Old stuff is cool again. Gifting oldstuff is even cooler.

PPaaggee 1155.. IItt’’ss aallll ggoooodd Dutiful but dull, toys intended toenrich a child once sat at the topof adults’ shopping lists – and thebottom of the toy box. No more.Creativity, play value and greencredentials combine in some ofthe season’s best bets.

PPaaggee 1166.. TTaassttee tthhee sseeaassoonnIt’s time to eat, drink and be mer-rily generous.

PPaaggee 1177.. TTVV gguuiiddeeHit TV series such as “Glee,”“The Walking Dead” and “MadMen” have cult followings – anda wide range of merchandise togift faithful fans.

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By Nola Sarkisian-MillerCTW Features

Gold may be hovering at stratosphericlevels and the economy is still seesawing,but that’s not stopping well-heeled shop-pers from indulging their jewelry habits.Retailers and designers say they’ve noticedan uptick in interest and sales for baubles,which bodes well for the holiday season.

“There’s a demand for statement pieces,whether it’s an oversized cocktail ring or adramatic cuff bracelet,” says Los Angelesjewelry designer, C.C. Skye, whose showyaccessories have curried favor withboldfaced names like HalleBerry, Gwen Stefani andKristin Cavallari. “They feelthat we’ve been throughthe recession. We’ve livedit. We don’t want to livethat lifestyle anymore.There’s still room formore celebration.”

Customers may alsojustify the expensesince jewelry can bereworked with a vari-ety of wardrobe pieces,say retailers.

“People may not be inthe mood to buy shoes orclothes, but they know afun piece of jewelry canmake an outfit pop and canbe worn again and again,” saysMelissa Akkaway, owner ofBeckley Boutique, which has loca-tions in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

When it comes to fashion jewelry, whichusually tops out at $1,000, clean and sparenecklaces sporting initials and quirky pen-dants are a key trend for the holidays. AlexWoo’s dainty charms, such as initials andzodiac signs, can sell for $148 in sterling sil-ver, $548 in 14 karat gold and $798 withpavé diamonds. A new holiday addition toBeckley is Maya Brenner’s pendants in theshape of states (seen on the likes of KatyPerry, Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson)in gold and silver, with easy-on-the-walletprices of $130 to $300. Those rimmed withdiamonds will fetch $1,040.

Another approachable line is New York-based Erica Weiner Jewelry, whose vin-tage-inspired creations conjure up whimsyand nostalgia with prices averaging under$300. At the company’s store in New YorkCity, manager Emily Ruane steers clientsaway from solitaire diamonds unless thepresent is supposed to be the real deal – aproposal or anniversary gift.

“It’s just not appropriate to give big dia-monds unless you’re engaged or married,”Ruane says.

Instead, for the holidays, she suggeststhe double letterpress necklace, which

actually incorporates old moveabletype as the pendants and is per-

sonalized with initials, or theCivil War-era tintype neck-

laces, which feature photo-graphs printed on ironsheets hanging frombrass chains. Men mayappreciate the penknifenecklace on a brasschain or a cast fossilnautilus necklace,items that aren’t highlyembellished or toooverwrought.

Los Angeles-basedLord Griffon, known for

its chunky oxidized sil-ver jewelry and a fan base

that includes RandyJackson from “American

Idol,” has also noticed a shift inmale tastes to less in-your-face

skull ware. What’s more in demandthese days are sleeker looks, such as IDbracelets and fleur-de-lis necklaces, saysSuzie Lederer, founder and creative direc-tor of Lord Griffon.

“More than something really hard-edged, they want something they can wearnot when they’re just going to the club orriding motorcycles on weekends,” Lederersays.

C.C. Skye also projects a heavy metal hol-iday of sorts, glittering with multiple dia-monds, such as the Wish List Necklace,

Bright and shinyAfter a few seasons of sack cloth and ashes, where

practicality trumped indulgence, jewelry, the quintessential gift of luxury, love and passion, has

come roaring back as the season’s best gift.

PhillipsFrankelinInfinityPendantWhimsical patisserie necklace from Paris-based N2

SEE JEWELRY, PAGE 5

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comprising of heavy bronze chains wovenwith white stones.

Her retailers are also beginning to stockthe pavé punk princess bracelet in gunmetal for the holidays.

Skye says it caters to that “luxe, funkprincess” trend.

“It’s got an edge with elegance,” she says.“There’s irony and balance. Women of allages are wearing pavé, not just youngergirls.”

Fine jewelry is also in demand for thoseaspirational buyers, according to JanetGoldman, founder and chief executive offi-cer of Fragments showroom in New York,which represents about 35 fashion and finejewelry collections.

Her suggestions for holiday gifts includelayered looks, such as necklaces that are“feminine, soft and drapey,” and braceletsthat combine textures such as woodenbeads paired with a diamond bangle.

Long, dramatic earrings are in for thoseseeking gifts infused with glam andsparkle.

The Miguel Ases line features danglingearrings studded with tiny beads that areeasy to wear with tank tops or little blackdresses and fit the under-$500 budget.

Customers who want to splurge may optfor the designs by Phillips Frankel, includ-ing the round pendants covered in pavédiamonds at $1,500 or Moritz Glik’s oxi-dized silver and white gold chains with lit-tle box pendants enclosed with rubies, dia-monds and sapphires priced around$10,000.

“[Jewelry] purchases over $5,000 arewhat’s trending,” Goldman says. “It’s aboutfinding something that will make us buy,something that ‘I can’t live without.’”

JEWELRY: Popular choice again» FROM PAGE 4

Fashion PointersHere’s a look at what may pleasegift recipients this holiday season

•• SSttaatteemmeenntt ppiieecceess –– Look forattention-getting cocktail rings,dramatic cuff bracelets or longbeaded earrings to help yourloved one strut her stuff. “It’s allabout wanting that great, luxuri-ous accessory,” says JanetGoldman, founder and creativedirector of Fragments.

•• MMeettaalllliiccss –– Metals will shine thisholiday season. Rose gold’s popu-larity continues along with edgierstyles crafted in gunmetal, oxi-dized silver, bronze and mixedmetallics.

•• PPaavvéé ddiiaammoonnddss –– These littlegems that dot pendants,bracelets and more are cateringto the luxe trend and elevatingfashion jewelry to a new level.

•• WWhhiimmssiiccaall ppeennddaannttss –– Fun nevergoes out of style, and there’s lotsto choose from this season, frominitials, to vintage charms or tocostume sparklers. The startlingwhimsy of the French line N2,with characters from fairy talesand children’s stories, are youthfuland distinctive (from $25, jewelryand gift stores). There’s no needto settle on size or fit, makingthem perfect, no-fuss gifts. “Menfeel good buying things that don’tpose issues,” Goldman says.

Stackable pearl wrap bracelets by Jordan Alexander, a favorite of first ladyMichelle Obama’s

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By Lauren ParranCTW Features

This season, select a gift thatwill make your friend or lovedone glow with more than grati-tude. Feel-good creams, serums,lotions and toners that promise tosoften the ravages of time are hot,not just for women of a certainage (Hi, Grammie!) but for theyounger set, men and womenalike.

Anti-aging products once pur-chased and used discreetly nowsit boldly atop many gift lists.“These products have becomereally eloquently packaged andextremely desirable. Like It hand-bags, there are It creams,” saysErin Flaherty, executive beautyeditor at Marie Claire. “You caneven call some of these statussymbols.”

Baby boomers account forsome of the surge. “The boomersare much more embracing of

health and extending their youthand being very upfront aboutwanting to stay young and young-looking,” says Mark Lees, skincare specialist and author of “Skin

Care: Beyond the Basics” (Milady,2011).

But a younger crowd alsoincreasingly uses anti-aging prod-ucts, seeking to forestall signs of

aging, says Paula Begoun, authorand creator of The Cosmetics Copline of skin care products.“Couple this with an economywhere we’re more cautious about

spending,” Begoun says, “andanti-aging products, especiallythe pricier ones, make ideal gifts.”

Prices for anti-aging concoc-tions can be sky high. But the line-up of moderately priced treat-ment products is growing rapidlyat drugstores and mass mer-chants. Bethenny Frankel, of“Real Housewives of New York”and low-calorie margarita fame, islaunching Skinnygirl Face & Bodysolutions in select Walmarts thisfall. Prices will be less than $15. “A$150 eye cream is ridiculous andabsurd,” Frankel told Women’sWear Daily.

WWrriinnkkllee--bbuusstteerrssNo one wants wrinkles, so give

the gift of wrinkle prevention.Seeping deep into the skin andhigh in vitamin C, Ole HenriksenTruth Serum Collagen Booster

Youth movement Give Youth in a Jar. Or tube. Or bottle, box,vial, stick or compact. Wildly popular, anti-aging products make a perfect gift.

No-fuss beauty boosters: Clarisonic’s battery-driven cleansing system

SEE BEAUTY, PAGE 8

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($48, department and specialtystores) purports to prevent agingand brighten, firm and smooththe skin. “It’s a safe bet for some-one special regardless of theirskin type,” says Dr. DebraJaliman, a board-certified derma-tologist in New York City.

Give a face mask product forspa day at home. It’s an especiallynice gift if a special occasion iscoming up, Lees says. “It reallydoes perk up your skin for about12 hours,” he says.

New Black Rose Cream Mask isSisley’s first anti-aging mask(price pending, departmentstores). “It’s supposed to instantlysmooth and plump and brighten,”says Marie Claire’s Flaherty.

MMooiissttuurriizzeerrssOlay’s first daily, nighttime

moisturizer works while yousleep to accelerate exfoliation andhydrate for smoother skin. OlayRegenerist Night ResurfacingElixir contains glycolic acid thatis designed to smooth skin in one

week ($24 for 1.4 ounces, drug-stores).

Nivea, the iconic skin carecompany that celebrates its 100thanniversary this year, is reachingout to the next generation of cus-tomers, signing the singerRihanna as the face and voice ofits year-long 100 Years of SkinCare global party. Fans can wintickets to Rihanna’s LOUD con-cert tour and a chance to meet thestar. Her face is on a limited edi-tion tin bestowed only on luckywinners of online promotions. Aclassic blue jar of Nivea Crème,for use all over the body, is easyenough to pick up just abouteverywhere ($6, drugstores).

FFaacciiaall cclleeaannssiinngg bbrruusshh ssyysstteemmssSoft-bristled, handheld facial

brushes powered by rechargeablebatteries have become an essen-tial part of many morning beautyroutines. The Cadillac of thebrush bunch is the Clarisonic($195, department and specialtystores), which claims to cleandeep into pores, reduce pore size,improve skin tone and help otherskin care products be more effec-tive. Modestly priced options arewidely available, including theOlay Pro-X Advanced CleansingSystem ($30, drugstores), with arotating brush. The PretikaSonicDermabrasion Facial Brushuses micro-pulsating technologyto exfoliate and claims to reducefine lines ($50, drugstores.)

A deluge of cleansers, tonersand creams accompany the sys-tems, so if you’re inclined toassemble a gift basket, this area isa happy hunting ground. If afriend or loved one is eco-minded,consider the old-school model.Facial cleansing brushes polishaway makeup, dead cells andexcess oils by hand, no batteriesneeded. The classic Bass has nat-ural bristles and an acrylic handle.

($9.95, spas and specialty stores).

SSuunnssccrreeeennss yyeeaarr--rroouunnddSunscreen should be worn

throughout the entire year to pre-vent skin damage from the sun.“If you’re going to use anti-agingproducts, please use sunscreenevery day,” Dr. Jaliman says.

Sunscreen pads make it quickand easy to apply sunscreen to theface and would be a great additionto other spa and skin care gifts.Dermalogica Solar DefenseWipes contain SPF 15 with no fra-grance in an easy-to-tote package($21 for 15 wipes, spas and salons,check dermalogica.com for loca-tions).

MMeenn’’ss pprroodduuccttssThere’s plenty of skin care gifts

to go around for both sexes. “Menare increasingly getting cosmeticprocedures done, and there’s cer-tainly more products that arespecifically for men,” Flahertysays.

From cleanser to aftershaveand even whisker lifters, AnthonyLogistics for Men has solutions

for every step in the shavingprocess ($10 - $80, departmentand specialty stores).

Neutrogena’s Triple ProtectFace Lotion SPF 20 offers men athree-in-one Swiss Army Knifetype of product. The lotionsoothes razor irritation, heals dryskin and defends the skin withantioxidants. The soy combatswrinkles and SPF protects skinfrom damaging rays ($6.99, drug-stores).

TTrreeaattmmeenntt ggiifftt cceerrttiiffiiccaatteessAnti-aging and skin care gifts

don’t just come in bottles. Turn tolocal spas and salons for gift cer-tificates for popular skin caretreatments.

They are easy to purchase and,along with indulgence, providethe ultimate luxury: choice. Thetop two non-surgical cosmeticprocedures for men are Botox andlaser hair removal, “particularlyfor ears and back,” Dr. MelanieGrossman, a New York dermatol-ogist, says. “For women I wouldsay Botox and cosmetic consulta-tions.”

BEAUTY: Anti-aging products make great gifts this holiday season» FROM PAGE 7

Old-fashioned scrub: the clas-sic Bass facial brush

Page 9: 2011 holiday gift guide

By Danielle CadetCTW Features

With waggly tails andrumbly purrs, they relent-lessly show their love everyday. What better time ofyear than the holidays todelight a four-legged familymember with a special gift?

“Pets get so much joy outof toys,” says Lorrie Shaw, aChelsea, Mich., pet ownerand pet blogger for annar-bor.com. “They get to useall of their senses and iden-tify something as theirs.”

Pet ownership is at anall-time high. Sixty-twopercent of U.S. householdsown a pet – some 72.9 mil-lion homes, according tothe 2011-2012 annual sur-vey by the American PetProducts Association. Andwe’re loving – and giving –to our animals like neverbefore.

In 2010, dog ownersincreased spending on theirpooches more than 30 per-cent, and dogs and cats areamong the small pets thatare most likely to get gifts at

Christmas time, accordingto the APPA survey. Ninepercent of dog owners saythey’ve held a holiday orbirthday party for their dog,and 4 percent say they’vedone so for their cat.

Pet owners’ emotionalties with dogs and cats rundeep. “A lot of babyboomers become emptynesters and still have thatnurturing need,” saysKristen Levine, founder ofTarpon Springs, Fla.-basedFetching Communications,a marketer serving the petindustry. “A lot of millenni-als get pets before starting afamily to fulfill that sameneed.”

While most pet ownerswon’t hesitate to purchase alittle something special fortheir pets this holiday sea-son, the boom in productsat retail means there’s moreto choose from. Thinkbefore you shop, says Shaw.“Pay attention to what yourpet likes to do. Does he runand play, or is he more cog-nitive?”

GGaaggaa ffoorr ggrreeeennNatural, nontoxic, sus-

tainable, recycled and local-ly produced products arehot for pets.

Brentwood, Tenn.-based

Earth Dog offers hemp dogcollars, leashes, beds andtoys, all made in the U.S.The Leaf green adjustablehemp collar has quick-release hardware ($18 to

$20, specialty stores). Dogand cat beds made of soy-based material and recycledcontent are widely avail-able. Many suppliers offerorganic catnip. The Purr

Highness cat scratcherfrom Worldwise is made ofrecycled corrugated card-

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011 | PAGE 9

I can hasprezents?!

Yeah, we know who’s beennaughty. And they’ll get gifts for

Christmas and Hanukkah anyway, the little darlings.

Curiouser and curiouser: Seek’aboo paw puzzle forcats - SmartyKat

Econap dog bed

SEE PETS, PAGE 10

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board and doubles as a lounger($20, specialty stores). DogglesPlush Bottle Toys come in theshape of animals and have twosqueakers. Stuff a used plasticwater bottle inside and the toyprovides instant crinkly chewingfun. ($13 and up, specialty stores).

CCooggnniittiivvee ppllaayyProducts that appeal to an ani-

mal’s intuitive side, engagingthem and encouraging naturalactivity, also are trendy. “Foragingtoys are hot,” says Levine. Theygive owners a chance to do otherthings while their pet is occupied,she says. Shaw suggests the treat-dispensing Busy Buddy KibbleNibble by Premier Pet (two sizes,$10 to $20, specialty stores). Thisactivity ball stimulates pups men-tally and physically by makingthem work for their food. Levineis a fan of the Physipet, a line ofexercise and entertainment prod-

ucts for cats and dogs. The toysreact to the pet, pulling backwhen the pet pulls, incorporatingexercise with play and reducingboredom and separation anxiety,says company founder and inven-tor Jude Waddy ($70 and up,physipet.com).

Interactive games from theSwedish company Nina Ottossonare designed to stimulate a dog’sbrain and reinforce people-

friendly behavior. “Puzzle toysprovide the mental stimulationmany dogs lack in their everydaylife,” says owner Nina Ottosson.Fill the new treat Maze and a petwill happily work away to “solve”the puzzle and get the treat.There are versions for cats anddogs (starting at $15, specialtystores.)

Self-grooming products thatkeep cats happy and entertained

are on the rise. The WorldwiseSmartykat Brushup self-groom-ing post was voted one of the Top10 products at the 2011 Global PetExpo by veterinarian Dr. MartyBecker of TV’s “Good MorningAmerica” fame. Hundreds of flex-ible silicone bristles provide afeel-good massage while pullingaway loose fur ($20, specialtystores.)

CChheewweerrss“If you have a chewer, it’s inte-

gral that you find the type of toythat can withstand that kind ofabuse,” says Shaw. Don’t skimp oncheap toys that can easily tearapart. Instead, buy a heavy-dutytoy that can endure tough teeth.California animal trainer and petexpert Diana L. Guerrero recom-mends the Kong Co.’s super-dutyhollow rubber toys. The KongExtreme toy, used by police anddrug enforcement and speciallymade for aggressive chewers, canbe filled with treats to help reduceboredom (available in five sizes,$5 and up, specialty stores).Brightly colored twists, flyers,hurleys and hucks from West PawDesign are made of Zogoflex, adurable, pliable material that’seasy for a pet to pick up and won’thurt teeth ($9 to $17, specialtystores).

Other toys for chew-happycanines: bones and tugs made oftightly twisted cotton threads,which clean teeth while the pupchews and plush toys for dogswho like to “mother” a toy.Nylabone hard nylon dog chewsin a range of shapes and flavors

last longer than rawhide bonesand promote tooth health. Abacon-flavored DuraChew comesin the shape of a hollow stick ($12,specialty stores).

LLiiffee oonn tthhee rrooaadd“More people travel with their

pets nowadays,” says Levine. Shestresses the importance of petrestraint while driving. “Just liketexting and driving, a loose pet inthe vehicle can be dangerous,” shesays. Kurgo makes a variety ofpet-carrying products. A SkyboxBooster seat for puppies andsmall dogs up to 30 pounds liftsthem up to provide them with awindow view ($60, specialtystores); the Kurgo Auto Zip-Linetethers a dog safely, with a har-ness attached to a zip-line thatruns between any two fixedpoints in the vehicle and allows adog to walk back and forth, sit andstand ($38, specialty stores). Carcarriers are especially importantfor cats, who often are not fond oftravel. Levine suggests that ani-mal lovers bring water for theirpets during trips. Pawgua makes aportable, BPA-free plastic dogbowl for thirsty, out-and-aboutpups ($15, specialty stores). Thebowl keeps water cool and the toptwists off.

The best gift for a pet is simpleand free: Stop, drop and play.“The best thing is for you to inter-act with your pets,” says Shaw. “Ithelps them hang on to their cog-nitive skills and reinforces thatconnection owners are seekingwhen they get pets in the firstplace.”

PETS: Getthem a gift

as well» FROM PAGE 9

Rough and tumble play: Bumi tug for dogs - West Paw Design

Good clean fun: BrushUp self-grooming post with massage-likesilicone bristles - SmartyKat

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011 | PAGE 11

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By Melanie WanzekCTW Features

Ever since she can remember, 26-year-old Lauren Cowart has received the samegift every year on Christmas Eve: a new pairof pajamas.

“Each year after our traditionalChristmas Eve dinner, we go under the treeand pick up on box that says ‘OpenChristmas Eve.’ It’s always the pajamas,”Cowart says. “We put them on immediately,then eat our dessert and open some pres-

ents. Then on Christmas morning, we gath-er on the front stairs in our Christmas paja-mas and make a video of us reading Santa’sletter about how we’ve grown and changedthat year as a family.”

Legions of families purchase matchingpajamas as a special gift to every familymember on or before Christmas. Some dis-tribute them in early December so they canenjoy them all month long; others, like

Holiday PJson parade

So much for mamma in her kerchief and dad inhis cap. Today, goofy holiday pajamas are what

we love, and the whole family gets in on the act.

Picture of happiness:

forging holidaymemories, in

flannel -Footsteps

Clothing

SEE PJs, PAGE 12

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Cowart’s family, open the expectedpackage on Christmas Eve to wearfor present-opening and picture-taking. Families often take anannual holiday group picture inmatching PJs to capture the mem-ory and share the fun with friendsand extended family.

It’s easy to understand the pop-ularity of the fuzzy novelty items.Pajamas are relatively inexpensive,fit all shapes and sizes and can beeasily constructed by hand.They’re practical yet fun and caterto many personalities and tastes.Amber Lipson, co-founder ofFootsteps Clothing, Morrisville,N.C., specializes in selling match-ing clothing to families. Holidayand Christmas PJ sets are the topseller.

“Everyone wants to bring theirfamilies close together during theholiday season,” Lipson says. “I’vetalked to customers who tell metheir grandparents bought match-ing PJs seventy-some years ago. It’san easy way for families to enjoyeach other and be together.”

Lipson’s bestselling “A VeryMerry Snowman” set consisting ofred plaid flannel bottoms and along-sleeved red shirt emblazoned

with the cheerful face of a snow-man in a stovepipe hat. The wholecollection includes A Very MerryMe, A Very Merry Mommy, A VeryMerry Daddy and a Very MerryBaby matching pajamas.

Many families call Footstepseach year to continue a tradition,but others call because they’reready to start one. The occasionsvary. Some occasions are happy,like when one family bought 40pairs to wear for a polar expressride. Others are difficult, such as

when one customer’s family mem-ber was sick and the rest boughtpajamas as a show of love and sup-port. “We really want families tofeel close and celebrate theirunique relationships during theholidays,” Lipson says. “We’re gladmatching pajamas helps them doso.”

Looking to start a family tradi-tion? Consider investing in a fewpairs of pajamas to tighten familybonds and foster togetherness overthe holiday season.

PJs: Goofy pajamas are what we love» FROM PAGE 11

Page 13: 2011 holiday gift guide

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011 | PAGE 13

By Lindsey RomainCTW Features

Retro style is in, and kids can’tget enough of it, from cutting-edge clothing and accessories thatrecall the classics to thrift-shophome goods straight from grand-ma’s attic.

A quest for individuality in ahomogenized world is behind thevintage juggernaut, say trendwatchers. So is a treacherouseconomy.

“I think the resurgence startedwith kids rummaging throughthrift stores,” says BonnieVanKeersblick of Blue FlowerVintage, an online shop runthrough Etsy that specializes invintage items. “Old movies helpfuel the trend, and then the eco-nomic downturn and peoplewanting to be green justified it.”

Stephanie Press, who runs theonline store Hold Vintage, saysthe same.

“I believe there is a desire to

escape from mass manufacturingto things that are unique,” shesays. “The fashion industry hascaught on to this and are makingefforts to include vintage in theirstyling and editorials.”

Whether you’re shopping for acurious teen or a nostalgic grown-up, having an eye for the old thisseason will come in handy. Retro-

themed products make for greatgifts and fun shopping.

FFoorr hhiimmThank Don Draper from

AMC’s popular series “Mad Men”for the resurgence in dapper for-mal wear for men. Draper’s crispsuits and affinity for goodwhiskey ignited craving for both.

Men looking for fashion inspira-tion will enjoy “Icons of Men’sStyle” by Josh Sims (LaurenceKing Publishers, 2011), a guide toiconic menswear. The Britishfashion writer chronicles promi-nent garments of the past and themen who made them notable,including stars like Gregory Peckand classic characters like James

Bond. Another way to bring a retro

edge to men’s formalwear is withpocket squares.

“[Pocket squares] are under-stated but stylish and not too farout of a guy’s comfort zone,” says

Ready to go retro? Old stuff is cool again. Gifting old stuff is even cooler.

The Memory Master II turntable, conversant with PCs and Macs- Crosley Radio

Return of the return: 1950s manual typewriter in Pepto pink -mytypewriter.com

SEE RETRO, PAGE 14

Page 14: 2011 holiday gift guide

PAGE 14 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011

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Press. “You can go utilitarian withcotton or bold and bright in silk.”Club Room, a Macy’s clothingbrand, sells pocket squares ineverything from paisley to polkadot, and in colors like red, blueand black ($15, Macy’s).

No man who carries a smartphone needs a watch – but manyof them want one anyway. TheTimex Digital watch ($40,department and specialty stores),boasts an INDIGLO night-lightfeature and digital number dis-play, but a shiny stainless steelexpansion band and water-resist-ance gives it contemporary utility.

FFoorr hheerrClassic style for women is

about finding the perfect state-ment piece. Think bold jewelry oranything with an Art Deco edge.

“I love the idea of a great retro-print scarf,” says Press. “Not onlycan you wear it in a myriad ofways, but they are being used ininterior design as framed art orfor custom pillows.”

Look for scarf designs withblocky shapes and heavy colorswith a sharp contrast (like black,lime green and red) to achieve apolished Art Deco look.

Vintage glass, tableware andcookware have great legs in thegift-giving world. VanKeersblick,a lifelong fan of vintage style,showcases a 1950s line of stripedand lotus-patterned bowlsdesigned by Grete Prytz Kittelsenfor the Cathrineholm factory inNorway. Fresh contemporarytakes on Scandinavian tablewareabound, from Marimekko’s bright

classics to the retro retakes fromSagaform, created by a platoon ofyoung Swedish designers.

Typewriters have seized theimagination of the Facebook gen-eration. Search local antiquestores and thrift shops for antiquebrands and restored classics.Women with a penchant for thesound of keystroke may enjoy a1950s Royal portable typewriterin bright pink ($595, mytype-writer.com) or typewriter-inspired jewelry like a key

bracelet ($85) or custom key ear-rings ($58).

FFoorr tteeeennssYoung people questing for

fresh, individual style have led theway in refining the vintage aes-thetic. To please a 20-something,though, a vintage gift must pos-sess retro flair along with technogeewhizery.

Old-fashioned vinyl recordsare on a tear. A turntable would bea great gift for a young music fan

fascinated by the cracklingsounds of a spinning record.Crosley Radio, a classic brand dat-ing to the earliest days of radio,offers a variety of models, includ-ing the Memory Master II ($400,department and specialty stores).This turntable, in black or papri-ka, plays vinyl, CDs and cassettes,has an AM/FM radio and a USBfeature compatible with PCs andMacs for ripping and editingaudio content.

Retro-style headphones alsoappeal to young music fans whoappreciate both 1970s design andcontemporary high fidelity.Eskuché’s Control, an on-ear style

headphone, comes in basic black,shrimp, salmon and gold ($60,specialty stores).

Teens also may enjoy capturingthe moment on old-fashionedfilm with a Lomo LC-A, a cheapcamera first designed in theSoviet era. Lomography U.S.A.rocketed to fame with this imper-fect old camera (now produced inChina) that produces unexpecteddistortions, such as light leaks andsaturated colors that give photos aclassic, artistic look. The Diana F+is an update on a cheap 1960scamera known for deliveringdreamy exposures ($89, lomogra-phy.com).

RETRO: Give a cool retro gift for the holidays» FROM PAGE 13

Vintage Norwegian bowls and kitchenware - Etsy.com/BlueFlower Vintage

1960s-era Diana F+ camera - lomography.com

Page 15: 2011 holiday gift guide

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011 | PAGE 15

By Taniesha RobinsonCTW Features

Somewhere on the spec-trum between techno-daz-zle (iPad apps for toddlers,anyone?) and fuzzy-wuzzybears there’s a sweet spot:toys that inspire kids tohave fun, stretch their cre-ativity and learn while theyplay. With a little effort –and some guidance fromsavvy toy shop owners –any attentive shopper canhit the mark.

Toys that encourage themost beneficial play maynot be the biggest spotlight-grabbers. Their attractionsare often more subtle andrequire a shopper to searchpast the dancing dollsmassed out in aisle one.

“Toys today, especiallytoys in the mass market,you push a button and itdoes something – it lightsup or it sings or it turnsaround and does all kinds ofthings. But they’re not toysthat allow a child to beimaginative and creative,”says Jennic Law, owner ofKangarooBoo toy store,West Des Moines, Iowa.“The child is playing andhaving a good time, but thetoy is doing most of theactions or thinking for himor her.”

Law says classic prob-lem-solving toys like puz-zles and blocks are muchbetter for children. Shelikes boldly colored GreenToys Blocks ($25, 6 monthsand up), which are madefrom recycled plastic milkcontainers and come inmany shapes.

Wendy Lippman, ownerof Tlaquepaque Toy Townin Sedona, Ariz., seeks outtoys that spur open-endedplay. “I like toys where kidsare encouraged to use theirimagination,” she says.

Lippman recommends toysthat can serve as the focusfor role-playing, where kidscan act as cashiers or shop-pers with a toy cash regis-ter, for example. Such toysalso set up scenarios to edu-cate children, she says.

Science-related toys areno longer aimed at littleLeonardos and can bepacked with fun, says JimDavis, owner of Kid’sCenter toy store in Tucson,Ariz. Toys with magnetseasily combine sciencelearning with fun. The pop-ular Discovery Set of mag-netic blocks from Tegu($70, age 3 and up) snaptogether and hang in bal-ance, a perfect gift to sparkthe imagination of youngchildren.

Science kits fromThames & Kosmos areperennial award-winners.The Remote-ControlMachines set ($70, age 8and up) lets kids build 10different motorized vehi-cles (including bulldozer,crane, Formula One racer,three-blade dozer, roboticarm) and then guide themwith a remote control unit.After following the instruc-tions to construct the stan-dard vehicles, kids caninvent their own.

Try re-imagining booksas toys. “There’s a jilliondifferent topics for books,”Davis says. “You just needto know a little bit about thechild and then pick out theappropriate story book.”“Press Here” is the title and

also the instruction for thenew book by Hervé Tulletthat launches young read-ers on a charming adven-ture. Watch them blow, tilt,shake, rub and tap colorfuldots printed on the page tomake them multiply, growand rearrange themselves(Chronicle, $15, ages 4-8).

KangarooBoo’s Lawadvises avoiding electroniceducational and leisure toysfor age 5 and under. “If[children] are able to sitdown and solve a problemor a puzzle or build some-thing, it makes the founda-tion for them as a person,”she says. She also says toysthat involve physical playhelp children develop finemotor skills, gross motorskills, patience and othermental capacities. Fastrack,a new board game by BlueOrange, pits opponentswho twang elastic cords tosend wooden disks shoot-ing across the board andthrough a narrow slot. Thefirst to get all 10 to the otherside wins ($20, age 5 andup).

To get kids up off thecouch and develop theirphysical well-being, Davissuggests new classic toysfor outdoors, such as jumpropes and sports balls, andnew throw toys, includingRhino Toys’ SkyO, a flexibleflying ring that’s easy tocatch and throw ($8, age 3and up). The Z-Curve Bowfrom Zing Toys launchesfoam arrows a satisfyinglylong way ($20, age 8 andup).

Whatever route you taketo finding the best toy for aspecial boy or girl, Davissays, stop, think and pro-ceed with inspiration. “Youreally need to know thechild and try to engage thechild in the purchase youmake.”

It’s all good Dutiful but dull, toys intended to enrich a child once sat at the top of adults’ shopping lists – and the bottom of the

toy box. No more. Creativity, play value and green credentials combine in some of the season’s best bets.

Top Picks of Toy Store Gurus

SSppoott IItt bbyy BBlluuee OOrraannggee

($11, ages 6 and up)

Kids can spot matchingimages on the playcards with up to 7 oth-ers or have fun on theirown. “There are five dif-ferent ways to play thegame, so it has greatvalue.”

- Jim Davis, Kid’s Center

GGrreeeenn TTooyyss FFllaattbbeedd TTrruucckk aanndd RRaaccee CCaarr

($33, age 1 and up)

This 11-inch blue truck hauls a sleek red hot rodon its back, and has a flatbed that tilts up toallow the car to roll off.

EEnnii PPuuzzzzllee bbyy EEnnii PPuuzzzzlleess

($12, age 5 and up)

“Call it the round jigsaw puzzle or cylinderRubik’s cube. It pushes problem-solving andbrain-teasing to a new level.”

CCoonnvvooii bbyy HHaabbaa (($$4455,, 1188 mmoonntthhss))

“Kids can pull it, stack it, sort it, and all the whilethey’re learning color recognition, counting andpatterns.”

- Jennic Law, KangarooBoo

Eni Puzzle by Eni Puzzles

Page 16: 2011 holiday gift guide

PAGE 16 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011

By Mary ConnorsCTW Features

Has anyone ever made a trulygrand entrance empty-handed?’Tis the season to arrive at thehomes of friends and family witha smile on your face and a smallgift for the hosts. And there’s nobetter offering than a little some-thin’ somethin’.

Gifts of food and drink needn’tbe costly. A little sweet, a littlegourmet treat – the newer andmore uncommon, the better – isthe perfect holiday calling card.Present it festively wrapped andberibboned and you’re sure to bewelcomed back next time. Hereare some ideas:

Indulge your favorite locavorewith a mushroom kit from Back tothe Roots. Anyone with a taste forrisotto al funghi and a windowsillcan grow 1.5 pounds of oystermushrooms in just ten days, rightfrom the box ($19.95/ grocery andspecialty stores).

Local craft brews are poppingup everywhere – including, with

any luck at all, a kitchen near you.With a beer-making kit, beer fanscan out-micro the microbrewers.A Mr.Beer home brew kit

includes a two-gallon fermentingcontainer in the shape of an beerbarrel, 8 plastic bottles, caps andlabels, and the ingredients that

will produce two gallons of beerin 14 days. Throw in a six-pack ofyour favorite local brew to get thebrewing party started. Find astore using the locator link atmrbeer.com. ($49.95, specialtyand liquor stores).

Give ’em a pop and they’ll behappy. Kids decorate their ownholiday treats with a do-it-your-self lollipop kit from KencraftCandy. The pops, decorations andicing are edible. ($9.95, giftshops).

Booger. Vomit. Earwax.Earthworm. Chances are, there’sa Harry Potter fan in your life whowill fall on the floor laughing,more than once, as he offers you ataste from the Jelly Belly box ofBertie Bott’s Every-FlavourBeans. Insist on a blue one – inno-cent blueberry – and you maymake it to dessert. ($2.25, book-stores, gift stores, toy stores).

TeaForte’s Tea for the Heartheart-shaped box containssachets of green tea rich inantioxidants that benefit hearthealth. The company is promot-ing heart health for women inpartnership withwomenheart.org. ($20 for 12sachets, specialty stores).

The best gifts come wrappedwith a story. Théo Chocolate’snew treat is made with “ghostchile,” reputed to be one of thehottest peppers in the world.Who are we to argue? Ghost ChileSalted Caramels are dipped indark chocolate and sprinkledwith organic, Washington state-grown peppers (where ThéoChocolate is based) and Hawaiianred sea salt, a startling combina-tion of sweet and heat. The candywon an award at the summer 2011Fancy Food Show. ($9 a four-piece box, gift and food stores).

Taste the seasonIt’s time to eat, drink and be merrily generous.

Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans

Tea for the Heart collection from TeaForte

Gifts of food and drink needn’t be costly. A little sweet, a little gourmet treat – the newer

and more uncommon, the better – is the perfect holiday calling card. Present it

festively wrapped and beribboned and you’resure to be welcomed back next time.

Holidaylolli kit

Page 17: 2011 holiday gift guide

By Daniela GarciaCTW Features

Zombies and mad men and superheroes,oh my! No, it’s not the nightmare beforeChristmas. The characters and creaturesthat star in the year’s most popular TVshows and movies have inspired T-shirts,toys and all sorts of gifts sure to delight thepop culture aficionado.

There’s great presents out there foreveryone influenced by either the smallscreen or the silver screen.

MMaadd aabboouutt ‘‘MMaadd MMeenn’’The award-winning series about the

lives of Don Draper and company, set in theNew York advertising world in the 1960s,has managed to generate a cult following ina handful of seasons.

Give the Maddict in your life any of thefirst three seasons of the hit series ($39.99DVD/49.99 Blur-ray). Collectors will becharmed with season one packaged in alimited edition case in the shape of a classicZippo lighter ($59.98, DVD).

For the adman, or adwoman, in your life,“Sterling’s Gold: Wit and Wisdom of an AdMan” (Grove Press 2010), is filled withwitty one-liners from Roger Sterling, thepithy founding partner of the fictionalagency. A sample: “Being with a client islike being in a marriage. Sometimes you getinto it for the wrong reasons and eventual-ly they hit you in the face.”

RReedd ffoorr tthhee hhoolliiddaayyssThe undead just won’t die. In fact, their

grip on fans may be getting stronger. In itsfourth season, “True Blood,” the TV dramaabout humans and vampires in the heart ofLouisiana, is still going strong. Catch up onthe latest action and romance with “TrueBlood: The Complete Third Season”($59.99 DVD/$79.99 Blu ray).

For those that wish they could bepatrons of Eric Northman’s dark vampireclub, Fangtasia, a souvenir T-shirt of sortsought to satisfy ($24.99).

Eric’s stylish, no-nonsense, right-handwoman Pam has shown countless timesthat even the undead can always look good.Delight a fan who’d love to replicate herlook with the True Blood Collectors Paletteby Tarte ($52). The kit (at right) also

includes instructions from the show’s leadmake-up artist, Brigitte Ellis.

“The Walking Dead,” a gripping TVdrama about a group of survivors in thewake of a zombie apocalypse, is based on agraphic novel series. Gift individual printissues (Image Comics, $14.99) or a collec-tion of eight ($59.99).

To satisfy a would-be zombie hunter,grab a Walking Dead shooting target poster($40). They’ll be ready to take on theundead in no time.

FFoorr tthhee kkiiddssSuperhero blockbuster movies “Captain

America” and “Thor” both bowed at No. 1

at the box office this past summer, with“Tranformers: Dark of the Moon” also atthe top of the pack with a worldwide grossof over $1 billion.

Whether kids want to embrace theirinner first avenger (Captain America) ortheir inner mighty avenger (Thor) they’llhave their weapon of choice to battle thebad guys: Captain America’s DiscLaunching Shield (ages 5 and up, $19.99)and Thor’s Lightning Hammer (ages 5 andup, $19.99).

Transformers are evil-fighting robots

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SEE TV GIFTS, PAGE 18

Page 18: 2011 holiday gift guide

PAGE 18 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011

disguised as everyday machines, like trucksand cars. Their transformations look com-plicated on-screen but the TransformersRescue Bots from Playskool (ages 3 and up,$11.99) help little kids make the magic inone big, easy step.

TTiiddiinnggss ooff ccoommffoorrtt aanndd GGlleeeeIn “Glee,” the Fox TV hit, a group of high

school misfits find common ground (andtheir voices) by joining the McKinley HighSchool glee club. The show that’s punctuat-ed with spontaneous musical performanceshas gained a loyal fan following.

Share Christmas classics as sung by theGlee cast with “Glee: The Music, TheChristmas Album” CD from ColumbiaRecords ($10.98).

Hardcore Gleeks who know practicallyevery song sung on the show will love strut-ting their stuff with “Karaoke RevolutionGlee: Volume 2” from Koname ($39.99 forWii).

The Glee-tastic Microphone ($17.99) isthe perfect toy for younger fans who enjoysinging their hearts out.

The board game contingent can get in onthe act with Cranium: Glee Edition ($34)

and Yahtzee: Glee Collector’s Edition($19.95), both from USAopoly. The SceneIt? Glee! DVD game from Screenlife($29.99) brings the McKinley High highjinks live to a living room near you.

» FROM PAGE 17

TV GIFTS: For the fans

Page 19: 2011 holiday gift guide

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011 | PAGE 19

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Don’t let those who’vecut the cable miss out ontheir favorite shows.Holiday downtime is per-fect for catching up onsome of cables’ most popu-lar and critically acclaimedshows. Here are a few oflast season’s biggest titles,available on DVD and Blu-ray.

– Lindsey Romain

11..MMaadd MMeenn,, SSeeaassoonnFFoouurr(AMC/Lionsgate)

$49.99, DVD and Blu-ray

22..RRiizzzzoollii aanndd IIsslleess,,SSeeaassoonn OOnnee(TNT/Warner Home

Video) $39.98, DVD

33..TTrruuee BBlloooodd,, SSeeaassoonnTThhrreeee (HBO HomeVideo) $59.99,

DVD/$79.98 Blu-ray

44..DDeexxtteerr,, SSeeaassoonn FFiivvee(ShowtimeEntertainment)

$39.99, DVD and Blu-ray

55..TThhee WWaallkkiinngg DDeeaadd,,SSeeaassoonn OOnnee(AMC/Lionsgate)

$39.99, DVD/$49.99, Blu-ray

66..EEnnttoouurraaggee,, SSeeaassoonnSSeevveenn (HBO Home Video)

$39.98, DVD/$49.99 Blu-ray

77..NNuurrssee JJaacckkiiee,, SSeeaassoonnTTwwoo (ShowtimeEntertainment)

$39.98, DVD and Blu-ray

88..LLoouuiiee,, SSeeaassoonn OOnnee(FX Network)$39.99, DVD and

Blu-ray

99..WWeeeeddss,, SSeeaassoonn SSiixx(ShowtimeEntertainment)

$39.98, DVD and Blu-ray 1100..BBrreeaakkiinngg BBaadd,,SSeeaassoonn TThhrreeee(AMC/

Lionsgate) $39.99, DVD

© CTW Features

Take 10: Top DVDsfor the cable-free

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Page 20: 2011 holiday gift guide

In this age of digitaltechnology and toy gad-getry, children may bekeener to flip on the TV orshuffle their MP3 playerthan crack open a book.

This holiday season, tryreigniting their imagina-tion with the gift of words.

Here are some of 2011’saward-winning and honorbooks for young readers.

– Lindsey Romain

11..““MMoooonn OOvveerrMMaanniiffeesstt”” bbyy CCllaarreeVVaannddeerrppooooll

(Delacorte Press, $16.99)

Newbery Medal

22..““TTuurrttllee IInn PPaarraaddiissee””bbyy JJeennnniiffeerr LL.. HHoollmm(Random House,

$16.99) Newbery Honor

33..““HHeeaarrtt ooff aa SSaammuurraaii””bbyy MMaarrggii PPrreeuuss(Amulet Books,

$15.95) Newbery Honor

44..““DDaarrkk EEmmppeerroorr aannddOOtthheerr PPooeemmss ooff tthheeNNiigghhtt”” bbyy JJooyyccee

SSiiddmmaann,, iilllluussttrraatteedd bbyy RRiicckkAAlllleenn (Houghton Mifflin,$16.99) Newbery Honor

55..““OOnnee CCrraazzyySSuummmmeerr”” bbyy RRiittaaWWiilllliiaammss--GGaarrcciiaa

(Amistad, $8.92) NewberyHonor

66..““AA SSiicckk DDaayy ffoorrAAmmooss MMccGGeeee”” bbyyPPhhiilliipp CC.. SStteeaadd,, iilllluuss--

ttrraatteedd bbyy EErriinn EE.. SStteeaadd

(Neal Porter/RoaringBrook Press, $16.99)Caldecott Medal

77..““DDaavvee tthhee PPootttteerr::AArrttiisstt,, PPooeett,, SSllaavvee””bbyy LLaabbaann CCaarrrriicckk,,

iilllluussttrraatteedd bbyy BBrryyaann CCoolllliieerr(Little, Brown andCompany, $11.95)Caldecott Honor

88..““IInntteerrrruuppttiinnggCChhiicckkeenn”” wwrriitttteennaanndd iilllluussttrraatteedd bbyy

DDaavviidd EEzzrraa SStteeiinn(Candlewick Press, $16.99)Caldecott Honor

99..““SShhiipp BBrreeaakkeerr”” bbyyPPaaoolloo BBaacciiggaalluuppii(Little, Brown and

Company, $17.99) MichaelL. Printz Medal

1100..““PPlleeaassee IIggnnoorreeVVeerraa DDiieettzz”” bbyyAA..SS.. KKiinngg (Knopf,

$16.99) Michael L. PrintzHonor

© CTW Features

Take 10: The year’s best children’s booksPAGE 20 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011

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Page 21: 2011 holiday gift guide

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011 | PAGE 21

The music business is hurting, but LP vinylrecords are back from the near-dead. Vinyl hascaptivated a new generation of music enthusi-asts. For the third consecutive year, vinyl recordsales increased, selling 2.8 million units, themost since 1991, according to NielsenSoundScan. Introduce the music lover of thefamily to a whole new way of listening with oneof 2010’s top-selling vinyl titles.

– Lindsey Romain

11..““AAbbbbeeyy RRooaadd,,”” TThhee BBeeaattlleess (AppleRecords, 1969) $18.99

22..““TThhee SSuubbuurrbbss,,”” AArrccaaddee FFiirree (MergeRecords, 2010) $25.98, two-record set

33..““BBrrootthheerrss,,”” TThhee BBllaacckk KKeeyyss (NonesuchRecords, 2010) $26.98 , two-record set

44..““CCoonnttrraa,,”” VVaammppiirree WWeeeekkeenndd (XLRecordings, 2010) $14.99

55..““TThhrriilllleerr,,”” MMiicchhaaeell JJaacckkssoonn (EpicRecords, 1982) $14.99

66..““HHiigghh VViioolleett,,”” TThhee NNaattiioonnaall (4AD, 2010)$19.99

77..““TTeeeenn DDrreeaamm,,”” BBeeaacchh HHoouussee (Sub Pop,2010) $18

88..““VVaalllleeyyss ooff NNeeppttuunnee,,”” TThhee JJiimmii HHeennddrriixxEExxppeerriieennccee (Legacy Recordings, 2010)$24.98

99..““TThhee DDaarrkk SSiiddee ooff tthhee MMoooonn,,”” PPiinnkk FFllooyydd(Harvest Records/Capitol Records, 1973)$18.99

1100..““xxxx”” TThhee xxxx (Young Turks, 2009)$18.99

© CTW Features

Take 10: Chart-busting vinyl albums

Page 22: 2011 holiday gift guide

PAGE 22 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011

(ARA) - As holiday decor springs up andseasonal tunes begin to flood the airwaves,it’s time to embrace the most wonderfultime of the year. If you didn’t line up onBlack Friday, and decking the halls issomething you typically save for the last-minute, not to worry. Lifestyle expert,celebrity stylist and television personalityRobert Verdi shares his tips for puttingtogether a beautiful and low-stress holiday- including his picks for great last-minutegifts that can be found at your local bigbox, grocery or drug store.

SSeett tthhee ssttaaggeeInstead of decorating your home in a sea

of red and green, consider using more neu-tral shades like silver and burgundy. Silveris one of the easiest colors to decorate withfor the holiday because it transitions seam-lessly into the new year. Use mercury glassballs, silver balls and white for a festive,wintry look that you won’t tire of comeDec. 26.

HHoosstteessss wwiitthh tthhee mmoosstteessssThe holidays are the time of year for

gatherings. If you’re attending an event,always come prepared with a small gift foryour hostess. If you’re hosting, be sure tostock up on extra food and beverages forunexpected guests. To make any spreadmore stylish, simply arrange meats,cheeses and other small bites on slate tilesfrom a home store. Not only is a tile attrac-tive and durable, but you can let guestsknow what delicacies they’re be samplingby writing on the slate with chalk.

GGrraacciioouuss ggiiffttiinnggBeing a thoughtful gift-giver isn’t neces-

sarily about purchasing lavish, over-the-top gifts. Often, it’s best to give gifts thatyou know the recipient will actually use.

For someone who loves to cook, consid-er loading a basket with the ingredients fora favorite recipe, pretty hand towels andother kitchen goodies.

Or, for the beauty-lover in your life,stock up on P&G Beauty gift sets full ofmust-have products from Olay, Venus,CoverGirl, Herbal Essences, Pantene andSecret to spread holiday cheer to your chil-dren’s teachers and babysitters. Pick uphigh-tech finds like the Olay Pro-XAdvanced Cleansing System or Crest 3DWhite 2 Hour Express Whitestrips foryour beauty-focused friends. Best of all,these gifts are available at the stores youshop at every day, which means one lesstrip to the mall.

TThhee ffiinniisshhiinngg ttoouucchheessYou don’t need to spend a fortune to put

glamour into your gift wrapping. Browncraft paper makes a great holiday gift wrapbecause it’s earthy, inexpensive, and can becustomized with ribbons, stamps or stick-ers.

Or, add a little touch to any regular giftto make it visually appealing. For example,when you give a candle, present it withlong matches and a beautiful bow.Remember, the holiday season should be atime for reconnecting with friends andfamily, so no gift is complete without athoughtful hand-written note.

Tips for a beautifulholiday - even

at the 11th hour

If you didn’t line up on Black Friday, and decking thehalls is something you typically save for the last-

minute, not to worry. Lifestyle expert, celebrity stylistand television personality Robert Verdi shares his tips

for putting together a beautiful and low-stress holiday -including his picks for great last-minute gifts that canbe found at your local big box, grocery or drug store.

Page 23: 2011 holiday gift guide

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011 | PAGE 23

Page 24: 2011 holiday gift guide

PAGE 24 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011