Great Gifts for the Rest of Us!Compiled by Dianne R. McCann
It’s that time of year again, and we all have at least some degree of gift shopping on our minds. Have you figured out what to do for those harder-to-buy-for people on your gift list?
This guide is a collection of some of the newer, perhaps lesser-known products or services that can make great gifts. The guide features products for tweens (ages 9-14), teens, and adults, and the prices range from the very affordable to the somewhat expensive. (If you’re in the market for younger children’s products and toys, follow the link on the Baltimore’s Child home page, www.BaltimoresChild.com, to our 2009 Children’s Gift Guide, compiled by Janice Hands.)
Also, don’t miss the section that includes charitable opportunities for giving and volunteering as well as another section on shopping sites that highlight ways to save money.
Finally, just as many business forecasts predict that online sales will increase again this year, several gifts in this guide are sold exclusively through websites. Therefore, as a general precaution for purchasing anything sold on the Internet, make sure to read the tips provided by the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland immediately following this gift guide on protecting yourself when you’re shopping online.
Happy shopping…and Happy Holidays!
Prices listed are manufacturers’ suggested retail prices, provided prior to the publication of this guide. Baltimore’s Child cannot be responsible for price or availability changes.
All A-Board! Games
The board games in this section were chosen for their appeal to various age groups from tween through adult.
25 Random Things About MeGet the Party Started with Yamodo! Party Time
Idea Storm Products has extended the imaginative premise of its Yamodo! games into a new group game, Yamodo! Party Time. Party Time is the definitive game of made-up words with collaborative answers and drawings that are as silly or serious as the group who is playing.
The object of Yamodo! Party Time is to collect three Yamodo! word cards by having the “best” definitions and win the game. For ages 9-12.
The game is available online at www.drtoy.com and at Barnes and Noble Bookstores. $29.95.
Hasbro Has the Games
Longtime game-maker Hasbro has introduced a new line of games, many of which are priced under $30, offering an entertaining and budget-friendly gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Start a Family Game Night tradition with these classics, re-introduced with new twists—Monopoly Championship Edition, for ages 9 and older, $19.99; Clue: Secrets & Spies, which is the first Hasbro game to debut texting features in a board game, for ages 9-14, $24.99; or Jenga Max Balance Game, for ages 8-14, $19.99.
Additional game gift ideas from Hasbro include Connect 4X4 Double Grid Edition, for ages 9-14, $22.99; Pictureka!, for ages 9-12, $19.99; and Boggle, for ages 9-adult, $17.99.
For an evening of adult game fun, there’s the Trivial Pursuit Team Edition, in which
players have the opportunity to answer six different types of questions, such as multiple choice, name six, go for broke, reference, more or less, and “are you the expert?” And, for the first time, players can earn partial credit for answering the question mostly right or for answering correctly on the second (or third) try. For ages 12 and older. $29.99.And don’t forget the stock stuffer favorites—for instance, Scrabble Apple, for ages 9 and older, $9.99; or Rubik’s Cube 360 Edition, where you manipulate the clear sphere to get the colored balls into their proper location, for ages 9 and older, $14.99.
Hasbro products are available on www.hasbro.com, and wherever toys and games are sold.
With Patch, No Need to Budget Fun
Patch Products specializes in games and toys that are simplistic, provide great family entertainment and communication, and are all $25 or under―perfect for families operating on a budget with children to entertain.
Know It or Blow It tests your knowledge of fun facts such as what are the three primary colors, the five Great Lakes, and the names of Santa’s eight reindeer.
The best part is you don’t have to know it all! For each round, teammates answer one at a time. If you know an answer, great! If you’re not absolutely, positively sure, you can stop rather than risk your team’s points. But, if you answer incorrectly and blow it, your team loses its points for the round.
Know It or Blow It contains 300 questions cards, involving a variety of topics. The questions vary from hard to easy and from well-known to complex, so the game has something for everyone! For ages 10 and older. $25.00.
As the front of its box says, you’ll make up “senseless solutions to strange situations” when you
play the new game Now What? After one player reads an outlandish dilemma, everyone dreams up a tall tale to get them out of this strange situation. Create your story using everyday items. Solutions can be totally serious or absolutely senseless! The goal is to pick items that others won't. Get ready to tell some unbelievable stories as you play Now What? For ages 9 and older, for 2 to 8 players. $19.99.Know It or Blow It, Now What?, and more games are available on twww.patchproducts.com and at many toy retailers.
Body Beautiful
The Luxury of Spa Treatment
Give the gift of superb personal care. Comprised of Kukui Nut Organic Body Oil and Kukui Nut Body Cream, The Alba Botanica Holiday Gift Set is enriched with tropical nut oils rich in essential fatty acids to soften and soothe dry winter skin. Available online, at www.albabotanica.com, and at Whole Foods Market, www.wholefoodsmarket.com, and other health food stores nationwide. $19.99.
Bath and Body Get a Peppermint TwistRejuvenate the senses this holiday season with Avalon Organics Peppermint Revitalizing Bath & Body Sink Set. Comprised of Peppermint Glycerin Hand Soap, Peppermint Hand & Body Lotion, and a decorative wire display, this invigorating duo gives a lift that will last through the New Year. Available online, at www.avalonorganics.com, and at Whole Foods Market, www.wholefoodsmarket.com, and other health food stores nationwide. $19.99.
Indigo Wild Zum SoapsThese invigorating holiday mint Zum soaps from Indigo Wild are perfect for stuffing stockings, pampering houseguests, or washing away holiday stress. Made, packaged, and labeled by hand, these wonderful Zum soaps provide balance, moisture, and pure essential oil scents in rich, cleansing bars made with goat milk and natural glycerin. Indigo Wild donates a portion of proceeds to organizations that promote breast cancer awareness and research as well as groups that find homes for homeless dogs. Available at Whole Foods Market, www.wholefoodsmarket.com. $6.25.
Take a Trip Down Candy Cane Lane
JASON Holiday Gift Sets are available in Candy Cane Lane and Gingerbread Spice, with the option of purchasing a special edition Tea Infused Hand & Body Lotion or a two-pack with Hand & Body Lotion and Celestial Seasonings Tea. JASON Tea Infused Hand & Body Lotions are rich in antioxidants and are paraben-free as well as sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate-free. Available at Whole Foods Market, www.wholefoodsmarket.com, Target stores, and other health food stores nationwide. $12.99.
Reverse Sun Damage for a “Photo” FinishThe gift of eternal youth? A revolutionary at-home topical skincare system, Kinerase PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System, replicates the benefits of a PhotoFacial, the leading dermatologist in-office procedure to reverse the harmful effects of sun damage. This three-step skincare regimen delivers results to dramatically reveal a more youthful, flawless complexion…with the option to forego a visit to the doctor’s office. Available online, at www.kinerase.com, and at beauty retailer Sephora. $100.00.
Enjoy Invigorating Indulgence
Energize the senses while pampering the skin with the Nature’s Gate Ginger Tea Gift Set! Ginger invigorates, while Jojoba Oil and Fair Trade Kukui Nut Oil moisturize and soothe dry skin. Available online, at www.natures-gate.com. $9.99.
Happy Holiday Hairdo!
Create the perfect holiday hairdo with Profound Beauty Holiday Style Kits. With each representing a different climate from Profound Beauty’s ATMOSPHERE collection, you can take your hair on a holiday vacation to an arctic, tropical, or desert locale from the comfort of your own home! Available online, at www.profoundbeauty.com. $55.00.
Relastin Ultra Emollient for Pampered SkinIs there someone you know who suffers from dry, flaky skin in the winter months? Relastin Ultra Emollient is a rich moisturizer and anti-aging cream—super-hydrating and the secret to soft, supple skin that is firm and smooth.
A cocktail of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and peptides to stimulate collagen production and smooth surface lines, the Ultra Emollient provides a perfect transition from summer skin to prepping for fall and winter skincare. The Ultra Emollient also contains Relastin’s patent-pending Zinc Firming Complex, which helps the body “kick start” elastin production. (Elastin is a protein in skin that makes it smooth again after contracting and stretching.)
Find Relastin Ultra Emollient at www.relastin.com.
The Goodness of Vermont Soap
Vermont Soap 3-Bar Gift Pack features super-mild
, handmade soap bars that are perfect for all skin types thanks to three varieties being offered this holiday season. For dry skin, the gift pack features an Oatmeal Lavender Bar, a Butter Bar, and an Unscented Bar. For oily skin, the gift pack features a Peppermint Magic Bar, a Lemongrass Bar, and a Blue Bar. And for combination skin, the gift pack features a Honey Bar, a Citrus Sunrise Bar, and a Rosemary Bar. $12.99 for each gift pack.Also, Vermont Soap has partnered with tribal craftswomen in Ghana to bring Pure African Shea Nut Butter Balm, a moisturizing and healing natural balm, to consumers. Shea nut butter is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, is non-allergenic, has antiseptic attributes, and is helpful for addressing trouble skin conditions such as dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, insect bites, rashes, sunburn, topical burns, stretch marks, and scar tissue. While its vitamin K and cinnamic acid allow it to offer UV-ray protection, it also contains natural latex that helps ward off sun allergies. The balm also has anti-inflammatory properties and penetrates skin and tissue and thus may be beneficial for arthritis symptoms, muscle aches, and pains. Pure African Shea Nut Butter Balm is sold in a handy 2-oz. tin container. $9.99.
Vermont Soap Bar Soaps are made from a hypoallergenic vegetable base of organic coconut, palm, olive, and palm kernal oils. Aromatherapy essential oils and botanical extracts are used to alter the effects of this moisturizing soap base on skin, providing different blends for different skin types. It takes nearly a month to handcraft a bar of Vermont Soap, and only this 200-year-old process yields a bar of soap suitable for the most sensitive skin.
In addition to the Shea Butter Balm and the handmade natural aromatherapy bar soaps, Vermont Soap also offers a complete line of liquid soaps, shower gels, nontoxic cleaners, veggie wash, yoga mat wash, and pet and horse shampoos. All products are made with organic ingredients, are free of artificial colors, fragrances, preservatives, and animal by-products, and are not tested on animals. Vermont Soaps' manufacturing operation is certified as a USDA organic processing facility.
Visit Vermont Soap online, at www.vermontsoap.com.
Viva le Votre Vu!Duette Luxe is a luxurious lip balm and hand crème combo like you’ve never seen before, in one genius package. This tube comes with two openings—one holds the hand crème and the other carries the lip balm and mirror. This rich, almond-scented hand crème is a treat for the senses and will leave skin smooth and soft without a greasy residue. The nourishing lip balm is hydrating and smooth. These two essential moisturizers, both with UV protection, are now in one perfect place. $38.00. Or, take care of three gift recipients for the price of two—the holiday Duette set of three is available for $79.00.
“Clothing Optional” Holiday Set (pictured) goes perfectly with all shoulder-bearing holiday fashions. This set includes skin-rich recipes and sultry sweet almond aroma from the French-blended Tarte D’Amande Body Soufflé, infused with vitamins and tropical nut oils, and Duette Luxe Hand Crème and Lip Balm. What’s more, this set is packaged in a special edition gift box that echoes a delivery straight from Paris! $68.00.
Shop for Votre Vu skin products at www.votrevu.com/corporate/productcatalog.
By the Bagful
Tough Yet Lightweight
Give a gift that’s sure to get used! ACE Excursion Bags pack loads of storage space—the ultimate essential for holiday travel. They feature two divided compartments to separate grooming tools from toiletries, a mesh pocket for securing loose items, a travel-tough zipper, and an easy-to-clean ballistic nylon shell designed to hold their shape, but also compress inside a suitcase. Find ACE Excursion Bags online, at www.amazon.com. $15.99.
Bazura Bags: Great Recycled GoodsFor nine years, a women's cooperative in the Philippines has been utilizing used, colorful, and non-biodegradable juice containers that would otherwise clutter the landfills, fields, and streets of their community to create one-of-a-kind Bazura Bags and Accessories. Their handcrafted and eclectic products add glamour to recycled goods while helping to clean the environment and support the livelihood of less fortunate, but empowered women and their families.
Bazura Bags and Accessories make great gifts for everyone thanks to more than 80 styles in a variety of colors and patterns. In addition to the products made from the recycled juice containers, Bazura Bags and Accessories are also made from other recycled materials such as rice bags and advertising banners. Find them online, at www.bazurashop.com. $5.00-$60.00.
The Card Cubby: Stay Stylishly OrganizedThis handy device offers a solution for shoppers who want to be organized while staying fun and fashionable. The Card Cubby is a stylish new "wallet" that allows your favorite shopper to alphabetize gift cards, frequent buyer cards, coupons, and more in one convenient location.
The Card Cubby complements any purse, or it can be carried solo with the mini strap. Priced under $20, it comes in 16 designs and colors such as Passion Pink, Lemon Drop, and Zany Zebra. Find the Card Cubby online, www.cardcubby.com/shop.
ECOBAGS: Carrying On—Responsibly!
Give something that’s eco-friendly, sustainable, and keeps on giving the whole year though. ECOBAGS, The Original Reusable Bag Company, features several gift ideas that are affordable, practical, and ideal for just about anyone!
ECOBAGS is a member of the Organic Trade Association as well as Co-Op/Green America, and is a certified Women-Owned Business by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. The company carries products that are manufactured under the Global Organic Textile Standard.
Here are just a few product offerings:
Natural Cotton Eco-Shopping System for One. This all-natural shopping system comes with two full-size cotton canvas tote bags, one Classic String Bag, and two ECOBAGS, cotton, reusable produce bags—all for $19.99. This set is available in organic cotton for $23.99. Sets are also available for families of two and four.
Canvas Totes. Everyone can benefit from an eco-friendly Fair Wage/Fair Labor ECOBAGS tote (pictured left). Choose from the wide selection of styles (including blank ones), priced from $5.99 to $24.99.These stylish, eco-friendly totes add a little pizzazz to anyone’s grocery shopping, or trip to the beach or gym. Machine washable, each bag holds up to 40 lbs. These Classic String Bags are priced from $5.25 to $34.99. Loofah-Art Scrubbers. These products are 100 percent biodegradable
and are fabricated from the sustainable crop—loofah. Use the scrubbers (pictured right) in the shower for a healthy glow, or in the kitchen to scrub fresh fruits and vegetables and even to clean your pots and pans. Tough yet soft, they won’t ruin sensitive non-stick surfaces. And, at $3.99, they make great stocking stuffers.Find all these products and more online, www.ECOBAGS.com.
Now through December 24, 2009, get 20 percent off your purchases at www.ECOBAGS.com when you enter the code FF09 at checkout!
Now through December 24, 2009, get 20 percent off your purchases at www.ECOBAGS.com when you enter the code FF09 at checkout!
ELSPETH, for Luxury Handbags
What do you get for the mom, sister, or wife who has it all? The typical go-to gifts such as jewelry or gift certificates year after year can get boring…and shopping in women’s stores can be intimidating.
According to Elizabeth Phillips, the designer behind the line of ELSPETH handbags, “A woman can never have too many handbags—there is literally one for every occasion!”
ELSPETH New York, a premier handbag line known for its luxurious materials, vivacious colors and incredible quality, has launched a variety of trendy handbags, ELSPETH’s Winter 2009
Collection, perfect for women on-the-go. Featuring multi-function straps, these handbags easily go from day- to nighttime accessory. And the stylish totes and clutches make the perfect gift for women, creating an all-in-one feel while still remaining fashionable.View the entire ELSPETH Winter 2009 Collection online, at www.elspethnyc.com. For the busy mom, you’ll find the East Village Tote, for $342.00. For the stylish fitness buff, check out the Royalton Tote, for $285.00. Or, surprise the new college grad with the Waverly Tote, for $409.00, and delight your favorite social butterfly with the Charlotte Clutch for $235.00 (pictured).
Joey Totes: Durable and ConvenientCreated in 2008 by a husband and wife team in Annapolis, Chris and Kate Charbonneau, to provide an attractive, reusable bag for shoppers, Joey Totes are destined to replace the typical 99-cent, store-branded cloth bag.
Machine washable and made from rip-stop nylon, Joey Totes are designed to fit multiple bags in one little pouch (actually sewn directly into the bag), fitting easily in a purse or backpack. Also, each Joey Tote comes with a Lifetime Guarantee against material and manufacturing defects and, reinforced with double-folded handles, is tough enough to carry 40 pounds. The bags come in two sizes, including mix and match sets.
Joey Totes are available for purchase exclusively at www.JoeyTotes.com, with free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more. Custom logos are also available for organizations and events.
Fun Tween Stocking Stuffers
Got a tween fashionishta on your hands? Modella wristlets and purse kits make perfect stocking stuffers, while keeping you on budget and her on trend! Available at Wal-Mart. $1.97 and up.
Nature Bag: A Centuries-Old Craft Carries Hope
From its handmade and homemade production to the heartfelt humanitarian effort behind it, Nature Bag is a multi-use bag unlike any other. For thousands of years, bags such as this have
been handmade only in the homes of the Khmu ethnic group of Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, which has one of the lowest per capita income levels in the world.The Nature Bags are now being produced for sale to others by the Khmu as part of a poverty reduction project for the region headed by a young Lao student named Bonsou Keoamphone. The project's startup funding is coming from a retired Iowa philanthropist.
Nature Bags are stretchable and expandable, lightweight but extremely strong. Most Nature Bags have an appearance that is somewhat shiny, like silk or satin, and have colors that range from a very light tan to medium-dark brown. The walls of the Nature Bags have considerable stretch and form around the items inside. Fragile items such as fruits and vegetables are much less likely to be bruised, and the unique mesh design of the bag permits airflow throughout. And, because each bag is handmade, no two are identical.
Wild-growing, organic tropical Kudzu—now called JungleVine—is used to make the bag’s fabric. It’s a naturally growing, hearty perennial vine with a deep spreading root that grows quickly during the rainy season, and can be found in various parts and higher elevations in Southeast Asia. JungleVine cord is lightweight, but nearly impossible to break. Also, it’s biodegradable and virtually mold resistant.
This is the first significant commercial use and production of both product and fabric, and it continues thousands of years of sustainability.
The Nature Bags range in size, from 10x6 inches to 24x12 inches, and range in price, from $10.00 to $76.00. They’re available for sale at www.NatureBag.org.
Pangea Brands: Accessories for Sports FansThis holiday season, Pangea Brands offers a full collection of leather and canvas accessories for men and women, customizable with MLB, NBA, and USTA team emblems. For instance, the O.T.R (On The Road) Billfold Wallet, is made of ballistic nylon and canvas and embellished with your fan’s favorite MLB logo.
Products are available for purchase at www.pangeabrands.com, and at select retailers. $24.99.
Products are available for purchase at www.pangeabrands.com, and at select retailers. $24.99.
Two Times the Bag!
For the stylish diva, a fashionable makeup bag from Trina is the perfect gift. And, as a special bonus, these bags can double as super-cute clutches! Available online, at www.Trinastyle.com, and at Nordstrom and luxury boutiques nationwide. $22.00 and up.
For Your Furry Best Friend
Have a Blue Dog HolidayBlue Dog Bakery makes all-natural and low-fat treats in the U.S. for dogs of all sizes and ages, using only wholesome ingredients. The premium treats make a delicious and healthier choice for the alarming number of overweight dogs. Made with only the finest natural ingredients, Blue Dog Bakery biscuits are a nutritious part of a balanced diet. There are no preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or animal by-products. Available online, at www.bluedogbakery.com, and at retail outlets everywhere. Prices vary.
Fido’s Dinnerware
The pet bowls by Bridgewater are part of a full line of pet dinnerware. Now, there’s no reason for Fido or Snowball to be left out of the holiday meal celebrations! Pet owners and pets can dine in style with Bridgewater dinnerware—these bowls are unique and fun. Available online, at JoanneHudson.com. $26.99-$46.99.
A Chewy Gift that Also Helps American VeteransThe Chewy Shoe dog toy helps keep dogs active and happy and also aids U.S. veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. How many gift ideas can do all that for under $20?
The red, white, and blue Chewy Shoe dog toy is made by My Good Dog of durable Vibram rubber and features a tugging/throwing rope. For each Chewy Shoe sold, $2.00 is donated to Dog Tags: Service Dogs for Those Who Serve Us. These dogs are trained by inmates (part of the Puppies Behind Bars initiative) and are then matched by Dog Tags to a veteran. Available online at www.mygooddog.com. $16.00.
Reduce. Reuse. Rewoof.
A values-led designer and developer of products for dogs, Planet Dog is proud to offer socially responsible products for shoppers looking for meaningful gifts for dogs and dog lovers this holiday season.
Planet Dog’s shop features the toys and accessories on every pup’s wish list that are made in the U.S., of recycled materials. The Orbee-Tuff toys are extremely durable and come in many designs—balls, bones, tug toys, even snowballs! They are available in a variety of sizes, and all are non-toxic, recyclable, and rinse clean. $6.45-$19.95.
Or, how about the Orbee-Tuff Mint? This doggie-durable, buoyant, bouncy, and minty canine
confection (pictured) makes an incredibly sweet gift for adventurous buddies of all shapes and sizes. $10.95.The 3-toys-in-1 RecycleBALL Value-Pack includes two 2.5-in. Orbee-Tuff RecycleBALLs tied together with off-spec climbing rope provided by Planet Dog’s neighbor, Sterling Rope. In addition to the reclaimed rope serving as “packaging,” it can be removed and retied to one of the RecycleBALLs to make a toss toy, while the second ball may be used in a ball tosser. The third way to play with this innovative toy is just “as is.” $14.95.
Planet Dog also features grooming supplies, collars, leashes, and treats. Finally, how about a little something for the dog-lover on your gift list? Check out the selection of clever t-shirts, bumper stickers, more! Prices vary.
You know what they say: “Think globally. Act doggedly.” Visit www.planetdog.com.
Gifts to Eat
1-800 BakeryLooking for that perfect, tasty holiday gift to give this year? 1-800 Bakery has a wide selection of goodies for everyone on your list: your boss, your niece/nephew, your significant other, the babysitter, and your child's teacher—the list is endless. Enjoy browsing the website and picking delicious gift ideas that will be delivered right to the recipient's front door, in perfect condition and ready to enjoy. (European Stollen pictured at right.) Visit www.1800bakery.com.
BLACK Sipping Chocolate by Norman Love Confections
Indulge your favorite chocolate lover with sipping chocolate made with chocolate from around the world. Chocolatier and founder of Norman Love Confections, Norman Love has introduced BLACK Sipping Chocolate, a gourmet collection of dark chocolate, featuring rich chocolates from the finest growing regions in the world.
Each tin of sipping chocolates contains one of the five ultra premium dark chocolate varieties: 74 percent Hacienda Elvesia, an elegant, robust chocolate with notes of black tea and a hint of tobacco made with beans from the Dominican Republic; 72 percent Arriba, made with cocoa beans of the prized Nacional from Arriba Mocache, Los Rios, Ecuador; 68 percent Cru Sauvage, the world's first chocolate made from beans harvested from wild cacao trees growing in the Beni region of north-eastern Bolivia; 65 percent Maracaibo Clasificado, made with noble criollo cocoa from the vicinity of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela; and 64 percent Madagascar, made with cocoa beans of the trinitario variety from Sambirano, Madagascar.
The BLACK Sipping Chocolate retails for $19.50 each and is available at www.NormanLoveConfections.com.
Each tin of sipping chocolates contains one of the five ultra premium dark chocolate varieties: 74 percent Hacienda Elvesia, an elegant, robust chocolate with notes of black tea and a hint of tobacco made with beans from the Dominican Republic; 72 percent Arriba, made with cocoa beans of the prized Nacional from Arriba Mocache, Los Rios, Ecuador; 68 percent Cru Sauvage, the world's first chocolate made from beans harvested from wild cacao trees growing in the Beni region of north-eastern Bolivia; 65 percent Maracaibo Clasificado, made with noble criollo cocoa from the vicinity of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela; and 64 percent Madagascar, made with cocoa beans of the trinitario variety from Sambirano, Madagascar.Do Goodie Goodies
Make a special gift for chocolate lovers while making a socially responsible statement. Do Goodie brownies by Greyston Bakery are a decadent treat that gives back to the community by donating all profits to job training, healthcare, affordable housing, and childcare programs.
Greyston Bakery first came to national acclaim as the brownie suppliers to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream more than 20 years ago. Today, Greyston Bakery helps individuals through support programs that provide the fundamental life and employment skills to those in need.Brownie flavors include Chocolate Fudge, Espresso Bean, Walnut, and Brown Sugar Blondie. They’re available in gift boxes of 6, 12, 24, and 48, or in a 12-piece blonde wood veneer box. Order Do Goodie brownies by calling 914-375-1510, or by visiting the website www.dogoodiebrownies.com. $17.99-$95.99.
Navitas Naturals Organic Superfood Chocolate Kits
Here is everything you need to create healthy homemade gourmet chocolates, including “superfood” ingredients. Navitas Naturals makes it easy to bring home the art of chocolate making with its innovative Organic Superfood Chocolate Kits. Each kit contains raw organic cacao butter, organic cacao powder, organic mesquite, organic lucuma, organic maca, and the specific organic superfood featured in the chewy center of the chocolates, such as Goji Berry, Cacao Nib, and Goldenberry.
Navitas Naturals Organic Superfood Chocolate Kits are loaded with antioxidants, and can be prepared in minutes. To order, visit www.navitasnaturals.com. Each kit creates 12 organic chocolates. $9.99.
Naturally, Magically Clean ProduceVermont Soap's Produce Magic would make a great gift or stocking stuffer for the vegetable lover on your gift list. Produce Magic is an eco-friendly alternative for avoiding contaminated produce and food-borne illnesses. This 100 percent natural, certified organic fruit and veggie wash not only makes food safer, produce washed with Produce Magic tastes better, too.
Visit Vermont Soap online, at www.vermontsoap.com.
The Ancient Tradition of Shaman Chocolates
The organic and fair-trade chocolate bars from Shaman Chocolates are unique for their delicious flavors and their social responsibility. All profits from the sale of Shaman Chocolates help support Huichol Indian villages in Central Mexico, allowing them to keep their ancient traditions alive and endure their economic survival. They are said to be the last Indigenous Tribe in North America to have maintained their
pre-Columbian way of life.Nine organic varieties of the chocolates are sold in 2-oz. bars: Dark Chocolate with Acai, Lemon and Orange, Dark Chocolate with Green Tea and Ginger, Dark Chocolate with Coconut, Dark Chocolate with Ruby Raspberries, Dark Chocolate, Extra Dark Chocolate (82 percent cacao), Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts, and Milk Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts & Hawaiian Pink Sea Salt.
Shaman Chocolates are also available in small gold-colored gift boxes that include eight beautiful flower-shaped solid chocolates—four Extra Dark Chocolate and four Milk Chocolate with Macadamia Nut & Hawaiian Pink Sea Salt. Visit Shaman Chocolates online, at www.shamanchocolates.com. $3.00-$8.95.
It’s a Keeper
Turn Your Photo into Pop ArtSearching for a unique keepsake gift? Photo Pop Art works hand-in-hand with customers to take their favorite photos and create unequaled pop-culture art canvases.
That’s right—you, the customer, select the photo, colors, style, and layout. Then, within 72 hours, you get an email to link you to three preview versions of the photo. Choose the one you like most, and your order is shipped within three days from the day you approve your preview.
Photo Pop Art offers a 100 percent money-back guarantee. There are no hidden costs—your price includes design with three previews, a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas, and free U.S. ground shipping. Visit the Photo Pop Art website, www.photopopart.com. Starting at $186.20, prices vary according to size and style of art ordered.
You Can Take Your Photos with YouThe Tao Digital Picture Keychain is a miniature digital picture frame shaped like a keychain that stores and displays more than 50 digital images at once, allowing for images of family, friends, inspirational pictures, and so forth. Simply plug it into a computer or cell phone, download the images onto the keychain, and choose which one to display.
Designed to be taken anywhere and used frequently, the Tao Digital Picture Keychain has a long-lasting rechargeable battery and durable build. It can be purchased online, at www.taoelectronics.com, and at retail stores nationwide. $14.99.
Keep the School Day Memories
A practical, timeless gift for any mom or dad is the School Year Album by CreativeToyshop.com, maker of eco-friendly toys and gifts. This is the new version of the classic album in a cute retro design features 13 pockets—one for every school year, grades kindergarten through 12—for parents to fill with their child's pictures, artwork, notes, and report cards. Find it online, at www.creativetoyshop.com. $19.95.
Customizable Gifts from Shapeways
Consumers looking for truly unique and personalized gifts this holiday season need to visit the website Shapeways.com, an online marketplace for affordable 3-D printed giftware. You can create, 3-D print, and buy custom-made gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list, with gift options for men and women of all ages and interests, ranging from home décor and accessories, to custom cufflinks and jewelry, to holiday ornaments, puzzles, and more. The gifts are made one-of-a kind, on-demand, in durable plastic or metals.
Select from more than a hundred customizable gift options created by Shapeways designers, add a personal touch, and Shapeways will deliver the item to your home or directly to your gift recipient in time for the holidays—order metallic gifts by December 4 and plastic items by December 14 to ensure delivery by Christmas. Prices vary.
Transfer and Preserve Photos and Videos
For a great sentimental gift, consider how YesDVD brings old memories back to life. YesVideo, a digital video publishing company providing solutions that index, organize, preserve, and share families’ precious home movies and photos, now features the Order Form Wizard, an online tool that simplifies the ordering process for its YesDVD services. For transferring film, videotape, or slides to DVD, YesDVD's chapter menus and bonus highlight reels enable families and friends to experience their memories as if they were watching Hollywood movies on DVD.
The step-by-step order form saves time and adds convenience when dropping off DVD orders at participating retailers—the more than 30,000 drop off-locations, including CVS/pharmacy, Ritz/Wolf Camera, Rite Aid, and Walgreens, among others.
Now, busy shoppers really can make time for creating a special gift for loved ones. To get started, visit the website www.yesvideo.com. Prices vary.
Also, while you’re at the website, be sure to check out the YesDVD Smileshow Holiday DVD Cards—and make your own slideshow of this year's photo highlights.
Just for Fun
Here’s to the Teacher
Goodbye, apple…Hello, chalk jars that can be labeled and erased over and over again. ASA Chalk Jars are a fun, inexpensive, and appropriately kitchy gift for teachers. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes as well as mugs, planters, and onion jars. Available online, at JoanneHudson.com. $5.99 to $19.99.
Happy Anniversary! 60 Years of Snoopy Plush!You don’t have to be a kid to love Peanuts—especially this year as Peanuts fans celebrate 60 years of Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip and the most beloved cartoon characters ever created! Enjoy the special anniversary merchandise that commemorates the humor, wisdom, and unique Peanuts philosophy through six decades.
Snoopy may have changed a lot over the years since Charles Schulz first introduced him on October 4, 1950, but he forever remains the world’s favorite beagle. Now, the Snoopy Plush collection features five different Snoopys looking just as he did in each of the five decades Schulz drew him. Special commemorative hangtags offer a comic strip from the decade, as well as the highlights of the strip’s events in that decade. Available at all CVS stores. $4.99.Don’t miss the book, Celebrating Peanuts: 60 Years, a commemorative showcase one of the world's most recognizable cast of cartoon characters, featured in the section Read All About It!
Music to Your Ears
Create just the right mood this holiday season with these special releases from Sony MasterWorks…
Everyone’s invited to the party, here on Yo-Yo Ma: Songs of Joy & Peace (CD). This
remarkable musician brings together a remarkable group of friends for a celebration of songs, old and new, just right for the holiday season. Appearing with Yo-Yo Ma are artists such as Diana Krall, James Taylor, and Dave Brubeck.And then, for listening enjoyment all year long, the CD box set Yo-Yo Ma: 30 Years Outside the Box, encompasses Yo-Yo Ma’s entire recorded career—and then some.
Relax and hang out for a while with the latest CD offering by Joshua Bell, Joshua Bell: At Home with Friends. This Grammy Award-winning violinist, known for hosting informal musicales in his Manhattan home, shares memorable duets with artists such as Kristin Chenoweth, Sting, and Josh Groban.
Here is Handel’s Messiah as you’ve never heard it before! Handel’s Messiah Rocks, available on CD and DVD, brings classic music face to face with classic rock for a powerful, inspiring 90 minutes, in the name of faith, love, and peace. It is performed by the Boston Pops as conducted by Keith Lockhart and features vocals by Broadway stars La Chanze and J. Robert Spencer and INXS’ MiG Ayesa.Multi-talented Kristin Chenoweth has joined the ranks of having her very own holiday CD—Kristin Chenoweth: A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas. Her renditions of Christmas standards such as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “What Child Is This?” and “Silver Bells” make listening to her a lovely way to spend the entire season.
All items are available at retail outlets online and everywhere.
Style Lab: Jewelry and Makeovers
Style Lab is a new casual franchise that takes advantage of Nintendo DSi’s camera and web functionalities. Style Lab: Jewelry Design is a single player simulation game for Nintendo DSi and DS that allows tweens and teens to virtually design jewelry and then upload their in-game creations to the Style Lab website and purchase the actual products that were designed in the game. Find out more about Style Lab: Jewelry Design at parentscorner.us.ubi.com/style-lab-jewelry-design.php. Available at most retail outlets. $29.99.
With Style Lab: Makeover, tween and teen players can create their own styles by uploading pictures of themselves (or of friends or family) to the Style Lab website and giving them makeovers—exploring new hairstyles, looks, and more. Find out more about Style Lab: Makeover at parentscorner.us.ubi.com/style-lab-makeover.php. Available at most retail outlets. $29.99.
Vintage Building Sets, for Nostalgia's Sake
These old-fashioned, hand-cut Roy Toy Pine Wood Building Sets feature classic log building designs. First introduced in the 1930s and popular until the 1960s, these sets were unavailable for nearly 30 years, until the grandson of founder Roy K. Dennison recently revived the company and its classic toys.
The design of the kits and packaging is just like the originals! Logs have a realistic quality and feel and fit tightly to create more stable structures than typical log building sets. They are made of smooth-sanded pine from responsibly managed forests. Food-grade dyes provide color for the red gables and green roof planks. Available at Whole Foods Market, www.wholefoodsmarket.com. $9.99-$20.00 ($59.00 for the deluxe set).
No Place Like Home
Gifts That Gardeners Really Dig
Spread some holiday cheer and gear up your favorite gardener for spring with gifts that they’re sure to appreciate and look forward to using.
Stuff “Cole’s” in their stockings with bags of Cole’s All Natural Bird Feed. Cole’s offers top of the crop pulls, all-natural feed that will attract specific species, and a new Hot Meats product that birds love and squirrels hate.
• Special Feeder is dubbed Cole’s most popular blend because it attracts the greatest number of wild birds. The woodpeckers absolutely love the pecans! $10.69.
• Cole’s Hot Meats are guaranteed to knock the socks off pesky squirrels and keep the birds coming. $15.39.
• Nutberry Suet Blend (pictured right) combines all of nature’s best in one delicious blend. Attract fruit- and insect-loving songbirds—such as bluebirds, warblers, robins, and
woodpeckers—to feeders with this unique mix of premium fruits, preferred nuts, nutritious insect suet kibbles, and whole kernel sunflower meats. $13.49.Visit www.coleswildbirds.com, or call 877-426-8882 for a product list and retail and online outlets.
You’ll be ahead of the reindeer game if you get your gardener armed and ready for the season
ahead with organic protection against the ravages of four-legged garden foes. Protect your backyard bounty from pesky critters with Messina Wildlife Management “Stopper” products. All products are easily applied in ready-to-use spray bottles, dry clear, smell great, and work for 30 days before reapplication is needed. They’re safe for use on fruits and vegetables, and harmless to animals and humans. Visit www.messinawildlife.com, or call 888-411-3337 for a product list and local retailers. $12.99 per quart, which covers 1,000 sq. ft.Mind Your Beeswax with Big Dipper Wax Works
Give your holiday gathering a healthy glow with natural Big Dipper Wax Works beeswax
candles. These clean-burning candles are naturally aromatic with a subtle honey scent. They can benefit air quality by releasing negative ions that may help counter pollutants and allergens. Beeswax also provides long burning times and a steady flame. Choose among a variety of beautiful colors, shapes, and scents. And they’re packaged in recyclable or reusable containers. Available at Whole Foods Market, www.wholefoodsmarket.com. $2.99-$28.99.Pots Make Stirring Gifts
Colder weather calls for comfort foods, and some of the most comforting foods are casseroles, stews, or soups laden with meats, vegetables, and noodles.
Japanese casseroles and hot pots from Korin Japanese Trading Corp. are great for cooking soups and stews directly over a flame. And they are attractive enough to go straight to the table for a beautiful presentation. They’re available in sizes from small (serving one person) to large (serving 10 to 12).
Ceramic pots known as donabe are perfect for cooking and serving a wide variety of stewed dishes. They are a long-lasting and attractive addition to your kitchen. $14.50-$54.00.
The Aluminum Yamaga Nabe Pot is a lightweight pot good for serving hot soup, noodles as in a goulash, or rice dishes. It comes with a wooden lid to trap the heat to keep the food warm. $22.50-$34.00.
The Cast Iron Yamaga Pot is made of heavy-duty cast iron and is a traditional item in Japanese culture for hot pot meals. It’s ideal for making soup or noodles, cassoulet, or bouillabaisse, and comes with a wooden lid. $39.50-$48.30.
All items are available at the Korin website, www.korin.com.
Clean Clothes with Dried FruitDid you know that there’s a fruit that will get your laundry clean? Yes, that’s right! Here’s a unique gift for the eco-conscious homemaker.
LaundryTree introduces SoapNuts, which are actually the fruit of a tree (Sapindus Mukorossi) found mostly in the Himalayas. The berry has an outer shell that contains a substance called saponin—perfect for cleaning clothes.
SoapNuts are gentle on skin, making them a great choice for babies or for those who suffer from allergies, psoriasis, or eczema. They are 100 percent natural and organically grown, antimicrobial, harvested in a sustainable way, and better for the environment than traditional detergents.
Beautifully packaged and convenient, LaundryTree SoapNuts kits contain everything needed to wash laundry, plus a few things that will make doing laundry seem like a luxurious way to spend an afternoon. Laundry Tree SoapNuts are available in sample sizes, a starter kit, and a deluxe kit—online at www.LaundryTree.com.
Also available are Essential Oils (in lemon, lavender, and sweet orange), Essential Oil Blends (tea tree and energy), and Fragrant Oils (clean cotton, ocean breeze, baby powder, citrus mist, and plumeria) as well as additional SoapNut accessories. Prices vary.
Fill the Home with Fragrance
Transform your room, transform your mood. Royal Apothic has launched its gorgeously glam lines of Interior Perfumes—such as A Versailles Afternoon, High Tea, and A Cutting Garden—and Luminarie Candles—such as Topiary, A Venetian Grove, and Japonesque. Available online, at www.RoyalApothic.com. $28.00-$32.00.
Oh, So Clever!
Devices Become Decorative
Mobile technology has become a necessary daily accessory, but there’s no reason not to add a personal touch to its design. Decorate mobile tech with favorite family photos with GelaSkins’ Do-It-Yourself service—and upload family photos, messages and designs, even the kids’ artwork to decorate phones, laptops, gaming devices, and more.
To create a DIY GelaSkins design, visit the website GelaSkins.com, choose the device, upload an image or design, lay out the image, and preview your work of art.
Art, Music, and Attitude!Now your favorite music lover can listen to his or her favorite musicians through MOBI Headphonies, an artistically designed portable 3-in. character with amplified speaker (pictured). Headphonies work with any MP3 device, most mobile devices, portable DVD players, computers—pretty much anything with a standard audio output.
Each Headphonies comes with its own USB charging cord and audio cable and is designed to work for up to four hours with just an hour of charge. Headphonies are small but fun companions to any MP3 player or portable gaming device. Available in six designs, online at www.headphonies.com. $24.99.
Her Very Own Secret Circle
Many parents struggle with whether or not to allow their computer-savvy tween to join social networking sites such as Facebook. But now there’s a fun, safe option.
Game and toymaker Senario has created the first-ever secure social networking world for girls ages 9 to 12. My Secret Circle is a plug-n-play computer product that allows real-life girlfriends—not strangers—to hang out online and play games. In addition, tween girls can create their own profile with the All-About-Me pages with a Diva Designer avatar tool; keep an online journal that can be kept private or public for friends to read; chat with friends through instant messaging or voice chat (with a headset, sold separately); play games; or use the extensive photo section to upload photos, add text and décor, and create slideshows.
Only friends can connect on My Secret Circle by exchanging private codes—and the girls never need to upload personal information online. Available online, at www.mysecretcircle.com, and at Justice stores for tweens throughout Maryland. $19.99.
Stay Connected with SkypeThere’s no better present than a loved one’s presence. And that’s just what Skype’s gifts do—connect family and friends through video calls.
With the FREETALK BuddyCam for Skype, your family can connect with Grandma from under the tree and all year-round, thanks to its plug-and-play technology. Simply plug in this cute and clever gadget to any computer, anytime.
The FREETALK BuddyCam along many other gift ideas from Skype are available on the website www.skypelookbook.com. $19.99.
A Fitness Game for the Wii AND the PC
In five, four, three, two, and one…now, catch your breath and get ready to experience the next wave in fitness innovation—Your Shape fitness game. What sets Your Shape apart is a first-of-its-kind camera peripheral that allows each player to project his or her own likeness into the game and play without the use of any controllers. By scanning the body of each player, it can correct improper positioning or help tone/slim any “problem” areas. Plus, there are 480 workouts to choose from, so home workouts won’t get stale.
Players can even implement their own home fitness equipment, such as free weights, exercise balls, and more into their routines, all while receiving training advice from their very own (virtual) personal trainer, in the comfort of their home.
Available for the PC and for Nintendo Wii, visit the website yourshapegame.us.ubi.com. $69.99.
Practically Perfect
Green Holiday Entertaining
Perfect for eco-friendly holiday entertaining or as a gift for the environmentally conscious hostess, the Green Party Gift Box from JoanneHudson.com comes complete with party essentials such as plates, knives, forks, and chopsticks, so clean up is easy.
The Green Party Gift Box includes eight Bambu SnapStix, Bamboo Utensils (16 knives, 16 forks, and 16 spoon), 16 7-in. Bamboo Plates, 16 9-in. Bamboo Plates. Plus, a round, keepsake papier mache box. Available online, at JoanneHudson.com. $49.99.
For Close-Knit Family and FriendsAmid today’s down economy, more and more American’s are turning back to the basics, and knitting has become one of the year’s hottest trends. So, for a great little gift this holiday season for novice knitters and seasoned knitting veterans alike, consider The Knit Kit. This new gadget contains all the gear and accessories a knitter needs, in one compact tool.
Coined "The Swiss Army" tool for knitters, The Knit Kit includes seven essential accessories for knitting on the go—a crochet hook, thread cutter, locking counter, 5-ft. tape measure, stitch markers, tip protectors, and collapsible scissors (TSA Compliant), all together in a very durable, compact, easy-to-locate device. Visit The Knit Kit website, www.theknitkit.com. It is available for purchase through several online retailers, including Amazon.com. Local retailers include Lovely Yarns in Baltimore and Bella Lana in Cockeysville. $19.95.
Clean Up Your Computer’s Act
There’s nothing more frustrating than a slow-running or crashing personal computer.
Enter the one-click “IT department in a box” software that promises to save your sanity as well as a trip to the computer store. CA, a security software vendor, has launched PC Tune-Up, which quickly diagnoses your computer and fixes problems and even provides protection from lurking viruses—with a few clicks of a mouse.
CA PC Tune-Up gives you the tech prowess you never knew you had with an easy-to-use program that saves you time, money, and energy. Available online, at shop.ca.com. $39.99.
Wine at the Perfect Temperature
Add a sophisticated touch to holiday parties with the ravi Instant Wine Refresher. No longer do you have to worry about keeping fine wine at the correct temperature during a party or anytime. Simply use the ravi with your favorite bottle of red or white, and it instantly cools the wine to its optimum serving temperature.
The fastest wine chiller available today, the ravi Instant Wine Refresher’s secret is that, instead of cooling the entire bottle, the ravi cools the wine itself. Simply store the inner cartridge of the ravi in the cooler or freezer so that it’s always ready for use. When needed, attach the ravi base, place it in the neck of a bottle, and, when the wine is poured into the glass, it will be at the perfect serving temperature. Available at online wine stores and at the following Baltimore locations: Quarry Wine & Spirits, 2516 Quarry Lake Dr., and Wells Wine, 6310 York Rd.
Share and Share Alike
Imagine your child telling a friend "I own McDonalds" when passing by one in a car; or a teen with an iPod always stuck in his/her ear owning Apple, Inc.; or a Guitar Hero fanatic owning Nintendo.
Give A Share is a unique gift idea that is fun, educational, and possibly even profitable. The recipient becomes a true shareholder of a company and is entitled to declared dividends, annual reports, and any other perks. The registered stock certificate can be framed with a personalized engraved plaque. With more than 80 world-famous companies to choose from, there is a stock to match any occasion or interest. Among the favorites are: DreamWorks Animation SKG, Disney, and Build-A-Bear for infants; McDonalds, Hershey, and Mattel for kids; and Nike, Nintendo, Starbucks, and Microsoft for teens. Prices for the stocks start at $30.00.Also available is the companion book I'm a Shareholder as part of the I'm a Shareholder kit, which teaches kids and teens the basics about stocks. Named a 2008 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Honors winner, the kit retails for $17.00, or is sold for $7.00 when purchased with a stock from GiveAshare.com. Purchase the kit and a gift certificate for the first share of a stock and get a coupon for $20.00 off the first share of stock. For more information or to make a purchase, go to the website www.GiveAshare.com.
Read All About It!
The Bird Watching Answer Book: Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy Birds in Your Backyard and Beyond, by Laura Erickson (Storey Publishing, 2009)
Why is a cardinal attacking my windows? Will birds explode if they eat rice thrown after a wedding? How can I keep squirrels out of my bird feeders?
For years, bird expert and Cornell Lab of Ornithology science editor Laura Erickson has heard questions like these. Now, drawing on questions that come to the Cornell Lab, she’s compiled answers to more than 200 common and not-so-common bird questions in a handy pocket-sized book that reads like a conversation with your friendly neighborhood “bird lady.” $14.95.
Celebrating Peanuts: 60 Years, by Charles Schulz (Andrews McMeel, 2009)Andrews McMeel Publishing is proud to honor the 60th anniversary of the Peanuts phenomenon with this special commemorative coffee table book. Arranged by decade, this exclusive tribute chronicles the development of the strip and its characters over the years. Measuring 13.1 in. x 10.2 in., it is packed with commentary from throughout Schulz's career, making this book not only a heartwarming tribute, but also a true collector's item.
Nowhere else can Peanuts fans find in one place:
•Quotes from creator Charles Schulz that shed light on how his mind worked, how his life shaped the strip, and, in turn, how Peanuts shaped his life.
•The introduction of specific characters and how they and the strip often reflected the social milieu of the times.
•More than 500 pages of classic Peanuts strips, including many full-color Sundays.
Celebrating Peanuts: 60 Years is available online at Amazon.com and wherever books are sold. $75.00.
Don’t miss 60 Years of Snoopy Plush, a commemorative collection of Snoopys looking just as he did in each of the five decades Charles Schulz drew him, featured in the section Just for Fun.
THE ENTERTAINING ENCYCLOPEDIA: Essential Tips and Recipes for Perfect Parties, by Denise Vivaldo (Robert Rose, 2009)Entertaining friends and family is one of the best gifts you can give them. Parties are the stuff of memories, far more valuable than anything you can buy. One of the best gifts you can give yourself is to learn how to enjoy your own parties, making them more fun for everyone.
Throw the perfect party or sit-down dinner with this collection of essential tips and recipes from food professional Denise Vivaldo. In this book, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning the ultimate celebration—from a child’s birthday party or holiday get-together to an all-out bash. From the 200 carefully tested recipes to the hundreds of time-proven party ideas and tips, THE ENTERTAINING ENCYCLOPEDIA is the go-to-guide for entertaining. $24.95.
Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You, by Mark Allen and Brant Secunda (Benbella Books, 2008)
This book, by Ironman champion Mark Allen and shaman healer Brant Secunda, offers readers practical instruction on how to reach the highest level of health and contentment through small, focused changes using practical tools and strategies. Available online, at www.fitsoul-fitbody.com. $24.95.
Gifts in a Jar Cookbook Series (CQ Products, 2009)
Edible gifts have always been a good way to show appreciation for teachers, coaches, grandparents, or other special people in your children's lives. These food gifts can be stored for up to six months for convenient use anytime. And, best of all, even the youngest members of your family can help assemble them.
The Gifts in a Jar series of cookbooks takes you step-by-step through assembling and preparing these edible gifts. Choose among titles such as Bake Sale Favorites, Sweet Endings, Soups and Breads, and Everyday Dinners.
In Everyday Dinners, for example, learn to assemble a gift in a jar of Spanish Noodle & Beef Casserole Mix. To use the edible gift, recipients simply add the required fresh ingredients to the ingredients in the jar. By following the attached preparation instructions, they'll create a tasty main dish without any fuss. Adding a vegetable or fruit salad plus milk completes this quick, nutritious meal, making it much appreciated on a busy evening.
Find the line of Gifts in a Jar books online, at www.cqproducts.com. $12.00.
If You Give a Mom a Martini...100 Ways to Find, 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself, by Lyss Stern and Julie Klappas (Random House, 2009)Here’s a great book for giving the gift of “me time” to busy moms with only 10 minutes to spare. Clever, budget-friendly, and practical ideas fill the illustrated pages of this smart and witty quick read. With a foreword by supermodel mom Christie Brinkley, you’ll find great tips from celebrity moms and high-profile contributors such as Kelly Ripa, Keisha Whitaker, Catherine Malandrino, Cynthia Rowley, and Jill Hennessy—ranging in topics from fashion and fitness to cooking and sex, all with the aim of giving moms the much-needed time to recharge.
If You Give a Mom a Martini is available nationwide. $16.95.
Secret Recipes for the Modern Wife: All the Dishes You’ll Need to Make from the Day You Say “I Do” Until Death (or Divorce) Do You Part, by Nava Atlas (Fireside, 2009)An offbeat gift for any occasion, no wife will read this book without recognizing her life in these "recipes"!
Flavored with frustration, simmering with rage, and iced with affection, author Nava Atlas provides a great companion for today’s busy, overextended, and occasionally conflicted wife.
Whether a new bride or an old hand at wedded less-than-bliss, every wife (or ex-wife) will savor this scrumptiously sardonic portrait of contemporary marriage. Funny, thought-provoking, and cleverly designed, the book skewers today’s cultural norms with a collection of “recipes” that illustrate the subtle madness of matrimony.
Filled with retro art that hearkens back to a bygone, blander age and conjuring outrageously parodied housewives, Secret Recipes grills societal norms with gleeful relish, but never loses sight of the rewards of a good marriage. The result is a feast of retro art, sly wit, and cultural commentary. No woman will be able to read this without immediately thinking of five friends who must have it. $12.00.
Something You Forgot…Along the Way: Stories of Wisdom and Learning, by Kentetsu Takamori (Ichimannendo Publishing, 2009)If we woke up each day not knowing how much longer we would have our home or possessions, we would undoubtedly appreciate them more. When applied to friends and family, the obvious wisdom and simplicity of the fact that ‘what we have is not ours forever’ should ensure we cherish every moment with them.
Something You Forgot is a compilation of beautiful stories about loss, change, and human nature. There are 65 short stories that help bring Takamori’s philosophy to life. The stories focus on the importance of honor and perseverance, emphasizing that success only comes through the fruit of your efforts.
Anyone struggling with the results of a poor economy, lost job, or lost housing or business, will surely find positive answers to believe in with Something You Forgot…Along the Way. $11.95.
The Super, Sexy Mom on a Budget: A Reference Guide for Moms, by Reneé Rayles (So Bubbly Publishing, 2009)
Learn a budget-friendly, cost-cutting, super-sexy lifestyle approach that allows you to accomplish your goals and be a great mom. Empowering moms and addressing everything from finances, “me time,” and relaxation, to vacation ideas, this how-to guide is specifically tailored for a super, sexy mom lifestyle.
Based on real-life experiences, challenges, and entertaining stories, The Super, Sexy Mom on a Budget demonstrates how to accomplish goals and make the most of your time and money. The book’s tips, tricks, and ideas promise to shake up your life and start you moving in the direction you want to go. Consider this book a quick reference guide for the busy mom who has little time to read while running the mom taxi, cooking dinner, helping with homework, and trying to fit in a date night every now and then.
The Super, Sexy Mom on a Budget is available at www.SuperSexyMoms.com. $10.99.
250 True Italian Pasta Dishes: Easy & Authentic Recipes Inspired by Quartino Ristorante Pizzeria Wine Bar, by John Coletta and Nancy Ross Ryan (Robert Rose, 2009)
Italian chef John Coletta has taken the mystery out of creating the perfect pasta meal. Along with noted food writer Nancy Ross Ryan, the authors provide home cooks with all the tips, tools, and techniques needed to produce delicious pasta meals. Coletta and Ryan include an abundance of recipes for many different kinds of pasta—fresh and dried, festive, and every day. Most are
very easy to make and won’t take much time to prepare, while others are more complex and time-consuming, suitable for very special occasions. Some of the delicious recipes in the book include: Conchiglie with Crab and Peas, Baked Penne with Mushrooms, Strozzapretti with Tuscan Kale, and Leftover Oven-Browned Ziti with Leeks and Onions.In addition to the opening chapter “Pasta Express,” with 21 recipes that are ready to eat in about 30 minutes, the book includes chapters on fresh pasta making, meatless pasta, poultry and meat sauces, seafood pastas, leftover pasta, pasta salads, baked pastas, filled pastas, recipes devoted to kids, and even pasta desserts. $24.95.
Shopping Websites and Catalogs
Get Your Cheer Gear On
Known for its extensive selection of practical items for the home, CableOrganizer.com also features plenty of fun and functional gadget gifts, in a wide price range.
The Gorillapod Go-Go is a tripod for nearly all your favorite handheld electronics—cell phone,
MP3 or video player, compact camera, and more. Even if they do not have a tripod mount! It uses 30 adjustable joints to grip to trees, fences, or posts (or anything it can wrap its legs around) to provide a steady and secure platform for digital devices.In addition to the standard Gorillapod camera clip, with its 1/4 screw mount, the Gorillapod Go-Go includes a suction cup clip as well as two permanent-bond adhesive clips. Each of these clips can be connected to the Gorillapod Go-Go legs in seconds. $44.93.
Pelican i1010 Micro Case protects your iPod, thanks to its durability, strength, and the infamous feel and look that has made the Pelican brand world famous. Not only are you protecting your investment, but you are able to use it while doing so via an external headphone jack. This is a must-have accessory for taking your MP3 player on the road. $24.78.
Dymo Label Buddy Label Maker is a fun and easy labeling tool. $7.99.
Find these gifts and much more at the website CableOrganizer.com.
Hammacher Schlemmer: What You’re Looking For
America’s longest running catalog, Hammacher Schlemmer, promises to offer “the best, the only and the unexpected for 161 years.” Have a picky loved one on your gift list? Whether you’re looking for something for him, something for her, kitchen gadgets, toys, consumer electronics, or something for the home and garden, if it’s special, you’ll find it in this catalog.
For instance, remember the iconic Classic Kit Cat Klock? You’ll find it here. Famous for its swishing tail and oscillating eyes, this is the modern version of the classic Kit-Cat Klock that has hung in offices, homes, and schools for more than 70 years. Having changed very little since it first appeared in the mid-1930s, it bears classic hallmarks such as the bowtie, whiskered smile, knobby nose, and claws. Requires two C batteries. $49.95.Finally, rest assured about anything purchased through this catalog—Hammacher Schlemmer stands behind every product it sells, unconditionally guaranteeing it for life. Visit the Hammacher Schlemmer website, www.hammacher.com.
Candles, Gifts, and Much More
Looking for new accent pieces for decorating your home for the holidays? Or, how about the perfect hostess gift? PartyLite has ready-to-go gift items and a luxurious line of home spa products.
For example, the Christmas Around the World Gift Set features translucent porcelain cups spell out “Merry Christmas” in eight languages. Beautifully packaged in a gift box, the set includes 16 votives in PartyLite’s most popular fragrances. $24.95.
Or, pamper someone special with PartyLite’s Body Escentials Body Lotion and Body Wash in Strawberry Rhubarb. Blended with antioxidant-enriched vitamin E, Body Escentials leaves skin feeling smooth, silky, refreshed, and smelling simply fabulous. For the full at-home spa experience, the set also includes a Strawberry Rhubarb Mini Barrel Jar with a burn time of 25 to 35 hours. $24.95.
Instead of bringing a bottle of wine to your next holiday gathering, give your hostess a glamorous glow she’ll enjoy long after the party. These translucent, solid fragrance-filled wine glasses actually hold tealight candles that add a bouquet as fine as a good wine. Available in two scents: Tuscan Vineyards and Champagne Pear. $32.95 each; $59.95 for a set of two; tealights, $9.50 a dozen.
Order these PartyLite items and more by calling 888-999-5706, or by visiting the website www.partylite.com.
Keep It Simple
Looking for a gift that’s practical, won’t take up too much space, and will help its recipient get organized? The products featured by simplehuman are simply tools for efficient living.
For example, the Touch-Free Sensor Soap Pump is great for the busy kitchen or family
household. Being touch-free, it helps avoid the spread of germs. Operating on four AA batteries
(not included), an intuitive LED display lights up when the sensor is activated. The four volume settings allow the pump to dispense preset amounts of soap or lotion. It’s available in black and white. $29.99.All simplehuman products are available for purchase online at simplehuman.com, and at the following retail outlets: Crate & Barrel, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Lowe’s.
What to Wear
B-Active, B-You in Customizable Sports Attire
Remember the female athlete on your gift list with B∙Skinz, a stylish line of compression/spandex sports apparel for girls and women. Created by two former stay-at-home moms from northern New Jersey, the current B∙Skinz line includes spandex shorts, capris, and ankle-length pants—all of which are completely customizable in terms of color, patterns, and inseam length.B∙Skinz features styles for all ages, from funky neon animal and rainbow
tie-dye prints to preppy, conservative patterns in stripes, small prints, earth tones, and a variety of solid colors. B∙Skinz are sold online, at www.bskinz.com, and at select sporting goods stores throughout the East Coast. $20.00-$28.00.But Wait! A Sale! For a limited time, go to this web address: tinyurl.com/bskinz-blog-special, and click directly through to the shopping mode on BSkinz.com to receive 15 percent off your purchase. The 15 percent will be automatically deducted at the checkout.
Also, be on the lookout for the B∙Skinz sports bra and spandex skirt, expected to debut this winter.
Healthy FoodTees Are on the Menu!
Fresh. Healthy. Real. Invigorating. These are words to live by. Whether you love your fruits and veggies, or are fed up and ready to tell someone, express yourself with a FoodTee.
FoodTee products are a great look for a healthy life—the images speak for themselves. Choose among more than 20 designs on sweatshirts, long- and short-sleeve t-shirts and tank shirts for women, men, and children. And onesies for babies. All clothing is also available in organic cotton. Check out the aprons and totes, too.
FoodTee.com donates a portion of its profits to The Food Studies Institute, devoted to changing
the health destinies of children through proper nutrition and education; Two Angry Moms, fighting for the health of America’s kids; and Better School Food, working with local communities to improve meals and increase awareness of the connection between good food, good health, and a student's ability to learn effectively.All products from FoodTee.com include free shipping (excluding international orders). $20.00 and up.
Never Had It So Good Knee-Highs
Give your loved ones warm and cozy toes for the holidays. Maggie's Organics’ special holiday three-pack of soft, snuggly, organic cotton socks includes the Whole Foods Market exclusive snowflake design and are packaged in a pretty, ready-to-give recycled box. Since 1992, Maggie's Functional Organics has worked with business partners that guarantee livable working conditions for the producers who spin, knit, cut, and sew their organic fiber apparel and accessories. Available at Whole Foods Market, www.wholefoodsmarket.com. $19.99.
The Moby Wrap: a Custom FitThe award-winning design of the Moby Wrap (pictured left) instantly customizes to fit every wearer and baby, creating a convenient, hands-free baby carrier with no buckles or snaps. The baby can be positioned uniquely close to Mom, ensuring cozy comfort and security.
Machine washable, the Moby Wrap is available in a variety of styles and colors. Find it at www.mobywrap.com. $39.95-$69.95.
Let Them Slipper Away
Girls young and old just wanna have all-terrain slippers—Oobees. They’re great to wear around the house, and, with their durable soles, they can be worn to school, shopping, and around town. Nothing but glamorous! Accessorize with matching pillows, blankets, and cosmetic and overnight/book bags. Available online, at store.oobees.com. $29.95.
Got You Covered!The Shōul (pictured right) makes a great go-to gift this holiday season! Playing on the words “shawl” and “shoulder,” the Shōul is a cozy, soft, knit shoulder wrap that offers a stylish alternative to bulky jackets and wraps. Its quality fabric and innovative design keeps it on your shoulders where it belongs, with no slipping. A wardrobe must-have!
Moms, sisters, girlfriends, and grandmas—they’ll all love this one-size-fits-all accessory! The Shōul is available in an acrylic and cashmere blend, in classic color options and can be purchased online, at www.theshoul.com. $42.00-$59.00.
Socks It to Him
Keep those gifts coming for the man in your life. Get him a gift subscription for socks—or Sockscription—by Blacksocks.com. “Sockscribers” receive three pairs of high-quality, Italian-made socks every four months for a total of nine pairs per year. Choose among calf socks, knee socks, athletic socks, ski socks, or cashmere silk socks. Available online, at Blacksocks.com. $89.00.
Nothing Beats a Warm Hug!
Created using the highest quality cozy knits and plush materials, Soft Hugwear allows
everyone to enjoy a little pampering with the ultimate home spa experience. An affordable luxury, the Soft Hugwear collection offers something special for everyone on your holiday gift list.After your next relaxing bubble bath, wrap yourself in the Soft Hugwear Spa Wrap. Or, cuddle up under the cozy Deluxe Travel Blanket or give someone you love a big bear hug with the Bear and Blanket Set (includes plush bear and travel blanket). $3.00-$29.00.
And…did you know that, according to the world’s most popular natural health newsletter Mercola.com, one of the many secrets to a good night’s sleep includes wearing socks to bed? The body parts with the poorest circulation are our feet, which is why they often
are the first to feel cold.So, keep everybody’s feet warm this winter with gifts of Soft Hugwear Socks—affordable and cuddly! Soft Hugwear Socks come in fun colors and are sold separately or in three-pair packages. Up to $9.00.
Soft Hugwear Socks, the Bear and Blanket Set, the Deluxe Travel Blanket, and many more items from the Soft Hugwear collection are available online, at www.walmart.com, and at select Wal-Mart locations nationwide. For additional information on Soft Hugwear, visit the website, at www.softhugwear.com. Soft Hugwear is also on Facebook.Giving…and Giving
A-Boom Boom Boom
Boom Boom! Cards encourage people to reach out to each other with the spirit of generosity. For example, a card may tell you to buy a stranger a cup of coffee, thank a mentor, pick up litter, or hold a door for someone—all tasks that give back to your community or the environment. Then, each card is then passed off to someone else so they can pay forward the good task. An online social networking component is included where you can share your good deed, track your card, post photos, and more.
Boom Boom! Cards are available at boomboomcards.com. The Original Edition features “Revolutionary acts for everyday life” and retails for $9.99. The Teen Edition features “Revolutionary acts for school, friends, and home” and also retails for $9.99.
A Calendar Pooch?The Maryland SPCA 2010 Pet Calendar is ready for gift-giving! This popular SPCA fundraiser features pictures of dogs, cats, and other animals submitted by local animal lovers—and 100 percent of the purchase price goes to the Maryland SPCA to help animals. More than 400 entries were submitted and appear in the calendar.
The 2010 Pet Calendar costs $15.00 plus Maryland state tax, shipping, and handling, and is available online, at the Maryland SPCA, and at local merchants such as Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley, Graul's grocery store, and The Ivy Bookstore in Baltimore.
For more information, contact Charis at charis@mdspca.org or 410-235-8826 x133, or visit the Maryland SPCA website, www.mdspca.org.
Charity Gift Cards & Certificates
Give the gift that makes everyone involved feel a little brighter. Purchase a Charity Choice Gift Card for any dollar amount and give to the recipient of your choice. The recipient then logs on to Charity Gift Certificates, at ccgiftcards.org, and selects a charity of his or her choice from more than 100 charities. Gift card purchases start at $10.00.
Donate to a Diva Gift Bags
When holidays roll around, most people count their blessings. But, for women who have left their homes because of abusive situations, the holidays and thoughts of family can hurt as much as the physical abuse they've endured.
The Maryland-based hair care company Diva by Cindy has launched a charitable holiday
campaign to provide cheer to women residing in abused women's shelters. At least 250 women from shelters in the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia areas will receive special Donate to a Diva gift bags this holiday season to uplift their spirits through a potentially difficult time of year. These gift bags are filled with some of Diva by Cindy's signature products as well as products and gift certificates donated by additional area companies.You can Donate to A Diva by purchasing a $25.00 gift bag for one of the women residing in an abused women's shelter. In exchange for your donation, Diva By Cindy will send you a an 8-oz. bottle of Divalicious Body Lotion, made with enriched shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E, and aloe. You’ll also receive an “I’m a Diva Supporter” button and a Diva By Cindy Scratch Card, which offers a variety of discounts on Diva By Cindy products. To make a donation and to see the list of women’s shelters to receive the gift bags, visit donatetoadiva.com.
Give Your Time to Rape Crisis InterventionVolunteer opportunities are available at Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County, Inc. Volunteers are needed to assist the Hotline Services phone coverage and to accompany victims to the hospital as needed. Volunteers must be 21 years of age, are subject to a criminal background check, and must successfully complete a training program provided by the agency.
For more information, contact Emily Gebhart, 410-857-0900, or write to hotlineservices@rapecrisiscc.org.
Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County, Inc. is located at 224 N. Center St., Rm. 102, Westminster, Md. 21158, 410-857-0900. The 24-hour hotline is 410-857-7322.
Maryland Food Bank: Give In Honor of or In Memory of Someone
Make a gift to the Maryland Food Bank in honor of or in memory of a loved one or friend.
This is a wonderful and unique way to acknowledge someone's birthday, wedding, or other special occasion. For someone who has passed away, a memorial donation is a way to perpetuate the memory and interests of a loved one. Upon receipt of your contribution, the Maryland Food Bank will send out an occasion-related card to the person you designate.For more information, visit the Maryland Food Bank at www.mdfoodbank.org.
One is Greater than None
For months, a group of 14-year-old girls talked about starting a charity. They were determined to make a difference in someone’s life. Then, in 2007, the girls were shocked to learn about children from Ghana, Africa, being sold for as little as $20 by their families, unknowingly, into a life of servitude. Ghana was far away, but the International Organization for Migration, www.IOM.int, was making it possible for people to sponsor rescue missions that would save trafficked children from a life of hard labor and abuse.
The girls found out it would cost about $4,300 to save one child, providing rehabilitation and reuniting the child with his or her family. This includes two and a half years of counseling, career training, education, and healthcare.
This marked the start of One Is Greater Than None. To raise money, the girls began designing making bracelets and necklaces and packaging them with information that would educate people about what was going on in the fishing villages of Ghana. Then, t-shirts were
made with their logo, 1>0, and their tag line “Be Part of the Equation.”There are problems everywhere. Yet, in so many cases, there are solutions. The girls ask everyone to look around and then look inside. Inspire friends and family to find their own cause, or support One is Greater than None—visit the website, wear the jewelry, buy the clothes—at www.oneisgreaterthannone.org.
When Seeing RED Is a Good Thing
Get ready for more (RED) this holiday season! An initiative to raise money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, (RED) has recently forged a partnership with Bugaboo, maker of quality strollers, so that 1 percent of Bugaboo’s revenue is now contributed to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.
How does (RED) work? (RED) partners with companies such as Starbucks, Converse, Apple, Emporio Armani, Gap, and Hallmark to create special (RED) editions of already popular products, increasing promotion (thus revenue) for its partner companies and raising money for the Global Fund. In short, (RED) builds revenue from what people are already into. (Pictured at
right is the Product Red iPod.)(RED) money is already at work in Swaziland, Rwanda, Ghana, and Lesotho.
For more information and a complete list of (RED) partner products, visit the website www.joinred.com/Shop.aspx.
St. Vincent de Paul of BaltimoreHelp make the holidays bright for those in need. Volunteer your time at one of the St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore programs. Help make cookies and ornaments, serve a meal, or help clients choose gifts for their families. Opportunities are available at Head Start, Adelante Familia, Beans & Bread, and Sarah's Hope.
Also, send warm holiday wishes to those in need this winter by donating new or gently used winter accessories, including coats, gloves, scarves, hats, and blankets/sleeping bags to Fox 45 TV's Warm Holiday Wishes campaign for St. Vincent de Paul. Donations will be collected through December at Maryland Employee Credit Union (MECU) locations. The Mobile Clothing Bank will distribute the items to the homeless through the winter months.
For more information, call the St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore office, 410-662-0500, or visit www.vincentbaltimore.org.
World Vision Gift CatalogThe 2009 World Vision Gift Catalog helps improve the lives of children and families in the U.S. and around the world by offering more than 100 poverty-fighting gifts that range in cost from $20 to $36,000. For each World Vision gift, the giver can make the purchase in the name of a friend, family member, or business associate. World Vision then sends special cards to those individuals, describing the gifts and their impact.
Affordable gifts for less than $35.00, include: two ducks ($12.00), one chicken ($13.00); two basketballs ($16.00); stocking a low-income American classroom with learning supplies ($25.00); giving a wool blanket to a disaster survivor, AIDS patient, or a child in need ($30.00); providing a Caregiver Kit to bring comfort to those living with AIDS ($35.00); and a handcrafted bracelet made by Ugandan women caring for AIDS orphans ($35.00).
To order a catalog or to order gifts directly, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org or call toll-free 888-511-6511. All items are tax-deductible.
Shopping Advice
Coupon Sherpa, www.couponsherpa.com
A family of Internet-savvy entrepreneurs, brothers Luke and Jesse Knowles, created Coupon Sherpa as a comprehensive resource where consumers can find online coupons, printable coupons, and grocery coupons along with a free, downloadable iPhone application that provides access to mobile coupons.
Now, the Knowles have introduced the Ask Coupon Sherpa blog, a resource that features money-saving tips and serves as an interactive site where consumers can ask questions and share shopping secrets of their own. On the Ask Coupon Sherpa blog, readers can type in shopping-related questions in the form on the home page to receive an answer via email and Twitter.
Articles on the Ask Coupon Sherpa blog are broken into categories such as Grocery Shopping, Online Shopping, In-Store Shopping, Do-It-Yourself and How To. There is even a shopping glossary section that defines modern retail terminology such as BOGO (or Buy One Get One Free) and NED (No Expiration Date). Recent features include “4 Products You Should Always Buy Generic,” “5 Tips for Shopping With Children,” “The 6 Biggest Retail Rip-offs You’re Probably Falling For,” and “20 Creative Uses for Plastic Grocery Bags.” Finally, the Deal or Dud category lets you know whether the item you are thinking about buying is worthwhile or a waste of money.
Gift Card Granny, www.giftcardgranny.comBrought to you by the same people who developed the online savings website Coupon Sherpa, Gift Card Granny is a comparison shopping website for discount gift cards—up to 50 percent off the face value. Recently, a $250 gift card from Barnes & Noble listed on Gift Card Granny for $225, a 10 percent savings. The gift cards are shipped for free.
Offers.com Holiday Savings Center, www.offers.com/holiday
The shopping website Offers.com—which features more than 8,500 promotions, coupons and coupon codes, clearance items, free trials, and free offers—has launched a Holiday Savings Center to help consumers save money during the 2009 holiday shopping season. The site is updated daily with the most current offers throughout the holidays.
The Offers.com Holiday Savings Center features tools and information that help consumers manage holiday spending by following a three-step plan: finding the best offers before making purchases, planning a holiday budget, and creating shopping lists to help stay within your household budget.
Parents' Choice Foundation, www.parents-choice.org
Are you stuck for good gift ideas for the younger ones on your gift list? Turn to the nation's oldest and most respected nonprofit guide, Parents' Choice Foundation, for finding quality children's media and toys.
Each fall, just prior to the holiday shopping season, Parents’ Choice announces its annual list of the best new children’s playthings. The Fall 2009 Toy Award winners—some rooted in tradition and others launched by technology—are toys, games, and puzzles that not only have staying power, but they also offer new ways of thinking, seeing, and creating.
BBB Advice for Safe Online ShoppingBargain hunters will undoubtedly be flocking to the Internet for holiday sales this year. Unfortunately, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that scammers will again be setting up shop online, using low prices to entice shoppers, but ultimately not delivering the goods.
"Many consumers have come to feel extremely comfortable shopping online as part of their everyday lives and simply don't consider the increased threat of identity theft or unscrupulous retailers during the holiday season," says Angie Barnett, president and CEO of BBB of Greater Maryland. "While the online environment has become a thriving, trusted marketplace, e-commerce has also opened a door and created a ripe environment for scammers to set up shop online and start ripping people off."
The BBB offers a list of 10 tips for online shoppers to help prevent being taken in by unscrupulous online retailers, scammers, and hackers.
Top 10 Online Shopping Tips
1. Protect your computer. A computer should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall.
2. Use trustworthy websites. Shoppers should start with BBB to check on the seller's reputation and record for customer satisfaction. Always look for a "trustmark" from BBBOnLine and click on that seal to confirm that it's valid.
3. Protect your personal information. BBB recommends taking the time to read the site's privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn't one posted, it should be taken as a red flag that personal information may be sold to others without permission.
4. Trust your gut. Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails can often sound too good to be true. Consumers should always go with their instincts and not be afraid to pass up a "deal" that might cost them dearly in the end.
5. Beware of phishing. Legitimate businesses do not send emails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the "buyer" into revealing financial information. If a consumer receives such an email, BBB recommends picking up the phone and calling the contact number on the website where the purchase was made to confirm that there really is a problem with the transaction.
6. Confirm your online purchase is secure. Shoppers should always look in the address box for the “s” in “https://” and in the lower-right corner for the "lock" symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a site, BBB recommends right-clicking anywhere on the page and selecting “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (website address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is not encrypted.
7. Pay with a credit card. It's best to use a credit card for purchases, because under federal law shoppers can dispute charges if they do not receive an item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on their credit card. Also, many card issuers have "zero liability" policies under which the cardholder pays nothing if someone steals the credit card number and uses it.
8. Keep documentation of your order. After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by email. BBB recommends saving a copy of the web page and any emails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.
9. Check your credit card statements often. Don't wait for paper statements. BBB recommends consumers check their credit card statements for suspicious activity by either calling their credit card companies or by checking statements online regularly.
10. Know your rights. Federal law requires that orders made by mail, phone, or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren't shipped on time, the shopper can cancel the order and demand a refund. And, while there is no general three-day cancellation right, consumers do have the right to reject merchandise if it's defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, it's the company's policies that determine if a shopper can cancel the purchase and receive a refund or credit. BC
For more advice on staying safe online this holiday season and to see reports on thousands of online retailers, go to www.bbb.org.
About BBB of Greater Maryland
Headquartered in Baltimore, BBB of Greater Maryland is a non-profit organization established in 1922. It serves 18 Maryland counties and Baltimore City. BBB of Greater Maryland is supported by Accredited Businesses that have passed a comprehensive review, met 13 standards of trust, and that agree to uphold those standards including commitments to advertise honestly and to address marketplace disputes quickly, respectfully, and reasonably.
For more information, contact BBB of Greater Maryland at 410-347-3990 or visit www.bbb.org.
Season’s Green’ings!
This is the perfect time of year to get in the green spirit. Many Americans are still on tight budgets with savings on the mind.
Kim Carlson, eco-expert and founder of EarthSmart Consumer Certified, is ushering in the holidays with the following gift wrapping ideas that are as eco-friendly as they are wallet-friendly.
• Have extra or leftover fabric? Make cloth-covered gift boxes or bags instead of wrapping paper.
• Cover gift boxes with leftover contact paper or wallpaper.
• Use saved bows from other gifts. It’s okay to reuse these items as long as you’re not giving it to the person who gave it to you.
• Last year's holiday cards make great gift tags. When cutting the card, use decorative scissors for a little something extra.
• Take a walk through Mother Nature and collect pinecones. Pinecones with raffia (ribbon made from a plant) are great for adorning boxes.
• Ice cream lovers, start collecting and saving your cartons. Cover and decorate the outside a washed cylinder ice cream carton.
• Old paint cans and coffee cans are great for shipping or using as a gift box in a fun, creative way. Make sure the can is thoroughly cleaned and decorate the outside. It can even be a double gift if the person re-uses the can for storage.
• Reusable items, such as hair bows, ornaments, shoe laces, or toys can adorn packages and gift bags. Again, they can double as gifts as well.
• Old neckties can make clever bows on any gift. And the silkiness of the neckties glams up any box without doing much.
• Have old silk flowers collecting dust? Use them for gift wrapping and to dress up ordinary boxes. Just be sure to dust them off first.
And, after the holidays, be sure to use leftover gift wrap to line shelves or drawers. Or, cut it up for making scratch paper.
Finally, for the New Year, resolve to stop and rethink items before you dispose of them. Can they be made more attractive, repaired, or crafted into something else? Think about giving every item a second life.
For the latest in greening, visit the website www.earthsmartconsumer.com.
