Great Gift Ideas for Tweens, Teens, and Adults

The 2011 Gift Guide
Compiled by Dianne R. McCann

Having a hard time coming up with fresh ideas for gift-giving this year? Sure, buying for young children is not so difficult, but as your family and the families of your friends grow older, it can get tough—especially if you choose not to give gift cards or cash.

Let’s not forget about the other adults in your life, too. What are you doing for them?

Well, it’s a good thing you found your way here. This guide is a collection of some of the newer, often lesser-known products or services for tweens (ages 9-14), teens, and adults. And there’s something for just about every price range.

Also, don’t miss the section on charitable opportunities for giving as well as another section offering shopping advice, including tips for smart online shopping, courtesy of the shopping search engine, SortPrice.com.

Finally, if you still have some younger children on your list to buy for, when you’re done here, click on the 2011 Children’s Gift Guide, compiled by Janice Hands, which is also on this blog site.

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.

It’s All Fun and Games

A Gift Card to Bowl Them Over

Give the gift of bowling with the AMF Holiday Gift Card. AMF Holiday Gift Cards are available in amounts of $25, $50, $75, and $100. They can be purchased at area AMF Bowling Centers. Or, if you prefer to buy them online, go to www.amf.com. (At the bottom of the homepage, click on Gift Cards.) Gift cards can be reloaded online as well. And, as an added bonus, your purchase qualifies for free shipping if ordered by Dec. 31, 2011.

For more information, call AMF Customer Service, at 800-342-5263.

Pop Culture-Pegged, Singing Kitty and T-Shirt

Inspired by the CBS sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, this Big Bang Theory Soft Kitty sings song lyrics first sung in one of the TV show’s episodes, “Pancake Batter Anomaly.” Then, on the Internet, the “Soft Kitty Song” went viral. Just press the paw of this 10-inch, grey and pink plushie, and you can sing along, too. Also available is the matching Big Bang Theory Soft Kitty T-Shirt, in adult and child sizes. Buy the two items as a combo and save.

Go to www.StylinOnline.com. Soft Kitty, $29.99. Soft Kitty Combo, $44.99.

Flippin’ Out! and Name 5

Here are two action-packed, family-friendly games that are sure to get everyone involved on game night.

Nominated as the Best Party Game of 2011, Flippin' Out! was inspired by the classic game of Categories. Flippin Out! is a wild and fast-thinking party game where a letter or a player is eliminated with each flip of a chip. Chips representing all the letters of the alphabet are spread out among all players and, once a category (such as “produce”) is read, a player has 10 seconds to say something within the category and flip over the first letter of that word (such as “lettuce” for “l” or “apple” for “a”). Each letter may only be used once. Players who say a word and flip a chip within the 10-second time limit stay in the round. For ages 8 and older.

Name 5 is the outrageous party game that asks easy questions players may know the answers to, but with a twist. Sure, a player may know one Tom Hanks movie, for instance—but can the player name five? Name 5 includes a game board, 1 die, 4 pawns, a 30-second timer, instructions, and 288 cards with more than 1400 challenges! For ages 12 and older.

The general principle of Endless Games is to produce high-quality entertainment in board games and puzzles that are quick and easy to learn. This theme runs through its line of classic games as well as its party games Name 5 and Flippin' Out!

Flippin' Out and Name 5 are available at Target, Toys R Us, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and online retailers such as Amazon.com as well as www.endlessgames.com.

Get Up and Dance

Get them off the couch, moving their feet, and grooving with family and friends with live-action music videos from top musical talent in the game Get Up and Dance for Nintendo Wii and PlayStation Move for PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems.

Get Up and Dance lets players strut their stuff to popular tunes and music videos from chart-topping performers, including Taio Cruz, The Pussycat Dolls, and Timbaland with Katy Perry. The game also features legendary songs from renowned artists such as Elton John and Lionel Richie, plus up-and-coming artists from around the world.

Complete with choreographed routines, Group Mode encourages players to create their own dance troupe and perform with up to three friends. In Shape Up Mode, players can sweat to the beat of heart-pounding hits for calorie-burning fitness workouts.

Get Up and Dance, by O-Games, is available at major retailers, local and online. $29.99.

LockerLookz Locker Décor

It’s not every year that a chandelier and shag carpet can be stuffed into a stocking, but it is possible this year thanks to LockerLookz locker décor. LockerLookz helps tween and teen girls glam, accessorize, and transform their dull lockers into one-of-a-kind showpieces.

With five accessories for less than $10 and another three products available for less than $25, LockerLookz products make great stocking gifts.

LockerLookz is available online, at lockerlookz.com, and at these local retailers: Barston's Child's Play, in Baltimore; Child's Play in the Village of Cross Keys, Baltimore; and at Hallmark, at The Avenue at White Marsh.

A Maryland Science Center Membership

For a gift that lasts from December to December, a membership to the Maryland Science Center is something the entire family—everyone, of all ages—can enjoy over and over again. Membership includes a full year of free admission, admission to special members-only events, discounts on tickets to the IMAX Theater and traveling exhibitions, and great deals at the Science Store and Beaker’s Café.

In addition, Maryland Science Center members receive free admission to more than 250 participating ASTC museums around the country. For information on purchasing a Maryland Science Center membership, call 410-545-5981, or visit its website, www.marylandsciencecenter.org.

Sleep in a Selk’bag

Sleepovers just got more fun with the addition of the 4G Lite Sleepwear System, from Selk’bag. Don’t worry about packing bulky blankets and pillows for sleeping on the go, just bring your Selk’bag. This is a perfectly portable, wearable sleeping bag, ideal for sleeping outdoors, indoors, or even just playing video games in comfort.

The lightweight 4G Lite sleeping bag is available in adult and kid sizing, and comes in three bold, fun colors—Dark Shadow, a dark grey; Surf the Web, a royal blue; and Hyacinth Violet. Find it online, at store.selkbagusa.com. From $79.

Smallville: The Complete Series

After 10 seasons on television, Smallville: The Complete Series has been released on DVD by Warner Home Video. This modern retelling of a hero's legendary origins blends realism, action, heart, and humor as Clark Kent completes his epic journey by claiming his birthright as the world’s ultimate hero—Superman. Designed for the ultimate Smallville fan, this DVD set features more than 192 hours of content—including all 218 episodes; more than five hours of newly added special features, such as a never-before-seen, 1961 Superboy TV pilot; a 100-minute featurette offering a retrospective look at the series; and a Comic-Con featurette.

In addition, exclusive printed materials include a Daily Planet newspaper, written by DC Comics, which highlights the storylines developed during the show’s 10-year run; an episode guide with never-before-seen production art (storyboards/sketches); and behind-the-scenes photos.

For fans who’ve already been collecting Smallville seasons on DVD, the series’ final installment, Smallville: The Complete Tenth Season, also is available on both DVD and Blu-ray, and includes never-before seen featurettes, deleted scenes, and more.

Both sets are available at major retailers, local and online. Smallville: The Complete Series, $339.88. Smallville: The Complete Tenth Season, DVD, $59.98, and Blu-ray, $69.97.

Gifts That Go “Yum”

Harvard Sweet Boutique

Life is sweet at Harvard Sweet Boutique, where its specialty is putting together unique and spectacular dessert gift packages, brimming with freshly baked gourmet cookies, toffee, and brownies. All treats and desserts are lovingly made by hand, using only the freshest, all-natural ingredients, which include rich European chocolate with the highest cocoa butter content, pure double-strength vanilla extracts, the finest flours, premium-grade nuts, and fresh, Grade A butter.

Harvard Sweet Boutique is online, at www.harvardsweetboutique.com. Prices vary.

Lucy’s Allergen-Free Cookies

Enjoying a deliciously baked cookie just got more exciting for the 12 million Americans who suffer from food allergies—3 million of whom are children. Lucy’s baked goods company has created cookies that more people can enjoy, food allergies or not. What began as a mother’s tasty recipe for her child has developed into a delicious alternative for people with or without special dietary considerations.

All Lucy’s cookies, including the new Chocolate, Ginger Snap, and Maple Bliss varieties, are gluten-free, vegan, and made without milk, eggs, peanuts, or tree nuts. Each cookie is baked to perfection and features a satisfying and airy crunch. All cookies are prepared in a carefully controlled, dedicated bakery, ensuring that each cookie meets tight allergen-testing standards. And, with all-natural ingredients, 0 mg cholesterol, and 0 g trans fat, everyone can feel good about eating these cookies.

Lucy’s is online, at www.drlucys.com. Prices vary.

These Gifts Sure Are Handy

CLEANCut Paper Towel Dispenser

Offering great style and performance, the CLEANCut Touchless Paper Towel Dispenser is designed for consumers who are looking for a smarter, cleaner, and more efficient way to work in the kitchen.

CLEANCut uses intuitive LED technology to seamlessly dispense and cut any length and brand of paper towel. Having greater control over the quantity of paper towels used helps prevent waste. And, because your hand touches only the towel dispensed, it helps eliminate cross-contamination of germs. CLEANCut operates on a low-voltage power adapter that plugs into any standard outlet. Also, it features an aesthetically pleasing, under-cabinet design, which saves on counter space.

The CLEANCut Touchless Paper Towel Dispenser is available at www.cleancutdispenser.com. White, $139.95. Stainless-steel finish, $159.95.

Family Organize Notepad

Sure enough, many parents will vow to be more organized in the New Year. While there are many hi-tech gadgets, gizmos, and apps available to help reach this goal, sometimes, a good old-fashioned piece of paper and pencil are just what the doctor ordered—especially when that piece of paper comes from the Family Organize Notepad.

Simple yet genius, this weekly notepad promises to help the entire family stay organized. It’s easy to fill out and post for every member of the family to get a visual reminder of what the week’s chores, appointments, and events look like.
The 300-sheet Family Organize Notepad can be personalized, and is available online, at InvitationBox.com. $30.95.

Poo~Pourri Bathroom Sprays

Make the season merry for friends and loved ones with Poo~Pourri's Original Before-You-Go Bathroom Spray, the only toilet bowl deodorizer small enough to fit in a stocking yet strong enough to suppress any odor. These sweet treats for the toilet make handy, unique gifts.

The spray features a natural blend of essential oils that create a film over the water, trapping unwanted bathroom odors before they can come to light. All that will be left behind is the unique and pleasing aroma. Classic blends of nine natural oils include bergamot, lemongrass, and grapefruit, creating a fresh scent that can be used freely all year round.

Poo~Pourri products come in a variety of sizes. For the traveler, the 2-ounce bottle is discreet enough to tuck into purses or pockets, and small enough to use when checking through airport security. The 4-ounce bottle is a host's best friend as it keeps guests at ease in heavily trafficked bathrooms. Gift sets also are available.

Find Poo~Pourri Bathroom Sprays online, at www.poopouri.com. Prices vary.

Remote-Controlled SimpliciKey

Combining convenience with safety, SimpliciKey is a remote-controlled electronic deadbolt that provides users multiple options to easily lock or unlock the house at the touch of a button.
With an encrypted key fob that has a range of up to 50 feet, SimpliciKey features a wireless keypad that can accommodate up to 16 user codes, which can be changed at any time, providing added ease and security. The deadbolt also allows you to continue to use a traditional key.

The SimpliciKey electronic lock is simple to install, replacing the existing standard deadbolt without any additional holes or drilling. And no hardwiring is necessary, because it runs on AA batteries. Also, the reversible lock system fits both right- and left-hand doors.

SimpliciKey is available in three finishes—polished brass, satin nickel, and aged bronze. Find it at Home Depot stores and online, at www.simplicikey.com. $249.00.

Feeling Good, Looking Good

Olie Biologique Essential Oils

Olie Biologique's travel-sized Huile Moderne 004 organic oils, a 5mL-spray vial delivers the perfect amount of essential oils in one smooth stream. Ideal for on-the-go individuals who follow strict beauty regimens, Huile Moderne 004's ingredients include USDA-certified organic Argan and Rosehip oils with bergamot, neroli, frankincense, and vitamin E—which, together, protect against environmental exposure and preserve well-conditioned skin and hair. Huile Moderne 004 is hydrating, healing, wrinkle-smoothing, and mood-lifting. Lightly scented and packed with anti-aging goodness, it is fast-absorbing and ideal for normal to combination skin.

Olie Biologique's travel-sized Huile Moderne 004 is available for purchase online, at www.oliebiologique.com. $15.

Rinse Soap's Skin Sticks and Pucker Sticks

Whether traveling or at home, experience a moisturizer that's good enough to eat. Cocoa and Shea butters paired with delightful and soothing scents and oils create Rinse Soap's Skin Sticks and Pucker Sticks, two lines of rich yet non-greasy lotion in stick form. They’re great for cuticles, knuckles, elbows, and anywhere else. Each batch is handmade from premium ingredients and is gluten free. Choose from fun scents, such as Ginger Lemongrass and Coconut Mango. Or, go with something more decadent, such as Chocolate, Almond, and Honey or Fresh Fig. Rinse also has a line of vegan-friendly skin products.

Rinse bath and body products, including Rinse Soap's Skin Sticks and Pucker Sticks, can be found in salons, spas, and boutiques as well as online, at www.rinsesoap.com. Prices vary.

For That Doggone Lucky Pet

Dog Tag Art’s Virtual Leash

Not just a colorful tag, Dog Tag Art Pet ID Tags come with Virtual Leash, which allows pet owners to maintain a unique online profile for any animal, increasing the chances of a safe return in case the pet is lost. The pet's exclusive website address and the owner’s phone number are printed on the custom ID tag. The website includes the pet’s information such as photos, special needs, and medical history.

Then, when someone finds the lost pet, he or she can go to the site listed on the tag and simply click the “I found this pet” button or type a personal message. That will send the pet owner and/or any other emergency contacts a message either by phone, email, or text, or post on Twitter. The site also uses Google Maps to help potential finders a safe place for the lost pet.

Dog Tag Art’s Virtual Leash is online, at www.dogtagart.com/virtual-leash. Virtual Leash, $1 per month, and is only available with the purchase of custom Dog Tag Art Pet ID Tags, $11.99.

Planet Dog Treats, Toys, Good Cause

Planet Dog offers two new flavors of Planet Dog EATS, premium, healthy dog treats made by Polka Dog Bakery in Boston— Chicken & Pumpkin Pot Pie and PB&J. Designed with form, function, and versatility in mind, the 100 percent natural dog treats aid in tartar control and offer super nutrients in every bite.

These EATS are a perfect companion for Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff toys. Made in the U.S. with all-natural ingredients, Planet Dog EATS fit the Treat-Spot in Orbee-Tuff toys and provide hours of interactive play and wholesome goodness. The playful bone-shaped treats easily break into smaller pieces for portion control and for placing inside all sizes of Orbee-Tuff toys. They also can be used with Planet Dog's new On the Go Snack Sack for "ready-to-reward" ease.

The rough, crunchy surface and composition of the new treats supports daily tartar control and contributes to healthy teeth and gums. Planet Dog EATS are wheat, corn, and soy-free, and contain no wheat gluten. Sold in a recyclable, 12-oz. virgin craft cardboard box, they are covered by the company's 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

All Planet Dog products are available online, at www.planetdog.com, or at pet supply retailers. Or, call toll-free, at 800-381-1516. Prices vary.

Planet Dog donates 2 percent of every purchase of Planet Dog products to the Planet Dog Foundation to support canine service programs, providing cash grants to programs nationwide that train, place, and support dogs who help people in need.

Sexy Beast for Canine Style

Here's a pooch pampering product line that rivals any men's or women's style line on the market today. Sexy Beast offers a wide range of uniquely designed canine care products—from fancy fragrances and powders, to dog tees and tags, and from canine coat care products to health supplements. Everything by Sexy Beast is 100 percent vegan and 100 percent safe.

The full line of Sexy Beast products is available online, at www.sbstyle.com. Prices vary.

Up Close and Personalized

Made-to-Order GelaSkins

GelaSkins are removable covers, or skins, for protecting and customizing portable devices, such as iPhones, iPads, MP3 players, laptops, and gaming equipment. They feature photo-quality graphics, ranging from fine art prints to contemporary urban images, and are sure to make that gadget stand out in a crowd. Or, if you prefer, upload your own family photos or kids’ artwork to design and truly personalize a GelaSkin for someone special on your gift list.

The ordering process is simple, and, as always, when you buy three custom- or artist-designed skins, your fourth is free. Visit the GelaSkins website, www.gelaskins.com, for more information and to get started on your very own design. Prices vary.

Custom S’well Insulated Wine Bottles

Maker of insulated bottles that keep cold drinks cool for 24 hours and hot drinks warm for 12 hours, S’well, has introduced a wine lovers' version. The S'well insulated wine bottle holds 25 oz./750 mL, making it the perfect size to keep white wine chilled at picnics, outdoor concerts, tailgating parties, and social functions. Made of stainless steel, S'well wine bottles eliminate the need to tote a cooler of ice, and they end the worry of breaking a glass bottle. Also, they do not add stale flavor to wine and are nontoxic, non-leaching, and BPA free. Also, there is never condensation or water beading on the bottles.

But to make this gift really special, S’well wine bottles also are customizable. Add a name, a logo, choose a color—you name it.

Find S’well wines bottles online, ready to personalize, at swellbottle.com. $45. Also, through a partnership with the nonprofit WaterAid, 10 percent of all sales go to build safe and hygienic water sources in Africa and India.

They’ll Wear It Well

Cake Lingerie

Cake Lingerie specializes in sophisticated maternity and nursing lingerie that intertwines sensual comfort and a secure fit with much-needed style and polish.

Worn and loved by celebrities around the world, Cake Lingerie empowers women to celebrate their newfound curves with graceful elegance. With astonishing attention to detail, the gorgeous collections of Cake Lingerie give pregnant and breast-feeding mothers an opportunity to feel feminine again. In short, Cake Lingerie infuses high standards of quality, style, and innovation in designs that are rich, fun, indulgent, satisfying, and delicious.

Cake Lingerie is available at A La Mode, in Annapolis, and online, at www.cakelingerie.com. Prices vary.

FoodTees, Healthy Food Clothing

A great way to remind someone you love about clean, healthy, fresh living, FoodTees make wonderful gifts. The colorful photo designs of mainly individual fruits and vegetables are underscored with a brief caption, making them fun, entertaining, and ever mindful of promoting good health. They're available in sweatshirts, long- and short-sleeve tees, and tank shirts, for women, men, children, toddlers, and babies. Aprons and totes are available now, too.

Find FoodTees online, at FoodTee.com. Prices vary.

Gaiam ECOStyle 2011 Holiday Looks

Gaiam, maker of products to promote healthy living, has launched its 2011 Holiday Looks winter collection of women’s clothing, featuring a variety of cover-ups for easy, comfortable layering. The collection boasts a fashionable eco-wardrobe crafted from materials such as pure organic cotton, sustainable bamboo, natural wool, and recycled polyester. Gaiam’s sweaters, tunics, and ponchos are designed to keep you warm, calm, and in style with a comfortable, no-fuss, mix-and-match wardrobe.

Shop Gaiam’s clothing line, at www.gaiam.com/category/apparel.do. Request a catalog at the website or by calling 877-989-6321.

Hosiery from Gold Toe and PowerSox

What do Rhianna and Justin Bieber have in common? All they really want for the holidays is socks! Socks make great gifts, and Gold Toe and PowerSox offer these stylish, affordable stocking-stuffers everyone will love. For sharp dressers, there’s the Gold Toe Women’s Over The Knee Cuff, worn thigh-high, folded, or scrunched down. Made of soft acrylic with special moisture control, choose among black, brown, charcoal grey, or natural. Or, try Gold Toe Men’s Argyle/Texture Three-Pair Pack, featuring comfortable fit, perfect for dress or casual wear, and available in two classic argyles and one textured solid, in navy, olive, oatmeal, brown and black color combos.

For outdoorsy types, there’s the PowerSox Outdoor Merino Wool Boot Socks for men & women. Field-tested on Mt. Everest and Antarctica by mountain guide Dave Hahn, they’re made of soft, warm merino wool and moisture-managing tech fibers, and come in black marl and taupe marl. And, for young athletes playing soccer, football, rugby, and field hockey, the PowerSox Debris Inhibitor Sports Spat keeps laces tight and looks cool, like the tape "spatting" pro athletes are known for. They also prevent crumb rubber and turf from getting into shoes and socks. Choose from black, white, red, royal, and navy machine-washable colors.

These socks and more are available at GoldToe.com and PowerSox.com and at major retailers, local and online. Prices vary, from $9 to 12.75.

The Mommy Mitten

Water resistant, insulated, and lined with fleece and tightened with Velcro, Mommy Mitten hand warmers not only offer a tight fit to keep the cold air away from hands, they provide a place for hands to stay cozy while pushing a stroller. Mommy Mitten easily secures around the handle bar of a baby stroller to keep hands protected from the elements without having to deal with clumsy, easy-to-lose gloves or mittens.

Choose from different color combinations, including black with a pink fleece lining, or black with an aqua fleece lining. The Mommy Mitten features an external zipper pocket for easy access to things such as keys, cell phone, money, or pacifiers.

Find the Mommy Mitten online, at mommymitten.com, BabiesRUs.com, and Amazon.com. $29.99.

In a Word, Great Gifts

Out of Print's Journals and Notebooks

Boasting iconic book covers, from Pride & Prejudice to Invisible Man, Out of Print's collection of hard-bound literary journals and notebooks are ideal products to start penning one's own adventures. Also, while writing, find inspiration from a compilation of the classic novel's lines, bordering the pages.

The softcover notebook includes 120 micro-text-lined pages. The 5x7-in. journal includes 300 micro-text-lined pages and ribbon page marker. Journals and notebooks, along with Out of Print’s books and other stationery products, are available for purchase online, at www.outofprintclothing.com. Notebook, $8. Journal, $16.

The Sacred Work of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Serving as an important tool to help take on the new challenges grandparents face as second parents, The Sacred Work of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, by Elaine K. Williams (BalboaPress, 2011) is a welcomed gift indeed. Their challenges are not the same as those of the biological parents, and often are not addressed in typical parenting literature. This book offers grandparents a support system with solid tips and suggestions.

Elaine K. Williams has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. Her expertise is in the areas of trauma, loss, life transitions, and inter-generational communication.

Find The Sacred Work of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at the author’s website, www.elainekwilliams.com, and at Amazon.com and BN.com. Hardcover, $33.95. Softcover, 17.95. E-book, $9.99.

Gifts for a Good Cause

The Baltimore Humane Society

Baltimore Ravens fans and animal lovers alike will love the 2012 Happy Tails Calendar for the holidays. Mary Swift Photography created this calendar featuring the happy-ending stories of dogs and cats that’ve stayed at the Baltimore Humane Society. Also, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco supports the no-kill shelter and has posed for a page in the calendar.

The 2012 Happy Tails Calendar costs $15 plus $2 for shipping and handling. Make your check payable to the Baltimore Humane Society, and send it to: Calendar, Baltimore Humane Society, 1601 Nicodemus Rd., Reisterstown, Md. 21136. Be sure to include your shipping address. If you prefer to pay by credit card, call 410-833-8848 x212.

Also available at the Baltimore Humane Society are Sponsorships for Homeless Animals—just right for the animal lover who has everything! By sponsoring a dog, cat, or rabbit, you (or your gift recipients) get the satisfaction of helping to care for a homeless pet.

This includes a pet photo, thank you note, and your name (or your gift recipient’s name) displayed on the animal’s space for the duration of the sponsorship. Rabbit sponsorships are $20/week or $80/month; cats are $25/week or $100/month; and dogs are $50/week or $200/month.

For more information call 410-833-8848 x207, or visit the website, bmorehumane.org/donate/sponsorashelteranimal. The Baltimore Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization, not affiliated with any national humane societies or animal welfare organizations. It does not receive funding from the government.

ChildFund Gifts of Love & Hope

How about something for the charitable soul who has everything? ChildFund International supports impoverished children, giving them the capacity to improve their lives and the opportunity to become young adults, parents, and leaders who bring lasting and positive change in their communities. Its Gifts of Love & Hope catalog enables holiday shoppers to purchase practical items, such as water buffalo, mosquito nets, water purification systems, etc., to benefit children, their families, and their communities. These gifts can be offered in the name of a particular recipient and go to fill particular basic, pressing needs of children around the world. The organization supports approximately 15.2 million children and family members in 31 countries worldwide.

Find ChildFund International at www.childfund.org. $5-$2,250.

Doctors Without Borders

Created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization, providing aid in more than 60 countries. Specifically, it helps to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to natural disasters, armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, and exclusion from health care. In 1999, MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for these efforts.

Learn how you can support Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières by visiting www.doctorswithoutborders.org.

Maryland SPCA 2012 Pet Calendar

The Maryland SPCA 2012 Pet Calendar, with a beautiful cover photo of a dog named Pepper at the Inner Harbor, makes a wonderful holiday gift for any animal lover. Delight your friends and family while helping animals in need.
The Maryland SPCA’s programs directly benefit people and pets in central Maryland. It is not affiliated with any national animal welfare organization, nor does it receive operating funds from the government.

For more information or to order your calendar, call 410-235-8826, email efinton@mdspca.org, or visit the Maryland SPCA website, www.mdspca.org. $15.

World Vision Catalog

Since the World Vision Catalog was first introduced in 1996, new gifts have been introduced and its popularity as a gift-giving alternative has grown substantially.

Goats were the most popular item in 2009—more than 50,000 goats were given to families in need thanks to the generous contributions of gift catalog donors. After purchasing a Gift Catalog item, the person whose name the gift was purchased in receives a special card describing the gift and the impact it will have.

Possible catalog items include: new clothes and shoes for U.S. children and families ($25 provides $150 worth of necessities); five ducks that produce eggs to feed a family year round ($30); one goat and two chickens that supply protein and surplus milk to sell ($100); and one sheep to supply warm wool for clothes and blankets ($105).

Serving the poor, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender, World Vision is dedicated to helping children and their communities. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org. To order World Vision gifts, visit the website, www.worldvisiongifts.org. To order by phone or to request a print catalog, call 888-511-6511.

Online Stores, Catalogs, and Advice

The OMGmother Store

Building on the specialized roles that aunts, uncles, and godparents have children’s lives, the OMGmother Store is an easy, one-stop marketplace for them to shop for cool, original, inspired gifts. It features popular children’s books, eco-friendly toys, instruments, and even funky clothes for that lucky child. Select products from three age groups: 0-2 years, 3-6 years, and 7-12 years.

Go to www.OMGmother.com.

Retrevo's 2011 Holiday Gadget Picks

Got enough gadgets on your gift list to make your head swim? Also, how do you know which product is the right choice for the person you’re giving it to?

This is when the blog site for reviewing today’s popular gadgets, Retrevo, comes in handy. Using its Artificial Intelligence-based product evaluation engine, Retrevo's algorithms process more than 100 million data points across the Internet every day to give an objective, unbiased, comprehensive, and relevant Retrevo Real Time Review. This process answers these questions: Is this product current? Do people like it? Is the product a good value?

One of TIME magazine's Best Sites of 2011, Retrevo currently is featuring its 2011 list of holiday gadget picks. These products are chosen based on providing exceptional value for their price and being well liked by experts and users alike. The categories include, but are not limited to, Smartphones, Advanced Point & Shoot Cameras, Blu-ray Players, Home Theater Systems with HD Video, Tablets, and Headphones.

Go to www.retrevo.com/content/blog/2011/11/retrevos-2011-holiday-gadget-picks.

Be a Smart Shopper

Free Shipping Day

If you’re busy buying gifts online, circle the Dec. 16 on your calendar. This is Free Shipping Day, a one-day shopping event when participating online merchants offer free shipping with guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24. Among the merchants involved in this year’s Free Shipping Day are Best Buy, Land’s End, DSW, JC Penney, and Kmart.

For more information, visit the website www.FreeShipping.org.

The 11 for ’11 List: Tips for Online Shopping

Dubbed The 11 for ’11 List, it’s designed as a blueprint for every online shopper—from the novice to the seasoned veteran—to get the most out of his or her holiday shopping experience this year. With an emphasis on safe holiday shopping, the list also is reflective of the myriad options available to shoppers on the ever-growing e-commerce landscape.

“Consumers have more options than ever before this holiday shopping season,” says Doron Simovitch, co-founder and SortPrice CEO, in a recent press release. “With all of those choices, however, comes the reality that this time of year requires diligence not just in finding the best deals out there, but protecting yourself while you shop online as well.”

Developed from years of experience in guiding online shoppers and providing merchants with a solid platform from which to sell their items online, the 11 for ’11 List is as follows:

1. Be thorough in your research by utilizing all the resources the Internet provides, particularly social media networks, to compare prices and search for online-only bargains that guarantee you’ll save money.

2. Update your home computer’s anti-virus software and security tools before you start shopping. If using a wireless connection, make sure it’s encrypted with a password.

3. Don’t Procrastinate! Prices and inventories change quickly online this time of year, so to ensure you get what you’re looking for, shop and order early.

4. Carefully review every online retailer’s terms and conditions as well as its return policies, as they vary industry-wide.

5. Beware of certain promotional emails requesting personal information or promising a special deal. Usually, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

6. Create or update new online passwords that are unique and difficult to steal—avoid pet names, birthdays, etc. Incorporate numbers and characters.

7. Use credit cards instead of debit cards, as you’ll be better protected from fraud and face less liability in the event of your card number being stolen.

8. Shop only on certifiably secure websites. Look for “https://” URLs that indicate secure connections when placing orders and entering personal information.

9. Be smart about where you disclose personal information—including phone numbers, addresses, and financial information—and avoid unverifiable entities.

10. Look for delivery guarantees from online retailers, and always keep hard copies of email confirmations of orders and delivery status.

11. Seek out the “freebies” that some retailers include on orders of a particular size or volume. Keep them for yourself, or use them as stocking stuffers!

SortPrice.com, founded in 2004, is a shopping search engine and a pioneer in the growing field of social commerce. Learn more at www.sortprice.com.