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Secretsof theWrapStarsHow to givethe season’sbest packages

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDEHolidays 2010

« Wrap artist Wanda Wen, Soolip

jg-tc comdot

The Lists:10 Top DVDs: 2010’s Oscar-winning movies and finalists

10 Top Books: Distinguished and new for children

10 Top Board Games: Let the matchups begin!

When it comes to the perfect gifts, Santa always gets it right. The rest of us – Are they sleeping? Arethey awake? Have they been good? Bad? – struggle. Help is in your hands. In this year’s gift guideyou’ll find plenty of inspired ideas, with many more in stores right around the corner. So for good-ness’ sake, get reading and get going. Time is short. And smarty-pants is coming to town.

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

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

Get PersonalA gift for someone special calls for, well something special.

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

Holiday Gift Guide2010 Secrets

of theWrapStars Sticks and stones?Three of today’smost talentedwrappers talk abouttheir signature stylesand share freshideas to help eventhe not-so-crafty gifter look brilliant.

2 - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 JG-TC.COM

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1 Avatar (20th Century Fox) $39.99, two-disc DVD/Blu-ray combo

2 The Blind Side(Warner Bros.) $19.99 DVD/$24.99 Blu-ray

3 District 9 (Sony Pictures) $19.94 DVD/$24.95 Blu-ray

4 An Education(Sony Pictures Classics) $28.96 DVD/$38.96 Blu-ray

5 The Hurt Locker (Winner)(Summit Entertainment) $26.99 DVD/$34.99 Blu-ray

6 A Serious Man (Focus Features) $19.98 DVD/26.98 Blu-ray

7 Inglourious Basterds (The Weinstein Company) $16.99 DVD/$19.99 Blu-ray

8 Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire (Lionsgate) $19.98 DVD/$29.99 Blu-ray

9 Up (Walt Disney) $45.99, four-disc DVD/Blu-ray combo

10 Up in the Air(Paramount) $22.99 DVD/39.99 Blu-ray

© CTW Features

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Take 10: Best Pictures on DVD and Blu-rayAnd the Oscar goes to…A bumper crop of 10 films, rather than the traditional five, vied for best pic-ture honors at this year’s Academy Awards. There was a lot to take in, fromthe riveting war scenes in “The Hurt Locker” to the tender animated antics in“Up,” where an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer and a bunch of helium bal-loons inadvertently hijack an elderly widower. No wonder judges had diffi-culty narrowing the field. Every one’s a winner.

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By Jim GorzelanyCTW FeaturesAuto aficionados tend to be a

breed apart from mere motorists.No, motor oil does not coursethrough their veins, but their in-terest in all things vehicular

runs much deeper than that ofthe average driver.

Tracking down gifts for a car-loving friend or relative can be alot of fun. There are more nicelydesigned, imaginative productsmore widely available – from

auto shops and tech stores to thefinest jewelry counters in town.Here’s a look at a few gifts guar-anteed to make their hearts racethis holiday season.

The ultimate high-tech autogizmo of the season has to be anelectric car, like the stylishlyaerodynamic Nissan Leaf. Deliv-ering true “plug and play” opera-tion with zero emissions, theLeaf promises as much as a 100-mile range on a charge. It in-cludes Internet and smart phoneconnectivity and a navigationsystem that can show the loca-tion of nearby charging stations($32,780, select markets in De-cember).

A less costly gift for environ-mentally conscious auto buffs isthe nifty car care kit from GreenEarth Technologies. It consists offive eco-friendly products madefrom plant oils: organic glasscleaner, brake dust shield, hy-drophobic car wash, tire shineand wheel cleaner ($20, auto,hardware and big box stores;getg.com). Motorists who want tomaintain the showroom shine oftheir rides also will appreciateMeguiar’s complete care gift kit($20, auto and hardware stores;meguiars.com)

Why not give an exotic sportscar for a pittance? Upgrade his orher computer mouse with aracier model – a Porsche 911, tobe exact. The Motormouse is a2.4g wireless mouse that’s astrikingly detailed replica of theiconic coupe ($50, motor-mouse.us.com).

Another gift sure to ap-peal to enthusiasts

who can’t yet afford theirdream cars is theSoundracer, which can makeeven an old beater at leastsound like a Ferrari. The de-vice plugs into a 12-voltpower point and replicatesthe roar of a sports car en-gine through the car’s audiosystem via a built in FMtransmitter. Soundracerworks in perfect syncwith the vehicle’s actualaccelerations and deceler-ations ($40, auto accessoryretailers, soundracer.se.)

Those who like to – literally –wear their affection for autos ontheir sleeves will enjoy a pair ofcar-themed cufflinks: charmingminiature shift knobs, tires,spark plugs, dashboard gauges,headlamps and road signs ($45to $425, department stores andcufflinks.com).

Leading the race to build abetter travel mug is the aptlynamed Brugo, designed to elimi-nate spills and scalded lips. A“tip and cool” mode allows usersto transfer small amounts of too-hot take-out beverages to a tem-perature-controlled chamber,where it cools down a gulp at atime ($15 to $20, coffee shopsand specialty stores; brugo-mug.com)

Making driving safer andmore convenient is the BelkinTunebase with Hands-Free,which allows iPhone owners tocon-

duct hands-free conversationsthrough their car stereo systems.The “Direct” version ($70) con-nects through an auxiliary audioinput jack (found on later modelcars), while the “FM” model($100) transmits to an unusedFM radio station. It alsostreams music stored on an

iPhone and allows users tocharge up to two mobile de-vices while en route (elec-tronics retailers;

belkin.com)Another hands-free calling

adapter – this one using Blue-tooth wireless connectivity –serves as a speaker phone, a per-sonal safety device and a wire-less “leash” to prevent motoristsfrom losing their cell phones.ZOMM attaches to a keychainand will flash, vibrate and evensound an alarm if an ownerwalks away from his or herphone ($80, Best Buy;zomm.com).

Speed enthusiasts can docu-ment and share their vehicularadventures thanks to the GoProHD Motorsports HERO camera.It mounts to a helmet or dash-board and records first-personhigh-definition video or a succes-sion of still photos. It can storeup to nine hours of footage on a32GB SD memory card (not in-cluded). ($300, auto supply re-tailers; www.goprocamera.com)

© CTW Features

10 - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 JG-TC.COM

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Get his wardrobe running:automotive cufflinks

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Hands-free chat using aniPhone via the BelkinTunebase

By Danielle CadetCTW Features

Trends come and go, but thehallmark of a great gift remainsthe same: it’s personal. The giftthat goes down in history, theone they’ll remember, is oftenthe one that distinctively cap-tures someone’s passions, taste

and style. These days personalization

goes way beyond old-school mono-grammed shirts and towels.Think flirty flip-flops designedwith interchangeable straps thatVelcro on and off, to reflect amood or a whim. A favoritephrase, icon or nickname cre-atively placed on a protectivecover for an electronic device. Aprepster’s initials or name, em-blazoned on a plastic plate. “Withpersonalization comes a sense ofpride, and that’s a gift that every-body wants,” says Robyn Spiz-man, gift expert and founder ofTheGiftionary.com.

Thanks to technology, it’s sim-pler than ever to purchase a giftthat’s personalized with a nameor initials. “The online world hastaught retailers a lot more abouttheir customers, and is making iteasier than ever to give to cus-tomers what they want,” saysClaire Hamilton, retail trend an-alyst at WGSN, a London-basedtrend forecasting firm. “The nat-ural outcome of that is to actuallyoffer more personalization serv-ices.”

The purchase of a personal-ized gift demands seriousthought. Take some time to con-sider the recipient’s personality.“You want to start looking attheir interests: children, pets,

their favorite colors, their style,”says Spizman. She advises pur-chasing a present the recipient issure to use. “When you think per-sonalization you want to thinkabout the personal use of a gift.Make sure the person is going toenjoy it,” she says.

Pigeonholing friends may notbe a polite practice most times ofthe year, but when it comes toholiday gift giving, it’s one of thekeys to success. “When you knowyou’re buying a gift for a traveler,an entertainer, a music or sportslover, then you can really pin-point the perfect gift,” Spizmansays.

Monogramming is a classicpersonalizing detail that neverseems to go out of style. “Peoplelike to see their names,” saysRoseanne Morrison, fashion di-rector for trend forecaster Do-neger Group, New York. “Themore personalization that’s in-volved, the more it makes some-one feel like this [gift] is designedfor me.”

The trend is to bigger mono-grams with fresh fonts, styles andtwists on tradition. And be selec-tive about the item you choose tomonogram. “Monogrammingclothes is totally out,” says JessZaino, celebrity stylist and formerco-host of the Style Network’s“Modern Girl’s Guide to Life.” Shesuggests monogramming a smallitem and pairing it with a useful,related gift.

Here are some bright ideas forholiday gifts that might be per-fect for someone you know. Ifthey’re not, you won’t have to lookfar to find the perfect gift. Thisseason, personalization is every-

where.Lindsay Phillips’ Switchflops

are fashionable flip-flops that canbe customized to individual tastewith a monogram button, nameor favorite phrase, or a messageembroidered on the strap. Morethan 70 styles of straps, attachedwith Velcro, can be changed outon a whim. The line has been ex-panded to include customizableballet flats, clogs and accessories.Zaino suggests pairing a pair ofthe flip-flops with a beach bag fullof vacation goodies. “It’s so muchmore thoughtful when you takethe person into considerationwithout being cheesy or tacky,”Zaino says ($30 and up, depart-ment and specialty stores; switch-flops.com)

A personalized cover for theproud new owner of an iPad, Kin-dle or new smartphone can add totheir techno-joy and help themstand out in a crowd. Since somany people have these devices,“the more that you can do to cre-ate that level of originality makesit special,” says Morrison. PowerSupport USA offers a range ofproducts aimed to protect andpersonalize wireless devices.Graphically smart City Casesstar iconic images from citiesaround the globe, perfect for aglobetrotter wannabe. Or, createa custom design by uploadingoriginal art or choosing designsfrom their library and addingwords and effects for a one-of-a-

kind gift (custom designs about$50, electronics retailers nation-wide;www.powersupportUSA.com).

Brightly colored melamineplates from La Plates are a bighit with celebrity parents, includ-ing the Obamas. Customers canchoose design, background color,font style and color when creatingtheir plates, which range in sizefrom 7 inches (sold individually)to 10 inches (available in sets offour). The bright, fanciful platesare durable enough to withstandhorseplay at a barbeque but ele-gant enough for an adult lunch-eon. ($22, specialty stores;www.laplates.com )

Custom-monogrammed But-terscotch Blankees havebeen spied swaddlingthe babes of celebritymoms like Sarah Jes-sica Parker. Companyfounder Jodie Roth saysher products make along-lasting gift thatcan follow the ownerfrom crib to dorm room.The handmade blanketswould make a great giftfor a newborn, youngchild or parents who wantto add flare to a nurseryor bedroom. The hand-made blankets range insize, style and color.($125, specialty storesand boutiques).

Personalized stationery is aclassic gift. But for a new twistfor a relative or friend who lovesto wrap and give gifts try wrap-

ping paper personalized with hername and special message. Cus-tom gift wrap from online sta-tioner Erin Condren can beimprinted with the message youchoose – “Happy Birthday! Withlove from Grammie,” for example.“It’s a functional thing to givethat is still so personal and somuch fun,” Zaino says. “It willmake them smile every time theyuse it”(10-ft. length for $45). The“Everything Book,” a monthlycalendar for tracking family ac-tivities, can be customized with aname and photo on the covers. Itcomes with matching personal-ized labels, tab stickers and notepads ($45, erincondren.com)

Monogram a leather wallet ora tote for a trendy friend or

relative with simpletastes. “There are

people who just liketo keep it simple

but still want per-sonal things that look

beautiful,” saysMorrison. And, toheck with trend-

meisters who saymonogrammed cloth-

ing is out, out, out.For those with a con-

siderably largergift budget, a woolor a fur coat withan understated ini-tials inside “wouldbe wonderful,”

WGSN’s Clair Hamilton says.

© CTW Features

GGeett PPeerrssoonnaall

A gift for a special someone calls for, well, something special. Personalized gifts are all the rage.

Here’s how to look – and what to look for

JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 - 3

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When buying gifts for chil-dren this holiday season, thinkback to your childhood and whatyou loved and consider buyingnew versions of those toys. Thisyear, nostalgic toys – oldies butgoodies – are very popular.

“Companies are feeding onour growing need to connect withthe product,” says Mari Richards,toy designer and head of Small-forbig.com. “They are tapping oldbrands that parents rememberfrom their own childhoods, orhighlighting the handmade,homegrown aspects of a newproduct.”

The toys and gifts we featurein this guide are our favorite newones. “Picking toys that serve

double-duty in that they enter-tain and teach is a surefire wayto get more bang for your buckwhen gift-giving,” says toy expertWendy Young, founder of Michi-gan-based Kidlutions PreferredProduct Awards. We have manyof those below. Still not sure? An-other big trend that continues:anything eco-friendly is hot.

Newborn to 4 Years OldFor those shopping for preg-

nant friends or baby gifts, Cali-fornia Baby unveiled a HolidayCheer Tote Set complete withsensitive-skin bubble bath,spritzer (great for de-stressingover the holidays), a scrub puffand reusable tote ($30, major re-tailers).

Every child loves bubbles, and

there’s little that’smore fun than blowing them inthe bathtub. Munchkin BubbleMonkeys let you do just that.Two bubble monkey wands arefun to hold and include a dip traythat suctions to the wall (we lovethis part) and bubble solution($9, major retailers).

For endless entertainmentwithout mom, the Chicco Bilin-gual Talking Farm is a plastic,interactive “farm” with learn-ing games such as naming,and it teaches numbers, col-ors, animals and sounds. Thistoy invites children to singalong with nursery rhymes(my son’s favorite is “OldMacDonald”) and flashinglights ($30, major retailers).

Cloud B’s Gentle Giraffe

on the Go Travel-Size PlushSound Machine is a gift for bothbaby and parents. It helps babysleep, especially on those longplane rides! The stuffed Giraffe

On The Go helps recreate sleeptime routines by bringing famil-iar soothing sounds while awayfrom home. There are foursounds, including a “babblingbrook” ($23, boutiques nation-wide; see cloudb.com for loca-tions).

Another practical-yet-funitem for parents: The DesignerDiner by Bella Tunno is a wipe-

clean place mat on one side and areusable chalk mat on the otherand is perfect for restaurantsand planes ($22, baby and kidboutiques, see bellatunno.com forstores).

Jojo Bump Bump by SilverlitToys is a top-selling brand inFrance, and it’s no wonder. It’s asleekly designed remote controlcar for little ones. Jojo BumpBump comes with headlightsand remote control carrot. Afterhitting a road block, Jojo spins

and moves in another direction,until he hits too many obsta-

cles and is ejected ($25, Wal-mart).

5 to 10 Years OldAt this age especially, think

about the child’s personalitywhen buying a gift, Youngsays. “The beauty of open-

ended activities such as blocks,art supplies or dress-up is thatthey encourage active imagina-tion,” Young says. “Imaginationand intelligence are linked. Weshould encourage it whenever wecan.”

When girls begin dressing up,they don’t want to look like theirfriends. Enter Snap Caps inter-changeable necklaces MaddieBradshaw is the 14-year-oldpresident and designer. The jew-elry is made of old-fashioned em-bellished bottle caps, whichstemmed from an idea to deco-rate her locker with magneticbottle caps ($17, 400 boutiquesnationwide; seem3girldesigns.com).

Girls and dolls: the Dollie & Me collectionincludes holiday dresses for a young girland 18-inch doll

4 - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 JG-TC.COM

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Old-Fashioned

FunExpert gift wrappers innovate yearafter year, gathering inspiration fortheir fanciful creations from nature,the recycling bin – or the gifteehimself. Take notes as three of today’s topwrappers share thoughts behindtheir signature styles, tips for thenot-so-crafty gift-giver and ideas forwhat to do with some of those odd-shaped items.

Wanda Wen

Wanda Wen, author of “The Art of GiftWrapping” (2010, Potter Craft) is co-founder of Soolip, the fashionable WestHollywood purveyor of fine paper. Wenisn’t just a wrap star; she wraps for stars,including Will Smith, Charlize Theronand Halle Berry.

Gift-wrapping should say alittle about you and somethingabout the person receiving thegift. Of course, I have my own col-lection of papers that I’m drawnto, but first I think of the person.

Signature style: Organicand natural

Must-have materials: twine,string, ribbon, pressed flowers,papers made of natural fiberslike Thai unryu, kozo andNepalese lokta

On her style: I’m really in-spired by nature and looking atordinary material in a new, fresh,enlightened way.

Her best wrap so far: a gifttopped with a rock and twine. Itmakes me happy to inspire peo-ple to see such a common thingthat is at our feet every singleday and accentuate that.

Favorite embellishments:stones or a bundle of twigs

Tricks of the trade: Alwaysfold-in the exposed edges so thereis a finished look to your gift.When you’re done wrapping yourgift, take your pointed finger andyour thumb and pinch the edges.It creates a sharper edge.

Wrapping odd shapes: Towrap a wine or champagne bot-tle, Wen suggests using thinpaper such as tissue or translu-cent Thai unryu paper that willeasily gather around the object.

Ann Erickson

Ann Erickson, winner of the 2009“Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper”award, encourages gift-givers to take arisk when they wrap. Here, she sharestips on achieving a unique style:

Don’t be afraid to do some-thing unique because that’s whatpeople will remember.

Signature style: Ribbonedand bowed

Must-have materials: Sim-ply designed paper, ribbons withwire

On her style: I put a lot of ef-fort into the ribbons and bows. Idon’t usually use the traditionalbow; I use the square-knot bow.

Her best wrap so far: Prob-ably when I wrapped everyone’sgift in the same paper. It createsa nice cohesive look.

Favorite embellishments:small ornaments, candy, andsmall stuffed animals for kids

Tricks of the trade: Teasewhat’s inside the gift. Use a scarfas a ribbon if it goes with some-thing inside the package. Also,tape paper to the box beforewrapping.

Wrapping odd shapes: Fora plant, find some beautiful

paper or fabric and make a giantcircle. Put the plant in the centerand pull the material up andaround the pot leaving the top ex-posed. Try cellophane under-neath the wrapping material so itsticks up at the top.

Gina Tepper

Gina Tepper, founder of Giftdecorat-ing.com and a freelance designer for 3MScotch brand and others, instructs giftwrappers around the globe 24/7 throughher website and newsletter. Her theoryof design? Figure out the recipient’shobbies and passions:

Tailor the gift to their differ-ent hobbies and interests. Try tofind some kind of color or embell-ishments that matches the themeof their life.

Signature style: Lofty layersMust-have materials: raffia,

yarn, bans of color and any smallthing of interest

On her style: It’s the accents,the layering and the little extratouches that really makes some-one take notice. My goal is toteach people to make beautifuland unique gift wrap designsthat are easy to create using in-teresting household items and in-expensive materials found atlocal craft stores.

Her best wrap so far: A giftfor an 18-year-old tough guy thatwas warmly layered and decora-tively tied with raffia and awooden bead. I gave him that giftand he was stunned. It wasn’t somuch that it was beautiful, it wasjust the effort put into it.

Favorite embellishments:Pictures, small ornaments

Tricks of the trade: For aperfect package, cut the wrap-ping paper two inches wider thanthe box; use the box length plusthe two ends to determine paperlength. Leaving too much paperis a rookie wrapping error thatleaves a package looking lumpyand uneven.

Wrapping odd shapes:Print out a picture of the gift oncardstock and provide directionsto the actual gift’s secret location.Place the card in a small box andwrap it creatively.

© CTW Features

natural foods stores).As for the latest cozy cover-

ups, REI’s ecoSensitive line hassomething for everyone. Thesweet recycled PET polyesterdown jacket for toddler girlscomes in eggplant purple andpunch pink ($49.50). The newestincarnation of the men’s MuirWoods fleece jacket is made with50 percent recycled Polartec Ther-mal Pro fabric ($79.50).

’Tis the season for giving. Withevery pair of TOMS canvas shoesyou purchase, the company givesa pair to a child in need. A fash-ionable woman would jump at thechance to receive a pair of shoesfrom TOMS new fall collection,especially the hip pink plaid Mur-ray organic cotton vegan classicswith faded toe or the sexy graycanvas wedges ($54, $69;toms.com for retailers).

Mobile DistractionLong car and plane trips are

far more fun if the kids are enter-tained. Why not let them read upabout eco-friendly practices? Re-leased in April to coincide withEarth Month, “The Greenzys”(Zeus Media Publishing, 2010) in-troduces a gaggle of animals thatlearn the importance of beinggreen when they help saveOrinda, the world’s oldest tree($17.99). The Greenzys characters– such as Willow the Elephant,who collects rainwater for herplants and uses her trunk as thehose – are also available as cud-dly plush toys ($29.99) made fromsoy fibers and non-toxic dyes insocially responsible factories.Bonus: Each critter comes with apersonalized certificate acknowl-edging that the Arbor Day Foun-dation has planted a tree in thenew owner’s honor (FAOSchwarz).

You can also feel good aboutgifting your favorite cubs with theGreen Toys product line, all madein the U.S. The company’s award-winning recycling truck, dumptruck and sand play set and thenew fire truck ($20 - $25, avail-able at toy stores) are BPA-, PVC-and phthalate-free. The toys aremade from recycled plastic milkcontainers and are durableenough for any park or beach ad-venture.

© CTW Features

JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 - 9

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Wrap StarsWrap Stars

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best presentation tipsBy Taniesha Robinson | CTW Features

Bright idea: Gina Tepper framed charmingholiday photos on the tops of gifts toindicate the recipients

By Anna SachseCTW Features

Conserving resources, eatingorganic, using non-toxic cleaningproducts and recycling every-thing humanly possible – it’s2010 and it seems like everyhousehold has gone green. Thenext step? Taking the eco-friendly lifestyle on the road –literally. From stylish bags, out-erwear and outdoor dining ac-coutrements, to sun care,portable toys and transportationdevices, this holiday seasonthere’s something truly useful toplease all the busy environmen-talists on your list. Get ready totake green into the next decade.

People MoversHelp your favorite guy, gal or

techie teen go green and get fitwith a folding bicycle. Perfect forcommuters, these ultra-flexiblepeddlers have all the economical,ecological and health benefits ofa standard bike and they’re eas-ier to store or transport via car,train or plane. New this summer,the full-size Dahon Ios XL($1,499 at bike shops) has 24-inch wheels, an eight-speed Shimano Alfinehub, hydraulic discbrakes and puncture-re-sistant tires. The Iosweighs about 33 poundsand takes just 15 secondsto fold down to less thanhalf its original dimen-sion. A dynamo in the fronthub uses pedal-generatedenergy to juice up a batterythat powers an LED head-lamp and can even charge aphone, iPod or GPS.

Bike Friday, based in bicy-

cle-obsessed Eugene, Ore., alsoproduces high-end folding bikes,including a wide range of built-to-order models (from $898 atbike shops) If your gift-ee isn’t aserious gear head, Kent,Schwinn, Polaris and F-160make simpler folding bicycleswith smaller wheels and fewerspeeds (from $150 at major re-tailers).

And what if your list also in-cludes a little squirt who yearnsfor their own two-wheeler? Madefrom sustainable birch wood andnon-toxic varnish, the award-winning pedal-free Skuut ($90 atsporting goods and toy stores) isperfect for tykes between twoand five years old. Riders kick offthe ground as if running, thusgliding or “skuuting” themselvesforward and learning balanceand coordination. There’s a newmetal version available, with ad-justable handlebars, hand brakeand bell.

Outside EatersYour loved ones can always

dine alfresco with a picnic basketmade from sustainable materialslike bamboo or rattan wicker.

Opt for a classic hand-woven willow PicnicPlus eco picnic basketfor two and you’ll alsoget recycled glass wineglasses, natural cottonnapkins, and bambooplates, flatware, cuttingboard and cheese knife, allpacked in a chemical-freecotton insulated lining($109.99 at sporting goodsstores).

If you’re more inclinedtoward eco-chic, it’s tough to

beat the all-new cardboard (yes,cardboard!) Boxsal Picnic Boxes.The three graphic styles were in-spired by a boom box, a briefcaseand color-by-numbers paintings($35 at specialty stores andboxsal.com). Each reusable andrecyclable box comes with a com-postable trash bag and four setsof compostable cornstarch cups,trays, bowls and utensils. Evenwith a cardboard handle it cancarry more than 20 pounds. Con-sider pairing a picnic box giftwith a luscious bottle of AmityVineyards’ 2007 Eco-WineWillamette Valley Pinot Noir. Nosynthetic sulfites are added dur-ing processing, making it one ofthe few truly organic wines to beproduced in the U.S. ($20 at wineshops).

To-Go Ware RePEat bambooutensils will reduce yourforkprint. The reusable place set-ting (bamboo fork, knife, spoonand chopstick), rolled in a handyutensil holder made from plasticbags ($11.95, upscale gourmetstores and groceries, outdoor re-tailers), would make a perfectstocking stuffer.

Hi-Tech TotesYou’d be hard-pressed to find

someone on your list who could-n’t use one of the latest greenbags.

Active women will love theSherpani carryall collections,which feature clean silhouettes

and fresh feminine designs, andare made with 67-percent recy-cled nylon, aluminum hardwareand non-toxic dyes. Dependingon her needs, consider the newTupelo cycling backpack with hy-dration ($55.95), the uni-sexRumba child backpack carrier($229.95), or the Meridian ex-pandable upright wheeled carry-on luggage, which is smallenough to use as a carry-on whenzippered, but expands to offermore room for long car trips($199.95, see sherpani.com for alist of retailers nationwide).

Modern men might like thedecidedly un-lunch-box-looking

GreenSmart Sifaka dual-com-partment insulated lunch bagmade of Neogreene, an eco-friendly and non-toxic water-based alternative to neoprene($29.95 at mass merchants). Ormaybe he’d prefer REI’s newQuantum laptop messenger bag($74.50), part of the outdoorchain’s ecoSensitive line (seerei.com for locations). Made from

recy-

cled PET, each durable, multi-purpose satchel liberates 3416-ounce plastic bottles from thetrash. And, of course, it has aplethora of pockets for transport-ing all his adventure-friendlygizmos – perhaps an Eton Solar-link FR600 American Red CrossDigital AM/FM/shortwave/NOAA and S.A.M.E. WeatherRadio ($80, outdoor stores) withflashlight, siren, alarm clock, cellphone charger and four differentpower sources, including handcrank and solar power!

Alfresco Beauty & StyleBurt’s Bees is known for its

all-natural, paraben-, sulfate-and phthalate-free lotions,cleansers and lip balms, but didyou know that they also make anherbal insect repellent? Rose-mary, lemongrass and citronellaoils ensure bugs buzz off, and aresafe for children and pets ($8 atdrugstores). For campers, pack-age this sweet-smelling pest-re-jecter with the Badger no-messSPF 30 zinc oxide sunscreen facestick. One of the top-rated prod-ucts in the Environmental Work-ing Group’s 2010 SunscreenGuide, it provides chemical-freeprotection and fits nicely in abeach bag or carry-on ($8.50 at

8 - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 JG-TC.COM

• Giant & Haro Bikes

• Child & Adult Bikes

• Kiwi KayaksOakley’s Bike Shop

2601 Marshall Mattoon234-7637 Call for hours

TTaann EExxpprreessss1516 Lakeland Blvd. N. Rt. 45 134 Dettro Drive 636 W. Lincoln,

Mattoon Mattoon Mattoon Charleston

Tanning Gift Certificatesmake great

Stocking Stuffers!

505 S. 23rd Street Mattoon, IL 61938

235-0331

Holiday PoinsettiasStarting at $12.50! Assorted Colors

Come in Todayfor the Best Selection

ECOWISE GIFTS HIT THE

ROAD

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

Good & Green

ToGo

Continued next page

For the wanna-be in all of us,Paper Jamz are affordable andinnovative play instruments thatprovide an instant rock star ex-perience. Technology allows cir-cuit-embedded paper, enablingyou to play the thin, stringlessguitars like a pro simply bytouching the paper surface ($25,Walgreens and others).

Shopping Cart Dash by Press-man Toys is a cute board game.Players take a moveable shop-ping cart and a shopping list andrace along “supermarket aisles”to collect fruit, vegetables, meatand fish. By paying at the end ofevery turn, players get closer towinning ($15, specialty retail-ers).

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

Finally, some new books inthis age category. “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Hand-book (Junior Edition)” by DavidBorgenicht and Robin Epstein isa riot. From how to “survive abad report card” to “time travel”to “being shipwrecked,” thesethree books provide endless en-tertainment ($20 for a boxed set,bookstores).

TeensBoard games are fun for the

whole family, and the classics arebeing repackaged. But there aresome new great new ones, suchas Truth Be Told by BuffaloGames. It helps kids get to knowtheir friends. One player is thehost and plays a question card,“Truth Be Told, my favoritesnack is… ” The Host writes aTrue Answer: pork rinds. Allother players pretend to host andwrite bluff answers: pretzels, car-rots, pickles. The host reads allanswers aloud, and players guessthe True Answer to score points($25, major retailers).

Tween girls love to journal,and Senario’s My Secret Circlegives them a special place torecord their innermost thoughts.Some are calling it the “safe”Facebook. Users can create photopages and scrapbook in a digitalworld, keeping everything pri-vate or sharing only with friends($20, Target).

Lunchbots are a cool way totake lunch to school. Think of asleek, stainless steel box with acolorful lid, part of a trend steer-ing away from plastic containers($15, natural groceries nation-wide; see lunchbots.com forstores).

Many companies are intro-ducing new versions of old fa-

vorites,such asthe OPskateboardby Bravo Sports, anod to 1970s skate-boarders with its long deck andbig, soft cruiser wheels ($60, Wal-mart).

Olivia + Joey just launched anew handbag line that teenslove. Our favorite is the “KnightLife” hobo bag. Very stylish andhip ($98, Macy’s).

If this article hasn’t sparkedyour gift imagination, “Ask,”Young says. “You can still keepthe element of surprise if you askquestions about broad topics andsubjects kids like, rather than a

specific gift sugges-tion.”

The most important person totreat this holiday season? You!“Don’t forget to treat yourself tosomething,” says Lyss Stern,CEO of DivaMoms.com “As par-ents, we are so busy with takingcare of gifts for the kids, ourspouses, the grandparents,cousins and teachers that we for-get about ourselves.”

© CTW Features

JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 - 5

• Melissa & Doug

• Thomas Kinkade- Puzzles- Throws- Lamps- Bible Covers- Mugs and more!

• Fabric & Notions• Scrapbooking Supplies

-Over 1000 Stamps

217-268-5144 Hrs: M-F 8-5; Sat. 8-3Closed on Sunday

400E CR200N • Arcola, IL5 Miles West of Arcola on Springfield Road

• Wooden Toys- Barns- Trucks - Horses - Skidsters - Many More!

1608 Broadway • Mattoon, IL 61938(217) 234-4277

Train SetsMake Great Holiday Gifts

1813 Broadway • Mattoon • 235-0301

Aabell’sSales & Service

Attention shoppers: players racealong supermarket aisles tocollect groceries in the ShoppingCart Dash board game

Beyond the brown bag: sturdy, reusable Lunchbots with colorful lids

1 “Going Bovine” by LibbaBray (Delacorte Books forYoung Readers, $17.99)Printz Award for YoungAdult Literature

2 “When you Reach Me”by Rebecca Stead (WendyLamb Books, $15.99) New-bery Medal

3 “Claudette Colvin:Twice Toward Justice”by Phillip Hoose (Farrar,Straus and Giroux, $19.95)Newbery Honor

4 “The Lion & the Mouse”by Jerry Pickney (Little,Brown and Company forYoung Readers, $16.99)Caldecott Medal

5 “Bad News for Outlaws:The Remarkable Life ofBass Reeves, DeputyU.S. Marshal,” byVaunda Micheaux Nelson(Carolrhoda Books,$17.95) Coretta Scott KingAward

6 “The Evolutionof CalpurniaTate” byJacqueline Kelly(Henry Holt,$16.99) Newbery Honor

7 “Mare’s War” by Tanita S.Davis (Knopf Books forYoung Readers, $16.99)Coretta Scott King AwardHonor Book

8 “Where the MountainMeets the Moon” byGrace Lin (Little, Brown andCompany Books for YoungReaders, $16.99) NewberyHonor

9 “Red Sings from Tree-tops: A Year in Colors”by Joyce Sidman(Houghton Mifflin Books forChildren, $16) CaldecottHonor

10 “The Most True Adven-tures of Homer P. Figg”by Rodman Philbrick, (TheBlue Sky Press, $16.99)Newbery Honor

© CTW Features

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

Book an Award-Winning AdventureBooks open a world of discovery in ways even the coolest toys can’t achieve. This season, tempt a kid to turn off the TV and find an adventure in words andpictures on a printed page. These acclaimed titles were winners or finalists for some of the most esteemed awards in children’s literature for 2010.

–Danielle Cadet

6 - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 JG-TC.COM

1821 Broadway • Mattoon234-2277

Top Quality Pre-Owned Books

Sell - Trade

Gift CertificatesAvailable!

Many Fine Stores To Shop

JC Penney, Christopher & Banks, The Shoe Dept., GNC, Alamo Steakhouse,

Kirlin’s Hallmark, Elder Beerman, Waldenbooks, Claire’s Boutique,

H&R Block, Premiere Video, Taco Bell, Radio Shack, Regis Hair Stylists,

Pro Nails, Maurices, Mom’s Legendary Foods, Payless Shoes,

Super Jumbo Buffet, Coles Community Health Center

Bath & Body Works, Cellular One,

Community Blood Services

Fill their Stockings

with Gift Cards from

the Cross County Mall

Cross County Mall Is Conveniently Located at

700 Broadway East in Mattoon

With Easy Access From I-57 On Rte. 16

Exit West to 3rd. Stop light, Mall is on North Side

Mall Hours:

Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 9PM • Sunday Noon - 5 PM

Holiday Hours Starting After Thanksgiving.

Gift Card

204 Charleston Ave. EMattoon, IL

217-234-8133www.biglots.com

Come in and sign up for Buzz Club RewardsCome in and sign up for Buzz Club Rewards

1 Monopoly: RevolutionEdition

(Hasbro, $34.99) Celebrating 75years of miniature capitalism,Monopoly still rules. This contempo-rary version features a round gameboard, updated “here and now” pric-ing and a unit that plays soundeffects and acts as an electronicbanker.

2 Clue: Secrets & Spies (Parker Brothers, $24.99) The time-less game of murder and mayhemnow includes a new optional text-messaging feature. Use an ultravio-let secret decoder to assist agents

Plum, Scarlet, Mustard and otherson their international crime-solvingadventure.

3 Scrabble Slam(Hasbro, $29.99) Arranging woodletter chips to make words is so ...last century. The latest version ofScrabble puts a premium onspeedy, serious word building. Play-ers must think and act fast. Getlocked in a high-speed race to builda chain of words in 75 seconds.

4 Trivial Pursuit: Bet YouKnow It Edition

(Hasbro, $29.99)In this version,participants field questions in a vari-ety of styles with1,800 fresh ques-tions that includeimages and multi-ple-choice options.Players don’t haveto know all theanswers to win; theyalso can bet chips onwhether opponents knowthe answer. A good guess canmean one step closer to victory.

5 The Game of Life: 50thAnniversary Edition

(Hasbro, $17.99)Entertaining fami-

lies for 50 years, Life continues topresent the milestones and mun-dane everyday tasks we experiencein a lifetime. This commemorativeedition includes golden accents andLife coins that spark conversation.Spin the golden wheel and experi-ence the ups and downs of Life.

6 Operation Silly SkillGame

(Milton Bradley, $16.99)Although itstill requires a top doc to save the

day, Operation boasts arevamped board thatmakes crazy new soundslike chimes, burps andbarks. Press Cavity Sam’s

nose to find out if aprocedure

was asuccess,

and then lis-ten up as the

game dictates thenext direction.

7 Sorry! Spin(Hasbro, $24.99)Gamenight will never be the same as par-ticipants seek sweet revenge with aturn of the Sorry! Wheel on a newrotating board. Getting “home” ismore unpredictable than ever, mak-ing it anybody’s game to the bitterend.

8 Cranium Scribblish(Hasbro, $19.99)A hilarious new

take on the classic “telephone”game, this edition of Cranium re-quires players to create scribblesand sketches and pass them on.The whole family is sure to enjoythe final product when the lastplayer reads the accumulatedstory out loud.

9 U-Build Battleship(Hasbro, $19.99)Customization iskey in this revolutionary new line of

brick-basedgames. Partici-pants build

fleets of battleships, aircraft carri-ers, destroyers and submarinesand must work to keep their shipsafe and blow their opponent’sships out of the water.

10 Candyland: The World ofSweets Game

(Hasbro, $9.99)The sweet classiclooks much the same as it did backin the day, and continues to intro-duce little ones to board games viathe magical world of tasty treats.Colored cards and fanciful illustra-tions direct players to the CupcakeCommons and the ChocolateMountains as they journey to thecastle. A simple move of the pawn isenough to make imaginations runwild.

© CTW Features

JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 - 7

905 BroadwayMattoon235-2525

Name BrandsDiscount Prices

Ladies casual& business wear featuring:Howard Wolf • Alfred DunnerLiz Claiborne • Coach • PradaStewart Weisman • Chicos

Sale Now in Progress25% - 50% off!

Sizes0-6X

ManyNew With

Tags!

HolidayHolidayHolidaySALE!SALE!

Don’t miss our annual

SALE!Ladies’ Quality Consignment

Gift CertificatesAvailable

$6.00 for $5.00$6.00 for $5.00Gift Certificates

Nov 26 - Dec 24 ONLYWhile They Last

BURGER KING1508 Charleston Ave – Mattoon – 234-8122 USE OUR FAST FRIENDLY DRIVE UP!

After 58 Years: Sti l l A Goin’ – Sti l l A Growin’!

The

Christmas Goodies • Handmade Chocolates• Gift Certificates• Gift Baskets

Christmas Goodies

1610 BROADWAY AVENUE

234-3858

Take 10: Game Upgrades

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

– Danielle Cadet

1 “Going Bovine” by LibbaBray (Delacorte Books forYoung Readers, $17.99)Printz Award for YoungAdult Literature

2 “When you Reach Me”by Rebecca Stead (WendyLamb Books, $15.99) New-bery Medal

3 “Claudette Colvin:Twice Toward Justice”by Phillip Hoose (Farrar,Straus and Giroux, $19.95)Newbery Honor

4 “The Lion & the Mouse”by Jerry Pickney (Little,Brown and Company forYoung Readers, $16.99)Caldecott Medal

5 “Bad News for Outlaws:The Remarkable Life ofBass Reeves, DeputyU.S. Marshal,” byVaunda Micheaux Nelson(Carolrhoda Books,$17.95) Coretta Scott KingAward

6 “The Evolutionof CalpurniaTate” byJacqueline Kelly(Henry Holt,$16.99) Newbery Honor

7 “Mare’s War” by Tanita S.Davis (Knopf Books forYoung Readers, $16.99)Coretta Scott King AwardHonor Book

8 “Where the MountainMeets the Moon” byGrace Lin (Little, Brown andCompany Books for YoungReaders, $16.99) NewberyHonor

9 “Red Sings from Tree-tops: A Year in Colors”by Joyce Sidman(Houghton Mifflin Books forChildren, $16) CaldecottHonor

10 “The Most True Adven-tures of Homer P. Figg”by Rodman Philbrick, (TheBlue Sky Press, $16.99)Newbery Honor

© CTW Features

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

Book an Award-Winning AdventureBooks open a world of discovery in ways even the coolest toys can’t achieve. This season, tempt a kid to turn off the TV and find an adventure in words andpictures on a printed page. These acclaimed titles were winners or finalists for some of the most esteemed awards in children’s literature for 2010.

–Danielle Cadet

6 - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 JG-TC.COM

1821 Broadway • Mattoon234-2277

Top Quality Pre-Owned Books

Sell - Trade

Gift CertificatesAvailable!

Many Fine Stores To Shop

JC Penney, Christopher & Banks, The Shoe Dept., GNC, Alamo Steakhouse,

Kirlin’s Hallmark, Elder Beerman, Waldenbooks, Claire’s Boutique,

H&R Block, Premiere Video, Taco Bell, Radio Shack, Regis Hair Stylists,

Pro Nails, Maurices, Mom’s Legendary Foods, Payless Shoes,

Super Jumbo Buffet, Coles Community Health Center

Bath & Body Works, Cellular One,

Community Blood Services

Fill their Stockings

with Gift Cards from

the Cross County Mall

Cross County Mall Is Conveniently Located at

700 Broadway East in Mattoon

With Easy Access From I-57 On Rte. 16

Exit West to 3rd. Stop light, Mall is on North Side

Mall Hours:

Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 9PM • Sunday Noon - 5 PM

Holiday Hours Starting After Thanksgiving.

Gift Card

204 Charleston Ave. EMattoon, IL

217-234-8133www.biglots.com

Come in and sign up for Buzz Club RewardsCome in and sign up for Buzz Club Rewards

1 Monopoly: RevolutionEdition

(Hasbro, $34.99) Celebrating 75years of miniature capitalism,Monopoly still rules. This contempo-rary version features a round gameboard, updated “here and now” pric-ing and a unit that plays soundeffects and acts as an electronicbanker.

2 Clue: Secrets & Spies (Parker Brothers, $24.99) The time-less game of murder and mayhemnow includes a new optional text-messaging feature. Use an ultravio-let secret decoder to assist agents

Plum, Scarlet, Mustard and otherson their international crime-solvingadventure.

3 Scrabble Slam(Hasbro, $29.99) Arranging woodletter chips to make words is so ...last century. The latest version ofScrabble puts a premium onspeedy, serious word building. Play-ers must think and act fast. Getlocked in a high-speed race to builda chain of words in 75 seconds.

4 Trivial Pursuit: Bet YouKnow It Edition

(Hasbro, $29.99)In this version,participants field questions in a vari-ety of styles with1,800 fresh ques-tions that includeimages and multi-ple-choice options.Players don’t haveto know all theanswers to win; theyalso can bet chips onwhether opponents knowthe answer. A good guess canmean one step closer to victory.

5 The Game of Life: 50thAnniversary Edition

(Hasbro, $17.99)Entertaining fami-

lies for 50 years, Life continues topresent the milestones and mun-dane everyday tasks we experiencein a lifetime. This commemorativeedition includes golden accents andLife coins that spark conversation.Spin the golden wheel and experi-ence the ups and downs of Life.

6 Operation Silly SkillGame

(Milton Bradley, $16.99)Although itstill requires a top doc to save the

day, Operation boasts arevamped board thatmakes crazy new soundslike chimes, burps andbarks. Press Cavity Sam’s

nose to find out if aprocedure

was asuccess,

and then lis-ten up as the

game dictates thenext direction.

7 Sorry! Spin(Hasbro, $24.99)Gamenight will never be the same as par-ticipants seek sweet revenge with aturn of the Sorry! Wheel on a newrotating board. Getting “home” ismore unpredictable than ever, mak-ing it anybody’s game to the bitterend.

8 Cranium Scribblish(Hasbro, $19.99)A hilarious new

take on the classic “telephone”game, this edition of Cranium re-quires players to create scribblesand sketches and pass them on.The whole family is sure to enjoythe final product when the lastplayer reads the accumulatedstory out loud.

9 U-Build Battleship(Hasbro, $19.99)Customization iskey in this revolutionary new line of

brick-basedgames. Partici-pants build

fleets of battleships, aircraft carri-ers, destroyers and submarinesand must work to keep their shipsafe and blow their opponent’sships out of the water.

10 Candyland: The World ofSweets Game

(Hasbro, $9.99)The sweet classiclooks much the same as it did backin the day, and continues to intro-duce little ones to board games viathe magical world of tasty treats.Colored cards and fanciful illustra-tions direct players to the CupcakeCommons and the ChocolateMountains as they journey to thecastle. A simple move of the pawn isenough to make imaginations runwild.

© CTW Features

JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 - 7

905 BroadwayMattoon235-2525

Name BrandsDiscount Prices

Ladies casual& business wear featuring:Howard Wolf • Alfred DunnerLiz Claiborne • Coach • PradaStewart Weisman • Chicos

Sale Now in Progress25% - 50% off!

Sizes0-6X

ManyNew With

Tags!

HolidayHolidayHolidaySALE!SALE!

Don’t miss our annual

SALE!Ladies’ Quality Consignment

Gift CertificatesAvailable

$6.00 for $5.00$6.00 for $5.00Gift Certificates

Nov 26 - Dec 24 ONLYWhile They Last

BURGER KING1508 Charleston Ave – Mattoon – 234-8122 USE OUR FAST FRIENDLY DRIVE UP!

After 58 Years: Sti l l A Goin’ – Sti l l A Growin’!

The

Christmas Goodies • Handmade Chocolates• Gift Certificates• Gift Baskets

Christmas Goodies

1610 BROADWAY AVENUE

234-3858

Take 10: Game Upgrades

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

– Danielle Cadet

By Anna SachseCTW Features

Conserving resources, eatingorganic, using non-toxic cleaningproducts and recycling every-thing humanly possible – it’s2010 and it seems like everyhousehold has gone green. Thenext step? Taking the eco-friendly lifestyle on the road –literally. From stylish bags, out-erwear and outdoor dining ac-coutrements, to sun care,portable toys and transportationdevices, this holiday seasonthere’s something truly useful toplease all the busy environmen-talists on your list. Get ready totake green into the next decade.

People MoversHelp your favorite guy, gal or

techie teen go green and get fitwith a folding bicycle. Perfect forcommuters, these ultra-flexiblepeddlers have all the economical,ecological and health benefits ofa standard bike and they’re eas-ier to store or transport via car,train or plane. New this summer,the full-size Dahon Ios XL($1,499 at bike shops) has 24-inch wheels, an eight-speed Shimano Alfinehub, hydraulic discbrakes and puncture-re-sistant tires. The Iosweighs about 33 poundsand takes just 15 secondsto fold down to less thanhalf its original dimen-sion. A dynamo in the fronthub uses pedal-generatedenergy to juice up a batterythat powers an LED head-lamp and can even charge aphone, iPod or GPS.

Bike Friday, based in bicy-

cle-obsessed Eugene, Ore., alsoproduces high-end folding bikes,including a wide range of built-to-order models (from $898 atbike shops) If your gift-ee isn’t aserious gear head, Kent,Schwinn, Polaris and F-160make simpler folding bicycleswith smaller wheels and fewerspeeds (from $150 at major re-tailers).

And what if your list also in-cludes a little squirt who yearnsfor their own two-wheeler? Madefrom sustainable birch wood andnon-toxic varnish, the award-winning pedal-free Skuut ($90 atsporting goods and toy stores) isperfect for tykes between twoand five years old. Riders kick offthe ground as if running, thusgliding or “skuuting” themselvesforward and learning balanceand coordination. There’s a newmetal version available, with ad-justable handlebars, hand brakeand bell.

Outside EatersYour loved ones can always

dine alfresco with a picnic basketmade from sustainable materialslike bamboo or rattan wicker.

Opt for a classic hand-woven willow PicnicPlus eco picnic basketfor two and you’ll alsoget recycled glass wineglasses, natural cottonnapkins, and bambooplates, flatware, cuttingboard and cheese knife, allpacked in a chemical-freecotton insulated lining($109.99 at sporting goodsstores).

If you’re more inclinedtoward eco-chic, it’s tough to

beat the all-new cardboard (yes,cardboard!) Boxsal Picnic Boxes.The three graphic styles were in-spired by a boom box, a briefcaseand color-by-numbers paintings($35 at specialty stores andboxsal.com). Each reusable andrecyclable box comes with a com-postable trash bag and four setsof compostable cornstarch cups,trays, bowls and utensils. Evenwith a cardboard handle it cancarry more than 20 pounds. Con-sider pairing a picnic box giftwith a luscious bottle of AmityVineyards’ 2007 Eco-WineWillamette Valley Pinot Noir. Nosynthetic sulfites are added dur-ing processing, making it one ofthe few truly organic wines to beproduced in the U.S. ($20 at wineshops).

To-Go Ware RePEat bambooutensils will reduce yourforkprint. The reusable place set-ting (bamboo fork, knife, spoonand chopstick), rolled in a handyutensil holder made from plasticbags ($11.95, upscale gourmetstores and groceries, outdoor re-tailers), would make a perfectstocking stuffer.

Hi-Tech TotesYou’d be hard-pressed to find

someone on your list who could-n’t use one of the latest greenbags.

Active women will love theSherpani carryall collections,which feature clean silhouettes

and fresh feminine designs, andare made with 67-percent recy-cled nylon, aluminum hardwareand non-toxic dyes. Dependingon her needs, consider the newTupelo cycling backpack with hy-dration ($55.95), the uni-sexRumba child backpack carrier($229.95), or the Meridian ex-pandable upright wheeled carry-on luggage, which is smallenough to use as a carry-on whenzippered, but expands to offermore room for long car trips($199.95, see sherpani.com for alist of retailers nationwide).

Modern men might like thedecidedly un-lunch-box-looking

GreenSmart Sifaka dual-com-partment insulated lunch bagmade of Neogreene, an eco-friendly and non-toxic water-based alternative to neoprene($29.95 at mass merchants). Ormaybe he’d prefer REI’s newQuantum laptop messenger bag($74.50), part of the outdoorchain’s ecoSensitive line (seerei.com for locations). Made from

recy-

cled PET, each durable, multi-purpose satchel liberates 3416-ounce plastic bottles from thetrash. And, of course, it has aplethora of pockets for transport-ing all his adventure-friendlygizmos – perhaps an Eton Solar-link FR600 American Red CrossDigital AM/FM/shortwave/NOAA and S.A.M.E. WeatherRadio ($80, outdoor stores) withflashlight, siren, alarm clock, cellphone charger and four differentpower sources, including handcrank and solar power!

Alfresco Beauty & StyleBurt’s Bees is known for its

all-natural, paraben-, sulfate-and phthalate-free lotions,cleansers and lip balms, but didyou know that they also make anherbal insect repellent? Rose-mary, lemongrass and citronellaoils ensure bugs buzz off, and aresafe for children and pets ($8 atdrugstores). For campers, pack-age this sweet-smelling pest-re-jecter with the Badger no-messSPF 30 zinc oxide sunscreen facestick. One of the top-rated prod-ucts in the Environmental Work-ing Group’s 2010 SunscreenGuide, it provides chemical-freeprotection and fits nicely in abeach bag or carry-on ($8.50 at

8 - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 JG-TC.COM

• Giant & Haro Bikes

• Child & Adult Bikes

• Kiwi KayaksOakley’s Bike Shop

2601 Marshall Mattoon234-7637 Call for hours

TTaann EExxpprreessss1516 Lakeland Blvd. N. Rt. 45 134 Dettro Drive 636 W. Lincoln,

Mattoon Mattoon Mattoon Charleston

Tanning Gift Certificatesmake great

Stocking Stuffers!

505 S. 23rd Street Mattoon, IL 61938

235-0331

Holiday PoinsettiasStarting at $12.50! Assorted Colors

Come in Todayfor the Best Selection

ECOWISE GIFTS HIT THE

ROAD

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

Good & Green

ToGo

Continued next page

For the wanna-be in all of us,Paper Jamz are affordable andinnovative play instruments thatprovide an instant rock star ex-perience. Technology allows cir-cuit-embedded paper, enablingyou to play the thin, stringlessguitars like a pro simply bytouching the paper surface ($25,Walgreens and others).

Shopping Cart Dash by Press-man Toys is a cute board game.Players take a moveable shop-ping cart and a shopping list andrace along “supermarket aisles”to collect fruit, vegetables, meatand fish. By paying at the end ofevery turn, players get closer towinning ($15, specialty retail-ers).

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

Finally, some new books inthis age category. “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Hand-book (Junior Edition)” by DavidBorgenicht and Robin Epstein isa riot. From how to “survive abad report card” to “time travel”to “being shipwrecked,” thesethree books provide endless en-tertainment ($20 for a boxed set,bookstores).

TeensBoard games are fun for the

whole family, and the classics arebeing repackaged. But there aresome new great new ones, suchas Truth Be Told by BuffaloGames. It helps kids get to knowtheir friends. One player is thehost and plays a question card,“Truth Be Told, my favoritesnack is… ” The Host writes aTrue Answer: pork rinds. Allother players pretend to host andwrite bluff answers: pretzels, car-rots, pickles. The host reads allanswers aloud, and players guessthe True Answer to score points($25, major retailers).

Tween girls love to journal,and Senario’s My Secret Circlegives them a special place torecord their innermost thoughts.Some are calling it the “safe”Facebook. Users can create photopages and scrapbook in a digitalworld, keeping everything pri-vate or sharing only with friends($20, Target).

Lunchbots are a cool way totake lunch to school. Think of asleek, stainless steel box with acolorful lid, part of a trend steer-ing away from plastic containers($15, natural groceries nation-wide; see lunchbots.com forstores).

Many companies are intro-ducing new versions of old fa-

vorites,such asthe OPskateboardby Bravo Sports, anod to 1970s skate-boarders with its long deck andbig, soft cruiser wheels ($60, Wal-mart).

Olivia + Joey just launched anew handbag line that teenslove. Our favorite is the “KnightLife” hobo bag. Very stylish andhip ($98, Macy’s).

If this article hasn’t sparkedyour gift imagination, “Ask,”Young says. “You can still keepthe element of surprise if you askquestions about broad topics andsubjects kids like, rather than a

specific gift sugges-tion.”

The most important person totreat this holiday season? You!“Don’t forget to treat yourself tosomething,” says Lyss Stern,CEO of DivaMoms.com “As par-ents, we are so busy with takingcare of gifts for the kids, ourspouses, the grandparents,cousins and teachers that we for-get about ourselves.”

© CTW Features

JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 - 5

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By Sally Farhat KassabCTW Features

When buying gifts for chil-dren this holiday season, thinkback to your childhood and whatyou loved and consider buyingnew versions of those toys. Thisyear, nostalgic toys – oldies butgoodies – are very popular.

“Companies are feeding onour growing need to connect withthe product,” says Mari Richards,toy designer and head of Small-forbig.com. “They are tapping oldbrands that parents rememberfrom their own childhoods, orhighlighting the handmade,homegrown aspects of a newproduct.”

The toys and gifts we featurein this guide are our favorite newones. “Picking toys that serve

double-duty in that they enter-tain and teach is a surefire wayto get more bang for your buckwhen gift-giving,” says toy expertWendy Young, founder of Michi-gan-based Kidlutions PreferredProduct Awards. We have manyof those below. Still not sure? An-other big trend that continues:anything eco-friendly is hot.

Newborn to 4 Years OldFor those shopping for preg-

nant friends or baby gifts, Cali-fornia Baby unveiled a HolidayCheer Tote Set complete withsensitive-skin bubble bath,spritzer (great for de-stressingover the holidays), a scrub puffand reusable tote ($30, major re-tailers).

Every child loves bubbles, and

there’s little that’smore fun than blowing them inthe bathtub. Munchkin BubbleMonkeys let you do just that.Two bubble monkey wands arefun to hold and include a dip traythat suctions to the wall (we lovethis part) and bubble solution($9, major retailers).

For endless entertainmentwithout mom, the Chicco Bilin-gual Talking Farm is a plastic,interactive “farm” with learn-ing games such as naming,and it teaches numbers, col-ors, animals and sounds. Thistoy invites children to singalong with nursery rhymes(my son’s favorite is “OldMacDonald”) and flashinglights ($30, major retailers).

Cloud B’s Gentle Giraffe

on the Go Travel-Size PlushSound Machine is a gift for bothbaby and parents. It helps babysleep, especially on those longplane rides! The stuffed Giraffe

On The Go helps recreate sleeptime routines by bringing famil-iar soothing sounds while awayfrom home. There are foursounds, including a “babblingbrook” ($23, boutiques nation-wide; see cloudb.com for loca-tions).

Another practical-yet-funitem for parents: The DesignerDiner by Bella Tunno is a wipe-

clean place mat on one side and areusable chalk mat on the otherand is perfect for restaurantsand planes ($22, baby and kidboutiques, see bellatunno.com forstores).

Jojo Bump Bump by SilverlitToys is a top-selling brand inFrance, and it’s no wonder. It’s asleekly designed remote controlcar for little ones. Jojo BumpBump comes with headlightsand remote control carrot. Afterhitting a road block, Jojo spins

and moves in another direction,until he hits too many obsta-

cles and is ejected ($25, Wal-mart).

5 to 10 Years OldAt this age especially, think

about the child’s personalitywhen buying a gift, Youngsays. “The beauty of open-

ended activities such as blocks,art supplies or dress-up is thatthey encourage active imagina-tion,” Young says. “Imaginationand intelligence are linked. Weshould encourage it whenever wecan.”

When girls begin dressing up,they don’t want to look like theirfriends. Enter Snap Caps inter-changeable necklaces MaddieBradshaw is the 14-year-oldpresident and designer. The jew-elry is made of old-fashioned em-bellished bottle caps, whichstemmed from an idea to deco-rate her locker with magneticbottle caps ($17, 400 boutiquesnationwide; seem3girldesigns.com).

Girls and dolls: the Dollie & Me collectionincludes holiday dresses for a young girland 18-inch doll

4 - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 JG-TC.COM

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Old-Fashioned

FunExpert gift wrappers innovate yearafter year, gathering inspiration fortheir fanciful creations from nature,the recycling bin – or the gifteehimself. Take notes as three of today’s topwrappers share thoughts behindtheir signature styles, tips for thenot-so-crafty gift-giver and ideas forwhat to do with some of those odd-shaped items.

Wanda Wen

Wanda Wen, author of “The Art of GiftWrapping” (2010, Potter Craft) is co-founder of Soolip, the fashionable WestHollywood purveyor of fine paper. Wenisn’t just a wrap star; she wraps for stars,including Will Smith, Charlize Theronand Halle Berry.

Gift-wrapping should say alittle about you and somethingabout the person receiving thegift. Of course, I have my own col-lection of papers that I’m drawnto, but first I think of the person.

Signature style: Organicand natural

Must-have materials: twine,string, ribbon, pressed flowers,papers made of natural fiberslike Thai unryu, kozo andNepalese lokta

On her style: I’m really in-spired by nature and looking atordinary material in a new, fresh,enlightened way.

Her best wrap so far: a gifttopped with a rock and twine. Itmakes me happy to inspire peo-ple to see such a common thingthat is at our feet every singleday and accentuate that.

Favorite embellishments:stones or a bundle of twigs

Tricks of the trade: Alwaysfold-in the exposed edges so thereis a finished look to your gift.When you’re done wrapping yourgift, take your pointed finger andyour thumb and pinch the edges.It creates a sharper edge.

Wrapping odd shapes: Towrap a wine or champagne bot-tle, Wen suggests using thinpaper such as tissue or translu-cent Thai unryu paper that willeasily gather around the object.

Ann Erickson

Ann Erickson, winner of the 2009“Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper”award, encourages gift-givers to take arisk when they wrap. Here, she sharestips on achieving a unique style:

Don’t be afraid to do some-thing unique because that’s whatpeople will remember.

Signature style: Ribbonedand bowed

Must-have materials: Sim-ply designed paper, ribbons withwire

On her style: I put a lot of ef-fort into the ribbons and bows. Idon’t usually use the traditionalbow; I use the square-knot bow.

Her best wrap so far: Prob-ably when I wrapped everyone’sgift in the same paper. It createsa nice cohesive look.

Favorite embellishments:small ornaments, candy, andsmall stuffed animals for kids

Tricks of the trade: Teasewhat’s inside the gift. Use a scarfas a ribbon if it goes with some-thing inside the package. Also,tape paper to the box beforewrapping.

Wrapping odd shapes: Fora plant, find some beautiful

paper or fabric and make a giantcircle. Put the plant in the centerand pull the material up andaround the pot leaving the top ex-posed. Try cellophane under-neath the wrapping material so itsticks up at the top.

Gina Tepper

Gina Tepper, founder of Giftdecorat-ing.com and a freelance designer for 3MScotch brand and others, instructs giftwrappers around the globe 24/7 throughher website and newsletter. Her theoryof design? Figure out the recipient’shobbies and passions:

Tailor the gift to their differ-ent hobbies and interests. Try tofind some kind of color or embell-ishments that matches the themeof their life.

Signature style: Lofty layersMust-have materials: raffia,

yarn, bans of color and any smallthing of interest

On her style: It’s the accents,the layering and the little extratouches that really makes some-one take notice. My goal is toteach people to make beautifuland unique gift wrap designsthat are easy to create using in-teresting household items and in-expensive materials found atlocal craft stores.

Her best wrap so far: A giftfor an 18-year-old tough guy thatwas warmly layered and decora-tively tied with raffia and awooden bead. I gave him that giftand he was stunned. It wasn’t somuch that it was beautiful, it wasjust the effort put into it.

Favorite embellishments:Pictures, small ornaments

Tricks of the trade: For aperfect package, cut the wrap-ping paper two inches wider thanthe box; use the box length plusthe two ends to determine paperlength. Leaving too much paperis a rookie wrapping error thatleaves a package looking lumpyand uneven.

Wrapping odd shapes:Print out a picture of the gift oncardstock and provide directionsto the actual gift’s secret location.Place the card in a small box andwrap it creatively.

© CTW Features

natural foods stores).As for the latest cozy cover-

ups, REI’s ecoSensitive line hassomething for everyone. Thesweet recycled PET polyesterdown jacket for toddler girlscomes in eggplant purple andpunch pink ($49.50). The newestincarnation of the men’s MuirWoods fleece jacket is made with50 percent recycled Polartec Ther-mal Pro fabric ($79.50).

’Tis the season for giving. Withevery pair of TOMS canvas shoesyou purchase, the company givesa pair to a child in need. A fash-ionable woman would jump at thechance to receive a pair of shoesfrom TOMS new fall collection,especially the hip pink plaid Mur-ray organic cotton vegan classicswith faded toe or the sexy graycanvas wedges ($54, $69;toms.com for retailers).

Mobile DistractionLong car and plane trips are

far more fun if the kids are enter-tained. Why not let them read upabout eco-friendly practices? Re-leased in April to coincide withEarth Month, “The Greenzys”(Zeus Media Publishing, 2010) in-troduces a gaggle of animals thatlearn the importance of beinggreen when they help saveOrinda, the world’s oldest tree($17.99). The Greenzys characters– such as Willow the Elephant,who collects rainwater for herplants and uses her trunk as thehose – are also available as cud-dly plush toys ($29.99) made fromsoy fibers and non-toxic dyes insocially responsible factories.Bonus: Each critter comes with apersonalized certificate acknowl-edging that the Arbor Day Foun-dation has planted a tree in thenew owner’s honor (FAOSchwarz).

You can also feel good aboutgifting your favorite cubs with theGreen Toys product line, all madein the U.S. The company’s award-winning recycling truck, dumptruck and sand play set and thenew fire truck ($20 - $25, avail-able at toy stores) are BPA-, PVC-and phthalate-free. The toys aremade from recycled plastic milkcontainers and are durableenough for any park or beach ad-venture.

© CTW Features

JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 - 9

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Wrap StarsWrap Stars

Three of America’s most talentedgift wrappers offer the season’s

best presentation tipsBy Taniesha Robinson | CTW Features

Bright idea: Gina Tepper framed charmingholiday photos on the tops of gifts toindicate the recipients

By Jim GorzelanyCTW FeaturesAuto aficionados tend to be a

breed apart from mere motorists.No, motor oil does not coursethrough their veins, but their in-terest in all things vehicular

runs much deeper than that ofthe average driver.

Tracking down gifts for a car-loving friend or relative can be alot of fun. There are more nicelydesigned, imaginative productsmore widely available – from

auto shops and tech stores to thefinest jewelry counters in town.Here’s a look at a few gifts guar-anteed to make their hearts racethis holiday season.

The ultimate high-tech autogizmo of the season has to be anelectric car, like the stylishlyaerodynamic Nissan Leaf. Deliv-ering true “plug and play” opera-tion with zero emissions, theLeaf promises as much as a 100-mile range on a charge. It in-cludes Internet and smart phoneconnectivity and a navigationsystem that can show the loca-tion of nearby charging stations($32,780, select markets in De-cember).

A less costly gift for environ-mentally conscious auto buffs isthe nifty car care kit from GreenEarth Technologies. It consists offive eco-friendly products madefrom plant oils: organic glasscleaner, brake dust shield, hy-drophobic car wash, tire shineand wheel cleaner ($20, auto,hardware and big box stores;getg.com). Motorists who want tomaintain the showroom shine oftheir rides also will appreciateMeguiar’s complete care gift kit($20, auto and hardware stores;meguiars.com)

Why not give an exotic sportscar for a pittance? Upgrade his orher computer mouse with aracier model – a Porsche 911, tobe exact. The Motormouse is a2.4g wireless mouse that’s astrikingly detailed replica of theiconic coupe ($50, motor-mouse.us.com).

Another gift sure to ap-peal to enthusiasts

who can’t yet afford theirdream cars is theSoundracer, which can makeeven an old beater at leastsound like a Ferrari. The de-vice plugs into a 12-voltpower point and replicatesthe roar of a sports car en-gine through the car’s audiosystem via a built in FMtransmitter. Soundracerworks in perfect syncwith the vehicle’s actualaccelerations and deceler-ations ($40, auto accessoryretailers, soundracer.se.)

Those who like to – literally –wear their affection for autos ontheir sleeves will enjoy a pair ofcar-themed cufflinks: charmingminiature shift knobs, tires,spark plugs, dashboard gauges,headlamps and road signs ($45to $425, department stores andcufflinks.com).

Leading the race to build abetter travel mug is the aptlynamed Brugo, designed to elimi-nate spills and scalded lips. A“tip and cool” mode allows usersto transfer small amounts of too-hot take-out beverages to a tem-perature-controlled chamber,where it cools down a gulp at atime ($15 to $20, coffee shopsand specialty stores; brugo-mug.com)

Making driving safer andmore convenient is the BelkinTunebase with Hands-Free,which allows iPhone owners tocon-

duct hands-free conversationsthrough their car stereo systems.The “Direct” version ($70) con-nects through an auxiliary audioinput jack (found on later modelcars), while the “FM” model($100) transmits to an unusedFM radio station. It alsostreams music stored on an

iPhone and allows users tocharge up to two mobile de-vices while en route (elec-tronics retailers;

belkin.com)Another hands-free calling

adapter – this one using Blue-tooth wireless connectivity –serves as a speaker phone, a per-sonal safety device and a wire-less “leash” to prevent motoristsfrom losing their cell phones.ZOMM attaches to a keychainand will flash, vibrate and evensound an alarm if an ownerwalks away from his or herphone ($80, Best Buy;zomm.com).

Speed enthusiasts can docu-ment and share their vehicularadventures thanks to the GoProHD Motorsports HERO camera.It mounts to a helmet or dash-board and records first-personhigh-definition video or a succes-sion of still photos. It can storeup to nine hours of footage on a32GB SD memory card (not in-cluded). ($300, auto supply re-tailers; www.goprocamera.com)

© CTW Features

10 - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 JG-TC.COM

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Get his wardrobe running:automotive cufflinks

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Hands-free chat using aniPhone via the BelkinTunebase

By Danielle CadetCTW Features

Trends come and go, but thehallmark of a great gift remainsthe same: it’s personal. The giftthat goes down in history, theone they’ll remember, is oftenthe one that distinctively cap-tures someone’s passions, taste

and style. These days personalization

goes way beyond old-school mono-grammed shirts and towels.Think flirty flip-flops designedwith interchangeable straps thatVelcro on and off, to reflect amood or a whim. A favoritephrase, icon or nickname cre-atively placed on a protectivecover for an electronic device. Aprepster’s initials or name, em-blazoned on a plastic plate. “Withpersonalization comes a sense ofpride, and that’s a gift that every-body wants,” says Robyn Spiz-man, gift expert and founder ofTheGiftionary.com.

Thanks to technology, it’s sim-pler than ever to purchase a giftthat’s personalized with a nameor initials. “The online world hastaught retailers a lot more abouttheir customers, and is making iteasier than ever to give to cus-tomers what they want,” saysClaire Hamilton, retail trend an-alyst at WGSN, a London-basedtrend forecasting firm. “The nat-ural outcome of that is to actuallyoffer more personalization serv-ices.”

The purchase of a personal-ized gift demands seriousthought. Take some time to con-sider the recipient’s personality.“You want to start looking attheir interests: children, pets,

their favorite colors, their style,”says Spizman. She advises pur-chasing a present the recipient issure to use. “When you think per-sonalization you want to thinkabout the personal use of a gift.Make sure the person is going toenjoy it,” she says.

Pigeonholing friends may notbe a polite practice most times ofthe year, but when it comes toholiday gift giving, it’s one of thekeys to success. “When you knowyou’re buying a gift for a traveler,an entertainer, a music or sportslover, then you can really pin-point the perfect gift,” Spizmansays.

Monogramming is a classicpersonalizing detail that neverseems to go out of style. “Peoplelike to see their names,” saysRoseanne Morrison, fashion di-rector for trend forecaster Do-neger Group, New York. “Themore personalization that’s in-volved, the more it makes some-one feel like this [gift] is designedfor me.”

The trend is to bigger mono-grams with fresh fonts, styles andtwists on tradition. And be selec-tive about the item you choose tomonogram. “Monogrammingclothes is totally out,” says JessZaino, celebrity stylist and formerco-host of the Style Network’s“Modern Girl’s Guide to Life.” Shesuggests monogramming a smallitem and pairing it with a useful,related gift.

Here are some bright ideas forholiday gifts that might be per-fect for someone you know. Ifthey’re not, you won’t have to lookfar to find the perfect gift. Thisseason, personalization is every-

where.Lindsay Phillips’ Switchflops

are fashionable flip-flops that canbe customized to individual tastewith a monogram button, nameor favorite phrase, or a messageembroidered on the strap. Morethan 70 styles of straps, attachedwith Velcro, can be changed outon a whim. The line has been ex-panded to include customizableballet flats, clogs and accessories.Zaino suggests pairing a pair ofthe flip-flops with a beach bag fullof vacation goodies. “It’s so muchmore thoughtful when you takethe person into considerationwithout being cheesy or tacky,”Zaino says ($30 and up, depart-ment and specialty stores; switch-flops.com)

A personalized cover for theproud new owner of an iPad, Kin-dle or new smartphone can add totheir techno-joy and help themstand out in a crowd. Since somany people have these devices,“the more that you can do to cre-ate that level of originality makesit special,” says Morrison. PowerSupport USA offers a range ofproducts aimed to protect andpersonalize wireless devices.Graphically smart City Casesstar iconic images from citiesaround the globe, perfect for aglobetrotter wannabe. Or, createa custom design by uploadingoriginal art or choosing designsfrom their library and addingwords and effects for a one-of-a-

kind gift (custom designs about$50, electronics retailers nation-wide;www.powersupportUSA.com).

Brightly colored melamineplates from La Plates are a bighit with celebrity parents, includ-ing the Obamas. Customers canchoose design, background color,font style and color when creatingtheir plates, which range in sizefrom 7 inches (sold individually)to 10 inches (available in sets offour). The bright, fanciful platesare durable enough to withstandhorseplay at a barbeque but ele-gant enough for an adult lunch-eon. ($22, specialty stores;www.laplates.com )

Custom-monogrammed But-terscotch Blankees havebeen spied swaddlingthe babes of celebritymoms like Sarah Jes-sica Parker. Companyfounder Jodie Roth saysher products make along-lasting gift thatcan follow the ownerfrom crib to dorm room.The handmade blanketswould make a great giftfor a newborn, youngchild or parents who wantto add flare to a nurseryor bedroom. The hand-made blankets range insize, style and color.($125, specialty storesand boutiques).

Personalized stationery is aclassic gift. But for a new twistfor a relative or friend who lovesto wrap and give gifts try wrap-

ping paper personalized with hername and special message. Cus-tom gift wrap from online sta-tioner Erin Condren can beimprinted with the message youchoose – “Happy Birthday! Withlove from Grammie,” for example.“It’s a functional thing to givethat is still so personal and somuch fun,” Zaino says. “It willmake them smile every time theyuse it”(10-ft. length for $45). The“Everything Book,” a monthlycalendar for tracking family ac-tivities, can be customized with aname and photo on the covers. Itcomes with matching personal-ized labels, tab stickers and notepads ($45, erincondren.com)

Monogram a leather wallet ora tote for a trendy friend or

relative with simpletastes. “There are

people who just liketo keep it simple

but still want per-sonal things that look

beautiful,” saysMorrison. And, toheck with trend-

meisters who saymonogrammed cloth-

ing is out, out, out.For those with a con-

siderably largergift budget, a woolor a fur coat withan understated ini-tials inside “wouldbe wonderful,”

WGSN’s Clair Hamilton says.

© CTW Features

GGeett PPeerrssoonnaall

A gift for a special someone calls for, well, something special. Personalized gifts are all the rage.

Here’s how to look – and what to look for

JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 - 3

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Switchflops from LindsayPhillips can be tricked outwith interchangeablestraps on a whim

Eat it up: monogrammed plastic plates for themodern prepster, from La Plates

The Lists:10 Top DVDs: 2010’s Oscar-winning movies and finalists

10 Top Books: Distinguished and new for children

10 Top Board Games: Let the matchups begin!

When it comes to the perfect gifts, Santa always gets it right. The rest of us – Are they sleeping? Arethey awake? Have they been good? Bad? – struggle. Help is in your hands. In this year’s gift guideyou’ll find plenty of inspired ideas, with many more in stores right around the corner. So for good-ness’ sake, get reading and get going. Time is short. And smarty-pants is coming to town.

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

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

Get PersonalA gift for someone special calls for, well something special.

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

Holiday Gift Guide2010 Secrets

of theWrapStars Sticks and stones?Three of today’smost talentedwrappers talk abouttheir signature stylesand share freshideas to help eventhe not-so-crafty gifter look brilliant.

2 - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | 2010 JG-TC.COM

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5 The Hurt Locker (Winner)(Summit Entertainment) $26.99 DVD/$34.99 Blu-ray

6 A Serious Man (Focus Features) $19.98 DVD/26.98 Blu-ray

7 Inglourious Basterds (The Weinstein Company) $16.99 DVD/$19.99 Blu-ray

8 Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire (Lionsgate) $19.98 DVD/$29.99 Blu-ray

9 Up (Walt Disney) $45.99, four-disc DVD/Blu-ray combo

10 Up in the Air(Paramount) $22.99 DVD/39.99 Blu-ray

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Take 10: Best Pictures on DVD and Blu-rayAnd the Oscar goes to…A bumper crop of 10 films, rather than the traditional five, vied for best pic-ture honors at this year’s Academy Awards. There was a lot to take in, fromthe riveting war scenes in “The Hurt Locker” to the tender animated antics in“Up,” where an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer and a bunch of helium bal-loons inadvertently hijack an elderly widower. No wonder judges had diffi-culty narrowing the field. Every one’s a winner.

–Taniesha Robinson

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

2010 Single TicketsAdults $30 - Seniors/Children $28

Box Office 217-728-7375

16 E Harrison St. • Sullivan, ILwww.thelittletheatre.org

Nov. 5-7 Dec. 3-5White Christmas

Dec. 10-19

Alamo Steak House & Saloon Invites you to join our

D INNER CLUBA Full Year of Dining Pleasure

12 FABULOUS DINNERS

FOR ONLY $6995

Just Stop in to enroll!!Cross County Mall • Mattoon • 234-7337

As a member, you can dine 12 times during the next year and your entree is FREE witha paid entree of equal or greater value. SO TWO CAN DINE FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!Any item on our menu is included in this special.

Gift Certificates Also Available.

Green to GO!Shopping for eco

movers and shakers

Gifts for KidsBright ideas for

all ages

Just a LittleSomething For

Him, For Her10 Top…– DVDs with Oscar cred– Award-winning childrens’ books– Board games you know, sorta

Secretsof theWrapStarsHow to givethe season’sbest packages

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDEHolidays 2010

« Wrap artist Wanda Wen, Soolip

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