Holiday Gift Guide

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Publication of Spinal Column Newsweekly

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NOVEMBER 26, 2008

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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holiday gift guide

The 'toy story' for 2008 giving Holiday season's hottest products echo years past t seems every holiday season I has a hot toy. In 1983, Cabbage Patch Kids dominated the market. In 1996, Tickle Me Elmo sent people scrambling to the shelves. In 2007, everyone was dying for the Nintendo Wii. Holiday season 2008 will be no different. In fact, last year's most desirable game system will still be popular. As for Elmo, he is coming back in a big way. Fisher-Price previewed Elmo Live at the American International Toy Fair in February with phenomenal results. In this new edition, Elmo sings, dances, plays games and tells jokes and stories. Christopher Byrne, a toy industry expert who is also known as "The Toy Guy," said although the Wii will remain strong, Elmo is going to be at the top of countless toy lists. "I think the entire country is going to be talking about Elmo Live," he said. "It's going to be the knockdown, drag-out product this holiday season. It's so creative and so fun." Other big toys this year will be Hasbro's FurReal Biscuit My Lovin Pup, an actual-size interactive retriever dog, and Spin Master Toys' Bakugan Battle Brawler figures. However, don't count out America's favorite doll. "I also think Barbie is going to have a very big year," Byrne said. Michelle Chidoni, associate manager in public relations at Mattel, said computers are a hot market this December. "We suspect interactive computer games will be very popular with the kids this year," she said. "For boys it will be the Hot Wheels Turbo Driver Controller. For girls it will be the Girl Tech Stylin Studio, which is a really fun game that allows you to make a digital makeover. Another one is Barbie iDesign. It has these great digital collectible fashion cards. You get to play dress-up on the computer, which is really the essence of the Barbie brand." Another popular item is UB Funkeys. "They are vinyl toys for cool casual gaming," Chidoni said. "The more you collect, the more your world expands." Younger girls can play with the

Elmo has been the "it" toy in the past, but this year he's making an even bigger splash by singing, dancing and telling stories and jokes as the new Elmo Live. The Nintendo Wii, last year's most desirable game system, will still be popular this season.

Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Gotta Go doll, which actually helps with potty training. "The doll teaches about going potty, washing hands and brushing your teeth, which are the important routines that little girls do at bedtime," Chidoni said. For older girls, Mattel has High School Musical 3 dolls and two DVD games: Hannah Montana 2 and High School Musical 3. Boys don't need to feel left out. "We expect D-Rex to be one of our hot ticket items," Chidoni said. "He

has a ton of really cool features. He has a sensor in his mouth so you can feed him and he roars. You can also put him in room protection mode, so he can truly protect your stuff." For families who like to play games, Chidoni said many favorites are changing. Pictionary Man is an electronic version of Pictionary and Uno Flash is an electronic board game that works off a series of flashing lights. "These are a couple of new takes on old favorites," Chidoni said. Two other new popular board games are the Scene It? Disney

Channel Edition for tweens and Scene It? Seinfeld Edition for older players. Of course, Santa sometimes wants to leave educational and creative toys. For little learners, LeapFrog TAG Reading System is a good bet. Artists-in-training will love the Pixos Super Studio, with pony, mermaid and party refills available for less than $10. "No matter what you do, shop as early as you can," Byrne said. "Just think of all the stress you'll save yourself later on." ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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PAGE 7B

holiday gift guide

Electronic gifts for one and all New technology makes gadgets fun for kids of all ages weaters and socks may be pracS tical, but electronics are what

many people covet during the holiday season. From toys to television, there is a perfect gift to light up the face of any gift recipient. Here are some of the hottest gadgets, gizmos and toys sure to warm the hearts and fire the imaginations of everyone on your list. FOR THE LITTLE ONES It's never too early to adopt electronics. That must be why about 65 to 70 percent of the 5,000 new toys that come on the market each year incorporate an electronic or battery-operated component, according to Reyne Rice, who analyzes trends for the Toy Industry Association. "There's actually technology in every department of the [toy] store, in every aisle," Rice said. And while electronic toys have been around for decades, today's products are different. "In the past, you'd put these toys in

front of you, and it would do its little thing, and you'd say, 'Oh, how cute,'" she said. "But kids get bored if they can't participate. Just having a watchme toy won't do it anymore. "Now, the technology has to be working in the background to make the product work and make the magic work. The child is amazed by it and wants to interact with it, take it with him everywhere and show it off to his friends. If the technology can engage the child in the play, then that will become a favorite toy." But with so many choices, how do you pick the one that won't wind up at the bottom of the toy box? Brands and licenses are always hot, Rice said. The most popular items tie into popular culture, such as celebrities, favorite characters and action heroes. But, like grownups, kids have individual tastes. "The best thing to do is really observe the child or talk to the parents or teachers and find out what the kid is really passionate about," Rice said. Some of the hottest picks for 2008 include: • KidiArt Studio (VTech), ages 4 and up;

• Eyeclops Night Vision Goggles (Jakks Pacific), ages 6 and up; • U-Dance (Hasbro), ages 9 and up; • Erector Spykee and Miss Spykee spy robots (Nikko America), ages 9 and up. FOR GROWNUPS Today's electronics are not only cooler than ever, but in many cases also cheaper than ever. Four categories of electronics are expected to sell strongly this year, according to Jason Oxman, senior vice president of industry affairs for the Consumer Electronics Association. The first is digital television. All U.S. television broadcasting will switch to digital signals on Feb. 17, 2009, creating the perfect excuse to upgrade. Oxman said that although digital televisions are already in more than 60 percent of American homes, he expects digital TV shipments to rise 24 percent this year over last. "Consumers are very interested in high-definition television, which provides razor-sharp pictures, surround sound and digital audio," Oxman said. Another category targeted for growth is a perennial favorite: video games. "Consumers will buy about $21 billion worth of video game consoles and soft-

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ware," Oxman said. "It's an enormously popular category." Sales of global positioning systems, or GPS, are expected to be strong enough to land the category in the third-highest position. The Consumer Electronics Association foresees consumers buying about 15 million of these systems, which give directions to people while traveling. "There are many different models to choose from, prices are very consumerfriendly and features are improving," Oxman said. "They're very small and portable, and a lot of them are interactive. They can provide real-time traffic [reports] and some have MP3 players built in." The fourth category for which the association predicts robust sales covers so-called smartphones — devices such as the Apple iPhone or BlackBerry that do more than simply make and receive calls. They also allow for e-mailing and Internet connection, with some almost like mini-computers. Laptops or notebook computers are "increasingly popular," Oxman said. "This year for the first time, laptops actually surpassed desktops in terms of what consumers are buying." ❏

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PAGE 9B

holiday gift guide

Giving made easy with cards This simple swiper might be the perfect gift item gift card just may be the perA fect present. In fact, they were

the third most popular gift last year, with the average American purchasing six of these stocking-stuffer sized presents, according to a 2007 survey done by American Express Gift Cards and the International Council of Shopping Centers. "Gift cards are extremely popular over the holiday season because they are budget-friendly, easy to purchase and stress-free if you really don't have a clue as to what to buy for the recipient," said Jennifer Melnick Carota, founder of TheGiftTherapist.com and author of "Shop Smart GIVE MORE," ($17, Lulu). "For someone who you don't know well or a person living at a distance whose size you can't track or lifestyle may be unfamiliar, gift cards are perfect," said Brenda Gilpatrick, president of Your Fantastic Plastic, a gift card consulting firm in Atlanta, Ga. "It's also

a really good idea for the person who has everything." For many people, receiving one of these pieces of plastic is not just about money. "It allows the recipient to select something of their choosing and provides a memorable experience at the same time," Gilpatrick said. "A cash gift could never provide the same experience and emotion, nor would a gift that had to be returned." They may be an ideal solution to your gift-giving dilemma, but don't let the one-size-fits-all approach fool you. Gift cards are diverse and easy to personalize. Put some thought into it and you're sure to surprise this season. • Make it personal: Rely on the recipient's interests when choosing the gift card itself and the design. Most retailers offer a myriad of designs to choose from based on occasion and interests. Some even let you create your own card. The Visa Gift Card Lab at giftcardlab.com, for example, lets shoppers customize each card with a personal photo and the recipient's name. "You likely know the person well enough to know their likes or their hobbies or their favorite stores or you

wouldn't be giving them a gift. Pay attention and start with something the recipient enjoys," Gilpatrick said. • Look beyond the stores. In addition to restaurants and movie theaters, gift cards are available for plenty of other "experiences," from golf courses and spas to travel brokers and digital download web sites. Multi-purpose gift cards are also growing in popularity. Many malls and downtown shopping districts offer cards that can be redeemed at any of their stores. • Shop smart: Gift cards are all about convenience — and reward. Larger grocery stores and drug stores offer a wide selection of gift cards for restaurants, online retailers and nationwide chains, which makes it easy to grab your gift and go. As the competition increases, look for more stores to add incentives to gift card purchases. "In return for your gift card purchase, many grocers are offering free fuel discounts or an in-store credit, making a gift card purchase pay off for both the buyer and recipient," Carota said. Just keep an eye on the fine print. Review the expiration date and check for hidden costs like dormancy fees — a monthly charge deducted from the

card's balance when not used within a specified time period. • Presentation is everything: Rather than just slipping that well-chosen gift card into an envelope, consider a more clever approach. "Give one or two complimentary small gifts in addition to the gift card," Carota said. "It creates a theme, and creating a theme reflects your thoughtfulness and creativity. The key is to add a personal touch without breaking the bank." Present a gift card to an Italian restaurant with a bottle of wine and gourmet truffles or pair a Starbucks gift card with a holiday mug and a batch of homemade cookies. "Package it in a way that they would never presume it is a gift card," Gilpatrick said. • Keep it safe, and manage your money: Some companies let recipients register their gift cards in the event of loss or theft. For the most part, though, gift cards are irreplaceable, so treat them just like cash and always protect your personal identification number (PIN). Keep an eye on the balance and be sure to use the full amount before the card expires. ❏

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PAGE 11B

holiday gift guide

Some advice on men's presents There's a great item out there just for your special guy dmit it — the men in your life A are probably notoriously hard to buy for. Ask them, "What would you like for Christmas this year?" and nine out of 10 times they'll answer, "I don't really need anything," or, "I don't know. Surprise me." Following replies like these you might be tempted to run right out and buy a tie or a wallet. However, this year think outside of the gift box when it comes to purchasing presents for your special guys. "Men are rarely clear about what they want, so buying them gifts becomes a blindfolded Easter egg hunt," said Gillian Joseph, editor-inchief at Gifts.com. "To help, we scour the web in search of the greatest gifts for men and sort them by interest, personality and occasion, to make it easier than ever to give him a gift he actually wants." Joseph said the web site's personality profiler can help the confused shopper. Simply answer a few questions to determine your recipient's personality type, and you will get a list of gifts to match. "We're here to make giving gifts fun while saving time and headaches," she said. No matter what, it's a safe bet that gadgets are a hit with guys. "Our hand-picked 'gadget guru' gift ideas are our consumer's favorites and one of the most visited pages on the site, especially during the holidays," she said, adding that iPhone, Wii, Amazon Kindle and photo converters will be popular this year. "Other gifts for guys that are always popular on our site include club memberships — for example, beer of the month club, cigar of the month club and wine of the month club," Joseph said. "So are experiential gifts like racecar driving, cooking classes and sky diving lessons." If your man is the relaxed type, one great gadget that will come in handy is the giant Sharper Image remote. Look in department stores and specialty shops for a line of NFL products that are popular with armchair athletes everywhere. In addition, stores offer lines of electronics, clothes, sportswear, outerwear and

Guys may be hard to shop for, but there are plenty of gifts out there that he will love, like this NFL darts set. Golf lessons are also great for anyone looking to improve their game.

shoes as well. Specialty clothing such as the big and tall clothes make it easy to shop for the big guy in your life. If you prefer to shop closer to home and you're buying for a golf enthusiast, consider visiting your local pro shop. Golf lessons are also great for anyone looking to improve their game. Golf pros usually give lessons to both beginners and more experienced golfers. The price of the lessons will vary depending on the pro and also the area of the country. In general, golfers like to look good. That's why golf shirts and golf hats are great gifts. Special golf sun-

glasses help cut down the glare on the course. Be prepared to spend a little more on these glasses, which are typically more expensive than conventional "glare wear" and range in price from about $40 up to $350, depending on the brand. Gifts.com's Joseph said she has a major tip when shopping for any gifts this season. "Shop early," she said. During the holiday season, Gifts.com compiles a list of their merchants who are offering special deals like free personalization, discounts and free shipping. But make sure to get to them before everyone else does.

"This season we expect merchants to have far less inventory than they've had in the past," Joseph said. "This means if you wait until the last minute, you aren't going to have a great selection of gifts from which to choose. The later you wait to shop, the slimmer the pickings." Of course, if your guy desperately needs some new neckwear or a less worn wallet, you'll probably find a good selection at any of your favorite department stores and also perhaps at specialty shops. So go ahead and stick them in his stocking. Just be sure he has some other great gifts to unwrap under the tree. ❏

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248-363-8285 2900 Union Lake Rd. • Suite 120 • Commerce Twp., MI CONVENIENT HOURS BY APPOINTMENT

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OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Christmas Craft Show & Children’s Party with Santa 1-4 P.M. December 14th CRAFTERS NEEDED DICK MORRIS GATEWAY CHEVROLET 2199 Haggerty • Commerce Township • 248-624-4500

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For more information call (248) 363-9109 3860 Newton Road • Commerce Township, MI 48382

NOVEMBER 26, 2008

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PAGE 13B

holiday gift guide

Make it the season of love Holidays can be especially delightful for your sweetheart ou've made your list and Y checked it twice. Aunt Joan is

getting slippers and your brother is getting golf gloves. But the spot next to your sweetheart's name remains blank. The pressure to find the perfect gift can be overwhelming. However, if you tap into your sense of romance and ingenuity, you might find that you have just the thing to elicit a delighted kiss from your sweetie this year. Here are some ideas that will help get your creative juices flowing: • Customize Your Affection: Anita Thompson, an expert in the field of kiln-fired glass jewelry, suggests custom baubles for a tender gift idea. "If you don't know her favorite color, choose jewelry that complements the color of her eyes," she said. Paintings, pottery or other artisan designs can also be created with your partner's taste in mind. Look locally — you never know what you may find.

• Fulfill a Dream: How many times has he said that "someday" he's going to own a hot Corvette convertible? Make him king for a weekend and arrange to rent his dream car. Find a miniature model or ornament of it to wrap and tuck under the tree. When he opens it, explain that you plan to zoom away for a weekend of his choice in the wheels he's always wanted. Avis and Hertz both offer Corvettes in limited cities, but some local, nonchain agencies provide this car, too. If a fancy sports car isn't possible in your town, a limo stocked with a bottle of bubbly for a night on the town with you may be just the thing to make him smile. • Enhance Knowledge: Expand your partner's mind by giving the gift of education. Contact a Spanish tutor and purchase five lessons. Wrap the gift certificate with a beginning Spanish book and a coupon to a local Mexican restaurant. Or you can plan to learn together. Contact your local dance studio for a beginner's package. In no time, your one moment of romance will blossom into many opportunities to hold each other close and relive the intimacy of the holidays.

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• Geocache Your Love: Give your sweetheart a treasure hunt in the form of a pocket GPS. Visit different points around town and program them into the unit. Purchase small gift cards at each place and tuck them into numbered envelopes that correspond with the numbered points in the GPS. Wrap them all together to slip under the tree. When your holiday honey successfully tracks down a point, he or she can open an envelope and be treated to another surprise. • Craft Some Coupons: This idea is not only fun, but also inexpensive. Simply pick up a package of colorful index cards at your local office supply store and get creative. Draw a picture of the fridge for a free kitchen cleaning, a picnic basket for a free "I'll cook" or a pair of feet to suggest a foot rub. Cut tabs across the bottom for six free "I'm sorry" coupons to really win your love over. Whatever your holiday cupid likes, make it into a coupon. • Take Flight: Sweep your love off her feet in an airplane or a hot air balloon. "Flight has many appeals: freedom, nostalgia, romance, scenery, science," says glider pilot John H. Campbell. There are many different types of fly-

ing, including in a glider. "Glider flying provides silence, more viewing area than that available in a typical small airplane and is available to the public with no prior experience, training or physical prowess," Campbell said. Airports around the country are home to small companies that will happily participate in your creativity by offering a flight of fancy for around $200. Look in your local phone book under "aircraft charter, rental or leasing" to find an airplane ride, or search under "balloons — hot air" to silently lift off under a brightly colored orb. • Be Insightful: Show your sweetie that you've been listening to those little desires all year. Notice that he's wanted a new tool belt and give him one filled with the little tools he can't ever find at his fingertips. Remember that she wished for a deviled-egg plate, water ski gloves or a massage at the local spa. Small things that are only mentioned one time in passing can seem very significant when wrapped and tucked under the tree. They show that you listened, cared and tried to find a sweet way to please. ❏

PAGE 14B

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

holiday gift guide

For those with fashion passion Clothes that will make her say 'ooh!' rather than 'oh' orget the tacky holiday F sweaters and leave the things that go jingle in the night to jolly old St. Nick. Instead, give the stylish women in your life a holiday gift that will ring in the season with a smile and not a ho-hum sigh. Stick with the soft stuff for girls of any age. The ultimate indulgence is anything in cashmere. You can find a variety of fashionable cashmere designs at all price points in your favorite boutiques and department stores. One of the companies that specializes in cashmere and offers unique gift-giving possibilities is Knitwit. The company was launched in Spring 2006 by Julie Willgeroth of Newport Beach, Calif. Attracting celebrities the likes of Penelope Cruz, Jessica Biel, Nicole Richie, Katie Holmes, Mischa Barton, Jennifer Aniston, and Cameron Diaz, the brand has expanded over the last two years and is available in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. Each season, Willgeroth designs a stylish sweater to make a powerful philanthropic fashion statement. This fall and holiday season, Knitwit will offer a fashionable pink leopard cashmere hoodie and pink leopard cashmere wrap that will benefit breast cancer research. Knitwit is stocked in over 500 prestigious high-end boutiques and department stores. The ultra-plush gift of cashmere is also available in designer collections or in more affordable labels like Aqua in puff-sleeve empire cardigans and striped hoodies. Cashmere robes, socks and even teddy bears are available for this holiday season in super-soft hooded robes, neck wraps, sleep masks, headbands and slippers from $7.50 to $49.50. If cashmere is a little too expensive for your budget, there are plenty of cozy sweaters to wrap up for the holidays this year. Just think big and bold. Chunky cable knits are the latest fashion trend in everything from mini-dresses to sweater coats and from floppy turtlenecks to cropped shrugs. Every woman needs a good pair of lounge pants — the kind that feel so good you never want to take them

Every woman needs a good pair of lounge pants — the kind that feel so good she'll never want to take them off. Holiday loungewear that's fashionable and fun is sure to be a hit with your special gal.

off. Super-comfortable fabrics made from a soft rayon and spandex blend give pants just enough stretch. Some pants feature a drawstring waist and a long inseam for comfort. Look for lounge pants in black, chocolate, dusty rose, maroon, white and turquoise. Many can be purchased for under $50. Another new loungewear collection

of "beachy looks" that debuts this holiday season is "Flirtitudes" at JCPenney (jcpenney.com). And for anything that is soft and soothing for those on your shopping list to slip into, browse the web site of Soft Surroundings (softsurroundings.com). While exclusives and limited edition items are popular in the apparel world,

the idea of getting an exclusive sexy little something to wear underneath certainly isn't as common. What better way to give your fashion diva something to celebrate than a new set of lingerie or chemise in an exclusive color or style? With a wide range of prices and sizes, there's truly something for everyone. ❏

NOVEMBER 26, 2008

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 15B

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2228 Union Lake Road Commerce Twp., MI 48382

248-366-8600

*Now through December 31st

FREE GIFT WRAPPING, as always! Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Sunday 12-3 p.m.

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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*Plus tax, title, dealer handling. All rebates applied to prices upon approved credit. **Must qualify for platinum tier funancing program. See dealer for details. ©Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ™Trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. †Bombardier is a trademark of Bombardier Inc. used under license. In the U.S.A., the products are distributed by BRP USA Inc. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring any obligation. Prices are based on Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices. Dealers may sell for a different price. Taxes not included. BRP urges you to “TREAD LIGHTLY” on public and private land. Preserve your future riding opportunities by showing respect for the environment, local laws and the rights of others when you ride. Ride responsibly. ATV: ATVs with engine sizes of 50cc displacement up to 70cc may be used only by those age 8 and older and ATVs with engine sizes greater than 70cc and up and including 90cc may be used only by those age 12 and older. ATVs with engine sizes greater than 90cc are recommended for use only by those age 16 and older. Users should, however, respect any applicable law establishing a higher minimum age for riding an ATV. All users under 16 years of age must always be supervised by an adult when operating an ATV. BRP highly recommends that all ATV riders take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or, in the U.S. call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, eye protection and other protective clothing. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Never ridge on paved surfaces or public roads. Never carry a passenger. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speeds and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Outlander Max, Traxter 5-speed MAX and Traxter Auto CVT Max: These ATVs are recommended for drivers age 16 and older, and passengers age 12 and older only. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer. Make sure that all laws, regulations and BRP’s warnings.recommendations on ATV passengers are respected. Never carry a passenger on any ATV not specifically designed for such use. While supplies last.

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