Rox and Roll

The Rox and Roll Gift Guide 2011: Think Different

I have a confession to make: Generally speaking, I'm shopping-averse.  I'm not sure if it's because I'm approaching 40 and finally rejecting a culture of consumerism, or if it's because my favorite gifts are those of experiences; I'd always rather do something than buy something.  Or maybe, as a woman of faith, it is not lost on me that the Reason for the Season is not somewhere in Housewares, or even in Target at all.  But I do love this season in which I can choose little unique somethings to express my appreciation for family as well as for a family of friends who enrich my life experience every day.  And while I could show a dear friend that I am mad talented by gifting her with that very special carefully-selected something from her pre-approved Amazon wish list, sometimes I like to go off of the menu and show my appreciation differently.

So ... drum roll please ... I introduce you to theme adopted for this year's Rox and Roll Gift Guide: Think Different.  (Yes, I know that's an advertising slogan created for Apple in 1997.  I didn't say I made it up.  I said I adopted it.)

Here we go:

Subscription commerce: This is the new term for "_____ of the month" club.  Forget fruit: these days, there are options for monthly anything.  No matter who you're gifting or the price you want to spend, there will be something just right.  I ordered three to try in November for the purposes of this list.  Of the three, I recommend two: Foodzie (written up below) and Birchbox, which is monthly trial-size cosmetics box.  I'm also going to be trying Blissmo, organic and eco-friendly products that I discovered at San Francisco's Green Fest.

About my favorite, Foodzie: I squealed with delight when I opened my November Foodzie box, pictured at right.  When I subscribed, it was $19.99/month -- totally worth it.  I learned after the fact that the November and December boxes would be at that old price-point but jacked up to bigger sizes, and then the price woudl rise to match the box at $29.99, which, to me, is discouraging.  That said, I will give it as a gift on occasion for sure; it'll be a great teacher gift, hostess gift, birthday surprise, etc.  In November's box: pickled figs by Boat Street Pickles, dried cranberries by Willow's Cranberries; fruit and nut crostini by Anjou Bakery; garlic onion pistachios by Fiddyment Farms; pistachio and almond nougat by Vadeboncoeur Nougat; and cornmeal pancake and muffin mix by the Nitty Gritty Grain Co. -- ALL things that I'll enjoy immensely.  If there's a foodie in your life, this is the right gift.

(P.S. For more subscription commerce ideas, check out this link on Sean Percival's blog.)

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Betabrand clothing: For years, the Guv has waned a DARPA hoodie.  Why?  Apparently, it's the fusion of science and fashion.  In other words, he's a nerd, and he only wears red t-shirts, so, dear God, please let someone buy him this for Christmas, maybe in blue?

Meanwhile, Betabrand is so crazy that they actually sell something called Discopants.  If anyone buys those for the Guv, s/he has to take him out when he wears them, 'cause I won't.

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The morning-after basket: So you're going to a party, and you're tempted to grab a bottle of wine.  Or, if you're like me, you're tempted to stop at the store on the way to the party and pick up something like Ouzo, 'cause you know nobody else will bring that.  Unless your hosts are hard-core dish-breaking Greek alcoholics, they'll appreciate a morning-after basket much more; plus, nobody else will think of it -- so it's like Ouzo, but healthy!  Someone did this for us after a party, and it blew me away; she had baked huge, awesome muffins and packed them in a basket with fresh fruit, coffee, and a single-cup french press.  It was so nice to wake up in the morning to a special treat after a late-night of post-party clean-up!  And every time I re-use the basket or the french press, I remember who gave it to me.

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A bald eagle: For my conservationist/ecology-minded friends, I'm giving them something they'll love this year: bald eagles.  No, not real ones, silly, that'd be dangerous!  Instead, I'm sponsoring some in their honor through Vermont Institute of Natural Science's bird adoptions. This place and its birds are very near and dear to my heart, as my kids have enjoyed summer camps at VINS for five years and counting.  Their raptor center is truly amazing, with rescued birds ranging from a pair of bald eagles to sawheet owls to songbirds.  Since Vermont was hit so hard during Hurricane Irene, I worry greatly that charitable giving to this phenomental center will suffer -- so I'll be supporting their holiday adoption specials this year for extended family and teacher gifts.  Why should YOU care about VINS?  Their environmental educators and wildlife rehabilitation specialists are among the best in the world.  When's the last time you saw a raptor center?  Protecting our natural habitat is paramount, and these folks are on the front lines.  I am grateful for their service to our earth.  (Psst: If you have a Harry Potter fan in your house, you can also adopt Hedwig, aka a barred owl.)

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Uncommon Goods: Pick anything -- seriously, just about anything.  This is, bar none, my favorite catalogue from which I rarely order anything but covet everything.  My favorite things this year: The Corkcicle wine-chilling icicle; the 7 deadly sins shot glasses, because face it: everyone drinks boring old wine at parties, but you could be a hero if you brought these and a bottle of Old Number 7; and just so y'all don't start thinking I only conjure up gifts having to do with ETOH, here are some crocheted headphones for your teenaged babysitter who dresses like Janis Joplin.  

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Prayer cube: Perfect for households of faith, especially for godchildren, we have fun with these "prayer die" in my house.  We use the table grace one, and there is also one for daily prayers and one for bedtime prayers.  This Episcopal Bookstore on-line has lots of nice faith-based gifts for those so inclined.

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For the Occupiers: If you have a friend on the front lines of the Occupy Movement or on any picket line, here's a fun gift: a book called "Good Chants for a Lively Picket Line."  The website selling it, Syracuse Cultural Workers, has a lot of fun and unusual stuff, including a "Build Community" tee that is a wardrobe staple for me.

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The Fiesta Disc Pitcher: A Piece of American History: Fiesta Dinnerware is made by the Homer Laughlin China Company in Newell, West Virginia.  You've probably eaten off of their dishes at restaurants galore and might be surprised to find out that instead of paying Macy's prices, you can shop factory direct on-line.  I grew up just down the street from the Fiesta factory and have eaten off of these dishes since my aunt and uncle gifted me with an overfull set for my wedding in 1997.  Using Fiestaware makes me feel closer to home, and, as I buy additions and replacements over the years, I feel really good knowing that Americans from my hometown are employed making this awesome stuff.  I'm big on "think global, act local" and stock my house with as much as I can in support of my native Appalachia.  (Fenton Glass is another West Virginian one for those who enjoy it.)

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Fairy House Kits: There's something about this time of year that makes me want to hold on to the magical beliefs in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, leprechauns, and yes, even the Easter Bunny.  At the Dickens Fair in San Francisco, Petunia and I picked up a fairy house kit to build together.  While I'm not really sure I believe that fairies are putting knots in her hair just because she's not leaving her shoes pointed in the right direction before she goes to bed (someone told us that once and totally seriously too), I do like the notion of providing space for their imagination -- even at age 11.  The fairy house vendor linked to here is not the one from which we purchased our kit but looks very similar; she also sells on Etsy.  In any event, I think this is a great gift for anyone in your life who remains a dreamer, from school-aged through advanced-age. 

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Prints Charming: Made by Etsy store Poppy and Pinecone, two prints hang beside our bed in both our East and West Coast homes: one of Vermont with a heart in the center, and one of California with a heart in the center.  It's an artistic expression of our bicoastal life and love.  Especially for someone living far from home -- perhaps a college student -- these prints are heartfelt reminders of a special place.  Equally special and surprising are prints by the big harumph, also on Etsy.  We own "rush less, play more," "imagination is everything," "today is the day," and some images.  I'm a big fan of little reminders.

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A Three-Way Gift: Get your mind out of the gutter.  I'm referencing charitable donations here: a gift from you to someone else that benefits a third party.  Personally, I'm a big believer in supporting local needs, which is why we support Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences, mentioned earlier, as well as Vermont Foodbank, the Ecumenical Hunger Program here in Silicon Valley, and the Shelter Network, also here in Silicon Valley.  For ideas on charities to support, get some ideas from Charity Navigator, described thus: "Charity Navigator, America's premiere independent charity evaluator, works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability and Transparency of America's largest charities."  Check them out to make sure that your dollar is being stretched as far as possible.

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Thanks for checking out the 2011 Rox and Roll Gift Guide.  If you're still fishing for that perfect gift, might I suggest The 2009 Rox and Roll Gift Guide: Stuff for Adults or Stuff for Kids, or The 2010 Rox and Roll Gift Guide: Gifts for a Cause, Books, Movies, Games, In-Home Experiences, Out-of-Home Experiences, Play, and Gratitude.

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Gift Guide Wrap-Up

Before I conclude this 2010 gift guide, I have two more installments: gifts for play experiences (toys!), and gifts of experiences reflecting gratitude (teachers, coaches, etc.) ... but since Christmas is um, tomorrow, I'm offering some quick-hit tips on those items, followed by a wrap-up.  Next year, I'm planning a much smaller, simpler gift guide. ; )  For now, here are some last-minute tips on toys and treats:

Gifts for Play Experiences:

• Games are my favorite gifts to give and to receive, both for my kids and for myself.  Click here to read my post devoted solely to games.
• Puzzles are always a winning gift, too, especially if they're high-quality Ravensberger puzzles, which are made in Germany and are surprisingly affordable.  For even higher-end, higher-quality, Artifact Puzzles are made in the USA out of beautiful wood.  I like these as gifts especially for siblings; it's a coming-together activity that my 5- and 10-year old can enjoy together in these years when their play otherwise goes in different directions.
• Do you know a teen who loves gadgets and tinkering?  They might love some tavern puzzles, also made in the USA.  These really are gifts for one (not a party game!); part of the reason I like them is that it's something that's not screen-driven and requires hands-on manipulation to solve -- something to which today's older kids aren't often exposed.
• The Earth Friends dolls made my gift guide last year, and they're on the list again this year because we really, really love them; Petunia saved her allowance for months to buy another one at this year's GreenFest (they can be ordered on-line, too).  I have nothing against American Girl dolls, but these dolls offer a little environmental education in addition to being made in an ecoconscious way; I'll take that anyday over overpriced plastic from China!
• Legos in any form are always an awesome gift, but my new favorite Lego thing are the Lego Brickmaster books.  It's the size of a high school textbook but stores enough Legos to make the patterns (a dozen or so) in the attached guide.  Dash asked for a million Star Wars Legos for Christmas, but he also asked for a million other things -- and voila!  The Lego Star Wars Brickmaster book has patterns in it for all of the kits he asked for ... won't be exactly the same, but it's a heck of a lot more portable.  Legos are great for solo or group play, and nothing inspires my kids' imagination as much as building their own virtual worlds; I love it when they do this with manipulatives instead of on the computer or Wii.

Gifts of gratitude:

• AmEx gift cards: As a room parent this year, I was in charge of our class's holiday gifts for the teacher and her aide.  Because we have further appreciation events coming up (e.g. Staff Appreciation, which is a whole Week at our school and is highly personalized), I conferred with other parents and decided to keep this holiday gift simple: collect money for a gift card and tie it to a plant with a card signed by the class.  Our mall offers no-expiration AmEx gift cards (used to be no fee, too, but now they're $3); so the teachers can use these cards however they want for whatever they want whenever they want it!  Visa also offers cards, but they expire over time ... boo for that.
• Other gift cards: I like to give small-amount gift cards and gift certificates to others who work at the school or who make my kids' days more pleasant.  These I pick up from Amazon, Starbucks, local coffee shops (Philz!), local yogurt/ice cream shops (Fraiche!) -- and I found that, at the end of the year, a lot of these places offered great deals.  For example, if you bought 10 $10 gift cards at Fraiche, you received two free two-topping yogurts.  If you bought a $50 gift card from Philz, you got 20% off.  It's easy to find out where your teachers, coaches, music lesson providers, etc. like to dine out; and what a treat to be able to do that on someone else's dime for a change!
• Classroom Needs:  Back in New Jersey, I once flat-out asked a teacher what she liked to receive as a holiday gift.  She went on a long rant about how many baked goods, chocolates, tote bags, mugs, and ornaments teachers receive, when, really, what they usually want is stuff for their classrooms that aren't part of the school budget.  In this teacher's case, she wanted some subscriptions to literary magazines for use in her classroom (they had a library set, but they couldn't leave the library).  When I was a kid, I remember taking in kleenex, etc. to kick off the year; in our school now, that's provided, but sometimes teachers want things different: Clorox wipes for desk cleaning, for example.  In sum, ask you teacher (whether it's a school one, a Sunday school one, or a music teacher) if they have any teaching needs.  If all else fails, a gift card to Oriental Trading Co. (online) or an office supply store is sure to be well-received.
• Tickets: Our competitive soccer team has a paid coach, a young guy who cobbles together other jobs to make room for his love of soccer.  While our team gifted him with a gift card this year, I was thinking he might've enjoyed tickets to a pro soccer game.  He also might've enjoyed a Live Nation gift certificate to choose a concert to attend.  (This isn't just an appropriate gift of gratitude -- it's a great gift for anyone, especially someone who needs a night out!)
• Donations: A couple of years ago, I gave our teachers "FEED" bags with a treat tucked inside.  Teachers have plenty of tote bags, true; but these bags with a message (fighting hunger) might be an exception to the no-totebag rule.  Think about a cause your teacher, coach, or whoever cares about -- illiteracy, child health, Head Start, music lesson access, etc. -- and there's probably a way to make a donation to a cause and score a memento to gift in the process.

And with that, I'm out of ideas as well as time!  I hope you enjoyed this year's gift guide.  Next year, shorter, sweeter, and earlier for sure...  Meanwhile, if you're celebrating, best wishes for the merriest Christmas ever and a fantastic 2011!

Cross-posted on Good Stuff Rox

Holiday Gift Guide, Part Four: Gifts of Gifts of Family Experiences Away from Home

This is the gift guide that never ends.  Next year, I'm doing only one: not parts, not as many options, just my very favorite things, kind of like Oprah but, well, not.

But, this year, I have so much that I want to share with you.  In fact, I wish that I could give away all of these gift-guide things, Oprah-style.  Alas, I cannot, but I can give you some ideas for how to have some good fun that is funny, as Dr. Seuss would say.  So, without further ado, I bring you this installment, subtitled: Stuff your family really wants to do!

Look, we can all shop, and buy stuff, and wrap it, and, perhaps, even love it.  But if I get one more cheap sweatsuit, I just might have to hurt somebody.  I'd much rather have the opportunity to sweat.  (Yes, one's pleasure is another's pain.  Moving on...)  One year, I gave myself the gift of snowboarding lessons.  It gave me back the gift of a bruise in the shape of Africa on my backside that lasted 6+ weeks.  It also gave me the distinct, memorable experience of watching my husband, the Guv, mouth agape, eyes wide, say the words: "In a million years, I never thought I'd ever see you do something like that" (re: the snowboarding, not the bruise, which remains a laughingstock). 

This year, think about giving someone you love the opportunity to bruise something, break a bone, burn a finger... wait, I don't mean that.  Let's rephrase: encourage someone to try something new!  Treat someone to something they can't or won't buy for themselves.  But promise me you'll think outside the spa experience box.  Anyone can buy a year of pedicures; why don't you try one of these things below?

• iFLY indoor skydiving: These iFLY fly vertical wind tunnels are cropping up everywhere!  We saw one in Hollywood last summer; there's now one in the Bay Area, and in Utah, and perhaps in more areas.  In New Hampshire and Colorado, they're run by a company called "Sky Ventures."  Just imagine: the thrill of skydiving minus the plane and hurtling-at-the-ground-I-think-I'm-going-to-die component.  Skydivers train in these wind tunnels; and now they're available to the public to experience the freedom of flight over a (more or less) safe trampoline floor.  Packages (learning, a couple of flights, equipment use) start at around $50 for singles, $200 for families of 5. 

• Kayaking classes: If you're near an ocean or especially near an ocean bay or inlet, discover the magic of kayaking.  The Guv, Petunia and I have taken a couple of classes through L.L. Bean's Outdoor Discovery School, where a 2.5 hour session costs a mere $15 (including equipment).  Kayaking classes are available just about everywhere there's good water for it; in Half Moon Bay, CA, there's the Half Moon Bay Kayak Co., where lessons run about $45.  Where you live, it may be winter, but think spring: this is a gift that'll be anticipated long after the wrapping paper is recycled.  Even better, book the class for yourself and for a friend or family member: it's an experience of learning something new as well as sharing time, the most precious gift of all.

• Trail riding: One of Petunia's gifts next year, probably for Valentine's Day, is going to be a horseback trail ride through Seahorse Ranch at Half Moon Bay, where a 1.5 hour trail/beach ride goes for about $65.  For a girl who loves horses, a guy who always dreamed of being a cowboy, or for a newly-engaged couple to have a romantic experience, this is a great gift!  But if you're not in the Bay Area, this is still a great gift: there used to be stables Central Park that offered these rides as well as stables on Lana'i Hawaii for romantic sunset trips -- and, likely, they're everywhere in between if you google it.  This gift goes well with a bandanna and a cowgirl/cowboy hat!

• Cooking classes: I'm on a health kick, and, because of that, I've hired a 10 y.o sous-chef who has become expert at chopping veggies for stir-fry and salad.  For this reason, I'm thinking of enrolling us in some classes in the coming year to take our skills to a higher level (especially since cooking is a hobby that we both enjoy).  Most Williams-Sonoma stores have both free in-store demos as well as pay-to-go technique and cooking classes.  The same is true at many Sur La Table stores, Whole Foods markets, Draeger's (Bay Area), and high-end cooking and grocery stores.  I think this is a perfect gift for parent-child pairs who are of that age where communication becomes weird (I'm thinking junior high/high school), especially if the child has expressed an interest in being in the kitchen.  Sharing a hobby and meal prep brings about some deep and great conversations in my house.  Think about it: close proximity, different tasks, co-presence without the stare-downs -- that all leads to some great chit-chat and togetherness. 

• Memberships: When a friend of a friend moved to our area of Vermont, our common friend wanted to give her a going-away gift that might be useful in her new area.  My suggestion was the gift of membership to this awesome local kids' science museum, and it was an incredibly well-received gift.  Our family joins a lot of these types of places -- science museums, children's museums, aquariums, natural history museums -- and find that they never grow old and that we always reap rewards in spades.  Especially for young families who might not want to put financial resources into a membership, this is a great way for them to be able to have one and, thus, to get out of the house.  If you want to be Grandparent of the Year, find an amusement park close to where your grandkids live (we're near a Six Flags park), and, with the parents' blessing, get the family a membership.  When your grandkid is half a country away whining that they're bored, Mom'll have an outlet for that!

• Tours: Out here in NorCal, there are a whole lot of fun tours for families: things like the Roaring Camp Railroads through the redwood forest and/or to the beach and the Wine Train come to mind; there's also the Jelly Belly factory and Alcatraz.  I have to confess that I'm appalled at the number of NorCal residents who've never been to Alcatraz; the tour is incredible, and the gardens would amaze some of my green-thumb friends who turn up their noses at "tourist traps."  For a family new to an area, or for one who just hasn't yet been there/done that, a tour is a great gift -- especially if the giver shares in the experience.  I've mentioned ones specific to my region, but, chances are, you live near a tour worth taking: an ice cream factory, a river cruise, a whale-watch, a natural wonder, a national park... think about how to turn one of those tours into the gift of an experience!

• Concerts: When we were newlyweds in Boston, the Guv and I held and greatly enjoyed tickets to the symphony and, occasionally, to the Boston Pops.  These days, memberships are purchasable and giftable; and so are Ticketmaster gift cards -- something as appropriate, in my book, to gift to an 18 or an 80 year-old (well, presuming they can still hear; remember, if it's too loud, you're too old!).  If you know someone who needs a date night, how about a restaurant gift card plus concert tickets?  The same goes for plays, movie theaters, comedy clubs, etc. ... chances are, you know someone who could use a little entertainment.  Give them that experience, and they'll remember that Sting sang "Roxanne" to them because of you.

Next up: Part Five: Gifts for Play Experiences (Toys Parents Won't Hate)

Cross-posted on Good Stuff Rox

 

Holiday Gift Guide, Part Three: Gifts of In-Home Experiences

Pssst: Win a Christmas movie!  Enter here at Good Stuff Rox.

What makes for a good in-home experience -- and how do you turn that into a gift?  In this installment of my holiday gift guide for 2010, I'm going to give you some ideas for how to give a gift that will become an experience, which, if you're lucky, will become a tradition leading to memories that will always come back to you, the giver who launched something special.

Whose best memories don't involve food?  Perhaps it's because my huge, extended family gathered a lot and ate traditional foods that a lot of my memories have a flavor.  Eating my great-grandma's potato soup while playing cards, savoring my grandma's all-homemade (even the noodles!) spaghetti and meatballs on a Sunday after church, experiencing my half-Polish husband's native cuisine at a church in Green Point (pierogi I'll never forget!), and even my lemon wedding cake -- these taste experiences flood me with memories of connectedness, togetherness and happy times. 

Beyond cooking- and eating-related gifts, there are home-related gifts like art and home decor that, if you know your recipient well, will become family treasures fast. 

And lastly, during this economy, there are ways to focus on gifts for in-home experiences so that, instead of hearing "we can't afford to go out," the refrain will be "hooray! a night in!"  That's the point of these ideas, shared below, in a bit different format where the experience, rather than the gift, is labelled.

Ahhh, breakfast in bed.  Nothing says "love" to me like the gift of sleeping in and/or being encouraged to stay in bed.  Unfortunately, this is usually only a twice-a-year gift for me: Mother's Day and my birthday.  This year, inspire more breakfasts in bed with the gift of tools to make it more often.  My favorite breakfast delight discovery this year is ebelskiver, little stuffed Danish pancake balls.  With the right pan, mix, and even a cookbook, this can make for a lot of morning fun!  But be forewarned: if you're a husband giving this to a wife, accompany it with the promise to use it to cook for her (rather than the expectation that she delight you!).  If you're making breakfast in bed for the one you love, bring it in with the newspaper, TV remote, a new book, or a stack of drugstore magazines; then take the kids out of the house and let the recipient enjoy!

Lunch?  Who has time for lunch?  I need a work-out!  I'm super-guilty of missing lunch all too often, so, actually, this gift is about the lunch hour.  Especially on days when I can't hit the gym, lunchtime is when I take my bike for a spin, walk around the neighborhood, or even play Wii Fit Plus to get warmed up -- then I always, always, always use my free weights and do my core exercises.  Now, this is tricky, because if you gift weights and exercise videos to your spouse, it won't be well-received -- unless, like 99.8% of American women, she's declared herself a New Year's dieter.  Make sure you preface your gift with a notice: "In support of your New Year's goal, here are some tools to kick off your new regimen..."  Or, better yet, discuss it first and get the okay.  (The Guv has asked me for the go-ahead to buy himself an elliptical trainer for Christmas, so I know how it goes!)  I use these free weights from WalMart (cheap doesn't matter -- they work!), one of my kids' jump ropes sometimes, and my stairs for tricep dips and push-ups.  I stretch to a Trudie Styler Warrior Yoga video, or do mat pilates on my Gaiam mat.  Want to be a real hero?  Give the gift of a gift card or, if you're brave, actual workout clothing from Lululemon.  The Guv likes my Lulu workout clothes so much that I have an "unlimited" budget there (and he never ever uses words like "unlimited!").

What's for dinner?  This year, I've fallen in love with my crockpot all over again.  With soccer four days a week plus at least once on the weekend, I'm often walking in my front door at 7 pm with two famished kids, and dinner has to be instant.  This cookbook -- Make It Fast, Cook It Slow -- revolutionized my use of the crockpot.  I have an inexpensive model, but even All-Clad makes these amazing devices if you want to go high-end.  Want to funk it up?  A foodie friend just ordered this book of Indian slow cooking.  A cookbook and a crockpot is a perfect gift for just about any friend, from the single working woman who likes to cook and eat well to the soccer mom or single dad. 

And how about some dessert?  I seriously don't know if I could live without my ice cream maker.  Pair this gift with ice cream bowls, the perfect scoop, and an ice cream cookbook, and you have a party waiting to happen!  Want to go retro?  There are ice cream balls and old-fashioned crank machines also.  This is a great gift from grandparents to young families.  The bonus of it -- and why I can't live without mine -- is that I can control the ingredients, fat, and sugar content.  My kids love sorbet from this, whereas they'd never order it in an ice cream shop; making it themselves is a big draw.

Gifts for those who love to cook: I confess, I still use one non-stick pan.  It's my "egg" pan, and I can't seem to give it up.  But recently, I've made the commitment to switching over to cast iron, starting with this Made-in-the-USA Lodge wok as well as a couple of cast-iron skillets.  Perhaps Santa will bring me this cookbook, too, so that I can really get into the spirit!  If you know someone who loves to cook but hasn't gone the cast-iron route yet, gifts of these pans and a cookbook might inspire them to go down that path.  Meanwhile, while I'm figuring out what to do with the new pans, I'm going to focus on recreating a little gem salad I enjoy at new-favorite restaurant Marlowe, which requires shaving fennel, carrots, and several types of radish on a mandoline.  This is one of those tools that home cooks often lack but covet.  I have a million more home kitchen tool/gadget ideas, but let me just encourage you to think along these lines: what, and where, does the gift recipient love to eat?  If s/he has a favorite restaurant, does it have a cookbook you can gift?  Any unique ingredients?  How about gourmet salt or spices?  Anyone can give wine, but you could give the experience of a new ingredient -- how cool is that?!

Tableware that's good for the economy: Worried about the American economy?  How about buying American goods?  Like the Lodge cast-iron cookware mentioned above, Fiesta dinnerware is made in America, right down the street from where I grew up in northern West Virginia.  When you buy Fiesta, you're helping to employ folks in an area that's in need of some serious stimulus; and you're also picking up some classic American dishes that evoke timeless elegance on your table.  No matter what your decor, there's a Fiesta color to match; or, do like many WV natives do and mix-and-match these pieces that never go out of style.

Home decor: I have friends who love art, to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars per painting; and I have friends for whom art is whatever their kids draw and stick to the wall with scotch tape.  For us, it's somewhere in the middle; we're more likely to find a print or another special memento during travels that we can then have framed and hang on the wall, but I also love displaying my kids' drawings.  These kids' art frames are on my wish list this year as a nice-looking, ready-made place in which to display their favorite pieces -- and for me, it's really about their favorite pieces, not what I think looks best.  It's quite an experience for them to have their own "gallery!"  Meanwhile, we're also looking for a canvas to hang over our bed, and I have my eye on this piece called "Reflect" from Modern Digital Canvas.  We have their eye-catching Tokyo piece in our mountain cottage, and it's our most complimented piece of art.  (We have some of these Andy Warhol prints there, too.)  Meanwhile, our favorite art to gift to others are Storypeople prints by Brian Andreas.  We've given a few of these prints as engagement and new home gifts, and we know that they're loved because people have decorated rooms to highlight them!  As with any art, though, you have to know the recipient well; if your friend is into French Country, they may not want to display a Storypeople print.  Most of our friends are into modern decor, into which these fit perfectly.

Monthly deliveries: For the gift recipient who has everything, monthly deliveries of treats might be the way to go.  I've given my parents Peet's "coffee tours" in the past, and they frequently gift my grandparents with Harry and David fruit of the month.  If you're more into the one-hit wonder gifts, try sending a coffee lover a sampling they might not have tried from a first-rate roaster, like Batdorf and Bronson (Dancing Goats), Blue Bottle, or my #1 favorite, Barefoot Roasters.  For older folks, I like to send gift baskets from Wolferman's full of English muffins, breakfast breads, and spreads.  1800baskets.com has some terrific gift baskets; I tasted a lot of their related Popcorn Factory treats at BlogHer this summer and would do just about anything for another popcorn ball right now! 

Next up: Part Four, Gifts of Family Experiences Away from Home (Memberships, Concerts, Tours, Thrills, and More)

Cross-posted on Good Stuff Rox

 

Holiday Gift Guide, Part Two: Gifts of In-Home Entertainment, Part C: Games

Pssst: Win a Christmas movie!  Enter here at Good Stuff Rox.

My very favorite thing to do with my school-aged kids these days is to play card games and board games.  Recently, I taught Petunia a card game called Spite and Malice that I used to play with my great-grandmother and my grandmother.  It warms my heart to share stories with her of how "pulling a great-grandma" means holding an ace in your hand when there's space to play it (which is against the rules), connecting her to a family member who died many years before her birth.  I can almost taste my great-grandma's homemade potato soup as we play these games.

I'd love to hear what your family's favorite games are.  Meanwhile, below, I've listed our family favorite card and board games, followed by a quick mention of some favorite DS and Wii games since we're a Nintendo-loving family. 

But first, I offer a reminder to think about enhancing family game night by packaging these with supplemental gifts to enhance the in-home play experience.  Food gifts, especially, are great for family game night.  We have a s'mores set that often comes out for these nights; fondue, popcorn, hot chocolate, and accessories to go with those are lots of fun!  What goes best with the gift of a game, though, is the gift of your time to play it with the recipient -- something that costs nothing to give but is, indeed, priceless.

Without further ado, here are my suggestions for games your family will love this year:

Card games:

• Set: If you don't have this game yet, you need it.  It's a Mensa game of visual perception that involves everyone playing at once -- no turns -- to deduce and to collect patterns.  I used to play this one for hours with friends in college.  This year, I asked Santa for the newest version of Set, Set Cubed, which combines the usual visual perception game with strategy for an enhanced gaming experience.  The Set card game is appropriate for about ages 8 and up (and adults will love it, too -- it's not just for kids!).

• Scrabble Slam: Petunia and I could play this one for hours.  It's a high-paced four-letter word card game in which players race to change words as they rid their hands of cards.  This game is appropriate for about 3rd grade and up, but, like Set, is great for adults, too.

• Blink: This is a fast game that's easy to learn; it involves each player racing to get rid of his/her cards by discarding matching card patterns.  Dash (age 5) can play this one (though he's slower than Petunia and me, which frustrates him); it's better for more equally-matched opponents, like Petunia and me.

• There's a Moose in the House: This game is billed for ages 8 and up, but Dash has played it with Petunia and me since age 4.  For 2-5 players, it's basically a silly twist on a matching game that's fun for the whole family.

• Slamwich: This is a game where speed wins.  You play to win sandwiches concocted of unlikely sets of ingredients -- somewhat unappetizing at times! -- while stopping thieves and munchers from stealing the game.  This game won a toy award and is billed as being great for reading readiness, as it involves visual discrimination, sequencing, and anticipation.  I can see it, so I gift it to a lot of kinder-aged families; I think it's probably best for 5-10 years or so, though parents can certainly join in the fun (and be defeated by smaller, faster hands!).

Board games:

• Qwirkle: Last spring, I heard Po Bronson talk about his latest tome, NurtureShock; and, in his talk, he mentioned that games like Set and Qwirkle, both already favorites on our shelves, are proven to increase children's IQ.  Score!  Petunia and I could play Qwirkle for hours.  Like Set, it's a visual perception game, but it combines that with elements of strategy as well as domino-type interweaving of tiles.  It's addictive!  Dash is starting to learn to play, so I'd say this game is great for about 1st grade and up; adults will enjoy it too.

• Chocolate Fix: This is a single-player game in which the player follows clues on a card to place pieces in the proper pattern.  Also mentioned by Po Bronson (as were the Rush Hour games), this game reminds me of timeless paper-and-pencil logic puzzles.  Petunia and I love it; Dash is a little young for it yet, so I'd say this is appropriate for about 3rd grade and up.

• Square Up: Dash received this is a 5th birthday gift, which is about the right age to start playing it.  It's a one- or two-player game in which players shake a cube of blocks (kind of like one side of a Rubik's cube), then compete with giant "slide puzzles" to get their pieces in the right order.  Petunia has taken it out to play with friends, and I've even challenged the Guv to a couple of races.  The game comes with two cubes to shake and two slide puzzles; it's a competition to finish whichever puzzle you shake, not a head-to-head battle, but it's fun enough that our family's picking up another set so that we can all four race the clock together.

• Clue Harry Potter: It's hard to improve on a classic, awesome game like the original Clue, but here, the Parker Brothers game company has delivered in spades.  The board is bigger and involves more rooms than the original plus has the added twist of wheels, spun on most turns, that open and close doors and invoke dark magic.  It's difficult to explain, but, basically, you should know that this game adds a couple of layers of complexity and takes more time than the orginal Clue; it also requires more players (at least 3).  Petunia at age 10 is barely old enough to have the patience for it but enjoys it a lot when we do play. 

• Blokus: Dash and I are Blokus addicts.  While the pieces are shaped like Tetris ones, the point of this game isn't to interconnect them but, rather, is to have them barely touch (corner-to-corner only) as you attempt to cover enough of the board that your opponent can't use his/her pieces.  For up to four players, it's harder with more people playing.  I love how it pushes Dash to think about spatial relations, and he can even beat me sometimes when he's quite focused.  This is a great sit-still-and-think game for ages 5 and up.

Nintendo DS Games:

• Anything from UbiSoft's Imagine series: Petunia right now is addicted to the Imagine games; she's added 4 to her Santa list already!  She has the boutique owner one and another fashion-related one (if I could find them in her room, I'd say which ... ahem, Santa is watching!).  The premise of these games is that the player is the teacher, zookeeper, fashion designer, babysitter, etc., designing and enacting experiences, keeping tabs on trends and unlocking codes to higher levels.  Most of these games are girl-oriented and probably best for about 3rd grade and up.

• Brain Age: Petunia received this game as a gift, and I thought she'd be unexcited about it; it's a "school" game in which math, reading, logic, and other puzzles are used to "train" one's brain through exercising it.  How wrong I was!  Petunia likes competing against herself to better her Brain Age, and she plays this game just as much as she plays her Mario ones.  Go figure!  This is a great holiday gift, keeping those math skills fresh over a long break. ; )

• Anything Mario: Whether New Super Mario Bros., Super Mario 64, or anything else Mario, these are the games that I play on Petunia's DS.  I love me some Mario!  The endless worlds, hidden areas, spectacular challenges, and fun just never stops with these games.   A Mario game is a must-buy with a child's first DS.

Nintendo Wii games:

• Animal Crossing: City Folk: A couple of years ago, Petunia and I attended a media event sponsored by Nintendo and tested this game; on the way home from the event, we stopped at Best Buy to purchase it, and we've loved it ever since.  This game never gets old.  It's a lot like a Sim City game in which you're building your own community, managing your own house, health, and wealth, and interacting with others.  Dash has been able to enjoy it since age 3, and the Guv enjoys the "turnip trade" ... This is by far our favorite family Wii game, as it has something for everyone.

• Playground: Our other most-played Wii game is Playground; paper airplanes and darts, especially, are mad-competitive around here.  These games are shorter and easier to keep Dash's attention.

• Rayman Raving Rabbids: This game is a whole lot of silly fun.  Gladiator dome?  Check!  Bunnies on the potty?  Check!  Flinging a cow through the air?  Got it!  OMG, we laugh so hard when we're playing this game!  I'm dying to pick up its newest version, Raving Rabbids Travel in Time, to see what crazy silliness is next on deck!

•  Wii Sports Resort: This game requires the new motion plus remote accessory, but boy, is it worth it.  We each have our favorites: Dash, swordfighting; the Guv, table tennis; Petunia, air sports; and me, wakeboarding.  Often, two of us will play real ping-pong while the other two take turns with this game -- an active, family-play evening!

• Wii Fit Plus: This game requires a balance board, which is tricky for Dash to use.  That said, Petunia, especially, gets a kick out of a lot of its games, especially kung fu, and I like that she gets some measurable exercise while she plays.  (Okay, it's not much -- but she's not sitting on the couch as she plays, either, which counts for something!)  I like the ski games quite a bit.

Next up: Part Three: Gifts of In-home Experiences (Cooking, Gift Clubs, Home Decor and More)

This is cross-posted on Good Stuff Rox.

Holiday Gift Guide, Part Two: Gifts of In-Home Entertainment, Part B: Movies, including a giveaway!

Pssst: At the end of this post, you can find a link to Good Stuff Rox, where I'm giving away three copies of a new Christmas movie!  See details below.

Movies are one of my favorite gifts to give and to receive, especially if they're good and can be watched over and over and over again.  I've been fortunate to review a host of movies this year for various companies, and that's always a fun task.  Oftentimes, on Friday nights, I pop a big bowl of popcorn, and the whole family snuggles up on the couch to watch (and to review) a movie.  It's a nice way to end a week of running around.  Below is my list of picks for this year's holidays.  When I've reviewed a movie or it's been suggested for inclusion in the guide, I've noted a disclaimer; I've also added in some of my all-time favorites.

Before I give you this year's gift picks, though, I offer the general suggestion of pairing your movie thoughtfully with a movie-inspired gift.  For example, if you're gifting Slumdog Millionaire (one of my favorites, mentioned below), think about pairing it with chai and chai cups, and Indian cookbook, or takeout.  Remember Lucy's chocolate factory scene?  How about pairing the Lucy series with a big box of chocolates?  The movie "Date Night" (also referenced below) is an awesome gift paired with a date-night kit: Baker's chocolate fondue (in the supermarket baking aisle - ready to go, just microwave!), candles, wine... Think about the movie you're gifting and what might go well with it to create a special gift of in-home entertainment this year.

Without further ado, here are my suggested movie gifts this year:

Adult films and TV series:

• Date Night: Over the summer, I reviewed this movie for Fox, and, though far-fetched, it's pretty darned funny -- how could it not be with Tina Fey and Steve Carell?!  It's the story of some "old marrieds" trying to break the mold and how far afield their attempt at "something different" went.  This is the perfect movie to give to some "old marrieds" along with a "rekindling" gift basket.

• Slumdog Millionaire: It's a movie from 2008, but it's on racks at the "big box" stores for around $5 this year and is one of my favorite films.  I picked up a copy to watch again and to lend to friends who haven't seen it.  About a kid from the slums who competes on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and the life that surrounds him, its a story of hope, and love, and loss that sticks with you for a long, long time. 

• Modern Family: The Guv and I are having a blast reviewing the Modern Family TV series, which I recently gave away on this blog.  It's a fantastic comedy show about a family that puts the "fun" in "dysfunctional."  I don't think it's a show for kids (maybe teens and up), but it's great to curl up on the couch and watch with your spouse.  Season One is out on DVD, and Season Two is airing now on ABC.

Family films and TV series:

• Avatar: I reviewed this movie for Fox early in the summer, and it's one of my all-time favorites; it's a prolific commentary on the environment and on how we treat those different from us.  It is not appropriate for very young children but is probably fine for about 4th grade and up.  Petunia cites it as her favorite movie, as it would be for any extremely empathetic, environmentally-engaged person. The extended collector's edition just came out last month on DVD and Blu-ray.

• Marmaduke: Our family reviewed Marmaduke for Fox this fall, and it's another of Petunia's favorite movies -- so much so that she chose to air it at her 10th birthday sleepover.  It's a great tale of how dogs (and people) can struggle but still overcome obstacles to end up in a happy place.  It's appropriate for all ages.  Other favorite dog movies: The Beethoven Pooch Pack, The Adventures of Milo & Otis, and Santa Buddies (and so many more...).

• The Garfield Show: Odie-Oh!*: Petunia's my dog lover, and Dash is my cat lover; sadly for him, cat allergies run in my extended family, so, while we have a dog, Dash's cats have to be on DVD or in books or stuffed animal form!  We received a copy of The Garfield Show for review, and he didn't watch anything else for weeks -- just watched it over and over again, laughing non-stop at Garfield's, Odie's, and John Arbuckle's antics.  This show is currently airing on the Cartoon Network, and, surely, it'll never get old.  It started as a cartoon strip in 1978 and just keeps getting better in its new incarnations!  This is appropriate for all ages, especially for families where the parents grew up with Garfield, like I did.  Other favorite cat movies: The Adventures of Milo & Otis and The Cat in the Hat TV series.

• The Sound of Music 45th Anniversary Edition*: I've owned the original 1965 Sound of Music movie for years, so I was excited to review the updated anniversary edition for Fox to see how it might be made better -- and all I can say is "wow."  The way both picture and music have been updated (sounding fantastic through my surround-sound) is incredible!  There are sing-along and interactivity options that enhance the viewing experience -- fun for the whole family, especially for those of us who grew up with the movie and know all of the words to all of the songs to teach our kids!  In addition to the DVD, there is a whole collection available (I found it online at Costco) that includes a music box, a scrapbook, souvenir program, and more -- a great gift for the Julie Andrews fan in your life!

• Harriet the Spy: The Blog Wars*: Petunia reviewed this movie for me, and I'll be watching it with her over the holiday break.  She says that I'll love it because it's about two kinds of competition: a mean-girls' style popularity contest and a blogging contest.  She really enjoyed it, and, now, she wants to launch her own blog.  I like that it connected her with one of my favorite childhood characters, Harriet the Spy, and like that the movie updated Harriet for the modern age.  This is a great gift for a girl in 4th grade through middle school.

• The Andy Griffith Show 50th Anniversary: Best of Mayberry Collection*: (Not yet released: Coming 12/21)  One of my favorite songs these days is "Mayberry" by Rascal Flatts, hearkening back to the times when we all knew how to slow down, knew our neighbors and appreciated small-town life.  I'm now in a more urban setting, far from my roots in the West Virginian countryside -- and now, more than ever, I want to watch shows like Andy Griffith, especially with my kids, so that they can get a taste of what life in fictitious (but real to me) Mayberry might've been like.  Plus, this show is funny!  I think this is a great gift both for grandparents who watched the show way-back-when and also for any family who seeks an alternative to modern shows like iCarly ... about as far removed from Mayberry as one can get.

• Toy Story 3: Frankly, it feels silly to recommend this movie; everyone knows of the success of the Toy Story franchise.  This movie, like the first two, is simply great.  My kids have watched the first two about a hundred times a piece -- and even Petunia, who's 10, isn't tired of it.  If you haven't gone down the Toy Story path yet, pick up the trio and some of the classic toys from the movie (Potato Head, slinky dog, and more!). 

Holiday-themed films and TV shows:

• The Original Television Christmas Classics: From 1969, this DVD set includes Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, Frosty the Snowman, Frosty Returns, and the Little Drummer Boy.  I bought it a few years ago for my kids, and we all watch it over and over as the holidays approach.  Since I don't let them sit around and flip through channels, there's little chance of us catching these when they air on TV, so it's nice to have them handy.

• Christmas Treats*: This DVD included eight holiday-themed TV episodes from Happy Days, Cheers, the Lucy Show, the Beverley Hillbillies, and more.  I think it'd be great fun to have on hand for family viewing, especially as many of us will remember the episodes from different times in our lives.  This would make a great gift for grandparents!

• Christmas in Canaan*: This Hallmark Channel original movie, starring Billy Ray Cyrus, starts in 1964, where a conflict in Texas between two boys of different races launches a beautiful tale of how to find happiness and peace in life no matter what cards you're dealt.  We received a copy of this movie to review, and, though I was skeptical at first, our whole family (even the Guv!) agreed that this movie is a very special one, a reminder of "the reason for the season," so to speak.  We've watched it a couple of times since and enjoy it quite a bit.  For this reason, I'm sharing it with you! 

GIVEAWAY:

Viviendi Entertainment and RHI Entertainment have provided me with three copies of Christmas in Canaan to give away to my readers.  To enter, please leave a comment on my product review and giveaway site, Good Stuff Rox.  You'll get a bonus entry for sharing your favorite holiday movie, and another entry if you tweet this contest using the hashtag #goodstuffrox.  The deadline to enter is next Tuesday, December 7 at midnight PST; winners will be drawn and notified by noon the following day and must respond by end of day on Thursday, December 9 to claim their movies, else other winners will be chosen.  Good luck!  And remember: comments are welcome here, but the only eligible entries into the giveaway must be made on Good Stuff Rox! 

* All movies marked with an asterik (*) were suggested by companies for inclusion in my gift guide.  While I accepted the suggestion, I've only received review copies where noted; and I've included them of my own free will because I do believe they'd make good gifts.  I have not been compensated otherwise for their inclusion in my list.  Most of my reviews come about through my relationship with Bender/Helper Impact.  I'm grateful to them for the opportunities they send my way!

P.S. As always, I promote Blog With Integrity.

Next up: Holiday Gift Guide, Part Two: Gifts of In-Home Entertainment, Part C: Games.

Cross-posted on Good Stuff Rox

Holiday Gift Guide, Part Two: Gifts of In-Home Entertainment, Part A: Books

In this gift guide "In-Home Entertainment" entry, I'm covering books, from my favorite adult reads to cookbooks and kids' books, plus some extra "gifts for readers" at the end.  I've been an active participant in the (now-defunct) Silicon Valley Moms Blog book club, many members from which are, like me, now participating in the From Left to Write book club and, through that, have been fortunate to be exposed to some fantastic reads that we might not otherwise choose.  I'm also a member of an offline book club, where discussing books among friends in real life never gets old.  (Yes, I'm a bookaholic!)  This list below includes some books from and some beyond the purview of my blogging "work."  It's all noted with disclaimers where appropriate.  I've also added a parenthetical note with suggested gift ideas to pair with the book.  Enjoy!

Adult Fiction:

• Girl in Translation by Jeanne Kwok (reviewed for Silicon Valley Moms Group book club): One of the best fiction books I've ever read, this book is practically the author's memoir, even though she bills it as fiction -- a coming-of-age immigrant tale exposing the lives of sweatshop workers and, in the case of this book, their first-generation American children. (Gift idea: Support the end of sweatshops in America by purchasing some items from American Apparel: gloves, scarves, hats, etc.)

• Following Polly by Karen Bergreen (reviewed for From Left to Write book club): This is a debut mystery novel by a former lawyer and stand-up comic, and, as such, it's refreshingly funny and quite different from my usual mystery reads; I look forward to Bergreen's next work!  (Gift idea: a whoopie cushion?!  I'm only half-kidding ... this is a tough one to pair, so how about reading snacks, a book light, tea, vodka?)

• The Good Daughters by Joyce Maynard: My (offline) book group chose this book to read this month, and I whipped through it in two days because it was that gripping.  A story of two girls born on the same day in the same New Hampshire hospital, the intertwining of the two families' lives and the way those lives are chronicled over a large expanse of time makes you feel like you're part of their lives by the end of the magnificent tale.  I'm planning to read some of Maynard's other works soon.  (Gift idea: This one has a lot to do with farming, especially goat cheese and strawberries ... add some crackers and some apple cider for a fantastic seasonal treat!)

• A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore: My dad, a retired college English professor, suggested that I read this book, and I'm quite glad that he did.  It's the story of a midwestern college student who works as a nanny for a toddler, and the twists that this book takes are mind-boggling.  What will keep me reading Moore's stories is her unbelievable writing style: witty, wry, and descriptive in both light and dark ways.  Like "The Good Daughters," above, you'll think about this book months after you've read it. (Gift idea: soup and crackers... it's a book that calls for comfort food!)

Adult NonFiction:

• The Price of Privilege by Madeline Levine PhD: The subtitle of this book is "How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids" -- and I feel that's almost all that needs to be said about the book.  Every single parent I know, especially here in Silicon Valley, needs to read this book.  Every. Single. One.  (Gift idea: Pair this with something to encourage a family to spend time together: something like an Apples-to-Apples game, or an American Girl family quiz book.)

• the possibility of everything by Hope Edelman (reviewed for the Silicon Valley Moms Blog book club) - This book is just plain lovely; it's a lovely travelogue of Belize, and it's a lovely tale of natural medicine and parental love.  It's very unlike anything I've read to date.  (Gift idea: a trip to Belize?!  I wish!  Tropical fruit, perhaps...)

Cookbooks:

• The Earthbound Cook by Myra Goodman (reviewed for the From Left to Write book club): By the co-founder of Earthbound Farm, this cookbook raises your environmental consciousness with its focus on sustainable agriculture -- and marries those concerns with fantastic recipes that are good for you.  The granola clusters are addictive!  (Gift idea: bake granola clusters and gift them with the book.)

• The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook by Elana Amsterdam: I purchased this cookbook because I'm wheat-allergic and am always searching for good baking alternatives.  I've found the answer in almond flour.  While I have some other alternative cookbooks, like babycakes by Erin McKenna, the recipes involving alternate flours are often high-maintenance and involve a precarious balance of chemistry.  Not so with almond flour!  In fact, I find it easier to work with than wheat -- and its health benefits far exceed any other flour.  Gluten-free or not, this is a can't-miss cookbook.  (Gift idea: almond flour, to get the baker started.)

• Fanny at Chez Panisse by Alice Waters: Oh, how I love this kids' cookbook!  Written from the perspective of Alice Waters' daughter Fanny at age 7, it's divided in a most peculiar way (you'll see when you pick it up!), and the tales interwoven with the recipes are as delicious as the suggested menus.  I love the Moosewood cookbooks for children, but, as far as the interweaving of recipes with stories, this one really takes the cake.  It's great for kids from about ages 8-13, especially girls who'll identify with Fanny.

Kids' books:

• Redwoods by Jason Chin: This book is appropriate for the elementary school-aged set and is primarily a primer on redwoods, experienced through a young boy's eyes after his discovery of a book on these magnificent trees.  A lot of people will be receiving this one from me as a baby gift!  (Gift idea: a donation to plant a tree through the Save the Redwoods League.)

• The Visual Dictionary of Star Wars by David Reynolds: When Petunia was 5, she went through a Star Wars phase, dressing as Princess Leia for Halloween; now that Dash is five, he dresseed as a Clone Wars ARF trooper for Halloween, and we're back on Tattoine/Endor/the Death Star.  Dash is getting this book for Christmas because it's everything about everything in movies 4-6, the most young-kid friendly of the six movies. (Gift idea: a Jedi robe)

•  the Magic Tree House series of books by Mary Pope Osborne: I read these with Petunia, and now Dash and I are reading them together -- and the tales never get old!  The brother and sister pair, Jack and Annie, go on fantastic adventures with books via a magic tree house, and, though fiction, the tales expose the characters and the "real" children reading them to some fantastic historically-based tales.  My kids have learned about Egypt, tornadoes, dinosaurs, and a whole host of other things from these books -- and any fiction that piques their curiosity to to further exploring of subject matter is a big WIN to this mom!

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart: This book, appropriate for kids about 9-13 or so, is one of the best I've ever read, and Petunia agrees.  It's a tale of mystery and adventure that rivals Harry Potter, sans the dementors and spells.  There are two (maybe more by now) subsequent books in this burgeoning series, all as fantastic as the first, per Petunia, who says it's perfect for both boys and girls. 

Gifts for Readers:

• A Kindle or any kind of e-reader: Whether a Kindle, a Nook, an iPad, or whatever, these devices are an answer to an avid reader's prayer.  My parents bought me a Kindle a couple of years ago, and I'm not sure how I'd live without it now.  I love that I can download just one issue of a New Yorker at a discounted price (usually when my dad calls me and suggests an issue I'd like), as I can't keep up with a whole subscription; and I also love that I no longer need or want to leaf through People magazines at the doctor's office because I have something better that I want to read in my purse at all times.  You rarely see me without my Kindle being within arm's reach.  Living in Silicon Valley, I'm hoping that this is the year in which my library figures out a way to let me e-check out books on it ... probably not yet, but hey: the classic book downloads are mostly free while I'm waiting!

• A subscription to a writer's magazine: I don't know many avid readers who haven't thought of penning their own tome.  Why not get their creative juices flowing with a subscription to something like Writer's Digest?

• A book rest: Different from a lap desk, this pyramid book rest is a perfect gift for someone who enjoys reading in bed, whether on a Kindle or from a "real" book.  I don't read in bed when the Guv's around, but, when he's travelling for work, I retire when the kids do to cuddle up with my book -- my treat to myself after a long day of single-parenting!  Now if only this pillow had a holder for my wine glass...

• Flowering tea: I know few bookaholics who don't enjoy a good cup of tea with their tomes, and this flowering tea gift set from Numi is a very special cuppa indeed ... with its glass teapot and spectacular display as it brews, it's one of those things that you'd probably never buy for yourself but greatly enjoy as a special treat.  I gave this set to one of my BFFs this year for her birthday.

 P.S. Here are the books I'm asking Santa for this year:

• Freedom by Jonathan Franzen: I read and enjoyed his book The Corrections, so I'm looking forward to another of Franzen's dysfunctional family tales.

• Tepper Isn't Going Out by Calvin Trillin: I learned of this novel during a holiday book swap (which included sampling three varieties of soup -- a great idea for a party!), and it's supposed to be very funny -- a thin novel built around the quest to secure an urban parking space.  I love me some good New York comedy!

• Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo: Yeah, so I like novels ... anyway, in the same book swap, I learned of this book, a "spiritual road-trip" (as well as a real one) in which the protagonist's New Age sister introduces him to her guru.  It seems like it might be a Kerouac knock-off, but it had me at "Buddha" in the title ... so I'll check it out.

Next up: Holiday Gift Guide, Part Two: Gifts of In-Home Entertainment, Part B: Movies -- with a giveaway, times three!

Cross-posted on Good Stuff Rox

 

Holiday Gift Guide, Part One: Gifts for a Cause

(Pssst: I'm giving away Modern Family: Season One over on Good Stuff Rox!  Enter here.)

In keeping with my theme this year, I'm encouraging gifts of experiences and charitably-focused gifts both for my own family and for yours this holiday season.  Hunger in the U.S. is at record high, and, with high unemployment this year, too, it's hard to find that extra bit to help someone in need -- and the fact of the matter is that that someone in need may be your own neighbor.  There are tales in my town left and right of folks who lived high on the hog during the dot-com boom losing their homes right now.  As in every year, but especially this year, when those Toys for Tots, Food Drive, and other solicitations come home from work, school, church, or wherever, I'm going to be giving until it feels good. 

If you're looking for charitable giving ideas, here are some you might want to consider:

For Food:

• Office gifts for any food cause: Instead of gifting each person that works for or with you, think about adopting a local food pantry, like Second Harvest Food Bank if you're in Silicon Valley; Second Harvest states on their site that they need "food, funds, and time."  How about collecting food in-office, then having your holiday party there, sorting it?  If you want to do something in-office as well that includes a personal holiday gift, you can hang stockings outside of offices/cubes and do a low-limit secret-Santa or host a Yankee swap or a White Elephant gift exchange with a cookies-and-milk party on a Friday afternoon.  Maybe your holiday party is usually a free-flowing booze happy hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, but ask yourself: is this the year for that?  Sorting food at the food bank together will create much better memories than what John from the copy room did after his fourth double-Scotch!

• Local food banks: Check CharityNavigator.Org to find a good one near you, and find out how you might give a donation in honor of a family.  When I checked the site, I learned that California Emergency Foodlink in Sacramento received their highest rating for a Food Bank.  It's not close to me, but, if it were, I'd love to give some of my time, effort, food, and money there, for I know that it's been thoroughly screened and proven to be a well-managed charity.

• Farm Aid: Farm aid's goal is to keep family farmers on their land.  Having grown up on a family farm, I am deeply grateful for their work; and, as a purchaser of produce provided by family farms at my local farmer's market, supporting Farm Aid (as well as the farms directly) is a way to make sure that I'll still be shopping there a decade from now.  A copy of the Food, Inc. movie and/or an earth-friendly cookbook, like The Earthbound Cook, along with a Farm Aid tee is a great gift for a friend or family member who values good produce. 

For Health:

• Christmas Seals from the American Lung Association: This year, I'll be sealing my holiday cards with these seals, as I have been fighting a lung illness for quite some time and, last week, received a diagnosis of a disease that falls under the American Lung Association's purview.  If you know someone with lung issues, there's an online store that supports the lifesaving work of the ALA.  If you're not comfortable donating money outright to a charitable cause, buying something from a cause's store is a subtle way to say, "I know, and I care."

• Gear from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure store: When I reviewed Hanes tees during breast cancer awareness month, I had no idea there was a whole on-line store devoted to fundraising for the fight against breast cancer.  Knowing so many women touched by cancer either directly or through their mothers, sisters, friends, there are a whole lot of ways to show support for these folks -- but it can be awkward.  It's tactless and tasteless to say, "Hey, I heard your sister's a cancer survivor, so here's a pink ribbon pen."  But if you're looking for gifts for your office and don't want to give everyone yet another box of See's chocolates, what about designing a custom tee as a gift for everyone, giving money to the cause of breast cancer awareness, and organizing or attending a walk to fundraise for Susan G. Komen?  I also love this "I Am the Cure" gear based on a rallying cry from the Race for the Cure; they're great gifts for ladies I know who run in those races every year.

• Office gifts for any health cause: Get your office fit and healthy by outfitting everyone with pedometers.  (There are a bajillion at REI alone.)  Have everyone name his/her favorite cause, and put it on a tracking white board (or just a peace of paper near the water cooler).  If you're the boss, kick off the kitty with some money, and have a jar available for loose change.  Donate each week or each month to the winner's cause -- the cause chosen by the person with the most steps.  Or, choose a cause together, maybe a cause in support of an illness someone close to a coworker is fighting, and decide to make a donation when everyone has achieved a million steps.  The pedometer's the gift, but there's an added bonus of health benefits and money for a cause.  If you want to be the world's best boss, offer extra time at lunch on Fridays to buddy-walk!

For Shelter:

• Habitat for Humanity: If your church group, office, knitting circle or other group hasn't done a Habitat outing yet, I can't encourage it enough.  I participated in one a decade ago, and its memories linger.  It's one thing to e-mail each other quarterlies or to sit in a pew and listen to teachings; it's another to swing a hammer and make someone's dream of home ownership come true.  There are lots of ways to support Habitat, including an on-line store and resale outlets.  Just think: if you're gifting someone who just bought a home, how about giving them some of these cool soup mugs with a note: "now that your dream of home ownership has come true, I'm honoring that by helping others achieve that goal through donating to Habitat in your name."

• The National Alliance to End Homelessness: Once, I was walking down the street with a friend's kid, and the kid complained about the odor and very presence of a homeless man on a bench nearby.  This led to a great discussion about what we owe others as fellow human beings, including treating them without disdain.  Homelessness is a growing issue in our town; if it is in yours, think about a donation for an "End Homelessness" tee, and read about some of the advocacy this top-rated (per Charity Navigator) group undertakes.

To be continued...

I wanted to get some ideas out there before Black Fridays doorbusters, as I think there are so many ways to gift this year without buying stuff that you can get on special at WalMart.  It's important to shop to support the hurting economy, but it's also important to think about how we all might reallocate some of our shopping to offset the hurt: pets are often the greatest victims of recessions and of natural disasters, as are parks, wildlife conservation groups, and the arts.  For more ideas, click here for Charity Navigator's Holiday Giving Guide, listing the best-rated (and the worst ... let's avoid those) around the world. 

Wishing you festive holiday shopping, however you choose to do it.  Next up: Part Two: Gifts of In-home Entertainment (Books, Movies, and Games)!

Disclaimer: While I received a complimentary Hanes tee as well as a copy of The Earthbound Cook for past reviews, the inclusion of these items in my gift guide is my choice and was not requested by the companies providing me with the items. 

Cross-posted on Good Stuff Rox

 

Holiday Gift Guide: Coming Soon!

This year, I'll be releasing my Holiday Gift Guide throughout the next few weeks, including some fun giveaways to keep things exciting.  The guide will be pubished both here and on my Good Stuff Rox blog; all of the giveaways will be on the Good Stuff Rox site.   The guide will be broken into sections based on one main theme: experiences.  As my house fills with too much "stuff," I'm reminded all the more that the best stuff of life actually isn't stuff at all.  I'd take a day with my family at the beach over a new outfit anyday!  Time is precious, and, when the economy is, well, like it is, creativity is key when gifting at the holidays.  But also because of the economy, it's important to remember that charitable donations are suffering more than ever.  That's why I'll be incorporating a lot of "gifts that keep on giving" into my guide this year.

Here's what to expect in the coming couple of weeks:

Part One: Gifts for a Cause (Charitable Giving with Tangible Reminders)

Part Two: Gifts of In-home Entertainment (Books, Movies, and Games)

Part Three: Gifts of In-home Experiences (Cooking, Gift Clubs, Home Decor and More)

Part Four: Gifts of Family Experiences Away from Home (Memberships, Concerts, Tours, Thrills, and More)

Part Five: Gifts for Play Experiences (Toys Parents Won't Hate)

Part Six: Gifts of Experiences reflecting Gratitude  (For Teachers, Coaches, and Others)

... and maybe more.  Stay tuned!

The RoxAndRoll 2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Stuff for Kids

On a number of levels, I have had it with kids' toys these days.  Who invented these ridiculous Polly Pockets, with the rubber clothes that not even adults can take on and off?  Oh, that's right -- Mattel, a company that's on my Santa-please-give-them-coal list anyway for releasing a homeless American Girl doll without dedicating every single last dime of profit from that doll to homeless charities.  (I have omitted a link to the doll on purpose, and, bluntly, I think you're an asshat if you buy a $95 homeless doll.  Seriously.)  Mattel-owned American Girl states on their web site that they do give money to homeless charities, but they clearly have not dedicated the entire proceeds of the doll as they could have (else we'd have heard that advertised) -- so they are thus, in my hardly-humble opinion, profiteering without a thought to social consciousness.  Hey Mattel?  Bah, humbug.

Clearly, little gets me hot under the collar more than crappy, pointless toys, especially those exploiting a cause for profit.  See, I have these two great kids -- daughter Petunia, age 9, and son Dash, age 4 -- and, when I buy them stuff, I want it to be stuff that isn't junk.  I'm not a Waldorf-style mom, so they're not just limited to wooden blocks and baking stuff (Waldorf cultists followers, don't come after me -- I respect your right to your own ways weird as they are).  I like smart toys, toys that inspire creativity and scientific thinking especially.  And if they have to be dolls and cars, well, let's have dolls and cars that mean something. 

What follows is the list of my favorite kids' stuff of 2009 for kids aged pre-K through grade 5, including some things my own kids are getting for Christmas.  Shhh, don't tell! 

1. My favorite doll of 2009: The Earth Friends

My daughter loves dolls, and Christmas wouldn't be special for her without receiving a new one.  While she usually asks Santa for American Girl dolls, our house is boycotting the company this year over the $95 homeless doll.  Petunia is really, really sad about that -- those have been her favorite doll since age 4 -- but she is the one who suggested we step away from Mattel.  So Santa needed to find a way to fill the void.

Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon The Earth Friends at Green Fest this year.  The Earth Friends are a group of nine boy and girl dolls made locally, in Mendocino, CA, from organic and/or recycled materials.  They each come with a backpack containing a real, live tree planting kit -- encouraging environmental awareness and responsibility in children.  I can't wait to give my nine year-old tree-hugger this socially-conscious gift -- and what better time of year to do it?!

Pros: Locally-made, woman-founded/owned, environmentally-conscious, socially-conscious, organic and recycled materials; also hard-to-find boy dolls

Cons: Small dolls are 14 inches and cost $69; I saved $20 and shipping by purchasing mine at Green Fest.  Large dolls (22 inches) are usually $89 but are presently priced the same as small ones ($69) on the website.  Also, there aren't many accesories/outfits -- but most of my daughter's American Girl outfits will work on these, even though they're smaller.

2. My favorite building toy: Magna-Tiles

My son received Magna-Tiles as a 4th birthday gift in March, and he has played with them every single day since – and his 9 year-old sister enjoys them too!  They’re a great gift for the kid who loves to build.  My son has built his version of “Moffet Field” hangars from these things and uses them to house his mini-space shuttles; he has also built houses for Playmobil charaters, garages for those damn Matchbox cars, and many other things.   I’d gift these to any kid from about ages 3-7. 

Pros: Smaller than blocks, easy to pack for travel (great airplane entertainment!), opportunity for lots of science lessons (magnetism, physics, spatial relations), and fun!

Cons: Price -- at about $50 for a 32-block set, they're expensive.

3. My favorite gifts ever: Books

I struggled with where to put books on this gift list.  To me, they’re a valuable and important gift; but to a kid, depending on the kid, they may not be that exciting… unless you find the right book.  I could make a list a mile long of the books we love, but here’s what I think: if you’re going to give a gift to a child, find out what the kid’s interested in, and find a book to go along with it.  If a little boy loves Tonka trucks, there are awesome books for that, such as “If I Could Drive a Loader.”  If an elementary school girl loves art, she’ll love some how-to-draw books attached to a sketch pad, some pencils, and some Japanese erasers that everyone in grade school is collecting and trading these days.  If my son is given a book about a fire truck and a fire truck, he’s going to want to read the book while holding the fire truck – and I think that’s fantastic.

Here are the books we love most right now:

For Dash (pre-K):

• The Skippyjon Jones series by Judy Schachner: These books about a Siamese cat who thinks he's a chihuahua are rioutously funny, especially if the parent reading them can do a good Spanish accent!  They're a great gift for preschool-K/1 boys especially.
• Andrew Henry’s Meadow by Doris Burn: This classic is my new baby gift to any parents of boys, but girls will enjoy the book, too.  It's about a boy's quest (along with friends) to make his own world when his family doesn't make space for him -- sort-of.  I can't do this classic justice; it's an important addition to any library of kids up to probably grade 1-2.
• Christina Katerina and the Box by Patricia Lee Gauch: Another classic, this book will inspire your child to create great things, but beware: if you're not in the mood for your kid playing with boxes, you're lame this book isn't for you and yours.  I gift this one to lots of preschool girls.
• Mike Mulligan and More: Four Classic Stories by Virginia Lee Burton: All Virginia Lee Burton books are fantastic classics.  From Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel to Maybelle the cable car (a San Francisco classic), these books will be treasured by generations.  A great gift from birth - grade 1 or so.

For Petunia (grade 4):

• The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis: Whereas our daughter prefers to read the Harry Potter series with us, the Narnia books are manageable enough (short enough, with a reasonable age-appropriate vocabulary) for her to read alone.  For fantasy lovers, these can't be beat -- and they're good for boys and girls.
• Books by Madeleine L’Engle: I think "A Wrinkle In Time" remains my favorite book ever.  I can't imagine a better book for a fourth grade girl!  Another great fantasy read, perhaps a little more girlie but good for either gender.
• Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somserset Sisters by Lesley M.M. Blume: Petunia got a real kick out of the 11 year-old protagonist, Cornelia; plus, the book challenged her with some bigger words.   Blume is a relatively new author (and, in the interest of full disclosure, the wife of a friend of the Guv's) who is receiving a lot of good critical acclaim; Publisher's Weekly calls her "a writer to watch," and the Chicago Tribune calls her writing ""brilliant, unusual."  Petunia is getting her newest book, Tennyson, for Christmas.
  

4. My favorite classic gift: Legos

I could spend all day, every day playing Legos with my kids.  In her Lego phase, Petunia built many of the Star Wars ships and the Harry Potter castle from kits;  these days, Dash likes to create his own things (especially biplanes), though he’s using some of the Lego City kits as well.  Fortunately, we don’t have to buy a lot of bricks because we have my brother’s old Legos.  If you’re going to gift these, I recommend buying just the bucket of blocks over a special kit, then go to Lego’s website and download some templates for some cool creations that aren’t trademarked. 

Pros: Inspires creativity, imagination and fine motor skill development; a range of prices for any budget.

Cons: Not great for houses with puppies or babies/toddlers because of the choking hazard factor.  Also, the cost for some of the larger kits is ridiculous.

5. My favorite educational gift: Science Kits

These have always been a huge hit in my house.  Scientific Explorer makes a bijillion different ones.  Have a kid who loves Harry Potter?  There's a "Magic Science Wizards Kit."   A girlie girl?  "Spa Science."  A gross boy?  "Disgusting Science."  These are all for elementary school-aged kids and range from $15-$25 usually.

We've also loved some bigger science toys like the Gears Illumabot , pictured at right.   What's cooler than a robot?!  We bought this for Petunia in 2nd grade, and she required help to put it together but is still enjoying it years later; Dash is beginning to play along.  It's around $50.

At the Fun Paper Airplanes website, you can download paper airplane templates to make your own kit for a kid who loves airplanes, origami, and/or physics.  I used these templates to teach some Brownies physics principles; Petunia used them in her first-ever science fair project last year on "how dihedral wings affect flight."  This is a nearly-FREE gift that is extra-special when you put the time in to build them with the kid recipient.

Of course, you could also wrap up baking soda and vinegar, help a kid build a volcano in a sandbox, and have some cheap fun!

Pros to science kits: You're helping America to close the science gap, keeping us competitive with places like India whose kids are much more ahead in science; you're inspiring future Americans to become great scientific thinkers and leaders.  Science projects are inexpensive.

Cons: You have to help kids with most of these kits/activities -- but what's worth more of your time?

6. My favorite family-time gift: Games

We’ve gotten a lot of mileage out of games that I played when I was a kid and have been learning a lot of new ones, too.  You can’t go wrong with the gift of a game, and there’s something in every price range.  So there’s no pros/cons list here – just an opportunity for lots of family fun.  Here’s what our home enjoys best:

For strategic thinking: Sorry, Clue, Monopoly, Connect Four, Battleship, Mancala

For spatial relations: Jenga, Blokus, Tangoes

For memory: Stare!

For math: Yahtzee, Monopoly

For language: Scrabble, Boggle

For geography: Great States, Great States Junior

Fun card games: Uno, Blink, Set, Would You Rather, and the classics: Go Fish, Old Maid, War

For little kids: Going to Grandma’s House, Boggle Junior, Memory, Candyland, Chutes and Ladders

New games that Santa might bring this year:
- For Petunia: Monopoly City with a Monopoly dog theme pack on the side, Ticket to Ride (I'd never heard of this but found it's highly rated) Sorry Sliders, Clue's Harry Potter edition, Pictureka card game, Rook card game
- For Dash: Monopoly Junior
- For both: Wild Planet Hyper Dash, Qwirkle (received all sorts of award and a Mensa stamp of approval)

I apologize for not linking to all of those games, but I assure you that most are available on-line at Amazon and probably are even cheaper at WalMart or Target, both of which have monster discounts going on toys this holiday season. 

Also, don't forget about classic free games: hangman, tic-tac-toe, charades, scavenger hunts... There are great ways to make homemade "kits" for these games.  Someone once gave me a home-made tablet of tic-tac-toe, dot-to-dot, and hangman games for Petunia, all printed on "GOOS" paper (good on other side -- in other words, recycled office paper!).  We loved it!

7. Puzzles

Along the same lines, our family really enjoys a good jigsaw puzzle.  During the summer between my high school graduation and college, the Guv and I spent hours on end putting together complex jigsaws.  (We were in rural West Virginia; there’s not a whole lot going on.)  If you pick up a puzzle mat and a couple of good puzzles, you’ve got a great gift.

Melissa & Doug makes a lot of great floor puzzles for little kids.  We especially love their Children of the World and Solar System floor puzzles.

For kids of all ages, we love the Great American Puzzle Factory.  How can you not love something with "Great American" in the title?!   We own some of their John Deer puzzles and will be picking up some of their fantasy ones this year.

Ravensburger is also a go-to, solid brand.  It's a German company that's been around since the late 1800s.  They make puzzleballs that are lots of fun.  We own some horse and unicorn puzzles from this company.  Because their quality is high, so is their price; these puzzles will last forever, whereas cheaper ones probably won't last for a second kid.

8. On-line fun

Petunia is in 4th grade, and, since 2nd grade, has really enjoyed on-line gaming.  She collects Webkinz, small stuffed animals that come with an on-line gaming access code, and our family finds the on-line games fun and educational.  The child plays games to earn money, then they have to budget to buy food and other needs for their pets.  (There is no way to "buy" more money within the games -- so don't worry about being pestered for a credit card number!)  There are also cards and accessories available that enhance the online world without your having to buy more animals.  Bella Sara horses work along similar lines with regard to the gaming, but the only thing sold for these are baseball-type cards; they're in packets and sets of packets available at places like Target, WalMart, ToysRUs, etc.

Petunia is also a big KidZui fan.  A subscription site, KidZui is a portal to the web for kids with kid-safe/kid-friendly browsing, search and content such as games and pre-screened YouTube videos.  We like it because we feel like she's in "safe space" when she's on KidZui, and we know that we don't have to be sitting right next to her fearing what'll pop up next on the YouTube screen. 

9. Video games

We’re a Nintendo Wii family, and we’ve been having loads of fun this year with Wii Sports Resort.  We also remain Animal Crossing: City Folk fans, and Rock Band 2 is always a blast – you haven’t lived until you’ve heard Dash’s “Hungry Like the Wolf” and Petunia’s “We Got the Beat!”  These are games that we all play and love -- not just for kids!  Though we all note that there will probably never be another Wii game as good as Super Mario Galaxy.

For the Nintendo DS, Petunia is going to be getting Professor Layton’s Diabolical Box this year; it was swag from our Silicon Valley Moms Blog holiday party, and it looks like an awesome, thinking game.

Dash will score his first hand-held also, as the Guv picked up a half-price Leapster 2 for him on Black Friday.  Since he enjoys his Tag reading system so much and is always begging to play games on Petunia’s Nintendo DS or iPod Touch or on a parent’s iPhone, we want him to have his own fun, interactive gaming.  I like Leap Frog toys and hope that this is as good as their reading systems like the Tag.

Why include on-line and video games in a gift list for kids?  Our family appreciates their interactivity; it’s better than kids sitting on their rumps in front of the television alone.  We’ve seen how the kids math and reading skills have improved through using on-line tools, and hey – if that’s what reaches them best, then they’re not bad.  We limit screen-time; these gift recommendations are for fun things to enjoy during those limited hours.  Everything in moderation!

If you've stuck with this guide 'til the end, thanks, and stay tuned for the last gift guide, Stuff that's not Stuff!

Buy Wine for a Great Cause: Magical Bridge Playground

This just in: the Magical Bridge cabernet sauvignon is already sold out -- so if you're going to purchase some wine in support of this fabulous park, do it NOW!

Here's the link.

And a review of the message originally published in my gift guide: Some friends of mine in Palo Alto are working hard to make this Magical Bridge playground a reality.  This will be Palo Alto's only playground designed with the needs of those with physical and/or cognitive challenges in mind.  Think about it: most playgrounds are rife with sand and mulch, steps and bars that a child with physical handicaps can't necessarily access -- and a parent in a wheelchair can't reach if their child is in danger.  This park takes into account all of these unique needs.  Every kid needs a place to play, and there are so many parks in Palo Alto that aren't accessible to every kid; I'm really, really proud of my friends who are bringing this special park for everyone to life.

Priced from $20-30/bottle, this wine makes a great holiday gift that keeps on giving.  While enjoying the wine, the recipient can read about the Magical Bridge playground on its label.  Shhh, don't tell, but I'm gifting this wine to most of my kids' teachers and coaches.  Last year, we gave them Feed 100 bags from Whole Foods, another gift with a message -- but I like this gift of wine better because it benefits local kids who need an accessible park

The RoxAndRoll 2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Stuff for Adults

Here it is: RoxAndRoll's favorite things of 2009!  So what, you ask?!  I point you to my family, who will tell you that I fixate on giving people good gifts.  I don't believe in buying people junk, especially as I am still in the process of decluttering my house from the junk people gave us when we married thirteen years ago plus the nine years (and counting) of childrearing.  The list below is stuff I'd give to family members, teachers, friends; there are no "luxury" gifts here, nor is there a spectacular dollar-store find.  The best stuff in life is not stuff at all -- but if you are going to buy stuff for someone else, here are some gifts that will be appreciated.  I've written out tales to go with my top 5 pics, then I follow with a handful of honorable mentions with briefer descriptions.  Enjoy!

1. My very favorite thing of 2009: The Activeion Pro

What -- a cleaning tool?  For Christmas?  Yes, I'm serious!  Read on:

Back in May, the PR firm handling the Activeion Pro account held this fantastic event at The Tech in San Jose during which Bill Nye the Science Guy demonstrated the Activeion, explained the science behind it, and showed the crowd, kids included, some other fun science tricks.  In fact, this event promised to be so fantastic that I cancelled a trip to Vegas with my husband to be among the crowd; Bill Nye is my four year-old son Dash's personal hero, and I couldn't miss this chance for him to meet the guy IRL.  Whatever the Activeion Pro was didn't matter back then -- this was Bill Nye the Science Guy!  IRL!   AWESOME!

Well, as it turns out, the Activeion Pro they gave me is equally awesome, and I don't say that lightly.  This cleaning system is amazing, the science behind it incredible.  It uses tap water alone -- ONLY water -- and converts it to a cleaner and sanitizer using ionizing technology (basically electrically charging the water).  Before you get all freaked out by that, yes, it's safe -- and it cleans and sanitizes as well as Clorox.  I don't use other cleaners anymore.  Gone are my Windex, Clorox spray, Fantastik, you name it... the only other cleaners I use are Method products for dusting and for the toilets/tubs, though I think the Activeion handles my tile pretty darned well.  It makes my stainless steel shine, my windows sparkle, and my counters sanitized.  When my parents' dog had surgery and his wound bled on their white couch and carpet, the Activeion even cleaned that.  It's a freakin' miracle cleaning system.  Fewer chemicals, safe for my kids and pets... it's the best swag I ever received!

And did I mention that it's made in Minnesota, right here in the U.S.A.? 

The downside?  The Activeion Pro retails for $299.  However, they have a new model (the ionater HOM) that sells for $169.  I'm sure I spent that much, probably more, in a year on cleaning products.  Will your spouse find the gift of a cleaning product offensive?  Possibly... but your mom will love it. 

Disclaimer: Yes, I received a free Activeion Pro.  I was not asked to blog about it and am receiving no compensation for recommending this product.  It's just my own opinion, after using it for six months, that it's awesome.  You need one of these, you really do.

2. My favorite kitchen gadget of 2009: The Breadman TR875 2-Pound Breadmaker, Stainless Steel

I am allergic to wheat.  I do not have to live gluten-free, but I mostly do -- mostly because restaurants bizarrely respect "gluten-free" over "wheat could kill me."  In any event, of all the things that I have never found suitable replacements for (pie crust? ha!), bread topped the list.  I can eat spelt, but, as my husband eats delicious loaf after delicious loaf of Mayfield's sourdough, sometimes, I just want a white bread that I can smother with butter and enjoy with tea -- one that doesn't have the texture of sand and the flavor of sheetrock.  Sometimes I want gluten-free pizza dough that doesn't cost a small fortune.  Sometimes I don't have the patience to knead and wait and punch down and knead again.  Who knew what a miracle a bread machine was?!

This Breadman breadmaker does everything for you.  You just dump in the ingredients, and it mixes, rises, kneads, bakes, etc.  My favorite thing to make in it is Pamela's gluten-free bread.   Also, this bread machine comes with a recipe book that includes gluten-free recipes; and, with a gluten-free setting, baking often-testy gluten-free recipes is foolproof!

At just under $100, this breadmaker is a great value, in my opinion.  I bought my own, and, over two months, it probably paid for itself compared to the overpriced, bad GF bread I used to buy.  For whom is this a great gift?  Any GF person you know, or anyone who loves the smell of fresh bread baking in his/her house -- it's a real treat.

3. My favorite gift for a cause: Magical Bridge wine

Some friends of mine in Palo Alto are working hard to make the Magical Bridge playground a reality.  This will be Palo Alto's only playground designed with the needs of those with physical and/or cognitive challenges in mind.  Think about it: most playgrounds are rife with sand and mulch, steps and bars that a child with physical handicaps can't necessarily access -- and a parent in a wheelchair can't reach if their child is in danger.  This park takes into account all of these unique needs.  Every kid needs a place to play, and there are so many parks in Palo Alto that aren't accessible to every kid; I'm really, really proud of my friends who are bringing this special park for everyone to life.

Priced from $20-30/bottle, this wine makes a great holiday gift that keeps on giving.  While enjoying the wine, the recipient can read about the Magical Bridge playground on its label.  Shhh, don't tell, but I'm gifting this wine to most of my kids' teachers and coaches.  Last year, we gave them Feed 100 bags from Whole Foods, another gift with a message -- but I like this gift of wine better because it benefits local kids who need an accessible park.

4. My favorite "green" buy of 2009: To-Go Ware's 3-Tier Action Pack #2

Oh, how I'm dying to get away from plastic.  Everyone knows that used and reused disposable plastic containers, especially when you heat things in them, is bad for you.  But I pack my kids' lunches in plastic, still, because it's so convenient.  I used the healthiest plastic containers that I can find (like Laptop Lunches), but I wanted something different for me.  I carry lunch to Dash's preschool, and I wanted a container that could a.) hold both of our lunches, b.) not stain and stink to high heaven even after being washed, c.) not leach dangerous chemicals into our food, and d.) look cool. 

At Green Fest this year, I found this To-Go Ware tiffin box set, a three-tier tiffin box with an extra tiny container inside for something like salad dressing plus a carrier and bamboo utensils.  I have been oogling these on the Reusable Bags website for quite some time but hesitated; at around $50 for the set, it seemed a pricier lunchbox than using the containers I have in a reusable bag.  I scored a deal at Green Fest and got it for $45 -- and I just love it.  I can fit everything for both Dash and me in it, and food tastes great straight out of it.  The downside is that you can't microwave the containers, so we just pack cold stuff -- not the end of the world.  It's a fun way to save money by brown-bagging -- err, tiffin-boxing -- it.  For whom would I buy this?  Teachers, especially the ones sitting on your school's "green team," would love it; or anyone promising a new year's diet, which always starts with stopping the eating-out thing.

5. My favorite gourmet gift: Bluebottle Coffee

If you haven't had Bluebottle coffee, you haven't lived.  I kid you not.  This small roaster in Oakland, CA (third most dangerous city in America!  yippee!) makes THE best coffee on the fast of God's green earth.  Even Philz (my second favorite) is a far cry from Bluebottle.  Their Hayes Valley Espresso is so good that my brother -- the biggest coffee snob ever (and I won't even offend him by saying that) -- mail-orders it from DC to make in his super-fancy ($$$$!) coffee system.  

I drink this nectar of the gods regularly at Fraiche yogurt, but you can order it online by the pound or in multi-month gift subscriptions.  For whom would I buy this?  Clearly, my brother, or any other coffee afficionado; or, again, teachers -- just leave out the mug, as teachers really don't need any more of those!  Other ideas: coaches, the helpful receptionist at your doctor's office, anyone who'll give you the swine flu vaccine, your neighbor... the possibilities are endless!

The RoxAndRoll 2009 Gift Guide Honorable Mentions:

Around the Table: Kitchen and Gourmet Specialties with a great assortment of holiday gift baskets - This was my favorite store in Pennington, New Jersey, and I can vouch for the owner, Chris Toto, an awesome chef and great person.  These are great gifts for that East Coast relative for whom you don't know what to buy.

xsbaggage&co: This Etsy shop has gorgeous purses with awesome, numerous pockets handmade in Pennsylvania.  I've carried one of their bags for over a year, and it has no signs of wear and tear -- at $40, they're a steal!  They're a great gift for someone transitioning out of a diaper bag because of those glorious pockets.

Livestrong fitness gear: I don't know a man -- or woman -- who doesn't love Livestrong stuff.  Proceeds from the purchase of this gear go toward the Lance Armstrong Foundation in support of cancer research.  It's especially great stuff for the cyclist in your life.

Rabbit wine opener: I can't open a bottle of wine to save my life except with this amazing Rabbit opener that my husband received as swag about five years ago.  It both opens and recorks a bottle effortlessly.  Your 90 year-old arthritic granny could open wine with this gadget.  They are available in a variety of sets and price ranges, starting at around $35 at WalMart to nearly $100 for tabletop models.

What gift would you add to this "Stuff For Adults" list?  I'd love to hear your ideas!  Happy Holidays!

The RoxAndRoll 2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Coming Soon

This year, I have been one lucky blogger.  Among the BlogHer conference, the recent Silicon Valley Moms Blog pre-holiday bash, a handful of special events, some really cool friends who have given me and mine some great gifts, and my own shopping, I have compiled a list of my very favorite things for giving this year.  This is all great stuff.  I have not been asked to blog about any of it; I have chosen to feature this stuff because I actually like it!  Of course, I will disclose the source of any products I've been given; just know that I don't whore myself these opinions are mine alone and come from my heart, not from any company.  After all, this is Rox and Roll, not Washington, D.C.; lobbyists don't have me by my brass ones.

Over the course of this week, there will be three gift guide installments: Stuff for Adults, Stuff for Kids, and Stuff that's not Stuff.  I'll also be doing my first-ever giveaway!  So stay tuned for some great... stuff.