Publication:
THE SUNDAY GAZETTE-MAIL
Published:
Page: 1F
Headline: GAZETTE GIFT GUIDE
The hardest part of Christmas shopping is coming up with a good gift idea. So
we decided to play Santa's helper. We consulted staff writers, our expert
columnists, local merchants and dozens of specialty catalogs for suggestions.
Our 50 holiday gift ideas should please most people on your list.
It’s sooooo hard to pick just five gifts made in
recommend. There are all the food products from chocolates to jams to hot
sauce. And the crafts, the artwork, and the music and books.
A gift made in
Martina pendant
PRICES: $18 to $60
FROM: Showcase
With a handcrafted pendant by Martina’s Stained Glass Studio,
PRICE: $20
FROM: Showcase
Support the local music scene by giving a compact disc by
Fiesta plate
PRICE: $35 FROM: Alex
For all those collectors out there, Homer Laughlin has issued the first of an
annual series of limited-edition Fiestaware holiday
plates. Alex
Wolf Creek calendar
PRICE: $19.95
FROM: Taylor Books
or www.wolfcreek
printery.com
Each calendar page shows artist Vivian Pranulis’
seasonal
images inspired by rural West Virginia. Wolf Creek Printery, Alderson, has produced calendars every year since
1971.
Photo book
PRICES: $6.95 and up FROM: Taylor Books
The paperback “West Virginia Pictures” by Charleston
photographer Steve Payne is a great stocking stuffer, especially for all those
homesick West Virginians living
out of state.
For the coffee table, state photographer Steve Shaluta
Jr. has produced a hardback collection of his work titled “Wonders of West Virginia.”
Yes, Virginia, it is possible to
find fun and functional gifts without piling on the credit-card debt. Here’s
just a small sample of what’s available in stores and online.
Dog
thermometer
PRICE: $18
FROM: Cornucopia
This outdoor window thermometer is sure to bring a smile to anyone who opens
this gift on Christmas morning. You have a couple of
Fidos to pick from.
Cell phone shoulder bag
PRICE: $3.50 FROM: www.pearlriver.com
What could be cuter than carrying a cell in a little
kimono. Looks like you might be able to slip in some cash and a credit card,
too. Comes in nine colors and various styles for the same
price.
Personalized stationery
PRICE: $14.95 FROM: Eggplant
Your teenagers might
actually write thank-you notes if they had their name written in fuchsia across
the front. A set
of 50 informal notes comes with matching envelopes. You can add the return
address for $22. Raised print comes in 10 colors on ivory or white paper.
Yaktrax Walkers
PRICE: $19.50
FROM: plowandhearth.com/hearth or (800) 627-1712
Get a grip on winter ice and snow with extra security on your shoes. Dog
walkers and hikers swear by them. You put your shoe into a stretchy boot grip
and pull the back over your heel. Spikeless cable
coils on the bottom keep you from slipping on the snow and ice.
Wind ’n Go flashlight
PRICE: $19
FROM: llbean.com
Can a person ever have too many flashlights? There’s one for the car, one for
the garage and now this one for the campsite. You don’t have to depend on fresh
batteries, because just one minute of cranking produces up
to 60 minutes
of light. Now,
this is a gift
that people
wouldn’t
buy for
themselves.
Racking your brain for a gift idea for the most difficult of recipients — the
person who has everything? Surely that person doesn’t have everything on the
list below. Surprise them with one of these creative gifts.
Crocs
PRICE: $30
FROM: Sport Mart, Green’s Feed and Seed, others
Colorful and comfy crocs are easy to spot in your office on those who value
comfortable footwear. Made of a space-age material, they are light and
ergonomic. They come in a rainbow of colors and a variety of styles.
Back to class
PRICE: Varies
Gift certificates to a special-interest class, such as cooking, ballroom
dancing, ice skating or yoga. Many teachers offer lower holiday
gift-giving rates.
Free tickets
PRICE: Varies
Give tickets to a favorite
concert or play. Wrap a set of tickets for an event you know the recipient
would enjoy.
Photograph restoration
PRICE: Varies
FROM: Alpha Omega Creations and other studios
Restore an old family photograph — frame and mat it. Do this now, or you’ll run
out of time and have to throw yourself at the mercy of a harried framing store
employee.
Electric throw
PRICES: $30-$80
FROM: J.C. Penney, Wal-Mart, others
With energy costs up and thermostats turned down,
everyone is
looking for ways to stay warm. Bundle up with an electric fleece throw while
you watch television or read.