Albuquerque JournAl

A SpeciAl Supplement

Pearls

Wine

Briefcases

Car stuff

Pets

Special needs toys

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FridAy, december 9, 2011

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Friday, december 9, 2011 Holiday Gift Ideas2

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STAFF

Section editor: Helen TaylordeSigner: Susan Voglecopy editorS: Carolyn Flynn, Gayle Geis

ON THE COVER:Illustration by Susan Vogle

For children with special needs, lots of optionsResourcesThe National Lekotek Center, lekotek.org, offers information about toys for kids with disabilities and runs Ableplay.org, which rates toys for various special needs.

Fun and Function designs toys for kids with disabilities. Learning is Fun in Albuquerque can order products found on the company’s website, funandfunction.com.

“Let’s Play: A Guide to Toys for Children with Special Needs,” available on the American Foundation for the Blind’s website at afb.org, also provides examples of toys for specific disabilities.

Toys R Us also puts out a toy guide for differently abled kids at toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=3261680.

By Amanda SchoenbergJournal Staff Writer

If your child needs help with motor skills or feels anxious around loud noises, the perfect toy is

still out there.In her book, “Smart Play

Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High PQ (Play Quotient),” San Francisco toy expert Stevanne Auerbach, known as Dr. Toy, has a list of questions to consider when buying toys for kids with special needs.

Parents may want to consider which physical activities a child needs help with and which muscles need strengthening, as well as whether a child follows visual cues and responds to sounds. When thinking about mental and emotional development, they can think about whether a child looks in the mirror, understands directions and notices letters.

If customers come with a list of needs, they don’t need to have a specific toy in mind, say Lisa Gallegos and Cariad Owen, co-managers at Out of the Blue on Rio Grande NW. They are used to scouring the store for just the right toy for every child.

“We just have to be creative,” Gallegos says.

At Out of the Blue, many customers want toys for kids

on the autism spectrum, such as kids who don’t like overstimulation with loud noises. Gallegos and Owen suggest the Meteor Storm, a novelty toy for $7.99 that creates a soothing sound as it lights up.

Kids with autism often have tactile sensitivities. Classic pin art toys for $19.99 let kids press their hands against pins and make designs.

“Kids really like the feeling of it,” says Gallegos.

In an email message, Auerbach recommends soft, stimulating toys like puppets and dolls for kids with autism, as well as toys that incorporate music or construction toys.

At Learning is Fun, a store for educators and families, on Menaul NE, manager

Shelby Richardson says “Point to Happy: A Book for Kids on the Autism Spectrum” by Miriam Smith and Afton Fraser is a popular read. Children use a plastic hand to point to photographs of other kids. The book, which costs $19.95, is designed to help children recognize emotions and make connections.

While many toys are used by children with disabilities, Learning is Fun also carries products designed specifically for kids with special needs. Products include texture squares that let kids explore materials and weighted police vests for children with autism. When kids fidget or need hand therapy, Richardson suggests calming animal Squeezies for $2.99.

Learning is Fun also has tools to improve reading skills. Colored transparencies used over a page can help with dyslexia, she says.

Whispy, a reading tool for $8.99, is designed to improve pronunciation. A rubber tube held like a phone lets kids read out loud by whispering in one end and hearing themselves in the other.

When kids need help with language, Gallegos and Owen suggest Tell Tale for $12.99, picture cards that encourage kids to tell their own stories.

To improve problem-solving and spatial skills, they like Magnetic Mighty Mind for $22.99. Kids use magnets to make patterns on their own or use cards for suggestions.

Children with visual impairments enjoy tactile toys they can manipulate, Auerbach writes. Richardson suggests musical instruments like tambourines or clay.

Kids who are hard of hearing may like visual toys like puzzles, matching games and construction toys, Auerbach suggests.

Learning is Fun also

has videos and flashcards for families interested in learning sign language.

Larger sizesIn general, when buying

products for children with physical disabilities, larger sizes are easier to control, says Richardson. She suggests large TriWrite Crayons, $7.99 for a pack of six pyramid-shaped crayons.

“The smaller the item, the harder it is to grasp,” she says.

Children with physical disabilities also may benefit from toys that respond to sound or by hitting them, according to Auerbach. Gift buyers should consider how far a child can reach or interact when buying toys.

Many toys are fun for a variety of special needs. Wire and bead toys let kids push beads along the turns of a wire. A blind child gains tactile stimulation, while a child with cerebral palsy might use the toy to gain confidence.

For a similar range of uses, Richardson likes the classic wooden abacus for $19.99, a new product at Learning is Fun. It can help kids with math skills, colors and

patterns and provide visual and tactile stimulation.

Building toys are also fun for kids with a range of needs, say Owen and Gallegos. Wedgits, multi-dimensional plastic building blocks, help with sensory, motor and logic skills as children learn which shapes fit together. A starter kit costs $24.99 at Out of the Blue.

Toobers & Zots, $24.99 at Out of the Blue, is a construction toy made from soft foam that can help build strength and give kids creative license to make whatever they like, they say.

For all kids, Richardson suggests Gertie Balls ranging from $4.99-$9.99. The soft, squishy balls are easy to catch and can be used indoors. Gertie Knobbie balls have soft bumps that make them easier to handle for kids who have trouble with dexterity.

GREG SORBER/JOURNAL

An Educo wood abacus, which can help kids improve math skills and recognize colors and patterns, sells for $19.99 at Learning is Fun.

COURTESY OUT OF THE BLUE

A Wedgits starter kit by ImagAbility costs $24.99 at Out of the Blue. The construction toy can help build motor, logic and sensory skills.

GREG SORBER/JOURNAL

TriWrite Crayons are $7.99 at Learning is Fun. Larger crayons can be easier to grasp.

GREG SORBER/JOURNAL

Ashley Therapy Squeezies sell for $2.99 at Learning is Fun. The hand therapy toys provide fidget relief for kids.

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By Tania SoussanFor the Journal

Pearls have enjoyed a blue jeans-to-evening gown versatility for years, but today’s new

colors and styles make them even more fashionable than ever and promise something to please any taste.

From a classic white strand necklace to a multicolored bracelet to a pendant or earrings, pearls are a perfect gift this holiday season, local jewelers say.

“They’re a fantastic gift because they go with any outfit a woman can consider wearing,” says Eric Shelton, president of Shelton Jewelers in Albuquerque.

“You can never go wrong giving a pearl gift to anybody.”

Bernie Butterfield of Butterfield Jewelers agrees. “Pearls are one of the things that never, ever go out of style,” the Albuquerque pearl expert says. “Day in, day out, you can wear them for the most dressy to the most casual occasion.”

Many different types of pearls are available now, from natural to cultured,

round to cross-shaped and classic white to bright red.

Most pearls sold today are cultured pearls, created when a foreign body is inserted into the tissue of an oyster or mollusk. Freshwater cultured pearls grow in mollusks in lakes and rivers in China; each mollusk can produce up to 50 pearls at a time. Freshwater pearls also can be color-enhanced to appear in colors from chocolate brown to vivid red and can be grown in different shapes, such as a cross.

Saltwater cultured pearls, on the other hand, are produced individually in oysters and are rarer, of higher quality — rounder and with a higher luster — and more valuable. Akoya pearls come in creams, pinks, whites and silvers.

Tahitian pearls, grown in the South Pacific, are the only naturally black pearls. Meanwhile, large golden or white South Sea pearls are prized for their size, beauty and rarity.

Human-made pearls have never seen the inside of a mollusk and are made from

a glass bead coated in a fish scale-and-polymer material.

Every price rangePearl jewelry prices vary

as widely as the types of pearls available.

“There are pearls in really any price range a customer is looking for,” says Ron Beauchamp, owner of Beauchamp Jewelers in Albuquerque.

Beauchamp carries stretch bracelets made from 10 mm Chinese cultured pearls for about $30, for example, but also offers a 17-inch strand of black Tahitian pearls for $6,160. At Butterfield, a strand of Akoya pearls sells for $695 to $5,000 for the large 9 mm beads while a pearl drop necklace runs from $195 to $695.

Local stores have plenty of selection from affordable to extravagant, and choices are plentiful in the under $500 category, Beauchamp says.

Some popular pearl fashions this year include 15-inch choker-length necklaces; strands of multi-colored pearls, either

Strands of beauty

A pair of cultured pearl earrings with diamond circles by Mastoloni is $1,155 at Butterfield Jewelers.

A Breuning South Seas cultured pearl 14-karat white gold ring is $1,645 at Butterfield Jewelers.

PHOTOS BY GREG SORBER/JOURNAL

Freshwater cultured pearls sell from $49 to $895 at Shelton Jewelers.

A fresh-water mixed pearl necklace is $235 and a Chinese cul-tured pearl ring with diamonds by Breuning is $1,405 at Butterfield Jewelers.

Cultured, colorful pearls go with everything, never go out of style

A Mikimoto black Tahitian pearl ring with diamonds is $3,400 at Shelton Jewelers. See CULTURED on PAGE 4

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natural or dyed; lariat necklaces with two dangling pearls; pearl earrings or pendants accentuated with diamonds; and the “Tin Cup” necklace made popular by actress Rene Russo with pearls every two inches on a chain, local jewelers say.

“We used to think of pearls as plain white beads. Well, the pearl world has changed dramatically,” Beauchamp says. “The classics are not out by any means, but these bolder, more fashion-forward looks are more popular these days.”

Celebrities and public figures such as first lady Michelle Obama have been wearing pearls in layers, for example sometimes mixing colors and shapes.

Remember thisWhen it comes to choosing

pearls, consider several factors. Price, of course, is important. But to assess quality, buyers should look first at the roundness of the pearls, the color and the size.

Pearls that are uniformly spherical are the most valuable. Likewise for pink rose pearls, Shelton says. Larger pearls generally are worth more than smaller ones. To get really large pearls, choose freshwater; the saltwater pearls generally do not grow as large.

Another factor to consider is the surface look of the pearl.

“You do not want a pearl, if you can avoid it, that has spots or blemishes,” Shelton says.

He adds that the luster, or nacre thickness, also is important. Pearls with a thicker nacre, or coating, have been cultured longer, are more beautiful and more durable. Pearls with a thinner nacre can peel or chip.

In addition, pearls always should be strung on silk and individually knotted to prevent abrasion, Shelton says.

Beauchamp also recommends matching pearl colors to the wearer’s complexion. Someone with fair or pink-toned skin will look good in rose or white pearls while someone with a warmer complexion will do better with gold- or green-hued pearls, he says.

“Like all jewelry, it’s important to trust whoever you’re buying from,” Beauchamp says.

from PAGE 3

Cultured, colorful pearls go with everything, never go out of style

PHOTOS BY GREG SORBER/JOURNAL

A Japanese cultured pearl pendant with 18 diamonds by Mastoloni is $1,205 at But-terfield Jewelers.

Wear and careTo make the most of any gift of pearl jewelry, consider passing along a few tips on pearl care, says Eric Shelton, president of Shelton Jewelers.

n Pearls can be damaged by cosmetics such as perfume and hair spray and by body oils. So, pearls should be the last thing to go on before leaving the house. Once back home, take the pearls off and wipe them with a soft, moist cloth, then put them carefully away where they won’t rub against other jewelry.

n Every six months to a year, soak pearls for 10 to 15 minutes in a cup of warm water with one cap of mild detergent such as Woolite. Then rinse and dry, Shelton says.

n Every two or three years, it’s important to have pearls restrung because the silk strand acts like a wick, drawing in oils and other materials that can destroy pearls from the inside out.

n If pearls are not cared for properly, they will get a chalky, yellowish look over time, Shelton says.

Earrings of South Sea cul-tured pearls and diamonds by Mikimoto are $6,600 at Shel-ton Jewelers.

By Donna OlmsteadFor the Journal

Judges across the country are discovering just how tasty wine made from grapes

nurtured in New Mexico’s long sunny days and cool nights can be.

Several local wineries say their award-winning wines are a delightful way to share some bottled New Mexico sunshine with friends and family for holiday giving.

“It really boosts our confidence in the grapes that we’re growing,” says Daniel Gonzales, graphics supervisor at Southwest Wines, the Deming vineyard and winery that produces wines under eight labels including St. Clair, Blue Teal and D.H. Lescombes. The wine is available through many retailers as well as the St. Clair Winery and Bistro on Rio Grande NW.

Judges at the 2011 San Francisco Chronicle competition most recently named St. Clair Gewürztraminer as the best white wine from 5,000 entries, Gonzales says.

“It’s the second time we’ve gotten a sweepstake award. It feels like we’re starting to be recognized,” Gonzales adds.

In 2009 the same competition gave a best of show to a 2007 D.H. Lescombes Cabernet Franc Limited Release. The awards are two of three dozen best of

show awards that the winery has garnered as well as more than 80 gold medals.

“Credit goes to both the climate and condition of our vineyard as well as to the extreme care our winemaker takes to make sure these wines are everything they can be,” Gonzales says.

A bottle of Gewürztraminer, described as tasting of ripe apricots and spice, with lingering hints of green apple, is $12, while a bottle of the premium label D.H. Lescombes is about $24. Gonzales says that the Blue Teal label is popular during the holidays and offers a little sweeter sip of wine for about $10 a bottle.

Join a clubFor people who love

tastings and trying different wines, a three-month gift membership to the Southwest Wines Clubs is

$115 and includes two bottles of wine a month for three months, free wine flight tastings as well as 20 percent off at the bistros, Gonzales says.

For people who like more bubbly in their bottle, Gruet Winery, with its headquarters and tasting room on Pan American Freeway NE, specializes in sparkling wines.

Lori Anne McBride, an ambassador at Gruet Winery, says Wine Spectator recently awarded Blanc de Noirs, a $13.75 bottle of sparkling wine, 90 points (out of 100) in a blind taste test.

The magazine at winespectator.com has said that it challenges anyone to find a sparkling wine, even at three times the price, that tastes as good.

Gruet also has won many awards for its other wines including its Brut, McBride says.

She says a good way to give a gift of a Gruet wine, sparkling or still, is in a gift basket that averages about $60 or $80 and contains wine, wine accessories and gourmet New Mexican food to complement the wine.

Another way to please wine lovers is to give them a wine club membership. For about $80 every other month, members of Le Club des Vins receive two hand-selected bottles by winemaker Laurent Gruet, McBride says. Free flights of tastings when visiting the winery are included as well as special events and a 10 percent discount on all Gruet wines, she adds.

Casa Rondeña Winery in Albuquerque’s North Valley

also has a wine club, says Karen Hueston, tasting room manager.

Many levels of membership are available, but the Clarion Club, for example, is $39 every other month and includes two bottles of wine, free tastings for two people when visiting, use of the patio for picnics and special members-only events, she says. A minimum of six months is required for a gift membership.

Holiday favoritesHueston says the award-

winning 2007 Meritage, $25 a bottle, is a favorite of many palates and would make a great gift for someone who enjoys red wine. A blend of 50 percent merlot, 30 percent cabernet franc and 20 percent cabernet sauvignon, Meritage offers a complex taste with a lingering finish with flavors of vanilla, blackberries, chocolate and currant, she says.

For white wine lovers, she suggests a 2010 Viognier, $23 a bottle, described as an off-dry white wine that’s a little sweet with bright melon flavors and a lingering apricot finish. It pairs well with spicy New Mexican dishes, she says.

For a gift that honors the New Mexico winemaking tradition, Hueston recommends a toast with 1629, $39 a bottle. The name suggests the year that some of the first wine grapes were planted in New Mexico. The red wine blends spicy tempranillo, syrah and cabernet sauvignon.

■n St. Clair, Gruet, Casa Rondeña craft palate-pleasing and award-winning wines

Raise a glass to spirited presents

The St. Clair Gewürztraminer, $12, was named best white wine at the 2011 San Francisco Chron-icle competition.

COURTESY OF SOUTHWEST WINES

COURTESY OF SOUTHWEST WINES

The Blue Teal Riesling, about $10, is popular during the holidays.

Left, Casa Rondeña’s 1629, $39, honors New Mexico’s wine-making tradition.

PHOTOS COUR-TESY OF CASA RONDEÑA

Second from left, Casa Rondeña’s 2007 Mer-itage, $25, is a favorite among red wine lovers.

COURTESY OF CASA RONDEÑA

The 2010 Viognier, $23, from Casa Rondeña, is a good choice for white wine fans.

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By Emily Van CleveFor the Journal

When it comes to New Mexicans who love chile, Francesca Kay is at the top of the

list. More than 20 years ago she started putting together recipes for chile fruit salsas, regular salsas and chile sauces to sell at her Albuquerque store Chile Addict (chileaddict.com).

Located at 325 Eubank NE, this 28-year-old business sells foods made with chile and items for the home that are inspired by New Mexico’s beloved state vegetable. For a holiday gift for the chile lover in your life, check out Chile Addict’s varied selection.

Chile Addict’s fruit salsa comes in three kinds: peach with green chile, mango pineapple with red jalapeño and papaya peach with red jalapeño. Kay offers 10 different kinds of chile sauces, ranging in temperature from medium to extremely hot. They are sold in 16-ounce jars for $4.99.

“Some people complain that chile is not hot enough, which is why I came up with Chile Addict’s Revenge Hot Sauce,” she says. “You only need a drop in a pot of stew. It’s that hot.”

Some of Kay’s other sauce varieties are Thermonuclear Meltdown Hot Sauce, which has four different kinds of peppers; Chipotle & Honey Hot Sauce, which has a smoky flavor; and 2 Pepper & Honey Hot Sauce, which has cayenne and jalapeño peppers in it. Jar sizes range from 5 ounces to 16 ounces and cost between $4.99 and $5.99.

Chile Addict’s regular salsas ($4.99; 16-ounce jars) come in eight different varieties, with some containing fresh garlic. The hottest one of the bunch is the Habanero Salsa, which is made with New Mexico-grown habanero chiles.

All of Chile Addict’s salsas and sauces are made in Santa Fe.

Chile inspiredAmong the large selection of

chile-inspired household items at Chile Addict is the microwave-safe Red Chile Ceramic Kitchenware that is made in New Mexico. The store offers bright red canisters, dishes, tea pots, napkin holders, soap dispensers, tortilla warmers, plates, ladles and sugar bowls. Some of them are shaped like chiles. They range in price from $2.99 to $49.99.

An ever-changing and growing selection of chile products and chile-inspired items is for sale at Chile Traditions (chiletraditions.com), which is located at 8204 Montgomery NE in Albuquerque. Owner Ken DeWees is happy to

have his employees put together a gift box of products that will delight family members and friends.

In addition to a large selection of frozen, dried and canned chile products, including a new line of mini hot sauces, DeWees sells all kinds of knickknacks that enhance a chile-lover’s collection.

Check out the chile-shaped salsa dish ($24.95), chile-shaped toothpick holders ($6.95), chile-shaped salt and pepper shakers ($11.95), chile-shaped storage canisters ($119.95 for 4) and the chile-shaped cookie jar ($31.95). Some of these ceramic, microwave-safe products are made in New Mexico.

Scents and scenesChile Traditions also sells

colorful posters ($18.95) that feature pictures of different kinds of chiles and hot sauces and tidbits of interesting information about chiles. Vanilla-scented candles ($10.95) decorated with chile designs add a festive glow to the holiday season.

Old Town Emporium (old-town-

emporium.com) at 204 San Felipe NW in Albuquerque has a Bite Me chile pepper T-shirt ($9.99) with a picture of a big red chile on it for people who want the world to know about the red chile pepper. The store also sells Bite Me chile pepper socks for adults ($5.99), which are red and black and have images of red chiles on them, and Hot Stuff socks ($4.99) decorated with chiles.

Among the store’s specialty items are candles with red chiles carved into them ($8.99 and $19.99) and red, green, yellow and purple chile-shaped Christmas light covers

(20 cents each) that fit over standard Christmas lights.

The Christmas Shop (christmasinoldtown.com) at 400 Romero St. NW in Albuquerque is also a good source for chile light covers. The store sells chile pepper light covers over a set of 35 lights ($13) in colors including red, purple, green and yellow. Its 10-inch long lighted chile ristras ($19.95) have 35 covered lights and a raffia bow. They hang well on doors or on the wall of any room in the house.

A chile-inspired gift that decorates the Christmas tree is The Christmas Shop’s tin chile ornament ($4.25). More than 5 inches long, this red chile ornament comes with a story card about bringing good luck to the first child who finds it on the tree on Christmas morning.

Gifts with a little New Mexico bite: Chile and moreFind items such

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Chile Traditions on Montgomery NE.

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A gift for that special someone could be Bite Me chile pep-per socks, $5.99 at Old Town Emporium.

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Friday, december 9, 2011 Holiday Gift Ideas6

Z6

By Rick NathansonJournal Staff Writer

Everyone likes getting and giving gifts, especially children. Because kids often

have limited financial resources, or parents who set limits when they’re the ones footing the bill, we looked for items that children might want to give other children and that cost less than $15 — often much less.

Here are some suggestions for holiday presents, many of which will make great stocking stuffers.

Toys and gamesn Pocket Volcano — Watch

a plastic volcano erupt when a solution of baking soda and vinegar are mixed beneath the cone. From Toysmith, available at Learning is Fun, $3.99.

n Living Putty — Black silicon modeling putty impregnated with mini magnets can be formed into different shapes that move when an enclosed magnet is held close to the putty. From Be Amazing Toys, at Learning is Fun, $6.99.

n Yikerz! — Set up the board in any of 20 configurations, and try to strategically place all your powerful magnetic game pieces without attracting the game pieces of other players. From Wiggles 3D at Learning is Fun, $15.

n Foam Gliders — Five easy-to-assemble gliders in a spiral-bound book. Pop the pieces out, attach decals and toss into the air. By Klutz, at Learning is Fun, $9.95.

n Texas Hold ’Em — This familiar card game includes poker chips, two trays, felt playing surface and two decks of cards. By Pavilion, comes in a durable tin box. Toys R Us, $9.99.

n Chess Teacher — Learning chess has never been easier than using this set of wooden Staunton style pieces, each listing the name of the piece, number of spaces it can move, and the direction of travel. From Pavilion. Toys R Us, $10.99 (also from Pavilion is a chess set with clear glass pieces and an etched glass board, $11.99; and a combination chess and checker set, $10.99).

n Game of Life — The old standard board game celebrates its 50th anniversary with this special edition and low price. Hasbro, at Toys R Us, $14.97.

n Pez — Three refills are packaged together in a variety of character and theme dispensers, including Mickey Mouse, Batman, Captain America, “Toy Story” and “Cars,” to name a few. Toys R Us, $1.99.

n Original Magna Doodle — The children’s magnetic drawing toy consists of a magnetic stylus encased by a drawing board on which shapes are drawn. Made

by Fisher-Price. Toys R Us, $12.99.

n Animal Planet Buckets — From 13 to 17 critters and related accessories in each clear plastic storage bucket themed to “Farm,” “Horses,” “Insects,” “Safari” and “Dinosaurs.” Toys R Us, $9.99.

n 100 Piece Art Set — Includes colored pencils, markers, crayons, mini oil pastels, a plastic palette and a drawing pad. From Creatology, at Michael’s Arts & Crafts, $6.99.

n Assorted jigsaw puzzles — From 750 pieces to more than 2,000 pieces and themes as diverse as wildlife, still life, “Saturday Evening Post” covers and “Legends of the Silver Screen.” Michael’s Arts & Crafts, $10 to $12.

n Glow Explosion — Glow in the dark paints, markers or mix-and-pour sands. From Crayola, at Michael’s Arts & Crafts, $12.99.

Books, multimedian “Hidden” series —

“Hidden in the Grass,” “Hidden in the Jungle,” “Hidden in the Desert,” paperback picture books, about 24 pages. Sandy Creek publisher. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, $4.98 each.

n Eye Wonder books — Hardback volumes, 40-50 pages each with titles focusing on Weather, Reptiles, Dinosaurs, Bugs, Whales, Human Body, Rocks & Minerals, Ocean and Big Cats. DK publishing, Barnes

& Noble Booksellers, $10 each.

n “The Hunger Games” — Wildly popular first book in the trilogy by author Suzanne Collins and soon to be released as a movie. Scholastic Publishing, paperback, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, $8.99.

n Assorted compact discs — Bargain bin specials at Best Buy include classic rock, pop, country and R&B titles from KISS, Allman Brothers, Rob Zombie, Willie

Nelson, James Brown and many more. $4.99.

n Assorted DVDs — Bargain bin specials at Best Buy offer a wide variety of movies. $4.99.

n Assorted video games — Huge selection of used Xbox 360 and Playstation 2 games at Game Stop outlet at Cottonwood Mall. Titles include “Chronicles of Narnia: Prince,” “Batman,” “Indiana Jones,” “Ninja Blade,” “Rock Band,” “Snowcross 2,” “Street Fighter” and others. Most $15 and under.

Miscellaneousn Beaded earrings,

necklaces and bracelets — in assorted colors and materials. Different labels.

Target, $7.99 to $15.n Wristlets — Hand-held

clutches in a wide array of colors and materials, including vinyl, cloth and leather. Mossimo label at Target, $12.99 to $14.99.

n Pajamas — Flannel PJs under different brands, with superhero characters and movie motifs. Target, $9.99 to $14.99.

n Hoodies — Champion brand. Target, $12.

n Gloves, mittens, stocking hats — Champion and Cherokee labels. Target, $5.99 to $8.99.

n Crackle nail polish — Claire’s at Cottonwood, $7.

n Hello Kitty — Hair accessories, journals, hats and ear muffs. Claire’s at Cottonwood, $8 to $13.75.

n Writing pads — By Color Craze, set of three different sizes. J.C. Penney at Cottonwood, $15.

n Fashion wristwatches — From Frenzy, Mood and Justin Bieber. At J.C. Penney, Cottonwood, $14.99.

Under $15 choices for kids to give their friends

Animal Planet “Farm” in a storage bucket contains figurines of farm animals and accessories. At Toys R Us, $9.99.

“The Hunger Games,” the first book in a wildly popular trilogy soon to be made into a movie, is available in paper-back at Barnes & Noble Book-sellers for $8.99.

A likeness of Justin Bieber graces the face of a $15 fashion watch at J.C. Penney. Also available in the same price range are watches from Frenzy and Mood.

Used “Street Fighter” games for Xbox 360 are among the many titles available at Game Stop at Cottonwood Mall for under $15.

A favorite at Claire’s at Cottonwood Mall is crack-le nail polish, available in glitter, metal-lic and neon, for $7.

Stocking hats, $12, are among the many Hello Kitty items available at Claire’s at Cottonwood Mall.

■n Some of these holiday presents can be stocking stuffers

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Friday, december 9, 2011Holiday Gift Ideas 7

Z7

By Rebecca Roybal JonesFor the Journal

Help gear up the anglers on your holiday shopping list with gadgets, rods and reels they can use the next time they make a trip to their favorite

fishing spot.The newest fly rod on the market is the Sage

One, which is hand-crafted, “dramatically lighter” and made of graphite, and it’s one that longtime anglers will appreciate, says Cindy Sawyer, an owner of Los Pinos Fly and Tackle Shop in northeast Albuquerque. The price depends on the size but it’s about $720, Sawyer says.

Chuck Domenici, who runs the fishing department at Charlie’s Sporting Goods on Menaul Northeast, agrees that the Sage One is the hottest fly-fishing rod out this holiday season. This particular fly rod is not only lightweight but it fits many casting styles, he says.

Reels that go well with the Sage One fly rod are the Sage 4500 series, which range in price from $375 to $425, and are found at Charlie’s. At Los Pinos, Sawyer recommends the Galvan Rush Light reel, which is $260.

For those in need of reels, Tige Butt, fishing manager at Sportsman’s Warehouse, says the Lamson Velocity 2 fly reel is all-machined aluminum and made in the USA. It comes with a lifetime warranty, and costs $249.

The Shimano Chronarch, a bait-casting reel that an experienced bass fisherman would appreciate, costs about $200.

The Redington Pursuit fly-fishing combo includes a rod, a pre-spooled reel with backing, line and leader, and a storage case to keep it all in.

“We sell the heck out of them,” Butt says.Prices range from $119 to $179 for the set.

Great gadgetsFor those looking to have luck finding a

fresh catch of the day every time, there is the Lowrance Fish Finder Model HDS-5 Lake. This gadget keeps track of where fish are, and helps the captain find his/her way back to the hot spot, Butt says. The GPS ability helps map out where the best places to find fish are on the lake. It’s about $750.

Sawyer of Los Pinos says anglers can always use a fly box for carrying the flies while out on the water, and the boxes by the Montana Fly Co., $19.95, are “very decorative and colorful.”

She suggests including a dozen flies, which cost $25 for a dozen, she says. Customers can mix and match, and pick the flies they want for gift-giving.

She adds that the store offers a punch card for customers. After purchasing four dozen within a year, the fifth is free.

“They’re good for any angler,” Sawyer says. “They’re all going to need them in order to fish.”

At Charlie’s, the fishing department carries an assortment of flies, and the staff there makes custom kits of flies for particular fishing areas in New Mexico — whether it’s in the northern or southern Rockies, the Jemez

area or the San Juan River.“Those are always big for Christmas,”

Domenici says.

Going in?Another item anglers will appreciate is a

protective, long-sleeve, vented shirt. They range in styles and cost $40 to $79 at Los Pinos.

Waders are a necessity for anglers who likely will find themselves at least knee-deep in one creek or another. The Simms G3 chest waders are made of Gore-Tex and cost $429. Domenici says the waders are ideal for conventional fishermen and those who plan on wading in a river. They’re puncture-resistant, lightweight and breathable, and they won’t chafe legs.

The Simms Rivershed wading boots, paired with the waders will keep legs and feet dry. They cost $179.95.

In addition, Sawyer says that one gift idea for businesses is to rent equipment for fishing trips for their staff.

“We can outfit them and they can enjoy a day in the wilderness,” she says.

An angler’s also going to need some place to fit all the flies and gadgetry associated with the sport. The Redington Clark Fork vest is $29.95, and is a “good all-around fishing vest,” Domenici says.

A tackle box by Plano is about $50 at Sportsman’s Warehouse, and has “plenty of storage for a weekend fishing getaway,” Butt says.

Inexpensive findsHere are some stocking stuffer ideas:n The Tie-Fast Knot Tier tool, which helps

in tying line to a leader or one line to another kind of line.

“(It) gives you a couple of extra fingers,” Butt says. It costs $7 at Sportsman’s Warehouse.

n Tie-Fast Folding Scissors, $8, also at Sportsman’s Warehouse, are a handy tool for trimming off line or a lure.

“They fold up nice and compact,” Butt says. “They’re not going to poke you anywhere.”

n And just in case you don’t know the ins and outs of knot-tying, “The Little Red Fishing Knot Book” will come in handy. It’s small enough to carry in a pocket while on a fishing trip. It costs $5.95.

n Hikers and others walking through a slippery area will find a Zephr Collapsible Wading Staff help them stay steady. The staff folds up to a little over a foot long and comes with a pouch. It’s $33. Butt says they fit well hanging off a belt or tucked inside a backpack.

n Los Pinos carries bass lures for fishermen, which cost $7 to $20 each. “Those are perfect stocking stuffers,” Sawyer says.

n When walking in the dark on a mountain trail, a ball cap with built-in LED lights on the bill could be better than lugging a flashlight. The hats cost $17.95 at Charlie’s.

n Keep a fishing rod safe and standing upright while readying for fishing with a Magnetic Rod Guard. It keeps the rod off the ground and safe until you’re ready to head for the water. It’s $8.95 at Charlie’s.

Still fishing?Anglers will love latest lightweight rods, cool reels

and useful gadgetsBall caps with built-in LED lights leave hands free. They’re $17.95 to $18.95 at Charlie’s Sporting Goods.

A fly box by Montana Fly Co. is $19.95 at Los Pinos Fly and Tackle Shop.

An assortment of bass lures at Los Pinos Fly and Tackle Shop range from $7 to $20 each.

A Sage 4500 series reel is $400 at Charlie’s Sporting Goods.

PHOTOS BY ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS/JOURNAL

The Lowrance Fish Finder Model HDS-5 Lake is about $750 at Sportman’s Warehouse.

Stow your gadgets in a Redington Clark Fork vest, $29.95 at Charlie’s Sporting Goods.

Sims Rivershed wading boots are $179.95 at Charlie’s Sporting Goods.

Charlie’s Sporting Goods carries an assortment of flies, such as this Rockies Trout Selections for $109.95.

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Friday, december 9, 2011 Holiday Gift Ideas8

Z8

By Amanda StevensFor the Journal

Pets are a part of the family, so, obviously, they should be included in any type of gift exchange that takes

part during the holidays.Fortunately, there is no

shortage of gift ideas for pets and/or pet owners in Albuquerque. Whether you have a home full of fish or a couple of pups that sleep on the foot of the bed at night, there are plenty of options to make them feel loved during the holidays.

If your dogs are little princes and princesses, ABQ Dogtown on Rio Grande NW has the perfect apparel to have them looking fabulous. ABQ Dogtown is a consignment shop with new and gently used merchandise; all the items mentioned here are new.

Smoochers, holiday dog necklaces, come in several different colors and are treated like a temporary holiday collar. They are available for $4 to $6.

For pups that like to look their best, sweaters, T-shirts, dresses and other dog clothes are available ranging in price from $2 to $25.

One-of-a-kind, handmade, canopy beds are also available in any style, pattern or material

desired from polka dots to a Dallas Cowboys theme.

“They are handmade and have curtains, lace and a pillow,” says Chad Autry, ABQ Dogtown co-owner.

The beds are $120.Looking for K-9 stocking

stuffers? Unique treats made from ostrich, alligator, elk and yak are available for only $1.50.

“They are all natural and give the dog a little different flavor than they are used to,” Autry says. “There are no preservatives

and are made from, for example, elk heart, liver and meat and rolled into a jerky strip then coated with teriyaki sauce to give that extra little flavor.”

Deer and elk antlers are also available as a unique

treat, ranging in price from 75 cents to $30, depending on size.

Decorated cookiesDogs that have a more delicate

palate may enjoy handmade cookies from Pet Vet Market on Montgomery NE.

“In our industry, dog cookies are really big,” says Tom McDonald, Pet Vet owner. “We have a bakery counter and have all types of cookies made from 100 percent human-grade ingredients. Each is made and decorated by hand.”

For your beloved critters, toys and treats and more

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The CritterTrail, $39.99 at PetSmart, comes with food and water dishes, a wheel and two areas for a hamster to play.

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The Fluval Edge, an aquarium with built-in filtra-tion and lighting system, is $149.99 at Clark’s Pet Emporium.

The Skinneeez is a plush dog toy without any stuffing. They range in price from $8 to $14 at Clark’s Pet Emporium.

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See TOYS on PAGE 9

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Friday, december 9, 2011Holiday Gift Ideas 9

Z9

COURTESY OF CLARK’S PET EMPORIUM

The feather lure is replace-able on Da Bird, $6.99, a cat toy at Clark’s Pet Emporium.

Cookies are $1.99.The hottest dog toy out

right now is Skinneeez, a plush dog toy that is void of all stuffing.

“Most dogs tear the stuffing out of the toy, so they already have it out with just the skin and a few squeakers,” says Rachel Pridham, assistant manager at Clark’s Pet Emporium, which has two Albuquerque locations (one on Menaul NE and another on Lomas NE). “They are really excellent and come in fun shapes. They are neat for the owners and dogs love them.”

Skinneeez are available at Clark’s ranging in price from $8 to $14.

For the active dog and owner, a Fleash makes an excellent gift.

The product is a ball and toy slinger as well as a leash and carrying system available at Clark’s for $35.69.

“It’s great for people who go to the dog park and play with their dogs outside,” Pridham says.

Gift certificates are available at Pet Vet for do-it-yourself dog washes ($16) as well as pictures with your pet, of any type, with Santa ($20).

For the felinesFor cat lovers, Da Bird

comes highly recommended by Pridham.

“It is a wand with a swiveling feather toy on the end that cats go crazy for,” she says. “The feather lures are replaceable, which makes the toy fun for the cat and easily renewable for the owner.”

Da Bird is $6.99 at Clark’s.The Deluxe Wildcat Tower

is a 55-inch tower with three levels, a rope to scratch and several cat toys to play with. It is available for $179 at PetSmart, which has three Albuquerque stores.

Birds need love too.Clark’s offers all-natural

toys for birds made from straw and other natural fibers, dyed with food coloring, and are completely safe for birds. The Living World products are available for $12 to $20.

For those who are just starting their love of birds, a parakeet starter kit is available at PetSmart for $59.99.

The kit comes complete with the cage, perches, bedding, food, a toy and a mineral treat.

“This kit comes with everything you need to get started,” says Phillip Toppo, PetSmart pet care manager.

Fins and gillsFor those who favor the

finned critters, a new fish tank system is flying off the shelves.

The Fluval Edge is a 6-gallon aquarium with a completely built-in and hidden filtration and lighting system and is available for $149.99 at Clark’s.

“It gives a very modern appearance and is

aesthetically pleasing and it fits very well into small apartments,” Pridham says.

Gifts for smaller critters are also available, such as Run-About balls for hamsters, gerbils and mice, which allow the animals to scurry around the home safely, in a ball of any color. The Run-Abouts are available at PetSmart for $4.49 to $24.99, depending on the size.

For those wanting to begin a relationship with a small critter, a two-level CritterTrail is available at PetSmart for $39.99.

The hamster habitat comes equipped with food and water dishes, a wheel, and two areas for the animal to run around.

Toys, treats keep cats, dogs happyfrom PAGE 8

COURTESY OF PET VET MARKET

Handmade dog cookies from Pet Vet Market are made of 100 percent human-grade ingredients. They are $1.99 each.

COURTESY OF PETSMART

Run-Abouts for small crit-ters are $4.49 to $24.99 at PetSmart.

By Rick NathansonJournal Staff Writer

We may live in the era of digital downloads, but we still generate enough paper to need a

way to carry it around with us.Long live the briefcase! There are

lots of gift choices out there for your favorite businessperson.

The type of briefcase you carry can make a statement about fashion, occupation, success or tradition. For most, however, the statement is about the practicality of not only carting around papers and files, but also about how to safely schlep around laptop computers, electronic tablets and other digital devices.

The biggest and newest trend in briefcases, and in some cases backpacks, is a design that allows them to quickly pass through airport security checkpoints without having to remove the computer, says Dustin Boyd, manager at Lieber’s Luggage in Albuquerque.

That feature is marketed as “SpeedThru,” “Security Fast Pass,” “ScanFast,” “ScanSmart,” “Express Scan” and the like, depending on the manufacturer. All have to meet specific “checkpoint-friendly” requirements established

by the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA.

Hard vs. softSoftside briefcases can be made

from leather, which imparts a more traditional and elegant look and feel, Boyd says. They also can be constructed from nylon or polyester. The better fabric ones are made from “ballistic” grade, Teflon-coated nylon, Boyd says.

Hardside briefcases are often made from impact-resistant plastic

or aluminum, sometimes covered with leather. Some hardside cases are formed from thick, hard leather stretched over a structural wood frame to give it shape.

The prices of briefcases vary widely depending on material, quality, style, features and manufacturer. Simple soft-style computer briefcases start at about $25 at the large discount department stores, and go up to $500 and more at high-end specialty shops, like Lieber’s Luggage, and fashion boutiques.

Briefcase styles fall into several

general categories: portfolios/padfolios, attachés, computer bags, travel cases and messenger bags.

A portfolio is designed to hold papers in a thin, flat case. They are lightweight and easy to hold by hand or tucked under an arm, so they rarely have handles. Nor do they have a designated laptop compartment. Portfolios are less expensive and commonly used by students.

Attaché cases are typically rectangular, hardside briefcases. An attaché opens up into two compartments. They usually do

not have a padded compartment for a laptop, although some include a removable padded laptop envelope. They frequently have some kind of organizer panel for pens, business cards, a calculator, eyeglasses and such. Attaché cases often close with locking spring latches, and for added security, some have tumble dial combination locks, particularly the aluminum cases.

Computer bags are most often soft briefcases with a dedicated padded computer compartment. They are also likely to have several non-padded compartments, an organizer panel and a detachable shoulder strap.

Travel briefcases can be leather but are more often fabric. They have a dedicated padded computer compartment and an organizer panel. Most have an expander gusset that zips open, allowing for additional interior space to hold a change of clothing.

Messenger bags are softside bags made from fabric or leather. They generally have a large compartment to hold and transport papers and files, but also may have a padded laptop compartment. The defining characteristic is a large shoulder strap allowing the carrier to wear the bag diagonally across the back.

On the case: Portfolios, attachés make a statement

COURTESY OF SWISS GEAR

The Swiss Gear “Messenger” is a flap-over design softside polyester travel briefcase with a TSA-friendly “ScanSmart” padded computer compartment. At Target, $60.

COURTESY OF VICTORINOX

The Victorinox “Wright” portfolio is a nylon zip-around case with a built-in writing station and organizer. $60 at Lieber’s Luggage.

COURTESY OF SOLO

The Solo Rolling Laptop Case fea-tures a large main compartment with a removable padded “Check-Fast” sleeve. $143 at OfficeMax.

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Friday, december 9, 2011 Holiday Gift Ideas10

Z10

By Helen HorwitzFor the Journal

You don’t need to spend $90,000 for a Porsche 911 to please your favorite

auto enthusiast. Local retailers can suggest many other options to make almost any driver feel like Mario Andretti or Danica Patrick.

Accessories Unlimited (2322 Candelaria NE, 888-5811) sells and installs parts, equipment and accessories to customize cars and trucks.

Its newest electronic product is the Scosche cellCONTROL, described by the manufacturers as a safe driving system. Using Bluetooth technology, it disables the use of unsafe cell phone applications in a moving vehicle.

“Bluetooth signals block drivers from being able to text message, email, make phone calls and much more,” explains store owner Ray Moreau. He says the system automatically activates when the vehicle is in motion.

Since cellCONTROL was introduced in early November, Moreau says the system has caught on quickly with parents of young drivers as well as fleet owners. For now, the tamper-proof product works with most Android, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile 5 and 6 systems; cellCONTROL for iPhones is expected soon. The cost is $160.

Back-up cameras are especially popular among both truck and auto owners, according to Moreau.

The cameras are connected to a four-inch monitor embedded in the specially installed interior rear-view mirror, giving the driver a clear view of people and hazards. The equipment

is $500 and includes installation.

OnStar, the communication and security service offered on General Motors vehicles, also can be installed on most other makes. The equipment enables the user to get help after a crash, obtain driving directions, recover a stolen vehicle and much more. A special rear-view mirror installed in the vehicle has buttons to activate the various uses. OnStar is $379; monthly communication fees start at $20.

For drivers who don’t park their vehicles in a garage or who simply want more warmth, two options can help take the edge off winter temperatures. Seat heaters cost $250 each, and remote starters are mostly $265.

Need a few budget-conscious gift ideas? Road Mice lets your Mario or Danica cruise the Internet in style. The wireless optical computer mouse looks like a replica automobile down to the operating headlights and smooth lines. Regularly

$44.95, the Road Mice are $40 each at Accessories Unlimited through Dec. 24. Also, a wide-angle rear-view mirror is $18, including tax.

At Audio Express (1105 San Mateo NE, 265-8133, and 10701 Coors NW, Rio Rancho, 899-3584), a new Audio Vox radio ($250 with installation) is tailored to iPhone owners. Using the free iHeartRadio app, users can create an account through Facebook to sync their favorite tunes and, without an account, tune in to more than 800 music stations.

The Clarion Bluetooth radio ($200 and up with installation) provides hands-free driving for Android and iPhone users. For top-of-the-line audio, Audio Express offers the Pioneer AVIC X930BT for $849.95. Besides AM/FM, DVD and a USB port for an iPod, the radio also offers GPS, navigation, phone and Bluetooth — plus back-up camera capability. Installation of this audio multitasker is $110; with the back-up camera, add an

additional $175 including installation.

Local car wash and detail services offer special gift packages to spruce up and beautify any vehicle. At Rain Tunnel (2100 Central SW and 5101 Lomas NE), a wash/wax/interior cleaning is anywhere from $7.99 to $18.99 depending on the services requested. A gift card for a complete detailing is $139.99.

At the six Octopus Car Wash locations throughout Albuquerque, four different wash/wax/interior cleaning services are available, from $7.99 to $16.99. Octopus gift cards are available for any amount.

Finally, even Mario Andretti and Danica Patrick enjoy a good book on a cold winter night. Phil Patton, who writes about vehicles for The New York Times and Esquire, has created a comprehensive, amusing history of the Volkswagen Beetle, “Bug: The Strange Mutations of the World’s Most Famous Automobile.” The paperback is $16.99.

Car buffs will love gadgets and service packages

COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES UNLIMITED

Back-up cameras are popular with car and truck drivers and cost $500, which includes installation, at Accessories Unlimited.

Phil Patton, who writes about cars for The New York Times and Esquire, has written “Bug: The Strange Mutations of the World’s Most Famous Automobile.”

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