Holiday Gift Guide 2013

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PERFECT GIFTFIND THE

FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST!

GATEWAY HOLIDAY

Your community voice for the north!

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WHAT TO GET EVERYONE ON

YOUR LIST

By Matthew M. F. Miller | CTW Features

Giving is a personal affair, and knowing the exact right thing to buy is a challenge. “I do like to let gifts speak for me,” says Chicago-based shopping and couponing expert Jill Cataldo. “I can wander around a store or mall and come home empty-handed, or I can

walk in and spot something within a few minutes. It’s all about knowing the interests of the person you love.”Someone’s hobby can be your guide. “My husband once delighted me with a book that he found at a used book sale about a subject I’m passionate about,” Cataldo says. “The condition of the book didn’t matter to me. The fact that he saw it and thought of me did.” Here are some top gifts for all kinds:

The Outdoorsy Type »SteriPEN Ultra; $99A rechargeable, UV water purifi er that makes water safe to drink in 45 seconds – a digital smiley means you’re good to guzzle. Perfect for hiking, camping and traveling.

Handpresso Wild Hybrid Outdoor Espresso Set; $199Going without and roughing it are a lot easier with a good cup of coffee. Bring your own grounds and use the vacuum-pump espresso maker to brew anywhere. Comes in a leather case with four unbreakable cups, a thermo-insulated fl ask and two napkins.

GIFT ONE, GIFT ALL WITH THESE UNIQUE ITEMS FOR THE MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE ON YOUR LIST

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The Musician »Whipping + Post Guitar Pick Card Case; $40Guitar players can’t be bothered with wallets when they have rock and roll on their minds. This handy case holds all of your important cards (credit card, license, etc.) and a guitar pick.

Thermos Nissan Tea Tumbler with Infuser, 14 ounces; $23Loose-leaf tea on the go is no longer a challenge. This mug comes with a removable mesh infuser for steeping hot tea and a deep-welled lid to prevent spills.

« The Coffee/Tea LoverBodum Bistro Electric Pourover; $350Fill the 40-oz water tank, add coffee grounds and fl ip a switch to make pourover coffee in a snap. The titanium-plated fi lters never need replaced, and coffee is brewed directly into a portable, sealable jug that stays hot for hours.

Eton Rugged Rukus All-Terrain Portable

Solar Wireless Sound System; $130

A solar panel on top to charge the

8-hour battery when outdoors.

Connect wirelessly to any Bluetooth

device. And, for the clumsy sort (musicians

can be rough on their gear), it’s drop-proof from a height of

3.3 feet.


The Beauty »Olay Pro-X Microdermabrasion Plus Advanced Cleansing System; $40An at-home exfoliating kit with separate foam head and polisher. There are two cleansing settings for daily use, which Olay claims is seven times better than face scrub alone.

The Pamperer »Personalized Bath Caddy by Red Envelope; $50Made of natural wood, this caddy has a built-in wine glass holder, book support and even a spot for the soap. Can be monogrammed at no extra cost.

Urban Decay Anarchy and Shattered Face Cases; $44One case for the whole face. Includes two blushes, fi ve eyeshadows, a highlighter, an exclusive Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color and a 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. Each case features two full-size mirrors inside.

Burt’s Bees Hand Repair Kit; $13To combat the toll winter takes on the skin, this set comes with Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème and Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream to get even the driest hands through the holidays – and beyond.





The DIY-er »Worx Semi-Automatic Driver; $50Yeah, it looks pretty rad – but it also stores 6 bits in easy-load cartridges and has an off-set head to make driving in corners a snap.

Stanley Tools TLM99 Laser Distance Measurer; $89Tape is a thing of the past. Measure up to 100 feet without hassle, with an accuracy of +/- 3/32-inch.



The Sweet Tooth »Dum-Dums Holiday Pops; $2.49Suckers are for gifts in 2013 with the classic pops updated version. Flavors include Merry Cherry, Sugar Plum, Hot Chocolate, Sugar Cookie, Apple Cider, Gingerbread, Green Apple Grinch and Polar Punch.

Good Karmal Holiday Gift Box (available only at www.goodkarmal.com); $29 for box of 10Good, hand-made caramels are things of beauty, and these luscious nuggets of velvety smooth butter will make you the hero of any candy lover in your life. Bonus? A portion of every purchase goes to environmental charities.

© CTW Features



By Rachel Graf | CTW Features

Bracelets, anklets, necklaces, rings, hoop earrings, post earrings, dangly earrings and the list goes on. With so many jewelry options, it’s useful to

know what’s in style to ensure you pick the perfect gift for your loved one this holiday season.Jewelry trend forecaster Rocks Paper Metal began as website in 2011. Because of its success, it has since launched its own jewelry line. Rocks Paper Metal’s co-founder, Diana Rochford, says big jewelry pieces will remain in style this holiday season. This

could mean either one big statement piece of jewelry or many smaller pieces of jewelry that have been layered on top of each other. With regard to jewelry materials, crystal colored with deep purples, blues and greens is very big this upcoming season. Midnight blues, deep plum and especially emerald are all good colors to shop for during the fall and winter seasons. You can also add this crystal to a pendant for a more complete look. Metals such as silver, titanium and rose gold are very in this season as well, says Ruth Batson, executive director and CEO of the American Gem Society.

Know how to choose a trendy, high-quality or classic piece that your loved one can cherish for seasons to come

A GIFT-GIVER’S GUIDE TO BUYING

JEWELRY

Cont’d on page 12



“There’s a whole punk girl trend going on with mixing materials that you wouldn’t have seen before,” Rochford says. “You see a lot of pearls mixed with crystal and spikes.”The geometric look is also trending: Triangles and spikes are both very hot. The geometric look can also be created with repetitions of patterns of circles, squares and triangles. However, Rochford warns to stay away from Aztec and tribal pieces, as that trend is on its way out.To determine jewelry trends, the forecasters at Rocks Paper Metal look at collections from big-name designers a year before they hit the market. Rocks Paper Metal is a global company, so they look at trends everywhere from Los Angeles to London.

VICENTE AGOR PALAIS BULLES TRIPLE STRIPE EARRING

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Usually, they focus on big-name costume jewelry companies such as Topshop that have quick turnarounds for products. These quicker turnarounds allow costume jewelry companies to pick up on trends they think are coming into fashion, of which Rocks Paper Metal takes note.“It’s not rocket science,” Rochford says. “It’s not like the trend changes magically from season to season. There’s always a progression.”Professional jewelry companies like Jewelers of America and the American Gem Society also have knowledge of industry trends because they work very closely with many jewelers.For gift buyers who plan to make a big investment in jewelry, timeless pieces and looks should be considered as well. Mixing black and white metals, either as one piece or as two pieces stacked on each other, is a timeless look, says Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for Jewelers of America.Earrings, particularly studs, and diamonds are other examples of timeless pieces, Batson says. Before purchasing a diamond, ask for a diamond grading report by a not-for-profit diamond grading laboratory, which will evaluate the diamond’s karat weight, color, clarity and cut.

“The cut of the diamond can be the biggest factor on its value because that’s what makes the diamond sparkle,” Batson says.After determining the type of jewelry to buy, it’s important to be mindful of the quality of the jewelry, especially if making a significant investment.Start with finding a reputable jeweler, Batson says. You can do this by researching online before visiting the jeweler in person. A good place to start is with jewelers who belong to the American Gem Society or other reputable jewelry groups. Members of the American Gem Society go through rigorous education about their products and must be re-certified each year to maintain membership, Batson says. These are businesses who want to protect their good name and are more likely to do honest business with you.Other tips for buying jewelry are to ask for the return policy up front and to know what price range is reasonable. “Don’t be dazzled by discounts,” Gizzi says. “Any time you see some place that always has incredible sales, be cautious about that, because if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”© CTW Features

Silver Chan-Chan Cuff by Kamari Silver

blaCK & White DiamonD earringS by KC DeSignS

GATEWAY HOLIDAY gift guide


EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY


By Rachel Graf | CTW Features

Most new tech gadgets worth their salt play host to a built-in camera nowadays – tablets, smartphones, laptops and even gaming consoles. With so many

digital photos housed in a variety of locations, it can be easy to forget about all those snapshots languishing on Facebook or Instagram. This holiday season, give a unique gift by moving photos from the digital world to something physical, like an iPad case or even in a snow globe.For the crafty gifter, there are many do-it-yourself projects that incorporate photos to customize gifts. Find inspiration online at sites like Photojojo, which offers simple do-it-yourself photo projects and other photography tips. Their mission is to help people of all ages discover or rediscover a love of photography, says Amit Gupta, founder of Photojojo and co-author of “Photojojo!: Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas” (Potter Craft, 2009). Cont’d on page 16



Cont’d from page 14

“I saw tons of my friends taking hundreds or thousands of photos a year with digital cameras, and all those photos were getting lost and forgotten about,” Gupta says in an email. “So Photojojo started as a way to help people do more with the photos they were already taking.”Gupta’s favorite projects are ones that include transforming an object you would typically throw out into something beautiful. For example, he says he really likes the photo snow globe made by placing

a photo, glitter and a few other common ingredients in a water bottle. Photo projects from Gupta’s book include photo slider puzzles, Rubik’s cubes, temporary tattoos and a photo chandelier. You can buy items from a local gift shop and use them in your personalization projects to make them even more unique.Another option for photo gifts, if you’re not inclined toward crafts, is ordering a customized printed product. Your local photo center or pharmacy is likely equipped with a customization kiosk or station that offers dozens of options for

products to print on and designs to add. A variety of websites also offer the same services, often with sophisticated previews so you know exactly what you’re getting.Just remember to order the product in advance to allow for printing and shipping time.“It’s really easy,” says Heidi Reichert, head of custom design at Tiny Prints, one such website. “The designs are stylish and beautiful and there is such a variety to choose from.”With just a few minutes to upload images and choose products, customers can order

a gift that is more heartfelt and completely different from what’s available on the shelves. Whether it’s a practical gift like day planners or iPhone cases, or something for display like acrylic trays and mounted prints, a customized photo gift can make the memories last.“I think it’s a very, very wonderful way to show someone how much you care about them,” Reichert says. “I’m going to make an ornament for my daughter every year and send it to her grandparents. It’s something they can have to preserve their memories.” © CTW Features


PERSONALIZED DAY PLANNERS CAN BE ORDERED FROM LOCAL PHOTO CENTERS OR ONLINE.



Gifts for the Vintage GamerA retro console is a must-give for the old-school gaming aficionado


Atari Flashback 4 Game Console

This retro take on the classic Atari 2600 has 75 built-in games — yes, including Pong!

Sega Genesis Classic Game Console

If their Genesis games went missing, this console has 80 built-in games ready to go — and, of course, plays original Genesis cartridges (if they ever happen to find them).

SNES/NES RetroN 2 Gaming Console

This two-in-one system plays back games for the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

$44.99$69.99$59.99



The BEST Games to Gift this YearThe critcs’ faves are sure bets for the gamer on your list

Each summer, the top video-game media name the best gaming titles of the year. Here are their picks for the best of the 2013.

2013 Game Critics’ Awards Winners

Titanfall BEST OF SHOWBEST ORIGINAL GAMEBEST CONSOLE GAMEBEST PC GAMEBEST ACTION GAMEBEST ONLINE MULTIPLAYER

PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One$59.95

TearawayBEST HANDHELD/MOBILE GAMEPSVita

$39.95 Total War: Rome II

BEST STRATEGY GAME

PC$59.95NHL 14

BEST SPORTS GAME

PS3, Xbox 360$59.95

Need for Speed: Rivals

BEST RACING GAME

PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One,

$59.95

Watch Dogs

BEST ACTION/ADVENTURE GAME

PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii-U

$59.95

HL 14


B

PX



Wii U: All DeluxeNintendo’s flagship system gets a new Zelda edition — and a price drop

Nintendo: What’s New?

If someone in your household has been clamoring for a Nintendo Wii U, the time to buy could not get much better.

Nintendo recently slashed $50 off the price of the Wii U Deluxe Set, which is now $299.99.

The Deluxe Set of the GamePad-controlled console features 32GB on-board flash memory and comes pack-aged with the “NintendoLand” game. (Nintendo is phasing out the “basic” console, which had just 8GB of memory and did not come packaged with a game.)

Nintendo also is releasing a new limit-ed-edition Wii U Deluxe bundle with “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD.” The Zelda bundle, also $299.99, includes a special GamePad adorned with gold lettering and symbols from the game; a digital download of “Hyrule Historia,” a book chronicling “The Legend of Zelda” series; and a digital download of the new high-def update of “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,” originally published in 2003 for the Nintendo GameCube.


GATEWAY HOLIDAY gift guide T h u r s d a y , N o v e m b e r 1 4 , 2 0 1 3 | w w w . p g c i t i z e n . c A 23

The popular handheld gets a flat ‘upgrade’

Nintendo’s newest 3DS device is missing one big thing: 3D.

But it’s still a 3DS at heart.

The new 2DS handheld, as the name suggests, features only 2D graphics. However, the device, which comes in a new slate form (versus the 3DS’ clamshell), is compatible with the entire library of 3DS games and keeps many of the main features of Nintendo’s popular line of portable systems: dual screens, gameplay controls and touchscreen features.

Designed as an affordable entry into the 3DS line, the $129.99 2DS is available in blue and red; match-ing carrying cases are $12.99.

Nintendo 3DS 2DS

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All their Nintendo friends are back this holiday season in a huge lineup of new titles

Mario&Luigi&Link&DK&Wario.

GATEWAY HOLIDAY gift guide

Mario Party Island Tour3DS — Price TBDThe four-player gaming extravaganza makes its debut on the 3DS!

Mario & Luigi Dream Team3DS — $39.99

The twin plumbers embark on another rescue adventure in this RPG, which takes place both in the real world and inside Luigi’s dreams.



‘Game and Wario’ for the Wii U

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Super Mario3D World Wii U — Price TBDUp to four players can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach or Toad in the first ever four-player Mario game set in a 3D environment.

Donkey Kong Country Tropical FreezeWii U — Price TBDDK and company work to take back Donkey Kong Island, which has been seized by Vikings.

Game & Wario Wii U — $39.99Dubbed “GamePad Pandemonium,” all the games in this latest title in the “WarioWare” franchise are played exclusively on the Wii U GamePad.

Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games Wii U — Price TBDMario and Sonic and all their friends compete in events at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

New Super Luigi UWii U — $29.99/$19.99 (download)Finally, Luigi gets his own starring role in more than 80 new levels set in the world of “New Super Mario Bros. U.” In addi-tion to the standalone disc, the game is available as a download expansion for owners of “New Super Mario Bros. U.”

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds3DS — Price TBDThis new storyline is set in same world from Super Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.”

‘Game and Wario’ for the Wii U

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HDWii U — Price TBDThe classic GameCube title gets a 1080p update for the Wii U.




Finally, phones gets more fun with the candy-colored Moto X and iPhone 5C

BY TIMOTHY R. SCHULTECTW FEATURES

Black. White. Navy or red, perhaps.

Smartphones historically have been more about function than they have fashion. Heck, fun even. But then came the Moto X and the iPhone 5C.

Moto XThe Moto X sounds similar to some of

the Droid devices we mentioned: an Android smartphone with 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 2GB RAM, 10MP camera. But where the aforementioned Droids all share similar aesthetic, the Moto X, Motorola’s first big device since Google took over the mobile-device maker, comes in more than 500 varieties. Using the MotoMaker, AT&T customers can select from 18 back colors, two different front colors and seven accent colors, in either 16GB or 32GB models ($199.99 and $299.99, respectively, with two-year contract). Motorola Moto X

The Amazing Technicolor Smartphone


The Moto X, which features a 4.7-inch HD display, comes in two color options, woven black or woven white, on Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon.

iPhone 5CApple’s iPhone has maintained such a stark look in its lifetime that it actually was a BIG deal when the company introduced a white iPhone in 2011 – and it was just white!

So, that the new iPhone 5C comes in five colors – green, blue, yellow, pink and, yes, white, all with a black front – certainly is cause for excite-ment. Unlike Apple’s line of colorful anodized aluminum iPods, the new 5C achieves its color in a steel-reinforced plastic frame (which doubles as the antenna). The 5C replaces the straight-up iPhone 5, keeping its A6 processor and 8MP iSight camera, but knocks $100 off the price tag. New 5C cases — in the same five colors plus black — add some fun, in addi-tion to protection, to the phone

16GB — $99 with two-year contract from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon32GB — $199 with two-year contract from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon

©CTW FEATURES

iPhone 5C


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GAME ON

GET YOUR HOLIDAY



MATTHEW M. F. MILLER | CTW FEATURES

Game night just got a lot more creative.

Classic board games are still popular go-to gifts. Now, game makers are

combining concepts, appealing to TV lovers and going out on a limb to

provide more personalized new editions for your favorite game lover’s collection.

Here are a few recent titles to get the party started this holiday season.

Cont’d on page 34


TV Lovers »George R. R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones: The Board Game; 2nd Ed.; $60King Baratheon is dead and the Iron Throne is up for grabs. Play as your favorite character and battle for supremacy as you negotiate alliances with your opponents and build armies. 3-6 players, ages 14+

Duck Dynasty Redneck Wisdom Party Game; $17

Guess the missing word in quotes from Willie, Phil, Uncle Si, Jase and the rest of your favorite characters. Try to

fool other players with clever answers – everyone has to spot the genuine

quotes from the fakes. 2-12 players, ages 10+

Yahtzee: Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition; $25Shake the fi ve custom dice featuring Doctor Who villains in the TARDIS and play the game by the original rules. It’s a fun-looking gift that’s perfect for the sci-fi -loving game buff on your list. 1 or more players, ages 8+

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The Walking Dead; $40TV’s most popular undead show comes to life as players try to be the fi rst one to reach the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Play as Rick, Andrea, Dale, Lori, Shane, Glenn or a zombie. 2-4 players, ages 13+

Classics, Revised »Candy Land Disney Princess Edition; $20Play as Belle, Snow White, Cinderella or Aurora, and travel through scenes from “Tangled,” “Princess & the Frog” and “The Little Mermaid.” First princess to dance at the Candy Land ball wins. 2-4 players, ages 3+

Trivial Pursuit Party; $22Every question offers players a chance at a pie piece. Perfect for fast, fun group play. Players can ask other players for help, and if the question is answered correctly they both get a pie piece. Collect 6 silver pie pieces to win, which means you can stick to your subject of choice and still win the game. 3-6 players, ages 16+



Jenga Tetris; $15Imagine the quirky shapes used in Tetris only in a real-life Jenga stack, and that’s pretty much the premise of this one. It’s even trickier and more fun than the original because, well – who hasn’t been waiting years for Tetris to come to life? 2 or more players, ages 8+

Chutes and Ladders: Super Hero Squad Edition; $25Play as Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Thor, Captain America or Iron Man as you climb and slip through an amped-up version of the original game. 2-4 players, ages 3+


Off the Beaten Path »Quarantine; $30Each player owns his or her own hospital. Patients line up outside and players have to fi x their ailments ASAP – especially before an outbreak of the “Graysles” that will cause entire hospital wards to be shutdown and under quarantine. 2-4 players, ages 12+

The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game; $22

Spin the spinner and be the fi rst one to collect

every color of acorn and place it into your log

using only a rascally pair of “Squirrel Squeezers.”

2-4 playes, ages 3+


Qwirkle; $35Match different colored tiles and shapes (108 wooden blocks are included), score points – highest score wins. It’s simple and addictive, and was the winner of Parent’s Choice Gold Award and the Mensa National Competition. 2-4 players, ages 6+

Catan Explorers & Pirates: Expansion Game; $50Fans of the crazy-popular Settlers of Catan board game will adore this expansion set, which includes fi ve new scenarios and three new missions. Hit the high seas and confront pirates, seek spices and fi sh for “Victory Points.” 3-4 players, ages 12+


© CTW Features



HOT GIFTSGOOD COOKS

FOR

By Bev Bennett CTW Features

If your companion is glued to chef shows on television, a cooking implement, especially if it’s used in the program, may be the perfect holiday gift.It’s easy to fi nd presents that are chef-inspired thanks to the surging

interest in all things chef.Cont’d on page 40


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“The chef infl uence is important,” says Debra Mednick, executive director and home industry analyst for the NPD Group in Port Washington, N.Y.A culinary professional’s stamp of approval may be good for sales, according to Mednick, and it may be just what the recipient needs as a confi dence builder.The aspiring chef uses the same gizmo as the television chef and may become a better cook.You benefi t, too, when you’re invited for meals that are delicious and daring.Here are several new kitchen products that are either supported by or used by chefs along with cookbooks to further the home chef’s skills.

CAKE BOSS Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s television series “Cake Boss,” collaborated on a new line of bakeware with the Cake Boss name. The line goes beyond bakeware to include Cake Boss 4-Piece sets of Fondant Presses in various shapes including Christmas, Dinosaur and Work Truck themes. For the baker who wants a professional fi nish to cakes, there’s the Cake Boss 10-Piece Fondant/Gum Paste Modeling Kit with tools for adding veins to leaves and

other intricate touches.The Fondant Presses have a suggested retail price of $9.99 each, the modeling kit, $19.99. The fondant products are available at larger chain craft stores and mass-merchandise stores.Those fondant garnishes would look lovely topping the mouth-watering cakes from the baking book “The Dahlia Bakery Cookbook” by Tom Douglas and Shelley Lance (William Morrow, 2012).Tempting recipes from the famous Seattle bakery include cornmeal rosemary cake with lemon glaze, carrot cupcakes with brown sugar cream cheese frosting and Piedmontese hazelnut cake.



ISI GOURMET WHIP PLUSSavoring foam, the light essence of fl avor, once meant making a reservation at an expensive, experimental restaurant. Now the at-home chef can indulge in frothy adventures, turning purees, soups and sauces into foams with the iSi Gourmet Whip Plus hand-held dispenser that operates on nitrous-oxide chargers (sold separately). The Whip Plus can be used with either hot or cold ingredients and includes straight, tulip and star tips for creative foam shapes. It’s available as half-pints or pints at fi ne cookware stores. As the companion book to the Whip Plus, add the “Explore New Taste” by iSi North America.The company, which makes kitchen utensils for both the home and professional cook, produced a limited edition cookbook featuring ideas and recipes from chefs and mixologists around the world. Your chef can read about the importance of density and texture and whip up uni toast with avocado and grapefruit foam.The book will be available on January 1, 2014, and has a suggested retail price of $49.

ISI GOURMET WHIP PLUS; $149.99

DUFF GOLDMAN BY GARTNERSTUDIOS AIRBRUSH MACHINE Help your favorite baker become the Cezanne of cupcakes. Unleash the kitchen artist to airbrush swaths of pearl, metallic, pastel or deep colors onto unbaked or fi nished cakes, cookies and similar desserts. The lightweight air compressor, named for the star of the Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes,” features adjustable air pressure, airbrush and hose. Airbrush colors are sold separately. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $129.99. Find the airbrush machine at larger chain craft stores. If you’d like to add a book to the gift package, try “Vintage Cakes: Timeless Recipes for Cupcakes, Flips, Rolls, Layer, Angel, Bundt, Chiffon, and Icebox Cakes for Today’s Sweet Tooth” by Julie Richardson (Ten Speed Press, 2012)..An airbrush glaze is just a lot of air without the cake as foundation. Simple, old-fashioned cakes provide an excellent surface. The chef artist can bake a Harvey Wallbanger cake and gild it with a gold sheen.

ACE OF CAKES CAKE DECORATING

AIR BRUSH, $129.99


GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY MARSHMALLOW COLLECTION FROMCHICAGO METALLICCooking isn’t just about meal preparation; it’s also about having fun. Imagine the pleasure of turning out homemade marshmallows.A new line for marshmallow fans from Chicago Metallic includes pans with collapsible walls in either 8-inch square or 9-by-13-inch sizes. There’s also a cutting wheel, which can double for sticky pizza toppings and a Crush & Coat set of bowls and a pestle for hand-grinding marshmallow toppings.The pans have a suggested retail price of $11.99 for the smaller and $14.99 for the larger. The cutting wheel has a suggested price of $9.99, and the bowl set $19.99, at cookware stores.Homemade marshmallows are great for constructing elaborate cakes, such as those in “Extreme Cakeovers” by Rick and Sasha Reichart (Clarkson Potter, 2013).It’s DIY cake decorating gone wild when your baker turns pound cake into fries, green fruit roll-ups into “lettuce” and ice cream cones and marshmallows into train smokestacks.



MICROPLANE ADJUSTABLE SLICER WITH JULIENNE BLADECutting thin, even slices of vegetables or fruits can be unnerving unless you have a high- quality slicer. This new model from Microplane makes julienne cuts easy with adjustments for 1/32-inch, 1/16- and 1/8-inch thick slices. The slicer is distinguished by an extremely sharp blade that slices through everything from potatoes for a gratin to limes for a cocktail.The adjustable slicer is available at cookware stores and has a suggested retail price of $29.95.If julienne sliced vegetables inspire your chef to more adventurous cooking, give them “New American Table” by Marcus Samuelsson (Wiley, 2009).Inviting dishes in this accessible and attractive cookbook from the well-known restaurateur and television personality include cabbage-tomato relish, almond chicken with avocado salsa and radish salad or cabbage slaw (with sardines, yogurt and almonds).

MOJITO, COSMOPOLITAN AND MARGARITA R-EVOLUTION KITSRemember those chemistry sets from childhood? The adult version – the culinary one – allows a mixologist the same pleasure of experimentation, applying concepts in molecular gastronomy to add foam to a margarita or fi ll a cosmopolitan with bubbles you eat with a spoon. The kits include sachets of food additives, molecular gastronomy tools and a step-by-step recipe booklet for a suggested retail price of $29.95. For more information visit the website at: www.molecule-r.com. If your gift recipient still doesn’t know what to imbibe, Zach Golden has the answers in an irreverent collection of drink recipes, “What the F*@# Should I Drink” (Running Press, 2013).Cocktail recipes range from the familiar classic daiquiri to the uncommon Italian Job. But watch the language, which is saltier than a margarita.

© CTW Features

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BURN, SMELL, LOVE

Matthew M. F. MillerCTW Features

Candles truly are the gifts that keep on giving. According

to the National Candle Association, America’s love for waxing poetic burns bright: $2 billion is spent annually on candles and they are used in 7 out of 10 households. Versatile and inexpensive – they are a wonderful gift option for moms, grandmas, teachers, hostesses and more. These new scents provide fragrant options for anyone on your list.

SLATKIN AND CO. »PRICES: 4 oz. mini candles, $10; 6 oz. Mason jar candle, $12.50; 14.5 oz. 3-wick candle, $20CHAMPAGNE TOAST, BLACK TIE AND PARTY DRESS

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YANKEE CANDLE »PRICES: Samplers votive, $1.99; small jar, $10.99; medium jar, $24.99; large jar, $27.99VANILLA CHAI, PUMPKIN WREATH AND SALTED CARAMEL

© CTW Features


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Holiday Gift Guide 2013

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