Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Here are some great gifts that won't break the bank.
MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
This is a guide for those who -- due to principles, popularity or parsimony -- are not going to spend huge sums on their gifts this holiday season. There are a variety of products included -- for the chic, the curious, the child-like and the conscientious -- but all are at a retail price of 25 or less.
The Purz-n-izer: This little zippered pouch is practical and cute. It's adaptable, with moveable dividers inside and mesh pockets on the outside, and a damp cloth will clean the water-resistant nylon fabric. From basic black to animal print to pink polka dots, it will match many styles. Women on the go can move it from purse to gym bag, beach tote or diaper bag. It comes in three sizes, retailing for 20 to 25. Available at www.purznizer.com or www.organize.com.
Netflix: How about a month or two of DVD rentals that arrive on the doorstep within about a day, with no late fees? Netflix is the world's largest online movie rental service with thousands of titles, including TV series. They have plans as cheap as 9.99 per month, and gift subscriptions are available in one- to 12-month increments. Available at www.netflix.com.
267 Infusions: Forget the fruitcake, how about some fruit bobbing in spirits? You can see the cranberries, oranges and other gems bobbing atop the clear bottles. In four vodka varieties (orange, cranberry, lemon and olives & amp; pearl onions), two rum (pineapple and mango) and two tequila, (chili pepper and orange). Each 750ml bottle retails for 25. See www.267.com for information on where to buy.
Lemony Snicket's "The End": The 13th and final installment in the depressing but wildly popular chronicles of three unlucky orphans, "A Series of Unfortunate Events." Feeling brave? It's available on www.Amazon.com. Retail price, 12.99.
NFL Edition FIKI Football: Remember folding up those paper triangles, using your thumb and pointer fingers for a goal post and playing tabletop football? Well, now there's an official NFL version, with the goal and football triangle already made. The company also makes other tabletop sports games including FIKI Basketball, FIKI Baseball, FIKI Soccer, and FIKI Hockey. Games are available in pro, generic and college versions. The "Flick It & amp; Kick It" football set, for ages 6 and up, retails at 7.95 at www.fikisports.com and other retailers.
Kettle Foods' People's Choice Party Pack: Have some adventurous snackers in the house? This potato chip sampler pack includes five exotic flavors, including Aztec Chocolate, Island Jerk, Twisted Chili Lime, Dragon 5 Spice and Royal Indian Curry. It also includes trivia post cards, drink pairings, a chip clip and a special world music sampler CD from Putamayo World Music. Available online for 19.95, including shipping, at www.passporttoflavor.com, where tasters are encouraged to rate the flavors and enter to win a 4,500 adventure vacation.
"Personal Penguin" by Sandra Boynton: Know a fan of the new "Happy Feet" movie? How about a new children's book that tells the story of a bewildered hippo and his tagalong penguin? It retails for 6.95 on Amazon. The book was also set to music . You can get the MP3 free at www.workman.c-om/boynton.
Green Tags: For those who have everything, or like to support thoughtful giving, try these certificates for renewable energy. One Green Tag, available for 20- 24 each, is equal to one Megawatt-hour of renewable energy, like wind and solar -- the same as not driving for six weeks. The Bonneville Environmental Foundation reinvests all profits back into its mission to support renewable energy and a clean environment. For more information and to purchase Green Tags, visit www.greentagsusa.org.
Zobmondo!! Would You Rather...?: Would you rather have five bottles stuck on the fingers of one hand for a year OR a bucket stuck on your foot for a year? "Neither" is not an option in this game. The Classic version, for ages 12 to adult, costs 24.95. Other versions are available, including Travel, "Twisted, Sick and Wrong" and "Late Night" at www.Zombmondo.com and www.Amazon.com.
How about four classic Charles M. Schulz "Peanuts" cartoon books. Each of the colorful, square hardbacks, including "Happiness is a Sad Song," "Security is a Thumb and a Blanket," "Home is on Top of a Dog House," and the classic "Happiness is a Warm Puppy," are 5.95 each -- other titles are available -- at www.Amazon.com and other retailers.
"The Complete How to Kazoo": The story of the native U.S. instrument, by Barbara Stewart, a kazoo expert and advocate, includes a history, highlights and how-tos -- and a brand new kazoo on the side. The book-and-kazoo set, an update of her 1983 version, retails at 10.95 or less on www.Amazon.com and other booksellers.
NAMiTS: A portable game created by a mother of seven, this ring of cards has questions designed to stimulate young minds and keep them occupied when on errands, car trips, or waiting for or with siblings. Color, waterproof, tear-proof cards include tasks like "Name all the things that have a button" and "Name all the sounds you hear at the zoo." The game, which has won a handful of educational and toy awards, retails at 9.99 for ages 4 and up, and is available at www.namits.com.