Welcome to the Grandma's Briefs Holiday Guide, where you'll find gift suggestions and more to help make the most of the season.
Festive Fun
Seasonal delights you'll want to share before the big day.
Get the holidays off to a festive start and create priceless memories by surprising little ones—or big ones, too—with Scrolls from Santa, customized, handmade letters from the Big Guy himself. The personalized notes come in Santa's handwriting via certified Elf Mail from the North Pole. Scroll mailing tubes also include stocking stuffers such as Insta-Snow or magic glasses plus an ornament for the tree. A true keepsake for treasure for many years—as well as surprise those old enough to understand the magic of it now! Act fast as orders are accepted only through Dec. 15 to guarantee shipping by Dec. 16. All ages. $14.99-$29.99.
If you have a new baby in the family gearing up for his or her first Christmas, consider ordering a Very Merry First Christmas book from I See Me! The personalized board book features adorable animals that come together to put on a very merry Christmas for the child. The keepsake hardcover book has durable board pages with colorful illustrations of Goose, Chipmunk and other furry friends who deliver a note about your child to Santa. The story begins with a personalized special message and ends with your child's name spelled out on the ornaments. I love the one for Baby Mac (who, just FYI, is not named Jacob in the real world). Other titles by I See Me! include My Very Own Name, My Very Own Pirate Tale and more. Find out more by liking I See Me! on Facebook. $24.95
Remember Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka, the popular Swedish trio of the 40s and 50s picture books? I'm too young to (how often do we grandmas get to say that?). Even so, I love the updated classic Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and Their New Skates by Maj Lindman and the delightful old-timey paper dolls featured with it. For the first time in more than thirty years, this classic holiday tale returns, in a deluxe hardcover edition. Longtime fans of the series will delight in revisiting the story, and new readers like myself—and plenty of granddaughters, too—will find fun and excitement as the ever-wholesome Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka save their friend Bertie after an ice-skating disaster. Ages 5-8 (plus collectors and nostalgic grandmothers). $14.99
Snuggle up with a beloved youngster and enjoy together Can You See What I see? Toyland Express by Walter Wick. The eighth title in the bestselling search-and-find series follows the life of a toy train from the workshop to the attic, only to be rescued at a yard sale and brought to life once again in a new home. Bubby and I thoroughly enjoyed searching the colorful spreads for the more than 250 hidden objects and noticing the different ways the train changed along the way to match its surroundings. All ages, $13.99. Take a behind-the-scenes look at Can You See What I See? Toyland Express then read on for giveaway information:
GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will win a signed copy of Can You See What I see? Toyland Express by Walter Wick, courtesy of Scholastic. Get all the details and enter here. (Hurry: Entries accepted only until midnight MST December 4.)
GIFT IDEAS
Unique offerings culled from products and services I've received for review the last several months. (Click the pictures for more information on each.)
ABBA You Can Dance video game for Wii ($39.99). ABBA was popular when I was in middle school and has maintained a presence in my life—foreground or background—ever since. They weren't my all-time favorite band, but how could anyone anywhere avoid hits like Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Take a Chance on Me, and Waterloo? Those hits and more (26 total) are included in ABBA You Can Dance. The game’s professionally choreographed routines and retro environments were inspired by the group’s music videos and live performances. Up to four players can dance while two additional players can sing along to the lyrics on screen. Also includes a mini-musical, original video clips. I don't sing well, I don't dance well, but I did both with abandon—in abundance—to this fun ABBA game. I've now got the earworms to prove it...but they're so worth it. Ages 10+.
A Kid's Guide to Collecting Coins ($9.99) and Kids Coin Folders ($4.99). Jim, our family coin (and dollar bill) collector was pretty thrilled about this one. It's a fun yet educational way to get kids interested in the timeless hobby of coin-collecting. The Krause Publications Kids Coin Collecting products feature an A Kids' Guide to Collecting Coins, which provides the fundamentals of coins and coin collecting. The series of Warman's coin folders (Jefferson Nickels for Kids, Lincoln Cents for Kids, National Park Quarters for Kids, and State Quarters for Kids) contain easy-to-place coins slots and facts about each coin. If coin collecting is your hobby, share it! If not, consider starting a joint hobby with the kids in your life for a life-long shared interest.
HandVibes collectible rings with attitude ($4.95 per 3-pack). These novelty rubber rings are a great stocking stuffer. The colorful HandVibes come in different colors and feature oh-so cool and current words and sayings such as Rad, BFF, Epic, Dude, Boo-Yah, ROFL and many more, HandVibes literature bills itself as "a fun way for kids to display their attitudes on their fingertips." They are indeed fun...and collectible. In addition to the rad basic HandVibes rings, ten rare black or blue swirl emoticon designs featuring smiley faces, winks, smirks and more, are randomly inserted into just one out of every six ring packs. Get the kids started with a pack or two then be prepared to engage in the search for the highly coveted collector rings. Ages 7+.
Buttoned-Up organizational products ($4.95-$19.95). I'm not one for a computer version of an appointment book or calendar. Give me a paper one to hold any day and I'll be on top of what I need to stay on top of. It's especially easy—and stylish—with the Weekly.agenda planner ($19.95). I've already offered to Jim the Password.log ($4.95) because he has a habit of forgetting his passwords...or where he kept his list of passwords. And the Habit.former ($6.95) is a unique and nifty little set of instruction cards for getting organized in 30 days. And who can't use that? Cards give daily ideas for making life run more smoothly...and organized. Sign me up!
Mercer Mayer's Little Monster Fun and Learn Book ($16.95, $4.99 e-book format). I do remember and will always hold a spot in my heart for Mercer Mayer and the silly characters populating his books. Little Monster Fun and Learn Book is no exception and an awesome one to share with the grandkids. It emphasizes early education, with learning fun in ABCs, counting, enjoying bedtime and traveling through the neighborhood. Throughout, kiddos will relate to Little Monster as he plays and learns about numbers, letters and words. Mayer’s entertaining illustrations ensure that. Ages 3-8.
Curious Critters by David FitzSimmons ($19.95, signed copy). David FitzSimmons is an incredible photographer and for this children's picture book, he turns his camera on a variety of animals common throughout North America. The large, colorful and stunning pictures of everyday animals include a red flat bark beetle, an Eastern spiny softshell turtle, a spotted salamander, and many other "curious" creatures. FitzSimmons photographed them all against a white backdrop, showcasing the animals' colors, textures, and shapes with precision and clarity. Along with each photo is a vignette, told from the critter's perspective, that educates and entertains. It's impossible to not choose a favorite critter from the bunch. Mine? Definitely the Red-eyed Vireo. Or maybe the Virginia opossum...no, must be the Monarch Caterpillar. Geez, it's really all of them (except the Jumping spider!).
The Olive Tap olive oils and balsamic vinegars (starting from $9.45). Impress foodies on your list with artisan gourmet olive oils and vinegars from The Olive Tap. With oils and vinegars that range from Sicilian Lemon Balsamic Vinegar to Garlic Olive Oil that are Italian and Californian in origin, the artisan olive oils and vinegars vary in taste and flavor for even the most discerning home chef. The oils are smooth, the vinegars pungent—a true treat for serious cooks or, like myself, those who wish to be. My personal favorite: Aceto Balsamico Di Modena balsamic vinegar. To. Die. For. No joke! There are nearly 60 unique olive oils and vinegars that can be mixed and matched for a plethora of palate-pleasing gift baskets.
Nielsen-Massey Vanillas and pure flavors (prices vary). Also for the foodies are vanillas and more from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, a manufacturer of fine extracts for more than 100 years. Delightfully intense—just opening the bottle made my mouth water and my mind race on oh the things I could bake— the product line includes Vanilla Beans and Extracts from Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico; sugar and alcohol-free Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar and Certified Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and Beans. Want pure extracts? They've got those, too: Pure Flavors includes Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Orange Blossom Water and more. All Nielsen-Massey products are allergen-free and certified Kosher and gluten-free. Available at Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table and other retailers.
BluApple 2-pack ($9.95). Another food-related item, one perfect for the stockings. Many folks today, like myself, are trying to be more health conscious by eating better and including more fruits and veggies in our diets. Which, if they're anything like me, means a lot of folks are also throwing a lot of those fruits and veggies into the garbage because they go bad before we get around to eating them all. BluApple cuts down on that. Placing the patented BluApple in the refrigerator crisper or fruit bowl absorbs ethylene gas which causes produce to over ripen so the goods last much longer. Really. Each BluApple last three months, with refill replacement pads available for when the BluApple needs a little freshening itself.
Grandoodlez.com gift subscription ($8.99 per month). I'm a long-distance grandma always on the lookout for ways to stay close to my grandsons despite the miles. This is one of the more unique—and awesome—ways yet. Grandoodlez.com is a fun website that helps grandparents and grandkids everywhere stay connected and nurture deeper relationships. With Grandoodlez, you can engage in some of the crafty play you do when you're together. Grandparents and grandkids can easily create talking cards and books together, draw magical doodlez, record videos, share messages and photos on the Fridge and more. So many fun and easy ways to connect with the ones you love in a place that feels like home. Each subscription allows up to seven family members to join in. So fun, so worth it. All ages.
The Complete Book of Presidential Trivia by J. Stephen Lang ($17.95 paperback). Many of my friends and family are avid game players—trivia games in particular. Many are also fans of history—presidential history in particular. Which is why I think this book is an awesome stocking stuffer or even a stand-alone gift: both groups (and those who crossover to both) would love to be the recipient of such a goldmine of presidential goodies, from scandal to honors to famous firsts. This 2011 edition updates the 2001 first edition to include intel on President Obama, too.
SensoGlove ($89.95) Golfers of all ages and all abilities are always looking for ways to improve their game, better their grip. The SensoGlove instantly does the latter, which will forever put you in good favor with the golf-lover on your list. The leather glove is outfitted with a removable computer and sensors in each finger that provides instant real-time (80 times per second!) audio and visual feedback on the golfer's grip—key to a successful and consistent swing delivering greater distance and precision, I'm told. The glove is designed for practice and play, and the digital monitor can be removed for use as a regular glove. Sizes are for women and men, small to XL, right- and left-handers. (Replacement gloves sans sensors/monitor can be purchased for $25.)
Reader's Digest reference books ($9.99-$14.95 each, hardcover; also available in e-book) You can't go wrong with providing information to loved ones, whether they're young or old, and these four books offer a wide range of brain food in a fun, easy-to-digest format. There's one for everyone (or four for those who, like myself, want or need to brush up on the full spectrum): I Used to Know That: Geography by Will Williams and Caroline Taggart; I Used to Know That: Stuff You Forgot From School by Caroline Taggart; Write (or is that 'right'?) Every Time: Cool Ways to Improve Your English by Lottie Stride; and My Grammar and I...or Should That Be Me? How to Speak and Write It Right by Caroline Taggart and J.A. Wines. I thoroughly enjoyed these books and will turn to the grammar ones again and again in my pursuit of writing success. Plus, I'll be kicking some serious butt in the next trivia game I play, thanks to the other two. Here's a look at other books from Reader's Digest that make great gifts:
Freaky Pets ($14.99, available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores) These adorable plush animals go from "cranky 2 cute" by turning them inside out...and outside in. They also include an online virtual world for all Freaky Pets to get to know one another. It's actually a little hard to explain but let me say I was truly surprised—and impressed—by the two FreakyPets I received for review: the Dinork and the Walloc. They're incredibly cute...or cranky. I got a kick out of them and I have no doubt kids from toddlers to teens will find them equally entertaining. Click on the photo to visit the site for a better idea of what Freaky Pets are all about. I'm pretty sure you'll be hooked. Ages 3+.
The Complete Idiot's Guide books ($14.95-$16.95 each) Of course you don't want to insult anyone on your gift list by insinuating they're an idiot, but I'm pretty sure folks will be pleased not offended if they're on the receiving end of any of the Idiot's Guide how-to books. Three I received—and didn't feel like an idiot at all when I read and enjoyed and looked forward to creating what they directed me to create—were The Complete Idiot's Guide to Amigurmi by June Gilbank (umm, yeah, I was an idiot who didn't know taht amigurumi is, basically, little crocheted animals); The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Natural Soaps by Sally W. Trew with Zonella B. Gould; and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Easy Freezer Meals by Cheri Sicard. Awesome books for encouraging or instilling a hobby in everyone, from teens to fellow grandmas.
CoolZips.com stocking stuffers ($.99 to $9.99) Stocking stuffers were once upon a time apples and oranges but we've come a long way since then, and CoolZips.com offers some awesome options for kids who collect the coolest of collectibles. On the low end of the price scale are Iwako Japanese puzzle erasers (green cupcake, pink panda bear, orange catchers mitt and 697 more. Really! 700 total!) for $.99. At the far end is the GoGo's Crazy Bones Mini Art Set ($9.99) in six different characters from the 80 characters in the GoGo's Crazy Bones collectible series that originated in Spain. In between the erasers and the art set are Toonz Micro Monsters, Moshi Moshlings and more. To match their inexpensive collectible toys, CoolZips offers flat-rate shipping for a cool $2.99.
30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans by Karl Pillemer, Ph.D. ($25.95). This gem of a book features the wit and wisdom of older Americans who learned the big lessons the hard way—through experience—on everything from careers to marriage to happiness and aging fearlessly. Young adults just starting out will glean nuggets of gold from the pages of this hardcover manual of living. Older folks who've been there, done that will fondly recollect their own similar stories while appreciating the anecdotes and advice collecting by renowned gerontologist Karl Pillemer.
AdoraPet Adventure Books ($5.95 each). These little picture books for the littlest ones on your holiday list inspire kids to "read, play, dream, discover." The series of eight books features the tales of Pima Puppy and Pico Puppy in the farm, working as firemen, chefs, astronauts and more. The books are available for purchase online (click the photo to go to the site, where they're giving away books every day through the end of the year) and at Barnes & Noble. Ages 3-5.
PlanAhead See It Bigger Large-Print 2012 Planner ($8.99). Grandmas and anyone else who wants a planner with large, easy to see and write in spaces will appreciate getting one of these under the tree or in their stocking. Text and space is larger yet the design is stylish. The 12-month planner has it all: tabbed monthly calendars, weekly calendars, yearly reference calendars, plus note, contact, and password records pages. Available in Basic (navy and black) and Fashion (berry floral).
Grandcamp Adventures Here We Go storybook ($18.95) and CD ($11.95). Grandcamp Adventures offers fun for grandparents and grandchildren, centered around a storybook, music and activities to facilitate bonding between generations. Music starts things off, the story is read, and activities bring the story to life. The storybook, Here We Go—Around The World Family Adventure, features a pair of adventurous grandparents just back from traveling the world only to find they've lost some of their precious treasures along the way. They enlist their three grandchildren to help find the lost goodies. The CD is jam-packed with "music celebrating grandparents and grandkids."
Super Sneaky Uses For Everyday Things by Cy Tymony ($12.99). Perhaps you have a teenage boy on your holiday list. Perhaps you have a young mother who wants imaginative ways to keep the little ones busy. Perhaps you know a grandma or grandpa who would be thrilled to have a handbooks of unusual ways to dazzle and delight their grandkids. This is the book for them. Most of the projects featured in this eighth book in the series can be done in a matter of moments using common items found around the house, all with uncommon and often downright extraordinary results. To wit: create animated fingernails, an invisible signaler, an air cannon and more, with household items.
Openbucks. Still at a loss for a gift, especially for those online gamers? You might want to consider the Openbucks gift card payment network. Check it out:
GIVEAWAYS
Not only are these great gift ideas, you have the opportunity to win them! Be sure to enter now as all giveaways close at midnight MST Sunday, December 4.
Universal Game Selector Case ($19.99). Keeping kids entertained while on the go has never been easier thanks to the range of portable consoles now available. The new challenge: keeping track of the tiny, expensive game cartridges. Memorex’sUniversal Game Selector Case is the ideal solution. Compatible with all Nintendo DS consoles, it holds up to three games that can be played without being removed from the case. Powered by the DS console, no batteries are required. Features include LED-backlit speakers and a stylish D-pad. Available at Target, Wal-Mart, Sears and Kmart. Ages 6+. GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will win a Universal Game Selector Case. Get all the details and enter here. (Hurry: Entries accepted only until midnight MST December 4.)
Pom-Pom Monster Salon by April Chorba ($16.99). Arts, crafts and laughs. KLUTZ books are the perfect holiday gift for any child. With Pom-Pom Monster Salon, anyone can make pom-poms and turn them into stylish monsters. Use the exclusive pom-pom maker and follow our cutting and styling instructions to create perfectly coifed mop tops, afros, pigtails, and mohawks to name a few. Add tiny hair bows, punch-out feet, and foam horns and teeth for the final touches. Take a closer look:
GIVEAWAY: Two lucky readers will win Pom-Pom Monster Salon, courtesy of KLUTZ. Get all the details and enter here. (Hurry: Entries accepted only until midnight MST December 4.)
Red Rose Teas ($3.75 for most packages). Nothing relaxes like a flavorful cup of hot tea. If you're looking to give a loved one—mom, sister, daughter, friend—the finest of teas, you can't go wrong with Red Rose Tea, makers of fine tea products since 1890. The newest flavor from Red Rose, Sunset Spice, is a mellow blend of orange, cinnamon, and cardamom, and is sure to become a favorite of any tea lover. GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will win a Red Rose Tea Sunset Spice Sampler Package courtesy of Red Rose Tea. Get all the details and enter here. (Hurry: Entries accepted only until midnight MST December 4.)
Dale Evans: Beyond the Happy Trails 2-DVD Collector's Edition ($24.95). This special collection features interviews with family and friends who celebrate the life of Dale Evans and Roy Rogers and their influence on American culture. Despite being a destitute, divorced, single-mother at age 16, Dale went on to be a role model for millions of young girls, starring in more than 100 movies and television shows and authoring 28 inspirational books. A perfect gift for Dale Evans and Roy Rogers fans of any age. The trailer:
GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will win the Dale Evans: Beyond the Happy Trails 2-DVD Collection. Get all the details and enter here. (Hurry: Entries accepted only until midnight MST December 4.)
Lindt Excellence Gourmet Chocolate Bars ($3.50 per 3.5 oz. bar) Chocolate is the perfect stocking stuffer. But put away that fake stuff formed into Santa and reindeer and show your love and affection with a fine gourmet chocolate bar or two. Lindt Excellence bars are created with the finest cocoa beans and come in dozens of elegant flavors. After sampling a few provided by Lindt, favorites in our house are the 70% Cocoa Smooth Dark (favored by Jim, Brianna, and Andrea) and the 70% Cocoa Almond Brittle Intense Dark with pieces of crunchy almond brittle (my favorite). The ultimate chocolate experience. GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will win three Lindt Excellence Gourmet Chocolate Bars, courtesy of Lindt. Get all the details and enter here. (Hurry: Entries accepted only until midnight MST December 4.)
HOLIDAY RECIPES
Traditional delights enjoyed by my family this time of year:
Pomegranate-Balsamic Turkey Sauce
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS!
Full disclosure: All products and services included in the Grandma's Briefs Holiday Guide were sent to me free of charge with no obligation or compensation for inclusion. Of the myriad items I receive for consideration, I've included here only those I think might be of most interest to my readers, only those that received an honest thumbs-up upon review by myself and/or my staff ... meaning my family and friends. In addition, there are no affiliate links in this guide; I make absolutely nothing from you viewing, clicking or purchasing.
Questions or comments? E-mail me.
