New Game World

Gifts For Gamers
(Page 1)

By Susan Davis and Richard M. Sherwin

As we write this, it’s finally hot, hot and humid. Thundershowers are in the air. The flip flops and summer clothes are finally out of the closet, so of course, it’s time to think about Holiday Gift Giving. No, not Memorial Day, you know, the real holidays, Chanukah, Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate, the Oh no, what can I get Uncle Fred or Grandma time of year. So we went to the Holiday Gift Show. …We didn’t leave out the gamers or their families as there’s whole special column on that which will be ready in a few days…But here’s some usual and unusual ideas…

 

 

Hey, this thing let’s your significant other sleep even if you can’t. The LightWedge Original Book Light illuminates the words on the page and nothing else.  LED Bulbs don’t get hot and never burn out. The company also makes some other unusual reading light for the gamers who have their PSPs or DS hidden under the covers.www.biggerandbrighter.com

The Bionic Golf Glove, designed by a leading orthopedic surgeon, provides a custom fit and enhances your natural grip around the club. And they say it will improve your golf game.  But, of course it will also serve as well for the Nintendo Golf-Tennis or Bowling games on the WII. www.bionicgloves.com

WowWee’s Rovio™ robot is a Wi-Fi enabled robotic webcam that can be controlled remotely using any web accessible device. You can view and interact with Rovio’s environment, surveying your home or office remotely through streaming video and audio. It features a micro-GPS system enabling it to know where it is and navigate from place to place. www.WowWee.com

The new TomTom GO 930 is the latest version of the besting GPS in the world. The top of line model supposedly improves on its award winning touchscreen technology…. that guides you door-to-door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions, including street names. It comes pre-installed with up-to-date maps of US, Canada and Western and Central Europe. www.tomtom.com

 
A model car, which can be quickly and easily built without glue, the RIDEMAKERZ® is a car-customizing experience that allows kids from 6-106 to have great fun creating
personalized, one-of-a-kind RIDEZ, including Mustangs,Vipers, Challengers, Scions, MINI Coopers, race cars. www.ridemakerz.com

The ATC5K is the ultimate hands-free, all-terrain digital video camera. Shock resistant and waterproof up to 10 feet deep, it can be strapped to a helmet, arm, bike to catch any outdoor adventure. The camera has a 1.5” LCD screen for instant playback or the footage can be downloaded by USB. www2.oregonscientific.com

 

 

BraBABY® protects padded bras from the wear and tear of the washing machine and dryer. Made of smooth plastic for ultimate protection, the unique two-shell design keeps expensive bras from getting damaged by agitators or dryers.

The All-Clad Electric Skillet’s bonded metal construction with an aluminum core spreads heat uniformly across the skillet’s cooking surface, so you can use it for searing and frying as well as keeping foods warm on a buffet. The thermostat regulates the temperature from 250º to 450ºF.
www.All-Clad.com

Imaginiff 10th Anniversary Edition offers all of the play value and classic elements of the original Imaginiff with 100% new content. Not familiar with the game? It’s simple – players just imagine what the other players are most like. Imaginiff your best friend were a theme park ride, which would he/she be? Bumper Cars, Splash Mountain,Tunnel of Love, Merry-Go-Round or a Roller Coaster? While everyone gets to vote, only the most popular answer wins. This is a great way to get to know what your friends and family really think of you! www.buffalogames.com

 

 
Eventually you are going to leave your game room and what a better way to get out of the house and think outside the box. CityPass combines the most popular museums and attractions in getaway cities – San Francisco, New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Los ngeles/Hollywood, Seattle, Chicago, Southern California,Toronto, Atlanta and Houston -- in a pocket-sized booklet allowing visitors to breeze past ticket lines AND save about 50% off the combined box office prices. Gift wrapping and overnight delivery available at www.citypass.com or 1-888-330-5008.

 

Pet parents just upload a snapshot of their four-legged friend to create a customized case of canned food, personalized with their dog’s picture and name. www.castorpolluxpet.com

 

 
Who is the one being that supports you if you don’t win beat the bad guys at Immportals…your dog of course. Now holiday sweets can taste good and still be good for your pooch, with Gingerbread Flavored Buddy Biscuits, a perfect savory stocking stuffer for every “Good Dog” on your holiday shopping list! Woof!  www.cloudstar.com

 
Catstudio totes – embroidered, original art, unique design, give each bag that undeniable “It Factor.” A bag to carry every day, everywhere, guaranteed to turn heads on city streets and country roads! www.catstudio.com

 
Funny, they don’t look like Crocs, but Nanook Crocs they are, with super soft synthetic fuzz lining and fashion styling. www.crocs.com

 

 
Over a decade ago, when all baseballs were still white, artist Emily Wolfson began her first hand painted design on a baseball, and the line of Unforgettaball! baseballs was born. There hardly  a stadium in North America that she doesn’t have a specially designed baseball for. www.unforgettaballs.com

 

 

These guilt-free LED Solar Christmas Lights give you the elegance of a traditional display while powering your decorations with sustainable energy. www.ecogeekliving.

 
Created with organic and sustainable fibers, Simply Messaged Gift and Tote Bags sport  playful catch phrases including Talk Green to Me, Joy, Sparkle, Celebrate and Harmony. www.ecobags.com

 
A cute little gift set includes a pixie-elf, hardbound children’s book and keepsake box. www.elfontheshelf.com

 

 
E-scape Fitness Videos is a collection of Virtual Journey exercise DVDs that provide Motivation through Visual Stimulation for people who use indoor cardio-exercise equipment. The hour-long videos of real walks and rides are designed to inspire us with spectacular views of beautiful natural landscapes. www.e-scapefitnessvideos.com

 

 

Femme Sud Collectible Accessories mix nostalgia and glamour with a dash of humor. Their designs have been carried by Paris Hilton, Beyonce, Bette Midler, Phoebe Cates, Jennifer
Garner and fashionistas alike, and can be found in boutiques throughout the country.
www.rg-pr.com/holiday

 

 
Equal Exchange’s Organic Love Buzz Coffee is Fair Trade Certified™. Organic farming is better for the land, rivers, wildlife and the climate. Plus it’s safer for the farmers and their community. Fair Trade means a better price and future for farming families. From America’s Fair Trade pioneer, 20¢ goes to the Small Farmers/ Green Planet fund. www.equalexchange.coop

 
Just because you’re too little to sit with the grown ups at the Christmas table shouldn’t mean that you shouldn’t have the finest place setting! OUR NAME IS MUD introduces a set of vibrant and whimsical items for The Kid’s Table, made of heavy weight melamine, it’s kid tested and Mom approved.  www.ournameismud.com

 

 
Greenleaf’s new Pomegranate spa line with all-natural Jojoba oil is available in bath salts, body scrub, and body cream as well as the entire bath line. www.greenleafgifts.com

 
European Shopping Guide is, well, a European fashion guide for fashion moguls as well as  
window shoppers. www.graphicimage.com

 

 
Gwen Designs is a new line of baby wear made from 100% organic cotton with whimsical designs, such as the popular Locally Grown. All of the products are made in the USA. www.gwendesigns.com

 

 
In the spirit of encouraging civility, miniature-sized Civilettes™ are a new way to express good thoughts whenever the mood or occasion strikes. The first portable note for conveying gratitude, love and other sentiments. www.greerchicago.com

 

 
As a Corresponding Santa Claus for 58 years,  humorist Grover C. Gouker  answered 100,000+ letters from children of all ages. The hilarious children’s book I Don’t Want NO Soap! is based on a real letter. My Santamental Journey is a treasure of funny, heartwarming and touching letters. www.gouker.com

 

Mmmm, Rare Winter Pears, are ample cause for celebration.  First grown in France in the 1840s, the very finest of these pears today are grown here in the unique microclimate of Southern Oregon. www.harryanddavid.com

 

GustBuster Umbrellas are the only UN-Flippable, UN-Flappable and UN-Leakable Umbrellas in the world, with patented double canopy and teardrop shaped wind release vents, they can withstand winds up to 55 mph+ without turning inside out. The company is also well known for its customized umbrellas…some even with seats that are used by the PGA and USTA.
www.gustbuster.com

 

Just got a cut from being too overly aggressive with your numb chucks or how abpout nicvks yourself while straightening the wires under your Xbox. A caring stocking-stuffer (great for those on blood-thinners), KytoStat is a high-performance bandage that stops bleeding fast while sealing and protecting. The U.S. Army uses this technology to save lives. Now, it’s available to consumers.  www.kytostat.com

 

A little tense these days? Therapist Select™ Shiatsu-One Massage Cushion has massage heads that soothe tired muscles and melt away back and shoulder tension. Deep-kneading Shiatsu and rolling action feel like a “four-handed” massage, no appointment needed! www.homedics.com

 

Sooo cool, Hometownfavorites.com’s Decade Box is filled with over 30 different full size
candy bars from your choice of the 1950’s to the 1990’s! This unique gift is sure to take the recipient on a trip down memory lane. www.hometownfavorites.com

 

 

   
The Polk Audio I-Sonic™ Entertainment System 2, is the first HD Radio receiver
with Apple®: iTunes Tagging, allows you to tag songs from HD Radio stations with the
touch of a button. Sync your iPod and the songs are displayed for purchase. Go to http://isonic.polkaudio.com for more information.

 

The Clean Logic 4-in-1 antimicrobial Soap sponge combines the soap and sponge and it  comes conveniently packaged in its own soap dish.  www.cleanlogicbodycare.com

Initially Yours will monogrammed lots of stuff, including this stainless steel Travel Mug. www.initiallyyoursnc.com

 

Zulugrass Jewelry is not only eco-chic, but it provides work opportunity to the Maasai women of Kenya. Each strand features brilliant colored, sustainable grass beads combined with sparkling Czech glass on elastic that can be fashioned into necklaces, bracelets, anklets and more. A handmade porcelain pendant adds a finishing touch. www.leakeycollection.com

The artwork of a pediatric cancer patient in the Children’s Cancer Hospital at M. D.Anderson Cancer Center, this distinctive, hand-painted, blown glass ornament, created for the Children’s Art Project, comes packed for safekeeping with a card displaying the child’s original artwork.
www.childrensart.org

The Little Chocolate Company Biscottini™ defines temptation. These smaller versions
of the centuries-old Italian twice-baked biscotti are available in  a variety of flavor combinations.
www.thelittlechocolatecompany.com

 

The 5-in-1 Tasty Baker is a unique all-in-one table top appliance that will bake muffins, bread, cake, pancakes/waffles and brownies in one compact unit with 7 kid friendly molds. Cool touch housing for safe play dates. www.poparttoaster.com

 
Max Benjamin’s signature line of portable cocktail bags includes the Mini Cigar Bar, Martini Bag and the Mini Sommelier all with a classic feel with high quality construction and vintage style hardware. www.maxbenjamin.com

 
Mama Cards from Mabel’s Labels, are about moms staying connected with other moms. Sophisticated and business card-like, Mama Cards make networking easy, whether exchanged at the playground or a black-tie affair. www.mabel.ca

Get cashback savings from hundreds of brand name stores with Microsoft Live Search. It’s simple and there is no cost to you. Just look for the gold coin and Search, shop and save.  www.live.com

 

 
BE THE CHANGE you want to see in the world, and give a gift with a charitable purpose.
Me to We: [Responsible Style] is a new clothing company that provides top quality eco-friendly apparel made in Canada and the U.S. 50% of the profit goes to Free The Children
(www.freethechildren.com). www.metowestyle.com

 

Inspire’s stylishly designed, octagonal nine-inch Rainshower envelops users with an invigorating, full-body spray. Featuring Moen’s advanced, self-pressurizing InvigoRain™ spray.  www.moen.com
 

 
MyLife-MyArt turns favorite photos into large, digital canvas paintings - as large as 40”x60”. Upload images at www.mylife-myart.com. The image is output on archival, museum-quality canvas and framed using solid wood frames including both gallery-wraps that float off walls and traditional frames. www.mylife-myart.com

 

 
MyPhotoAlbum teamed up with the leading digital scrapbook designers to offer the most
extensive selection of themes, backgrounds, frames, and layouts in bonded leather,
faux leather and linen covers. www.myphotoalbum.com

 

 
The Nikon COOLPIX S600 is a stylish compact camera with 10 megapixels, a 4x zoom lens, and
Vibration Reduction Technology. If the subject moves, the camera will track the subject and adjust to take sharp, in-focused photos. The company also released its finest Digital SLR recently to rave reviews.  www.nikonusa.com

 

Nutra Luxe MD introduces ALL natural skin care without preservatives or harmful parabens. All ingredients are micro-encapsulated to protect the ingredients and preserve / maintain their
original potency. www.nutraluxemd.com

 
The Orion Cooker™ is an outdoor charcoal convection cooker that combines three cooking
processes simultaneously – convection, steam and smoke. This cooking method produces
moist, tender meat in a fraction of the time it takes to prepare foods traditionally or with
other outdoor smokers. www.orionoutdoors.com

 

 
Rum Raisin, the Raj Paisley pattern, from the RAKSHA BELLA Classic Collection, is a royal
Indian classic. Each hand-woven textile features a 225-thread count. Duvet covers, quilts, shams and pillowcases.  www.rakshabellaorganic.com

 
Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s Call2RecycleTM program is a simple and free way to be greener and upgrade technology responsibly. Rechargeable batteries found in popular gifts such as digital cameras, PDAs and laptop computers can be dropped in Call2Recycle collection boxes at retailers like Target, Best Buy and RadioShack. www.call2recycle.org

 

This body and soul-nourishing gift set includes one 8 oz shower gel and body lotion and a variety of scents of 2 oz soap bars. Your skin will be imbued with the fresh scent of grapefruit-citrus, rainforest or regal blossom. You also receive three Save Your Rainforest™ wristbands and a sample of products made with organic Yerba Maté and organic Aloe Vera. www.SaveYourWorld.com

 

 
Bustiers are back and better than ever. This gilded, boned bodice is grace personified, to show off your sexy style. One of 13 vintage designs available from Shirley of Hollywood – celebrating 60 years of sexy in 2008. www.shirleyofhollywood.com

 

 
Coffee anyone? The conical cup is designed to suit any type of coffee dispenser, and the unconventional round handle ensures a comfortable grip so that the liquid stays boiling hot
but your hand does not. A colorful matching saucer and spoon complete this unique porcelain coffee set. www.ritzenhoffusa.com

 

The new computerized SINGER CURVY sewing machine eliminates the two biggest challenges and frustrations sewers have experienced during the past 157 years - threading the sewing machine and threading the bobbin. www.singer.

 

Smart Glass offers a full line of handcrafted Recycled Glass Jewelry. Each piece has been
commissioned by both the Coca-Cola Company and Aveda Corporation to create recycled bottle
jewelry from their product bottles! www.smartglassjewelry.com

 

 

Soda-Club’s home carbonation machines slash beverage bottle and can waste with a “green machine” that sits on your kitchen counter right next to your coffee maker. Using water
from the kitchen sink and special flavoring, this home carbonation appliance can quench your thirst for soda and seltzer without giving up the convenience, variety or taste of store-bought drinks. www.sodaclubusa.com

 

Leave your handbag behind and keep your valuables close at hand with Banjees wrist wallet. Store your cash, keys id’s, ipod, and even small cell phones in the zippered pouch. Made with breathable, poly/spandex fabric, one size fits all. www.sprigsville.com

 

Balance your energy and your fashion sense with these luscious heavyweight acrylic Balance Bangles from Soul’s Calling. They’re frosted on the inside and polished on the outside. Available in pairs, one “reach out” bangle and one “reach in” bangle. www.soulscalling.com

 

The new ENERGY-STAR qualified micro-mini is the smallest CFL on the market and is designed to fit virtually any lamp to provide instant, beautiful light. Typically lasts 11 years or 50 percent longer than standard CFL’s. The portable Golden Dragon light is an easy and inexpensive way to brighten the house for the holidays. Wireless, motion activated LED light is perfect for under cabinets, in the kitchen or in closets. It features a 60-minute auto-off timer adding even more energy efficiency to the long life of LEDs. It comes in black, white and stainless.www.sylvania.com

 

         

 

‘Choose Happiness’ Fair Trade Bamboo Tee from Tees For Change is made
from 70% sustainable bamboo and 30% organic cotton. This fair trade and eco-friendly tee
from Tees For Change is luxuriously soft and silky, the bamboo fiber is hypoallergenic, absorbent, fast drying and naturally anti-bacterial. www.teesforchange.com

 

The lotus® Sanitizing System neutralizes 99.9% of bacteria and pesticides on food and household surfaces using nothing but ordinary tap water. 50% more effective than
bleach and 100% chemical-free, it’s completely safe and natural. EPA registered. FDA USDA approved process. www.tersano.com

 

Made with durable, stabilized Zirconium Oxide, the TODCO Advanced Ceramics Knives feature
ultra-sharp long life blades and exceptional cutting ability. Diamond strength assures a longer-lasting sharper cutting edge and superior cutting ability. www.roastedgarlicexpress.com
 

 

Toss Designs is aiming to take fashion to the next level with fresh styles and coordinated collection in everything from updated travel basics to bedtime. www.tossdesigns.com

 

Sweet Basics organic holiday spices come in an elegant package,  with one can each of organic allspice, organic anise seed, organic cardamom, organic Korintje cinnamon, organic cloves and organic nutmeg. Each spice can contains 12 one-teaspoon packets. www.tspspices.com

Certified Organic TKO is a super concentrated all-in-one cleaning formula. It is simply the most effective environmentally friendly, non-toxic, hypoallergenic cleaner, degreaser, and sanitizer on the market. It contains only organic food grade ingredients and no synthetic chemicals,
petroleum distillates, or detergents. www.tuftsorganics.com

 

The GREENEST of all nail polish formulas, Dazzle Dry Quick-Dry Nail Polish System air dries thoroughly after 5 minutes without UV light. The World’s ONLY Nitrocellulose,Toluene, Formaldehyde and Phthalate Free Nail Polish System. Non-yellowing, color stable formula. Self-Leveling, high-gloss finish every time. www.vbcosmetics.com

 

VerTerra Dinnerware uses fallen leaves treated only with steam, heat and pressure, and then
sterilized with UV light. There are no chemicals glues or bonding agents. Products are fine
for use in a microwave, oven or freezer and will compost (a much higher standard than biodegradable) in as little as 6 weeks. www.VerTerra.com

 

Personalize your walls, mirrors, doors, etc with easy to apply vinyl transfers. How about customizing your game room? It’s easy. Simply apply to any smooth surface; safe to use with any paint. www.wilton.com

 

SweetLeaf SteviaPlus is a healthy, all-natural alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners with no calories or carbohydrates. Stir SteviaPlus into your coffee and tea, sweeten cereal and use it for all your cooking and baking needs. www.wisdomnaturalbrands.com

 

Sprigs Earbags® bandless ear warmers keep ears warm and the cold out. Sprigs banjees™ zippered wrist wallet stores personal items and is great for travel, sports and the beach. www.sprigsville.com

 

Mmmmmm. Glade scented oil candles made with essential oils fill an entire room with the scent of apples and cinnamon, and other yummy scents. www.glade.com

 

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