Ideas for Everyone on Your List

The holiday gift suggestions have been flooding our in-box since the summer. In the spirit of giving, we’re sharing some of the unique and fun gift ideas that crossed our desk:

HOME PRODUCTS
Precious Metal Portraits™, a New Jersey-based company, utilizes the latest laser technology combined with old world craftsmanship to transform priceless photos into one-of-kind family heirlooms made from precious metals. The unique process makes an exact replica of any photograph down to the finest detail and converts it into a laser-engraved portrait or pendant made of platinum, gold or silver. Products range in size from pendants that are as small as the size of a dime to 4 x 6 inch portraits. Custom-designed products as large as 8 x 10 inches can be created as well. Colored-enamel images are available in all 80 pendant styles. The new interactive Web site, www.pmportraits.com, enables customers to view an image online of what the final product will look like before placing an order by simply uploading their favorite photo, cropping and fine-tuning the image and selecting the type of precious metal, style and finish.

Howard Miller has been crafting fine wood furnishings for 80 years and offers the world’s finest clocks and display cabinets as well as the industry’s first collection of wine and spirits furnishings. Any of their selection of classic and contemporary pieces would make an impressive and stunning addition to any home or office with many styles and colors to suit diverse tastes. These products make memorable and lasting holiday gifts. Howard Miller has just introduced several new pieces including Fontaine in Aged Espresso, a wine cabinet with leather top surface and ornate metal embellished glass doors behind which wine can be easily stored. For more information about Howard Miller products and retailers, visit www.howardmiller.com.

The Germ Guardian™ Plug-In from Guardian Technologies kills germs and odors in the home. The plug-in uses hospital-proven UV-C light technology to kill 99% of germs in the air. It kills germs that cause: colds and flu viruses, strep throat, staph infections and more. Plug it in next to the diaper pail, in the kitchen and bathroom and it will also destroy mold spores, allergens and unwanted odors from pets, cooking and smoke. Call 866-603-5900 or visit www.germguardian.com.

For the health conscious, the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer Elite is a great gift idea. From delicious original cocktail combinations to energizing juice blends, the Power Juicer Elite is a gift that can be put to good use year round. With the Power Juicer Elite, you can make fresh, all natural fruit and vegetable juices, or use them in combination with alcohol and spirits to make delicious cocktails. Plus, with newly designed features, fresh milk substitutes such as soy, rice and nut milks are easier than ever to create. The Power Juicer Elite and related accessories are available online at www.juicerelite.com or by phone at 1-800-97-WELL1.

GAMES/ELECTRONICS
A new board game called Christmas Gamesake uses family-written memory cards to move players around the board. Family members write their fondest family-related memories on provided “gift” cards, such as “Claire wins all-county art show. Go ahead 3 spaces. Love, Grandma.” The cards then move players around the Christmas-theme board. The first person to reach the North Pole wins. Each year, players add memories to the deck, and, before you know it, those embarrassing memories you thought were long forgotten become family lore to be shared by generations. Christmas Gamesake (MSRP $19.95) is available at select Von Maur and Calendar Club Go! The Game stores nationwide, as well as specialty toy and gift stores. To order directly, call 303-921-6680 or visit www.gamesake.com.

From Pyramat, the original maker of the “sound chair,” come three new Sound Rockers, perfect for the avid gamer and/or music fan:

PM440w Sound Rocker – The largest Sound Rocker yet, the PM440w is a wireless gaming chair and provides the ultimate in comfort for serious gamers.

S2000 Sound Rocker – Boasting a sleek, sporty design, the S2000 is the hot seat for the serious teen gamer.

G-Flex Game Booster – This battery powered portable audio chair features two directional speakers, volume control and RCA audio inputs. The G-Flex folds for easy storage and features a carrying handle. It’s the definitive choice for comfortable gaming sessions.

Pyramat products are sold at retailers. For more information, visit www.pyramat.com.

Nearly half the size of the original, Apple’s new iPod Shuffle is just half a cubic inch in volume, weighs just half an ounce and features a minimal aluminum design with a built-in clip, making it the most wearable iPod ever. The new iPod shuffle contains one gigabyte of flash memory which holds up to 240 songs. The new iPod shuffle features up to 12 hours of battery life (battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings) and is based on Apple’s shuffle feature which lets music fans serve up a continuous mix of their favorite songs anywhere they go. Users can enjoy their songs in a random order or simply flip a switch to listen to their songs in order, such as when listening to a new album.

The new iPod shuffle will be available through Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for $79. Customers can order the iPod shuffle through the Apple Store (www.apple.com). iPod shuffle includes earbud headphones and an iPod shuffle dock.

Addressing the needs of Apple iPod enthusiasts, Mustek unveiled its new Paragon™ line of iPod-dockable home audio systems. Available in a compact tabletop model and a sleek tower design, Paragon audio systems make it easy to experience full-bodied, audiophile-quality stereo sound from an iPod in any home, office or dorm room. Paragon audio systems incorporate the Apple iPod universal docking cradle for plugging in Video iPod, iPod nano, iPod photo, iPod mini or earlier FireWire iPods. Paragon simultaneously recharges the iPod while it fills the room with sparkling clear acoustics and deep bass, thanks to its powerful, distortion-free amplifier, three-way shielded speaker system, and built-in subwoofer. To purchase, please visit www.mustekdirect.com or specialty retailers.

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