December 09, 2015

GUIDE

Last Minute Gift DECEMBER 2015 • A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

Old vs New Throwback toys trending, Page 2

Top Books of the Year Reading never goes out of style, Page 4

Hot Toy List Top sellers for 2015, Page 7

2 www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Penticton Western News

Sirius gets serious about their toys Western News Staff

From the original Yo-Yo to Star Wars and brain games, everything old is new again in the world of toys.

“Classic toys are extremely popular and of course they have a modern twist on them,” said Jesse Doucette, toy aficionado and employee at Sirius Science and Nature located in downtown Penticton.

Doucette, who said he basically grew up in the store, gets particularly excited near the holiday season because that’s when all the hottest new toys are released.

With the release of the new Star Wars The Force Awakens movie later this month, everything from Lego to craft books to lightsabres, and themed with the popular sci-fi flick. But it isn’t the only throwback toy.

“Yo-yo’s are amazingly popular. I think actually any toy that has a skill that kids have to develop is selling very well this year,” said Doucette. “Anything that gets kids thinking and away from sitting in front of screen you can find here.”

Their most popular items have been moving fast. The National Hockey League Playmobil themed sets and individual characters are just one of those items. In particular, Doucette said they have been having continually replenished the Playmobil NHL arena where you can skate your favourite players around and take shots on the net. Accessories to purchase alongside the arena that have been popular include the zamboni machine

and referees that come with the Stanley Cup. “These are especially fun for the younger age because not only do you get to build with Playmobil but you get imaginative play afterwards with working parts,” said Doucette.

Puzzles, brain teasers and board games are also expected to be a big seller this Christmas season.

“There are a lot of board game fans in Penticton and they are great fun for kids, adults or for the whole family to play together. We have everything from strategy, memory — all sorts of cool games we keep on the shelf here,” said Doucette.

John Patterson of Sirius Science and Nature said the store is the place to find all kinds of cool and unusual toys and games that would be a good fit for gifts from kids to adults and even for the person that is hard to find a gift for.

“We just really listen to our customers and what they are looking for, so we know what items are popular,” he said.

“We can basically get almost any toy that you are looking for in our store. If we don’t have it, we will know where to find it and can get it shipped in. Usually if we get enough requests for certain items we will start to stock it regularly.”

A quick browse through the store and shoppers will find arts and crafts, binoculars, telescopes and microscopes, books, hobby and modeling supplies, rocks and minerals, figurines and some of the coolest stocking stuffer ideas around.

John Patterson of sirius science and nature in downtown Penticton has his arms full with just some of the last minute items that are expected to be popular with shoppers this Christmas.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, December 9, 2015

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 3

Gifts for everyone at Cherry Lane Western News Staff

Cherry Lane Shopping Centre has caught the spirit of the season transforming into a Christmas wonderland for shoppers.

“All of our Christmas decorations are up and Gardenworks has set up poinsettias, the trees are lit and even landscaping outside the main entrance. We have trees lit up welcoming shoppers,” said Andrea Davison, marketing director.

Cherry Lane Shopping Centre is the retail destination of choice in the South Okanagan Similkameen with over 60 stores and services including Hudson’s Bay, London Drugs and Save-On Foods. They also have added speciality stores for the holiday season.

“We always like to add something special during Christmas. This year we have some really great shops that have populated Cherry Lane,” said Davison.

Red Bag, which sells fair trade goods in downtown Penticton, has opened a store for Christmas in the shopping centre - taking over the storefront that was Bootlegger.

“They have all kinds of great items like clothes, scarves, jewelry, tops and pants.

The owner (Derek Adduono) has a really nice looking storefront,” said Davison.

Medicine Man Art Gallery, Summerland Sweets are always popular kiosks and Davison said Calendar Club stocks unique gifts, calendars, games, puzzles and stationary.

Another new store brought in for the holidays is Jnex which sells purses, scarves, blankets, T-shirts and other gift items many of which are branded with popular TV shows like Sons of Anarchy and the Walking Dead.

See CHERRY LANE on PG. 6

On his way in to his temporary home at Cherry Lane shopping Centre, santa stops for a chat with four-year-old sadie Villeneuve. santa arrived at the shopping centre recently with a courtesy lift from the Penticton Fire Department.

steve Kidd/western news

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Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Penticton Western News

Gift ideas for the avid reader in your life H Is for Hawk — By Helen Macdonald: With stunning language that resonates long after the book’s conclusion, This book is destined to be a classic of nature writing.

Western News Staff

Reading is one interest or hobby that has never gone out of style.

People who enjoy reading tend to devour book after book and are always eager for the next installment from their favourite authors.

Books and other reading materials can make perfect gifts for anyone with a love for literature.

Coles Books, located in the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre in Penticton, has a wide variety or books to suit anyone on your shopping list. Here is a list of top reads of 2015 on www.indigo.ca.

The Girl on the Train — By Paula Hawkins : A sinister and twisting story that will keep you guessing at every turn, The Girl on the Train is a high-speed chase for the truth.

Furiously Happy — By Jenny Lawson: No. 1 New York Times bestselling author explores embracing everything that makes us who we are - the beautiful and the flawed - and then using it to find joy in fantastic and outrageous ways.

Dead Awake — By Erik Larson: From the bestselling author and master of narrative nonfiction comes the enthralling story of the sinking of the Lusitania.

The Library at Mount Char —

By Scott Hawkins: Populated by an unforgettable cast of characters and propelled by a plot that will shock you again and again, The Library at Mount Char is at once horrifying and hilarious, mind-blowingly alien

First edition texts

Collectors very often are interested in the first edition or first printing of classic books.

Publishers may offer only a limited number of books in a first edition or first printing, and such editions tend to be rare.

A first edition of a favourite book can make a cherished gift.

These books often can be identified by a unique numbering system or even by the words “first edition” or “first printing” on the copyright page. Work with a reputable bookshop or dealer to find expensive and rare prints.

Book accessories

Customer experienCe manager meg Black of Coles in the Cherry Lane shopping Centre checks one of the exclusive titles on the store shelves which would make the perfect Christmas gift.

mark Brett/Western news

and heartbreakingly human, sweepingly visionary and nail-bitingly thrilling.

Reckless: My Life As A Pretender — By Chrissie Hynde: one of rock’s most iconic, alluring, kickass women, in a brilliant, no-holds barred memoir of a rock life lived to the hilt.

In The Unlikely Event — By Judy Blume: New York Times No.1 best-selling author creates a richly textured and moving story of three generations of families, friends and strangers, whose lives are profoundly changed by unexpected events.

Dumplin’ — By Julie Murphy: Powerful novel with the most fear-

less heroine who is guaranteed to steal your heart.

The Blackthorn Key — By Kevin Sands: Following a series of murders, an apothecary’s apprentice must solve puzzles and decipher codes in pursuit of a secret that could destroy the world in this suspenseful debut novel.

Readers need their own collections of accessories that cater to their love of the written word.

Look for clocks made out of literary volumes, lamps that look like a stacked book collection or framed photos of favourite book covers.

Some publishers offer printed works reissued in decorative covers to make the books an eye-catching addition to any home’s décor.

Someone who lends out favourite works may like a personalized library embosser, which will imprint a book page with the name of the person loaning out his or her collection of books.

LAST MINUTE

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, December 9, 2015

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Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Penticton Western News

Cherry Lane offers unique blend of shopping From CHERRY LANE on PG. 3 “Astalabastala is another funky store. They have knit sweaters and patchwork coats that are bright colours for adults and kids. Different kinds of incense, soap and really neat artwork. They will be here until the end of Christmas season,” said Davison.

Cherry Lane has seen sales growing steadily over the past three years and that is thanks to the great regular tenants said Davison.

“All of our tenants are

ready and stocked up on staff and product encouraging people to shop local and welcome them into their stores,” said Davison.

For those who are undecided what to buy for a loved one, Cherry Lane is offering the gift of choice. Gift cards are available at the Cherry Lane administration office, during regular shopping hours and on Dec. 12 and 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gift cards can be redeemed at over 60 stores and services in the shopping centre. Gift cards can be purchased in any denomination from $5

to $500.

Santa’s workshop is open to take photos with the Jolly Gent Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. or, on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 is Santa’s last day before heading to the North Pole and he will be sitting at Cherry Lane from 4 to 8 p.m.

“Santa has been awesome and is so great to see the kids come in and look at him just mesmerized,” said Davison.

Photos are $25 (cash only) and you receive a flash drive with three pictures,

which Davison said has been a great addition since it makes it easier to share the pictures with family.

“All the money we raise, above paying the photogra-

pher, is donated to the Penticton hospital tower equipment,” said Davison. “We did it last year and it was such a hit.”

The hospital auxiliary

is also in Cherry Lane during shopping hours for giftwrapping by donation. All the money goes directly to the new hospital tower equipment as well.

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The aisles of Cherry lane shopping Centre are getting busier as Christmas draws closer. Cherry lane is open from Monday to saturday 9:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through to Dec. 23. on Christmas eve they are open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mark Brett/Western News

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, December 9, 2015

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 7

Hot toy list for Christmas 2015 released Submitted

The latest in robotic pets, the most popular on-screen characters and do-it-yourself creations top the most anticipated toy list of the year.

The annual list includes the 20 most popular toys, games and gadgets of the holiday season, with a focus on popular on-screen themes and toys that encourage creative thinking and play.

Every toy on the list has been vetted, tested and given the kid stamp of approval by one of Canada’s coolest kids, Toys”R”Us Canada’s 13-year-old Chief Play Officer, Alex Thorne.

“For three years I’ve had the awesome opportunity to test out the hottest toys for the holidays to help parents pick the top presents for their kids, and this year’s list is the best yet,” said Thorne. “From Lego Dimensions and the Paw Patroller to the Shopkins Metallic So Cool Fridge, kids will be excited to unwrap any toy on the list.”

2015 Holiday Hot Toy List

1) Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBo from Fisher Price 2) Crayon Carver from Crayola 3) FurReal Friends StarLily My Magical Unicorn from Hasbro 4) Guitar Hero LIVE 5) Interactive Minions from Thinkway — Minions Tumblin’ Stuart, Minion Kevin - Banana Eating Action Figure, Plush Jumbo Talking Minion Bob

6) Kidizoom Action Cam from VTech 7) Lego Dimensions Starter Pack from WB Games 8) Little Live Pets Clever Keet from Red Planet 9) Marvel XPV Hulk Smash Remote Control Vehicle from Jakks 10) Marvel Super Heroes The Hydra Fortress Smash from Lego 11) Mega Bloks Despicable Me - Build a Minion from Mattel 12) Monster High Frightfully

Tall 17” Ghoul Dolls from Mattel 13) Nerf N-Strike Modulus ECS-10 Blaster from Hasbro 14) PAW Patrol - Paw Patroller from Spinmaster 15) Pie Face from Hasbro 16) Shopkins So Metallic Cool Fridge from Imports Dragon 17) Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Pack from Activision 18) Star Wars Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber from Hasbro 19) Star Wars Millennium Falcon from Lego

20) Zoomer Kitty - Whiskers The Orange Tabby from Spin Master.

2015 Holiday Hot Toy Trends

Robotics and Toys-to-life: The latest innovations in robotic pets and toys-to-life are changing the way kids play as they look for toys that are more interactive, responsive and personalized, from the Little Live Pets Clever Keet and Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBo to the Skylanders Super-

Chargers Starter Pack.

Do It Yourself: Inspiration, Creation & Building Imagination: Hands-on toys that let kids stretch their imaginations and stimulate creativity as they build, customize and role-play are a must have for all ages, like the Crayola Crayon Carver and LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon.

Pre-school Character Explosion: Licensed toys of the most popular on-screen characters continue to be a big hit, especially with toddlers and pre-schoolers, from the Mega Bloks Despicable Me - Build a Minion to the PAW Patrol - Paw Patroller.

Action-Packed Power Forces: Kids can’t wait to get their hands on power-packed toys that let them ignite their inner adventure-seeking action hero, such as the Star Wars Bladebuilders - Jedi Master Lightsaber and Marvel XPV Hulk Smash Remote Control Vehicle.

Extreme Get Up & Go: Parents of active kids with energy to burn are looking for toys that can keep up with the pace and puts kids in the centre of all the action, like the Nerf N-Strike Modulus ECS-10 Blaster and Kidizoom Action Cam. Collect’em All’s & Pets: Realistic toy pets and collectible toys with endless options are a popular pick for kids who love to collect, such as the Shopkins Metallic So Cool Fridge and FurReal Friends StarLily My Magical Unicorn.

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Happy Holidays

NG YI BU

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EX PE RT IS E

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WE WILL NOT BE BEAT!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Penticton Western News