Daily Camera 2019 Holiday Guide

2019 HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFT IDEAS, LOCAL EVENTS, FAMILY FUN AND MORE!

This year, celebrate the holidays with CU Presents!

Nov. 15-Dec. 8 A Broadway Christmas Carol A musical created by Kathy Feininger University Theatre, starting at $24

Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy A Celtic Family Christmas Macky Auditorium, starting at $22

Dec. 6-8 Holiday Festival Macky Auditorium, starting at $20

Find your next performance at

cupresents.org

DECEMBER 2019

HOLIDAY GUIDE

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

FEATURES 4

Experience the Wonder of the Season

5 CU Presents kicks off its slate of winter performances

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8

20

7

Arts abound: Arts events for the season

8

Charitable children: Inspiring kids to give back

12

Local ways to spread joy this holiday season

14

Getting your kitchen ready for guests

16

Brews, bubbles and cocktails – oh my

17

What to cook when you're hosting family for the holidays

20

Hometown holidays: The surprising financial benefits of buying locally this season

23

Local gift ideas

27

Give the gift of luxury from Christina's

28

Neptune Mountaineering: Your outdoor gear holiday headquarters

29

A timeless gift from Watch Galaxy

30

Great reads fro the young bibliophile

31

The gift of local art from R Gallery

32

Not another gift card Christmas

34

The best housewares this season

36

Looking for a smart gift? Put these popular voice-assistant accessories at the top of your list

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The holidays await you at The Shops at Table Mesa

41

This year's hot new toys

MARKETING CONSULTANTS Pete Christiansen Jeanine Fritz Barbara Hunter, Keith Kratochvil, Billy Magrini, Dale Sekuler VP / MARKETING & ADVERTISING Jill Stravolemos

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Kailus, Adam Goldstein, Erica Rodefer, Pam Moore, Rachel Stark, Elise Oberliesen, Erik J. Martin, Marilyn Kennedy Melia, Wendy McMillan, Emma Castleberry, Darren Thornberry, Sarah Huber, Linda Thorsen Bond, Amy Harris Van Vranken, Rhema Zlaten, Lisa Iannucci, Nancy Mattia

The 2019 Holiday Guide is a marketing feature of the Daily Camera.

303.473.1400; DailyCamera.com. ©2019 Prairie Mountain Media.

ADVERTISING FEATURES COORDINATOR Greg Stone

Read the e-magazine online at DailyCamera.com.

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Experience the wonder of the season

By Julie Kailus for Holiday Guide

N

o place celebrates the holidays like Boulder. In keeping with our town’s eclectic nature, there are all types of local experiences to get in the spirit of the season. From traditional family-friendly lighting ceremonies downtown to a winter solstice sky filled with 10 million stars

at the planetarium, something will appeal to all who wish to revel in this magical time of year. The following happenings are worth a look. They’ll put you in a festive mindset and remind you about what’s special about the upcoming holiday season.

November 30: Small Business Saturday

Celebrating its 10th year, this daylong event encourages shopping at local small businesses throughout Boulder’s charming downtown district.

Get all your holiday gift buying done while the kids visit with Santa and ride on the Snowflake Express.

DowntownBoulderHolidays.com.

december 7: Lights of December Parade

Catch the best hometown holiday parade in Colorado, showcasing local school marching bands, handmade floats by community organizations and scout troops galore. 6 p.m., throughout downtown, DowntownBoulderHolidays.com.

(Photo: Shutterstock.com)

November 29: St. Nick on the Bricks

Kicking off this night and running every Saturday from November 30 through December 21, kids of all ages can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout the holiday season. Photo opps are free and strongly encouraged! 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Visitor Information Center, 1301 Pearl Street, downtownboulderholidays.com.

DECEMBER 2019

November 29 - December 1: Harlequin’s Gardens Holiday Gift Market

This sustainable garden center kicks off its season-long holiday market with a three-day open house with live music and refreshments, followed by a month of special shopping every Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through December 22. 4795 N. 26th St., Boulder, harlequinsgardens.com.

(Photo Courtesy: Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center) HOLIDAY GUIDE

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

december 7-8: Homes for the Holidays Tour

This year’s 34th annual self-guided tour is themed “Farmhouses in Winter.”

Journey to seven historic farmhouses around Boulder, and take in holiday decor, live performances, food trucks, wagon rides, artisanal shopping, farm animals and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets at Historic Boulder office, 1200 Pearl St., Ste. 70, historicboulder.org.

december 14:

december 13-15: Rocks and Rails

The Boulder County Fairgrounds brings together railroad aficionados and rock hounds for a holiday mash-up. Check out Boulder Model Railroad Club train layouts and railroad-related gifts from vendors. Also onsite are gem and mineral dealers, exhibits, speakers, children’s activities, grab bags and more. 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 303.591.2830.

Freezie Fest

This celebration of winter and snowmen, a family favorite, features face painting, train rides, kids’ crafts, visits with Santa and Freezie the Snowman hunts.

At the top of the hour, head to participating businesses to find Freezie and redeem the plush for special prizes at Freezie’s headquarters in the Capital One Cafe (1247 Pearl Street). 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pearl Street Mall, FreezieFest.com.

december 21: Colorado Skies – The Winter Solstice

Celebrate the winter solstice while you learn what’s up in the December sky. Fiske Planetarium’s MegaStar projector will dazzle the curious with a stunning night sky filled with 10 million stars. 2:30 p.m., Fiske Planetarium, 2414 Regent Drive, colorado.edu/fiske/showtimes/ live-talks/colorado-skies.

CU Presents kicks off its slate of winter performances

By Adam Goldstein for Holiday Guide

T

he University of Colorado Boulder campus will be the goto spot for holiday culture this season, as CU Presents is set to mount a wide array of stage spectacles designed to spread cheer, joy and goodwill.

The performances slated for the CU stage run the gamut from theatrical classics to orchestral celebrations to world-renowned folk musicians. The program is a truly diverse nod to the season, with a stress on community that equally spotlights budding local artists and established master performers.

CU Presents kicks off its slate of winter performances before Thanksgiving with an operatic version of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” based off the classic 1946 film directed by Frank Capra. Staged in the historic Macky Auditorium from Nov. 15 to 17, the CU Presents adaptation follows 6

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Annual Holiday Festival held at Macky Auditorium by CU Presents.

(Photo courtesy CU Presents, Casey A. Cass).

the Christmas trials of George Bailey, who’s faced with an existential crisis. The opera by Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer follows the basic narrative course of the film, even as it spotlights a new score that explores themes of struggle, redemption and gratitude.

Many of those same themes will feature in “A Broadway Christmas Carol,” which features the beloved Charles Dickens classic in an entirely new way. Ebenezer Scrooge is still a crotchety miser who’s in sore need of learning the true

meaning of Christmas, but in this version of the story, he dances, he sings and brings some Broadway pizazz to his redemptive journey through his past. Bud Coleman will direct student performers in this version of the holiday staple that runs in the University Theatre from Nov. 15 to Dec. 8.

These professional productions will complement what’s become an annual musical tradition on the CU campus. CU Presents’ Holiday Festival 2019 will rely on

the creativity and talent of the local community for its appeal. This musical showcase runs from Dec. 6 to 8 in the Macky Auditorium, and features performances by local choirs, band musicians and more. The festival brings a local heart to what’s become an international holiday celebration on the CU campus.

Indeed, the CU Presents holiday program wraps up with a world music flair, as two of the globe’s most celebrated fiddlers come to Boulder for a traditional Celtic Christmas program. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Congreg Leahy are celebrated masters in the traditional Celtic folk genre, and their “Celtic Family Christmas” show schedule for Dec. 17 at Mackey Auditorium will feature accompaniment by five of the couple’s seven children. The show weds international musicianship with universal holiday traditions, and is a perfect way to prep for the holidays and the arrival of a New Year.

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Arts abound: Arts events for the season December 21-22, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 14th and Pine, downtown Boulder, messiahsingalong.org.

Dec. 5 through 28, Grace Gamm Theater, Dairy Arts Center, 303.444.7328 or betc.org.

CU Presents, Holiday Programming, Leave it to an arts program housed in Colorado’s flagship college campus to cover all the bases for holiday culture.

The CU Presents schedule for November and December features a wide array of holiday programming, from a stage version of the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “A Broadway Christmas Carol.” These staples come along with the “Holiday Festival” musical showcase slated for December, and “A Celtic Family Christmas,” a musical performance featuring Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, two of the world’s best fiddlers. Nov. 15 through Dec. 17, CU Boulder Campus, 303.492.8008 or cupresents.org.

Boulder “Messiah” Singalong Classical music can be intimidating for modern audiences, and Handel’s masterwork “Messiah” is no exception. The English oratorio may be a beloved holiday tradition, but it’s hardly the kind of work that invites participation.

Since 1983, Boulder Messiah Chorale and Orchestra founder Robert Arentz has worked to make this masterpiece more accessible with a singalong performance. “Everyone is welcome in the choir, and everyone is welcome in the performance,” Arentz notes.

Boulder Opera Company Who says holiday culture has to end in December? The Boulder Opera Company is shifting its Family Series shows to February 2020 this year, and it’s a perfect opportunity to make the enjoyment of live music and theater last into the New Year. This year’s family series includes performances of “Puss in Boots” and some excerpts from some of the best-known French operas; both showcases serve as ideal opportunities to expose the whole family to haute culture. Various performances in February, boulderoperacompany.com.

The CU Theatre & Dance production of "A Broadway Christmas Carol." (Photo courtesy: Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado).

By Adam Goldstein for Holiday Guide

T

he holidays offer plenty of distractions, stresses and obligations, but they also lend a rare opportunity for culture.

In Boulder County and beyond, the holiday season brings some of the best options of the year when it comes to theater, dance and music.

For many, the season is the only chance they’ll have to attend an orchestral concert, a stage play or a ballet, and producers are well aware of this fact. Locally, many of the companies roll out some of their most promising productions in the winter months, and audiences are all the richer for it.

Here are some of the best DECEMBER 2019

options to add some cultural richness to all the chaos of the holiday season.

A Christmas Carol Stage versions of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” are de rigueur for the holiday season. Because the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his redemptive journey through his past with his ghostly escorts is so wellknow, it can be tough to offer a new spin on the tale. Even so, the folks at the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company are committed to bringing a new spin to the story, offering a creative vision where “apathy transforms into empathy; condemnation changes to compassion; and belligerence becomes benevolence.” Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company,

HOLIDAY GUIDE

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GIVING BACK

Charitable children pArENts, ExpErtS oFfeR advice On inSpiriNg kiDs To givE bAck

By Erica Rodefer CTW Features

E

ven when Micki Collett’s son Dante was only 22 months old, she was already thinking about ways to help him learn to love giving back to the community. “I wasn’t that into volunteering before I became a parent,” Collett says. “But when I was pregnant, people were so incredibly generous. My heart was so full, and I wanted to share that.”

So her family started a new tradition during the holidays.

They picked out 10 toys to donate to charity – an effort 8

HOLIDAY GUIDE

to teach Dante that despite society’s emphasis on wish lists and treats during the holiday season, it can be incredibly rewarding to give back to those in need.

“I don’t want to raise him to be entitled,” Collett says. “I also think that you feel good when you help other people, and I want him to learn that.”

Collett volunteers yearround at Dante’s school. She says she hopes that if her son sees her family’s dedication to service, it will make a lasting impression on him.

While it’s easy to get stuck in the daily grind, Collett says she tries to spend time teaching

her son “the values of life, instead of just going through the schedule.”

Like Collett, many families are seeking ways to teach their kids the value of community service.

Donating toys and clothes to children in need, collecting food to feed the hungry, and participating in charity walks are just some of the ways kids can help. While these activities can help little ones learn the importance of community service, you don’t have to spearhead a huge project to teach your children to love giving back, says Krystle Hunt, community volunteer

program assistant for Trident United Way, North Charleston, S.C. If you pay attention, you might notice that your kids are already contributing in their own way, she says.

“Depending on the ages of the children, that could be something like writing cards to their friends to let them know they appreciate them, or even sharing a smile with a stranger,” Hunt says. “These are ways to contribute to the community, too.”

Parents who lead by example can also pique their kids’ interest in service.

Pastor Wendy HudsonJacoby encourages parents to DAILY CAMERA

bring their kids along when volunteering, for instance.

“We take our kids with us when we go and do something for the community,” such as visiting the home-bound or elderly, says Hudson-Jacoby, a a mother of three.

Service is a big part of her church’s mission, and the congregation tries to include the church’s youngest members in community outreach projects, she added.

“So often, kids are shuttled off to the side or told ‘when you grow up you can lead,’” Hudson-Jacoby says. “But we believe they have gifts and talents that they can use right now.”

The Moore family shares a similar philosophy. Mom Marie Moore works and volunteers for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Dad Jonathon

Moore works at the local Food Bank. The couple hopes that by bringing their son, Christian, along to help with volunteer activities, he’ll develop a love for giving back, too.

“A lot of kids his age, they’re so ‘This is mine, you can’t have it,’ so bringing him with us to volunteer at the food bank has shown him that it’s good and fun to give to other people,” Marie Moore says.

For busy families with full schedules, Hunt suggests incorporating giving into something you would do anyway. For instance, when planning extracurricular activities, consider having your kids volunteer with a local service organization after school. Or, during your child’s next birthday party, ask guests to skip buying presents and donate to a favorite cause

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DECEMBER 2019

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GIVING BACK

instead, Hunt says.

Another tactic for getting kids excited about service: Let them decide how to give back. A child who loves animals might want to donate supplies to an animal shelter, for instance. Or if your family plans to donate to a food bank, bring your child to the grocery store to pick out items to contribute, Hunt suggests.

Eventually, you may find your children start suggesting ways to give back. Hudson-Jacoby had a proud moment recently when her then 6-year-old asked if they could go hand out care packages to the homeless. “We try to follow (the kids’) lead,” she said. “So, we packed up the car and went downtown to give out some bags.”

Don’t forget to reward kids’ charitable efforts and help them see they made a difference. “When we write

a check to charity, we get a tax deduction,” Hunt says.

Kids need other means to acknowledge their contribution.

Rewards could include taking before-and-after photos of their project to show progression, or creating a memento that will remind them of their accomplishment, she says.

Parents should also talk with their kids about why community service is important. One way to start the conversation is by reading books about giving back.

“The Giving Tree” and “One Hen: How One Small Loan Makes a Big Difference” are good examples, Hunt says.

After reading, talk with your kids about how the stories made them feel, Hunt says.

“The conversation is just as important as the action.”

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

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GIVING BACK

Local ways to spread joy this holiday season up for two-hour shifts from Wednesday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Toy Shop, located at 2585 Baseline Road. For more information, please visit shareagift.org/volunteer.

Volunteers ages 16 and over also are needed to help sort, inventory, clean and display donated children’s gifts. They are also needed to help with check-in and check-out on Dec. 14th on Toy Distribution Day.

By Pam Moore for Holiday Guide

W

hen we think of holiday giving we usually think of the kinds of gifts you can wrap up in a bow. This holiday season, why not consider giving the greatest gift of all – your time? It’s true, for many, the most wonderful time of the year is also the busiest. But the rewards of volunteering extend far beyond anything you could find under your Christmas tree.

Says Allison Billings, the executive director of Impact on Education, a non-profit supporting Boulder Valley schools, parents who volunteer with their kids often report that the experience helps “instill values such as empathy for their community members.” Additionally, “Many volunteers report that they look forward to assisting in our programs as

12

HOLIDAY GUIDE

they find them to be fun and community-oriented, and they can see the positive impact.”

Impact on Education According to Billings, for many, holiday stress extends far beyond a long shopping list, family gatherings and parties. She says over 6,000 students in the Boulder Valley School District experience poverty. “These families often have to sacrifice necessities in order to try to bring a bit of the holiday cheer to their children.”

One way to help lighten that load is by participating in Share-a-Gift, a volunteer opportunity that’s appropriate for children ages four and up. By Partnering with Share-A-Gift, Impact on Education helps to provide gifts like toys, books, and bicycles to children of lowincome families in Boulder Valley School District.

The project relies on volunteers who may sign

TRU Community Care It is not just Boulder Valley’s youth who are in need of community support; TRU Community Care is a nonprofit healthcare organization helping adults across the lifespan. Serving greater Boulder, Broomfield, Adams, Jefferson and Weld Counties, their focus is on providing care for community members coping with advanced illness and loss. Their programs include TRU PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), hospice home care, inpatient hospice, palliative care, grief support services, and community education and outreach.

There are a variety of ways to get involved in TRU Community, however all volunteers must make a minimum commitment of two to four hours per week for one year. Volunteers may work in the thrift shop, perform administrative work, or may perform patient care and grief support, and varying levels of training are

required for all of these roles.

Tru Community Volunteers have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families, while gaining new skills and giving back to the community.

A Precious Child A Precious Child gives children in need the opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential.

Volunteers as young as five years are welcome to help.

Volunteers are needed on a daily basis Congreg in the Donation Center to help process donations and prepare for the store where families shop free of charge for clothing and other basics.

Other roles include receptionist, data entry, store volunteer, helping in the Inspiring Minds Center, development or programs support and grant research.

EFFA EFAA helps community members whose immediate needs for food, shelter and other basic necessities cannot be adequately met by other means, and supports them in becoming financially stable or self-sufficient.

Volunteers ages 15 and up can volunteer individually or as part of a group. Volunteers ages 12 to 14 may volunteer with adult supervision. Roles may include sponsoring a housing unit, working on a housing hospitality team or organizing a food drive.

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DECEMBER 2019

HOLIDAY GUIDE

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HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

Getting your kitchen ready for guests

share a Google spreadsheet, where all the different meals are listed,” Dang says. “It lays things out nicely for folks to know what they’ll be responsible for. It also shows you took the time to think about it and plan.”

The good guest People should also consider their cooking methods. If much of the meal will require the oven, they’ll need to plan accordingly. Oven rack inserts can help maximize space and save time.

One advantage of having many cooks in the kitchen?

They bring an array of skills and specialties. Dang recommends hosts be mindful of this, playing up their guests’ strengths. Let the aunt who loves baking bring her mean cheesecake and give the cocktail-expert cousin bar duty. Anyone who is cookingaverse can help with cleanup.

“I think it all comes down to knowing what people are good at,” Dang says.

By Rachel Stark CTW Features

T

here’s no place like home kitchens for the holidays.

Or that’s what it seems, at least, when guests congregate in the heart of the home to chat, snack and offer the host or hostess a helping hand.

A crowded kitchen with a few extra cooks calls for extra preparation and organization.

What it doesn’t call for, says Philadelphia-area Chef Tony Clark, is extra stress.

“It’s the holidays and it’s 14

HOLIDAY GUIDE

more than just cooking,” Clark says. “You really want to make sure everyone’s enjoying themselves.”

Keep it simple A chef of more than 35 years, Clark is used to group cooking. With four sisters and five children, cooking is a family affair when they all gather for a holiday meal.

“It’s much more fun when everyone’s involved,” he says.

Clark’s relatives typically stick to tradition with familiar, family recipes. He purchases all the ingredients and completes

any complicated cooking tasks before the guests arrive. “I try to make it easy, and never do anything too stressful,” he says.

Plus, a bottle of wine is at the ready, opened when the cooking begins.

Do your homework Jess Dang, founder of Cook Smarts, an online resource aimed at educating and inspiring home cooks, says she creates a spreadsheet to get organized before hosting people for the holidays.

“Whenever I’m doing a large event, I find it really helpful to

Make a plan It’s important to make room for a deluge of food. Clean and strategically arrange your refrigerator and pantry ahead of time, Dang suggests.

To make more room in the kitchen, hosts can get creative by assigning guests to different stations throughout the home.

Two sisters could catch up while chopping vegetables at the dining room table, for instance, while the kids snap green beans outside.

Susie Crowther, a Vermontbased chef, teacher and author of “The No Recipe Cookbook”, says people should feel comfortable asking for and accepting help. “I think nowadays, we don’t want to ask for help,” she says. “Throw DAILY CAMERA

what to do. People like to give; it makes them feel important.”

Most of all, Crowther says, people cooking together over the holidays should focus on the process rather than the product.

“The keys are to have fun, be together and be open to the outcome,” she says. “You might ruin the dish, but you’ll have a great story at the dinner table.”

that paradigm away. This is not the time for the onewoman (or man) show.”

Instead, she suggests people embrace the mindset of working together as a

community. Aside from making a dish or helping with cleanup, guests could contribute by bringing serving utensils, cutting boards or knives.

“Have a list and just tell guests

Make space A cramped kitchen can be an obstacle to any group cooking experience. Those who are short on counter space can make their mealtime easier with a few simple tweaks.

The easiest way to add counter space is to purchase a portable kitchen island or cart.

The bonus is that it’ll add visual appeal along with extra storage – but it is a relatively

big purchase, so only do so if you plan to use it throughout the year.

People should also look outside of the kitchen and utilize other spaces, Dang says.

She suggests clearing clutter from counters by placing items on a dining table or a desk, or turning another room or the garage into a baking area with a card table and toaster oven.

Clark says he likes to use the outdoor grill year-round.

When preparing a big meal, that’s one less piece that needs the oven.

The keys to working in a tight space, Clark says, are to keep the area clean and embrace simplicity.

“Don’t overdo it,” he says.

“People get stressed while cooking, but it’s not about that. You want to make sure you’re happy when you’re cooking the meal.”

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

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HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

Brews, bubbles and cocktails — Oh my

By Elise Oberliesen for Holiday Guide

‘Tis the season to imbibe.

D

uring November and December, holiday festivities bring people together to celebrate and reconnect. Celebrations with close friends and family usually centers around good food and drink.

Perhaps it’s a universal law – but when it comes to adult beverages, for whatever reason, humans tend to imbibe at epic proportion during the holidays. Alcohol consumption in the U.S. goes up 100 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, for the average adult, according to BeverageDaily.com, citing a study of 2000 participants.

Just what are the most popular holiday adult bevvies?

It’s no surprise that egg nog took the No. 1 slot, at 40 percent; followed by coffee with Bailys, 34 percent; Christmas beer, 16

HOLIDAY GUIDE

28 percent; and cider, 27 percent, according to the survey.

Local indulgences If you’re wondering what Boulder locals like to drink during the holidays, we have some ideas. We caught up with the folks at Hazel’s Beverage World, the well-loved liquor store that carries over 1,250 Colorado craft beers, 101 Colorado wines and 250 Colorado spirits. Walk into the store and you'll notice endless rows with bottles in all different colors – that because Hazel’s carries over 12,000 products, according to Marketing Director Hayley Boreen.

“A popular item going into the holiday season is the gift pack of Christmas beers that we have pre-assembled,” Boreen said. This gift makes a good pick for the Belgian beer enthusiasts, she added.

According to the Denver Post, the largest craft beer producer in the United States is Pennsylvania, followed by California, with Colorado taking the bronze, or No. 3

slot.

Beer bubbles not your thing?

Hazel’s offers other bubbly drinks sure to catch your fancy.

“Another product that goes crazy before the New Year is sparkling wine,” Boreen said.

Maybe you’re a fan of French champagne, but your wallet can’t swing it. That’s okay – no wine snob will care if you pour on the sparkles – in reds, whites or a delicate rose variety.

Some elegant names have stood the test of time – like

Italian Asti, Franciacorta and Prosecco. Even so, you don’t have to remortgage the house for these bubbly bottles.

Keep these in mind for under 20 bucks: • Belletti Prosecco, Extra Dry. • Underwood Bubbles and Underwood Rosé Bubbles, sparkling wines from Union Wine Company.

• Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco

RECIPE CORNER

A holiday fave for Gin lovers Cocktail Ingredients

- 2 oz. gin - 3/4 oz. Cranberry Syrup (see below) - 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice - 1/2 oz. elderflower liquor - Ice - Club soda - Fresh cranberries, to garnish - 2 sprig fresh thyme, to garnish

DIRECTIONS For all you cocktail lovers wanting to sip some cranberry bliss, here’s a must-try recipe sure to prime up your mixology skills while you get ready for the festivities.

Cranberry Gin Fizz Cranberry Syrup Ingredients

- 1/2 c. cranberries - 3/4 c. granulated sugar - 3/4 c. water - 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Cranberry Syrup: Simmer cranberries, sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat – for about 10 to 12 minutes. Add four sprigs fresh thyme. Cool to room temperature. Strain.

Cocktail: Combine gin, cranberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, elderflower liquor and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake it, strain it and pour into two glasses. Top it off with ice and club soda. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig thyme. Cheers!

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HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

What To Cook whEn you’re Hosting FAmiLy For the HoliDays

By Erik J. Martin CTW Features

Y

ou’ve decided to take one for the team and summon the entire clan over for dinner and festivities on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

The invite was the easy part.

Now you’ve got to figure out what will be on the menu – not an easy task, you deduce, considering your kin’s different palates and preferences.

But prepping, cooking and serving the holiday meal doesn’t have to be a dreaded or frustrating endeavor. With the right food planning and ample lead time, you can ace this banquet, sidestep the stress, and conquer the kitchen with culinary cleverness. This DECEMBER 2019

positive process starts with the right mindset.

“This is a chance to be creative, to brainstorm, to really think about what you want the experience of a holiday meal to be. This is a chance to make a memorable gathering for your friends and family, to create a day worth reminiscing about,” says Quelcy Kogel, Pittsburghbased author of “The GlutenFree Grains Cookbook” and a freelance food stylist.

Jamie McFadden, executive chef for Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events in Winter Park, Florida, agrees.

“All too often, we find ourselves in a panic because we procrastinate on projects that can alleviate entertaining

stress and kitchen nightmares,” he says. “Advanced meal planning, recipe research, prepping items that can be frozen or refrigerated a few weeks prior to an event, as well as utilizing detailed shopping

lists that can be delegated are just a few examples of proper planning techniques that will reduce stress and anxiety.”

Allison Stowell, a Bethel, Connecticut-based registered dietitian for the Guiding HOLIDAY GUIDE

17

t r o f Com oy J d an

with Robes

2425 Canyon • 303-443-2421 Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5 • www.christinasluxuries.com 18

HOLIDAY GUIDE

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

Stars Licensing Co., suggests that the key to holiday meal success – and taste bud and gastrointestinal congruence – is to start planning at least a few weeks ahead of time and communicate with guests about the foods you plan to serve.

“No one wants to visit a host who seems overwhelmed.

You also want to ensure your menu allows for adequate cooking time and that your kitchen can support your menu,” notes Stowell.

“Planning menus that have something for everyone is crucial for keeping harmony.

When hosting others, it’s nice to take traditional foods into consideration, as well as any food-related concerns such as allergies or certain eating styles.”

Once you’ve ruled out any ingredients that could disagree with guests, it’s time to narrow down the dishes. Kogel recommends a menu filled with classic cuisine choices as well as a few unique flavors.

Her ideal holiday meal starts with an appetizer cheese board with savory parmesan-herb granola. The latter “pairs best with a soft cheese like burrata, and the granola can also be used as salad topper instead of croutons. Be sure to include vegetarian options on the board such as nuts, olives and artichoke hearts.”

Next up is a fall harvest soup with quinoa and crispy sage, which is “easy to make – it’s creamy and comforting with fall spices, so it’s especially amenable to feeding a crowd,” adds Kogel.

For her main course, Kogel opts for roasted turkey, surrounded by a perimeter of root vegetables like golden beets, turnips, carrots,

rutabaga and sweet potatoes.

Side dishes on Kogel’s table also includes a roasted squash and grape salad with bacon and burnt honey vinaigrette; mashed potatoes; garlic green beans; stuffing; cranberry sauce; and roasted carrot cheesecake with a ginger oat crust for dessert.

McFadden’s menu, meanwhile, forgoes the gobble in exchange for a main course of beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce. He would preface that with roasted butternut squash soup with cinnamon churros and escarole Caesar salad with gingerbread croutons, and fill out the sides with green bean casserole, twice baked potatoes and a palate-pleasing chocolate Kahlua cake.

Kitty Broihier, a South Portland, Maine-based registered dietitian and adjunct faculty member of Southern Maine Community College’s Nutrition Department, recommends spotlighting fall colors and healthy food choices on your holiday table.

She suggests kicking off the eating event with a grand salad loaded with baby arugula, sliced fennel, grapefruit or orange segments, and thinly sliced red onion – served with a citrus-based dressing on the side.

Broihier’s prime entrée is either beef rib roast or ham, complemented by a vegetable lasagna; sautéed garlicky green beans or sliced Brussels sprouts with slivered almonds and dried cranberries; ovenroasted beets tossed in olive oil and garnished with chopped pistachios and goat cheese; and a pumpkin cake roll for dessert.

DAILY CAMERA

37th annual Saturday, December 21st, 2019 @ 5:00pm Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 @ 2:00pm Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 @ 7:00pm

TIME SAVING TIPS To make your big day run more smoothly, don’t be afraid to cut a few corners. Try these suggestions: • •

• • • •

Prep and freeze a few dishes well ahead of time.

You don’t have to start from scratch, but you can make it look like you did. “Start with some prepackaged foods, like a can of cranberry sauce that you top with a bit of orange zest and a sprig of rosemary,” says Food Stylist Quelcy Kogel.

Ask family for help. Get volunteers to make some of the side dishes and bring a bottle of wine.

When in doubt, trust a pro. Get a quote from a local caterer, “because it’s often more affordable than you’d think,” Kogel adds.

Set the table the day prior to avoid feeling rushed.

Keep your guests out of the kitchen before the meal. “Give them something to do, like grab a lite bite at an appetizer station or indulge in a drink while you put the last dish in the oven,” says Kogel.

Advance Tickets Available At: John’s Cleaners (28th & Iris) St. John’s Episcopal Church (14th & Pine) Online at www.MessiahSingAlong.org TICKETS: $25 at the door. $20 in advance at any of the listed outlets. $18 for seniors and $15 for students regardless of purchase location and time.

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19

SHOP LOCAL

Hometown holidays the SurPRising finaNcial bEnEFits of buYiNg locally this sEasoN

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features

W

e humans are social creatures, and nothing celebrates our need for human interaction and goodwill like the holiday season. That’s why many shoppers prefer to patronize local stores, where a staffer might greet them by name, and help them select the perfect gift.

For some, that experience is worth paying a few dollars

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

more, even if an online search can turn up a cheaper price on an item.

But while savings may be found if you’re only searching for the price tag on a particular item, the bigger picture could sway even the most costconscious consumer of the benefits of the “buy local” argument. Here’s why: Follow the money Studies consistently show that money spent locally tends to remain in the area, DAILY CAMERA

WINTER GEAR

FOR LESS!

explains Matt Cunningham of non-profit Civic Economics, Evanston, Illinois.

His group’s most recent stats show that 52.3 percent of every dollar spent at an independent retailer remains in the local economy, and 15.8 percent of every dollar spent at a local branch of a chain retailer stays local.

Each dollar that stays close to home helps keep you and your neighbors employed and boosts the local tax base, which in turn helps fund schools and community services. And all those factors helps support housing prices, benefiting area homeowners, explains Olivia LaVecchia of the Institute for Local Self Reliance, Washington D.C. In contrast, when you buy online, your purchase is pulled off the shelf of a warehouse (which might be hundreds of miles away), piled into a truck and shipped, eventually arriving at your front door.

It’s difficult to estimate the local impact of the massive increase in online shopping, notes Cunningham, because it depends whether warehouses are located nearby. But even DECEMBER 2019

DOWNHILL & XC SKIS, BOOTS & POLES, SNOWBOARDS, SNOWSHOES, HOCKEY GEAR, WINTER APPAREL, ICE SKATES & MORE!

if the delivery route wasn’t long, the impact of an online purchase is significantly less than any spending in-store, he adds.

Count the dollars How would one randomly selected group of shoppers spend an average $175 for all the fixings for Thanksgiving, while another group shopping at the same store spent just $145?

The answer, says New York University marketing professor Priya Raghubir, is that shoppers who had lower tabs paid in cash, while the other group paid by credit card.

Her study confirms a phenomenon other studies have found, too: When paying by cash, we spend less.

It’s all due to the “pain of purchase” Raghubir says.

When we count out paper bills

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to pay the cashier, we are more cognizant of how much things cost. That awareness “hurts,” and prompts consumers to keep purchases within a budget.

Moreover, the attention to spending and budgeting tends to last when consumers use cash, according to research by Purdue University professor Richard Feinberg.

Holiday Sales & Gift Guide!

Jewelry

Scarves

Tea Sets

Close and comfortable The farther removed consumers are from seeing their actual dollars change hands, the less aware they are of the fact they are even

spending money, Raghubir says.

While paying in cash is more painful than using a card, there are now options that remove shoppers even further.

For example, online retailers encourage customers to register at the site, and store their shipping and credit card information. Then the pain of even inputting a card number is eliminated, because all the purchase takes is one click to place an order.

So, if you want to enjoy picking out the perfect holiday gifts without incurring a jolt when the bill arrives in January, consider drawing up a budget and stocking your wallet with cash, Raghubir advises.

Then, head to your local shops where you can see items up close and keep spending to a comfortable level.

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

www.trucare.org/truthriftshop/ @TRUThriftShop

In the Village at 2525 Arapahoe Avenue 303.447.0210 • aspeneyewear.com DAILY CAMERA

SHOP LOCAL

Local gift ideas from Boulder area merchants

By Wendy McMillan, Emma Castleberry, Darren Thornberry and Sarah Huber

‘T

is the season of giving! The question is, what to give?

Your friends and loved ones are unique. Finding meaningful gifts that can truly be enjoyed can be a challenge.

You can pore online for endless hours ... but where’s the fun in that? The holidays are an opportunity to show support for local businesses while finding the perfect presents as special as those you’re shopping for.

Shopping locally helps our environment and community

thrive ... but that’s not all.

When you shop local, shop owners and their carefully selected teams are on hand to offer expert, honest advice on the products they specialize in. Not only is shopping experience custom, you’re also able to experience an original selection of gifts, many of which are handcrafted.

Here in Boulder, we’re especially spoiled when it comes to local retailers. From highly respected optometrists offering ongoing assistance at Aspen Eyewear to fashions

hand-selected by Barbara & Company Owner Kathy King from Europe, New York, Los Angeles and Colorado designers, there’s no place like Boulder for knowledge, passion for the best of bespoke. And if time constraints and convenience add up in such a way that you’d really rather get it all done online, many local retailers offer that option, too.

We’ve checked in with a few favorite local retailers to get you started.

SCARVES FROM KINROSS, SUZI ROHER AND CHAN LUU Transform basic into beautiful with scarves from Kinross, Suzi Roher and Chan Luu. Luxuriate in deep-hued velvets, cashmere, challis and silk. Layer on artful abstracts and florals.

Cozy up with animal prints, plaids and stripes. Starting at $48. Barbara & Company, 1505 Pearl St., Suite 102, Boulder, 303.443.2565, barbaraandcompany.net.

style and Fashion

ROBE FROM CHRSTINA’S LUXURIES

Luxury is a state of mind. Gift your loved ones with a plush robe from Christina's. They’ll adore wrapping themselves in the super plush warmth of robes from UGG, Natori, Arlotta, Skin and Eberjey. $49-$150.

Christina’s Luxuries, 2425 Canyon Blvd., Suite 100, Boulder, 303.443.2421, christinasluxuries.com.

DECEMBER 2019

COSTA SUNGLASSES

Show your love with on trend sun protection for year-round adventure. Bio-resin frames from environmentally conscious brand Costa are durable, lightweight and stylish. Bonus, Aspen Eyewear offers 20 percent off sunglasses throughout the holidays. Starting at $159. Aspen Eyewear, 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Unit 23-e, Boulder, 303.447.0210, aspeneyewear.com.

LEATHER HANDBAGS, KEY CHAINS, PURSES

Treasures Consignment carries its own line of fair-trade products made from vegan leather. The line features a variety of differently-priced items, from small key chains to large handbags, all in a variety of colors. $5-$40. Treasures Upscale Consignment, 2770 Arapahoe Road, Suite 110 & 118, Lafayette, 720.890.0909, treasuresuc.com.

SOHO WIDE BRIM FEDORA & CARMEL SOUTHWEST WOVEN SCARF

Stylish and affordable, the Soho wide brim hat and woven scarf perfectly blend urban, rural, casual and formal styles, ideal for everything from the city to the mountains, running errands to enjoying a night out. $65.90 (hat); $38 (scarf).

Ruby Jane Boutique, 1750 29th St., Suite 1048, Boulder, 303.442.02417, rubyjane.com.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

23

SHOP LOCAL

Local gift ideas for the Home

BLUE PEACOCK LINEN NAPKIN SETS VERLO MATTRESS

Give the gift of a good night’s sleep. DreamFit sheets are luxuriously sized and feature color-coded corner bands and 360-degree elastic – eliminating bunches in the night and bewildering bed-making in the morning. Available in Egyptian cotton, bamboo, a variety of cotton blends and microfiber, DreamFit sheets from Verlo Mattress offer the perfect set for everyone on your gift list. Fine combed cotton sheet sets, $88.99 to $150. Verlo Mattress, 3080 Valmont Road, Boulder, 720.465.9641, verlo.com.

Featuring original designs and organic indigo on natural fibers, Blue Peacock’s vibrant indigo-dyed textile goods are handmade in Boulder

by Susanne Kianicka using a centuries-old, labor-intensive technique to create heirloom quality table linens and more. Linen napkin sets, $24.

Harlequin’s Gardens Holiday Gift Market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. Harlequin’s Gardens Holiday Gift Market, 4794 N. 26th St., Boulder, 303.939.9403, harlequinsgardens.com.

FRASIER FIR CANDLES Start an aromatic holiday tradition with Frasier Fir candles by Thymes from Sturtz and Copeland Florists and Greenhouses. Frasier Fir candles combine the Colorado-beloved fragrance of cedar, sandalwood and freshly-cut evergreens with beautiful packaging for the perfect seasonal gift.

The travel tins make great stocking stuffers too. $12 to $120. Sturtz and Copeland Florists and Greenhouses, 2851 Valmont, Boulder, 303.442.6663, sturtzandcopeland.com.

GROOVY VAN MENORAH

For those in your life that will be celebrating Chanukah this winter, this “Groovy Van Menorah” makes a whimsical and unique gift.

Congregation Har Hashem Gift Shop also carries dripless candles, gelt and other Chanukah decorations. $56.

Congregation Har Hashem Gift Shop, 3950 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.499.7077, harhashem.org/gift-shop.

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

PINK RIBBON WELCOME MATS

Bring warmth and hope to friends and family with the gift of globally-inspired Pink Ribbon welcome mats supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Carpet One Floor & Home’s annual collection includes bold patterns and colorful prints to represent cultures from around the world and bring holiday joy. $29.99.

McDonald Carpet One, 6367 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, 303.449.0011, mcdonaldcarpetoneboulder.com.

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Outdoors and Recreation

No one delivers your

Har HaShem’s

LOCAL NEWS

FISCHER OFFTRACK 3 BC BOOTS

Designed for short- to middlelength touring, with Backcountry sole for support in tough terrain and non-slip walking. External support frame offers stability, while Comfort Guard protects toes against cold and snow. Awesome boots! $149.99. Play It Again Sports, 653 S. Broadway, Boulder, 303.499.2011, playitagainsports.com.

Food and Drink

like your

LOCAL NEWSPAPER

Chanukah begins at Sundown on Sunday, Dec 22, 2019.

We investigate issues that matter to our community.

Our stories dig deep, address problems and create change.

Subscribe now for news that matters, plus sports coverage, places to go and things to do and valuable advertising savings and specials.

ARTISAN PRALINES & TRUFFLES

This scrumptious box of 24 chocolate creations emphasizes unique and bold flavor combinations.

Celebrate the season with the freshest chocolate, including a Passionfruit Kiss, Mint Leaf, Hazelnut Gianduja, Strawberry Cordial and the signature Key Lime Lift Square. $56.

Lift Chocolates, 6395 Gunpark Drive, Suite R, Boulder, 303.447.1001, liftchocolates.com.

Bazaar

Everything You Need for Chanukah!

Menorahs, Candles, Gelt!

Gifts for Everyone on Your List!

Fair Trade Judaica, Jewelry, and More!

Friday, Dec 6: ......................10-2pm Sunday, Dec 8: ......................9-1pm Tuesday, Dec 10: .................10-2pm Thursday, Dec 12: ...............11-2pm Friday, Dec 13: ....................10-2pm Sunday, Dec 15: ....................9-1pm Monday, Dec 16:....................3-6pm Tuesday, Dec 17: .................10-2pm Thursday, Dec 19: ...............11-2pm Friday, Dec 20: ....................10-2pm 3950 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80303 Karen: 303-818-7196 • Elise: 303-947-6211 www.harhashem.org

LOTUS FISH GLASS TEA SET

This gorgeous set includes a glass pot with ceramic infuser, four matching cups and a bamboo tea tray. Holiday bliss awaits when you choose Winter Wonderland, a seasonal holiday blend, for your new tea set. $119.95. Ku Cha House of Tea, 1211 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.3612, kuchatea.com.

music OHANA SOPRANO SK-10 UKULELE

Strum through the holidays with a colorful Ohana soprano SK-10 ukulele. A great choice for beginning players but popular with uke lovers of all skill levels. This uke is easy to play and you’ll love the rich sound it produces. $59. HB Woodsongs, 3101 28th St., Boulder, 303.449.0516, hbwoodsongs.com.

DECEMBER 2019

HOLIDAY GUIDE

25

SHOP LOCAL

Local gift ideas

Jewelry

STERLING SILVER BANGLE BRACELET

OUT OF MY HANDS JEWELRY

MONDAINE WATCH

Out of My Hands jewelry by local designer Francesca M. Cook fuses elegant detail with striking natural elements. Cook’s pieces are bestsellers at Creative Framing Art Gallery and make exquisite, affordable gifts. $25 to $400.

Creative Framing Art Gallery, 916 Main St., Louisville, 303.664.0043, creativeframingartgallery.com.

In 1986, Mondaine converted its legendary clock face and bold hands into wristwatch form. This one-of-a-kind, easily readable watch has become one of the true design classics recognized the world over. $195.

Watch Galaxy, 1657 Folsom St., Boulder, 303.415.0630, watchgalaxyboulder.com.

This sterling silver bangle bracelet features rose-cut diamonds and raw diamond cubes set in 18k yellow gold bezels with a patina finish. The bangle comes in three styles and is also available in gold. $990. Todd Reed, 2015 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.442.6280, toddreed.com.

LENA JAMES JEWELRY

Step out in style this holiday season with local jewelry by Lena James Design from Timbalier. Each Lena James piece is handmade in Boulder County and crafted with unique shapes, touch-worthy textures and stunning gemstones. $45 to $107.

Timbalier, 2770 Arapahoe Road, Ste. 106, Lafayette, 303.666.4200, timbalier.net.

BETC brings the famed holiday classic to Boulder!

THE

best collection

I S Y O U R S.

perfect gift

f ind the

for her

Browse our collection of

stylish accessories Jewelry • Scarves • Gloves Handbags • Ponchos And, of course

by Charles Dick Dickens adapted by Rebecca ebecca Remaly R

Barbara & Company gift certificates are always a perfect fit!

BOULDER • 303.443.2565 • 1505 PEARL STREET DENVER • 303.751.2618 • 1067 SOUTH GAYLORD

www.barbaraandcompany.net

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

OPEN

Monday-Saturday, 10-6 Sunday, 12-5

TICKETS AT: BETC.ORG OR CALL: 303-444-7328

DEC. 5 TH — 28 TH G R AC E G A M M T H E AT E R AT DAI RY A RTS C E N T E R

25 90 WA LN UT ST., BO ULD ER DAILY CAMERA

SHOP LOCAL

Give the gift of luxury from Christina's

By Linda Thorsen Bond for Holiday Guide

I

f you want to give the gift of luxury this holiday season, shop at Christina’s Luxuries in Boulder.

When Owner Barb Wilson talks about it, it sounds as romantic as that novel you’ve been saving to read on the coldest of Boulder nights: “Luxury is a state of mind.

It is the moment you put on a new plush robe on a cold morning or warm flannel pajamas right before crawling under the covers. It is the delicate lace of a sexy teddy or chemise skimming across your body as you pose in the mirror. It is the day you wear your favorite cashmere sweater that feels decadent with jeans that fit just right and cozy socks to top it all off.

“It is the scent of a new candle lit while you soak in a tub of warm body oils, followed by your favorite lotion and heavenly perfume.

It is your entrance into a holiday party wearing a stunning dress that everyone

compliments you on that flatters all the right places.

“It is a new matching bra and panty set that feels like nothing and looks good under everything. It is giving the man in your life the best in men’s underwear because he deserves to feel luxury too. It is the joy of sharing time with those you love this holiday and into the new year.

Experience luxury.”

Christina’s has a full line of lingerie and the entire staff is trained to know what is best to fit and flatter. Fitting Fridays are a good time to visit so you beat the rush to get the right foundation for your holiday fashions. The shop carries many brand names in lingerie, but notable brands are Stella McCartney, Simone Perele, Hanro and even SPANX. For men, the new Saxx underwear has been rated by Men’s Health Magazine as the heathiest and most comfortable brand available.

If you’re giving a gift to someone who’s going to take a holiday trip to somewhere sunny, consider the swimwear

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR TEA LOVERS Stop in today to see our full assortment of teas and find the perfect gift!

that includes bikinis, tankinis, one-piece swimsuits and cover-ups.

Of course, there’s no better time to give the gift of cuddly nightwear than the winter months. One of the most popular presents this year is UGG brand socks and robes.

The Cozy Time pajamas

by Eberjey and Natori’s plush Sherpa long robes are definitely appealing, but the real luxury is cashmere robes from Arlotta.

The idea of a bridal registry isn’t new, but have you considered registering your sizes and preferences so someone shopping for you will be able to pick things you really want instead of that garter belt out of a James Bond movie? In the wrong size? (You could even register for the garter belt, if that’s your fantasy!)

On Saturday Dec. 7, Christina’s is donating 15 percent of their sales to the benefit of “There with Care, Shopping for a Cause Has Never been so Sweet!”

This charity provides a wide range of thoughtful

and fundamental services to families and children during the critical phase of a medical crisis, easing the burden of life’s day-to-day obligations with compassion and care.

Don’t forget there’s free parking and free gift wrap at Christina’s Luxuries, 2425 Canyon Blvd., Suite 100, Boulder, 303.443.2421, christinasluxuries.com.

Tis the Season

Celebrate your Team with good cheer, host a Holiday Event to toast the year!

Book a Holiday event that takes place before January 31st, 2020 and enjoy the following Complimentary Enhancements: Complimentary White or Black Floor Length Linen Complimentary Holiday Themed Centerpiece Complimentary Dance Floor Complimentary Event Space

Lotus Fish Glass Tea Set Includes a glass pot with ceramic infuser, 4 matching cups, and a bamboo tea tray for $119.95.

1211 Pearl St. Boulder • 303-443-3612 • Whole Leaf, Whole Life • Kuchatea.com DECEMBER 2019

Events over $5000.00 will enjoy 1 Complimentary Round of Drinks ( Beer or Wine ) Your choice of a custom Holiday Themed Drink at your Hosted Bar

Toys for Tots Drop Location!!!

1345 W 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80302 E boulder.us@millenniumhotels.com • P: 303-443-3850 x 3 HOLIDAY GUIDE

27

SHOP LOCAL

Neptune Mountaineering: Your outdoor gear holiday headquarters

By Julie Kailus for Holiday Guide

B

oulder’s locally owned gear shop since 1973, Neptune Mountaineering has a rich history of expertise and involvement in an unparalleled outdoor-oriented community. The vast South Boulder store is filled with a range of outdoor gear and apparel from top brands, not to mention a supreme team of veteran employees.

The Neptune crew is humble, but has an incredible list of collective accomplishments, including establishing many of Boulder Canyon’s climbing routes, training for Olympic slalom, crushing trail running marathons and, just as important, tracking the best places to camp with a family.

“Our staff has such a deep knowledge because they’re out there using our products,”

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

says Shelley Dunbar, co-owner of Neptune Mountaineering.

“They’re passionate about getting you outside to enjoy it and ensuring you have all of the information you need to choose the right gear for your adventure.”

For Boulder’s exacting clientele, that personal experience is especially meaningful, something that can’t be replicated through an online shopping platform. In fact, chatting up staffers and browsing the vast selection of outdoor accouterment is just part of the Neptune experience, particularly when you’re searching for just the right gift.

Hot holiday gear picks From big wall climbing to avalanche packs to hiking gear for your pup, Neptune spans the gamut of backcountry gear and apparel.

Here are some of the store’s hottest items for the holidays:

• • • • •

Mammut Broad Peak down jacket, $299 Hestra Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet glove, $160 Blizzard Zero Gravity 95 ski, $700 Scarpa Maestrale XT ski boot, $899 Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 climbing skins, $200

More than gear and good advice In addition to sage advice and stellar selection, Neptune Mountaineering always takes it a step further to build community and deliver the services Boulder customers expect. The store has a ski shop, rentals, bootfitter and café, plus seasonal events for the whole family.

Neptune’s ski shop offers new-ski prep, basic-toprofessional tuning, plus a host of miscellaneous services like skin trims, base repairs, beacon updates, etc. Onsite

bootfitting and molding is available for walk-in or by appointment. And Neptune’s rental fleet includes skis, boots, poles, skins, camping gear, ice climbing tools and snowshoes, plus safety equipment rentals like beacons, probes and sleds.

Neptune’s café makes it all even easier. Sit down to review your shopping list. Or grab a hot chocolate and a snack from local bakers while you pick out holiday gifts. To get in the full holiday spirit, mark your calendar for Climb with Santa, Saturday, Dec. 7, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Yes, it’s Santa belaying kids on Neptune Mountaineering’s very own indoor climbing wall!

Neptune Mountaineering, 633 S. Broadway, Boulder, 303.499.8866, neptunemountaineering.com.

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A timeless gift from Watch Galaxy

By Amy Harris Van Vranken for Holiday Guide

Y

es, your loved one could pull out their phone, sign in and check the time. But isn’t the smooth gesture of checking a wristwatch so much more elegant and discreet, and isn’t looking at that round face so much more satisfying?

Watches are still very much in fashion for all ages, and wearing one adds a functional accessory to complete an outfit. Watch Galaxy in Boulder offers a wide range of timepieces from some of the world’s most famous watch manufacturers as well as vintage timepieces, watch repair and restoration.

Watch Galaxy carries quality watches for every price range. This holiday season, whether you’re considering buying new or pre-owned, Watch Galaxy’s knowledgeable staff can assist you in selecting a timepiece that is a perfect fit for your budget and your loved one’s lifestyle.

Timex is one of the most

affordable brands that Watch Galaxy carries. Timex watches offer an easy-to-read face, a light feature and are great watches for active lifestyles.

In the mid-range, there’s the popular new Citizen Eco-Drive, a watch that never needs a battery because it operates on the energy of any light in the environment.

The Bulova CURV offers the innovation of the first curved

chronological movement.

Watch Galaxy also offers popular models from Mondaine and Seiko.

To captivate your loved one this holiday season, consider giving the beauty, durability, and lasting value of a luxury watch. Watch Galaxy carries high-end watches by Ebel, Movado, Raymond Weil, and Victorinox. For a unique gift, Watch Galaxy also

carries fully restored vintage wristwatches and pocket watches by brands such as Rolex, Omega and Hamilton.

Watch Galaxy is a family owned and operated shop with more than 50 years of jewelry and watch sales and repair experience. The shop’s owner and horologist, Paul, was classically trained in Europe and arrived in the States in 1989. His daughter Angelika joined the family business at age 16 and is now the shop’s manager. Paul is able to repair most watches, whether it’s changing a battery in a Timex, servicing your Rolex or restoring Great-Grandpa’s antique pocket watch. To pass down his knowledge of the trade, Paul recently hired a bright, ambitious apprentice named Vlad.

This holiday season, Watch Galaxy can help you give your loved ones the classic gift of time and the memory of you, every time they look at their wrist.

Watch Galaxy, 1657 Folsom St., Boulder, 303.415.0630, watchgalaxyboulder.com.

Gifts for Musicians* *

*

*

*

*

**

*

*

* 3101 28th St, Bldr * hbwoodsongs.com * 303.449.0516 DECEMBER 2019

*

GIVE THE GIFT OF EDUCATION Donate to support

BVSD students today

ImpactOnEducation.org/donate

303-524-3865 HOLIDAY GUIDE

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GIFT GUIDE

B

Great reads for the young bibliophile

ooks make a great gift for the young adults on your shopping list.

Not sure what to buy? Anything from the Young Adult Library Services Association’s suggested list of 2019’s Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults is sure to please.

•

•

•

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Acevedo, Elizabeth.

The Poet X. 2018.

Harper Teen.

Xiomara Batista struggles with, well, most things in her lifeher mother, her twin and her place in the Catholic church. In the past, she’s used her fists to solve problems, as well as secretly writing poetry, but now it may be time to use those poems to fight back.

Albertalli, Becky & Silvera, Adam.

What If It’s Us. 2018. Harper Teen.

After the universe brings Arthur and Ben together outside the post office, neither make a move and both leave wondering if they missed a chance at love. What if they were meant to be?

Black, Holly.

The Cruel Prince. 2018.

Little, Brown and Company.

Violently taken from her human home, Jude has struggled to navigate the dark world of the Fae. Jaded from years of being viewed as inferior for being human, she publicly challenges the wicked HOLIDAY GUIDE

Prince Cardan and his friends, unleashing the prince’s wrath upon her and her sisters.

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Caletti, Deb. A Heart in a Body in the World. 2018. Simon Pulse. After a traumatic incident, Annabelle manages to finish her senior year with the support of her friends and family and the comfort of routine: school, work, cross-country. One night, she reaches her breaking point and she begins to run – across the US. Along the way she becomes a reluctant activist.

•

Ireland, Justina. Dread Nation.

2018. Balzer + Bray. In post-Civil War America where the dead have refused to stay buried, Jane has spent her entire life training in a special combat school for African American children, preparing to save the lives of the wealthy. When entire families go missing, she learns her combat skills are incredibly useful- against both the dead and the living.

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Jackson, Tiffany D. Monday’s Not Coming. 2018. Katherine Tegen Books. When Claudia’s best friend Monday suddenly disappears without a trace, Claudia knows something is up and will not stop until she uncovers the possible horrifying truth.

•

Khorram, Adib.

Darius the Great is Not Okay. 2018.

Dial Books. Darius is not okay with his impossibleto-please father, his mother and sister’s shared Farsi sisterhood, and his “Fractional Persian” heritage.

A family trip to his mother’s

homeland means learning more about his family, himself and the many forms love can take.

•

Mills, Emma.

Foolish Hearts.

2017. Henry Holt & Co. When Claudia finds herself ensnared in a school production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, she must also navigate the elaborate politics of her private girls’ school, her budding friendship with prickly Iris, and a charming, tentative romance in addition to family drama in this funny, feel-good contemporary novel.

•

Norton, Preston.

Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe.

2018. Disney Hyperion.

Aaron is the star of Happy Valley High School until he suffers a concussion after a boating accident, or receives a visit from God, depending on who you believe. God gives him a to-do list and tells him he will need the help of Cliff Hubbard (a.k.a.

Neanderthal).

• Plozza, Shivaun. Frankie. 2017.

Flatiron Books. Frankie Vega’s halfbrother suddenly presents himself, and just as she begins to get to know him, he disappears. Frankie is the only one who seems worried about his whereabouts so she sets out to find him.

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SHOP LOCAL

The gift of local art from R Gallery

By Rhema Zlaten for Holiday Guide

T

he heart of the Boulder County art community finds its pulse at R Gallery, a new fine art space on Broadway in Boulder near the Pearl Street walking mall. Owned and operated by local artist and photographer Rob Lantz, R Gallery features fine Colorado art for everyone in a range of styles, mediums and prices.

“When I decided I wanted to do this gallery, I didn’t want it just to be me,” Lantz said. “I wanted to build something for the art community and show a wide variety of work so that we could highlight the diversity of art in the Boulder area.”

Lantz became a photographer in high school and then furthered his passion for the medium in art school. Lantz shoots all over the world, including many Boulder and Colorado-area scenery compositions. Six years ago he started dreaming about a gallery that would be approachable for all people and would also give local artists the opportunity to shine.

“Another driving factor I wanted to put in is a very approachable space where people could walk in and feel like the art is for them, and that they could actually afford to take home a piece of fine art,” Lantz said.

DECEMBER 2019

“We are really careful to make sure that the artists are valued. We represent [many] emerging local artists, and so that keeps the prices affordable.”

Established artists find space for their work at R Gallery too, though.

R Gallery simultaneously hosts several types of exhibitions for all levels of professional artists. They have rotating showcases where artists will submit work around a theme. The next showcase, “Winter’s Beauty”, will feature a celebration of the snow and frost gripping the land and will run from Dec. 10 to Jan. 12.

“All of our themed exhibits are pretty open for interpretation by the artists, so we do get a lot of different styles,” Lantz said.

R Gallery also hosts solo exhibitions where an artist will have a bigger chunk of wall space for their pieces.

Additionally, the space hosts shows for local art guilds and associations, all stemming from partnerships with the Boulder Metalsmithing Association, the Boulder Art Association and Boulder Open Studios.

The R Gallery also has a holiday retail section. This part of the gallery has small originals ranging in price from $50 to $300. There are also many prints and pieces of jewelry, all locally made by talented creatives.

“A gift of local art is a great option,” Lantz said.

ROCKS & RAILS December 13-15

• 10am – 5pm

Adults $8 ::: Children 12 & Under Free with paid Adult Seniors Over 60 $5 ::: Discount Multi-day Passes Available Boulder Model Railroad Club 42th Annual

Flatirons Mineral Club 2019 Annual

Rock & Mineral Show

Model Railroad Exposition

Come one, come all, and enjoy the Boulder

Gem and mineral dealers, exhibits,

Model Railroad Club (BMRC) Exposition

speakers, grab bags,

where you can see different Model Train

rocks, children’s activities and games, dig site,

Layouts for the young and old alike. The show

fossils, meteorites, tools,

will also have many displays of Model Train

jewelry, classes, and more!

related items to both teach and entertain

Bring your treasures for free

everyone. This includes many vendor tables

mineral identification.

where you can purchase

Demonstrations include

railroad-related items

polishing rocks using lapidary

just in time for the

equipment, and silversmithing.

Holidays.

bouldermodelrailroadclub.org

flatironsmineralclub.org

ATM & Food Service Available at the Show

BOULDER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS LONGMONT MAIN EXHIBIT BUILDING

9595 Nelson Road Longmont, CO 80501

Bad Weather? Call 303-591-2830 to see if we’re open

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916 Main Street, Louisville, Co 80027 303-664-0043 www.creativeframingartgallery.com HOLIDAY GUIDE

31

GIFT GUIDE

Not another

gift card Christmas what to bUy For thE lET-mE-Pick-it-ouT GEneRAtion

By Lisa Iannucci CTW Features

A

sk any pre-teen, tween and teen what they want for the holidays and most will probably respond, “a gift card.” In 2018, consumers spent more than $130 billion on gift cards per year, according to advisory company CEB TowerGroup, but it said roughly $1 billion went unspent. Sometime those gift cards get lost in your wallet.

If you’re tired of buying such an impersonal gift, but want 32

HOLIDAY GUIDE

to please the youngster in your life, there are alternatives.

Give an experience “Buying gifts for the gift card generation requires a little thought,” says Cherie Corso, parenting expert. “Teens today like ‘experience gifts’ so instead of a gift card, buy them tickets to a concert or show or event.”

Corso also explains that many parents are remembering to include the friends as well, organizing groups of children to go to concerts as holiday gifts instead of just purchasing one ticket for the child.

Think out-of-the-box.

Well, out of their room, that is.

Kids don’t typically buy things that mom and dad supply such as pictures and bedding, etc.

“Teens like these items because it’s fun to do a minibedroom makeover,” Corso says. “Some gift examples include a fuzzy pillow, picture, bean bag, a cool makeup mirror and artwork for their wall.”

Corso says to remember that today’s teens also enjoy status items they can post photos of on Instagram.

“Gift cards are fun but not

as much fun as seeing Justin Bieber or posting a photo with your new designer purse,” Corso says.

Think charitable.

“Instead of going holiday shopping this year, go holiday ‘giving’ by choosing gifts that benefit children and families in need from around the world,” says Christine Connolly Bell, Public Relations Manager at World Vision. “A retail gift card gives a pre-teen, teen or college student pleasure for a short period of time, but a charitable gift, like a child DAILY CAMERA

sponsorship through World Vision, ensures that the young person learns about and stays connected with important global issues.”

Through World Vision’s #GenerosityEffect movement, your teen will go online and send a stuffed goat to a friend.

“We’ll match that gift with a real goat sent to a family in need,” Bell says. “The chain reaction of generosity will be viewable online through a tracking tool – truly bringing the gift’s impact to life and showing each individual’s influence.”

World Vision also offers a gift catalog on their website.

Think indie Despite the perception that nobody – especially young people – reads today, Nicole Brinkley, an independent bookseller and founder of YA Interrobang, says kids and teens today are reading more than ever, between the stories available on their phones and the hardcovers they collect for their shelves.

“We see this in the success of events like BookCon and subscription boxes like Parnassus’s ParnassusNext book box,” she says.

“ParnassusNext sends a firstedition signed YA hardcover to its teen subscribers once

DECEMBER 2019

a month.”

She also suggests that if you have to buy a gift card, buy one to an independent bookstore, where they can use the card in-person or online.

“With this and ParnassusNext subscriptions, it keeps kids and teens actively reading and excited to build their own little library.”

Think gift cards Wait, what? We just said to think about ideas other than gift cards, but it is still OK to give some out.

“These days, gift cards and eGifts are the norm, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring,” says Elisabeth Vezzani, the CEO and co-founder of Sugarwish, an online candy store where recipients purchase the candy they want with their gift card.

Vezzani explains that many e-gifts and some gift cards provide an interactive experience, not just a purchase.

“This allows them to compete with traditional gifts in a way that they never could before,” she said. “This gifting trend is all about keeping it simple for the buyer while delighting the recipient in unexpected ways … and these are exactly the types of gifts that today’s teens are looking for.”

HOLIDAY GUIDE

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GIFT GUIDE

The best housewares this season

these gifts hELp YoU peEL A bOiled Egg, fry withoUt guilt And cook in peace

By Nancy Mattia CTW Features

B

uying a loved one a kitchen-related gift is a great idea for many people. Who doesn’t want a new gadget or small appliance to make cooking easier or more fun? Here are five that anyone would be thrilled to unwrap:

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

Cuisinart Digital AirFryer toaster oven

How can you not love cookware that makes eating fried chicken wings or French fries a non-guilty pleasure?

Besides the usual toaster-oven capabilities – toasting, baking, broiling, and warming – this updated appliance air-fries foods, meaning it uses air instead of oil to make the crispy magic happen. It also proofs bread and dehydrates food and can handle up to three pounds of food or six bagel halves at once. A large viewing window, interior light, and digital readout are handy extras; cuisinart.com.

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OXO Good Grips Punctual Egg Timer with piercer

An egg-cellent stocking stuffer!

OXO Punctual Piercer Egg Timer eliminates the horror of overcooking or undercooking soft- or hard-boiled eggs ever again. Based on the eater’s doneness preference and the egg’s size, it’s a cinch figuring out what setting to use to cook the egg with. The progress bar tells how much longer it’ll be.

The timer has a built-in piercer, which helps avoid making a mess when peeling off the shell; oxo.com.

Le Creuset New Calm Collection Skillet Cooking will be a relaxing endeavor when you give a special someone a skillet or other cookware from LeCreuset’s New Calm Collection. The muted colors underscore the chill vibe: Sea Salt, Meringue and Fig; the popular Coastal Blue (a powdery blue) is also in the grouping. Besides the skillet, the Collection includes a Dutch oven, casserole, and salt and pepper mill; lecreuset.com.

Braun MultiQuick Spiralizer and Hand Blender Do you know someone who’s trying to eat fewer carbs and more vegetables? If so, help them in their quest for a better diet with Braun’s new spiralizer and hand blender which will, among other tasks, julienne zucchini to look like pasta. It slices at 21 different speeds and in three thickness levels. Using the extra blade provided, the multipurpose spiralizer can turn into a chopper, ice crusher or blender; braunhousehold.com.

S’nack by S’well

A longtime crusader against single-use plastic consumption and best known for its reusable water bottles with graphic designs, S’well has the perfect gift for the friend who takes food to work every day: S’nack, a line of stylish food containers.

These environment-friendly storage keepers are doublelayered and vacuum insulated, which ensures that hot food stays hot and cold food stays cold. And there’s no shortage of fun designs, like cute avocados and gummi bears; swellbottle.com.

BOULDER’S NEWEST

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

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GIFT GUIDE

That’s brilliant!

Looking fOR a SmArt giFt? puT thEsE poPuLar 2019 vOice-AssistancE accESsories at the top oF your lisT

By Nancy Mattia CTW Features

I

f any of your family members or friends think they couldn’t live without Alexa or Google Assistant, give them a voice-activated accessory to be used in tandem. From enhancing thermostats to security systems, voice assistants are getting busier and busier!

Check out the gift-worthy products below:

Ninety7’s Sky Tote Portable Battery Base

Do you know someone who doesn’t like to be too far from his Alexaassisted Echo smart speaker? Be a pal and surprise him with a rechargeable battery base that works with the second-generation Echo, essentially making the speaker portable – it even has a handle.

Not only can it be moved from room to room but if the WiFi connection is strong enough, it also works outside. Expect up to eight hours of battery life, which means there’s plenty of time to ask Alexa important questions like “Where can I get pork dumplings for dinner tonight?” ninety7.com.

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

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Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control

What’s so special about this fifthgeneration smart thermostat?

The SmartSensor, which detects a room’s temperature and number of occupants to manage hot and cold spots. Besides improved range, the battery lasts longer. It now also supports Spotify, joining other streaming services like SiriusXM, Pandora and iHeartRadio. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri.

Ring Door View Cam

Ring Door View Cam is a compact video doorbell equipped with a smart HD camera, which replaces a door’s peephole. When someone rings the bell or knocks on the door, Alexa sends the apartment dweller an alert on their phone, tablet, or PC, and they can see and speak to visitors at their discretion. Another safety feature: a motion detector that can be aimed exactly where it’s needed most; ring.com.

Philips Hue White LED

Your voice assistants can even enable light bulbs! Now with Bluetooth, these smart bulbs – a great stocking stuffer – fortunately don’t require a Philips automation hub for them to work. They connect with your phone and follow Alexa voice commands, as well as Google Assistant and Siri, whether you want the lights lowered in your home or if you’re looking for special effects; meethue.com.

Amazon Smart Plug

Giving a loved one a plug for a holiday gift might sound rather underwhelming but this isn’t any old plug. The sleek WiFiconnected Amazon Smart Plug goes into an electrical outlet and can power up all your home appliances. Alexa or Google Assistant will automatically detect them if they’re online and then follow your voice instructions to turn a lamp, air conditioner or other electrical device on or off; amazon.com.

Earn Extra

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DECEMBER 2019

HOLIDAY GUIDE

37

The holidays await you at The Shops at Table Mesa Discover South Boulder’s Only Major Shopping Center

TINKER ART STUDIO

With art classes for children (18 months+), teens, and adults in a wide range of mediums – plus the Make & Take Studio and retail shop with art kits galore, there’s something for everyone inside Tinker’s sunny, inspiring studio!

Visit tinkerartstudio.com for class schedules, and be sure to check out the upcoming Winter Workshop series. Located on the back, southwest corner of the Table Mesa Shopping Center.

WEAVER’S DIVE & TRAVEL CENTER

Photo: The W.W. Reynolds Companies.

Visit The Shops at Table Mesa for all of your holiday needs this season. The Table Mesa shopping center has been the one-stop shop for the South Boulder neighborhood since 1961 providing residents and guests with dining, retail, services and more!

Ever wonder what it is like to breathe under water? Stop by Weaver’s Dive and Travel Center and let us open the door to the wonders of underwater world for you! Learn how to become a certified scuba diver, join us on one of our monthly group trips to the best dive locations around the world, or let our travel department design your perfect custom tropical getaway. Weaver’s Dive and Travel: Proudly meeting all of your scuba diving needs and planning dream vacations for over 36 years.

YOGA LOFT NEPTUNE MOUNTAINEERING

Neptune Mountaineering is a true mountain shop, located in the shadow of Boulder’s Flatirons.

The staff at Neptune are active enthusiasts who use what they sell. That expertise is what makes Neptune your go-to for outdoor gear this season.

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS

Outfitting athletes since 1990, Play It Again Sports sells quality new and used equipment for winter sports, hockey, baseball, lacrosse, golf, soccer, cycling, fitness and more! Their friendly and knowledgable staff can help you find the right gear at a reasonable price.

SWEET RUCKUS

Sweet Ruckus is South Boulder’s newest gift and paper goods boutique. Offering a thoughtfully curated selection of dazzling gifts, phenomenal greeting cards and holiday ephemera, Sweet Ruckus has the perfect gift for anyone on your list this holiday season!

With 50+ weekly classes and a diverse range of yoga styles – a Yoga Loft Gift Card is the perfect way to extend peace and health to yourself, friends and loved ones this holiday season. And if you’re unsure which yoga style is right for you, try the 30-day pass and find the yoga practice that works for you! Visit yogaloftboulder.com or avitaonline.com.

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The Shops at Table Mesa 601-693 S. Broadway, Boulder • tablemesaboulder.com

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATE!

30 days for $30 gifts * paper goods * curiosities Shops at Table Mesa

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Managed by: DECEMBER 2019

HOLIDAY GUIDE

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The Shops at Table Mesa 601-693 S. Broadway, Boulder • tablemesaboulder.com Your destination for backcountry gear

CLIMB

HIKE

CAMP

Give the gifts that get them outside

SKI

Boulder’s Locally Ow Mountain ned Sho since 1973 p

Located on the south side of the Table Mesa Shopping Center Phone 303-499-8866 | NeptuneMountaineering.com

The Shops at Table Mesa Directory BANKING Elevations Credit Union JP Morgan Chase Wells Fargo DINING Abo’s Pizza Café Sole Moe's Bagels Murphy’s South Southern Sun Snarf at the Table Sweet Cow Tandoori Grill Tsing Tao Asian Kitchen Under the Sun Walnut Café

EDUCATION Auguste Escoffier School Tinker Art Studio GROCERY & PHARMACY Lucky’s Market Pharmaca HEALTH & BEAUTY Alan Green/Natural Dentistry Great Clips Hair Rage Isolate Flotation Center Perfect Teeth Peak Form Poshe Nail Studio

HEALTH & BEAUTY (CONTINUED)

Table Mesa Barbers Yoga Loft RETAIL Boulder Sports Flatirons Natural Pet Market Kim & Jakes Cakes Neptune Mountaineering Pettyjohn’s Liquor Play It Again Sports Runners Roost Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins Sweet Ruckus Table Mesa Hardware Weaver’s Dive & Travel Center

SERVICES Art Cleaners Auspicious Ink Brock Publishing Boulder Natural Animal/ Holistic Wellness Boulder Packaging Doggy Doo Pet Salon Flagstaff Surveying Front Range Laundry Giambrocco & Sons H&R Block Roadmasters Auto

Managed by: 40

HOLIDAY GUIDE

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GIFT GUIDE

This year’s hot new toys A hEAds up on whAt’s makinG A big spLash this yEAr — get them now bEfoRe thE holiDay RUsh!

By Nancy Mattia CTW Features

T

oys and the holidays go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows. It’s a sweet moment when your child rips the wrapping paper off a box and starts grinning when he sees what he’s inside – hopefully he’ll have many hours of fun playing with this much-longed-for toy.

In case you don’t know what the children on your to-buy-for list are pining for, take a look at some of the hottest toys for the upcoming holiday season.

DECEMBER 2019

Love to Hug Elmo Who needs a hug? Elmo does, and he’s ready for a good squeeze.

This beloved Sesame Street character with the plush red fur raises his arms when you squeeze his belly and asks for a hug in either English or Spanish.

When someone gives him a hug, the cuddly creature from Playskool responds with a phrase, song or kiss. For ages 18 months and up; target.com.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

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GIFT GUIDE

Imaginext DC Super Friends Transforming Batmobile R/C

Gotham City has no shortage of notorious criminals wreaking havoc everywhere. It’s Batman to the rescue in his tricked out Batmobile! Boys and girls can use their imaginations and use the remote control to send the vehicle left, right, and in circles. With the push of a button, it transforms to full battle mode, complete with lights, sound effects, and projectiles, to catch the bad guys and throw them behind bars. For ages 3 to 8; fisher-price.com.

Fingerling Light Up Narwhals

The latest incarnation of Fingerlings, the interactive collectible toy you wear on your finger, is a narwhal, and there are five in pretty colors: Nelly (purple), Nikki (turquoise), Raya (green), Nori (periwinkle blue), and Rachel (pink). The narwhals, made

by WowWee, contain sensors and respond to motion and touch with blinking eyes, flapping tails, and cute noises.

Each has a mood horn that lights up in a different color that tells you how they’re feeling. Hold a narwhal on your cheek and it’ll give you a sweet kiss! For ages 5 and up; kohls.com.

Treasure X Aliens, $15

Nerf Fortnite RL MicroShots Dart-Firing Toy Blaster

If your kids are into the popular Fortnite video game, tempt them into some non-screen-based play with these mini blasters. Inspired by the video version’s rocket launcher, the Fortnite RL MicroShots Dart-Firing Toy Blaster, part of a collectible series, comes with two darts that fire one at a time. Bonus for parents: The blaster is hand-powered – no batteries required. For ages 8 and up; hasbro.com.

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

Looking for buried treasure takes on a whole new meaning when the hoped-for riches may be hidden in the body of a slimy alien. Kids become treasure hunters/autopsy technicians with collectible Treasure X Aliens, which involves opening the alien’s stomach, removing the rib cage, and digging through the gooey innards to unbox the goods – a mystery figure or prize. The grossbut-good fun from Moose Toys comes with a bag of reusable ooze.

For ages 5 and up; target.com.

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