Times Call Holiday Gift Guide - Volume Two

GIFT GUIDE

VOLUME TWO

A TIMES-CALL PUBLICATION

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VOLUME TWO A TIMES-CALL PUBLICATION

S Special Features Coordinator C M Misty Kaiser, 303-473-1425 3 kaiserm@timescall.com k

GIFT GUIDE

C Contributing Writers W

That’s Brilliant! Smart Home Tech ............................. 4 Eat, Drink and be Merry ............................................. 6

E Emma Castleberry, Misty Kaiser, Nancy Mattia, Lisa Futterman, Erik J. Martin, Erik J. Martin, Lisa Iannucci

What to Buy a Foodie ................................................... 8 Gifts for a Beautiful New Year ................................ 10 Presents TV Lovers will Appreciate ........................ 12

Check out our digital edition at timescall.com/magazines

2020 Toy of the Year Award Finalists Unveiled................................................... 14 Movie Fans Will Love These Gifts ..............................22 This Season’s Gamer Must Haves ...................................24

Home Office Hits .................................................. 26

1201 S. Sunset St. Longmont, CO 80501 303.776.6605 Open M, W, F, Sa: 9am-6pm Tu & Th: 9am-7:30pm

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ys Holida

Give the Gift of Home, Strengthen Our Community

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Items & Gifts for Ages 0-99 FURNITURE • GIFTS NEW & USED HOME DECOR

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PRE-SCHEDULE YOUR DONATION TODAY! COLORADOGIVES.ORG/THEINNBETWEEN

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Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 3

Looking for a smart gift? Put these popular 2019 voice-assistance accessories at the top of your list

By Nancy Mattia, CTW Features If 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, $60

Do you know someone who doesn’t like to be too far from his Alexa-assisted 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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Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control, $249

What’s so special about this fifth-generation 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—up to five years. It now also supports Spotify, joining other streaming services like SiriusXM, Pandora, and iHeartRadio. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri; ecobee.com.

Ring Door View Cam, $199

Let’s say a friend just moved into a new apartment building. She loves it there but wishes the security could bee beefed up. Be proactive and give her the gift of safety. Ring Door View Cam m 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, $15

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 (“Alexa, dim the lights by 10 percent”) or if you’re looking for special effects (“Turn the bedroom pink.”); meethue. com.

Amazon Smart Plug, $25

Giving a loved one a plug for a holiday gift might sound rather underwhelming but this isn’t any old plug. The sleek WiFi-connected 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.

CTW Features

December 8, 2019

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Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 5

E AT, D R I N K A N D

By Katie Feindel, Times-Call Gift Guide

Whether you’re in need of a gift for the host or hostess or top-notch nosh for your own holiday party, these local retailers provide an elegant touch .

HOLIDAY SPIRIT(S)

Wondering where to stop for your spirit needs this holiday season? There’s no better place to stop and explore than Wyatt’s Wet Goods. You will be amazed at not only the wide and ample selection but the premium quality sold at Wyatt’s, your local Longmont specialty liquor store. Even Wyatt’s staff expresses how they enjoy their time serving you in Longmont, “The Holidays at Wyatt’s are a whirlwind! It gets crazy at times, but our awesome team works together to make your shopping experience easy and fun.” So, now you know where to go for your holiday liquor shopping, but read on to learn about the best products for your holidays needs, all conveniently sold at your neighborhood Wyatt’s Wet Goods.

Wyatt’s got you covered for holiday rums for your egg nog favorites. Keep your eye out for Plantation, Cruzan, and Bacardi rums. Also, quality bourbons like Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, and Stranahn’s are also widely available. At Wyatt’s, you’re covered in holiday spirits, in every way, so stop in today. Below are top-selling wines during the holidays at Wyatt’s (wine descriptions come directly from distributors):

Graham Norton Rosé

“Perrfectly subtle, pink, fresh fruity essence with just a toucch of sweetness. Fresh red fruits coat the palate and the bright acidity is refreshing and leaves you wanting morre than just a sip.”

(Regg. $19.99 on sale for $12.99)

Kreuznacher Weinhaus Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese

La Perliere Morgon

“Morgon is one of the 10 cru’s of Beaujolais. The soil in this area is primaarily granite with a high concentration of iron which gives Morgon wines a richness not found in the rest of Beaujolais. Low in tannins with juicy notes of cherry and dark fruits. This wine is the perfect red for the holiday season and pairs very well with Thanksgiving.”

(Reg $17.99 on sale for $12.99)

“Also known as ‘late harvest’, this Spätlese’s complexity and fully concentrated fruit flavors are harmoniously balanced. Rich and ripe stone fruit flavors such as peach and apricot shine. Serve this wine chilled. The delicate sweetness pairs perfectly with a wide range of Thanksgiving foods. This wine is sourced from the town of Piesport, Germany on the north banks of the Mosel River. This area is one of the best places to grow Riesling in the entire world.”

(Reg. $17.99 on sale for $10.99)

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December 8, 2019

TREAT YOURSELF AND YOUR GUESTS

It’s time. Time to start thinking about yummy, high quality, nibbles for all your holiday get-togethers. Or maybe just something to casually snack on at home or the office. Longmont Dairy and its selection of food items is your one stop shop and they deliver most items!

Holidays in a glass

So Cheesy

Another hit at holiday gatherings is egg nog of course! A local favorite, Longmont Diary’s egg nog is, as they put it, “a dessert in a bottle.” And now through December 26, order their special cinnamon egg nog just for the holidays.

Made locally with milk from Longmont Dairy, all Haystack cheeses are made free of preservatives and artificial flavorings. Choose from fantastic flavors like Vaquero Jack Cheese, Haystack Smoked Cheddar, and Buttercup Monterey Jack—yummy snacks for any holiday gathering.

Sweet Treats

Let’s top it off with the best kind of cookies to make, the kind that don’t make a mess in your kitchen. And, Longmont Dairy carries the best cookie dough on the market— Mary’s Mountain Cookie Dough. In addition to their year-round flavors, now through December you can order seasonal favorites Pumpkin Chocolate Chip, Roll Out Cut Out Sugar Cookie Dough and Cranberry Oatmeal White Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. It’s the closest thing to making cookies from scratch.

December 8, 2019

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Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 7

WHAT TO BUY A

By Jenn Harris, Amy Scattergood, Peter Meehan, Genevieve Ko, Ben Mims, Patricia Escárcega and Bill Addison Los Angeles Times (TNS)

THIS DECEMBER Goat’s Milk Soap

Fermentation Crock

Sure, you can make kimchi or sauerkraut in a bowl with some rocks, but why? when you can do it in one of the gorgeous fermentation crock ks made by Santa Fe potter Colin Dyck, who o became a potter because he liked fermentingg stuff. His Mudslide Stoneware’s hand-tthrown, 1-gallon pots come with waater-locking lid and weights, in black, white, rust and blue. $195. mudslidestoneware.com/

Beeswax Food Covers

To help eliminate plastic from her kitchen, Vermont mother of three Sarah Kaeck started infusing organic cotton with beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin, to create her line of Bee’s Wrap.

Washable and d compostable, the patterned cloth can be used and reused to wrap around d breads, bowlls, leftovers, wh hatever. $6-$42.. beeswrap.com m

A “ggoat rodeo” is a mash hup of unlikely things, hencce Goat Rodeo Soaps: Riveerside farmer Janice Lakee uses her own recipes for the headyy soaps, hand-milking her herd of 12 dairy goats daily. The soaps, which she takes to four farmers markets, come in flavors such as lemongrass, rose geranium and absinthe. $7.50. goatrodeosoap.com

Pump Street Chocolate Bars

If you love the combination of bread and chocolate (Nutella sandwiches, Ferran Adria’s chocolate toast), the English bakery and chocolatier Pump Street has gone one step further. The 9-year-old Suffolk family business combines the two in the bars themselves: a 66% bar made with sourdough and sea salt, and a 60% bar using rye crumbs and Ecuadorian chocolate. About $6. pumpstreetchocolate.com/ products/sourdough-sea-salt-66

Sake Subscription Flavorful Sauce

At the edge of each table at the Exchange, the Middle Easstern-leaning restaurant at the Freehand hotel in DTLA, is a tiny saucer of rusty red harissa, and zhoug. The roasted chile heat of the harissa is reminiscent of a salsa macha and the zhoug is razor sharp and vibrant. They both add a punch to almost anything, including sandwiches, kebabs, fish and salads too. $4 each. freehandhotels.com/losangeles/the-exchange/

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Love sake but don’t know where to find a decent bottle to drink at home? Tippsy is a new monthly subscription service that helps people discover different kinds of sake. Each box comes with three bottles plus suggested food pairings. $69 for a single order. tippsysake.com

Philips Air Fryer

We predict you’ll become more than just a little attached to this air fryer. It’s the appliance many of us now use most to cook chicken, vegetables, fish and, of course, French fries. It’s easy to clean and it makes a perfect gift for someone with a small kitchen. $148. amzn.to/2Np0AWV

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December 8, 2019

Spice It Up

Pizza Oven

Yes, this is a splurge. A big one. But Breville’s Smart Oven Pizzaiolo would be the most spectacular gift for the hard-core pizza lover. This little countertop box hits 750-degrees and produces the charred bubbles that match any of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas out there. And it happens in two minutes. Whether you’re giving it to someone who has already mastered homemade dough or wants to, know that it works wonders on frozen pies and even leftovers. $999. breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bpz820.html

Franklin Smoker

You may know Aaron Franklin’s name because he revolutionized the barbecue scene in Austin. You may know or own either of his books — “Franklin Barbecue” and “Franklin Steak” — both of which are absolute essentials for anyone who cooks cow. Those deeply washed in oak smoke know that Franklin is not just a meat mastermind but a welder who has fashioned barbecue pits that are the stuff of absolute legend — and know that him manufacturing and putting his name on a smoker is a stamp of approval like when tea used to carry the seal of the Queen. That it costs as much as a used car is neither here nor there; this is the backyard smoker we have been waiting for, and now the kid’s braces or fixing the roof are just going to have to wait. $3,950. franklinbbqpits.com/

Mom’s Mala Sichuan Chile Sauce is for anyone who likes just a little spiciness and a lot of flavor.

Last year, Justin Eli decided to create his own version of his mom’s mala sauce when he couldn’t find anything like hers on the market. More than just a hot sauce, it delivers mala, the signature tingling sensation that comes from Sichuan peppercorns in combination with the heat of chiles. Along with the aromas of five spice, this condiment offers savory bits of chile and peppers in the flavorful oil. You can pick up a jar at the El Segundo, Playa Vista, Brentwood or Culver City markets or order online for shipping. $12.99. momsmala.com/shop

Classic Cooking

Chefs love using a hakeme donabe, an age-old Japanese ceramic pot, for its even heat distribution and beautiful presentation. It’s ideal for soups, stews and braises and can work on either the stove top or in the oven. Crafted from clay in Japan’ss Iga region, this donabe is handmade at Nagatani-en, a company known for its Iga-yaki pottery. Hakeme means “brushstroke” in Japanese, and that’s how the glaze is applied to this model, which comes in four sizes. $65-180. toirokitchen. com/collections/classic-style-iga-yaki-donabe/products/ hakeme

Sparkling Natural Verjus

For those limiting alcohol or just looking for an alternative, there’s Jus Jus, a low-alcohol, sparkling, natural verjus. Founder Julia Sherman was looking for a bottle of bubbles that wouldn’t leave her feeling trashed and hungover. She, along with partner and winemaker Martha Stoumen, decided to make their own, manipulating traditional verjus (the pressing of unripe green grapes), by fermenting it slightly like a pét nat. Prices vary. jusjus.saladforpresident.com/

Essentials Spice Jar Set

A highly practical “Essentials” starter spice set from Savory Spice is perfect for the nascent home cook. It contains the basic must-haves — salt, pepper, garlic powder — along with versatile, high-quality seasoning blends like Italian herbs and Mild Chili. Some spices, like the California paprika blend, are not readily available at most supermarkets. $44.95. savoryspiceshop.com/spice-gift-sets/essential-spices

Charcuterie Subscription Box

Olympia Provisions’ charcuterie subscription boxes contain a curated hodgepodge of cheeses, salami, paté and other delicious foodstuffs, making it easier than ever to host your own meat and cheese party at home.

Just pick your product preferences and delivery frequency. The U.S. Postal service will take care of the rest. $13-36. olympiaprovisions.com/

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Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 9

GIFT S FO R A

NEW YEAR If you know someone with a creative side (someone who wishes they had one), you know how difficult they can be to buy for. Fortunately, these Longmont retailers have you covered.

Give a Special Glow

If you’re looking for a gift of beauty tailored for each person on your list, consider a gift certificate from Crossroads Dermatology. The medical, surgical and cosmetic clinic has been in Longmont a year and offers a patientcentered approach. Dr. Sarah Bair recommends the new eye cream with retinol or the DermaSweep microdermabrasion, perfect for the dry Colorado climate. Infusions include the Red Carpet treatment that celebrities use before award shows for brightness and beautiful plumped skin. There’s also micro-needling to stimulate collagen production and the new laser treatment to treat redness.

Until the end of the year, get a $125 gift card for $100, $250 card for $200 and $375 card for $300.

Crossroads Dermatology, 2350-17th Ave., Suite 100, Longmont, 303.848.8334, crossroadsdermatology.com

Pamper yourself or someone else

It’s time to visit Sirenhousse in Berthoud for beauty treatments to get yourselff ready for the holiday season and to give as giftss. A fun idea for the festive season is hair tinseel. Bright, colorful and shiny tinsel in school colo ors or a mix is tied to individual hairs to make young Coloradans the life of the party. This holiday season Sirenhouse offers $100 offf a full set of HEVN (their own brand) hand-tied hair extensions.. The custom clip-in extensions are $25 each in n any color under the rainbow.

It’s a great time to enjoy the Winter Mint Treatment to get you and your hair into the holiday spirit There’s also a holiday tree where you can pick an ornament that will reveal a special holiday treat to use in the salon.

Sirenhouse Salon+ Barber, 349 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, 970.5 530.4091 sirenhouse.com

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December 8, 2019

The Peak of Gift Giving

This year’s most treasured gift is from the Long’s Peak & Mount Meeker Jewelry Collection at Snyder Jewelers. Originally created in 1960, the design was updated in 1990-91 by Luanne Snyder from the view from Macintosh Lake.

The original design had white gold mountains symbolizing snowy white peaks, surrounded by a circle of yellow gold symbolizing Colorado’s eternal sunshine.

You can select from sterling silver, yellow, white or rose gold, and you can even encircle the mountains with diamonds.

The cost starts at $149.95 and the sky’s the limit for what you might add. Beautiful inlays emulate the skies over Longmont—black onyx for the night sky, gray mother of pearl like the stormy sky, even lapis lazuli with little gold specks that looks like the stars at night. The collection of pendants, earrings, bracelets, cuff links and tie tacks has been evolving for many years.

Linda Snyder said, “People love this collection not just for the view of mountains, but because it symbolizes many things in their lives--the people we love, the love of where we live and what we are blessed to see.”

Snyder Jewelrs, 2201 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303.776.2992, snyderjewelers.com

Make It A Cozy Holiday Ugg Fluff Yeah Slide Fuchsia

Ugg Ansley

Ugg Mini Bailey Button

Slate

Chestnut

Old Friend Slipper

Old Friend Slipper

Wool Clog

Nakiska Bootie

Chestnut

Chestnut

Buy 3 get 1

Free

Wool Clog

Good on regular price socks, not valid with any other offers.

Expires 12/31/2019

Spirit Eggplant

373 Main St. • Longmont

303.776.2920

GZL, Charcoal

Camel Brown

Gift Cards Available We no longer accept checks

Mon. - Fri. 9:30-6 • Sat. 10-5 | Convenient Parki Parking In Back

December 8, 2019

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Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 11

TV LOV E R S W ILL AP PR EC IATE

By Susan King and Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown

Good grief! It’s hard to believe that Charles Schulz’s beloved “Peanuts” comic strip is seven decades old this year. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s “Peanuts 70th Anniversary Holiday Collection Limited Edition” packaged in a Snoopy doghouse gift set features nine remastered and restored classic “Peanuts” TV specials on Blu-ray. Also included are a Snoopy figurine and a Charlie Brown holiday book. $59.96. amzn.to/36Y0tdC

The Golden Girls Go The Full Chia

Blanche, Dorothy, Sophia and Rose of the 1985-92 NBC comedy series “The Golden Girls” are now forever immortalized as Chia pets. You’ll have a full coat within two weeks, and you can reuse your Chia pet forever; just replant with new Chia seeds. $19.95. amzn.to/2BYDP6L

“Country Music”

The latest from documentary dynamo Ken Burns takes on perhaps the most quintessentially American musical genre, going from the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions to Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Forty members of the Country Music Hall of Fame are among the interviewees, and the singing is great. DVD $99.99; Blu-ray $76.29. amzn.to/2JD8UkG

Blast Off With A Personalized Lunch Box

“Star Trek: Discovery” fans will boldly eat lunch how they’ve never eaten lunch before with an insulated neoprene lunch box replete with a carrying handle and your name and “Property of the U.S.S. Discovery Ship” emblazoned on the front. $45.95. cbsstore.com/products/star-trek-discovery-propertyof-u-s-s-discovery-ship-personalized-lunch-box

Lego Goes Upside Down

With the fourth season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” just announced, it will be a while before the binging begins. In the meantime, you can get your “ST” fix with LEGO’s “Upside Down” kit, which includes the Byers house and eight of the series’ characters including Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will and the Demogorgon.

The set is for “fans and big kids” 16+. $199. amzn.to/2WvIwhP

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December 8, 2019

Bake The British Way

Paul Hollywood, the steely blue-eyed judge on “The Great British Baking Show” — currently on Netflix — teaches budding pastry chiefs how to make such very British deserts as fresh cherry cake, plum bread, honey buns and baked Somerset brie in the cookbook “Paul Hollywood’s British Baking.” $22.15. amzn.to/2BWg6nQ

“The Office” Files

The Emmy Award-winning 2005-13 NBC comedy series “The Office” was the most popular TV offering last year on Netflix. And one of the most popular characters is Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson), the ambitious, underhanded salesman who owns the Schrute Farms bed and breakfast in Scranton, Pa. A Schrute Farms hoodie sweatshirt is the next best thing to being in rural Scranton during the holidays. $44.95. amzn.to/2N39oTn

A Blanket That Will Be There For You

You can keep warm watching the endless repeats of the uberpopular 1994-2004 NBC series “Friends” with a red fleece Central Perk blankie. $39.99.

Sock It To You

HBO’s Emmy Award-winning “Game of Thrones” may be gone, but the merchandise is thriving. The five low-cut ankle “GOT” sock set for juniors/women featuring such iconic series quotes as “Winter is Coming”; “All Men Must Die”; “I Drink and I Know Things”: “A Girl Has No Name”; and “Mother of Dragons.” $10.99. amzn.to/2pkNgef

“Downton Abbey” Collector’s Set If the theatrical “Downton” whet your appetite for more or if you’ve always been a fan, this is the box for you. All 52 episodes, plus 13 hours of bonus video are included, plus six cork-based coasters and an honestto-gosh working Downton Abbey pull-bell.

Who can resist that? $97.41. amzn.to/328GlSN

Give a classic gift…

Extended Holiday Hours!

Dec. 15th-23rd!

Ron R. Hogsett, Owner

452 Main St., Longmont • 303-651-1125 Tues. - Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 13

AWARD FINALISTS UNVEILED PRNewswire/ -- The Toy Association unveiled 114 toy and game finalists for the prestigious 2020 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. Known as the “Oscars” of the toy industry, the TOTY Awards program recognizes the top playthings on the market – from STEM/STEAM and innovative toys to dolls, action figures, creative toys, and more. The program is also a vital fundraiser for The Toy Foundation, which annually delivers toys to millions of children in need.

Finalists were announced by a group of well-known online influencers who serve as TOTY ambassadors. Between now and January 5, play-lovers of all ages can visit ToyAwards.org to vote for their favorites in each of the 16 categories, browse toys, download shopping lists for the holidays, and enter for a chance to win one of 16 toy prize packages.

“From an extraordinary field of nominees carefully reviewed by expert judges, this year’s TOTY finalists truly represent our members’ ability to bring fun, laughter, discovery, and learning to kids across America and around the world,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Toy Association. “We are proud to unveil these playthings in advance of the holiday season and celebrate the toy community’s enduring ability to inspire generations of play. Everyone is encouraged to cast their votes at ToyAwards.org and help decide the winners!”

Winners in each category, as well as the coveted overall Toy of the Year winner and the People’s Choice winner (based solely on consumer votes), will be announced at the TOTY Awards gala on February 21.

The finalists were selected from 633 nominees submitted by 236 companies. Eighteen judges, including toy and play experts, retailers, academics, and journalists, reviewed and ranked the products in categories relevant to their areas of expertise. The judges then participated in a discussion to determine the finalists in each category. They considered each product’s creativity, design, play value, and marketing. More information about the TOTY voting and selection process can be found in the “About the Awards” section of ToyAwards.org.

Action Figure of the Year

Toys that represent a person or fictional character intended for active, imaginative and narrative-based play • Disney Pixar Toy Story Baasic Figures byy Mattel, Inc. • Marvel Legends Series byy Hasbro, Inc. • Jurassic World Destroy ‘N Devour™ Indominus Rex

by Mattel, Inc. • Power Rangers Beast Morphers Beast-X Ultrazord Figure by Hasbro, Inc.

Heroes of Goo Jit Zu by Moose Toys

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• My Hero Academia Katsuki Bakugo Action Figure by McFarrlane Toys

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Bakugan Dragonoid Maximus Transforming Figure by Spin Master

December 8, 2019

Collectible of the Year

To oys that compose a set and can be collected in multip ples; can include novelty playthings, miniature veersions of existing lines, licensed collectibles, etc.

• Blume by Skyrocket Toys • Lucky Fortune by WowWee • Hairdorables Dolls Series 3 by Just Play • Pulp Heroes Snap Bots by Far Out Toys

License Of The Year

Character or property that has had success spreading its brand through the development and merchandising of products developed from the intellectual property • Baby Shark by Pinkfong

• Shopkins Real Littles Lil’ Shopper Pack

by Moose Toys

• Barbie 60th Anniversary Program by Mattel, Inc. • JoJo Siwa by Nickelodeon • Marvel Avengers Endgame by Disney / Marvel Licensing • PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Super PAWs by Spin Master / Nickelodeon • Pokémon by The Pokémon Company International • Ryan’s World by pocket.watch

L.O.L. Surprise!

Winter Disco Series by MGA Entertainment

My Singing Monsters Collectible Musical Figures by PlayMonster

• Toy Story 4 by The Walt Disney Company

DOWNTOWN LONGMONT GIFT F CARDS

Personal Stylist Exceptional Customer Service Quality Apparel for Women

• Valid at 70+ businesses Something for everyone • Perfect holiday gift

520 Main St. Unit B1 / Longmont / 303-434-8566

downtownlongmont com

December 8, 2019

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Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 15

Construction Toy of the Year

Erector by Meccano, Inventor Set, Intro to Robotics by Spin Master

Toys that include building as the primary play pattern • LeapBuilders® ABC Smart House™ by LeapFrog • Fisher-Price® Wonder Makers™ design system Build Around Town™ Starter Kit by Mattel, Inc.

• LEGO® CITY Deep Space Rocket and Launch Control

by LEGO Systems, Inc. • LEGO® MARVEL Iron Man Hall of Armor

by LEGO Systems, Inc.

VEX Catapult 2.0

by HEXBUG

• My Robotic Pet - Tumbling Hedgehog by Thames & Kosmos

Creative Toy of the Year

Toys that allow kids to build and/or make items that are unique to them • Blinger by Wicked Cool Toys • Cool Maker GO GLAM Nail Stamper by Spin Master • Crayola Glitter Dots by Crayola • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Droid Depot Custom Astromech Units by Disn Disney Parks • Y’Art® Craft Kit by Kahootz • smAR RT Pixelator™

by Flyycatcher Inc.

littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit by Sphero

Doll of the Year

Toys that include baby, toddler, and fashion dolls Disney Frozen 2 2: “Into th he Unkno own” Elsa D Doll

by JA AKKS Pacific

• Ballerina Dreamer Dancingg Ballerina

by Hunter Products USA LLC • Creatable World by Mattel, Inc. • Disney Princess Raalph Breaks the Internet - Com mfy Princess Assortment by Haasbro, Inc.

Cry Babies Kristal Gets Sick & Feels Better

by IMC Toys

• Candylocks Basic Doll

by Spin Master • L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Fashion Dolls

by MGA Entertain nment

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December 8, 2019

Game of the Year

For families and children’s (ages 0-14) games including board, card, electronic or other physical game formats and puzzles, exclusive of video or app games

Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year

Toys that are developed for ages 0-3 (0-18 months infant/18 months-3 years toddler) • InnyBin

by Fat Brain Toy Co.

• MS. MONOPOLY Board Game by Hasbro, Inc.

• KidKraft World of Eric Carle LeapBuilders® 123 Fix-It Truck™

by LeapFrog

• Orangutwang by PlayMonster • Pictionary Air by Mattel, Inc. • Ravensburger’s Disney Villainous: Evil Comes Prepared by Ravensburger

• Mix & Match-a-Saurus™

by VTech®

• UNO Braille by Mattel, Inc.

• Tinker Truck by Radio Flyer

• Funkoverse Strategy Game by Funko Games Shape Activity Cube

by KidKraft

• Musical Lili Llama

by The Manhattan Toy Company Fisher-Price® Linkimals™ by Mattel, Inc.

Heist by Megableu USA Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens

Innovative Toy of the Year

Toys that utilize innovative design, technology, or manufacturing processes to enhance play value • comicam® the Instant Comic Camera

by Hangzhou Rulei Technology Co., Ltd • Hot Wheels™ id Smart Track™ Kit by Mattel, Inc. • Hot Wheels™ TechMods by Mattel, Inc. • RockIt Twist™ by LeapFrog

Harry Potterr Invisibilityy Cloak by Wow! Stufff

Shashibo (T The Shape Shiftiing Box) by Fun n In Motion Toyys

December 8, 2019

tori™ Explorrer Pack by BANDA AI NAMC CO Entertainmeent Ameriica

Times-Call—TimesCall.com

Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 17

SAVING MADE EASY!

Outdoor Toy of the Year

My Buddy Wheels by Yvolution USA, Inc.

Toys that are designed for outdoor play, including ride-ons • Crazy Cart® Shift™ by Razor USA • Create A Castle by Create A Castle • EzyRoller Drifter X by EzyRoller LLC • Toilet Paper Blasters™ Sheet Storm™

by JAKKS Pacific • ZURU X-Shot Fast-Fill by ZUR

Globber GoUp COMFORT

by Incredible Novelties

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Playset of the Year

Toys that are designed to work together to enact some action or event, including characters and ro ole play

Disney Frozen Ultimate Arendellle Castle Playset by Hasbro, Inc.

• Beyblade Burst Turbo Slingshock • Hape Fire Station by Hape International Inc

“Women’s Boutique Apparel, Home Decor, Baby, and Gifts.”

Unique Holiday Gifts!

• Hot Wheels® Colossal Crash™ Track Set

by Mattel, Inc. • Cross Collision Battle Set

by Hasbro, Inc. • L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Chalet

by MGA Entertainment • Timber Tots by Fat Brain Toy Co.

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18 Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2

PLAYMOBIL Mars Space Station by PLAYMOBIL

Times-Call—TimesCall.com

December 8, 2019

Plush Toy of the Year

Preschool Toy of the Year

Toys that are made of fabric and stuffed with cotton or similar filling, including toys with interactive or electronic features

Toys that are developed for ages 3-5 • Demo Duke by Spin Master • Kid Trax Rideamals Unicorn

by Pacific Cycle

• Cutetitos by Basic Fun! • Pomsies Lumies by Skyrocket Toys

• Kindi Kids by Moose Toys

• Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppets with Tempo Control

by WowWee

• Myla the Magical Unicorn™ by VTech® • Peppa Pig’s Magical Parade Floats

by Jazwares

• Dolce Safari Adventure by Magformers/DOLCE • Little Live Scruff-A-Luvs Real Rescue Electronic Pet

by Moose Toys • Shimmer Stars by KD Group

• Wild Ones™ by Razor USA

ZURU Rainboco orns Cod ding Ultimate Sequiin Critters by Surprise Seriess 2 Learning

by ZURU Resources®

Specialty Toy of the Year

Toys that are distributed through independent retailers, i.e. neighborhood toy stores, and not sold at mass brick and mortar stores: Toys that are sold only online do not qualify

LEGO Stranger Things The Upside Down by LEGO Systems, Inc. ®

• Hape Emergency Services Headquarters

by Hape International Inc • LEGO® Ideas Central Perk

by LEGO Systems, Inc. • littleBits Space Rover Inventor Kit by Sphero • OombeeBall by Fat Brain Toy Co. • ThinkFun’s Thinking Putty Puzzle

by ThinkFun, Inc.

AirFort by AirFort

December 8, 2019

Times-Call—TimesCall.com

Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 19

STEM/STEAM Toy of the Year

Toys that encourage kids to develop skills (foundational or curricular) in the core disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics • Amazing Rescue 50Pc Set by Magform mers • Artie 30 000 by Educational Insights ™

Mech-5 5 Mechanical Coding Robot

by Elenco

®

• Crayolaa Color Chemistry Arctic Lab

by Crayyola • LEGO® BOOST Star Wars™ Droiid Commander by LEGO Systems, Inc.

Beaker Creatures Alien Experiment Lab

by Learniing Resources®

Gumball Machine Maker

by Thames & Kosmos

Vehicle of the Year

Toy cars, trucks, trains and other vehicles in n all scales, including R/C vehicles but exclusive of ride-ons • Grrrumball by Alpha Group US

L.O.L. Surprise!

2-in-1 Glamper

by MGA Entertainment

• Hot Wheels Mario Kart Die-Cast Vehicle Assortment by Mattel, Inc. • Monster Jam Mega Grave Digger Remote Control Vehicle by Spin Master • X-Power Dozer™ by JAKKS Pacific

STAR WARS D-O Interactive Droid by Hasbro, Inc.

20 Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2

PJ Masks PJ Seeker

by Just Play

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December 8, 2019

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December 8, 2019

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Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 21

WILL LOVE THESE GIFTS

By Kenneth Turan And Geoff Berkshire, Los Angeles Times (T TNS)

For The Laughs

“Who’s on First?” You’ll get the answer, sort of, in “Abbott & Costello: The Complete Universal Pictures Collection (80th Anniversary Edition).” This complete collection includes 28 films from the comedy duo at the height of their popularity, including “Buck Privates,” “Who Done It?” and “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.” $124.96. https://amzn.to/2PvS3Uz

Animated Masterpiece

A limited-edition release of Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscarwinning animated masterpiece, “Spirited Away,” the collector’s edition, is packaged in a beautiful hard slipcase with a commemo orative 40-page booklet and the exclusive U.S. printing of Joe Hisaishi’s indelible soundtrack. $34.99. amzn.to/2qapRMh

Long Overdue

Celebrating its 100th anniversary and fresh from its cinematic closeup in “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood,” this Los Angeles landmark gets a coffee table book — “The Musso and Frank Grill,”

by Michael Callahan — overflowing with recipes, historic photographs, portraits of staff and stories of the famous folks who’ve walked through its doors. About time too. $40.

A Gorgeous Collection

“Cinema on Paper” by Dwight M. Cleveland gathers together more than 100 vividly designed film posters from top-of-the-line publisher Assouline that display not only classic American items but posters from overseas purveyors like Cuba, Italy, Poland and the Netherlands. $95. amzn.to/2C3csIB

22 Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2

Times-Call—TimesCall.com

December 8, 2019

On The Page

Celebrities Irl

Counter-intuitive though it may sound, movie stars and major tomes have often been paired in all manner of vintage publicity photos.

“The Hollywood Book Club” by Steven Rea is an engaging book that rounds up dozens of rarely seen, always surprising images (yes, that’s Marilyn Monroe reading Heine on the cover). $16.95. amzn. to/2MYFXlf

“The Big Book of Reel Murders: Stories That Inspired Great Crime Films,” edited by Otto Penzler, is a whopper of a tome (1,200 pages and counting) that collects in one place more than 60 short stories that were the basis of films like “Psycho,” “The Wild One,” “Bad Day at Black Rock” and “On the Waterfront.” Penzler, a veteran editor, expertly introduces each entry. $25.39. amzn.to/36j9Xjt

“Harry Potter: Exploring Hogwarts”

Stunning full-color illustrations matched with interactive elements takes you inside the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from JK Rowling’s beloved Potter novels and the blockbuster film adaptations. From the Forbidden Forest to the Great Hall, it’s all here in “Harry Potter: Exploring Hogwarts.” $29.99. amzn.to/2WttIjH

‘King Of The Monsters’

In “Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954-1975,” all 15 legendary films from the original defining run of Japan’s own “King of the Monsters” in a lavish boxed set from the experts at Criterion, loaded with revelatory special features and dressed up with arresting original art. Collectors bonus: It’s officially the 1,000th Criterion release. $224.95. criterion.com/boxsets/2648godzilla-the-showa-erafilms-1954-1975

Cool Caves

Why do bad guys always have the coolest cinematic abodes? “Lair: Radical Homes and Hideouts of Movie Villains” is a deep dive into unique buildings from 15 films, including “Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” “Star Wars” and “The Incredibles.” It’s both an architecture and movie fan’s dream. $75. amzn.to/2N3eSgE

December 8, 2019

Times-Call—TimesCall.com

Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 23

GAMER MUST-HAVES

By Tod dd Martens, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo’s versatile console is now slightly more affordable, and its smaller size makes it more adorable. The trade-off is no television support, but you’ll probably be playing the laatest “Pokémon” in bed anyway. The Switch library gets bettter by the week, so if you’re itching for a “Zelda” fix but also currious about today’s best indie games, flipping on the Switch is a must. $199 9. https://amzn.to/2qRxJ5Y

St. Noire

Ring Fit Adventure

Think of this Nintendo Switch game and accessory as the next generation Wii Fit,, one built around a circular device that resembles a Pilates ring. While it promises to teach you plenty of exercises and yoga poses, the real joy comes in battling a body-building dragon in fantastical landscapes. We’re also excited to — and we’re directly quoting Nintendo here — “crafft pottery usiing squats.” Face it, everyone looks ridiculous in the middle of a workout, so why not turn those sessions into a game? $79.99. amzn.to/32U82Qb

Oculus Quest

Virtual reality has long been the “next big thing,” only to never really capture the general public’s imagination. That’s because it’s expensive, and small devices tend to lack the processing power needed for a fulfilling experience. The Oculus Quest is the beginning of the end of that narrative, as this simple, portable device is capable enough to run many of today’s most exciting VR experiences. It’s finally a device for those who have been curious but holding off on getting real about virtual reality. $399-499. amzn.to/2p8SUjv

Not quite a board game but not quite a video game either (but combining elements of both), “St. Noire,” developed in part

by Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell, is an exclusiveto-Amazon AI-powered game that has fun with the company’s voice-activated Alexa devices. The light murder mystery can be played alone or as a party game with small groups.

You’re the detective, and your role is to interrogate the characters Alexa brings to life. $39.99. amzn. to/32TAG49

Pokémon Sword And Pokémon Shield

It’s been an especially good year to be a Pokémon fan, what with the film “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” and now with two new Nintendo Switch adventures in “Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield.” Explore new regions and discover new creatures in what promises to be two of the year’s cutest role-playing games. Example: One new Pokémon is a purple ghost blob that lives in a broken teapot ensuring that high tea will never be the same. $59.99 each. https://amzn.to/2MWPUzP

24 Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2

Times-Call—TimesCall.com

December 8, 2019

Cuphead Vinyl Soundtrack

Lovers of vintage cartoons have already discovered “Cuphead,” an excruciatingly difficult game inspired by the choppy, oval animation of the 1930s (Its animated star Cuphead — and fellow character Mugman — are the stars of an upcoming Netflix series). But jazz fans are more recently getting hip to the game’s doubleLP big band soundtrack

by Kristofer Maddigan (on vinyl no less), which topped Billboard’s jazz chart — the first video game soundtrack to ever do so. It’s a loving nod to the Duke Ellington era and a joyful celebration of a sound no longer in vogue. $40. amzn.to/2JvczB7

December 8, 2019

Marvel Dimension Of Heroes

Bring the Marvel Universe into your family room with this augmented reality headset, compatible with many Apple and Android smartphones. With controls that fit your hands like mini-shields, this Lenovo device make it easy to wave and flail to simulate many a superpower, be it those of Captain America or Dr. Strange. Just make sure you’re not playing next to a lamp, as Dimension of Heroes doesn’t have the power to stitch together broken glass.b $249.99. https://amzn.to/2PwYXsZ

Disney Classic Games: Aladdin And The Lion King

Classic Disney films never really go away, as each generation gets a combination a re-releases and remakes. But classic Disney video games were once thought to be forever locked in the vault. Yet this loving package combines the SNES, Sega Genesis and Game Boy versions of games inspired by “Aladdin” (1992) and “The Lion King,” (1994) and also loads them with extras. Play the games as they existed back in the day, or play with some blessedly modern tweaks such as in-game rewind and save features.n $29.99. https://amzn.to/2WiRSNZ

Times-Call—TimesCall.com

Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2 25

HOME OFFICE

By Nancy Mattia, CTW Features If you’ve run out of gift ideas for your sports-loving family member or foodie friend, what can you get them? If they work remotely — as millions of others now do — gift them with a stylish something for their home office that will make doing their business a little easier.

Kate Spade Grass Cloth File Folder Organizer, $28

Design Ideas Pencil Cup, $18

You don’t have to be an uber-declutterer to appreciate this handsome organizer covered with grass cloth and a metal detail. Instead of receipts and notes scattered all over the desk and piles of folders on the floor, everything will have a place within this three-compartment file folder organizer that sits neatly on a desk; perigold.com.

Sonos Move Smart Portable Wifi and Bluetooth Speaker, $399 Though most desktop computers and

laptops are equipped with a built-in speaker, having a separate one can make a world of difference if good sound is paramount to doing a good job, like it would be if someone works with audio files. Good sound may also be essential to motivate someone as the work day progresses.

You can find a portable speaker in various sizes and shapes. One to consider: the Move portable Bluetooth speaker. It comes with a hefty price tag but its audio quality and ease-of-use make it an especially nice gift for someone on your holiday list; sonos.com.

Don’t laugh: Your loved one may be living the digital life but sometimes there’s nothing better than using a pen to jot down a quick reminder, to-do list, or phone number.

That means he’ll need a place to keep some pens neatly organized on his desk.

Try a matte black holder from the Rebrilliant collection. These have a simplicity that will look good with any office decorating style, no matter if it’s traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between; wayfair.com.

TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp, $40

Overhead lighting isn’t enouggh for someone who sits at a desk all day — she allso needs a desk lamp to provide more concentrated d light. The TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp is attractive,, affordable, and gentle on the eyes while you’re work king. Your friend or family member will appreciatte the customizable brightness level and color settting (white, cool, natural, yellow, warm yellow). Th he lamp’s arm can be adjusted too so its light is exaactly where you want it to be. It has charging USB output for recharging a smartphone while keeping it within reach; amazon.com.

West Elm Fluted Planter, from $39

An office with only a tidy desk, chair, and computer needs to be livened up, and that’s where a tabletop plant in a pretty planter comes into play. This elegant earthenware fluted crystal gold planter comes in four sizes (small to large) including a cute windowsill version. Add an easy-to-grow plant like a succulent or philodendron and you’ve got a gift that will thrive as much as the gift’s recipient (plant not included); westelm.com.

CTW Features

26 Holiday Gift Guide, Vol. 2

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December 8, 2019

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