Check out this gift guide

Zoomer | January 1st, 2006

Christmas: the season for crowded malls, long line-ups and shoppers more competitive than some Olympic athletes. But shopping for that special someone doesn’t have to be hard. Give yourself a break. Check out this gift guide for some fresh ideas.

Gifts for the travel lover:

  • Your passport to pure water
    With the Passport water purifying system ($63.95), you can bid bon voyage to sickness due to drinking impure water. This light, easy-to-carry system fits in purses, pockets or carry-on luggage. Available at Travel Stop stores across Canada, online at www.thetravelstop.com or by calling 416-961-6088.

  • Pack it in
    Don’t know which clothes to take on your trip? Thanks to the Pack-It compressor ($32), you can take them all! It reduces volume up to 80 per cent. Available at Travel Stop stores across Canada, online at www.thetravelstop.com or by calling 416-961-6088.

  • Get over it
    No-Jet-Lag ($13.50) is a homeopathic chewable tablet that reduces the effects of jet lag, including fatiguedisorientation, dehydration and discomfort in legs and feet. Available at Travel Stop stores, online at www.thetravelstop.com, or by calling 416-961-6088.

    • Games, gardens and golf:

    • Head game
      Cranium ($54.99) is a hip board game that celebrates your brain’s capability for concept and thought. Get your family and friends together and discover who’s the creative cat, the word worm, data head or star performer. Available at Dufferin Games across Canada (for a store near you, call 1-800-268-2597).

  • A French connection
    The French game of Boules ($49.50) is similar to curling and shuffleboard. The balls come in a wooden carrying case. The game comes with a target ball and a string line for settling disputes. Available at Lee Valley stores across Canada, online at www.leevalley.com or call 1-800-267-8767 to order a catalogue.

  • Golf and grill
    Uniting the best of summer-golf and barbecuing-the PAR-BQ Golfer’s barbecue utensil set ($39.99) is manufactured with actual golf shafts and golf grips. Utensils are shaped as clubs and tees. Removable grill heads allow for easy cleanup and storage. Available at Nevada Bob stores across Canada.
    • Next page: The granddaddy of golf carts

    • The granddaddy of golf carts
    For anyone who walks the whole 18, the Bag Boy golf cart ($170) makes the journey even more enjoyable. Lightweight with oversized, wide-rimmed tires and an adjustable handle for easy pulling, the Bag Boy is easy to maneuver. There’s a drink-holder, a scorecard holder with a plastic cover and a ball, tee and marker holder. Available at Nevada Bob stores across Canada.


    • Fits like a glove
      This is definitely “not a clumsy glove,” says Gayle Somers, owner of Dig This Gifts &Gear for Gardeners. The number 1 seller in gardening gloves, GRIP M ($9.95) gloves allow for flexibility and-what else!-great grip! They’re breathable, washable and comfortable to wear. Available at Dig This Gifts & Gear for Gardeners stores in western and central Canada or call 416-785-5558 to find a store near you.

    • For the birds

      • Send the birds in your backyard straight to the Nut House! Made of cast stone, this acorn-shaped Nut House Café ($99.99) not only offers a safe domain for birds, but is a great accessory for your backyard. And hand-blown glass hummingbird feeders ($22) come in an array of bright colours. Available at Dig This Gifts & Gear for Gardeners stores in western and central Canada or call 416-785-5558 to find a store near you.

  • Chocolate lover’s garden
    Grow your own chocolate-coloured Bittersweet William flowers ($40) with this unique kit. Includes galvanized seed containers and a reference guide. Available at Dig This Gifts & Gear for Gardeners stores in western and central Canada or call 416-785-5558 to find a store near you.

  • Gardener’s delight
    Here’s a great gift idea for anyone who enjoys the outdoors: Drywalkers slip easily onto boots or shoes, have an anti-slip bottom and allow you to walk across floors without leaving nary a smudge. Drywalkers come in large ($25.95) and extra-large ($29.95). Available at Lee Valley stores across Canada, online at www.leevalley.com or call 1-800-267-8767 to order a catalogue.

      • For the teckies:

      • Seen and heard

      A great way to stay in touch with your grandchildren, this PC Webcam Pro Max IBM ($99.99) is top of the line. Most beneficial for those with high-speed access, it also allows you to set up a video conference right from the comfort of your home. Available at Future Shop stores across Canada or online at www.futureshop.ca 

    • Make your own moving pictures
      The Sony DCR-PC9 MiniDV Handycam camcorder ($1,899.99) weighs only one pound, one ounce (500 g) but still packs a powerful punch. With MPEG movie capability, SuperSteady Shot and the ability to capture digital stills, it’s almost impossible to make a bad home movie. Available at Sony stores across Canada.

      • For dreamers:

      • Big-ticket idea
      If money were no object, what would you wish for? Car enthusiasts or anyone nostalgic for the ’50s may find the 2002 Ford Thunderbird at the top of their list. With some of the same styling of the original version, the new T-bird is the height of luxury, comfort and cool. For $52,548, we can all dream, can’t we?