2010 Gift Guide

Plate & Vine 2010 Gift Guide

Most people think of December as being the month for gifts, but we are all buying gifts throughout the year for various holidays (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, showers, etc.) so please print this gift guide for your reference all year long. We’ve done the work for you!

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YUMMY DELICACIES:

Add a twist to your holiday giving this year with the Open & Enjoy gift pack from Tastefully Simple. It comes ready to eat and makes a great gift to share with the office or to stash away for that date night picnic. This is also a great item to keep a few on hand for last-minute gifts, the boss, an anniversary, etc. The gift pack includes Spicy Olive Twist™ Cream Cheese Dip, Mild Red Pepper Dip and Cheese It up! Crisps™ Baked Asiago & Cheddar Crackers. (www.tastefullysimple.com, $24.95)

Oregon is renowned for its premium agriculture products, from wine to hazelnuts to berries, and is widely recognized as the best berry growing region in the United States. Oregon’s cool and wet spring and mild summer climate provides the ideal weather conditions to produce the premium strawberry – for taste, color and nutritional value. These qualities are retained when processed into preserves or other products. Oregon Growers & Shippers Strawberry Pinot Noir fruit spread would make a great addition to a holiday gift basket, hostess gift or even a stocking stuffer. The product pairs two of Oregon’s best – strawberries and pinot noir wine. It’s a tasty way to enjoy Oregon strawberries year round on a piece of bread or paired with cheese.  (www.oregongrowers.com/preserves, $6.50)

As moms search for quick, healthy recipes and dads look for more food to throw on the grill, Opa! offers an inexpensive gift that spices up any meal or cookout with a taste of the Mediterranean. Opa! Seasonings’ four unique Mediterranean seasoning blends for salads, vegetables, meat/chicken and seafood do not include any MSG and are sold in four-ounce bottles. There’s a great story behind the company. Plano-based Opa! Seasonings was started after founder Dean Xeros (a graduate of Texas A&M) was inspired by his involvement at a local homeless shelter with the Dallas’ Greek Orthodox Church. As a result of the positive response he received from cooking healthy, delicious meals for The Austin Street Shelter in Dallas, Dean and his family started the business so that other people could experience Mediterranean food at home. Dean continues to serve at the shelter and a portion of the proceeds of Opa! Seasonings’ sales go directly back to The Austin Street Shelter. (www.opaseasonings.com, $5.49 each or all four flavors for $19.95)

Meyer Natural Angus, which has USDA Prime steaks available through its Website, also has many gift packages for that meat lover in your house. Shipped direct to your grill master, he’ll be happy to help prepare dinner with these flavorful steaks. The steaks are sourced from cattle that are raised naturally, and therefore are the only beef brand that has earned the Certified Humane designation. Meyer’s steaks are juicy, flavorful and deliver an exceptional eating experience. (www.MeyerNaturalAngus.com, prices vary, $30-250)

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FOR ANY OCCASION

Tea Time! It’s trendy to replace your morning coffee with flavored tea. Caldo-Freddo, makers of European-style tabletop designs, has unveiled their Tea Over Under Sets that bring the gracious styling of classic tea time to your kitchen. These floral tea sets include cup, saucer and tea pot and are wonderful collectors’ items. (www.caldo-freddo.com, 45.99)

For everyone who has gotten into the reusable bag trend, the ChicoBag™ line has released a messenger-style bag manufactured from recycled water bottles—how earthy. The bag stuffs down into a small integrated pouch and includes a carabineer, meaning that the bags can be easily tossed into a purse or glove box or clipped onto anything.  The bag can also be used as a diaper bag or a gym bag. (www.chicobag.com, $18)

There’s no easier gift than a nice organic super soft tee and many people (celebrities included) love to make a statement with a simple t-shirt.  With Suburban Riot t-shirts, you can dress casual with jeans or shorts, but they also offer dressier wear. This designer might give the appearance of a younger brand, but their latest tee cut is perfect for the fashionable guy who wants a nice tee to go under his jacket this winter.   (www.suburbanriot.com, prices vary)

Ornaments with Love has over 700 custom, personalized ornaments to give to loved ones. They can fit any occasion and are picked to fit the personality, college, sport, hobbies or profession of the receiver. Other holidays/events include wedding, anniversary/engagement, expecting family/ pregnant mom, and graduation ornaments. (http://www.ornamentswithlove.com, prices vary/ $12 average)

The holiday season is filled with family gatherings, parties galore and unfortunately, an overabundance of unhealthy eating habits that can persist well into the New Year.  Fortunately, Polar training computers (also known as heart rate monitors) are the perfect gift for providing motivation to stay or get in shape. It’s like giving a stocking-sized, digital personal trainer! Polar’s effective and trusted products have been must-haves for athletes and fitness buffs for decades because they provide powerful, personalized motivation with feedback, encouragement and quantitative info (such as calories burned) at every step.  Tracking heart rate also ensures users hit the sweet spot of exercising at just the right intensity to achieve their goals. Polar’s products also help to track progress over time, which helps users keep those resolutions – and develop lifelong fitness and training habits.  This watch is for exercisers from tri-athletes to “trying to get off the couch-ers.” (www.polarusa.com, prices vary) 

The Leakey Collection of jewelry is handmade by the Maasai women and men of Kenya from environmentally sustainable materials. The flagship item of the collection- Zulugrass- is sold individually or in multi strands. It has an earthy, organic look and feel, yet is completely modern. The Zulugrass concept was born out of need. A devastating drought in Kenya in 2001 forced the men to leave behind the women and children, so they could take the surviving cattle far up country in search of grazing land. As a result, the Leakey's found themselves supporting as many as 100 Maasai families by giving them money for food, school fees, medical expenses and housing. This was not sustainable for either party and the Leakeys knew they had to find another way. What transpired has become a successful business and philanthropic endeavor for the Leakeys and the Massai people. Not only are the Massai women paid for their work and given the flexibility they need to maintain their jobs, 5% of profits go back to supporting infrastructure in the Rift Valley of Kenya. (www.leakeycollection.com, $30 avg)

Do you want a real conversation piece in the kitchen? You need to hang the Orka Vegetable Keep Sacks. They recently won the Gourmet Gold Award in the Tabletop & Textiles Category for quality, innovation, design, product solution and consumer appeal. These fun hanging sacks are an n eco-friendly way to conveniently store and preserve vegetables to extend their shelf life.  The focus is on freshness, the bags are sized for small vegetables like garlic and shallots, medium for onions, and large for potatoes. The large size can also be used to store plastic bags. These keep sacks put an end to veggies sitting on the kitchen counter or getting shoved into the crisper drawers of the refrigerator. (www.mastrad.us, $8-10)

Every woman wants others to notice her perfume. Get noticed with fragrances by d'essense, which make a perfect stocking stuffer for a special loved one, especially while the economy is still in recovery and everyone remains budget-conscious. D’essense offers a selection of approximately 20 fragrances for men and 60 for women, of the most popular designer named fragrances. D’essense produces perfect replicas and in several cases the exact same product as the designers since d’essense buys the fragrance oils from the exact same manufacturers. Fragrances by d'essense are made with a higher concentration of fragrance oils, which means they last longer and therefore are a smart buy. (www.LMSFragrances.com, $22)

Vanessa Quijano has spent most of her life studying the arts in both jewelry design and photography. Vanessa uses her talent and technique to create a dynamic presence among her collections. Each piece is exotic yet classic and elegant. Her inspiration comes from her surroundings, in Puerto Rico, where she has lived most of her life and her many travels. Vanessa’s collective works of art illustrate that they are modern pieces of sculpture translated to graceful adornments which magnify the wearer’s poise and enhancing her beauty. Check out the brass bracelet with Swarovski crystal pendant.  (www.vanessaquijano.com, $76)

The Fall/Winter collection from lia sophia is on-trend with this season’s must-have styles, yet still affordable, which makes holiday shopping easy and stress-free. With a selection of over 500 styles, lia sophia jewelry offers the perfect complement to any woman’s wardrobe and any budget. According to lia sophia executives, organic and asymmetrical shapes are in style this holiday season, along with chunky stones and chains, and a focus on patterns and textured surfaces. Fashionable colors are neutral hues, black, white and grey, rich jewel tones and hematite metal. lia sophia’s Poetic necklace ($78) is this season’s gift that gives back.  With every purchase a portion of the proceeds benefit Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that helps economically challenged women worldwide transition from unemployment to self-sufficiency. (www.liasophia.com, prices vary)

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FOR THE KIDS

Hi-Hop Educational CDs teach with a beat. Have you ever wondered why children seem to have such an easy time remembering songs they hear on the radio, but may struggle with remembering their multiplication facts? Have you ever heard your middle school student repeating lyrics from the latest music video effortlessly, but when you asked them what an Exponent was they were at a loss for words? Radio and music videos use three important elements: “Rhyme, Rhythm & Repetition”. Help your kids learn through these CDs (state capitals, multiplication, etc.) (www.hiphop-edu.com, $15 avg)

What child isn’t on the computer these days, keeping themselves “up to the minute” with interactive games and websites? For those who enjoy cooking, Ginger Kids Fun has launched The Passport to the World Club – a perfect way to provide children with a cultural and culinary adventure. By choosing one of two affordable monthly membership options, kids will have a blast cooking up new international cuisine, interacting with children from other cultures, learning new languages and more. The monthly membership provides a fascinating view of the world by engaging the five senses. Kids can listen to a fun-filled musical tour of each cultural destination with a CD from Putumayo Kids. A hands-on cooking experience teaches kids to practice their creativity and imagination. (www.gingerkidsfun.com, $9.95-29.95/month memberships)

Hitch & Bundle is a wedding and children’s boutique that features adorable embroidered onesies/t-shirts that have tons of personality and are made of 100% super-soft cotton. A favorite t-shirt reads: My parents still party. You can also purchase gift buckets, creatively arranged in a sweet paint pail with any shirt, embroidered blanket and stuffed animal. These are a nice option for baby showers. (www.hitchandbundle.com), t-shirts $23, bucket $58)

Digital Dollhouse (DDH) is a virtual 3D dollhouse experience that empowers kids of all ages to become their own interior designers.  Members can paint, furnish and decorate their own virtual dream house and even purchase and re-gift items in a virtual economy. DDH’s main goal is to create awareness and educate children on design, architecture and history in a playful and dynamic online environment.  They are partnering with celebrity interior designers, starting this month with Architectural Digest “AD 100” designer Campion Platt, incorporating real-life products and superior design.  Known for his ability to embody luxury and innovation while maintaining an eco-friendly consciousness, Platt created a stylish, modern and sustainable beachfront dream home that is reminiscent of one you’d visit on a Florida beach in the summer. (www.digitaldollhouse.com, $4.95 per month)

TwirlyGirl offers adorable girls clothing for ages 2-12. The TwirlyGirl Original Reversible Twirly Dress is sure to get noticed on any girl. Not only are they stylish but they can have tons of fun turning around and seeing their big dress spin. These dresses come in a variety of prints and bright colors. You also might consider their Wings of Wonder dress or Treasure Pocket Jacket. (www.twirlygirlshop.com, $70)

Discovery Kids Dual Night Vision Goggles are a great gift for any child, age 6+. With 2 Modes- Flashlight and Green Glow, your little warrior can play in the backyard and discover lots of little surprises. These would also be great for any child who enjoys camping. (CVS Pharmacy)

JAKKS Pacific releases several fun ideas for kids this holiday: The EyeClops Mini Projector is great for watch movies while camping or in any setting where you don’t have access to a TV/DVD player. This little projector fits in the palm of your hand and offers a big screen TV experience, ages 8+, $100. The Style Six activity kits let girls design their own accessories, shirts, bags, etc with foils, airbrushing, gem decorating and a felting machine, ages 8+, $10-40. Also check out the GX Speed Assortment and Games Motion: Star Wars. (Target, Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us)

Magnetic Jigsaw Puzzles and Stand offer an alternative to puzzling on the ground or on a table. Unlike traditional puzzles, this upright format is easy to use at the table, in bed or on any flat surface and takes the stress off of the neck and shoulders by not having to continually bend over, great for senior adults. It’s also a great way to keep your puzzle in place to display after you’ve spent the time to put it together. These high-gloss puzzles offer an ergonomic way to fun. You can shop online and choose the puzzles you want and the accompanying stand. (www.headsuppuzzles.com, prices vary)

Radio Flyer Steer & Stroll Coupe™ is a classic red car for your little one (18 mos-4 years) with a timeless design that we’ve all grown to love with Radio Flyer. Your child will have hours of fun outside in their little car with a stow-away footrest, seat belt, realistic and interactive car features and a telescoping push handle for parents and siblings. The child will also enjoy the real-life car features, including the clicking key and turn signal, honking horn, electronic lights and removable gas cap. (www.radioflyer.com and www.amazon.com, $100)

Marika Flatt has been a freelance travel writer since 2002, writing for publications such as AustinWoman magazine, FamilyTravel.com, EDGE online magazines and BabyScoopAustin.com. She is also the founder of PR by the Book, a media relations firm catering to authors and publishers, www.prbythebook.com.

For our “Plate & Vine” readers, we are including a special section of holiday wines you’ll likely want to feature at an upcoming party. Here’s a few of our fan favorites:

Michael David Winery, located in the Lodi wine region, which is nestled between the San Francisco Bay Area and the Foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, is making some stand-out wines you’ll want to try. Michael David Winery makes a wide variety of wines, ranging in both price and style.

Wines of Chile are now producing arguably the best quality-to-price ratio wines; therefore, the time has really come for Chilean winemaking. Chile’s three main grapes - Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere – are capable of competing with higher priced bottlings from Old World regions. Carmenere, Chile's iconic grape is one of the original 6 grapes of Bordeaux. After a plague wiped out the vineyards in France during the 1800's, the grape is now almost exclusively grown in Chile. Carmenere, in particular, is a fun wine because it’s yet to become well-known and a real pleaser for Bordeaux/full-bodied wine lovers. Chile produces some remarkable bottles of both 100% Carmenere, as well as blends.

Windmill Estates--Perfect for the budget conscious gift giver, these wines are priced at $12 and are great for holiday entertaining as they pair easily with food.  Varietals include the 2007 Chardonnay, 2006 Syrah, 2006 Petite Sirah, 2006 Cabernet and 2006 Old Vine Zin.

The 7 Deadly Zins is Michael David’s flagship wine.  It is a blend of fruit from seven different Zin vineyards, and the wine has aromas of sweet plums and pepper, while flavors of blueberry, raspberry, cinnamon, and black pepper pack the palate from start to finish. The silky-smooth tannins hold the wine together and deliver a soft, fruit driven experience. ($16)

The 7 Heavenly Chards is simply angelic, with aromas of crisp pear and delicate peach blossom which lead into subtle hints of buttery toast and a zest of fresh lime on the finish. ($16)

Earthquake Series ($28)--All varietals under the Earthquake label are Michael David’s reserve level wines.  These wines possess major concentration and daring flavor with only a limited production offered each year.  These are series wines, appropriate for both wine connoisseurs and those looking to build their cellar.  Varietals include ’05 Cabernet, ’05 Syrah, ’06 Zinfandel, and ’05 Petite Sirah.

2007 Petite Petit ($18)--This wine makes the perfect give for wine drinkers who like to have fun!  The wine is opaque dark purple and opens with a very inviting violet and plum-like bouquet. On the palate, this medium bodied wine is quite silky and smooth. It displays very jammy black current-like flavors with notes of dry blackberries and vanilla as well. The finish is dry, and lingers slightly.  A boastful blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot.  Aged 14 months in French oak.  The label is whimsical and features two large elephants drinking wine in a circus tent.

Merlot: ($10.99) A charming and seductive wine where the unique soils and climates from Sicily weave a certain magic. This intriguing wine has a full persistent flavor which captivates everyone. The Voga Merlot on adds a savory highlight to cooked meats and spicy pasta dishes.

Pinot Grigio Sparkling: ($15.99) Sparkling light golden color and fine perlage give way to aromas of white blossoms and ripe fruit. It is very smooth in the mouth with a citrusy finish.

Pinot Grigio: ($10.99) The most popular wine produced in Northern Italy, Voga Italia combines the soft alluring flavors of Veneto with the structure and breed of Trentino to produce the perfect Pinot Grigio. This wine matches exceptionally well with all types of sushi and fresh, light seafood. A great accompaniment to Thai and Indian food as well.

Marika Flatt has been a freelance travel writer since 2002, writing for publications such as AustinWoman magazine, FamilyTravel.com, EDGE online magazines and BabyScoopAustin.com. She is also the founder of PR by the Book, a media relations firm catering to authors and publishers, www.prbythebook.com.

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