holiday idea book 2015

STOCKING STUFFERS: Books, Movies & Music

WHY WATCHES ARE RIGHT, RIGHT NOW

The Most-Wanted ‘STAR WARS’ Toys

Boys’ Toys Girls’ Toys

idea book

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

TheHOTTESTHOTTEST Kids’ Toys

for 2015KIDS’ TOYSKIDS’ TOYS

LOCALLYOWNED &

OPERATEDSINCE1949

Holiday Hours begin Friday, Nov. 27th

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Westside 231 Junction Rd., 608.833.9191 / M-S 10-9, SUN 10-7Downtown 216 N. Henry St., 608.257.5043 / M-S 10-8 , SUN 11-6

Visit our 2 Madison Locations:

HOLIDAY idea book

As retailers move tonon-gendered signage for their aisles, it’s good to simply remember that toys will be toys

BOYS’GIRLS’

KIDS’TOYS

BY JESSICA ROYER OCKENCTW FEATURES

This holiday season your local Tar-get is sure to be decked out in red and green, but not so much in pink and blue.

Over the last few months, so shop-pers don’t “feel frustrated or limited by the way things are presented,” the retailer has eliminated many of the gender-based labels in their stores, including in the toy section.

But rather than causing gift-gather-ing pandemonium, this move may actually be irrelevant to the best kind of holiday shopping, which keeps the individual child – not their gender – in mind.

Selecting a great gift is about “find-ing out what a child naturally gravi-tates to,” says toy expert Chris Byrne, content director for TTPM, a website that offers toy reviews and price com-parisons.

“I wasn’t a kid who would sit and do Legos. I wanted to be physical,” Byrne says. “That [sort of preference] varies as much as gender preferenc-es.” And it’s likely to be a more useful shopping guide for parents.

“Both of my kids like what they like regardless of their gender,” says Norma Lopez, a mom of a sec-ond-grade daughter and fourth-grade boy in Oak Park, Illinois. “My daugh-ter in particular has never liked typi-cal ‘girl’ toys. We would have missed Legos, for sure, if we had lived in that girl section, but because our son is older we never even had to walk down one of those aisles. We’ve always shopped in the ‘boys’ Lego section for both kids.”

Obviously, if there’s something you’d prefer your child not play with, that’s your choice as a parent, Byrne notes. But “play lets kids explore, express themselves and have new experiences,” he adds. So selecting toys that the children in your life will love means finding “the things that help them do that,” he says.

continued on page 4LEG

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 ■ HOLIDAY idea book ■

And there are lots of possibilities on the toy shelves this season that will bring smiles to girls and boys alike.

GO ARTSYIn contrast to all the technology out

there, look for arts-and-crafts supplies and kits that can interest all kinds of kids, Byrne suggests. An easel, a batch of crazy markers, a book of ready-to-make paper airplanes or an assortment of colored/pat-terned paper may be just the thing to kick-start a grand creation. (Lopez vouches for this option, too.)

HELP THEM STARTA COLLECTION

Collecting is a popular play pattern for kids, Byrne reports, and the sheer range of items available and waiting to be gathered makes collectibles – whether they’re Teen-age Mutant Ninja Turtles or dinosaurs or Minions or cats or Disney characters or pencils or stickers – a good gift choice for all sorts of personalities.

GO WILDWITH ANIMALS

Animal-related toys are another option with broad appeal. Lopez says both her kids like stuffed animals. “It’s their way to have more pets,” she says, and there are near-limitless varieties of animal-focused figures, puzzles and games.

As you’re shopping, just be sure to think more about the small person who will be unwrapping the gift you choose than the likely full-sized adult who devel-oped the season’s marketing ploys. “At TTPM, we always say the ‘hot toy’ is only hot if it’s hot for your child,” Byrne says. “All these things are being promoted and advertised, but if your child isn’t into it, if it doesn’t resonate, it doesn’t matter.”

■ HOLIDAY idea book

HOLIDAYidea book

continued on page 3

Giving ThanksTo our Mounds Customerswho make it possible for usto give back to local animalgroups and organizationsthroughout the year!

Wish List Item

Help Dane & Rock CountyHumane Societies brightenthe holidays for yet to be

adopted pets. Pick up a wish listat any Mounds location.

Look for thesesigns for wishlist items.

Humane Holidays

moundspet.com

Thanks in no small part to the utter dominance of mega-artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, women have ruled the music landscape in 2015. And, if Adele’s

long-awaited “25” hits store shelves before the holidays, it will go down as one of the best years of all time for women in music. No matter the preferred genre of the music fan on your gift list, there’s a new album arriving guaranteed to please. Nearly every album here also comes available on back-in-vogue vinyl – which comes with a free digital download – making for a substantial, collectible present for any audiophile.

1. PATTY GRIFFINServant Of Love

(Thirty Tigers, 2015)

2. LINDI ORTEGAFaded Gloryville

(Last Gang Records,

2015))

3. JANET JACKSONUnbreakable

(Rhythm Nation/

BMG, 2015)

4. FKA TWIGS M3LL155X (Young

Turks Recordings,

2015)

10 hot albumsfrom music’s most talented ladies

Women whoRock

STOCKING STUFFERS: MUSIC

continued on page 9


Submitted byMadison’s Central BusinessImprovement District (BID)

Enjoy trolley rides, free family

shows and crafting, plus special

offers and refreshments at

participating merchants, at the

Downtown Holiday Open House!

Join us Friday and Saturday,

November 27-28, from 9:30 AM to 4

PM, on State Street and the Capitol

Square. Visit downtown businesses,

many locally owned, to get a start

on your holiday shopping and

giving.

EVENT SCHEDULEFRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27:Special Kids in the Rotunda shows!Bubble Wonders!

(9:30 AM, 11 AM & 1 PM), Overture

Center for the Arts, 201 State St. (Free)

“Anything is possible” is the mantra

Bubbleosopher Bubble-ologist, Geoff

Akins Hannah conveys through his

wondrous, awe-inspiring show.

Combining incredible bubble wizardry

with whimsical words of wisdom,

Bubble Wonders cultivates the natural

curiosity and enthusiasm that makes

kids eager to learn and grow.

Giving Thanks at MadisonChildren’s Museum,9:30 AM - 4:30 PM,100 N. Hamilton St.(regular admission applies)

Visit the MCM Art Studio to craft holidaycards, gift baskets, and a “thankful”community collage.

Free Kids Activities at DreamBank!1 N. Pinckney St.Pictures with Santa (10 AM – 1 PM) andHoliday Crafting Party (10 AM – 4 PM).

Kids will have a special chance to gettheir picture taken with Santa, tell himwhat’s on their list, and stop by ourholiday crafting station! Free craftingand cocoa are available all day, butSanta’s only visiting from 10am to 1pm!

Free Holiday Trolley,State St. & Capitol Square(10 AM – 4 PM). Welcome Bags andTreats for Kids. Catch at bus stops.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28:Kids in the Rotunda shows9:30 AM, 11 AM & 1 PM (Free)Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St.

Rockin’ blues with The Cash BoxKings. Learn about the blues, dance,sing and even get up on stage to playharmonica. A be-bopping party thatwill have the entire family on theirfeet!

Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St.Attitude of Gratitude(9 AM – 4 PM) (Free)

Stop by for art activities, special bookdisplays and more, inspired by themesof harvest, giving, and thanks.

Giving Thanks at MadisonChildren’s Museum9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, 100 N. Hamilton St.(regular admission applies)

Visit the MCM Art Studio to craft holidaycards, gift baskets, and a “thankful”community collage.

Free Kids Activities at DreamBank!1 N. Pinckney St.Pictures with Santa (10 AM – 1 PM) andHoliday Crafting Party (10 AM – 4 PM).

Get your picture taken with Santa, tellhim what’s on your list, and comeenjoy our holiday crafting station!

Free Holiday Trolley,State St. & Capitol Square(10 AM – 4 PM). Welcome Bags andTreats for Kids. Catch at bus stops.

BOTH DAYS:

Maps, directions, event info & more atthe Downtown Visitor Center (452State St., 9 AM – 6 PM) or

Downtown Info Table in Overture CenterLobby (201 State St., 10 AM – 2 PM).

Schedule subject to change.See visitdowntownmadison.comfor full information.

More Downtown Holiday Fun -Saturdays Dec. 5, 12 & 19

Free Holiday Trolley,State St. & Capitol Square,(10 AM – 4 PM) Welcome Bags andTreats for Kids. Catch at bus stops.

Carolers Stroll and Sing,(11 AM – 3 PM)

Holiday Fun! Great Shopping! Trolley Rides, Free Family Shows, Crafting,Music, & More!Downtown Madison Holiday Open House, Nov. 27-28, 2015

Downtown 216 N. Henry St., 608.257.5043 / M-S 10-8, SUN 11-6Westside 231 Junction Rd., 608.833.9191 / M-S 10-9, SUN 10-7

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Unique gifts inspired byour love of fried fish, cheeseand the great outdoors!

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Top off your cold-weather

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5. JOANNA NEWSOM Divers (Redeye Label, 2015)

6. CHVRCHESEvery Open Eye (Glassnote

Entertainment Group, 2015)

7. CARRIE UNDERWOODStoryteller (Sony Nashville/Arista,

2015)

8. KACEY MUSGRAVESNatalie Pageant Material (Mercury

Nashville, 2015)

9. LANA DEL REYHoneymoon

(Interscope Records, 2015)

10. DEMI LOVATOConfident

(Hollywood Records, 2015)

HOLIDAY idea book ■

STOCKING STUFFERS: MUSIC continued from page 5

RETAILERSRACE TO MEET DEMANDANNE D’INNOCENZIO, AP Retail Writer

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — Christ-mas won’t come early this year, but the gifts might.

Just in time for the winter holiday shopping season, Amazon, Wal-Mart, Macy’s and other retailers are working behind the scenes to more quickly deliver online orders to shoppers.

Retailers are building bigger warehous-es – some the size of 20 football fields – to handle shipments. They’re also sending orders to shoppers directly from their stores and using sophisticated software that tells them the quickest, cheapest way to ship orders. And Amazon is cutting the time it takes to process an order from hours to minutes by using robots to pull items in its warehouses for shipment.

It’s a race for time by retailers as more people shop online. U.S. online sales are expected to increase 12 percent to $371 billion this year, accounting for 10 per-cent of overall retail sales, says Forrester Research. But as online shopping grows, so does the impatience of shoppers who want their orders fast.

Traditional brick-and-mortar stores are trying to catch up to Amazon.com, which set the standard for speed with its two-day delivery for members of its Prime loyalty program who pay $99 a year. But even Amazon feels pressure to please customers who have little tolerance for lengthy delivery waits.

“I would like to plan ahead, but I’ve been able to wait until the last minute to get things done,” said Keri Early, a Clyde, Illinois, resident who orders from Ama-zon frequently.

For many retailers, the goal is to make two-day delivery standard to meet the demands for speedy service of shoppers like Early. That’s half the average for standard delivery for the top-40 online retailers, according to data company Stel-laService. But most are stopping short of


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guaranteeing customers faster deliveries.For a majority of the United States this

holiday season Wal-Mart says it aims for packages to arrive within two days to shoppers who select standard shipping. The retailer now uses 83 of its more than 4,500 U.S. stores to ship to customers. The world’s largest retailer also is spend-ing $900,000 in online investments for the current fiscal year and $1.1 billion next year. That’s up from $700,000 in its last fiscal year, which ended in January. The investments are squeezing profit: Wal-Mart stock tumbled Wednesday after it warned earnings would be down as much as 12 percent next year in part because of its heavy spending on e-com-merce.

Still, Wal-Mart is spending to stay com-petitive with online rivals. Since last year, the world’s largest retailer has opened five warehouses across the country to handle online orders – in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Fort Worth, Texas; Plain-field, Indiana; and Atlanta. Next year Wal-Mart plans to open another center in southern California, one in Dallas and two more in Florida.

The new warehouses each will ship hundreds of thousands of orders daily, four to five times its dozens of existing smaller warehouses. Each new ware-house has several million items, five times the network of older warehouses. That will enable Wal-Mart to offer more consolidated orders arriving in fewer boxes.

“This is going to allow us to be more efficient, to do it faster, to do it cheaper and be more accurate with the orders, which is important with the customers,” said Greg Foran, CEO of Wal-Mart’s U.S. business.

One of Wal-Mart’s two Bethlehem

warehouses opened in July and is con-sidered the retailer’s crown jewel. It has two towers with four stories of the fastest-moving items of the season that can be retrieved through a computerized chute.

“By mid-November, this place will be humming,” said Justen Traweek, Wal-Mart’s vice-president of e-commerce operations and fulfillment.

continued on page 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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A trendy toy or outfit can make a good gift, but the best gift ever is one that lasts alifetime – a college education. It fits children of all ages, can be used at colleges anduniversities, technical colleges and graduate schools, and giving it is easy– no assemblyrequired. Plus, this gift comes complete with tax advantages for you.

Contribute at Edvest.com/lifetimegift or call toll-free at 877.235.4607.

BEST.GIFT.EVER.

Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Edvest College Savings Plan. Please visit Edvest.com for a Plan Disclosure Booklet with this

andmore information. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., Plan

Manager.Before investing ina529plan,considerwhetherthestatewhereyouoryourBeneficiaryresideshasa529planthatoffersfavorablestatetaxbenefits thatareavailable ifyou

invest in thatstate’s529plan.Thetax informationcontainedherein isnot intendedtobeused,andcannotbeused,byany taxpayer for thepurposeofavoiding taxpenalties. Taxpayers

shouldseekadvice froman independent taxadvisorbasedon their ownparticularcircumstances. TheEdvestCollegeSavingsPlan isadministeredby theStateofWisconsin.C19832

Huge selection of Down Comforters– Pillows – Linens – Quilts

Give the Gift of Comfort this Holiday SeasonAll comforters & pillows are made in Wisconsin

at our LaCrosse factory

THANKSGIVING SALEFri. November 27th - Tues. December 1st.Open at 8:00AM on Black Friday (11/27).

Huge Storewide SaleBoth Stock & Clearance merchandise!

Extra door buster deals Friday morning!

GiftCards

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Cambridge Court Center | 7404 Mineral Point Road | MadisonM-F: 10-7 • Sat: 10-6 • Sun: 11-5

(608) 833-8333

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE AWAKENS

A new “Star Wars” movie this holiday season brings with it an empire’s worth of toys for the new generation of fans

STAR WARSStrikes Back!

THE MUST-HAVESTAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS REMOTECONTROL BB-8 (TARGET EXCLUSIVE)With the push of a button, BB-8 rolls in any direction as his

head stays facing forward—as seen in the film!

Also features expressive droid sound effects.

HOLIDAY idea book


CHEWBACCA ROLE-PLAY MULTI-PACK(SAM’S CLUB EXCLUSIVE)contains both the NERF CHEWBACCA BOWCASTER, which features exclusive deco and exclusive FIRST ORDER targets, and the CHEWBACCA ELECTRONIC MASK

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES FORCE FX LIGHTSABERSDetailed adult collectible LIGHTSABER replicas with glowing lighteffects, and sensor-controlled sound effects — power up, idle hum,clash and power down — digitally recorded from the fi lms.

WEAPONS & MASKS STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS KYLO REN WITH CONNECT AND CUSTOMIZE LIGHTSABER SET(KOHL’S EXCLUSIVE)Includes KYLO REN MASK and KYLO REN EXTEND LIGHTSABER, featuring a BLADEBUILDERS connector and a LIGHT DAGGER

Darth Vader

Yoda

Kylo RenLuke Skywalker


■ HOLIDAY idea book ■ SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH FIGURE 4-PACK (ENTERTAINMENTEARTH.COM EXCLUSIVE)Includes Sandtrooper Sergeant, Crimson Stormtrooper, Lieutenant Oxio and R2-Q5.

FIGURES

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH KYLO REN (KMART EXCLUSIVE)A dark warrior strong with the Force, KYLO REN commands First Order missions with a temper as fi ery as his unconventional Lightsaber.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH FIGURE ASSORTMENT

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH DARTH VADER EMPEROR’S WRATH FIGURE(WALGREENS EXCLUSIVE)


STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH FIRST ORDER SNOWTROOPER OFFICER FIGURE(TOYS “R” US EXCLUSIVE)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH TROOPER EVOLUTION 4-PACK(AMAZON EXCLUSIVE)Includes Phase I Clone Trooper Commander, Phase II Clone Trooper, Imperial Stormtrooper and First Order Stromtrooper Offi cer.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 3 3/4-INCH FIGURES(WALMART EXCLUSIVE)Includes Episode VI Darth Vader, Episode VI Luke Skywalker, Episode IV Princess Leia and new Episode VII First Order Stormtrooper and Kylo Ren.

STAR WARSHERO MASHERSSTAR WARS HERO MASHERS feature your favorite STAR WARS heroes and villainswith completely interchangeable partsand accessories, sokids can create their ultimate fi gure.

STAR WARS HEROMASHERS ULTIMATE BOUNTY MULTI-PACK(COSTCO EXCLUSIVE)Features fi ve 6-inch customizable action fi gures from “The Empire Strikes Back,” including Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett, plus extra gear and accessories.



PLAYSKOOL HEROESSTAR WARS MILLENNIUM FALCON PLAYSET

STAR WARS FEATURED FIGURE ASSORTMENTIncludes Luke Skywalker and training target and Darth Vader and training target

PLAY-DOH STAR WARS CAN-HEADS TWO-PACK ASSORTMENTIncludes Luke Skywalker & R2-D2 featuring a Landspeeder and Luke Skywalker & Snowtrooper featuring a Snowspeeder.

PLAY-DOH STAR WARS CAN-HEADS VEHICLE ASSORTMENTThe Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader pack features X-Wing and TIE-Fighter vehicles and three CAN-HEADS characters: the Death Star, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader. Assortment

STAR WARS DELUXE FIGURE ASSORTMENTIncludes Biker Scout with Speeder Bike and Han Solo with Tauntaun

STAR WARS ADVENTURE PACK ASSORTMENTIncludes Echo Base Encounterand Endor Adventure packs

MR. POTATO HEAD CLASSIC STAR WARS ASSORTMENTIncludes SpudTrooper, Luke Frywalker, Darth Tater andFrylo Ren

PLAY-DOHPLAY-DOH MILLENNIUM FALCON PLAYSET FEATURING STAR WARS CAN-HEADS


VEHICLESSTAR WARS MICRO MACHINES BLIND BAG ASSORTMENT

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES MILLENNIUM FALCON PLAYSET

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES FIRST ORDER STAR DESTROYER PLAYSET

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES3-PACK ASSORTMENT

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINESDELUXE VEHICLE ASSORTMENT

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES BATTLE SET ASSORTMENT

STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES RC Vehicle Assortment



STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES TITANIUM SERIES VEHICLE ASSORTMENTIncludes the MILLENNIUM FALCON, KYLO REN’S COMMAND SHUTTLE, X-WING, DARTH VADER’S TIE ADVANCED, FIRST ORDER SPECIAL FORCES TIE FIGHTER, STAR DESTROYER FINALIZER, REY’S SPEEDER BIKE (JAKKU), LUKE’S LANDSPEEDER and more. Each pack includes one vehicle and one collector stand.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES FIRST ORDER SPECIAL FORCES TIE FIGHTER 6-INCH SCALE VEHICLEIncredibly detailed STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS vehicle features movie-accurate wings and cockpit and comes with an exclusive 6-inch FIRST ORDER TIE FIGHTER PILOT ELITE to steer the starfi ghter into battle.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES TITANIUM SERIES VEHICLE MULTI-PACKIncludes the MILLENNIUM FALCON, POE DAMERON’S X-WING, BIGGS DARKLIGHTER’S X-WING and TIE FIGHTER


STAR WARS BATTLESHIPWhen the ultimate goal is to search and destroy, iconic STAR WARS vehicles like the MILLENNIUM FALCON and TIE FIGHTER go head-to-head for their place in the galaxy.

ELECTRONICCATCH PHRASE:STAR WARS EDITIONShout, gesture, and say anything else but the words in the answer to help your team guess correctly before time runs out!

MONOPOLY: STAR WARS EDITIONTravel around the galaxy and build bases on planets. When every planet is owned, count up the bases. The player with the most bases on the winning side is the ultimate winner! May the Force be with you!

STAR WARS LOOPIN’CHEWIEPlayers must help CHEWIE co-pilot the MILLENNIUM FALCON and try to send him swinging straight into the STORMTROOPERS on the other player’s rack.

RISK: STAR WARS EDITIONPrepare a plan, arm for battle, and advance characters until you have taken over the universe.

STAR WARS CHESSEye-popping pieces include villains and heroes from all seven STAR WARS movies, including THE FORCE AWAKENS.

BOP IT! STAR WARS R2-D2 EDITIONJust like the classic BOP IT! game, players must twist, bop, and pull the R2-D2 fi gure in response to his commands to be the last JEDI standing in this fun and fast reaction memory game.

GAMES

gift guide buy local

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SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT?The Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission suggests the perfect gift:“Shining Lights,” our 2016 desktop calendar. The landscape, weather,outdoor activities, everyday workers, and children contribute to ourloving community and are part of the Shining Lights of Dane County.During the holidays, as we enjoy our families and friends, Dane Arts’2016 calendar, “Shining Lights” makes for a wonderful gift for thoseyou love.

Dane County Cultural Affairs/ • Dane Arts • (608) 266-4114 • danearts.com

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2015 CALDECOTTMEDAL WINNER

STOCKING STUFFERS: AWARD-WINNING KIDS’ BOOKS

Golden BOOKSIt’s OK to judge a kids’ book by its cover.

When you see that shiny medal badge on the jacket, signifying the title is winner or honoree of the Newbery Medal (tops in kids’

literature) or the Caldecott Medal (best in kids’ picture books), you know it’s going to be good. Here are the distinguished books for 2015:

For a literary gift that shines, go for the gold with 2015’s medal-winning titles

HOLIDAY idea book

THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE: THE UNIMAGINARY FRIENDWritten and illustrated by

Dan Santat (Little, Brown

and Company, $17)


1. JURASSIC WORLD(Universal Studios)

Blu-ray + DVD + Digital — $35

DVD + Digital — $30

2. AVENGERS:AGE OF ULTRON(Walt Disney Studios)

Blu-ray — $33

DVD — $30

3. FURIOUS 7(Universal Studios)


DVD + Digital — $30

4. INSIDE OUT(Walt Disney Studios)


DVD — $30

5. MINIONS(Universal Studios)

Blu-ray + DVD + Digital/DVD — $35

DVD — $30

A record year at the box office makes movie gifts a cinch. Just grab one of 2015’s Top 10 blockbusters. They already have moviegoers’ seal of approval.

HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST HITSThe box office’s highest grossing films are

best bets for the film fan on your list

STOCKING STUFFERS: MOVIES

6. CINDERELLA(Fox)

Blu-ray — $40

DVD — $30

7. PITCH PERFECT 2(Universal Studios)


DVD — $30

8. HOME( Dreamworks Animation)


DVD — $30

10. ANT-MAN(Walt Disney Studios)

Blu-ray — $33

DVD — $30

© CTW FEATURES

9. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION(Sony)


DVD — $30


MARK YOUR CALENDARS!Nov. 21: The Hunt

Nov. 27: Black FridayNov. 28: Small Business Saturday

1925 Monroe Street, Madison, WI 53711(608) 285-5959 • VelvetButtonBoutique.com

1817 Monroe St.,[email protected]

KatysAmericanIndianArts.com608.251.5451Like us on Facebook!

Katy’sAnnual HolidayShow & Sale

Friday, Dec. 11th & Saturday Dec. 12th10 am - 5 pm

Sunday, Dec. 13th Noon to 4pm

Join us at KATY’S in welcomingNavajo silversmith,

Artie Yellowhorse, in person!Sale includes jewelry, pottery,Oaxacan carvings & much

more. See you soon!

Monroe StreetMonroe Street Christmas Walk

Sunday, December 6th • 12:00 - 4:00pm • 1700-1900 Blocks of Monroe St.Join the Monroe Street Merchants for the annual Christmas Walk!

There will be carolers, refreshments and special events.

Monroe StreetMonroe Street Christmas Walk

Sunday, December 6th •12:00 - 4:00pm • 1700-1900 Blocks of Monroe St.Join the Monroe Street Merchants for the annual Christmas Walk!

There will be carolers, refreshments and special events.

1721 Monroe St. • 255-8211Open Daily

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OrangeTree

Imports

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All ticket orders are final – no refunds or exchanges.Prices are subject to taxes and processing fee.

November 18, 2015to December 27, 2015

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S H A N N O N H A L LWisconsin Union TheaterWisconsin Union Theater


2015 CALDECOTT HONOR BOOKS

NANA IN THE CITYWritten and

illustrated by Lauren

Castillo (Clarion

Books, $17)

THE NOISY PAINT BOX: THE COLORS AND SOUNDS OF KANDINSKY’S ABSTRACT ARTIllustrated by Mary

GrandPré and written

by Barb Rosenstock

(Alfred A. Knopf, $18)

SAM & DAVE DIG A HOLE Illustrated by

Jon Klassen and

written by Mac

Barnett (Candlewick

Press, $17)

VIVA FRIDAIllustrated and

written by Yuyi

Morales (Roaring

Book Press, $18)

THE RIGHT WORD: ROGET AND HIS THESAURUSIllustrated by Melissa

Sweet and written by

Jen Bryant (Eerdmans

Books for Young

Readers, $17.50)

THIS ONE SUMMERIllustrated by Jillian

Tamaki and written

by Mariko Tamaki

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STOCKING STUFFERS: AWARD-WINNING KIDS’ BOOKS


HOURSMonday–Saturday: 10am – 9pmSunday: 11am – 6pm

Customer Service: 608.238.6640Some stores, restaurants & SundanceCinemas, may be open additional hours.Metcalfe’s Market open 6AM to midnight. W W W . H I L L D A L E . C O M

Close to everything, far from ordinary.

702 N. Midvale Boulevard, Madison, WI 53705

continued from page 28


2015 NEWBERYMEDAL WINNER

THE CROSSOVERby Kwame Alexander (Houghton Mifflin

Harcourt, $17)

2015 NEWBERY HONOR BOOKS

EL DEAFOWritten and

illustrated by

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(Amulet Books, $11)

BROWN GIRL DREAMINGby Jacqueline

Woodson

(Nancy Paulsen

Books, $17)

STOCKING STUFFERS: AWARD-WINNING

KIDS’ BOOKSHOURSMonday–Saturday: 10am – 9pmSunday: 11am – 6pm

Customer Service: 608.238.6640Some stores, restaurants & SundanceCinemas, may be open additional hours.Metcalfe’s Market open 6AM to midnight. W W W . H I L L D A L E . C O M

Close to everything, far from ordinary.

702 N. Midvale Boulevard, Madison, WI 53705

Locally Owned

Great Gifts!Boots, shoes, slippers, socks, jewelry,handbags, wallets, scarves and more!

Wisconsin’s Only Brighton Heart Store!The Art & Sole CollectionMessages from the heart

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and

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716 N. Midvale Blvd.Madison, WI 53705

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Whether they’re eyeing a shiny new Apple Watch or one that doesn’t require Wi-Fi, the timepiece is a timeless holiday gift they’ll always cherish. Here’s how to shop for one now

BY NOLA SARKISIAN-MILLERCTW FEATURES

With the time of day listed every-where from smartphone displays to laptops to our car dashboards,

the need for a watch to tell time isn’t as pressing as it was even just a few years ago. Instead, watch brands are adding features to compel shoppers to want watches, from cre-ating more functional gadgets that track stock quotes or the number of calories burned to transforming the watch itself into a fashion accessory.

The launch of the APPLE WATCH (from $349) has made the smartwatch – and its apps galore – an appealing alternative to analog watches. That allure is siphoning shoppers away from traditional fashion brands with sales down in dollar volume about 5 percent in July compared to the year prior.

“While Apple’s [sales] figures aren’t crys-tal clear … it’s hard not to draw conclusions that there’s some cannibalism in the mar-ket,” says Fred Levin, president of the luxury practice at NPD Group.

A bump now, but in the long term

Apple’s grand entrance in the timepiece sec-tor will prove to be a boon for all of the business, as the tech giant draws in custom-ers who previously shunned watches, espe-cially the younger millennial market.

“A very significant amount of Apple watches are being purchased by people who don’t wear watches today, representing about 40 percent of sales, ” says Levin, citing

ALL ABOUT THE WATCH

APPLE WATCH WITH HERMES DOUBLE TOUR BAND, $1,250

research figures from CivicScience Inc. “Once people get into the habit of wearing the accessory, they’ll likely add fine watch-es, Swiss watches and even lift the fine-watch market.”

In preparation, some watch companies are rethinking strategies or pumping up their technology offerings. TAG Heuer, the 155-year-old Swiss watchmaker is partner-ing with Intel and Google to create a mechanical watch with tech features. Intel also teamed up with Fossil Group last year to create wearable connected devices in time for the holidays. Bulgari is adding a smartwatch to its lineup that eventually will help the wearer automate calls, open doors and transmit payments.

Traditional brands like Seiko are utiliz-ing technologies to be better stewards of the environment. THE SEIKO COUTURA ($495), redesigned this year, offers the Solar Perpetual Chronograph and Kinetic Retro-grade styles – powered by light energy and movement, respectively - with no battery charge required.

And anything loaded with health and fit-ness sensors doesn’t have to look dowdy. Wearable tech companies such as Fitbit are upping the pizzazz quotient. Last year Fitbit partnered with designer Tory Burch to add accessory wristbands to house the Fitbit Flex tracker, now sold separately at stores such as Nordstrom with designs including the metal-hinged bracelet made of stainless steel. Garmin teamed up with designer Jon-athan Adler this year for stylish bands to fit the vivofit and vivofit2 tracking devices.

The versatility of interchangeable bands – also in the non-tech sector – is one way brands can court customers.

“Anything where [the consumer is] get-ting value, getting more in the end is play-ing well into their wallets,” said Patty Leto, senior vice president and general merchan-dise manager of women’s and men’s acces-sories at The Doneger Group in New York.

Sold at retailers such as Macy’s and

Nordstrom, ANNE KLEIN is offering a BAN-GLE BRACELET WATCH SET IN ROSE GOLD PAIRED WITH THREE BRACELETS ($150) featuring a linked chain, ivory inlay and round, pavé disc. Fossil offers inter-changeable watch sets for men and women, including the women’s limited edition Ceci-le set that comes with bands in stainless steel, a reversible field strap, a blue canvas leather strap and a dark leather strap for $285.

The movement for a blending of jewelry and watches continues as brands turn up the volume in hues and shapes. ARMITRON ($30 to $35) sport watches that sell at Kohl’s don’t shy away from color, showcasing combinations of gray and purple and navy and green. La Mer Collections offer wrap watches embellished with a host of options from studs to attachments of turquoise hei-shi stones and gold cable chains. Calvin Klein is adding bracelet novelty by creating wavy patterns in polished stainless steel, curving open links and clean lines of swirl-ing stainless steel. Of-the-moment brand SHINOLA ($475 to $525), known for its vin-tage-inspired charms, sells double-wrap leather strap watches in a bevy of colors such as slate blue, jade green and dark camel.

Novelty straps also are key trends in the

men’s watch market. Casual lines like

Tommy Bahama are mixing textures in their

watches such as offering navy and green sil-

icone straps as a jaunty contrast to the stain-

less steel case and bezel of its timepiece at

$145. Lacoste’s nylon canvas strap styles in

green, red or black sport the iconic croc

logo on the strap for $185.

Character-driven watches will continue

to beckon kids during the holidays. Sanrio’s

Hello Kitty character graces styles, includ-

ing the Bus Stop watch with a white rubber

link band. And, it will be hard to go against

the force this holiday season with the arriv-

al of the latest Star Wars movie installment

in December, “Star Wars: Episode VII – The

Force Awakens.” Target is offering Darth

Vader and Storm Trooper black digital

watches. © CTW FEATURES


238 E. Main St. • Sun Prairie • 825-1515

Purchase a $50 Gift Card &Receive a $10 Gift Card FREE!

Open Daily at 11am • www.eddiesalehouse.com

Thu BBQ Ribs Friday Fish Fry Wed & SatPrime Rib

NEED BANQUET SPACE?Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Business Meetings, Special Events, Graduation Parties.

Space from 25 to 140.

109 West Main Street, Sun Prairie • www.watertowerchophouse.comFor Reservations: 608-318-1857

40+ ItemSalad Bar

The 100th annual Holiday TreeLighting and Fire Truck ParadeFriday, November 27, 5:15pmSun Prairie Historical Museum, 115 East Main StreetJoin us for the 100th annual Holiday Tree Lighting the festivities kick offat 5:15pm with cookies, hot apple cider, and seasonal entertainment.At 5:45pm enjoy a parade of fire trucks decorated in holiday lights,ending with Santa magically lighting the holiday tree!

Free Horse Drawn Wagon RidesFriday, November 27, 10am – 3pmSaturday, November 28, 10am – 3pmSun Prairie Historical Museum, 115 East Main Street

Come to tour Downtown Sun Prairie on our free horse drawn wagon

rides, stay to enjoy holiday shopping at our many retail establishments,

or dine at one of our wonderful restaurants.

Downtown Sun Prairie where the holiday season comes alive!

Dane County’sEast SideHomebrew

Headquarters

Offering a variety of local and hard-to-find craft beers along with unique

wines, liquor, specialty foods and gifts.

Attend one of our weeklyfree tasting events.

Like us on

240 East Main Street | Sun Prairie, WI 53590www.cannerywineandspirits.com

608.318.0595

Downtown Sun Prairie…we’re having fun down here!Ladies Night OutThursday, December 10, 5pm – 8pmThe Lighthouse of Sun Prairie, 222 South Bristol St.The Crosse House, 133 West Main St.Ladies bring your friends and shop the streets of Downtown SunPrairie to explore all that our wonderful retail stores and restaurantshave to offer! Participating businesses offer entertainment, specials,treats, or sales to welcome you to Downtown Sun Prairie. The first200 participants receive a complimentary swag bag!

Begin atThe Lighthouse of Sun Prairie orThe Crosse House to pick upyour swag bag, participant map and prize drawing punch card!

Visit with Santa at the Crosse HouseSaturday, November 28 10am – 2pmSaturday, December 5 10am – 2pmThe Crosse House, 133 West Main St.Bring your list and camera to visit with Santa and shareyour holiday wishes!

We havePIZZAMAZING.

Late Night Delivery. Dine-in. Carry-out. Catering.

LATE NIGHT DELIVERY!2:00 a.m. Fridays & Saturdays

608 834-9919101 West Main St. • Sun Prairie

From the classics to the imaginative includingFetalicous®, Boaris Karloff and Pizza of theMonth. To the much loved salads and homemadelasagna. To subs with Boar’s Head® meats, pastaand more. Dare we say a to-do list for your tastebuds? We do. Let’s eat.

For a full menu, coupons or ordering online, tap your fingers to glassnickelpizza.com

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Y!

is ft or your taaste

17 YEARS OF AWARD-WINNING PIZZA.

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Private rooms available-

Great for Holidays Parties!y

Sun Prairie - 315 E Linnerud Dr - 837- 4999

Buy a $25 GiftCertificate and get a $5Gift Certificate for FREE

116 E. Main St. • Sun Prairiepitstoppubllc.com • 608-825-9977

public enemytattoo

• Custom Tattoos •• Body Piercing •

• Jewelry •• Glass Novelties •208 E. Main St., Sun Prairie

(608) 825-7877

Bring this coupon in for 50% any regular pricedmerchandiseExpires: 1/1/16

gift guide | christmas trees

SPECIAL HOURS!8 am - 5 pmWed.Nov.25,Thurs.Nov.26,Fri.Nov.27

Register for Weekend Door Prizes.FREE Tree cleaning,

baling & indoor showroom.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER

ANY TREE W/ THIS ADCoupon valid with cash or

written check only.

Come meet our

Reindeer,

Ivy & Holly!

To receive updates on the farm.

CAPAUL’SCHRISTMAS TREE FARM & GIFT SHOP

Over 30 Years of Serving You

Visit Santa

& his sleigh

Nov. 28-29Dec. 5-6

10am - 2pm Conveniently Located Between Madison & Waunakee5895 River Road • Waunakee,WI • (608) 849-4276 or 849-5973

Open Monday - Friday 1-5 • Saturday & Sunday 8-5

www.capaulschristmastrees.comChoose and Cut...Fraser Fir up to 11’- $50.95White & Scotch Pine up to 9’- $36.95Pre-Cut Fraser Firs Only $55.95Applicable sales tax on all sales.

Wreaths...Hand decorated wreaths(assorted sizes)and fresh balsam garland

Gift Shopoffers special and uniqueholiday gifts & ornaments.Complimentary Hot Ciderwill warm you up as you browsethrough our gift shop.

4610 Rocky Dell Road • 831-4414www.summerschristmastreefarm.com

3 miles west of Middleton off Airport Rd. Exit 250

Spruce & Fir • $60.00Pine • $50.00Prices include sales tax

▲ Christmas Shop▲ Gift Certificates Available▲ Fresh Green Arrangements▲ Wreaths▲ Garlands▲ Boughs▲ Pre-Cut Trees Available

Open Daily 8am - 5pmO P E N I N G F R I D AY NO V EM B E R 27TH

CUT YOUR OWNCHRISTMAS TREE!

SUMMERSCHRISTMASTREE FARM

– Since 1957 –

From Madison: Hwy 51 North15 miles to Jct. 51, 60 & 22.

Take 22 North 4 miles to KingRd., 1 mile West on King Rd.

Real Trees Make Scents

Open Nov. 27th - Dec. 24th

9 a.m. to DuskW6958 King Rd., Poynette

608-635-8037

The PaintFarm

Christmas Trees – Fraser FirAny Size $50

Nothing says Christmaslike a real tree!

Take home the perfect Christmas tree from one of these fine tree specialist

Nordic NookScandinavian Gifts and Apparel

176 W. Main St., Stoughton, WIPhone: 1-608-877-0848

www.nordic-nook.com

ScandinavianChristmas Shop

Now Open!

Holiday Events each Saturday in December!

Downtown Stoughton hasUnique Gifts and a GreatAtmosphere for YourHoliday Shopping

• Art, Jewelry and Specialty Shops• Holiday Dresses and Norwegian Items• Home Goods, Sports Apparel and more!

Don’t MissStoughton’s

Victorian HolidayCelebrationDec. 4,5,&6

VisitStoughton...

• Custom Design / Full Service Jewelry/Repair

• Paying Top Dollar for

Your Unwanted

Gold, Silver & Coins

• Watch batteries

ONLY $2.99

139 E. Main Street – Stoughton, WI608.873.3529 • www.ShopDiamondsDirect.com

Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm • Sat 10am-2pm

’Tis the Season toSparkle & Shine

during the Christmas Holidays

Great forHoliday Gifts• Weber Grills • Bird Products• Seasonal Gifts • Badger & Packer Items

OPENYEARROUND

M-FRI 9-6

SAT 9-4

SUN 10-4

STOUGHTONGARDENCENTER.COM608-873-9602

6858 Paoli Rd., (Now located within The Artisan Gallery)608-848-7477 • johnchristinedesigns.comPlease call or check our web site for holiday hours.

Cool gifts for

CHICKENLOVERSand their friends

Paintings, ceramicsand jewelry by localartists. Books, toys,chicken coops and

supplies too!

www.cluckthechickenstore.comPaoli, WI • 608-848-1200

This season treat yourself to afestive holiday dining &shopping experience at

6857 Paoli Rd, Paoli,WI 53508

Phone: (608) 848-6261Website: paolischoolhouseshops.com

Lunch ~ Tuesday-Saturday

11:00am–2:30pm

Dinner ~ Thursday-Saturday

beginning at 5:00pm

Brunch/Lunch Sunday 10:00-2:30pm

For your shopping convenience our

shop will be open every day

in December

Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm

& Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm

Don’t miss Christmas in PaoliAfternoon on Saturday,

December 5thCarolers, carriage rides,

and St. Nicholas

RETAILERScontinued from page 11

For its part, Amazon, which has 50 U.S. ware-houses that typically house millions of prod-ucts, is building a facility in Kent, Washington, that will house 20 percent more items. Amazon also acquired the Boston-based robotics com-pany Kiva in 2012 for $775 million. The robots pull shelves of goods out of storage areas and bring them to workers. Amazon now has more than 30,000 robots in 13 warehouses.

“We’re using software and algorithms to make decisions rather than people, which we think is more efficient and scales better and will be more accurate,” said Brian Olsavsky, Amazon’s chief financial officer.

Mike Koppel, Nordstrom’s chief financial officer, said, “You know our friends in Seattle (Amazon) continue to set the standard. In order to be an exemplar in that, you’re going to have to invest in that because that’s what people are going to expect.”

Other retailers also have built new warehous-es to meet demand:

• Home Depot opened its third and largest warehouse in September in Troy, Ohio, to handle online orders. Together, the ware-houses will allow Home Depot to ship to 90 percent of shoppers within two days.

• Macy’s new facility, which recently opened in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will enable the retailer to send 90 percent of packages in central western states within two days. By year’s end, Macy’s says the chain will be able to deliver packages within two days overall, faster than its standard of three to six days.

• Target opened two new warehouses this year. It also is now shipping products from 462 of its 1,800 stores, up from 150 a year ago. Target said online shoppers are likely to receive deliveries within two days if the product is delivered from the store, compared with four days from the warehouse. Target also launched a program that enables it to tell shoppers a precise delivery date. That’s instead of offering a wide delivery windowof, for example, four to six days.

• Nordstrom opened a third warehouse inElizabethtown, Pennsylvania, to handleonline orders. That will eventually allowthe chain to deliver orders to half of itscustomers in two days.


2322 Atwood Ave.(608) 238-4331

A collection of creativeand unusual gifts, cardsand home accessoriesdesigned to match upwith your unique needsand style.

CREATIVEUNUSUAL& L

JIM’SMEAT MARKETJIM’SMEAT MARKET

TURKEYS, CHICKENS,AND ROASTS, OH MY!

Order for theholidays now!

608.244.86001436 NORTHPORT DRjimsofmadison.com

NewGlarus’ Finest Cheese & Chocolate ShopHome of Schocoladen Confections

554 1st St., New Glarus • 1.888.624.1234 • 608.527.2000mapleleafcheeseandchocolatehaus.com • Open daily (Except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

10 a.m.-5 p.m. May thru December

Cheese Chocolate Hausand

Open Thursday through Monday • 407 2nd Street, New Glarus • 608-527-2900Check Facebook for Hours, Special Events, and Menu Items • www.facebook.com/cowandquince

Shop Local and Organic for the Holidays

Cow & QuinceLocal Food Market & EateryBreakfastMenu

Soups &Salads

DinnerEntrees

Variety of Local,Sustainably-Raised Meats

Organic Eggs& Produce

Market &Gift ItemsCheese

www.swisstown.com(800) 527-6838Just 25 miles south of Madison,in scenic Green County, Wisconsin

an original Swiss settlement

Visit NewGlarusforHolidayShopping!

Savor • Sip • Shop •Play • Stay Experience Switzerland close to home!

Discover the historic New Glarus Hotel, in the center ofAmerica’s “Little Switzerland!” The Hotel has long been alandmark known for its fine Swiss cuisine, Swiss atmosphereand entertainment.

� �� !�� "�� #�� $ � % ��& �� '()"�� *�� "�+

NewGlarusHotel Restaurant

801 Hwy. 69, New Glarus, WI 53574(800) 944-1716 or (608) 527-5234

100 6th Ave, New GlarusWI 53574(800) 727-9477 or (608) 527-5244

Modern convenience combined withOldWorld charm…

Setting the standard for SwissHospitality in southernWisconsin for over 30 years…

Chalet Landhaus InnYour perfect get away – a Swiss country chaletwith all the modern conveniences you expect.

www.newglarushotel.com

� , ��"��-�� "� ��

� �� & ��& �� & .�� "� /��& "��$& � �� "�� 0�� /�� 1 �� 2�� %�� 3�� $ �� &�� %"�� $�

� �� $�� 4 ��""�� ) $��& ��$&5�� ) ��&��0�� ) ��!� ��

www.chaletlandhaus.com

Polish Pottery‘Tis the Seasonfor SomethingSpecial

Thousands of Items in Stock NowMore Than You Can Imagine

f i n d t h i s a n d m o re a t :

DesignedforEverydayUse

102 5th Ave, New Glarus, WI608-527-4878

www.thebramblepatch.biz

GIFTS OFGREAT TASTE

526 1ST STREET,NEW GLARUS, WI608.527.5858

are always in season!

So Much More thana kitchen store!

UniqueBoutique

The Finest In Ladies Fashions’ & AccessoriesAsk About In-House Parties

[email protected]

MaryCoppens608-347-0899

200 6th Ave

New Glarus,WI 53574

www.swisstown.com • 800.527.6838Just 25 miles south of Madison, in scenic Green County,Wisconsin

(608) [email protected] First St., New Glarus,

WI 53574

www.shopswiss.com

Big Fondue pot selectionRaclette Grills • Heritage Lace

Swiss Bells • JewelryMuch more


HOLIDAY idea book

Step up their selfie game with one of these snap-it-yourself gifts

HaveYourself a Selfi e Little Christmas

BY CARLEY LINTZCTW FEATURES

Got a selfie queen or king in the family?Treat them to the perfect gift for this holiday season: a selfie stick.

These extendable camera hold-ers allow the user to get a wider shot, ideal for group photos or travelers looking to capture a picturesque background.

Price – they can range from around $15 to more than $100 – is just one factor to consider when shopping for a selfie stick. It’s important to know what type of smartphone and/or cam-era it’s compatible with, the length of device and also how it takes the picture, such as via Bluetooth, an app or a camera timer. Here, six popular sticks that would please the selfie enthusiast in your life.

LOOQ DG ($20)This third-generation monopod is perfect for taking selfies any-time, anywhere. It works using


a continuously updating app and requires no battery, Wi-Fi connec-tion or Bluetooth, making it super easy to use. It also comes in three colors: blue, green and pink. Extends from 8 inches to more than 40 inches. Compatible with most iOS/Android smartphones.

GOPRO 3-WAY ($70)Versatility is this extension pole’s specialty. The mount can be used in three ways: as a camera grip, extension arm or tripod, making it perfect for a wide range of dynamic footage. Waterproof, light-weight and extendable up to 20 inches, it’s the ideal adventure-trav-el companion. Compatible with all GoPro cameras.

QUIK POD SMARTPHONESELFIE POLE ($30)From the inventor of the first modern selfie pole, the Quik Pod operates by using your phone’s built-in camera timer or with a downloadable app. It’s also waterproof and comes with a hiking clip, wrist strap, carry bag and tripod legs. Compatible with most iOS/Android phones.

THUMBSUP CLICK STICK ($13)The Click Stick allows you to capture a group portrait that rivals Ellen’s Oscars selfie. Simply plug your smart-phone into the headphone jack and get to clicking, no Bluetooth or bat-teries required. Extends to about 39 inches and is compatible with most iOS/Android phones; Android users must download an app.

POLARPROPOWERPOLESELFIE STICK ($100) Durable, lightweight and splash resistant, the PowerPole is equipped to handle any adventure you take it on. Not only does the pole extend your camera’s reach up to 30 inches, the integrated battery – the first of its kind – allows you to film for up to 10 hours. The PowerPole is compatible with all GoPro cameras.

CAMKIX EXTENDABLESELFIE STICK ($15)Fill your Instagram feed with perfectly composed selfies with the simple and affordable CamKix selfie stick, which extends a full 40 inches. You also can buy a Bluetooth remote to make snap-ping photos even easier. Big phones be aware, though: The CamKix only is compatible with phones up to 3.25 inches wide.

© CTW FEATURES


In 2015, tech reigns supreme when it comes to kids’ gifts. But those looking to avoid gifting another ‘screen,’ these Internet-inspired, movie-driven, tech-influenced gifts will delight the imagination of any tiny techie

Today’s kids are completely immersed in and obsessed with technology, and even the little ones on your shopping list might be anxious to get their

hands on the a new iPhone or some sweet Beats head-phones this holiday season. For the tried-and-true purist who can’t stomach the thought of buying a 6-year-old his first selfie stick, don’t fret.There is still plenty of room under the tree for everyone’s favorite gift-list item: toys!

Modern toys have adapted to the age in which we live. Many of 2015’s most coveted gifts have roots in a web series, video game, app or blockbuster movie, or they help kids explore the science of creating technology all on their own.

Rest easy. These can’t-miss gifts are sure to please the tech-savvy, Internet-fanatical kid in your life.

WHAT’S NEW, WHAT’S AWESOME

KIDS’ TOYS

INTERNET REINVENTIONFor the uninitiated, Barbie is very in-vogue again due in large part to the wildly popular reality-TV-spoof web series (also streaming on Netflix), “Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse.” Hot this season are the newly remodeled DREAMHOUSE ($199) featuring three floors, seven rooms and a working elevator. Technology upgrades include “smart” accessories that light up, make sounds and even simulate motion. A flip-open

BY MATTHEW M.F. MILLERCTW FEATURES


faux flat-screen TV allows you to insert a smartphone for Barbie to play videos. The Dreamhouse garage is a perfect place to park the BARBIE POP-UP CAMPER ($99), which features prominently in the series and transforms from a simple camper into a glamping must, replete with water slide and a front cab that converts into a bath-room. For a non-Barbie yet ultimately consumer-driven trend, check out Shop-kins, a web-based pretend shopping world with mini-collectible plastic foods and household goods. SHOPKINS SMALL MART PLAYSET ($25) won the 2015 Girl Toy of the Year at the TOTY awards, and the So Cool Fridge Playset ($21) is a must-have for young girls.

“Ever After High” is another popular web series for young girls, and it explores the lives of the children of classic fairy tale characters as they seek out they attempt to write their own stories. Tied to the latest series, Ever After High Way Too Wonderland Dolls ($25 each) include finely coiffed and high-styled Apple White, Madeline Hatter, Briar Beauty, Kitty Cheshire and Lizzie Hearts, and the Ever After High Way Too Wonderland Raven Queen Playset ($55) includes a trifold display allowing kids to re-enact three different scenes from theweb series.

Minecraft started as an open-world video game and is now looking to take over the real world. Tie-in merchandise is abundant, and at the top of the list is the MINECRAFT STOP-MOTION MOVIE CREATOR ($33), a mini Minecraft movie

set that teaches kids how to make their own stop-action movies using real-

life objects and a mobile app on their mobile device of choice. On the lower-tech end of the spectrum, Lego Minecraft The Ender Dragon ($70) includes 634 pieces, a mini-figure of Minecraft’s hero Steve, the Ender Dragon, dragon egg, crystals and more imagination opportunities than once thought humanly possible. For the roleplay loving kid,

the Minecraft 2-in-1 Sword and Pickaxe ($30) is coveted. For a real-world, Minecraft-esque building experience, check out Qixels Design Creator ($17), which comes with templates to create pixelated characters using colorful cubes that fuse with water.



SCREEN TIME“Jurassic World” was the biggest movie of 2015, and the accompanying toy line offers any kid the opportunity to bring the multiplex excitement to life at home. The JURASSIC WORLD CHOMPING INDOMINUS REX FIGURE ($47), is a lifelike replica of the color-changing queen of destruction, complete with giant chomping jaw, massive tail and, yes, color-changing skin.JURASSIC WORLD HERO MASHERS ULTIMATE TYRANNOSAURUS REX FIGURE ($20) allows kids to customize a T-Rex with interchangeable legs, heads, wings and more.LEGO JURASSIC WORLD RAPTOR RAMPAGE BUILDING KIT ($80) gives kids the opportunity to re-enact the movie’s pulse-pounding final scene and includes the mobile research unit, a mini Owen figure (the character played by Chris Pratt) and two Velociraptors.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” was a close second at the box office but No. 1 one on retailer shelves thanks in large part to the sheer number of superheroes packed into one film. The Avengers HQ Captain America Tower Defense Set ($22), Iron Man Lab Attack Set ($22) and HQ Hulk Bust-er Breakout Set ($22) are available separately, but

connect into ONE MASSIVE, IMPRESSIVE PLAY TOWER. The Captain America Star Launch Shield ($22) allows kids to pull a ripcord and launch shield discs from the center of the star. Iron Man Arc FX Armor ($22) is a set of gloves that power up, power down and produce motion-activated battle sounds.

KIDS’ TOYS continued from page 43


Little “Minions” fans will delight in the PLAY-DOH DESPICABLE ME MINIONS STAMP AND ROLL SET ($7), which turns the classic yellow canisters into Minions on unicy-cles. “The Spongebob SquarePants Movie: Sponge Out of Water” was a surprise hit, and the Mega Blocks SpongeBob SquarePants Bad Neighbors Playset ($45) includes a build-able pineapple under the sea, as well as the house of his crabby neighbor and nemesis, Squidward. And just in case you thought you’d get off easy this year, “Frozen” remains wildly popular. Anna and Elsa’s Musical Bicy-cle ($35) includes two 12-inch dolls, a tandem bicycle, Olaf figure and, of course, they play “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” at the press of a button.

“DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS” came out of nowhere to be the smash TV-movie success of the summer, and leave it to Disney to be pre-pared for such success. Tie-in toys are already hard to come by, as kids rush to get their hands on backpacks, underwear, hair chalk,

costumes and, most importantly, THE DOLLS ($20 EACH, IF YOU CAN FIND THEM); Mal (daughter of Malef-icent), Evie (daughter of the Evil Queen from Snow White), Audrey (daughter of Aurora), Jane (daughter of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother) and Lonnie (daughter of Mulan).

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