Skip to main contentby teresa freeman and lindsay mcleanMake holiday shopping special this year by filling it with new and wonderful surprises. To satisfy those on your list who are hard to shop for (and who isn't nowadays?), this is the right time to break away from your gift-buying patterns and check out a few items and businesses that might not be on your holiday radar screen.
AT LAST...THE OREGON ATLAS
OK, so we know this isn't under 50 bucks, but the new Atlas of Oregon ($60 paperback, $100 hardcover, Powell's, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, www.uopress.com) is everything you could ever want to know about Oregon and then some. Carefully put together over two years' time by more than 100 of Oregon's finest experts (including UO profs William G. Loy and Aileen R. Buckley), this UO Press publication is an incredible, finely tuned work--the perfect coffee-table book for any Oregon enthusiast or amateur historian. A quick flip through it and one can't help but be dazzled by the intricate, full-color maps and diagrams. A thorough read sheds light on the fascinating subjects of human geography, economics and physical geography, complete with Census 2000 data and loads of reference maps to boot! (LM)
EVEN BETTER THAN THE (GRRR!) REAL THING
Can't bear another holiday without anyone to cozy up to? Tired of sleeping alone? Dig things that look great in spots or stripes? Then you need a Christmas Cub ($15.95, Oregon Zoo Gift Shop, 4001 SW Canyon Road, 525-4200). These 10-inch-tall lion, tiger or leopard cuties come complete with a little red Santa hat and bow, and they're the perfect plush additions to a relaxing evening by the fire. Awww, how precious! (TF)
HEAVEN ISN'T TOO FAR AWAY...
Especially with a supercool Smithsonian Planetarium Kit ($28, OMSI Science Store, 1945 SE Water Ave., 797-4626). Use this colorful replica of the solar system to teach your precocious niece about astronomy! Seduce your honey with a romantic stargazing session right in your own living room! And, of course, support the endless education that OMSI provides. Who said science was just for dorks? With this kit, she'll be the coolest astro-nerd ever. (TF)
TAKE A BOUGH
Nothing says Feliz Navidad like a live Christmas tree. And since these babies are a necessity for any festive household, why not be environmentally conscious about it? Spruce up your living room this holiday season with a rented Douglas fir ($50, The Original Living Christmas Tree Company, 402-1910). That's right, the sapling will be delivered right to your door, and then, after a two-week rental, picked up and re-planted. Now isn't that making it fresh, green and easy? (TF)
quick gift ideas
Designer Phone Holster A neoprene mobile-phone case made by Body Glove keeps your phone safe during any mishap and includes a belt clip. Fits many models, gray or black. $14.99. Sprint PCS, 961 SW Broad-way, 525-7200.
Inner Beauty For the already-gorgeous person on your list, Aveda Rituals is a daily guide to natural health and beauty. $22. Dosha Salon, 2281 NW Glisan St., 228-8280, www.dosha.org.
A Step Up Replace factory speakers in any car with dual-cone speakers and make an improvement in the sound quality for just $19.95 to $39.95. Sounds on Wheels, 635 E Burnside St., 231-1630.
Massage Give the gift of relaxation with a personalized massage in which the Massage Therapist chooses aromatherapy to suite your specific needs. $40 and up. Rejuvenation Day Spa, 6333 SW Macadam Ave., Suite 105, 293-5699, www.rejuvenationdayspa.com.
Gift Guide Intro
Stocking Stuffers
Toys
Home/Bath
Food/Kitchen
Gadgets/Gizmos
Outdoors
Books/Music
Pets
Accessories
Sex/Bedroom
Last Minute
Toyland
WWeek 2015