Christmas gift ideas from the Chinook Observer

PENINSULA – With only one week until Christmas, many people can find themselves scrambling around, trying to find a last-minute gift for someone. Now before it ends up being a six-pack of tube socks, perhaps some ideas in some popular categories can help save you from disappointed faces.

When it comes to music, you really can’t go wrong, most people enjoy it. And though it is impossible to recommend all the great music available – we only have a few inches, not a few hundred pages – here are perhaps some albums that you missed or didn’t think about.

John Coltrane, “A Love Supreme” (Deluxe Edition)

This disc is the masterwork of a jazz legend. Recorded in the mid-1960s, it is featured here re-mastered to perfection with new clarity not heard on the original mono mix. The real treat is the second disc, a complete live performance of the four tracks of the album, recorded in France in 1965. For jazz-lovers, or those wanting to know more about it, this is a must-have.

John Mayer, “Room For Squares”

John Mayer is a fairly new singer-songwriter that came out of nowhere to acclaim from both fans and critics alike. His songs can remind you of Dave Matthews, without quite the same guitar virtuosity. These are tight pop-based songs that are well written and are perfect for stormy days indoors.

Norah Jones “Come Away With Me”

This woman’s music is for anyone, anytime. This is quite possibly a perfect album that is great for dinner music, dancing, driving or just curling up with someone. The songs are equal parts jazz, blues, country and pop. You really can’t go wrong here with one of the biggest seller’s – and biggest surprises – of the year.

DVDs are one of the hottest gift ideas since they started coming out a few years back, and especially now that they are being packaged with extra discs filled with all kinds of goodies regarding the film. Here are some special editions that have come out recently that you may have missed.

“Memento” (Limited Edition)

This is one of the most original and thrilling movies you will see, and now on DVD, its even better. The movie, about a man who cannot create new memories as he searches for a killer, is told backwards – the end of the story is at the beginning of the film, and so on. You don’t know who to trust, and neither does he. The great thing about the limited edition DVD is the extra features, including hints and clues to the story and a series of puzzles that if figured out unlock a hidden feature that will run the movie backwards (forwards, get it?)

“Citizen Kane” (Special Edition)

This Orson Welles classic has been called the greatest movie of all time. Now it is even greater. In the special edition DVD you find the re-mastered film, original movie trailer and 1941 newsreel from the movie premiere on the first disc. The second disc features a two-hour documentary: “The Battle Over Citizen Kane,” detailing with the power struggle between Orson Welles and William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper tycoon that the story is not-so-loosely based on.

“Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones” (Widescreen Edition)

This DVD has so many extras, it could fill the entire page talking about it. Some of the highlights include documentaries, movie trailers, even posters you can print from your computers.

Toys are what Christmas is all about, right? Better yet, kids are what Christmas is all about. This years hottest toy’s are not necessarily what you may have thought, and for once, they don’t cost a fortune either!

Fur Real Friends robotic cat

This is the big one this year and can be hard to find depending on where you look. From the outside, this toy appears to be simply a lovable stuffed animal. The unusual thing, though, is the way this kitty responds to a person’s touch. Pet her and she will arch her back; gently touch her cheek and she’ll lean into your hand and purr demurely. It looks and acts real, however, it operates on three C batteries and sells for around $40.

Bratz

These are the Barbie’s of the ’00s. These dolls come in two different sizes, full-size – about as tall as a Barbie – or mini size – which come in packs of four. The biggest difference is that these dolls dress like teenagers do today. You can get extra outfits for them as well. The full-size dolls go for about $30, depending on which one you get, and the smaller packs go for around $25.

Chicken Dance Elmo

Remember Tickle Me Elmo? This must be his very oddly dressed older brother. Elmo has donned a yellow chicken suit and dances with his arms flapping like wings while singing, “Elmo wants to be a chicken.” This is surprisingly going for less than $20.

Books are usually a safe bet for just about everyone. Whether its for kids, adults or kids at heart, a good book is always appreciated. Here are some recent books for different ages.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle

Eric Carle’s modern classic, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. The beloved tale of science and gluttony has been translated into 20 languages and is available in a variety of editions. Kids love the butterfly metamorphosis story told in beautiful pictures, but this popular favorite also teaches counting and the days of the week, too. It is recommended for children ages baby to preschool.

“The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings” (Box Set) by J.R.R. Tolkien

Few things are bigger right now than the “Lord of the Rings,” especially with the second movie of the trilogy being released today [Dec. 18]. Now you can give the whole story, including the original book, “The Hobbit; Or, There and Back” that started it all. This four book set is available in hard cover or soft cover, the latter retailing for around $20 – a real deal.

“In Full View” by Rex Ziak

After 11 years of study and over four years of writing, local author Rex Ziak’s book, detailing Lewis and Clark’s arrival at the Pacific Ocean, is finally available. Ziak’s book highlights the time the members of the Corps of Discovery spent in the lower Columbia region 200 years ago. The book retails for $35 and is expected to be available at local bookstores.

Sometimes what we take advantage of here on the coast can be a pleasant gift surprise for someone who doesn’t. Gifts of beach-related stuff can be cheap and the perfect gift. There are many “home-grown” treats available right here on the Peninsula.

Smoked seafood products

There are a wide variety of smoked salmon, sturgeon, oysters and the like, caught, prepared and sold here that aren’t necessarily available in other parts of this state or country. Delicious smoked seafood products are a holiday tradition in most Pacific Northwest homes and always make a welcome gift.

Homemade chocolates

Long Beach alone is the home to three fine chocolatiers; Werner’s, Completely Nuts and Anna Lena’s. The first two feature delicious chocolate truffles and candies, while Anna Lena is the home of homemade fudge. A word to the wise, you can never go wrong with candy!

Degus

These fuzzy little unusual creatures can be found at the Unique Petique in Long Beach. Somewhat similar to a hamster, though I’m told they don’t smell, these little guys are being bred for sale at $25 a piece.

Gold seashells

One of the most unique gift ideas to come off the coast is that of Anthony Garzino, who creates jewelry by making very accurate molds of seashells and such, and making solid 14 karat gold jewelry out of it. He has pieces made from seahorses, tiny crabs, sand dollars, and pretty much any other kind of shell you could find. His necklaces sell for $130 to $325, and his earrings sell for between $55 to $125.

Many of the items listed above can be found at various stores on the Peninsula or in Astoria; many can also be found on Amazon.com.