Gift Ideas Geared Toward Good Times

by Tara Wood

"Are we having fun yet?"

Its a cheeky but telling question that you might be asking yourself sometime during the upcoming holiday season.

After all, beyond the deeper meanings of holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah, arent we supposed to be having fun during this special time of year?

Its very easy to be swept under by the riptide of holiday stress, whether youre battling crowds at the malls, preparing a holiday feast or worrying about how youll afford a gift for everyone on your list this year.

Thats why Quest went on a quest for fun for this years edition of our annual holiday gift roundup: This time we present gifts ideas that are designed purely for "fun."

Please know that we use the term "fun" quite broadly here.

For example, vacuuming may not be fun or even a possible task for some Quest readers. But everyone can enjoy using a high-tech little robot that will clean the floor all by itself. Fun can also flow from items that make daily tasks or leisure activities easier, more convenient or accessible.

Fun might also mean having a tasty treat delivered to your mailbox every month, or pampering yourself with a warm-water foot massage. And just ask your pet or service dog whether its fun to chase scented bubbles or roll around with a treat-filled cube.

Of course, there are games and toys hard to argue with the fun factor there. So we hope youll have fun while browsing the following gift ideas.

Please remember that weve done our best to provide accurate, manufacturers suggested retail prices and contact information, but prices may vary depending on retailers, availability and so on.

Happy Holidays!

FUN AT HOME

Roomba Robotic Floor Vac

Put this intelligent vacuum in the middle of the room to be cleaned, turn it on, push a button and leave it. Roomba will pick up the debris on your floors, including pet hair, dust and dirt, and can clean under beds and places regular vacuums cant reach.

Basic model costs $199; new models (Roomba Pro, $229.99, and Roomba Pro Elite, $249.99) have added features and capabilities, such as remote control. Check at www.irobot.com, many local stores or (866) 476-6622.

Scrapbooking starter kits

You know what a scrapbook is, but did you know "scrapbooking" has become a wildly popular pastime? There are many starter kits to help someone get going on this hobby that involves preserving photos and memorabilia in decorated books.

The Memories brand kit pictured here costs $44.99 at Michaels Arts and Crafts Store and includes an album, decorative papers, edge scissors and more.

Power Wine Opener

Open wine bottles with the touch of a button. This lightweight, rechargeable opener removes and ejects a cork effortlessly in under 15 seconds no batteries required. It opens 15 bottles before requiring a charge in its included base. $50. Brookstone retail stores, www.brookstone.com or (866) 576-7337.

FUN COMES TO YOUR DOOR

NetFlix online movie rental service

A gift subscription to NetFlix means renting DVDs by mail with no late fees or shipping costs. Members can keep a revolving library of 3 DVDs at a time. When you return a DVD, NetFlix sends the next one. $19.95 per month plus tax, www.netflix.com or (800) 585-8131.

Monthly clubs

Theres an "of the month" club for just about any treat or indulgence available: cookies, fruit, cheesecake, salsa, tea, coffee, beer or wine, and so on. Prices can range from about $35 on up, depending on the product and number of months.

Some places to start browsing are: www.bestmonthlyclubs.com; www.harryanddavid.com or (877) 322-1200; www.clubsofamerica.com or (800) 258-2872. An Internet search for a specific item, such as "chocolate of the month," can also lead to some great retailers.

FUN FROM A WHEELCHAIR

Non-Slip Versa Tray

Featuring a form-fitting base and a nonslip surface, Versa Tray provides a stable space for eating, working, writing or crafts. Items stay in place even when the tray is tilted or bumped. $39.95. www.vers-a-tray.com or (800) 474-1494.

CycleTote

This bicycle trailer/jogger will accommodate people up to 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds. CycleTote is guaranteed with a lifetime frame warranty. Trailers are $925 and $992, and stroller converter is $120. www.cycletote.com or (800) 747-2407.

Cause I Care gift baskets

A physical therapist designed this thoughtful variety of gift baskets and care packages for walker or wheelchair users. The Assistive Living Aids basket can include items like a reacher, adult wipes, water-bottle covers, long-handled shoehorn, jar openers and so on. Walker and wheelchair bags are also available. Prices begin around $35 plus shipping. www.causeicare.com or (802) 222-4884.

Fishing-pole holder

The clamp-on holder keeps a good grip on the pole while making the reel available for one-handed operation. It can also be used with lawn or beach chairs. $27.90. www.maddak.com or (973) 628-7600.

CADKAT kits for wheelchairs

These quick-release or bolt-on balloon-wheel-system kits can convert a regular wheelchair into one thats beach friendly. $499. www.playaboule.com or (888) 225-2865.

Touch Turner

Turn pages of books or magazines with methods like sip and puff, or head movements. Switch-adaptable, and powered by flashlight batteries. $840 (Model C). www.touchturner.com or (888) 811-1962.

Custom bicycles

Freedom Concepts makes customized, adjustable three-wheeled bicycles for virtually any ability. Features include rear steering (caregiver can steer and brake), telescoping handlebars, non-slip seat with seatbelt and more. Prices start at $2,000 and depend on model and features. www.freedomconcepts.com or (800) 661-9915.

Battery-powered card shuffler and card holders

You can shuffle one or two decks evenly by pressing a lever. The card holder is perfect for anyone with limited finger strength and dexterity. Shuffler is $19.95; holder is $7.95, or $28.50 for 4. www.maddak.com or (973) 628-7600.

PAMPER YOURSELF

Remote-control foot spa

Treat your toes with this spas vibration, bubbles, water-jet settings or a deep-kneading massage from spinning rollers. The spa features water-resistant remote control and 2 loofah discs. $104.99. www.conair.com or retail outlets (model no. CON FB15N).

Thermal spa soft bath mat

Transform your bathtub into a home spa with this mat that features a soft, air-filled cushion, floating remote control and warm bubble option. $93.99. www.conair.com or retail stores (model no. MTBS6N).

Rechargeable dual-jet bath spa

Turn an ordinary bath into a relaxing bubblefest with this spa that features multidirectional jet nozzles. It recharges in about an hour for almost 30 minutes per charge. $89.99. www.conair.com or retail stores (model no. BTS4).

CosySoles slippers

CosySoles are fleece slippers that heat up in the microwave to make feet warm and comfortable. Filled with a natural grain, CosySoles slippers retain heat and soothe feet that ache owing to circulation problems. In green, blue, burgundy, oatmeal and black. $44.95; 10 percent discount to people with disabilities and senior citizens. www.cosysoles.ca. or (888) 806-7809.

 

Yoga videos or DVDs

No matter what your age, lifestyle or physical condition, Susan Winter Ward, creator of Yoga for the Young at Heart, says yoga can help you feel stronger and more alive.

"Sitting Fit" is appropriate for wheelchair users, and costs $19.95 for VHS or DVD; $34.95 for interactive CD-ROM & Screen Savers; $9.95 for 60-minute audiotape. "Accessible Yoga for Every Body" is for the more able-bodied, and costs $19.95. www.yogaheart.com or (800) 558-9642. Mention Quest and get $2 off your total order.

TOYS TOYS TOYS

Spill-proof paint cups and artist apron

Minimize mess with these ingenious paint holders, and keep clothes clean with this easy-to-put-on apron. A set of 4 cups is $6, and the apron is $8. www.alextoys.com, local retailer or (800) 666-ALEX.

Beginner brushes

The unique handles on these brushes make them perfect for small hands to hold or for artists with special needs. A set of 3 is $6. www.alextoys.com, local retailer or (800) 666-ALEX.

Tabletop easel

Make creativity accessible for your aspiring artist.

The easel features green chalkboard on one side and a magnetic, dry-erase board on the other, and includes 4 nonspill cups, 4 brushes, 2 easel clips and magnetic letters. $55. www.alextoys.com, local stores or (800) 666-ALEX.

Creature Peeper

This kid- and bug-friendly viewer lets kids study their catches up close from above and below. Peep at ladybugs, crickets, worms anything a young scientist can find! $6.95. www.insectlore.com, local retailer or (800) LIVE-BUG.

Worm Vue and Root Vue wonders

Bring some subterranean adventure to your tabletop.

Kids can explore the fascinating world of the red wiggler worm, or see what plants look like underground.

View worms in their tunnels as they recycle organic waste and cultivate the soil, or watch a plants root growth from seed to harvest. Root Vue is $24.95 and includes carrot, radish and onion seeds; Worm Vue is $25.95, plus $5.95 for shipping 200 live worms. www.insectlore.com, local stores or (800) LIVE-BUG.

Video games

Game titles rumored to be hot this year include "Madden NFL 2004," "James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing" and "SOCOM II: U.S. Navy Seals." Remember to find out what type of console your gamer has (Xbox, Nintendo GameCube or other) and to consider whether the game content is age-appropriate. Prices begin around $40.

FUN FOR YOUR PUP OR KITTY

Buster Food Cube

Watch your dog use his noodle to figure out how to get the treats from this intelligent toy. $10 from pet stores or PetSmart.

The following items (and gift ideas for cat lovers, too) can be found at www.coolpetstuff.com or (800) 510-8841.

Bubble Buddy

Send a stream of scented bubbles into the air for your pooch to chase. $8.95.

Laser toy with hologram

Pets love to chase this light beam that you easily control. It features 2 hologram tips (mouse and dog) for extra fun. $13.95.