Gift boxes: cool, new toys for the consumer in your life - 2003 Consumer Holiday Buying Guide - Buyers Guide

Black Enterprise, Dec, 2003 by Sheiresa McRae

The holiday season is here. Time to make your list and check it twice. Don't know what to buy? We've got you covered. Try adding one or two of these toys to your list. You'll definitely be everyone's favorite person this year.

GRIND, BREW, AND SERVE

Attention coffee drinkers everywhere! Once you use the Cuisinart Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker, you'll never go out for coffee again The Cuisinart automatically grinds whole beans before brewing and comes with a programmer so that you can time when you want to brew your coffee. There is also a "brew pause" feature that allows you to drink a cup of coffee before the brewing is complete. What more could a java connoisseur ask for? ($149; www.cuisinart.com)

DRILL IT, DRIVE IT, RADIO CHARGE IT!

Are you the handymen of the house? Then check out the high-performance 18-Volt FireStorm Drill and Radio Charger by Black & Decker. This lightweight, cordless drill is almost effortless to use. The charger serves double duty as a radio and a tool rest. The FireStorm can be used to drill wood, metal, and masonry. ($130; www.blackanddecker.com)

SLEEP LIKE A BABY

Relax with The Sharper Image's CD/Radio & Sound Soother. This portable system features aluminum cone speakers and an LCD screen that displays the time, day, month, year, and room temperature. It'll come in handy when you find yourself lying awake at night in need of a soothing diversion. The sounds of chirping birds, rain drops, and crickets will fill you to sleep in no time ($229.95; www.sharperimage.com)

SOLE SENSATIONAL

After a long day, treat yourself to an at-home spa experience with the Relaxor Spa Therapy Gift Pack with Footbath by Salton. With two rolling massagers and interchangeable attachments, the foot spa is the perfect way to soothe tense toes or an aching Achilles. A manicure-pedicure set, facial sauna, and facial brush are also included. Reward yourself with one end settle in for some luxury after all that holiday shopping. ($47.43; www.walmart.com)

NITE-NITE, LIGHTS

It's Monet and van Gogh. But it's not on the wall--more like in the wall. Illuminart, The Art of Fine Night Lights, by Resencrantz & Guildenstern gives a dim room a bright disposition. Each light bulb cover is designed with classic and contemporary artwork. What's more, the prongs can rotate 360 degrees so the images always appear upright in any electrical outlet. ($19.99 each; 800-519-4060)

PACK N' PLAY

The Toshiba SD-P1200 portable DVD player is the perfect gift for entertainment on the go. With its rugged, sporty case, you won't miss a single minute of action while viewing flicks on the 7-inch widescreen monitor. Key features include MP3 compatibility, audio playback, and picture zoom. There is also 3D virtual surround sound, designed to be used with headphones ($599.99; www.toshiba.com)

A TOOL FOR ALL TRADES

Survival is a cinch with the Leatherman PST (Pocket Survival Tool). Picture this: a clip-point knife, can opener, wire cutter, and more to prepare you for any outdoor (or indoor) adventure. It even comes with a leather sheath for compact carry. The PST is made of 100% stainless steel and has a 25-year warranty. ($58; www.leatherman.com)