For your Sweetie

Snap Away

This cool, new Pentax OptioX digital camera ($450) has a 2-inch, high-res LCD monitor that swivels up, down or straight ahead. The ultra-slim, aluminum alloy body makes it compact and light enough to take anywhere. www.pentax.com

It’s Showtime

See the “Man of La Mancha” from November 14–December 4 at Salem’s Pentacle Theatre ($18–19/ticket) and while you’re there pick up a bottle of the theater’s 50th Anniversary Special Label wine by Willamette Valley Vineyards ($9-18/bottle). 450 Court St. NE, Salem, 503-485-4300. www.pentacletheatre.org

Bend & Balance

Anyone looking to put a little balance back into their life will find it at Yoga of Bend. Owner Nadine Simms offers private one-hour sessions ($45) for those seeking individual attention in the ancient art of Hatha Yoga. 541-318-1186. www.yogaofbend.com

Friends and Colleagues

Brava! This unique locally owned store offers home cooked meals that you either prepare in their kitchen or pick-up from their Washington Square location. Meals can be frozen and eaten whenever you want—making them a perfect gift for the busy professional. (Packages of 12 meals range from $197–227) 503-624-2728. www.bravameals.com

Cheers!

The “Pinot Guy” scours the best vineyards to bring thirsty connoisseurs the best of the best in the Oregon Pinot Noir Club. With offerings that include single vineyard bottlings and limited release wines not available outside Oregon, packages range from one-time shipments to 12-month memberships ($47–975). 800-847-4474. www.oregonpinotnoir.com

Geronimo!

Inspired by an original Pendleton robe worn by Geronimo in an early 1900s photograph, the enduring design of the Geronimo blanket ($165) has been sprung from Pendleton’s archives and reintroduced. The blanket’s (64” X 80”) rounded corners and unnapped finish are reminiscent of Pendleton blankets made through 1909. Pendleton stores, www.pendleton-usa.com

Local Culture

A uniquely Oregon gift idea, this one-of-a-kind calendar is filled with beautiful, historical photos from the OHS archives. Warm color tones combined with engaging photos make this a great gift, and partial proceeds benefit the Oregon Historical Society. $17.95, available at Pendleton stores, Columbia Sportswear stores, Border’s and at www.ohs.org or www.brainstormnw.com For quantity corporate gifts: 503-675-7366.

Rock n’ Bowl

Where do vinyl records get a new life? Christine Claringbold’s studio. The beautifully crafted, hand painted bowls ($52–60) offer a unique and decorative touch to anyone’s home or office. Natural Spaces, 6401 SW Macadam Ave., Portland, 503-892-2373.

Tea for One

This adorable—and practical—teapot and mug by Chantal ($17.99) hug together like a match made in heaven. Making tea at your desk has never been so easy— brew on top, sip below. Wild Oats Natural Marketplace or www.chantal.com

The Kids

Of Course!

This 9-hole Children’s Course with vistas of the Clackamas and Willamette Rivers is the ideal place for juniors to play. With clinics and tournaments geared toward kids and inexpensive greens fees ($5–13), young players will have fun learning the game. 19825 River Rd., Gladstone, 503-722-1530.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Tired of bulky PCs—

Apple’s new iMac G5 (starting at $1,299) integrates the entire computer into a flat panel display. With the whole system only measuring two inched in depth, this is the world’s thinnest desktop computer. www.apple.com

Lip Plumping Potion

What young lady wouldn’t want to try this hot new lip-gloss, Lip Injection, ($18.50) from Too Faced. Wand on the crystal clear liquid and watch your lips pink up and plump up 20%—it’s the safe, easy way to get a smooth, silky, full-lipped look. Nordstrom stores or www.sephora.com

For Your Pup

Pampered Pooch!

Keep your furry friend warm this winter in a leather coat from Friends of BadyDoll Pliner ($378). It will be licks all around when Fifi sees this stylish number, made in Italy, under the tree. Paws & Claws, 417 First St., Lake Oswego, 503-699-2099.

Barkin’ Bagels

There will be no more begging at the breakfast table after your pup has his first Barkin’ Bagel. These all-natural, fat-free treats ($7.00 per dozen) are handmade by the Great Dog Bakery in Beaverton. 503-626-3600. www.greatdogbakery.com

Your Clients

Well Red

Lago di Merlo Vineyards and Winery make it easy to give the gift of wine. Your choice of two bottles of their award winning, Sonoma County wines ($19–30 each) inside an elegant box ($10) with Grandpa Guiseppe Merlo on its cover makes a special gift for any connoisseur. 503-693-2494. www.lagodimerlo.com

Holiday Spirits

Only in the Oregon will you find vodka made from—of all things— potatoes. Northwest potatoes and glacier-fed water from Mt. Hood make this a Gold Award winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. With a smooth, slightly sweet taste, Spudka ($15.95–17.95) is a great choice for those looking for a little twist in their martini. Hood River Distillers. www.hoodriverdistillers.com

Music Therapy

Seventeen talented musicians from around the world have come together to create a very special compilation of fresh, adult contemporary songs—all to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “One Step Closer” ($12.97) features a mix of song styles that will suit any mood. Sample the music at www.cdbaby.com/cd/afac

Go Ahead—Treat Yourself!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

The ultimate splurge—cruising off the lot in your pristine 1957 Chevy Belair Convertible. With nearly 55 cars ($4000–$37,000) on the lot each day, Memory Lane Classic Cars will take you back to a time when cars were more than just vehicles to get you from Point A to Point B. 2608 SE Holgate, Portland, OR, 503-231-1940.

On Your Fish List?

Whether your vice is salmon, steelhead, trout, bass, sturgeon or year-round ocean fishing, Oregon Fishing will tailor a fishing trip ($300–350 per person) just right for you. Experienced fishermen (or women) and newcomers alike will enjoy these guided journeys to some of the best fishing holes in Oregon. 877-694-0856. www.oregonfishing.com

Smart Dumbbells

Forget filling your basement with dumbbells. SelectTech adjustable dumbbells ($350) offer a stylish, compact alternative. Each handle adjusts between five and 52.5 pounds, making it perfect for a variety of exercises. Its patent-pending technology ensures that the weight is fully engaged, making dropped plates a thing of the past. www.bowflexselecttech.com

Set Your Sites on the Holidays Best of Online Shopping

Tried and True

SmithandHawken.com Green thumb or no, everything for the gardener’s soul.

LandofNod.com Imaginative toys, books and furnishings for kids.

SurlaTable.com Gear and classes for your favorite cook.

Bluefly.com First-quality, genuine designer fashions, accessories and house wares at surprisingly affordable prices.

Nordstrom.com Shoes, accessories and clothes for everyone in the family—plus no hassle returns!

HarryandDavid.com The best food and flowers on the doorstep every month? How perfect!

RedEnvelope.com Unique and personalized gifts for family and friends

Give them a try

Organicstoyou.org Send your favorite gourmet a beautiful assortment of fruits and vegetables from this Portland-based organic grocery home delivery service.

Oars.com Take the whole family on a white water rafting adventure vacation complete with expert guides and delicious meals.

Rockscissorpaper.com Nifty note cards, swank stationery and custom printing for the hippest correspondent on your list.

Totelemonde.com Perfect bags for home, work and travel made out of recycled plastic.

Fryeboots.com Check out a pair of boots from the oldest shoe company in the United States— even Teddy Roosevelt wore a pair! Lush.com Peruse these divine handmade soaps, cosmetics and bath products for some spa- at-home delight.

How many days until Christmas?

BrainstormNW - Nov 2004