Brand X: Karma gift guide

If you’re anxious about your standing on the naughty-versus-nice list or simply opposed to the holiday-season spending frenzy, here are some gift-giving options that give back. Even the most karma-challenged folks can help to right their wrongs by picking presents that help strangers across the world, less fortunate locals and the planet as a whole.

Endangered Species Chocolate

Everyone knows at least one neurotic chocoholic saddled with guilt about junk food or the plight of Third World farmers. Endangered Species Chocolate bars cover both bases. Made from all-natural ingredients, including ethically traded cocoa grown in the shady forests of the Ivory Coast, these decadent bars are wrapped in packaging that describes the status of an at-risk animal. Ten percent of net profits goes toward causes such as the African Wildlife Foundation and the Ocean Conservancy. Sounds sweet to us.
Price: $2.79 for a single bar; $5 to $75 for sets. Available at Endangered Species Chocolate.

Original Good jewelry and crafts

If you’re stumped on a gift for your mom or your best girlfriend, skip the mall and browse through Original Good’s online array of jewelry (pictured), scarves, housewares and décor. Started by two female UC Berkeley business school grads, the company buys crafts made primarily by women in developing countries and offers the artisans fair-trade prices for their work. In turn, customers get beautiful, unique handmade gifts with a dose of goodwill. Prices: $5 to $45. Available at Original Good.

‘Eating Animals’ by Jonathan Safran Foer

While the rest of the nation shakes off its turkey hangover, vegans on a shopping spree might want to load up on copies of “Eating Animals,” a nonfiction treatise on the environmental and moral implications of eating meat,  penned by “Everything Is Illuminated” author Jonathan Safran Foer. In his latest release, which pushed Natalie Portman over the veggie edge and into hard-core veganism, Foer contends that eating meat is worse than driving a Hummer and gives an exhaustive list of organizations he supports, including the Humane Society, PETA and Food & Water Watch. Price: $25. Available at the official  "Eating Animals" site.

To see gift-guide suggestions, browse The Times' Brand X.

-- Alie Ward

Photo: Original Good

Go Vegan 2010 calendar

Need a present for the vegan in your life? We've got the foolproof gift.

Renowned vegan and author Sarah Kramer has released her first wall calendar, Go Vegan 2010.

For each month, Kramer re-creates advertisements, movie posters and other iconic images of the '40s, '50s and '60s with a vegan spin.

Besides the quirky photos, the calendar also highlights important vegan dates, trivia, facts, recipes and tips. And there are a lot.

The Go Vegan 2010 calendar is $13.45 at Amazon.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo: Go Vegan

Brand X: Eco-gift guide

Some people dream of a white Christmas, but here in Southern California it’s all the rage to dream green. To fulfill your wildest eco-friendly fantasies, we’ve curated a list of some great decorations and gifts for progressive minds and tree-huggers.

Solar hanging LED lights

Got a neighborhood rivalry for best holiday decorations? These solar-powered LED hanging snowflake lights (pictured) will let you steal the show without crashing the grid. The panels are highly sensitive, and can collect energy even on L.A.’s relatively rare cloudy days. Hang them from trees or the eaves, and let natural light do the dazzling. Price: $99.99 for a set of four; available at Mr. Light.

Living Christmas tree

These living Christmas trees come to you in a pot, with roots, and a tray to protect your floor from watering spills. After the season is over, Living Christmas Co. will pick up the tree and return it to a lot to grow. (Trees ready to be planted are donated to the Urban Reforestation Project.) The company also offers pre-decorated trees with eco-friendly ornaments and LED lights. Price: $65, 3-to-4-foot tree; $85, 4-to-5-foot tree; $110, 5-to-6-foot tree; available at Living Christmas.

Culinary herb wreath

Snip off bits of cinnamon, sage, lavender, thyme and anise from this gorgeous wreath as you do your holiday cooking. The herbs are organic and grown on a California farm, allowing you to spruce up the scent of your home and eat well while celebrating in style. Price: $65; available at VivaTerra.

To see more Brand X gift suggestions, visit the blog.

-- Krista Simmons

Photo credit: Mr. Light

From the pros: Golf gift wish list

In the last several weeks, the Holiday Gift Guide has featured guest posts from professional stylists and beauty experts on what to give this holiday season. This week, we decided to take some gift suggestions from our other favorite pros — golf athletes! Pay close attention ... their gifts are a hole in one. The best part, when your loved one thanks you for the present and asks where you got the idea, you can tell them it's all thanks to their favorite player.

Jerry West, Lakers icon and Executive Director of the Northern Trust Open:

Here’s a great stocking-stuffer idea. You can positively impact the lives of those in need right here in the Los Angeles area all while experiencing the best professional golf. Through the Tickets Fore Charity program, purchase a ticket to the PGA Tour's Northern Trust Open, which happens Feb. 4-7. One hundred percent of the proceeds from your ticket purchase will go to the charity of your choice and L.A. Junior Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Simply visit Northern Trust Open's official site and select one of the dozens of participating L.A.-based charities. 

Brian Gay, 3-time PGA Tour winner:

Try outfitting your favorite golfer in a head-to-toe new outfit for the perfect holiday gift. Buy him (or her) something a little edgier than they would normally wear, and get them everything from the shirt to pants to the belt and shoes. I recommend Sligo, where I get shirts, pants, belts and outerwear, all color coordinated.

Anthony Kim, 2-time PGA Tour winner:

One of the best gifts you can get the serious golfer on your list is a dozen — or more, of course — high-quality golf balls. I play the Nike ONE Tour. It seems like most amateurs love new golf balls, but they aren't willing to spend the money on themselves, even though the right ball can make all the difference when you're talking about improving your distance and accuracy. Of course, if this is a really special Christmas gift, you could get him/her the Nike Victory Red irons to match!

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo credit: Francis Speck / Associated Press

Henry's Hat and Luna Park offer Black Friday free meal deals

You know, the only thing better than discounts is food, especially free, delicious grub.

Fortunately for us, the fine folks over at Henry's Hat and Luna Park are offering one of the savoriest deals of the season. On Black Friday, if you eat lunch, dinner or both at either of the two restaurants, they will give you gift certificates in the value of your meal, rounded up to the nearest five dollars for free.

For instance, your $52.25 lunch at Luna Park will become two $30 gift certificates, one to Luna Park and one to Henry's Hat. Or your $62.56 dinner at Henry's Hat will become a $35 gift certificate to Luna Park and a $35 gift certificate to Henry's Hat. 

Every dime you spend at the two participating restaurants will become a gift certificate, which can be used by you or given as a gift, no more, no less. Now that's tasty!

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo credit: Ringo H.W. Chiu/For The Times

Natural History Museum holiday gifts

In addition to educating greater Los Angeles about various bug species, prehistoric and mammal life, the Natural History Museum is now offering a slew of cool, unconventional gifts just in time for the holidays.

We love the "I Am Not a Paper Cup" cup, the container with an identity crisis. It may look like a paper cup, but it's in fact made out of thermal porcelain with a silicone top. Best of all, the piece is eco-friendly, reusable and dishwasher safe. It runs for $24.99 and can be purchased online.

If you need an accessory for your coffee or tea, then we also suggest buying the Reusable Silicone Coffee Cup Cozy (they're not just made for PBR cans).

The Cup Cooley is a silicone coffee cup cozy that protects your hands from the heat and provides a superior grip. The reusable sleeve fits most standard cup sizes, including the "I Am Not a Paper Cup," and sells for a cheap $2.97.

Other nifty gifts sold by the museum include a Recycled Can Gecko ($21.99), and for big spenders a Banded Onyx Bowl ($199.99). Added bonus: At the time of checkout, if you also purchase a museum membership, you get 10% off your gifts.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo: Natural History Museum

Gift for the kids: Marvel Super Hero Squad Mini

Last week, we posted a gift suggestion for little girls. It's only appropriate that this time around we feature toys for the little guys too. You may not be surprised to find out it's an electronic car.

Marvel released a pint-sized electronic vehicle called the Super Hero Squad Mini that packs a lot of power and will surely induce a smile on a boy's face. It comes in four styles, The Hulk, Wolverine, Spiderman and Iron Man, and is equipped with working headlights.

It includes a cellphone-sized infrared remote, which we're told delivers precise turns at fast speeds.

Get ready to clear the kitchen. It's now becoming a racetrack.

The car goes for a reasonably priced $16.99 and is sold exclusively at Toys R Us.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo: Marvel

Disney store Black Friday deals

Within the next several days, stores will be gearing up for Black Friday, stocking shelves and marking down merchandise.

On Friday morning at 12 a.m., the Disney store located at the Glendale Galleria will be opening its doors, allowing customers to start their bargain shopping even earlier than before.

That's all fine and dandy, but let's discuss the discounts.

From opening hours until 10 a.m. on the 27th, the Disney store will provide an additional 20% off almost everything, including already low one-day-only priced items.

Additionally, with every $40 purchase, the Disney Store will offer a Mickey Mouse plush toy for only $5.

Get ready to rumble early, shoppers. Discounts are in your future.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo: Daniel Acker / Bloomberg

Mini gift: Hello Kitty cellphone cover

Just when we thought Hello Kitty fever was over, we received an e-mail about the Coveroo cellphone cover and instantly fell in love. Perhaps we think it's so special because it includes an engraving, which almost makes us feel as if our bond with the cat is solidified that much more.

As part of Hello Kitty's 35th Anniversary celebration, Sanrio Global Consumer Products partnered with Coveroo, creator of high-quality custom cellphone covers, to create a limited edition cover. It comes in several styles and colors, each as adorable as the one before.

Through the Coveroo website, Sanrio lovers can select their Hello Kitty design and Coveroo will customize the cellphone cover and send it to them directly in the mail. The company uses a laser engraving technology and a HighColor process to give the cover a high-quality design that doesn't fade, peel or rub off. If only it also gave better reception!

Covers go for $29.95 and are available for all major phone brands such as Blackberry, iPhone, Motorola, Samsung, and more.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo: Sanrio / Coveroo

Gift wish list: Stylist Gena Tuso

Professional stylist Gena Tusso recently gave us a rundown of her favorite accessories for the season. Below are her top gift picks for the holidays.

When it comes to gifting, I'm a big fan of accessories. Sizing can get tricky with apparel and most people will probably get more use out of an accessory, whether it is a hat, bag, perfume or anything else that can be used every day. With my list, you should be able to get fun, affordable gift ideas that can work for almost anyone in your life.

Jewelry: It can often be a challenge to find the perfect jewelry for the lady in your life, especially pieces that are affordable. Here are a few designers that can give you a good variety depending on your girl. Bing Bang jewelry by Anna Sheffield, yellow gold-plated pyramid studs (pictured above) are great everyday earrings for the girl that doesn’t wear a ton of jewelry or doesn’t like dangling or drop earrings. Available at Bing Bang for $75. Also the Kirsten Elspeth Silk Arc bracelet is a great everyday piece that is subtle, feminine and great for a touch of style. Available at Kristin Elspeth for $72.

Knit hats: this trend is with us every fall/winter season. The Steve Alan hat is made for the ladies and buttons either under your chin or behind your hair. So feminine and cute! Available at the Steve Alan Hollywood store for $98.

Ties: They add a great splash of style to really bring an outfit together. Ties have been traditional gifts forever, but are memorable and can be unique and specific. The Seven Fold Unlined Wool ties are so cool and very appropriate to give during the winter season. These ties are for the skinny tie guy. Available at the Steve Alan website for $78.

Scarves: There are so many different takes on the traditional scarf these days. It’s a great way to add some individuality to an outfit and bring out one’s personality. Yokoo, this amazing designer, makes all of her beautiful cozy scarves (pictured left) in various shapes and sizes. I recommend the basic neck warmer style, but be sure to check out all of her styles. There are so many unique pieces most of which that could work unisex. Available for purchase at Etsy.

Sneakers: I usually don’t advise on gifting shoes because of sizing issues, but these two unisex sneakers are on the less expensive side and would make a super cool gift. Bensimon tennis lacet sneakers are unisex original French army surplus inspired shoes that are timeless and perfect for the sneaker-wearing recipient. Available at American Rag (women and men) for $52. Toms Cordones are a newer design of Toms, a great unisex comfy everyday shoe. Available at Toms for $69-79.

Enjoy!

To see more of Gena Tuso's work, visit her blog or the Cloutier Agency.

Photo credit: (top) Bing Bang, (bottom) Yokoo

Los Angeles Times blog love: Deals, news and specials

Our brothers and sisters at the Los Angeles Times have been working hard to find the best deals, discounts and specials during the holidays. Below are numerous gems that they revealed to the Holiday Gift Guide this week.

Ready for Thanksgiving? So are we; the Butterball is calling our name. Before you grub, it's best to set the table, at least that's what mom said. L.A. at home clued us in to these adorable Thanksgiving linens on sale at Crate & Barrel. Get 'em fast though; sale ends Nov. 26. Before you start picking the food out of the pot, consider purchasing some fine China, now 20% off at the Conran Shop. Great food is even better on a pretty plate.

Can't get enough of Thanksgiving dinner? The bloggers over at All The Rage gave us a heads up on pumpkin and cranberry beauty treatments available at salons throughout Los Angeles. If you're into kicks and Adam Goldstein, check out the DJ AM shoe collection on sale at Ebay. All proceeds will go to the DJ AM Memorial Fund, an organization described as "maintain[ing] the legacy of Adam Goldstein through extending his commitment to helping others struggling with addiction." If you haven't gotten enough New Moon action, here's a great story on Twi-hards and  the endless amount of Twilight fashion merchandise that's out there. 

Sick of this cold weather (and by cold we mean in the 60s)? Then head over to the Caribbean and soak up the sun while lounging on the beautiful beaches.The Daily Travel & Deal Blog let us know that for winter travel (holidays included), CheapCarribean.com is offering up to $500 in savings over its typical rates for vacation packages. Stay five nights or longer for the $500 discount. For four-night vacations, you’ll save $400, and for three nights, $300. Rather vacation in the States? Head to the Big Easy, you know New Orleans. The Marriott, located on Canal Street in the French Quarter, is offering “Papa Noel” rates from $89 to $159 per night (pretax) for stays Dec. 1-24, 2009.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo credit: Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times

Expo partners with the Kids in Need Foundation

It turns out children love coloring, so imagine being a kid and not having anything to draw with, much less fill in between the lines. It's practically inhumane.

During the months of November and December, Expo, maker of dry erase markers, whiteboards and accessories, is partnering with the Kids in Need Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides free school supplies to economically disadvantaged schoolchildren and underfunded teachers. 

For every package of Expo markers sold in the United States, they will donate one marker to the foundation, up to a maximum of 100,000 Expo markers. 

“We have a long and proud history of supporting teachers,” said Steve Gradman, director of marketing of Expo Presentation Products. “Many teachers compensate for a lack of supplies by spending more than $500 of their own money to outfit their classrooms each year.  By partnering with the Kids in Need Foundation, we’re taking another step toward alleviating this situation, working to fill gaps where we can in funding for school supplies.”

Now, this is a cause we can get behind. Looking for the perfect stocking stuffers? Markers and coloring books are just that. Make that marker an Expo one and help out a child in need.

Expo markers can be found wherever office products are sold. To see a line of their products, visit the official site.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo credit: Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune