It's a good time for battery powered clocks

With power still out across parts of L.A. County more than a day after the windstorm, it seemed fortuitous that our annual onslaught of holiday gift ideas happened to include a bunch of battery-powered clocks.

Among the merits of clock as gift: Available in a range of prices. Generic enough to fit many people, yet varied enough in design to seem novel. Potentially entertaining. Probably practical. Excellent hint for the friend or family member who's always running late. (Though does that mean we'll get a clock in return?)

The old flip clock gets fresh legs in this Kikkerland design, top left. It's no longer available on the Kikkerland site, but we saw them at Bedfellows in Studio City. Price: $119.

Braun has reissued an old favorite — its 3-inch-tall square plastic alarm clock, top right. It couldn't be simpler, for home or travel. It has a voice- or clap-activated snooze function and a clean, analog face. It's $42 at the A+R store in Venice.

For a different way to illustrate the march of time, little gears turn the big gear on the large wall clock, right, at New Stone Age in Los Angeles. Price: $90.

And if you're rather wake up to a chirp than a buzz, there's this 6.5-inch-wide bird alarm clock, below. It can perch on a stand or hang on the wall. It's $40, also at A+R.