Also this issue: Shiny & New -Nancy Armstrong, Debra Auspitz, Deborah Bolling, Daniel Brook, Juliet Fletcher, Lori Hill, Frank Lewis, Ted Mann, Patrick Rapa and David Warner Birthday Presents The gift-giving big leagues are on display at the Art Museum. -Debra Auspitz Home on the Range Discs for Your List DVDs that won't disappoint. -Sam Adams Wrappers Delight It's all about the presentation. -Juliet Fletcher Box It Up Why buy one cd when you can have a whole set? -A.D. Amorosi, Nate Chinen, Jesse Delaney and Patrick Rapa Get Game Five picks for video game gift-giving. -Frank Lewis and Chris Newborg Technically Speaking -Ted Mann, Chris Newborg and Patrick Rapa

November 21-27, 2002

cover story

Holiday Gift Guide

by Debra Auspitz

Isn't it terrible how people are always going after the newest, latest, shiniest thing, leaving the tried-and-true in the dust? We think so, too, but have you seen some of the new places that have opened in town in the last year or so? From the big evil chains (like H&M) to trendy boutiques (Twist, Molletta, Matthew Izzo) to shops with extreme specialties (Teapot Teapot, Jubilee Chocolates), it seems like the city is buzzing with new retail energy.

And some older favorites are going through changes, like Tabu Salon in Old City introducing its own line of hair-care products and American Pie opening a furniture store.

It all adds up to one exciting pile of gifts that should cover pretty much anyone on your list (even the guy or girl craving the Eagles Cheerleaders Lingerie Calendar).

Aside from checking out a host of new stores, we also went after the newest products, from high-tech gadgets (p. 32) to fancy ways to wrap your presents (p. 26) to the latest in firearms (p. 24). And of course, no guide would be complete without gift ideas for DVDs (p. 29) and reviews of the latest batch of CD box sets (p. 27).

In the spirit of giving, we have a look at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Gifts´ show, a collection of donations to the museum honoring its 125th birthday (p. 23). And if you don't feel like shopping in old or new stores, we have suggestions for charitable organizations that could really use your time and your money (p. 34).

It's good news for establishments of all ages to see so many new faces popping up all over town. We hope it's a trend that will continue to renew itself.

And did we mention we found some really frickin' great stuff?