‘Tis the Season for Holiday Shopping in Atlantic City

If you’re tired of giving the same old holiday gifts, try something that will initiate cheers of joy instead of the “not another tie” response. This year, try a gift that says Atlantic City. They’re unique, exciting and Always Turned On gifts that are guaranteed to stand out from the crowd.

Give the Gift of Atlantic City
Atlantic City Information Centers, Boardwalk and Mississippi Avenue at Boardwalk Hall, Expressway Information Center (mile marker 3.5 on the Atlantic City Expressway), 1-888-AC-VISIT (1-888-228-4748).
·    Atlantic City Restaurant Week Gift Certificates, February 28-March 6, 2010. Now available, gift certificates make a great holiday gift for relatives or friends and are a great way to give everyone on your list an opportunity to dine in style at some of Atlantic City’s finest restaurants.  Gift Certificates can be redeemed for lunch or dinner during the week of Sunday, February 28 through Saturday, March 6, 2010, when Atlantic City will showcase many of its finest restaurants offering three-course fixed price lunch menus at $15.10 and dinner menus at $33.10. Purchase your Atlantic City Restaurant Week Gift Certificates at either Atlantic City Information Center or online at http://www.acrestaurantweek.com/gift_certificates.aspx, using a secure PayPal payment system. 
·    ‘Always Turned On’ Atlantic City merchandise and EZ Pass - Find Atlantic City logo merchandise including teddy bears, pens, t-shirts, flip flops, striped carry-alls, and ceramic café mugs. You can even get EZ Pass on the go for $29.

Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, www.boardwalkhall.com.
·    All-session tickets for the 2010 Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship, March 12-14. Give that basketball fan the gift he or she really wants. All session ticket prices are $200 for gold, $100 for silver, and $75 for bronze. Tickets may be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-736-1420 or at ticketmaster.com. Fans interested in group sales or who wish to reserve seats in specific school sections can call
609-348-7021.

Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Avenue, Atlantic City, 609-449-1360, www.abseconlighthouse.org.
·    Visit the gift shop, open Thursday-Monday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and choose from a variety of lighthouse merchandise including lighthouse replicas. There are plenty of gifts to choose from including clothing, jewelry, toys, books, artwork, photography, spoons, pillows and more. The Lighthouse can also ship a special request for a $5 shipping and handling fee.




HOLIDAY SHOPPING, add one


Atlantic City Aquarium, Historic Gardner’s Basin on North New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City, 609-348-2880, ext. 14, or visit www.acaquarium.com.
·    The Aquarium offers fun and educational sea-themed gifts, sweatshirts, t-shirts, plush toys, puzzles and games. If you’d like to give back, the Atlantic City Aquarium is also holding a canned tuna food drive. Bring in a can of tuna, accepted through December 15, and you’ll receive $1 off admission for everyone in your group. Throughout December, you can also bring in a new, unwrapped gift for a boy or girl, for children staying at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, and receive $1 off admission for everyone in your group.
   
The Atlantic City Art Center, Garden Pier at New Jersey Avenue and the Boardwalk, Atlantic City, 609-347-5837, www.acartcenter.org.
·    The center offers an array of gift ideas including jewelry, artist prints and note cards, hand-blown glass, and includes a selection of Atlantic City historical books. Prices range from $10 to around $50.

The Atlantic City Historical Museum, Garden Pier at New Jersey Avenue and the Boardwalk, 609-347-5839, www.acmuseum.org. 
·    The gift shop offers Atlantic City memorabilia including historical calendars, the book Atlantic City: 125 Years of Ocean Madness by Vicki Gold Levi and Lee Eisenberg and the historical film Boardwalk Ballyhoo.  

Lucy the Elephant, 9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate, 609-823-6473, www.lucytheelephant.org.
·    Get a Lucy the Elephant Christmas card and have your holiday card stand out from the rest. Or, purchase the Lucy the Elephant DVD for $14.95. You can also choose from an array of artwork, clothing and collectibles. Purchase $50 or more in merchandise and receive a complimentary admission ticket to Lucy. Plus, the annual year-end clearance sale on almost everything in the gift shop discounted up to 50 percent takes place from December 26-31. Lucy the Elephant is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Marine Mammal Stranding Center, 3625 Brigantine Blvd, Brigantine, 609-266-0538 www.marinemammalstrandingcenter.org. 
·    The center has a gift shop featuring “Cupid the Seal” t-shirts, pins, jackets, stuffed animals, window decals and gold and silver jewelry.  For those who don’t have time to visit, there is the Adopt-a-seal program. Your adoption donation will help provide food, medicine and care of a sick or injured seal with a gift of just $25. Each Adopt-a-seal package includes a certificate with your name and a photo of your adopted seal, along with its individual history. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Princeton Antiques Bookshop, 2917 Atlantic Avenue, 609-344-1943, www.princetonantiques.com.
·    Princeton specializes in rare and out of print books, with 200,000 in stock, and a free search service. After years of collaboration, Princeton now offers Showplace of the Nation, Steel Pier, Atlantic City. The new book is filled with photographs and other images, chronicling the rise of one of America's most remarkable entertainment venues - "a vacation in itself," as the slogan went - long before theme parks were imagined. The book is currently available in store and online for $45.




HOLIDAY SHOPPING, add two


Taste the Atlantic City Difference
Boardwalk Peanut Shoppe, Resorts Casino, Trump Marina, Trump Plaza and the Ocean City Boardwalk. 609-272-1511 or 888-55-PNUTS, www.boardwalkpeanuts.com.
·    Home to the world-famous Mr. Peanut, the Boardwalk Peanut Shoppe specializes in premium nuts and hand dipped chocolates. There are plenty of gift baskets to choose from including the Seashore Treasure Bucket for $17.99, which includes peanuts, salt water taffy, and caramel corn. There is also an Executive Basket, which includes assorted Von Jaeger chocolates, pistachios and assorted nuts, dark cocoa dusted truffles, chocolate covered pretzels and European cookies, all for $119.00.

Bonita Baskets, Linwood, NJ, 888-753-6727, www.bonitabaskets.com.
·    Specializing in gift basket selections and home accessories, Bonita Baskets has served the community for 20 years. While featuring gift baskets for all occasions, the Down The Shore baskets are perfect for the holidays. The Atlantic City Basket contains a lighthouse filled with Fralinger’s Taffy, Boardwalk Peanuts, smoked cheese, two chocolate dice, card players chocolate bar, and much more, for only $55.

G. Carl Tripician Macaroons, 640 White Horse Pike, Absecon, 800-645-4815, www.tripicians.com. 
·    Open since 1910, Tripician Macaroons offers homemade macaroons, fudge and chocolate covered pretzels. Shore Bet is a casino themed gift basket filled with assorted macaroons, homemade fudge, salt water taffy, brownies, mint chocolate poker chips, mint truffle playing cards, and more for only $69.95. For $71.95 the Jersey Girl Gift Basket features everything you've ever had on the Boardwalk including macaroons, fudge, taffy, and more.

James’ Candy and Fralinger’s Salt Water Taffy, James’:1519 Boardwalk and New York Avenue; Tropicana Casino & Resort; The Pier Shops at Caesars/ Fralinger’s: 1325 Boardwalk at Tennessee Avenue; Bally’s Atlantic City. 609-344-1519, www.seashoretaffy.com.
·    James’ Candy and Fralinger’s Salt Water Taffy offer everything from salt water taffy to chocolate to macaroons. Easy to find locations and an online store makes for easy shopping.  Online store specials include a one pound box of taffy free with the purchase of $40 or more. You’ll also enjoy complimentary nostalgic wrapping paper, which is a recreation of the company’s original wrapping paper from the early 1900’s. 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 14 N Arkansas Avenue in Atlantic City Outlets-The Walk,
609-347-7623, www.rmcf.com/nj/atlanticcity50709/.
·    Offers a large selection of gourmet caramel and candy apples, 16 varieties of fresh fudge, delicious assorted chocolates and truffles in milk, white, dark and sugar-free, gift boxes and baskets, party and event trays, cookies, brownies and hot chocolate. During the month of November, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory will participate in the Fudge for Solders campaign. For each pound of fudge sold during November, a pound of fudge will be donated and sent to soldiers overseas for the holidays.

Steels Fudge, 2719 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, 888-783-3571, www.steelsfudge.com.  
·    Steels Fudge can be found on both the Atlantic City and Ocean City Boardwalks. Specializing in delicious fudge, taffy, cookies and candy, Steels Fudge is a “don’t miss” when coming to the shore. Packaged together in a gift box perfect for the holidays, six pieces of fudge in a one pound box is only $10.85.         


HOLIDAY SHOPPING, add three


Holiday Shopping, Atlantic City Style

Atlantic City Outlets – The Walk, Atlantic, Artic, Baltic, Michigan, and Arkansas Avenues, Atlantic City, www.acoutlets.com.
·    Gift cards are available for purchase at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Plus, on Tuesday and Wednesday through December 23, customers will be treated to free valet parking and free gift-wrapping, from 12-8 p.m. each day. And, Holiday Headquarters at Atlantic City Outlets, The Walk will showcase holiday gift ideas from a variety of AC Outlets - The Walk merchants, samplings from The Melting Pot, and gift ideas and displays including personalized sea shells to children’s books and Atlantic10 Men’s College Basketball package information to automotive logo’d merchandise.  Additionally, shoppers can be pampered with chair massages provided by VIVE Day Spa and Salon. Holiday Headquarters at The Walk is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 
·    Black Friday and Saturday, November 27-28 enjoy early store openings and specials. While stores officially open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., many are opening on Friday as early as 5 a.m. such as Aeropostale, Banana Republic, Coach, and Zoo York. Saturday early openings begin at 7 a.m. and include Adidas, Ecko, Liz Claiborne, and Old Navy.

Celebrity Sports and Entertainment at Resorts, 1133 Boardwalk at Resorts Casino Hotel, www.resortsac.com.
·    Celebrity Sports and Entertainment features custom made pieces of memorabilia from the world of sports, movies, music, animation art, historic and pop culture. All pieces are hand-signed (unless noted), are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, and are framed and matted using preservation quality methods. Celebrity Sports and Entertainment at Resorts is open on Thursdays from 12- 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 12-10 p.m.; and Sundays
10 a.m. -6 p.m.

Hard Rock Café, the Boardwalk at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, Atlantic City, 609-441-0007, www.hardrock.com.
·    The Rock Shop has Hard Rock Café classic t-shirts for men and women. Plus rock t-shirts – designed by artists like Jon Bon Jovi, Green Day and Shakira - and collectible pins are hot commodities at the Rock Shop. You can proudly show your support for a cause or simply sport a cool vintage design from a selection of women’s t shirts and men’s t shirts. The Rock Shop is open Monday-Sunday from 10-12 a.m.

House of Blues, Showboat: The Mardi Gras Casino, 609-236-BLUE, www.hob.com.
·    House of Blues Company Store offers hats, collectibles, t-shirts, glasses, sweatshirts, special edition pins, and children’s clothing. There’s even a selection of hot sauce and seasonings from which to choose.   

The Pier Shops at Caesars, One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, 609-345-3100, www.thepiershopsatcaesars.com.
·    The Pier Shops is a holiday shopper’s delight with nearly 90 retailers. Pier Shop Gift Cards are available for purchase at The Service Station at the main entrance on the Boardwalk Level. Many stores are offering holiday gifts for every budget including a sterling silver Candy Cane ornament and Fire Truck bank starting at $165 at Tiffany & Co, Salvatore Ferragamo’s Tuscan Soul Lifestyle Home Collection, with components starting at $50, and a Burberry New Check Photo Frame in the classic Burberry plaid for $180. 


HOLIDAY SHOPPING, add four


Qua Baths & Spa, Caesars Atlantic City, 609-343-2400, www.quabathsandspa.com.
·    On Saturday, December 5, Qua will host Jewelry Designer Jennifer Vasilakos from Chrysalis Bleu showcasing homemade jewelry along with a chance to design your own personalized “Manifestation” neck or wrist charm, from $88.  Plus, during December 2009 and January 2010, Qua will offer 75-minute treatments – Joy Intensif Facial, Peace Back and Foot Ritual, and Harmony Back and Scalp Ritual- for only $180 each.

The Quarter at Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City, 800-345-8767, www.tropicana.net .
·    With 25 retail shops, Tropicana gift cards, more than 15 restaurants and more than 12 places to party, Tropicana is a one-stop shopping, dining and party destination. Plus, see the new movie, A Christmas Carol and use your ticket stub for 15% off any Christmas ornament at Old Farmer’s Almanac. Other offers: Buy a $100 Cuba Libre gift card and receive a free $25 Cuba Libre gift certificate, valid December 1-March 31. The Palm also offers an additional $50 gift card to those who purchase a $250 gift card, valid January 1-April 30. 
·    Bluemercury Spa and Apothecary will have its Holiday Party on Sunday, December 27 from
4-10 p.m. Beauty and skincare experts will be available to help you select the perfect gift. Specials include: 10 percent off purchases over $100; 15 percent off purchases over $175; and 20 percent off purchases over $250.

Rainforest Café, Atlantic City Boardwalk at Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, 609-345-5757, www.rainforestcafe.com.
·    Rainforest Café Gift Cards, ranging in denominations from $10 to $500, are available at the store or online, and can be used for dining and for the purchase of Rainforest Café merchandise. 

Red Door Spa at Dolce Seaview Resort, 400 East Fairway Lane, Galloway, 609-748-4316, www.reddoorspas.com.
·    Red Door Spa Gift Certificates, gift cards and holiday spa packages are all currently available. On Black Friday, November 27 from 6-8 p.m. there is an exclusive night of shopping for those who RSVP to 609-404-4100. The event features seasonal holiday value sets and exclusive gifts with purchases, along with raffles, chair massages and hand and arm massages.

Resorts Holiday Shop, 1133 Boardwalk at Resorts Casino Hotel, www.resortsac.com.
·    Resorts Holiday Shop offers a variety of gifts and merchandise at discount prices. Items for sale include denim and leather jackets, digital photo frames, digital cameras, electric knives, phones, Boogie Nights 2010 calendars, and more. The Holiday Shop is open Thursdays from 12-6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, from 2-8 p.m.; and Sundays from 12-6 p.m.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, New York Avenue and the Boardwalk, Atlantic City,
609-347-2001, www.ripleys.com.
·    The museum also has a plethora of gift items to choose from including t-shirts, books, puzzles and games. The museum is open Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Hear it from THE KIDS

jeffyboy Says:

My mom got me the Bakugan battle arena, battle packand laucnher and I love them. Bakugan is such a cool toy. its a lot of fun and all my friends colllect them too.

Make a resolution to cut automotive costs in the new year

An annual tradition, Americans have their minds on resolutions for the New Year. While most hope to loosen their pants, others try to tighten their belt. Whether it is through eating out less, shopping less or traveling less, most try to cut costs in their life, timed to the change in the calendar.

Your vehicle can be a great "vehicle" to save money in 2010. By implementing some simple tips, you can save some serious cash in the New Year by paying attention to your vehicle's health.

After their homes, most Americans' second-largest financial investment is their vehicle, so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible should be a top priority. But, since money is often tight in the given economy, you may be reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that you think can be put off at least for the short term. Such decisions, however, could potentially shorten the life of a vehicle, decrease its fuel efficiency or even put you and your family at risk.

To be prepared for the winter months ahead, here's a simple checklist of tips you should perform to help keep your vehicle running longer, safer and more cost-effectively:

* Check that tread: The economy has forced many to postpone tire purchases, but with the current winter conditions and unpredictable wet spring weather ahead, now is not the time to have low tread on your tires. The lower the tread depth, the less traction you will have on wet roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop. Advances in tire technology are helping deliver a new generation of moderately priced tires that offer the all-season traction and long tread wear consumers have come to expect, but with enhanced rolling resistance to help save money on gas. For example, the proprietary tread compound used in Goodyear's new Assurance Fuel Max tires helps save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of tires.

* Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle's fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.

* Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle's life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle's air filtration system and could be robbing it of as much as 10 percent in fuel efficiency.

* Keep it clean: Consumers' cars, trucks or SUVs are likely weathering the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the car's finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners and waxes specifically designed for handling a car's finish as regular dish soap will actually break down your wax and could harm the underlying paint.

* Keep it flowing: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, helping to keep it running efficiently and effectively. Not sure what oil to use? Defer to a professional or use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to achieve optimum engine protection and fuel efficiency.

For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyeartires.com.

Gift Lists for 2009

As the holiday season creeps up on us and it’s time to start looking toward your shopping list.

For many, kids and toys are at the top of the list - but there are so many toys... classics, fads, new and old, you will most likely end up lost in the wonder of toyland before you even receive the little guys' wish lists.

 

One of the most frustrating things on Christmas day is watching a child's exuberant joy turn to disappointment when a toy doesn't meet their expectations. Commercials on TV, sales flyers, coupon books, and even the internet boast which toys are the must have toys of the season.

 

Unfortunately, not all toys are created equal. So, take a few minutes - grab your shopping list and check out some of Santa's favorites. And don't worry - we've done a lot of the work for you. You'll find prices, reviews, what our kids thought of the most popular toys and the parental truth about all that is bright and shiny this year... and some that are not.

 

Click Here to see what toys

have been added to our ever growing list

And, if you have any suggestions or comments please do share your thoughts and experiences with us and we will be happy to post your comments on our "Readers' Notes" section of this page!

 

Playskool Kota and Pals Monty Rex

Dinosaurs are fascinating, especially to children. There’s always the thought of “What if they aren’t all dead?”, and “It would be so cool to have a pet dinosaur!” floating through their heads. Imagination is great, but now it can be taken to a whole new level with Playskool Kota and Pals Monty Rex.

Bakugan Toys

Based on the Bakugan cartoon show on Cartoon Network, Bakugan toys are a complete set of action figures, playing cards, and battle figures- and the set is growing all the time.  Boys who love the TV show naturally love the toys.  Like the other products that came before, including the Pokemon toys or Yu-gi-oh cards, Bakugan toys are a complete line of collectibles. Bakugan toys are balls that transform into action figures, and kids can collect figures to make their own special team of Battle Brawlers.

 

Our Favorite... 7-in-1 Maxus Dragonoid

 

Toys for Preschoolers

 

There are lots of different preschool toys on the market today. This may make it seem a little daunting or even confusing to choose the best one for your little one. Fortunately, preschoolers aren’t the pickiest crowd in the world. Most of the time, they are happy to play with whatever is handy and every once in a while you’ll find a toddler who would rather play with the box a toy came in than with the toy itself. While this shows imagination, it can be frustrating for parents who spent hours finding just the right gift. However, there are some surefire hits that preschool age kids will love.

Our Favorite... LeapFrog's Zippity

Finally, something for the little guys!  Do you have a child who is too small for the wii... are they missing out on all the interactive fun? Make sure to place this soon to be favorite on your list. Not only is it interactive but it offers tons of learning games that are just right for the growing mind and body of 36 months to 5 year olds.

 

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