gift

(Newser) - Retailers are likely rubbing their hands with glee after shoppers snapped up $97 billion in gift cards this year, up from $83 billion in 2006. Why the excitement? The industry makes billions each year from “breakage," or gift card money that is never spent. Lost, discarded, or under-used...

(Newser) - What to get the foodie or chef who already has all the classic cookbooks? Slate compiles offbeat favorites recommended by Mollie Katzen, James Oseland and other standout chefs, food editors, and more.

1. Ethan Becker: Cookwise—Less a cookbook than a bible of general cooking knowledge.
2. Dan Barber: The River Cottage

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(Newser) - Demanding kids have been sending crazed parents on a quest for the must-have toy for decades, says CNN. A list of past faves that made shoppers go wild:

1. Mr. Potato Head, 1952
2. Easy-Bake Oven, 1964
3. G.I. Joe with kung fu grip, 1974