Weekly Catalog Finds - Gifts for your or someone else

Chicken Pot Pie:  I make a great Chicken Pot Pie but I want to try Oprah's favorite Pot pie from Harry and David.  You can get one Centerville Chicken Pies, Item# 24903P for $20.00.  I don't know if I can swallow the $9.95 shipping for myself but I would purchase it as a gift for someone else.  They also have Heritage Pie of the Month (another great gift).  3 months (Nov -Jan) Chicken Pot pie, Riviera Pear and Marionberry pie for $75.00 or try the 6 month at $160. or 12 month plan for $330.00.  Twelve months of pies may be a little much and unless they love pies you may get a note telling you no more pies.  Did you ever see the fruit of the month episode from Everybody Loves Raymond.   They ended up hating the gift - too much fruit.

NOTICE:  Now through Dec. 25 Harry and David is offering Free Shipping with the coupon code of "Happy Holidays'.  I ordered two pies so I'll let you know how they turn out.

Update 1/5/2011 :  Ordered two pies, one for me and one as a gift for Christmas.  I made ours and I wasn't as impressed as Oprah but maybe she got a better pie.  Don't get me wrong it was good (OK - 3 out of 5) but since I make what I think is a much better pot pie, I win, IMO.  It was missing veggies, just chicken and gravy and the chicken seemed more like scraps.  I wouldn't want it to be large chunks of chicken but it was so shredded it didn't seem quite right.  The crust was really good however with a touch of sweetness.  Nothing went to waste but I wouldn't order it again for myself.  I would order it again as a gift, especially if it's for someone who doesn't cook or has simple tastes and would prefer a chicken and gravy pot pie.  I'll post my recipe and if you purchase a pie you can then make my version and see what you think.

iPad or iPhone Case:  If you have one maybe you need something to put it in.  Check out the leather cases, in mocha or lime, Item# PK3L7P, iPad is $98 and the iPone is $49 from Orvis

Holder and Pad:  Here is another holder for your iPhone or iPod which includes a pad and pen also from Orvis, Item# PK1K26 for $65.

Portable File System:  I like this for my mother in law.  Currently she has a basket next to the couch with all her papers in it.  It's a mess and she can't find what she needs.  Having this would make it portable and easy to find what you need.  I did a test case for this Christmas got a cheap paper version.  If it works out then this will be the upgrade.  I hope she finds it helpful.  This one is from Grandin Road, Item# 29774 for $99 for two.  If it works out the sister in law gets the other.

Rosebud Gloves and Scarf:  I thought these were pretty and would make a lovely gift.  It is from Catalog Favorites, W27-582 for the gloves at $14.95 and W22-613 for the scarf at $24.95.

Skewers:  I would like to upgrade my skewers and here is one I found that I liked at Cooking Enthusiast, Item# AK04-052, set of 4 for $29.99.  You can also purchase matching corn holders and get rid of those plastic corn cobs, Item# AK04-051 for $24.99

Wreath Holder:  This wreath holder is one that will last you through the years.  Made of antique bronze finish and personalized.  From Pottery Barn, Item# 45-2447415, for $39.