AMES, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension has holiday gifts that are educational, but also just plain fun, says Chris Johnsen, marketing specialist with Iowa State University Extension’s Online Store and Distribution Center.

“We have calendars, CDs, paperbacks, magnets, stuffed animals — something for just about everyone on your shopping list,” Johnsen said.

All items are available from the ISU Extension Online Store, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/. (Enter the item’s reference number into the search box on the Web site.) Payment can be made by Visa or MasterCard, as well as by check, money order or purchase order.

For those seeking better health and fitness

Food and Fun for Healthy Families, 2009 Nutrition Calendar (EFNEP 230, $2.25) — Each month features a full color photo with a recipe for a healthy, easy-to-prepare main dish or side dish. The calendar includes menu suggestions, nutrition information and tips suggesting ways to make physical activity part of your routine. It’s also available in Spanish (EFNEP 230 S).

Healthy Meals in a Hurry, 14 Main Dishes for Now and Later (PM 2035, $2.50) — Making smart food choices is easier when you have a freezer stocked with ready-to-reheat main dishes. Each recipe has “eat now” and “eat later” directions.

Ten Easy Ways to Add Fruit to Your Day (EDC 189, $0.75) — Place this 5" x 4" magnet on the refrigerator and follow the easy suggestions for adding fruits to your diet.

Carb-O-Meter: Are You Getting Your Daily Carbohydrate Requirement? (N 3472, $5) —This interactive program on CD will help you examine your carbohydrate intake.

ISU Extension water bottle (EDC 380, $4.50) — It’s a gift that is great for use in the car, in the gym or at the office.

For the kids

4-H plush bears  — Clever (4H 4608A, $10), Cardio (4H 4608B, $10), Can Do (4H 4608C, $10) and Carbo (4H 4608D, $10) are available individually or as a four-bear set (4H 4608, $36). Camper (4H 4607, $10) and Chloe (4H 4605, $2) also are available.

Master Equine Manager Quiz CD (SP 335, $9) — Horse enthusiasts of all ages, whether they are just learning about horses or already are experts, can test their horse knowledge with this interactive quiz.

For the gardeners

2009 ISU Extension Garden Calendar, Color in the Garden (Pm 815, $6) — Illustrated with more than 70 color photographs, the calendar features monthly gardening tips and space to record your own gardening notes.

Indoor Plants (PM 713, $7) — This guide covers foliage, flowering houseplants, succulents and florists’ plants with 180 color photos and 110 plant descriptions.

Perennials for Shade (PM 1913, $5) — Find growing characteristics, plant descriptions, and other tips for more than 70 perennials for shade gardens in zones 3 to 5. Features include 130 color photos, bloom time comparisons and specialty plant lists.

Perennials for Sun (PM 1914, $5) —Find growing characteristics for more than 100 perennials that thrive in the sun in zones 3 to 5. Features include 140 color photos, plant descriptions, specialty plant lists and other tips.

The Garden Guide to Midwest Annuals and Perennials (PM 1966, $8) — This guide features color photos and basic information about growing 300 annual and perennial flowers, Buck roses, ornamental grasses, herbs, vines and water plants.

Home Landscape, Understanding the Basics of Landscape Design (PM 2004, $6.50) — Color photos and diagrams show step-by-step how to use basic design elements to create a pleasing and functional space.

Annuals (PM 1942, $5) — This gardener’s guide includes 106 plant descriptions plus 186 color photos. A comparison chart makes it easy to choose plants by height or flower color. Recommendations are given for specific uses, such as drought tolerance, fragrance and cut-flower bouquets.

For work

ISU Extension Black Leather Portfolio (EDC 285, $25) — Go to your meetings in style. The main section closes with a zipper and features a notepad, a place for a pen and pockets to store documents and business cards.

ISU Extension red travel mug (EDC 276, $10) — This hard plastic mug (17 oz.) with black flexible plastic lid features the ISU Extension wordmark in white lettering, on a classic red background.

ISU Extension lanyard (EDC 323, $3) — Use this red lanyard to help keep track of keys, or wear it around your neck to display a name badge. It features the ISU Extension wordmark and Web site in white lettering.

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