The latest issue of ShopSmart hits newsstands on November 17, 2009. From the publisher of Consumer Reports, ShopSmart helps buyers make smart purchasing decisions on items they need every day.

FEATURES:

Food Label Tricks & Truths. That food you put in your shopping cart might not be as healthful as it seams. ShopSmart shares how to recognize bogus labels and get the best stuff. Hint: Cheerios don’t work like a cholesterol-lowering drug. Plus, loony logos, new seals of approval and a guide to reading nutrition labels. (p. 22)

The Savvy Shopper. ShopSmart tells you what you need to know to avoid rip-offs and get what you pay for every time this holiday season and all year-round. (p. 30)

It’s A Wrap! Make even inexpensive gifts look impressive with do-it-yourself tricks for cheap, chic holiday wrappings. Also, 4 quick and easy steps to a perfect gift basket. (p. 38)

THE BUYING GUIDE:

Sex and the Supermarket. Your local grocer has become a one-stop shop for sex products. Shopsmart gives the rundown. Plus one condom to avoid.  (p. 55)

Canned Food Concern. ShopSmart uncovers one reason you might want to cut back on canned foods. (p. 14)

Sites to See. 14 great places to find last-minute gifts for everyone on your list, from beer lovers to bookworms. Also, find out which items topped the list of biggest online shopping disappoints. (p. 8)

Tip Sheet. ShopSmart asked 1,800 Americans about their holiday tipping. Find out the right amount to give your child’s schoolteacher, hairdresser, housekeeper and other service providers. (p. 5)

Mailing Holiday Gifts. Packing and mailing tips to avoid breaking the bank—and your gifts.   (p. 11)

Shiny Stuff We Love. The latest TVs, cameras and other great gadget gift ideas. (p. 71)

Fly Fee-Free. Big travel sites have cut airline booking charges, but watch out for other add-ons with this ShopSmart guide to travelling without travel fees. (p. 15)

Rip-off Alert! Don’t get snagged by these  5  holiday shopping  traps,  from  return  fees  to  phony  sales. (p. 16)

Perfect Kids’ Presents. Inexpensive toys that children will love and learn from. (p. 60)

Winter Yard Shape-Up. Easy ways to get your lawn and garden ready for the big chill. (p. 49)

Also in this issue…

• Best Batteries (p. 78)
• Best Coffeemakers (p. 47)
• Best Snow Blowers (p. 51)
• Store-Bought Gravies and Stuffings (p. 63)

About ShopSmart magazine:
Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon Consumer Reports’ celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. The magazine features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. ShopSmart is ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. 

ShopSmart is now available 10 times a year. Subscribe at www.ShopSmartmag.org.