ShopSmart's latest issue hits newsstands November 18, 2008. From the publisher of Consumer Reports, ShopSmart helps buyers make smart purchasing decisions on items they need every day.

YONKERS, N.Y., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was issued today by Consumer Reports:

FEATURES:

Favorite Products of the Year. See more than 50 items ShopSmart chose from the thousands of food, beauty, home and fitness products tested. Plus, 15 losers in 2008. (p. 22)

Shopping Secrets that Can Save You Hundreds. Check out 24 of the best money-saving and road-tested tips from readers and staffers. (p. 30)

Feel-Good Gifts for $50 or Less. Save the planet, help the needy and make a loved one happy with goodies from these 16 Web sites. (p. 34)

Beauty Blowout. The top-rated blow dryers and hair-straightening irons that blew ShopSmart testers away. (p. 47)

THE BUYING GUIDE:

Baby Steps. How to pick the best age-appropriate gifts for every child in your life this holiday season. (p. 78)

Post-Party Stain Busters. Whether it's red wine or eggnog, follow this expert holiday-stain survival guide for quick and easy cleanup when the party's over. Plus, a pre-party speed-cleaning plan and 5 spot-removing dos and don'ts. (p. 8)

House of Cards. Read this before you give (or get stuck with) worthless gift cards. (p. 16)

How to Buy Safe Toys. An easy 4-step holiday plan to make sure your gifts are free of lead and other dangers. Plus, 5 money-saving tips. (p. 76)

Cheap, Chic Party Tricks. ShopSmart reveals secrets to having a shindig with great food and drinks--for a lot less. These are treats that only look pricy. (p. 58)

Gizmo Gift Guide. Cool gadgets for every budget. Plus, where to get the best electronics deals. (p. 67)

Click and Give. Donate to a good cause without spending a dime by clicking on these 5 sites. (p. 11)

Meaty Matters. Follow these 7 tips to cut your risk of potentially deadly food-borne illnesses. (p. 17)

Pack it up. Carry-on suitcases that passed the test and what you should never put in your luggage. (p. 18)

Power Plays. 17 batteries were tested to find the best ones for toys, digital cameras, and more. (p. 72)

Don't Get Stranded. Car battery-maintenance tips and the top picks if yours poops out. (p. 82)

Also in this issue...

• Best GPS devices (p. 79)
• Best mascara (p. 20)
• Best store-bought pies (p. 55)
• Best chardonnays from $5 (p. 65)
• Best light vacuums (p. 6)
• Best toys for pets (p. 73)

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 for subscriptions. Visit www.ShopSmartmag.org.

SOURCE Consumer Reports