Holiday Gift Guide for Essex County - December 2023

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GIFT GUIDE

DECEMBER 2023

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Make a holiday season shopping game plan with these insights The busiest shopping days of the 2023 holiday season are on the horizon. Industry experts point out that knowing these dates in advance can help you score great deals -- or beat the crowds -- depending on your shopping priorities.

“Amid inflation, the return of student loan repayments and other factors that could impact holiday spending, many consumers will be bargain hunting this year.

Since retailers are likely to plan promotions and experiences around the busiest shopping days of the year, if you’re on a budget, you should take note of when these days occur and adjust your plans accordingly,” says Brian Field, global leader of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions, a retail solutions provider of Johnson Controls. “And of course, it’s helpful to know these dates if you simply wish to avoid bumper-to-bumper parking lots and crowded store aisles.”

On average, the top 10 busiest shopping days in the United States account for approximately 40% of all holiday retail traffic, according to Sensormatic Solutions, which based on historical data, predicts those days will be: 1. Friday, Nov. 24 – Black Friday;

2. Saturday, Dec. 23 – Super Saturday; 3. Saturday, Dec. 16 – Third Saturday in December; 4. Friday, Dec. 22 – Friday before Christmas; 5. Saturday, Nov. 25 – Saturday after Black Friday;

6. Tuesday, Dec. 26 – Boxing Day; 7. Saturday, Dec. 9 – Second Saturday in December; 8. Saturday, Dec. 2 – First Saturday in December; 9. Saturday, Dec. 30 – Saturday after Christmas; and

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10. Sunday, Dec. 17 – Sunday before Christmas Eve. In addition to planning your spending around the top 10 shopping days, Field advises taking your own personality into consideration for the best shopper experience. For example, if you want to get a jump on the holiday season, Veterans’ Day, which falls on the second Saturday in November right before the start of the formal holiday shopping season, may be ideal, as retailers are likely to capitalize on the timing and go all-in on early promotions. However, if you are someone who prefers the excitement of finding lastminute deals, you should be aware that Super Saturday, the second predicted busiest shopping day of the season, falls very late this year on Dec. 23, and could be the last opportunity to wrap up shopping.

For more holiday shopping insights, visit sensormatic.com.

“Finding meaningful, fun and trendy gifts for friends and family is one of the best parts of the holiday season, especially when you have insights that will help you stretch your budget and shop with minimal stress,” says Field.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Best tech gifts for the person who has everything Most of us have at least one loved one who’s hard to shop for. Maybe it’s because they insist that they have everything they need already or perhaps they simply have discerning taste. To get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping, consider these five, functional and fun gift ideas that promise to impress even the most challenging gift recipients: 1. Portable power: Whether your loved one is a world traveler, tailgater, beach bum, remote worker or hot desker, the new M150 Portable Power Station from Duracell will be a game changer. Unlocking portable power so they can work and have fun from anywhere, it offers 150 watts of power and multiple USB ports for laptops, phones, tablets or other small electronics. Its chic, sleek design features a dimmable ring light and tiltable device holder with wireless charging capabilities.

With the tiltable lid, users can position their phones at an ideal and flattering angle for taking video conference calls and watching or recording videos.

It also features an integrated compartment that can safely store accessories like earbuds, adaptors and dongles, and its ultramodern charging dock has a low

enough profile to stylishly live on a bedside table or kitchen counter. Best of all, it weighs under 2 pounds, making it a convenient essential to toss into an everyday bag, pack into a carry-on, take in the car, or use in and around the house.

2. Intelligence, on one’s finger: Tracking biometrics doesn’t need to be clunky or come at the cost of fashion. Consider gifting your wellness-seeking loved one a smart ring. Worn just like any regular dec-

orative ring, these compact devices provide valuable insights into the user’s health, tracking measures like temperature, heart rate, daily activity and recovery, sleep quality, menstrual cycles and even stress. Look for a water-resistant, durable option that’s built to withstand the elements, especially if your gift recipient runs, bikes or hikes. If they’re a fashionista, that’s no problem, as many of these models are designed to be as sleek as wedding bands.

3. A better read: While not technically tech, blue light-blocking glasses are a tech-adjacent gift that will help your recipient enjoy their devices without experiencing disrupted sleep cycles and damage to the eyes. And fortunately, hip brands have horned in on the market, creating options that are as stylish as they are functional. The best models have scratchresistant and shatter-proof lenses, and offer both UV and blue light protection.

4. A brighter smile: Some of today’s electric toothbrushes connect to apps to provide real-time feedback for optimal brushing time and pressure, and have the ability to be customized based on a user’s specific dental care needs. To make your gift truly stand out, consider a model that features LED whitening technology for a two-in-one gift that promotes great dental health and a brighter smile at the same time.

5. A gift that keeps on giving: Undecided? A tech gadget subscription service will deliver a box of fun new gifts monthly or quarterly for as long as you choose and might include anything from a drone to a digital photo frame.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Give the gift of comfort this holiday season The holiday season is upon us and what better way to spread warmth and joy than by giving the gift of comfort? Use this gift guide to embrace coziness and style, while making the holiday season truly unforgettable for everyone on your list.

1. Snuggly Socks: Cozy socks are the perfect stocking stuffers to keep your loved ones feeling toasty all season long.

Choose from a variety of patterns and materials to match their style, whether it’s trendy animal prints or timeless solid colors. Socks not only add a touch of flair to winter outfits, but also keep gift recipients comfortably snug.

2. Fur-Lined Crocs: Crocs aren’t just for the summer! The brand’s versatile insulated options are perfect for both indoor relaxation and outdoor adventures. With a plush fur lining, they provide the cozy warmth needed to conquer chilly days. Whether running errands or lounging at home, fur-lined Crocs are the ideal gift to keep feet comfy and fashionforward.

3. Jibbitz Charms: Jibbitz, the iconic charms designed for Crocs, make for

delightful stocking stuffers that allow wearers to elevate and personalize their footwear. Choose from an assortment of shapes, colors and designs to reflect the

personality of everyone on your list.

4. Hats and Gloves: Winter accessories are practical and thoughtful gifts for the season. From knitted beanies and gloves

to fleece baseball caps, there are many styles to choose from, helping gift recipients feel stylish and put together while staying warm outdoors. These small but meaningful gifts showcase your attention to detail.

5. Luxurious Slippers: After a long day of festivities, there's nothing quite like slipping into a pair of luxurious slippers.

Whether your loved ones prefer faux fur or memory foam, slippers provide the ultimate relaxation experience, making them a fantastic gift choice for unwinding during the holiday season.

For heartwarming gift ideas that seamlessly blend comfort, style and functionality, visit rackroomshoes.com. For onestop-shopping, visit a Rack Room Shoes in your area, for more fun and exclusive accessories and stocking stuffers only available in store.

Want to spread cheer this holiday season? By shopping with cozy comfort in mind while keeping an eye on stylish details, you can help friends and family feel loved.

–StatePoint

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Craft your own holiday gift tags in 3 steps Infusing a little DIY into gift-giving adds a nice, personal touch to the holiday season. One simple, but impactful project to try this year is creating your own gift tags. It’s the first thing recipients see, and a great way to add your signature style to the look of your wrapped presents.

To help you get started, art materials supplier Sakura of America is sharing these easy, three-step instructions for creating your own gift tags: 1. Gather your materials. Here is what you’ll need to make your gift tags: • Archival, colorful pens, such as Gelly Roll Retractable pens • Cardstock circles, stars, hearts and other shapes • A hole punch • Twine or ribbon • Scissors • Your creativity 2. Make your tags. Draw creative, seasonal designs on your cardstock shapes, like a snowflake or wreath, using Gelly

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Roll Retractable pens. Offering unlimited possibilities for your gift tags, they’re available in 12 colors and three ink effects to write smoothly on an array of paper colors and types.

Hint: If you have dark, coated, matte or lightly colored paper stock, use a metallic or white Gelly Roll Retractable pen. If you have white or light uncoated paper stock, try a stardust (glitter) or classic Gelly Roll Retractable pen.

Punch a hole near the edge of the cardstock and thread twine or ribbon through.

3. Tag your gift. Take your threaded gift tags and flip them over. Fill out the opposite side for your lucky recipients. Tie on to your presents for a personal, extrathoughtful touch. Gift proudly!

For more crafting and seasonal inspiration, visit sakuraofamerica.com.

Using fun shapes and innovative colors, you can handcraft something special this season for everyone on your list.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 From playtime to bedtime: Gifts that make kids’ days special Searching for the perfect holiday gifts for little ones? Think about their daily activities and consider how you can make those moments more special. From playtime to bedtime, here are five holiday gift ideas that infuse fun and wonder into kids’ routines: Bath time comfort If bath time could use a little revamp, consider a set of bath toys. While rubber ducks are a classic option, today’s bath toys don’t just float, they also spray water, spin, make music and light up, keeping babies and toddlers occupied and engaged while getting clean. Pair this gift with an animal bath wrap, so that getting out of the tub is just as fun. Ducks, bears and dinosaurs are some of the cutest and coziest options, and are great for the pool and beach, too.

Time to build Kids can get started on their very first DIY projects with the Drill & Learn Workbench from VTech. With nine included project ideas, young builders can learn to use its drill, drill press, sander, circular saw, screwdriver, vise and hammer. Three modes allow young builders to listen to

music while they work, explore sounds and facts about each tool, and show off their discoveries in quiz mode. Storage and trays help kids keep a tidy workspace so they’ll be ready for their next project.

Glamour and magic Bring magic into playtime with the Style & Glam On Unicorn. Kids can choose from six glamorous accessories to

decorate the unicorn’s horn and tail, then hear the unicorn describe each accessory, helping kids explore colors, counting, feelings and more. Kids can coordinate the color of the unicorn’s star by pressing the gem on her necklace, or place an accessory on her horn to see her star change color to match. Music adds to the dress-up party fun, and her horn and

star will flash to the beat.

Creative mealtimes Make meals more creative with BPAfree, silicone placemats that can be doodled on again and again, and a set of colorful dry erase markers. Easy to clean and featuring designs meant to educate and entertain, they offer parents convenience and little ones endless fun.

Bedtime stories Storytime With Sunny is not just a bedside lamp, but also an animated and entertaining friend and storyteller that invites participation in more than 300 activities. Sunny shares fairy tales, classic songs, guessing games, silly jokes and tongue twisters, and also encourages good manners, leads little ones in mindfulness exercises, and teaches healthy habits, such as brushing teeth. When the day is done, set the gentle alarm, and let kids take a quiet moment with Sunny as she leads them in a bedtime routine. They will fall asleep to her softly glowing light.

From sunrise to sunset, great holiday gifts can help you bring magic, fun and creativity into every part of the day.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 The best holiday gifts for teachers on your list Have some teachers in your life? Use this subject-by-subject holiday gift guide to help them level up their lesson plans: History Spark a vibrant classroom discussion every day with the History Channel’s This Day in History boxed calendar. Featuring brief explanations of extraordinary happenings throughout the ages -- from groundbreaking inventions to declarations of war -- teachers, and their students -- will be treated to a breadth of information that can deepen their understanding of world events, all before they even begin their official coursework.

STEM The latest enhancement to the scientific calculator is the fx-991CW ClassWiz from Casio, a gift well-suited for any advanced high school- or college-level math, science or engineering instructor.

With an all-new quadruple graded LCD display and intuitive design, users will be able to easily find their cursor while writing and modifying expressions. Its circular, convex buttons prevent the mis-keying of information, helping teachers ace their lectures and demonstrations. With the ability to store up to nine variables,

English Keep English teachers excited about their subject matter with Book of the Month. This service offers subscribers a choice of one of five to seven fiction books each month.

Books range from literary fiction to thrillers and even YA to interest readers of all kinds.

As the gift giver, you can choose between a 3, 6- or 12-book membership, which recipients can receive at their own pace. Who knows? Your gift may just motivate them to create their own after school book club that will inspire their students to engage with literature on a deeper level.

Physical Education Whether they’re running drills, refereeing the game or simply getting the class’s attention, your favorite PE teacher or team coach will feel their most official with a custom engraved whistle. Personalized with their name and favorite sport, they’ll feel both loved and appreciated on Photo Source: (c) Rawpixel / iStock via Getty Images Plus the court and field, and the results will which can contain integers, computations, device, solutions can be graphed and visu- show all season long.

This holiday season, get creative with and functions that will persist in the cal- alized through ClassPad.net, a free online culator’s memory between uses, teachers tool that supports student learning by your gift-giving, finding meaningful gifts will be ready to pick up where they left off offering a clean and versatile workspace for teachers who are passionate about between class sessions. By partnering the for computation, graphing, geometry, sta- what they do.

–StatePoint ClassWiz with an internet-capable mobile tistics and more.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Brightening the holiday season for the military community As we enter the holiday season and Americans across the country look forward to spending time with family, thousands of service members deployed overseas – some in the Middle East in response to the Israel-Hamas war – will not have that luxury and will be spending the holidays far away from loved ones.

Here is how USO Holidays programming delivers a piece of home to them, along with ideas for how you can get involved: 1. Care packages: A care package might seem small in light of the challenges of deployment, but for many service members, they’re a reminder that they’re not forgotten by Americans back home. Aside from standard USO Care Packages, which contain snacks or toiletries, USO Holidays Care Packages have festive treats and goodies, such as holiday candies, cozy socks and a warm beanie, that help bridge the gap between home and the frontlines.

This year, the USO will deliver 50,000 holiday packages to over 250 locations globally.

2. Holiday traditions: Giving up treasured family traditions can be difficult.

That’s why USO Centers and USO Mobile teams host holiday meals for service members and their families, complete with special treats ranging from pumpkin and sweet potato pie to hot cocoa bars. Each December, USO Holidays Cookie Week celebrates the time-honored tradition of baking and decorating cookies, putting service members and military families in the holiday spirit wherever they are located. Other seasonal programming can include tree decorating, arts and crafts, holiday-themed movie nights and ugly sweater competitions. Through these activities, service

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know, holiday travel can be especially taxing. Thousands of service members and trainees from military installations across the country participate in the Holiday Block Leave period, many traveling through some of the busiest airports in the United States to be with their families during the holidays. USO airport centers can alleviate some of that stress for service members and trainees by providing a place to relax and unwind before the next leg of their journey, along with all the comfort items they need.

To learn more about these programs Photo Courtesy of USO Photos members stationed far from home can still and how to support them, and for ideas on how to reach out to the military commumake holiday memories.

3. Connections to home: Staying con- nity to express your thanks during the nected to family during the holidays can holidays and throughout the year, visit be difficult for service members stationed uso.org/campaign/holidays.

The holiday season can look very differoverseas, particularly for those in or near regions in conflict such as Eastern Europe ent for service members and military famor the Middle East. The USO Reading Pro- ilies who must celebrate while separated gram enables deployed service members from loved ones and home in all corners of to record themselves reading a book to the world. Bringing everyone together on their child. Then, the recording and a copy special days fosters camaraderie and posiof the book are sent to that service mem- tivity, and provides a welcome break from the demands of military life. ber’s family.

–StatePoint 4. Happy travels: As most people

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 How to host holidays that are fun and affordable From getting your home ready for guests and finding the perfect gifts to preparing a delicious meal, the holidays can seem overwhelming and expensive – but they don’t have to be. Take the following steps to save time and money.

Prepping Your Home To get your home ready for holiday hosting, begin by decluttering surface areas such as tables and kitchen counters.

Next, take an inventory and purchase any additional cleaning supplies you’ll need for a deep clean. Remember, air care products like festive candles or sprays can freshen cleaned spaces. Next, decorate by sprinkling different holiday décor pieces in the rooms’ focal points. For example, add themed table settings in the dining room and wrap holiday garland around fixtures such as the fireplace mantle or staircase.

Making the Menu Food is a unifying component of any holiday celebration. Set a menu that consists of a variety of appetizers, light snacks, side dishes, entrees and desserts to accommodate guests’ cravings and preferences. Consider using healthier

variations of the season’s comforting and tasty dishes with DG Better For You recipes, which include Potato Crusted Chicken and Green Bean Casserole.

Before heading to the store, write your grocery list in advance and buy private brand products to stretch your budget.

Gift Guide Shopping for the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be easy when using DG’s holiday gift guide found at dollargeneral.com. Consider placing three self-care products such as soap, a face mask and a bath bomb into a decorative basket with tissue paper to shine on presentation. To have children of all ages jumping for joy, save on national toy brands at your local Dollar General such as Melissa & Doug, LEGO, Fisher-Price, Play Doh, Barbie and Pokémon.

For additional savings, use DG’s app for digital coupons and weekly ads with new sales and promotions.

By planning ahead, you can celebrate this season in style and within budget, giving you more time to create lasting memories with friends and family!

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Holiday gift ideas to promote healthy, happy feet Want to show your loved ones you truly care? Treat their feet this holiday season.

“Feet work hard. They carry our weight and get us where we need to go. They deserve some extra care and attention,” said Gretchen Lawrence DPM, AACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon and associate member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

To help inspire you, here are six holiday gift ideas that promote healthy, happy feet from the foot and ankle surgeons of ACFAS: 1. Winter footwear. Outfit your loved one with the footwear they need for the season. Just keep in mind, safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of fashion.

While boots featuring tall, spiked heels and narrow, pointed toes can lead to slips, falls and sprains on icecovered surfaces, there are plenty of practical options that are also stylish.

“A low-heeled winter boot is always going to be more fashionable than a cast and crutches,” said Dr. Lawrence.

“Include some soft merino wool socks for toasty toes and to wick away moisture that can cause issues like athlete’s foot.”

2. Healthy food subscription services. Did you know that certain foods support healthy feet? Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, like leafy greens and dairy products, promote strong bones (there are 26 of them in each foot) and healing in the event of a fracture. Look into food box subscriptions that will send fresh produce, cheese or nuts to your gift recipient, so they can enjoy

delicious foods that can help build strong bones.

3. Indoor footwear. Slippers provide cozy comfort, support and traction while indoors, making them a great gift for any pair of feet. However, if you’re shopping for someone living with diabetes, this is an especially thoughtful option as they must take extra care to avoid scratches and cuts on their feet. Because the condition sometimes reduces blood flow to that area, it’s harder to heal from an injury or resist infection.

“People with diabetes should never go barefoot, not

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even at home. A great pair of slippers is a perfect holiday gift to protect their feet,” Dr. Lawrence said.

4. Ice packs. Ice packs make great stocking stuffers for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, a common condition that can cause stabbing heel pain. One of the first-line strategies foot and ankle surgeons recommend is icing the heel for 20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and pain. Get creative by looking for ice packs in fun shapes and colors.

5. Be a workout buddy. Weight-bearing exercise, like walking, can decrease your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease and promotes good overall health, especially for your feet. Make a plan to go for regular walks with your loved one. They’ll appreciate your special time together while you both benefit from the gift of good health.

6. Foot massage. A foot massage can alleviate muscle pain, improve circulation and soothe tired feet. Manual massage is the safest approach, so ask your foot and ankle surgeon for referrals to a qualified massage therapist and purchase a gift card for a professional therapeutic foot massage.

With holiday gifts that promote healthy feet, you can help your loved ones feel comfortable, pampered and safe at home and on winter streets.

For more healthy feet inspiration, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

– StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Holidays Give the gift of better mornings The holiday season is the perfect time to show your friends and family you care about their well-being. And what better way to do that than with the gift of better mornings? From stay-at-home parents to nine-to-fivers, here are three gift ideas that will improve the early hours of their day.

1. Rise and shine: A morning is only as good as the night of sleep that preceded it. A Restore device from Hatch, including wind down routines, soothing music, guided sleep exercises and sleep stories and sounds, can make falling and staying asleep easier at night. In the morning, an alarm light with 22 different colors makes for a gentler, individualized wake-up call, setting the tone for a peaceful and productive day.

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reheat cold coffee and means that whether one is stuck in an in-person meeting or a video call, their beverage will stay the right temperature the entire time. With three settings, Warm (130 degrees), Hot (140 degrees) and Piping (150 degrees), there is room to customize one’s drink and enjoy it for hours. Ideal for home, the office or the home office, you can brighten and improve mornings, wherever they take place. To learn more, visit nextmug.com.

3. Jazz up the shower: Take shower time to new heights by letting your loved one bring their favorite audio entertainment in there with them, be it an intellectually stimulating podcast that broadens their horizons or their favorite pop tunes.

For students, this gift could even improve their academic success. With so many textbooks now available as audio recordings, shower time can become an opportunity to creatively squeeze in a study session and brush up on the latest material.

Just make sure the speaker is listed as safe for the shower and that it can be hung or mounted easily.

This holiday season, brighten your loved ones’ year ahead with gifts that make mornings easier, and more joyful and productive.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Tips to ease the stress of holiday tasks From greeting cards to seasonal to-do lists, there’s a lot to write down and keep track of during the holidays.

Use these tips and recommendations to reduce stress while you complete these important tasks: • To-do lists: Whether you’re listing the gifts you must buy for loved ones, the groceries you need to prepare a holiday feast, or the tasks you must complete before your guests arrive, writing and referencing a lengthy to-do list can be anxiety provoking.

However, choosing the colors of your stationery and writing utensils wisely can ease these feelings and spur you to action. The colors in the G2 gel ink pen’s limited-edition Harmony Collection were formulated to create an oasis of calm.

Color psychology suggests that gray represents neutrality and balance, iris blue is meditative with a touch of magic, apricot orange balances energy and is relaxing, salmon signifies hope, health and happiness, grape connotes harmony and rose pink inspires grace, gratitude and joy. Choose colors according to your mood, then, keep your lists posted prominently, such as on your desk, or at eye level on the fridge, so you stay on top of tasks. After completing an item, cross it out for a sense of immediate accomplishment.

• Calendars and planners: Plans can change quickly during the hectic holiday season, so be prepared to adapt to evolving schedules, while keeping everyone in the family updated. When entering such seasonal events as holiday office parties, cookie swaps and school plays into your calendar or planner, be sure to use ink that erases cleanly, so you

can revise repeatedly as needed. Pilot’s FriXion line of erasable pens come in a variety of hues, making them a great choice for vibrant and easy color coding.

• Gift tags: Sometimes it’s the littlest details that count the most. To ensure loved ones find their names clearly on all the items they receive from you this holiday season, be sure to use a rolling ball pen, such as the Precise Deco pen, to allow for clean lines, even on small gift tags. To personalize gift tags a bit, draw a cute little doodle or cartoon specific to each gift recipient, such as their favorite seasonal symbols, animals or abstract designs.

• Holiday cards: The holiday season is the perfect time to catch friends and family up on the events of the past year.

While all that note-writing is a beautiful way to stay connected to the people that matter most, it can lead to writing fatigue. To write and address your greeting cards with more ease and less stress, use a tool such as Dr. Grip, a wide body ergonomic pen with a comfortable rubber grip. Its smoothwriting ink dries quickly to help avoid smears, so your sentiments won’t get muddled. To prepare envelopes in bulk, use a wet cotton ball to moisten the glue seal, then press firmly down on each envelope. Post your notes using fun, festive seasonal stamps. For more seasonal tips and inspiration, visit powertothepen.com.

As your holiday to-do list grows, you may be feeling a bit frazzled. Having the right tools on hand can help you complete all your tasks with ease.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Holiday gift ideas that make learning fun for kids Want to deepen children’s understanding of the world around them? The holiday season is the perfect time to do that. Educational gifts and toys can extend the learning fun throughout the year and embolden them to make exciting discoveries every day.

• Starry-eyed: Bring the night sky closer to the little ones in your life. With the Magic Adventures Telescope from LeapFrog, fledgling astronomers can focus on the moon at night or nature during the day at up to 110x zoom, and even capture and save images of what they see. This real telescope is accompanied by 20 Cosmic Cards featuring images and fun facts about objects in space, and more than 100 videos and images courtesy of NASA and the European Space Agency on such topics as the solar system, the Moon, star life cycles, constellations, space discoveries and more. A detachable tripod allows for steadier scientific exploration and its adventure game will have kids dodging planetary hazards, powering on satellites and rebooting robots.

• Coding building blocks: Many of the newest hands-on coding kits don’t even require a screen to get started. With block-based programming tools, young engineers can get problem-solving experience while beginning to develop the computational mindset needed to code. What’s more, the featured games and challenges can make the learning process fun, versatile and interactive.

• Tiny worlds: Help kids realize just how cool sci-

ence and the world around them can be with the Magic Adventures Microscope, which offers 200x magnification. Budding biologists can zoom in on flowers, animals, food, minerals and more using eight double-sided smart slides that activate amazing BBC videos and images to discover answers to curious questions like: What do plant cells look like? What is sand made of anyway? Kids can then make their own discoveries by finding things

around the house and getting a closer look using the reusable slides or large sample tray. This innovative take on a classic microscope allows kids to save on-screen images, and even features a quiz game to put their new STEAM skills to the test.

• Mini masterpieces: Inspire little ones to express themselves through the visual arts with a comprehensive, mixed-media art supply kit. Whether you buy a ready-made kit or stock it and package it up yourself, be sure it includes all the age-appropriate essentials: markers, crayons, colored pencils, paints, brushes, paper and pencil sharpeners.

• Globe-trotting: Young explorers can travel the world and see everything in it with the Magic Adventures Globe. Using the stylus, children can tap on the 10-inch interactive learning globe and experience new places, languages, cultures, animals, geography, habitats and more through high-quality BBC videos. Its integrated 2.7-inch video screen immerses kids in the curriculum through animations and live-action videos, providing a better understanding of the world. They can also play interactive games to explore the globe, challenge a friend and solve mysteries.

This holiday season, encourage a love of knowledge and self-expression. With so many fun learning tools and toys to choose from, you can make the jolliest season of the year a time to get inspired.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 ’Tis the season for scams: Five ways to protect you and your family In today’s hyper-connected digital universe, cyber criminals have more information than ever before, with the ability to reach you through unsecure public Wi-Fi, your email inbox, via text message and more.

According to a Scam and Robocall Report from TMobile, Americans lost an estimated $39.5 billion to phone scams in 2022. Lucky for you, there are several ways to protect and safeguard your personal information to help prevent scammers from scammin’ this holiday season.

1. Avoid Public USB Ports: Traveling by plane this holiday season? The FCC warns that cyber criminals can download malware to public USB charging ports to gain access to your information. Prevent this by using an AC power outlet instead.

2. Beware of Charity Scams: It’s the season of giving, but the FCC warns many cyber criminals take advantage by creating fake charities staged as real nonprofit organizations to gain access to your payment information. Woof. To prevent this, don’t click on suspicious email or text links and verify the organization is registered at the National Association of State Charity Officials or Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance before donating this holiday season.

3. Screen Your Calls: Scammers are continuously upping their game, with total robocall attempts up 75% from 2021 to 2022. Detecting whether an incoming call is a potential scam isn’t always easy, but T-Mobile’s Scam Shield app makes it simple. Free to all T-Mobile cus-

scam calls. Take that, tricksters. To learn more, visit tmobile.com/scamshield.

4. Shop Smarter Online: According to Statista, 57% of holiday shoppers plan to use their smartphone to make holiday purchases this year, and scammers are onto them, ramping up activity during the two weeks before Christmas. To minimize any cyber Grinches trying to steal your personal info, monitor your financial accounts regularly for suspicious charges and sign up for your bank or credit card company’s text or email notifications to stay on top of fraudulent activity.

5. Use Secure Tools: Safeguard your online accounts with Multi-Factor Authentication, which requires users to enter two different kinds of information to log in, like a password and one-time PIN code. It’s like having a digital bouncer to make sure only you get into your accounts. Another protection is a password managPhoto by Tero Vesalainen / iStock via Getty Images Plus er, giving you the ability to securely store passwords tomers, Scam Shield enhances your scam-blocking pro- across multiple platforms and websites. The tool also tections so you can say goodbye to scam calls. In 2022 provides an autofill password function and a new passalone, Scam Shield identified or blocked 41.5 billion word generator. scam calls in the T-Mobile network. That’s a whopping To learn more about the industry’s top fraud trends 1,317 calls identified or blocked every second. With Scam and how to stay protected from scammers year-round, Shield, when the network detects a potential scam call, it check out T-Mobile’s Scam Shield Report found at tis flagged and displayed as “Scam Likely” on your device. mobile.com/news.

Customers who want even more protection can downWhile cyber threats are on the rise, you can sleigh load the Scam Shield app or dial #662# from their T- scams by staying vigilant and incorporating these best Mobile smartphone to enable Scam Block, which auto- practices into your life this holiday season. matically blocks any calls that match the database of –StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Five tips for getting children involved in holiday traditions The holiday season is a magical time of year filled with cherished traditions that bring families together. And while gift-giving is one of the most beloved customs (especially for children), it can sometimes overshadow the true spirit of the season. Here are a few festive winter activities that focus on quality time together and spreading joy.

1. Spread Joy with Kid-Created Cards. According to a recent survey from AmericanGreetings.com, nearly 90% of Americans say that season's greetings bring them joy; and 92% say they specifically enjoy kids’ homemade cards. This year, eliminate the stress of planning holiday cards — and teach kids about spreading cheer — with the Creatacard app for iPad. The easy-to-use app from American Greetings allows kids to create, color and customize cards using virtual tools, including markers, photo frames, stamps and stickers. Once complete, the greeting can be sent via email, text, or on social media. It’s a simple, cost-effecPhoto By Farknot Architect / Jacquie Lawson tive and personalized way to teach them about bringing petition with a decorating contest. You can also pair this joy to others.

2. Quality Time in the Kitchen. Kids love sweet activity with a cozy movie night or deliver treats to neightreats, so start involving them with baking and decorat- bors and family members to teach the importance of ing traditional holiday goodies. In addition to being an kindness and giving.

3. Deck the Halls. A perfect holiday tradition for excellent way to spend time together as a family, the tradition teaches them cooking basics, like reading recipes the whole family to get involved in is the Christmas tree. and measuring ingredients. Be sure to make it fun with Whether it’s a trip to pick out a real tree, or setting up an plenty of frosting and sprinkles, or even add some com- artificial one, you can make it an adventure from set-up

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to decoration. Plus, crafting homemade ornaments each year is the perfect kid contribution. Not only will they take pride in their creations, but each year will spark a bit of holiday nostalgia.

4. Interactive Christmas Countdown. According to a recent survey, what do 94% of Americans say increases the excitement of the holiday season? Advent calendars. But this year, skip the paper versions and get the whole family engaged with the interactive Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar. The unique virtual calendar offers breathtaking illustrations of a fictional English country estate with exciting features unlocked daily in December. From a scavenger hunt to music, daily gifts, animated stories, books, games, creative activities, puzzles, and so much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and look forward to each day of the season.

5. Teach the Spirit of Giving. While it can sometimes be easier to do the holiday shopping yourself, involving kids in gift-giving can teach them the thoughtfulness behind selecting meaningful gifts. If you have a large family, consider a Secret Santa where everyone shops for one specific family member. This is also a good opportunity to help kids make homemade gifts with more sentimental value.

By incorporating these tips into your holiday traditions, you will create lasting memories, instill valuable lessons and celebrate the joy of giving with your family.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Reduce stress and promote happiness with this holiday gift guide Mental health is a critical part of overall wellness. And this holiday season, you can support the well-being of your loved ones with thoughtful gift-giving. From stocking stuffers to big reveal items, use this gift guide below to put a smile on the face of loved ones: • Bath bombs: Bath bombs can be used to create a spa-like environment at home and are a great choice for anyone who needs a gentle reminder to unwind.

Be sure to select bath bombs made from such calming ingredients as lavender, bergamot and ylang-ylang for an added aromatherapy boost.

• A weighted blanket: Over 40 million people in the United States have longterm, chronic sleep disorders. Sleep deprivation is not only often caused by poor mental health, it can also exacerbate issues like anxiety and depression. Help your gift recipient get higher quality sleep with a weighted blanket. Cozy and comfortable on cool nights, they use pressure therapy to mimic the feeling of being hugged or held, and can help alleviate

symptoms of anxiety, sleep disorders, ADHD and autism in children and adults.

• A new ride: A bicycle represents the freedom to explore the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, make memories and establish routines that promote physical and mental wellbeing. From traditional mountain bikes and cruisers to battery ride-ons and e-bikes, Huffy offers bikes for both kids and adults alike have more functions and features than ever before, and promise to bring the wow factor during gift-giving. For kids and teens age 8-15, consider the Green Machine, which is engineered to allow 180-degree drifts and turns, and offers dual-lever pivot steering. This trike has LED light effects and adjustable seating supports a wide range of rider heights so that it can grow with a younger gift recipient.

• Culinary inspiration: For those who love to bake, the “Mind over Batter” cookbook by licensed psychotherapist and baker, Jack Hazan, will combine their passion with a little self-care.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Elevate holiday hosting: upgrades for effortless entertaining Putting together a holiday feast is no easy feat.

Anyone who has prepared a multi-course meal knows just how difficult it can be to time everything properly, and to find storage and cooking space for each component of the meal. However, with the following kitchen update ideas, your preparations can be seamless and stress-free.

A two-zone air fryer Love your air fryer? There’s good news. New innovative two-zone air fryer models offer twice the functionality, versatility and convenience of traditional air fryers within a small footprint.

Using the Midea 11QT Two-Zone Air Fryer Oven, you can prepare two fully independent meals, or a meal and side dish, simultaneously. The top portion has a 6-quart air frying basket that is large enough to cook a whole 6pound chicken, while the bottom 5-quart traditional toaster oven is large enough to cook a 9-inch pizza. Use its Sync Finish feature to automatically align cooking times so that all your dishes are ready to serve at precisely the same time. No more cold mashed potatoes!

Occupying only about two-thirds the counter space of both a traditional single-basket air fryer and toaster oven, you can air fry, bake, grill, roast, and keep items warm with one appliance, and still have room for all your other kitchen activities. Also, Wi-Fi capabilities through the SmartHome app allow for voice-activated control and the execution of pre-programmed smart recipes for flawless meal prep.

A versatile faucet Still working with a standard faucet? Think about upgrading to a more versatile model that includes such special features as a pull-down sprayer for targeted rinsing of large pots and pans, and touchless operation for the elimination of messes, smudges, cross-contamination and other hazards and irritations that come with cooking and baking. Whether you’re prepping the holiday bird or kneading the pie dough, there are times when it’s best not to touch anything, including the handle of

the faucet. Some of today’s models even offer LED color changes to indicate the water temperature, so you don’t get burned by the wrong faucet choice.

A better fridge If organizing your fridge during holiday hosting feels like a game of Tetris, it may be time to upgrade. Boasting 29.3 cubic feet of storage space, the Midea MRF29D6AST Standard Depth French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker could become your ultimate holiday helper this year, making room for all the festive favorites, from turkey to pie.

Its Click & Glide door bin effortlessly accommodates beverage bottles without any shelf reshuffling, and the dual ice maker in the refrigerator and freezer ensures up to 8 pounds of ice daily, keeping drinks chilled and guests refreshed. Drink fresher water with the instant water filtration technology, which filters drinking water as it dispenses it, as opposed to allowing filtered water to stagnate in a tank.

Finally, Wi-Fi and Voice Control mean you can receive real-time alerts, and adjust temperature settings remotely, without needing to open the refrigerator doors, keeping ingredients as fresh as possible.

Holidays spent with loved ones should be a reprieve from day-to-day responsibilities, not another item on your to-do list. Fortunately, there are many solutions and upgrades to make the season the most wonderful time of the year for holiday hosts and home cooks, too.

–StatePoint

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Give your holiday guests ‘pumpkin’ to talk about Nothing evokes the spirit of the holidays more powerfully than the hearty aroma of seasonal dishes and treats.

To help you share in the joy, nostalgia and tastes of the season, while making meaningful new memories, the McCormick brand is putting twists on classic favorites with its recent release of a limited-edition collection of holidaythemed doughnut bites in partnership with Dough Doughnuts.

As part of this reinvention of classic holiday dishes, they’re sharing their Pumpkin Pie Spice Doughnut recipe inspired by the collection, so you can give guests “pumpkin” to talk about. Incorporating McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice into the dough and filling, these homemade doughnuts are topped with a pumpkin glaze and mouthwatering cinnamon pecan streusel for an extra-sweet finish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Servings: 24 Ingredients: Dough: • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 teaspoons instant yeast • 1 tablespoon McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice • 1 egg • 3/4 cup milk • 4 tablespoons butter, melted • 1 teaspoon McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract • 6 cups peanut oil or vegetable shortening, for frying Filling: • 1 cup pumpkin puree • 1/2 cup canned vanilla frosting • 1 teaspoon McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice • 1/8 teaspoon salt Glaze: • 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar • 1 tablespoon water Topping: • 1 cup finely chopped pecans • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar • 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon Instructions: 1. For the dough, whisk flour, sugar, salt, yeast and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk egg, milk, melted butter and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to flour mixture, mixing until dough comes together. Mix until well blended and dough begins to pull away from bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest 5 minutes. Turn dough out onto light-

ly-floured surface. Knead 6 to 8 minutes until dough forms a smooth, soft ball. (Or use stand mixer on low speed 6-8 minutes.)

2. Spray large bowl with no-stick cooking spray. Place dough ball in bowl. Spray lightly with no-stick cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap. Store in warm, draftfree place to rise until doubled in size, about 1.5-2 hours.

3. Meanwhile, whisk all filling ingredients in medium bowl until well blended.

Transfer to piping bag fitted with small tip. Refrigerate until ready to fill doughnuts.

4. Whisk all glaze ingredients in small bowl until smooth; set aside. Mix all topping ingredients in separate small bowl; set aside.

5. Once dough has doubled in size, transfer to lightly-floured surface.

Knead 2 minutes to work out large air bubbles, sprinkling with additional flour as needed if dough is sticky. Roll out dough into large circle, about 1/2-inch thick. Cut out doughnut shapes using a 2-inch round cutter, re-rolling scraps as needed. Place doughnuts on lightlyfloured rimmed baking sheet. Spray plastic wrap with no-stick cooking spray and cover doughnuts. Return doughnuts to a warm, draft-free place to rise 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until dough is proofed and puffy.

6. Meanwhile, fill large, deep skillet with 2 inches of oil. Heat to 350 degrees F. Working in batches of four to six, carefully place doughnuts in hot oil. Fry 2 min-

utes per side, until golden brown and puffed. Remove with tongs or slotted spoon; place on wire rack lined with paper towels. Cool completely.

7. Poke a hole in the side of each doughnut, using a wooden skewer or small paring knife, being careful not to poke all the way through. Pipe filling into opening, dividing evenly among doughnuts. Dip top of each doughnut in glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then immediately dip in pecan topping. Turn right side up and place on wire rack to set. Serve immediately.

This holiday season, let flavor and spice bring family and friends together, and transform your ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

–StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Upgrade the kitchen with these holiday gift ideas The holiday season is the perfect time of year to upgrade the kitchens of home chefs with the latest tech and tools. Here are three cool holiday gift ideas that will elevate the way your loved ones cook, host and clean up.

Smarter Composting According to a recent report, the United States discards more food than any other country in the world, equating to 325 pounds of waste per person annually, with nearly half this waste generated in home kitchens.

Whether you’re shopping for someone living in a region with mandatory composting or simply someone striving to be more sustainable at home, you can now gift them an effective solution to this issue.

While many people are aware of the environmental benefits of composting, such as reducing food waste, diverting trash from landfills and enriching garden soil, composting has also garnered a reputation for being time-consuming, messy and emitting unpleasant odors.

Fortunately, new technology is addressing these challenges, making composting a convenient, clean and odor-free process for any household kitchen.

The THINKWARE BLUEVENT MUMU is the world’s first AI-powered smart food composter to use a new cutting-edge Metal Organic Framework (MOF) to block and inhibit the propagation of fungi to ensure clean and harmless use. Smart technology automatically measures food waste by weight then automates the disposal process accordingly. Additionally, AI storage automati-

minute, according to Giving Compass. Unfortunately, the majority of them never get recycled. Help your loved one reduce their own contribution to this growing problem and bestow upon them an endless supply of carbonated beverages with a sparkling water maker. With a slim countertop profile, they’ll be able to transform tap water into seltzer in just a few easy steps. This gift is great for mixologists who love to make and batch fizzy mocktails and cocktails for parties, as well as anyone with a thirst for reducing plastic waste.

Precision Cooking Today’s kitchen scales don’t just simply weigh ingredients for precision cooking and baking, they also connect to smartphone apps for real-time nutritional analysis, recipe inspiration and instruction, and more. The best models ping the user’s device when they’ve added the correct amount of a given ingredient, easily toggle between different units of measurecally monitors food temperature and humidity to prevent ment, and allow users to save and share recipes via spoilage. In summary, it eliminates the need for guess- the app. This makes for a great gift for beginner cooks work, leading to more successful composting. With a who want to get a feel for measurements, expert bakpowerful, triple-activated carbon eco filter, this 4-liter ers looking for better results, those focused on portion capacity composter is odorless and whisper-quiet at just control in the New Year, and anyone looking to opti20 decibels. It is now available at Amazon.com, Wal- mize food prep. mart.com, eBay.com, Newegg.com and ThinkwareBy putting game-changing smart kitchen appliances store.com. at the top of your holiday shopping list, you can brighten Sparkling Water on Demand the season for home chefs.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Three ways to take the stress out of holiday hosting The holiday season is one of the best times of the year! Between cooking, cleaning and keeping guests entertained, it can also be pretty demanding on your time and energy.

In fact, during the holiday season, adults are five times more likely to say the level of stress in their life increases rather than decreases, according to the American Psychiatric Institute.

This year, make life easier for yourself with these stress-reducing holiday entertaining tips: Meal prep Getting ahead on meal prep can mean more time spent with friends and family.

If you’re tasked with serving a big holiday meal, prep the main dishes a day or two ahead of time so you can just pop them into the oven the day of your holiday feast.

You can also brine and season turkey, prepare your glaze and score the ham, chop veggies and pre-mix salad dressings the night before. Festive beverages can be batched in advance so guests can easily serve themselves, helping you stay calm and collected during your party. And of course, don’t feel shy about asking friends

and family to contribute a dish.

Have dessert ready Whether you’re throwing a holiday bash or expecting overnight guests, you’ll be the host with the most if you have delicious desserts on hand. Fortunately, serving baked goods made with care and quality ingredients is easier than you think!

Stick with the classics like Entenmann’s – a 125-year-old brand with many delicious options to choose from. Powdered Pop’ettes will satisfy your guests’ sweet cravings, Pop’ems Glazed Donut Holes are great for bite-sized snacking, and Baker’s Delights Mini Crumb Cake has a rich and delicious homemade taste. Convenient choices such as these can keep you prepared for the night ahead should the doorbell surprise you with carolers or other visitors. They can also round out a buffet spread, help you end a multi-course feast on a sweet note or simplify breakfast for overnight guests. All you’ll need to do is put the coffee on!

Plan a game night If your overnight guests will be spending more than a night or two at your home, you can keep them happy and

Happy Holidays From

entertained with some activities that require very little planning but are a lot of fun. For example, you can organize a game night, which is a nice way to maximize your time together. Pick a few games that are well-suited for the size of the crowd and the age of the players. Remember, the best choices for a party are games that inspire conversations, teamwork and creativity. Or plan a movie marathon,

picking some holiday themed crowd favorites in advance. You can simplify feeding your guests during these low-key activities by putting out some finger foods like crudité, popcorn, pretzels and donut holes.

With a few tips and strategies, you can ensure holiday entertaining goes as smoothly as possible.

–StatePoint

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Hazard prevention: Several steps to a safer holiday season As the holidays approach, you might be hosting guests, shopping for gifts and decorating your home. While all these activities can bring a lot of joy into the season, they can also bring an increase in risks.

Prepare by following these six tips to prevent damage.

1. Install a smart doorbell. Whether you want to see who just arrived or help keep packages secure, a smart doorbell will keep you updated on all activities in front of your home. From package deliveries to carolers, you can easily view (and communicate) with your visitors, even if you aren’t home.

2. Decorate carefully. As pretty as those lights might be, they can be a tripping hazard. What’s more, overheating lights can trigger a fire in seconds, especially in a dry environment, such as near a parched tree. On Erie Insurance’s YouTube channel, they show how fast a Christmas tree goes up in flames and have tips on how to avoid fires, including to check string lights for any frayed wires and to always turn off lights when you aren’t home.

3. Prepare for the unexpected. As temperatures drop, prepare your home for potential damage. Bad weather can trigger a weak tree to fall, potentially on your house, while cold temperatures can cause frozen pipes, which could cost thousands of dollars in water damage if the pipes burst. Be sure to keep your homeowners insurance up to date so you are prepared should any seasonal damage occur. To prevent that damage and a costly claim, survey your property and even call-in experts to check trees, pipes and other possible hazards.

4. Stay safe on the road. The winter season carries driving risks. Not only may roads be slick and icy, but holiday shoppers are often stressed and frazzled. On roads, and particularly in shopping centers and mall parking lots, slow down and stay alert to avoid a fender-bender. As an added precaution, be sure to keep your auto insurance up to date in case of damage. Your insurance company might offer options to help you tighten your wallet during an expensive season. For example, Erie Insurance offers convenient bundling of car and home insurance to potentially save you money.

5. Mingle merry – and safely. Holiday parties can be fun, but make sure you have a plan for getting home safely. And if you’re hosting the party, be aware that in most states party hosts can be held liable for their guests’ actions behind the wheel.

So be sure your guests have a safe ride home.

Photo By ronstik / iStock via Getty Images Plus

6. Be smart online. If you’d rather keep your comfy pants on and do your holiday shopping online, be aware of where your data might be susceptible and only shop on reputable sites. An ERIE’s homeowner

policy includes identity recovery coverage that can help you if you are the unfortunate victim of identity fraud.

Whether you are having a party or going on a shopping spree, being safe

and prepared for the holidays is key to avoiding any accidents, injuries and incidents.

–StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Small businesses can retain customer loyalty this holiday season Small business loyalty is on the rocks, according to a new study that finds that consumers are feeling more love for big retail brands this holiday season.

The study, from cloud-based accounting platform Xero, found that while 27% of consumers feel loyal to big retail brands, only 14% feel loyal to small businesses.

“For a small business owner who launched their business because of a passion, identifying ways to gain customer loyalty can be overwhelming. Fortunately, our data provides insights into tactics that small businesses can take to nurture ongoing relationships with customers,” said Ben Richmond, chartered accountant and U.S. country manager at Xero.

As the holiday season approaches, Xero is sharing these tips and survey insights to holiday-proof operations and keep customers satisfied: • Keep delivery affordable: According to the Xero survey, 25% of survey respondents believe that delivery should always be free, regardless of original purchase price.

“Free delivery is an effective way to build customer loyalty, so offer it if you can. Just be sure to utilize cash flow forecasting or work with your accountant to gauge how much it will cost you long-term,” Richmond said.

If free shipping isn’t viable for your business, keep this fee low -- 30% said spending $21-$50 for delivery was fine.

To bring down shipping costs, consider using shipping brokerages or building shipping into your pricing.

chain are disrupted.

• Make shopping convenient: Match big retailer convenience by accepting multiple payment options, including e-wallets and by offering your products online.

According to the survey, 50% of consumers are buying more online now post-pandemic, so it’s a good idea to meet them where they are.

• Build your reputation: Show your passion and small biz credentials in your branding and packaging. Don’t be shy about asking for reviews and referrals, as they’re key to building trust. And when you’re criticized online, always respond respectfully.

• Return-proof your products: Include detailed descriptions and pictures of your products to minimize returns. At the same time, consider offering more lenient Photo by ijeab / iStock via Getty Images Plus policies for holiday-related returns. This both increases • Make delivery fast: At a point in the year when tim- customer loyalty as well as extends the amount of time a ing truly matters, it’s a good idea to offer express ship- return may impact your bottom line, as an extended periping. Thirty percent of consumers want their items od can allow for a slower trickle of negative growth. faster, plus this allows you to charge for expedited ship• Use tech: Have a pulse-check on your cash flow by ping. On this front, customers appreciate communica- leaning into technology, like Xero’s cloud-based accounttion. Encourage them to start seasonal shopping early ing platform, to automate tasks, manage inventory and and set their expectations with cut-off dates for when the track transactions in real-time. Technology investments last orders can be delivered in time for the holidays. You can help ensure you’re constantly aware of how much may also want to consider diversifying your supply and return loss is acceptable per month as you plan inventodistribution channels by looking to both local manufac- ry needs. turers and service providers and also large delivery partners, so you have options to fall back on if links in the –StatePoint

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As Christmas approaches, there is no better way to kick off the holiday season and get the entire family excited about the approaching fun and festivities than with an advent calendar. For over a century, celebrants have marked the days before Christmas and enjoyed a daily treat, with advent calendars. Fun thematic twists on this tradition have included everything from games and puzzles for kids to dog chews for furry friends. Of course, in the modern era, there are now digital options,

too, such as the interactive Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar. This unique virtual calendar offers beautiful illustrations of a fictional English country estate with daily exciting features like a scavenger hunt, gifts, animated stories, books, games, creative activities, puzzles and more.

An advent calendar is not just a daily treasure trove of surprises, it’s a rich holiday tradition for people of all ages that embraces the beauty of the season.

--StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Five expert tips to help get your home ready for the holidays (BPT) - With the holiday season already underway, your schedule will soon be packed with festive get-togethers, cocktail parties and family gatherings. To help make the upcoming season a little more joyful and a lot less stressful, try taking a more proactive approach by starting your holiday prep and cleaning routines now – with a little help for the home along the way.

Below are some top tips, compliments of the MaidPro PROs to help you get your home holiday-ready so you can relax and enjoy the festivities more than ever this year.

1. Develop a game plan Before throwing a party or hosting overnight visitors, identify the main areas in your home that are due for a deep clean – and prioritize the rooms guests are most likely to visit. That may include your living room, dining room and powder room, as well as any guest bedrooms.

Focus on decluttering these areas first so you are able to access surfaces in need of a deeper clean.

2. Start with a ground-up deep clean Typical cleaning routines may include

wiping down counters, dusting, mopping and vacuuming, but did you know there is a smart way to vacuum? Vacuuming in a zig-zag pattern is the best way to truly clean carpets. The fibers in carpets are primarily twisted loops that get dirty from all sides, so vacuuming in only one direction isn't always effective. To fully clean carpets, work the vacuum across a room in one direction in a zig-zag pattern.

Repeat the process from a right angle.

This pattern provides the best results, saves time and can help reduce symptoms of allergies.

3. Deep clean the kitchen before holiday cooking Before guests start arriving, be sure to deep clean the kitchen in preparation for holiday baking and entertaining. Deep clean the range, stovetop, surfaces and grates. Clean out the refrigerator to make room for party foods and be sure to dust the top of the refrigerator. Also give a fresh clean to all large and small appliances. Finally, wipe down kitchen cabinets to tackle any forgotten spills.

4. Make your guest room extra hospitable Is your guest room doing double duty

white vinegar to neutralize purple and red pigments. Follow with liquid detergent and hot water to flush out the stain.

For dripped candle wax, rub ice cubes over the wax until it hardens. Scrape up most of the wax and place a paper bag over the patch that has residual wax. Use a warm iron to press over the area to liquefy the wax, allowing it to absorb into the bag. For soot stains from the fireplace, grab a dry brush and scrub off as much of the soot as possible – avoid as an office? Has your guest bathroom water. Apply some rubbing alcohol on the become a catch-all area for things with edge of a sponge or towel and blot until nowhere else to go? Now is the perfect the last of the stain is gone.

Hire a PRO time to refresh and refocus. Enter your Consider hiring a MaidPro home guest room with a visitor's eye. Deep clean bathrooms and medicine cabinets – yes, cleaner to make your life easier. MaidPro people will look. Wash or spot clean area PROs are known for their attention to rugs. Dust all surfaces, including book- detail and commitment to customer servshelves, photo frames, and art – don’t for- ice, using a 49-Point Checklist that offers get the ceiling fans. Finally, clean trash peace of mind and the comfort that comes from a sparkling clean, orderly home. receptacles and add fresh liners.

Give friends and family a beautifully 5. Prepare in advance for timeclean, entertaining-ready home this year honored holiday stains Holiday food, beverages and traditions – just in time to celebrate the holidays – can cause some unexpected spills and with a MaidPro gift card. The gift of clean spots. To remove red wine, spray water is simple with MaidPro's electronic gift on the stain to keep it wet. Cover it with cards; www.maidpro.com/giftcards.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Simple swaps to elevate the kitchen for the holidays (BPT) - As the heart of the home, the kitchen comes even more alive during the holiday season. From baking favorite treats and preparing beloved family dishes to hosting special events of all sizes, it's the hub of the holidays.

To prepare for all the buzz and make a great first impression on guests, consider upgrades to elevate the kitchen space. A few smart swaps and simple additions will enhance your kitchen to make it stylish and functional - both must-haves for the holidays and into the new year.

1. Create cohesiveness with hardware Just like the right accessories complete an outfit, new drawer pulls and knobs can polish a kitchen aesthetic and provide cohesiveness. Remove old hardware and replace it with quality options in modern finishes and designs to add a touch of sophistication. Consider matte black or modern brass which are currently trending, but also timeless finishes.

2. A new faucet adds function An old, dated faucet can be an eyesore that lacks functionality. Swap in the Edelyn kitchen faucet by Kohler x Studio McGee for a fresh look with a distin-

guished, high-profile spout and clean lines. Beyond its striking appearance, the faucet is practical, providing three spray functions for tackling kitchen tasks. With multiple finish options, matching to your kitchen design is a breeze.

3. Find containers for functional items As much as you use your cupboard and pantry for storage, there are certain items like dish soap, coffee and sugar that you keep on the countertop for easy access.

You can easily elevate the look of your kitchen by putting everyday items into special containers. For example, dish soap can be stored in an olive oil decanter that looks pretty next to the sink.

4. Enhance functionality with layered lighting Drab, dated lighting fixtures make it

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difficult to get kitchen tasks done. Consider upgrading with Keren Lighting and Embra Lighting by Kohler x Studio McGee that allow you to thoughtfully layer task, ambient and accent lighting. With timeless design elements like glass spheres and textured details in numerous finishes, you'll add fashion in addition to function to the kitchen.

5. Refresh the walls with paint and more A new coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to update the kitchen aesthetic.

Earth tones are popular in kitchens as well as nature-inspired greens and blues.

You might even consider adding wallpaper to a focal wall or as an alternative to a tile backsplash. Adding a few pieces of art can also enhance the kitchen appearance.

The kitchen provides the backdrop for many important memories. From celebrations to sharing recipes to handing down cooking traditions, it's important to create a space that is beautiful and functional.

For more ideas and inspiration for kitchen upgrades, visit Kohler.com.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Four self-care secrets for a joyful holiday season (BPT) - The holidays can be a happy yet hectic time. Between planning, cooking and hosting celebrations, your focus often shifts to the joy of others. As you check your list twice to make sure everyone else is having a merry holiday, don't forget yourself. Prioritizing self-care is essential this time of year.

To make sure you can enjoy the festive season as much as possible, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner offers some tips to deck the halls with self-care this holiday.

1. Manage stress As stress levels rise, your enjoyment of the holidays often goes down. It's important to regularly exercise or meditate to manage stress. Find time daily, even if it's just 5 or 10 minutes between to-dos, to practice mindful activities such as yoga, journaling or even putting together a puzzle.

2. Rest well With so much on your list, you may find yourself sleeping less. However, to feel and be your best around family and friends, you must get good sleep. Plan and adhere to earlier bedtimes and remember to reduce screen time and social media

use to aid in relaxation. Reading a book instead of scrolling on your phone can help to wind down before bed.

3. Practice gratitude Make a list of things you're grateful for this year. Review and add to it as you feel overwhelmed. You may even consider volunteering with your loved ones to help foster joy in the true spirit of the holiday season.

4. Start new traditions Embrace new traditions like baking holiday treats together with wholesome ingredients like Eggland's Best eggs.

These eggs contain superior nutrition such as six times more Vitamin D and 25% less saturated fat to boost heart health and your body's immunity, both of which are important for overall wellness during the holiday season.

Check out these Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes. They have festive flavor, with a double dose of ginger thanks to a gingersnap crust, plus a delicious cream cheese filling with seasonal spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

Gingerbread Cheesecakes Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Yields: 6 mini cheesecakes

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Ingredients: For the crust: * 12-15 gingersnaps * 2 tablespoons butter, melted * 1 tablespoon granulated sugar For the filling: * 1 Eggland's Best Large Egg * 1 Eggland's Best Large Egg Yolk * 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature * 1 tablespoon molasses * 1/3 cup powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar) * 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves * 1/2 teaspoon ground dried ginger * 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg * 1/4 teaspoon cardamom * pinch of salt Topping ideas: whipped cream, caramel, nuts, melted chocolate, toffee sauce, etc.

Directions: 1. Line your muffin/cupcake pan with 6 liners and preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. Add the ginger snaps to a food processor fitted with a metal blade, add butter and granulated sugar.

Crush them to a fine powder.

3. Put a heaping tablespoon in each liner and press down using the back of a cup or spoon. Set aside.

4. In a large bowl, add all the ingredients under the filling (except topping) and using a hand mixer, beat until smooth and fluffy. Add about 1/3 cup on top of the crust. Once filled, tap the pan a few times to get rid of any air bubbles.

5. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until set; a little jiggly in the center is fine.

6. Once baked, switch off the stove, open the door and let the cakes cool for 10 minutes. Then, pull it out of the oven and transfer using a spatula to lift and place on a rack to cool down completely.

7. Chill for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving. Add whipped cream and toppings if desired.

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Holiday hosting made easy: 5 fun tips for a festive celebration (BPT) - You may love hosting your friends and family over the holidays, but the cleaning, food prep and post-party cleanup? Not so much.

Gathering together with your loved ones to enjoy the cheer and fun of the season is great, but don't you wish there were ways to make it easier and less stressful to put on a festive celebration? Luckily, there are. You can have a blast hosting family and friends - and even enjoy the prep and cleanup - by following a few easy principles.

Here are ideas for keeping your next holiday party merry and bright from start to finish.

1. Create the kind of party you'd want to attend There's no need to make this year's party identical to those you've held in the past or that your family has always had.

Start by asking yourself what makes a party a success. Love getting dressed up and sitting down at a fancy table for a formal dinner? If so, that's the kind of holiday party you should host.

If not, think about what you've enjoyed at memorable celebrations from your past. What made it a hit? Was it a low-key, dress-as-you-are party with cheerful music, kids' crafts and informal games?

Was the food simple but still tasty and comforting? Maybe there were party favors and gifts that were low-cost but silly and fun.

Make a quick list of the high points from different shindigs you've attended and see if you can include some of them in your party plan. The preparation will go much smoother and will be a whole lot more enjoyable when you're entertaining in a way that you love.

2. Keep it simple - and delicious You can reduce the stress and time it takes to prepare tasty food and handle post-party cleanup by getting some help from Bob Evans® dinner sides, like their beloved mashed potatoes and macaroni &

cheese. Their high-quality, farm-fresh, quick to table sides provide a delicious way to "hack" holiday spreads with readyto-heat refrigerated options that act as stand-alone dishes or as a convenient ingredient to level up any recipe. Bob Evans does all the washing, peeling, seasoning and cooking so you don't have to.

Hosting family over the holidays?

Make breakfast time easy and special by stocking up on Bob Evans breakfast products, including their signature sausage, bacon and liquid egg whites.

Find Bob Evans dinner sides and breakfast products at grocery stores nationwide and visit BobEvansGrocery. com to discover holiday-inspired recipe ideas.

3. Make it a family affair Get the whole family involved in party preparations by assigning tasks to kids that are appropriate according to their age level, such as making and putting up decorations, helping to create the perfect holiday playlist or decorating cookies.

If you have friends who feel just like family, see if they're willing to come early to help with the setup - and make sure to get them an extra-special holiday goody bag to thank them!

4. Designate specific party rooms Since it may not be possible to make every room in your home 100% clean for the party, make sure the central rooms are in good shape, then mark some rooms "off limits" for partygoers, using festive garlands or funny signs, asking people not to enter.

If your front closet has no room for extra coats and bags, designate a guest room or office as a coat room so guests will know where to put their things when they arrive.

5. Add festive decorations Create an immersive holiday atmosphere by decorating your entertaining space. Cover the room in festive décor,

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such as a decorated fireplace mantel, a special wall decked out in holiday lights, children's artwork or a doorway framed in holiday greenery. The goal is to create a cheerful ambiance that

delights your guests at every turn.

Hosting during the holidays doesn't have to be stressful or overwhelming. Use these tips to help you relax and enjoy the cheer and fun of the season.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Planning holiday get-togethers? Here are tips for easy and crowd-pleasing appetizers (BPT) - Do you love entertaining friends and family with plates of delicious food around the holidays, but feel pressed for time and ideas when it comes to making tasty appetizers? You're in luck. SeaPak offers a variety of craveable, affordable and easy-to-prep seafood options that come together in just minutes in an oven, toaster or air fryer – perfect even impromptu holiday get-togethers.

Here are some ideas for stocking your freezer so you'll be ready for the busy holiday season: * Parmesan Encrusted Butterfly Shrimp is SeaPak's twist on their famous Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp with unique and irresistible flavors. It brings the traditional favorite up a notch with crisp Parmesan, Italian herb breading and a tomato Romano sauce for dipping. * Shrimp Scampi is America's No. 1 frozen shrimp scampi. Whole, tail-off Shrimp Scampi comes perfectly seasoned in a delicious garlic butter sauce with a hint of red bell pepper. * Calamari is a restaurant-quality appetizer that's ready in minutes. Wildcaught calamari rings in an oven-crispy breading come with a tomato Romano sauce that everyone will want to gather

around – no recipe needed.

These options also provide great opportunities to add more seafood to your diet. Seafood is an excellent source of high-quality protein.

If you'd like to bring even more holiday cheer to your next get-together, try these two recipes using SeaPak Shrimp Scampi that will wow your guests with unexpected twists on this seafood favorite.

Merry Shrimp Martinis 5 minutes prep time; 17 minutes cook time. 6 servings.

Pair these festive bites with seasonal cocktails or mocktails for a fun and fast party appetizer that everyone will love.

Ingredients 1 12-ounce package SeaPak Shrimp Scampi, frozen 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon horseradish 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons hot sauce 6 celery sprigs Garlic Crostini: Thinly sliced ciabatta bread 1/2 cup reserved SeaPak Shrimp Scampi butter Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat 1-2 minutes. Heat oven to 400F. Place shrimp in a skillet and saute 7 minutes. Pour off 1/2 cup of scampi butter and reserve for crostini.

Brush reserved scampi butter on bread slices. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Add tomatoes, lemon zest, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to the skillet. Stir to incorporate. Bring to a simmer.

Portion shrimp and sauce into serving dishes. Garnish with celery sprigs and garlic crostini.

Mini Shrimp Scampi and Spinach Quiches 12 minutes prep time; 13 minutes cook time. 12-15 servings.

Spinach adds a bright earthy note to the savory flavor of Shrimp Scampi in these delightful mini quiches that are perfect for a crowd.

Ingredients 1 12-ounce package SeaPak Shrimp Scampi, frozen 2 1.9-ounce packages frozen mini phyllo cups 1/2 5-ounce package baby spinach, chopped

2 large eggs 1/2 cup whipping cream 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Directions Heat oven to 375 F. Arrange phyllo cups in mini muffin tins coated with cooking spray; set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add SeaPak Shrimp Scampi and cook for 5 minutes.

Add spinach and cook for about 1 minute. Set aside a few whole shrimp to garnish; keep warm.

Cut remaining shrimp into smaller pieces. Use a slotted spoon to divide shrimp mixture evenly among phyllo shells.

Whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour egg mixture carefully into shells. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until eggs are set.

Garnish the top of a few of the mini quiches with reserved shrimp. Drizzle quiches with additional pan sauce before serving, if desired.

With these seafood tips and recipes, you'll have a lot less stress when it comes to hosting holiday celebrations with family and friends.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Lacey Chabert’s tips for holiday hosting (BPT) - Hosting events in your home is a great way to bring loved ones together, but it also can be overwhelming. Fortunately, tips from an expert holiday hostess can help you plan a gathering that everyone will enjoy, including yourself.

"Queen of Hallmark," actress, producer and star of holiday film "A Merry Scottish Christmas," Lacey Chabert is gearing up for the holidays with Glade and sharing her top tips for at-home entertaining.

1: Plan a special welcome moment Set the tone for your gathering right at the front door. Decorate your entryway with festive items that reflect your personality.

2: Set a festive vibe Light a candle as guests arrive to create a memorable experience that delights the senses. Chabert's favorite candle is the limited-edition Starlight & Snowflakes from Glade, which sets a welcoming and wintery vibe for your guests with the smell of fresh fallen snow, frosty air and eucalyptus.

3: Embrace holiday aromas If you have an artificial tree but still crave that quintessential piney fragrance, light the limited-edition Twinkling Pine & Cedar candle from Glade to

get the best of both worlds.

4: Create kid-friendly spaces Create an enrichment area that includes items like blankets, blocks and coloring pages. You might even have an ornament craft ready to go or a cookie decorating station or hot chocolate bar.

5: Provide a token of gratitude Offer guests small, personalized holiday favors as thanks for attending your gathering. For example, a candle with a holiday ribbon around it can be set at placemats for decoration.

6: Make time to be merry Hosting can be time-consuming, so don't forget to take breaks to relax and enjoy the holiday season.

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