Holiday Gift Guide

Artsy Holiday gifts in the Brazos Valley

How to save on high-tech gifts

great gifts for the family foodie

Travel gifts wrapped and ready for holiday giving

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Artsy holiday gifts in the Brazos Valley

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How to give holiday gift cards

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Great gifts for people who love to read

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Eco-friendly gift ideas for ‘green’ giving

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he holiday season generates a lot of waste, and many things contribute to this excess of trash this time of year.

Thousands of paper and plastic shopping bags end up in landfills after the holiday season. Reusable cloth bags can limit the amount of bags tossed away, and users of plastic bags can recycle those bags at appropriate receptacles.

Four million tons of waste is attributed to shopping bags and wrapping paper. Recycling paper or looking for reusable items in which to wrap gifts can cut down on paper waste.

Approximately 33 million live trees are cut down and sold in North America each year for Christmas. If you use a live tree, be sure to recycle it so it can be turned into mulch instead of being sent to a landfill. Otherwise, consider buying a potted tree and planting it after the holidays.

Nearly 2.65 billion Christmas cards are sold and exchanged each year in the United States alone. This many cards can fill a football field 10 stories high. One less card sent per person can save roughly 50,000 cubic yards of paper. Electronic greetings are another way to save paper.

If everyone in Canada wrapped just three gifts in reused paper or gift bags, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 hockey rinks.

2 | November 30, 2014

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Gift exchange dos and don’ts Gifts to keep kids engaged

Gift ideas for the special seniors in your life

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How to establish

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gift spending limits A Holiday spending limits can help individuals avoid overspending come the holiday season.

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s the cost of living continues to rise, holiday shopping also has become much more expensive in recent years, and it can be easy for shoppers to overextend themselves financially come the holiday season.

According to a recent Gallup poll, the average American plans to spend around $790 per holiday season, although many go above and beyond that amount. Starting off the new year in debt is a recipe for stress, which can have negative repercussions for the rest of the year.

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to write down a figure and then determine the average, using that figure as your spending limit.

Establishing a spending limit makes it easier for every family to afford their holiday purchases.

If there are six people on your shopping list and you’re spending $50 per person, you know to allocate $300 for gifts. Saving and budgeting can be adjusted accordingly.

When no such limit is established, you may go overboard to compensate, even if you cannot afford to do so.

Another way to save money is to suggest giving the gift of experiences rather than tangible

and potentially costly gifts. For example, take a loved one out for dinner or suggest going on vacation together to make better use of your collective funds. A well-timed extended family vacation in lieu of gift exchanges may alleviate the stress of the holiday season, much of which can be traced to holiday spending.

Establishing a gift-giving strategy and budget for each person to work with can make for a more peaceful holiday season by freeing up time to spend with loved ones and placing the focus on family instead of shopping.

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In addition to overspending during the holiday season, many people stretch themselves thin on Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. One way to make shopping more manageable is to establish spending limits that dictate how much each family member can spend on each gift he or she buys.

It is important to exercise tact when approaching the subject of gift limits. Discuss the topic with friends and family members with whom you usually exchange gifts long before the holiday season.

Agree on a reasonable amount of money each person will spend on gifts. If necessary, ask everyone

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Artsy holiday gifts

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in the Brazos Valley

here’s something for everyone on your list this holiday season! Books, crafts, art, jewelry, theater and museum memberships are all wonderful gifts that anyone who appreciates the arts can enjoy!

For the crafter: a handmade gift or art lessons There is an incredible amount of talented artisans in College Station who create amazing one-of-a-kind pieces that anyone can enjoy. The Arts Council’s Artisans’ Corner gift shop (2275 Dartmouth St. in College Station) features a wide variety of handmade scarves, beautiful watercolors, unique jewelry and stunning pottery. The Artisans’ Corner is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Intersections Textile Learning Center, run by the Brazos Spinners and Weavers Guild, also has a fantastic collection of handmade gifts, including baby items and fun accessories. Intersections also offers fiber arts classes throughout the year!

You can learn more by visiting 2116 South College in Bryan, on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m. or find the guild on Facebook at facebook.com/intersectionsTLC. 4 | November 30, 2014

For the art inclined: a new piece of art or museum admission The Arts Council, in partnership with the Brazos Valley Art League, curates seven community galleries at large - and all of the artwork is for sale! Visit acbv.org to view all the community gallery at large locations and hours. The Brazos Valley Art League’s 20/20 exhibit is on view at SEAD Gallery (216 W. 26th St., seadgallery.agxdev.com) in Bryan through Dec. 13. Local artists have painted 20-inch-square paintings – all priced at $200! So stop by the show to see how each artist used the same base canvas to create completely different artwork, and find your favorite!

Want to explore more? The Museum Pass is a great way to explore all the Brazos Valley museums for one low price! From the newly-opened Museum of the American GI to the Star of the Republic Museum, your family and friends will love exploring

the art and culture in our area. See all the participating museums and purchase your passes online at www. acbv.org/MuseumCollective.

For the theater lover: tickets to a holiday show

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Give the gift of live theater this holiday season with the Happy HoliPlays Pass! Attend four wonderful holiday performances at The Theatre Company, Navasota Theatre Alliance, StageCenter Theatre and Brazos Valley TROUPE for one low price – $34 (a savings of $18 off of regular adult admission). Add Unity Theatre’s performance of “Plaid Tidings” for just $23 – an additional savings of $7!

Happy Holi-Plays Passes are available at all participating theatres, The Arts Council or online at acbv.org.

Based on the classic movie, “A Christmas Story” started at The Theatre Company Nov. 21, and will continue through Dec. 2 (theatrecompany.com). Brazos Valley TROUPE’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” will be a musical holiday party onstage Dec. 19 through 21 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

(bvtroupe.com). Take a ride on “The Christmas Express” Dec. 4 through 14, performed by Navasota Theatre Alliance (navasotatheatrealliance. com). StageCenter will also be hosting a holiday variety show, “Christmas Gatherings,” Dec. 5 through 13 (stagecenter.info)! Unity Theatre in Brenham will present the musical, “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” Dec. 4 through 21. Tickets are available online at unitybrenham.org.

For the kids: books and art classes Do you know a bookworm? The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators has a variety of fun and entertaining books written and illustrated by local authors that your kids will love! Browse the virtual bookstore at brazosvalley.scbwi.org. If your child or grandchild loves to paint,

enroll them in Art After School classes The Arts Council, visit http://acbv. at The Arts Council! Beginning in org or call 979-696-2787.

January, students will learn all about art Opposite Page: Photo contributed by the through painting, drawing and mixed Theatre Company. In The Theatre Company’s production of “A Christmas story,” Ralphie, media projects. To learn more about played by Tyler Oelze, dreams of being a hero, how to give the gift of art classes, call even if he doesn’t get a BB gun. “A Christmas Story” will be held through Dec. 2 at The (979) 696-2787.

Theatre Company, 725 E. Villa Maria Road in Olivia Marmo is a marketing Bryan.

Above: Photo contributed by Brazos Valley intern with The Arts Council, at TROUPE. Brazos Valley TROUPE will perform 2275 Dartmouth St. in College “I’ll be Home for Christmas” Dec. 19 through Station. For more information on Dec. 21.

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How to give

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early every man or woman has hit that all too familiar wall when holiday shopping for friends and family. While many people might be a cinch to shop for, there always seems to be one stickler on holiday shopping lists, and finding the right gift for that person can be an exercise in patience and perseverance.

But even the most patient shopper has his or her limits, and many people find themselves giving gift cards to those friends or family members who seemingly have everything already. Such cards make great gifts, but only when gift givers employ a few tricks of the gift card trade.

Buy directly from the retailer. It’s easy to be duped by a counterfeit gift card, which can be embarrassing for both the gift giver and its eventual recipient. Counterfeit gift cards are big business for criminals who prey on gift givers during the holiday season. Only buy gift cards directly from the retailer, as cards sold by other sources, such as an online auction site, may be stolen or counterfeit. You don’t want to be the person who gave a stolen or counterfeit card, and your friend or family member does not want to be subjected to an inquiry as to 6 | November 30, 2014

why he or she is attempting to use a stolen or counterfeit card.

Examine the card before leaving the store. Once a cashier or customer service employee hands you a gift card, examine it for tampering before leaving the store. Some criminals gain access to gift cards, even those that appear to be behind lock and key, to learn the PIN number associated with the card. Once they have the PIN, recipients can then recreate their own card, using the stolen PIN to activate and make purchases on their counterfeit cards long before the real card is sold to you. If you detect any damage, ask for a new card before leaving the store.

Include a gift receipt with the card.

When giving a gift card, don’t forget to include the gift receipt. The gift receipt not only verifies the value of the gift card, but also includes the date the card was purchased.

That’s important information, as many companies begin to charge fees, some of which may be exorbitant, on unused cards after a predetermined period of time. Recipients who have the gift receipt won’t have to haggle with retailers about the value of the card should that ever be in dispute, and the receipt also can serve as a reminder that the recipient needs to use the card before a given date to avoid fees.

Consider a general purpose gift card.

If that stickler on your holiday shopping list is especially difficult to shop for, then you might want to consider a general purpose gift card issued by a company such as American Express, MasterCard or Visa. These cards generally allow recipients to use their gift wherever they choose, whether it’s to put gas in their tank or buy groceries. That versatility is valuable if you truly have no idea what your friend or family member needs or where he or she likes to shop. One notable disadvantage to general purpose gift cards is that they tend to come with more fees than more traditional gift cards purchased directly from specific retailers.

Investigate these fees and find a card that charges no fees or only minimal fees.

Gift cards make great gifts and can bail out frustrated holiday shoppers who simply can’t find that perfect gift for a friend or family member. But when shopping for gift cards, be sure to exercise caution before buying a card so your loved is not put in an embarrassing or costly situation.

How to send gifts to faraway friends and family

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he holiday season is a time to share happy experiences with friends and family.

But reconnecting with loved ones come the holidays is not always possible, especially when family and friends are spread out across the country, if not the globe. Even though these people may not be close geographically, they’re still close in our hearts and, therefore, still on our holiday shopping lists.

Some issues arise when sending gifts to faraway friends and family. Distance necessitates shipping gifts or making travel arrangements. To make that process less complicated, consider these suggestions.

Package gifts wisely.

When shipping gifts, exercise caution to ensure the item arrives on time and in one piece.

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for the shipping industry, and packages may endure a few bumps along the way. For fragile items, use extra packing peanuts, newspaper or other protective wrapping material. Choose the

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right size package so the gift does not move around much inside of the box. If the gift is expensive, insure the package in the event it gets lost or damaged. Also, you may want to spend a little more money to have the shipment tracked and a confirmation sent when the package is delivered. This can offer some peace of mind during a hectic time of year.

Take advantage of free shipping offers. Many retailers offer discounts on shipping rates during the holiday season. Shop at retailers that offer such discounts, as shipping costs can be exorbitant depending on the sizes of the packages being sent. In addition, online retailers may allow you to ship the gift directly to its recipient, which can help you ensure the gift gets to its destination on time.

Give gift cards and certificates. Gift cards are an easy item to ship, and can be sent within the regular mail for the cost of a stamp. Certain retailers may have digital gift cards or certificates that allow

buyers to email a special code to the gift recipient, who can then redeem the code for a purchase credit. This is a convenient, fast and inexpensive way to send holiday wishes.

Don’t forget about inspections and customs procedures. Items shipped out of the country may be delayed by customs inspectors at their ultimate destination. Assume that certain packages may be opened or detained, and ship such packages early so the gifts still arrive on time. Packages that look unusual or like they’re hiding something may be prone to inspection more so than others. Be honest about declarations of value and what is contained in the package. Also, realize certain items, like fruits, vegetables, plants, or seeds, may be prohibited. Learn the international shipping rules for your gift’s destination prior to sending anything.

Distant family members and friends may be out of sight but certainly not out of mind come the holidays. When it comes to sending gifts, ship smart.

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Great gifts

How to save on

high-tech gifts

Shoppers can employ several strategies to save money on gadgets this holiday season.

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adgets are among the most popular gifts come the holiday season.

In 2013, CreditDonkey.com surveyed shoppers to determine what they planned to give during the holidays, and electronics were second only to gift cards among the most popular gifts to give. Sixty-three percent of respondents cited their intentions to give electronics, while the survey also found that 76 percent of people planned to request electronics as holiday gifts.

Gadgets figure to be popular gifts again this holiday season. Unwrapping the latest tablet or a big-screen television can be exciting, but electronics can be expensive.

Those who plan to give their loved ones the latest gadgetry should be happy to learn there are ways to do so that don’t require breaking the bank.

Scale back. Oftentimes people are buying more computer or data than they actually need. For example, when buying computers, it’s tempting to go for those that boast the most memory, but that extra memory is only useful to those people who truly need it. A less expensive model that suits your loved one’s genuine needs will make for an impressive and more practical gift.

Determine necessity. Some gadgets are more a desire than a necessity. Decide if a particular device will be an asset to your loved one or just another trendy item that soon will be gathering dust. Look for devices that your loved one will make the most of. If the purchase is not warranted, save your money and look for something else.

Consider refurbished items. Don’t shy away from refurbished items, as the discounts can be steep. Refurbished items are often just items that were returned to the store

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because they’re not needed or because the item was malfunctioning. Returned items are factory-tested and then repackaged. Opt for refurbished items that carry a manufacturerbacked warranty for greater peace of mind.

Consider open box items. Just because packaging is dented or torn does not mean the merchandise inside is damaged.

Purchasing a product that’s not inside a pristine box can sometimes yield a 10 to 15 percent discount at retailers that offer open-box specials. Just verify that all cords, manuals and other accessories are inside the box before leaving the store.

Peruse previous generation models.

Manufacturers release a new version of their devices seemingly every year. That doesn’t mean last year’s phone, video game console or computer is any less effective than the updated version. Models from previous years likely won’t be much different from the latest models, but they do figure to be considerably less expensive.

Look for coupon codes. When researching products, search for coupon codes for desired electronics and retailers.

Web-based retailers may post coupon codes that add up to significant savings. Just ensure that the total cost after taxes and shipping fees are calculated makes the purchase worth your while.

Skip the warranty. Extended warranties often cost more money than potential repairs. In addition, after a few years’ time, your loved one may be looking to upgrade his or her gadget anyway, making the extended warranty an unnecessary expense.

Gadgets make for popular yet expensive holiday gifts. But holiday shoppers can save money on electronics by employing a few savings strategies.

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for people who love to read

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any people love to read, and such people do not often cause headaches for holiday shoppers. Readers typically are easy to shop for come the holiday season, when shoppers stuck on what to get a friend or family member can always fall back on a book or two if they know their loved one likes to get lost in a good book.

But books aren’t the only gifts shoppers can give the readers on their lists this holiday season. The following are a few gift ideas no book lover can balk at.

E-reader: Before buying an e-reader, shoppers may want to first learn where the intended recipient of this thoughtful gift stands on the book versus e-reader debate. Some book lovers feel a sentimental attachment to traditional books, while others love the versatility of e-readers, many of which serve as tablets that allow users to peruse the Internet, play games and, of course, read books. If your friend or family member does not have an aversion to e-readers, then this might make the ideal gift.

The price of e-readers varies depending on their capabilities, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on which model you ultimately choose.

Storage: For those readers who prefer traditional books, a new bookshelf can help them store their favorite titles. Books take up a lot of space, and avid readers tend to buy many new books each year, so homeowners and apartment dwellers alike will no doubt appreciate the extra space to store their collections. But even e-reader enthusiasts may find their storage filling up faster than they might have liked. To remedy that problem, holiday shoppers can buy a Wi-Drive with ample extra storage space so readers who keep both books and

movies on their e-readers and tablets have plenty of extra space to store all of those new books they plan to read in the coming year.

Decorative bookends: Those who have a passion for books and home décor might appreciate a unique set of handcrafted bookends to store the books they keep on their desks or those they keep out as decorative accents that guests can enjoy when visiting. Such gifts will please your friends or family members who have a flare for interior decorating while also appealing to their love of literature.

Book club membership: A membership to a Book of the Month Club may be right up the alleys of those readers who read too fast to join a local reading group or simply don’t have the time to devote to a community book club. Such memberships often sell classic titles and the latest bestsellers at a fraction of the cost of the publisherestablished prices, and members typically can order as many books as they would like. This can be a great way for readers to find new titles and keep the books coming in without breaking the bank.

Avid readers are passionate about their books, and holiday shoppers can feed those passions by giving their favorite readers gifts that indulge their love of literature this holiday season.

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Eco-friendly gift ideas for ‘green’ giving

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iving eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever before. As more and more people are conscious of reducing their impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally conscious products and services has grown.

Choosing earth-friendly gifts is not only generous, but gift-givers also can rest assured they’re doing their part to safeguard natural resources for future generations.

The following are some gift ideas for the eco-conscious people on your holiday shopping list.

Locally made products Locally made products make great holiday gifts. Such gifts are not produced halfway around the world, meaning they don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming like products that need to be flown or driven across the globe.

Craft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for locally made gifts, which also are a great way to support businesses in your community.

Gifts of service A massage or music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of service. These gifts do not require much use of natural resources, and

8 | November 30, 2014

Music lessons and other gifts of service do not require a great deal of natural resources, making them ideal eco-friendly gifts. recipients find their personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of service also can include tasks you do yourself for the gift recipient, rather than paying another person to handle.

For example, teach a senior member of your family how to navigate their new smartphone or agree to help them shop for groceries.

Recycled goods When many people think of recycling, they tend to picture piles of discarded plastic bottles, glass jars and aluminum cans. While the end product of many of these recycled pieces is new cans, bottles and jars, recycled materials also can be turned into new and unique pieces. Trivets and spoon rests made from recycled and melted wine bottles make for clever and attractive gifts. Recycled fire extinguishers have been turned into vases, and you can even find bike parts that have been used to make wind chimes and belts if you know where to shop.

Natural gifts Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herb-growing kit that enables them to experiment with freshly picked basil or thyme in the kitchen, while tree-growing kits and flower seed

packets are nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners. Offer to purchase a living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant the evergreen after the holidays have come and gone.

Antiques New, shiny gifts are not the only ones that have appeal. Gifting a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to

share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry or, if you do not have anything in your own collection, browse antique shops for items that have interesting histories.

The holiday season is often a time of excess, but giving doesn’t have to be detrimental to the environment.

Givers can seek out earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year.

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Gift exchange

Great gifts for the

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A night out at a loved one’s favorite restaurant can make the perfect gift for the family foodie.

dos and don’ts

family foodie

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hanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are right around the corner. That means neighborhoods, buildings and stores will soon be awash in holiday splendor. Social schedules will be full, and men and women everywhere will shuffle to complete their holiday shopping.

Grab bags are a staple of this season of giving, and the following are a few dos and don’ts to ensure participation in gift exchanges is fun and friendly for all involved.

DO set a gift amount limit. Holiday grab bags are more about having fun and exchanging a little something with friends and family members than walking away with amazing prizes. Establish a spending limit so everyone receives a gift of roughly the same value and no one feels slighted or left out.

DON’T exceed the spending limit. It can be tempting to spend more to make your gift appear more impressive. But overspending defeats the purpose of the gift

exchange. Grab bags typically are anonymous, so being overly generous will not win you any style points.

DO make it a game. Tossing gifts in a bag only to have others reach in and grab one is certainly effective. But the concept can be even more fun if you make a game out of it. Try passing wrapped gifts around in a circle to a holiday song. When the music stops, the gift you are holding is the one you open. Experiment with your own variations to make gift exchanges more fun.

DON’T let anyone see the gift you bring. The idea is to keep things as secretive as possible so as not to sway the selection of presents.

DO ensure your gift is unisex. Unless you know specifically that only men or women will be opening the presents, select items that will appeal to both genders. Food, gift cards, music, or home staples make great grab bag gifts.

DON’T forget to consider ages as well. Gift exchanges may include both children and adults, so include gifts

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that appeal to all ages when necessary. When the exchange has ended, allow participants to swap gifts if they want to.

DO expect some grab bag gifts to be gag gifts. Such gifts are entertaining and may make up the majority of the grab bag gifts. Keep your sense of humor and you’re likely to enjoy grab bags a lot more.

DON’T regift items to use as grab bag picks. Should the person who gave you the gift participate in the grab bag, he or she can trace that gift back to you and may be offended.

DO make sure everyone is aware that there will be a grab bag gift exchange, as there needs to be an equal number of gifts to participants so everyone gets a treat. Hosts may want to have a few extra wrapped gifts around just in case someone forgets to bring their contribution.

Gift exchanges in the form of grab bags, auctions, swaps, and other games make for fun additions to holiday festivities.

They also can be a part of any family or friends gathering to add excitement and entertainment to the occasion.

he best holiday gifts are often those that encourage their recipients to pursue a passion or favorite hobby. Tickets to a ballgame might be right up a sports fan’s alley while the family globetrotter would no doubt love a contribution to his or her travel fund.

When gifting the family foodie, that one person who loves to cook or simply can’t get enough of his or her favorite cuisines, shoppers have a host of options at their disposal to ensure this holiday season brings a smile to their favorite foodie’s face.

Spice rack: Few home cooks can get by without a vast selection of spices, so a spice rack that includes all the essential spices makes perfect sense for the family foodie. Some spice racks even come with several years’ worth of free spice refills, so do your homework and find one that will have your friend or family member spicing things up for years to come.

Cooking lessons: Cooking lessons can be a great way for men, women and even children to cultivate their love for food. If your friend or family member prefers a

specific type of cuisine, then find him or her cooking lessons where he or she can learn how to prepare and not just eat some favorite dishes. Cooking lessons also make a great opportunity to bond with a loved one. If you, too, want to expand your cooking horizons, buy your own lessons and go with your friend or family member.

A night out: If your favorite foodie prefers his or her meals made by someone else, treat that friend or family member to a night out at his or her favorite restaurant.

You can give a gift card to the restaurant or take this special someone out yourself and enjoy a great meal and great company to boot.

Serving dishes: Many foodies not only love to eat but also love to serve up their favorite foods to family and friends. If your friend or family member has played host to guests many times in the past, surprise him or her with some new serving dishes. You probably have a sense of their serving style already, but if you don’t, make a mental note the next time you visit or simply buy them a gift card so they can buy whichever dishes they need to make their next soiree a

success.

Wine rack: A great bottle of wine completes a great meal, so why not buy your family foodie a place to store all of his or her bottles of wine? Wine racks can range from the simple, inexpensive standup models to more complex or expensive models that need to be installed. If the eventual recipient of your thoughtful gift rents rather than owns his or her home, avoid buying a wine rack that needs to be installed, as that might cause damage that will cost them some money when the time comes to move out. But if your friend or family member owns their home, then look for a wine rack that fits in with their established décor. You even can christen the new wine rack by supplementing your gift with a few bottles of your loved one’s favorite vintages.

With so many potential gifts to choose from, shoppers often find foodies are fun to shop for come the holiday season.

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November 30, 2014 | 9

Gifts to keep

kids engaged Select gifts that will have a longer shelf life, guaranteeing more opportunities for play.

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predictions

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION tore aisles are filled this time of year with every must-have gift retailers can advertise. Children often plead and beg for the hottest toys weeks ahead of the holidays, hoping to find their requests wrapped up come the big day.

But once the gift wrap is torn away and kids have played with their presents for a day, some already grow bored with their new belongings and cast them aside.

Certain toys are not engaging enough to warrant extended periods of play — no matter what the advertisements boast.

No gift-giver wants to spend money on a present only to have it collecting dust days later.

With that said, employing these strategies can help anyone select a gift that will continue to inspire and excite children long after the holiday season has come and gone.

2014 toy holiday

Don’t believe the hype. It’s easy to fall hook, line and sinker for ultra-popular trendy gifts.

While such gifts may have popular appeal, that does not mean they’re a perfect fit for your child. When shopping for youngsters come the holiday season, choose a gift because your child will truly enjoy it and not because it’s the trendy item of the year.

Focus on the play factor.

Too often shoppers get caught up in toys’ appearances. Instead, think about how the toys will work with imaginative play. The more a child can envision himself doing with a particular toy, the more likely he or she will exhibit a continued interest in that toy.

Look for minimal bells and whistles. Kids often find toys that leave more room for imagination more interesting than toys that are loaded with gadgets.

Children prefer to make up their own stories and create modes of

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play that are more about what they like rather than the “right” way to play or win.

Choose gifts that grow.

Shoppers want to select gifts that are age-appropriate for children so they will be safe during play time.

But shoppers also should look for toys and activities that can be modified and grow with the child as he or she ages. A game that gets progressively harder through levels or a toy set that can be supplemented as kids grow older may make good gifts. Musical instruments also can grow with a child, as the instruments become easier to master with practice.

Figure out the child’s interests. Toys that cater specifically to a child’s interests will be the most warmly received.

It may take going the extra mile to find a gift that matches a child’s interest rather than picking up the first trendy gift you see, but the results will be well worth it.

arents often find themselves waiting in long lines to snag the hottest toys for children’s holiday gifts.

Shoppers arrive at retail stores in droves to grab the newest video game consoles or must-have dolls or action figures.

From Cabbage Patch Dolls of the 1980s to the Elmo craze of the 1990s, every generation seems to have its own “must-have” holiday gift. This year, holiday shoppers may want to start shopping early if they hope to land any of the following items that figure to be this year’s hot toys.

“Frozen”-themed toys: Mega-retailer Walmart predicts that toys inspired by the smash hit film “Frozen” will continue to be hot commodities this holiday season. To meet demand, the retailer already is stocking up on the popular characters and other products banking on the popularity of the film. If the special girl in your

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life is still enamored with all things “Frozen,” it’s a smart bet to start your holiday buying early this year.

“Hunger Games” athletic items: Fans of the “Hunger Games” trilogy, be it the books, movies or both, are familiar with lead character Katniss’ prowess with a bow and arrow. Bows inspired by the movie are in demand and will appeal to both girls and boys testing their archery skills.

Beats by Dr. Dre: Musiclovers still consider these headphones must-have items.

They’re especially prevalent among the teen market. Available in a variety of colors, users can coordinate their Beats headphones with their clothing or accessories.

Lego Minecraft: It was only a matter of time before Lego got in on the action of one of the hottest games to sweep the Internet and video game console world.

Minecraft is a digital building game that has enthralled gamers of all ages. Now Minecraft enthusiasts

can recreate on-screen worlds in tangible Lego versions.

Xeno: Xeno is a “friend-toy” that is neither robot nor doll, but an interactive pet. Made from nontoxic elastic material and including eight sensors, the creature is a moving, reacting companion.

Xeno even can dance to music. And parents will love that Xeno does not need to be taken for walks.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: On the heels of the summer blockbuster inspired by these gifted turtles, fans of the weapon-swinging shelled warriors will certainly want to surround themselves with all things turtle, so expect to see plenty of movieinspired gifts on store shelves this season.

The holiday season is on the horizon, and it’s never too early to begin shopping for the toys and games experts predict will be this year’s must-have items.

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Gift ideas for the special

seniors in your life

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ith lifetimes of experiences and seemingly everything they could ever want or need in life already at their disposal, seniors can be difficult to shop for come the holiday

season. Many even insist that their family members save their money and not buy them anything for the holidays.

But if the thought of Grandma or Grandma not having something to open come the

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holidays is simply unacceptable, consider the following gift ideas.

Activity assistance devices The realities of getting older often mean the body slows down and activities may not be as easy as they used to be. Many active seniors are not ready to live sedentary lives, nor should they be forced to do so. Plenty of products exist that can make life easier and more comfortable for older adults.

Television amplifying headphones are one product that can be a great fit for seniors, particularly those having difficulty hearing their televisions. The headphones amplify the sound of the programming without disturbing others in the room, and many such headphones even allow users to mute their televisions. This feature is perfect for someone who likes to watch

TV while a spouse is sleeping or reading in the same room.

Other devices that can make life easier for seniors include magnifying products or bookholders. In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home.

Food Food is always a handy gift because it doesn’t take up much room and can be enjoyed at a recipient’s leisure. Perhaps there is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but now finds hard to come by. A search of the Internet may uncover

that special treat. You may be able to ship a specialty soft drink or favorite cookie that is not available in a nearby store. Otherwise, ask a store manager if a particular item that’s not in stock in the store can be a special order.

Photos What grandparent does not enjoy looking at his or her family members? Computersavvy men and women can use photo software to design personalized photo books, calendars, mugs, and other photo-related gifts. Just about anything can be emblazoned with a photo, including tote bags and pillows.

Another idea is to collect old photos and compile a memory book. Scan the images so they are preserved digitally and then print out the images in a book that includes the family history.

Time Seniors who truly do not want or need anything probably will likely jump at the opportunity to spend time with loved ones.

Treat a friend or family member to a meal out or simply spend a few hours chatting at his or her home. Sometimes the company of a new face and good conversation is the ideal gift.

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November 30, 2014 | 11

Travel gifts wrapped and ready for holiday giving

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ertain gifts are standard fare come the holidays. Adults often receive clothing while kids typically get toys. But shoppers who want to employ the element of surprise this season may want to consider travel-related gifts to put smiles on the faces of their loved ones.

Many people cannot afford to travel.

Gifting travel enables couples or families who may not have the means to get away to hit the road in style.

When giving the gift of travel, shoppers should consider gift certificates or vouchers that can be applied to flights or lodging. Many travel businesses and websites now offer gift registry services that make it easy for shoppers to pay for getaways for their loved ones. Some travel agencies also incentivize travel gifts by offering coupons or discounts to shoppers who purchase travel packages for friends or family members.

Those on the lookout for travelinspired gifts can explore the following options.

Airline gift certificates: A gift certificate makes it easy for travelers to book their own flights at their leisure.

These certificates typically can be applied to any flight the airline offers and may even be transferable.

Frequent flier miles: Find out if your frequent flyer miles can be deposited directly into your loved one’s account.

Later on he or she can redeem the miles for a desired flight.

Luggage: Frequent travelers may appreciate new luggage.

Monogrammed tags can help make luggage easy to identify at luggage carousels in crowded airports.

Small ship voyages: Some cruise lines offer working vacations, where passengers participate in some of the responsibilities aboard the ship. These voyages are ideal for someone who enjoys being active and a part of the

travel experience.

Scuba lessons: Travel enthusiasts who frequently jet off to tropical locales may want to learn to scuba dive, which means they must be certified after taking lessons. Foot the bill for those lessons so their next water adventure is complete.

Traveler’s checks: Sometimes the best gift is the simplest one. Traveler’s checks may seem like an outdated notion in the era of credit cards, but they’re still available. Banks and credit card companies are the best place to

find traveler’s checks. These checks are safer than bringing cash along on a trip because they provide travelers with protected purchasing power for the duration of their trips. Prepaid gift cards also can be used for travel.

Just confirm that the card is accepted by retailers at your loved one’s travel destination.

Travel gifts can bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. These unique gifts are a novelty that’s not often found tucked under the tree.

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