Holiday Gift Guide

Local Arts, Museums, Theatres and Music make for Christmas gift inspiration

Do-it-yourself Projects Get inspiration for holiday arts and crafts online, at local shops

Dos and Don’ts of Holiday Shopping

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Sunday, NOVEMBER 24, 2013

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1729 Briarcrest • Bryan, Texas 77802

Local Arts, Museums, Theatres and Music make for Christmas Gift Inspiration Dos and Don’ts of Holiday Shopping Do-it-Yourself Projects Great Holiday Gifts for Gardening Enthusiasts Gifts no Outdoor Enthusiast can Resist

Publisher • Crystal Dupré Director of Sales and Marketing • Ron Prince Display Advertising Manager • Joanne R. Patranella 979.731.4719 • joanne.patranella@theeagle.com Creative Services Manager • Jim Bob McKown 979.731.4706 • jimbob@theeagle.com Special Projects • Dawn Goodall Special Projects Editor • Shauna Lewis 979.731.4704 • shauna.lewis@theeagle.com Section Designer • Courtney Lewellen For questions or comments, please call: 979.731.4738 or email: homeinstyle@theeagle.com

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Merry Texas Christmas,

Did you know?

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y’all!

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

ccording to the American Bankers Association, many merchants view debit card purchases in the same light that they do purchases made with cash or personal checks.

That’s an important distinction for holiday shoppers to consider before making purchases, as any items bought on their debit cards may only be worthy of store credit instead of a full refund should such items need to be returned. Shoppers buying gifts for friends and family members should understand that, even if they remember to include gift receipts when wrapping gifts, those items may only be eligible for store credit if purchased with a debit card. When buying items with credit cards, consumers can withhold payment if they are not satisfied with the product.

No such option exists when using debit cards. In addition to more restrictive return policies, shoppers who use debit cards may incur debit transaction fees. This means they are charged each time they use their debit cards, or such fees may be triggered when users use their card too often.

Debit card users can check the agreement signed when they opened their accounts to determine if they will be subjected to debit transaction fees. Holidays shoppers whose purchases are subject to such fees may want to avoid using their debit cards during the holiday season.

Sponsored by

C OW B OY C H R I S T M A S TUE, DEC 3 • 7:30 PM Rudder Auditorium MSC Box Office • 979-845-1234 • MSCOPAS.org

Local arts, museums, theatres and music make for Knox Gallery (405 University Drive E., www.benjaminknox.com) in College Station for original collegiate art!

For the theater lover: Tickets to a holiday show Let local theater companies do the work! Tickets for the Theatre Company’s “Whistle Down the Wind” (Dec. 6 to 15) are available for purchase at The Arts Center, located at 2275 Dartmouth St., Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays or online at www. theatrecompany.com. For a twist on the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol,” purchase “Inspecting Carol” (Dec. 5 to 7 and Dec. 12 to 14) tickets on StageCenter’s website, www.stagecenter. net. The cowboys and girls on your list will love “Somethin’ Special for Christmas: A Cowboy Christmas Comedy” (Dec. 5 to 15) performed by Navasota Theatre Alliance; buy tickets online at www.navasotatheatrealliance. com. The comedic “Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical” rolls into Unity Theatre in Brenham Dec. 5 to 22. Tickets are available online at www. unitybrenham.org.

For the kids: Museum passes and art classes Museums are the perfect way to keep kids active over winter break! Parents and children will love a Children’s Museum membership, available for purchase at www.cmbv.org, which gives free admission to the museum for an entire year. Want to explore more? The Museum Pass is a great way for middle and high schoolers to explore seven museums for one low price! Find the Museum Pass at the top of The Arts

Council’s website at www.acbv.org.

Does your grandchild or child love to paint? Enroll them in Art After School classes at The Arts Council! To learn more about how to gift art classes, call (979) 696-2787.

For the music enthusiast: Tickets to a holiday concert Concert tickets are a tried and true gift perfect for college students, families or co-workers! This holiday season the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform its Holiday Pops Concert on Dec. 8, with tickets being sold at the

MSC Box Office or online at www. bvso.org/tickets. Brazos Valley Chorale is performing the holiday program “We Need A Little Christmas” on Dec. 7 at First Presbyterian Church in Bryan.

Tickets are available at www.bvchorale.org.

This holiday season, it’s easy to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

Molly Wallace is The Arts Council’s program manager. For more information on The Arts Council, visit www.acbv.org.

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he holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to find the perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones!

Instead of shopping online, support local artists and businesses! We’ve rounded up a list of gifts for everyone on your list.

For the crafter: A handmade, artisan gift College Station has an abundance of local artisans who create beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. The Arts Council’s Artisans’ Corner gift shop is fully stocked, and there’s sure to be something for everyone! From watercolor paintings, to handmade grilling utensils, to art sets, to scarves -- each piece is created with incredible attention to detail. The Artisans’ Corner (2275 Dartmouth St. in College Station) 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.

For the art-inclined: A new piece of art 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 www. acbv.org to view all the community gallery at large locations and hours.

The Frame Gallery (216 N. Bryan Ave., www.framegallerydowntown. com) in Downtown Bryan has a wonderful selection of art, ranging from pottery, to jewelry, to paintings.

The Village Cafe (210 W. 26th St., www.thevillagedowntown.com) in Downtown Bryan features the work of a different local artist each month. And for the Aggie fan, head to The Benjamin

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Christmas gift inspiration

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

By Molly Wallace SPECIAL TO THE EAGLE

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Sunday, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Dos and don’ t s of holiday shopping METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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hanks to sales featuring heavily discounted items, millions of people wait to start their holiday shopping until the season hits full swing. But in spite of such bargains, overextending budgets during the holiday season is too tempting for many shoppers to resist. However, shoppers need not risk financial peril if they shop smartly and heed some dos and don’ts of holiday shopping.

Do set a budget

Establish what you can afford to spend on gifts and other seasonal trimmings early on. The National Retail Federation estimates that the average consumer will spend around $700 come the holiday season. But not every person needs to be a big spender.

The “buy now, pay later” mentality that credit cards offer lands many shoppers in trouble, a sticky situation many only notice once the first bill comes due. If you cannot afford to pay your entire credit card balance off once the bill arrives, you face steep interest charges that can quickly add up. Instead, pick a set spending limit and keep to it no matter how tempting it may seem to overspend with a credit card.

Don’t be fooled by false sales

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clever pricing.

Do schedule time for shopping

Hectic schedules sometimes result in last-minute shopping that leads to impulse purchases. Schedule some distraction-free time for your holiday shopping so you’re less likely to rush into purchases before thinking them through.

Don’t double buy

Some shoppers use the holidays as an excuse to buy more for themselves than the people on their lists. While it’s tempting to treat yourself come the holiday season, this is a great and quick way to deplete your budget. If you plan on using holiday deals to supplement your own wardrobe or household needs, reduce your spending the rest of the year and save money for year-end purchases.

Do collect coupons and look for purchasing incentives

Comparison shopping not only helps you get the best price, but also it can shed light on coupons, shipping discounts and other incentives that lower the overall cost of products.

Search online for Websites that publish coupons and codes for online discounts, including free shipping.

Join a store’s marketing list and receive emails with deals sent directly to your inbox.

Retailers understand that a good advertised deal lures shoppers into their stores. As a result, some retailers Don’t be afraid to mark up the cost of certain items in delay some purchases order to slash the prices for holiday if need be sales. Even if you are saving the If hosting a post-holiday gathering assumed 50 to 60 percent, the final where gifts will be exchanged, it’s cost of the item still may be higher than normal. Comparison shop and do perfectly acceptable to delay buying your research so you don’t fall victim to those gifts until after Christmas or

Chanukah, when many items can be found at even lower prices. Many stores reduce prices on merchandise come December 26, so you can wait until after the holidays to shop for items that will be exchanged with distant friends and relatives. This enables you to save more money and use any received gift cards toward shopping.

Do keep a level head

Some people forget the true meaning of the season is spending time with loved ones. Getting swept away by shopping and worrying about deadlines can make the season less enjoyable. Don’t allow the stress of holiday shopping to compromise an otherwise joyous time of year.

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Your Online Superstore for Everything

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Do-it-yourself projects

By SHAUNA LEWIS THE EAGLE

Get inspiration for holiday arts and crafts online, at local shops

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s Christmas approaches, there are many gifts and decorations that people can make themselves or with the help of local arts and crafts stores.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects have become popular online, and ideas for making arts, crafts and food items abound on several websites such as www.spoonful.com, www. marthastewart.com, www.etsy.com and www.pintrest.com. People can also check out local arts and crafts shops to get ideas for things they’d like to make. For those who’d like some guidance, many businesses offer classes that teach how to make things such as glass ornaments, pottery, wreaths and paintings. They often encourage a fun group atmosphere, so those wanting to try a new craft can bring along friends and family for some quality time.

Popular online homemade holiday decorations include wreaths, ornaments, table centerpieces and wall and door hangings. Homemade gift ideas include spices, marinades, bath scrubs (made with sugar), ornaments and food.

Many items are often put in decorated jars – which have become popular staples of homemade projects. Jars can be used to layer the ingredients for food gifts – desserts, hot chocolate and soups – with a recipe card attached to the outside of the jar, which can be decorated. Jars are also used for homemade glassware such as wine glasses (by attaching a candle stick under a jar, to serve as the glass stem); a Christmas scene (similar to snow globes); and plants, such as a Christmas tree in a jar (Rosemary).

Jars are also used to put together gifts Hilsabeck said. making Christmas items, such as such as sewing kits (needles, thread Classes offered at Artastic Craft wreaths, puffy burlap ornaments and spools and thimbles) or spa kits (nail Studio include lessons on making hanging monograms. Class attendees polish, bath scrubs, etc.). items often seen on Pintrest -- hair can bring their own bottle of wine. bows, wreaths, photo frames and door Artastic, like other similar businesses, Lessons hanging decorations using a person’s also hosts group parties such as kids’ Kristin Hilsabeck started her last name initial. One of the most birthday parties and bridal and baby business, Artastic Craft Studio in showers.

College Station, in September 2012 as popular classes, she said, has been her school spirit wreath class – likely For more information, visit www. a result of the popularity of DIY arts because such wreaths are hard to find artasticcraftstudio.com or call and crafts. for a reasonable price at stores.

979-571-0494.

“With the explosion in Pintrest Upcoming classes will include Painting With a Twist in College and DIY projects, I wanted a place where anyone and everyone can come (TOP RIGHT) Painters show off their reindeer paintings they made to learn to craft and actually do the during a class at Painting With a Twist in College Station. (MIDDLE projects they pin (share on Pintrest. & BOTTOM RIGHT) Class members work on a painting at Painting com) – with their friends and a glass of wine of course,” Hilsabeck states on With a Twist in College Station.

Artastic’s website.

Hilsabeck said she thinks DIY projects have become popular because of websites such as Pintrest, but also because of a poor economy at a time when such websites were becoming well known. It’s often more costeffective to make things rather than buy them at stores, she said.

Hilsabeck said she has always been “very crafty.” The idea for Artastic Craft Studio occurred to her last January, while she was an elementary art class teacher in Bryan. She would often post her art projects on Pintrest, which people would then share, and she taught a fellow teacher to make hair bows.

“I thought, ‘Hey, I could do this for a living,” she said.

The idea was to bring something that was similar to Painting With a Twist (which offers painting lessons) to the area, but that would be geared toward (979) 595-1111 • 2551 Texas Ave. S. Ste. G • College Station • www.merrymaids.com Pintrest and craft projects, she said.

“I think if people know how to do something, they’re more likely to do it,”

Give the Gift Of Clean This Holiday Season!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Sunday, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE The Eagle • theeagle.com

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(TOP LEFT) Siblings decorate their bowls at U Paint It. (MIDDLE LEFT) A customer at U Paint It displays his Christmas ornaments.

(BOTTOM LEFT) Crafters can decorate items, such as mugs and figurines, at U Paint It, customizing them for any occasion. (BELOW) A member of a class at Artastic Craft Studio shows the Rudolph ornament she made last year. (BOTTOM LEFT, OPPOSITE PAGE) Participants in a recent class at Artastic Craft Studio show off the initial door hangings they made. (FAR RIGHT, OPPOSITE PAGE) Members of a school spirit wreath-making class at Artastic Craft Studio hold up their handy work at the end of the class.

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2651 Boonville Rd. Ste.130 • Bryan, TX 77808 • 979-776-2180 Tues – Sat • 9AM – 6PM

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several community classes on arts, crafts and other creative things.

Classes include watercolor, drawing, calligraphy, painting, folk painting, photography, crocheting, making balloon animals, knitting, sewing, soap making, quilting and stained glass.

For more details, visit www.cstx.gov.

For more information on local

arts- and crafts-related businesses and classes, visit: www.framegallerydowntown.com artbymurderevent.com http://acbv.org http://bvartleague.org http://downtownbryan.com

THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT Of AggIELAND

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Singing Cadets • Women’s Chorus • Century Singers and Texas A&M University Presents

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in six days.

Art projects offered include figurines, piggy banks, glassware, plates and bowls.

For more details, call www.upaintit. com or call 979-695-1500.

Living Water Pottery in College Station offers pottery demonstrations and lessons, with a scheduled appointment.

Other upcoming events include mosaics workshops.

For more information, visit www. livingwaterpottery.com or call 979-820-3864.

Those who would like to work with glass can visit Brazos Glassworks in Downtown Bryan for one of the classes offered there. The studio’s classes include making fused pendants, hand-blown Christmas ornaments and fused coasters or tile.

For more information, visit www. brazosglassworks.com or call 979-823-0325.

The city of College Station offers

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Station offers classes on a variety of paintings. People can view a calendar of upcoming classes and a photo of the painting that will be made during each class at www.paintingwithatwist. com/college-station/, where they can register.

Painters don’t need experience to attend. An instructor will use step-bystep instructions for class members to follow, while they enjoy their own alcoholic beverage, if they wish.

Paintings offered include holidaythemed images. Painting With a Twist also offers group parties.

For more information, visit the website or call 979-485-9838.

U Paint It in College Station offers customers a chance to make ceramic art pieces. Customers can pick a ceramic piece from the store’s inventory, and the studio provides supplies for painting it. After customers are done with their artwork, studio employees will glaze and fire them, and have them ready for pick up

THE ANNUAL CHORAL HOLIDAY CONCERT December 8, 2013 at 3:00 PM in Rudder Auditorium

MSC Box Office: 979.845.1234 AdvAnCe TiCkeTS $5 Or $8 AT The dOOr

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Great Holiday

Gifts for Gardening Enthusiasts

(StatePoint) Shopping for gardeners this holiday season? You can make their season a bit brighter by shopping with their favorite hobby in mind.

Here are a few ideas that will put a smile on the face of those greenthumbed family members and friends: Make a Statement Upgrade a hobby wardrobe with gear that’s not only stylish, but functional, too.

If your gardener is still watering, hedging, weeding and working in the yard in an old pair of beat-up sneakers, consider a pair of garden clogs designed for the specific chores associated with working in the yard or garden. Easy-to-clean and waterproof, they make a great present.

Or consider a utility apron in your gift recipient’s favorite colors or pattern.

Go Bird-Friendly No garden is complete without visits from local wildlife, such as songbirds. Help your gardener transform his or her garden into a wildlife refuge. A birdbath and

bird feeder will help attract birds and encourage them to linger in the garden longer.

Unfortunately, billions of songbirds are killed worldwide each year due to accidental collisions with window glass, according to the Wilson Ornithological Society.

Consider a unique gift that makes the area safer for flying friends.

A new high-tech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid can be applied to windows, containing a component that brilliantly reflects ultraviolet sunlight. This ultraviolet light, that’s invisible to humans, takes advantage of the keen eyesight of birds, creating a visual barrier on windows to help prevent fatal collisions.

“Wildlife can beautify a garden.

But birds and other wildlife don’t appear by chance. They seek habitats that provide them with food, shelter and safety,” says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert.

For bird-friendly gift ideas, visit www.WindowAlert.com.

Personalize Make watering the plants a pleasure with a vintage watering can.

You can add a personal touch by painting the side of the can with a unique design or your gift recipient’s name. Or buy a set of planters and give them the same painting treatment.

When shopping this holiday season, don’t ignore your gift recipient’s hobbies and passions.

There are plenty of gifts that complement the gardening lifestyle.

outdoor enthusiast can resist METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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assembled once you arrive at your kayaking destination also can save kayakers money on roof racks for their vehicles.

Waterproof backpack: A good outdoor person knows never to leave home without a waterproof parka, but what about his or her backpack?

A waterproof backpack protects valuables, including cell phones, cameras and tools, from the elements. Look for backpacks with waterproof zipper systems to ensure your loved one’s valuables are fully protected on rainy treks through the forest.

Water filter: Drinking straight from natural water sources may seem like a genuinely adventurous thing to do, but it’s genuinely dangerous as well. A hiker’s water filter greatly reduces his or her risk of suffering illness after drinking water tainted with bacteria

the wilderness.

Hot dog roasters: No trip to the great outdoors is complete without roasting some hot dogs over an open flame. But far too many hot dogs have been lost to the fire, thanks to traditional campfire forks that don’t provide adequate hold as hot dogs cook over an open flame. Curly hot dog roasters wrap around the hot dogs, snuggly holding them in place as the franks cook.

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he great outdoors is even greater when you’re prepared for all of the things Mother Nature can throw your way. Holiday shoppers with a person who enjoys the outdoors on their shopping list can turn this holiday season into a truly joyous occasion with the following gifts tailor-made for tackling the great outdoors.

Folding kayak: Kayaking is a great way to take in the great outdoors, but not everyone has the room at home to store kayaks when they aren’t being used to traverse nearby waterways.

Those who live in apartments, condominiums or smaller homes with limited storage may appreciate a folding kayak, which can be stored in a closet or beneath a bed and put together in a matter of minutes.

Folding kayaks that can be stored in vehicle trunks and quickly

such as E.coli. Even the most serene streams or isolated rivers can contain harmful bacteria, so a portable water filter is a necessity.

Compass: Many of us have grown to rely on our smartphone apps to get us from point A to point B. While such apps may do the job when we are near cell phone towers, phone signals are often less reliable in more remote locations, such as forests and national parks.

A reliable compass is all one may need to make his or her way through

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Gifts no

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