2019 Holiday Gift Guide

2019

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2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Why Shop Local This Year?

community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.

4. Keeping dollars in the local economy: Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of 1. Local character and prosperity: In an their revenue back into the local economy, increasingly homogenriching the whole enized world, communities that preserve community.

5. Job and wages: their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinc- Locally owned busitive character have an nesses create more jobs locally and, in some economic advantage. sectors, provide better 2. Community wages and benefits well-being: Locally owned businesses build than chains do.

6. Entrepreneurship: strong communities Entrepreneurship fuels by sustaining vibrant America’s economic town centers, linking neighbors in a web of innovation and prosperity, and serves as a economic and social key means for families relationships, and to move out of lowcontributing to local wage jobs and into the causes. middle class.

3. Local decision7. Public benefits and making: Local ownership ensures that costs: Local stores in town centers require important decisions comparatively little are made locally by people who live in the infrastructure and make The Institute for Local Self-Reliance offers the following 10 benefits for shoppers and their communities when they shop locally owned businesses:

s t c a F t s a F l a c Shop Lo

S

hopping local has become on trend thanks in large part to nationwide marketing campaigns. In fact, Small Business Saturday has become a shopping holiday in its own right — and fares well against its more big-box competitors Black Friday and Cyber Monday.This is what it means to shop local in the United States.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

• Small Business Saturday started in 2010. That year, the event was sponsored and promoted by American Express to encourage the growth of small businesses.

• Small Business Saturday took a dip in 2017, both in foot traffic and in overall dollars spent. The shopping holiday saw 108 million shoppers who spent approximately $12.9 billion, which according to the National Federation of Independent Business and American Express, is 4 million shoppers and more than $3 billion less than the year before.

• The state-by-state breakdown of the day shows that a majority of participation was through restaurants and bars, with 41 percent of people dining local. This was followed by purchases of clothing and accessories from small businesses (24 percent), grocery stores (23 percent) and then coffee shops (22 percent).

SHOPPING SMALL

• You may have already heard more mainstream statistics regarding your dollars (such as when you spend $100 at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the local economy, rather than just the $43 if you would spend that same money at a big-box store.). But did you also know that small businesses accounted for more than half the jobs that have been created in the last decade?

• Additionally, small businesses donate 250 percent more than corporate businesses to non-profits and to community-based causes, according to the Seattle Good Business Network.

• While some shoppers won’t purchase items directly on Shop Small Saturday, the shopping holiday has definitely increased small business awareness. People have begun to shop small on other days and more consistently throughout the year.

more efficient use of public services relative to big box stores and strip shopping malls.

8. Environmental sustainability: Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centerswhich in turn are essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution.

9. Competition: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

10. Product diversity: A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based, not on a national sales plan, but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

Keep Your Money Local: Shop Small This Holiday Season When you shop local, you help support your neighbors, your local economy and your community. Pledge to spend more of your holiday dollars this year at local Midland businesses.

#SHOPSMALLMIDLAND www.MBAmi.org

2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Beware of the Fine Print

W

hile most reputable retailers back up the items featured during the Black Friday season, fine print from manufacturers or even a sale’s details can cause you to miss out on a great deal.

Before you jump in line to get the value of the century, you should know exactly what you’re getting into.

Here are a few things to pay attention to when a deal seems too good to be true.

DOOR BUSTERS

Door-buster deals are front and center in most Black Friday advertisements, but what isn’t so clear is the fine print. Stipulations listed underneath the highly discounted price sometimes reveal limitedtime windows or limits per customer. Make sure to perform a thorough review before showing up for the sale and leaving empty handed.

If a deal is only in effect for a short time period, make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to arrive early and grab a good place in line.

PRICE-MATCHING EXEMPTIONS

Many stores boast a promotion to match a competitor’s lower prices.

While this can lead to big savings throughout the year, there are often exemptions during Black Friday events.

You can easily find out a retailer’s policy by searching for their specific terms online. Stay ahead of the curve and know who price matches when finding the best deal.

BLACK THURSDAY?

Throughout the country, many businesses are opening their doors a day early for the largest savings. In recent years, the evening of Thanksgiving features many door busters while continuing smaller sales throughout the next day. Pay attention to the dates and get the most out of shopping on both Thursday and Friday.

FREE SHIPPING THRESHOLD

While Cyber Monday dominates the holiday season online, don’t be surprised if brick-and-mortar stores honor their savings through their websites.

One factor to look for is the amount you need to spend before free shipping will be honored. If you don’t reach the threshold, consider how much you are actually saving, it can be more valuable to shop in-store.

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2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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The Veteran T

here is no greater service than the one provided by men and women who have served the United States in a branch of military. Show the veteran in your life your appreciation by offering them one of these amazing and sometimes emotional gifts.

DISPLAY HONORS

REPLACEMENT DOG TAGS

Dog tags are issued to every service member as they enter the military.

However, the hustle and bustle of everyday life can make it easy to misplace them once their back home.

Do your veteran a favor by surprising them with a replacement set.

Many veterans are humble about their time spent in the military, to them it was just their calling and duty. Memorialize their contribution by providing them with a shadow box or display case.

Encourage the BOOKS veteran to showcase Surprise your veteran with their medals, badges or coins. awesome books regarding today’s military as well as the country’s history.

Reading up on the changes today’s service men and women are making will be an interesting read and create feelings of understanding and bonding.

ARTWORK

If you have ever heard servicemen or women discuss their time in the military, you have probably noticed they have a familiarity with the same locations and tools they used during their time served. To non-servicemembers, we can only imagine these places, but to them, the bases and posts where they served were a way of life during their time serving our country. Frame a picture of an aerial shot of the base or their favorite tool or vehicle they used during their terms.

DONATE IN THEIR NAME

Find a charity who supports the military and make a donation in your veteran’s name. Your donation can make a difference in the lives of troops overseas, those recovering back here at home and the families with a member on deployment. Here are a few charities to consider.

• Wounded Warrior Project • National Military Family Association • Support Our Troops

Fine art, pottery, glass, unique handmade jewelry, fashion accessories, Lafco and Trap candles, gifts for the home and exquisite holiday decor.

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CheCk out events.ourmidland.com to see what’s How To Avoid Shipping happening!

Costs On Holiday Gifts

M

any shoppers conduct their holiday shopping at traditional brick-and-mortar stores as well as online retailers. Both have their share of advantages, including the ability to ship items directly home if there is a deal to be had.

Shipping can be quite the convenience, particularly for heavy items or if an item is currently out of stock in a store. The retailer can have it sent over from another location or their main warehouse. Shipping can save shoppers time and reduce their stress. However, as convenient as shipping gifts can be, the hefty cost of shipping gifts can eat away at holiday budgets.

A 2019 report from U.S. News and World Report found some shipping fees can range between $5 and $10 per package. Fortunately, in many cases, consumers can avoid shipping costs if they shop smart.

• Pay attention to suspended shipping costs. Many retailers will temporarily freeze shipping costs during certain periods. Shoppers can note these free shipping windows and order the bulk of their items then.

• Meet the minimum amount. Some

stores and online retailers will offer free shipping once shoppers reach a certain spending threshold.

For example, Chewy.com offers free shipping on purchases $50 and over. By spending a little more, shoppers may actually end up saving money.

• Shop where shipping is always free. In order to attract business, certain online retailers, including Zappos, offer free shipping, while others offer free shipping in exchange for nominal membership fees.

• Explore in-store pickup. To capitalize on both online and in-store shopping, retailers will frequently offer free in-store pickup of items purchased online. Ship-to-store has become popular at stores like Target, Old Navy and Walmart.

• Shop as early as possible. Free shipping deals often extend only to items shipped standard. Expedited or overnight shipping will still incur a fee.

Therefore, shop early if your goal is cut shipping costs or avoid them entirely.

• Take advantage of Free Shipping Day. Free Shipping Day takes place each year when thousands of online stores offer free shipping with delivery before Christmas. In 2019, Free Shipping Day is Saturday, December 14.

Saving money on shipping is easy when consumers learn the ropes.

The Midland Daily News recently launched a new events website featuring events from around Midland and beyond!

The site features all sorts of activities!

H concerts H H youth clubs H H arts H H comedy shows H H fundraisers H H and more! H

Have an event? Add it — free of charge — to events.ourmidland. com, and be part of this exciting new community feature!

Events are listed by dates, as well as by category and neighborhoods. If you’re hosting an event, you have to be part of events.midland.com!

And if you’re looking for things to do around the area, make sure to bookmark events. ourmidland.com!

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2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Workplace Gifting Etiquette: Get Giving Right G

ift giving in the workplace can be challenging territory to navigate. And as anyone who has received an inappropriate gift or something that really wasn’t useful can attest, he or she probably doesn’t want to face a situation in which a gift leads to office gossip.

SKIP YOUR BOSS. Etiquette experts say that gifts should flow downward not upward in the realm of employment ranking. That means it’s best to stick with gifting colleagues who are on the same level as you. Buying a gift for the boss may look like you’re simply trying to score brownie points instead of offering a meaningful gift.

GIVE GROUP GIFTS. Rather than gifting individuals, it can be safer to KEEP IT IMPERSONAL. give a group gift from which many Impersonal doesn’t mean it’s acceptable can benefit. This can include coffee to grab anything off the shelf. But the and pastries from a nearby bakery, gift should not be something that would or a bouquet of flowers to offend tastes or sentiments. Avoid clothing, brighten up the office perfume, jewelry, or accessories. Lotions and environment. other scented items are also ill-advised.

ourmidland.com KEEP PRICES MODEST. Office giving is not about illustrating who can afford the most expensive gift.

Remember, some people will not be able to reciprocate, and they shouldn’t feel uncomfortable for being on the receiving end of a lavish gift.

Follow the rules. Gift exchanges should be cleared with supervisors or human resources professionals. It pays to check if there are rules in place for gifting others.

AVOID CASH GIFTS. Giving cash or checks is not a good idea. Money should only come by way of bonuses from higher-ups. If you’re stuck on what to give, a gift card to a store that a coworker visits is acceptable.

According to a poll conducted by Harris, around half of workers plan to gift at least one business associate around the holidays but are confused about what to give. Too often it’s up to workers to navigate these etiquette minefields on their own, but the following tips can help the process go smoothly.

Did You Know?

G

iving the gift of an experience is a rising trend, particularly among millennials.

Harris research has determined that millennials (defined as people born between 1980 and 1996) highly value experiences, and they are increasingly spending time and money on them. Types of experiences include athletic pursuits, cultural visits, concerts, social events, and various travel. The research goes on to say that more than three out of four millennials choose to spend money on a desirable experience instead of buying a product. And it’s not just millennials. Overall, consumer spending has shifted in the last 10 to 15 years. HSBC bank chief economist Kevin Logan has said consumer spending on recreation, travel and eating out has been trending upward for more than a decade, while purchases of clothing and shoes as a share of discretionary spending has dropped. These trends can help drive purchases during holiday gift-giving. Gifts that are more experience-oriented may be more appreciated by their recipients.

Gifting at work is complicated, and certain etiquette should be followed so no lines are crossed.

Navigating office gifting can be tricky.

It’s important to avoid overly personal items.

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Thursday, November 28, 2019 | Page 7

Holiday Gifts For Four-legged Family Members H

oliday shoppers who NATURAL PET PRODUCTS are busy making lists Just as people are interested in and checking them twice protecting the health of the should make sure they don’t planet and their own personal health, overlook the family pet.

Christmas has gone to the cats and dogs, as a greater number of people include their companion animals when selecting gifts each year.

A study by OnePoll conducted by Rover. com, the nation’s largest network of dog sitters and walkers, found that 95 percent of pet owners have bought holiday gifts for their pets.

Gifts can range from everyday needs, like food and treats, to more lavish extravagances like spa treatments.

Pet owners who plan to get their pets gifts this year may want to consider some of the emerging pet trends as they browse wares and services.

The Balance, a business, career and industry information site, says pet industry trends point toward these segments seeing growth.

so, too, are they

end pet grooming and other services is substantial. In addition, personalized training, behavioral consulting, portrait photography, dog sitting, and upscale spa treatments like pet Reiki and massage are booming.

MOBILE PET GROOMING

Mobile pet grooming has become the norm in many areas. Mobile pet grooming can reduce the potential stress on animals, and tends

to be very convenient for customers, particularly seniors and others who have mobility issues.

Beyond these growing trends, pet owners have a bevy of other ideas from which to choose. Here are just a few different suggestions: • tests to detect pets’ DNA and trace breed and ancestry, • interactive puzzles to keep pets engaged and banish boredom, • stylish storage baskets for pet toys, • hidden cat litter or dog crate items that camouflage commonly used pet items, • heated pet bed for cozy nights and mornings, and • signature vests, coats and sweaters to look good and remain comfortable.

Pet gifts are popular this time of year, ensuring all members of the family have a treat to open.

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The Dad Who’s Still A Kid At Heart

B

eing a dad can be a tough job. Show the dads in your life that it’s OK to be a kid at heart by gifting them items that remind them of childhood. And don’t forget to get the kids involved.

NOSTALGIC GIFTS

When dad was a kid, he probably had a favorite book. Perhaps, it was one his father used to read him or that his grandparents gave him as a gift.

There are many resources available to track down these classics. To add an element of surprise and fun for the kiddos, secretly ask his family members about his favorites which included fun activities like, a book of constellations or choose-your-own adventures.

Board games are another way to remind dad of his time as a child. Bring home one he played with his family and encourage a family board game night.

BACKYARD PLAYGROUND

Maybe dad has grown too old for swings and slides, but he will still enjoy outdoor games to entertain guests during barbecues or other get togethers. Look for pre-packaged games like horseshoes, cornhole or ladder ball and encourage him to hold tournaments with his friends.

TRIPS TO THE BALLPARK

Is there a better way for dads and children to bond than enjoying a sporting event together? The sportsmanship, delicious food and incredible atmosphere are enough to excite anyone. Gift him tickets to his favorite team and make sure to provide enough for the whole family.

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B

Thursday, November 28, 2019 | Page 9

The Bookworm

ooks give readers the opportunity to forget their worries and get lost in a great story. Supporting your local libraries is a great idea, but sometimes, bookworms want a broader reach on available material and the chance to own a classic.

If you have someone in your life who loves the feeling of physically turning the pages and entering a world of fantasy, consider these ideas for gifts.

MONTHLY BOOK CLUBS

Subscription services are huge in America. From food to razor blades, there aren’t many things you can’t have delivered to your door for a monthly premium and books are no different.

Certain clubs let users choose from several options as picked by judges. Others offer a complete surprise by shipping different books based on someone’s interests. Consider how picky your bookworm is when it comes to their literary preferences and deciding which one would make a perfect gift.

CREATIVE BOOK STORAGE

Anyone who loves to read also enjoys displaying some of their favorites throughout their home. While traditional bookshelves are useful, they can appear outdated in some modern homes. Instead, look for floating shelves, which make books appear to be standing on a wall, or an abstract shelf that will become a conversation piece. You also could shop for unique bookends that make a statement.

MEET AND GREETS

Authors typically go on tours to promote their most recent books. Keep an eye out for your loved one’s favorites and buy them tickets. In addition to asking questions, they may get to meet their hero and even get a picture or autograph. Most importantly, they will be able to thank them for providing them with stories they love. It’s a memory they will never forget.

PERSONALIZED BOOKMARK

In today’s world, you can put a picture on anything. Create a heartfelt gift that will make the recipient think of you each time they open and close a book. Think of a special image your loved one appreciates like a good time you had together.

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Holiday Shopping List W

ith all the amazing deals offered by retailers in your area, you should have no trouble finding something for everyone on your list.

While you may have to sacrifice a peaceful shopping experience and immerse yourself in a crowd, taking advantage of Black Friday sales can help you save a ton of money while completing your holiday shopping.

When researching upcoming Black Friday deals, consider the loved ones on your list. Here are a few categories that offer big discounts each holiday season.

FOR THE TECH LOVER

The question on everyone’s mind when anticipating Black Friday is which retailer will offer the biggest television at the lowest price. Keep in mind, these hot electronics go fast so you should understand how many are available, at which times they are on sale and what features they include.

Smartphones, tablets and smart watches are other staples that are discounted during the holidays. You can benefit from buying additional service protection to keep your gift under extended warranty for your loved one.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA

To find the perfect outfit, you may need to inquire with you gift recipient or someone close to them to discover the size they need. Don’t limit your search to winter wear. Instead, purchase a few items they can wear when the temperatures warm up so they can enjoy your gift throughout the entire year.

FOR THE HOME RENOVATOR

Even discounted appliances can be on the high end of a budget, but for the person who is renovating a room in their home, Black Friday is a great time to save a lot of money.

Before investing, ensure the finishes match your loved one’s plans for a design scheme. For instance, stainlesssteel appliances are great to modernize rooms like a kitchen and darker colors can enhance a room with a rustic aesthetic.

Tools are another item that homeimprovement stores advertise with price cuts. Gift the DIY renovator in your life with the equipment they need to finish a project while saving big bucks.

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Thursday, November 28, 2019 | Page 11

Avoiding Identity Theft is attributed to the third highest reason.

In 2017, the Internet Crime Complaint Center received and processed 301,580 complaints — 21.2% of victims were over the age of 60.

PROTECTING YOURSELF

S

hopping local can ensure you’re protected against identity thieves working to obtain your personal information when purchasing online or with a credit card.

Before heading out on a shopping journey, make sure to stop by your financial institution or credit union to load up with cash and avoid making purchases with plastic.

If you feel like you have already been compromised by identity theft or credit card fraud, it’s imperative to contact your cardholder immediately. An efficient way to monitor your financial

C T E H LE E B S R E A A T S E O N !

Making sure your information is secure, is an important task yearround, not just during the holidays.

Unfortunately, it’s not always as easy to protect yourself by avoiding credit card purchases. Here are a few ways the United States Government Services suggests when keeping yourself safe.

Be cautious of who you share personal information like your birthdate, Social Security number or bank accounts with.

Secure your wi-fi network by only

situation is analyzing bank statements and using creditmonitoring software.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that nine million Americans fall victim to identity theft each year, spending your holiday dollars locally, can prevent you from becoming a statistic.

CYBERCRIME STATISTICS

While buying goods online opens doors to nearly any product you can imagine, it also opens you to threats of cybercrime. Check out these startling statistics from the Insurance Information Institute to understand the seriousness of protecting yourself.

In 2017, there were 1,632 breaches made which accounted for about 198 million exposed personal records.

Hacking is the most used method to acquire breached data, unauthorized access is second and accidental exposure

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using a private network protected with firewall settings.

Use complex passwords to protect your financial accounts.

CASH HELPS SMALL BUSINESSES, TOO

Spending cash not only protects consumers from identity theft, it’s also a welcome form of payment from small businesses. Did you know each time you swipe your card, there is fee that a business owner is responsible for?

While most costs are minimal, they can quickly add up to a substantial amount during the busy holiday season.

You can do your part to help them have a profitable year by avoiding plastics purchases.

2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Gift Ideas For Fitness Fans T

he growth of the fitness industry has included a surge in boutique fitness regimens. While major clubs offer classes, separate boutique clubs also are thriving. Clubs focusing on ballet barre, Cross-Fit® and Orangetheory® are just some examples of the booming boutique fitness industry.

Holiday shoppers with fitness fans on their list can look to their loved ones’ love of physical activity when seeking inspiration for holiday gifts. Purchasing gifts for someone with a specific hobby or interest can often be daunting because enthusiasts may have firm ideas of what they like and want to use.

While the same can be said for athletes and people who live active lifestyles, there are plenty of gifts that will appeal to those who embrace fitness as part of their lifestyle.

BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES: Music can inspire and get fitness buffs motivated.

Bluetooth headphones connect wirelessly to most devices, and such headphones won’t get tangled up while running or hitting the elliptical at the gym. Select a pair that are lightweight and

comfortable and securely fit in the ears for ultimate convenience.

REVERSIBLE YOGA MAT: Active yogis know just how much a stretch session can work up a sweat.

Throw in an hour of hot yoga, and perspiration will certainly be flowing.

Everyone recognizes Lululemon for their comfortable workout attire, but the company also has a reversible yoga mat that wicks away moisture during yoga sessions. When gifting yoga mats, throw in a yoga mat carrier as well.

trackers are ideal for this. Different brands come at various price points to make giving easier on the budget.

PERSONAL BLENDER: Diet plays a big role in fitness, and many fitness enthusiasts enjoy protein shakes and smoothies as part of their daily regimen.

A personal blender makes enough for a single bottle at a time. Some are designed so the blender tube is actually the receptacle that can be carried on the go.

SUSPENSION TRAINING KIT: Many workouts are based on counterbalancing body weight to drive up resistance.

Suspension training, like the workouts from TRX, utilize a network of straps so athletes can put their body weight to

use in a variety of exercises. A portable kit can be set up wherever it’s needed.

DUMBBELL SET: Weight training can boost metabolism and strengthen bones and muscles. When athletes can’t make it to the gym, a home set of dumbbells can ensure they still get their strength-training sessions in.

WORKOUT BAG: A durable duffel bag that can tote a change of clothes, towel, equipment, and more to and from workouts is a gift any fitness enthusiast can enjoy.

Outfitting fitness enthusiasts with the tools of the trade is a surefire way to purchase a holiday-gift hit.

FITNESS TRACKER: Active people often like to track their progress during a workout or to see just how much they’ve been moving during the day.

Fitness

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Thursday, November 28, 2019 | Page 15

Experience Gifts Are Out-of-the-box Exciting

T

he holidays are a season for decorating, entertaining and, of course, figuring out what to get all of the special people on gift lists.

The holidays are a season for decorating, entertaining and, of course, figuring out what to get all of the special people on gift lists. Instead of navigating crowded stores to find a gift that may just take up space in their loved ones’ closets, more and more people are giving the gift of an experience.

According to Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a professor of psychology at Cornell University, new belongings will only be exciting at first, but then people adapt to them. If shoppers’ goals are to prolong those feelings of excitement, then personal experiences can be more effective than material goods.

When shopping for those who seemingly have everything, a gift of an experience may be a smarter choice, especially if the experience is something the recipient may never have done before or wouldn’t think to get for him or herself. For those who need a little inspiration, the following are some ways to treat loved ones to special experiences.

WINE TASTING: Find a local winery that offers tours and other wine-tasting experiences. Many areas of the country not particularly known as meccas for

wine are still homes to local wineries. Treat a loved one to a day at a nearby winery or vineyard, bringing along some snacks, such as bread and cheese, to pair with the wines.

FITNESS CLASS PARTY: Enable fitness enthusiasts to try out new and trendy exercise classes by giving the gift of a class or membership.

Consider tagging along to a class so the recipient doesn’t have to go it alone.

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS: Book a trip aboard a sight-seeing plane, balloon or helicopter for the high-flying thrill-seeker on your holiday shopping list.

Contact a nearby airport or sightseeing company to find out what is available. Some tours circle national monuments and points of interests, providing more bang for the buck.

ACTION AND ADVENTURE: There’s adventure to be had on land as well. Racing fans can sit behind the wheel of a race car and lap the racetrack like their favorite NASCAR® stars. Those who prefer getting a little wet with their wild may enjoy a whitewater

rafting excursion.

THE CHOICE IS THEIRS: If you’re stuck on what to get, let recipients choose their own experience. Companies like Cloud 9 Living enable individuals to choose their experiences from a wide variety of options.

Giving experiences can equal a year of entertaining and enjoyable memories for gift recipients.

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