Inside Northside's 2019 Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Shopping!

I hope this gift guide finds you in a jolly, holiday spirit ready to trim your tree and find the perfect gifts!

Whether you enjoy the adrenaline of shopping in the last hours of Christmas Eve or you’re aiming to finish shopping and have everything wrapped the weekend after Thanksgiving, we’re here to help with our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide. We’re sure you will find that just-right item for each person on your list as you flip through the pages of this year’s guide. Your best pals, your significant other, your parents, your children and your children’s children will all be thrilled with a gift found on these pages. The guide is packed with shiny jewels of all colors and sizes, elegant home décor, chic clothing, and pretty knick-knacks.

Remember, shopping local is very important, especially during the holidays. It not only makes your Christmas brighter—it makes the season a little brighter for the families you purchase from!

Publisher Lori Murphy Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell

Senior Editor

Managing Editor

Señor Art Director

Brad Growden

Business Manager

Jane Quillin

Senior Account Executives

Barbara Bossier

Poki Hampton

Barbara Roscoe

Jan Murphy Leah Draffen

Pemmie Sheasby

Margaret Rivera

Advertising Coordinator

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE is published annually (December) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tam­many and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copy­right ©2019 by M & L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork.

4

Inside Northside

2.

3.

1.

4.

5.

Gifts of Luxury 1. The hand-carved Alexandra Chair by Suzanne Kasler features a quatrefoil-shaped back making a graphic statement while creating visual interest from all angles, $999. 2. Holiday reflections. Mirrored Christmas trees with brass frames, multiple sizes, starting at $35. 3. Juliska Berry & Thread North Pole collection serving bowl featuring snow-covered pines in a gently sloping Nordic landscape, dotted by cozy chalets with charming thatched roofs, $125. 4. Maria D’Flores wax cast sculpture bearing gifts of flowers, $325. 5. Seashore Santa featuring bottle brush trees with starfish and seashell accents, $69. 6. Holy Night 6-piece hand-crafted driftwood and resin nativity scene including Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, and three kings (each piece is unique and will vary, faces rendered in cold cast porcelain), $375. 7. Oneof-a-kind Rebecca Vizard 16TH century European gold and silver metallic embroidery 6.

pillow hand-trimmed with vintage gold cording, 14” x 37”, $3,150. 8. Icy blue pine holiday candle highlighting honeyed fir balsam and cooling notes of camphor, cedar leaf and eucalyptus. Showcased in a glass tumbler with golden painted base, $35.

7.

6

Inside Northside

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

9. Stag head footed vase in small and large, starting at $135. 10. Rebecca Vizard early Carnavalet Fortuny in faded blue backed with silver velvet and bordered with antique silver gallon, 19” x 20”, $850. Limited quantities.

11. Transparent vases with white waves and crackle detail, three sizes available, starting at $80.

12. Kendra Scott jewelry boxes and organizers, starting at $85. 13. NEST Fragrances Ocean Mist & Sea Salt 3-wick candle in a copper metallic

14.

maidenhair fern print vessel, $70. 14. Glittered 17” tall Santa figure designed to shimmer and shine as though St. Nick had been out in frosty weather, $59.

15. Cast stone Maria del Pilar with crescent moon,

15.

nickel aura and iron stand, $1,485. 16. Embedded jellyfish hand-blown glass paperweight sculptures in assorted colors, $60 each.

16.

2033 N. Hwy. 190, Covington • (985) 875-7576 • greigehome.com • Holiday Gift Guide 2019 7

2.

1.

The Season to Sparkle

3.

1. Studs crafted from a pair of uneven diamond bars, $495. 2. Two diamond bars weighing a total of 0.24 cts set in yellow gold, $915. 3. 4.18 carat radiant cut sapphire ring surrounded by 1.90 carats of white diamonds set in 18 karat white gold, $43,650. 4. Floral-inspired dangle earrings set in 14 karat white gold with round brilliant and marquise diamonds weighing 2.72 carats, $9,660. 5. Fancy yellow diamond earrings weighing a total of 4.03 carats set in titanium, $37,200. 6. Pear shaped dangle earrings set in 18 karat white gold weighing a total of 14.85 carats. GIA certification upon request, $372,000.

5.

4.

6.

3230 Severn Avenue, Metairie • (504) 383-3900 • diamondsdirect.com 8

Inside Northside

2.

1.

3.

Your Niche for Gifts 1. Emile Henry fondue set, $145. 2. Pre’ de Provence No. 63 Men’s

4.

personal care hair and body wash, $14; after shave, $20; cube soap, $8; eau du toilette, $35. 3. Blue crab serving bowl, made in Italy, $99. 4. Oval Bond Street London mantle clock, $69. 5. Harry Barker gator dog toy, $16. 6. Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Cocktail Party Gift Set, $40. 7. Clementine Hunter Pickin’ and Weighin’ Cotton platter, $148. 8. Cole & Mason electronic mills set, $50.

5.

7.

6.

8.

The Market at Chenier • 1901 Hwy. 190, Mandeville • (985) 624-4045 • nichemodernhome.com Holiday Gift Guide 2019 9

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1. Coolibar Active Wear shirt with UV protection factor 50+, $49.50.

2. Coolibar Reversible Zoey Ribbon Hat, $49.50. 3. Glo mineral makeup to nourish, correct and protect your skin. 4. Tan Towel, self tanning towelettes, $29. 5. A Great Candle with a Brighter Purpose, $39.50. 6. Advanced Eyelash Growth Serum for thicker, fuller and more luscious lashes, $123. 7. Revision Skincare, Bodifirm and Nectifirm, for firmer more toned-looking skin, $92-$260. 8. Salt of the Earth customized luxurious body products including body scrubs, creams, muds and detoxifying mineral soaks, $10-$36.

6.

8.

7.

4070 Lonesome Road, Suite A, Mandeville • (985) 727-7701 • drmarthastewart.com 10

Inside Northside

INSIDE the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

14 Christmas Past Festival. More than 100 artists, craftsmen and merchants, children’s village with arts & crafts, food court featuring a variety of local vendors, live performances from Box Office Giants and UMPHY, train rides, old fashioned horse and carriage rides, Santa Claus and more!

Old Mandeville. 10am-4pm. oldmandevillebiz.com.

December 1-3 Cyber Funday. Gift with purchase.

and dad. The Roosevelt New Orleans,

Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature

A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 130 Roosevelt

Store, 2735 US 190, Mandeville. 778-

Way, New Orleans. (504) 335-3129.

2547.

therooseveltneworleans.com.

1-23 Christmas in the Country. Special

4 Dove Market. Pop-up shopping and

shopping events, strolling musicians,

entertainment with over 40 vendors.

carolers, refreshments and door prizes

SSA Campus, 122 S. Massachusetts

sponsored by the Covington Business

St, Covington. 4-9pm. ssacad.org.

Association, Lee Lane Merchants

5 Christmas Bingo. OnSTAGE at the

and the City of Covington. Downtown

Fuhrmann, 128 W 23rd Ave, Covington.

Covington. gocovington.org.

7pm. covla.com. bontempstix.com/

1-30 Audubon Zoo Lights. Audubon Zoo Lights presented by Children’s Hospital. auduboninstitute.org.

1-Jan 1 Celebration in the Oaks. New

events/onstage-christmasbingo.

6 Olde Towne Crawl. 2200 Block of Carey St, Slidell. 5-10pm. 285-5613.

6 Sips of the Season. Old Mandeville

Orleans City Park. neworleanscitypark.

bars, pubs and restaurants. Mugs

com.

available at K. Gee’s Restaurant, The

1, 7-8, 14-15, 19-24 Teddy Bear Tea.

Lemon Tree, Cameo Boutique, Blent

Holiday food, specialty teas, tasty

Juice Bar, Das Schulerhaus Gift Gallery

pastries, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and

and Christmas Boutique. 5-9pm. 624-

sparkling wine and mimosas for mom

3147. oldmandevillebiz.com.

>>

Holiday Gift Guide 2019 11

Inside Scoop 6 Yuletide Celebration. Performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Columbia Theatre, 220 E Thomas St, Hammond.

543-4371. columbiatheatre.org.

6-8 Christmas Extravaganza Arts and Crafts Expo. St Tammany Parish Fairgrounds, 1304 N Columbia St, Covington.

10am-5pm. Adults, $5; 12 and under, free. 966-7863.

6-8 Christmas in the Country. Old-fashioned family fun. St. Francisville. (225) 635-3873. stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

6-15 A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular. 30 by Ninety Theatre, 880 Lafayette St, Mandeville. 30byNinety.com.

7 Merry Madisonville & Lighting of the Oaks. Parade, caroling, kids’ activities, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more.

Madisonville Town Hall, 403 Saint Francis St. 2-8pm. 845-9824.

7 Northshore Mandeville Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. Photos with Santa, Christmas crafts, fire truck and more. Pancakes, sausage, milk, juice and coffee. Bring loose change to fill coin containers to help eliminate Maternal Neonatal Tetanus and save the lives of moms and their babies. Fontainebleau High School cafeteria, 100 Bulldog Dr, Mandeville. 8-11am. $5. Purchase from members or Mandeville Resource, Whitney or Fidelity banks. 778-8298 or (504) 236-3435.

7 Running of the Santas. Warehouse District, New Orleans. runningofthesantas.com.

7 Winter on the Water. Santa arrives by boat; marching parade from harbor to Gazebo; performances and lighting of the lakefront live oaks. Lakeshore Dr, Mandeville. 4-6pm. cityofmandeville.com.

7-9 Resort Ready Glamour Promo. Gift with purchase. Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, 2735 US 190, Mandeville.

778-2547.

8 Christmas on the Northshore Concert. St. Timothy on the Northshore UMC, 335 Asbury Dr, Mandeville. 7-8:30pm. sttimothyumc.org.

8 History and Holly Tour. Covington homes tour, holiday music and more presented by the Covington Heritage Foundation.

Four homes beautifully decorated for the holidays; two historic downtown churches—one will host a free choir concert to kick off the festivities. Begins in downtown Covington. 2-5pm. $20. covingtonheritagefoundation.com.

10 Christmas Concert and Tree Lighting. SSA Chapel, SSA Campus, 122 S Massachusetts St, Covington. 7pm.

ssacad.org.

13 Candlelight Caroling at Covington Trailhead. 419 N New Hampshire St, Covington. 7-8:30pm. covla.com.

13 Northlake Newcomers Club Christmas Luncheon. The Mande Milkshakers usher in the holiday season! Beau Chêne 12

Inside Northside

Country Club, 602 N Beau Chêne Drive, Mandeville. $16 for members and guests. Doors open, 10:00am. northlakenewcomers.com.

13-14 The Nutcracker. Performed by the Hammond Ballet Company. Columbia Theatre, 220 E Thomas St, Hammond.

543-4371. columbiatheatre.org.

14 Christmas Past Festival. More than 100 artists, craftsmen and merchants, children’s village with arts & crafts, food court featuring a variety of local vendors, live performances from Box Office Giants and UMPHY, train rides, old fashioned horse and carriage rides, Santa Claus and more! Old Mandeville.

10am-4pm. oldmandevillebiz.com.

14-15 Pouch Promo. Gift with purchase.

Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, 2735 US 190, Mandeville. 7782547.

15 Third Sunday Concert Series: A Christmas Brass Spectacular.

Produced by Erik Morales featuring the Louisiana Brass. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S New Hampshire St, Covington. 5-6pm. 892-3177.

16-18 Scarf Promo. Gift with purchase.

Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, 2735 US 190, Mandeville. 7782547.

18 Celtic Angels Christmas. OnSTAGE at the Fuhrmann, 128 W 23rd Ave, Covington. covla.com.

20-31 NOLA ChristmasFest. Ice skating rink, ice slides, holiday characters, themed inflatables, arts and crafts, gingerbread house exhibit, food, drinks and more. New Orleans Ernest M. Morial Convention Center, Hall H. nolachristmasfest.com.

31 Roaring Back to the ’20s New Year’s Eve Party. Music, open bar, midnight pinecone drop and more.

Southern Hotel, 428 E Boston St, Covington. 9pm. 400-5657.

Holiday Gift Guide 2019 13

3 1 2 4

Holiday Happies for Her 1. Gold Sacred Heart on a paperclip layering chain, $58. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797.

5

2. 14k gold diamond feather earrings in yellow gold, $1,850. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 3. NOLA skyline necklace available in silver or gold, $29. DeCoeur, Covington, 809-3244. 4. 14k white gold 1.12 ct round center with .30 ct tw side diamonds; regular $7,995; sale price, $5,495. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Covington, 892-2317.

5. Fancy yellow diamond drop earrings featuring 2.06ct yellow diamonds and 1.15ct of round brilliant diamonds set in 18k white gold, $19,995. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 6. Elegant hinged cuffs with semi-precious stones and faceted jeweled end caps and embellishments, $345 each. 24k gold plate coin bangle, $95. The Southern Hotel, Covington, 866-1907. 7. Seasonal Whispers bracelet made of 24K gold and Swarovski crystals, handmade in New York, $98. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465.

6

7 14

Inside Northside

“I’ve made it to a lot more LSU games thanks to Dr. Presser.”

I met him in 2016 after two years of pains in my chest and belching from my stomach. Even though the pain started in 2014, I didn’t go to have a recommended stress done until September of 2016. At Lakeview Regional Medical Center, I finally went in for the nuclear stress test. While I was waiting for the results, that is when Dr. Presser walked in the room. As a cardiologist, he reviewed my results with me explaining the possible need for stents, but he didn’t stop there. Even though he wasn’t my assigned cardiologist, Dr. Presser shared that he had bigger concerns for me and that he wanted to me to return the following day for an angiogram. Yet, I was planning to get on a plane to head to Lambeau Field for the LSU game! Dr. Presser was adamant about me not going to the game. He even stopped me in the hallway and said, ‘You can go to a thousand LSU games in the next ten years, but don’t go to this one.’

After the angiogram was completed the next day, my wife and I were informed that I would not be leaving the hospital. Dr. Presser was right and thankfully, I didn’t go to that game. Although my heart was extremely strong, two of my main arteries were basically shutdown.

Dr. Presser told us that open heart bypass surgery would be required. My procedure was a complete success. Dr. Presser even made sure that both my wife and I had his cell number so that we could contact him at any time. His quick action, incredible knowledge and

genuine concern for my wellbeing was very evident and appreciated.

I feel like a new man today because of him. I know that I probably would not be here today if it weren’t for the efforts of Dr. Presser.”

-Keith Ladner Dr. Presser, MD is a practicing Cardiologist (Heart Specialist) in Covington. He completed his cardiology fellowship at Tulane University and specializes in General Cardiology and Invasive Cardiology. Dr. Presser accepts multiple insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, and Humana. He practices at Lakeview Regional Medical Center and St. Tammany Parish Hospital.

101 Judge Tanner Blvd., Ste 506 Covington, LA 70433 • (985) 273-3035

Dr. Dale Presser, MD

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

2

1

3 4

1. 18k gold flexible diamond bracelet, $47,500. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 2. Hunter Boots waterproof footwear. Joe’s Family Shoe Store, Mandeville, 626-5633. 3. The Southern Hotel ornament is flat base metal with printing on one side and a beaded ornament hook at the top. $15. The Southern Hotel, Covington, 866-1907. 4. Exclusive Coton Colors mugs and perfectly sized Bundtlets, from $22. Nothing Bundt Cakes, Covington, 8886555. 5. Silver bells of antiqued mercury glass, various styles and sizes, starting at $79. Greige Interiors, Covington, 875-7576.

16

Inside Northside

5

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1

2

1. Faux fur accented cape, starting at $59. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789 and 809-1690. 2. Newly designed Navy Yeti 30 Hopper at incredible prices. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Covington, 892-2317. 3. Seasonal arrangements, starting at $65. Florist of Covington, 892-7701. 4. Haba Kullerbu Parking Garage full kit including car wash, green convertible and other accessories, $129. Kiki and Loli, Covington, 900-2410.

5. Zanzibar Blue Ruff Night ruffle PJ button front knit top, $58 and 4” ruffle PJ knit short, $48. Palm Village – A Lilly Pulitzer Store, Mandeville, 778-2547.

3

4

5

18

Inside Northside

20

Inside Northside

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

3

2

1

1. Lupine Christmas dog collar, $14-$20. Crosspoint Veterinary

4

Hospital, Covington, 888-1566. 2. 2020 Jaguar F-Pace. Paretti Jaguar Land Rover Baton Rouge and New Orleans. paretti.com.

3. Omega Aqua Terra Co-Axial Master Chronometer in 18k Sedna Gold™, $16,600. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666.

4. This is the quintessential holiday fragrance with a blend of mandarin orange, cinnamon, pine and eucalyptus. The Southern Hotel, Covington, 866-1907. 5. Each Peace Planter is an original, one-of-a-kind Peace of Art with two faces, one representing ‘Awake’, and the other ‘In Meditation’; small multicolor, $45. Marianne Angeli Rodriguez Gallery, Covington, 238-0842 or 5

online at marianneangelirodriguez.com. 6. Velvet quilted cross body purse with pearl strap.

Ballin’s Ltd., Covington, 892-0025. 7. Crystal, acrylic and metal sculptural art on canvas from the Sacred Stars Series by Rhonda Alleman, $95. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070.

6

7

Holiday Gift Guide 2019 21

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

2

3

1

1. Holiday dress socks in an array of prints, $15.50 each or 2 for $22! Jos. A. Bank, Mandeville, 6244067. 2. St. Benedict necklace with crystal detail, $29.

Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465. 3. Bronze sculpture, $950. The French Mix by Jennifer DiCerbo, Covington, 809-3152. 4. Let Me Sleep eye mask made of mulberry silk, $23. The Annex Aesthetic Medical Solutions by Dr. Martha Stewart, 727-7701. 5. Jackson Square, 48” x 60” gallery wrapped oil on canvas. Armbruster Artworks, Covington, 630-6295. 6. Marble gold foil pedestal cake stand, $43.95. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Covington, 892-2317.

4 5

6

22

Inside Northside

24

Inside Northside

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1

2

1. Supracor’s body exfoliating bath mitt with stimulate honeycomb design, $34. The Annex Aesthetic Medical Solutions

by Dr. Martha Stewart, Mandeville, 727-7701. 2. Cleo slippers by Pretty You London with soft faux fur on upper band and velvet bow and jewel detailing, $44. Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 6246772. 3. Hand-blown etched crystal paperweight from Prague, $150. The Southern Hotel, Covington, 866-1907.

3

GIFT GUIDE

1

2

3

1. Tabletop rechargeable indoor/outdoor flame lantern, $174. Gulf Coast Lanterns, Covington, 800-910-3275.

2. Bronze mosaic glass bowl with handles, $145.

EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 3. Personalized wooden serving boards, starting at $30 to $200 including etching. Variety of sizes and woods available.

Order early for Christmas delivery! Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045.

26

Inside Northside

GIFT BOOKS

1

2

3

4

5

1. The Look-Alike, by Erica Spindler. Available on ericaspindler.com. 2. Louisiana Ghost Stories, Tales of the Supernatural from the Bayou State, by local author J. Lee Wimberly. Available on amazon.com.

3. Louisiana Seafood Bible, $26. Pat’s Seafood, Covington, 892-7287. 4. The Starving Artists’ Cookbook. Armbruster Artworks, Covington, 6306295. 5. Entertain Effortlessly Gift Deliciously by Yvette Jemison. Available at ydelicacies.com.

GIFT CARDS

1

2

3

4

5

6

1. Shoes for the entire family or a gift card for anyone on your list!

Joe’s Family Shoe Store, Mandeville, 626-5633. 2. Always the perfect fit! The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0020.

3. The New Orleans oyster bar since before there were oyster bars is now on the Northshore! Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Mandeville, 778-2176. 4. Fresh, fun and festive Mexican cuisine and handcrafted margaritas with 12 regional locations. La Carreta, Mandeville, 624-2990; Covington, 400-5202. 5. Give the gift of camp. Riverview Camp for Girls, Mentone, AL, 256-634-4043. 6. An authentic Italian culinary experience. Open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Ceasar’s Ristorante, Mandeville, 985-951-2626.

28

Inside Northside

INside Peek Men Who Cook The 7th annual Men Who Cook, presented by the Brooke It Forward Foundation and Cintas, was held on the rooftop of the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center Parking Garage in Covington. Twenty-three celebrity teams went head to head in a competitive cook-off raising $294,000 for the Children’s Advocacy Center Hope House. The event also included a silent auction; live music by Four Unplugged; and complimentary wine, beer and daiquiris.

Holiday Gift Guide 2019 29

INside Peek Kickin’ Parkinson’s

photo: KICKIN’ PARKINSON’S

Kickin’ Parkinson’s raced for a cure at Stone Creek Club & Spa. In support of Team Fox for Parkinson’s Research, guests donned their racing best to sample the greatest Northshore restaurants’ fare, participate in the silent and live auctions, and dance to the energetic sounds of Flow Tribe.

All net funds went directly to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, of which 100 percent is dedicated to medical therapies and research for a cure. Funds raised accelerate the delivery of life-changing treatments. To learn more about recent advancements in Parkinson’s treatments, visit kickinparkinsons. com.

30

Inside Northside

Holiday Gift Guide 2019 31

INside Peek Celebration of Light

photo: LRMC

The Lakeview Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees held a dedication and “Celebration of Light” in honor of longtime board chairwoman and volunteer Willie Paretti.

The evening celebrated Paretti’s nearly 30 years of service to not only the hospital, but the community at large. A special tri-pane stained glass window, designed to reflect Paretti’s life of community service, was unveiled at the event.

32

Inside Northside

photo: DIAMONDS DIRECT

Diamonds Direct Grand Opening Diamonds Direct celebrated the opening of its first store in the Greater New Orleans Region with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Diamonds Direct dedicated their grand opening to Ochsner Hospital for Children and have announced an ongoing partnership with the nonprofit.

Jefferson Parish Councilmember Jennifer Van Vrancken presented a proclamation to Diamonds Direct and Jefferson Chamber President Todd Murphy welcomed them into the area.

Last Word

’Tis the season to go shopping … Fa la la la la, la la la la!

by Anne Honeywell

Whether your holiday shopping plans include a midnight run to score some Black Friday deals or you like to stuff your shopping bags and then your stockings on Christmas Eve, everyone has a method to

3. WISE MEN BRING GIFTS PAID FOR IN CASH.

AVOID CREATING HOLIDAY CREDIT CARD DEBT. One of the best ways to shop smart this season is to avoid

their holiday madness. And with it all, inevitably, comes the dreaded

charging more on your credit cards than you’ll be able to pay off in

holiday stress. The online shopping world has changed some things for

the New Year. And don’t let yourself get talked into starting a credit

us, but there is nothing like being out amongst the shoppers. Everyone

card with a particular department store. It’s usually not worth it.

is in the holiday spirit, and inspiration and gift ideas are around every corner! This holiday season, make these shopping outings fun, and reduce your stress with just a little bit of planning.

Here are some tips to try to shop smarter this year and have a Holly Jolly Holiday!

4. IF THE GIFT WORKS FOR DASHER, PRANCER WILL LOVE IT, TOO! DON’T BE AFRAID TO BUY THE SAME GIFT TWICE.

If you find that perfect gift that you know several people on your list would enjoy, don’t be afraid to buy it in multiples. This cuts

1. MAKE YOUR LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE! PLAN AHEAD.

Before you even start your holiday shopping, make a gift

down on your shopping time and your gift-selecting stress. Be on the lookout for stores offering any kind of “Buy 1, get the second 1 free or at a discount” deals; that makes for an even sweeter selection!

list and set yourself a budget. Plan what you are spending on each gift, and tackle it with focus. That way, you won’t fall prey to last-minute splurge purchases. And, if your list includes out-oftown family, shop early and keep in mind mailing costs; don’t get caught having to pay for expensive overnight shipping.

5. A TRIP TO THE NORTH POLE CAN BE AS

MUCH FUN OR MORE! CONSIDERING GIVING EXPERIENCES—NOT JUST STUFF.

Instead of buying material goods that your family members might not be super excited about, consider giving them a day or

2. MONDAY IS THE NEW FRIDAY. NOT INTO

BLACK FRIDAY? MAYBE WAIT FOR MONDAY.

weekend trip that you share together. Create a family memory that can last forever!

Before heading out to the stores, you may have found the

perfect gifts to buy in catalogs or in this Holiday Gift Guide. Sold out in the store? Stay in your original lane and ask for help finding the next best (or better) item you didn’t even know existed until

6. IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME … SKIP THE WEEKEND SHOPPING CROWDS.

Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest shopping days during

you got to the store. This approach should be used on a Black

the holiday season, so why not try shopping on weekday evenings?

Friday mission and all throughout the season. This year, you could

Check your favorite stores’ holiday hours; many are open a bit later

wait and shop on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Check your

to accommodate week-night shopping.

favorite stores for the Cyber Monday sales either on their website or social media sites. Not online? Give them a call and find out what’s what, or better yet, stop in! Your favorite boutique may be getting

7. THERE’S ONLY ONE SANTA. FLY SOLO.

While shopping alone doesn’t sound like as much fun as going

in on the action and offering some flash sales that day! More fun

with a friend, it will save you time and potentially prevent you from

and instant gratification!

being influenced to make big spur-of-the-moment purchases.

Happy Holidays—and to all a smart shopping season! Ho! Ho! Ho!

34

Inside Northside