Sun Gazette, Gift Guide, November 23, 2017

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I N S I D E N O VA . CO M | N O V E M B E R 2017 |

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Etiquette tips for holiday tipping

BY MELISSA ERICKSON MORE CONTENT NOW

T

he holidays are a time to feel generous not only to our friends and family but to the people who provide various services for us year-round.

Just how much to tip as a holiday gift can be difficult to determine. Lindsay Roberts Schey, The Gift Insider gift expert (thegiftinsider.com), is here to help.

Q: Why should you gift people who provide services?

A: The service providers we can’t do without — the manicurist, the hair stylist, the masseuse, postal worker, babysitter, doorman, dog walker, housekeeper — are the people that sometimes get lost in the holiday gift-giving shuffle, even though we are so thankful for their roles in our lives. Giving a holiday gift is a thoughtful way to show it.

Let’s change the date to Aug. 4 – Q: When is the right time to tip?

6th.

A: You don’t want to forget anyone.

Do it early before Christmas. Gift suggestions: $25 to $50 or the cost of one service. Try to buy something that they wouldn’t buy themselves. I love anything personalized.

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Q: Who gets a cash gift?

A: The amount varies.

Cash is usually acceptable, but use your judgement.

A small gift or gift certificate may be better. For the housekeeper or any trade where you know they would really appreciate some extra cash, put the equivalent of one day or service in a card and write an appreciative note.

Tipping is not a requirement, said Daniel Post Senning, auAug. 5 “Manners since weinare closed on August thor of a Digital World” and the great-great-grandson of etiquette expert Emily Post.

“The word ‘gratuity’ is about gratitude, and just like saying ‘thank you’ makes a person feel good, tipping should

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Q: How about teacher gifts?

A: As far as teachers, never give mon-

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be the same,” he said. “Don’t do it as an obligation. Do it so you can feel good about the interaction.”

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T

oys for Tots is a holiday tradition in Vienna! Folks in town have been dropping off new, unwrapped toys for over a decade. This year the Drop off Location has changed – the new Toys for Tots dropoff location is at Weichert Realtors, at 156 Maple Ave E, Vienna. It’s across the street from Whole Foods and right behind the Church on Church Street!

Weichert Realtors is honored to carry on the tradition of providing a toy collection sight for the community for the Marine’s Toys for Tot’s program. Every year the office hosts The Haunted House prior to the Halloween Parade, provides the Community Shred, and participates throughout the year at many Church Street events.

ey. It’s all about the heartfelt thanks.

A homemade gift is a touching idea, from the parent or the child. In either situation, have the child include a hand-drawn note or picture.

Gift value: $10 to $25.

| N O V E M B E R 2017 | I N S I D E N O VA . CO M

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The

TECH

they want

BY MELISSA ERICKSON MORE CONTENT NOW

Whether you’re looking to pick up a cool gadget or a top-of-the line laptop, here are some recommendations for your favorite tech-obsessed people.

Grado SR60e on-ear headphones $79 4ourears.net There’s more to a great pair of headphones than meets the eye. They’ve got to be comfortable, sound great and justify the price tag. The Grado SR60e are a budget option that offers stellar performance with rich sound and breathable comfort in on-ear headphones. For the cost, a wearer gets a hi-fi performance at a sensible price.

Comes with 6.5mm adapter.

Polaroid Pop $199.99 | Polaroid.com Combining a sleek, modern design and digital technology, the Polaroid Pop instant digital camera is both retro and cutting-edge. An integrated printer creates Polaroid’s iconic 3.5- by 4.25inch pictures, but the Pop also features a 3.97-inch LCD touchscreen on the rear of the camera that allows users to frame shots and navigate the camera’s menu. Plus, it has 1080p full highdefinition video recording capability, a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor and dual LED flash.

Dell XPS 13 laptop Dell.com | From $799 With top reviews from Laptop Magazine and PC World, the Dell XPS 13 is a compact Windows laptop that features a 5.2 mm bezel-thin display and a lightweight frame. That means more screen but less to carry at 2.7 pounds.

Thanks to its Intel 7th Generation Core (Kaby Lake) processor it offers fast performance, with a stunning display and up to 18 hours of battery life. Plus, a multi-use port allows users to charge, connect to multiple devices and enjoy fast data transfers.

and Receive a Gift for Yourself!

Purchase a $200 gift card and receive a complimentary $50 gift card for you or a friend.

Serving Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s dinner Please call the inn today for gift card details and to reserve your place at our table.

36205 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg, Virginia • 540-687-3333 www.goodstone.com I N S I D E N O VA . CO M | N O V E M B E R 2017 |

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Stocking Stuffers

BY MELISSA ERICKSON

MORE CONTENT NOW

They may be the most inexpensive items on your list, but that doesn’t mean your stocking stuffers need to be any less appreciated. Get creative when shopping small. Here are a few ideas:

Mason Jar Solar Light $12.95 Gardeners.com Turn any wide-mouthed Mason jar into a charming accent that automatically illuminates at dusk. The kit includes a threaded plastic lid with three short LED light strings attached. Simply insert the light strings into your jar and screw on the top. A small solar panel on the top charges the battery so that when dusk falls the twinkling LED lights begin to glow. Place in full sun to charge. Provides up to five hours of lighting on a full day’s charge. Jar not included.

Quality Vision Care & Eyewear Frames For The Whole Family We offer comprehensive eye exams, and an extensive selection of fashion eyewear and sunglasses to meet all your vision care needs.

Protect the precious gift of your vision by making regular checkups a part of your healthcare routine.

Eye Exams By Independent Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Peter Ellis

701 W. Broad St. (Rte 7) Falls Church Va 703-237-6500

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BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR, USE YOUR HEALTH CARE FLEX SPENDING. CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY 4

| N O V E M B E R 2017 | I N S I D E N O VA . CO M

Baggu reusable bag $10 Baggu.com Baggu’s best selling reusable bag is not just for the grocery store.

Carry in your hand or over your shoulder. Holds up to 50 pounds of stuff and folds into a flat 5-by-5inch pouch. Available in a variety of colors and styles. Machinewashable.

Reserve your Holiday Party Now! or Come To us For Any Event Lunch: Mon - Fri 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Brunch: Sunday 11 am - 2 pm Dinner Mon - Sat 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm, Sun 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Le Creuset Girl with Balloon Decal Mug

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$18 Lecreuset.com Dream of Paris while cozying up with a mug of hot chocolate this holiday season. This Paris-themed stoneware is new for the 2017 giftgiving season. The collection also includes plates, serving platters and tea towels.

Ohto Needle Point Slim Line Pen $8 | Poketo.com Designed by ergonomically-minded Japanese pen purveyor Ohto, this compact, comfortable ballpoint pen is perfect for taking quick notes. Available in gray, pink and blue.

THE VIRGINIAN RESTAURANT Premier Breakfast Place Since 1965

Mon-Thu: 6AM-7:30PM Fri-Sat: 6AM-4PM Sun: 7AM-2PM

DAILY LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS Gyro and Chicken Souvlaki Platters • Salads and Soup Sandwiches and Subs • Hotcakes • French Toast • Waffles Omelets • Chipped Beef & Sausage Gravy • and more!

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HANDMADE HOLIDAYS

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Local Holiday Events OPERA NOVA TO HOST HOLIDAY CONCERT Opera Nova will host its 2017 holiday concert on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. at the Arlington Woman’s Club, 700 South Buchanan St. The event will feature opera arias, art songs and selections from Broadway. Admission is by donation, with a suggested $10 for adults.

For information, call (703) 536-7557 or see the website at www.operanova.org.

WASHINGTON-LEE HIGH SCHOOL TO HOST HOLIDAY BAZAAR More than 70 local artisans will be on hand at the Washington-Lee High School Holiday Bazaar, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school, 1301 North Stafford St. in Arlington.

Student organizations will sell baked goods and holiday items, and school musical groups will present entertainment.

CHURCH TO HOST PUPPY NATIVITY The Church of the Good Shepherd in Vienna will host its annual Live Puppy Nativity on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church.

Costumes and treats will be provided for the pets, with hot chocolate for participants. Members of the church’s youth group will be on hand to accept dona-

tions for Second Story to provide gifts for young people in need.

The church is located at 2351 Hunter Mill Road. For information, see the website at www.goodshepherdva.com.

WREATH-MAKING SESSION SLATED Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington will host a holiday wreath-making workshop on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Participants should bring hand pruners or wire cutters (if available) and any special decorations.

The program is for adults; youth ages 12 and older can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

The cost is $30. For information, call (703) 228-6535.

CHURCH TO HOST LIVING NATIVITY Cherrydale United Methodist Church will host its 33rd annual Living Nativity on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, 3701 Lorcom Lane in Arlington.

Cocoa, cookies and carols will be part of the event. The community is invited.

CHURCH TO HOST HOLIDAY CONCERTS Vienna Presbyterian Church will host a concert featuring the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” featuring the Sanctuary Choir and soloists on Sunday,

is invited. Street parking is available, and the locale is within walking distance of the Crystal City Metro station.

For information, see the website at www.linden.org.

Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. at the church, 124 Park St., N.E., in Vienna.

On Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m., the church will present “A Cathedral Brass Christmas,” featuring music from Monteverdi to Gordon Goodwin.

The community is invited.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FEATURES HOLIDAY GENEALOGY Encore Learning will present a lecture on “Genealogy During the Holidays: Share Secrets, Surprises and Smiles” on Monday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at Arlington Central Library, 1015 North Quincy St. Genealogy enthusiast Lee Mathis will offer advice for those who have wanted to explore their family tree.

The program is free, and the community is invited. The event is sponsored by Encore Learning in conjunction with the Arlington Library system.

For information, call (703) 228-2144.

ANNUAL ‘MIRACLE ON 23RD STREET’ RETURNS Linden Resources will present its annual “Miracle on 23rd Street” celebration on Friday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the 700 block of 23rd Street South in Arlington.

The event will include a tree lighting, entertainment and Santa’s arrival on an Arlington fire truck.

The event is free, and the community

CHURCH TO HOST HOLIDAY CONCERT FEATURING SING-ALONG, REFRESHMENTS St. John’s Episcopal Church in McLean will feature a holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at the church, 6715 Georgetown Pike.

The program will feature well-known Christmas hymns sung by the youth choir, followed by a sing-along of Christmas carols and refreshments.

The community is invited. For information, call (703) 356-4902 or see the website at www.stjohnsmclean.org.

CHURCH TO HOST CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Mount Olivet United Methodist Church Choir, Brass and Timpani will host a Candelight Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at the church, 1500 North Glebe Road in Arlington.

A pre-concert social will begin at 6:15 p.m.

The concert is free, and child-care will be provided. The community is invited.

VIENNA COMMUNITY BAND TO PRESENT HOLIDAY CONCERT The Vienna Community Band will present its annual Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., S.E., in Vienna.

The concert is free.

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CHURCH TO HOST ‘NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM’ NATIVITY PROGRAM Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church will host a “Night in Bethlehem” on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, 1301 Trap Road in Vienna.

The event will feature an outdoor marketplace, a live nativity and stories of the birth of Christ.

The community is invited. For information, see the website at www.andrewchapelumc.org.

NATIONAL CHAMBER ENSEMBLE HOSTS HOLIDAY CONCERT The National Chamber Ensemble will present soprano Rebecca Littig at its “Holiday Cheer” concert, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Unitar-

ian Universalist Church of Arlington.

The holiday-themed concert will feature works by Strauss, Mozart, Vivaldi and other acclaimed composers. Tickets are $36 for adults, $18 for students.

For tickets and information, see the site at www.nationalchamberensemble. org.

ENCORE “CHORALE” TO PRESENT HOLIDAY CONCERT The Encore Chorale, a choral group of local seniors, will present holiday works on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at Yorktown High School, 5200 Yorktown Blvd. in Arlington.

The concert is free, and the community is invited. For information, see the website at www.encorecreativity.org.

Holiday ArtFest

Dec. 2 & 3, 2017, 10am–5pm The Grange and Old Schoolhouse 9818 Georgetown Pike & The Atelier & Artists Loft 756 & 766 Walker Road, Great Falls Holiday Gifts, Paintings, Photographs, Pottery, Jewelry, Weaving and Fabric Arts, Books, Bonsai, Cards, Ornaments For more details see www.greatfallstudios.com

Holiday Wine Tasting with Friends and Neighbors at Goodstone!

Join us on Thursday, November 30th from 6 PM - 8 PM for a unique walk around opportunity to sample over 25 international selections with some of our top vendors.

An alternative retail purchase experience for your holiday parties and gift giving.

Taste before you buy! Light canapés will be served. $25 per person.

Orders will be ready for pick up in time for the holidays. Reservations required.

Participation fee of $25 will be waived with a purchase of six or more bottles.

36205 Snake Hill Road • Middleburg, Virginia • 540-687-3333 • www.goodstone.com I N S I D E N O VA . CO M | N O V E M B E R 2017 |

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Holiday Coloring Contest Celebrate the holidays with Weichert Realtors in Vienna. Share the joy of the season with others by bringing in toys for our Toys for Tots campaign and participating in our coloring contest. We are an official drop off location for Toys for Tots. Bring in your unwrapped toys before Tuesday December 12th to 156 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180 between 9am-5pm. (across from Whole Foods)

Š 2012 OTC

Name_______________________________________________________________ Age____________ Parent/Contact Name ___________________________________________________________________ Phone Number___________________________ Email_________________________________________ The coloring contest is open to four age groups: Pre-k; Ages 5-7; Ages 8-10; Ages 11-13 The winners will receive a holiday gift Submission Deadline is December 20th Winners Announcement is January 10th

Deliver entries to: Weichert Realtors 156 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180 For Questions call: 703.938.6070

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| N O V E M B E R 2017 | I N S I D E N O VA . CO M

Toys for Tots: Drop Off New, Unwrapped Toys

by Dec 11th