Nutley/Belleville - Holiday Gift Guide 2023

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GIFT GUIDE

DECEMBER 2023

Holiday Gift Guide — December 2023 — 1

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Make a holiday season shopping plan with these insider insights The busiest shopping days of the 2023 holiday season are on the horizon. Industry experts point out that knowing these dates in advance can help you score great deals -- or beat the crowds -- depending on your shopping priorities.

“Amid inflation, the return of student loan repayments and other factors that could impact holiday spending, many consumers will be bargain hunting this year. Since retailers are likely to plan promotions and experiences around the busiest shopping days of the year, if you’re on a budget, you should take note of when these days occur and adjust your plans accordingly,” says Brian Field, global leader of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions, a retail solutions provider of Johnson Controls. “And of course, it’s helpful to know these dates if you simply wish to avoid bumper-tobumper parking lots and crowded store aisles.”

On average, the top 10 busiest shopping days in the United States account for approximately 40% of all holiday retail traffic, according to Sensormatic Solutions, which based on historical data, predicts those days will be:

1. Friday, Nov. 24 – Black Friday 2. Saturday, Dec. 23 – Super Saturday 3. Saturday, Dec. 16 – Third Saturday in December 4. Friday, Dec. 22 – Friday before Christmas 5. Saturday, Nov. 25 – Saturday after Black Friday

Christmas Eve In addition to planning your spending around the top 10 shopping days, Field advises taking your own personality into consideration for the best shopper experience. For example, if you want to get a jump on the holiday season, Veterans’ Day, which falls on the second Saturday in November right before the start of the formal holiday shopping season, may be ideal, as retailers are likely to capitalize on the timing and go all-in on early promotions.

However, if you are someone who prefers the excitement of finding lastminute deals, you should be aware that Super Saturday, the second predicted busiest shopping day of the season, falls very late this year on Dec. 23, and could be the last opportunity to wrap up shopping.

Photo By ivanko80/AdobeStock.com For more holiday shopping insights, 6. Tuesday, Dec. 26 – Boxing Day visit sensormatic.com.

7. Saturday, Dec. 9 – Second Saturday “Finding meaningful, fun and trendy in December gifts for friends and family is one of the 8. Saturday, Dec. 2 – First Saturday in best parts of the holiday season, especialDecember ly when you have insights that will help 9. Saturday, Dec. 30 – Saturday after you stretch your budget and shop with Christmas minimal stress,” says Field.

10. Sunday, Dec. 17 – Sunday before –StatePoint

Havana’s Cigar Vault Tobacco Shop in Nutley

Happy Holidays!

Happy Arturo Fuente Anejo & Opus X Holidays from Havana’s Cigar Vault. Stop by and be Merry!

Make sure to pick up a great sampler pack and our famous Tony Santana house cigars. Choose from our wide selection not limited to Opus X, Rare Pink Opus, Anejos, Montecristos and various rare cigars. Accessories and much more.

Do we have a “Cutting Fee Policy? Yes, and it’s simple and reasonable.

If you have your own cigars that was given to you as a gift.

Our bring your own cigar cutting fee is only $5.00 per each cigar.

New Memberships starting in 2024.

481 Franklin Avenue, Nutley • (973) 667-6688

2— December 2023 — Holiday Gift Guide

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Holiday Gift Guide — December 2023 — 3

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Best tech gifts for the person who has everything Most of us have at least one loved one who’s hard to shop for. Maybe it’s because they insist that they have everything they need already or perhaps they simply have discerning taste. To get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping, consider these five, functional and fun gift ideas that promise to impress even the most challenging gift recipients: 1. Portable power: Whether your loved one is a world traveler, tailgater, beach bum, remote worker or hot desker, the new M150 Portable Power Station from Duracell will be a game changer. Unlocking portable power so they can work and have fun from anywhere, it offers 150 watts of power and multiple USB ports for laptops, phones, tablets or other small electronics. Its chic, sleek design features a dimmable ring light and tiltable device holder with wireless charging capabilities.

With the tiltable lid, users can position their phones at an ideal and flattering angle for taking video conference calls and watching or recording videos.

It also features an integrated compartment that can safely store accessories like earbuds, adaptors and dongles, and its

ultramodern charging dock has a low enough profile to stylishly live on a bedside table or kitchen counter. Best of all, it weighs under 2 pounds, making it a convenient essential to toss into an everyday bag, pack into a carry-on, take in the car, or use in and around the house.

2. Intelligence, on one’s finger: Tracking biometrics doesn’t need to be clunky or come at the cost of fashion. Consider gifting your wellness-seeking loved one a smart ring. Worn just like any regular decorative ring, these compact devices provide valuable insights into the user’s

health, tracking measures like temperature, heart rate, daily activity and recovery, sleep quality, menstrual cycles and even stress. Look for a water-resistant, durable option that’s built to withstand the elements, especially if your gift recipient runs, bikes or hikes. If they’re a fashionista, that’s no problem, as many of these models are designed to be as sleek as wedding bands.

3. A better read: While not technically tech, blue light-blocking glasses are a tech-adjacent gift that will help your recipient enjoy their devices without

experiencing disrupted sleep cycles and damage to the eyes. And fortunately, hip brands have horned in on the market, creating options that are as stylish as they are functional. The best models have scratchresistant and shatter-proof lenses and offer both UV and blue light protection.

4. A brighter smile: Some of today’s electric toothbrushes connect to apps to provide real-time feedback for optimal brushing time and pressure, and have the ability to be customized based on a user’s specific dental care needs. To make your gift truly stand out, consider a model that features LED whitening technology for a two-in-one gift that promotes great dental health and a brighter smile at the same time.

5. A gift that keeps on giving: Undecided? A tech gadget subscription service will deliver a box of fun new gifts monthly or quarterly for as long as you choose and might include anything from a drone to a digital photo frame.

For a person who seemingly has everything, gift shopping can be a puzzle. Fortunately, great tech now on store shelves can help you crack the code.

–StatePoint

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4 — December 2023 — Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Give the gift of comfort this holiday season The holiday season is upon us and what better way to spread warmth and joy than by giving the gift of comfort? Use this gift guide to embrace coziness and style, while making the holiday season truly unforgettable for everyone on your list.

1. Snuggly Socks: Cozy socks are the perfect stocking stuffers to keep your loved ones feeling toasty all season long. Choose from a variety of patterns and materials to match their style, whether it’s trendy animal prints or timeless solid colors. Socks not only add a touch of flair to winter outfits, but also keep gift recipients comfortably snug.

2. Fur-Lined Crocs: Crocs aren’t just for the summer! The brand’s versatile insulated options are perfect for both indoor relaxation and outdoor adventures. With a plush fur lining, they provide the cozy warmth needed to conquer chilly days. Whether running errands or lounging at home, fur-lined Crocs are the ideal gift to keep feet comfy and fashion-forward.

3. Jibbitz Charms: Jibbitz, the iconic charms designed for Crocs, make for delightful stocking stuffers that allow wearers to elevate and personalize their footwear. Choose from an assortment of shapes, colors and

designs to reflect the personality of everyone on your list.

4. Hats and Gloves: Winter accessories are practical and thoughtful gifts for the season.

From knitted beanies and gloves to fleece baseball caps, there are many styles to choose from, helping gift recipients feel stylish and put together while staying warm outdoors.

These small but meaningful gifts showcase your attention to detail.

5. Luxurious Slippers: After a long day of festivities, there's nothing quite like slipping into a pair of luxurious slippers. Whether your loved ones prefer faux fur or memory foam, slippers provide the ultimate relaxation experience, making them a fantastic gift choice for unwinding during the holiday season.

For heartwarming gift ideas that seamlessly blend comfort, style and functionality, visit rackroomshoes.com. For one-stop-shopping, visit a Rack Room Shoes in your area, for more fun and exclusive accessories and stocking stuffers only available in store.

Want to spread cheer this holiday season?

By shopping with cozy comfort in mind while keeping an eye on stylish details, you can help friends and family feel loved.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide — December 2023 — 5

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6 — December 2023 — Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Holiday gift ideas to promote healthy, happy feet Want to show your loved ones you truly care? Treat their feet this holiday season.

“Feet work hard. They carry our weight and get us where we need to go. They deserve some extra care and attention,” said Gretchen Lawrence DPM, AACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon and associate member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

To help inspire you, here are six holiday gift ideas that promote healthy, happy feet from the foot and ankle surgeons of ACFAS: 1. Winter footwear. Outfit your loved one with the footwear they need for the season. Just keep in mind, safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of fashion.

While boots featuring tall, spiked heels and narrow, pointed toes can lead to slips, falls and sprains on ice-covered surfaces, there are plenty of practical options that are also stylish.

“A low-heeled winter boot is always going to be more fashionable than a cast and crutches,” said Dr. Lawrence.

“Include some soft merino wool socks for toasty toes and to wick away moisture that

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can cause issues like athlete’s foot.”

2. Healthy food subscription services.

Did you know that certain foods support healthy feet? Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, like leafy greens and dairy products, promote strong bones (there are 26 of them in each foot) and healing in the event of a fracture. Look into food box subscriptions that will send fresh produce, cheese or nuts to your gift recipient, so they can enjoy delicious foods that can help build strong bones.

3. Indoor footwear. Slippers provide cozy comfort, support and traction while indoors, making them a great gift for any pair of feet. However, if you’re shopping for someone living with diabetes, this is

an especially thoughtful option as they must take extra care to avoid scratches and cuts on their feet. Because the condition sometimes reduces blood flow to that area, it’s harder to heal from an injury or resist infection.

“People with diabetes should never go barefoot, not even at home. A great pair of slippers is a perfect holiday gift to protect their feet,” Dr. Lawrence said.

4. Ice packs. Ice packs make great stocking stuffers for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, a common condition that can cause stabbing heel pain. One of the first-line strategies foot and ankle surgeons recommend is icing the heel for 20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation

and pain. Get creative by looking for ice packs in fun shapes and colors.

5. Be a workout buddy. Weight-bearing exercise, like walking, can decrease your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease and promotes good overall health, especially for your feet. Make a plan to go for regular walks with your loved one.

They’ll appreciate your special time together while you both benefit from the gift of good health.

6. Foot massage. A foot massage can alleviate muscle pain, improve circulation and soothe tired feet. Manual massage is the safest approach, so ask your foot and ankle surgeon for referrals to a qualified massage therapist and purchase a gift card for a professional therapeutic foot massage.

With holiday gifts that promote healthy feet, you can help your loved ones feel comfortable, pampered and safe at home and on winter streets.

For more healthy feet inspiration, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

– StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide — December 2023 — 7

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8 — December 2023 — Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 From playtime to bedtime: Gifts that make kids’ days special Searching for the perfect holiday gifts for little ones? Think about their daily activities and consider how you can make those moments more special. From playtime to bedtime, here are five holiday gift ideas that infuse fun and wonder into kids’ routines: Bath Time Comfort If bath time could use a little revamp, consider a set of bath toys. While rubber ducks are a classic option, today’s bath toys don’t just float, they also spray water, spin, make music and light up, keeping babies and toddlers occupied and engaged while getting clean. Pair this gift with an animal bath wrap, so that getting out of the tub is just as fun. Ducks, bears and dinosaurs are some of the cutest and coziest options, and are great for the pool and beach, too.

Time to Build Kids can get started on their very first DIY projects with the Drill & Learn Workbench from VTech. With nine included project ideas, young builders can learn to use its drill, drill press, sander, circular saw, screwdriver, vise and hammer. Three modes allow young builders to listen to music while they work, explore sounds

and facts about each tool, and show off their discoveries in quiz mode. Storage and trays help kids keep a tidy workspace so they’ll be ready for their next project.

Glamour and Magic Bring magic into playtime with the Style & Glam On Unicorn. Kids can choose from six glamorous accessories to

decorate the unicorn’s horn and tail, then hear the unicorn describe each accessory, helping kids explore colors, counting, feelings and more. Kids can coordinate the color of the unicorn’s star by pressing the gem on her necklace, or place an accessory on her horn to see her star change color to match. Music adds to the

dress-up party fun, and her horn and star will flash to the beat.

Creative Mealtimes Make meals more creative with BPAfree, silicone placemats that can be doodled on again and again, and a set of colorful dry erase markers. Easy to clean and featuring designs meant to educate and entertain, they offer parents convenience and little ones endless fun.

Bedtime Stories Storytime With Sunny is not just a bedside lamp, but also an animated and entertaining friend and storyteller that invites participation in more than 300 activities. Sunny shares fairy tales, classic songs, guessing games, silly jokes and tongue twisters, and also encourages good manners, leads little ones in mindfulness exercises, and teaches healthy habits, such as brushing teeth. When the day is done, set the gentle alarm, and let kids take a quiet moment with Sunny as she leads them in a bedtime routine. They will fall asleep to her softly glowing light.

From sunrise to sunset, great holiday gifts can help you bring magic, fun and creativity into every part of the day.

–StatePoint

Since 1974

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Holiday Gift Guide — December 2023 — 9

Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year!

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©2023 A.H.L. Inc. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. A.H.L. Inc. fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Century 21 Real Estate LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.

10 — December 2023 — Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Holiday gift ideas that make learning fun for kids Want to deepen children’s understanding of the world around them? The holiday season is the perfect time to do that. Educational gifts and toys can extend the learning fun throughout the year and embolden them to make exciting discoveries every day.

• Starry-eyed: Bring the night sky closer to the little ones in your life. With the Magic Adventures Telescope from LeapFrog, fledgling astronomers can focus on the moon at night or nature during the day at up to 110x zoom, and even capture and save images of what they see. This real telescope is accompanied by 20 Cosmic Cards featuring images and fun facts about objects in space, and more than 100 videos and images courtesy of NASA and the European Space Agency on such topics as the solar system, the Moon, star life cycles, constellations, space discoveries and more. A detachable tripod allows for steadier scientific exploration and its adventure game will have kids dodging planetary hazards, powering on satellites and rebooting robots.

• Coding building blocks: Many of the newest hands-on coding kits don’t even require a screen to get started. With block-based programming tools, young engineers can get problem-solving experience while beginning to develop the computational mindset needed to code. What’s more, the featured games and challenges can make the learning process fun, versatile and interactive.

• Tiny worlds: Help kids realize just how cool sci-

ence and the world around them can be with the Magic Adventures Microscope, which offers 200x magnification. Budding biologists can zoom in on flowers, animals, food, minerals and more using eight double-sided smart slides that activate amazing BBC videos and images to discover answers to curious questions like: What do plant cells look like? What is sand made of anyway? Kids can then make their own discoveries by finding things around the house and getting a closer look using the

reusable slides or large sample tray. This innovative take on a classic microscope allows kids to save on-screen images, and even features a quiz game to put their new STEAM skills to the test.

• Mini masterpieces: Inspire little ones to express themselves through the visual arts with a comprehensive, mixed-media art supply kit. Whether you buy a ready-made kit or stock it and package it up yourself, be sure it includes all the age-appropriate essentials: markers, crayons, colored pencils, paints, brushes, paper and pencil sharpeners.

• Globe-trotting: Young explorers can travel the world and see everything in it with the Magic Adventures Globe. Using the stylus, children can tap on the 10-inch interactive learning globe and experience new places, languages, cultures, animals, geography, habitats and more through high-quality BBC videos. Its integrated 2.7-inch video screen immerses kids in the curriculum through animations and live-action videos, providing a better understanding of the world. They can also play interactive games to explore the globe, challenge a friend and solve mysteries.

This holiday season, encourage a love of knowledge and self-expression. With so many fun learning tools and toys to choose from, you can make the jolliest season of the year a time to get inspired.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Some thoughtful holiday gift ideas for teachers Have some teachers in your life? Use this subject-by-subject holiday gift guide to help them level up their lesson plans: History Spark a vibrant classroom discussion every day with the History Channel’s This Day in History boxed calendar. Featuring brief explanations of extraordinary happenings throughout the ages -- from groundbreaking inventions to declarations of war -- teachers, and their students -- will be treated to a breadth of information that can deepen their understanding of world events, all before they even begin their official coursework.

STEM The latest enhancement to the scientific calculator is the fx-991CW ClassWiz from Casio, a gift well-suited for any advanced high school- or college-level math, science or engineering instructor.

With an all-new quadruple graded LCD display and intuitive design, users will be able to easily find their cursor while writing and modifying expressions. Its circular, convex buttons prevent the mis-keying of information, helping teachers ace their lectures and demon-

strations. With the ability to store up to nine variables, which can contain integers, computations, and functions that will persist in the calculator’s memory between uses, teachers will be ready to pick up where they left off between class sessions. By partnering the ClassWiz with an internet-capable mobile device,

their subject matter with Book of the Month. This service offers subscribers a choice of one of five to seven fiction books each month. Books range from literary fiction to thrillers and even YA to interest readers of all kinds. As the gift giver, you can choose between a 3-, 6- or 12-book membership, which recipients can receive at their own pace. Who knows? Your gift may just motivate them to create their own after school book club that will inspire their students to engage with literature on a deeper level.

Physical Education Whether they’re running drills, refereeing the game or simply getting the class’s attention, your favorite PE teacher or team coach will feel their most official with a custom engraved whistle. PersonalPhoto by Rawpixel / iStock via Getty Images Plus ized with their name and favorite sport, solutions can be graphed and visualized they’ll feel both loved and appreciated on through ClassPad.net, a free online tool the court and field, and the results will that supports student learning by offer- show all season long. ing a clean and versatile workspace for This holiday season, get creative with computation, graphing, geometry, sta- your gift-giving, finding meaningful gifts tistics and more. for teachers who are passionate about English what they do.

Keep English teachers excited about ––StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Give the gift of better mornings this holiday season The holiday season is the perfect time to show your friends and family you care about their well-being.

And what better way to do that than with the gift of better mornings?

From stay-at-home parents to nine-tofivers, here are three gift ideas that will improve the early hours of their day.

1. Rise and shine: A morning is only as good as the night of sleep that preceded it. A Restore device from Hatch, including wind down routines, soothing music, guided sleep exercises and sleep stories and sounds, can make falling and staying asleep easier at night.

In the morning, an alarm light with 22 different colors makes for a gentler, individualized wake-up call, setting the tone for a peaceful and productive day.

2. The perfect cup of coffee: Those who like to linger over their morning cup of joe, or those who easily get distracted mid-cup by work tasks, meetings or parenting duties, know all too well that a great cup of coffee can lose its steam by the time it’s able to be enjoyed. Now, there is a solution for keeping one’s favorite hot beverage at the perfect tem-

perature -- from first sip to last.

Nextmug, a ceramic, temperature-controlled, self-heating mug, maintains an individual’s beverage at their ideal temperature for hours. This eliminates trips

to the microwave to reheat cold coffee and means that whether one is stuck in an in-person meeting or a video call, their beverage will stay the right temperature the entire time. With three set-

tings, Warm (130 degrees), Hot (140 degrees) and Piping (150 degrees), there is room to customize one’s drink and enjoy it for hours. Ideal for home, the office or the home office, you can brighten and improve mornings, wherever they take place. To learn more, visit nextmug.com.

3. Jazz up the shower: Take shower time to new heights by letting your loved one bring their favorite audio entertainment in there with them, be it an intellectually stimulating podcast that broadens their horizons or their favorite pop tunes.

For students, this gift could even improve their academic success. With so many textbooks now available as audio recordings, shower time can become an opportunity to creatively squeeze in a study session and brush up on the latest material.

Just make sure the speaker is listed as safe for the shower and that it can be hung or mounted easily.

This holiday season, brighten your loved ones’ year ahead with gifts that make mornings easier, and more joyful and productive.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Tips to ease the stress of holiday tasks From greeting cards to seasonal to-do lists, there’s a lot to write down and keep track of during the holidays.

Use these tips and recommendations to reduce stress while you complete these important tasks: • To-do lists: Whether you’re listing the gifts you must buy for loved ones, the groceries you need to prepare a holiday feast, or the tasks you must complete before your guests arrive, writing and referencing a lengthy to-do list can be anxiety provoking.

However, choosing the colors of your stationery and writing utensils wisely can ease these feelings and spur you to action. The colors in the G2 gel ink pen’s limited-edition Harmony Collection were formulated to create an oasis of calm.

Color psychology suggests that gray represents neutrality and balance, iris blue is meditative with a touch of magic, apricot orange balances energy and is relaxing, salmon signifies hope, health and happiness, grape connotes harmony and rose pink inspires grace, gratitude and joy. Choose colors according to your mood, then, keep your lists posted prominently, such as on your desk, or at eye level on the fridge, so you stay on top of tasks. After completing an item, cross it out for a sense of immediate accomplishment.

• Calendars and planners: Plans can change quickly during the hectic holiday season, so be prepared to adapt to evolving schedules, while keeping everyone in the family updated. When entering such seasonal events as holiday office parties, cookie swaps and school plays into your calendar or planner, be sure to use ink that erases cleanly, so you

can revise repeatedly as needed. Pilot’s FriXion line of erasable pens come in a variety of hues, making them a great choice for vibrant and easy color coding.

• Gift tags: Sometimes it’s the littlest details that count the most. To ensure loved ones find their names clearly on all the items they receive from you this holiday season, be sure to use a rolling ball pen, such as the Precise Deco pen, to allow for clean lines, even on small gift tags. To personalize gift tags a bit, draw a cute little doodle or cartoon specific to each gift recipient, such as their favorite seasonal symbols, animals or abstract designs.

• Holiday cards: The holiday season is the perfect time to catch friends and family up on the events of the past year.

While all that note-writing is a beautiful way to stay connected to the people that matter most, it can lead to writing fatigue. To write and address your greeting cards with more ease and less stress, use a tool such as Dr. Grip, a wide body ergonomic pen with a comfortable rubber grip. Its smoothwriting ink dries quickly to help avoid smears, so your sentiments won’t get muddled. To prepare envelopes in bulk, use a wet cotton ball to moisten the glue seal, then press firmly down on each envelope. Post your notes using fun, festive seasonal stamps. For more seasonal tips and inspiration, visit powertothepen.com.

As your holiday to-do list grows, you may be feeling a bit frazzled. Having the right tools on hand can help you complete all your tasks with ease.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Reduce stress, promote happiness with this holiday gift guide Mental health is a critical part of overall wellness. And this holiday season, you can support the well-being of your loved ones with thoughtful gift-giving. From stocking stuffers to big reveal items, use this gift guide below to put a smile on the face of loved ones: • Bath bombs: Bath bombs can be used to create a spa-like environment at home and are a great choice for anyone who needs a gentle reminder to unwind. Be sure to select bath bombs made from such calming ingredients as lavender, bergamot and ylang-ylang for an added aromatherapy boost.

• A weighted blanket: Over 40 million people in the United States have long-term, chronic sleep disorders.

Sleep deprivation is not only often caused by poor mental health, it can also exacerbate issues like anxiety and depression. Help your gift recipient get higher quality sleep with a weighted blanket. Cozy and comfortable on cool nights, they use pressure therapy to mimic the feeling of being hugged or held, and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, sleep disorders, ADHD and autism in children and adults.

• A new ride: More than just a toy or gadget, a bicycle represents the freedom to explore the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, make memories and establish routines that promote physical and mental wellbeing. And of course, it can also provide that stressrelieving, mood-boosting release of endorphins. From traditional mountain bikes and cruisers to battery rideons and e-bikes, Huffy offers bikes for both kids and

adults alike have more functions and features than ever before, and promise to bring the wow factor during giftgiving. For kids and teens age 8-15, consider something extra special, like the newly redesigned Green Machine

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from Huffy, which is engineered to allow for adrenalinepumping 180-degree drifts and turns, and offers duallever pivot steering. Riding, drifting and spinning this trike activates LED light effects and patterns, and adjustable seating supports a wide range of rider heights so that it can grow with a younger gift recipient, and help dial in the fit for a comfortable ride.

• Culinary inspiration: For those who love to bake, the “Mind over Batter” cookbook by licensed psychotherapist and baker, Jack Hazan, will combine their passion with a little self-care. Great for bakers of all abilities and anyone looking for new ways to approach mental health, the cookbook features practical self-care advice alongside 75 approachable recipes for savory and sweet baked goods.

• A massage: Stress affects not only the mind but the body as well. Help alleviate the muscle tension associated with stress with a gift certificate for a massage. Be sure you send your gift recipient to a licensed massage therapist. There are many forms of massage therapy, so if you happen to know your loved one’s personal preference, try to find that out in advance, or send them to a facility that practices many forms of massage so they can make a choice that best suits their needs.

From gifts that exercise the body during the day to those that relax the mind at night, you can add holiday cheer to the season with thoughtfully selected presents that support mental health and overall wellbeing.

–StatePoint

16 — December 2023 — Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Holiday Gift Guide 2023 How to host the holidays in a fun and affordable way From getting your home ready for guests and finding the perfect gifts to preparing a delicious meal, the holidays can seem overwhelming and expensive – but they don’t have to be.

Take the following steps to save time and money on seasonal essentials.

Prepping Your Home To get your home ready for holiday hosting, begin by decluttering surface areas such as tables and kitchen counters.

Next, take an inventory and purchase any additional cleaning supplies you’ll need for a deep clean. Remember, air care products like festive candles or sprays can freshen cleaned spaces.

Next, decorate by sprinkling different holiday décor pieces in the rooms’ focal points. For example, add themed table settings in the dining room and wrap holiday garland around fixtures such as the fireplace mantle or staircase.

Making the Menu Food is a unifying component of any holiday celebration.

To get started, set a menu that consists of a variety of appetizers, light snacks, side dishes, entrees and desserts to

include Potato Crusted Chicken and Green Bean Casserole.

Before heading to the store, write your grocery list in advance and make a plan to purchase private brand products to stretch your budget further.

Gift Guide Shopping for the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be easy when using DG’s holiday gift guide found at dollargeneral.com. Consider placing three self-care products such as soap, a face mask and a bath bomb into a decorative basket with tissue paper to shine on presentation. To have children of all ages jumping for joy, save on national toy brands at your local Dollar General such as Melissa & Doug, LEGO, Fisher-Price, Play Doh, Barbie, Pokémon, L.O.L. Surprise!, ZURU 5 Surprise and more.

For additional savings, use DG’s app for digital coupons and weekly ads with new sales and promotions.

By planning ahead, you can celebrate this season in style and within budget, givPhoto By monkeybusinessimages/iStock via Getty Images Plus ing you more time to create lasting memaccommodate guests’ cravings and prefer- of the season’s comforting and tasty dish- ories with friends and family! ences. Consider using healthier variations es with DG Better For You recipes, which –StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide — December 2023 — 17

Holiday Gift Guide 2023

Brightening the holiday season for military community As we enter the holiday season and Americans across the country look forward to spending time with family, thousands of service members deployed overseas – some in the Middle East in response to the Israel-Hamas war – will not have that luxury and will be spending the holidays far away from loved ones.

Here is how USO Holidays programming delivers a piece of home to them, along with ideas for how you can get involved: 1. Care packages: A care package might seem small in light of the challenges of deployment, but for many service members, they’re a reminder that they’re not forgotten by Americans back home. Aside from standard USO Care Packages, which contain snacks or toiletries, USO Holidays Care Packages have festive treats and goodies, such as holiday candies, cozy socks and a warm beanie, that help bridge the gap between home and the frontlines. This year, the USO will deliver 50,000 holiday packages to over 250 locations globally.

2. Holiday traditions: Giving up treasured family traditions can be difficult. That’s why USO Centers and USO

Mobile teams host holiday meals for service members and their families, complete with special treats ranging from pumpkin and sweet potato pie to hot cocoa bars.

Each December, USO Holidays Cookie Week celebrates the time-honored tradition of baking and decorating cookies, putting service members and military families in the holiday spirit wherever they are located. Other seasonal programming can include tree decorating, arts and crafts, holiday-themed movie nights and ugly sweater competitions. Through these activities, service members stationed far

know, holiday travel can be especially taxing. Thousands of service members and trainees from military installations across the country participate in the Holiday Block Leave period, many traveling through some of the busiest airports in the United States to be with their families during the holidays. USO airport centers can alleviate some of that stress for service members and trainees by providing a place to relax and unwind before the next leg of their journey, along with all the comfort items they need.

To learn more about these programs Photo by USO Photos and how to support them, and for ideas on from home can still make holiday memo- how to reach out to the military commuries. nity to express your thanks during the 3. Connections to home: Staying holidays and throughout the year, visit connected to family during the holidays uso.org/campaign/holidays. can be difficult for service members staThe holiday season can look very diftioned overseas, particularly for those in ferent for service members and military or near regions in conflict such as Eastern families who must celebrate while sepaEurope or the Middle East. The USO rated from loved ones and home in all corReading Program enables deployed serv- ners of the world. ice members to record themselves reading Bringing everyone together on special a book to their child. Then, the recording days fosters camaraderie and positivity, and a copy of the book are sent to that and provides a welcome break from the service member’s family. demands of military life.

4. Happy travels: As most people –StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023

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Tips on keeping customers loyal Small business loyalty is on the rocks, according to a new study that finds that consumers are feeling more love for big retail brands this holiday season.

The study, from cloud-based accounting platform Xero, found that while 27% of consumers feel loyal to big retail brands, only 14% feel loyal to small businesses.

“For a small business owner who launched their business because of a passion, identifying ways to gain customer loyalty can be overwhelming. Fortunately, our data provides insights into tactics that small businesses can take to nurture ongoing relationships with customers,” said Ben Richmond, chartered accountant and U.S. country manager at Xero.

As the holiday season approaches, Xero is sharing these tips and survey insights to holiday-proof operations and keep customers satisfied: • Keep delivery affordable: According to the Xero survey, 25% of survey respondents believe that delivery should always be free, regardless of original purchase price.

“Free delivery is an effective way to build customer loyalty, so offer it if you can. Just be sure to utilize cash flow forecasting or work with your accountant to gauge how much it will cost you longterm,” Richmond said.

If free shipping isn’t viable for your business, keep this fee low -- 30% said spending $21-$50 for delivery was agreeable. To bring down shipping costs, consider using shipping brokerages or building shipping into your pricing.

• Make delivery fast: At a point in the year when timing truly matters, it’s a good idea to offer express shipping. Thirty percent of consumers want their items faster, plus this allows you to charge for expedited shipping. On this front, customers appreciate communication.

Encourage them to start seasonal shopping early and set their expectations with cut-off dates for when the last orders can be delivered in time for the holidays. You

may also want to consider diversifying your supply and distribution channels by looking to both local manufacturers and service providers and also large delivery partners, so you have options to fall back on if links in the chain are disrupted.

• Make shopping convenient: Match big retailer convenience by accepting multiple payment options, including e-wallets and by offering your products online. According to the survey, 50% of consumers are buying more online now post-pandemic, so it’s a good idea to meet them where they are.

• Build your reputation: Show your passion and small biz credentials in your branding and packaging. Don’t be shy about asking for reviews and referrals, as they’re key to building trust. And when you’re criticized online, always respond respectfully.

• Return-proof your products: Include detailed descriptions and pictures of your products to minimize returns. At the same time, consider offering more lenient policies for holiday-related returns. This both increases customer loyalty as well as extends the amount of time a return may impact your bottom line, as an extended period can allow for a slower trickle of negative growth.

• Use tech: Have a pulse-check on your cash flow by leaning into technology, like Xero’s cloud-based accounting platform, to automate tasks, manage inventory and track transactions in real-time.

Technology investments can help ensure you’re constantly aware of how much return loss is acceptable per month as you plan inventory needs.

Check out the full study in Xero’s report into online shopping trends by visiting xero.com.

“With a game plan that combines strategic actions, responsive communication and adaptability, small businesses can compete with the big box stores, and win customer hearts and minds over the holidays,” Richmond said.

–StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 ‘Tis the Season for Scams: 5 Ways to Protect Your Family In today’s hyper-connected digital universe, cyber criminals have more information than ever before, with the ability to reach you through unsecure public Wi-Fi, your email inbox, via text message and more.

According to a Scam and Robocall Report from TMobile, Americans lost an estimated $39.5 billion to phone scams in 2022. Lucky for you, there are several ways to protect and safeguard your personal information to help prevent scammers from scammin’ this holiday season.

1. Avoid Public USB Ports: Traveling by plane this holiday season? The FCC warns that cyber criminals can download malware to public USB charging ports to gain access to your information. Prevent this by using an AC power outlet instead.

2. Beware of Charity Scams: It’s the season of giving, but the FCC warns many cyber criminals take advantage by creating fake charities staged as real nonprofit organizations to gain access to your payment information. Woof. To prevent this, don’t click on suspicious email or text links and verify the organization is registered at the National Association of State Charity Officials or Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance before donating this holiday season.

3. Screen Your Calls: Scammers are continuously upping their game, with total robocall attempts up 75% from 2021 to 2022. Detecting whether an incoming call is a potential scam isn’t always easy, but T-Mobile’s Scam

scam calls. Take that, tricksters. To learn more, visit tmobile.com/scamshield.

4. Shop Smarter Online: According to Statista, 57% of holiday shoppers plan to use their smartphone to make holiday purchases this year, and scammers are onto them, ramping up activity during the two weeks before Christmas. To minimize any cyber Grinches trying to steal your personal info, monitor your financial accounts regularly for suspicious charges and sign up for your bank or credit card company’s text or email notifications to stay on top of fraudulent activity.

5. Use Secure Tools: Safeguard your online accounts with Multi-Factor Authentication, which requires users to enter two different kinds of information to log in, like a password and one-time PIN code. It’s like Photo by Tero Vesalainen / iStock via Getty Images Plus having a digital bouncer to make sure only you get into Shield app makes it simple. Free to all T-Mobile cus- your accounts. Another protection is a password managtomers, Scam Shield enhances your scam-blocking pro- er, giving you the ability to securely store passwords tections so you can say goodbye to scam calls. In 2022 across multiple platforms and websites. The tool also proalone, Scam Shield identified or blocked 41.5 billion vides an autofill password function and a new password scam calls in the T-Mobile network. That’s a whopping generator.

To learn more about the industry’s top fraud trends 1,317 calls identified or blocked every second. With Scam Shield, when the network detects a potential scam call, it and how to stay protected from scammers year-round, is flagged and displayed as “Scam Likely” on your device. check out T-Mobile’s Scam Shield Report found at tCustomers who want even more protection can down- mobile.com/news.

While cyber threats are on the rise, you can sleigh load the Scam Shield app or dial #662# from their TMobile smartphone to enable Scam Block, which auto- scams by staying vigilant.

–StatePoint matically blocks any calls that match the database of

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Five tips for getting kids involved in holiday traditions The holiday season is a magical time of year filled with cherished traditions that bring families together. And while gift-giving is one of the most beloved customs (especially for children), it can sometimes overshadow the true spirit of the season. Here are a few festive winter activities that focus on quality time together and spreading joy.

1. Spread Joy with Kid-Created Cards. According to a recent survey from AmericanGreetings.com, nearly 90% of Americans say that season's greetings bring them joy; and 92% say they specifically enjoy kids’ homemade cards. This year, eliminate the stress of planning holiday cards — and teach kids about spreading cheer — with the Creatacard app for iPad. The easy-to-use app from American Greetings allows kids to create, color and customize cards using virtual tools, including markers, photo frames, stamps and stickers. Once complete, the greeting can be sent via email, text, or on social media. It’s a simple, cost-effective and personalized way to teach them about bringing joy to others.

2. Quality Time in the Kitchen. Kids love sweet treats, so start involving them with baking and decorating traditional holiday goodies. In addition to being an excellent way to spend time together as a family, the tradition teaches them cooking basics, like reading recipes and measuring ingredients. Be sure to make it fun with plenty of frosting and sprinkles, or even add some com-

Photo By Farknot Architect / Jacquie Lawson

petition with a decorating contest. You can also pair this activity with a cozy movie night or deliver treats to neighbors and family members to teach the importance of kindness and giving.

3. Deck the Halls. A perfect holiday tradition for the whole family to get involved in is the Christmas tree.

Whether it’s a trip to pick out a real tree, or setting up an artificial one, you can make it an adventure from set-up to decoration. Plus, crafting homemade ornaments each

year is the perfect kid contribution. Not only will they take pride in their creations, but each year will spark a bit of holiday nostalgia.

4. Interactive Christmas Countdown. According to a recent survey, what do 94% of Americans say increases the excitement of the holiday season? Advent calendars. But this year, skip the paper versions and get the whole family engaged with the interactive Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar. The unique virtual calendar offers breathtaking illustrations of a fictional English country estate with exciting features unlocked daily in December. From a scavenger hunt to music, daily gifts, animated stories, books, games, creative activities, puzzles, and so much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and look forward to each day of the season.

5. Teach the Spirit of Giving. While it can sometimes be easier to do the holiday shopping yourself, involving kids in gift-giving can teach them the thoughtfulness behind selecting meaningful gifts. If you have a large family, consider a Secret Santa where everyone shops for one specific family member. This is also a good opportunity to help kids make homemade gifts with more sentimental value.

By incorporating these tips into your holiday traditions, you will create lasting memories, instill valuable lessons and celebrate the joy of giving with your family.

–StatePoint

Member

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Holiday Gift Guide — December 2023 — 23

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Elevate hosting with kitchen upgrades for effortless entertaining Putting together a holiday feast is no easy feat.

Anyone who has prepared a multi-course meal knows just how difficult it can be to time everything properly, and to find storage and cooking space for each component of the meal. However, with the following kitchen update ideas, your preparations can be seamless and stress-free.

A Two-Zone Air Fryer Love your air fryer? There’s good news. New innovative two-zone air fryer models offer twice the functionality, versatility and convenience of traditional air fryers within a small footprint.

Using the Midea 11QT Two-Zone Air Fryer Oven, you can prepare two fully independent meals, or a meal and side dish, simultaneously. The top portion has a 6-quart air frying basket that is large enough to cook a whole 6pound chicken, while the bottom 5-quart traditional toaster oven is large enough to cook a 9-inch pizza. Use its Sync Finish feature to automatically align cooking times so that all your dishes are ready to serve at precisely the same time. No more cold mashed potatoes!

Occupying only about two-thirds the counter space of both a traditional single-basket air fryer and toaster oven, you can air fry, bake, grill, roast, and keep items warm with one appliance, and still have room for all your other kitchen activities. Also, Wi-Fi capabilities through the SmartHome app allow for voice-activated control and the execution of pre-programmed smart recipes for flawless meal prep.

E

AB ST

LISHED IN 198

A Versatile Faucet Still working with a standard faucet? Think about upgrading to a more versatile model that includes such special features as a pull-down sprayer for targeted rinsing of large pots and pans, and touchless operation for the elimination of messes, smudges, cross-contamination and other hazards and irritations that come with cooking and baking. Whether you’re prepping the holiday bird or kneading the pie dough, there are times when it’s best not to touch anything, including the handle of

the faucet. Some of today’s models even offer LED color changes to indicate the water temperature, so you don’t get burned by the wrong faucet choice.

A Better Fridge If organizing your fridge during holiday hosting feels like a game of Tetris, it may be time to upgrade. Boasting 29.3 cubic feet of storage space, the Midea MRF29D6AST Standard Depth French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker could become your ultimate holiday helper this year, making room for all the festive favorites, from turkey to pie.

Its Click & Glide door bin effortlessly accommodates beverage bottles without any shelf reshuffling, and the dual ice maker in the refrigerator and freezer ensures up to 8 pounds of ice daily, keeping drinks chilled and guests refreshed. Drink fresher water with the instant water filtration technology, which filters drinking water as it dispenses it, as opposed to allowing filtered water to stagnate in a tank.

Finally, Wi-Fi and Voice Control mean you can receive real-time alerts, and adjust temperature settings remotely, without needing to open the refrigerator doors, keeping ingredients as fresh as possible.

Holidays spent with loved ones should be a reprieve from day-to-day responsibilities, not another item on your to-do list. Fortunately, there are many solutions and upgrades to make the season the most wonderful time of the year for holiday hosts and home cooks, too.

–StatePoint

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24 — December 2023 — Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Hazard Prevention: Steps to a Safe and Accident-Free Season As the holidays approach, you might be hosting guests, shopping for gifts and decorating your home. While all these activities can bring a lot of joy into the season, they can also bring an increase in risks.

Prepare by following these six tips to prevent damage.

1. Install a smart doorbell.

Whether you want to see who just arrived or help keep packages secure, a smart doorbell will keep you updated on all activities in front of your home. From package deliveries to carolers, you can easily view (and communicate) with your visitors, even if you aren’t home.

2. Decorate carefully. As pretty as those lights might be, they can be a tripping hazard. What’s more, overheating lights can trigger a fire in seconds, especially in a dry environment, such as near a parched tree. On Erie Insurance’s YouTube channel, they show how fast a Christmas tree goes up in flames and have tips on how to avoid fires, including to check string lights for any frayed wires and to always turn off lights when you aren’t home.

3. Prepare for the unexpected. As temperatures drop, prepare your home

for potential damage. Bad weather can trigger a weak tree to fall, potentially on your house, while cold temperatures can cause frozen pipes, which could cost thousands of dollars in water damage if the pipes burst. Be sure to keep your homeowners insurance up to date so you are prepared should any seasonal damage occur. To prevent that damage and a costly claim, survey your property and even

auto insurance up to date in case of damage. Your insurance company might offer options to help you tighten your wallet during an expensive season. For example, Erie Insurance offers convenient bundling of car and home insurance to potentially save you money.

5. Mingle merry – and safely. Holiday parties can be fun, but make sure you have a plan for getting home safely. And if you’re hosting the party, be aware that in most states party hosts can be held liable for their guests’ actions behind the wheel.

So be sure your guests have a safe ride home.

6. Be smart online. If you’d rather keep your comfy pants on and do your holiday shopping online, be aware of Photo By ronstik / iStock via Getty Images Plus where your data might be susceptible and call-in experts to check trees, pipes and only shop on reputable sites. An ERIE’s other possible hazards. homeowner policy includes identity 4. Stay safe on the road. The winter recovery coverage that can help you if you season carries driving risks. Not only may are the unfortunate victim of identity roads be slick and icy, but holiday shop- fraud. pers are often stressed and frazzled. On Whether you are having a party or roads, and particularly in shopping cen- going on a shopping spree, being safe and ters and mall parking lots, slow down and prepared for the holidays is key to avoidstay alert to avoid a fender-bender. As an ing any accidents, injuries and incidents. added precaution, be sure to keep your –StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide — December 2023 — 25

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Craft your own holiday gift tags in 3 easy steps Infusing a little DIY into gift-giving adds a nice, personal touch to the holiday season.

One simple, but impactful project to try this year is creating your own gift tags. It’s the first thing recipients see, and a great way to add your signature style to the look of your wrapped presents.

To help you get started, art materials supplier Sakura of America is sharing these easy, three-step instructions for creating your own gift tags: 1. Gather your materials.

Here is what you’ll need to make your gift tags: • Archival, colorful pens, such as Gelly Roll Retractable pens • Cardstock circles, stars, hearts and other shapes • A hole punch • Twine or ribbon • Scissors • Your creativity 2. Make your tags.

Draw creative, seasonal designs on your cardstock shapes, like a snowflake or

wreath, using Gelly Roll Retractable pens.

Offering unlimited possibilities for your gift tags, they’re available in 12 colors and three ink effects to write smoothly on an array of paper colors and types.

Hint: If you have dark, coated, matte or lightly colored paper stock, use a metallic or white Gelly Roll Retractable pen. If you have white or light uncoated paper stock, try a stardust (glitter) or classic Gelly Roll Retractable pen.

Punch a hole near the edge of the cardstock and thread twine or ribbon through.

3. Tag your gift. Take your threaded gift tags and flip them over.

Fill out the opposite side for your lucky recipients.

Tie on to your presents for a personal, extra-thoughtful touch. Gift proudly!

For more crafting and seasonal inspiration, visit sakuraofamerica.com.

Using fun shapes and innovative colors, you can handcraft something special this season for everyone on your list.

–StatePoint

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26 — December 2023 — Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Countdown to Christmas with an advent calendar As Christmas approaches, there is no better way to kick off the holiday season and get the entire family excited about the approaching fun and festivities than with an advent calendar.

For over a century, celebrants have marked the days before Christmas and enjoyed a daily treat, with advent calendars.

Fun thematic twists on this tradition have included everything from games and puzzles for kids to dog chews for furry friends.

Of course, in the modern era, there are now digital options, too, such as the interactive Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar.

This unique virtual calendar offers beautiful illustrations of a fictional English country estate with daily exciting features like a scavenger hunt, gifts, animated stories, books, games, creative activities, puzzles and more.

An advent calendar is not just a daily treasure trove of surprises, it’s a rich holiday tradition for people of all ages that embraces the beauty of the season.

--StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide — December 2023 — 27

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28 — December 2023 — Holiday Gift Guide

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