Nutley/Belleville Holiday Gift Guide 2022

Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

Show customers you value them and not their money

When it comes to customer retention, 82 percent will take their business elsewhere simply because they don’t think you care, according to a survey by The Rockefeller Corporation. Don’t leave your current and prospective clients feeling down in the dumps. Here are a few tips to spread holiday cheer and show them how much you appreciate them all year.

Cut the sales talk

Holiday greetings should be about thankfulness and appreciation — so leave the sales pitches for another day. Instead, use your holiday greetings to build meaningful connections and foster personal relationships. Incorporate messages that focus on how much you truly value their partnership and connection, not their money.

Make it

personalized

Rather than sending the same gift or greeting to every client, make your messages more impactful with unexpected levels of personalization. This can be as simple as addressing your clients by their names or including small gifts or exclusive offers you know they’d enjoy. Showing them you listen to their preferences or remember individual interactions provides an extra touch of thoughtfulness.

Also, check out exceptional subscription-based services. American Greetings, for example, offers a plethora of personal, creative ways to send messages with SmashUps and Creatacard — and you can even add a gift card to these special greetings.

SmashUps are highly personalized, smile-inducing shareable videos that can be personalized in a variety of ways, including adding their name or a message right

into the audio and graphics. With tons of holiday themes, messages from celebrities and more, they’re sure to entertain, surprise and delight your clients. Additionally, with SmashUps you can schedule delivery ahead of time to stay on track with deadlines and reduce the “out of office” emails around the holidays.

For a more modern twist on a classic holiday tradition, Creatacard is a new, personalized virtual greeting card that includes the most-loved features of paper cards. Unlike eCards, Creatacards are designed to “virtually” look and feel like traditional cards: they arrive in a virtual envelope that opens; feature folded or flat designs that open or flip over like a paper card; but also include unique digital features such as animation, video or music. In just a few easy steps, you can create, personal-

ize and even sign your favorite digital cards.

Avoid holiday-specific messages

With an abundance of different cultures and traditions around the world, not everyone celebrates the same holidays. When creating your holiday greeting recipient list, make sure your messaging is appropriate for your client — or to be safe, use more generic and inclusive sayings such as “Happy Holidays,” “Season’s Greetings” or “Warm Wishes.”

Send a custom gift package

If you’re a more traditional company, embrace your roots and in addition to your digital greetings, send a physical gift package to your customers and prospects. Receiving a gift filled with branded items, a bottle of wine or spirits, assorted baked goods, or gift certificates can really showcase how much you care about them.

Don’t forget the assistants

Consider sending cards to your main contact’s assistants, partners or other critical team members. A little can go a long way when showing your appreciation to every integral team member of their business — from the assistant to the CEO.

Sending holiday greetings is a smart way to keep your business top of mind before employees go on vacations around that time of year. Companies can get in the groove of sending out the same messages year after year, or get busy with other work, which can lead to pressed time and less ingenuity. Get inspired this holiday season with more creative, personal ways to show customers and prospects you care.

— StatePoint

Five screen-free holiday gift ideas for the whole family

Holiday shopping for families with children? Check out these five totally screen-free gift ideas that are sure to brighten the season by getting families to spend some much-needed quality time together.

1. Upgraded outdoor games. Give outdoor play an upgrade with KidiGo NexTag from VTech, designed for ages 5 and up. Way more than just tag, it’s a high-tech spin on 20 different backyard games, including capture the flag, freeze tag and hide-and-seek. To play, all you need are the four included electronic units and adjustable arm bands. A friendly voice explains the quick and easy-to-learn rules and no referee is required — the game lets you know who got tagged, who’s safe and who’s it. With single-player and multiplayer options, the whole family can get in on the fun, especially when you combine two systems. Play indoors or out with a 135foot range between units. All you have to do is press the big button and tag, you’re it!

2. Kitchen assistance. Introduce adults and children alike to the fundamentals of baking with a family-friendly baking kit subscription. Each month, a new kit is mailed to your recipients’ home with recipes, activity booklets and all the ingredi-

ents needed to create something delicious.

3. Swim time. The weather may be frightful, but that’s no reason why families can’t enjoy a delightful day at the pool. Consider gifting your favorite family with a day pass to an indoor aquatic center or water park. For families with young children, look for a facility that offers splash pads and swim lessons. For those with older children who are already proficient swimmers, check for amenities such as water slides and wave pools. Want to take it a step further? Sign your recipients up for an indoor pool membership until summer returns.

4. Inspiration. Give families all the ideas and inspiration they need to beat boredom, create new traditions and make memories with “The Adventure Challenge: Family Edition.” This journal offers 50 adventures in different categories, along with space to share thoughts and photos about each experience.

5. Board — not bored. Encourage some good old fashioned family fun with board games. From chess and checkers to modern classics to the latest trendy games, this is a gift option that’s sure to engage family members of all ages.

— StatePoint

Photo Courtesy of monkeybusinessimages/iStockPhoto.com

Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

Fun holiday gift ideas that get children excited to learn

Shopping for children this holiday season and looking for gifts that offer some educational value? The good news is that you don’t need to sacrifice fun! Here are five awesome gift ideas that will get school-age children excited about learning outside the classroom.

1. With the Magic Adventures Microscope, young biologists can explore tiny worlds full of huge discoveries, zooming in on flowers, animals, food, minerals and more using eight double-sided smart slides that activate amazing BBC videos and images. Inquiring minds can discover answers to curious questions such as: How do leaves changes colors? What do plant cells look like? What is sand made of anyway? They can also make their own discoveries by finding things around the house and getting a closer look using the reusable slides or large sample tray. With up to 200-times magnification on this real microscope, children will be amazed by what they see. A capture-and-save feature allows for documenting findings, and included games and quizzes add to the fun and let children put their knowledge to the test.

2. Reading enthusiasts will love a subscription to a book-of-the-month club offering selections for their reading level and interests. This is not only a great way to promote a lifelong love of literature, it can help a young reader build their home library.

3. Fledgling explorers can travel the world and see everything in it with the

Magic Adventures Globe from LeapFrog. Using the stylus, children can tap on the interactive learning globe and experience new places, languages, cultures, animals, geography, habitats and more through high-quality BBC videos. Featuring an integrated video screen, animations and live-action videos fully immerse children

in the curriculum to provide a better understanding of the world through more than five hours of videos. They can also play interactive games to explore the globe, challenge a friend and solve mysteries. With its focus on curriculum-based content and important foundational skills, LeapFrog toys offer experiences that make learning fun.

4. Encourage children to become informed citizens of the world with a subscription to a news magazine designed just for them, such as “The Week Junior.” This is an excellent way to build vocabulary, while engaging children on a wide range of subjects — from culture and arts to science and government — in a way that’s appropriate for their age.

5. Foster a love of fine arts by gifting children an all-in-one sketching, painting and coloring set complete with everything they need to unleash their inner Monet. Pencils, markers, acrylic and watercolor paints, along with brushes, paper pads and canvas boards, will give artists of all ages the foundational tools they need to try their hand in various mediums.

— StatePoint

H A P P Y H A P P Y HAPPY H O L I D AY S H O L I D AY S HOLIDAYS

Wonderful holiday gift ideas for children of all

Stumped for holiday gifts for children? Brighten the season for little ones by checking out these great gift ideas below:

Unique experiences

One-of-a-kind experiences can expand a child’s worldview and help create lifelong memories. There are numerous ideas to consider that will appeal to a broad range of interests. For a sports enthusiast, consider a one-on-one outing to a major or minor league game. Many teams host special theme nights for fans, so you may want to do a little research so you can dovetail your plans with an event geared toward children.

For a budding musician, consider a gift certificate to a local music center that could be put toward the instrument of their choice or lessons with an instructor.

Finally, if your gift recipient loves exploring the natural world, gift them tickets to the zoo or aquarium, or take them on an outdoor adventure where you can hike the trails and spot real-world flora and fauna.

Notable toys

When it comes to selecting the best toys, you can take some of the guesswork out of the equation by referring to the Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year Awards. Toys nominated for this distinction represent the best of the best, and are beloved by children and parents alike.

Nominated for the infant/toddler category this year is the VTech Level Up Gaming Chair. Boasting a swivel chair, joystick and pretend headphones, this preschool

game station gives little gamers an opportunity to be just like big-kid gamers. With no Wi-Fi required, the interactive gaming tablet teaches letters, numbers, animals and music with gaming sound effects, and progresses with

ages

children to teach words and meanings. The tablet even detaches from the tray to be taken on the go.

Nominated in the plush toy category is the LeapFrog My Pal Scout Smarty Paws, a cute, cuddly and customizable friend. Little ones can touch his front paws, ears and back paw for silly reactions, music, lullabies, games and mindfulness exercises. You can even personalize the play and learning across more than 15 activities by programming Scout with your gift recipient’s name and their favorite food, color and animal. Scout introduces first words, counting, feelings and emotions, and even teaches children how to spell their own name.

A third TOTY finalist you’ll want to consider putting on your gift list is the LeapFrog Clean Sweep Learning Caddy, which shows children that cleaning can be all fun and games with boogie-down dance breaks and silly directions, such as “Hop while you mop! Now dance to the left and dance to the right!” The cute face on the bucket lights up and sings as children pretend to clean, with a press of the pedal the mop spins, and as you pump out imaginary soap it makes funny squirting sounds. To shop these and other TOTY-nominated toys, visit amazon.com.

From tailored experiences to this year’s best toys, you can have all your gifts for children covered and avoid some of the usual stress brought on by the holiday shopping season.

— StatePoint

Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

Affordable holiday gift ideas with a personalized touch

Are you struggling to find thoughtful gifts for everyone as you make your holiday shopping list? Well, it’s time to get personal! By giving a personalized gift, the recipient will feel special knowing it was created and picked just for them. Here are a few customized gift ideas that they’re sure to love that won’t break the bank.

1. Make their holidays magical with video greetings. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer, SmashUps from American Greetings are highly personalized, smileinducing, shareable videos. There are options for everyone, like a message from Santa that calls the recipient out by name and location, or a customized winter greeting delivered by a talking penguin. SmashUps can check the box for holiday greetings, or you can include a digital gift card to fulfill your gift-giving needs.

With a subscription, you’ll unlock access to all of American Greetings’ digital offerings, meaning you can send unlimited SmashUps year-round. Subscriptions are $6.99 per month or $29.99 per year.

2. Photo finish. Photos are a simple and affordable way to personalize gifts. Start by choosing your favorite pic with

the recipient and then determine how you’d like to deliver it. Whether it’s in a unique frame, or printed on a personal item, such as a mug, blanket, keychain, phone cover or even an ornament for their tree, the recipient will know how much they mean to you each time they view it.

3. Initial thoughts. While not everyone wants to be in pictures, adding personalization to a gift item by using your recipient’s name, initials or monogram, can be a great alternative. And with a wealth of online sites, from boutique stores such as Marley Lilly to major retailers such as

Amazon offering this service, you’ll have endless options — at various price points — to meet your shopping needs.

4. Eat, drink and be merry. They often say the way to the heart is through the stomach. So, whether it’s a foodie friend or a family member who has it all, making their favorite meal, treat, drink or dessert can be the ultimate thoughtful gift. Plus, it can provide you quality time together as you deliver the delicious treats to their home or host them at yours — that is, if they’ll share!

5. Write a message by hand. In an age where everything is digital, seeing a loved one’s handwriting — whether it’s scribbled by a child or printed by a grandparent — can be a special memento and unique way to customize a gift. Gift ideas could be handwritten messages and affirmations; a recipe book of your family favorites; or your handwriting could be inscribed onto a gift item such as a keychain, picture frame or necklace.

Just remember, it’s the thought that counts. And luckily many personalized gifts don’t have to be costly to be remembered.

— StatePoint

Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022

What will our holiday shopping look like this year?

If it feels like the holiday season is getting longer and more reliant on technology every year, you’re not imagining it.

According to the Sensormatic Solutions 2022 U.S. Holiday Consumer Sentiment Survey, 52 percent of respondents already started or plan to start their holiday shopping before November, and pre–Labor Day holiday shopping more than doubled during 2021. That said, the top busiest shopping days in the United States are all expected between Black Friday and the day after Christmas.

Whether shoppers are making a list and checking it twice as early in the season as possible or waiting until the last minute, they are also likely to be thinking about all the ways to shop, including integrating digital options with a traditional brick-and-mortar experience, both of which offer key consumer benefits.

“The past couple years have fundamentally changed the way we celebrate the holidays, starting with how we shop,” said Kim Melvin, global leader of marketing at Sensormatic Solutions. “This year, shoppers are using the very same tools they once turned to for health and safety reasons to make the experience more convenient and affordable.”

Sixty-four percent of respondents cited convenience as their top reason for using buy-online-pickup-in-store, aka BOPIS, or curbside pickup this holiday season, while 37 percent are leveraging these options to access onlineexclusive deals. Shoppers are also blurring the lines

between the digital and physical shopping experiences, using their phones while in stores to read product reviews, access coupons, check on product availability and conduct other research — 27 percent use their phones to supplement their shopping experience every time they shop in-store and an additional 31 percent do so most of the time they shop in-store.

“While the majority of shoppers feel very comfortable making their holiday purchases in-store this year, factors

like price, product availability and convenience are at the top of everyone’s minds,” said Melvin. “A combination of traditional brick-and-mortar visits and alternative shopping methods, such as BOPIS and curbside pickup, are helping consumers take these factors into consideration as they complete their holiday wish lists.”

As part of its mission to solve complex retail challenges, Sensormatic Solutions is providing its top strategies to improve your holiday shopping experience:

• If staying within your seasonal budget is a priority for you or you harbor supply chain concerns, consider leveraging shopping holidays such as Black Friday. Doing so can help ensure product availability, and thanks to holiday promotions, help you secure reasonable pricing on needed items.

• One of the most frustrating aspects of holiday shopping is not finding what you need on store shelves. Using alternative shopping methods such as BOPIS and curbside pickup can offer greater convenience and help ensure that when you visit a store, you won’t leave empty-handed.

For more holiday shopping tips and insights, visit sensormatic.com.

Though this holiday season may resemble the last few years in many ways, shoppers’ motivations for going digital have changed. Having a game plan can help you score great deals and find what you need.

— StatePoint

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Photo Courtesy of DavidPrado/stock.adobe

Go-to gift ideas to make a baby shower extra special

Looking for the perfect baby shower gift? A few go-to ideas can make welcoming little ones into the world a breeze. Here are some creative ones to consider:

• Cute, cuddly and customizable: Making perfect friends for little ones, My Pal Scout and My Pal Violet Smarty Paws from LeapFrog are no ordinary stuffed animals. Their touch-sensitive front paws feature sensors that activate silly reactions, music, games and mindfulness exercises to introduce cause and effect, and touching their ears plays more than 40 songs, lullabies, melodies, games and activities. Best of all, this is a gift that can be personalized for a new baby by programming Scout and Violet with the child’s name, favorite foods, colors and animals. Introducing children to first words, counting, and feelings and emotions, they’ll even teach a child how to spell their own name. With a nighttime mode that soothes little ones to sleep with lullabies, this thoughtful gift helps to promote restful nights for parents and babies alike.

• Memories, milestones and mementos: For parents who are crafty, sentimen-

tal or who love preserving family history in a tangible way, consider a scrapbooking kit designed to document a baby’s first

year. From first words to first solid foods, parents will be able to memorialize every milestone creatively. And with so many

designs available, you’re sure to find one in a style your recipients will love.

• Easy cleanup and travel: New parents will have their hands full, so anything to make cleanup easier will be appreciated. Play&Go toy storage bags are durable drawstring playmats that make it easy to transport toys and tidy up. Available in a range of colors and styles, they make a great addition to nurseries and playrooms.

• Practical and prepared: As many parents soon discover, it’s never too early to start a college savings fund. Ask the parents-to-be if they plan to open a 529 plan for their future scholar. These plans grow tax-free, and withdrawals used for qualified educational expenses are also untaxed, making this a smart, practical and meaningful way to celebrate a newborn.

Coming up with unique gift ideas for every occasion can be challenging. But having a few ready-to-go items that are cute, thoughtful and customizable to the recipient will make preparing for each baby shower simple.

— StatePoint

Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

Must-have tools for entertaining with ease this season

’Tis the season for gatherings galore. Whether you’re an all-star entertainer or a first-time host, having the right tools will set you up for success — meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. Here are a few must-haves to add to your holiday shopping list:

Classy and creative cocktails

Create memorable cocktails or mocktails that everyone will be talking about with uniquely shaped craft ice. Tovolo offers a variety of craft ice molds to fit every occasion — from spheres and sports balls to novelty and holiday ornament shapes. The easy-to-use, durable, stackable molds are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. Plus, the slow-melting shapes keep drinks cool for longer. So, drop them in for fun and festive drinks at your next gathering.

Pops in a pinch

Popsicles aren’t just for summertime. In fact, they’re a great option for a holiday crowd since you can prep them well in advance, and they make for a light dessert after a night of feasting. With Tovolo Stackable Pop Molds, simply puree some

fruit — strawberries, kiwis, etc.; pour the mixture into the molds; stack them in the freezer; and, voila, you’ve got a delightful treat that basically made itself. Better yet, guests can add the fruity pops to a glass of champagne or cocktail of choice to add flavor and keep drinks cool.

Table-worthy tools

When hosting a dinner party, dishes will inevitably pile up in the sink. One way to cut down on dirty dishes is to use a set of kitchen utensils that is both stylish and

attractive, so you can go from the stovetop to the dining table without needing to dirty any additional tools. Another tip is to make the meal family style, which allows your guests to choose what they want and reduces the need to portion out individual servings, ultimately giving you more time to enjoy the party.

Spatulas that make you smile

From cookie batters to mashed potatoes, everyone needs a quality spatula to whip up their favorite holiday dishes. And

now you can add both fun and function to your feast with Spatulart Spatulas featuring double-sided holiday designs and puns. With a nylon core, these high-quality spatulas provide strength for the heaviest mixing jobs and silicone edges that remain flexible for easy scraping. Plus, their FSC-certified wood handle makes them an environmentally-conscious way to add a touch of whimsy to the kitchen roster.

Functional and fashionable bowls

Despite the name, mixing bowls can be one of the most versatile kitchen tools, used for mixing, prep, storage and, if you choose a stylish design like stainless steel, even serving! Why dirty multiple dishes when you can opt for one-bowl recipes? When it comes to entertaining, it’s best to work smarter, not harder.

Having the right tools makes all the difference when you’re preparing to be the host with the most. Be sure to equip yourself right for a season of easy and festive holiday prep, and don’t forget that when it comes to hosting, versatility is the name of the game.

— StatePoint

W e l c o m e To L a Si c i l i a R i s t o r a n t e a n d P i z z e r i a Welcome La icilia Ri torante and Pizzeria

Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

Tips for gifting the perfect drinks for any occasion

The art of gift-giving is a process that’s admittedly a bit more difficult than meets the eye. If you’re someone who struggles to find a perfect present that says, “I think you’re great,” take solace in the fact that you’re not alone. A recent survey from Drizly, a beverage alcohol e-commerce shop, found that 39 percent of people say the hardest person to buy a gift for is their significant other.

This holiday season, finding that irreplaceable, unreturnable, never-miss gift is easier than downing a Yuletide fruitcake.

According to Drizly, 84 percent of respondents said they enjoy receiving alcohol as a gift. Whether you’re buying a holiday gift for a family member, celebrating a special occasion or looking to send something thoughtful to a long-distance friend, a bottle of wine, Champagne, whiskey or other drink can be easy to send and easy to pick out, with the right tools, of course.

Here are a couple of ways to up your gifting game this holiday season:

Order a last-minute gift

It’s easy to lose track of all the gifts you need to buy during the holiday season.

Forgot someone on your list and aren’t sure what to get? Don’t sweat it. Drizly’s guided gift shopping helps you find the perfect bottle based on your friend or family member’s tastes and interests. Just answer a few quick questions about their booze preference and voila: the perfect gift bottle. Best of all, you can get it deliv-

ered on-demand, so your gift arrives on time for the holidays, even if you’ve missed shipping deadlines from other stores. Just don’t let ’em know you left it till the last minute.

Bring the perfect bottle to a holiday party

You don’t want to be the person who

shows up to the holiday party emptyhanded. If you need help finding the perfect bottle to bring to the next get-together and keep the holidays spirited, check out Drizly’s gifting hub. With one of the widest selections of barrel-aged bourbons, local craft beers, fancy bubbly bottles and every type of drink in between, you’ll be sure to make that invite list next year.

Send a thoughtful gift that goes the distance

The holidays and other celebrations are a great time to delight friends and family with a gift that lets them know you’re thinking of them. Whether it’s a bottle of buttery chardonnay or a smallbatch reposado tequila, choose the delivery date on Drizly for a cross-country present delivered to their doorstep in 2-5 days or schedule delivery from a local store in their area up to two weeks in advance. To make it even more special, you can even customize your order with an ecard to wish them well from afar.

No matter how you celebrate this holiday season, the gift of drinks helps your recipients savor life’s moments.

— Brandpoint

Get the most out of life without breaking the bank

Sometimes, it can be challenging to have fun while on a budget. With the rising cost of food, gas, rent and other goods, you may not always have the cash to enjoy leisurely activities or shopping. However, you don’t have to take on a second job or break the bank to have fun. Check out these four tips to enjoy your life while spending wisely.

Travel by car

Travel can be expensive, but you can make your trip affordable by traveling by car. Road trips can be cheaper than paying for flights, and you’ll build memories along the way.

When looking for hotels to stop at along your road trip or stay at when you reach your destination, use a travel booking platform that can find you affordable prices and deals for your vacation. If you book with SuperTravel, for example, you can save up to 50 percent on more than 500,000 hotels worldwide. The company can access specially negotiated rates that are better than anything you typically find online, so you can make memories while getting the most bang for your buck.

Look for deals on local events and attractions

Affordable fun may be just outside your door. Do some research and find out if local museums, theaters or amusement parks have deals or discounts. For example, many museums, zoos, aquariums and other fun and educational institutions offer monthly or seasonal free admission days. Once you know when these free days

are, mark your calendar and start making plans to visit!

If you’re a fan of live theater or enjoy going to see the latest movie, find matinee deals. Many movie theaters offer matinee prices for showtimes in the morning or early afternoon. Your local theater or arts center may have reduced afternoon and weekend performance prices. No matter where you choose to go, you can enjoy the arts at an affordable price and support your community.

Earn rewards just by buying groceries

Some expenses in life are unavoidable, like buying groceries and gas. For these expected, routine expenses, consider using a rewards credit card. By using a rewards

credit card when you shop, you can earn cashback, travel and other rewards, depending on the type of card you choose. Just by shopping for necessities, you can earn rewards to fund trips, shopping and entertainment.

For any easy-to-use card that can be your everyday savings sidekick, check out SuperCash. This debt-protecting card allows you to build credit with no credit checks, minimums, annual fees or surprises ... unlike some cards out there. Best of all, you can earn 10-percent cashback rewards on SuperTravel purchases and 2 percent on all other purchases anywhere you use the card. No credit check is required, so almost everyone who applies qualifies. To learn more and get started today, visit super.com/cash.

Get outdoors

If you’re a fan of the outdoors or want to give it a go, you’ll find that most nature activities are free or cheap. Find a regional, state or national park near you and see what events, attractions and activities they offer. Some may even have year-round permits that allow you to save on parking, reservations and more. Whether you go for a weekend hike, Saturday lake barbecue or a weeklong camping trip, you can enjoy adventure for little to no money.

Having a good time doesn’t have to hurt your pocketbook. Use these four tips to have fun on a budget and inspire you to get the most out of life on the cheap.

— Brandpoint

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Create the perfect charcuterie board for your party

Are you hosting a holiday party and looking for a simple way to impress your guests?

The Texas Roadhouse Butcher Shop is sharing steps for building an eye-catching and mouth-watering charcuterie board that will add color, flavor and variety to your holiday table.

1. Grab a platter or surface to display your charcuterie. Anything will work, even a simple cutting board. Just be sure to choose a size that you can fill completely.

2. Use dishes or ramekins of mismatched sizes, shapes and colors to hold dressings, toppings and sauces. This will keep your board clean and add fun visual details to the display.

3. Include two to four cheeses of contrasting flavors and textures to please all palates, and to complement other elements of the board. The varieties you select should represent these basic categories: hard cheese, such as Chardonnay Bellavitano; soft cheese, such as brie; and blue cheese, such as French Roquefort.

4. While a traditional charcuterie board typically sticks with cured meats, the holiday season is the perfect occasion

for adding depth and richness to your feast with grilled meats, such as filet, sliced into strips. Those from Texas Roadhouse Butcher Shop are lean, flavorful, and melt in your mouth, making them a natural choice for a hearty holiday spread. Whether you are firing up the grill or preparing on a cooktop, allow any cooked meats to rest well before

adding them to your board.

5. No charcuterie board is complete without some crunch. Add two to three options, such as pita crackers, crusty breads or toasted baguettes that will stand up to the weight of your meats and cheeses.

6. Now, add some brightness and sweetness to your board. Fresh fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and green

grapes, and preserves such as peach pepper jam, will add contrast to rich, salty meats and cheeses. Don’t forget seasonal sweets and treats like soft peppermints, peanut brittle, chocolate dipped pretzels and candied nuts.

7. You’ll want your charcuterie board to look as if it’s overflowing. So, as you’re building it out, start with the largest elements like the cheeses and meats first, followed by smaller items like crackers, fresh produce and sweets. Fill in any holes with sprigs of aromatic rosemary for trimming, along with additional portions of the smaller items. The various elements of the board should pair well together, so it’s OK if they touch.

For additional hosting tips, or to shop for seasonal gifts and your holiday spread, visit trbutchershop.com. For 15 percent off your order, use the promo code PARTY15.

To wow your guests and their tastebuds, take your charcuterie board to the next level with seasonal treats, grilled meats and a cornucopia of sweet and savory flavors.

— StatePoint

Cut the stress out of all your holiday travel planning

The holiday travel season is just around the corner, and experts are expecting it to be a busy and expensive one, with airline ticket prices for the winter holidays increasing nearly 30 percent since last year. While travel experts recommend you start organizing trips at least three months in advance, do not fret if you’re a lastminute planner. There are still a few ways to maximize your travel plans and save a few dollars while you’re at it.

Hit the highway. For those planning on taking a road trip this season, make sure your vehicle is up to date on all registrations and maintenance so you don’t experience any road bumps. If you’re planning a road trip and you’re a TMobile customer, you get a year of AAA membership for free with all Magenta plans. This means you can get from point A to point B with the confidence and safety of 24/7 roadside assistance, if you need it. Plus, T-Mobile customers also save $0.10 per gallon of gas from Shell via the T-Mobile Tuesdays App.

Opt for low-traffic travel days. When booking airline travel, cheapair.com recommends avoiding Thursdays through

Sundays. Instead, book airline travel on Tuesdays or Wednesdays if possible, as those are the slowest travel days of the week. According to cheapair.com, traveling on actual holidays like Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday can save you $75-$90 in flight ticket prices. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are also expecting lower airfare prices this year.

Check the cancellation rules. Make sure you can cancel your hotel, airline, or car rental reservations if you need

to, and understand what additional fees you may be subject to if you do need to adjust your trip. Plans can change at the drop of a hat, especially in the COVID-19 world.

Use those travel perks. Many credit card companies offer benefits such as points and frequent flier miles, which you can redeem on flights, hotels and more. If you’re a T-Mobile customer, you can save up to 40 percent on select hotels and car rentals by booking through t-mobiletrav-

el.com. Most come with free, flexible cancellations. You can also save your travel perks to use for your holiday travel plans and save even more.

Stay connected. The internet can be hit or miss when traveling abroad, so make sure you’re well-versed in the details of your data plan before logging on. Luckily, T-Mobile customers with Magenta MAX plans can get 5GB of free high-speed data worldwide in more than 215 countries and destinations, plus free in-flight Wi-Fi and streaming all flight long on four of the biggest U.S. airlines. Visit tmobile.com/travel to learn more about TMobile’s travel benefits.

Pack smarter. Make sure all your tech items are within arm’s reach during your trip. Pack charging cables, headphones and tablets to keep children entertained on trips. Packing a portable charger in your carry-on is a game-changer when all the outlets at the airport are in use.

Holiday travel can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Do your research, take advantage of deals and you’ll cut out the hassle of planning your upcoming travels.

— StatePoint

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Need a holiday gift idea? Teach your child a DIY skill

It’s true at any age: The more do-ityourself skills we can develop, the better control we’ll have when it comes to maintaining our homes, vehicles and the other material assets that help us lead productive and enjoyable lives.

That’s why it’s so important to keep teaching our children such practical skills as they grow into adulthood. As children learn how to handle their own tasks surrounding home maintenance, small engine repair, auto mechanics and other elements of day-to-day life, they develop confidence in their own abilities and hone the problem-solving skills that will help them succeed.

Further, when you take an active role in imparting such valuable “garage logic,” you can create bonding experiences that strengthen intergenerational relationships.

“Sharing a mutual goal, combining strengths, helping each other and negotiating decisions together can foster a sense of teamwork and bring people closer,” advised Kristen Mosier on bobvila.com. “And, of course, admiring a finished project is sweeter when shared.”

This holiday season, you may wish to invest in your child’s future by giving them

the gift of practical DIY knowledge. Here are suggestions for making that happen.

Explore their areas of interest. Be proactive by talking to your child ahead of time about the skills he or she would most like to learn. Your teenager may wish to seize independence by learning how to repair her own car, while your greenthumbed youngster may be most enthusiastic about mastering the mechanics of your yard and garden equipment.

Share your area of expertise. If you’re skilled in a certain category, you might feel especially proud and happy to pass that specific knowledge on to the next generation. Tell your child the story

of how you acquired your own abilities, and explain why you’re excited to be sharing them with the next generation.

Establish good cleanliness and safety habits. Teach children to prioritize a safe work environment by insisting on protective gear such as safety glasses, earphones, masks and gloves. Make sure everyone involved in the project participates in keeping floors, counters, tools and other elements cleared off, hazardfree and well-organized.

Make tools part of your gift. When the majority of your lesson is finished, consider passing the tools you’ve used on to your child — or, buy them their own new set they can continue using once they leave your household. With its huge span of machinery, tools and equipment, Northern Tool + Equipment is a great place to walk the aisles and explore tools to help your child fill up their tool belt.

“We’re in the business of providing the essential tools and gear that people need to handle any tough job that comes their way, whether they’re pros or DIYers,” said Suresh Krishna, president and CEO of Northern Tool. “The gift of high-quality tools is one that can keep on giving for

years to come, and can help instill pride in working with one’s hands at an early age.”

Create maximum fun. Make sure to create positive memories by making your experiences enjoyable for everyone involved. That means anticipating mistakes, remaining patient, explaining how errors can be corrected and making sure your child knows they’re not expected to know everything right away. Ideally, you’ll both look back on your experience with fondness, not confusion or regret.

Celebrate your achievements. Once your child has mastered a skill, praise them for having the patience and attentiveness to see it through. Remind them of how the knowledge they’ve learned can serve them well in the future, and celebrate their new achievement as a family however and whenever that’s appropriate.

This holiday season, helping your child learn a new and practical skill could be a wonderful alternative to a more traditional gift. Consider a present of your time and expertise that could make your child more knowledgeable, confident and self-sufficient as they face life’s everyday challenges.

— Brandpoint

Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

Tips to keep the wine flowing as holiday parties return

This season, holiday entertaining will be back in full swing with everything from guest-filled open houses and large family gatherings to big, festive parties expected to make a comeback.

For those of us looking to brush up our entertaining skills as we head into the most festive time of the year, renowned chef and entertaining expert Ashton Keefe has some advice for hosting the perfect holiday get-together. She says the foundation for a great event often starts with the wine selection.

“The goal is to offer a selection that appeals to everyone’s tastes,” Keefe said. “By the time the holidays roll around, what your guests want is a great glass of wine, a few satisfying cheese and charcuterie boards, and merriment!”

Keefe recommends always having at least two white and two red options for guests along with a sparkling wine. “For white you can’t go wrong with a hearty chardonnay and a sauvignon blanc for zippy acidity. When it comes to red, I always go pinot noir or a lighter, perhaps chilled red, like Beaujolais and then a big bold cabernet sauvignon or Bordeaux,”

she said. “You can also explore new options with a few unexpected bottles in the mix for people to try, and don’t forget to provide low- or no-alcohol choices too.”

For those who might be worried about having to open too many bottles or wast-

ing those that aren’t finished, a wine-bythe-glass system like Coravin provides the perfect solution. Their range of systems allow you to pour a glass from any bottle and preserve remaining wine for weeks, months or even years.

When it comes to selecting your wine, Keefe says don’t worry about having to be an expert yourself or spending a lot of money. “I always say if you have no idea what to serve, just ask! Your local wine shop can provide wine options that work with any budget. And investing in a Coravin means you don’t have to worry about wasted wine — or splurging on a few bottles to try — because you’ll always be able to save whatever’s left for your next party.”

Another tip Keefe has for this time of year: Embrace color. “This is such a festive season with a rich palette to play with, from room decor to table settings and even gifting.” Keefe’s a fan of the new limited edition Coravin Gemstone Collection, which features the popular Timeless Six+ model in shimmering anthracite, deep emerald and dark amethyst, all with striking gold accents.

“We’re all so happy and grateful to be back to holiday parties in full swing,” said Keefe, “and at the end of the day the most important thing is celebrating with friends and family.”

— Brandpoint

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H A P P Y H O L I D AY S ! H A P P Y H O L I D AY S ! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Gif t Guide 2022

Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

It’s the most wonderful — and stressful — time of the year

Are you excited about the holiday season or are you dreading it? While this time of year can be filled with cheer and joy, it can also be incredibly overwhelming. In fact, two in three Americans are stressed about this holiday season.

What exactly are they stressing about? Their budgets, according to the latest Consumer Spend Report from Affirm.

Affirm’s survey found that nine in 10 Americans plan to shop for the holidays this year, yet one in three will do so without saving money beforehand. Read on for some other surprising results.

Buying

gifts is stretching wallets — and patience

Budgeting and buying gifts for friends and family are at the very top of Americans’ lists of concerns this holiday season. So, it’s no surprise that Americans reported to be nearly just as stressed out about Black Friday and Cyber Monday — 38 percent — as they are for Thanksgiving — 43 percent.

Money isn’t the only pain point when it comes to holiday shopping. Stressed gift shoppers pointed to waiting in long lines — 68 percent — and getting stuck in traf-

fic or crowded transit — 54 percent — as the things they dread the most.

“While the burden of gifting, budgeting, long lines and holiday traffic may take away some of your holiday cheer, Affirm can help bring it back. A valuable budgeting tool, paying with Affirm is one smart choice you can make this holiday season to stay in control of your finances,” said Ashmi Pancholi, Affirm’s trends expert.

Americans are dodging their holiday obligations

Whether it’s attending the mandatory office gift swap or a crowded road trip to Grandma’s, it’s no secret that holiday obli-

gations can be anything but jolly. The result? One in five Americans admitted to getting out of their unwanted holiday plans.

Of the guilty ones, 36 percent have lied about their availability, 24 percent have faked an illness and 22 percent ghosted without any excuse. Nearly one in 10 have gone so far as to intentionally miss a flight.

Some people are even willing to spend money to get out of their holiday obligations; 70 percent of men would spend more than $50 to avoid unwanted to-do’s, like the obligatory holiday party or awkward family dinner, compared to 51 percent of women.

Gen Z and Millennials are especially stressed, but they are focused on the future

Seventy-five percent of Gen Zers are stressed about the holidays, compared to 67 percent of Boomers and 65 percent of Millennials. But, many are especially focused on improving their financial health: Almost half of Gen Z — 42 percent — and more than a quarter of Millennials — 28 percent — say saving money is their No. 1 New Year’s resolution.

Unlike most credit cards and other pay-over-time options, Affirm shows you exactly what you’ll pay upfront, never increases that amount, and never charges any late or hidden fees. Using its payover-time option allows you to buy all the holiday gifts on your list without draining your savings or building unhealthy debt.

To learn more, visit affirm.com. While you’re there, check out the gift guides, which can help you find and finance the perfect gifts for all your loved ones.

Results are based on a survey of 1,007 respondents conducted by Suzy on behalf of Affirm on Nov. 2, 2022.

— Brandpoint

Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

Four sure-fire ways to save money this holiday season

With many facing rising costs on essential needs, people are looking for deals and new ways to save money, now more than ever.

As we enter the holiday season, what is meant to be a joyful time can become stressful — especially if money is tight! Luckily, it’s possible for everyone to enjoy the holidays and stick to a budget when shopping on Amazon. This season, try these four tips to save on everything from food, gifts and home entertainment.

Enjoy free entertainment

Check out new ways

to save on the Amazon Access hub

Everyone knows Amazon Prime can help save time and money, but did you know that Amazon now offers a onestop shop for customers to explore the programs, discounts and features that make shopping on Amazon easier than ever — including for those shopping with SNAP EBT and other forms of payment? This new hub even includes information on Amazon’s growing discounted membership option, Prime Access, which offers all of the shopping, savings and entertainment benefits of Prime for a low fee. Last year, Prime Access members saved an average of more than $1,600 from shipping savings, coupons and membership discounts alone. To learn more or start a 30-day trial, visit amazon.com/primeaccess.

Make a budget and shop early deals

Budgets are your best friend, especially during the

holidays! After paying your monthly bills, determine how much money you have left over and divide that among the loved ones you want to treat this year. Then filter by price when shopping online at Amazon so you stick to that budget. Also, take advantage of Amazon’s daily lightning deals, as well as Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday events to score the lowest prices of the year on gifts for everyone on your list. Plus, Prime members get 30-minute early access to select daily lightning deals throughout the holiday season and yearround.

The traditions that cost little to nothing are often the ones that make the best memories — like cozying up on the couch for movie night with friends or loved ones. Get in the holiday spirit by streaming award-winning movies, Amazon Original series or even live sports on Prime Video. Or, host a family carol sing-along night by streaming the 100 million songs available ad-free now for Prime members on Amazon Music — including the global playlist “Merry Mix,” featuring iconic holiday classics.

Make a holiday feast or order takeout for a fraction of the cost

So much of the holiday season centers around food. Rest assured you’ll be able to fill the table and everyone’s bellies without breaking the bank when you get your groceries through Amazon Fresh. Find consistently low prices on your favorite brands, with weekly deals delivered to your inbox and 20 percent off on select everyday favorites, essentials and more in store for Prime members. As an added bonus, get some precious family time back when you use same-day delivery or pickup options. Prime members in the U.S. can also get $10 off a Grubhub order over $25 using code GiveMe10. To score this deal, available Nov. 25-28, Prime members must be signed up for the existing free, one-year Grubhub+ membership trial, available at amazon.com/grubhub.

— Brandpoint

Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Holiday Gif t Guide 2022 Gift Guide 2022

Gift ideas that save energy and do a world of good

When checking your holiday list, you’re searching for gifts that inspire joy and delight, and electronic items often fit that description. But what if that gift also happens to have a positive impact on your loved one’s life and the world at large? With all that has happened in the last couple of years, many of us have a greater appreciation for the things that protect the health of the planet for everyone.

Whether you’re shopping for a shiny new appliance or gadgets to make someone’s life easier, here’s how your gift can do a world of good: Look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. These are independently certified to use less energy than standard products, which not only saves money on energy costs, but also makes a difference for the climate.

To inspire you, here are a few holiday shopping list ideas:

Cool savings on the hottest electronic devices: Did you know the average household owns 24 consumer electronics products? The more you invest in items designed to save energy, the more the savings will rack up. That has become even more important these days as families continue to use multiple electronics for work and school. For catching up on favorite shows, tablets use four times less energy than streaming to a laptop and 15 times less than a desktop computer. An energy-efficient sound bar offers a sleek solution to achieving that rich stereo effect, but uses 70-percent less energy than a conventional model. A smarter solution to save heating costs: Families are

still spending more time at home and energy bills have skyrocketed. Smart thermostats take the guesswork out of maximizing energy efficiency, and choosing an ENERGY STAR–certified smart thermostat means savings you can trust. Plus, they make great gifts. Were everyone to make the switch, we’d save 56 trillion BTUs of energy and $740 million a year, offsetting 13 billion pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Appliances with noticeable cost savings: Even when the purchase price is nice, don’t overlook this hidden cost

of owning appliances: the cost of operating the product. So, if you’re eyeing a new washer/dryer set as the perfect holiday gift, make sure it’s energy efficient. You’ll feel good helping your loved one realize more than 20 percent savings on their electric bill while using one-third less water compared to the standard models.

A bright idea for stocking stuffers: Here’s a small gift that can light up their lives and save some serious bucks. Just one energy-efficient, LED light bulb can save more than $50 in electricity costs over its lifetime. If each American home replaced just a single bulb with one that earned the ENERGY STAR certification, we’d prevent more than 7 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

A charger to go with that new electric car: And if big gifts are part of your holiday plan, remember to check out electric vehicles and an ENERGY STAR–certified charger. EVs are the future of driving and you — or your loved one — can save an average of $800 to $1,000 a year on fuel and an average of $4,600 on maintenance over the lifetime of the vehicle. An ENERGY STAR–certified charger completes the gift and uses 40-percent less energy in standby mode than the standard. Be sure to check for federal tax credits and utility rebates to sweeten the deal.

Still looking for a great gift that is both innovative and energy efficient? Check out energystar.gov/holiday for everything you need to help your loved ones save money and protect the climate all year long.

— Brandpoint