Union Holiday Gift Guide 2021

H O L I D A Y G I F T G U I D E Finding the Perfect Gift

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Holiday Gift Guide 2021 Gift your child with tech safely this holiday season Are you wondering if this is the right year to gift your child a smartphone for the holidays?

While age may seem important, maturity levels play a big role in letting you know if your child is ready to handle the responsibility of owning a connected device. It’s always important to weigh the pros and cons.

The benefits of a smartphone and internet access are that they offer a wealth of educational opportunities for students.

Children are early adopters of the latest technology and in many cases, can absorb and digest information more easily and much nore quickly than adults.

The downside is that children have access to everything on the internet, including potentially inappropriate content.

The good news is that there are many safety and monitoring apps and tools available, some at low or no cost to you.

For example, T-Mobile offers Family Mode, an app that allows the primary account holder to monitor a child’s internet access when the app is downloaded on the device. T-Mobile also offers Family Allowances, an app that for a small

the ability to monitor your child’s web activity, limit daily phone access, and approve or decline downloadable app purchases. You can also check with your internet provider or wireless smartphone provider to see what child safety features are available with your current plan.

If your child isn’t quite ready for a phone, but you still want to have the ability to monitor and communicate with them, a connected smartwatch may be the next best option. T-Mobile recently launched SyncUP KIDS Watch, which features real-time location tracking, talk and text with approved contacts only, virtual boundary alerts, silent mode to use during school, and a help button that alerts preset emergency contacts when pushed. It has safety feature that parents want, but is also fun for kids, with a camera to snap and record moments, plus interactive games. To learn more, visit t-mobile.com.

Photo Courtesy of YakobchukOlena / iStock via Getty Images Plus Having safety tools and features availmonthly fee, allows you to assign their devices during certain times of the able at the swipe of your fingertips will put allowances for the number of minutes, day, such as school, during homework, your mind at ease and help create healthy texts, downloaded content and money dinner time or at night. habits when your child navigates the digispent on downloadable apps. It also Google Family Link is another option tal world, with or without you around. allows you to block your child’s use of that is free of cost and provides you with — StatePoint

Holiday Gift Guide 2021 Ease the pain of holiday shipping with these tips Holiday plans may look different again this year. Some families will choose to host small gatherings, while others may celebrate from the comfort of home instead of traveling.

If you won’t be spending the holidays with loved ones — and if this season is anything like 2020 — you’ll likely be shipping gifts. Here’s how to ensure a timely, damagefree arrival.

Be aware of shipping deadlines Each year, the United States Postal Service and other major shipping companies release deadlines to help people plan timely delivery of packages during their busiest season of the year. Whether you’ll manually ship gifts or order them online, prioritizing these deadlines is key.

Give yourself ample time. Aim to have packages shipped about 10 to 12 days before the holiday. The USPS recommends no later than Dec. 15, 2021, for ground shipping.

Invest in a quality box While it may be tempting to use any old box you have hanging out in the garage, worn-down boxes are much more likely to crumple in-transit. Additionally, if the package is too big for its contents, you risk things rolling or shaking; if it’s too small, you risk tearing and breaking.

With this in mind, consider investing in new, quality boxes, like Duck Brand Kraft Box. They are cost-effective, made from recycled, durable materials, and are available in a variety of sizes, all of which meet postal regulations, so you can pick the best fit that protects from damage, while keeping shipping costs down.

Pick proper packing tape If you’re going to invest in shipping supplies, don’t forget to include a strong, easy-to-use packing tape.

Lower-quality options may lead to splitting or tearing, which is a recipe for disaster when shipping holiday presents — or even for storing decor until next year. Duck Max Strength Packing Tape offers premium quality and tough adhesion to keep boxes and packages secure during shipping. Stronger and more durable than ordinary tapes, this packing tape is designed to seal even the heaviest boxes safely and securely to help prevent items inside from being damaged during delivery.

Add an extra layer of protection Handle fragile packages with extra care by including the all-important layer of bubble cushioning. Bubble Wrap–brand cushioning easily conforms around treasured objects and helps prevent shifts and damage during shipping. The product’s air lock technology maintains consistent, light-as-air cushioning while filling empty voids in boxes, so items stay put. For best protection, make sure the bubbles are facing your gift to cushion impact.

Personalize the package If you prefer a greener option, Flourish Brand Kraft Paper is protective, versatile and sustainable. Made from 100-percent recycled material, the shipping paper can be easily added to standard curbside recycling bins.

Plus, it makes it easy to wrap up and ship out large boxes, and can be used to fill packaging voids, so items stay in place. Or, as a fun indoor activity throughout winter, kids may enjoy using Kraft Paper to create customized, DIY wrapping paper. Other special touches to your long-distance holiday delivery could be including a thoughtful note or adding a drop of essential oil to the ribbon.

The holidays can be stressful. When you plan ahead and have the proper supplies on-hand, you’ll be able to quickly cross “ship holiday gifts” off your to-do list and enjoy the magic of the season.

— StatePoint

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Steer clear of knockoff toys and gifts In the scramble to get your hands on the toys your children want this holiday season, experts warn that you should prioritize safety by sticking to age-appropriate toys and by avoiding counterfeit alternatives at all costs.

“Illicit sellers of counterfeit toys may dupe parents into thinking they’re buying the real thing, or entice them with lower prices or the promise of getting the ‘hot toy’ of the holiday season,” said Joan Lawrence, The Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom” and senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs. “What’s scary is that these illegitimate sellers are actually peddling fake and unsafe products that oftentimes don’t comply with product safety laws. That’s why we always urge parents to shop from reputable brands and sellers whose toys have been tested for compliance with over 100 different safety standards and tests required by law.”

With the shipping crisis predicted to have widespread impacts on the availability of this holiday season’s most popular toys, counterfeits are likely to be even more enticing. And new research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Toy Association suggests that consumers are not always as vigilant as they should be, with 65 percent of parents saying they would purchase knockoff or counterfeit toys if they couldn’t get their hands on the original item and 63 percent indicating they

the product could be a fake.

4. Poorly photoshopped pictures, typos or spelling mistakes in the online description or packaging are other clues that the product could be illegitimate, and therefore unsafe.

5. Can’t find a toy on your child’s wish list? Wait for a trusted retailer to restock the product. Buying fake or cheaper alternatives is just not worth the risk.

In addition to avoiding knockoff toys, helping ensure your child’s safety during the gift-giving season also means shopping Photo Courtesy of Nattakorn Maneerat / iStock via for toys only appropriate for their age.

Getty Images Plus According to The Toy Association survey, would buy counterfeits if they were cheap- 76 percent of parents read age recommener. Indeed 1 in 10 parents are not even dations on toy packaging before purchasaware that counterfeit toys can be danger- ing. However, 40 percent admitted they ous for children to play with. view age labels on toys as suggestions As you go about looking to snag a hot instead of a warning, and 68 percent toy this holiday season, steer clear of would give their child a toy recommended counterfeit toys that are not safe or appro- for older children. Be sure to follow age priate for your child by following these recommendations on toy packaging, which tips from PlaySafe.org: are not mere suggestions but firm recom1. Shop only from reputable brands and mendations made by safety experts and sellers. Their toys have been tested for based on childhood developmental stages. compliance with more than 100 different For more safe shopping tips, visit safety standards and tests required by law. www.PlaySafe.org, a premier toy safety 2. Make sure the brand you’re pur- resource site. chasing from has a professional-looking “With your vigilance, you can keep the website. Can’t find a website? That may merriest time of year happy, healthy and be a red flag that you are dealing with an joyful by ensuring your child doesn’t illicit seller. unwrap a potential safety hazard,” said 3. If a product’s reviews are negative, Lawrence. or if there aren’t many reviews, it’s a clue — StatePoint

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Music is powerful. Here is how to include music in your holiday celebrations to set a joyful, festive mood and help create happy family memories.

1. Whistle while you work: Decking the halls shouldn’t be a chore. It should be a fun holiday tradition. Create a playlist of all your favorite carols, old standards and pop-infused holiday hits. As you adorn the tree, decorate the cookies and hang the stockings, pop on your playlist to fill the house with your personalized sounds of the season.

2. Create your own music: With more time off from school and work and a treasure trove of seasonal music to draw inspiration from, this can actually be the ideal time of year to take up a new instrument or embark on music lessons. For beginners, consider a Castiotone. User-friendly and created with the goal of making music fun for players of all abilities, it connects to the Chordana Play App, which offers interactive, at home, beginner piano lessons. Plus the keyboard features built-in Christmas carols, perfect for sing-alongs!

And because it’s portable, you can “gather round the piano” wherever you spend the holidays.

3. Go caroling: Caroling is one of best ways to spread holiday cheer among neighbors and members of your community. Organize friends and family to join you. You may even consider turning your efforts into a fundraiser for a local charity

Photo Courtesy of Deagreez / iStock via Getty Images Plus

or a music-related nonprofit such as Music & Memory, which helps individuals with cognitive and physical conditions engage with the world and ease pain through their favorite music.

4. Attend a performance: From “The Nutcracker” to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” there are many classic holiday performances staged at theaters all around the country. Enjoy a live show or watch your favorite seasonal musicals at home.

Through the power of listening and creating your own music, you can fill your seasonal traditions with joy and make happy holiday memories that last for years to come.

— StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2021 Ensure a safe and seamless shopping experience Despite the recent resurgence of COVID-19, many consumers are more comfortable shopping at brick-andmortar stores compared to last year, and experts are predicting substantial retail traffic this holiday season.

“While COVID-19 is still making headlines as we head into the holidays, vaccine availability and retailers’ health and safety measures have put us in a different place than this time last year,” said Bjoern Petersen, president at Sensormatic Solutions, a leading retail solutions provider and part of Johnson Controls.

As part of its mission to solve complex retail challenges related to consumer confidence, health and safety, Sensormatic Solutions is sharing a few insights into this holiday shopping season, as well as strategies consumers can use to help ensure safe and comfortable shopping experiences: • On average, the top 10 busiest shopping days in the United States account for approximately 40 percent of all holiday retail traffic. Sensormatic Solutions predicts that this year, the three busiest days of the season will be Black Friday on Nov. 26, “Super Saturday” on Dec. 18 and the Thursday before Christmas on Dec. 23.

Photo Courtesy of ivanko80/stock.Adobe.com “Our predicted busiest days mark the peaks of in-store By being aware of these days and carefully planning traffic, but we expect that, like last year, consumers will start their shopping earlier to offset inventory limitations, around them, consumers can check all the items off their shipping delays and ongoing concerns about social dis- shopping lists while ensuring a seamless in-store shoptancing,” said Brian Field, senior director of the Global ping experience.

• Christmas Day falls on a Saturday for the first time Retail Consulting Practice at Sensormatic Solutions.

since 2010, meaning there will be a limited number of viable weekends to shop in the month of December. Consumers are advised to get ahead of their holiday shopping, starting early, like many did last year. For consumers who have a flexible remote work situation, shopping during weekdays, if their schedule allows, can help them avoid large crowds associated with the weekends leading up to Christmas.

• Consumers can also take some comfort in the knowledge that many retailers are leveraging innovative technologies that help keep shelves stocked, making shopping a seamless experience. Additionally, new tools are being employed to keep customers safe, including occupancy monitoring, which assists with social distancing efforts.

• Innovations in retail have expanded shopping options for customers during the pandemic, including buying online and collecting in the store, as well as buying online and picking up curbside. Relying on these alternatives to the traditional shopping experience can help consumers limit their contact with crowds.

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

As we head into the second holiday season of the COVID-19 pandemic, planning carefully can eliminate some of the stresses and concerns associated with in-person shopping.

— StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Saturday

Entertain this season for less money The holiday season brings an abundance of feelings that may include joy, comfort, gratitude and, unfortunately, stress. Don’t let the task of entertaining friends and family break the bank or your back.

Instead, create memorable gatherings with loved ones while saving time and money in the process using these hosting tips from the experts at Dollar General: Delicate decor Creating the right ambiance in your space is key to holiday decorating success.

Begin by decluttering the areas of your home where you plan to entertain. Fill the extra spaces with seasonal decorations.

Remember, elaborate, expensive items aren’t always needed to make a home look amazing. Decorations like figurines, bowls filled with holiday candy or simple wreaths and garlands can do the trick of transforming your home into a winter wonderland!

Fruitful food With more guests comes more food, but it doesn’t have to mean spending more money. Shopping at discount retailers for essentials such as milk, eggs, bread and cheese can help stretch your budget.

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You can also make the switch to private brand items and save even more when buying foods for overnight guests, such as granola bars, cereal and snacks. Consider purchasing these household basics from a local Dollar General store, which also provides digital coupons to help you save even more.

Supplies stock-up Of course, to entertain, you will need supplies. Stocking up on cleaning essen-

tials, everyday cooking ingredients and entertaining basics early in the season is a great way to have everything needed before the party begins. Consider adding items such as trash bags, cutlery, paper products, other decorations and even small gifts.

By using smart shopping strategies, you can entertain during the holidays with ease instead of stress.

— StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2021 Your last-minute survival shopping guide this season Did you realize your friend’s birthday is tomorrow?

Forgot someone on your holiday shopping list? Delayed getting a gift because you had no clue what to buy?

When it comes to last-minute shopping, it can be stressful to find that perfect gift in such a time crunch. Here are a few shopping tips to save you from showing up empty-handed.

Skip the line and shop online. The internet can be your best friend. When it’s as easy as a click of a button, why not eliminate time spent driving to stores and aimlessly wandering down aisles when you aren’t positive on what you’re seeking? Instead, head online and look at your loved ones’ favorite places to shop for curbside pickup or quick delivery options. This helps narrow down your decision making and cuts out the overwhelming nature of in-person shopping during the busiest season of the year.

Make it personal. Nothing says “I care” more than adding a personalized touch to a present. In fact, you can combine personal with the gift receiver’s favorite celebrities or fun characters to create the ultimate celebratory message. If you’ve forgotten someone on your gift list during holiday shopping, surprise them with a SmashUp from American Greetings. There’s even a personalized SmashUp from Santa! You can personalize his greeting with the person’s name, location and whether they’re on the naughty or nice list and why. A bonus is you can add an e-gift card to your SmashUp; making it a stress-free

Photo Courtesy of Brothers91 / iStockPhoto.com

holiday gift that they’ll remember forever.

Gifts that keep on giving. Gift of the month club memberships are gifts that keep on giving. Whether it’s food like fruit or cheese, or boozy gifts like wine and whiskey, there’s sure to be a subscription that will excite most anyone in your life. In fact, there’s even a sock of the month club, if you have someone who needs a footwear refresh.

Plan a future outing to celebrate. While a physi-

cal gift is exciting to open, sometimes quality time is the way to go! Ask yourself what your recipient has always wanted to do or where you both have always talked about going. Then use that to plan an entertaining day or night to celebrate together soon.

These days we’re all rushed, but thankfully there’s plenty of quick and thoughtful gift ideas for last-minute gifting that will leave a lasting impression.

— StatePoint

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Are you giving the gift of tech this holiday season? Read this first One of the most popular holiday gift categories every year is tech. And surprise -- many people need help setting up their new phones, laptops and other devices.

Unfortunately, this leads to some family members missing out on holiday moments to serve as resident tech support for loved ones. Even worse, many gifts just stay in their boxes entirely.

In fact, research from tech care company Asurion reveals that nearly a third of all tech gifts go unused because the recipients don’t know how to use them, and 70% of people say they have helped family members set up and troubleshoot tech gifts during the holidays, with most spending at least an hour playing tech support for family. With all this wasted tech and wasted hours, you may be wondering how we’ve gotten to this point and if there’s a better way.

To help you set up your tech gifts and give you more time back to spend with family this holiday season, Asurion is hosting a free Tech Help Hotline. Between 7 am-11 pm EST from Dec. 24–31, simply call the Asurion Tech Help Hotline at 855-355-8324 (TECH) or visit asurion.com/techhelphotline for free expert help setting up a tech gift you’ve given or received. The Asurion Tech Elves

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sary lump of coal,” says Marvin Maldonado, Asurion Expert Elf. “That’s why we’re on-hand this holiday season to help with tech setup, troubleshooting and tips to help you learn and grow with your newly gifted devices, hassle-free.”

The holiday season is best spent celebrating with loved ones, not dealing with additional hassles. Take advantage of free tools designed to help you set up your gifts and get back to what matters most.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2021 Must-haves for holiday baking and entertaining Whether you’re a beginning baker or an experienced entertainer, having the right tools can make the process of holiday party prep faster, easier, more festive — and ensure you can achieve expert-level results. Here are a few must-haves to add to your holiday shopping list.

• 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 have both fun and function with Tovolo Spatulart Spatulas featuring doublesided holiday designs and puns. With a nylon core, these high-quality spatulas provide strength for the heaviest mixing jobs, silicone edges that remain flexible for easy scraping, and an FSC-certified wood handle. They’re the perfect environmentally conscious way to add a tremendous tool with a touch of whimsy to the kitchen roster.

• Mix without the mess. A quality set of mixing bowls is a must for any baking, cooking, prep or storage. While there are many types of bowl sets, stainless steel is ideal for its durability and lightweight design. Choose a set that offers nesting,

for easy and efficient cupboard storage; lids to keep foods fresh; deep sides to avoid messes; and a rolled lip for easy pouring.

• Basics for better baking. Move over parchment paper — serious bakers know the key to perfect baked goods is a quality baking mat. In addition to insulating your

pan for even cooking and baking, baking mats protect your pans from baked-on food and grime and prevent sticking, without any paper waste. Additionally, they can double as a work surface featuring grid lines for cookie sizing and spacing, while also offering easy clean-up — just drop them in the dishwasher.

• Classy containers for cleanup. Speaking of cleanup, disinfecting wipes have become a staple in most kitchens. Luckily, you can now store your wipes in style with Spectrum Decorative Disinfecting Wipe Containers. Available in four fashionable finishes to fit in with any decor, the rustresistant containers fit 35- to 80-count wipes packages and feature a push-button lid and non-slip bottom for easy onehanded access.

• Shape up your cocktails. Once your food menu is set, don’t forget the beverages. Create memorable cocktails and mocktails everyone will be talking about with uniquely shaped craft ice. Tovolo offers a variety of craft ice molds — from spheres and sports balls to novelty and holiday shapes. Requiring minimal prep, the easy-to-use molds stack in your freezer to save space and will make you look like a master mixologist.

Having the right tools makes all the difference when you’re whipping up culinary creations. Be sure to equip yourself right for a season of easy and festive holiday prep.

— StatePoint

How to bring new life to classic holiday traditions Bringing new life to classic holiday traditions starts with understanding the origins of how these traditions came to be.

The Olesen family of O&H Danish Bakery knows how important it is to share such stories. The family-owned and operated bakery is offering fun facts and inspiration for celebrating classic Christmas traditions. And because some of these particular traditions are Danish, you’ll also be embracing “hygge.” Pronounced “hoo-ga,” this Nordic concept is all about creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life.

Something sweet Forty-four percent of people in a survey commissioned by O&H Danish Bakery and conducted by SWNS Media Group and OnePoll say the holiday spirit wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t have their traditional holiday dessert. For many families, that dessert is Kringle.

Approximately 43 percent of respondents in the same survey enjoy this treat — which is made of 36 layers of butter and pastry — on Christmas Day. While Kringle is a traditional Danish delicacy, it’s actually savored worldwide. O&H Kringle has been shipped to more than 100 countries and has made landfall in all seven continents — including Antarctica!

“The holiday season is the most magical time of year for our family. It’s such a privilege to spread cheer and be a part of family traditions across the country. As a family-owned business started by my great-grandfather, an immigrant from Denmark, traditions rooted in our heritage mean so much to us, and we pass down their origin stories to each generation,” said Eric Olesen, the thirdgeneration co-owner of the bakery based in Racine, Wisc.

When it comes to traditions, the bakery remains steadfast in unveiling a new holiday flavor every December, its busiest season, making more than 7,000 Kringle every day. This year’s “Christmas Fudge Kringle” is a riff on the traditional pastry. Featuring scratch-made premium dark chocolate filling, frosted in chocolate icing and garnished with Christmas nonpareils, it was inspired by O&H customers’ favorite holiday cake, “Ohhhh Fudge!

Layer Cake,” the name of which comes from the movie, “A Christmas Story.” To place your Kringle order for the

holidays, visit ohdanishbakery.com.

Decorating the tree As you select your tree and decorate it with treasured ornaments, consider this tradition’s long and storied history. Did you know that bringing trees into one’s home during winter is a centuries-old tradition? The custom’s exact origins are debatable — with some historians believing the ancient Egyptians first adopted the practice and others attributing its invention to pagan Europeans.

However, the modern Christmas tree, much like we know it today, became a widespread practice throughout Europe beginning in the 16th century.

Fun food traditions As a family-owned food business, it’s no surprise that the Olesen family has a few of their own delicious holiday traditions. After dinner on Christmas Eve, they serve Risalamande, a Danish rice pudding dessert typically containing a whole almond. Serving as a fun Christmas-lottery, the one who finds the almond wins a small present.

The bakers at O&H even created a Kringle, called A Very Danish Christmas Kringle, in honor of this dessert.

Christmas morning, the family prepares Aebleskiver, which are Danish pancake balls commonly served with such toppings as lingenberries, powdered sugar and fruit preserves. O&H offers the premade mix and even the specialty pans for this purpose to those who want to try this at home. Visit their site for more information.

This holiday season, embrace holiday traditions. At the same time, don’t be afraid to put new twists on these classics — whether it’s livening up family recipes or buying new ornaments for your tree.

— StatePoint

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We are locally owned and operated and have been in the Appliances, Electronics business for years. It’s our business to know everything about the most popular and reliable manufacturers around. We have long standing relationships with the biggest manufacturers and know all of our products inside and out. The result? You get exceptional service for the life of your Appliances, Electronics.

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Five unique gift ideas to show someone you care When it comes to birthdays, holidays and life’s special moments, finding a gift for someone we love can be a daunting task. If you’re feeling repetitive and predictable in your gift-giving endeavors, start thinking outside the gift box and give a unique present that’s sure to delight!

1. Custom cards. Limited on time or creative energy but still want to deliver a sincere and meaningful message?

SmashUps from American Greetings are customizable e-cards that let you personalize your greeting with a variety of options — from talking video or selfie ecards, to personalized songs and greetings delivered by celebrities like Alicia Keys, Shaq or Donny Osmond, among others.

2. Make it an experience. One way to give a unique gift is to arrange an experience you know your loved one will enjoy.

Whether it’s sending Mom to a relaxing day at the spa or getting your teenage daughter and her bestie concert tickets to see their favorite band, take care of the details and let them enjoy the experience.

3. Giving gifts — even from a distance.

If the pandemic has taught us something, it’s that showing your loved ones you care can become extra challenging from a distance. Shops like Milk Bar make it easy to surprise someone with dessert delivery.

Choose from their wide array of sweet snacks, such as cakes, cookies or truffles, or send a few of each with their sampler tins. Milk Bar will handcraft your treats and then flash-freeze them for peak quality. They’ll be carefully wrapped in a specially designed, insulated package with ice packs to ensure freshness for up to 48 hours. Then, they’ll be delivered straight to a doorstep and the birthday guy or gal can dive right in.

4. The gift of time. For some, the gift of time is just as appreciated, if not more, than a physical gift. If this is true for your loved one, consider planning activities for the day, scheduling a special trip or clearing the calendar to stay in for a movie night together. If you want others to be involved, plan a party so they can spend time celebrating with their friends and family too.

5. Acts of service. We tend to focus on gifts we can buy. However, if you’re looking to take a different approach, consider spending time doing acts of service, rather than spending money on physical gifts. Having dinner ready after work, doing chores for the week or completing a long-term household project can be special gifts.

— StatePoint

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Holiday Gift Guide 2021 Unique holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list One of the best ways to ensure you give thoughtful, meaningful holiday gifts is by consulting gift guides that offer unique ideas for everyone on your list. Whether you’re shopping for a fashionista or an athlete, get inspired to make the holiday season brighter for your loved ones with the following ideas: • For book worms: Give the book worms in your life a gift that keeps on giving with a three-month, six-month or 12month subscription to Book of the Month.

Membership can be tailored, as users can pick from five popular selections every month, select one or more books at a time, or even defer their choice until the following month.

• For music makers: Regardless of their skill level, musicians deserve a powerful, portable and versatile keyboard. Designed for music lovers who enjoy playing anytime, anywhere, the Casiotone CT-S1 has a sleek design 9-pound design, features strap pins and can be powered with six AA batteries, making it a great choice for those in bands and other performers.

Aside from its portability, its stereo grand piano sound, 61 full-size keys with touch

• For fashionistas: Great accessories can complete any outfit. For those who appreciate a stylish, clean design without compromising functionality, consider the stainless steel Edifice EFSS570DC-1A from Casio, which features a slim case and modern gray octagonal bezel with soft yellow accents. With solar power capabilities, water resistance up to 100 meters and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, as well as features that include a date display, stopwatch and three dials to display seconds, stopwatch minutes and stopwatch seconds, this will become your gift recipient’s go-to timepiece no matter the occasion.

• For athletes: From CrossFitters to marathoners to triathletes, all those who Photo Courtesy of Prostock-Studio / iStock via Getty Images Plus work out hard know that protein is essential for repairing muscles. Simplify your response, plus 60 other AiX-powered stu- ing their skills and experts alike. dio-quality tones, means this instrument • For pet parents: Whether your loved favorite athletes’ post-workout refueling looks as good as it sounds. Wired or wire- one’s pet is cuddly or not, they can snug- sessions and boost their recovery with a lessly, users can also link the keyboard to gle up to their animal friend with a per- High Protein Fitness Box from gift snack Casio’s dedicated Chordana Play, an app sonalized pet pillow from Get Photo Blan- box e-tailer, Bunny James.

With a little inspiration you, can spoil that enables tempo and key changes in ket. Simply upload an image of the pet, addition to displaying music scores and a and the site will create a custom throw pil- loved ones with unique gift ideas that piano roll. These features are great tools low — the perfect decor for adoring pet show you care this holiday season.

— StatePoint for those learning to play, those expand- parents.

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