Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023

Southern Vermont

A special advertising supplement to the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer ~ Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ~

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 | Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023

SMALL BUSINESS

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25 DOWNTOWN BENNINGTON

Join the BBC for hot cocoa, ornament painting, photo ops, sweets, live music by Ukulele String Ensemble, and maybe a visit from Santa!

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A Few Ideas for the Holidays Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell

By Sy Montgomery, Matt Patterson (Illustrator) A New York Times Bestseller and an Indie Bestseller!

“Montgomery’s heart-tugging conversations with teammates and her commitment to helping an octogenarian named Fire Chief reveal turtles to be perfect conduits for meditations on aging, disability and chosen family.” —Scientific American National Book Award finalist for The Soul of an Octopus and New York Times bestseller Sy Montgomery turns her journalistic curiosity to the wonder and wisdom of our long-lived cohabitants—turtles—and through their stories of hope and rescue, reveals to us astonishing new perspectives on time and healing.

When acclaimed naturalist Sy Montgomery and wildlife artist Matt Patterson arrive at Turtle Rescue League, they are greeted by hundreds of turtles recovering from injury and illness. Endangered by cars and highways, pollution and poachers, these turtles—with wounds so severe that even veterinarians would have dismissed them as fatal—are given a second chance at life. The League’s founders, Natasha and Alexxia, live by one motto: Never give up on a turtle.

But why turtles? What is it about them that inspires such devotion? Ancient and unhurried, long-lived and majestic, their lineage stretches back to the time of the dinosaurs. Some live to two hundred years, or longer.

Others spend months buried under cold winter water. Montgomery turns to these little understood yet endlessly surprising creatures to probe the eternal question: How can we make peace with our time?

In pursuit of the answer, Sy and Matt immerse themselves in the delicate work of protecting turtle nests, incubating eggs, rescuing sea turtles, and releasing hatchlings to their homes in the wild. We follow the snapping turtle Fire Chief on his astonishing journey as he battles against injuries incurred by a truck.

Hopeful and optimistic, Of Time and Turtles is an antidote to the instability of our frenzied world. Elegantly blending science, memoir, and philosophy, and drawing on cultures from across the globe, this compassionate portrait of injured turtles and their determined rescuers invites us all to slow down and slip into turtle time.

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy

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By Angie Thomas

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Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore.

It’s not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool— like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much—like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbor.

All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her the gift, a series of shocking revelations and terrifying events launch Nic and two friends on a hunt for a powerful magic tool she’s never heard of...to save her father from imprisonment for a crime she refuses to believe he committed.

The Big Cheese (The Food Group) (Hardcover)

By Jory John, Pete Oswald (Illustrator) Don’t miss the seventh picture book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Food Group series from Jory John and Pete Oswald!

The Big Cheese is the best at everything, and brags about it, too. When the annual Cheese-cathlon comes around, the Big Cheese is prepared to win, as always. But what happens when the quiet new kid, Wedge Wedgeman, comes out on top? Is a slice of humility all the Big Cheese needs to discover that some things are better than being the best?

Jory John and Pete Oswald serve up another heaping plate of laughs and lessons with this empowering, witty, and charming addition to their #1 New York Times bestselling series!

The holiday season involves making holiday gift lists and checking them twice, or even more frequently to ensure that gift-givers find the best fit for recipients. While age may only be a number in certain instances, when it comes to gifting, age should be a consideration — particularly when kids are involved.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that an estimated 86,000 children treated for toy-related injuries each year are younger than five. Toy-related injuries are preventable, and prevention often comes down to choosing ageappropriate toys for kids.

Toys can be choking hazards when small toys or those with small pieces are given to children who are too young to use them safely. Kids are curious and often put items in their mouths. Choking is the fourth-leading cause of unintentional death in children under age five, indicates The Emergency Center. Falls, eye injuries, drowning, and motor accidents are leading causes of giftrelated injuries.

• Read the packaging carefully. Most toys and other children’s products will come with an age range recommendation. While some kids may be mature beyond their years, it’s best to choose gifts that fall within the recommended range. This is particularly the case for infants, toddlers and any child under the age of five.

• Avoid fad gifts. Children often want the latest and greatest toys for gifts even if they are not the smartest choices for their ages. Resist the urge to buy something just to be the “cool parent or grandparent,” especially if it isn’t age-appropriate. Mermaid tails became popular in recent years, and likely will see increased presence thanks to the home-viewing release of a popular live-action mermaid movie. However, they limit movement and can make swimming more difficult, potentially increasing risk of drowning.

• Provide safety gear. As children age, they may be more interested in gifts that appeal to hobbies and abilities. Scooters, bicycles, skates, and other items are popular among older children. These gifts should only be purchased for those with proven ability, and even then, accompanied with the appropriate safety gear.

This can include helmets, knee pads and eye protection.

• Consider waiting before gifting certain electronics. Although children may be able to use devices safely, there are many who advocate for waiting to give young children

smartphones and tablets due to the consequences of excessive screen time. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says children ages two to five should limit non-educational screen time to about one hour per weekday and three hours on weekend days. Children should be encouraged to pursue healthy habits that limit use of screens, so gift-givers can look for gifts that help to this end.

Age-appropriate gifts ensure safety for the youngest people on holiday gift lists.

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Here’s how to select age-appropriate gifts.

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Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023 | Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Age-based guidelines for buying toys & gifts

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Great gifts for the family foodie on your list Food features prominently throughout the holiday season. Family meals around the holiday dinner table are a cherished tradition in millions of households, and food also plays a central role during seasonal gatherings with friends and colleagues.

Food also can feature prominently throughout Chanukah and on Christmas Day, particularly if a loved one qualifies as a full-fledged foodie.

Many families feature at least one foodie. Foodies always know the best place in town to grab a bite or when a trendy new restaurant will open its doors. But such individuals also enjoy making meals at home, and the following gift ideas can make this holiday season more flavorful for the family foodie.

• Tabletop firepit: Shoppers who want to impress their food-loving loved one with something truly unique can give a tabletop firepit.

Safe for indoor use, tabletop firepits enable s’mores-loving foodies to indulge in a traditionally summertime favorite all-year-round. Tabletop firepits are small enough to be stored

on a kitchen countertop or in a cabinet. When in use, the s’mores-friendly accessory is smokeless, removing perhaps the lone disadvantage to making this beloved treat.

• Club subscription: Monthly subscriptions are a gift that can keep on giving all the way until next holiday season. Sweets lovers will undoubtedly appreciate receiving a box of fresh chocolates each month, while those with more unique tastes may anxiously await the day their monthly shipment of pickles arrives at their doorstep. The options are endless, ensuring there’s a monthly subscription out there to tickle every foodie’s fancy.

• Sauce sampler: Amateur sauciers may find inspiration in a sauce sampler set. Options abound, so shoppers can find something for foodies who love a spicy sauce, something more sweet or even in between.

Of course, sampler sets also provide a range of sauces, making them ideal for foodies who want something spicy tonight before pivoting to a sweeter dish tomorrow. Flavored olive oil sets

also can be a great gift for cooks who love to experiment with new flavors.

• Charcuterie board & knife set: Foodies who love to host their fellow food fanatics will no doubt fall in love with a new charcuterie board and knife set. A 2023 report from Kroger revealed that the supermarket chain expected charcuterie boards to remain popular over the course of the

year. That popularity makes sense, as anything from meat to cheese to fruit to crackers has a home on a charcuterie board, making the item especially appealing to foodies who routinely share their homes and love of food with friends and family.

Food is a vital component of the holiday season and can even be incorporated into holiday shopping.

Village Peddler

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Special Holiday Event Stocking Stuffers Craft Beer & Wine Local Products Desserts & Last Minute Gift Ideas 436 Western Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301 www.vermontcountrydeli.com • 802-257-9254

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Saturday, November 25th 11am-1pm: Create your own chocolate scene $6 1-3pm: Holiday Sip & Swirl Chocolate Style $10 Village Peddler: 261 Old Mill Road, East Arlington VT • 802-375-6037 Open 10am-5pm daily and 11-5pm on Sunday villagepeddlervt.com

Southern Vermont’s Unique Holiday Shopping Experiences

By Jennifer Brandt Vermont Country correspondent

BENNINGTON Bennington Museum After exploring 14 galleries, a research library, and a 10-acre park with ever-changing sculptures, bring home a piece of the Bennington Museum that will last a lifetime.

Show off your Jane Stickle quilt print tote bag at the nearest farmers market while donning your one-of-a-kind BELART Eco-Resin Opaque with Gold Leaf Necklace, a FairTrade, socially responsible, Vermont small business that supports and empowers artisan communities.

Have a Grandma Moses fan in your life? After taking in her dazzling collection, the museum

store has you covered with everything you could want, from books to prints to puzzles, celebrating the beloved Vermont folk artist.

Robert Frost, Norman Rockwell, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln’s family, just to name a few.

Does someone in your life need pampering? Treat them to locally made goat soaps from Elmore Mountain Farms and lotions with scents like fennel and geranium lemongrass, and transport your loved ones to the gentle breeze of a summer day.

For the artisan in your life, the store has an extensive, unique, historic folk toy kit collection, including a beginner quilt kit, a clothespin doll kit, a weaving loom, sock monkey, and knit sets.

Have a history buff in your life? The Bennington Museum Store has history books about both Bennington and Vermont history and about local residents

For the young or the young at heart, the museum has several children’s books written by local authors, historical children’s games, old children’s folk songs and so much more!

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Book your holiday party now!

Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023 | Wednesday, November 22, 2023

The Art of Giving

VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO

The Bennington Museum store located in the museum at 75 Main Street in Bennington.

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Whether you’re a fan of art, history or simply the joy of discovery, the Bennington Museum Store has something for everyone. From unique jewelry pieces to locally crafted artisan goods and books celebrating Vermont’s treasures, this store is a testament to the heart and soul of this incredible community.

Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery The beating heart of Jay’s Art Shop and Frame Gallery is Jay Zwynenburg. It all began in 1972 when the Manhattan native decided to trade the hustle and bustle of city life for the charm of Bennington, Vermont. The weekly Bennington-to-Manhattan commute had taken its toll, and he was ready for a change.

While the Bennington Bookstore wasn’t actively on the market then, the owners saw the perfect steward for their beloved shop in Jay. On May 1, 1972, he became the proud owner of the Bennington Bookstore, a role he held until 1984. Since then, he’s remained integral to Bennington’s business landscape.

There are 10 departments inside Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery — including greeting cards, clothing, a beautiful framing studio, and artistic hardware — but the owner’s favorite section of the store is an upstairs office with barred windows that overlooks the main sales area on the first floor. It is an early version of a modern customer service desk.

Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery at 115 South Street, Bennington.

His space occupies the longtime home of the Alexander Drysdale & Son department store. Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery has a retro feel because it operates from an authentic old retail building.

According to Zwyneburg, “Drysdale’s was like the R.H. Macy of Southern Vermont.”

Jay’s Art Shop and Frame Gallery caters to all. His Vermont

gift section does a brisk business with tourists, and his frame and art supplies cater to crafty locals. Framing is not just for artists: Have a piece from a loved one you think is particularly wonderful? Utilize the expertise of Jay’s framing shop this holiday season.

Jay’s also stocks a wide range of items, including toys, fashion jewelry, accessories, Vermontmade bowls and plates, garden

Holiday Spectacular November 24th - December 22nd 10-75% discount on all off-the-rack gowns in the store.

November 24th - December 2nd Casablanca and Beloved Curvy Trunk Show Free shipping on all ordered gowns!

Call to book an appointment, space is limited and fills up quickly! *If you would like to bring an item to add to our box for the local food pantry that would be wonderful!

17 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 603.532.7641603.532.7641 603.532.7641

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www.countrybridals.com

VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO

supplies, authentic handmade decor, calendars and clothing for the whole family. You’ll find candles, Vermont products, greeting cards, wrapping paper, and more delightful treasures you won’t want to miss.

As always, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Jay’s is around to answer any and all questions you may have, from framing to gift-giving.

Gamers Grotto

While most of the store is still focused on Magic The Gathering, pre-owned video games come in a close second. Any game that is currently not gathering at the space is always welcome. Carey’s goal is to be a welcoming gathering space for gamers of all types.

The way Carey sees it: “Grow our youth and community into the gaming community. Getting people together within is more important than ever, and having a space for that is invaluable.”

The Gamers Grotto is introducing a Youth League and learning sessions for aspiring gamers aged up to 17.

The store welcomes new gaming opportunities, and its shelves are brimming with games and accessories waiting to be discovered. Meet friendly and knowledgeable game master, Taylor Cobb, who will guide you through your gaming journey.

“Great selection, does most tournaments (MTG, Pokemon, etc). The owner is a genuinely great person, and the shop is clean. Best place to go if you are looking for a brick-and-mortar games shop.” — A, local guide “I go in to Gamers Grotto a lot more often now that my kids are a little older into magic. Each time, it impresses me a little bit more. They spend endless time with my kids picking out 50¢ and $1 magic cards, with a sense of humor and good-natured attitude that was irresistible.”

— David Traver Adolphus The Gamers Grotto is more than a store; it’s a dynamic and evolving story of passion, dedication and community.

Hawkins House Looking for a one-stop shop for hand-selected handmade jewelry, pottery, home decor, clothing and accessories? Look no further than Hawkins House at 262 North St. When founder Ron Spivak first opened the Hawkins House in 1977, Jimmy Carter was President, a new car cost $4,785, a loaf of bread went for 36¢, gas was 65¢ a gallon, and Vermont had more cows than people. Over the past 40 years, a lot has changed, but one important thing has not changed — Hawkins House’s commitment to the community

VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO

Hawkins House is located at 262 North Street, Bennington.

by providing exceptional quality handcrafted jewelry, crafts, unique gifts and customer service.

If you’ve ever visited Hawkins House, you may have been surprised by its size. “We have over 3,200 square feet of retail space, making it a haven for browsers,” says owner Elizabeth Ganger. “We have the work of hundreds of artisans, including an exceptional selection of handcrafted jewelry in gold and silver.” The Hawkins House crafts market has grown over the years to include two historic buildings with a modern expansion. “The additional space has allowed us to add new lines, including a whole new section for “Zippy Chicks” — an exquisite collection of new and gently used clothing.”

Hawkins House is well known as “the place to shop for jewelry,” and even a quick look around will show you why. There is a wide selection of gold and silver earrings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets, with or without stones. There is religious jewelry, including crosses and St. Christopher’s medals. There is a large selection of sterling silver chains as well in a variety of styles and lengths — all at very reasonable prices.

In addition to its extensive collection of handcrafted jewelry, Hawkins House has everything from blown glass to pottery, from books and cards to leatherbound journals and planners, from handbags to scarves, woodenware and cutting boards, jewelry boxes, aromatic candles, toys, games, clothing and much more.

With so much to offer, how do you summarize what Hawkins House is? A jewelry store? A gallery? A gift shop? “We are all that,” explains Elizabeth. “But most importantly, we are a fun place to shop, filled with beautiful things to amuse you, delight the senses, adorn you, and pamper you.”

Elizabeth and her husband Jonah are always looking for ways to improve the shopping experience at Hawkins House.

“New products are coming in every week.” Online shopping is becoming more and more popular, not to mention convenient!

Hawkins House is pleased to offer one of its most popular jewelry lines for secure online purchases — handcrafted jewelry by Ed Levin.

Hawkins House is a secondgeneration family business proud of its 43-year history of providing exceptional quality

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For nearly two decades, Keith Carey has been an indispensable figure in the vibrant Bennington gaming community, nurturing a haven for gamers of all ages within a 30-mile tri-state radius.

The Gamers Grotto, at 457 Main St., whose original focus was Magic The Gathering, has transformed into a beloved hub for card collectors, Dungeons and Dragons aficionados, Magic the Gathering masters as well as beginners, and aspiring Pokémon trainers.

See what satisfied customers have to say:

Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023 | Wednesday, November 22, 2023

VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO

Gamer’s Grotto is located at 457 Main Street, Bennington.

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Something for everyone!

Must see, new items arriving daily!

VT’s LARGEST ART SUPPLY STORE! Art Gallery • Prints • Fine Custom Framing VT Products • T’s & Sweats • Gifts • Puzzles Collectables • Cards • Melissa & Doug

Art Shop & Frame Gallery Art Supplies • Prints • Art Galleries Fine Custom Framing Open Daily • 802-447-2342 • www.jaysartshop.com Rte 7 South Street, Downtown Bennington, VT

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STOREWIDE *

“We love our customers, and we do everything possible to reward them for their business.”

One way is by offering free giftwrapping, and another is the Frequent Buyer Program. “Simply sign up and get 3% back on your purchases all year long. It’s our way of saying ‘thanks!’”

Visit Hawkins House and experience the joy of shopping in a place where beauty, art, and warmth come together.

BRATTLEBORO Zpots Zpots - Where Vermont’s Heart Meets Artistry

This family-run business is rooted in Vermont, where Eric Hendrick and Noelle VanHendrick, along with their three grown sons, have not only homeschooled their children but also cultivated a sense of family within the Zpots crew. The biographies of their artisans on the website reveal a genuine sense of belonging to something greater than a pottery store. Every piece that Zpots lovingly produces exudes whimsy, joy, and, above all, love.

Zpots boasts an extensive collection that includes mugs, serving trays, vases, plates, and an array of other handcrafted products, and you can buy entire sets for your home and matching mugs for the family. In addition to pottery, they offer whimsically designed handmade greeting

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NORTHEAST MOUNTAIN FOOTWEAR

Northeast Mountain Footwear in the Vermont Marketplace, 580 Canal Street, Brattleboro.

cards. To complement these exquisite pieces, they provide a selection of warming teas, perfect for those cozy winter moments with a good book as the snow gently falls outside.

discerning friends and family members.

Northeast Mountain Footwear Step into excellence with Northeast Mountain Footwear

Zpots also takes its commitment beyond the store’s walls, demonstrating a strong commitment to a renewable future.

They power their electric kilns with solar panels and the Vermont Cow Power program, which sources electricity from neighboring Vermont farms.

This dedication reflects a genuine commitment to a sustainable future.

Northeast Mountain Footwear, a cherished familyrun business, has been at the hearts of Swanzy, N.H., and Springfield, Mass., for over two decades. Newly opened in the recently revamped Vermont Marketplace, right off Exit 1 of I-91, there is ample free parking in a safe and well-lit lot.

For the notoriously hard-toshop-for individuals in your life, Zpots offers a solution that ensures you won’t leave emptyhanded. Their handcrafted pieces embody nature, holiday spirit, joy, and love, making them the perfect choice for even the most

As a three-generation family business, the dedicated and experienced team is all about personalized service. With 25 years of serving the Brattleboro community, Northeast Mountain Footwear takes pride in providing top-notch

customer service paired with the finest brands and an extensive selection.

Vermonters understand the value of exceptional footwear, especially during the winter months, and NorthEast Mountain Footwear has you covered, specializing in the finest work boots, with a range that accommodates all types and includes extra large sizes and extra width options. Can’t make it to the store? No problem! They will bring the boots to you.

In addition to an extensive shoe and boot collection, the Brattleboro store carries Carhartt work clothing, including big and tall sizes. There is more than just work boots, with also a wide selection of top brands, including Chippewa, Red Wing, Keen, Carolina, New Balance, Skechers, and many more.

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Zpots, at 141 Main St., Brattleboro, embodies all that is Vermont, creating not merely pottery but a visionary experience.

The mission is to nurture artistic freedom and share this vision with the world, ensuring that every purchase at Zpots represents more than just a beautiful piece of pottery; it signifies a connection to the Zpots ethos.

Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023 | Wednesday, November 22, 2023

jewelry, crafts. and gifts. The secret of their success? “Customer service,” says Elizabeth.

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With over 100 five-star reviews on Google and more than 250 on the store’s website, it’s evident that Kim’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is unwavering. Customers like Katie S. attest to the exceptional service and products at Malisun: “Malisun is a fabulous place to find unique styles and gifts. The staff is helpful and kind without being pushy. Give yourself the wonderful experience of shopping at Malisun.”

VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO

Gifts at Malisun in the Vermont Marketplace, 580 Canal St., Brattleboro.

Mailsun Malisun: A journey of love, craftsmanship & sustainability In 2006, Kim, a native of Thailand, embarked on a journey that would take her from the heart of Southeast Asia to the picturesque shores of Block Island, Rhode Island. She was working on a work and travel program while her future husband was there renovating houses. They met aboard the ferry, where he tenderly attended to her as she battled seasickness, offering a comforting glass of ginger ale and a Dramamine.

Little did she know that this journey would not only lead to a loving marriage but also the creation of Malisun, a thriving boutique and gift store that blends the cultural richness of Thailand with the artisanal spirit of New England. Today, Malisun is a testament to Kim’s unwavering dedication to quality, community and environmental responsibility.

After completing her master’s degree, Kim settled in the United States. Despite the physical distance from Thailand, Kim’s heart was always close to her homeland. She began crafting handmade jewelry in 2006, start-

ing as a hobby and hosting jewelry parties in her home. The demand for her creations quickly grew, leading her to offer her jewelry at local markets in Putney and the farmers market in Brattleboro. Eventually, her designs made their way into some of the biggest craft shows in the Northeast.

The success of her jewelry business prompted Kim to establish her first open studio. Later, she expanded her studio into a boutique, sharing space with another business while still offering her signature jewelry.

In 2020, Malisun faced the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a move from their downtown location to the newly renovated Vermont Marketplace. She expanded into a 4,000-square-foot space and added a large selection of gifts to the boutique, ensuring the business continued to thrive.

At Malisun, the shopping experience is just as important as the product itself. Everyone who walks through the door feels Kim’s warm presence and dedication to her business. The convenience of free parking and proximity to other shops, restaurants, a tailor, and a hair salon make it a one-stop destination for customers.

Malisun stands out with its exceptional clothing line. Designed by Kim in collaboration with longtime partners, every piece is exclusively handmade in Thailand. The seamless blend of craftsmanship and creativity truly sets Malisun apart. This direct connection to Thailand allows Kim to maintain ethical and fair practices and support the people in her homeland. Every design adjustment is made based on over 15 years of customer feedback, making the clothing line a true collaboration between the owner and the community.

In addition to supporting her home country, Kim also carries products from Nepal, India, Peru, Ecuador, the U.S. and other countries. Malisun’s multicultural approach distinguishes it as a versatile boutique and gift store that caters to various interests and tastes, from clothing, jewelry, accessories, toys, and gifts that can’t be found elsewhere.

One particularly endearing aspect of Malisun is the dedication to sustainability. The store proudly sources products from ethical and fair trade suppliers, and contributes to climate action by planting trees and reducing carbon emissions through projects at ecologi.com/malisun. To date, Malisun has been behind the planting of over 20,000 trees and the avoidance of over 100 tons of carbon emissions.

Malisun further demonstrates its environmental commitment by carrying products from the Vermont Clothing Company, a family-owned business, and prioritizing sustainability by operating as a carbon-neutral company and utilizing green energy from GMP cow power.

The dedicated employees at Malisun are always willing to help you find the perfect gift, and they offer gift wrapping, adding a personal touch to every purchase.

Malisun celebrates culture, craftsmanship and community.

When you step into Malisun, you’re not just shopping; you’re becoming a part of a larger, heartwarming narrative — one that blends the richness of Thailand with the spirit of New England, creating a truly exceptional shopping experience.

This story previously published in Vermont Country Magazine

Someone Been Naughty This Year?

Give a gift from The Vacuum Store that will keep on sucking long after Christmas!

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The average person will spend around eight hours at work each day, and do so roughly five days a week. Over time, relationships with coworkers may grow, and many people become friendly with their colleagues. In such settings, it can be customary to celebrate holidays with coworkers at company-sanctioned events. Personnel tasked with organizing the sharing of gifts across departments or the company can employ the following tips to make things run smoothly.

• Recognize that gift-giving flows downward. The general rule of the workplace is that people at the same employment level can give gifts among themselves, but employees should not feel pressured to give gifts to their supervisors or bosses.

Should one choose to do so, it could be misinterpreted and may cause rumblings across the company. If supervisors and managers want to gift their subordinates, then that is fine so long as everyone is treated fairly.

• Defer to company rules. Companies may have guidelines in place that govern gifting. Check employee handbooks or company policies, which may dictate spending limits or even prohibit gift-giving.

• Decide on a spending limit.

Set a firm spending limit. A range of $15 to $20 may be affordable to most, and ensures a nice gift. However, if yours is a laid back environment and everyone is lighthearted, you can have gag gifts or set a silly amount for laughs, such as purchasing gifts only at the local dollar store.

• Keep it holiday nonspecific.

Companies feature staff from various cultures, ethnicities and religious backgrounds. Therefore, resist any urge to affiliate the gift exchange with a specific holiday. Keep terms generalized, avoiding the use of “Secret Santa” or references to Christmas or Chanukah. Specify that gift wrap be generic as well.

• Do not pressure participation.

Engaging in a company-wide gift exchange should be completely voluntary. Only those who choose to participate will exchange with others. The easiest way to do this is to collect the gifts, then hand out grab

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bag numbers, enabling all participants to grab a random gift from the bag or table. Also, gifts should not be highly personal or anything that may be viewed as offensive.

• Keep some spare gifts on hand.

It’s happened before when someone has become ill or simply forgotten to bring a gift to the exchange. Human resource managers or department heads may want to use an expense account to have a spare gift or two

on hand so that no participant walks away empty-handed.

• Exchange at the party. If an office party is part of the plan, the gift exchange can take place there at a certain point in the festivities where it will be convenient for all involved.

Office gift exchanges are common during the holiday season. A few guidelines can keep such exchanges festive and fun.

Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023 | Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Tips for organizing a workplace gift exchange

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College is the natural next step for many graduating high school students. According to Best Colleges, in 2022 there were 17.9 million students enrolled in degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States.

Many other students began their college careers in the fall 2023 semester, joining the ranks of people working toward their degrees.

Holiday gifts that aim to meet the needs and interests of recipients can ensure presents will be enjoyed and utilized. Modern college students likely can use a few things to simplify life on campus.

LAPTOP OR TABLET Gone are the days when students primarily utilize pen and paper for school assignments. Students are often introduced to tablets and other digital devices to complete assignments and take notes as early as elementary school. This reliance on paperless communication continues at the high school and university level. Most, if not all, assignments

are posted online and then completed and submitted through various portals or cloud services.

Therefore, college students will require a laptop or high functioning tablet with the right processing speed and memory capacity to handle the demand.

STUDENT CARD FUNDS Colleges utilize different programs for paying for meal plans and incidentals purchased on campus. This likely involves funds linked to a proprietary card that functions similarly to a debit or credit card. Savvy gift givers can deposit funds into students’ accounts so that they’ll have a little extra spending money to put toward books or that mocha latte at the campus coffee shop.

PARKING PASS Although freshmen may be restricted from bringing cars to campus unless they are commuter students, sophomores and upperclassmen may be able to park in campus lots. Parking typically is an extra cost for students, meaning friends or relatives can gift the cost of annual parking passes to the college students in their lives.

DORM GEAR College students who opt to live in campus housing often want to make their dorm rooms a home away from home. They will need to outfit these tight quarters with items that won’t take up too much space.

Small pod-type coffee pots, compact microwaves, mini fridges, under-bed storage shelving, area rugs, cozy

comforters, and bathroom essentials can make college kids’ dorm rooms feel more like home.

EVENT TICKETS Not every moment should be spent in classrooms or residence halls.

College students may want to venture away from campus, and what better way to enjoy the sights and offerings of what nearby venues have to offer than by attending various events? Gift-givers can offer tickets to art shows, music festivals, comedy club nights, amusement parks, or other events in college towns.

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE Attending college far from home means that students will take planes, trains or automobiles to return home for holidays and other special events. Gifting college students airline or train fare, or providing gift cards for gas station fill-ups, means students will be able to afford trips home when needed.

College students can benefit from gifts geared to the college lifestyle.

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Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023 | Wednesday, November 22, 2023

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023 | Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Reformer.com | BenningtonBanner.com | ManchesterJournal.com 14

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Black Friday gift shopping tips Retail holidays now dot the consumer landscape throughout much of the year. That shift has made a day like Black Friday somewhat less unique than it was in years past.

However, Black Friday remains the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season, and it’s still a major day for retailers big and small.

According to Adobe Analytics, in 2022 consumers spent $9.12 billion while online shopping on Black Friday. A separate report from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics indicated just under 200 million consumers shopped online and in store between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, which is the Monday following Black Friday. Such figures indicate that holiday shopping on the weekend of Thanksgiving might have changed, but it’s still wildly popular.

This Black Friday, shoppers can consider these tips to ensure they find the right gifts at the right price.

• Do some research before the big day. The spirit of competition is alive and well on Black Friday.

Consumers once flocked en masse to store parking lots in the wee hours of the morning in order to get sale items before shelves emptied. Some still do, so shoppers may need to be willing to compete to find the best deals.

But some pre-Black Friday research might prove the best way to land the best deals, and it may not require waking up in the middle of the night.

Much like shoppers compete with one another to grab sale items, retailers also compete to get shoppers in store or on their websites. As a result, it’s not uncommon for retailers big and small to advertise Black Friday sales weeks in advance. Shoppers can research these sales and plan when to visit certain stores in order to land the best deal • Wake up early. Shoppers may not need to get out of bed at 3 a.m. to land the best Black Friday deals, but the early bird still gets the worm on the day after Thanksgiving. Plan to shop early in the morning, which increases the chances of finding the right gift at the right price. If an item you’ve earmarked is part of a doorbuster deal, plan to get to the store or onto the website as early as possible.

• Establish a budget. It’s easy to go overboard when shopping deals on Black Friday. However, busting the budget on the first day of the holiday shopping season sets a bad precedent for the weeks to come. A holiday debt survey from LendingTree found that 35 percent of shoppers took on debt to pay for their holiday purchases in 2022, with the average consumer accumulating more than $1,500 in debt.

Savvy shoppers devise a budget prior to shopping and stick to that budget.

Black Friday remains a wildly popular retail holiday. A little research, a willingness to get up early and some determination to stay on budget is a formula for a successful Black Friday.

Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023 | Wednesday, November 22, 2023

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023 | Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide 2023