The Southern Vermont Gift Guide 2019

The Southern Vermont

Gift Guide Find the perfect present for: the sports fan the tiny tot the outdoors enthusiast the music lover the artistic spirit the intrepid traveler

and more!

A special publication of the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer • December 7, 2019

2 • Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide

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the Three Kingdoms of Korea period, which began in 57 BC and ended in AD 668. The Japanese tradition of furoshiki, which can be traced back to the 17th century and possibly as far back as AD 710, involves using a traditional wrapping cloth to transport certain items, including gifts. As for the gift wrap familiar to today's holiday celebrants, that traces its origins to the early 1900s. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis® notes that Eli Hyman and Morris Silverman founded the first gift wrap company in the United States in 1903. Unfortunately for gift givers back then, adhesive tape had not yet been invented in 1903, and wouldn't be for another 27 years.

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The holiday season is rife with tradition. One of the most recognizable traditions involves wrapping gifts. While the wrapping paper many gift givers use today is a relatively recent phenomenon, the tradition of wrapping gifts is centuries old, with some historians even suggesting it dates back to ancient times.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis® notes that many ancient cultures celebrated various holidays that included exchanging gifts, adding that it's very likely that, even in ancient times, gifts were wrapped to surprise their eventual recipients. Bojagi is a traditional Korean wrapping cloth that might have begun being used some time during

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Gingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread.

Many a child (or a child at heart) has spent hours carefully trying to create decorative gingerbread houses. Although gingerbread recipes span various cultures, gingerbread houses originated in 16th century Germany.

The fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel" helped solidify the popularity of gingerbread, which became part of Christmas traditions.

Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there's no denying it can be exacting work - especially for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from scratch can employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses.

Go for form and not flavor. Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good.

Get the right icing texture. Pastry artist Catherine Beddall says royal icing is the preferred "glue" to adhere

gingerbread pieces. Beddall says icing should be thick like peanut butter and not runny.

Mind the dough. Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it may become brittle after being cooked. Always cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build.

Patience is key. Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each piece and before moving and handling the house, says Beddall. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry. Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces.

Kids likely will need help. Children may not have the patience or steadiness to handle complete gingerbread construction. They can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components are laying flat, which is easier for kids. Adults can do the main assembly later on.

Utilize a template. Freehanding may not be easy.

Cut out templates using cardboard or posterboard for various gingerbread pieces.

One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don't take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.

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Safety tips when buying toys for tots Safety should always be a priority when purchasing toys for kids.

Toys play a pivotal role in the lives of young children.

While fun is always a consideration when buying toys for kids, toys can do more than entertain. The National Association for the Education of Young Children notes that toys for young children should match the youngsters’ stages of development and their emerging abilities.

When those matches are made, children’s imagination and coordination will develop, all while they’re having fun.

Safety is another factor adults must take seriously when buying toys for children. Unfortunately, safety is not always foremost on the minds of toy shoppers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that more than 251,000 toy-related injuries were treated in American hospital emergency rooms in 2017. Thankfully, such injuries are almost always avoidable, especially when shoppers follow a handful of safety strategies when buying toys for young children.

Avoid toys with lots of pieces.

Stanford Children’s Health notes that toddlers and small children tend to put things in their mouths, increasing their risk of choking as a result. When buying toys for toddlers or small children, avoid toys with small parts that can be choking hazards.

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these toys are less likely than age-inappropriate toys to put youngsters’ safety in jeopardy.

Recognize even stuffed animals can present safety hazards.

Stuffed animals may not appear to pose as safety risks, but poorly made stuffed animals may have small parts that can easily come off. Poorly made stuffed animals may prove no match for the prying hands of curious youngsters, so make sure any small parts on stuffed animals, such as eyes and buttons, are securely fastened before making any purchases.

Pay attention to age recommendations on packaging.

Teach kids how to use toys.

Age guidelines on toy packages are designed to ensure that kids play with toys suited for their age and abilities.

Children are more likely to enjoy playing with toys designed for kids their age, and

When giving children advanced toys, take the time to show the youngsters how to use them. Such demonstrations can clear up any confusion about the toys, reducing kids’ risk for injury as a result.

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Give the gift of good manners The holidays are a time for giving and gathering with loved ones. Because the holiday season is such a social time of year, it can be wise for celebrants to revisit social manners in the days ahead before the holiday party season hits full swing. Practicing good manners is especially poignant during the holidays to keep the spirit of compassion and goodwill alive.

Host/hostess gifts A gift is a great way for holiday celebrants to express their appreciation to holiday hosts. It doesn't have to be a lavish gift; a bottle of wine, baked goods or a decorative trinket each make for thoughtful gifts.

RSVP Promptly RSVP so hosts can plan accordingly. A text, phone

call or quick email will suffice.

Accept gifts with grace Whether you planned to exchange gifts or not, if someone gives you a gift, accept it with a smile and express your appreciation. It may not be what you need or desire, but do not let the gift-giver think you are unhappy with the gift.

It's alright if you have nothing to give in return. Don't feel as though you have to rush out and get a reciprocal gift.

Say "Please" and "Thank you" People can get into the habit of falling into the holiday shopping rush, forgetting manners when in crowds.

Remember that everyone is in the same boat, which probably involves racing against the clock to accomplish holi-

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day tasks. A little patience, a smile and some polite words can go a long way toward making shopping a more pleasant experience.

Be helpful to others Consider those people who may have a difficult time getting holiday shopping or other jobs done, such as an elderly neighbor or a friend who is feeling under the weather.

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Ask before bringing a guest While the more the merrier is often the case, be sure hosts are fine with an extra guest or two. Remember, he or she may have gifts planned for those in attendance, and an unexpected face may lead to an embarrassing shortage of treats.

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How to approach gift exchanges at the office Gift giving is a big part of the holiday season. While people typically exchange gifts with relatives and close friends, it's not uncommon for coworkers to exchange gifts as well.

Office gift exchanges are not as simple as giving gifts to friends and family members.

Gifts that might be entirely appropriate to give to relatives and friends may raise eyebrows if given to coworkers.

To avoid awkward situations, professionals can consider the following tips before purchasing gifts for coworkers.

Contact your human resources department.

Many companies have established protocols that govern office gift exchanges.

Some may prohibit gift-giving altogether, while others may place dollar limits on gifts or restrict gifts to certain items, such as food or gift cards. Contact human resources before organizing an exchange or purchasing gifts to ensure you don't violate company rules.

Keep it simple.

Even if your office has no rules governing gift exchanges, keeping things simple and placing a dollar limit on gifts can avoid hurt feelings and awkward situations. No one

expects an elaborate gift from a coworker, so something as simple as a $20 gift card should suffice.

Reach a consensus regarding gifts for supervisors.

Discuss exchanges with your coworkers before purchasing gifts for supervisors.

Workplace environments can become awkward and uncomfortable if one person appears to have spent more on a gift for a supervisor than his or her coworkers. When gifting supervisors, decide on a dollar amount that everyone is comfortable with and agree to only purchase gifts for a supervisor if everyone can afford to do so. Someone may not be able to afford a gift, and that person should not be made to feel bad.

Supervisors must think before buying gifts as well.

Supervisors who intend to buy their subordinates gifts also must take steps to avoid potentially awkward situations. Giving the same gift, such as gift cards to local stores and restaurants, will avoid giving the impression that you're playing favorites.

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Great gifts for people who help you year-round Come the holiday season, shoppers should make sure they gift the people who help them and their families throughout the year.

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The holiday season is a time to connect with loved ones. Families gather during the holiday season, and friends reconnect.

Tradition reigns supreme for many people during the holiday season. Exchanging gifts is one tradition that transcends religion, as people who subscribe to various faiths exchange gifts with their loved ones during the holiday season. When making their holiday shopping lists, shoppers should make sure they don't forget the various people who help them throughout the year. Small tokens of appreciation during the holiday season can help mailmen, teachers, hairdressers, and others know they're appreciated. The following are some gift ideas that can help the people who help us throughout the year.

Mailman Mail finds its way into the mailbox even when the weather outside is frightful. Mailmen spend much of their workdays outdoors braving the elements, so a gift that helps make their time outdoors more comfortable makes sense. But before gifting their mailmen, shoppers should know that there are rules governing the gifts that the mailman can and cannot accept. According to the United States Postal ServiceÂŽ, mailmen can accept gifts worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion. However, carriers are forbidden from accepting cash and cash equivalents. In addition, mailmen cannot accept more than $50 worth of gifts in a calendar year. Moisture wicking shirts can help mail carriers stay warm on cold days, and they're designed to quickly

move moisture away from the body to the outer layer of the shirt. Such shirts can be worn beneath carriers' uniforms to keep them warm and dry on cold days. Shoe inserts, a basket of sunscreen and some healthy snacks that can be eaten on-the-go are other great gifts for mail carriers.

Hairdressers Hairdressers go to great lengths to make people look good throughout the year, and those efforts should not be forgotten during the holiday season. Many hairdressers use supplies, such as scissors, they purchase on their own. A gift certificate to a salon supply wholesaler can make for a welcome gift. For those who want to pamper the people who pamper them, a gift certificate to a local spa can make for a wonderful gift for hairdressers this holiday season.

Educators and Caregivers Educators and caregivers, which includes teachers, babysitters and daycare staff, do a lot for children. Their efforts should be recognized during the holiday season. School systems and daycare facilities may have rules in place governing which items staff can accept, so inquire about such policies in advance of the holiday season. When gifting babysitters, make sure gifts are age-appropriate. If a babysitter is a minor, cash may make for the best gift. For teachers and daycare workers, consider a gift certificate to a well-regarded local eatery or a school supplies store, as many teachers purchase classroom supplies with their own money.

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Crafty experiences for holiday gifts Craft-inspired experience gifts can be customized for people with a wide range of interests.

One of the challenges each holiday season is coming up with novel gifts for loved ones. For those who seemingly have it all and might not need another Santa sweater or fruit basket, an experience gift might be the perfect fit.

Giving experiences can be fulfilling for gifters and show recipients that the gift was given ample thought.

There are no shortages of experiences to offer. However, people who enjoy arts and crafts may enjoy being on the receiving end of a crafty experience this year.

Paint and sip Paint and sip businesses are thriving, as scores of novice artists produce impressive artwork while sipping a glass of vino. A friend or a family member who aspires to be the next Bob Ross will likely enjoy a paint and sip gift.

stained and stenciled farmhouse-inspired pieces. With clever sayings like "Home is where our story begins" or "Smith Family, Est. 2019," it's never been easier to create custom pieces in just a few hours.

and colors. Check with local glass-blowing artisans (many are located in tourist centers and seaside towns) to find out if they offer experience gifts.

Brewing With the rise of craft breweries, apprentice shops have turned up across the country.

A craft beer experience gift may be just what a budding brewer needs to start creating his or her own beers.

Pottery Pottery studios can now be found as stand-alone buildings or as franchised establishments in area shopping malls. Recipients can choose among various projects and walk away with a painted and fired treasure that can be displayed for years.

Farmhouse style crafts Glass-blowing Businesses that teach individuals how to create farmhouse crafts take them through the step-by-step process of turning raw wood boards and shelves into

ornaments. Instructors can teach gift recipients how to form glass into desired finished products and decorate them with swirls, patterns

Glass-blowing is an art form that turns molten glass into colorful and eye-catching pieces. Blown glass can be transformed into everything from wine goblets to

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Sports experiences top many fans' holiday wish lists Experiential gifts are tailor-made for sports fans, making them ideal options come the holiday season.

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A round at a favorite course can be the perfect experiential gift for avid golfers.

Game day is a big day for sports fans. While the anticipation in the days before a big game can be exciting, nothing can match the game itself.

When shopping for the sports fan on their list this holiday season, shoppers may want to go the extra mile and gift a sports-based experience. Experiential gifts are rising in popularity. According to a 2017 survey from The NPD Group, a leading global information company, 39 percent of holiday shoppers in the United States intended to purchase experiential gifts for their loved ones that year.

Sports fans may love a new jersey, but they would no doubt really love a gift that makes them feel like they're part of the action. Shoppers who want to give a sports experience to their favorite fanatic this holiday season can consider these ideas.

Tickets Perhaps no sports experience is more enjoyable to a true fan than tickets to the big game. Tickets to see a favorite team play make for a great gift that fans may remember for the rest of their lives.

Purchase at least two tickets

so your loved one has someone to make memories with.

Compare tickets sold directly through the team to those available through reputable secondary market sellers like StubHubTM and SeatGeek.

Lessons Some fans not only want to watch their favorite sports, but also play them. For example, fans who follow professional surfing might be able to take their own abilities to the next level after taking some lessons from a local instructor. Many community parks organizations even provide affordable lessons for sports such as cross country skiing, fishing and cycling that can provide great value to shoppers and gift recipients alike.

A round Golf fans who can't get enough of the PGA Tour® may dream of playing a course once graced by their favorite professional players.

The PGA Tour® holds events at clubs across the globe, and many of these clubs allow non-members to play rounds for a fee. That fee can be high, but avid golfers will be sharing stories about a round at a favorite course for the rest of their lives.

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Unique ways to give the experience of travel The experience of travel can make for a great holiday gift that recipients may cherish for the rest of their lives Many people have a passion for traveling. Whether a traveler can't resist sleeping under the stars at a local campsite or refuse the call of a bustling city overseas, travel beckons people from all walks of life.

The travel experience is unique, and it's an experience that holiday shoppers can provide for their loved ones who can't wait to dust off their passports or simply get in their cars and drive to a favorite destination near or far.

Airline miles The cost of airline tickets can be prohibitive and has deterred many a wouldbe traveler from visiting a dream destination. However, holiday shoppers with ample airline miles on their credit cards may be able to transfer those miles to a loved one.

Such a transfer can dramatically reduce the cost of an airline ticket, opening the door to a wonderful travel experience for a friend or family member who otherwise might not be able to afford a trip. Rules about transferring miles vary depending on the airline, and transfer fees may apply. But this is a unique way to give the gift of travel.

Gas card Of course, flying is not the only way to get from point A to point B. The gift of free gasoline can help road warriors explore their passion for the open road without breaking the bank. Gas prices tend to rise during spring and sum-

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mer, so make sure gift cards purchased during the holiday season won't expire before the weather warms up.

to travel overseas. In addition, people often learn new and surprising things about their ancestry after submit-

ting ancestry kits, which can prompt trips to destinations people otherwise may never have considered.

Camera Many people feel the experience of travel is best documented through photography. A brand new camera that can create better photos than a typical smartphone camera can help travelers more effectively document their trips while creating vivid memories they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Ancestry kit While an ancestry kit might not qualify as a traditional experiential gift, knowing one's ancestry might open doors to future travels. For example, many countries' citizenship rules allow people born overseas to apply for citizenship if they have a relative, such as a grandparent, who was born in the country. Earning foreign citizenship and ultimately obtaining a foreign passport can simplify overseas travel by helping them avoid long lines at customs.

That can inspire more people

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14 • Southern Vermont Holiday Gift Guide

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Various ways to let music lovers experience music Music inspires devoted fans across the globe. Whether a music lover can't wait to rock out to a favorite bad, settle in for a classical concert or visit a favorite opera house, he or she no doubt enjoys some form of music every day.

Come the holiday season, shoppers with music lovers on their list can stoke their loved ones' passions for music by giving them a music experience they'll remember for a lifetime.

cant others which artist or artists they listen to the most and then look to see if they're on tour. Summer tends to be a popular season for outdoor concerts, while winter beckons many performers indoors for concerts in more intimate settings. If a loved one likes a particular style of music instead of a given performer, then tickets to a festival where many acts perform on various stages can make for the perfect gift.

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Lessons

Perhaps nothing appeals to music lovers more than seeing a favorite performer in person. Ask your loved one's parents, siblings or signifi-

Lessons make a great gift for music fans who love singing along or playing air guitar with their favorite acts. Local musicians and/or school mu-

sic teachers often supplement their incomes by offering lessons on various instruments, from piano to guitar to drums to violin. Aspiring singers can benefit from working with a local voice coach.

resist belting out their favorite performers' songs at a karaoke joint. Research local karaoke bars and invite some of your loved one's friends for a memorable night out on the town.

Old school gear A night out A live music experience is not limited to arenas, ampitheaters or other large scale venues. Many local restaurants host live music nights featuring local musicians, while others may host open mic nights that can help aspiring musicians get their music out there while overcoming any nerves they may have about performing in front of a crowd. Of course, few music lovers can

Many music devotees insist that the best way to experience recorded music is on vinyl. While music fans over 40 might know how to spin the black circle, younger fans might have no such familiarity. A turntable and some vinyl records can open young music lovers' eyes to a piece of musical history, which might just be music to their ears.

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Outdoor-inspired ideas for holiday gifting The Bureau of Economic Analysis revealed that the outdoor recreation industry contributed $412 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product in 2016. The industry also employed around 4.55 million people, highlighting just how popular outdoor recreation has become.

Millennials are helping drive the growing interest in the great outdoors, as this demographic now accounts for 38 percent of the 75 million active camper households in the United States, according to an independent 2017 North American Camping Report.

When shopping for the outdoor enthusiast on their list this holiday season, shoppers can consider these gifts that cater to avid campers, hikers and explorers.

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Camping surprises People who can't resist sleeping under the stars will appreciate gifts that make camping excursions even more special. Kampgrounds of America offers gift cards that are accepted at any of their many campsites, which helps cover the fees for the site and camp store purchases.

Any new gear, whether it be sleeping bags/pads, water filtration devices, tents, fuel, or cooking supplies also make great gifts for campers.

A high-quality cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven is a gift that can last for years.

Hiking adventures The right gear can make a hike even more enjoyable.

A durable hiking pack, compass or GPS tracker, comfortable hiking shoes, polarizing sunglasses, collapsible hammock, and/or hiking

food packs make great gifts for seasoned or even novice hikers. Tickets for transportation to Appalachian Trail trailheads, or other notable trails across the country, also can be fitting gifts.

Cycling treats Cycling can be a recreational pursuit, a means of commuting or a great way to shed a few pounds. Research from Breakaway Research Group for People for Bikes found that 100 million Americans bike each year. Statistics Canada indicates that around 41 percent of Canadians ages 12 and older cycle each year.

Gifts focusing on cycling can appeal to cyclists of all ages.

Gifts can include cleaning and lube kits, a mini tire inflater, portable repair tools, a bike phone mount, a wearable bicycle cable lock, and a bicycle storage rack.

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