Unique Ways to Give Experiential Gifts
Giving an experience to a loved one this holiday season is a great and unique way to show that person how much they’re loved. The popularity of experiential gifts is undeniable, with one recent report from the market research firm Mintel indicating that roughly 50 percent of individuals surveyed prefer such gifts to tangible items.
One problem holiday gift givers may need to confront when giving experiential gifts concerns their presentation. A tangible item can be boxed and wrapped, but how can gift givers put a bow and ribbon on
an experience? The solution to that may require a little creativity on the part of gift givers. The category a gift fits into can provide some inspiration when looking for ways to present experiential gifts.
• SPORTS GIFTS: Let the sport dictate how a gift is presented when giving tickets to a game. For example, if a loved one is getting tickets to a baseball game, place the tickets inside a new baseball mitt. The gift of golf lessons can be presented alongside a new putter.
• TRAVEL GIFTS: When gifting the experience of travel this holiday season, gift givers can wrap airline tickets or itineraries in a map of the locale where recipients will be going. When contributing to a general travel fund or gifting airline miles, consider placing a note inside an atlas or attaching it to a desktop globe.
• DANCE LESSONS: The gift of dance lessons encourages people to have fun and get a little exercise along the way. This gift can be presented to recipients in any number of ways, including inside ballet shoes or even accompanied by food. After all, who wouldn’t get a kick out of finding out they’ve been given salsa lessons after finding a jar of salsa in their stocking?
• ESCAPE ROOM: Admission tickets to an escape room is a very popular experiential gift. Gift givers can get recipients in the spirit of the gift by creating a scavenger hunt where the prize to find is a printout explaining the gift and all its pertinent details, such as the date and time of the event.
• FOODIE GIFTS: For foodies who can’t wait to visit the newest dining hotspot in town, place a gift certificate inside an oven mitt or
• Travel gifts • Sports gifts
• Dance lessons
• Escape room • Foodie gifts
wrap it around a bottle of wine. When giving cooking lessons, wrap an explanation of the gift inside a new apron or place it inside a new saucepot the recipient can use when it comes time to put their newfound
Contest open to those ages 3 and up. Anyone under the age of 18 must obtain parent or guardian consent to enter. Previous winners of such contests are not eligible to win. Identification for winner may be required. Employees of the newspaper and sponsor employees are not eligible to win. Entry automatically enters individual’s name into contest. Contest entries will not be returned. Contest entries may be displayed or published in print and online by this newspaper; and become property of the newspaper. Winner will be awarded a movie basket from Zallie’s ShopRite of Medford. One entry per contest permitted. Entry form along with completed coloring panel should be mailed to Pine Barrens Tribune, Christmas Coloring Contest, P.O. Box 2402, Vincentown, NJ 08088 and postmarked by January 21, 2025 at 5 p.m. All entries must be received no later than 12 noon on January 24, 2025 and will not be returned. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. The decision of the judges is final. Winners will be notified by phone and/or email no later than January 31, 2025, and must appear in-person for award and agree to be photographed by the Pine Barrens Tribune and contest sponsor for publication.
Important Information:
• Postmarked by January 21, 2025 at 5 p.m.
• Must Be Received by 12 noon on January 24, 2025
• Christmas Coloring Contest form must be provided with each contest entry Mail coloring page with completed entry form to: Pine Barrens Tribune | P.O. Box 2402 | Vincentown, NJ 08088
Home improvement projects enable homeowners to transform their homes into their ideal living spaces. According to iProperty Management, most homeowners in the United States spent between $5,000 and $10,000 improving their homes in 2022. And it doesn’t stop there, as home improvement sales are projected to reach $465 billion in 2025.
Various renovation projects are best left to the professionals. However, many homeowners are eager to get their own hands dirty with various projects, large and small. Having the right tools and gear on hand can make projects go all the more smoothly. Holiday shoppers can consider these ideas as they seek to ensure DIYers have all they need to get the job done.
• PAINTING TIME-SAVERS: Painting requires some basic essentials, from
• LAWN CARE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE: Home improvements extend to the exterior. In addition to mowers, trimmers and garden shears, DIYers may benefit from subscription products that improve on property care. These formulations are customized to the specific needs of homeowners’ lawn or landscaping greenery and are shipped right to their door.
• ROTARY TOOL KIT: This is one of the most versatile tools homeowners can have on hand. A rotary tool can engrave, grind, sharpen, polish, cut, carve, and more depending on the accessory attachment.
• MULTI-USE LADDER: A ladder is a necessity for various projects inside and outside the home. One that can transform into an A-frame, scaffold system, staircase ladder and other configurations helps ensure maximum safe reach for the job at hand.
• COMPOSTER: Whether you use an indoor kitchen composter or one designed for outdoor use, being able
to generate one’s own compost is great for avid gardeners. Compost, often called “black gold,” is made from kitchen scraps, leaves and other items that break down into a rich fertilizer.
• TOOL BOX/TOOL ORGANIZER: Tool storage is a market all its own. It runs the gamut from rolling metal storage containers to plastic or metal boxes to canvas bags to plastic molded curated kits. Tool organizer kits also come at various price points, so it’s easy for shoppers to choose one that fits their budgets.
• ORGANIZING UNITS: Organizing units are available in prefabricated kits that are easily assembled when needed, as well as custommade products that are installed by a professional. They may be an option for a handy person looking to organize tools and other items for home repairs.
Do-it-yourselfers can be even more handy with tools geared toward their interests and repair needs.
paint trays to rollers to brushes. Projects can be made more efficient with innovative products that help save time and reduce mess. One such item is a paint brush cover, which snaps over wet paintbrushes between coats so they won’t dry out or require rinsing. Brushes that cut in easily and others with flexible handles for getting in tight places also make painting projects that much easier.
• CORDLESS DRILL: A mechanical drill makes easy work of assembly projects and general renovations that require screws as fasteners. A cordless rechargeable drill will be easy to maneuver when handling projects away from outlets. Going cord-free also reduces the risk of trips and falls on errant cords.
The life of a successful professional can be hectic. Demands at work force many professionals to work long hours, and those days could be even longer for remote workers. In fact, a 2020 study of 2,800 workers by the staffing firm Robert Half found that 70 percent of workers who transitioned to remote work due to the pandemic now work on the weekends. The survey also found that 45 percent of workers indicate they now routinely work more hours during the week than they did prior to the pandemic.
With so much on their plates, busy professionals may not have time to shop for products that can make their lives a little easier. That makes the holiday season a perfect time for people to consider what to get the hardworking professional on their shopping list. These four gifts can each make it easier for busy professionals to handle long days at the office..
1. PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER
Modern professionals rely on their smartphones to check and send work emails, keep track of their busy schedules and answer calls from colleagues, among other things. But those phones are only useful when their batteries are charged. Portable phone chargers are lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for on-the-go professionals who need to keep their phones charged all day long. Professionals who spend lots of time in their vehicles may love a solar-powered portable charger, which ensures their phone batteries stay charged even when they forget USB cables at home.
2. WIRELESS HEADPHONES
Though some models can cost hundreds of dollars, a reliable set of wireless headphones can be found for as little as $50. These headphones can be especially useful for professionals
who work from home, as many are designed to cancel out ambient noise, making it easier to participate in Zoom calls or other meetings even if the kids are being rowdy right outside a home office door.
3. CLEANING SERVICE
Few chores are less appealing after a long day at the office than cleaning a house. Many cleaning services offer weekly or monthly packages, and professionals would undoubtedly appreciate someone taking this time-consuming task off their todo list. Ask a relative or two to pitch in and help pay for the service if it’s beyond your budget.
4. SLOW COOKER
Slow cookers allow users to put everything in a pot in the morning and then arrive at night to a ready-toeat, homecooked meal. These can be
especially valuable to professionals who work long hours and don’t have the time to prepare a meal from scratch at the end of a workday.
Whether it’s portable tech, some help keeping their homes clean or a device designed to simplify homecooking, various gift ideas can help make busy professionals’ lives a little less hectic.
Winter Wonderland Word Search
Find the words hidden ver cally, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards.
Find the words hidden ver cally, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards.
WORDS BLADES BUMPS BUNDLE CHILL CLIMB COASTING DOWNHILL FAST FRIENDS HILL LAUGHTER MOMENTUM MOUNTAIN ROPES SLED SNOWY SPEED STEER THRILLS TOBOGGAN TRACKS TRAIL TRAVEL ZOOM
WORDS BLADES BUMPS BUNDLE CHILL CLIMB COASTING DOWNHILL FAST FRIENDS HILL LAUGHTER MOMENTUM MOUNTAIN ROPES SLED SNOWY SPEED STEER THRILLS TOBOGGAN TRACKS TRAIL TRAVEL ZOOM
Answers:
Experiential Gifts for Kids
The popularity of experiential gifts is undeniable. In its 2021 Winter Holiday Shopping Report, the market research firm Mintel revealed that nearly half of individuals surveyed for the report felt that experiential gifts are superior to tangible items. Such preferences are something holiday shoppers can keep in mind as they pursue the perfect gift for their loved ones.
Experiential gifts are often associated with adults and their bucket lists, but kids have much to gain from being gifted experiences as well. In addition to the lasting memories inspired by experiential gifts, such offerings also get kids up and out of the house.
Parents recognize that’s not always so easy in the digital age.
Though children likely don’t have a bucket list that can make it easy for holiday shoppers to find the perfect experiential gift, the following are a number of experiences that kids of all ages can enjoy.
• A DAY AT THE ZOO
• A TRIP TO A TRAMPOLINE PARK OR BOUNCY HOUSE FACILITY
• TICKETS TO A SPORTING EVENT, CONCERT OR LIVE SHOW
• MUSIC LESSONS
• A PAINT AND SIP (JUICE) EVENT WITH ONE OR BOTH PARENTS
• COOKING LESSONS
• A DAY AT A NEARBY NATIONAL PARK
• A CAMPING TRIP
• HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS
• A DAY AT A NEARBY AMUSEMENT PARK
• A DAY AT A LOCAL ARCADE
• A DAY AT A LOCAL MUSEUM WITH INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS
• A HELICOPTER RIDE
• ART LESSONS
• A DAY ON THE SKI SLOPES
• A DAY ON THE BEACH
• GYMNASTICS LESSONS/CLASSES
• A DAY AT THE LOCAL BOWLING ALLEY WITH FRIENDS
• ICE SKATING LESSONS
• A ROUND OF MINI GOLF
• JEWELRY-MAKING LESSONS/CLASSES
• A FISHING TRIP ON A NEARBY BODY OF WATER
There’s no shortage of experiences that can benefit children’s lives. That’s something holiday shoppers can keep in mind as they shop for the perfect gifts for youngsters on their shopping list this December.
The Pesky Assistant
BY SARAH BEAUREGARD AND JOHANNIE DUFOUR
Artie’s parents own a popular catering service in Snowy Dell. They’ve been extra busy lately with tons of holiday orders. They even had to wait until Christmas Eve before finally putting up their outdoor decorations. Artie offered to give them a hand by decorating the tree by himself. As they’re putting up the lights on the house, the boy takes a good look at the tree.
“What do you think, Whiskers?” he asks his cat. “We could hang the big red garland this way and the little green one the other way around. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
“Meow,” replies the cat.
Artie goes around the tree to put up the red garland. Whiskers follows him playfully, jumping up to try and hit the end as it flutters in the wind. The boy gently nudges him away to avoid tripping. He finishes his task and turns to pick up the green garland.
“Oh, Whiskers!” he exclaims, seeing the cat all tangled up in it.
After untangling the garland, Artie adds it to the tree. Then, he opens the box containing the unbreakable baubles. Whiskers immediately knocks it over by pressing on the edge with his paws. The baubles scatter in the snow.
“No, Whiskers! They’re not playthings, they’re for decorating! Look,” says Artie. He picks up a few decorations and arranges them on the tree under the watchful eye of his little companion. Whiskers pushes a bauble toward Artie with his nose.
TRANSLATED BY JASMINE HEESAKER
“Yes, good job, Whiskers!” praises the boy.
Reaching into his pocket, Artie retrieves a cat treat and hands it to his feline assistant. It works. Motivated by his greed, Whiskers brings all the baubles to Artie’s feet. All Artie has to do is hang them up. With a shining star on top for the finishing touch, the result is magnificent!
“Wow, good team effort!” says Artie. “Whiskers, you deserve a big hug!”
The two partners then go inside to warm up. Artie settles on the couch with a large blanket. His cat rolls into a ball on his lap. He immediately falls asleep, purring. Feeling tired but proud to have helped his parents, the boy soon follows suit.
- The End -
Gifts to Rev Auto Lovers’ Engines
Since they first became widely available in the early 20th century, cars have inspired no small number of passionate devotees. Some people simply can’t resist the thrills of the open road, while others love driving because of the sense of independence it provides. Regardless of what inspires their passions, come the holiday season, auto enthusiasts undoubtedly would be excited to unwrap these auto-related gifts.
• CAR WASH KIT: It’s one thing to drive, and another thing entirely to drive a car that looks like it’s fresh off the dealership lot. Car wash kits come in various sizes, so they’re ideal for holiday shoppers working with various budgets. Kits may include wet wax, wheel gel, glass cleaner, a short handle brush, and microfiber towels, among other supplies. Each accessory within the kit can make cars or trucks shine and look as good as new.
• MECHANICS’ TOOL KIT: Many car lovers enjoy working on their vehicles almost as much as they love driving them. That makes a mechanic’s tool kit a must-have for auto enthusiasts. Like car wash kits, mechanics’ kits are ideal gifts because they can suit shoppers working with various budgets. Extensive kits include all the
tools car lovers need, from ratchets to extension bars to sockets and more, to spend a fun day working in the garage.
• TIRE INFLATOR: All those miles on the open road is bound to catch up with tires over time, and a portable tire inflator can ensure tires are always properly inflated. Cordless varieties are popular, but so are options that can be plugged into vehicle lighters. Either way, this is a must-have item for anyone who puts a lot of miles on their vehicle.
• AUTOCROSS LESSON: Of course, gifts for auto lovers needn’t be restricted to helping them take care of their own cars. Autocross lessons can teach drivers the finer points of timed competitions while enabling them to get behind the wheel of an exotic car they’ve dreamed of driving. Autocross schools typically have classes for drivers with experience as well as novices, making this a fun gift for anyone who wants to take the thrill of driving to the next level.
There’s no shortage of gift ideas to please the auto enthusiast on your holiday shopping list this year. From the fun to the functional, there’s something for everyone who loves being behind the wheel.
What to Give New HomeownersThis Holiday Season
The real estate market has been a wild ride in recent years. Sellers have cashed in on record-breaking profits, and buyers have had to compete against many others — sometimes in bidding wars — for a limited number of properties. Once listed, homes are selling fast. As interest rates rise and inventory increases, things are likely to change, though for some it did not come soon enough.
Individuals who were lucky enough to find a new home this year may discover they now have little money to
outfit those homes. Shoppers with new homeowners on their holiday shopping lists may want to help those loved ones outfit their homes this season. The following are some home-related gift ideas to get shoppers started.
• VIDEO/SMART DOORBELL: Although the smart doorbell market began with only a handful of options, there’s now a bevy of manufacturers who make video and smart home doorbells. These doorbells serve the dual purpose of alerting homeowners to someone at the door, while providing surveillance of the comings and goings outside of the home. Depending on the product, a subscription may be needed to access video history. Doorbells range from $50 to $200 and more depending on features and resolution.
to a popular furniture store in the area will provide the head-start new homeowners need to secure sofas, dining sets, lamps, rugs, and more.
• Video doorbell
• Furniture gift card
• Tool kit
• Customized doormat
• Programmable thermostat
• Linens
• FURNITURE GIFT CARD: There’s a good chance new homeowners will need to furnish new rooms in a home, particularly if they’re coming from an apartment or a smaller place. Many people also like to update furnishings when they move into new places. A gift card
• HOUSEHOLD TOOL KIT: What better way to prepare new homeowners for the do-it-yourself projects and household repairs than with a tool kit? Home improvement retailers often package common tools needed in carrying cases or sets, but shoppers can grab separate items they think will be used and group them together into one gift. Pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, a level, and measuring tape are good starter tools.
• CUSTOMIZED DOORMAT: Give that new home additional curb appeal with a doormat customized with a special message or the new homeowners’ names, such as Welcome to the Smith Home. Other customizeable products include cutting boards and wall plaques.
• PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT: A programmable or learning thermostat will help new
homeowners save on their energy bills. Many thermostats now pair with smart home systems and phones and automatically adjust the temperature as needed to reduce energy consumption.
• LINENS: A high thread count sheet set or plush Turkish cotton towels may not be something new homeowners think to get for themselves. But these luxurious gifts can make life at home more comfortable.
Moving into a new home is an exciting yet expensive endeavor. Carefully curated gifts can tap into what new homeowners need the most.
Can You Spot the
JANUARY
JAN. WEEKENDS
Train Rides Through the Woods of New Gretna
Location: Bass River Twp.
Details: The Woods of New Gretna Park and the New Jersey Shore Live Steam Organization provide train rides for all each Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The small steam locomotives, and other trains, wind their way through the beautiful park. The rides are provided by a group of dedicated volunteers who have revitalized the park and laid out the railroad track, based on the historical Tuckerton Railroad. The volunteers maintain the railroad and walking trails, and are constantly expanding them. Riding the trains is free, but donations are very much appreciated. The train rides are outdoors.
JAN. 5
Free Koins for Kids
Location: Lindenwold
Details: South Jersey Coin and Collectable Show will be held Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Moose Lodge, 2425 White Horse Pike (Rt. 30), Lindenwold. Admission and parking is free. There will be free door prizes, food and refreshments, over 30 friendly dealer tables. The show will be held on the first Sunday of each month during 2025. Dealers wanted! Security provided. For more information, call Tom at 609-742-2279, or visit southjerseycoinshow.com .
