Winter fun & holiday gift guide 2017

Winter Fun &

HOLIDAY Gift Guide

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

PAGE S2

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, November 18, 2017

& n u F inter

W

Y A D I L O H

e d i u G t f i G X E D N I ISERS ..S16

T .... . .

R . . . .

E . . . .

V . . .

AD clave................

15 S , n 5 S E . . . c . . i . t ....... . .

Artis . . . . . . . . . . . ique. t ..S14 u . . o . .

B . . . s . ’ . . y . t . . s Kri e..... r o M & ecor ..S9 . .

D . . e . . v . i . . t . . c . . n ....... .

Disti . . . . . . . . . . . .

10 d.....

S r . . o . .

F . . . . d . . r . y...... t Medfo e i c o S l rica o t s ...S3 i . . .

H d l d r r o o f ne W Med o t S & h .S7 .

Mulc . . . s . ’ . . d . . . n . . o . r...... e Redm t n e C n rde a G ..S13 . s . ’ . . d . . . n . . o . . . m .

Red ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . nk..

S12 . a . . .

B . . . c . i . l . . . b . iety c Repu o S l a c i istor S8 . . .

H . . . e . l . c . . a . . . n ....... . . .

Taber . . . . . . . . . . lers.. e .S11 . w . e . .

J . . . . n . . o . t . . .......

Taun . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12 ........

S . . . . n . . n .

I . . . e . . c pair e Terra R & s r Doo e g ..S11 a . . r . . a . . .

G . . . s . i . . v Tra ....... . . . . . . . . . . . s ure .S8 s . r a e e t r n T e e C den r Villag a G & t loris 10 F S . . . n . . . w . . o . t . . ...... . . . .

Vincen . . . . . . . . hop S e k i B s Wheelie

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

PROOF FORM Saturday, November 18, 2017

g

in Start

.

NOV !

24TH

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE S3

s e e r T s a m t s i r h C ! y a d i r F k c a l B e l b a l Avai

In the Garden Center at

609-261-1118 FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

Large Selection of

Grave Blankets, Holiday Wreaths & Poinsettias

NEW LOCATION: 1347 Monmouth Rd. (Rt. 537) • EASTAMPTON (Located Between O'Connor's Restaurant and John & Molly's)

WE ALSO DELIVER & INSTALL BULK STONE, TOP SOIL & MULCH

WWW.MULCHANDSTONEWORLD.COM

PAGE S4

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | CREATIVE GIFTS

A

© FOTOLIA

The Artist rt comes in many different forms. It’s about expressing our imagination, emotions and skill.

If you are shopping for an artist, appeal to his creative side.

Remember that all artists are poets at heart, and gifts that inspire them are just as meaningful and loved as more practical ones.

THE HANDMADE Think about gifts that will be useful and beautiful. If you are handy with a thread and needle, make your artist an apron with multiple, deep pockets in a fun print, or a pencil roll for storing their favorite pencils while traveling.

If the artist in your life creates a lot of work on a regular basis, consider helping her turn her hobby into a small business by taking the work of “set-up” off their plate.

Create an Etsy shop for her, photograph examples of her work, and if you feel inspired, create a business proposal on how she could grow her hobby into a lucrative business. Just don’t get your feelings hurt if she doesn’t follow your advice.

SURE TO PLEASE Artists always need supplies. This is one of the eternal problems of being an artist. You can’t go wrong with new brushes, pencils, paints or clay.

Don’t forget about supply storage. This includes a supple leather camera bag or a tartan wool laptop case.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE Because they are in the business of making beautiful things, artists tend to appreciate beautiful things. Purchase your artist an annual museum pass so he can admire the work of others and gain inspiration.

Gifting art also is fun because you can look for prints, paintings or sculptures to inspire your loved one. Purchase a print or piece of art and have it matted and framed. For a special touch, write a personal note on the matting.

Even if you choose to pen your note on the back of the matting, the two of you will know it’s there.

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | GIVING BACK

A

Keepsake Traditions

ll Christmas traditions are magical, but keepsake traditions are just a bit more special. They act as a type of scrapbook or album of moments for us to remember and share with others.

Make ornaments as a family every year. You can go to most local craft stores and purchase clear glass bulbs that you can either fill (with glitter for snow) or paint the outside of. If you’re feeling extra crafty, try your hand at salt dough ornaments.

GIFT AN ORNAMENT Each Christmas, gift an ornament to each of your children. Think about the year, and consider what each child has accomplished, overcome or experienced and gift an ornament that conveys a particular memory, or even the general feeling that year evoked. By the time they are grown, each child will have a full set of ornaments to take with them to start their own family tree.

WRITE CHRISTMAS LETTERS Each year, have a member of the family, or several family members, record a bit of family history. This can be anything from highlights to

challenges the family experienced throughout the year. Place them in a special Christmas box.

Make it extra special by having the kids decorate the box. Over the years, you can pull out the letters and share them.

BUILD TREE SKIRT MEMORIES Purchase a plain tree skirt. Any color will do, as long as it is a solid color. Then, every year, trace your child’s hand on the skirt and write their name inside the outline. You can begin a new ring for each child or trace their hands side by side. It will be fun later to look back at the skirt and the growing little hands.

PRESENT CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS A wonderful Christmas tradition is gifting Christmas pajamas. These can be wrapped and put under the tree to be opened on Christmas Eve. This way, everyone can wake up Christmas morning wearing their holiday jammies.

© FOTOLIA

Saturday, November 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE S5

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | GETTING TOGETHER

T

Host a Cookie Exchange

he holiday season comes with a lot of activities, decorating and travel — leaving almost everyone wishing for more time in which to do it all. Christmas cookie exchange parties are great because in one swoop, they allow us to spend time with friends and family, and simplify our holiday baking.

Follow this guide, and you will be hosting a festive get-together that will leave people envious that it wasn’t their idea.

SET A DATE The first step to hosting an unforgettable Christmas cookie exchange is creating a guest list and setting a date and time.

Picking a date can be tricky. You will want to pick a date close enough to the holidays that the cookies will last for a while and people are already thinking of baking, but not so close to Christmas that you infringe on people’s “last-minute” time to finish projects and shopping.

SEND THE INVITATIONS The idea behind the Christmas cookie exchange is that each person invited brings one kind of cookie to share. Be sure this is clear in your invitation, and be sure to give your guests a cookie count so they know how many to bring.

If you have any other rules you wish to set for the exchange, they should be communicated in the invitation. For example, you might wish to make clear that the cookies should be homemade and seasonally appropriate.

PROVIDE OTHER REFRESHMENTS While a good amount of sampling will be

done before the actual exchange, you will want to provide more than cookies. Think appetizers and finger foods.

Serve an array of beverages, such as coffee, iced teas or spiked punch. And since it is a cookie party, you would be remiss not to offer milk.

DON’T FORGET THE KIDDOS If you are going to have kids at the party, it might be nice to plan a special activity for them, such as a cookie decorating station. Bake extra batches of blank sugar cookies and let the children decorate them however they want.

You also might think about hiring a trusted babysitter for a few hours during the party to oversee the decorating — leaving you and parents of younger children to have fun socializing at the party.

ARRANGE A PACKING STATION Don’t forget the whole point of the party is to exchange cookies. It is likely none of your guests will try every cookie during the party, so you need to provide packing materials so they can take a variety home with them.

Lay out boxes, sandwich bags and sticker labels for people to pack up their goodies. Offer colorful ribbon or cellophane for an added special touch.

© FOTOLIA

PAGE S6

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | PRACTICAL GIFTS

The Minimalist

D

© FOTOLIA

ecluttering is all the rage, and the minimalist lifestyle is in.

If this sounds like the mantra of one of your closest friends or family members, there are many gifts on the shelves this Christmas season to help them on their mission.

To purchase for a minimalist, you must first ask yourself a few questions: What is the purpose of this gift? Will this person find value in this gift? These questions will help guide you.

THE “HANDMADE” Minimalists appreciate items that are useful.

Homemade hand soaps are perfect for minimalists.

They also completely customizable.

If you’re unsure of their scent preferences, scents such as lavender, rosemary, mint and honey vanilla are always popular.

Are you a whiz in the kitchen? Share your talents by gifting your famous spicy salsas, zesty tomato sauce or raspberry preserves. Anything that can be jarred and enjoyed over time is always a crowd-pleaser— and can also be arranged nicely in a gift basket.

SURE TO PLEASE Subscription boxes make a great gift for those with a minimalist mindset. Not only are

these the gifts that “keep on giving,” but they are often filled with creative (and consumable) goodies.

Not to mention there is a subscription box for every taste and budget, from beauty products to wine to food. With enough research, you are sure to find the perfect fit.

Many downtown businesses are getting in on the act of subscription boxes, so don’t forget to check with your local establishments.

The same goes for magazine subscriptions.

Find a local publication that puts out information about which your gift recipient is passionate. The minimalist on your list can enjoy them when they come in and pop them in the recycling bin when they’re done.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE Why not gift an experience, such as tickets to a sporting event or a family pass to the city museum? Experiences help strengthen the bonds between people — and don’t clutter up the cupboards.

Whether you intend to be part of the experience (concert tickets with your best friend) or not (a family zoo pass for your brother and his kids to enjoy), you’ll be gifting memories that last for years to come.

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | PRACTICAL GIFTS

R

The Relatives

elatives can be tricky to shop for, especially if you’re not that familiar with their tastes. Focusing on their home is a great opportunity to give a gift that doesn’t feel generic while at the same time doesn’t require deep knowledge of their tastes.

Show relatives that you care with a gift that will make their living space more comfortable and beautiful. This list is sure to work for the pickiest of relatives.

THE “HANDMADE” Personalized stationery is thoughtful, gender neutral and easy to design yourself! You can take this in any direction—notecards with matching envelopes, full-size stationery paper or notepads for grocery lists.

If you feel ambitious, allow your DIY prowess to take the lead and create a piece of art, a tufted pin board for the kitchen or a sassy sign for the laundry room. Pinterest is a great social media tool for these types of projects and you are sure to find the perfect match for both your relatives home and your skill level!

SURE TO PLEASE Items for entertaining are always appreciated and allow you to offer a bit of personality with

your gift. Cheese stones are great for cheese, but are perfect for serving so many different things.

Create a smart little tag to tie around the end, reminding your relatives to pop the stone in the freezer before serving something cold, or get it nice and toasty in the oven for more savory snacks. Most stone are both incredibly durable and dishwasher-safe.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE While it may not seem like a splurge on the surface, candles are a perfect gift for just about everyone. Candles make a room smell fresh and make a home feel cozy. They are also not an item people seem to splurge on often because it feels either wasteful or too indulgent.

Paddywax Apothecary candles are downright decadent in their colored glass vessels and scents like blue sage and lavender, and verbena and eucalyptus. So spoil your relatives with a luxury candle. Bonus? The jars are so beautiful, they will definitely get reused.

© FOTOLIA

Saturday, November 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE S7

. .

. .

PAGE S8

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | GIVING BACK

T

A Season of Giving

he holiday season is known as one of giving. While it is good to make a conscious effort to give back throughout the year, the holidays are a time when we especially like to think of others.

Here are just a few ways you can spread the act of kindness this holiday.

SHOP FOR OTHER FAMILIES IN NEED. Take your children along. Let them be an active participant in choosing the gifts and, depending on which organization you are working with, wrapping the gift. This helps teach children that Christmas is about the giving, not receiving, of gifts.

GIVE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. Have your children choose a few of their own toys to donate. This is a nice way to think of others and make room for the new items they are sure to receive. This can also teach your children to be grateful for what they have and nurture a desire to share with others.

SURPRISE THOSE WHO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY. Take your holiday family baking tradition one step further and bundle up nice little care packages. Drop these goodies off to groups of people who serve the community—firefighters, ambulance drivers and nurses, for example. You can always give to as many every year as you can, or pick a different group to share the holiday cheer with each year.

CAROL TO THOSE WITH INFREQUENT VISITORS. Caroling is a great way to spread Christmas cheer to those who

© FOTOLIA might not have anyone to share the holiday with.

The word “carol” actually means a dance or a song of joy and praise. A festive holiday tune can brighten anyone’s spirits.

START A SIBLING SECRET SANTA. Have each family member draw names from a hat and gift something extra special for that person.

You can even enforce rules to make the activity

both more distinct and fair, such as requiring that all gifts be handmade. Exchange these presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning to distinguish the gifts even more.

.

a.m. - 5 p.m.

a.m. - 4 p.m.

1p.m. -4p.m.!

Saturday, November 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE S9

PAGE S10

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | GIVING BACK

D

Caring At Christmas

on’t forget about our less-fortunate animal friends during the holidays. Offering your help this holiday season is a great tradition to start. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters each year.

© FOTOLIA

While it is estimated that 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted every year and another 700,000 sheltered strays are returned to their owners, this still leaves many animals in need of care—especially during the holidays.

NEEDED DONATIONS • Pet food and treats • Puppy and Kitten formula and nursing bottles • Collars and leashes • Towels and blankets • Grooming supplies • Kitty litter • Newspapers • Cleaning supplies • Crates and carriers • Food bowls • And don’t forget something to play with.

DONATING YOUR TIME AND TALENTS

If you would like to do more than drop items off, shelters can always use extra hands.

Walking animals, cleaning kennels and doing laundry are all never-ending tasks with which shelter staff constantly struggle to keep up.

Even volunteering one Saturday could make a big impact on your local shelter. If you are looking to volunteer more long term, consider volunteering to transport animals—a duty needed in order to get animals to vet appointments and adoption fairs.

And don’t forget any talents or skills you could donate. For example, if you have decent photography skills, offer to update the animal photos on the shelter’s website. Research shows that the way shelter animals are photographed directly impact how many inquiries they receive.

Santa Is Coming!

The Medford Historical Society is Proud to once again have Santa at the Mill!

Saturday Dec. 2nd, 2017 ~ 1-4 pm Adm i is F ssion ree!

ng Bri ur yo ra! e Cam

Pi withctures San ta!

Historic Kirby’s Mill 275 Church Rd, Medford NJ 08055 Located at The Sawyer House behind the Mill

Saturday, November 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE S11

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | ENTERTAINMENT

T

Movie Lineup

he holiday season brings many traditions—holiday baking, decorating and parties, to name a few. But when the day is done, continue the holiday cheer by cozying up on the couch with a great holiday movie.

....Holiday shopping done local....

© FOTOLIA Alone or surrounded by your favorite people, here is a sampling of holiday movies you should watch at least once.

ANIMATED A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): Follow the whole Peanuts gang as Charlie Brown tries to understand what Christmas is all about.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): A Tim Burton holiday masterpiece follows Jack, a skeleton bored with his own holiday of Halloween, who tries on Christmas for size.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (two versions) (1966 and 2000): Incomparable and fantastic in their own way, both will undoubtedly make your heart grow three sizes.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): If you ever doubted that Kermit the Frog and Charles Dickens could create magic, this film is here to prove otherwise. Kermit as Bob Cratchit and Michael Cain as Ebenezer Scrooge make this film a casting win.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): This stop-motion animation is a classic. It’s time to introduce a whole new generation to Rudolf and his misfit friends.

The Polar Express (2004): This recent classic features breathtaking animation and Tom Hanks as the voice over for several characters, following a young boy on a train ride to the North Pole. Wonders never cease for those who believe.

FEEL-GOOD FAMILY MOVIES A Christmas Story (1983): We all had that one toy we wanted desperately as a child. For Ralphie Parker, this was the Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and “this thing which tells

time.”

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): Clark Griswold has big holiday plans.

But like most plans, things don’t go as expected. In other words, disaster, Griswold style.

Home Alone (1990): Left at home at Christmas by mistake, Keven McCallister is left to fight off two reckless burglars with creative pranks only a child could imagine.

Elf (2003): Buddy the Elf is lovable and full of so much Christmas cheer, he will remind any Scrooge of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Family Man (2000): One Christmas night, Jack wakes to find his lavish bachelor lifestyle replaced with the life he would have had, had he stayed with his college sweetheart. Think a modern twist of the “what if” plot of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The Santa Clause (1994): Tim Allen provides a whole new (comedic) possibility to the origins of Santa Clause.

Prancer (1989): A farm girl finds a wounded reindeer she believes is Prancer, hoping to nurse it back to health in time for Christmas.

CLASSICS It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): George Bailey has a wonderful life, and he will leave you feeling like yours is pretty great, too.

White Christmas (1954): Starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, two of the greats remembered year after year for their renditions of Christmas classics.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1994): It’s OK to believe in Santa—after all, faith is what Christmas is all about.

Beautiful Decor! Great Gift Ideas! Unique Items!

ANTIQUES & VINTAGE | SOAPS AND CANDLES | JEWELRY SHABBY CHIC & REPURPOSED FURNITURE | SHABBY CHALK PAINT HANDMADE GOODS | GIFTS | GLASSWARE & CROCKS & MORE!

A little something for everyone!

New arrivals daily!

20

Present this coupon to receive:

%

off

any one item $20 or over.*

*Must present this coupon at time of purchase. 20% off any single, regular priced item over $20. Excludes furniture, sale & clearance items. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires Dec. 15, 2017. Offer not valid during Dickens Festival Dec. 2, 2017.

Saturday, December 2nd from 6-9pm Come downtown to Historic Medford Village for a festive night of holiday shopping for the 28th annual Dickens Fest!

Village Treasures 26 S. Main Street | Medford, New Jersey 609.654.8757 | Sun. 11-5 | Mon.-Sat. 10-5:30 find us on facebook!

PAGE S12

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | SWEET GIFTS

P

The Baker

eople who love to bake can be the most fun to shop for—or the most difficult because they tend to invest heavily in their hobby. This means they already have so much dedicated to the craft.

Follow this guide and your baker will be humming tunes as they whip up their “chef-d’oeuvre.” They might even treat you with the results.

THE “HANDMADE” Some of the best ingredients can be made by hand. Think vanilla-infused sugar, lavender simple syrup or rosemary olive oil—all items that are made by simply mixing a few ingredients and letting time take care of the rest. These gifts often inspire a baker to try something new.

You also can think outside of consumable items and go the sentimental route, such as putting together a recipe book of the family’s famous treats. Think grandma’s strawberry rhubarb pie, mom’s peanut brittle or Uncle Bob’s jalapeno chocolate sauce.

Even if your baker already has these recipes, he will appreciate how you’ve chosen to collect and display them.

SURE TO PLEASE Those who love to bake genuinely appreciate consumable items. These include things they can put to good use in the kitchen. Look for

delectable salts that are the perfect finishing touch on candies and caramels. Put together a basket of baking goodies—fun cupcake liners, maybe a set of new frosting tips—and add in a few consumables to complete the gift.

If you’re still stuck, don’t forget the latest and greatest gadgetry to hit the culinary market. Silicone has hit the baking scene with gusto, appearing in the form of batter spatulas, measuring cups, baking mats and cupcake pans. Silicone is non-stick and easy to clean, which makes it a baker’s dream material.

Marble cutting boards for rolling out dough, nesting bowls for easy storage or a new apron are also sure to please.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE Depending on how long your baker has been practicing her craft, she may not have some kitchen essentials. A high-end stand mixer in her favorite color is guaranteed to make her swoon, making it the perfect gift for someone just starting to outfit her kitchen.

Also don’t discount a great pastry cookbook.

Great cookbooks are works of art. They also can be pricey.

© FOTOLIA

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | SPORTY GIFT

C

The Athlete

hoosing to be active is more than a hobby for some. It’s a lifestyle. Support the athlete in your life by gifting him athletic essentials he can use during practice, competition or just for fun.

Here are just a few ideas for any fitness enthusiast: THE HANDMADE Every athlete needs a great playlist. Take this as a personal challenge and put together a motivating playlist that will keep your athlete focused and inspired. Don’t forget “cool down” music, as well as instrumentals and nature sounds for the yoga enthusiast.

If the person you care about loves being in nature, consider purchasing inexpensive trail maps and highlight great walks. This includes markers for where to stop and enjoy a great view.

This gift takes considerable time to put together but will be worth it when you see the look on your loved one’s face.

SURE TO PLEASE If you are a bit unsure of what direction to go, never underestimate the thrill of new gear.

This could be a new gym bag, an eco-friendly no-spill water bottle, a yoga mat or clothing.

If you go the clothing route, consider what the item will be used for, as this will dictate

fit and fabric. If you are buying for a runner, tight-fitting moisture-wicking fabrics are best, whereas you will want to find looser clothing for yoga to allow for movement.

If you are more of an “experience” giver, gift the athlete in your life a trial membership to a hot gym. If she already belongs to a gym, consider gifting classes that generally don’t come with a membership, such as spinning classes.

Remind your athlete to take care of his body by gifting a massage. Fitness buffs thoroughly work their muscles, so help them unwind and relax with a massage. Most clinics and spas offer deep-tissue massages, which help relieve chronic muscle tension.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE A wearable hi-definition sports camera is perfect for the hyper-active. Not only can these cameras create awesome videos that your athlete will want to watch over and over again, but they can be invaluable for training.

This type of action-capturing camera can help her learn which mistakes she’s making and how to correct them.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE S13

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | CLASSIC TRADITIONS

T

The Perfect Christmas Tree

he “perfect tree” means different things to different people, and the merits of a fir versus a pine, tall and slim versus short and wide, are argued at length each year.

But one aspect of Christmas trees on which people tend to hold a strong stance is material: Are you a “real” Christmas tree believer? Or do you prefer an artificial tree?

To help you decide (or sway you in a different direction), consider the following pros and cons of both Christmas tree types.

ARTIFICIAL TREES Benefits Convenience: Each year, this tree is simply taken out of storage and assembled. Its shape is always “perfect,” it won’t molt its needles, and it never needs to be watered.

Cost: While the initial investment might be pricey depending on the size and style you choose (pre-lit, dusted with fake snow, or ornamented with pine cones, for example), it is a cost that is only incurred once, rather than every year.

Drawbacks Non-biodegradable: This means when you throw it out, it will be in the landfill forever.

Sizable carbon footprint: More than 85 percent of artificial trees are made in China and shipped to the United States.

Fire hazard: They not only burn easily but act as an accelerant—causing much more damage than if a live tree were to burn in your home.

LIVE TREES Benefits Made in the U.S.A.: According to the USDA, almost all of the 25 to 30 million real

© FOTOLIA Christmas trees sold in the U.S. every year are grown in the U.S. Eco-friendly: Live trees are recyclable.

Smell great: A natural deodorizer, there is really nothing like the scent of fresh pine or

balsam fir.

Drawbacks Cost: Your cost will depend on the size of tree you choose as well as where you live, but most trees run anywhere from $20 to $200—a

reoccurring cost as one tree will only last the current holiday season.

High maintenance: Needles will begin to litter the floor almost immediately, and live trees must be watered heavily every day.

GIVE THE PERFECT GIFT No Fee Visa Gift Card* ®

Gift Card

DEBIT

*No purchase fees for Republic Bank customers.

ACK B IS D E R F O R E W O P THE

PAGE S14

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | NEW TRADITIONS

E

Elf On the Shelf

lf on the Shelf has transformed into a 21st Century Christmas tradition with “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” — a children’s picture book written by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, and illustrated by Coe Steinwart.

While forms of this tradition have existed around the world for centuries, this Christmas-themed story of an elf who keeps Santa informed about who is naughty and who is nice exponentially increased the popularity of the tradition.

INTRODUCING ELF While Elf starts off a wonderful Christmas season with a bang, be sure not to introduce him too soon. You don’t want him to run out of ideas or let time steal the novelty out of the activity for your children.

It is customary for Elf to appear no earlier than December 1. Many people also see their Elf for the first time the night the family decorates the Christmas tree.

STICK TO SIMPLE SHENANIGANS Elf should be able to get into her position easily, and she shouldn’t raise the expectation too much, too soon.

If she gets up to very complicated hijinks early in the season, she might run out of mischievous and creative ideas before Christmas. Pinterest is a great tool for finding

out what kind of shenanigans other families’ Elves have gotten into.

AN ELF IS AN ELF IS AN ELF While the commercialism of Elf is deepseated, you don’t have to have the advertised Elf. Anything can be an Elf. Any small figurine or stuffed animal will do, with a dose of Christmas magic, of course.

SET A REMINDER This is especially important if you’ve set the expectation that Elf is up to something different each night.

Don’t let Elf forget to adventure around the house, so you won’t have disappointed or confused little faces in the morning.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN Remember, there is no official rule book.

Maybe your elf appears in a different spot each morning, or maybe he only appears when the kids have been good.

Maybe he brings treats or small notes with him. There is no right or wrong way to start an Elf tradition. He is just there to add another dash of magic to the season.

© FOTOLIA

Saturday, November 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE S15

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | HARD-TO-BUY-FOR

The Reluctant Recipient T

here are always hard-to-shop-for people on our holiday or birthday lists, but the most difficult are the people who want nothing.

Maybe all the kids are grown and it seems superfluous to exchange gifts. Maybe this person in your life is down-sizing and making a concerted effort to reduce their belongings.

What do you get someone who doesn’t want anything? Consider the following suggestions.

THE “HANDMADE” The people you care about mean more to you than any object, and it probably wouldn’t be a stretch to say they feel the same about you. Help a friend clean out his gutters or offer to babysit your cousins for your aunt and uncle.

Your time can also be gifted outside of chores. Spend the day with your grandmother.

Look through family albums. Go to the salon—whatever you both enjoy. Oftentimes, the best present is presence.

SURE TO PLEASE Think of gifts that give back. With so many companies prioritizing sustainability and philanthropy, it is easier than ever to choose a gift that is both useful and beautiful, as well as offers a nod to social good.

Some items promise to donate a portion of the sale proceeds to a noteworthy cause, while others provide an outlet for artisans in struggling countries to have stability and an income through their craft. You also can make a donation to a cause the recipient cares about in their her. With these gifts, everybody wins.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE Give the gift of memory. Companies such as Ancestry and 23andMe offer new ways for people to experience their ancestry — DNA testing.

These services will break down your global ancestry and create a complete report of your history.

Genealogy kits make a great gift for those who think they want nothing because you are bypassing physical objects and gifting them knowledge. Knowing where we come from is a quest many of us are constantly on—and help along the way is always welcome.

PAGE S16

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | GIFTS FOR ANIMALS

O

The Pets

ur pets deserve to feel some love in the form of a special treat, as well. These are often the members of our family who greet us first in the morning and when we come home for the day.

They pick us up when we feel down and provide us company and someone to care for when we need it most.

THE “HANDMADE” Outfit your canine with the outwear they will need to brave your climate. This could be handmade sweaters, vests or thermal jackets— even little booties to protect paws from cold, sharp ice.

New toys are always a winner for keeping your pup entertained. Check in with your local pet shop to choose toys that are the appropriate size and material for your dog’s age and (perhaps destructive) nature. New bedding is also sure to please your pup. Add a handmade touch by placing extra padding in their bed for maximum comfort.

SURE TO PLEASE Consider upgrading your cat’s pet carrier.

Carriers that are made of soft nylon frequently have 360-degree mesh siding, allowing your cat to see out of all sides. This helps keep them calm when traveling to high-stress locations, including the vet.

If your cat’s collar is looking a little too loved, check out the most modern styles and prints, including those made of reflective material and “anti-stink” material. That’s right, anti-stink. Check it out.

CAGED CREATURES Don’t forget to spread the love to your caged creatures, including hamsters, reptiles, birds

© FOTOLIA

or fish. New toys or accessories are sure to delight any bird or hamster and fish like to be stimulated by new tank decor.

Don’t forget to pamper your reptile friends with new treats or an upgraded warming lamp.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE We’re not talking about splurging in terms

of money, rather in terms of your heart. There are thousands of animals that don’t have owners to dote on them. Contact local shelters and see what they need.

Towels, treats and toys are often always needed. Or give your time! Shelters are always looking for volunteers to clean kennels, take

dogs for walks and give the animals baths.

If you are prepared and have given considerable thought to the commitment a pet requires, consider adopting a pet and give them the best gift of all: their forever home.