BCR_Holiday Gift Guide_120719

Holiday Gift Guide a publication of

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, December 7, 2019

| HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Christmas tree tips and tricks

Christmas trees are an iconic symbol of the holiday season. Whether they are personal trees nestled in the corner of a living room for families to enjoy or towering evergreens serving as the focal point of a town square, Christmas trees are a wonder to behold.

Many people have fond memories of time spent around the Christmas tree sharing gifts and family traditions. Live trees and their pine-like aroma can be especially nostalgic trees to include in holiday plans. The National Christmas Tree Association says that approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year. North American trees hail from all 50 states and areas of Canada.

While freshly cut trees can be particularly beautiful and aromatic additions to the season, they require a bit more work than artificial trees in order to remain beautiful and thrive throughout the holiday season. Maintenance can help keep Christmas trees as perfect as possible.

• Even though it is tempting to buy a real tree as early as possible, their shelf life is limited even with the best care. Dural Christmas Tree Farm advises that, under the best conditions, a real tree should last up to four weeks before drying out.

• Consider the needles when looking for a real tree. Pull your hand toward your body along the branches. If many needles fall off, the tree is past its peak.

• Think about the room in which the tree will be located. Leave at least 6 inches between the tip of the tree and the ceiling, accounting for the height of the tree stand as well.

• If needle retention is a goal, the Scotch pine variety has the best needle retention and a high survival rate, lending to its popularity, offers Precision Tree and Landscape. Douglas fir and balsam fir are other durable trees.

• If possible, buy a freshly cut tree from a reputable nursery or tree farm, advises The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Many pre-cut trees sold elsewhere were likely cut weeks before and may not be fresh.

• Cut the bottom of the tree trunk before bringing it home to facilitate the uptake of fresh water daily.

Trees can absorb as much as a gallon of water in a day, so make sure the tree gets fresh water every day.

• Keep trees away from as many heat sources as possible and away from direct sunlight to prolong longevity.

• According to Karabin Farms in Connecticut, to make a Christmas tree last longer, boil a gallon of water and then dissolve one cup of sugar in the water. Allow to cool. After freshly cutting the trunk, pour in the warm sugar water. Continue to add fresh, cool, plain water to the tree stand afterward.

Once needles begin to fall off with frequency, the tree is reaching its prime. Remove it so it does not become a fire hazard.

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 toyrelated 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.

• Pay attention to age recommendations on packaging. 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 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.

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• Teach kids how to use toys. 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.

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

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE| Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, December 7, 2019

Safety tips when buying toys for tots

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Eco-friendly gift options

Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, December 7, 2019

| HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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The saying “the more the merrier” certainly applies during the holiday season. But during a season of big gifts, extra food and travel, “more” can exact a heavy toll on the environment.

According to Stanford University, Americans generate 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve than during the rest of the year.

While no one wants to take anything away from the spirit of holiday season, everyone can take steps to make the holidays more eco-friendly. In fact, there are various eco-friendly gifts that can make great presents and benefit the environment at the same time.

Purchase experiential gifts

When making holiday shopping lists, think of gifts that offer experiences rather than material goods. Gifts that involve experiences, such as going to a sporting event or attending a play or musical, decrease reliance on wrapping paper. Such gifts also reduce clutter in the recipient’s house and conserve the resources otherwise used to manufacture alternative items that would have been purchased. Experiential gifts that also tap into environmental pursuits, such as touring with an animal rescue group, or accommodations at a carbon-neutral hotel can be an added bonus.

Opt for locally made gifts

Select gifts made by local artisans or companies that operate domestically.

This cuts down on the carbon emissions from having to ship products from long distances or even overseas.

Give climate-friendly stocking stuffers

Companies like Cool Effect offer gifts for those looking to offset carbon emissions through clever funding. People can buy and offer gifts that correlate to packages like Costa Rican wind power or the “poo package,” which funds biogas digesters for family farms in India that capture methane emissions from cattle dung.

Get crafty

Gifts from the kitchen or ones made by the giver can be crafted from sustainable materials. They also show how you care by taking the time to customize a gift for the recipient.

Avoid gag or useless gifts

Select gifts only with utility in mind. Skip purchases that are made only to beef-up the look of presents under the tree or to make it appear that gifting was more generous. Items that a person cannot or will not use will ultimately be relegated to the trash, which is wasteful.

Wrap in reusable materials

Fancy wrapping paper certainly looks nice, but choose other materials that can be reused. Look for decorative tins, boxes, fancy gift bags, and other items that can be reused for years to come.

Sustainability is possible during a season of excess when gift givers shop and wrap gifts with the environment in mind.

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 nonmembers 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.

Experiential gifts are tailor-made for sports fans, making them ideal options come the holiday season.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE| Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, December 7, 2019

Sports experiences top many fans’ holiday wish lists

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Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, December 7, 2019

| HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Holiday gifts for four- legged family members Holiday shoppers who are busy making lists and checking them twice should make sure they don’t overlook the family pet. Christmas has gone to the cats and dogs, as a greater number of people include their companion animals when selecting gifts each year.

A study by OnePoll conducted by Rover.com, the nation’s largest network of dog sitters and walkers, found that 95 percent of pet owners have bought holiday gifts for their pets. Gifts can range from everyday needs, like food and treats, to more lavish extravagances like spa treatments.

Pet owners who plan to get their pets gifts this year may want to consider some of the emerging pet trends as they browse wares and services. The Balance, a business, career and industry information site, says pet industry trends point toward these segments seeing growth.

Natural pet products Just as people are interested in protecting the health of the planet and their own personal health, so, too, are they extending this concern to companion animals.

Natural pet products, which can include natural flea and tick remedies, holistic foods, organic items, and all-natural grooming products, can make great gifts.

Specialty pet services The American Pet Products Association says the demand for high-end pet grooming and other services is substantial. In addition, personalized training, behavioral consulting, portrait photography, dog sitting, and upscale spa treatments like pet Reiki and massage are booming.

Mobile pet grooming Mobile pet grooming has become the norm in many areas. Mobile pet grooming can reduce the potential stress on animals, and tends to be very convenient for customers, particularly seniors and others who have mobility issues.

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Beyond these growing trends, pet owners have a bevy of other ideas from which to choose. Here are just a few different suggestions: • tests to detect pets’ DNA and trace breed and ancestry, • interactive puzzles to keep pets engaged and banish boredom, • stylish storage baskets for pet toys, • hidden cat litter or dog crate items that camouflage commonly used pet items, • heated pet bed for cozy nights and mornings, and • signature vests, coats and sweaters to look good and remain comfortable.

Pet gifts are popular this time of year, ensuring all members of the family have a treat to open.

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Great Gifts

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The holiday season provides plenty of opportunities to socialize. Holiday celebrations are sometimes akin to family reunions, but friends also tend to celebrate together in December. Such celebrations sometimes include different groups of friends, and that may require hosts to do a little extra to break the ice so everyone relaxes and has a good time.

Secret Santa gift exchanges can make for a great ice breaker, even if guests are buying gifts for people they don’t know. If you plan to make Secret Santa part of your holiday party this year, consider these tips to ensure it goes off smoothly.

• Start planning early. Hosts likely know everyone coming to their party, so they should take the lead and organize the Secret Santa exchange. Let guests know as early as possible, even including the information in the party invitations, so they have time to shop.

• Make it optional. Forcing people to mingle and exchange gifts is never a good idea. Give guests the option to participate ask them to indicate if they will or won’t when they RSVP. • Set a reasonable gift limit. Figure out a budget that works for everyone.

There are plenty of gifts to be had for $20 and under. Gag gifts or “dollar store” gift themes can ensure no one goes overboard in terms of dollar value.

• Consider a wish list. Asking participants to fill out wish lists ensures that their Secret Santa buddy will have an idea where to start shopping.

• Enlist a digital helper. Technology can make organizing Secret Santa exchanges even easier. Elfster is an online gift exchange app that can help hosts effectively organize their Secret Santa parties.

Fun is key to Secret Santa exchanges, so make sure to keep things lighthearted when planning the party and exchanging gifts.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE| Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, December 7, 2019

Tips for successful office Secret Santa exchanges

Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, December 7, 2019

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