SVM_Holiday Gift Guide_120923

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L A C O L P O SH Guide Gift

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

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

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

Laptop or tablet Gone are the days when students primarily utilize pen and paper for school assignments. Students are often introduced to tablets and other digital devices to complete assignments and take notes as early as elementary school. This reliance on paperless communication continues at the high school and university level. Most, if not all, assignments are posted online and then completed and submitted through various portals or cloud services. Therefore, college students will require a laptop or high functioning tablet with the right processing speed and memory capacity to handle the demand.

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

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

Event tickets Not every moment should be spent in classrooms or residence halls. College students may want to venture away from campus, and what better way to enjoy the sights and offerings of what nearby venues have to offer than by attending various events? Gift-givers can offer tickets to art shows, music festivals, comedy club nights, amusement parks, or other events in college towns.

Parking pass Although freshmen may be restricted from bringing cars to campus unless they are commuter students, sophomores and upperclassmen may be able to park in campus lots.

Parking typically is an extra cost for students, meaning friends or relatives can gift the cost of annual parking passes to the college students in Travel assistance their lives.

Attending college far from home means that students will take planes, trains or automobiles Dorm gear to return home for holidays and other special College students who opt to live in campus housing often want to make their dorm rooms a events. Gifting college students airline or train home away from home. They will need to outfit fare, or providing gift cards for gas station fillups, means students will be able to afford trips these tight quarters with items that won’t take up too much space. Small pod-type coffee pots, home when needed.

College students can benefit from gifts compact microwaves, mini fridges, under-bed geared to the college lifestyle. storage shelving, area rugs, cozy comforters,

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Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • December 2023

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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(MS) - The holiday season is a special time of year for pThe feeling of giving a gift and watching the recipient smile broadly after peeling away the wrapping is part of what the makes holiday season such a special time of year. Matching presents to people is not always easy, but when shoppers pull it off, the smile on a loved one’s face is quite the reward.

Creative individuals and resident artists are continually honing their crafts. This holiday season could be the perfect opportunity to tune into these artistic pursuits and give something that lets artists take their creativity to the next level.

The following are some gift ideas for artistic individuals on holiday shopping lists.

Supplies gift basket Each artistic pursuit requires its own array of materials and tools to perfect the craft. For example, painters will rely on canvases, oils and paintbrushes to create masterpieces, while those who engage in ceramics may need bisques, clays and firing tools. A mix of supplies can fuel upcoming projects.

Museum or exhibition visit Artists may be inspired by others who engage in the arts. Purchase tickets to a museum that

tors, and sessions with these people also can make perfect holiday gifts.

Shopping experience Many artists also are entrepreneurs who sell their wares to others. You can help promote that passion by funding an online shopping website or paying for table or booth fees at area craft festivals and other vendor events around town.

has always been a favorite for the gift recipient.

Entry to a local art installation or exhibition also figures to be a hit.

Lessons Classes with an artistic master can help artists hone their craft. Masterclass.com offers annual subscriptions or monthly sessions during which people can learn from the world’s best instructors in their respective fields. Local artists also may be willing to serve as mentors or instruc-

Display their art If an artist you know has a particularly beloved collection or piece of art, arrange for a professional framing or purchase a high-end display case. This way the artwork will remain pristine for others to enjoy in the years ahead.

Gift cards Though gift cards may seem impersonal, they can be the means by which an artist is able to purchase supplies or travel to art shows to sell their offerings. Don’t discount the utility of gift cards come the holiday season.

Artists can benefit from a number of different gifts that help to propel their creative pursuits.

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Holiday gifts for the family artist

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Bake up a sweet holiday treat

Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • December 2023

(MS) - Entertaining is a big part of the holiday season. Calendars are packed this time of year with gatherings with friends, family and professional colleagues.

Entertaining requires keeping plenty of refreshments on hand to ensure guests maintain their holiday spirit. Dessert is no stranger to the season, with office break rooms, dining tables and buffet stations brimming with sweet treats to tempt celebrants’ palates. Everyone should have a go-to dessert to bring along to a holiday party or to offer guests when hosting their own fêtes.

Cookies are a standard due to their versatility and portability.

Festive “Sour Cream Cookies” provide all of the holiday feels and can be customized in color to reflect celebrations of Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, or New Year’s. Bake up a batch, courtesy of “Live Well Bake Cookies” (Rock Point) by Danielle Rye. A few pointers can ensure wreaths remain a beautiful component of holiday decor throughout the season.

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1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 large egg, at room temperature 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature Vanilla Buttercream Frosting ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1½ cups powdered sugar 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Gel food coloring (optional) 1. To make the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt until well combined. Set aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together for 1 to 2 minutes, or until well combined.

4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Mix in the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the

5 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • December 2023

Sour Cream Cookies

sour cream. Make sure to mix in each addition until just combined, and be careful not to overmix the batter.

6. Using a 11⁄2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave a little room between each one.

7. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set and spring back when touched lightly. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. To make the vanilla buttercream frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter for 1 to 2 minutes, or until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, 1⁄2 cup at a time, mixing in each addition until well combined.

9. Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and gel food coloring (if using), and continue mixing until fully combined.

10. Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the frosting on top of the cookies.

11. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • December 2023

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Fun books to read to children this holiday season (MS) - The holiday season is a special time of year for people of all ages, but children might be the most enthusiastic celebrants come December. Children spend much of the holiday season anticipating the arrival of the man in the red suit, and that enthusiasm can be contagious.

Families have their own unique traditions during the holiday season, but one popular way to harness kids’ enthusiasm between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day is to read them holiday stories. There’s no shortage of great holiday books for kids, but here are a handful that kids may remember well into adulthood.

• “The Polar Express,” by Chris Van Allsburg: The beloved tale is the story of a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole.

• “The Littlest Elf,” by Brandi Dougherty: Part of a series, this story focuses on a tiny elf named Oliver and a series of misadventures as he navigates his way through Santa’s workshop.

• “Olive, the Other Reindeer,” by Vivian Walsh: Olive is no ordinary reindeer. In fact, Olive is a dog who heads to the North Pole believing she is a reindeer. Her decision to join Santa’s team ultimately benefits the big man and his trusty reindeer.

• “The Miracle of the First Poinsettia: A Mexican Christmas Story,” by Joanne Oppenheim: A little girl named Juanita is the star of this retelling of a traditional Mexican tale with a valuable lesson.

• “Gingerbread Mouse: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids,” by Katy Bratun: A fallen tree branch almost ruins Christmas for Mouse, whose determination and resourcefulness mixed in with a little Christmas magic ensures she finds a place to call home in time for the holidays.

• “A Night in Santa’s Great Big Bag,” by Kristin Kladstrup: Santa saves the day in this tale starring a young boy’s favorite stuffed animal, whose excitement for Christmas compels

him to climb into Santa’s big bag of presents on Christmas Eve. • “Santa Claus and the Three Bears,” by Maria Modugno: This twist on the popular tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” finds three unsuspecting bears encountering a familiar fellow in a red suit upon returning home after a nighttime walk.

• “Twas the Night Before Christmas: Edited

by Santa Claus for the Benefit of Children of the 21st Century,” by Clement C. Moore: Parents will appreciate this updated version of the popular tale that, among other things, has removed the reference to Santa smoking.

• “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss: Children can join generations of fans that came before them as they hear the redemption story of the Grinch who was once determined to ruin Christmas for the happy people of Whoville.

• “The Nutcracker,” by the New York City Ballet: The classic story is retold based on famed choreographer George Balanchine’s production.

The holiday season is steeped in tradition.

Reading new and classic holiday stories to children is one tradition any family can embrace.

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Last-minute holiday shopping tips (MS) - Though devotees of early holiday shopping do not hesitate to point out how convenient it can be to get all their gifts long before the arrival of Chanukah and Christmas, scores of shoppers still wait until the last minute to begin checking names off their lists. It might be beneficial to shop early, but it’s easy to procrastinate.

Last-minute holiday shopping might not be as enjoyable a custom as family dinners or office parties, but scrambling to find the right gift in the waning days of the holiday season is a familiar situation for millions of shoppers.

Shoppers who find themselves with some last-minute shopping on their to-do list can utilize these tips to make the frantic search for the right gift go smoothly.

Work with store personnel If a shopping list is lengthy but the time before the holiday arrives is dwindling, speak directly with store personnel, who may offer suggestions but can also help shoppers find what they need. In-person shoppers can speak with a store clerk immediately upon entering a store, while online shoppers can utilize chat functions on retailers’ websites for help finding something that’s in stock and deliverable before the big day.

Expect competition.

Though online shopping would seemingly make last-minute shoppers relics of a bygone era, that was not really the case in 2022. A survey of more than 1,000 shoppers conducted by the retail industry publisher Best Black Friday found that just about 16 percent of consumers estimated they would finish their shopping during the week of Christmas.

Last-minute shoppers who want to avoid crowds should consider shopping during off-peak hours, such as on weekday mornings and afternoons when most people are working.

Bag it, don’t wrap it Shoppers who wait until the very last minute likely won’t have time to wrap all the gifts they pick up for loved ones. Gift bags conceal gifts just as well as wrapping paper, but it takes a fraction of the time to place a gift in a bag as it does to wrap it in paper. Quality gifts bags also are reusable, which can appeal to anyone looking to create less waste this holiday season.

Don’t forget food If it’s truly impossible to find something late in the season and a gift card feels too impersonal, give the gift of food. Adult recipients Shop local also can be gifted a bottle of wine or another Last-minute shoppers may be flocking to spirit that can be enjoyed during a holiday malls and busy downtown shopping districts meal. Shoppers skilled in the kitchen can whip as they hurry to get gifts for friends and family up a homemade treat, while those without members with different interests. Shopping such talents can give a store-bought delicacy at small, local businesses can help last-minute or even a subscription to a monthly food club shoppers avoid such crowds. And with less or service. on their shelves and smaller storage rooms, Last-minute shopping may look differsmall business owners and their staff also ent than it used to, but scores of shoppers tend to know their inventories inside and out. still wait to buy gifts for their loved ones. A That can ensure a shopping trip is not spent handful of strategies can simplify last-minute wandering numerous aisles in search of the shopping. right gift.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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