Published by ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC
Holiday
Inside
2023
• Workplace gift exchange • Master
shopping early • Gifts for kids
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
Four UNIQUE GIFTS for busy professionals The holiday season is synonymous with giving. Families engage in gift-giving come the holiday season to show their loved ones how much they appreciate them. Such sentiments are thoughtful and can have a big impact when shoppers find the perfect gift. The perfect gift can be elusive. No one wants to give a gift that won’t end up being used, and some people on shoppers’ lists may prove more difficult to shop for than others. That might be the case with busy professionals who are seemingly always working. This holiday season, shoppers can consider these four unique gift ideas for loved ones climbing their way up the corporate ladder.
1. LUGGAGE
Business travel took a hit during the pandemic, and a spring 2023 report from the research firm Morning Consult predicted that it may never return to what was considered normal prior to the pandemic. However, the report indicated that the average business traveler is now younger and earning less than the average business traveler before the pandemic. That makes luggage an ideal gift for the up-andcoming professional who may be traveling more and could benefit from some stylish, sturdy and durable luggage.
2. FOUNTAIN PEN
Few small items exude a greater sense of sophistication and success than a highend, engraved fountain pen. Established
professionals will appreciate the sleek and impressive appearance of a hand-crafted, customized fountain pen, which can be used to pen memos or sign important documents in style.
3. TEMPERATURECONTROLLED SMART MUG
Caffeine is the secret behind many a professional’s success. A temperaturecontrolled smart mug can ensure your favorite corporate executive’s coffee maintains its ideal temperature no matter how hectic the day becomes.
4. YOGA SESSIONS
Stress is part of the job for many successful professionals. In fact, the American Institute of Stress reports that 94 percent of workers report having chronic stress at work. The competitive nature of the corporate world may not afford many opportunities to decompress during the workday, but the National Institutes of Health reports that yoga can play an effective role in reducing stress and anxiety. Some yoga sessions, which can be purchased from a local yoga studio or even through an app users can access on their smart TVs, can be just what successful executives need to unwind in a healthy way after a long day at the office. Successful professionals have a lot on their plate. A gift that can make their workdays better is sure to be a hit this holiday season.
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Sessions at a local yoga studio can be just the gift for busy professionals who need to unwind. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO 2023 Gift Guide
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workplace gift exchange HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
TIPS FOR ORGANIZING A The average person will spend around eight hours at work each day, and do so roughly five days a week. Over time, relationships with coworkers may grow, and many people become friendly with their colleagues. In such settings, it can be customary to celebrate holidays with coworkers at company-sanctioned events. Personnel tasked with organizing the sharing of gifts across departments or the company can employ the following tips to make things run smoothly.
a silly amount for laughs, such as purchasing gifts only at the local dollar store.
• DO NOT PRESSURE PARTICIPATION
Engaging in a company-wide gift exchange should be completely voluntary. Only those who choose to participate will exchange with others. The easiest way to do this is to collect the gifts, then hand out grab bag numbers, enabling all participants to grab a random gift from the bag or table. Also, gifts should not be highly personal or anything that may be viewed as offensive.
• DEFER TO COMPANY RULES
Companies may have guidelines in place that govern gifting. Check employee handbooks or company policies, which may dictate spending limits or even prohibit gift-giving.
• KEEP SOME SPARE GIFTS ON HAND
• KEEP IT HOLIDAY NONSPECIFIC Companies feature staff from various cultures, ethnicities and religious backgrounds. Therefore, resist any urge to affiliate the gift exchange with a specific holiday. Keep terms generalized, avoiding the use of “Secret Santa” or references to Christmas or Chanukah. Specify that gift wrap be generic as well.
• RECOGNIZE THAT GIFT-GIVING FLOWS DOWNWARD The general rule of the workplace is that people at the same employment level
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Personnel tasked with organizing the sharing of gifts across departments or the company can employ the following tips to make things run smoothly. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO 2023 Gift Guide
can give gifts among themselves, but employees should not feel pressured to give gifts to their supervisors or bosses. Should one choose to do so, it could be misinterpreted and may cause rumblings across the company. If supervisors and managers want to gift their subordinates, then that is fine so long as everyone is
treated fairly.
• DECIDE ON A SPENDING LIMIT
Set a firm spending limit. A range of $15 to $20 may be affordable to most, and ensures a nice gift. However, if yours is a laid back environment and everyone is lighthearted, you can have gag gifts or set
It’s happened before when someone has become ill or simply forgotten to bring a gift to the exchange. Human resource managers or department heads may want to use an expense account to have a spare gift or two on hand so that no participant walks away empty-handed.
• EXCHANGE AT THE PARTY
If an office party is part of the plan, the gift exchange can take place there at a certain point in the festivities where it will be convenient for all involved. Office gift exchanges are common during the holiday season. A few guidelines can keep such exchanges festive and fun.
The benefits of shopping local during the holiday season Millions of people enjoy shopping for gifts and loved ones each holiday season. The spirit of giving is alive and well each December, and that can extend to giving back to one’s own community. In addition to supporting local charities when making donations during the holiday season, shoppers can patronize small local businesses over big box retailers and national chains. The decision to do so can benefit communities in myriad ways. • Small businesses inspire young entrepreneurs. The United States Department of Commerce reports that nearly half of all small business owners in the U.S. in 2018 were 54 or younger. Six percent of those owners were 34 and under. Young entrepreneurs at the helm of thriving local businesses provide inspiration to the next generation of innovators. • Thriving small business owners can send a positive message to traditionally underrepresented groups. The National Women’s Business Council Annual Report for 2022 indicated women-owned employer firms increased by nearly 17 percent between 2012 and 2019. Similarly, the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 Annual Business Survey found that there were more Hispanic-owned and minorityowned businesses in various sectors than a decade earlier. The success of womenand minority-owned businesses sends a positive message to young entrepreneurs and locals who are part of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in business. That can help to create a more diverse and inclusive Main Street,
Holiday shoppers can patronize small local businesses over big box retailers and national chains, which can benefit communities in myriad ways. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO 2023 Gift Guide
the success of which depends heavily on locals’ willingness to patronize locallyowned businesses. • Shopping local supports many small business owners. Family meals and social gatherings with friends and coworkers are a big part of the holiday season, and it’s not uncommon to break bread and share a few drinks during a night on the town.
Choosing to gather at a locally owned restaurant or tavern instead of a chain restaurant can have a ripple effect on an assortment of local businesses. Local restaurants often source their ingredients from local farms. A family meal at such a restaurant benefits both the restaurant owner and the hardworking local suppliers of the food that ends up on the plate.
Local restaurants also are more likely to list locally produced wines and craft beers on their menus than national chains. That adds to the ripple effect of celebrating the holidays at a locally owned restaurant. A thriving small business sector is vital to a strong local economy. Shoppers can keep that in mind and patronize local businesses during the holiday season.
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Sports experiences
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
make great gifts this holiday season
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The thrill of sports has inspired billions of loyal fans and athletes across the globe. Professional, collegiate, scholastic, and even recreational sports entertain people all year long. That popularity is something shoppers can keep in mind as they look for the perfect gift for the family sports fan this holiday season. Many adults undoubtedly recall receiving sports equipment as a holiday gift when they were children. Whether it’s a baseball mitt or a field hockey stick or a new ball, these gifts tend to light up kids’ eyes come Christmas morning. dult sports fans may not need such equipment, but they might be just as excited to receive these unique sports experiences this holiday season.
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For diehard sports fans, nothing is better than going to the big game. Perhaps in acknowledgment of the growing popularity of following a favorite team on the road, many professional sports leagues now release team schedules months in advance of the first game of the season. For example, the National Football League released its 2022 schedule in midMay, despite the fact that the season does not begin until September. Shoppers can peruse schedules and circle a must-see home game or lay the foundation for a memorable trip by giving tickets to a road game.
STADIUM TOUR
Stadium tours are another great experience the family sports fan will undoubtedly appreciate. Many professional sports teams now welcome fans to tour their stadiums both in-season and during the offseason. These tours offer a behindthe-scenes look at stadiums, arenas and ballparks. Teams may even host tours on game days, making this a great stocking stuffer to pair with tickets to a game.
FAN FEST
Fan fest tickets make an ideal gift for individuals who can be accurately described as “diehards” for their favorite teams. These family-friendly gatherings tend to happen in the weeks leading up to the start of a new season. A handful of current and former players typically attend fan fests, which are hosted by the team and typically include activities for adults and children alike.
LESSONS
Holiday shoppers may have a sports fan on their list who still enjoys lacing up their cleats. For example, pro golf fans may still enjoy hitting the links themselves. In such instances, lessons from a nearby golf pro can be just the thing to make sports fans smile this holiday season. Sports experiences make an ideal gift for individuals whose passion for a favorite team is a big part of their life.
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Adult sports fans may not need such equipment, but they might be just as excited to receive these unique sports experiences this holiday season. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO 2023 Gift Guide
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
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Make Christmas special for the family foodie Food features prominently throughout the holiday season. Family meals around the holiday dinner table are a cherished tradition in millions of households, and food also plays a central role during seasonal gatherings with friends and colleagues. Food also can feature prominently throughout Chanukah and on Christmas Day, particularly if a loved one qualifies as a full-fledged foodie. Many families feature at least one foodie. Foodies always know the best place in town to grab a bite or when a trendy new restaurant will open its doors. But such individuals also enjoy making meals at home, and the following gift ideas can make this holiday season more flavorful for the family foodie.
keep on giving all the way until next holiday season. Sweets lovers will undoubtedly appreciate receiving a box of fresh chocolates each month, while those with more unique tastes may anxiously await the day their monthly shipment of pickles arrives at their doorstep. The options are endless, ensuring there’s a monthly subscription out there to tickle every foodie’s fancy.
• SAUCE SAMPLER
• TABLETOP FIREPIT
Shoppers who want to impress their food-loving loved one with something truly unique can give a tabletop firepit. Safe for indoor use, tabletop firepits enable s’mores-loving foodies to indulge in a traditionally summertime favorite all-yearround. Tabletop firepits are small enough to be stored on a kitchen countertop or in a cabinet. When in use, the s’mores-friendly accessory is smokeless, removing perhaps
the lone disadvantage to making this beloved treat.
• CLUB SUBSCRIPTION
Monthly subscriptions are a gift that can
Amateur sauciers may find inspiration in a sauce sampler set. Sampler set options abound, so shoppers can find something for foodies who love a spicy sauce, something more sweet or even in between. Of course, sampler sets also provide a range of sauces, making them ideal for foodies who want something spicy tonight before pivoting to a sweeter dish tomorrow. Flavored olive oil sampler sets also can be a great gift for cooks who love to experiment with new flavors.
• CHARCUTERIE BOARD AND KNIFE SET
Foodies who love to host their fellow food fanatics will no doubt fall in love with a new charcuterie board and knife set. A 2023 report from Kroger revealed that the supermarket chain expected charcuterie boards to remain popular over the course of the year. That popularity makes sense, as anything from meat to cheese to fruit to crackers has a home on a charcuterie board, making the item especially appealing to foodies who routinely share their homes and love of food with friends and family.
• ESPRESSO MAKER
Of course, foodies aren’t just about food. Beverages also figure prominently in many foodies’ lives. A high-end espresso maker can ground fresh beans and brew multiple cups in no time at all, making it an ideal addition to any foodie’s culinary arsenal. Food is a vital component of the holiday season and can even be incorporated into holiday shopping.
Foodies who love to host their fellow food fanatics will no doubt fall in \love with a new charcuterie board and knife set. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO 2023 Gift Guide
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
Gifts for people who love the great outdoors Outdoor enthusiasts need reliable gear to make their experiences that much more enjoyable. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO 2023 Gift Guide
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Certain people feel right at home in the great outdoors. With the sun on their faces and the wind in their hair, rock scramblers and kayaking buffs simply can’t get enough of being outside in the elements. Outdoor enthusiasts need reliable gear to make their experiences that much more enjoyable. Brandon Gaille Small Business & Marketing Advice reports that $230.6 billion was spent worldwide on sportswear and outdoor apparel in 2021. However, there’s always room to improve on adventures large and small, and holiday shoppers can keep these items in mind as they look for items for their favorite nature lover this season.
• PLASMA LIGHTER: A plasma lighter can start fires in conditions that aren’t conducive to other fire-starting measures. Plasma lighters are water- and wind-resistant and work in nearly all weather conditions. Saberlight even makes a rechargeable option with USB charging cable. • LANTERN: Outside magazine recently
named the BioLite AlpenGlow 250 as its new favorite road trip item. It can be used in a variety of settings, including inside a tent or at a hunting cabin, and produces customizable illumination.
• BACKPACK COOLER: Yeti is known as a leader in coolers, and the Yeti Hopper Backflip Soft Cooler makes carrying food and beverages even more convenient. This product is a backpack and a cooler, so it’s a hands-free and portable option when out in nature. • HIKING SOCKS: Keeping feet cool and comfortable is essential on hiking trips. Injinji socks are made from CoolMax fibers that help provide a blister-free wilderness experience designed to minimize friction. • WATERPROOF BACKPACK: Whether a loved one spends time in or near the water or just wants to safeguard his or her belongings in inclement weather, a waterproof backpack is the ideal outdoor
gift. It’s easy to clean and keeps items inside dry. IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack is one to consider.
• LIGHTWEIGHT SLEEPING BAG:
Maybe someone’s sleeping gear needs an overhaul? Enlightened Equipment offers an 850-fill, zero-degree sleeping bag that is warm, but only weighs 1.5 pounds. That helps free up space and lessens hikers’ loads when carrying gear on the trail.
• POWER BANK/SOLAR CHARGER: Many people can’t live without their devices, even when out in the great outdoors. Since you can’t plug a phone into a tree, a portable solar charger and power bank is key. The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ comes with its own built-in battery, so a person can capture the sun’s rays during the day and save some power reserves for charging after sunset. These are just a few of the innovative items that can appeal to outdoor enthusiasts on your holiday shopping list. 657 2nd St., Monroe, WI
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
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How to master shopping early for the holidays
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. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO 2023 Gift Guide
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
“The early bird gets the worm” is a well-known English proverb that historians trace all the way back to the 1600s. Though the words might first have been popularized hundreds of years ago, they remain as true today as they were then, particularly in regard to holiday shopping. Savvy shoppers have long touted the importance of starting early when looking for holiday gifts for loved ones. Seasoned procrastinators may never embrace early shopping, but others who want to a less hectic holiday shopping season can consider these tips. • Begin with a plan. Holiday shopping excursions, whether they take place in town, at the mall or online, can take longer than expected when shoppers have no idea what they’re looking for. Prior to your first holiday shopping trip, jot down gift ideas for each person on your list. Then scour stores or websites for those items. Starting early affords shoppers time to bargain hunt and ensures supply shortages or other issues won’t get in the way of a happy loved one come the holiday season. • Recognize the notion of “early” has changed. Early holiday shopping used to be synonymous with the retail holiday Black Friday, which occurs the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. However, many holiday shoppers now begin buying gifts long before they’ve purchased a Thanksgiving turkey. In its 2022 Consumer Pulse Survey, McKinsey & Company found that 56 percent of consumers started their holiday shopping
in October. A host of variables may have influenced that shift, but supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic have lingered, which undoubtedly compelled consumers to get an especially early start on holiday shopping. Shoppers who want to ensure everything arrives on time for the holiday season must recognize that “early” shopping now involves beginning around Halloween, if not earlier. • Take the (local) road less traveled. Shopping local merchants in person is a strategy savvy shoppers have long since embraced, but it’s one that’s especially beneficial in an era marked by supply chain issues and inflation. Local merchants don’t have the overhead or sizable staffs of big box or chain stores, which enables them to keep costs low. And since local merchants produce many of their own products, it’s likely there’s something in store that shoppers will love and less likely that they will have issues filling orders. A late fall afternoon in a local shopping district can yield an array of treasures and help holiday shoppers find the right gift for many a person on their list. • When in doubt, go gift card. If the right gift is proving elusive even when shopping early, shoppers should not hesitate to go the gift card route. Shoppers need not feel as though a gift card is a nonstarter, as a 2022 survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of survey respondents indicated gift cards were the most desirable gift of the holiday season.
Shopping early is a great way to enjoy a less hectic holiday season. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO 2023 Gift Guide
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
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MAIN STREET ROSCOE
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