Holiday Gift Guide 2021

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021

B-2 – SOUTHPOINT SUN

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021

Gift-wrapping tips and tricks Much of the focus of each holiday season is on gift-giving, but all those gifts will eventually need to be wrapped. Stacks of presents just waiting to be covered with paper and ribbon can overwhelm gift givers, prompting them to put off wrapping until the last minute. Hesitant wrappers with a pile of gifts can use these tricks to make the process go smoothly.

Find inspiration Instead of looking at wrapping as yet another chore, try to envision how the recipient will feel as they take off the wrapping and find the gift inside. The wrapping paper or style may draw on aspects of the gift itself. For example, kitchen utensils can be wrapped in a nice dish cloth.

Handle oddly-shaped items Wrapping rectangular boxes can be a snap, but what about something that’s round or full of angles? Think about placing oddly-shaped items inside another item (i.e shoe box) to make the shape more uniform. It will be much easier wrapping something that is a standard shape.

Cover price tags To enable easy exchanges or returns, do not cut off the price tags of gifts. Instead, place a festive sticker over the dollar amount, but leave the scan bar visible. This way the gift recipient can return the gift with ease if necessary.

Colour or pattern-code gifts It’s easy to visualize who gets what gift when each recipient has their own special wrapping paper. This is also a handy idea when wrapping gifts from Santa, as it will differentiate the Santa gifts from the ones being given by Mom and Dad.

Keep supplies at the ready Devote a bin or bins to store wrapping supplies and tools. Having scissors, paper, tape, ribbon, and more in a designated spot will cut down on having to hunt when it comes time to wrap. Martha Stewart suggests getting a rotary cutter to cut long straight or decorative edges on wrapping paper. Rotary cutters may be easier to use than scissors, especially when paired with a ruler.

Wrap on a firm surface Devote a table or counter to wrapping gifts. This will keep the paper taut and neat and make it easier to cut and position. You risk tearing the paper or puncturing it when working on carpeting or bedding.

Protect yourself from online shopping scams this holiday season (NC) Now, more than ever, people are using online shopping to purchase the holiday gifts they need from one convenient place – the internet.

If you’re doing some online shopping this holiday season, whether it’s for the first time or the hundredth, here are some tips on doing it in a cyber safe way.

Shop at familiar retailers It’s easier to stick to stores you know when shopping online. Verified retailers will have stronger cyber security practices to keep you protected. If you do find yourself on unfamiliar sites, make sure to verify that they are legitimate. Look out for websites that have “https” and a green lock bar before their address

in your web browser; this indicates those websites encrypt your financial data. Look for reviews online and contact the retailer if you are unsure.

If something seems too good to be true, like those brand name shoes on clearance, it probably is.

Use a virtual private network (VPN) on public Wi-Fi It’s so easy to shop online these days that you don’t even need to be in the privacy of your own home.

But just because something is easier doesn’t mean that it’s safe. If you’re making purchases outside of your home network, use your cellular data.

If your data is unavailable, use a VPN to secure your information when using public Wi-Fi.

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Check your bank statements regularly If you’re making online purchases frequently, even if it’s just around the holidays, check your bank statements regularly. Keep track of your purchases and make sure everything matches with your charges. If something doesn’t add up, contact the company immediately. If they can’t be reached, notify your bank right away.

ment information in a browser makes it more likely to fall into the hands of a cyber criminal.

Don’t save your credit card info in your web browser You know when you enter your credit card information, and your browser asks if you’d like it to remember that info? Click NO. It might take some extra time when you’re shopping online, but saving your pay-

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021

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The benefits of in person holiday shopping The 2020 holiday season was unlike any other. The COVID-19 pandemic was still affecting daily life across the globe prompting many families and individuals to alter holiday traditions they’d embraced for decades, including how people shop. While many people avoided in person holiday shopping in 2020, the successful rollout of various COVID-19 vaccines has made in person shopping safe again. That’s good news for local businesses and great news for shoppers, who may have forgotten just how much they can benefit from shopping in person.

In person shopping is convenient

Much is made of the convenience of online shopping. And it’s undeniable that the ability to shop at all hours of the day and night is convenient.

However, in person shopping, especially when shopping for others, is much more convenient than shoppers may realize. When shopping in person, gift buyers can get a feel for an item, size it up and even inspect its quality prior to purchasing it. That can save shoppers from that disappointing feeling of receiving an item in the mail only to realize it’s poorly made or oddly sized and therefore unlikely to fit its eventual recipient.

In person shopping isn’t all about shipping

Shipping speed is a significant factor for online shoppers, and that may affect just which gift they give come the holiday season. According to a Dotcom report titled “How Fast Delivery and Quality Packaging Drives Customer Loyalty,” 87 percent of shoppers surveyed indicated shipping was a key factor when deciding whether to shop with an e-commerce brand again. That’s an important consideration, as shoppers may be more inclined to buy an item from a retailer simply because of their shipping speed capabilities and not because of the quality of the item and whether or not it’s what they want to give to their loved one. Shopping in person removes shipping from the equation, ensuring gift givers will give a gift they truly want to give and not just the one that will arrive on time.

In person shopping allows for easier browsing

Within minutes of entering a store and walking around, shoppers may see a handful of gifts that will ultimately be great for various people on their lists, even if they had no idea what to get prior to entering. That ability to browse is more difficult when shopping online, especially when buying from online retailers with massive inventories of a range of products. Such sites often require visitors to pick a category to streamline their searches. That’s not always easy or enjoyable for shoppers who cherish the opportunity to uncover hidden gems or more unique gifts that aren’t available all over the internet.

In person shopping gets shoppers out of the house

Since the onset of the pandemic, people have spent more time than ever within the confines of their homes. The 2021 holiday shopping season provides a great opportunity to get out of the house and disconnect from devices. Shoppers can even do so alongside friends and family members they weren’t able to see last holiday season.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021

5 great gifts for tweens and teens this holiday season

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Children often marvel at the world around them. When they’re very young, they’re delighted to receive just about any toy and play with items that others may not see as fun - including everything from mixing bowls to cardboard boxes. Eventually that excitable toddler will turn into a young adult trying to find their place in the world. With each passing year, the task of finding gifts for tweens and teenagers becomes that much more challenging.

While most parents and other relatives may never seem “cool” in the eyes of their teens, they can gift the tweens and teens with presents that will earn them a few extra brownie points. The following are five gift ideas that are tailor-made for tweens and teens.

LED strip lights Many young adults enjoy customizing their bedrooms. Teens can utilize LED strip lights to create a unique ambiance that reflects their style.

These often self-sticking ribbons of lights adhere right to walls. They come in a variety of lengths so they can be used to frame the perimeter of the room, if desired. Complete with multicolored options and a remote control, teens can set their room colors as their mood dictates.

Wireless earbuds or headphones Wireless headphones are used on a daily basis by tweens and teens. They rely on them for listening to music, watching movies on their devices and even during remote learning sessions. There are many brands to choose from, with Beats by Dre and Apple AirPods among the most popular.

Sneakers and shoes Sneakers have long been popular gifts for teenagers, but they tend to be costly, especially for trending styles and brands. Vans Slip-On® Core Classics, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneakers, Reebok Club C 85 Vintage, Nike Air Force One, and Adidas Sobakov are popular among today’s tweens and teens. In addition, thanks to the resurgence of 1990s style, Dr. Martens boots are once again in demand.

Video game consoles Each gamer has his or her preferred platform for gaming. From the Nintendo Switch to the Xbox Series X to the Sony PlayStation 5, these systems are in high demand. Due to that demand, these products may be hard or even impossible to find the closer you get to Christmas Day. Grab them while you can and soak in the smile on your favorite tween’s or teen’s face.

Gift cards Teens try to keep up with the latest styles, and a gift card from one of their favourite retailers can help them build their ensembles that much quicker. You may be tempted to buy them clothing, however unless you know exactly what style and size they are looking for, it’s best to play it safe and buy a gift card instead. Especially since trends may go in and out of style fairly quickly.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021

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5 ways to support small businesses this holiday shopping season

Small businesses long have been the heart and soul of local communities.

There is something to be said about being on a first-name basis with a local restaurateur or another small business owner, as such familiarity often translates into exemplary service.

Despite the prevalence of small businesses, fewer than 80 percent of entrepreneurial small business ventures make it beyond their first year, and only around half make it beyond five years.

Consumers who want to help their favourite small businesses survive can use the holiday season and beyond to set the course for success. Consumers can make a concerted effort to fuel this important cog in their local economic When shopping this holiday season, consumers can look to the small, local engines. businesses in their communities that help make towns and cities unique.

Shop local The concept is simple but effective. Opting to shop in local stores over Mention small businesses on social media larger conglomerates and franchises can help small businesses take root.

The holiday season breeds excitement. Therefore, when shoppers are in Before making holiday shopping lists, visit local stores and base gift ideas on local stores, they can snap pictures of products and overflowing shopping items they have in stock. Chances are those gifts will be one-of-a-kind. bags and post them online while praising local businesses.

Purchase gift cards/certificates All businesses have slow periods, and post-holidays is often a time when sales stagnate. Gift cards may bring new customers into local businesses who might otherwise not have patronized them, potentially creating new repeat customers.

Think about subscription gifts Enrollment in a health club or a massage therapy service are gifts that keep on giving for the recipient, but also help ensure consistent incoming cash for the business providing the service. And a long term gift of a subscription or membership is the gift that keeps on giving all year round.

Take advantage of BIA promotions Cater holiday meals and gatherings Many local BIA’s offer holiday promotions that benefit both the shoppers The holiday season is chock-full of entertainment opportunities. Individuals can rely on nearby restaurants and other food and beverage businesses to and the participating businesses. You can purchase “BIA dollars” at a reduced rate to be used at participating retailers who will benefit from your business. cater holiday parties.

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B-6 – SOUTHPOINT SUN

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021

Last-minute holiday shopping tips Establish a time limit

Some people thrive by doing all of their tasks early. Others seem to do their best work when faced with a time crunch. The methods individuals use to manage their time at work and play may extend to the ways they approach holiday shopping as well.

There’s no right or wrong way to handle holiday shopping tasks, though Christmas Eve crowds at malls and throughout shopping districts suggest that there’s more late comers than there are early birds. The following tips can help those who typically wait until the last minute to check names off their lists.

Stores have strategies in place to keep shoppers in their establishments longer, hoping you’ll make impulse buys. These tricks include scenting the air with inviting aromas, putting necessities at the rear of the store, failing to display the time, and putting discounted items by the registers or door to attract shoppers. Set an alarm on your watch or phone for each store so you get what you need and get out on time.

Subdivide bulk gifts

Create a budget

Think about purchasing bulk gifts like gift baskets from wholesale clubs and then breaking them down into individual gifts. This way you can gift several people on one purchase and save time in the process.

When rushing around from store to store, it may be easy to spend more than you want to.

Make a list of how much you want to spend on each person, and stick to that limit. Move on to the next store if you didn’t find what you need in your price range.

Choose in-store pickup

Choose one-size-fits-all gifts

Rather than scouring various aisles, you can shop a retailer’s website and then pick up items in the store. You’ll save on potential shipping fees but still benefit by avoiding crowds.

Think about a gift that can be purchased for multiple people so you can save time shopping for individualized gifts for everyone. For example, print a personalized photo calendar for several members of your family. You also can purchase multiple subscriptions or memberships for people on your list. Streamlining gifting in this way may save money as well as time.

Utilize free shipping services

If you’re purchasing gifts online at the last minute, many online retailers charge a premium for expedited shipping. Try to stick to shopping at online retailers that offer free shipping even in the eleventh hour.

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10 gift ideas for people who love to cook

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Many people know someone who loves spending lots of time in the kitchen.

Certain home cooks may enjoy whipping up favourite recipes, while others might get excited about experimenting with new flavours and ingredients.

A love of cooking paves the way for many different gifting opportunities.

Food-related gifts also come in a wide variety of price points, making it easy for shoppers to spend as little or as much as they want. Check out these 10 gift ideas for the foodie on your holiday shopping list.

1. Sheet pans: They may not seem like the most sexy or high-tech tools of the kitchen, but sheet pans are among the most versatile. They can be used for cookies, sheet pan cakes, oven-frying cutlets or fries, or even serving as the perfect bases for candy brittles.

2. Air fryer tool set: By now many people have hopped on the air fryer bandwagon, but they may not have all of the accessories to take air frying to the next level. From spatulas to tongs to silicone brushes, an air fryer tool set can make meals even more delicious.

3. Dutch oven: You’d be hard-pressed to find a more hard-working tool in the kitchen than a Dutch oven. These heavy, often enameled cast iron vessels come in various quart sizes. They can be used to cook stews, breads, cakes, and much more.

4. Kitchen compost bin: Home cooks who want to cut down on waste will appreciate a countertop compost bin to gather food scraps.

5. Serving board: The rise in cheese and charcuterie boards means cooks will need something attractive to serve their spreads. Wooden and stone boards are attractive when serving sliced cheeses, crackers, chutneys, and other appetizers.

6. Electric wine opener: Wine is the perfect complement to many dishes, and what easier way to open bottles than with an electric wine opener? Many are compatible with almost any bottleneck and can open several bottles on a single charge.

Stock up on food-related gifts now for those people on your holiday shopping list who love to cook.

7. Spiralizer: The trend for pasta alternatives continues, and having a spiralizer that can turn vegetables like zucchini into spiraled “noodles” will be handy in many kitchens.

8. Apron and accessories: Home cooks need to protect their clothing in the kitchen. A fashionable apron and matching oven mitts can make a statement and keep clothes clean.

9. Meat delivery: The number of direct-to-home meat shipping providers continues to grow. Have quality cuts of meat delivered right to a home cook’s house so that he or she can cut back on trips to the store.

10. New blender: Today’s blenders can crush ice, process foods, puree, and chop foods. These versatile appliances make a welcome addition to any kitchen.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021

This Christmas Thank you to all the Chamber members, the sponsors and the community for a wonderful 2021 and wishing everyone a prosperous and healthy 2022.

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