Holiday gift guide 2016

Tulsa World Supplement, Sunday, November 20, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide

15 Places to Shop Cool Toys FOR KIDS

Party Themes Win a Trip of a Lifetime

GIFTS GALORE Shopping Week

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’Tis the season to ship smart (MS) — The holiday season can be hectic, and thanks to that sometimes frenetic pace, it can be easy to put things on the back burner. While it’s OK to put off some things until the holiday season has come and gone, shipping gifts to loved ones does not fall into that category. Shipping can be expensive, especially for last-minute shoppers who want to ensure their gifts arrive in time for the holidays. But the following are a handful of ways to ship smart and save both time and money.

• Ship directly to the recipient. Last-minute shoppers who are buying online can save money by shipping gifts directly to the recipient. While shipping directly to the recipient may seem less personal than sending a gift you wrapped yourself, many online retailers allow shoppers to send gift-wrapped items directly to another person. Just be sure to have the recipient’s correct address when choosing this option.

• Ship early. Waiting to ship all gifts at the same time may be more convenient, but it can prove more costly as well. If you typically finish your holiday shopping just a few days before Christmas, then waiting to ship everything will cost more money than shipping gifts as you buy them. The longer you wait to ship gifts, the more you can expect to pay if you expect those gifts to arrive on time. Shipping gifts as you buy them, especially if you get much of your shopping done early, can save you short-term or overnight shipping

Shipping can be expensive, especially for last-minute shoppers who want to ensure their gifts arrive in time for the holidays. But the following are a handful of ways to ship smart and save both time and money. fees, which can be significant.

• Comparison shop. Much like you can save money by comparison shopping for holiday gifts, you can save by comparing shipping costs as well. Pack-andship companies compete for consumers’ business during the height of the holiday shipping season, so compare the costs between the various pack-and-ship companies, including the postal service, to see which offers the best deal.

• Insure the items you ship. The holiday season is the busiest time of year for the pack-and-ship industry. While the industry is often remarkably effective at delivering gifts intact and on time, items are sometimes lost or damaged. By insuring your packages, you’re ensuring you won’t be out of luck should your package be lost, damaged or stolen before it reaches its destination.

Holiday Gift Guide was produced

by Tulsa World’s Advertising Department.

For more information, call 918-581-8519.

s Find more ideas in these upcoming Holiday sections: Holiday Book — Sunday, December 4 Holiday Countdown — Sunday, December 11

Take care of your holiday shopping, and win your dream vacation!

Enter to win the trip of a lifetime each time you visit one of the participating advertisers.

Look for the entry forms at participating stores Nov. 14 through Dec. 24.

The winner’s name will be drawn in January.

Entries from every store will be gathered together, and one lucky reader will win a $3,000 travel voucher to take the trip of his or her dreams from Tulsa World Media Company.

No purchase is necessary. For contest details and a complete list of participating businesses and locations, visit tulsaworld.com/holidays.

Enter for a chance to win a $3,000 vacation simply by visiting one of these participating retailers: AAA Best Loan Service CareFirst Cascia Hall Celebrity Attractions Flooring Plus Furniture Factory Outlet Garbe’s Grigsby’s Guntec

Honda of Tulsa Ida Red Jack Wills Mary Murray’s Flowers MIO Coalition Naples Flatbread New Balance Tulsa OKC Thunder Palace Cafe Queenie’s

Restaurant Equipment Supply Roka Bar & Asian Flavors Sanders Nursery Southern Agriculture Sunshine Furniture The Farm Merchant Tobacco Pouch Video Revolution

GIFTS GALORE Tulsa World’s Shopping Week December 5-11 Enter at participating businesses Dec. 5-11 for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate to that store.

One entry per person per day.

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Holiday Wish List From stocking stuffers to ‘in your dreams’ - 15 ideas from local businesses 1

$ - $25 or less

$$ - $25-100

$$$ - $101-250

$$$$ - Over $250

Give it your best shot $$$$

You’d be lost without it $ Do you or someone you know have trouble keeping track of car keys and smartphones? If so, the Orbit Key Finder makes the perfect gift. This tiny device can help you track down your misplaced keys via an app, and it even works in reverse. With a touch of a button, it will find your smartphone without you having to dial anything. The Orbit Key Finder made Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2016 list.

Bella’s House Tulsa 7890 E. 106th Place (The Vineyard shopping center) 918-970-4022

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Why settle for a smartphone selfie or screen grab when you can capture a high-quality image without any more effort? That’s the beauty of this Nikon D3400 digital SLR camera. It works seamlessly with your mobile devices by utilizing Bluetooth connectivity. Just point, focus, shoot and send. It’s that easy. The D3400 comes with two lenses (18-55mm and 70300 mm zoom), along with a battery charger and other accessories.

Bedford Camera & Video 8172 E. 68th St. (just south of Woodland Hills Mall) 918-252-3652

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SOMETHING ROTTEN! © Joan Marcus, 2015

Give the gift of Broadway $$-$$$ Make lasting memories all season long with Celebrity Attractions’ special Holiday Package featuring four national Broadway tours. Ticket packages start as low as $98 and include “MOTOWN The Musical,”“DIRTY DANCING The Classic Story On Stage,”“SOMETHING ROTTEN!” and “MATILDA The Musical” at the Tulsa PAC.

Cascia Christmas Walk $-$$ Add sparkle to your holiday season with tickets to Cascia Hall’s 34th annual Christmas Walk. This special event highlights four homes in midtown Tulsa. Each one is beautifully decorated and ready to shine thoughout the Christmas season.

Celebrity Attractions 7506 E. 91st St. 800-869-1451

Cascia Hall 2520 S. Yorktown Ave. 918-746-2600 Continued on page 6

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Bedlam battle gear $-$$ Do you live orange or bleed crimson? Your true colors will certainly be showing Dec. 3 when the state’s two college football powerhouses meet on the gridiron for their annual showdown. While you might not be in Norman for the Big XII battle this year, you can still outfit your favorite game-watching area with Cowboys or Sooners gear.

Garbes Lighting & Home Accessories 4137 S. 72nd East Ave. 918-627-0284

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Purchase peace and goodwill $$ Invest in precious metals $ Copper jewelry is all the rage these days, but it’s about more than making a fashion statement for some people. They swear that wearing copper, especially when it has magnets in it, helps alleviate arthritic and other inflammatory pain, although that has not been proven by medical research. One thing is for sure: it looks great, whether adorning a wrist or dangling from an earlobe.

Drysdales Western Wear 3220 S. Memorial Drive and 10127 S. 71st East Ave. (Mingo Market Place) 918-664-6481 or 918-252-7917

Nothing brings peace of mind like having a back-up plan in case something goes wrong. That’s especially true for motorists. The American Automobile Association is offering a holiday discount on a one-year classic membership and waiving the enrollment fee. AAA membership offers a variety of road-side assistance services, from towing, tire changes, battery jump-starts and more.

AAA of Oklahoma More than 18 local offices in the Tulsa area 866-877-2450

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Blaze a new trail $$$$ If you think life is more about the journey than the destination, then riding an ATV is how you need to get there. Honda offers a line of four-wheelers that will keep you grounded, no matter how far off the beaten path you care to travel. The TRX250TEG Recon is the perfect size for any teenager or adult seeking a lean, mean driving machine at an affordable cost.

Honda of Tulsa Sportscenter 21st and Yale 918-744-5551

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Hunting for a gift? $$$$ The Second Amendment is alive and well in Oklahoma, and residents purchase guns for a variety of legal reasons. Some like to use long guns for hunting wildlife, others work on improving their aim at the firing range, and then there are those who feel safer carrying a handgun for personal protection. Whatever firearm you’re looking for, the staff at GUNtech arms can help you find it.

GUNtech Arms 12800 S. Memorial Drive, Bixby 918-394-3006 Continued on page 10

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Guarantee a white Christmas $$

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How many times has it snowed on Christmas Day in Tulsa in your lifetime? You can make sure it snows Dec. 25, and every day of the year if you want, thanks to a handcrafted snow globe featuring this custommade skyline of T-Town. This is a one-ofa-kind gift celebrating your hometown pride, and it can be found at only one store.

Limited quantities available when it arrives Black Friday, so call to pre-order.

Ida Red 3336 S. Peoria Ave. 918-949-6950

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Best seat in the house $$$$ Wouldn’t you love to come home at the end of a long day and find this recliner just waiting to help you take a load off your worries and weary feet? This Home Stretch model features top grain leather and a power recline feature. Put it on your own gift list for the holidays and find out how much your family really loves you.

FFO Home 2010 S. Sheridan Road (Tulsa), 918-835-1033 1400 E. Kenosha St. (Broken Arrow), 918-251-1024 12932 E. 86th St. North (Owasso), 918-932-1414 Continued on next page

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Okie speak $$ You can celebrate the Oklahoma dialect with its Southern influences by wearing it proudly in a T-shirt design by Okie Clothing Co., a company based in Tahlequah. You can find several designs, such as this one sporting the ubiquitous Okie phrase “Y’all” at CareFirst Pharmacy. The T-shirt comes in sizes small through XXXL in a soft polyester/cotton/rayon blend.

Other designs highlight Oklahoma moonshine and a Native American headdress.

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ad 100303074-02 CareFirst Pharmacy 2530 N. Elm Place, B.A. 918-994-1400 6214 S. Sheridan Road, Tulsa 918-940-6767

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Savor the flavor $$-$$$ Dazzle with a gift of dinner for two or four at one of Tulsa’s newest locally owned restaurants, Roka Bar & Asian Flavors. Roka’s squad of wok-trained chefs prepare classic Asian cuisine in a beautiful environment.

Roka Bar & Asian Flavors 1616 S. Utica Ave. 918-382-7777 Continued on page 13

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Blooming with Love $$$$ Let your loved one know how much you care with flowers throughout the year. When you choose the Flowers for a Year plan, the recipient will receive a special bouquet of seasonal flowers once a month for an entire year. Choose either roses, daisies or lilies.

Mary Murray’s Flowers 3333 E. 31st St. 918-986-1300

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Don’t forget your best friend $ What will you buy your dog or cat for Christmas? Oops. You almost forgot? No worries. It’s easy to find a huge assortment of toys designed specifically for both canines and felines. They come in all shapes, sizes and textures. Some squeak. Some don’t.

Christmas-themed items are available as well as those that are appropriate any time of year. You know your pet best.

Southern Agriculture 8 stores in the Tulsa area 888-762-4738

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Naughty o 1 VTech Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace (Ages 18 months+)

2 Little People Sit ‘n Stand Skyway (Ages 18 months+)

Every kid has a wish list, but how do you decide what should actually be under the tree this year?

While it might ring true that everyone feels like a kid at Christmastime, nothing beats the excitement of actually being a kid at Christmas. Few annual traditions are more anticipated and toiled over than the creation of a child’s holiday wish list. For parents, however, few things are more stressful than trying to balance buying a kid what he or she really, really wants with buying the best, longest-lasting toys.

Today, with more toys than ever from which to choose, how should one go about selecting the right gift for the kids on your list?

“The No. 1 most important thing to consider before buying a toy is age appropriateness,” says Marissa DiBartolo, Senior Editor, The Toy Insider. “Always check the packaging and see what the suggested age range is for a toy. The manufacturers’ suggested age ranges exist for lots of good reasons, including safety.

Experts agree that toy quality and durability also are important considerations when determining what to buy.

“There are landfill toys and there are legacy toys,” says Richard Gottlieb, Global Toy Experts, a world-renowned consultancy and resource for toy industry insight and information. “Landfill toys tend to be relatively inexpensive, based upon some character or brand a child currently loves, and end up thrown away within a couple of months.”

Gottlieb describes legacy toys as those that are durable – typically made from wood, metal or heavy plastic – that can grow with the child, involve some form of mastery and can withstand being passed down to other children. “Because legacy toys are more expensive they need to be seen as an investment,” he says.

Premier legacy toys, according to Gottleib, are Lego sets, Tonka trucks, Meccano robots, American Girl dolls and even bears from Build-A-Bear.

DiBartolo also believes it’s important to consider play value before buying. “Ask yourself: Does the toy allow for lots of imaginative play? Can kids play together with this toy? Will kids use it more than once? Will it last for a few years, or will they outgrow it quickly?”

And while learning toys aren’t always the most popular with kids – at least until they get their hands on them and realize how fun they can be – DiBartolo says parents and grandparents should consider how any new toy could help a child develop.

Check out some of the top choices for 2016 at right.

By Matthew M. F. Miller, CTW Features

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Bri & Mo (Ages

 Code & Go

Robot Mouse Coding Activity Set (Ages 5+)

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or Nice? 12 Top Toys

12 American Girl Girl of the Year, Lea Clark Doll & Book (Ages 8+)

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Melissa & Doug Wooden Wash, Dry & Iron Play Set (Ages 3+)

 Disney Frozen

Little Kingdom Elsa’s Magical Rising Castle Playset (Ages 4+)

11 Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar (Ages 3+)

 Imaginext

Shark Bite Pirate Ship (Ages 3+)

 Melissa &

ight Beats Dance ove Beatbo 9 months +)

Doug Home Sweet Home 3-D Puzzle & Dollhouse In One (Ages 6+)

 Star Wars 

Spirograph Shapes Set (Ages 8+)

Bladebuilders Spin-Action Lightsaber (Ages 3+)

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GO BIG AND GO HOME CTW Features

Once upon a time, giting household appliances was considered cliché. Today’s high-tech options, however, are gits the whole family can enjoy.

First there was the smartphone; now there is the smart house. More and more household appliances are going high-tech every year, bringing fresh efficiency and ease of use to the table. These futuristic gadgets aren’t your everyday holiday gifts, but they’re sure to become a daily source of enjoyment for all who use them. From a remote-controlled coffee machine to a plant health monitor, there’s a gift for every technology lover on your list.

Nest Learning Thermostat ad 100310507-01

Knowing that your thermostat controls half of your energy bill, it’s time for an upgrade. Enter Nest Learning Thermostat, a smart thermostat that automatically adapts to your lifestyle and programs itself based on your heating and cooling habits. It turns itself off when you’re not home, and it allows you to control the temperature from your phone so that your house feels comfortable when you’re back.

With all the money it can save you, this thermostat can pay for itself in under two years.

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Smarter Coffee Machine There’s no need to be a morning person when you have a Smarter Coffee Machine – this WiFi-enabled coffee maker will grind and brew a cup of joe before you even get out of bed.

Using the Smarter app, you can not only schedule your morning coffee, but you can specify whether you want it strong or light, keep it warm all day long, and set your machine to clean itself regularly.

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Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator Got a little more cash to spend this holiday season? Take your kitchen to the next level with a Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator. Gone are the days when you’re wandering the aisles at the supermarket, wondering if you have eggs at home. This refrigerator photographs its contents so you can view them from your phone and shop accordingly. Its large touch screen features such conveniences as a family calendar, a virtual white board, photo slide shows, Pandora radio, Allrecipes and TV mirroring.

Not to mention the fact that the actual refrigerator function uses top-of-the-line cooling technology to keep your food fresher longer.

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Netatmo Personal Weather Station Not only will this gadget take readings of the outdoor temperature, air quality and humidity, but it will also help you track the environment inside your home.

Indoor air can easily become polluted and CO2 levels can rise to dangerous levels. The Netatmo Personal Weather Station will alert you when it’s time to open the windows and air out the house so that your family can live in a healthier environment.

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Parrot Flower Power Wireless Plant Monitor For those not lucky enough to have been born with a green thumb, Parrot Flower Power will be your new best friend. Stick this sensor into your flowerpot or garden plot, and monitor the sunlight, temperature, fertilizer and moisture levels right from your smartphone. Flower Power alerts you when your plant needs water or other attention, helping you to keep those plants happy and healthy.

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PARTY ON Host an epic holiday bash Don’t throw the same old celebration again this year. Instead, go bold with one of these 9 unique ideas to liven up any festive party.

Social calendars are packed during the holidays, and this year your party is going to be the event of the season. Whether you’re hosting for the first time or want to outdo your last festive bash, you need a special something to elevate the event from one-dimensional to unforgettable.

A clever theme is just the thing to help your party stand out.

When your theme is well executed, it will spark conversation among guests and unify every element from food to music to décor. These nine party ideas will help you create an event that wows guests.

1. Christmas in July in December Crank up the heat and break out your summer clothes. Seri Kertzner, founder and CEO of Little Miss Party Planner, New York City, recommends decorating with a nautical style, but using holiday colors.

Go a step further with décor by setting out pool floats instead of chairs, a palm tree decorated with ornaments, and a snowman made from white beach balls.

Top it off with on-theme food. “Serve Santa-themed cookies, but Santa should have sunglasses and a bikini on,” Kertzner adds.

2. Worst gift ever re-gifting party It’s time for your guests to get creative by bringing an awful present.

Have participants draw a number, and numbers can either correspond to a single gift or guests can select any gift when their number is called (play White

Elephant-style to encourage “stealing”).

If any presents are left behind, Kertzner recommends donating them to charity. Better yet, encourage guests to also bring one desirable gift to be donated on their behalf.

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3. Christmas carol-oke Without a doubt, you’ll need a karaoke machine stocked with holiday music.

Round it out by adding props, “such as glitter microphones, blow-up guitars, hats and sunglasses,” Kertzner says. “You could even put your guests into groups to make air bands.”

Let those who don’t want to rock out or exercise their vocal cords be the judges that get to award prizes to the best acts.

4. Star Wars holiday spectacular Creativity is key when pairing this epic movie series with the holidays, but with another new movie coming out this holiday season, it is sure to be a hit. “We would go for a play on ‘Retro Holidays in Space’ and include Star Wars elements,” says Narine Hovnanian, planning director at Taylor & Hov, Washington, D.C. To pull it off, set out costumes and props — such as lightsabers and Darth Vader and stormtrooper masks — for a photo or GIF video booth, and for posing in front of Santa’s sleigh or a Christmas tree.

Hovnanian also recommends projecting neon, linear lighting onto a black dance space and having the DJ spin electronic “intergalactic” music.

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5. Santa Paws: A pet-inclusive affair

If you’re a pet lover, a holiday party is a great opportunity to include furry friends. In fact, make it all about them.

Hovnanian offers creative ideas such as holiday-themed treats, a runway show for pets donning reindeer costumes and a station where pets can get their photo taken with Santa. Top it off with a charitable component, like a fundraiser for a local animal shelter.

6. Passport potluck holiday

Encourage guests to bring a dish from another culture and a beverage to pair, and then use them to assemble around-the-world tasting stations for small plates, desserts, and drinks.

Add an upbeat soundtrack to get in the holiday spirit. “Include traditional holiday music from all over the world,” Hovnanian says.

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7. Craft and a craft (Craft beer and a holiday craft)

This theme requires you to go beyond your living room. “Finding a venue that already has the capability to hold many craft beers on draft is key, as well as a good open space to set up tables with your holiday craft,” says Jes Gordon, celebrity event producer and author of “Party Like a Rock Star.”

Head to an arts and crafts supply store for activity ideas, and pick up a variety of options so no one is left bored. Add a competitive element to the event by doling out prizes for “Most Creative Use of Supplies” and “Least Likely to be Hung on a Fridge.”

8. America’s next top holiday model

“Make this a night that your guests won’t forget, whether it’s the chance to wear that gorgeous designer gown or attend a high-fashion event,” Gordon says.

Set the tone with artistic invitations that mimic those from NYC’s Spring Fashion Week. Then select a venue to set the stage — literally.

“The venue can dictate the flow and feel of your party,” Gordon says. Put up a catwalk surrounded by chairs, and even hire a photographer to capture the fun.

9. Cooking, cookie or gingerbread house competition

Turn up the heat by using a cooking competition TV show such as “Chopped” or “Iron Chef” as inspiration. Separate some guests into cooking teams, and let others be judges so everyone is involved.

Gordon recommends working with a creative catering company to execute the theme.

“They will help you come up with the best ideas to achieve your plans, as they have the know-how with food,” she says.

Once you select a theme and are ready to start planning, keep the following advice from Gordon in mind: “You must appeal to the five senses,” she says. “It is about creating an equal balance between all elements. Not only should the food be good, but the music, the visuals and the environment itself.”

Put it all together, and you’ll pull off an unforgettable holiday party.

By Tara Shubbuck, CTW Features

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Good Partygoer Gone Bad: Managing unruly guests ad 100302539-02 Murphy’s Law goes into overtime during the holidays, when what can go wrong at a party generally does, accelerated by fatigue, family feuds and high-octane holiday cheer.

You might be able to control (and thus prevent) some of the common gaffes, such as falling soufflés and running out of white wine. But you can’t predict or control your guests’ bad behavior. You can, however, mitigate damages by your reactions. Below are some real-world party mishaps followed by wise advice from seasoned hosts and party-planning experts on what to do when your good guests go bad.

So, from the so-bad-it’s-true files (names have been withheld to protect the guilty): 1. The Crasher Guests may bring uninvited children, other guests and even pets to your party, despite invites (or what you’ve done with your own pets and kids).

Host Rule: You have to roll with it, once the added members of the party are at your party. This is a great argument to always overstock and overcook; you can always have leftovers, says Donatella Arpaia, the New York entertaining and food guru and regular judge on “Iron Chef America”. Having a teen that is willing to volunteer for babysitting duty can help if those with kids bring their offspring to an adultsonly function. When it comes to those who cannot travel without Fido, direc-

tions to the nearest kennel may be your only option.

2. The Drunkard Uncle Ed sometimes tries to go onefor-one with the college kids who are playing billiards and drinking beer in the basement but can’t hold his liquor like he used to. Sound familiar?

Host Rule: Erica Maurer, a partner at The Event Planner Expo and special events director for The Butter Group, New York City, has run into this problem when a CEO tries to keep up with younger employees at the office party.

She’s learned to gingerly ask to talk to the CEO in another room, ostensibly about some kind of business, and then, once in private, offer coffee, water, whatever is needed, so that he isn’t embarrassed in front of the crowd. Try this tactic rather than calling your uncle to task in front of everyone.

ad 100308005-01 3. The Night Owl Everyone has had the guests who just won’t go home. Subtle hints like turning off the music, doing the dishes, putting the kids to bed and even changing into pajamas aren’t clear enough signals for some people.

Host Rule: Some savvy hostesses have had success making “jokes” about having to kick their friends out. A coy, “Honey, we’ve kept these folks up long enough. It’s time to let them get to bed,” might also work.

By Margaret Littman, CTW Features

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Just about everyone has had that moment when they gave up trying to communicate with someone engrossed in a smartphone, tablet or other electronic device. There’s not much gratification in talking to the top of a bowed head, especially when that person hasn’t heard a word you’ve said.

Such encounters are frustrating at any time of year, but they’re particularly exasperating during the holidays, jam packed as they are with parties, family gatherings and dinners meant to foster fellowship.

“The person you’re with is more important than technology,” says Gail Madison, who teaches at the Madison School of Etiquette and Protocol in the Philadelphia area. “This is what memories are made of. Holidays and family. And too many families are losing out on that.”

There’s an art to gently prying a technophile away from his or her phone, tablet, e-reader or Gameboy.

It isn’t OK to blatantly call someone out for being rude unless it’s your child, your employee or your spouse, and even then it’s better to take the person aside and say something privately, says Melenie Broyles, a teacher at Etiquette Saint Louis/Chicago.

“It’s not going to make awkward moments with strange Uncle Larry any better to call attention to his bad manners,” she says. “The better way is more subtle. I like to say, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ll wait until you’re finished.’ They usually get the hint.”

Technology manners are so universally lacking that there’s a growing custom of avoiding the issue altogether by confiscating devices at the door or encourag-

ing guests to leave devices at home.

“I do all the holiday hosting in my family, and I put it on the invitation, ‘Be prepared to unplug,’ ” says Jules Hirst of Etiquette Consulting Inc. in the Los Angeles area. “They know ahead of time that when they sit down to eat, the expectation is that they will be present in the moment.”

Meeting that expectation is harder for some than others.

Fifty percent of teens admit they are addicted to their mobile devices, according to a poll conducted earlier this year

by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that provides reviews and age ratings of all types of media. Parents think the problem is even worse, with 59 percent reporting their teens are addicted. Common Sense Media surveyed 1,240 people consisting of parents and children ages 12 to 18.

But the problem isn’t the exclusive purview of young people. Adults can be just as bad, even whipping out devices during films and live performances.

“Parents need to remember that we are the examples,” Hirst says. “Kids don’t pay attention to what we say as much as what we do. If you don’t want your child on a device at the dinner table, you shouldn’t be on one either. That’s for all meals, even eating out. It doesn’t matter how many stars the restaurant has. Whether it’s fast food or fine dining, pay attention to who’s in front of you.”

There’s a fine line between a simple lack of courtesy and full-fledged addiction, says psychologist Dr. Ryan Fuller, Continued on page 23

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Electronic continued clinical director of New York Behavioral Health.

“It’s not really about how much time you spend on technology as much as it’s about whether it’s having an impact on your work, your family or your romantic life,” he says. “If you’re reaching the point where you can’t function or socialize because you have to check email all the time, that’s becoming compulsive.”

Fuller advises patients to disconnect at least part-time so that technology doesn’t overtake their lives.

“Obviously there are some really important jobs where you need to stay in touch, but set aside a time for it,” he says.

“Give yourself 45 minutes in the morning and 45 minutes at night so that it’s all bunched together instead of being on a device constantly throughout the day.”

Ideally holiday guests should turn off devices before interacting with friends and family, but that isn’t always possible, says Ron Moody, assistant professor and program director of information technology at South University in Montgomery, Alabama.

“It depends on your level of responsibility,” he says. “Teenagers aren’t taking

care of anybody, but if you’re a parent of kids who are home with a sitter, or you’re caring for elderly parents who might be sick, obviously you need to be available and know what’s going on.”

Put your phone on vibrate and excuse yourself to take a call if necessary, but don’t ignore the person you’re with or talk in front of them, Moody says.

Another strategy is to customize ringtones for individual callers, he says. “That way you can tell if it’s a call you absolutely have to take or can just let it go to voicemail.”

Etiquette expert Broyles finds it distressing when guests are toying with technology for reasons that aren’t urgent.

“Most of our clients are not trying to get ahold of us on a holiday,” she says. “If it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, they’re trying to engage with their families, as well.

Surfing the internet because you’re just bored tells the person you’re with that there are other things you would rather be doing than talking to them, and that is certainly not a good message to send anyone.”

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By Courtenay Edelhart, CTW Features

Best new board games to enjoy with the family Remember when games didn’t require chargers or batteries?

Unplug and enjoy family bonding this holiday season with the following board game choices. ad 100307934-01 • Animals on Board 2-4 players. Playing time 15-30 minutes. Age 8+.

Publisher: Strong Hold Games, and others.

This is a Noah’s Ark game with numbered animal playing cards worth points. Animals are split up into groups (ideally of more than two, because only Noah is allowed pairs), and you can earn food that is used to buy animals. There is an element of strategy because food, the number of animals and how animals are grouped can earn you points or deprive rivals of points.

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Board games continued • HoliMaths X 1-6 players. Playing time 5-40 minutes. Age 7+.

Publisher: GeekBuddy Analysis.

A strategy game that helps youngsters learn their multiplication tables.

• Imhotep: Builder of Egypt 2-4 players. Playing time 40 minutes. Age 10+.

Publisher: KOSMOS, White Goblin Games.

Players are ancient Egyptians who sail ships to pyramids, temples, burial chambers and obelisks. You earn points by compiling the most bricks to build things, some of which are worth more than others.

• Codenames: Pictures 2-8 players. Playing time 10-20 minutes. Age 10+.

Publisher: Czech Games Edition, REBEL.pl A sequel to the smash hit Codenames in which players give one-word clues to get teammates to

choose the right picture card. Choosing the wrong card could help a rival.

There’s also an assassin card to be avoided at all costs because it causes a game-ending loss. Because this version is exclusively pictures, it’s a good choice for people who don’t read or don’t read well.

• Scythe 1-5 players. Playing time 90-115 minutes. Age 14+.

Publisher: Ghenos Games, Maldito Games, Morning Players, Stonemaier Games.

Set in the early 20th century. Rival superpowers try to gain control of resources to get their empire ahead. Each faction has

its own special abilities.

The goal is to have the most money at the end of the game.

• Tiny Epic Western 1-4 players. Playing time 30-45 minutes. Age 14+.

Publisher: Gamelyn Games.

The latest game in the Tiny Epic series. Unique characters and posses vie for resources and buildings amid gambling and gun slinging.

Publisher: Leder Games.

Players live in a mythical land with a sleeping dragon, and each has special abilities and different objectives. Goblins and the dragon are trying to kill the knight.

The knight is trying to kill the dragon. The dragon is trying to wake up and kill the knight. Even the dragon’s cave has a goal, which is to collapse on itself.

• Vast: The Crystal Caverns 1-5 players. Playing time 75 minutes. Age 10+.

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• Crazy Karts 3-8 players. 45-60 minutes. Age 8+ Publisher: Portal Games.

A team of two — one driver and one cannon shooter — is racing to a finish line amid traps and power up spots. Characters include elves, mummies, goblins and dwarfs.

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Home continued ad 100309702-01

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Blow-drying your hair on a daily basis can really damage your strands, but the Dyson Supersonic allows you to get a blowout without the worry of extreme heat damage. It uses controlled high-velocity airflow alongside constant temperature maintenance to safely and effectively dry your hair, maintaining its strength and shine. It’s the perfect holiday gift for anyone who is serious about hair care.

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Have yourself a not-so-disposable party Parties create a lot of memories … and trash. * Here are 8 tips to reduce waste.

Ask guests to scrape food scraps into a designated container so that you can compost it instead of sending it to the landfill.

Holidays may be the perfect time for a little indulgence, but that doesn’t mean you have to create a bunch of waste.

Here are 8 tips for making your holiday party a little greener this season:

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1. Ditch the wrapping paper.

Consider more earth-friendly alternatives to wrap your holiday gifts. Reuse newspapers (comics are a colorful choice), posters or old maps. Or you double the giving by creating a gift within a gift by placing presents in decorative tins, flowerpots or baskets.

Another way to reduce waste: give gifts that don’t require any wrapping at all such as concert tickets, baked goods or charity donations.

2. Send electronic cards.

Take your holiday cards and party invites into the next level by going digital. Not only can you create a custom card with videos, graphics and gifs, you save a little extra waste at the same time.

3. Provide recycling containers.

Encourage party guests to recycle cans, bottles and paper products by providing convenient recycling containers. This also saves you from having to spend time and energy separating materials later.

4. Avoid disposable dishware and utensils.

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Party continued cups can make cleanup easier, they’re not great for the environment. Go the classy — and eco-friendly — route with reusable dishes, glasses, utensils and napkins. You can save money by shopping at a local thrift store or even renting a set.

5. Serve finger foods.

Or you can get rid of plates and utensils completely by serving a variety of finger foods. Dishes like bruschetta, mini quiches and tartlets are sure to be crowd-pleasers. Just take your favorite holiday dish and miniaturize it – the limit is your imagination!

6. Compost food waste.

With so many yummy treats on the table, it’s inevitable that not everyone can join the clean plates club. Ask guests to scrape food scraps into a

designated container so that you can compost it instead of sending it to the landfill.

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7. Reduce your water usage.

Scraping plates can also help minimize your water usage during the holidays, saving you 10 gallons of water according to the EPA. Another great way to reduce your water bill is washing dishes in the sink filed with soapy water rather than continuously running the tap or loading the dishwasher.

8. Donate leftovers.

If you have a lot of leftover pantry items at the end of the party, consider taking them to a local soup kitchen, police station or firehouse to spread the holiday cheer.

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By Carley Lintz, CTW Features

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Donating extra food to a local soup kitchen is always welcome, but it’s especially nice during the holidays and can mean so much to the recipients.

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