Gift Guide 2016 by Beacon Media

RhodyBeat

presents

Pointers for Procrastinators Last-minute holiday shopping tips

Season for Safety

Smart smartphone shopping

The Art of the Gift Return How to navigate return policies

November 2016 A Special Supplement from

Beacon Communications View this section online @ www.rhodybeat.com

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 2

Last-minute holiday shopping tips

Let video game ratings help guide holiday gift purchases

Smart ways to budget for holiday shopping

How to find great gifts for the family handyman

Gift ideas for last-minute shoppers

Make holiday shopping excursions special

How to organize office gift exchanges

Be smart when shopping on your phone

Did you know – mobile apps

Stocking stuffers for athletes and sports enthusiasts

Avoid theft during the season of giving

How to navigate return policies

Guide to shopping for tech gifts

Avoid holiday-related weight gain

Did you know – Cookies for Santa

How to make gift wrapping easier

Select educational gifts for children

9 10

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Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 4

Last-minute holiday shopping tips H

oliday shopping season typically begins the day after Thanksgiving and extends all the way to Christmas Eve. While that’s a considerable amount of time for shoppers to find gifts for everyone on their shopping list, many people will still find themselves putting holiday shopping off until the last minute. In certain ways, last-minute holiday shopping is easier than ever. Thanks to online retailers who can ship products overnight, men and women who delay their holiday shopping have more options at their disposal than they did before the arrival of the Internet. And unlike the days of yore when the best deals were largely exclusive to Black Friday, some shoppers find that competition between online retailers and traditional brick-and-mortar stores is so great that deals can be found regardless of when they begin shopping. But while waiting until the last minute to begin holiday shopping may not be as risky as it used to be, shoppers may still benefit by sticking to certain strategies so they can find the perfect gifts without breaking the bank.

Stay within your budget. Even last-minute shoppers have holiday shopping budgets. But it can be harder for last-minute shoppers to stick to their budgets because they have less time to comparison shop and hunt for deals. As the holiday shopping season winds down, resist the temptation to go over budget. If a gift you had in mind is available but more than you can spend, look for something else. Overspending on holiday shopping in December is a recipe for debt in January, and no shopper wants to begin the new year weighed down by consumer debt. Shop local. National chains and big box retailers are renowned for rolling out great deals during the holiday season, but such stores may have very limited or unimpressive inventory left by the time last-minute shoppers begin shopping. Local retailers are often incapable of slashing prices as significantly as their larger competitors, and that may mean they have more extensive inventories available throughout the holiday shopping season. In addition, shoppers who stick with local retailers won’t have to pay shipping costs to ensure items arrive on time.

Shop during off-peak hours. Shopping during off-peak hours can help last-minute shoppers make efficient use of the limited time they have to buy gifts for their loved ones. Visit stores early in the morning or late at night, or schedule a midweek afternoon shopping trip so you aren’t spending what little time you have left waiting on lines or hunting for parking. Give something less traditional. Holiday gifts need not come from stores. Rather than spending their time shopping for gifts for loved ones who seemingly have it all, last-minute shoppers can give the gift of a donation in their loved one’s name. Last-minute shoppers who want to give something more tangible can create a homemade gift that’s both unique and heartfelt. If your DIY skills are lacking, give a loved one the gift of a night out on the town at your expense. Shoppers who wait until the end of the holiday shopping season to begin their searches for holiday gifts can still find great gifts without going broke.

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hoppers across the country routinely make the holiday season one of the biggest spending periods of the year. American Research Group, Inc., said that in 2015 the average predicted expenditure on gifts equaled $882, which was up from $861 the previous year.

above and beyond, but overspending is impractical and can have some grave consequences. Many financial planners recommend shoppers spend no more than 1.5 percent of annual income on holiday expenses, so establish realistic spending limits that won’t break the bank.

Many holiday shoppers worry about whether or not they will have enough money for gifts, while others anticipate using credit cards or other financing methods to stretch their abilities to spend even further. This can make the holiday season more stressful than it needs to be while affecting finances into the new year.

Make lists of high-priority gifts. Select the gifts that have the most importance or those you want to buy the most, and budget with them in mind. Resist the temptation to buy extra items in an effort to make gifts look more impressive.

Budgeting for the holidays is a great way to keep spending in check. With these suggestions and shopping strategies, holiday shoppers can better manage their spending. Look at spending from last year. The first step to establishing a budget is to review spending from last year. See how much you allotted to each person and how much you actually ended up spending on those people. Did you go over or under? Think about the other ways you spent money, including on decorations, entertaining, etc. Once you have a clear picture of how you spent your money last year, you can start building a budget for this year. Set limits on spending. You may want to be generous with everyone and go

Keep track of spending. Be sure to keep receipts and maintain a log of all your holiday spending. You will not know if you are sticking to your budget if you do not keep a running tab of all your spending. Those receipts and spending records also will be handy to keep for next year when you have to establish a new budget. Correct mistakes promptly. If you spend a little more than intended on one gift, make the proper adjustments the next time you go out shopping. Otherwise, those few dollars here and there can really add up. Holiday shopping can be expensive if shoppers let things get out of hand. However, by establishing a budget based on prior purchases, and keeping track of spending, it’s much easier to stay afloat this holiday season.

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Gift ideas for last-minute shoppers Early bird shoppers may purchase and even wrap gifts before December, but eleventh-hour shoppers may need some help come the holiday season. For those last-minute folks, there still are plenty of ways to ensure your shopping list is checked off. The following gifts are quick to purchase and can still make for thoughtful presents. Liquor or wine basket: Prepackaged spirits often come with decorative glasses and other accoutrements for entertaining. What’s more, they’re convenient to purchase if you’re on a time crunch. Fueling station gift card: Drivers will appreciate a gift card to their favorite fueling station. Such cards suit anyone who has a car and frequently travels or commutes. Food basket: A visit to the supermarket or a convenience center can yield many tasty finds that can be packaged together into a gift basket. Pair foods with a gift card to that retailer. Streaming service: Offer to treat a loved one to a month or two of their favorite streaming television or movie service. If they already have streaming subscriptions, offer to cover the cost of the subscription for a few months. Premade gifts: Don’t overlook your local pharmacy as a place to find convenient gifts. Look for unique items in the seasonal aisle, where you might be able to find stocking-stuffer toiletries or cosmetic gifts that suit several people on your shopping list.

5 • November 2016 • Holiday Gift Guide

Smart ways

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 6

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s they fulfill the social obligations of the holiday season, many people find themselves spending less time at home. Consumer Reports notes that individuals spend a great deal of time shopping for gifts come the holiday season. Americans engage in 15 hours of shopping on average, with women spending twice as long as their male counterparts (20 hours versus 10). In addition, the average person devotes 10 or more hours to wrapping and returning gifts. Holiday shopping can monopolize people’s time away from home during the months of November and December, and some shoppers wonder how they become so disconnected from other activities, including family time, that they cherish throughout the rest of the year. One way to tackle holiday shopping without sacrificing time with family and friends is to make holiday shopping a social event. Invite friends or family along. Recreate the days of your youth when it was fun to meet friends at the mall and scour the shops. Plan a meeting location and have an itinerary in place. Divide shopping lists so that everyone shares the task of shopping and fatigue doesn’t set in prematurely. Make lunch or dinner part of the day. Incorporate refueling into your shopping

plans. Failure to eat or drink can lead to hunger pangs and test shoppers’ patience, two factors that are seldom conducive to successful shopping. Having an end goal to meet friends or family at a nearby restaurant — even a dining location right within the mall — can inspire intrepid shoppers to get their work done promptly. Reward yourself for a job well done over a tasty meal and maybe a cocktail. Just be sure to indulge responsibly. Break up the day with a flick. Many malls also play home to movie theaters. Plan your shopping around the movie schedule so you can take a two-hour break to rest and relax in the theater. Chances are you’ll come out of the film relaxed, refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your shopping list. Make it a date night. The thought of shopping may not conjure up ideas of romance, but if time is short, couples can use shopping excursions as an opportunity to spend time together. Visit a coffee shop or a bar for a nightcap afterward and enjoy some one-on-one time. Parents can enlist the help of a babysitter to keep children entertained while they enjoy some uninterrupted time with each other. Shopping fills the days leading to the holidays. Make the most of such excursions by inviting friends and family along.

Identify recipients by gift wrap. Designate one gift wrap for each person on your shopping list. This way you can easily distinguish one person’s gifts from another’s. This can keep things more organized when sorting and visiting with friends and relatives later on.

hile holiday shoppers are often enthusiastic about finding great gifts for their loved ones, many are decidedly less excited about wrapping those gifts. Many holiday shoppers spend hours wrapping gifts each year, and as gift lists grow, so does the amount of time needed to get all of those presents wrapped, hidden, packaged and/ or shipped. Shoppers can employ the following strategies to make the process go much more smoothly and to reduce gift wraprelated anxiety.

ensures that you don’t leave everything for the last minute and reduces the likelihood that curious kids or inquisitive spouses discover gifts before the big day.

Relearn the basics. Some people may think they know how to wrap gifts, only to realize it’s harder than it looks once the paper, scissors and Scotch tape comes out. Relearn the basics by viewing online tutorials prior to wrapping gifts so the lessons learned remain fresh in your mind. Learn how to wrap standard clothing gift boxes and recognize that such boxes can often be used to house oddly-shaped items.

Rely on double-sided tape. For that professional look, invest in some double-sized tape so you will not have any unsightly tape lines. Keep all of your supplies together. Store wrapping paper, scissors, tags, tape, ribbons, and whatever else you may need to wrap gifts in one convenient location. This cuts down on time wasted hunting for supplies around the house.

Less is usually more. Do not use too much paper when wrapping; otherwise, you will be left with bulky, sloppy folds. Before trimming the gift wrap from the roll, check that it overlaps the ends of the box by just a couple of inches. A sturdy paper will help you achieve crisper folds and prevent tears when wrapping. For the simplest wrapping design, try kraft paper (brown mailing paper), which can be dressed up with ribbons, cutouts or stamps.

Wrap as you buy. Instead of getting bogged down with wrapping all in one evening, wrap presents as you purchase them. This

Draw on plain gift boxes. Make your own “wrapped gifts” by drawing or stenciling on plain gift boxes if you’re short on time.

The process of wrapping holiday gifts can go more smoothly when applying some time-tested tips and tricks.

Work on a hard surface. It may be tempting to lay everything out on your bed and wrap gifts while you’re binge-watching the latest Netflix series. But hard surfaces make the best places to wrap gifts. This ensures there won’t be any wrinkles in the paper and that you won’t lose supplies in the bedspread.

Keep gift bags on hand. Gift bags work in a pinch and make it easy to conceal gifts that are hard to wrap. Curious loved ones can easily peak inside gift bags, so be sure to wrap gifts in tissue paper before placing them in the bags.

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7 • November 2016 • Holiday Gift Guide

How to make gift wrapping easier

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 8

Select

educational gifts

for children

When shopping for holiday gifts for children, shoppers can easily be overwhelmed by the many toys, electronics, apparel and other items available for kids. Those who may not be up-to-date on the latest trends may even find shopping for kids a bit like solving a difficult puzzle. While some shoppers may want to get kids the flashiest toy, others may prefer gifts that are both fun and mentally stimulating. Developmental toys and educational games for kids make for popular gifts. Toy and game manufacturers continue to develop products that integrate logic, reasoning, language stimulation, and motor skill development. Shoppers looking for fun, educational toys and games for the kids on their shopping lists have a host of items to choose from. Building blocks: Blocks that enable children to design and construct are popular among youngsters of various ages. Blocks come in many different forms, from early education wooden blocks that fill nursery floors to the more intricate, interlocking building sets that are coveted by older children. STEM toys: Some of the latest trends in children’s toys veer away from regular video games and apps and cater to the rising interest in STEM. STEM is an acronym for science, technology and math. Early introduction to STEM-related skills can pay dividends later in life, considering students who have an emphasis on STEM knowledge are highly coveted among employers. STEM toys may include robot-building kits, toys that help young learners test the boundaries

of physics, apps that help kids learn computer programing, and even scientific experiment kits that illustrate cause and effect. Sensory toys: Young children can benefit from toys that stimulate the senses. Items to consider include water toys, sands (including the newer kinetic varieties), playdoughs, musical instruments, and bubbles. Even food-related toys, such as those that encourage baking or cooking, will appeal to various senses and can help kids learn valuable skills. Imaginative play toys: Imaginative play is an effective way to stimulate creative thinking and may help children become better learners. The Creativity Institute, specializing in toys for creative play, says playing is important to children and the way they practice growing up. According to an article by Dr. Scott Kaufman that appeared in Psychology Today, “Systematic research has increasingly demonstrated a series of clear benefits of children’s engagement in pretend games from the ages of about two and one half through ages six or seven.” Dress-up toys, puppets, dolls, action figures, and toys that mimic real-life activities are all examples of products that promote imaginative play. Educational toys can be included on holiday gifting lists. Not only will they encourage children to play and have fun, but they’ll serve as building blocks to a lifetime of learning as well.

9 • November 2016 • Holiday Gift Guide

Stocking stuffers for athletes and sports enthusiasts

ifts comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the best gifts are those that come in small packages. Though some people pore over their holiday shopping lists for weeks, it’s not uncommon for even the most devoted holiday shopper to overlook stocking stuffers, which can be just as difficult to find as larger gifts. When shopping for stocking stuffers, consider the recipient’s interests. For example, athletes and sports enthusiasts would undoubtedly love a gift that reflects their loyalty to a favorite team or their devotion to a

particular sport. Holiday shoppers who have a sports-crazed superfan or accomplished athlete on their shopping lists may want to consider the following items when looking for stocking stuffers this holiday season. Sports memorabilia: Sports fanatics sometimes double as collectors who are always on the lookout for new memorabilia to display. Such collectibles may include bobbleheads, cards, ticket stubs and signed photographs or equipment. Rare memorabilia may be beyond many gift-givers’ means, but there are still plenty of impressive items that can fit into any holiday gifting budget. Game tickets: Give sports fans a chance to cheer on their favorite teams in person. Find a home game that will not require the recipient to travel too far, or if you want to splurge, include transportation with the tickets to an away game. Secondary market ticket-seller StubHub is a reliable resource that guarantees tickets sold on its site are legitimate, removing any doubt ticket market buyers may have.

Fan gear: Sports fans can never have enough gear to show off their team pride. Everything from mugs to hats to authentic team jerseys makes for great

stocking stuffers. In addition, look for pennants or t-shirts that feature team names or logos. Today just about any item comes emblazoned with sports team names. If you can’t find a particular item, it may be possible to order it directly from a team or retailer or have it customized. Sports equipment: Athletes may benefit from updated equipment. Determine if the athletes on your gift list have any gear that needs replacing. Parents, coaches or even teammates may offer recommendations regarding which equipment your loved one needs. If you don’t know a catcher’s mitt from a

tennis racket, stuff the stocking with a gift card to a sporting goods store. Magazine subscription: Sports fans often enjoy reading up on their favorite players and keeping abreast of team or industry news. Magazine subscriptions are generally inexpensive and new subscriptions often come with free gifts as well. Winner’s trophy: For the sports fan who has missed out on getting his or her own trophy, have one made up as a stocking stuffer gag gift. It is certain to bring a laugh and hold a prime spot on the shelf with other sports memorabilia.

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 10

dren up to the world of social media. So if you buy such products, make sure you have turned on the privacy and safety features available before giving the item to your loved one. If you are purchasing a gift for a young person who is not your child, check with his or her parents to see if the gift will be appropriate or even permitted.

when consumers buy tech gifts for their loved ones, but it’s also a time when they splurge on items for themselves.

o t e d i Gu g for n i p p o sh

h c e t s t f i g

adgets make great gifts come the holiday season. Children may want the latest must-have video games, and many adults scour store advertisements for the newest televisions, tablets, smartphones, and other gadgets to include among their own most wanted lists.

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the holiday season is typically a record-setting time for consumer spending on tech gifts. The CEA notes that roughly $34 billion was spent in 2015 on tech gifts, and that number figures to grow during the 2016 holiday season. The holiday season is a time

Technology gifts are popular, but these purchases require some research prior to swiping a card at the checkout counter. Consider this advice before gifting any gadgets this holiday season. Check product reviews. Use resources such as Consumer Reports to read up on the reputations of certain products and brands. Avoid purchasing products that have no established track record. Also try to read reviews from third-party sites rather than those posted on manufacturer websites. Independent reviews may be more forthcoming than customer testimonials.

Compare prices across various retailers. While popular gifts may be similarly priced because of the level of demand, it is still a worthy effort to comparison shop before making a rash purchase. In addition, consider that new generations of certain tech products come out quite frequently, and the previous generation may become obsolete rather quickly. Know when manufacturers are releasing new products so you can time your purchases accordingly.

Speak with an educated retailer. Visit a store before making any purchases to learn more about the inner workings of the product you plan to buy. Discover its attributes, advantages, disadvantages, and what others are saying about it. The salesperson may have his or her own opinion on the item and may calm any nerves you have. Niche retailers tend to have knowledgeable sales staff and can be assets when comparison shopping.

Put the product through your own test run. Try a product out for yourself to get a feel for it and its attributes. Hands-on knowledge may be the best type when gifting tech items. Just keep in mind that many retailers have a reboxing or restocking fee on tech products. If the item fails to meet your expectations and you plan to return it, it may cost you a percentage of the price.

Determine if the gift is age-appropriate. It may be tempting to purchase children the latest and greatest tech gifts because all of their peers may be getting similar items. But first determine if certain items are age-appropriate. Remember, many tech gifts, such as tablets and smartphones, open chil-

The popularity of tech gifts makes them one of the most widely exchanged categories of presents during the holiday gift-giving season. With research and knowledge, consumers can find the perfect gifts to light up their loved ones’ faces.

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ome the holiday season, millions of people will be flocking to stores or browsing online retailers to shop for gifts for their friends and loved ones. Video games have long been some of the most popular holiday gifts to give, and this year figures to be no different than years past. The assortment of video games is so diverse that consumers may not know where to begin their shopping excursions. Gaining a greater understanding of the video game rating system can ensure shoppers they find age-appropriate games for the youngsters on their holiday shopping lists.

Video game and app ratings help consumers choose age-appropriate gifts for the gamers on their holiday shopping lists. Video games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. The ESRB is an independent, self-regulatory organization that assigns age and content ratings, enforces industry-adopted advertising guidelines and ensures responsible online privacy principles for computer and video games in the United States, Mexico and nearly all of Canada. The ratings provided are concise and help shoppers make informed decisions based on the content in video games. According to the ESRB, the ratings have three parts: 1. Rating categories suggest age appropriateness. 2. Content descriptors indicate content that may have triggered a particular rating and/or may be of interest or concern. 3. Interactive elements inform about interactive aspects of a product, including the users’ ability to interact; the sharing of users’

locations with others; the sharing of personal information with third parties; the completion of in-app purchases of digital goods; and/or level of restriction of internet access.

Everyone 10+ is appropriate for gamers ages 10 and up. The games may contain cartoon, fantasy or mild violence. Mild language and/or minimally suggestive themes also may be present.

This rating system was derived in 1994 after various child development and academic experts were consulted. Other rating systems also were considered, and the ESRB consulted with parents nationwide as well. There are currently seven different ESRB ratings for games and apps. They are as follows:

T: Teen games are generally suitable for ages 13 and up. These games may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and some strong language.

C: Early childhood games feature content that is intended for young children. E: Games rated as Everyone feature content that is generally suitable for all ages. There may be minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence. Mild language may be infrequent. E 10+: Content in games rated

M: Games deemed as Mature are generally suitable for gamers ages 17 and up. In such games, there is a high propensity for intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and strong language. A: Adults-only games have content suitable for adults ages 18 and up. Graphic sexual content, prolonged scenes of intense violence, and gambling with real currency may be depicted or available in these games.

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RP: Games that are marked Rating Pending have not yet received a final ESRB rating. Usually this verbiage is only used in marketing materials, and the rating will be updated once the product hits the market. Along with the general rating, the ESRB uses content descriptors to further break down the type of content one can expect in the games. These can include everything from references to alcohol to fantasy violence to sexual themes to tobacco references. Again, these content descriptors will offer a concise way to assess if a game is appropriate for a particular gamer. Video games are popular holiday gifts. Game ratings can help guide consumers to make smart choices so that gamers of all ages can enjoy their gifts this season.

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13 • November 2016 • Holiday Gift Guide

Let video game ratings help guide holiday gift purchases

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 14

How to find great gifts

for the family handyman

or those people who don’t know a box cutter from a box saw, shopping for men and women who like to get their hands dirty around the house can be a difficult task. Home improvement projects are complex undertakings that often involve the use of complex tools, and novices may be lost in the proverbial woods as they look for gifts for their loved ones who can’t wait to swing hammers around the house. Though there’s always an element of risk when shopping for gifts for loved ones, the following hints might help shoppers with no knowledge of home improvement projects find gifts that will please their favorite handyman. Take inventory of his or her existing tools. When shopping for the DIY enthusiast in your family, try to take inventory

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of his or her tool chest before beginning your search. Make note of any tools that look new, checking those off your shopping list, and any that look like they need replacing. Use your phone to photograph any unfamiliar tools that you might want to replace so you know what to look for when visiting the hardware store. Think of what your relative likes to do most. The family handyman may have a particular area of home improvement expertise or something he or she is especially passionate about. Does your loved one prefer to work in the garden? Is he into woodworking and making decorative items for the house? Think of what he or she likes to do most and then look for something that will make that hobby more enjoyable. While multipurpose tools might make for welcome gifts, something more specific to his or her particular passion may make an even better gift. Think outside the (tool)box. While new tools might make a handyman’s day, they are not the only items that make great DIY gifts. Consider enrolling your loved one in an advanced class so he or she can learn more about a favorite

hobby. Or gift a magazine subscription so he or she can stay abreast of the latest DIY trends and topics. Such gifts are great options for shoppers hesitant to purchase potentially costly tools that may or may not be hits with their relatives. Speak with a professional. If you can’t access your loved one’s workshop or simply don’t know what he or she might want, ask a local contractor for gift recommendations. For example, a carpenter might know just what will elicit a smile from woodworking enthusiasts, while landscapers might be able to suggest items for gardening or lawn care enthusiasts. Advancements are always being made in the home improvement industry, and those people who make their living in that industry might be great resources as you try to find the go-to gift for your loved one. Finding a gift for the family handyman might be difficult for shoppers with no DIY experience of their own. But a little forethought and perhaps some professional assistance can be just what shoppers need to find gifts their loved ones will cherish for years to come.

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Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 16

How to organize office gift exchanges

is it ultra-formal? Allow the corporate culture to play a part in your gifting decisions. A gift that may be appropriate for a smaller, casual company may not be fitting for a large, rules-heavy corporation. Always let common sense prevail. Establish a spending limit. Spending limits let everyone know just how much to spend. Resist the urge to go above and beyond. While you may just want to be generous, others may view an expensive gift as a way to show off or an attempt to flatter a coworker or even a boss.

lose-knit groups of employees commonly exchange gifts with one another come the holiday season. Friendly coworkers enjoy bringing smiles to the faces of their friends and fellow employees, and these informal gift exchanges can benefit company morale and establish a familial atmosphere at the office. In spite of the good-natured reasons to exchange gifts with coworkers, some people are nervous about the prospect of gifting fellow employees. Questions regarding what makes for an appropriate gift or how much to spend may arise, turning office gift exchanges into potentially puzzling situations. Those ready to participate in office gifting can follow certain etiquette guidelines to take the anxiety out of office gifting. Determine if there is an office policy governing gift exchanges. Some businesses may have a specific policy in place that establishes guidelines on what makes acceptable, appropriate gifts for coworkers. The larger the company, the more specific the policy is likely to be. Consider the overall office climate. Is yours a relaxed working environment, or

Think of life outside the office. When shopping, start thinking about what your coworkers like to do when they are not at work. For example, golf enthusiasts may enjoy a box of balls or a gift certificate to play at an area course. Stick to generic gifts if you are unsure of what your coworkers do when they are not working. Personalized holiday mementos, gadgets for entertaining, items that can be used around the office or food-related gift baskets make great holiday gifts. Remember to take into account others’ religions and traditions when shopping. Avoid gifts that are overly personal. Steer clear of giving fragrances or cosmetic products because you do not know what the other person will like. Scented products also may send the wrong message, indicating you think someone needs to cover up with an aroma. Clothing is another gift to avoid, as certain items may be seen as suggestive and you may not be in tune with the recipient’s personal style. Consider personal or handmade gifts as well. Engraved picture frames, handpicked gift baskets filled with homemade treats or gift certificates to favorite coffee shops or lunch spots in the vicinity of the office make ideal office gifts.

shopping on your phone phones to do their holiday shopping. According to Nielsen Mobile Measurement, the number of mobile shoppers in December 2014 rose to 138.1 million users, an increase of nearly 14 million users from the same period just a year earlier. And mobile shoppers averaged nearly a full hour more shopping on the Web from their mobile phones in 2014 than in 2013.

oliday shopping is an annual tradition for many people. But while it may be customary to exchange gifts with loved ones during the holiday season, how those gifts are purchased has changed dramatically over the last decade and a half. Thanks to advancements in technology, many holiday shoppers get their shopping done without ever setting foot in malls or shopping centers. And data indicates more and more shoppers are using their smart-

Convenience often drives shoppers’ decisions to use their mobile phones during the holiday season. But it’s important that shoppers not sacrifice security for the sake of convenience. Those who want the best of both worlds this holiday season can take several steps to protect their personal information while shopping on their smartphones. Only use shopping apps with which you’re comfortable. Downloading an app only takes a few seconds, and some shoppers are so used to downloading apps they

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Sign out when you stop using an app. It may be convenient to stay signed in to an app at all times, but that can leave you vulnerable to hackers and/or thieves. Many apps store users’ credit card numbers so shoppers don’t have to enter such information each time they make a purchase. If you stay signed in to an app at all times, hackers who access your smartphone can then access your credit card information, as can thieves should your phone be stolen.

Browse but don’t buy. Shoppers who are especially concerned about smartphone security may want to use apps and their smartphone’s Internet connections to browse rather than buy. Avoid logging into apps or websites when using your smartphone, instead browsing deals and jotting them down on the phone’s notes app. You can then make purchases once you gain access to a secure network, such as the one at your home or office. Holiday shoppers are increasingly turning to their smartphones to do their holiday shopping. While the convenience of such devices may be unrivaled, consumers must prioritize security over expediency.

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may not realize just what they’re downloading. Before installing an app on your phone, familiarize yourself with the app and what it requests of its user. Some apps ask users for a considerable amount of personal information, even though there is no legitimate reason for them to have that information. If you’re uncomfortable with apps that require you to allow access to your location and other potentially sensitive information, don’t download the app.

Turn off automatic connections. Many smartphones enable users to automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks so they can seamlessly access the Internet regardless of where they are. However, some Wi-Fi networks are fraudulent, and you may unknowingly be transmitting sensitive data through such networks when you automatically log on. Disable automatic connections, only logging on to secure Wi-Fi networks when out in public.

As holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, retailers who use apps and mobile responsive websites to reach more customers may benefit by making a concerted effort to reach older shoppers. According to Nielsen’s Mobile Measurement, 26 percent of the more than 100 million mobile shoppers are 55 and older, while an additional 40 percent are between the ages of 25 and 44. Those figures might surprise some retailers who are quick to associate mobile shopping with digital-native Millennials. Nielsen’s Fourth-Quarter 2014 Mobile Multicultural Insights report even noted that Hispanics are more inclined to shop via mobile than non-Hispanic, white smartphone owners. Retailers may also be interested to know that more and more shoppers are turning to apps instead of websites to do their shopping. Between the fourth quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2014, Nielsen reports that 101.4 million smartphone users accessed a shopping app. By the fourth quarter of 2015, that figure had risen to 109.9 million users.

17 • November 2016 • Holiday Gift Guide

Be smart when

Signing out when you finish using an app provides an extra measure of protection.

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 18

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Avoid theft during the season of giving

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Place gifts in the trunk of the car. Make sure they are covered up and out of sight if you do not have a trunk. Take your packages straight home after each shopping trip.

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Do not carry excess cash or credit cards you don’t plan to use. Leave the full wallet at home so it does not fall into the wrong hands or end up being stolen. Keep important credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

he holiday season is a special time of year to give thanks and spend time with loved ones. While the holidays are an inherently happy time, that joyful mood can be marred by the crooks who like to take advantage of people’s generosity, as well as their propensity to pay less attention to their surroundings as they do during less hectic times of year. Instances of certain crimes, particularly theft and identity theft, increase around the holiday season. Allstate Insurance advises that break-ins in residential areas may increase during the holiday season as well. That’s because thieves know that many homes are empty or cars are full of high-priced presents.

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Exercise caution around strangers. While you want to be friendly this time of year, this is a time when thieves may use various tactics to distract or disarm potential targets. Always leave lights on at home and do not forget to lock doors and windows when leaving the house. Empty houses are prime targets for burglars. Always give the impression that someone is home. Don’t advertise purchases. Keep mum about that big-screen TV or gaming system you purchased. Do not leave packages or boxes lying around outside your home. Instead, discard them only on the morning of garbage pickup. Keep an inventory of purchases and belongings. This will prove handy if you are a victim of theft and have to file an insurance claim.

To put the focus back on good cheer, delicious food, celebrations and gifting, individuals can heed the following tips to protect themselves and their property this holiday season.

Use encrypted shopping sites. Many online retailers employ encrypted websites so customers can securely make purchases. Patronize only these retailers when shopping online.

Park in well-lit areas while shopping. Aim for a spot under a street lamp or as close to the front door of the store as possible.

Be aware of credit card skimmers. Thieves may put skimming devices on ATM machines and credit card machines to steal card information. If a machine does not look right, do not use it.

Routinely put packages in the car so they do not become too cumbersome and bog you down. Some thieves prey on people who cannot defend themselves because their hands are full of packages.

Avoid being victimized by crooks this holiday season by prioritizing safety at home and when shopping for gifts.

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Be sure to understand a store’s return and exchange policy before making a holiday gift purchase.

he holiday season is rife with merriment and gift-giving. Shoppers flock to stores in an effort to find the ideal gifts for everyone on their lists. While shoppers hope the presents they select will be well-liked, many know that not every gift will be the perfect fit.

them, which may cut down on the number of exchanges or returns necessary.

It’s in shoppers’ best interests to familiarize themselves with store return policies to avoid being stuck with unwanted purchases or losing money on exchanges. Knowledge of store policies also is useful information to pass on to gift recipients, so that they will be able to realize the full benefit of their gifts should something need to be replaced.

Ask for gift receipts if you are uncertain if the gift recipient will like the gift or you aren’t sure on sizing or fit. Attach this receipt to a tag so it does not get lost during wrapping.

Shoppers who anticipate a loved one returning their gift would be wise to always include a gift receipt with gifts. Some stores offer only store credit to people who return gifts without receipts, while others may not allow non-receipt returns at all. In addition, some retailers only offer non-receipt refunds that are equivalent to the lowest recent sale price. Consumers can arm themselves with this information and take a proactive approach to holiday shopping. Visit the customer service desk and ask for the complete return and exchange policy. Study the policy to understand how exchanges or refunds are handled. Think about purchases before making

Keep all receipts in a safe place. Opt for emailed receipts whenever possible, as such receipts may be easier to catalog and less likely to go missing.

Visit the return desk during off-peak hours, such as dinnertime or early in the morning, when employees will be less harried and better able to work with you on facilitating exchanges. Make purchases on store credit cards or other credit cards. Doing so may make the purchases easier to track if the receipt goes missing. Shop at retailers with notoriously good return policies. Money magazine and GOBankingRates say that Nordstrom; L.L. Bean; Bed, Bath & Beyond; JC Penney; and Costco have the most generous return policies. Returns and exchanges are a part of holiday giving. Consumers who educate themselves on stores’ return policies can make the holiday season easier for themselves and their loved ones.

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Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 20

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Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 22

Avoid holiday-related

weight gain

he holiday season is a busy time of year dominated by social engagements. Many people find the hectic pace of the holiday season makes it challenging to eat healthy, especially since so many holiday parties include desserts and high-calorie foods.

Holiday buffets and eating out can contribute to unwanted weight gain during the holiday season.

Did you know? Leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus is a Christmas Eve tradition. Children regularly place a dish of cookies and a glass of milk by the tree on Christmas Eve so that Santa has enough energy to complete all of his gift-giving before kids wake up on Christmas morning. The tradition of leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve may trace its origins to Saint Nicholas. On the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6, children would leave food and drink for the saint and any attendants. The treats would be exchanged for gifts. While that’s one theory behind the tradition, others think it is linked to the history of the Christmas tree and the edible decorations that adorn it. Santa would snack on the ornaments. Even after edible decorations gave way to inedible ornaments, the tradition of leaving a snack for Santa remained. Whatever the origins behind the tradition, millions of children dutifully leave milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Various studies suggest holiday weight gain is common, though holiday revelers may not be gaining as much weight as they think they are. The New England Journal of Medicine found that while people’s perceived holiday weight gain hovers between zero and 6.7 pounds, in reality most people gain just under 1 pound during the holiday season. Though that may not seem like a lot, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health, many people never lose the weight they gain during the winter holidays. The pounds add up year after year, making holiday weight gain a significant contributor to adult obesity. The holiday season does not need to derail a healthy lifestyle. Consider these tips to avoid extra pounds come the holiday season. Eat before you go shopping. Leaving the house hungry may tempt you to make impulse food purchases that can compromise healthy diets. It’s easy to grab a quick convenience item at the food court or from a vending machine. However, eating a snack before you leave will alleviate hunger and you can control the foods that go into your body. Make smarter food choices. When visiting a holiday party buffet line or grabbing an on-the-go snack, think about the foods you choose. Look for low-calorie items that will still fill you up. Proteins, complex carbohydrates and vegetables are good choices. Avoid creamy dips and dressings, and if you want to try something fried or cheese-laden, do so only sparingly. Be selective with sweets. Sweets are readily available during the holiday sea-

son. Rather than filling up your plate with a little “bite” of each dessert you want to try, select your favorite and then enjoy a reasonable portion. Limit sampling while cooking. If you are entertaining others, cut down on tasting while you prepare the meal. Those calories can add up without you knowing it, and soon you’ve eaten an entire portion even before the festivities begin. Pack healthy snacks. It’s always a good idea to have healthy snacks at the ready to tame random hunger pangs. Bring a favorite treat with you while shopping or if you will be visiting others. This helps you control your portion size and can keep you from overeating. Mind your drinks, too. Many beverages, including alcoholic beverages and sweetened soft drinks, are high in calories. A single serving of wine can have anywhere from 100 to 300 calories. It’s easy to lose count of caloric intake when indulging, but opt for low-calorie drinks or water whenever possible. Increase your level of physical activity. Find ways to remain physically active during the holiday season. Park further away from mall entrances so you can walk a greater distance and burn more calories. Take a few extra laps around the mall. Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. If you’re at a party with upbeat music, get on the dance floor and work off some calories. Holiday weight gain may seem like an inevitability. However, with some forward thinking and smart choices, holiday celebrants can prevent weight gain this holiday season.

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Holiday Gift Guide • November 2016 • 24

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Subject to certain conditions and requirements, contributions in excess of the annual limit can be carried forward and deducted in future years. If an account owner makes a non-qualified distribution or certain transfers or rollovers to another state’s program, the amount of the deduction may be “recaptured” and included in the account owner’s Rhode Island income.

Contributions to your account must be postmarked on or before December 31 to qualify for the tax deduction.

Before you invest, consider whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in that state’s qualified tuition program. For more information about CollegeBound Saver, call 877-517- 4829, or visit www.collegeboundsaver.com to obtain a Program Description, which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing. Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, Inc. (“ABD”) is Distributor of CollegeBound Saver. CollegeBound Saver is administered by the Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer and the Rhode Island State Investment Commission. Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC (“ACSR”), the Program Manager, and its affiliates, have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations including recordkeeping and administrative services. Invesco Advisers, Inc. serves as the Investment Manager. ABD, member FINRA/SIPC, markets and distributes CollegeBound Saver. CollegeBound Saver’s Portfolios invest in: (i) exchange-traded funds, (ii) mutual funds and (iii) separate accounts. Investments in CollegeBound Saver are municipal securities that will vary with market conditions. Investments are not guaranteed or insured by the State of Rhode Island, the office of the General Treasurer of Rhode Island, or the Rhode Island State Investment Commission. INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED, MAY LOSE VALUE AND ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED. ©2016 CollegeBound Saver. All Rights Reserved.

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