2016 Holiday
Gift Guide
PAGE 2 • THE DAILY COURIER
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Make holiday shopping a fun social experience Great Gifts for Dad!
Metro Creative
Holiday shopping can be even more fun when it takes place with a group of friends.
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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 — 15 hours of shopping on average, with women spending twice as long as their male counterparts (20 hours to 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, 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 it 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. • Break up the day with a flick. Many malls also have movie theatres. Plan your shopping around the movie schedule so you can take a two-hour break to rest and relax with some popcorn. 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 bar for a nightcap afterward and enjoy some one-on-one time. Parents can call in a babysitter while they enjoy some time with each other. — Metro Creative
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
THE DAILY COURIER • PAGE 3
Work gifts: Use common sense C
lose-knit groups of employees commonly exchange gifts during the holiday season. 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 to reduce the anxiety. • Determine if there is an office policy governing gift exchanges. Some businesses have a specific policy in place that establishes guidelines on what makes acceptable, appropriate gifts for coworkers. • Consider the overall office climate. Is yours a relaxed working environ-
ment, or 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. • 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. • 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, hand-picked gift baskets filled with homemade treats or gift certificates to favourite coffee shops or lunch spots near the office make ideal gifts. — Metro Creative
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PAGE 4 • THE DAILY COURIER
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Finding the right gifts for the seniors on your list E
Metro Creative
Get creative when shopping for gifts for seniors. Some people seem to have it all, while others are less than forthcoming about the things they need or want.
GIFTS AND GADGETS FOR ALL THE COOKS ON YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST
very holiday shopper ends up with at least one loved one on their shopping list who they can’t seem to find anything for. Some people seem to have it all, while others may be less than forthcoming with regard to items they may need or want. Many seniors tend to fall into the latter category. Shopping for holiday gifts for seniors can be difficult — if you don’t know what seniors want. The following are a handful of gift ideas that might make this holiday season that much more special for seniors.
Books A 2015 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 69 per cent of adults age 65 and over acknowledged reading at least one book in the previous 12 months. That makes books a good bet for shoppers who don’t know what to get their 65-and-over loved ones this holiday season. But shoppers might want to opt for more traditional print books rather than e-books, as the survey found that
only 15 per cent of readers age 65 and over had read an e-book in the previous 12 months.
Gym membership According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, more than 80 per cent of adults do not meet the guidelines for aerobic and musclestrengthening activities. That can be especially troubling for seniors, who are at greater risk for osteoporosis, a medical condition in which age-related tissue loss contributes to brittle, fragile bones. Physical activity, including muscle-strengthening activities like weight training, can help combat osteoporosis. Family members stuck on what to get aging loved ones may want to consider gifting a membership to a local gym. Many gyms offer heavily discounted memberships to seniors, and such gyms may even offer senior fitness classes at no additional cost.
Travel Many retirees love to travel, but not every senior has the means to
take off for parts unknown. A 2013 survey from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that 25 percent of retirees admitted they wished they would have saved more for retirement travel. Holiday shoppers can light up seniors’ smiles by giving travel gifts this holiday season. One idea is to transfer airline miles to an elderly loved one so he or she can get a free or discounted flight. If that’s not a possibility, some new luggage or a gift card is sure to please.
Family time Shoppers who are especially stuck on what to get seniors for Christmas can just resolve to spend more time with their elderly loved ones. Many seniors genuinely have everything they need, and such men and women may only want to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. Make a New Year’s resolution to spend more time with the special seniors in your life if the perfect gift is eluding you. — Metro Creative
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Holiday decorations help make a special time of year even more memorable. Whether you’re hanging mistletoe above a doorway or decking the halls, safety must be a priority when decorating a home for the holidays. Accidents can happen no matter what type of holiday decorating you’re doing, but stringing holiday lights around your home can be especially dangerous. This season, keep the following safety tips in mind when stringing lights so this season of celebration starts off safe and sound.
• Work with at least one partner. Never go it alone when stringing holiday lights. Make sure someone is there to hold the ladder steady as you climb up and down. Partnering up when stringing holiday lights allows decorators to use both of their hands to climb up ladders instead of using one of their hands to carry lights. Once they reach a point where it’s safe to hang lights, they can then have a helper hand them the lights. If possible, work in groups of three so someone can hold the ladder steady at all times. • Inspect lights before hanging
them. Lights are not built to last forever, and over time can suffer damage that has the potential to be dangerous. Wires can fray, and sockets can crack or break. Inspect lights and wires before hanging them, replacing any that pose a hazard. When replacing bulbs, be sure to replace them with bulbs of equal wattage. • Use an extension cord of adequate length. Exterior holiday lights are often plugged into extension cords that extend to a shed or garage. continued on page 5
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
THE DAILY COURIER • PAGE 5
Tips to help you stay on budget S
hoppers 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, up from $861 the previous year. 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. 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. See how much you allotted to each person and how much you actually ended up spending on
Lights continued from page 4
Do not connect several extension cords to power holiday lights; instead, use just a single cord that’s lengthy enough to reach the outlet. Connecting extension cords is a fire hazard. In addition, make sure the amperage of the decorations matches the amperage rating of the extension cord,
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 above and beyond, but overspending is impractical and can have some grave consequences. Many financial planners recommend shoppers spend no more than 1.5 per cent of annual income on holiday expenses, so establish realistic spending limits that won’t break the bank. • 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. • 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. — Metro Creative
which can be found on the product label or possibly on the manufacturer’s website. Make sure the extension cord is not plugged in while you are hanging lights. • Make sure lights do not pose a safety hazard inside. Some people string holiday lights indoors as well. Lights might be hung on Christmas trees or along hallways. Such lights and the cords connecting them to power sources should never pose safety hazards, so make sure they are not lying on the floor.
Never place them beneath furniture or rugs, as they can overheat, and lights that are not properly secured are tripping hazards. • Hang the correct lights. When stringing lights, make sure you hang lights designated as exterior lights on the exterior of your home and those designated as interior lights inside your home. Hanging lights in the wrong places poses a fire hazard and creates additional safety concerns. — Metro Creative
Metro Creative
To avoid overspending during the holidays, establish a budget beforehand — and stick to it.
PAGE 6 • THE DAILY COURIER
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Shopping when the kids come along H
Metro Creative
Encourage kids to make a list and make their own purchases when you take them shopping. This will help keep them interested and reduce your stress level.
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oliday shopping has changed considerably since the dawn of the Information Age. Whereas holiday shopping once required shoppers to spend hours perusing stores at the local mall, nowadays many people get the bulk of their shopping done online. Shopping online may be convenient, but more traditional holiday shopping still affords shoppers the chance to find great deals — especially at the last minute. Parents may prefer to leave the kids at home when holiday shopping, but sometimes they don’t have a choice. Fortunately, there are ways to manage holiday shopping trips with kids in tow. • Encourage kids to create shopping lists. Keeping kids engaged on holiday shopping trips can be difficult, especially when shopping at stores that tend to draw crowds and long lines. However, parents can engage youngsters by encouraging them to create their own holiday shopping lists for family members and then helping them find those gifts at the mall, or wherever they plan to do their holiday shopping. Let kids bring their lists along and check off gifts as they purchase them. • Let kids do their own shopping. In addition to creating lists, let kids do their own shopping, including paying for gifts they purchase for loved ones. Kids might be more interested when holiday
shopping if they’re allowed to peruse stores for potential gifts and then purchase gifts with their own money. • Break up shopping excursions with a meal. Kids enjoy dining out, even if their preferences lean more toward chicken fingers than steak au poivre. By breaking up shopping excursions with meals out on the town, parents can give kids something to look forward to at the onset of the shopping day. Such a break also gives everyone — moms and dads included — a chance to get off their feet and catch their breath. When the meal is over, promise kids a trip to get some ice cream or hot chocolate at the end of the day so they once again have something to look forward to. • Schedule some fun time. While parents pressed for time might not have much time to do anything but shop, kids are likely to grow impatient if the day does not include at least one fun distraction. Look for malls or shopping centres that feature fun things for kids to do, such as carousel rides or visits with Santa Claus. While this might require parents to spend more time at the mall or shopping centre than they initially hoped, it can help keep kids engaged while giving them something fun to do at the same time. Parents who must take their kids along on holiday shopping excursions can take steps to make such trips fun for all involved. — Metro Creative
MOVIESALES
VIDEORELEASES
Top-Selling DVDs of 2016: 1. Zootopia 2. Deadpool 3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens 4. The Good Dinosaur 5. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 6. The Martian 7. Hotel Transylvania 2 8. Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice 9. The Revenant 10. The Peanuts Movie 11. Spectre 12. Straight Outta Compton 13. War Room 14. Creed 15. Kung Fu Panda 3
Upcoming DVDs releases this month: Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie Ants on a Shrimp Baked in Brooklyn The BFG Don’t Breathe House of Lies: The Final Season The Intervention Pete’s Dragon (2016) The Wild Life Beauty & the Beast: The Final Season Call of Heroes Curse of the Man Who Sees UFOs Dead Rising: Endgame Family Guy: Season 14 For the Love of Spock
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
THE DAILY COURIER • PAGE 7
Select educational gifts for kids
W
hen shopping for holiday gifts for children, shoppers can easily be overwhelmed by the many toys, electronics, apparel and other items available for kids. Those 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 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 programming, 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. — Metro Creative
Spirit
Metro Creative
While some shoppers may want to get kids the flashiest toy, others may prefer gifts that are both fun and mentally stimulating.
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PAGE 8 • THE DAILY COURIER
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
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Lavish meals are a large part of holiday celebrations, with many people indulging in dinners and desserts throughout the holiday season. This is a time when many families display their best recipes, and these may include certain desserts that can be labor-intensive to make or something more fitting for a special occasion. Cheesecake is an example of a dessert that, due to the time it takes to create and the richness of the dessert itself, is not something many people eat on a regular basis. However, with a time-saving recipe, cheesecake can become a dessert prepared in little time for holiday festivities. Try Cinnamon Caramel Cheesecake Squares from Pampered Chef Season’s Best, Fast, Fun & Fabulous by Pampered Cinnamon Caramel Chef® Test Kitchens. Cheesecake Squares
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1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Unroll one package of crescent dough into a shallow baking pan. Roll out the dough to edges. 2. Heat the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, uncovered, on high for 30 to 40 seconds, or until softened. Whisk until almost smooth. 3. Add the egg, vanilla and 1⁄2 cup of the sugar to the bowl. Whisk until smooth. Spread over the crescent dough. 4. Lightly sprinkle the flat side of a cutting board with flour. Unroll the second package of crescent dough and roll it into a 13- by 12-inch rectangle. 5. Fold the dough in half from the short end; gently lift and place in the pan. Unfold and gently stretch the dough over the cream cheese layer; press the edges to seal. Cut off corners of dough hanging over and discard. 6. Bake 22 to 24 minutes, until golden brown. 7. Combine the remaining 1⁄4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Place the caramel topping in a 1-cup measuring cup. 8. Remove the pan from the oven. Immediately pour the caramel topping over the cheesecake and spread to the edges of the crust. Sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture; let stand for 10 minutes. 9. Using a utility knife, cut into 4 x 6 rows to make 24 squares.
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
THE DAILY COURIER • PAGE 9
Ideas for sporty stocking stuffers
G
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 sportscrazed superfan or accomplished athlete on their lists may want to consider the following items when looking for stocking stuffers. • 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 favourite 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 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. 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 favourite players and keeping abreast of team or industry news. 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. — Metro Creative
Metro Creative
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PAGE 10 • THE DAILY COURIER
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Tech gifts to make them smile 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 this year. The holiday season is a time when consumers buy tech gifts for their loved ones, but it’s also a time when they splurge on items for themselves. 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. • 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. • 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. • Determine if the gift is age-appropriate. It may be tempting to purchase children the latest and greatest tech gifts because “all of my friends have one.” But first determine if certain items are age-appropriate. Remember, many tech gifts, such as tablets and smartphones, open children 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 is appropriate — or even permitted. • Compare prices across various retailers. While popular gifts may be similarly priced because of the level of demand, it is still worth the effort to comparison shop before making a 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. • 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. The popularity of tech gifts makes them one of the most widely exchanged categories of presents during the holidays. With research and knowledge, consumers can find the perfect gifts to light up their loved ones’ faces. — Metro Creative
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Tech gifts are among the most widely exchanged categories of presents during the holidays.
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Video games have long been among the most popular holiday gifts to give, and this year figures to be no different. The assortment of video games is so diverse that consumers may not know where to begin. Gaining a greater understanding of the video game rating system can ensure shoppers find age-appropriate games 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 most of North America. continued on page 11
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Video game and app ratings help consumers choose age-appropriate gifts for the gamers on their holiday shopping lists.
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
THE DAILY COURIER • PAGE 11
Video games continued from page 10
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. This rating system was derived in 1994 through consultation with 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: • 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+: These games are 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. • T: Teen games are generally suitable for ages 13 and up. These games may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humour, minimal blood, simulated gambling and some strong language. • 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. • RP: Games that are marked Rating Pending have not received a final ESRB rating. Usually this 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 gamers of all ages can enjoy their gifts this season. — Metro Creative
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PAGE 12 • THE DAILY COURIER
WIN YOUR
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2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Many things to consider before you gift a pet
T
he blissful image of a young child or a significant other receiving a pet as a holiday gift compels many shoppers to give pets as gifts come Christmastime. But pets are unlike any other holiday gift, as pets are living things that require food, shelter and attention. Because pets are unlike video games, diamond pendants and other popular holiday gifts, shoppers must consider a host of factors before deciding whether or not to give pets as gifts this holiday season.
Living situation Shoppers who plan to give a pet to someone they don’t live with, whether that person is a niece or nephew or a girlfriend or boyfriend, should first consider and/or confirm the recipients’ living situation. Landlords may forbid apartment dwellers from having pets, so it’s best to confirm with your loved one whether his or her lease allows pets before adopting or buying the animal. If you don’t want to spoil the surprise or you cannot confirm if a loved one’s living situation is pet-friendly, don’t adopt or buy the animal. Allergies Some people, including many who profess to love pets, cannot have pets of their own because of allergies. Cat allergies are twice as common as
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dog allergies, but gift givers who intend to give their loved ones a dog should still confirm if the recipient has a dog allergy before adopting or purchasing the animal. Also be wary of pets described as “hypoallergenic.” While some people are more sensitive to certain breeds of cats and dogs than others, there is no guarantee that a particular breed of cat or dog will not cause an allergic reaction. Timing There are good times to give pets as gifts, while other times can be tough. Pets need time and routine to acclimate to their new environments, so avoid giving a new pet to a family about to embark on a lengthy holiday vacation. Families staying home for the holidays and taking time off from school or work may be most capable of welcoming a furry new addition into their homes. If you want to give a loved one a pet,
delay giving the gift until things have returned to post-holiday normalcy. Finances Pets can be expensive, especially in the first year. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the first-year cost of owning a dog is nearly $1,300, while the first-year cost of cat ownership exceeds $1,000. These estimates include the cost of food, shelter and medical exams, among other things. Before giving a pet to a child, consult the child’s parents to determine if the family can afford adding a pet to the family. If parents need some financial help to afford the pet, include supplies like bowls, leashes and toys in your holiday gift. Pets can make for wonderful gifts. But such gifts should only be given after careful consideration of a host of factors. — Metro Creative
Shopping for gifts when time is running out For those last-minute shoppers, there still are plenty of ways to ensure your shopping list is checked off. • 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. • Gas station gift card: Drivers will appreciate a gift card to their favourite
fueling station. Such cards suit anyone who has a car and frequently travels or commutes. • Food basket: A visit to the supermarket 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 favourite 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. — Metro Creative
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE KELOWNA CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Dec. 2 • Christmas artisan gift shop, East Kelowna Hall, 2704 East Kelowna Rd, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. • A Celtic Family Christmas, Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 • Christmas craft fair, Corpus Christi Catholic Parisj, 750 Rutland Rd., 8:30 a.m. • Touch of Christmas Fair, Main Street Centre, 2041 Harvey Ave., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. • Christmas artisan gift shop, East Kelowna Hall, 2704 East Kelowna Rd., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Santa Shuffle, Waterfront Park, 10 a.m. • Pandosy Village Christmas, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., see Santa between noon and 3 p.m. • Holiday Market, Arrowleaf Cellars, 1574 Camp Rd., 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Pictures with Santa, London Drugs, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
THE DAILY COURIER • PAGE 13 • Christmas weekend wonderland, Ancient Hill Estate Winery, 4918 Anderson Rd., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • A little Christleton Christmas, Christleton Manor, 423 Christleton Ave., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Downtown Kelowna light up, Stuart Park, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • Pictures with Santa, Cedar Creek Estate Winery, 5445 Lakeshore Rd., noon to 3 p.m. • Craft and Crafts at Kettle River Brewing Co., 731 Baillie Ave., 12:15 p.m. • Winterlude harp ensembles, St. Michael's Cathedral, 608 Sutherland Ave., 3 p.m. • An Okanagan Christmas concert, First Lutheran Church, 4091 Lakeshore Rd., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 • Winter wonderland fundraiser, Arion Therapuetic Farm, 2457 Saucier Rd., 10 a.m. • Christmas weekend wonderland, Ancient Hill Estate Winery, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Christmas in the country, Hoof Prints Barnyard Petting Zoo, 5850 Anderson Rd., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • A little Christleton Christmas, Christleton Manor, 423 Christleton Ave., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Christmas at Benvoulin, Benvoulin Church, 2279 Benvoulin Rd., 2 p.m. • Christmas open house, Cattail Creek, 3830 Casorso Rd., 2 p.m. • Rutland Christmas light up, Roxby Square, 3 p.m. • Shining tree of memories celebration, Central Okan-agan Hospice House, 2035 Ethel St., 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 • Kelowna Christian School Christmas concert, 2870 Benvoulin Rd., 7 p.m. Dec. 8 • Creche nativity exhibit, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 696 Glenmore Rd., noon to 8 p.m.
• Summerhill Pyramid Winery Christmas Market, 4870 Chute Lake Rd., 4 p.m. Dec. 9 • Creche nativity exhibit, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 696 Glenmore Rd., noon to 8 p.m. • Living Nativity, Willow Park Church. 439 Hwy 33, 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 • Pancakes with Santa, Okanagan Mission Community Hall, 4409 Lakeshore Rd., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m. • Creche nativity exhibit, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 696 Glenmore Rd., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Craft culture holiday market, Prospera Place, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Tuba Christmas, Rotary Centre for the Arts, 1:30 p.m. More listings, page 14
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PAGE 14 • THE DAILY COURIER
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE KELOWNA CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Dec. 10 • Christmas concert, Rutland United Church, 1370 Rutland Rd. N, 2 p.m. • Living Nativity, Willow Park Church. 439 Hwy 33, 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. • Luminaria, Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm light up, 4380 Takla Rd., 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 • Craft culture holiday market, Prospera Place, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Christmas in the country, Hoof Prints Barnyard Petting Zoo, 5850 Anderson Rd., 11 a.m. • Kelowna International Choir Christmas concert, Delta Grand hotel, 1310 Water St., 2:30 p.m. • Living Nativity, Willow Park Church. 439 Hwy 33, 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 • Kelowna City Concert band Christmas concert, First Lutheran Church, 4091 Lakeshore Rd., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 • Summerhill Pyramid Winery Christmas Market, 4 p.m Dec. 16 • Christmas light up, House of Rose Winery, 2270 Garnier Rd., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 17 • Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, Messiah,, Kelowna community Theatre, 7:30 p.m. • Christmas market, Okanagan Mission Community Hall, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Christmas light up, House of Rose Winery, 2270 Garnier Rd., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Kelowna Jubilation Singers Christmas concert, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 4619 Lakeshore Rd, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 • Christmas market, Okanagan Mission Community Hall, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Christmas in the country, Hoof Prints Barnyard Petting Zoo, 5850 Anderson Rd., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Kelowna Liedertafel choir Christmas concert, First Lutheran Church, 4091 Lakeshore Rd., 2 p.m. • Christmas concert, St. Michael’s cathedral, 608 Sutherland Ave., 7 p.m. Dec. 23 Christmas concert, Benvoulin Heritage Church, 2279 Benvoulin Rd., 7 p.m.
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Dec. 2 • Christmas craft market, The Heritage Retirement Residence, 36030 Brown Rd., 10 a.m. • West Kelowna light up, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Brown Road North, between Main and Gossett roads Dec. 3 • Kids gingerbread decorating and Christmas crafts, L'Oven Farm Fresh Food, 2565 Hwy 97 S. • Adventsmarkt Christmas market, Dogood Nursey, 3417A Paynter Rd., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 4 • Adventsmarkt Christmas market, Dogood Nursey, 3417A Paynter Rd., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 Kids gingerbread decorating and Christmas crafts, L'Oven Farm Fresh Food, 2565 Hwy 97 S. Dec. 23 • Christmas Eve Eve service, Westbank Lions Hall, 2466 Main St., 5:30 p.m.
PEACHLAND CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Dec. 2 • Christmas light up, Heritage Park, 6 p.m. Dec. 3 Breakfast with Santa, Peachland Community Centre, 4450 6 St., 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. More listings, page 15
2016 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
THE DAILY COURIER • PAGE 15
Make gift wrapping easier
W
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 wrap-related anxiety. • 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. • Wrap as you buy. Instead of getting bogged down with wrapping all in one evening, wrap presents as you purchase them. This 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. • 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. • 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. • Draw on plain gift boxes. Make your own “wrapped gifts” by drawing or stenciling on plain gift boxes if you’re short on time. • 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. PEACHLAND CHRISTMAS EVENTS
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The process of wrapping holiday gifts can go more smoothly when applying some time-tested tips and tricks.
• 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. • 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. — Metro Creative
Dec. 3 • Artisan indoor market, Peachland Visitor Centre, 5684 Beach Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17 • Christmas light up, Lake Country Memorial Park, 3 p.m. to • Artisan indoor market, Peachland Visitor Centre, 5684 5 p.m. Beach Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Turkey Bingo, Oyama Community Hall, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 LAKE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS EVENTS • Christmas craft sale, Winfield Memorial Hall, 10 a.m. to 3 Dec. 3 • Santa’s Craft Shop, Lake Country Community Complex, 1 p.m. • Skate with Santa, Winfield Arena, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. p.m. to 3 p.m.
Flatbreads (3 choices) Fried Battered Mushrooms Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Shooters Smoked Atlantic Salmon Sweet & Spicy Chicken Chunks (or your choice of 5 varieties) Jumbo Coconut Shrimp Savoury Party Pak Shrimp Party Pak Fried Battered Pickles Crab Cakes with Cajun Style Dip Spicy Maple Chipotle or Sriracha Chicken Wings Fruit & Cheese Phyllo Collection Cranberry or Pear Brie Classic or Florentine Mini Quiche Oriental Party Pak
Contest closes December 27th! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; BECOME A MEMBER AND ENTER TWICE! Enter in store at either Kelowna location:
2007 Harvey Ave or 21-3155 Lakeshore Road
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