Holiday Gift Guide
Clever holiday shopping Inspiring ideas strategies to save money for last-minute The holiday season is here again, which means that the time for shopping lists and gift-buying has returned as well. Shoppers long have relied on Black Friday deals to save some money and streamline shopping excursions. But now Thanksgiving Day sales and additional retail holidays like Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday have made it easier than ever to score holiday deals. The following tips can make holiday shopping more fruitful. KNOW YOUR PRICES Shoppers who would do well on TV’s “The Price is Right” can save money. It’s important to have a general idea of what items cost, especially those that will be on holiday lists. Shoppers can set up price alert notifications on the gifts they plan to buy to compare prices in advance of holiday sales. This way they will have a better idea if the Black Friday/Cyber Monday “deal” is just a markdown on an exaggerated price or if it’s a legitimate bargain. CONSIDER PRICEMATCHING Before shoppers run all over to a dozen stores in the name of saving a few bucks, learn about stores’ price-matching policies. For example, Best Buy may be willing to give the same price on a printer if you can prove that Staples is offering it for $30 cheaper. Keep in mind that many stores are even willing to match Amazon’s prices.
holiday shoppers
UTILIZE A SHOPPING APP OR COUPON AGGREGATOR Online shopping is here to stay, and one way retailers provide deals is with coupon codes. Shopping applications can help shoppers save money and time. Some, like Rakuten, offer cash-back and instant discount opportunities, particularly during the holiday season. Others, like Honey, for example, are apps as well as browser extensions that will automatically search for and apply coupon codes on retailers’ sites to ensure a shopper is getting the lowest price. SHOP AHEAD AND PICK UP Be aware of retailers who offer a lower online price for merchandise than what the same item sells for in store. For example, a six-pack of socks may be $9.99 when purchased online, or $13.99 in store. If the store offers free
The search for the perfect gift tends to be easier when shoppers are aware of the latest trends and perhaps no current gifting trend is more popular than giving experiences. According to a 2022 survey from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide 77 percent of individuals surveyed indicated they would rather receive experiences than physical gifts come the holiday season. Travel experiences are the most sought after experimental gifts as 63 percent of individuals
pickup for online orders shipped to the store, then consumers can use this option to get the discount but avoid shipping fees. Plus, pickup kiosks generally are less crowded than waiting for the checkout registers. BUY NOW, RESIZE LATER Shoppers who can’t find their needed size or color in clothing or merchandise can buy any size or color on sale day at the discounted price, then exchange a few days later for the item they need. THINK BEYOND THE USUAL RETAILERS Lowe’s, Home Depot and even pharmacies have lesser-known, but advantageous deals as well. Don’t overlook these retailers for holiday decor or stocking stuffers. Holiday sales shopping is more budget-friendly with some simple saving strategies.
surveyed indicated surprise travel is the experience they would most enjoy receiving. However, a trip to parts unknown is not the only experience shopper can give, nor is it the only one friends and family would love to receive. The GetYourGuide survey found that tickets to a concert or show (50 percent), outdoor activities, such as skiing, boating or hiking (43 percent), and a food tour or cooking class (36 percent) also made for desirable experimental gifts.
It’s unlikely that anyone aspires to be a last-minute holiday shopper. Putting off holiday shopping until the last minute can make for a stressful home stretch to the season, and there’s no guarantee store shelves won’t already be picked clean or that gifts purchased online will arrive on time. Despite how unappealing last-minute shopping can be, it’s still a fact of life for millions of holiday shoppers. As the clock winds down this holiday season, shoppers can look to these ideas for inspiration. • GIFT CARDS: Gift cards may never earn a distinction as the most sentimental item to give a loved one during the holiday season, but they are surprisingly sought-after. In fact, a survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of participants identified gift cards as the most-wanted gift of the 2022 holiday season. Chain retailers, small businesses and restaurants are among the many establishments that sell gift cards, so shoppers are bound to find a card to please anyone on their shopping list. • FOOD/BEVERAGE: The holiday season is a popular time to indulge in some great food and wash it down with a favorite wine or another adult beverage. That makes food and beverages a great holiday gift. Shoppers can take a loved one out to a favorite restaurant, prepare a homemade treat or purchase a favorite dish from a local specialty grocery store or eatery. Pair the food with an appropriate beverage and this accessible last-minute gift idea is sure to be a hit. • TICKETS: Tickets to a movie, sporting event, live theater performance, or concert are another gift idea that likely won’t be gobbled up by early bird shoppers. People of all ages enjoy experiences, and a 2022 survey from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide found that 50 percent of survey respondents indicated they would enjoy tickets to a concert or show. • BOOKS: Books make an ideal holiday gift for everyone from young kids to grandparents. Traditional print books are small enough that they can likely arrive on time even if they’re purchased just a few days before Christmas. E-book sellers enable gift givers to pick the perfect time to notify loved ones they have received an electronic book. Audiobooks, which can be downloaded to a smartphone or given as a CD, make an ideal gift for loved ones who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Last-minute holiday shopping can be stressful. However, various sought-after items can be secured at the last minute, ensuring gift givers’ loved ones have a happy holiday season.
Page 2
The Daily Herald Holiday Gift Guide 2023 T
What shoppers can do to avoid breaking the bank Millions of individuals enjoy holiday shopping for their loved ones each year. Come the holiday season, thoughts of what to get friends and family is foremost on the minds of those who embrace the spirit of giving that is synonymous with this special time of year. It’s easy to overspend come the holiday shopping season. That could be even easier in an era marked by high inflation, which has affected consumers since 2022. Lingering inflation could require shoppers to be especially vigilant with their shopping budgets this holiday season. Thankfully, a few simple strategies can help shoppers stay the financial course this holiday season. • TRACK SPENDING WITH A BANKING APP ON YOUR SMARTPHONE. Consumers can now track their spending in real time by downloading their bank
and/or credit card app on their smartphones. A quick login can help shoppers monitor account balances to determine how much they have spent. If the budget is about to be busted, pull back the reins and cut the shopping trip short. • ESTABLISH GIFT VALUE LIMITS. No one has been immune to the effects of inflation over the last year-plus. So family members likely won’t have a problem establishing spending limits this year. Work together with relatives to determine a reasonable limit to spend on each gift. For example, a $50 per gift limit can ensure everyone gets a quality gift without going into debt. • SHOP ON RETAIL HOLIDAYS. Black Friday was once the only game in town regarding retail holidays. But consumers can take advantage of additional discount-heavy shopping days
like Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday to find great deals on a wide range of items. Take retail holiday savings one step further by penciling in time to comparison shop on these popular days when retailers compete for customers. • LOOK FOR ALMOST-NEW GIFTS. Mobile providers may market the latest model smartphone as upping the ante with new bells and whistles, but chances are last year’s model is just as user-friendly at a fraction of the cost. The same can be said for other gadgets like wireless headphones and smart TVs. Last year’s models may be heavily discounted, particularly online, but just as impressive as their more expensive successors. • KEEP SHIPPING COSTS IN MIND. The sticker price of certain items, particularly large ones, is likely not the whole
story regarding how much the item will cost. Certain items, like trampolines for kids or a new armchair for Dad, will likely cost considerably more than the sticker price alone. Shipping on small items may be free at various online retailers, but that likely won’t be the case with larger items. The cost of shipping some heavy items might be as much
as one-third the cost of the item itself. Shoppers should keep that in mind and build potential shipping costs into their holiday budgets. It’s easy to overspend come the holiday season. However, various strategies make it easy to stay within budget when shopping for gifts for family and friends.
Tailor-made gifts for on-the-go senior citizens Seniors and older adults did not seem to get the memo regarding inflation. As the world continues to navigate a cost-of-living increase, internal data from Bank of America indicates that Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) and Traditionalists (individuals born between 1928 and 1945) are spending more while younger generations are cutting back. Between May 2021 and May 2022, spending by Traditionalists increased by more than 5 percent while Baby Boomer spending rose by 2.2 percent. That uptick occurred while younger generations’ spending fell by 1.5 percent. Seniors seem to be on the go, and that’s something holiday shoppers can keep in mind as they look for gifts for their aging
parents, grandparents and others. With that in mind, shoppers can consider these gifts that align well with the lifestyles of seniors who are out and about and making the most of their free time. • GOLF CLUBS OR ADDITIONAL GOLF GEAR: Data from the National Golf Foundation indicated that more than 34 million people in the United States played golf in 2019, and 15 percent of those players were 65 and over. A new set of custom-fit clubs can help seniors take their game to the next level. Such clubs can be expensive, so they make a great tandem gift from children and grandchildren who pool their resources. If new clubs are not necessary or too costly, a single club, such as a new driver or putter, makes for a
great gift as well. Gear like a new golf bag, new spikes and new course-friendly attire also makes a great gift for seniors who love the links. • TRAVEL GIFTS: The 2023 AARP Travel Trends survey found that 85 percent of older travelers rank travel in their top three priorities for discretionary spending. The appeal of travel has not worn off for modern seniors, and shoppers can keep that in mind this holiday season. New luggage, travel miles earned through a credit card, unique experiences at senior travelers’ next destination, air tags that can keep track of luggage, and a world travel adapter that can convert plugs in any country across the globe are just a few of the many travel gifts shoppers can give on-
Holiday Massage Specials!
the-go seniors this December. • EXERCISE GEAR: The National Council on Aging notes that adults who exercise after turning 65 continue to reap the same rewards that improve quality of life among younger men and women. In addition to boosting immunity, exercising after 65 continues to improve mood so long as seniors stay the course. Exercise gear, including attire and ap-
propriate footwear, can reduce injury risk and help seniors feel more comfortable while breaking a sweat. • SPA SESSION: All that activity is good for the body, but so is a little post-activity rest and relaxation. A day at the spa, where seniors can get a massage, take a mental break and address minor aches and pains can be just the thing seniors need to recover in time for their next excursion.
GEAR UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH LAST MINUTE STOCKING STUFFERS!
SueDawn Sheetz
Sharron Howser
Lexi Peterson
Vanessa Giannattasio
60 Minute Massage
Buy 3 - 60 Minute Massages
TIRES | TUBES | TIRE SEALANT WATER BOTTLES | HELMETS CHAINS | GEAR LUBE BIKE LIGHTS AND MUCH MORE
FREE!
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapist
ONLY *
$59 *Limit 3 per customer Expires 12/31/2023
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapist
GET 30 Minutes No Limit Expires 12/31/2023
ORDER YOUR E-BIKE FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
RIDE ’N BIKES CHANGING LIVES TWO WHEELS AT A TIME
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE! 801-504-6370 • 567 North State Rd 198 Salem Utah 84653 www.HometownChiropractic.com
Raistlin Hartman - Owner • Great Service • Great Deals 36 W Utah Avenue • Payson, UT 801-465-8881 • ridenbikes.business.site
The Daily Herald Holiday Gift Guide 2023
Page 3
GIVE THE GIFT OF
SUMMER FUN
SCAN QR CODE TO BUY TICKETS OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE SPLASHSUMMIT.COM For more information call us at (385)309-2388
Page 4
The Daily Herald Holiday Gift Guide 2023
THE PLACE HE PLACE FOR FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING, OLIDAY SHOPPING, DINING, & INING, & ENTERTAINING NTERTAINING
SANTA’S VILLAGE SANTA’S VILLAGE
NOVEMBER 24–DECEMBER 23 OVEMBER 24–DECEMBER 23
Share your Christmas list with and go with a memorable are your Christmas wish list wish with Santa andSanta go home withhome a memorable familyatphoto at his Woodland Chalet. arecomplimentary always complimentary and mily photo his Woodland Chalet. Visits areVisits always and each childSanta to visit willareceive special treat. ch child to visit willSanta receive special atreat.
OURSHOURS
Nov927–Dec 9 v 24 Nov 24 Nov 25 Nov 25 Nov 27–Dec 11 am–9 pm11 am–8 pm 11 am–8 pm am–910 pmam–9 pm11 am–9 pm
c 11–16 Dec 11–16 Dec 18–23 Dec 18–23Dec 24 Dec 24 am–810 pmam–8 pm10 am–9 10 pmam–9 pm Sunday—Mall Closed Closed Sunday—Mall
Santa’s Village in the west wingwest of the shopping center. center. Santa’sisVillage is in the wing of the shopping Photo packages available available from Eastman Photography. Photo packages from Adams Eastman Adams Photography.
Dillards • Al’s Sporting Goods • RC Willey • Cinemark • Costco + 150 More UNIVERSITYPLACEOREM.COM