Dcnn giftguide2

Holiday

DECEMBER

2016

Gift Guide II

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO www.DelcoNewsNetwork.com

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| GIFT GUIDE II | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

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INDULGE

Infuse your holiday traditions with a touch of sweetness As the holidays approach, you’re probably starting to think about ways to make the season a little bit sweeter for friends and family. After all, it’s the perfect time of year to indulge your sweet tooth.

Here are some fun, festive and tasty ideas to sweeten your holiday traditions and make them unforgettable, from the holiday experts at See’s Candies.

Candy Bar Dedicate a section of your holiday party buffet to sweet treats, chocolates, candy and hot chocolate. Don’t forget to have small goodie bags available so guests can take some of the sweetness home with them.

Stocking Stuffers While you will most likely purchase personalized gifts for each member of your family,

you can also amp up their stockings with candy full of holiday cheer. One delicious seasonal choice is See’s Candies North Pole Delights Gift Box, which includes milk chocolate balls, molasses chips and rich dark chocolate.

Hostess Gifts

Goodies for Santa A favorite holiday tradition for many is leaving something sweet for Santa. This year, make Santa’s night by leaving him something extra yummy, such as See’s Candies Christmas Peanut Brittle. Don’t forget the milk!

See’s Candies offers a variety of over 100 different candies and chocolates, which are made using only the best ingredients. You can find See’s at holiday gift center locations in major malls nationwide or at www.

Sees.com.

For more holiday ideas, visit @SeesCandies on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram.

With a few sweet, festive touches to your holiday traditions, you can make this holiday season one to remember.

You will likely be attending many gatherings and parties this holiday season. Make sure you don’t arrive empty-handed.

A box of chocolates in a keepsake holiday-themed tin makes for a convenient and wonderful host or hostess gift. In fact, having several on hand in your home is a great idea for easy gift-giving all season long, especially for last-minute gifts when you realize you’ve forgotten something for the mailman, your babysitter or your child’s Courtesy of StatePoint teacher.

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With a few sweet, festive touches to your holiday traditions, you can make this holiday season one to remember.

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Create Holiday Ambiance Hosting a party this y uletide? T hese days, there are new and innovative ways to set the tone for festive holiday cheer.

High-Tech Lighting Holiday decorations aren’t what they used to be. Now you can control your decorative lighting with app-enabled technology, controlling color combinations, speed and direction of light patterns, even connecting your light scheme to music right from your phone or computer.

DJ Apps When you are rushing around making sure everyone is fed and having a good time, you likely don’t have time to actively cu-

rate your party’s music selection.

C onsider dow n loa ding a DJ app in advance of your party, which can d raw f rom your ex isting playlists, automatica lly ma ke well-informed selections as to what to play next based on matching beats, and even mix the transitions for you. T his can mean more attention paid to guests and less focus on your playlist.

Sing-a-Long

weig ht a nd re sist a nc e of an a c t u a l g rand piano. For example, Casio’s CGP-700 Compact Grand P ia no feat ures a n 88 note scaled hammer action keyboard with simulated ebony and ivor y textured keys. W hether you stick with classic selections or prefer newer holiday hit s, now you can do so accompanied by the sounds of highqualit y instr umentation ideal for home use.

Hosting is never simple. But now you can let technolog y do some of the heavy lifting — from music to imagery — to create the perfect ambiance at your holiday gatherings.

Wa nt t o m a ke you r ow n music? Even w ith limited space, you can make caroling and holiday sing-a-longs at your pa r t y b e t t er w it h a n electronic keyboard that prov ides the same key Courtesy of StatePoint

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

| GIFT GUIDE II | 3 A

RESEARCH SAYS

Men want useful gifts, not fluff this holiday season Let’s face it — most men are really hard to buy gifts for. If you’re trying to choose a meaningful gift this holiday season, psychologists have some advice for you: Consider what he will actually use and appreciate, not what you believe expresses your feelings. And please not another tie.

Many of us simply don’t pay enough attention to what gift recipients (particularly men) are likely to value, according to research from Stanford Business.

And men in general are less interested in the symbolic value of a gift than its actual usefulness or utility, meaning “women are best off getting their guy a gadget” says research referenced in The Atlantic.

“This breakdown between givers and receivers happens all the time, even though most people have been both givers and receivers often in the past, and therefore should have some understanding of the other party’s perspective,” says Frank Flynn, co-author of the Stanford study.

Here are some great ideas for utility-driven gifts for men this season: Electronics: This category encompasses a wide range of gadgetry from the latest smartphone to the most cut-

ting edge TVs, alarm clocks, drones, speakers, gaming systems, home theater systems, laser printers, GPS devices, remote controls or photography accessories. If it offers an advancement over what men currently own, it’s likely to be a winner.

Outdoor gear: According to outdoor retailer Gander Mountain, some of this year’s most sought-after gifts for outdoorsmen include the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Cooler, which is easily transported to the most remote tree stand, duck boat or campsite; the Lew’s Mach Speed Stick Series Rods, a highquality graphite blank fishing rod optimized for both recreational and tournament fishing alike; the Infinite Edge Pro Archery package from Diamond by BowTech, a comprehensive archery kit that offers everything you need to start bow hunting; or the Luci Collapsible Outdoor Solar Light, which solves on-thego lighting issues using the capacity of 10 ultra-bright LEDs. The experts at Gander Mountain are knowledgeable within the outdoor industry with a focus on everything related to hunting, fishing, camping and shooting sports. The company’s Best Price Plus guarantee ensures the lowest prices

this holiday season. If a guest finds a lower advertised price on an identical in-stock item at another local retailer, Gander Mountain will match it plus give the guest 10 percent of the difference.

Other hobby-related items: Highly unique to the gift recipient, this category could include most anything designed for real-life practical use. Examples include sports gear, metal detectors, books, pet gear or supplies for art, photography, music, cooking, woodworking, travel, etc.

Automotive gear: These selections might range from scanners that diagnose mechanical issues or electric waxing/polishing kits, to BRANDPOINT dashboard cameras, auto vacuums and even the latest Men in general are less interested in the symbolic value of a gift than its actual usefulness in jump starters, tools and or utility, meaning “women are best off getting their guy a gadget” says research referenced in The Atlantic. work stations.

If you’re really at a loss as to what to give the men in your life, consider just asking them. But giving careful thought to how they really spend their time could work just as well.

“Think about things that might be just out of his price range or that he wants but can’t really justify buying for himself,” writes James Cave in the Huffington Post.

“These are the perfect gifts for the holidays.”

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| GIFT GUIDE II | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

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SAFETY FIRST No one wants to be hurt during the holidays, yet injuries sustained as part of the season’s festivities are actually very common.

In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) there were nearly 69,000 visits to doctor’s offices and/or emergency departments in 2015 directly due to holiday decorating and decorations.

BRANDPOINT

3 tips to prevent common holiday injuries What does your holiday wishlist include this year? Spending time with friends and family? The latest tech or that best-selling book you’ve been meaning to read? Maybe it includes plans for a trip in 2017. Whatever is on your wishlist, chances are a holiday-related injury isn’t one of them.

No one wants to be hurt during the holidays, yet injuries sustained as part of the season’s festivities are actually very common. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) there were nearly 69,000 visits to doctor’s offices and/or emergency departments in 2015 directly due to holiday deco-

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“During the holiday season so many of us get wrapped up in what we have to do, that we don’t take the time to do it safely,” says orthopaedic spine surgeon Alan S. Hilibrand, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). “It’s up to all of us to never for-

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get safety as we’re checking off our to-do list, because you can’t enjoy the holidays when you’re hurt.”

To help you prepare for and enjoy your holidays in a safe and enjoyable way this year, the AAOS offers these safety tips.

be in good working order, make sure it is set on level even ground - even if this means removing debris or snow to do so. Then, be sure you have a spotter ready below before beginning your climb. Once your task is finished, climb down the ladder and move it to the next Master the ladder position - don’t overreach.

Yes, we’ve all been up a Relocating the ladder is just ladder hundreds of times, as easy and safer. but 566,000 Americans were injured due to ladder Pack smart falls in 2015. Many of these If travel is an essential injuries took place during component of your holiday the holidays when outside plans, how you pack and conditions are more con- handle your luggage can ducive to accidents. mean the difference beBefore using a ladder for tween arriving healthy or any task, you should in- injured at your final destispect it thoroughly for loose nation. More than 84,000 screws, hinges or rungs, people were treated in hosand never climb a ladder pital emergency rooms, docthat is damaged. Even the tor’s offices and clinics for shortest job can still cause injuries related to luggage an accident. Once the lad- in 2015. Here’s how to keep der has been deemed to yourself off that list in 2016.

Start by packing lightly and resist the urge to drag that single, massive suitcase around. Several, lighter bags will be easier on your body. And when lifting luggage - no matter the weight - stand alongside your luggage and bend at the knees instead of the waist. Grab the handle and straighten up with the luggage close to your body - this allows you to lift with your leg muscles instead of your back.

Once you’ve lifted your luggage, it’s important you handle it properly. If you’re carrying a duffel bag, resist the urge to keep it on your dominant shoulder for the duration of the trip - rotate shoulders instead.

Likewise, if you are using a backpack, make sure both shoulder straps are used and tightened accordingly so the weight is evenly disSAFETY >> PAGE 5

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

| GIFT GUIDE II | 5 A

PRESENTS ARE SERVED

Holiday Cooking and Gift Ideas for Foodies Whether one aspires to culinary greatness or prefers whipping up cozy family meals, all cooks appreciate quality kitchen equipment. Here are some ways you can beef up your kitchen in time to prepare large holiday feasts, and some ideas to help you shop for the chefs and foodies in your life.

Cutting Boards The right cutting board should last for decades, neither warping nor splitting. It should also not dull one’s knives. Seek out a cutting board that is stable on your countertop and will respond well to your particular set of knives. Maintain wooden cutting boards by regularly oiling them in order to reduce their porousness.

For meats, look for highquality plastic cutting boards, which are easy to sanitize. Just be sure to toss these cutting boards after they are worn out, as they are more prone to harbor bacteria after wear and tear.

be very responsive to temperature, and ideally be ergonomic.

While great cookware such as this usually comes with a premium price tag, you can usually capitalize on good deals at this time of year. For example, Hammer Stahl, an American made kitchenware brand known for quality and performance, is currently offering a two-piece set of stainless steel multi-clad fry pans (8.5-inch and 10.5inch) with a lifetime warranty at half the regular price, giving holiday shoppers an opportunity to affordably stock up kitchens with premier go-to pans.

Great for frying, sautéing, searing and browning, their flat bottoms and curved sides make tossing and flipping food easy.

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Professional-Quality Cutlery Good knives are the foundation of a well-equipped kitchen. No other tool will improve the joy of cooking quite like a good chef’s knife.

A dull, awkward knife is not only a hassle to use, but dangerous too.

Both advanced chefs and beginner cooks will benefit from top-quality high-carbon, stainless steel knives, such as the new Hammer Stahl 6-inch chef knife and the 5.5inch Santoku knife. Made in the tradition of the great German knife makers, the handles are ergonomically designed with a comfortable grip to reduce fatigue. All Hammer Stahl knives are STATEPOINT heirloom quality and guaranteed for life. For more in- This holiday season, treat yourself and loved ones to top-quality kitchen gear that can formation, visit hammerstahl. pave the way to better cooking. com/holidaygiftguide.

“These are not intimidating knives. A shorter blade gives you more control over the knife, and is excellent for most basic tasks like slicing vegetables or chopping fresh herbs,” said Bobby Griggs, • Nuts • Green Mountain Coffee vice president, Hammer • Candy • Confectioners Stahl.

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Space-saving, versatile and affordable, an immersion blender is perfect for any cook, however many people find their kitchens without one. Perfect for creating smooth purees, soups, and pesto, they also require less High-Quality clean-up than full-size blendCookware ers or food processors, something to keep in mind when Go-to staples need to be prepping a complicated holhigh-quality and highly- iday feast, or looking to simfunctional. A fry pan, for in- plify weeknight dinners.

Courtesy of StatePoint stance, should heat evenly,

Safety FROM PAGE 4

tributed.

Finally, when handling a roller bag, don’t drag it up the stairs. Pick it up and carry it instead. This simple adjustment will protect your body and the bag.

Walking without danger in a winter wonderland

Walking is something people take for granted, but during the holiday season when everyone’s in a hurry, the opportunity for accident and injury increases. That’s why it’s important to walk defensively, just as you drive defensively, paying attention to the people, vehicles and objects around you, especially when it’s dark.

Avoid jaywalking or other potentially dangerous situations. And if you need to

switch your attention for a moment - perhaps to make a phone call or talk to a child - stop and step out of the main walkway to do so.

If you like to listen to music while you walk, make sure to keep the volume to a reasonable level so as not to block out the outside world. Being able to hear a car horn, for example, may just save your life.

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| GIFT GUIDE II | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

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SILENT NIGHT

Have a happier, less stressful holiday season Americans have a lovehate relationship with the holiday season. You may love the festive spirit and the opportunity to share time with friends and family, but dread all the work - and stress - involved in seasonal tasks, including meal preparation.

However, it is possible to make it through the holidays with more happiness than humbugs. All it takes is a little planning and a few smart shortcuts.

Here are tips to help ensure your holiday season is as bright and stress-free as possible:

holidays, but also to help you feel more in control throughout the season. Knowing exactly how much you have to spend will help you stay focused and on track. You can create multiple budgets to address different holiday spending needs, such as a gift budget, food budget and an entertainment budget.

And if you go a little over in one area, like gifts, don’t stress - just recalibrate in another!

Get the guest list in advance

Of course, everyone loves the unexpected pop in, and it’s always smart around the holiday season to have Budgeting is a great way snacks and small gifts on to not only ensure you don’t hand for unannounced end up with big bills after the guests. But when it comes

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to bigger gatherings, such as Thanksgiving dinner, a Hanukkah gathering or a Christmas or New Year’s party, it’s important to know who’s coming ahead of time.Getting your guest list in order well in advance can help you plan for how much food and drink to buy, and to accommodate any special dietary needs such as low-fat or gluten free.

Online invitation tools make it easy (and free) to send out invitations. Guests can RSVP online, and you can track who’s responded, who you’ve yet to hear from, and who’ll be coming.

Consider ready-made meals

BRANDPOINT

During the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that everything has to be “perfect.” Doing everything and creating stress for yourself doesn’t equal “perfection.”

Finding ways to make your life easier and more enjoyable during the holidays allows you to focus on what really makes the season special - time with those you love.

Seasonal foods like turkey with all the trimmings are as much a part of the holiday season as decorations and gifts. However, there’s no rule that says food will taste great only if you spent hours with this AD cooking it. Meal preparation Excluding Insurance can be a huge stressor - and time drain - during an already busy season. Relieve the stress by preparing a few items in your own kitchen and relying on high-quality, preppedto-heat-and-serve food from a holiday-friendly restaurant, like Boston Market, to complete the meal.

Ready-made meals allow IN you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones, while ensuring your guests enjoy a delicious holiday feast. A holiday dinner for 12 from Boston Market, for instance, includes a roasted turkey or ham, creamy mashed potatoes with gravy and all the fixings like sides, rolls and apple or pumpkin pies for just around $110 or so - all you have to do is pick it up, take it home, heat and serve.

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holiday meal plans made in no Keeping your Thanksgiving time (and add some time back menu exciting and unique can to your day). be tough if cooking is not your strong suit (or even if it is). It It’s OK to ask for help may seem like you need speWhen you’re hosting a holi- cial, otherworldly ingredients day event, there’s just too much to give your meal that “wow” for one person to do alone. If factor we’re all hoping to you don’t want to find your- achieve these days. However, self deflating under the stress sometimes the best strategy of trying to do everything, del- is just bringing together the egate tasks. Often, friends and appropriate combination of family are happy to pitch in, simple ingredients and savand their teamwork can help ing some time along the way.

Taking mashed potatoes ensure everyone enjoys your and mixing Gouda cheese, celebration.

When you delegate a task, minced garlic, freshly be specific about what you chopped chives and a little need and the timeline. For ex- olive oil can really bring a ample, you can ask a friend to ho-hum, staple side dish to pick up holiday decorations, a life, for instance. Or, even festive tablecloth and seasonal something as simple as paper ware, and have it all to pumpkin pie can become your house the afternoon be- vibrant with just a touch fore the event. Plus, it’s a-okay of sugar and some heat - a to suggest favorite designs, col- few minutes in the broiler ors or even stores at which to and you’ve got yourself a pick up those must-have holi- Pumpkin Pie Brulee that’s sure to wow your guests. All day add ons! these holiday staples can be Breathe new life into found at your nearest Bosthat holiday menu ton Market, just waiting to be gussied up in time for that Did you know 50 percent holiday feast. of holiday revelers serve prepared foods for their feast? Courtesy of BrandPoint

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

TEL: 610-545-6040 FAX: 610-545-6030 3070 McCann Farm Dr., Suite 101, Garnet Valley, PA 19060

| GIFT GUIDE II |

TEL: 610-566-2226 FAX: 610-566-0521 194 S. Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063

Happy Holidays and a Happy, Healthy New Year!

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| GIFT GUIDE II | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

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PLAYTIME

Imaginative Gift Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers Some of the best holiday spire imaginative play. mendous opportunity that gifts for toddlers and pre“Gift-giving for this age play time offers for supportschoolers are those that in- group should reflect the tre- ing early childhood development,” says Dr. Lise Eliot, early brain development expert and member of the Expert Panel at VTech, a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stagebased electronic learning products for children.

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Arts and Crafts Inspire creativity and foster fine motor skills with gifts for budding young artists. Watercolor sets, finger paint, stencils and markers are great age-appropriate selections. Just be sure any art supplies are non-toxic and washable. A great gift set idea? A blank smock

and fabric paint -- kids can design their own artist’s smock, which will inspire them to do even more art projects in the future. Offer to hang or frame your children’s favorite creations so they can proudly see them on display.

Thoughtful Toys Choose toys that are safe, fun and engaging. For example, the Go! Go! Smart line of toys from VTech features its innovative technologies that bring the toys to life, letting children explore cause and effect relationships while teaching first words, letters and more.

Consider the Go! Go! Smart Wheels Treasure Mountain Train Adventure, which allows kids to discover spatial play by building train tracks, and

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whole kingdom featuring princesses, princes, fairies and unicorns with Go! Go! Smart Friends playsets, encouraging children to discover through imaginative play while building motor and language skills. Even more stimulating activity is encouraged with the turning telescope, swinging hammock, and secret trap door found in the Go! Go! Smart Animals Happy Paws Playland. For more information, visit vtechkids.com.

“The vehicles, animals and characters spark children’s imaginations while keeping them engaged, promoting listening skills and encouraging their fine motor and cognitive development,” says Dr. Eliot.

Learning Experiences The big wide world offers plenty of opportunities for fun and learning, so consider gifting an experience.

Whether it’s a puppet show, a day of exploration at the zoo or aquarium, or handson learning workshop at a children’s museum, the experience will not soon be forgotten!

For young children, make the holidays count.

Great gifts can be both educational and fun.

Courtesy of StatePoint

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

| GIFT GUIDE II | 9 A

HEARTH + HOME

Fire and Fireplace Safety Tips for the Holiday Season The holiday season is full of family, friendship and good cheer, but it’s important to keep in mind that this time of year can also pose specific safety risks, particularly around the use of candles, fire and heating products.

In 2015, one home structure fire was reported every 86 seconds, according

Safety Devices Double check all of your home’s safety devices, including carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms for functionality and to ensure batteries are still working.

Doing so will offer you greater peace of mind during a time of year with additional fire risks.

Fireplaces Nothing beats the charm and warmth of a fireplace,

particularly around the holidays when the family is gathered together. Heatilator, a leader in fireplace safety and the number one fireplace brand used by homebuilders, began including safety screens as standard equipment more than a decade before rules required the use of this equipment in new fireplace installations. As a pioneer in the field of fireplace safety, they offer these tips: • Ensure gas fireplaces are outfitted with safety screens. Check out Heatilator, which offers retrofit safety screens.

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hot glass, but remember that the metal can also heat up, and your heating equipment — fireplaces, stoves, inserts and their surrounding material — will remain hot for some time after use.

• Ensure gifts, trees, and holiday décor are all placed a safe distance away from the fireplace.

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Candles

attended. Ensure all flames are extinguished before leaving a room and before going to sleep. If you have pets or children, make sure any open flames are well out of their reach and consider alternatives such as candle warmers.

The greatest holiday gift you can give this season is the gift of safety. While decking the halls, take steps to make your home safer, too.

Candles can be a feast for the senses, but they are also a major cause of accidents and house fires, especially when your home is decked out with extra combustible décor. Don’t burn candles near curtains, trees and other flammable objects.

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| GIFT GUIDE II | DELAWARE COUNTY GIFT GUIDE A

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

HARD TO PLEASE

10 truly unique gifts for under $100 Some people are incredibly easy to shop for. You can go into any store and find something they would like.

For others, you can spend months looking and still not discover the right gift.

So what do you get the person who has everything?

Furthermore, how can you get a unique gift at an affordable price?

Forget candy, ties and slippers. These 10 gifts for under $100 are sure to be special, memorable and brighten your loved one’s day.

Vintage toys

signed as a globe that comes with 16 beautiful LED color options for lighting that enhances any home office, living space or kids room.

Even better, it is low-maintenance thanks to a fivestep filtration system that maintains a clean, healthy pH aquatic environment for fish. The HALO 15 keeps the water clear, so loved ones can enjoy watching their fish among the beauty of bubbles and innovative, colorful lighting. Learn more at www.biorb.com.

A traditional aquarium is beautiful and calming, but can be a pain to maintain.

The new biOrb HALO 15 by OASE is a sleek table-top aquarium uniquely designed as a globe that comes with 16 beautiful LED color options for lighting that enhances any home office, living space or kids room.

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Custom experiences

Rather than giving something, have you thought of gifting an experience instead? Whether it’s reservations and a gift certificate to the city’s hottest restaurant, tickets for the theater or an annual pass to a local amusement park, an experience will stand out. Print out the information, wrap in a box and watch your loved one’s eyes light up upon opening it. a gift that is sure to be ap- truly the gift that keeps would enjoy a memberpreciated. on giving. ship to the local museum Classes or garden that would offer Unique twist on the Donation year-round visits.

Have you heard for years Monthly clubs traditional how your loved one would Forget jam ... unless Want a gift that has like to learn to car ve that’s your loved one’s meaning and makes a pos- Cultural gifts A traditional aquarium wood, ballroom dance or thin g. Month ly clubs itive impact? Make a charDoes your loved one is beautiful and calming, spin pottery? Allow them come in every shape and itable donation to a special have an interest in a parbut can be a pain to main- to cross an item off their size. From bacon to wine, cause in your loved one’s ticular culture? Create a tain. The new biOrb HALO bucket list by gif ting flowers to makeup, select name. Does she adore an- gift basket and use that 15 by OASE is a sleek table- classes. From golf lessons a club that you think your imals? Donate to a cer- culture as the theme. top aquarium uniquely de- to knitting classes, this is loved one will enjoy. It’s tain exhibit at the zoo or Gather special spices and a nearby animal shelter. ingredients to make an Does he have a soft spot authentic recipe or find for childhood education? a book about the hisDonate to the local library tory of the culture. Traor organizations that help ditional clothing, cullow-income children suc- tural-specific art and imceed at school. ported candy can all help you create a wonderfully Memberships unique gift.

TOYS FOR A membership can be 160 Saxer Ave. Springfield TOTS a useful gift that’s much Restored pictures Drop OFF 610-338-0885 appreciated. For examB e for e d i g it a l pho OPEN 7 DAYS ple, an automotive mem- tos and endless smar tbership provides assis- phone images, pr inted Repairs Done on our Premises. GIA Diamonds Graduate. tance for auto accidents photographs were cherAll major credit cards accepted • Convenient Free Layaway and other traveling con- ished keepsakes. For a Member Jewelers of America www.barryjayjewelers.com cerns. Maybe he or she me a n i n g f u l g i f t , f i nd Nostalgia is alive and well during times of celebration. Show you care and prove how well you know the giftee by finding a toy from their youth. For example, call antique stores and scope out eBay for a vintage Lincoln Log set. Not only will this conjure happy memories, but now the recipient can share a beloved childhood toy with his or her family members.

This Holiday-Make A Declaration of Your Love!

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BARRY JAY JEWELERS

an old photo and have it re st ored. F in ish by putting it in a beautiful frame and you’re sure to tug at the hear tstrings when it’s time to open presents.

Gift of time and talents W hen t he r e c ipient se em s t o h ave e ver ything, gif t a ser v ice instead. Of fer your time to babysit or assist with gardening. Use your talent s to ba ke, paint or knit a custom blanket.

W hatever your abilit y, it’s sure to be appreciated by your loved one. Create a certificate showcasing your offer and wrap it in boxes or gift bags for a stunning presentation.

Courtesy of BrandPoint

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

| GIFT GUIDE II | 11 A

PICTURE PERFECT It certainly is easy enough to have a friend snap some pictures on a smartphone and print off a stack of copies with a pre-designed template. But if you take the idea a couple of steps further, booking a session with a professional photographer will result in stunning cards that people will love to display and keep.

BRANDPOINT

4 ways to make your family’s holiday portraits shine Take a look at your family. How many changes have crept in since last year?

And one year from now, when it's time to send out holiday cards again, think about how much more they will have changed.

Sending a family photograph as your holiday card is one way to share with your friends and loved ones the joy and pride your family makes you feel. But more importantly, as the years pass, the holiday memories within these pictures will become more and more precious.

It certainly is easy enough to have a friend snap some pictures on a smartphone and print off a stack of copies with a pre-designed template. But if you take the idea a couple of steps further, booking a session with a professional photographer will result in stunning cards that people will love to display and keep. In addition to that, you'll have framed

gifts to wrap up for your loved ones.

The advantage to using a professional photographer is that they have the skills and artistic ability to make beautiful images that you will cherish forever. In addition to that, they can partner with you to create a style and effect that matches your family's unique personality.

To get you started, here are four different styles that just might capture your family's personality and the magic of the holiday spirit.

when you're designing your card layout. In the end, the goal is to draw the eye to the face, which is what the classic style emphasizes more than anything.

Modern

could feature your family members forming a human ladder to place a star on the top of the tree. Look for a photographer with the savvy and technique to pull off these specific effects and dramatic images.

gether? You can express this by pulling from your family heritage. For example, you could dress your daughter in your childhood velvet dress. Or include your grandfather's vintage toy train set as a prop. Some photographers specialize in black and white photography, as well as sepia effects. Of course, if you really want to try an authentic and timeless look, some

photographers are experimenting with glass plate photography.

Which style of photography is right for you and your family? Take a "Family Photography Style quiz" and, once you're ready for your new photo session, check out findaphotographer.com to find the right photographer for you and in your city.

This style ditches the formal posing and creates a re- Vintage laxed, candid feel. You come What's old is once again as you are, perhaps using a new. What better way to setting that is familiar and call back to the family roots Courtesy of BrandPoint comfortable to your family, that tie your loved ones tosuch as building a snowman in your backyard or taking Community Arts Center & The Potters Guild a hike through the winter woods. Whatever you bring Classic to the shoot, the idea is to Simple yet timeless, this showcase your family rebackground is often neu- laxed and happy together. tral with the family sitting in formal poses. The Eclectic 414 Plush Mill Road, Wallingford, PA 19086 photographer is less likely This style takes the modto use editing effects to al- ern approach to a highly 610-566-1713 • www.CACholidaysale.org ter the finished product. To specialized, highly individprepare for this, choose a ualized level and uses speHoliday Friday, December 9 • 7 – 9 pm With Cartoon Christmas Trio color and style that is clean, cial effects and editing to Jazz Jazz from Charlie Brown Christmas & other holiday specials uniform and classic - some- convey humor or a sense of thing that would be set off drama. For example, perConcert $10 admission. Advance tickets recommended. by a holiday-themed border haps your holiday portrait

HOLIDAYSALE December 2–10

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| GIFT GUIDE II | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

A

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• NEW! 54W wall pack power supply • LionChief remote unique to set • RailSounds RC sound system with train sounds and user activated announcements

Celebrate the holidays with this Thomas Christmas Freight Set. What started as an imagined conversation in the mind of a young boy has blossomed into an iconic train series that mesmerizes children across the globe. Unite your child’s imagination with the joy of the holiday season! Remote and power pack included.

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6-82716 “Mickey’s Holiday to Remember” Disney Christmas Set

6-83620 Hogwarts lionChief™ Set

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• Eight curved O36 FasTrack® track sections, one 10” straight FasTrack® Plug-n-Play power lock-on section, one FasTrack® terminal section, and two 10” straight FasTrack® sections.

• NEW! 54W wall pack power supply • LionChief remote unique to set • RailSounds RC sound system with train sounds and user activated announcements

They’ve crossed through the barrier to PLATFORM 9¾™, eyed the various goodies on the snack trolley and are headed to HOGWARTS™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry aboard the Hogwarts Express. So climb aboard and discover the magic and mystery that is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Remote and power pack included.

• Eight curved O36 FasTrack® track sections, one 10” straight FasTrack® Plug-n-Play power lock-on section, one FasTrack® terminal section, and two 10” straight FasTrack® sections.

• NEW! 54W wall pack power supply • LionChief remote unique to set • RailSounds RC sound system with train sounds and user activated announcements

2343 WEST CHESTER PIKE, BROOMALL, PA 19008

nstoys.com

Toys 610-356-2180 • Trains 610-353-8585

Mon.-Wed.-Fri. 10-9 • Tues. & Thurs. 10-7 • Sat. & Sun. 10-5

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