Giftguide1

NOVEMBER

2016

Holiday Gift Guide I A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

www.DelcoNewsNetwork.com

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| GIFT GUIDE | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

NOVEMBER 2016

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PAGE TURNER

Books for everyone on your list Here are five titles to consider giving knowledge-seekers to enjoy during the season, or as stocking stuffers:

ers can build an exploding volcano, make bath fizzies, construct a solar system and more.

Budding Builders

Gem Lovers Produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution, “Gem” is a visual guide to precious and semiprecious stones, organic gems, and precious metals, and features over 1,000 specially commissioned images.

“Gem” reveals the science, natural history, mythology, and true stories behind the most celebrated gems and jewel-laden artifacts, including the Hope Diamond and Queen Elizabeth’s pelican brooch.

Readers can learn about the exquisite jewelry of cultures around the world, find out what characteristics are needed for a record-breaking gem, and follow the history of the world’s most famous jewelry houses and designers.

Star Gazers Chart the wonders of the cosmos with “The Stars.”

Packed with three-dimensional artworks of each con-

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Encourage builders to look at their LEGO bricks in new, creative ways with “365 Things to do with LEGO Bricks,” an interactive book featuring imaginative play and building ideas, from projects that take just a few minutes to those that keep one occupied for hours.

Activities include building a LEGO pet, challenging friends to make the tallest tower while working against the clock, and organizing a LEGO bricks treasure hunt.

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This holiday season, give a gift that inspires endless wonder. stellation and new imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope, ground-based observatories and more, this guide features fascinating objects like glittering starbirth nebulae and supermassive black holes.

The position, size and color of every night-sky ob-

Wishing You And Yours A Happy Holiday

ject are revealed and a threedimensional model of the celestial sphere that surrounds Earth charts all 88 constellations. From the Big Bang to the search for extraterrestrial life, astronomy and cosmology topics are covered in an easy-to-digest visual format.

ated in association with the Smithsonian Institution.

Featuring the most iconic classics of every decade from the 1940s to the 1980s from the Aston Martin DB5 to the Chevrolet Corvette, the book offers detailed profiles of trademark models, as well as the famous designers and manufacturers behind them, featuring more than 1,300 photographs and two prints suitable for framing.

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Offer American Girl fans a treasured bookshelf addition with “American Girl: Ultimate Visual Guide,” which includes images of every BeForever and Girl of the Year doll, an expanded section on the TrulyMe dolls and a detailed timeline of the company. Readers can learn about favorite dolls, historical eras, outfits, pets, accessories and more.

This holiday season, give a gift that inspires endless wonder.

explore 28 kid-safe experiments, crafts and activities with “Maker Lab.” Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution and supporting STEAM education initiatives, the book will get young inventors’ wheels turning, making science fun.

E x pl a i n i n g s c ienc e Automotive through photographs, facts Enthusiasts and real-world examples, each activity is appropriClassic car collectors and ate for kids ages 8-12 years enthusiasts will enjoy “Clas- Inventors old. Requiring only housesic Car,” a visual guide creReaders can build and hold materials, young mak- Courtesy of StatePoint

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Oh Tannenbaum What would Christmas gift-giving be without a tree under which to place the presents? Tree shoppers have plenty of variety to choose from when selecting that ideal tree. Approximately 21,000 Christmas tree farms exist in the United States, and these farms sell between 30 and 35 million real trees each year. Those who prefer artificial trees can shop for everything from trees that appear to be natural to pastel-hued boughs. The first printed reference to a Christmas tree was made in 1531 in Germany. Since then, Christmas trees have grown in popularity through the centuries.

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GIFT GUIDE

Guide to shopping for tech gifts Gadgets make great gifts come the holiday sea son. Children may want the latest musthave video games, and many adults scour store advertisements for the newest televisions, tablets, smar tphones and other gadgets to include among their own most wanted lists.

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

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

Technolog y gifts are popular, but these purchases require some research prior to swiping a card at the checkout counter. Consider this advice before gifting any gadgets this holiday sea-

son.

• Check product rev iew s. Use re sou rc e s such as Consumer Reports to read up on the reputations of cer tain produc t s 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.

I nde p endent r e v ie w s 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 ow n opinion on the item and may calm any ner ves you have. Niche retailers tend to have knowledgeable sales staff and can be assets when comparison shopping.

• Determine if the gift

is age -appropr iate. It may be tempting to purchase children the latest and greatest tech gifts because all of their peers may be getting similar items. But first determine if certain items are age-appropriate. Remember, many tech gifts, such as tablets and smar tphones, 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 g if t for a young person who is not your child, check with his or her parents to see if the gift will be appropriate or even permitted.

• C ompa re pr ices across various retailers.

While popular gifts may be similarly priced because of the level of demand, it is still a worthy effort to comparison shop before ma k ing a rash purchase. In addition, consider that new generations of cer tain tech products come out

qu it e f re quent ly, a nd the previous generation may b e c ome ob sole t e r at her qu ick ly. K now when manufacturers are releasing new products so you c a n time your purchases accordingly.

• P ut t he pr o duc t through your ow n test r un. Try a product out for yourself to get a feel for it and its attributes.

H a nd s - on k now le d g e may be the best t y pe 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 ex pec t ations a nd 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 holid ay g i f t - g iv i n g se a son. With research and knowledge, consumers can find the perfect gifts METRO CREATIVE to light up their loved Technology gifts are popular, but these purchases require ones’ faces. some research prior to swiping a card at the checkout counter.

Courtesy of Metro

ROUGHING IT

Great Gifts for Hunters and Outdoor Enthusiasts Will you be shopping for any hunters or outdoor enthusiasts this holiday season? Thoughtful, useful gifts will be well-appreciated.

“When it comes to hunters, think lightweight and packable,” says Louis Chalfant, director of product development at Smith’s Consumer Products.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

Sharpen their Game Those who hunt, fish and go on outdoor expeditions know just how important it is to keep tools sharp. You can hone gamesmanship with essential gear like a knife sharpener.

For instance, a versatile tool like the Jiffy-Pro Handheld Sharpener is quick, safe and easy to use whether one is in the field, back at camp, or at home. It functions both to set the edge on a dull or damaged blade and to achieve razor sharpness. Plus, the scissors sharpening slot is large enough to accommodate game shears as well.

Lightweight enough to be a stocking stuffer, consider, the 4” Diamond Combination Bench Stone, which features coarse and fine grit sharpening surfaces. Its innovative design speeds sharpening by collecting and hold-

ing the metal filings which ordinarily build up during use. Each stone has a groove for fish hooks or pointed tools, and when one is finished sharpening; he or she can store the stones in the handle for safekeeping.

These tools are available at various sporting goods, outdoors and hardware retail stores, as well as online at SmithsProducts.com.

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HOLIDAY BASICS

Don’t forget the batteries!

If you want to avoid one of the biggest holiday season jumbles, remember the batteries when giving gifts to kids and tech lovers.

Ninety percent of Americans have forgotten batteries for a holiday gift in the past, according to a survey by Energizer in 2016. And 44 percent of consumers take batteries out of their other dev ices to power a holiday gift if they forgot to purchase bat ter ies at the store.

So don’t let the phra se “Bat terie s Not Included” cr u sh holid ay cheer or require a n a nti- clima ctic r un to the store.

Pa rent s w i l l w a nt t o b e especially mindful of ensuring gifts are ready to use, as kids can be extra eager to play with their new toys once opened. But whether it’s a remotecontrolled car, video game controller or robotic pet, recipients of all

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ages will want to enjoy their gifts right away, so don’t forget to read the labels on holiday items and be prepared.

Remember, batteries make for great stocking stuffers. And this year, you can get prepped for holidays present and future, as Energizer MAX A A batteries allow them to hold power for up to 10 years while in storage. They also offer long-lasting power and are designed to prevent damaging leaks, so gifts stay fun longer. More information can be found at energizer.com.

Even the best holiday gifts can lose their luster without batteries to operate them. Ensure the holidays end on a high note by remembering the batteries with your gifts this year.

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Parents will want to be especially mindful of ensuring gifts are ready to use, as kids can be extra eager to play with their new toys once opened.

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Plastic Models Kits, Arts & Crafts, Books and Playmobil

LEGO, Games, Puzzles carrera Slot Cars Sets and Accessories

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for a variety of situations. A fire starter is a must-have for any avid outdoorsman, hunter or backpacker.

Other handy items to consider for gifts are a highquality first aid kit with all the essentials, a multifunctional pocket knife or even an IOU promising to cover the cost of this seasons’ hunting and fishing licenses.

With some careful consideration, you can make the holidays special for the hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in your life.

Courtesy of StatePoint

Another handy item to consider for a gift is a high-quality first STATEPOINT aid kit with all Those who hunt, fish and go on outdoor expeditions know just how important it is to keep the essentials. tools sharp. You can hone gamesmanship with essential gear like a knife sharpener.

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HOLIDAY BASICS It’s polite to thank your host or hostess with a token of your appreciation, and you want your gift to be something useful, delightful and memorable.

BRANDPOINT

Host and hostess gifts they’ll love Every season is party season, but when the latter half of the year rolls in so do the party invitations. If you'll be attending one or more parties this year, chances are you'll not arrive empty handed.

It's polite to thank your host or hostess with a token of your appreciation, and you want your gift to be something useful, delightful and memorable. At the same time, you don't have to spend a bundle to impress your host or hostess.

Here are ideas for host or hostess gifts that are sure to show party-throwers you consider them the "host (or hostess) with the most," while convincing them you're the best guest ever: ● If your host is a wine

lover and you're not confident about choosing a bottle, one option is to put together a bag of accessories.

Present your host with a quality wine bottle opener, personalized stopper or even a set of lovely wine glasses. ● Chocolate is a common host/hostess gift, and one that is sure to please.

M&M'S are a great party treat and in honor of the candy's 75th anniversary, Danish fashion designer Camilla Staerk collaborated with the brand to present specially designed packages of plain and peanut M&M'S. M&M'S by Staerk Designer Collection are exclusively available in Target stores. Packages come in shareable and personal sizes featuring elegant animal print designs

that will look great displayed in any home. However, they're only available for a limited time, so be sure to stock up so you'll have enough for every party until the end of the year. ● Know a host who always whips up the most dazzling menus? You can celebrate your host's culinary skills by giving artfully packaged gourmet sea salts, organic seasonings or ethnic spices. It's easy to find a variety of unusual salts and seasonings online or at your local gourmet store. ● A nyone who lives in a busy household can find themselves hunting for something to write with - and unable to find a pen or notepad. Put together a selection of

pretty pens, paired with magnet-backed notepads, and present in a pretty tote. The next time your hostess is planning a gettogether, she'll remember who gave her the pen and paper she's using to draft her guest list! ● Scented soaps and

candles can be a great option when you're not sure of your host or hostess' personal tastes. These items not only make a home smell wonderful throughout the season, they can add a decorative touch. Choose aromas that are widely loved, like va-

nilla, cinnamon or citrus.

With a little creativity, you can show your appreciation and give hosts and hostesses gifts that will help ensure your name is at the top of their guest lists next year!

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CHRISTMAS PAST

Give holiday gifts that won’t be forgotten If your holiday shopping list is focused on all the latest trends, remember, the hottest items are not always the most cherished. Sometimes it’s the warmest gifts that are the most unforgettable.

“The holidays are times of nostalgia and remembrance, from stories of when we were children to the smell of cookies baking in the oven,” says Christopher Warnack, vice president of marketing and visual at Things Remembered, a leading personalized gift retailer. “Likewise, the gifts you give are not just objects to enjoy now; they should create a joyful memory that can be cherished for years.”

To this end, Warnack recommends personalizing gifts with a loved one’s name, a monogram, a shared memory, a thoughtful message or an inside joke. “Something that makes it just for them, and only from you,” he says.

For a seasonal gift to mark the passing years, consider a personalized ornament or snow globe. Your gift recipient can look back on the ornaments received each year and be reminded of those holiday memories.

Above all, remember to take into consideration the style, hobbies and favorite colors of your gift recipient. You can customize a gift for anyone on your list.

Scarves or jewelry personalized just for her can be enjoyed for years, and with her monogram, become a real statement piece.

For him, consider mugs, apparel and other gear that commemorates his favorite sports team, and are sure to become part of his game-day traditions and celebrations. Personalized toys, stuffed animals and other snuggly gifts are great for kids.

Seek out gifts at retailers that specialize in customized items, such as Things Re-

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Sometimes it’s the warmest gifts that are the most unforgettable. membered, which can create one-of-a-kind tion, visit ThingsRemembered.com. that create new and happy memories with gifts in an about an hour (and a little longer “Everyone remembers the best gift they the people you care about the most. for embroidery and other specialized tech- ever received,” says Warnack. niques). For more unforgettable gift inspiraMake someone’s season by giving gifts Courtesy of StatePoint

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Holiday celebrations include big family gatherings and maybe even some impromptu visits from close friends. During this season of merrymaking, having a few quick snacks and drinks up your sleeve can make it easier to entertain guests. Christmas cookies are a popular treat, but for those who want to skip the baking, that holiday cookie flavor can still be enjoyed in a delicious mixed cocktail. Try ÒChristmas Cookie,Ó courtesy of Mix That Drink, for a sweet and minty take on the holiday season.

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GREEN THUMBS

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GIFT GUIDE

Secrets to getting Black Friday deals

STATEPOINT

Gift an indoor garden kit to make year-round gardening easy.

Gifts for gardeners of all levels T he holiday season is a g reat oppor tunit y to g ive t hose w it h g reen t humbs t he t ools t hey ne e d t o supp or t t hei r hobby.

Here are a few t hou g ht f u l g i f t ide a s t o m a ke t he hol id ay s brighter for the gardeners you love.

Handy Items Ever y gardener needs top-notch tools to make regular tasks more comfortable and convenient.

For example, pruning is no fun w ith shears that a re r u st ed or ha rd t o handle. To upgrade your g if t recipient ’s gardening tool box, look for a r ust-resistant stainless steel blade and a no-slip rubber grip. For safet y, t he she a r s shou ld b e able to lock into place when not in use.

Gifts that Keep on Giving

this is a safe, healthy and easy way to grow fresh herbs and vegetables yearWhen there’s a chill in round. To learn more visit the air, consider focus- AeroGarden.com. ing your attention on gardening gifts that can be Enjoy the Results used indoors. One unique Half the fun of gardengift for a gardener of any ing is reaping the benefits level is an indoor garden of one’s labor. Help gardenkit, such as those from ers turn their harvest into the Miracle-Gro AeroG - something delicious. An herb arden line of gardens. chopper makes a great stockHyd ropon ic ga rden s ing stuffer. To speed up herb l i k e t h e A e r o G a r d e n preparation and help gardeng row f resh herbs, veg- ers avoid bruising the leaves etables, and f lowers in they worked so hard to grow, water, not soil. And they look for one with multiple actually grow five times rounded blades. faster than soil gardens.

Another great gift for herb Automated L ED light s and vegetable gardeners is a a nd reminders t o a dd salad dressing maker that water make growing fun has pre-marked settings for for seasoned gardeners oil, vinegar and herbs, which and easy for even those can take the guess work out with no gardening expe- of meal preparation during rience. busy week nights.

We l l - s u i t e d f o r a k it c hen c ou nt er t op — Courtesy of StatePoint

Smart shoppers recognize that Black Friday is a great time to find deals on holiday gifts, and following these tips can help shoppers save even more.

• Beg i n r e s e a r c h ing early. Since many ret a ilers beg in posting information online or send out advertisements about sale items far in advance of Black Friday, shoppers should pay attention to each retailer’s offerings so they can better coordinate their shopping efforts.

Cross-reference prices against other stores, including both online retailers and traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

• Establish a shop ping budget. It’s tempting to go out shopping with credit cards blazing, but that may lead to overspending. Deter-

mine what you can afford and set a budget for Black Friday shopping.

Establishing a budget can help you avoid impulse purchases as well.

• Look for extra discounts. T he early bird often gets the worm, but late shoppers also may benefit on Black Friday.

Determine which times of the day stores are offering their biggest discounts. Doorbuster sales tend to start very early, but such sales might be irrelevant if only items you do not need are being discounted. Determine if there are any additional sales that extend throughout the day.

• Divide and conquer.

Split up the shopping responsibilities so you and your family can get your shopping done quickly.

The divide and conquer approach allows you to

cover more ground and ensures someone will be there to claim the best deals from various retailers.

• Dress comfortably for shopping. Malls and department stores may be crowded and can be warm, so dress in layers so you can remove clothing if you get hot.

You’ll probably do a good deal of walking on Black Friday, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

• Have discount codes at the ready. Many retailers now use digital apps or emails to keep in touch with customers.

These same apps may enable smartphone users to search for discount codes and other coupons. Keep digital coupons handy so they can be presented quickly at checkout.

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GIFT GUIDE

Stocking stuffers for athletes, sports enthusiasts Gifts comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the best gifts are those that come in small packages. Though some people pore over their holiday shopping lists for weeks, it’s not uncommon for even the most devoted holiday shopper to overlook stocking stuffers, which can be just as difficult to find as larger gifts.

When shopping for stocking stuffers, consider the recipient’s interests. For example, athletes and sports enthusiasts would undoubtedly love a gift that reflects their loyalty to a favorite team or their devotion to a particular sport. Holiday shoppers who have a sports-crazed superfan or accomplished athlete on their shopping lists may want to consider the following items when looking for stocking stuffers this holiday

season.

• Sports memorabilia: Sports fanatics sometimes double as collectors who are always on the lookout for new memorabilia to display. Such collectibles may include bobbleheads, cards, ticket stubs and signed photographs or equipment. Rare memorabilia may be beyond many gift-givers’ means, but there are still plenty of impressive items that can fit into any holiday gifting budget.

• Game tickets: Give sports fans a chance to cheer on their favorite teams in person. Find a home game that will not require the recipient to travel too far, or if you want to splurge, include transportation with the tickets to an away game. Secondary market ticket-seller StubHub is a reliable resource

that guarantees tickets sold on its site are legitimate, removing any doubt ticket market buyers may have.

• Fan gear: Sports fans can never have enough gear to show off their team pride.

Everything from mugs to hats to authentic team jerseys makes for great stocking stuffers. In addition, look for pennants or T-shirts that feature team names or logos. Today just about any item comes emblazoned with sports team names. If you can’t find a particular item, it may be possible to order it directly from a team or retailer or have it customized.

• Sports equipment: Athletes may benefit from updated equipment. Determine if the athletes on your gift list have any gear that needs replacing. Parents, coaches or even teammates may offer

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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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

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 read-

ing up on their favorite players and keeping abreast of team or industry news. Magazine subscriptions are generally inexpensive and new subscriptions often come with free gifts as well.

• Winner’s trophy: For the sports fan who has missed

out on getting his or her own trophy, have one made up as a stocking stuffer gag gift. It is certain to bring a laugh and hold a prime spot on the shelf with other sports memorabilia.

Courtesy of Metro Creative

GIFT GUIDE

Gift ideas for last-minute shoppers Early bird shoppers may purchase and even wrap gifts before December, but 11th-hour shoppers may need some help come the holiday season. For those last-minute folks, there still are plenty of ways to ensure your shopping list is checked off. The following gifts are quick to purchase and can still make for thoughtful presents.

• Liquor or wine basket: Prepackaged spirits often come with decorative glasses and other accoutrements for entertaining.

What’s more, they’re conve-

nient to purchase if you’re on a time crunch.

• Fueling station gift card: Drivers will appreciate a gift card to their favorite fueling station. Such cards suit anyone who has a car and frequently travels or commutes.

• Food basket: A visit to the supermarket or a convenience center can yield many tasty finds that can be packaged together into a gift basket. Pair foods with a gift card to that retailer.

• Streaming service: Offer to treat a loved one to a month or two of their fa-

vorite 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.

Courtesy of Metro Creative

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DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

GIFT GUIDE

Great gifts for seniors 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 percent 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 percent 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 percent of adults do not meet the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening 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 gifts 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 gifting 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 Global Hotel Card sponsored by Orbitz, a gift card that can be redeemed at 70,000 hotels across the globe, is sure to please.

Courtesy of Metro Creative

| GIFT GUIDE | 9 A

Gifts that can reduce stress For those you love, make the holidays Meal-Kit Service and beyond brighter with these gift ideas that help promote rest and relaxation, while Busy work weeks can mean scrambling alleviating tension, stress and anxiety. around in the evening to put dinner on the table. Your gift recipients may find themselves Yoga Class resorting to pizza delivery more often than Yoga is associated with a wealth of health they like. To help take the stress out of healthy benefits, including stress reduction. For sea- weekday dinners, consider gifting a meal-kit soned yogis, consider assisting loved ones plan to someone you love. with their practice. Great yoga accessories This holiday season, look to healthy gifts and gear, or a gift certificate to a favorite that can help reduce stress in the lives of peostudio would be much appreciated. ple you care about.

For newbies, you might want to start smaller with a pass to one or two classes. Courtesy of StatePoint

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GIFT GUIDE

Be smart when shopping on your smartphone Holiday shopping is an annual tradition for many people. But while it may be customary to exchange gifts with loved ones during the holiday season, how those gifts are purchased has changed dramatically over the last decade and a half.

Thanks to advancements in technology, many holiday shoppers get their shopping done without ever setting foot in malls or shopping centers. And data indicates more and more shoppers are using their smartphones to do their holiday shopping. According to Nielsen Mobile Measurement, the number of mobile shoppers in December 2014 rose to 138.1 million

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Convenience of ten drives shoppers’ decisions to use their mobile phones during the holiday season.

But it’s important that shoppers not sacrifice security for the sake of convenience. Those who want the best of both worlds this holiday season can take several steps to protect their personal information while shopping on their smartphones.

• Only use shopping apps with which you’re comfortable. Downloading an app only takes a few seconds, and some shoppers are so used to downloading apps they may not realize just what they’re downloadPHONE >> PAGE 11

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| GIFT GUIDE | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

NOVEMBER 2016

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GIFT GUIDE

Use video game ratings to guide holiday purchases Come the holiday season, millions of people will be flocking to stores or browsing online retailers to shop for gifts for their friends and loved ones. Video games have long been some of the most popular holiday gifts to give, and this year figures to be no different than years past.

The assortment of video games is so diverse that consumers may not know where to begin their shopping excursions. Gaining a greater understanding of the video game rating system can ensure shoppers they find age-appropriate games for the youngsters on their holiday shopping lists.

Video games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. The

Video game and app ratings help consumers choose age-appropriate gifts for the gamers on their holiday shopping lists.

PHOTO COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

ESRB is an independent, self-regulatory organization that assigns age and content ratings, enforces industry-adopted adver-

tising guidelines and ensures responsible online privacy principles for computer and video games in the United States, Mexico

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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 in-

formation with third parties; the completion of inapp purchases of digital goods; and/or level of restriction of internet access.

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

They are as follows: • C: Early childhood games feature content that is intended for young children.

• E: Games rated as Everyone feature content that is generally suitable for all ages. There may be minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence. Mild language may be infrequent.

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

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

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• M: Games deemed as Mature are generally suitable for gamers ages 17 and up. In such games, there is a high propensity for intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and strong language.

• A: Adults-only games have content suitable for adults ages 18 and up.

Graphic sexual content, prolonged scenes of intense violence and gambling with real currency may be depicted or available in these games.

• RP: Games that are marked Rating Pending have not yet received a final ESRB rating. Usually this verbiage is only used in marketing materials, and the rating will be updated once the product hits the market.

Along with the general rating, the ESRB uses content descriptors to further break down the type of content one can expect in the games. These can include everything from references to alcohol to fantasy violence to sexual themes to tobacco references. Again, these content descriptors will offer a concise way to assess if a game is appropriate for a particular gamer.

Courtesy of Metro Creative

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| GIFT GUIDE | 11 A

GIFT GUIDE

’Tis the season to ship smart The holiday season can be hectic, and thanks to that sometimes frenetic pace, it can be easy to put things on the back burner.

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

• Ship directly to the recipient. Last-minute shoppers who are buying online can save money by shipping gifts directly to the recipient. While shipping directly to the recipient may seem less personal than sending a gift you wrapped yourself, many online retailers allow shoppers to send gift-

wrapped items directly to another person. Just be sure to have the recipient’s correct address when choosing this option.

• Ship early. Waiting to ship all gifts at the same time may be more convenient, but it can prove more costly as well. If you typically finish your holiday shopping just a few days before Christmas, then waiting to ship everything will cost more money than shipping gifts as you buy them.

The longer you wait to ship gifts, the more you can expect to pay if you expect those gifts to arrive on time. Shipping gifts as you buy them, especially if you get much of your shopping done early, can save you short-term or overnight shipping fees, which can be significant.

• Comparison shop.

Much like you can save money by comparison

shopping for holiday gifts, you can save by comparing shipping costs as well.

Pack-and-ship companies compete for consumers’ business during the height of the holiday shipping season, so compare the costs between the various packand-ship companies, including the postal service, to see which offers the best deal.

• Insure the items you ship. The holiday season is the busiest time of year for the pack-and-ship industry.

While the industry is often remarkably effective at delivering gifts intact and on time, items are sometimes lost or damaged. By insurPHOTO COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE ing your packages, you’re ensuring you won’t be out While it’s OK to put off some things until the holiday season has come and gone, shipping of luck should your package gifts to loved ones does not fall into that category. be lost, damaged or stolen before it reaches its destination.

Phone

bers so shoppers don’t have to enter such information each time they make a purchase. If you stay signed in to an app at all times, hackers who access your smartphone can then access your credit card information, as can thieves should your phone be stolen. Signing out when you finish using an app provides an extra measure of protection.

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

out in public.

• Browse but don’t buy. Shoppers who are especially concerned about smartphone security may want to use apps and their smartphone’s Internet connections to browse rather than buy. Avoid logging into apps or websites when using your smartphone, instead browsing deals and jotting them down on the phone’s notes app. You can then make purchases once you gain access to a secure network, such as the one at your home or office.

Holiday shoppers are increasingly turning to their smartphones to do their holiday shopping. While the convenience of such devices may be unrivaled, consumers must prioritize security over expediency.

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

• Sign out when you stop using an app. It may be convenient to stay signed in to an app at all times, but that can leave you vulnerable to hackers and/or thieves. Many apps store users’ credit card num-

Courtesy of Metro Creative

Courtesy of Metro Creative

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|  GIFT GUIDE | DELAWARE COUNTY NEWS NETWORK

NOVEMBER 2016

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

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

Happy Holidays and a Happy, Healthy New Year!