Albany Heral Special section - Gift Guide

Sunday, November 27, 2011

II Easy Gift Giving Guide To Make Your Holidays A Breeze

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The Albany Herald

What's on your holiday shopping list?

(ARA) - Holiday shopping lists often contain toys, gift cards and other material items that the recipients can enjoy and put to good use.

But your shopping list can go much further to not only benefit the recipients, but also a great cause.

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gift items, such as plates, ornaments and hand towels

* Holiday cards, many of which were created by or dedicated to a person with diabetes * Personalized photo gifts, including holiday greeting cards, travel mugs, phone skins and more * House wares and seasonal

Hol id ay Gift Id ea s For The Men In You r Life

Since her stroke and diagnosis Howard has lost over 85 pounds and exercises regularly. "You have to keep working towards good health," she says. "Don't wait until something happens."

Make your holiday gifts go further this holiday season with gifts that give back.

One way is to purchase gifts through the American Diabetes Association's Gift of Hope catalog, where every penny of profit goes directly to diabetes research. In the last 40 years, more than $24 million has been raised.

Gift of Hope offers an exclusive line of items for everyone on your list:

explains Howard. "I began a new life the day I went to the hospital."

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Another way to give back this holiday season is to make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one. Gift of Hope offers honor or memorial gift cards, which represent a taxdeductible donation to diabetes research.

Catalog purchases are a Gift of Hope to the nearly 26 million children and adults in the U.S. who have diabetes, including Kathy Howard from St. Louis. In 2008 Howard went to the emergency room thinking she had the flu, only to find out she had a stroke and type 2 diabetes.

"I couldn't even put into words the shock and terror I felt those first few days,"

No matter which way you give, buy gifts that support a cause this season. Feel better about successfully checking off your holiday shopping list, while also making a difference in the lives of millions.

Support the Association's diabetes research efforts and help people like Howard.

Shop the Gift of Hope online catalog at www.shopdiabetes.org/giftofh ope.

Personalization the key to giving unique holiday baby gifts

(ARA) - Gift-buying season is just starting and will soon be in full swing. You may have a few new names on your list with newborns joining your family and friend's families. More than any other gift-buying task, finding unique baby gifts can be a challenge.

For adults, teens or even children, you can find out what the recipient likes and tailor your gift purchase accordingly. But babies are a clean slate. So what guidelines can you follow when choosing a gift for them?

Personalized options are unique baby gifts that both delight parents, and provide kids with plenty of playtime enjoyment. Seeing their own name or image on a beloved possession helps reinforce children's sense of self and encourages them to interact with their environment.

Here are five ideas for personalized baby gifts that you can give at any time of year: 1. Make her the star of her own story.

Celebrity moms Brooke Shields, Courtney Cox and Jessica Alba have all purchased personalized books from children's publisher ISeeMe.com. The site offers a large selection of colorful, appealing, age-appropriate books that can be personalized with a child's name.

Some books include the child's name on the cover, others throughout the story, and still others feature rhymes and text about the spelling of the child's name.

"Personalized books increase a child's self esteem and celebrate their uniqueness," says Maia Haag, author and co-founder of ISeeMe.com. "The goal is to show each child how absolutely unique and special he or she is, to teach the child how to spell his or her name, and to build vocabulary skills."

2. Help him grow into his personality. Kids love growth charts. Being able to track their own progress helps anchor children to their past while encouraging them to look toward the future. Personalizing growth charts can be as simple as adding the child's name to

the top of a wall-mounted chart. You can also find plenty of options that elevate the level of personalization. For example, Redenvelope.com offers a growth quilt. Hung on the wall, the quilt's tree design features 12 circles that can be personalized with the child's handprint, allowing parents to chart every month in one year of a child's life, or stretch the fun over 12 years.

3. Let her make her mark on the world. Craftmaking has an almost universal appeal for children, and when the crafts involve personalization, kids enjoy them even more. It's easy to find stepping stone kits that can be personalized with a child's name, handprint or even footprint. Young children will enjoy making the kit with a parent and putting their handprint in the finished product. Parents of infants can also cherish the project when they create it themselves and press their baby's footprint into the clay.

4. Protect his "lovey" from all challengers. It's not unusual for babies and very young children to have a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket. A "lovey" helps them fall asleep, and can provide comfort and even companionship. Personalizing a child's security blanket or stuffed animal with her name can help reinforce her sense of self and understanding of the concept of possession.

5. Pictures are worth a thousand words. It's easy to find online software and photo websites that allow you to create high-quality photo books with your own images. Parents will love seeing their pride and joy featured in a photo montage. Babies love looking at pictures of faces, something that helps stimulate their brain development. Younger children also love picture books and it's easy to tell them the tale of their young lives using pictures of themselves and loved ones.

Personalization is a great way to make unique baby gifts even more precious, for both children and their parents.

(StatePoint) Looking for that perfect gift for the man in your life? Whether it’s your husband, boyfriend, dad or brother, finding a gift that speaks to his individual taste and style can be difficult.

Knowing your man’s interests, passions and needs can help you narrow down your choices. A little observation can go a long way in making him smile when he opens your gift.

Here are some ideas for the various types of men in your life: • The Professional. For the man who wears a jacket and tie and talks business, go with gifts that speak to his busy lifestyle. For example, men’s valets allow him to store his wallet, keys, and cell phone in one place, making sure he gets out the door in time and nothing is forgotten. Some versions also have charging stations for phones and portable music players.

• The Guy’s Guy. Help this man clean up his image and shave some money from his personal care expenses with an electric shaver, which lasts longer and are more sanitary than single-use blades. Today you can find innovative models, such as Panasonic Arc5 shavers, which provide fast, close and comfortable shaves through exclusive blade technology and an ergonomic design that reduces pressure on the skin. Find out more at www.panasonic.com/shavers. Plus, electric shavers are a great green option since there are no disposable blades and they require less water use.

• The Entertainer. For the man who loves to entertain family and friends, a set of grilling tools will always be appreciated -- even this time of year!

The more sophisticated types might appreciate a set of martini glasses or a professional poker set.

• The Gadget Lover. Have a friend who’s an early adopter of almost any technology? You probably don’t want to get him another gadget, fearing he already has it. But you can get him a gift that speaks to his passion, like an online subscription to his favorite tech magazine or an online service like Lynda.com, which has a host of software tutorials for computer and gadget fanatics.

Or go old-school and get him an antique camera or vintage computer that he can display on a shelf or take apart -- just for the fun of it!

• The Gamer. We all know at least one guy who is glued to the video console. For the gamer in your life, get him the latest video game or accessory for his existing gaming station.

You could also give a gift that lends itself to a memorable experience, such as tickets to a professional sporting event. And for guys you really aren’t sure about, tickets to a concert or movie almost always go over well.

And always remember, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on your gift, just how much thought you put into it.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Albany Herald

Great gifts for gadget lovers of all ages

(ARA) - Have someone on your holiday shopping list who can't get enough of the latest gadgets? While you might be thinking that it's tough to buy for someone who always seems to have the newest version of every type of hand-held device, shopping for these folks is easier - and less expensive - than you might think.

Countless other items on the market complement these types of devices and enhance the user experience. And as if that's not enough, plenty of other affordable tech toys are sure to appeal to both adults and children. If you're at a loss for ideas, here some thoughts to get you started.

Power up One of the side effects of accumulating different types of electronic devices is ending up with separate chargers for each device. Keeping track of all these chargers can be difficult both at home and on the road. A helpful gift for any gadget lover is a mobile power pack that's

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compatible with many different types of devices. For example, the Rayovac rechargeable power pack has micro USB, mini USB and Apple device plug-ins that cover most recharging needs. Or if you know the recipient has a bunch of battery-operated devices, consider giving him a battery charger and rechargeable batteries.

Get in tune

Mobile devices have changed the way we listen to music and you're sure to have someone on your list who can't go anywhere without their iPod. Consider a gift card to iTunes or Amazon's digital music store or a portable device with speakers that will connect to their digital music player. For the young music lover on your list, Paper Jamz toy instruments allow kids to sing or play along with their favorite songs.

Active devices Now more than ever, digital devices are small and durable

enough take with you just about anywhere, even on a run or a bike ride. If the person you're buying for leads an active lifestyle, consider the many different types of bands, clips and mounts available that will allow your recipient to easily bring her phone or music player with her on her workout. For active children, the Light Strike laser tag game offers digital action for an affordable price and is an especially attractive option if you're buying for siblings who like to play.

For the movie buff Shopping for someone who loves TV and film? Considering giving a year-long subscription to a digital streaming service such as Netflix or Hulu Plus, which will provide access to more films and shows than you

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could ever imagine. This can be a great gift for families too, as they'll all be able to enjoy what this type of service has to offer.

If you purchase something like this, you may also want to throw in an HDMI cable that will allow your recipient to connect the family computer to their TV, if they don't already have one.

If you're buying for people who love gadgets, try to think about the small things that will help enhance the experience of using the devices they already have.

With so many digital devices in use today, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Low-cost gamer gifts that keep on giving

(ARA) - Video gaming's popularity is at an all-time high - in fact, a recent study from Memorex shows four of five families have at least one gaming console in the home. This holiday season, skip a pricey console purchase and give your favorite gamer a gift that keeps on giving. Here are four gift options under $25 that won't break your budget and will keep video game fans entertained well into the new year. *The gift of style If your resident gamer is a trendsetter - or if your family is just bored with black and white - add style to your next game night with console customization. For less than $20, you can purchase skins for your favorite gaming console and accessories through

*The gift for gamers in-the-know

Many gamers gobble up news about their favorite consoles and games like food on Thanksgiving - their appetites are seemingly endless. No matter which console your gamer prefers, you're sure to find a magazine that caters to their interests. If digital news is more their style, some gaming magazines offer digital editions at a discounted rate from the print edition. Gaming magazines subscriptions are available for less than $20 per year, and most some come with bonuses like reward points or exclusive access to game demos.

For other gamer gift ideas, visit Memorex.com or the Memorex Fan Page on Facebook.

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custom gaming skins services offered online. From colors and textures to your own photographs, these services will use your chosen visuals and transform your drab console into a gaming masterpiece. A simple online search for "custom gaming skins" will point you to a service with the style that best suits your family. *The gift for gamers on-the-go Keeping kids entertained while on the go has never been easier thanks to the range of portable consoles now available, including the Nintendo DS. The new challenge: keeping track of the tiny, expensive game cartridges. At just $19.99, Memorex's Universal Game Selector Case is the ideal solution. Compatible with all Nintendo DS consoles, it holds up to three games that can be played without being removed from the case - so games are less likely to be lost while kids are out and about. Powered by the DS console, so no batteries are required, other gamer-friendly features include LED-backlit speakers and a stylish D-pad. The Universal Game Selector Case is available at Target, Wal-Mart, Sears and Kmart. *The gift of games, games and more games Keeping up with the latest video games is expensive, with top new titles debuting at nearly $50 each. And nothing is worse than spending big bucks on a game that rarely gets played. This season, avoid the debate over which title to buy and give the gift of a video game subscription service. Gamers can "try before they buy" and exchange games for new titles as often as they like - a great alternative to spending hundreds of dollars on games that may collect dust. The most popular services are just $22.99 a month, with more than 7,000 titles to choose from.

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The Albany Herald

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Great gifts for the holiday season

(ARA) - The holiday season is upon us. With your goal to wrap up all your holiday shopping by June long since passed, the pressure to find that impossibly perfect gift for everyone on your list now has an overbearing timestamp as well.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

(Suggest retail price for Rippin' Rap: $6.99) (Suggested retail price for Lithium Ion Cordless Fillet: $89.99) For the bookworm: Make reading more accessible with an e-reader.

But fear not, holiday shoppers. The following list of gift ideas and stocking stuffers is sure to make this year's holiday gift giving much less daunting and a lot more fun for both you and your loved ones.

For the snacker: Go for gourmet and guilt-free.

Snacking is synonymous with the holiday season, but with the abundance of tempting, fattening treats available, choosing snacks that fill you up, and not out, is not always easy. Satisfy your snack lover with the gift of guilt-free snacking this holiday season. Slide a bag of Jack Link's Jerky in your snacker's stocking. Made with premium cuts of beef, pork, turkey or chicken, Jack Link's snacks taste great, and are naturally high in protein and low in fat, calories and carbs. With more than a dozen flavors available, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of this year's trendiest and tastiest stocking stuffers: * The "Classic": Jack Link's Original Beef Jerky * The "Flavorful": Jack Link's Cholula Hot Sauce Beef Jerky * The "Savory": Jack Link's Teriyaki Beef Jerky Jack Link's Jerky is available in grocery stores, mass retailers, convenience and drug stores nationwide.

This year, pair your loved one's favorite hobby with a little functionality in the form of an e-reader. From your beach chair or while in flight, an ereader makes reading easier and convenient from any location. Today, there are more choices than ever before - from touch-compatible, e-ink interfaces to Wi-Fi and audio playback capabilities - e-readers can be personalized to meet every bookworm's needs. You can even personalize the gift by choosing a case cover in a pattern or color your recipient will love. Add it to a stocking or wrap it as a gift, the smiles and excitement that will come with unwrapping this gift are sure to last all year long.

For the amateur chef: Cooking made easier with a meat thermometer.

Many amateur chefs are so afraid of undercooking meat that they often end up overcooking it. Help your home chef take the guesswork and stress out of cooking by slipping a meat thermometer into his or her stocking this year. Meat thermometers range in price and come with a number of functionalities such as a digital interface, wireless probe or alarms to notify you when the desired temperature has been reached.

Preparing the perfect roast in the oven or hamburger on the grill has never been easier with this gift idea.

(Suggested retail price per 3.25-ounce bag: $5.99) For the angler: Hook up the fishing enthusiast this holiday season with the latest gear.

Make sure the angler on your wish list has the latest go-to lure from Rapala - the authority on fishing - with the Rippin' Rap. This highly versatile bait features a tall, thin bodied, lipless design that cranks, swims and rips its way into the thick, along rock cover, over structure and anywhere in between. The rounded body touts a textured scale, gill and detailed fin that are paired with extra large, deep-set 3D holographic eyes that call fish in for the bite. And, if your holiday recipient has been hinting at a new fillet knife, the new Rapala Lithium Ion Cordless Fillet Knife will provide uncompromised, reliable fish filleting and carving performance. Featuring a relaxed grip with advanced airflow body design, this cordless electric fillet knife will provide uninterrupted power for a full 80 minutes.

For the hard-to-please teenager: Capture memories with this great stocking stuffer.

Teens can be difficult to buy for. Skip the stress of browsing clothing racks, or navigating the video game aisle, and give them a gift they are sure to love - a pocket camcorder. Capturing live memories is easier than ever with a pocket-sized, portable video camera. Available at a variety of price points, pocket camcorders come with a number of capabilities to choose from, including a waterproof frame, optical zoom, instant video playback - and it's all in HD. Drop this gift in your teen's stocking and they'll be shooting, uploading and looking back at all of life's most embarrassing, amusing or engaging moments for years to come.

For more information and gift ideas, visit www.JackLinks.com and www.facebook.com/JackLinksBeefJerky, or www.Rapala.com and www.facebook.com/RapalaUSA.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Albany Herald

How to find the right gift for the hard-to-please teen

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(ARA) - Finding the perfect gift for teenagers can be a notoriously difficult task. Their likes and dislikes can often change within seconds based on the latest trends and fads.

So how can you please even the most challenging-to-shop-for teen? Gift cards and cash work, but are also very impersonal. Here are a few gift ideas to satisfy even the pickiest teen.

Clothing

Face it, as much as you'd like to be on top of the hot styles that teens are wearing, you're probably several steps behind what's actually in. Give him or her a spending limit and take your teen shopping for some clothes. They will get a gift they really want and you'll learn about what they like to wear. Plus, it gives you the ultimate veto power over questionable purchases if you're paying for it.

Music As with clothes, most parents probably have differing musical tastes than their kids. Instead of a gift card to a music store, get a list of the music they like and gift it to them via iTunes. Plus, it also gives you the opportunity to learn what they like - even if it isn't what you'd listen to on your iPod. Technology

"X-Men Destiny" introduces gamers to three all-new mutant characters forced to choose between siding with the X-Men or Brotherhood of Mutants. Players customize the path, powers and development of their character and decide their role in the mutant cause alongside, or against Marvel characters such as Magneto, Cyclops, Wolverine and Gambit.

What teen doesn't want the latest tech toy? Whether it's a new MP3 player, headphones, mobile device or video game system, you probably can't go wrong. If your teen has a gaming system already, a new game is one place to turn.

Teens overwhelmingly favor action or adventure video games, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, and role-playing games have always been among the best-selling, most popular games available. Two new Marvel games from Activision fit both the action/adventure and role-playing criteria.

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"Spider-Man: Edge of Time" and "X-Men Destiny" will immerse your teenage gamer into new storylines from legendary comic book writers - Peter David and Mike Carey, respectively - giving them an authentic, interactive comic book experience. You can learn more at facebook.com/herohq.

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The Albany Herald

Keep gift receipts organized

Toy Safety Tips For The Holiday Season

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-Courtesy of METRO CONNECTION

A relatively recent component of holiday shopping -- or any shopping for that matter -- is the gift receipt. Keeping gift receipts organized can take a little effort on the part of the shopper to ensure each gift recipient is in possession of their respective receipts.

Gift receipts are advantageous to people who are receiving presents.

Should the item not fit or be a duplicate of something they already have, a gift receipt enables them to return the item effortlessly. It also clearly indicates where the gift was purchased so one is not driving around trying to find the store for a return. Plus, should the item have been recently reduced in price, a gift receipt will allow the full value of the gift to be received.

Returning an item without a receipt could result in lost value and the sale price being rescinded. Although having a gift receipt will not entitle one to a cash refund, it will equate to a store credit in the amount of the original price purchased.

Keeping gift receipts organized may take a little trial and error. One idea is to keep two envelopes and a pen handy when shopping. Write the names of the gift recipients on the master receipt or put their initials beside their purchased items. Place those receipts in one envelope where you'll keep your copies of the receipts. On the gift receipts, write the names for whom the gifts are intended. Place those receipts in the other envelope that will hold all gift receipts.

When it comes time to wrap gifts, refer to your gift receipt envelope and match up the receipts to the correct gift.

Remember, the gift receipt will not display the price or sometimes even a product description. It will usually only have a bar code that will refer to a UPC, or product number. You may be able to match the receipt to the number on the product tag. But again, this is why writing the name of the person on the receipt at the time of purchase can make the process easier. Attach the receipt to the gift in some way and wrap.

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(StatePoint) When buying gifts for children, don’t just buy whatever is on their wish list. Do some research first. That way, the gifts can be age-appropriate and safe.

Toy-related injuries are an all too common occurrence. In 2009, an estimated 250,100 children under age 15 were sent to the hospital for toy-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And these injuries are on the rise.

“Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child,” says Dr. H. Garry Gardner, chair of the Council on Injury, Violence & Poison Prevention at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.”

The AAP is offering these tips to help parents make safe consumer choices for their children: • Make sure the toy is specified for the age of your child.

Government regulations on toy diameter and length will prevent your baby or toddler from choking. Never leave a baby unattended with toys and games containing small parts.

• Toys that plug into an electrical outlet are a no-no for the under 10 set. Prevent burns and electrical shocks by buying battery-operated toys for younger kids. Make sure that the battery is in a secured compartment that cannot be accessed by the child.

• Buttons, batteries, and magnets pose a serious health risk when swallowed, causing stomach and intestinal problems and possible death. Call your pediatrician or other health care provider immediately if your child swallows one of these items.

• Store toys in a designated location, such as on a shelf or in a toy chest, and keep older kids’ toys away from young children.

• Read instructions carefully on a toy before allowing your child to play with it.

• Don’t leave children unattended with balloons. Un-inflated or broken balloons are a choking hazard for children under 8.

• Watch out for pull toys with strings more than 12 inches in length.

They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.

Of course, choosing safe toys is only half the battle. You also have to pick one they will like.

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“When it comes to toys, and ultimately, learning, active play always wins out over passive entertainment like TV,” says Dr. Gardner.

For a baby, anything that is eye-catching or makes noise is perfect.

For an older child, whether it’s a board game, a magazine subscription, or the latest Justin Bieber record, something that will sustain his or her interest will make a meaningful gift.

For more gift-giving ideas and safety tips, visit the AAP’s website for parents, www.healthychildren.org.

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A little research can go a long way in making sure your holidays are happy and healthy.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Albany Herald

Give Gifts That Are Both Practical And Meaningful www.albanyherald.com

(StatePoint) Adapting to these uncertain economic times, many of today’s shoppers want to give gifts that will be used, but still want to find creative ways to convey their emotions.

“Shoppers feeling constrained by budgets like the idea of giving practical gifts, but many are worried that they will feel too impersonal,” said Amy Myers, vice president of creative services for national gift retailer, Things Remembered. “Even the most useful gifts can have meaning when personalized to honor your special relationship with a loved one.”

Here are some practical gift ideas that offer room for personalization: For the Family Although toys and games typically top children’s wish lists, practical gifts can be fun when personalized just for them. Embroidered animal backpacks personalized with his or her name are a fun way to carry school books and can double as an overnight bag when visiting Grandma.

Tools aren’t traditionally viewed as meaningful gifts, but when engraved with a personalized sentiment, can become a cherished item. Even home decor can have special meaning, like a family heritage tree that puts family photos on display for an instant heirloom piece.

Function and Fashion In today’s busy world, gifts that make lives easier and express personal style are twice as nice. For example, Things Remembered offers an engravable USB photo key chain, which allows parents and teens to conveniently keep memories close and personal files safe. The gift is even better when pre-loaded with family photos or a thoughtful note. And unique items, like a combined watch and money clip, offer men on-the-go a fashionable and creative way to keep track of time and money.

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Creative Options Great gifts are catered to that individual. What is your loved one passionate about? Gardeners will appreciate a holiday card embedded with the seeds for a spruce tree. And nature lovers might like a butterfly-decorated journal that doubles as a photo scrapbook.

Gifts that Give Back Just as a gift reflects a special connection between two people, a charitable gift creates a special bond with someone in need. This holiday season, many retailers are offering gift items that do double duty by earmarking a portion of the profits to organizations that do good. For example, Things Remembered offers an entire collection that benefits the Make-AWish Foundation.

Or you can donate to a philanthropic organization on behalf of a loved one, commemorating the donation with a card or a framed picture of the benefactor. No matter the cause, you’ll spread holiday cheer with a gift that brings joy to more than one recipient.

For more thoughtful gift ideas, visit www.ThingsRemembered.com.

And don't wait until the last minute. A little foresight can go a long way in making your gift more meaningful.

'Tis The Season To Pamper Your Pet (StatePoint) The holidays aren’t just for indulging children; family pets could use some pampering, too.

In fact, a poll conducted by Petside.com reported that 53 percent of U.S. pet parents intended to get their animal companions a present during the holidays.

To help you get in the spirit of the season, here are some gift ideas for the furry friend in your life: • A Holiday Feast. If you’re looking to discourage Fido from begging for holiday dinner scraps, why not get him a feast of his own? For example, Stella & Chewy's frozen and freeze-dried Dinners for Dogs are made of raw, natural meat, without added hormones or antibiotics. They also have freeze-dried Dinners for Cats with added vitamins, minerals, probiotics and just the right amount of taurine to keep your kitty healthy.

Or give into Fido’s sweet tooth with an after-dinner treat, such as Benni & Penni’s fruit-fortified jerky treats. Featuring a meaty piece of jerky wrapped around a fruit morsel, they come in a range of flavors, including chicken and kiwi, chicken and banana and chicken and apple.

• Mistletoe Kisses. Christmas comes but once a year, but periodontal disease can threaten dogs and cats at any time. Fortunately, innovative solutions -- like TropiClean’s “fresh breath made easy!” -- offer safe, natural ways to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy while freshening their breath and without brushing.

• Toys in Petland. Whether your pet’s a smarty paws or just needs an outlet for his extra energy, there are a number of toys that let you interact with him in creative ways. For example, the Nina Ottosson Dog Maze lets dogs discover hidden treats in toys that wobble, rock and spin. And for the ultimate illuminated safety collar, check out The Company of Animals’ VIVID Collar – perfect for those dark winter walks!

For cats, consider getting a holiday-themed, biodegradable corrugated scratcher. For example, Imperial Cat’s Scratch ‘n Shapes scratchers are creatively designed to complement practically any décor. Their simulated tree bark texture provides cats with an ideal surface for scratching, relaxing, pouncing or playing. Each scratcher also comes with a bag of certified organic catnip to entice your kitty.

• Holiday Treats. If your dog makes Santa’s “nice” list, treat him or her to a liquid treat like Lickety Stik. The roll-on dispenser lets dogs experience all the excitement and flavor of a moist, meaty treat without the sticky mess for owners. Plus, it’s a fraction of the calories with none of the bulk of conventional treats.

And don't forget, when pampering your pets with gifts, keep their packages separate and unwrapped.

Normal holiday trimmings like wrapping paper, ribbon and tinsel can be unsafe for curious animals.

By safely indulging your pets you can get every member of your family into the holiday spirit.

8

The Albany Herald

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Gifts For Garden And Outdoor Enthusiasts

(StatePoint) Finding a gift that the gardener in your life will appreciate can be an intimidating prospect. Those with green thumbs already tend to have well-stocked sheds and a favorite pair of pruning shears.

www.albanyherald.com

profiles dozens of uncommon garden plants, teaching you how to grow, forage, prep, store, and preserve each. You will surely have some innovative meals coming your way.

The Landscaper But even the greenest thumb can benefit from a thoughtful gift. And with a little research, you may just innovate the way their garden grows.

The Veggie Lover: Grow your favorite vegetable gardener’s library with a cookbook. There are plenty of titles out there written with the home gardener in mind. Such recipe collections highlight dishes that call for fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables. A new book, “Wild Flavors” by Didi Emmons

Gardening is no easy physical task, but don’t let your loved ones break their backs unnecessarily. Simple tools can go a long way toward easing heavy duty tasks in the lawn and garden. For example, PowerSharp, a chainsaw sharpening attachment from Oregon-brand outdoor products, makes the necessary task of maintaining your chainsaw’s sharpness quick and easy by sharpening on the job.

This helps get yard work done faster and with relative ease, especially when pruning and

trimming. To learn more, visit www.powersharp.com.

The Plant Doctor Gardening is both a science and an art, but the science need not pose a terrific intellectual challenge. New products use sensors to measure important factors in soil, like moisture, pH, and nutrient availability.

This simplifies diagnosing an ailing plant, so you can nurse it back to health before it is too late.

Soil can be tested both electronically and chemically. Luster Leaf Gardening test kits allow gardeners to use either method, depending on what they’re trying to grow. To learn more about different types of sensors, visit: www.lusterleaf.com.

Chri stm as Ca rd s Courtesy of METRO CONNECTION

Sending out Christmas greetings is a tradition that is still common today. Have you ever wondered just how many cards are sent across the country? According to Hallmark Corporate, 1.5 billion Christmas cards, including boxed and individual cards, are purchased and then sent every year in the U.S. This makes Christmas the No. 1 holiday for sending greetings, followed by Valentine's Day (144 million) and Mother's Day (133 million).

The Plotter For the gardener who likes to plan in advance of the season, bulbs and seeds make a great gift. Because these can be stored before being planted, (some for years) don’t be shy about gifting bulbs and seeds any time of the year. Just be sure the expiration date is far in the future.

Seeds and bulbs make for an especially thoughtful gift, because it shows you are taking a personal stake in the contents of the garden. There’s a gift out there for every gardener. Just remember to consider the size and type of the growing space, the climate, and your recipient’s personal interest and taste when shopping.