Gift Guide by The Daily Dispatch

4 1 20

Gift Guide

The Daily Dispatch

2014

How to send gifts to faraway friends and family T he holiday season is a time to share happy experiences with friends and family. But reconnecting with loved ones come the holidays is not always possible, especially when family and friends are spread out across the countr y, if not the globe. Even though these people may not be close geographically, they’re still close in our hearts and, therefore, still on our holiday shopping lists. Some issues arise when sending gifts to faraway friends and family. Distance necessitates shipping gifts or making travel arrangements. To make that process less complicated, consider these suggestions. • Package gifts wisely. When shipping gifts, exercise caution to ensure the item arrives on time and in one piece. The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for the shipping industr y, and packages may endure a few bumps along the way. For fragile items, use extra packing peanuts,

newspaper or other protective wrapping material. Choose the right size package so the gift does not move around much inside of the box. If the gift is expensive, insure the package in the event it gets lost or damaged. Also, you may want to spend a little more money to have the

shipment tracked and a confirmation sent when the package is delivered. This can offer some peace of mind during a hectic time of year. • Take advantage of free shipping offers. Many retailers offer discounts on shipping rates during the holiday season. Shop at

is a convenient, fast and inexpensive way to send holiday wishes. • Don’t forget about inspections and customs procedures. Items shipped out of the countr y may be delayed by customs inspectors at their ultimate destination. Assume that certain packages may be opened or detained, and ship such packages early so the gifts still arrive on time. Packages that look unusual or like they’re hiding something may be prone to inspection more so than others. Be honest about declarations of value and what is contained in the package. Also, realize certain items, like fruits, vegetables, plants, or seeds, may retailers that offer such and certificates. Gift be prohibited. Learn discounts, as shipping cards are an easy item the international costs can be exorbitant to ship, and can be sent shipping rules for your depending on the sizes within the regular mail gift’s destination prior of the packages being for the cost of a stamp. to sending anything. sent. In addition, online Certain retailers may Distant family retailers may allow you have digital gift cards members and friends to ship the gift directly or certificates that may be out of sight allow buyers to email a but certainly not out to its recipient, which can help you ensure special code to the gift of mind come the the gift gets to its recipient, who can then holidays. When it destination on time. redeem the code for a comes to sending gifts, • Give gift cards purchase credit. This ship smart.

Shop Smart Things to consider before buying this holiday season

ew holiday shoppers can resist a great deal. Whether it’s heavily discounted merchandise on Black Friday or last-minute sales for shoppers who procrastinate, there are deals to be had from the start of the holiday season until its unofficial end sometime around New Year’s Day. But not all deals are what they seem. Many a shopper has swiped their card on a gift for a loved one only to find out later they overspent or didn’t read the fine print and subjected themselves or their friends and family members to potentially costly fees. The following are a handful of things shoppers should consider before making any purchases this holiday season.

Restocking fees

As thoughtful as holiday gifts may be, many are ultimately returned. Recipients may already

have similar items at home or find a particular gift does not suit their personal styles. Because returns are so common, shoppers should read the fine print before buying gifts to ensure their purchases are not subject to restocking fees if they must be returned. Restocking fees can apply to any product, but they are most often applied to electronics. A restocking fee is a charge the person returning the gift must repay upon bringing the gift back to the store or mailing it back to the warehouse. Restocking fees often apply to items that are not returned in their original factory-sealed box, and these fees can be exorbitant, sometimes as much as 20 percent of the cost of the product. So before buying that big-ticket television or appliance, holiday shoppers should ensure the item’s recipient will not be subject to a considerable fee if he or she decides to return the gift.

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The Daily Dispatch

Gift Guide Gift Guide

2014

Great gifts for people who love to read M

any people love to read, and such people do not often cause headaches for holiday shoppers. Readers typically are easy to shop for come the holiday season, when shoppers stuck on what to get a friend or family member can always fall back on a book or two if they know their loved one likes to get lost in a good book. But books aren’t the only gifts shoppers can give the readers on their lists this holiday season. The following are a few gift ideas no book lover can balk at. • E-reader: Before buying an e-reader, shoppers may want to first learn where the intended recipient of this thoughtful gift stands on the book versus e-reader debate. Some book lovers feel a sentimental attachment to traditional books, while others love the versatility of e-readers, many of which ser ve as tablets that allow users to peruse the Internet, play games and, of course, read books. If your friend or family member does not have an aversion to e-readers, then this might make the ideal gift. The price of e-readers varies depending on their capabilities, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars depending

on which model you ultimately choose. • Storage: For those readers who prefer traditional books, a new bookshelf can help them store their favorite titles. Books take up a lot of space, and avid readers tend to buy many new books each year, so homeowners and apartment dwellers alike will no doubt appreciate the extra space to store their collections. But even e-reader enthusiasts may find their storage filling up faster than they might have liked. To remedy

that problem, holiday shoppers can buy a Wi-Drive with ample extra storage space so readers who keep both books and movies on their e-readers and tablets have plenty of extra space to store all of those new books they plan to read in the coming year. • Decorative bookends: Those who have a passion for books and home décor might appreciate a unique set of handcrafted bookends to store the books they keep on their desks or those they keep out as decorative accents that

guests can enjoy when visiting. Such gifts will please your friends or family members who have a flare for interior decorating while also appealing to their love of literature. • Book club membership: A membership to a Book of the Month Club may be right up the alleys of those readers who read too fast to join a local reading group or simply don’t have the time to devote to a community book club. Such memberships often sell classic titles and the latest bestsellers at a fraction

of the cost of the publisher-established prices, and members typically can order as many books as they would like. This can be a great way for readers to find new titles and keep the books coming in without breaking

the bank. Avid readers are passionate about their books, and holiday shoppers can feed those passions by giving their favorite readers gifts that indulge their love of literature this holiday season.

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Gift Guide Gift Guide

The Daily Dispatch

2014

Gift ideas for the special seniors in your life W

ith lifetimes of experiences and seemingly ever ything they could ever want or need in life already at their disposal, seniors can be difficult to shop for come the holiday season. Many even insist that their family members save their money and not buy them anything for the holidays. But if the thought of Grandma or Grandma not having something to open come the holidays is simply unacceptable, consider the following gift ideas.

Activity assistance devices

The realities of getting older often mean the body slows down and activities may not be as easy as they used to be. Many active seniors are not ready to live sedentar y lives, nor should they be forced to do so. Plenty of products exist that can make life easier and more comfortable for older adults. Television amplifying headphones are one product that can be a great fit for seniors,

particularly those having difficulty hearing their televisions. The headphones amplify the sound of the programming without disturbing others in the room, and many such headphones even allow users to mute their televisions. This feature is perfect for someone who likes to watch TV while a spouse is sleeping or reading in the same room. Other devices that can make life easier for seniors include magnifying products or book holders. In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home.

Food

Food is always a handy gift because it doesn’t take up much room and can be enjoyed at a recipient’s leisure. Perhaps there is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but now finds hard to come by. A search of the Internet may uncover that special treat. You may be able to ship a specialty soft drink or favorite cookie that is not available in a nearby store. Otherwise, ask a store manager if a

particular item that’s not in stock in the store can be a special order.

Photos

What grandparent does not enjoy looking at his or her family members? Computer-savvy men and women can use photo software to design personalized photo books, calendars, mugs, and other photo-related gifts. Just about anything can be emblazoned with a photo, including tote bags and pillows. Another idea is to collect old photos and compile a memory book. Scan the images so they are preserved digitally and then print out the images in a book that includes the family history.

Time

Seniors who truly do not want or need anything probably will likely jump at the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Treat a friend or family member to a meal out or simply spend a few hours chatting at his or her home. Sometimes the company of a new face and good conversation is the ideal gift.

Gift Guide

The Daily Dispatch

2014

Great gifts for the family foodie T

he best holiday gifts are often those that encourage their recipients to pursue a passion or favorite hobby. Tickets to a ballgame might be right up a sports fan’s alley while the family globetrotter would no doubt love a contribution to his or her travel fund. When gifting the family foodie, that one person who loves to cook or simply can’t get enough of his or her favorite cuisines, shoppers have a host of options at their disposal to ensure this holiday season brings a smile to their favorite foodie’s face. • Spice rack: Few home cooks can get by without a vast selection of spices, so a spice rack that includes all the essential spices makes perfect sense for the family foodie. Some spice racks even come with several years’ worth of free spice refills, so do your homework and find one that will have your friend or family member spicing things up for years to come. • Cooking lessons: Cooking lessons can be a great way for men, women and even children to cultivate their love for food. If your friend or family member prefers a specific type of cuisine, then find him or her cooking lessons where he or she can learn

how to prepare and not just eat some favorite dishes. Cooking lessons also make a great opportunity to bond with a loved one. If you, too, want to expand your cooking horizons, buy your own lessons and go with your friend or family member. • A night out: If your favorite foodie prefers his or her meals made by someone else, treat that friend or family member to a night out at his or her favorite restaurant. You can give a gift card to the restaurant or take this special someone out yourself and enjoy a great meal and great company to boot. • Ser ving dishes: Many foodies not only love to eat but also love to ser ve up their favorite foods to family and friends. If your friend or family member has played host to guests many times in the past, surprise him or her with some new ser ving dishes. You probably have a sense of their ser ving style already, but if you don’t, make a mental note the next time you visit or simply buy them a gift card so they can buy whichever dishes they need to make their next soiree a success. • Wine rack: A great bottle of wine completes a great meal, so why not buy your family foodie a place to store all of his or

her bottles of wine? Wine racks can range from the simple, inexpensive standup models to more complex or expensive models that need to be installed. If the eventual recipient of your thoughtful gift rents rather than owns his or her home, avoid buying

a wine rack that needs to be installed, as that might cause damage that will cost them some money when the time comes to move out. But if your friend or family member owns their home, then look for a wine rack that fits in with their established décor. You even

can christen the new wine rack by supplementing your gift with a few bottles of your loved one’s favorite vintages. With so many potential gifts to choose from, shoppers often find foodies are fun to shop for come the holiday season.

Consider safety first when buying gifts for children

oys will once again be high on kids’ wish lists this holiday season, when advertisements will highlight this year’s most coveted gifts. But just because a particular toy is this year’s must-have item does not mean it’s the safest gift for kids of all ages. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 265,000 toy-related injuries treated at hospitals in the United States in 2012. Of those injuries, an estimated 72 percent happened to children younger than 15 years of age while 69 percent affected kids 12 years of age or younger. In addition, an estimated 34 percent of those injuries happened to children younger than five years of age. Many toy-related deaths were the result of drowning and asphyxiation. No one wants to think about injuries or deaths involving kids, but holiday shoppers must keep safety in mind when purchasing children’s gifts to safeguard youngsters from injury.

Read the packaging to ensure that toys are ageappropriate. Avoid projectile toys or those with sharp points. Store toys that belong to older children out of reach of younger kids. Don’t buy toys with removable parts that can be swallowed. Only buy toys made from nontoxic materials.

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Balloons

The CPSC notes that balloons are the leading cause of suffocation death in children. Children may swallow broken or uninflated balloons, which can then stick to the throat and airway, making it impossible to breathe. Holiday shoppers should avoid giving balloons to children age eight or younger. In addition, dispose of balloons if or when they deflate.

Painted toys

Lead paints and toys containing lead are not legal in North America, but that doesn’t mean that imported toys are made in adherence to stringent safety guidelines. Before buying a toy, confirm that it is lead-free, as exposure to lead can cause serious neurological problems, especially in young children.

Button batteries

Button batteries, or the small-sized batteries found

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in some toys, watches and hearing aids, can be hazardous. Batteries can become stuck and cause chemical burns. Adults should always verify that the battery compartments on children’s toys are secured with screws. Other products that have remote controls may contain batteries that are not adequately secured. In addition to button batteries, AAA batteries, which are small, can be hazardous to kids.

Magnets

Small magnets can be swallowed and become lodged in the digestive system of a child. If two or more magnets or a magnet and metal component are swallowed, they can attract to one another through intestinal walls. This can cause blockages, perforations and infections. Avoid toys that use small magnets, and check the CPSC website to ensure that magnetic toys are not among recalled products.

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How to give holiday gift cards N

early every man or woman has hit that all too familiar wall when holiday shopping for friends and family. While many people might be a cinch to shop for, there always seems to be one stickler on holiday shopping lists, and finding the right gift for that person can be an exercise in patience and perseverance. But even the most patient shopper has his or her limits, and many people find themselves giving gift cards to those friends or family members who seemingly have everything already. Such cards make great gifts, but only when gift givers employ a few tricks of the gift card trade. • Buy directly from the retailer. It’s easy to be duped by a counterfeit gift card, which can be embarrassing for both the gift giver and its eventual recipient.

Gift Guide Gift Guide

The Daily Dispatch

Counterfeit gift cards are big business for criminals who prey on gift givers during the holiday season. Only buy gift cards directly from the retailer, as cards sold by other sources, such as an online auction site, may be stolen or counterfeit. You don’t want to be the person who gave a stolen or counterfeit card, and your friend or family member does not want to be subjected

the gift receipt. The gift receipt not only verifies the value of the gift card, but also includes the date the card was purchased. That’s important information, as many companies begin to charge fees, some of which may be exorbitant, on unused cards after a predetermined period of time. Recipients who have the gift receipt won’t have to haggle with retailers about the value of the card should that ever be in dispute, and the receipt also can to an inquiry as to why associated with the serve as a reminder that he or she is attempting card. Once they have the recipient needs to to use a stolen or the PIN, recipients can counterfeit card. then recreate their own use the card before a given date to avoid fees. • Examine the card card, using the stolen • Consider a before leaving the PIN to activate and store. Once a cashier make purchases on their general purpose gift card. If that stickler on or customer service counterfeit cards long your holiday shopping employee hands you before the real card is a gift card, examine it sold to you. If you detect list is especially difficult to shop for, then you any damage, ask for a for tampering before leaving the store. Some new card before leaving might want to consider a general purpose the store. criminals gain access gift card issued by • Include a gift to gift cards, even receipt with the card. a company such as those that appear to be When giving a gift card, American Express, behind lock and key, to MasterCard or Visa. don’t forget to include learn the PIN number

These cards generally allow recipients to use their gift wherever they choose, whether it’s to put gas in their tank or buy groceries. That versatility is valuable if you truly have no idea what your friend or family member needs or where he or she likes to shop. One notable disadvantage to general purpose gift cards is that they tend to come with more fees than more traditional gift cards purchased directly from specific retailers. Investigate these fees and find a card that charges no fees or only minimal fees. Gift cards make great gifts and can bail out frustrated holiday shoppers who simply can’t find that perfect gift for a friend or family member. But when shopping for gift cards, be sure to exercise caution before buying a card so your loved is not put in an embarrassing or costly situation.

Prevent identity theft during the holidays

s the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are once again preparing to do a significant amount of their holiday shopping online, while many others will rely on debit and credit cards to make their in-store purchases. Though banks and online retailers have made holiday shopping easier in many ways, that convenience has also made shoppers more vulnerable to identity theft. The hectic nature of the holidays season can make it harder for holiday shoppers to recognize if their personal information has been compromised. As a result, many men and women do not realize that they have been victimized by identity thieves until after the season has come and gone. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, identity theft affects 10 million Americans each year, costing individuals and businesses $52 billion. But Americans aren’t the only ones at risk of identity theft, which can victimize holiday shoppers whether they’re shopping at the

nearby mall or from the comforts of home. When shopping this holiday season, shoppers should consider the following safety measures to reduce their risk of identity theft. • Confirm the legitimacy of online retailers. Many online scammers masquerade as legitimate businesses. Some may even steal logos or information from real businesses to make their scam appear more legitimate. When shopping online, stick to well-known retailers or verify with the Better Business Bureau or another watchdog organization that a Web site is operated by a reputable business. • Check for a secured browser. Reputable online retailers encrypt their customers’ personal information. Look for a “locked” icon on the browser before entering payment information, or check to see if the URL has an “https” prefix, which means the site is secured. • Beware of credit card skimmers. Skimmers are devices that read the information on the magnetic strip of a credit or debit card. Some are planted

on ATM machines or self-service kiosks at stores. They can be hard to detect. Certain skimmers can even skim the information off a card while it is still in a wallet or purse. Some devices can block the capture of signals from the cards. But even consumers who have such devices should still check their bank and credit card statements to determine if their cards have been skimmed. • Promptly check credit and debit balances for accuracy. Routinely check purchases against the records of credit card companies and banks. Log into online accounts to verify any purchases and report any inaccuracies immediately. Recognizing fraudulent activity early on can help consumers recover their money quickly and prevent any further problems. • Opt for credit over debit. Credit cards come with zero liability policies, which means consumers will not be held responsible for fraudulent purchases. Debit cards do not always offer the same level of protection, and debit cards linked directly to a bank account could put consumers at

greater risk. • Keep receipts. Being cautious with receipts doesn’t just facilitate potential returns. Receipts often include a lot of personal information, including the shopper’s name, signature and credit card number. These receipts could be the doorway to identity

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Gift Guide

The Daily Dispatch

2014

Shop locally this holiday season S

Community identity

hopping is a big part of the holiday season, when families and friends gather to reconnect and exchange gifts. While the popularity of shopping online has grown, such practices are not always eco-friendly or timely, as gifts bought online must be packaged and shipped, wasting valuable resources and time that last-minute shoppers may not have. The benefits of shopping locally go beyond convenience and the chance to reduce your carbon footprint. The following are a few ways that shopping locally this holiday season can directly benefit your community and the people who call it home.Â

Local small businesses go a long way toward creating a neighborhood identity, and that identity can create a stronger sense of community among you and your neighbors. In addition, a unique community identity can make your town more attractive to outsiders, and that appeal can improve the value of local real estate while also attracting more people to local businesses in your neighborhood.Â

Uniqueness of gifts

Local economy

When men and women shop locally, they are putting money back into their local communities. Local small businesses may be owned by your neighbors, and it can be comforting to know that your holiday shopping dollars are going to support a neighbor instead of a large corporation. Local businesses also employ your neighbors, so shopping local can strengthen the local economy by creating jobs that may not exist if you and

season when such businesses may be overwhelmed with orders, making contact with customer service departments can be a trying exercise in patience. Long wait times on the phone or online can make the process of contacting customer service extremely frustrating. But such frustration is rare when

members of your community fail to support local small businesses.

Customer service

The accessibility of customer service is another oft-overlooked benefit of shopping locally. When buying from national chains, especially during the holiday

buying from local businesses, as consumers can simply take their products into the store, where employees can immediately address their concerns. In addition, buying locally makes it more convenient for friends and family members who also live in your community to return their gifts.Â

The gifts you buy when shopping locally also can benefit your community. Gifts purchased from small local businesses tend to be more unique than items bought from national chains, as smaller retailers tend to sell more homemade items than their national competitors. Recipients of such items may find such gifts more thoughtful than mass produced items bought from national chains, and the uniqueness of homemade gifts may encourage the giftsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recipients to visit your community and do some shopping, further benefitting your local economy.

Gift wrap tricks to save time H

oliday shopping may be done, but that enormous pile of presents still needs to be wrapped. People have varying degrees of ability with regard to wrapping gifts. Some excel at those creased corners and perfect bows, while others are less adept at wrapping. The task of wrapping gifts may not be something to look forward to, but wrapping gifts is an essential element of the holiday season. Fortunately, there are a few tricks of the trade wrappers can lean on to make the process of wrapping gifts go as quickly and as smoothly as possible. â&#x20AC;˘ Stock up on

double-sided tape. Wrapping with double-sided tape helps you avoid unsightly tape lines and creates a neat finished product. â&#x20AC;˘ Use a toilet paper tube to preserve wrapping paper rolls and keep them from unravelling. Simply cut the tube lengthwise and snap it over the open roll of paper to serve as a handy clip to keep the paper tidy. â&#x20AC;˘ When you lose the edge of the tape on a roll, it can take precious time trying to find it again and then lift a piece of tape off the roll. Use a plastic bread clip to hold the place of the edge of the tape to prevent this from happening. â&#x20AC;˘ Turn snack

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containers into handy gift wrap options. Empty potato chip canisters can be wrapped and used to hold other food gifts or smaller stocking stuffers.

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paper to customize the gift wrap and use ribbons and bows to further dress things up. â&#x20AC;˘ Always work on a hard, flat surface, as working on the floor or a soft surface makes it more difficult to control wrapping paper and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more likely to tear the paper. â&#x20AC;˘ Use a gift box or cardboard to create a firm container to wrap soft gifts. â&#x20AC;˘ Reuse old boxes to create a greeting card. Use a piece of ribbon and a bow and your newly created card as a thank-you or gift tag for future gifts. This is a great way to recycle during a season when excess is common.

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decorative ribbon. â&#x20AC;˘ Wooden spoons or popsicle sticks can make clever gift tags. Poke a hole in the end and tie onto your gift. â&#x20AC;˘ Use a piece of fabric to wrap a present if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not too skilled with traditional paper. Fabric can be reused and is more durable, and you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run the risk of tearing an edge or poking a hole through it. This can be especially useful for oddly shaped gifts. â&#x20AC;˘ Newsprint tied with natural cord and some pine boughs is an inexpensive, classic-looking gift wrap. â&#x20AC;˘ Kraft butcher paper or brown mailing paper can be used in a pinch. Stamp images on the

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Gift Guide Gift Guide

The Daily Dispatch

2014

How to help new parents make the holidays special

ringing a baby home changes a person’s life. Babies bring great joy but also some confusion into a household, especially as the new parents adapt in their first few weeks or months as mom and dad. Babies tend to draw attention away from their folks, whose needs may be lost in the shuffle. As baby’s first holiday season approaches, the youngster’s parents and extended family often attempt to make the experience as memorable as possible. But family and friends of new parents also can take steps to lighten new parents’ holiday burdens by offering some thoughtful holiday gifts that can provide support and love for newly minted moms and dads. • Time: New parents typically are short on time. There’s little time to shop, eat and sleep. Friends and family of new parents can give the gift of time this holiday season. Offer your services as a babysitter

so new parents can enjoy some alone time, or simply lend a hand with household chores so the new mom and dad can relax instead of work while their bundle of joy is napping. • Memories: The first hours and days of having a new child are filled with opportunities to capture every moment. Gone are the days when film must

open with their teeth while tending to a crying infant. Meals, snacks and food baskets make great gifts that keep parents fed and happy. Consider memberships to fruit of the month clubs or call the new parents’ favorite restaurant and send them a meal. • Pampering: Sometimes new parents just need some pampering, whether it’s a shopping excursion, a visit to a hair dresser, an appointment with a masseuse, or something as simple as a long, uninterrupted hot shower. A gift card to a spa or salon may make a good gift for a luxury-starved parent. be developed and tangible be lost forever unless parents Just remember to factor child photos must be stored in photo have backup. An Eye-Fi™ care into the equation so that albums. Digital technology wireless memory card will Mom or Dad will not have any means some photos never automatically upload images excuse to cancel his or her make it to hard copies. But from a camera to a computer appointment. even if photos rarely find their or external memory source, New parents face many way into frames, preserving ensuring no precious snapshots challenges, and helping them early memories is essential. are lost. through their first holiday Computers can fail and camera • Food: New parents’ season as a mother and father cards can break. In such nourishment may come from can make this precious period instances, precious images may any package that’s easily torn that much more memorable.

How to establish gift spending limits A

s the cost of living continues to rise, holiday shopping also has become much more expensive in recent years, and it can be easy for shoppers to overextend themselves financially come the holiday season. According to a recent Gallup poll, the average American plans to spend around $790 per holiday season, although many go above and beyond that amount. Starting off the new year in debt is a recipe for stress, which can have negative

repercussions for the rest of the year. In addition to overspending during the holiday season, many people stretch themselves thin on Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. One way to make shopping more manageable is to establish spending limits that dictate how much each family member can spend on each gift he or she buys. It is important to exercise tact when

approaching the subject of gift limits. Discuss the topic with friends and family members

with whom you usually exchange gifts long before the holiday season. Agree on a reasonable amount of money each person will spend on gifts. If necessary, ask everyone to write down a figure and then determine the average, using that figure as your spending limit. Establishing a spending limit makes it easier for every family to afford their holiday purchases. If there are six people on your shopping list and

you’re spending $50 per person, you know to allocate $300 for gifts. Saving and budgeting can be adjusted accordingly. When no such limit is established, you may go overboard to compensate, even if you cannot afford to do so. Another way to save money is to suggest giving the gift of experiences rather than tangible and potentially costly gifts. For example, take a loved one out for dinner or suggest going on vacation together

to make better use of your collective funds. A well-timed extended family vacation in lieu of gift exchanges may alleviate the stress of the holiday season, much of which can be traced to holiday spending. Establishing a gift-giving strategy and budget for each person to work with can make for a more peaceful holiday season by freeing up time to spend with loved ones and placing the focus on family instead of shopping.

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The Daily Dispatch

2014

Effectively manage your credit this holiday season

pending is synonymous with the holiday season. According to the U.S. Census Monthly Retail Trade Survey, spending rose throughout the holiday season in 2013, when consumers spent more than $300 billion in the month of December alone. If spending and the holiday season go hand-in-hand, so, too, does January and the financial hangover that results from having spent so much in November and December. Many consumers find themselves in considerable debt come the new year, having decided to put many of their holiday purchases on plastic when the season was in full swing. But just because the holidays are a season of spending does not mean the first months of the new year need to be an exercise in extricating yourself from debt. The following are a few ways shoppers can effectively manage their credit this holiday season. • Don’t use credit just to earn bonuses. One way to fall into significant debt is to justify your use of credit cards as a great way to earn miles, points or cash-back bonuses. While such rewards can be appealing, if you’re afraid that you will overspend this holiday season if you put everything on plastic, then don’t do so just so you can earn bonuses. Credit cards should only be used when you have enough money to pay off a balance in its entirety before you incur any interest charges. Those rewards might be tempting, but they’re not as valuable if you overspend and end up paying substantial interest charges.

• Avoid retailer credit cards. Retailer credit cards also entice shoppers with deals. When purchasing items in-store, customers often are asked if they would like to earn a percentage off of their purchase by signing up for a retailer credit card. Such discounts may fall anywhere between 10 and 20 percent, a deal that many men and

women may find too tempting to resist. However, retailer credit cards often come with much higher interest rates than standard credit cards. Unless you know you can pay off the balance immediately, decline the offer to sign up for a retailer credit card, opting instead to pay for your items with cash or a preexisting card that carries a much lower

interest rate. • Use only one card. Using multiple cards when making holiday purchases is a great way to lose track of how much you have spent. Even though the Internet makes it easy to check balances on all of your cards multiple times per day, managing credit is still easier if you only need to log in to a single

account to monitor your holiday spending. Make a daily effort to monitor that spending, as it’s free to view your balance online and such monitoring can greatly reduce the likelihood that you will overspend. • Don’t exceed your credit limit. One of the biggest yet most preventable mistakes consumers make come the holiday season is exceeding their credit limits. Exceeding your credit limit not only means you will have a rough month of January when the bills come due, but such a mistake also has a more long-term effect, as your credit score suffers anytime you exceed your limit. • Know your interest rates. Though it’s best to only use a credit card when you know you can repay the balance in full when the bill arrives, some consumers simply must carry a balance. In such instances, know the interest rate held by a particular card before you swipe that card to make a purchase. Some cards hold variable interest rates, which means the interest charged back in June may be far lower than the interest you will be charged in January. Before using any of your credit cards, determine which one holds the lowest interest rate and use that one when making holiday purchases. Though spending might be synonymous with the holiday season, consumers need not accept credit card debt as a harsh reality of January. Taking steps to manage credit effectively when holiday shopping can make January a more enjoyable time of year.

Give the gift of indulgence this holiday season T he holiday season is rife with tradition. Families have their own unique traditions, whether it’s gathering at Grandma’s to enjoy a holiday meal or singing carols together around the neighborhood with friends who live nearby. One tradition that seems to have made it into many families’ holiday celebrations is indulging in delicious baked goods. Desserts are a big part of the holiday season, when many people relax restrictions on their diets to enjoy some of their favorite cookies and cakes. While such delicacies are often ser ved at dinnertime, homemade baked goods also make great gifts come the holiday season. Whether a friend or family member is a fully devoted foodie or simply a person who loves a decadent dessert, gifting home-cooked baked goods is a great way to show your loved ones just how much you appreciate them. This holiday season, give the gift of decadence by cooking up the following recipe for “Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread” courtesy of Maxine Clark’s

“Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers” (Ryland, Peters & Small).

Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread Makes an 8-inch cake

21⁄3 cups dark molasses 6 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 70 percent cocoa solids), grated 13⁄4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 5 ounces whole pieces preserved stem ginger, drained and roughly chopped 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened 1⁄2 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, sifted (to remove lumps) 2 medium eggs, beaten 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda 2 tablespoons milk, warmed A pinch of salt Extra-large crystallized ginger pieces, to scatter (optional)

A deep 8-inch square cake pan or 8 x 6 x 3-inch oval cake pan

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Grease and line the base and sides of the cake pan with nonstick parchment paper. Put the molasses in a pan and heat gently until hot, but do not allow it to boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add the

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chocolate. Stir until melted. Sift the flour, ground ginger and salt together in a bowl. Add the stem ginger and toss it around in the flour until every piece is coated. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, then the molasses and chocolate mixture and finally the flour mixture. Dissolve the baking soda in the milk and gradually beat this into the batter. Pour into the prepared cake pan, scatter with the crystallized ginger, if using, and bake for 45 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 F and bake for another 30 minutes. (If using the oval pan, cook for about 45 minutes at the higher temperature, then about 1 hour at the lower temperature, as it will be deeper.) A metal skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely. When cold,

store in an airtight container for at least a couple of days to mature and become sticky. Don’t worry if it sinks a bit in the middle — this is normal.

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The Daily Dispatch

2014

How to save on high-tech gifts G

adgets are among the most popular gifts come the holiday season. In 2013, CreditDonkey. com sur veyed shoppers to determine what they planned to give during the holidays, and electronics were second only to gift cards among the most popular gifts to give. Sixty-three percent of respondents cited their intentions to give electronics, while the survey also found that 76 percent of people planned to request electronics as holiday gifts. Gadgets figure to be popular gifts again this holiday season. Unwrapping the latest tablet or a big-screen television can be exciting, but electronics can be expensive. Those who plan to give their loved ones the latest gadgetry should be happy to learn there are ways to do so that don’t require breaking the bank. • Scale back. Oftentimes people are buying more computer or data than they actually need. For example, when buying computers, it’s tempting

to go for those that boast the most memory, but that extra memory is only useful to those people who truly need it. A less expensive model that suits your loved one’s genuine needs will make for an impressive and more practical gift. • Determine necessity. Some gadgets are more a desire than a necessity. Decide if a particular device will be an asset to your loved one or just another trendy

item that soon will be gathering dust. Look for devices that your loved one will make the most of. If the purchase is not warranted, save your money and look for something else. • Consider refurbished items. Don’t shy away from refurbished items, as the discounts can be steep. Refurbished items are often just items that were returned to the store because they’re not needed

Models from previous years likely won’t be much different from the latest models, but they do figure to be considerably less expensive. • Look for coupon codes. When researching products, search for coupon codes for desired electronics and retailers. Web-based retailers may post coupon codes that add up to significant savings. Just ensure that the total cost after taxes and shipping fees are calculated makes the purchase worth your while. • Skip the warranty. Extended or because the item to 15 percent discount warranties often cost was malfunctioning. at retailers that offer more money than Returned items are open-box specials. Just potential repairs. In factory-tested and then verify that all cords, addition, after a few repackaged. Opt for manuals and other year’s time, your loved refurbished items that accessories are inside one may be looking carry a manufacturerthe box before leaving to upgrade his or her backed warranty for the store. gadget anyway, making greater peace of mind. • Peruse previous the extended warranty • Consider open generation models. an unnecessary box items. Just Manufacturers release expense. because packaging a new version of their Gadgets make is dented or torn devices seemingly for popular yet does not mean the every year. That doesn’t expensive holiday merchandise inside is mean last year’s phone, gifts. But holiday damaged. Purchasing video game console shoppers can save a product that’s not or computer is any money on electronics inside a pristine box can less effective than by employing a few sometimes yield a 10 the updated version. savings strategies.

Gifts to keep kids engaged

tore aisles are filled this time of year with ever y must-have gift retailers can advertise. Children often plead and beg for the hottest toys weeks ahead of the holidays, hoping to find their requests wrapped up come the big day. But once the gift wrap is torn away and kids have played with their presents for a day, some already grow bored with their new belongings and cast them aside. Certain toys are not engaging enough to warrant extended periods of play — no matter what the advertisements boast. No gift-giver wants to spend money on a present only to have it collecting dust days later. With that said, employing these strategies can help anyone select a gift that will continue to inspire and excite children long after the holiday season has come and gone. • Don’t believe the hype. It’s easy to fall hook, line and sinker for ultra-popular trendy gifts. While such

gifts may have popular appeal, that does not mean they’re a perfect fit for your child. When shopping for youngsters come the holiday season, choose a gift because your child will truly enjoy it and not because it’s the trendy item of the year.

• Focus on the play factor. Too often shoppers get caught up in toys’ appearances. Instead, think about how the toys will work with imaginative play. The more a child can envision himself doing with a particular toy, the more likely he or she will exhibit

a continued interest in that toy. • Look for minimal bells and whistles. Kids often find toys that leave more room for imagination more interesting than toys that are loaded with gadgets. Children prefer to make up their own stories and create

modes of play that are more about what they like rather than the “right” way to play or win. • Choose gifts that grow. Shoppers want to select gifts that are age-appropriate for children so they will be safe during play time. But shoppers also should look for toys and activities that can be modified and grow with the child as he or she ages. A game that gets progressively harder through levels or a toy set that can be supplemented as kids grow older may make good gifts. Musical instruments also can grow with a child, as the instruments become easier to master with practice. • Figure out the child’s interests. Toys that cater specifically to a child’s interests will be the most warmly received. It may take going the extra mile to find a gift that matches a child’s interest rather than picking up the first trendy gift you see, but the results will be well worth it.

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