Holiday Gift Guide 2013

2013

Shopping Smart

How to prevent identity theft during the holidays

The Gift of Go

Unique gifts for the family globetrotter

Gifting the Great Outdoors

Gifts no outdoorsman can resist

NOVEMBER 27, 2013 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

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Dos and don’ts of holiday shopping Maximize time spent on holiday shopping Holiday shopping on a budget Tips for early bird holiday shoppers Use coupons to save on holiday purchases Is your child ready for a tablet?

Gifts to rev auto lovers’ engines Gift ideas for the athlete in your life Unique gift ideas for the family globetrotter Are cash gifts tacky or ideal?

Gifts no outdoor enthusiast can resist Prevent identity theft during the holidays Avoid the hidden costs of online shopping ‘Tis the season for shipping gifts

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE is published and copyrighted 2013 by the Daily Press, 13891 Park Ave., Victorville, Calif. 92392 and the Desert Dispatch, 130 Coolwater Lane, Barstow, Calif. 92311 Freedom Communications Inc. newspapers.

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hanks to sales featuring heavily discounted items, millions of people wait to start their holiday shopping until the season hits full swing. But in spite of such bargains, overextending budgets during the holiday season is too tempting for many shoppers to resist. However, shoppers need not risk financial peril if they shop smartly and heed some dos and don’ts of holiday shopping.

• Do set a budget.

Establish what you can afford to spend on gifts and other seasonal trimmings early on. The National Retail Federation estimates that the average consumer will spend around $700 come the holiday season. But not every person needs to be a big spender. The “buy now, pay later” mentality that credit cards offer lands many shoppers in trouble, a sticky situation many only notice once the first bill comes due. If you cannot afford to pay your entire credit card balance off once the bill arrives, you face steep interest charges that can quickly add up. Instead, pick a set spending limit and keep to it no matter how

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tempting it may seem to overspend with a credit card.

• Don’t be fooled by false sales. Retailers understand that a good advertised deal lures shoppers into their stores. As a result, some retailers mark up the cost of certain items in order to slash the prices for holiday sales. Even if you are saving the assumed 50 to 60 percent, the final cost of the item still may be higher than normal.

Comparison shop and do your research so you don’t fall victim to clever pricing.

• Do schedule time for shopping. Hectic schedules sometimes result in last-minute shopping that leads to impulse purchases. Schedule some distraction-free time for your holiday shopping so you’re less likely to rush

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into purchases before thinking them through.

• Don’t double buy.

Some shoppers use the holidays as an excuse to buy more for themselves than the people on their lists. While it’s tempting to treat yourself come the holiday season, this is a great and quick way to deplete your budget. If you plan on using holiday deals to supplement your own wardrobe or household needs, reduce your spending the rest of the year and save money for year-end purchases.

• Do collect coupons and look for purchasing incentives. Comparison shopping not only helps you get the best price, but also it can shed light on coupons, shipping discounts and other incentives that lower the overall cost of products.

Search online for Web

sites that publish coupons and codes for online discounts, including free shipping. Join a store’s marketing list and receive emails with deals sent directly to your inbox.

• Don’t be afraid to delay some purchases if need be. If hosting a postholiday gathering where gifts will be exchanged, it’s perfectly acceptable to delay buying those gifts until after Christmas or Chanukah, when many items can be found at even lower prices.

Many stores reduce prices on merchandise come December 26, so you can wait until after the holidays to shop for items that will be exchanged with distant friends and relatives. This enables you to save more money and use any received gift cards toward shopping.

• Do keep a level head. Some people forget the true meaning of the season is spending time with loved ones. Getting swept away by shopping and worrying about deadlines can make the season less enjoyable.

Don’t allow the stress of holiday shopping to compromise an otherwise joyous time of year.

— Metro

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he holiday season encompasses several weeks of frenetic activity, as men and women look to juggle abnormally busy social schedules with holiday shopping. While you might not be able to add hours to the day, there are certain measures anyone can take to make the hustle and bustle of the holiday season more efficient.

Shopping swallows up a significant amount of time come the holiday season. According to the latest Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll, the average person will spend 15 hours shopping for presents. Women tend to spend twice as long as men in stores and online, with women logging 20

hours of holiday shopping compared to the 10 hours the average male spends shopping for holiday gifts.

Making the most of holiday shopping trips can free up moments and reduce overall stress during the holidays.

one another. Opting to do a “Secret Santa” or another grab-bag style gift exchange can reduce the number of gifts you need to buy, saving time along the way.

Keep a spreadsheet of your shopping list stored on your computer or Condense your gift list smartphone so it can be How much time you easily modified year-tospend on holiday shop- year. ping depends largely on the number of people on Create a shopping your gift list. Shortening strategy that list can save time Millions of shoppers and money. This may be flock to stores on Black the year for adults to col- Friday to take advantage lectively decide to forego of doorbuster deals, and exchanging gifts in lieu of some even get all of their devoting more funds to- holiday shopping finished ward gifts for youngsters. on this one afternoon. OthDistant friends may no ers prefer to divide and longer need to feel obli- conquer over a few weeks. gated to buy presents for Decide how you would like

to economize your shopping so you won’t be traveling from store to store wasting precious time.

Organize your shopping list into certain categories. Then match up those categories according to the stores that cater to these items. For example, if your list mentions bedding for a new college student’s dorm room, curtains for an aunt and a set of beach towels for a friend who will be doing some post-holiday travel, group these purchases together and head to a bed-and-bath store.

Such a plan in place can greatly cut down on your time spent shopping.

says shoppers expect to wait in store check-out lines for an average of 3.5 to 4 hours this holiday season. Avoiding such situations can save you a significant amount of time, so shop during off-peak hours when you won’t be elbow-to-elbow with fellow shoppers.

Take advantage of stores’ extended hours and shop later in the evening, when parents and their children will likely be preparing for bed and not waiting in line at the mall. Some retailers entice shoppers with early bird specials and open their doors very early, so shoppers looking to save time can make an effort Shop off-hours to be the first person at Consumer Reports the door when the store

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Split up the shopping Spouses, family members and even friends can pool their shopping time and help others by tackling some of their purchases. Dividing the work shortens the time spent in stores, and a third party may have a keen eye to a deal or a unique gift when he or she is emotionally removed from the purchase.

The average person finds time is of the essence come the holiday season. Prioritizing and economizing shopping is one way to make the season less hectic.

— Metro

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coworkers, distant cousins, neighbors, and a host of other acquaintances.

Whittling down holiday shopping lists can save shoppers money. Contact loose acquaintances and distant relatives to suggest you stop exchanging gifts come the holidays, saving both parties time and money. â&#x20AC;˘ Make a list of gifts.

Blindly shopping for holiday gifts can prove disastrous to your finances.

Before heading out on a holiday shopping trip, make a list of gifts you intend to buy for each person on your list. This can help you focus your search and reduce the likelihood that you will make potentially costly impulse purchases as you wander around the mall for hours on end. â&#x20AC;˘ Avoid last-minute shopping. Last-minute shopping may unearth some great deals, but it's far more likely to back shoppers into corners as they race against time to complete their holiday shopping. When shopping is put off until the last minute, shoppers don't

have time to comparison shop and find better deals, and that can quickly turn a holiday budget upside down. Begin your holiday shopping as early as possible, and take advantage of holiday sales. â&#x20AC;˘ Spread out your shopping. Holiday shoppers with especially long shopping lists can spread out their shopping over several months to reduce the likelihood that they will accumulate credit card debt or run out of cash during the holiday season. Begin shopping in late summer or early fall, periodically buying gifts for loved ones when you have the cash to do so. This has the added benefit of freeing up time during the often hectic holiday season, and it greatly reduces the risk of compiling post-holiday debt.

Many people stretch their budgets during the holiday season. But savvy holiday shoppers can employ several strategies to keep themselves out of debt this holiday season. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Metro

etting a head start on holiday shopping has its advantages. Holiday shoppers who begin their quests for the perfect gifts at the onset of the season or before the shopping season even begins often find the financial sting of holiday shopping is easier to manage when spread out over time, and starting early can save shoppers the hassle of navigating their ways through crowded stores and packed parking lots.

But even holiday shoppers who hit the stores extra early should do so with a plan in hand, which can help shoppers save

money while still finding the right gifts. â&#x20AC;˘ Establish and stick to a budget. Just because you may be starting your holiday shopping early does not mean you should

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he economic downturn that began in late 2008 forced many holiday shoppers to curb their spending on gifts for friends and family.

But even though the economy has since recovered, savvy holiday shoppers are still taking a conservative approach to their shopping, and saving lots of money along the way.

Shoppers often struggle with how much to spend on gifts for their loved ones come the holiday season. The quest for the perfect gift leads many to overspend, but there are ways holiday shoppers can give great gifts without breaking the bank. â&#x20AC;˘ Leave credit cards at home. Stretching a budget when holiday shopping can be tempting, especially when shoppers come across "can't miss" gifts they know their loved ones will treasure. Succumbing to such temptation typically finds holiday shoppers using their credit cards to make purchases they otherwise cannot afford, and that only lands shoppers in post-holiday debt that can be difficult to pay off. Leaving credit cards at home when shopping for the holidays significantly reduces the likelihood that shoppers will overspend, and it guarantees they won't be mired in debt come January. â&#x20AC;˘ Whittle down your shopping list. Many holiday shoppers find themselves in financial hot water come the end of the holiday season thanks in large part to seemingly endless holiday shopping lists. Lists may include

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oupons have long been helping consumers save a few dollars on everything from supermarket staples to toys and more. Scouring for coupons and using them effectively has evolved into an art form, with some savvy coupon users paying next to nothing for carts full of merchandise.

The average shopper may have little experience at finding coupons, but he or she can still save some money. As the holiday season approaches, it's likely that coupon usage will once again be widespread.

Here are some ways to put coupons to good use.

• Shop at stores that allow coupon stacking.

Many store policies only allow shoppers one coupon per purchase. But a select few allow shoppers to stack coupons to save more money. In such situations, shoppers may be able to combine dollarvalue-off coupons with percentage-off coupons.

In addition, some stores may not limit the number of coupons shoppers can use on a single transaction. Shopping at these stores with more flexible, consumer-friendly coupon policies can add up to significant savings over the course of the holiday shopping season.

• Check the restrictions before heading to the store. When planning to use coupons, shoppers should verify the fine print on the coupon before entering the store. Some

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• Do your research before leaving the house.

Just because you don't have a paper coupon from a mailer or newspaper doesn't mean such

coupons are nonexistent.

Search popular coupon Web sites for online coupon codes or printable instore coupons. Merchandise can even be shipped to the store, which is usually free, to save you even more on shipping costs for items purchased online.

• Purchase more to save. It may seem counterintuitive, but very often larger purchases qualify shoppers for steep discounts. Consider doing all of your shopping at one retailer and then taking advantage of coupons that deduct a certain percentage of your total purchase. It could be worth it if you spend just a little bit more.

• Keep track of your coupons. Coupons are no use to you if you lose them before you begin your holiday shopping. Keep them in a safe location and then remember to bring them with you when shopping for the holidays. Some coupons can be used repeatedly, so do not discard them after use.

When used effectively, coupons can save holiday shoppers a substantial amount of money.

— Metro

is just as difficult to deal with in late fall as it is once the holidays have come and gone. If necessary, speak to family members before establishing your budget so you can all agree on holiday spending limits. Once you have established your holiday shopping budget, stick to it and avoid the temptation of overspending just because you’re starting early.

• Take your time.

Arguably the greatest luxury of getting a head start on holiday shopping is the ability to take your time so you don’t end up making expensive impulse purchases. Such purchases may be your

wrap gifts free of charge for shoppers who begin their holiday shopping early in the season. These offers typically disappear once the season hits full swing, so early bird shoppers should take advantage of such offers whenever possible.

• Get creative. Starting early may allow some holiday shoppers to skip the process of shopping altogether. Creative men and women with unique skills such as woodworking or making pottery may be able to create their own holiday gifts.

Homemade gifts will likely take more time to create, but starting early allows you to go at your own pace while still ensuring your special gift will be ready to go come the holidays.

— Metro

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only option if you wait until the last minute to start shopping, but starting early enables you to take your time and comparison shop so you can find the best deal. If you find a great gift in a store but want to find it for less money, shopping early allows you to shop around at another store or online to see if it’s more affordable elsewhere. Make the most of this extra time, and you’re liable to save a substantial amount of money over the course of the season.

• Take advantage of early bird offers. Many online retailers want consumers to begin their holiday shopping early, so they offer incentives to shoppers who beat the holiday rush. Such retailers may waive shipping and handling charges or

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ablets are poised to grow more popular in the years to come, and many children are anxious to get their very own tablet. But many parents wonder if their kids are ready for a tablet and if such devices would make good gifts for their youngsters this holiday season.

According to a 2012 report from Pew Research, 22 percent of American adults now own some type of tablet, while InStat research estimates 65 percent of Americans, or more than 200 million people, will have a smartphone and/or tablet by 2015. According to a Fall 2012 report by the Media Technology Monitor, an estimated 26 percent of the Canadian population has a tablet, more than twice the amount of tablet owners just a year earlier.

As tablets become the device of choice, many different manufacturers have entered the tablet market, and children have begun to ask for tablets for holiday gifts, leaving parents wondering if their children are responsible enough to own a tablet that may cost several hundreds of dollars.

Price-wary parents

should realize that tablet prices vary greatly depending on the device.

But a growing number of child-friendly tablets have entered the market, and such devices are designed to be more durable for children who have a tendency to drop and destroy things. Those on the fence about whether or not to

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purchase a tablet for a child can consider these options. â&#x20AC;˘ The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids is a tablet that comes with a selection of educational functions, games and e-books. The device allows parents to decide which apps can be accessed on the device and restrict use to certain

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â&#x20AC;˘ The Amazon Kindle Fire is quickly becoming a go-to option for parents interested in acclimating their children to a tablet.

Less than half of the price of its biggest competitor, the Kindle Fire still allows kids to access a bevy of features. Music, movies and Amazon's ever-growing trove of e-books are just some of the features that make the Kindle Fire a popular choice. â&#x20AC;˘ Though small, the iPad mini has all of the features of a larger iPad but in a more kid-friendly size. Many parents prefer the iPad mini for their children because they have Apple products and appreciate being able to share with their kids apps and information among all of the devices.

Determining if a child is ready for a tablet is a difficult decision for parents, who must assess how well the child handles responsibility, toys and electronics in the home. Adults may opt for a more durable, less expensive tablet as an introduction to tablets for children and then gravitate toward more "adult" options as their children prove they can be responsible with the device. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Metro

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periods of time. The Galaxy Tab 3 Kids boasts a seven-inch screen and will run Android 4.1 or Jelly Bean. The front and rear facing cameras are considerably lower in quality

than Samsung's previous products, down to 3-megapixels and 1.3-megapixels, respectively. â&#x20AC;˘ The VTech InnoTab tailors apps to children in a compact device. The screen is just five inches in size, and the tablet comes packed with interactive e-books, learning games and other creative tools.

It also has a modest price tag for a child's first foray into the world of tablets. â&#x20AC;˘ The LeapFrog Leappad Ultra is a kid's learning tablet designed for children between the ages of four and nine. It comes with a seven-inch screen, Wi-Fi with kid-safe Web access and the ability to connect to a library of more than 800 educator-approved apps, books and more. â&#x20AC;˘ The nabi is an Android tablet that is geared entirely toward kids.

The nabi comes in several different incarnations (nabi Jr., nabi 2 and nabi XD) depending on the age of the child and the desired features. In July of 2013, Fushu, Inc., creator of the nabi tablet, was received the "Best Tablet 2013: For Kids" award from Laptop magazine for its nabi 2 device.

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uto lovers tend to consider their cars their most prized possessions.

While it may not be possible to buy the auto lover on your holiday shopping list a new car, there are many gifts that are sure to please those people who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get enough time behind the wheel or in the garage. â&#x20AC;˘ Global positioning system: Often referred to as a GPS, a global positioning system is a satellite-based navigation system providing location information no matter where drivers find themselves on their next road trips. If a GPS is within range of a GPS satellite, drivers will never again find themselves pulling over on the sides of roadways in an effort to find out just where they are. Though many new vehicles come with GPS, vehicle manufacturers tend to

offer them as accessories and not standard features. So if your favorite driver is driving an older vehicle or did not splurge on a GPS when purchasing his latest ride, this gift is sure to please. â&#x20AC;˘ Car wash kit: Auto lovers not only love to get behind the wheel, but they also love to get behind

the wheel of a good-looking automobile. A car wash kit, complete with a wash and wax that repels water and protects a good polish, is an ideal gift for auto enthusiasts who like their vehicles to look as good as they drive. â&#x20AC;˘ Customized floor mats: Many auto enthusiasts consider

their cars an extension of themselves, and a customized accessory, like a new set of floor mats, can add a personal touch to driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rides. If your loved one has a special nickname for his or her vehicle, consider inscribing that nickname on a set of customized floor mats.

Auto enthusiasts who have an equal passion for a certain sport may appreciate floor mats with the logo of their favorite team. â&#x20AC;˘ Hands-free headset: Car lovers spend lots of time in their cars. Though such time might once have afforded auto enthusiasts an escape from the daily grind, nowadays the prevalence of smartphones has made it easier than ever for the outside world to find its way into vehicles. As a result, auto enthusiasts may appreciate a hands-free

headset that allows them to take calls while driving without compromising their concentration on the road. Some hands-free devices even allow drivers to stream music from their smartphones directly to their car stereos, allowing drivers to hit the open road while enjoying their favorite tunes. â&#x20AC;˘ Auto show tickets: Many auto-lovers keep an open eye for their next vehicle purchase. Auto shows are often the best places to learn about new vehicles and what motorists can expect in the future, so why not give your favorite car guy or gal tickets to an upcoming auto show? He or she may find his or her next vehicle or simply enjoy walking around and seeing all the latest automotive industry upgrades and gadgets. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Metro

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he quest for the perfect gift is a familiar journey for many holiday shoppers. As any veteran shopper knows, some people are easy to shop for, while others baffle even the savviest of shoppers. But recognizing loved ones' passions and finding gifts that suit those interests can make shoppers' quests for the perfect gifts that much easier.

Every person is unique, and the things that drive one person may be foreign to another. But nearly every family or group of friends has an athlete in their midst, and gifting the family athlete can be both fun and easy. The following are a few gift ideas, broken down by sport, for shoppers looking to please their favorite athletes this holiday season.

strength and muscle.

Workout gloves also make great gifts for weightlifters, helping to protect their hands from developing potentially painful and unsightly calluses that often result from weightlifting.

A new gym bag is another potential gift for the family weightlifter. Such bags make it more convenient for athletes to carry their accessories, such as belts, gloves, athletic shoes, or even tablets to use while on the treadmill or elliptical machines.

The Ballplayer Whether shoppers' favorite ballplayers are still taking cuts at fastballs or have moved on to slowpitch softball, these players will appreciate gifts they can put to good use on the diamond. Softball bats can be quite expensive, but the right bat can make a big difference in the batters' box. Additional equipment shoppers can consider is a new mitt, a sleek pair of sunglasses to make watching for flyballs that much easier or batting gloves to lessen the bit of chilly air many hitters are aware of come early spring when the last of the winter weather just won't go away.

The Weightlifter Weightlifting is now embraced by people of all shapes and sizes. This activity is often recommended as an integral part of a successful exercise regimen, so shoppers can help their favorite fitness fanatics make the most of their weightlifting routines with a few gifts designed to do just that. Weightlifting belts can help prevent injury by supporting lifters' backs as they workout. For lifters who don't tip the scales, a dip belt makes an ideal gift. Such belts allow men and women to add weight to their body when performing exercises like dips, pull-ups The Martial Artist and chin-ups. That extra Mixed martial arts is weight helps athletes chal- one of the fastest growlenge themselves and build ing sports in the world.

Thanks in large part to its increasingly strong presence on television, mixed martial arts has inspired athletes across the globe to embrace various forms of martial arts training, and gift options abound for such athletes. Belts, mats and striking pads can help athletes hone their skills both in the gym and at home, while instructional DVDs can help novice martial arts enthusiasts practice before finding martial arts facilities in their neighborhoods.

The Yogi Though its status as a sport is open to debate, yoga can be just as strenuous and physically demanding as more traditional physical activities.

Yoga serves many purposes, and more and more athletes have begun to embrace yoga to improve their flexibility, balance and strength. While yoga does not require much in the way of supplies, yoga enthusiasts do need yoga mats and clothing that allows them to perform the various poses a typical yoga session demands.

Holiday shoppers may even want to buy the athletes on their lists a few sessions at their nearby yoga studios in an effort to supplement their existing workouts. Many who try yoga often find it has a positive effect on their normal workout routines, so even if your favorite athlete has never tried yoga, he or she might find it's just the thing to take his or her workout to the next level.

— Metro

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passion for traveling leads many people to go abroad and experience other cultures or explore the sites closer to home.

Those with an avid traveler in their midst can tie into this love of exploring and give travel-themed gifts.

Gifting the family globetrotter is not always easy, however. Travelers tend to bring home mementos of their trips and make it seem as if they already have everything they need. Gifts purchased at the local store may seem to pale in comparison to more exotic trinkets. But gifting travelers doesn’t have to be difficult. The following gifts should make great gifts for your favorite adventurer this holiday season.

• Travel journal: Many people love to document their trips, describing journeys to exotic locales or simply a family trip to a nearby campground.

Travel journals make great gifts for those travelers who want more than just visual memories of

their trip. Be sure to buy a journal that’s sturdy enough to handle all the bumps and bruises that accompany a nomadic lifestyle. Leatherbound or hardcover journals should suffice.

• Travel kit: Travelers know the value of a good travel kit, which can help them freshen up during long layovers at the airport or once they arrive at their destinations. In addition, a travel kit allows travelers to pack some of the comforts of home, such as moisturizer, shaving gel or a particular type of toothpaste, that might not be readily available at their destinations.

When gifting a travel kit, place some of those favorite products, such as travel-size mouthwash or some luxury moisturizing creams, inside the kit for a special gift-within-the-gift.

• Noise-cancelling headphones: A set of noise-cancelling headphones is a gift no globetrotter should go without. These headphones reduce ambient noise

and can make it easier to doze off comfortably on a flight or to enjoy a music playlist while sightseeing in a busy city.

• Maps: Domestic travelers may be able to rely on their smartphones for directions, but overseas travelers may need to keep their phones off when traveling overseas to avoid heavy surcharges. In such instances, maps make great gifts, especially if you find out in advance where your special traveler will be visiting next and gift a map of that particular locale.

• Gas card: For some, the joy of travel stems from getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road. If that’s true of your favorite travel afficionado, consider a gas card that can alleviate some of the cost of his or her next trip. Gift cards to filling stations can be purchased in just about any denomination, and your loved one will appreciate their free pass at the pump on their next road trip.

— Metro

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CHEVY RUNS DEEP

2014 CADILLAC ATS Standard Collection, OnStar, XM Radio

2014 CHEVY CRUZE LS 6-Speed Automatic, OnStar, XM Radio, AC, CD/MP3.

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2014 CHEVY EQUINOX LS

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$

MO. 169 Lease For Le

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VIN 136178

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VIN 126281

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$

MO. 449 Lease For

36 MONTHS $2,995 Customer Cash down plus $0 Factory Rebate for a total of $2,995 due at signing. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any electronic filing charge, and any dealer documentation processing charge. Mileage charge of $.25/mile over 30,000 miles. Through Ally Financial with above average credit. Security deposit waived.

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2014 CHEVY TAHOE LS

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2014 CHEVY SILVERADO VIN 156431

$

36 MONTHS

36 MONTHS $1,995 Customer Cash down plus $1,925 Factory Rebate for a total of $3,920 due at signing. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any electronic filing charge, and any dealer documentation processing charge.

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32 MPG HWY, Power Group, AC, OnStar, XM Radio.

VIN 101451

2014 CHEVY CAMARO

2014 CHEVY MALIBU LS

Lease for 36 Months

VIN#121078

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The New Standard of The World

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hen faced with a gift list a mile long and no idea what to get certain individuals on that list, many holiday shoppers opt to give cash as a present.

Cash gifts are easy, one-size-fits all and no one will request a receipt to return a cash gift. Still, some people are not quite sure if it is socially acceptable to give a gift of cash.

There are many pros and cons to giving cash as a gift. Once a person weighs the advantages and the disadvantages to giving cold hard cash as a gift, then he or she can decide if cash is an ideal present or one that’s best avoided.

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Advantages One of the advantages to giving cash is it eliminates waste. Unlike gifts that will never be used and simply take up space, cash will be used sooner or later. How often have you received a sweater you won’t wear or a trinket you won’t use? Sometimes people return these gifts, but very often they get relegated to a pile of belongings that will end up in the garbage or stashed in the back of a closet.

Cash eliminates this waste by giving a person the opportunity to buy exactly what he or she wants.

Cash gifts may be ideal for older people to give because they have limited mobility and cannot get out to the store to shop for presents. And grandparents unaware of the latest trends can give cash in a card and instruct grandchildren to purchase something they like.

Some people overextend themselves during the holiday season, and a cash gift can soften the blow of holiday spending.

Cash is very portable, which can make it easier for those who travel for the holidays to avoid shipping costs or extra baggage fees to take gifts on airlines.

People are inundated with a lot of stuff already, and a cash gift might be just what the doctor ordered.

Disadvantages Cash gifts may be considered impersonal and lacking in creativity. It does not take much effort to stash a dollar amount inside of an envelope and present it, so gift recipients may question their relationships with gift givers who give cash.

For many people, the excitement of the holidays has a lot to do with seeing a giant pile of gifts waiting to be unwrapped. Gifting cash removes that excitement of

presents under the tree. Although items can be purchased later on, the immediate gratification of tearing through boxes and bags simply is not there.

Some people find it awkward to receive cash because the value of the gift is right there in black and white. It puts both people on the spot and may create some uncomfortable moments if the value of a cash gift does not match up to what the cash recipient spent on the cash giver. When gifting standard gifts, many people are unaware of what the other spent and if the item was purchased on a discount. If you gift with cash, there is no hiding the value.

Another disadvantage is if a person gives cash and receives cash in return. Do the two gifts cancel each other out? What if the amounts are different? Dealing in cash alone can be awkward.

There are ways to make giving cash a little more acceptable. If you get creative when handing over the money, this may take away from the fact that cash does not make a very dramatic gift.

• Try pairing the cash with a wallet or purse to make the presentation a little more interesting.

• Send the recipient on a scavenger hunt for the money, writing clues and hiding them around the house.

• Create a money tree or wreath that displays the cash in an interesting way.

• Fold bills into bows or tape together to make wrapping paper for a small token gift.

• For children, roll up bills and put it into a crayon box or pencil case.

• Fill up a large box with a lot of filler and hide the cash inside of a smaller box tucked inside.

— Metro

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appreciate a folding kayak, which can be stored in a closet or beneath a bed and put together in a matter of minutes. Folding kayaks that can be stored in vehicle trunks and quickly assembled once you arrive at your kayaking destination also can save kayakers money on roof racks for their vehicles. â&#x20AC;˘ Waterproof backpack: A good outdoor person knows never to leave home without a waterproof parka, but what about his or her backpack? A waterproof backpack protects valuables, including cell phones, cameras and tools, from the elements.

Look for backpacks with waterproof zipper systems to ensure your loved

oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s valuables are fully protected on rainy treks through the forest. â&#x20AC;˘ Water filter: Drinking straight from natural water sources may seem like a genuinely adventurous thing to do, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s genuinely dangerous as well. A hikerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water filter greatly reduces his or her risk of suffering illness after drinking water tainted with bacteria such as E.coli. Even the most serene streams or isolated rivers can contain harmful bacteria, so a portable water filter is a necessity. â&#x20AC;˘ Compass: Many of us have grown to rely on our smartphone apps to get us from point A to point B. While such apps may do the job when we are near

cell phone towers, phone signals are often less reliable in more remote locations, such as forests and national parks. A reliable compass is all one may need to make his or her way through the wilderness. â&#x20AC;˘ Hot dog roasters: No trip to the great outdoors is complete without roasting some hot dogs over an open flame. But far too many hot dogs have been lost to the fire thanks to traditional campfire forks that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide adequate hold as hot dogs cook over an open flame.

Curly hot dog roasters wrap around the hot dogs, snuggly holding them in place as the franks cook. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Metro

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he great outdoors is even greater when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re prepared for all of the things Mother Nature can throw your way. Holiday shoppers with a person who enjoys the outdoors on their shopping list can turn this holiday season into a truly joyous occasion with the following gifts tailor-made for tackling the great outdoors. â&#x20AC;˘ Folding kayak: Kayaking is a great way to take in the great outdoors, but not everyone has the room at home to store kayaks when they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t being used to traverse nearby waterways. Those who live in apartments, condominiums or smaller homes with limited storage may

THE HISTORY OF VICTOR VALLEY Publications of the Mohahve Historical Society History of Victor Valley

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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 arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only ones at risk of identity theft, which can victimize holiday shoppers whether theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. â&#x20AC;˘ 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. â&#x20AC;˘ Check for a secured browser. Reputable online retailers encrypt their customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personal information. Look for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;lockedâ&#x20AC;? icon on the browser before entering payment information, or check to see if the URL has an â&#x20AC;&#x153;httpsâ&#x20AC;? prefix, which means the site is secured. â&#x20AC;˘ 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. â&#x20AC;˘ Promptly check credit and debit balances for accuracy. Routinely check pur-

chases 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 line or accessing personal A lost wallet is less prob- Consumers should limit the money quickly and prevent account information. lematic when it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t filled amount of personal informaany further problems. â&#x20AC;˘ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t carry extrane- with scores of credit cards tion stored in their wallets. â&#x20AC;˘ Opt for credit over ous information in a wallet. and a social security card. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Metro debit. Credit cards come with zero liability policies,

which means consumers will not be held responsible 7* ; & for fraudulent purchases.

Debit cards do not always offer the same level of protection, and debit cards 15807 Bear Valley Rd. Hesperia, CA 92345 linked directly to a bank account could put consum ers at greater risk.

We Fix Everyone â&#x20AC;˘ Keep receipts. Be

ing cautious with receipts doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just facilitate potential returns. Receipts often include a lot of personal information, includIN-HOME CONSULTATION ing the shopperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, signature and credit card number. These receipts After Before Before After could be the doorway to identity theft.

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nline shopping saves shoppers the trouble of waiting in long lines while offering the convenience of around-the-clock hours.

With a few clicks of the keyboard or scrolls on a tablet, shoppers can typically find just about any product or service they desire.

But additional fees and service charges that can quickly accumulate also are a part of online shopping. However, shoppers can mitigate such costs by identifying potential fees and learning how to keep them manageable. or reduced shipping on particular days or times, Shipping then do the bulk of your Shipping costs are a shopping during those burden to online shoppers. discounted periods.

Even when prices are low, Some retailers offer shipping costs can offset free shipping to a store those savings, especially location. This affords confor last-minute shoppers sumers the convenience of forced to select overnight shopping online without or two-day shipping. the added cost of having Before completing merchandise delivered to checkout, check the esti- your home. mated shipping costs to determine what the final Poor return policy cost will be. Avoid retailBefore buying any ers who charge high fees items online, familiarize or limit your shipping yourself with the return options. Watch for spe- and exchange policies cials that advertise free of the retailer. Although shipping, and stick with many sites post sizing retailers that offer free charts and dimensions for

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area stores. Otherwise, rely on companies that include return labels and take care of the cost of exchanges.

Restocking fees Read the fine print when shopping online. Although rare, some retailers charge a restocking fee for returned items, particularly electronics. This fee may be 5 to 20 percent of the purchase price.

furniture and other products, sizing mistakes can be made, and you may be responsible for the shipping costs when returning or exchanging items.

Shop with retailers who have lenient return policies, including accepting exchanges or returns at

Identity theft The potential for identity theft is another concern when shopping online. Reputable retailers employ security measures to safeguard shoppers’ personal information. En-

crypted data, identifiable by a “locked” icon on the check-out page, protects billing information from hackers. Although no system is entirely impenetrable, encrypted sites are generally safe.

Never enter personal information unless a site is encrypted. It will cost you time and maybe even money to refute fraudulent purchases, and such issues may negatively affect your credit rating, even when they’re not your fault.

International fees Shopping online puts you in touch with global retailers. Purchasing from around the world may be

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easy, but navigating currency exchanges and other fees can be difficult.

International sites may list the prices of items at their currency rate, so what seems like a good deal may be anything but.

What’s more, some shoppers may incur duty fees when accepting items from other countries, particularly if the value of the product is high.

The Internet may be a good place to buy items at attractive prices from the convenience of home.

However, shoppers should be aware of any hidden charges that can offset the benefits of shopping online.

— Metro

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ravel is a staple of the holiday season.

Many men and women find themselves spending a significant amount of time in the air or on the road, whether traveling to visit family or embarking on a holiday getaway.

For those who must fly to their holiday destinations, travel can present certain obstacles, as baggage restrictions and fees have made it more difficult and more expensive to travel with gifts in tow.

But savvy holiday shoppers need not worry about fitting all of those gifts into their overstuffed luggage.

Shipping gifts is a far more convenient way to get all those precious presents from point A to point B, and it saves travelers money on airline baggage fees. When shipping gifts this holiday season, consider the following tips.

• Use the right box.

Boxes come in all shapes and sizes, and there are packing methods to ensure gifts arrive intact. The gift should not have much wiggle room inside the box, as the more the gift can move around the more likely it is to break. Gently shake the box before closing it, adding any padding if the gift is moving around too much, otherwise move the gift to a smaller box. A box also should not be too small, as it may break before reaching its destination.

• Wrap each individual item. When shipping holiday gifts, it’s often most convenient to include several items in one large box.

When doing so, wrap each

item separately in air-filled wrapping or newspaper.

This reduces the risk of items breaking during shipping.

• Line the interior of the box with a garbage bag. A garbage bag lining along the inside of the box can help to prevent potential water damage from rain, snow or other leaky packages.

• Tightly tape the box.

Once items are inside the box, be sure to use professional packing tape.

Though there are cheaper alternatives available, professional packing tape is far more likely to hold up as the item travels from your

code are correct. Confirm the information with the recipient as well. Be sure to write the address and full ZIP code in the method the shipping company requires to ensure prompt delivery.

• Include an extra mailing label inside the box. Inclement weather is common come the holiday season, and some packages may fall victim to the elements. In such situations, shipping labels can be compromised, and some shipping companies have admitted they will open the box to look for a backup label if the exterior label has been soiled. Include an exhome to its ultimate des- damage or tears. items, double check the tra mailing label inside the tination. Low quality tape • Double check ad- address, making sure the box as a backup plan. could split or tear, resulting dresses. Before shipping name, address and ZIP — Metro in a situation where boxes break open and items fall out.

• Pay attention when reusing boxes. Reusing boxes is a great way to benefit the environment when shipping holiday gifts, but Saturday, Nov. 30th and Sunday, Dec. 1st carefully examine the box before shipping it. Old la10:00 am - 5:00 pm bels and bar codes should be removed so packages Where: Greentree Hotel ultimately end up in the (Crown & Sword Conference Room) correct destination. In ad14173 Green Tree Blvd., Victorville dition, check any boxes for wear and tear before reusing them. Avoid using any boxes with previous water Both Days 4pm-5pm

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GIVE THE MOST-WANTED

HOLIDAY GIFTS

Grand Prize 6’ Christmas Tree, Decorated Gifts for all Occasions • Artwork • Jewelry Collector Dolls • Gift Baskets • Christmas Decorations Also, Yolie’s Famous Cakes in a Jar Ready To Eat! Also offering sugar free flavors - 50% less sugar For more information call

COSMETICS 13728 Hesperia Rd., #7, Victorville Corner of Green Tree Blvd & Hesperia Rd.

760-245-3461 760-245-3633 M-F 9:30-5 • Sat 10-3

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