The Perfect Gift by LNP Media Group, Inc.

The Perfect ec Gift

GIFT GIVING 101

AUTHOR SHARES TIPS FOR SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

MARGARET GATES MGATES@LNPNEWS.COM

Diane Serbin Hopkins has focused on customer experience throughout her career, so it’s no surprise that gift giving means more to her than simply checking a name off a list.

A former vice president of innovation for LGH who now runs her own Lancaster-based consulting firm, ExPeers Consulting, Hopkins recently authored the book “The Gifted Gift Giver: a guide to helping dear ones feel special and surprised.”

In an easy-to-read 134 pages, Hopkins explores everything from the cultural to the psychological aspects of gift-giving, shares gift-giving success stories and offers gift ideas along with advice for becoming a more gifted giver.

“I love to give gifts, I love to wrap gifts. I’ve always loved that,” Hopkins says. But it wasn’t until she became certified as an experience economy expert that she started seeing the science of creating those experiences beyond her professional life.

The idea for the book was to apply some of those same tools for designing customer experiences to the gift-giving process, whether it’s delighting the reGIFT, page 3

Gift

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cipient on Christmas morning or on some other occasion, such as a birthday or wedding shower.

Does that mean there’s a right way and a wrong way to choose and give gifts? No, she says. “But if you’re upsetting your recipient, you’re probably doing it wrong.”

Here are some takeaways from the book that can help you improve your gift-giving, not only during the holidays but all year long.

Watch and listen

“Being a good listener and a good observer is your best bet,” Hopkins says. Notice what people are interested in, what they like — and don’t like — and jot down notes, even if it’s something as simple as, “Mom likes dark chocolate.”

Sometimes ideas come easier than others. Over the summer, Hopkins’ sister admired a pair of pants Hopkins was wearing at the beach, so Hopkins plans to surprise her sister with a pair of those same pants this Christmas.

“I love when those things happen,” she says.

It’s no surprise

If you’re not worried about the element of surprise, have a conversation with the recipient and ask them what they want. As an alternative, Hopkins created a wish list for family and friends to fill out. It includes room to list cool things they’d love to have along with their favorite snacks or treats, because Hopkins often likes to include food as an add-on to her gifts.

Of course, Hopkins was still left with some work to do the year her 8-year-old granddaughter wrote “bottled water and trophies” on her list.

If the wish list is long enough, you can also refer to it for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions throughout the year, she says. And because the recipient won’t know which item you are choosing from the list, there still can be an element of surprise.

One

cool thing

One way to really simplify your holi-

day shopping is to buy one item in bulk and give it to everyone on your list. Obviously, it should be something all your recipients would consider practical and/ or appealing. In her book, Hopkins offers examples such as muscle massagers, robot vacuums or gift certificates to Ancestry.com.

One year, Hopkins gave everyone on her list a fire blanket that can be used to smother small fires in the home.

“Safety things are universally practical,” she says. “I knew nobody had them. I bought a whole bunch. I let them know, ‘I don’t want anything bad to ever happen to you.’ … Nobody jumped up and down, but they appreciated it.”

It’s in the cards

“When I really get stumped, I go to gift cards,” Hopkins says. “You can’t really go wrong with a gift card.”

If you’re worried that it seems impersonal, write a corny little poem to go with it, she says.

Budget well

“Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be memorable or appreciated,” Hopkins writes in her book.

Consider what you can handle financially, rather than spending more than you can afford. One way to snag some extra holiday shopping funds is to build up cash-back rewards on your credit card throughout the year.

Planning ahead and buying gifts throughout the year is another way to ease the financial strain — and the stress. Last-minute shoppers may get a few good deals, but the selection is often bad, Hopkins says.

“I don’t think there’s a big enough benefit for the stress it causes to wait,” she says.

Don’t be hard on yourself

As much as you anticipate the presentation and, most of all, the reaction to your gift, don’t be upset if it doesn’t go quite as planned.

“It’s not always going to be perfect,” Hopkins says. “Try for delighting them but be OK with them returning something. If you didn’t delight them at phase one, you can delight them by letting them take it back and get something they really like.”

Diane Serbin Hopkins

YOUR LANCASTER COUNTY GIFT GUIDE

We sent our savvy shoppers to gather some local suggestions for everyone on your holiday list. Check out some of their finds on the following pages.

— Compiled by: Diane M. Bitting

Laura Knowles

Rebecca Logan Rochelle A. Shenk

IN ELIZABETHTOWN

CRAFT KITS

$22-$36

Snake + Skein fiber store

The Hub on Market, Elizabethtown

Make your own Christmas gifts with these craft kits.

WOODEN COASTERS

$20-$50

TopShelf Wood Co.

The Hub on Market, Elizabethtown

These handmade wooden coasters would look great under any drink.

MUGS

$30

WhirliGig Unique Boutiques

The Hub on Market, Elizabethtown

Welcome winter by sipping hot cocoa or tea in these ceramic mugs.

SCENTS OF SERENITY WRAPS

$26

WhirliGig Unique Boutiques

The Hub on Market, Elizabethtown

Ease away the stress of the day with these therapeutic hot or cold wraps.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP KIT

$9.99

Trellis Marketplace

153 E. High St., Elizabethtown

Megan Fry, the creative persona behind Earth & Embers, offers a kit to make this healthsupporting syrup.

FOOD IS LOVE BOX

$55

Trellis Marketplace

153 E. High St., Elizabethtown

Show appreciation to the foodie in your life with this box, which celebrates Lancaster County’s food scene. It includes a calendar and book.

Craft kits from Snake + Skein fiber store.

DIANE M. BITTING

CROCHETED ANIMALS

Whale, $19.99; kangaroo, $24

Trade Faire

3 N. Market St., Elizabethtown

What little one wouldn’t love these cuddly creatures?

CANDLES

$12.95

WhirliGig Unique Boutiques

The Hub on Market, Elizabethtown

These soy candles will add a holiday scent to the air.

ORNAMENT

$7.99

Charlamay’s Trinkets & Treasures

45 S. Market St., Elizabethtown

Celebrate the Muppets and Charlamay the pup with this holiday ornament.

TUMBLERS

$22

Charlamay’s Trinkets & Treasures

45 S. Market St., Elizabethtown

Enjoy holiday cocktails in these fun tumblers.

WALL HANGING

$40

Charlamay’s Trinkets & Treasures

45 S. Market St., Elizabethtown

Fans of owls and holidays will love an “Owl Be Home for Christmas” sign.

E-TOWN SWAG

Keychain, $9; cup, $14.99

Trellis Marketplace

153 E. High St., Elizabethtown

Show your love of Elizabethtown with this keychain and cup by Lola Love Letter.

IN MOUNT JOY

WOODEN TREES, TOYS

Trees, $5-$15; train engine, $12; car, $10

The Astute Artisan

1 S. Market St., Mount Joy

These handcrafted wooden pieces make for whimsical stocking stuffers.

CROCHETED FASHION

hat, $32; scarf, $46; shawl, $105

The Astute Artisan

1 S. Market St., Mount Joy

Stay warm this winter with these handmade pieces.

INDIVIDUAL CHARCUTERIE BOARD

$40

The Astute Artisan

1 S. Market St., Mount Joy

Your party guests can have their own board to enjoy wine and savory snacks.

ZZ PLANT

Mature plant, $79.95

Succulents by ShelNe

45 E. Main St., Mount Joy

The Astute Artisan in Mount Joy.

This drought-tolerant plant is the perfect low-maintenance addition to your indoor decor. Other decor options include: decorative plant stake, $19.95; wooden tree, snowman barrel, both $39.95; sled, $29.95.

GOURD BIRDHOUSES

$15

The Astute Artisan

1 S. Market St., Mount Joy

These Amish-made birdhouses will be appreciated by backyard birds.

DIANE

COFFEE FOR CATS

$12.99

Ladybug Suds ‘N Scrubs

67 E. Main St., Mount Joy

Support local cat rescues when you enjoy this morning brew.

RECORD TIME CLOCK

$25

Time After Time Clocks

67 E. Main St., Mount Joy

Music lovers can keep time with this clock fashioned from an album and a CD.

GUITAR EFFECTS PEDALS

$49-$179

Guitars on Main

84 E. Main St., Mount Joy

Give the guitar player in your life this gizmo to ramp up their riffs.

IN COLUMBIA

BENTZ CO T-SHIRTS

$29.99

Kindred Collections

452 Locust St., Columbia

Been there? (As in Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.) Done that? (As in trekked down to the water in the freezing cold to watch migrating snow geese.) But didn’t get the T-shirt? Bentz Co has you covered with garb that says: “Silly Goose Club: Middle Creek WMA” and features a goose in flight goggles. Other designs say things like “Lancaster, PA: Closed on Sunday” and “Don’t give a flying whoop.”

27 BRIDGES HARD

$10 per bottle

Columbia Market

15 S. Third St., Columbia

For anyone 21 or older who gets a kick out of cryptids, the 27 Bridges booth here carries varieties of hard cider called Misiginebig: The Susquehanna Serpent, Three Sisters Triple Berry and

Shenks Ferry Cryptid Cherry — all inspired by some Lancaster County legends. The craft cider house owners sold out of Albatwitch cider during the Albatwitch Festival this year, but expected to have more ready by the time you read this.

27 Bridges also carries fine ciders and apple wine for $16 per bottle and dessert cider for $21 — prices that are down a couple bucks from last year. “We’re sensitive to the fact that people don’t have what they had last year,” says Jason Davis, one of three generations of family members involved in the business. You can also find 27 Bridges at Roots Country Market in Manheim.

MAGNETS AND STICKERS

Columbia Crossing River Trails Center 41 Walnut St., Columbia

If you’re into stickers — and let’s be honest, who isn’t these days — you’ll find literally hundreds of options throughout stores in Columbia. Want ones with Columbia’s most famous bridge on it? The Susquehanna National Heritage Area stocks those, plus magnets and other potential gifts. Among them: a 52-page softcover guide to the kind of rocks and geological formations one encounters while walking the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail ($14.95) and a set of three maps in a vinyl sleeve that guide paddlers down the Susquehanna River starting just south of Harrisburg and ending at the Mason-Dixon line. ($8.)

RIVER PEOPLE CAPS AND RIVER BABY BEANIES

$17.99 and $14.99

Murphy’s Mercantile & Co. 261 Locust St., Columbia

Speaking of the Susquehanna, Murphy’s Mercantile offers many river-themed items like this headwear, offering a reminder of warmer days to come on the water. An upside to these particular hats? They’re generic enough to work for folks on the gift list who might spend their river time on the Allegheny, Juniata or anywhere else.

This clock made from a record album and a CD is available at Time After Time Clocks in Mount Joy.

27 Bridges hard cider.

DIANE M. BITTING

BIRCH BARK FINGERLESS MITTS KIT

$25

The Knitting Bee at Columbia Market House

15 S. Third St., Columbia

Love the look of birch bark? So does The Knitting Bee owner Valerie Zahm. She designed a pattern for fingerless mitts that reminds her of same. Everything you need, including alpaca yarn, is in the kit, which is best for a medium skill level, Zahm says. “Maybe somebody who has been doing something (easier) for a little while and is thinking, ‘I’m ready for a challenge,’ ” she says.

DOWNTOWN

RESIN NATIVITY SETS

$15 to $30

Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen’s Store

335 N. Queen St., Lancaster

Not everyone’s Nativity set includes a speckled chicken. But Kennett Square artist Sara Meadows’ does. While she doesn’t create her Nativity animals this way, many of Meadows’ bigger, pudgy critters — including chickens — begin with her wrapping a slab of red clay around an inflated balloon. You’ll find some of those here plus many other works like jewelry, glass art and furniture — all produced by the more-than 125 artists the guild represents.

CORNHOLE BAGS

$22

Building Character

342 N. Queen St., Lancaster

The Creations by Kiki booth at Building Character is filled with options for backyard game play. Many, though not all, of the bags feature sports teams. Friendly suggestion to the owner, though. Maybe move those Ohio State Buckeye bags away from the ones for Penn State.

“HAIR OF THE FARMDOG” BLOODY MARY MIX

$10 per pint, $16 per quart or $60 per gallon

Long’s Horseradish

Lancaster Central Market

23 N. Market St., Lancaster

It’s not new. But the name sure is clever for a product sold in a place filled with freshly grown produce. Long’s makes it. So yes, it includes horseradish — along with ingredients such as tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies and chili pepper. Just a little something to consider with holiday parties approaching.

BOUNCING PLANET MAKER KIT AND ASTRONAUT ICE CREAM

$15 and $6

The North Museum gift shop

400 College Ave.

Astronaut ice cream. Is it a thing? Former Astronaut Mike Massimino was asked that question by Wired magazine for a video about eating food in outer space. “I think the reason that there’s so much in the museums around the world that you can buy in these little gift shops is because astronauts will not eat it,” Massimino told Wired. Well, bah! Humbug! It still makes a cute stocking stuffer. And if you’ve got a science-minded kid on the list, this place is worth a look.

NOVELTY ENERGY DRINKS

Building Character

342 N. Queen St.

Perhaps Santa has tons of gift wrapping left and could use a little something other than milk with those cookies. The cooler near the front door here offers some cheeky options — from Dungeons & Dragons Hero’s Potion of Power to Bob Ross Positive Energy Drink.

MOOMIN MERCH

$54.99 for a mobile; $22.99 for a glasses case; $19.99 for a coloring book

DRØM

305 N. Queen St., Lancaster Moomin abounds in this store — which

was opened last year by the owner of the Swedish candy store next door. Moomin was created by Finnish author Tove Jansson. DRØM assistant manager Ellen Jenders thinks of him in the same vein as Hello Kitty — created by the Japanese Merchandising Sanrio — only anchored in the Nordish world.

Of course, as Jenders points out, a Moomin theme park did open in Japan in 2019. A lot of shoppers think he’s a hippo, she says. He’s actually a troll. “We have a handful of people who come in just for the Moomin stuff,” Jenders says. “So it’s like a little big following.”

IN STRASBURG

LIGHT-UP TRAIN

$14.99

Choo Choo Barn

226 Gap Road, Strasburg

This toy that moves and plays music is one of many options here for young admirers of trains and, frankly, just about anything with wheels. You can shop without paying to go through the display. Nearby in the same center is the Strasburg Train Shop, with gifts for bigger kids — i.e. serious model train enthusiasts. The latter shop, in late October, scored multiple Facebook likes when announcing that its order of ore cars featuring the logo of its neighboring Choo Choo Barn ($29.95) were finally in the United States. Those have since arrived. How long did the shop wait for its order of those cars to be produced? Two years.

HIGHLAND COW SIGNS

$9.99

J & R Country Store

4 S. Decatur St., Strasburg

Shaggy bovines are still big this year. Find signs like these at J & R Country Store, which is in the spot that used to belong to Pollinate before Pollinate shifted slightly down the street to new digs about two years ago. Incidentally, Pollinate opened a second shop in Chester County’s Downingtown in September.

Fans of Moomin, the fairy-tale troll, will find plenty of merchandise at Drøm on North Queen Street.

REBECCA LOGAN

Cornhole bags at Building Character.

TOTES

$36.99 and $45.99

Beautiful Home Interiors

366 Hartman Bridge Road, Strasburg

This place (which has a Ronks mailing address but considers itself a Strasburg store) takes totes to another level with sayings you won’t find everywhere — from “Be the Light Matthew 5:14” to “Pickleball Essentials.” Connected to Agape Café & Grille, the place is a little bit farmhouse, a little bit bohemian and filled to the brim with crisp, clean options. Beautiful Home draws tons of tourists. But many locals knew the owners’ decorating style before the store opened in 2020. Back in the day they hosted spring and winter open houses at their own Strasburg home.

BIRD FEEDERS

Prices vary

Zimmerman’s Ace Hardware

306 Hartman Bridge Road, Strasburg

Zimmerman’s Ace Hardware has an entire aisle full of food and feeders for your fine feathered friends. The store stocks more than 50 different feeders — shaped like milk jugs, snowmen, pineapples, you name it. One of the pricier options ($44.99) has a shield that’s triggered when the weight of a squirrel is detected.

IN MANHEIM

HANDBLOWN GLASS CHRISTMAS TREES

$55-$85

Stiegel Glassworks 1976

225-235 S. Cherry St., Manheim

Crafted by the artisans at Stiegel Glassworks 1976, they make a great addition to holiday decor.

BOOK AND PLUSH SET

$29.99

The Curious Quill Book Shoppe

12 Market Square, Manheim

The children’s storybook “There’s a Reindeer in Here” comes with a plush reindeer.

BOARD BOOKS

$8-$10

The Curious Quill Book Shoppe 12 Market Square, Manheim

Easy-to-handle board books come with a fun finger puppet for children.

WHERE’S SQUEAKY

$19.99

The Curious Quill Book Shoppe 12 Market Square, Manheim

Preschoolers will enjoy this interactive hideand-seek game as they try to find Squeaky the mouse by listening for her little hints. For children 6 and up, there’s Gnomes at Night, a cooperative search-and-find maze game ($22.95).

CERAMICS FOR THE KITCHEN

Sponge holders, $10-$15; spoon rest, $10; soap dispenser, $20

ClayHouse Arts

27 N. Main St., rear, Manheim

Ceramics not only add beauty to everyday kitchen tasks, but the smaller sponge holders can also be used as business card holders.

VOTIVE CANDLE HOLDERS

$55

ClayHouse Arts

27 N. Main St., rear, Manheim

This set of ceramic Christmas tree votive candle holders includes three different sizes.

IN INTERCOURSE

FOOD GIFT BASKET

Starting at $40

Stoltzfus Meats

14 Center St., Intercourse

Spoon rest and soap dispenser from ClayHouse Arts in Manheim.

Stoltzfus Meats offers a variety of pre-made gift baskets. Customers may also customize gift baskets to order.

CANDLES

Prices vary By Candle Light Kitchen Kettle Village

Candles are made onsite with 100% soy wax. Choose 1.5-ounce jar candles for $5.99 or by six for $30 and get a complimentary gift box; 8-ounce jar candles for $14.99 each or four for $50 with a free gift box; 16-ounce jar candles for $19.99 each or three for $50; in-house wax melt candles for $7.99 each or three for $20.

Totes from Beautiful Home Interiors in Strasburg.

ROCHELLE A. SHENK

Handblown glass Christmas tree from Stiegel Glassworks 1976 in Manheim.

ROCHELLE A. SHENK

HERITAGE BAGS

Prices vary

The Deerskin Leather Shop

Kitchen Kettle Village

Bags are made in-house and crafted from a full-grain leather that is unfinished to give a cashmere feel. Options include the mule bag ($249.99) in brandy or black, with teardrop shape, adjustable strap and expandable sides; the moose handbag ($249.99) in tan and black with adjustable strap, magnetic snaps and three compartments to make organizing a breeze; the white-tail handbag ($239.99) in maroon, hunter green, brandy and black, with adjustable strap, magnetic

snaps and concealed carry pocket; the stag belt bag ($59.99) in brandy and black.

FUDGE SAUCES

2-flavor gift box, $19.99; 4-flavor box, $34.99

Pepper Lane Fudge & Sweets

Kitchen Kettle Village

These handcrafted fudge sauces come in five flavors: hot fudge, double dutch, milk chocolate, chocolate mint and chocolate peanut butter. Perfect for topping ice cream, cheesecake or your favorite dessert.

DECORATIVE GOURDS

Starting at $18.99

Meadowbrook Gourds from the Country Life

Kitchen Kettle Village

Homegrown and handcrafted in Carlisle, these gourds are created in holiday styles, including snowmen, Santas and reindeer.

ALUMINUM ART PLAQUES

small, $16.99; large, $27.99; extra large, $39.99

Heritage Galleries

Kitchen Kettle Village

Fine art printed aluminum from original artwork to display in the yard or garden with iron holders priced from $12-$28, depending on size.

JAM SAMPLER GIFT BOX

$13.99

Jam & Relish Kitchen

Kitchen Kettle Village

This sampler gift box featuring six 1.5-ounce jars of jams, jellies and preserves makes a great small but thoughtful. The mini jars are also the perfect size for dressing up cheese plates.

THE HUNT: EXOTIC JERKY COLLECTION

$29.99

Aged & Cured

Kitchen Kettle Village

BAR SOAP

$6.99 per bar

Village Soap Co.

Kitchen Kettle Village

The gift of self-care is important this time of year, and this handcrafted bar soap comes in a variety of fragrances and special holiday scents. Village Soap Co. also has handcrafted hair bars, lotions and other relaxing products to pamper yourself or give as a gift.

IN LITITZ

MASON CASH BOWLS SETS

The Hunt has something that will satisfy any carnivore — jerky! This 10-pack features a variety of animals and flavors in both strips and sticks, so you can enjoy your favorites and try something new. This gift package comes in a clear bag, and is tied with a bow, so it makes an awesome gift right out of the box.

$28-$70

Zest!

30 E. Main St., Lititz

A British classic, these bowls are made from chip-resistant earthenware and designed so bakers can easily grip and tip. They are available in a variety of sizes and colors.

Handcrafted bar soap from Village Soap Co. in Kitchen Kettle Village.

KITCHEN KETTLE VILLAGE

LAURA KNOWLES

Mason Cash mixing bowls are available in a variety of colors at Zest! in Lititz.

Exotic jerky at Aged & Cured in Kitchen Kettle Village.

BACKPACKS

$90

Earth to Lititz

56 E. Main St., Lititz

The Lititz outfitter carries iconic Kanken backpacks by the Swedish company Fjallraven. They come in a variety of fun colors for everyone on your list.

CALENDARS

$24.95

Atlas General Store

46 E. Main St., Lititz

Look forward to the new year with a beautifully illustrated calendar in designs from birds to wildflowers.

THAT’S ITALIAN GIFT BOX

$85

Olio Olive Oil & Balsamics

41 S. Broad St., Lititz

Give them the gift of a great meal with a gift box that includes extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian wedding soup mix, pasta, biscotti and more.

BOOKS FOR ALL AGES

Prices vary

Aaron’s Books

35 E. Main St., Lititz

Grab the latest releases for the booklovers on your list, from Trevor Noah’s fable “Into the Uncut Grass” to Louise Penney’s “The