Holiday GIFT GUIDE
Shop Locally for the Holidays Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Buffalo
Center
Tribune
Small Business Saturday November 26
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Buffalo Center (Iowa) Tribune
Wednesday, November 23, 2016 • 2
Great gifts for the family photographer Photography has long been a great way for talented artists to express themselves while providing glimpses into the world and the people who inhabit it. Since the dawn of social media, taking pictures has become incredibly popular, as platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have inspired millions across the globe to point and click. With holiday shopping season upon us, chances are many shoppers have an amateur photographer on their shopping list. Fostering a love of photography in a friend or family member may encourage them to see the
world in ways they never imagined possible. Holiday shoppers with little or no knowledge of photography may want to consider the following gift ideas for their loved ones with a passion for taking photos.
Photography classes Photography is both an art form and a skill, and novice photographers will no doubt appreciate a chance to learn more about their hobby. Beginner photography classes can teach amateurs the basics of photography, including exposure and how to get the most out of their
Things to consider before giving pets as gifts
Bring
Home
Some
Holiday
Spirit!! Spirit
• Holiday Special Orders • Gift Certificates Your
FAVORITE BRANDS at the
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cameras. Look for more advanced classes for photographers whose skills are more developed. Advancements in photography continue to be made, so giving a loved one the opportunity to stay abreast of the latest technological developments and techniques is a gift any photography fan would appreciate.
Gear Photography is a rewarding hobby, but it can be expensive, especially when it comes to gear. Professional photographers tend to own various cameras, so if your budget allows, consider giving a new camera to your loved one this holiday season. If your knowledge of cameras is limited, consult a salesperson
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• Cowboy Boots •Western Work Boots • Red Wing Boots • Carhartt Clothing for the Family • Tennis Shoes
Stocking Stuffers, Socks, Stocking Caps, Gloves
at a local photography store. Do your homework beforehand by researching the kinds of photos your loved one most enjoys taking, whether it’s shots of nature or live action sporting events or whatever subject matter stokes his or her passion. If a camera is beyond your budget, consider a gift card to a photography store that can offset the cost of your friend or family member’s next camera. Or consider other gear, such as a new camera lens, a tripod or a camera bag.
External hard drive Photography enthusiasts tend to take lots and lots of pictures, and even digital pictures can monopolize available storage space, including cloud space. An external hard drive gives photographers a place to store their photos, and the peace of mind that those photos are unlikely to disappear should their smartphone, tablet or computer be damaged. Photography is a rewarding hobby that brings joy to millions of people across the globe. This year, shoppers can make the family photographer’s holiday season that much more special by finding a gift that will allow them to get even more out of this fulfilling hobby.
The blissful image of a young child or a significant other receiving a pet as a holiday gift compels many shoppers to give pets as gifts come Christmastime. But pets are unlike any other holiday gift, as pets are living things that require food, shelter and attention. Because pets are unlike video games, diamond pendants and other popular holiday gifts, shoppers must consider a host of factors before deciding whether or not to give pets as gifts this holiday season.
Living situation Shoppers who plan to give a pet to someone they don’t live with, whether that person is a niece or nephew or a girlfriend or boyfriend, should first consider and/or confirm the recipients’ living situation. Landlords may forbid apartment dwellers from having pets, so it’s best to confirm with your loved one whether his or her lease allows pets before adopting or buying the animal. If you don’t want to spoil the surprise or you cannot confirm if a loved one’s living situation is pet-friendly, don’t adopt or buy the animal.
Allergies Some people, including many who profess to love pets, cannot have pets of their own because of allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as three in 10 people in the United States have pet allergies. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, but gift givers who intend to give their loved ones a dog should still confirm if the recipient has a dog allergy before adopting or purchasing the animal. The AAFA also warns against looking for pets that are de-
scribed as “hypoallergenic.” While some people are more sensitive to certain breeds of cats and dogs than others, there is no guarantee that a particular breed of cat or dog will not cause an allergic reaction.
Timing There are good times to give pets as gifts, while other times can be tough. Pets need time and routine to acclimate to their new environments, so avoid giving a new pet to a family about to embark on a lengthy holiday vacation. Families staying home for the holidays and taking time off from school or work may be most capable of welcoming a furry new addition into their homes. If you want to give a loved one a pet for the holidays, delay giving the gift until things have returned to post-holiday normalcy.
Finances Pets can be expensive, especially in the first year. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the first-year cost of owning a dog is nearly $1,300, while the first-year cost of cat ownership exceeds $1,000. These estimates include the cost of food, shelter and medical exams, among other things. Before giving a pet to a child, consult the child’s parents to determine if the family can afford adding a pet to the family. If parents need some financial help to afford the pet, include supplies like bowls, leashes and toys in your holiday gift. Pets can make for wonderful gifts. But such gifts should only be given after careful consideration of a host of factors.
A Special Christmas Gift
Picture Window to the Past . . . A photo book covering the history of Buffalo Center from 1892 to the 1960’s
Onsale saleatat atthe the Library Bison Graphics On BCBC Library andand Heritage Center On sale the BC Library and BisonTown Graphics
for only
Carhartt, Rock & Roll , Twisted X, and much more!
$20.00 each
LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS Carhartt clothing for the
for less
whole family!
79 Cookware Set
$ Rock & Ro ll women’s and men’s shirts and jeans. Twisted X Shoes - Men’s, Women’s, and Kid’s
Weaver’s Leather Store 112 N. Main St., Buffalo Center, IA 50424 • 641-562-2992 Mon-Fri 8-12 & 1-5:30 • Saturday 8-3:30
T-fal
- 12 pc. cookware set with non-stick cooking utensils. Non-stick aluminium construction with tempered glass. Dishwasher safe. Black or red.
BIG DEALS
149
$
on everything to create a merry and bright Christmas!
Prices shown are good through Dec. 24
Murra Hardware
204 N. Main • Buffalo Center • 641-562-2797
Milwaukee
18 Volt Drill Kit -2 red lithium batteries -All metal gear case -1/2” metal chuck -Carrying case and charger included
Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Closing 2:00 Christmas Eve Day Closing 2:00 New Years Eve Day
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
3 • Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Buffalo Center (Iowa) Tribune
Stocking stuffers for athletes and sports enthusiasts Gifts comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the best gifts are those that come in small packages. Though some people pore over their holiday shopping lists for weeks, it’s not uncommon for even the most devoted holiday shopper to overlook stocking stuffers, which can be just as difficult to find as larger gifts. When shopping for stocking stuffers, consider the recipient’s interests. For example, athletes and sports enthusiasts would undoubtedly love a gift that reflects their loyalty to a favorite team or their devotion to a particular sport. Holiday shoppers who have a sports-crazed superfan or accomplished athlete on their shopping lists may want to consider the following items when looking for stocking stuffers this holiday season. Sports memorabilia: Sports fanatics sometimes double as collectors who are always on the lookout for new memorabilia to display. Such collectibles may include bobbleheads, cards, ticket stubs and signed photographs or equipment. Rare
gifting budget. Game tickets: Give sports fans a chance to cheer on their favorite teams in person. Find a home game that will not require the recipient to travel too far, or if you want to splurge, include transportation with the tickets to an away game. Secondary market ticket-seller StubHub is a reliable resource that guarantees tickets sold on its site are legitimate, removing any doubt ticket market buyers may have. Fan gear: Sports fans can never have enough gear to show off their team pride. Everything from mugs to hats to authentic team jerseys makes for great stocking stuffers. In addition, look for pennants or t-shirts that feature team names or logos. Today just about any item comes embla-
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memorabilia may be beyond many gift-givers’ means, but there are still plenty of impressive items that can fit into any holiday
How to get Black Friday deals
As Thanksgiving draws near, retailers begin dropping hints about their Black Friday promotions. Some stores have begun to open their doors on Thanksgiving evening, after many people have filled up on turkey and trimmings. Smart shoppers recognize that Black Friday is a great time to find deals on holiday gifts, and following these tips can help shoppers save even more. Establish a shopping budget. It’s tempting to go out shopping with credit cards blazing, but that may lead to overspending. Determine what you can afford and set a budget for Black Friday shopping. Establishing a budget can help you avoid impulse purchases as well. Look for extra discounts. The early bird often gets the worm, but late shoppers also may benefit on Black Friday. Determine which times of the day stores are offering their biggest discounts. Doorbuster sales tend to start very early, but such sales might be irrelevant if only items you do not need are being discounted. Determine if there are any additional sales that extend throughout the day. Divide and conquer. Split up the shopping responsibilities so you and your family can get your shopping done quickly. The divide and conquer approach allows you to cover more ground and ensures someone will be there to claim the best deals from various retailers. Dress comfortably for shopping. Malls and department stores may be crowded and can
be warm, so dress in layers so you can remove clothing if you get hot. You’ll probably do a good deal of walking on Black Friday, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Have discount codes at the ready. Many retailers now use digital apps or emails to keep in touch with customers. These same apps may enable smartphone users
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to search for discount codes and other coupons. Keep digital coupons handy so they can be presented quickly at checkout. Black Friday is one of the best days of the year to land steep discounts on a variety of merchandise and services. Make the shopping trip even more successful this time around.
zoned with sports team names. If you can’t find a particular item, it may be possible to order it directly from a team or retailer or have it customized. Sports equipment: Athletes may benefit from updated equipment. Determine if the athletes on your gift list have any gear that needs replacing. Parents, coaches or even teammates may offer recommendations regarding which equipment your loved one needs. If you don’t know a catcher’s mitt from a tennis racket, stuff the stocking with a gift card to a sporting goods store.
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Magazine subscription: Sports fans often enjoy reading up on their favorite players and keeping abreast of team or industry news. Magazine subscriptions are generally inexpensive and new subscriptions often come with free gifts as well. Winner’s trophy: For the sports fan who has missed out on getting his or her own trophy, have one made up as a stocking stuffer gag gift. It is certain to bring a laugh and hold a prime spot on the shelf with other sports memorabilia.
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Your one-stop Holiday Party Shop!
JOHNSON’S FOOD CENTER BUFFALO CENTER 641-562-2363
OPEN: MON.-SAT. 7 A.M. UNTIL 8 P.M. SUNDAY 8 A.M. UNTIL 2 P.M.
#461-#469
• We Welcome WIC & EBT Cards • Satisfaction On All Products Sold • We Accept Mastercard & Visa
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Prizes Awarded to the Winning Entries in Each Age Category!
1st Place:
2nd Place:
$10 Buffalo Bucks $5 Buffalo Bucks
3rd Place: $2 Bill
Sponsored by the
Buffalo Center Tribune, AJ Embroidery & Bison Graphics
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CHRISTMAS COLORING CONTEST ENTRY FORM Name: ___________________________________ Age:________ Phone:_______________ Address: __________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________State:____ Zip:________________ Mail to: Buffalo Center Tribune P.O. Box 367 Buffalo Center, IA 50424
CONTEST RULES 1) Contest open to children ages 1-11. Only one picture may be submitted by each child. 2) Pictures may be colored using crayons, markers or colored pencils. Three winners from each age group (1-4, 5-7 and 8-11) will be awarded prizes. Decision of judges is final. 3) All entries must be received by 3 p.m. on December 9. Mail or deliver to the Buffalo Center Tribune. 4) Winners will be announced at Christmas in Buffalo Center, December 10.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Buffalo Center (Iowa) Tribune
Wednesday, November 23, 2016 • 4
Let video game ratings help guide holiday gift purchases Come the holiday season, millions of people will be flocking to stores to shop for gifts for their friends and loved ones. Video games have long been some of the most popular holiday gifts to give, and this year figures to be no different than years past. The assortment of video games is so diverse that consumers may not know where to begin their shopping excursions. Gaining a greater understanding of the video game rating system can ensure shoppers they find age-appropriate games for the youngsters on their holiday shopping lists. Video games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. The ESRB is an independent, self-regulatory organization that assigns age and content ratings, enforces industry-adopted advertising guidelines and ensures responsible online privacy principles for computer and video games in the United States, Mexico and nearly
all of Canada. The ratings provided are concise and help shoppers make informed decisions based on the content in video games. According to the ESRB, the ratings have three parts: 1. Rating categories suggest age appropriateness. 2. Content descriptors indicate content that may have triggered a particular rating and/or may be of interest or concern. 3. Interactive elements inform about interactive aspects of a product, including the users’ ability to interact; the sharing of users’ locations with others; the sharing of personal information with third parties; the completion of in-app purchases of digital goods; and/or level of restriction of internet access. This rating system was derived in 1994 after various child development and academic experts were consulted. Other rating systems also were considered, and the ESRB
ally suitable for all ages. There may be minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence. Mild language may be infrequent. E 10+: Content in games rated Everyone 10+ is appropriate for gamers ages 10 and up. The games may contain cartoon, fantasy or mild violence. Mild language and/or minimally suggestive themes also may be present. T: Teen games are generally suitable for ages 13 and up. These games may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and some strong language. M: Games deemed as Mature are generally suitable for gamers ages 17 and up. In such games, there is a high propensity for intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and strong language. A: Adults-only games have content suitable for adults ages
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Video game and app ratings help consumers choose age-appropriate gifts for the gamers on their holiday shopping lists. consulted with parents nationwide as well. There are currently seven different ESRB ratings for games and apps. They are as follows:
C: Early childhood games feature content that is intended for young children. E: Games rated as Everyone feature content that is gener-
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18 and up. Graphic sexual content, prolonged scenes of intense violence, and gambling with real currency may be depicted or available in these games. RP: Games that are marked Rating Pending have not yet received a final ESRB rating. Usually this verbiage is only used in marketing materials, and the rating will be updated once the product hits the market. Along with the general rating, the ESRB uses content descriptors to further break down the type of content one can expect in the games. These can include everything from references to alcohol to fantasy violence to sexual themes to tobacco references. Again, these content descriptors will offer a concise way to assess if a game is appropriate for a particular gamer. Video games are popular holiday gifts. Game ratings can help guide consumers to make smart choices so that gamers of all ages can enjoy their gifts this season.
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Guide to shopping for tech gifts Vintage T-Shirts Gain New
Gadgets make great gifts come the holiday season. Children may want the latest must-have video games, and many adults scour store advertisements for the newest televisions, tablets, smartphones, and other gadgets to include among their own most wanted lists. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the holiday season is typically a record-setting time for consumer spending on tech gifts. The CEA notes that roughly $34 billion was spent in 2015 on tech gifts, and that number figures to grow during the 2016 holiday season. The holiday season is a time when consumers buy tech gifts for their loved ones, but it’s also a time when they splurge on items for themselves. Technology gifts are popular, but these purchases require some research prior to swiping a card at the checkout counter. Consider this advice before gifting any gadgets this holiday season. Check product reviews. Use resources such as Consumer Reports to read up on the reputations of certain products and brands. Avoid purchasing products that have no established track record. Also try to read reviews from third-party sites rather than those posted on manufacturer websites. Independent reviews may be more forthcoming than customer testimonials. Speak with an educated retailer. Visit a store before making any purchases to learn more about the inner workings of the product you plan to buy. Discover its attributes, advantages, disadvantages, and what others are saying about it. The salesperson may have his or her own opinion on the item and may calm any nerves you have. Niche retailers tend to have knowledgeable sales staff and can be assets when comparison shopping. Determine if the gift is age-appropriate. It may be tempting to purchase children the latest and greatest tech gifts because all of their peers may be getting similar items. But first determine if certain items are age-appropriate. Remember, many tech gifts, such as tablets and smartphones, open children up
Life as Unique Holiday Gifts
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to the world of social media. So if you buy such products, make sure you have turned on the privacy and safety features available before giving the item to your loved one. If you are purchasing a gift for a young person who is not your child, check with his or her parents to see if the gift will be appropriate or even permitted. Compare prices across various retailers. While popular gifts may be similarly priced because of the level of demand, it is still a worthy effort to comparison shop before making a rash purchase. In addition, consider that new generations of certain tech products come out quite frequently, and the previous generation may become obsolete rather quickly. Know when manufacturers
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are releasing new products so you can time your purchases accordingly. Put the product through your own test run. Try a product out for yourself to get a feel for it and its attributes. Hands-on knowledge may be the best type when gifting tech items. Just keep in mind that many retailers have a reboxing or restocking fee on tech products. If the item fails to meet your expectations and you plan to return it, it may cost you a percentage of the price. The popularity of tech gifts makes them one of the most widely exchanged categories of presents during the holiday gift-giving season. With research and knowledge, consumers can find the perfect gifts to light up their loved ones’ faces.
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With a decorative quilt, clever gift-givers can turn a loved one’s old T-shirts into a unique gift that will withstand the test of time. of holiday decorating tradition. Take out those T-shirts hidden in drawers and closets and show off tee
pride with custom gifts sure to bring a smile to the faces of friends and family this season.
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That sports jersey from sophomore year of high school has seen better days, but you can’t seem to part with it even now. What about that hair band concert T-shirt you’re too embarrassed to admit is still tucked in the back of your closet? Are the kids making fun of your college alma mater tee that has holes under the arms? T-shirts hold special places in the hearts of many people. Now quirky, athletic and downright memorable tees can be turned into customized gifts for everyone on a holiday shopping list. T-shirts tell a lot about a person –interests, political views, favorite sports teams–and more. The average person has a collection of T-shirts acquired through the years taking up space in closets and drawers, all because it can be difficult to throw out shirts that have so many memories. Clever gift-givers can use these T-shirt collections to create unique and thoughtful gifts that will be appreciated throughout the years. Here are some ideas for gifting. Cut up T-shirts to make a scrapbook of certain times in a person’s life. Include funny anecdotes, photographs and artwork to customize the book for the recipient. Head to the local craft store and pick up an empty shadowbox frame. Fold a friend or loved one’s prized T-shirt and place it on display in the shadowbox (the depth of the box makes it easier to accommodate the bulk entire shirt). The “artwork” can then be displayed in a bedroom or den. Turn T-shirts into a decorative or cuddly quilt for adults and children. Some specialty stores can craft one-of-a-kind, handmade compositions from your own special T-shirt collections. Talented sewers can turn vintage T-shirts into new works of fashionable attire. For example, a graphic tee can be sewn to an elastic-waisted skirt to create a pull-on dress perfect for a budding fashionista. Downsize favorite T-shirts so they can be worn by children. Make holiday decorating easy for individuals who love to “do up” their homes in holiday decor, top to bottom. Gather ugly, quirky, and seasonal holiday T-shirts and sweatshirts and have specialty stores turn them into a holiday-inspired quilt perfect for tossing over a recliner or sofa. Every year the quilt can be part
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