Holiday gift guide 17

2017

SPLURGE

DONATE

NEW TECH

ITEMS

YOUR GIFT

ADD

STOCKING STUFFERS

A PERSONAL TOUCH

HOT TOYS

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Etiquette tips for holiday tipping worker, baby sitter, doorman, dog walker, housekeeper — are the people that sometimes get lost in the holiday he holidays are a time to feel gift-giving shuffle, even though we generous not only to our friends are so thankful for their roles in our and family but to the people lives. Giving a holiday gift is a who provide thoughtful way to show it. various services for us Q When is the right time year-round. to tip?

Just how much to tip A: You don’t want to as a holiday gift can be forget anyone. Do it early difficult to determine. before Christmas. Gift sugLindsay Roberts Schey, gestions: $25 to $50 or the The Gift Insider gift cost of one service. Try to expert (thegiftinsider. buy something that they com), is here to help. wouldn’t buy themQ: Why should selves. I love anything you gift people who personalized. provide services?

Q: How about A: The service teacher gifts? providers we can’t do A: As far as teachers, without — the maninever give money. It’s all curist, the hairstylist, about the heartfelt thanks. the masseuse, postal A homemade gift is a touching FLICKR/DAVEDUGDALE

By Melissa Erickson CONTACT US Phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX Fax: XXX.XXX.XXXX EDITORIAL xxxx@xxxxxxxxx.com ADVERTISING xxxx@xxxxxxxxx.com CIRCULATION xxxx@xxxxxxxxx.com ONLINE xxxx@xxxxxxxxx.com HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE is created annually by GateHouse Media LLC and is distributed with various newspapers across the country and by King Features. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication.

Cover illustration: Bigstock ©2017 gatehouse media All rights reserved

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idea, from the parent or the child. In either situation, have the child include a hand-drawn note or picture. Gift value: $10 to $25.

Q: Is cash OK? A: Cash is usually acceptable, but use your judgment. A small gift or gift certificate may be better. For the housekeeper or any trade where you know they would really appreciate some extra cash, put the equivalent of one day or service in a card and write an appreciative note.

Tipping is not a requirement, said Daniel Post Senning, author of “Manners in a Digital World” and the great-great-grandson of etiquette expert Emily Post.

“The word ‘gratuity’ is about gratitude, and just like saying ‘thank you’ makes a person feel good, tipping should be the same,” he said. “Don’t do it as an obligation. Do it so you can feel good about the interaction.”

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By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

Whether you’re looking to pick up a cool gadget or a topof-the line laptop, here are some recommendations for your favorite tech-obsessed people.

Polaroid Pop

Grado SR60e on-ear headphones

$199.99 Polaroid.com Combining a sleek, modern design and digital technology, the Polaroid Pop instant digital camera is both retro and cutting-edge. An integrated printer creates Polaroid’s iconic 3.5-by 4.25-inch pictures, but the Pop also features a 3.97inch LCD touchscreen on the rear of the camera that allows users to frame shots and navigate the camera’s menu. Plus, it has 1080p full high-definition video recording capability, a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor and dual LED flash.

$79 4ourears.net There’s more to a great pair of headphones than meets the eye. They’ve got to be comfortable, sound great and justify the price tag. The Grado SR60e are a budget option that offers stellar performance with rich sound and breathable comfort in on-ear headphones. For the cost, a wearer gets a hi-fi performance at a sensible price. Comes with 6.5mm adapter.

The Ring Pro video doorbell $249 Ring.com For smart security anywhere you need it, give the gift of the Ring video doorbell, an ultraslim, hardwired doorbell armed with 1080p high-definition video, twoway talk, customizable motion zones and infrared night vision.

Users can answer the door from anywhere through instant alerts to your smartphone, tablet or PC. A $3-a-month video recording plan allows access to videos anywhere or time and stores videos for up to 60 days. Or, they can be saved so you’ll never lose them.

Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000mAh $25.99 Anker.com This trusty little charger is a lifesaver. Both a high-speed portable and wall charger, Anker’s PowerCore Fusion is solidly constructed and fast-charging yet small and convenient. Has two AC plugs and 5000mAh capacity. Works with iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy and other devices.

Dell XPS 13 laptop Dell.com From $799 With top reviews from Laptop Magazine and PC World, the Dell XPS 13 is a compact Windows laptop that features a 5.2 mm bezel-thin display and a lightweight frame. That means more screen but less to carry at 2.7 pounds. Thanks to its Intel 7th Generation Core (Kaby Lake) processor it offers fast performance, with a stunning display and up to 18 hours of battery life. Plus, a multiuse port allows users to charge, connect to multiple devices and enjoy fast data transfers.

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Mason Jar Solar Light

Stocking stuffers

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They may be the most inexpensive items on your list, but that doesn’t mean your stocking stuffers need to be any less appreciated. Get creative when shopping small. Here are a few ideas:

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$12.95 Gardeners.com Turn any wide-mouthed Mason jar into a charming accent that automatically illuminates at dusk. The kit includes a threaded plastic lid with three short LED light strings attached.

Simply insert the light strings into your jar and screw on the top. A small solar panel on the top charges the battery so that when dusk falls the twinkling LED lights begin to glow.

Place in full sun to charge. Provides up to five hours of lighting on a full day’s charge. Jar not included.

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Ohto Needle Point Slim Line Pen

Taylor Dual Event Timer and Clock $12.99 Target Getting a whole meal on the table at once is difficult for many home chefs. Give them the gift that’s perfect for multitasking. Taylor’s Dual Event Timer has distinct rings for two tasks and an easy-to-read 1.5-inch LCD readout. When not in use, the timer’s face reverts to a clock. It’s magnetic and can sit on the countertop with a flip-out stand.

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$8 Poketo.com Designed by ergonomically minded Japanese pen purveyor Ohto, this compact, comfortable ballpoint pen is perfect for taking quick notes. Available in gray, pink and blue.

Le Creuset Girl with Balloon Decal Mug

Baggu reusable bag

$18 Lecreuset.com Dream of Paris while cozying up with a mug of hot chocolate this holiday season. This Paristhemed stoneware is new for the 2017 gift-giving season. The collection also includes plates, serving platters and tea towels.

$10 Baggu.com Baggu’s best-selling reusable bag is not just for the grocery store. Carry in your hand or over your shoulder.

Holds up to 50 pounds of stuff and folds into a flat 5-by-5-inch pouch.

Available in a variety of colors and styles. Machine-washable.

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Joseph Abboud cashmere hooded limited-edition sweater

Gifts to splurge on

$300 Men’s Wearhouse He’ll feel the luxury when wearing this limited-edition cashmere zip-up hooded sweater in chestnut.

This cozy classic is super-soft with a subtle crosshatch pattern, suede detailing, and zipper and toggle closures.

The modern fit is stylish and sophisticated and can be dressed up or paired with jeans for a more casual look.

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

Life’s little luxuries are worth the splurge. For the impeccably stylish tastemaker on your list, here are a few finds for both men and women that won’t disappoint.

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Kate Spade Ooh La La Poppy Crossbody

Lulu Frost Gloria long necklace $295 Lulufrost.com The Gloria Long Pendant features a cool mix of gold- and silver-toned castings and crystals, with geometric 3-D shapes that nod to glamorous ’70s style.

She’ll love the length and unique mixed chain of this handmade piece in antiquegold and silver-plated brass, black and clear stones.

Rockins Monkey Orchid Classic Skinny Scarf

$328 Katespade.com This pretty pick is an adorable crossbody bag crafted into a blooming poppy that will easily hold all her essentials. Made of leather with leather and suede trim, it features a snap closure and interior side pocket.

Y Eau de Toilette $72 to $94 Nordstrom.com Inspired by the iconic Yves Saint Laurent white T-shirt and black jacket, this new masculine fragrance represents a balance between freshness and strength.

Like a crisp white T-shirt, notes of bergamot, sage and ginger offer a sharp, juicy freshness while at its base are soft notes of balsam fir, cedarwood and marine ambergris.

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$109 Farfetch.com Bold, bright and exotic, Rockins Monkey Orchid Scarves are adorned with tropical palms and the Monkey Orchid plant, a simian-esque flower found in the South American mountains.

Cut from 100 percent Crepe de Chine silk; handfinished with a mitred point to fall in a fluid line against the body.

Loop at the neck, knot in a bow or sling at the hip.

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By Melissa Erickson

Personalized Family Member Signpost

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Show them how well you know them with a gift that’s especially for them. Creative and thoughtful, a personalized gift is truly unique, and you can trust that no one else will have the exact same thing. Here are some options to find the perfect gift, perfectly possible:

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Personalized gifts

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$125 to $200 Uncommongoods.com Your loved ones may be scattered across the globe, but this personalized signpost finds a charming way to keep them all in one place.

Hand-painted to create a warmly weathered finish, each signpost is topped with your family name, followed by up to five arrows showcasing each member’s distance and direction from your official homestead. The arrows are positioned slightly askew to create a classic look, and an oxidized steel finish develops a patina over time while offering weather-resistant appeal. The result is a colorful statement for the yard or garden that keeps your family close.

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Vera Bradley Large Duffel

WellnessMats $149 Wellnessmats.com WellnessMats bridges the latest in ergonomics, design and customization with its new monogrammed mat, the Signature Collection. The Heirloom pattern has a delicate, botanical design. The Gatsby pattern is a sophisticated, geometric design resembling styles from the Art Deco period. Select from eight color options and one classic initial in either metallic gold or silver.

$85 plus $8 for monogramming Verabradley.com Heading out of town for the weekend or on a quick getaway? This duffel will help your loved one pack it all in style.

With generous pockets inside and out, this travel bag folds flat and features easy-to-clean lining in case of toiletry spills.

Available in a variety of patterns and collegiate colors.

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Stuller Signet Ring

Lovely Decals Name Wall Decal $18 Lovelydecals.com Let the special child in your life know he or she is growing up surrounded by love. A name decal will take center stage in a nursery, child’s room or playroom with their name written in large letters.

Choose from a variety of styles including airplanes, trucks and nautical themes, butterflies and other whimsical animals.

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$391 and up Columbusdiamondexchange.com Traditionally considered a gentleman’s ring, the signet ring is now worn by men and women, especially with personalization trending. This testament of personal style and family heritage can feature a single initial or monogram, crest or coat of arms, artwork or a custom engraved design. Based in Lafayette, Louisiana, Stuller provides a range of fine jewelry products to jewelry professionals across the world. To find a dealer near you, visit stuller.com and click on “locate a jeweler.”

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Kitchen essentials

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George Foreman MultiPlate & Grill

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With all the wonderful foodfilled festivities taking place, the home cooks in your life are dreaming about something they can use in the kitchen this holiday season. The best kitchen tools can help turn any amateur cook into a real pro. Check out these essential appliances sure to bring a smile.

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$189.99 QVC.com Available in a variety of colors, this handy five-in-one kitchen essential is a grill, panini press, broiler, waffle maker and griddle. Features ceramic coating, an exclusive fat-draining design and removable grill plates.

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KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer

Oster Exact Blend 300 Blender and Blend-N-Go Cup

$429.99 Kitchenaid.com The iconic KitchenAid Stand Mixer in now available in three new matte finishes: a deep purple Black Violet, Ink Blue (a softer take on matte black) and a warm-toned neutral Milkshake.

This classic can make up to nine dozen cookies in a single batch. It features 10 speeds to mix, knead and whip ingredients. For more versatility, use the power hub to turn your stand mixer into a culinary center with over 10 optional attachments from food grinders to pasta makers.

$39.99 Target Perfect for smoothies, dips, soups, sauces and more, Oster’s Exact Blend 300 can help with everyday meals and snacks. Create your favorite fresh recipes faster with 12-speed versatility to puree vegetables, shred and grate cheese, and take ice from cubed to crushed in seconds.

Oxo Good Grips 3-blade Spiralizer with StrongHold Suction $39.95 Amazon.com The most creative home chefs are spiralizing their vegetables and creating more health-conscious alternatives to grain-based noodles. Oxo’s spiralizer makes quick work of creating uniform spirals from fruits and vegetables for curly fries, salads, garnishes and more.

Three stainless steel blades create spaghetti cut (1/8 inch), fettuccine cut (1/4 inch) or ribbon cut noodles. The removable blade box keeps blades clean, safe and organized when not in use and stores onboard.

Black+Decker Air Fryer $99.99 Bed Bath & Beyond Give your family the crispy taste they crave without the grease with Black+Decker’s Air Fryer. Cook up fries, onion rings and more with minimal or no oil. Features a 2-liter capacity, variable temperature control, a 60-minute timer and auto shutoff, plus nonstick pan separator and basket for easy cleanup.

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Navdy heads-up display $499 Navdy.com It’s been called a dashboard dream and the first augmented driving device. Navdy is an aftermarket heads-up display that works in connection with your mobile device.

The display sits on top of the car’s dashboard and allows the driver to navigate, make and receive calls, control music and access information on the go — without touching the phone. All information is displayed on a translucent screen that keeps the driver’s eyes focused on the road ahead rather than the mobile device balanced somewhere else.

For the car lover

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

Is your girlfriend obsessed with her convertible? Does your husband like to tinker away the weekend with his head under the hood of his car?

Here are some holiday gift picks for the car enthusiast on your list.

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Automatic Pro Smart Driving Assistant

Ridge Wallet $65 and up Ridgewallet.com No one wants to sit on a lumpy wallet. For the man (or woman) on the go who likes to stay sleek and stylish yet keep things minimal, the Ridge Wallet carries everything they need without the bulk. This modern, slim RFIDblocking wallet is made from aluminum, titanium or carbon fiber in hues like gunmetal, rose gold and black. Its internal elastic band can expand and contract to hold one to 12 cards securely.

$129 Amazon.com Why not drive a smart car? The Automatic Pro is a handy little device that plugs into the car’s diagnostic system and connects to a free Android or iOS app. Now your car can talk to the internet, remember where it’s parked and remind you when it’s time for service, as well as help keep you under the speed limit and improve hard braking or acceleration. When a check-engine light illuminates, just open the app to see what’s wrong. In an emergency it notifies family and gets immediate help from a live agent.

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Moshi Car Charger Duo

Garmin Dash Cam 35 $169 Best Buy Never wonder again who is at fault in an accident when you can rely on a dashcam — a small digital video camera that’s mounted on your windshield that turns on and records when the car is moving. The Garmin 35 features a built-in GPS, a highdefinition camera with a wide-angle lens and a 3-inch LCD screen. It pinpoints where and when events occur, providing detailed time and location data in both bright and lowlight conditions. Can record in 1080p or 720p.

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$24.95 Bhphotovideo.com The market is flooded with car chargers, but the Moshi stands out with two 2.1A USB ports to charge two devices at once. Its compact and stylish design features an anodizedaluminum cover with an integrated LED light indicator for night use.

Smart power management provides overcurrent and overcharge protection.

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Donate your gift PHOTOS: FREEPIK/WIKIPEDIA

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now The busy holiday season is filled with parties and gifts, feasts and friends. If you and yours are blessed and able, this season consider giving back to others instead of piling on the gifts.

Your dollars can go to protecting the environment, feeding the hungry, helping veterans and stray animals, and plenty of other worthy causes. The hardest part may be deciding which organization deserves your support.

You can’t base your donation simply by looking at an organization’s name, said Bennett Weiner, chief operating officer of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. Instead, look into how an organization puts your donation dollars to work. Does a high percentage go toward charitable programs or for things like staff salaries and fundraising?

Check out what grade level a charity gets from CharityWatch.org, an independent watchdog group that examines how efficiently a charity will use a donation. The following are all top-rated charities that generally spend 75 percent or more of their budgets on programs and spend $25 or less to raise $100 in public support:

Pets

Cancer

• PetSmart Charities Petsmartcharities.org Goal: To find lifelong, loving homes for all pets.

More than 400,000 dogs and cats find homes each year through PetSmart Charities adoption program in all PetSmart stores and sponsored adoption events. In addition to granting money to directly help pets in need, the program focuses on funding spay/neuter services that help communities solve the problem of pet overpopulation.

• National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund Breastcancerdeadline2020.org Goal: To end breast cancer. The NBCCF has set a deadline to know how to end breast cancer by Jan. 1, 2020.

A grass-roots organization committed to action, the National Breast Cancer Coalition seeks to improve policies surrounding research, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

• Cancer Research Institute Cancerresearch.org Goal: To save more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all types of cancer.

The Cancer Research Institute focuses exclusively on advancing immunotherapy to treat, control and cure all cancers.

Children • Children’s Defense Fund Childrensdefense.org Goal: To ensure every child a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start and a moral start in life and successful passage to adulthood.

The Children’s Defense Fund is an independent voice for all of America’s children but pays special attention to the needs of the poor, children of color and those with disabilities.

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• Feed My Starving Children FMSC.org Goal: To eliminate starvation in children throughout the world by helping to instill compassion in people to hear and respond to the cries of those in need.

Partnering with organizations and ministries, Feed My Starving Children reaches the most needy and vulnerable in America and around the world.

Environment • National Park Trust Parktrust.org Goal: Preserving parks today; creating park stewards for tomorrow.

The National Park Trust works to acquire and preserve high-quality land, engages youth through its Buddy Bison School program to cultivate future stewards, and hosts the national Kids to Parks day.

• National Wildlife Federation NWF.org Goal: To unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrives in a rapidly changing world.

America’s largest conservation organization, the National Wildlife Federation protects wildlife and safeguards endangered species, and cares for America’s habitats including waters and wetlands.

Veterans • Gary Sinise Foundation Garysinisefoundation.org Goal: To honor the nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need through unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities.

The actor’s foundation supports activeduty service members and veterans.

Some projects include building custom smart homes for severely injured heroes, helping soldiers and their families following trauma and loss, and providing meals for defenders during layovers at major airports.

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Hot toys

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

Toy sales jumped nearly 7 percent in 2016 to $19.4 billion, according to the NPD Group, a market research company. The week before Christmas is critical to toy sellers; last year it accounted for 8 percent of annual sales, according to NPD. Look no further for some of 2017’s hottest toys. Here are some of the standouts from the American International Toy Fair: FREEPIK.COM

Fingerlings by WowWee

Nerf N-Strike Elite AlphaHawk

$14.99 Toys R Us These adorable, interactive baby monkeys respond to sound, motion and touch. You can hang them on your finger or anywhere and they respond with blinking eyes, kissing lips, turning heads and crazy monkey sounds. Plus for parents: A battery-saving feature turns the toy off after five minutes of inactivity.

$29.99 Hasbrotoyshop.com Nerf is constantly reinventing its toy guns and the AlphaHawk is a winner. It combines a revolver hold with a rifle design and an easy-loading gun that holds five darts and works with deadbolt action. Ages 8 and up can blast with confidence. Includes 10 darts and is compatible with Elite darts (sold separately).

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Teach ‘n Tag Movi $49.99 Target This cool little robot is ready to roll with three game modes and six games to keep your child thinking and moving.

Teach ‘n Tag Movi encourages preschoolers to think critically and follow directions, whether that means asking questions or testing their dance skills.

Moving 360 degrees with light-up buttons and more than 60 different faces, this will be a popular choice for giftgivers looking to find a fun STEM toy for early learners.

Power Wheels Wild Thing $274 Walmart For advanced riders and bigger kids looking for more excitement and thrills, check out the Power Wheels Wild Thing 12-volt ride-on. With dual joysticks to control steering forward and in reverse, the Wild Thing is also great for spinning 360 degrees in quick, tight circles. Its top speed is 5 mph, and big, durable tires make it ready for use on the pavement, sidewalk or grass. Plus, there’s a stability sensor to prevent tipping. Recommended for ages 5 to 10.

Kingdomino $18 Amazon.com Award-winning board games are something the whole family can enjoy. Even better: Kingdomino is a strategy game that lasts about only 15 minutes. It’s dominoes with a kingdom-building twist. You are a lord seeking new lands to expand your kingdom. For up to four players 8 and up.

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