Avery Holiday Gift & Shopping Guide 2022

How to find bargains this holiday shopping season

STAFF REPORT

The cost of living has risen dramatically in 2022. In a reflection of just how much the cost of living has increased over the last year, the Social Security Admin istration announced a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjust ment for 2022. That marks the highest adjustment in four decades. The pinch of inflation has been felt throughout the last year, and that squeeze could feel even tighter as the holiday season draws closer. The holiday season can be an expensive time of year. Holiday cele brants must contend with the costs associated with hosting holiday gatherings, travel and spending nights out celebrating with loved

ones. But the biggest added expense many people must confront during the holiday season is the cost of buying gifts for family and friends. Though inflation might be

beyond consumers’ control, there are still ways to find bargains when holiday shop ping this year.

• Start comparison shopping early. In addition

to the rising cost of living, modern consumers also must contend with supply shortages and shipping delays. Shopping early is a great way to get around

those lingering effects of the pandemic, and it also affords shoppers more time to find great deals. Comparison shopping sites like Shopzilla. com make it easy to compar ison shop by breaking items down into categories and producing a list of vendors and prices for an assortment of products. Utilizing these sites and shopping early is a great way to find bargains.

• Shop on consumer holidays. Black Friday used to be the only game in town in regard to holiday bar gains. Consumers can still find great deals on Black Friday and also benefit from reduced prices on days such as Cyber Monday and even Prime Day, which is a twoday event from the online retailer Amazon that occurs

in summer.

• Attend local holiday bazaars and markets. One of the great things about holiday bazaars and markets is that many of the business es that set up shop at these events are local. They also tend to sell an array of items, including small items that can easily fit into shoppers’ holiday budgets.

• Pool your resources. Another way to get around rising costs this holiday season is to pool your shop ping resources with another friend or family member. The cost of a new tablet for a parent can be easier to bear if it’s split with a sibling. The holiday season could be espe cially expensive this year, but there are still bargains to be had and ways to rein in costs.

Tips to master comparison shopping

STAFF REPORT

Savvy shoppers recognize the value of comparison shopping. By comparing prices of the same or similar products at various retail ers, consumers can save considerable amounts of money. That’s especially true during the holiday season, when shoppers are look ing for items for everyone on their shopping list and hoping to find them without breaking the bank. Though comparison shopping may fall short of being a science, skilled shoppers know that some proven methods can greatly increase the chances of finding gifts that will make loved ones’ eyes light up this

holiday season.

• Track prices over time. Successful comparison shop ping takes time and patience, as savvy shoppers recognize that prices on an array of items fluctuate over time. Holiday shoppers should not wait until the unofficial begin ning of the holiday season to start tracking prices, as that leaves little time for prices to change. The earlier you start, the better a feel you’ll develop for how much an item might cost and how much the item might come down in price before it’s time to pounce.

• Establish a price you’re comfortable paying. It’s beneficial to determine a price you’re comfortable paying for each item when comparison

shopping during the holiday season. This reduces the chances that you’ll delay buy ing an item until it’s too late to find a bargain. If you set prices you’re comfortable paying and items hit that mark, then purchase them right away and shift your attention to gifts for others on your list.

• Utilize alerts. Various comparison shopping sites allow users to set up email alerts that can inform them when items are being sold for a certain price determined by the shopper. Utilizing these alerts essentially lets the comparison tool do the work for you. Once you receive an alert, all you need to do is purchase the item.

• Ask around. Technology

has made it simpler than ever to comparison shop, but it’s important that holiday shoppers do not discount the value of word-of-mouth shopping. When speaking to neighbors or loved ones, ask if there are any local busi nesses that offer great deals or websites that they rely on to find budget-friendly items. Word-of-mouth shopping was once the norm, and it can still pay dividends when looking for holiday gifts. Comparison shopping is a must for budget-conscious holiday shoppers. Various strategies can help shoppers score great deals without feeling as though an item could have been found for less at a different retailer.

Finding shopping bargains in the current economy is a plus this holiday season.

Shoppers can find many deals online on Cyber Monday or at various retail websites.

Reasons to shop small versus big box

STAFF REPORT

The importance of small businesses to the economy cannot be overstated.

Though national chains often garner publicity, lo cal businesses are equally, if not exceedingly, worthy of attention.

What defines a small business as “small” varies significantly, but these businesses are generally privately owned and gen erate far less revenue than big corporations.

General consensus also defines small businesses as companies with fewer than 500 paid employ ees, according to the U.S.

Small Business Adminis tration.

Here’s a deep look at why small businesses are so vital, and why consum ers should direct more of their purchasing power to smaller companies rather than the big box retailers and other national chains.

1. Autonomy and diversity

The layout and offer ings at national chains will be identical whether you live in the mountains or at the beach. Big box stores follow a consistent marketing strategy and look the same regardless of where they are located. That familiarity can come

at the cost of variety. On the other hand, an inde pendent business offers the products and services that are reflective of the customers and the com munity they serve.

2. Local hiring strategy

Certain big box retailers will hire local residents, but hiring policies may push for promoting from within the organization. This could mean relo cating an employee rather than bringing in someone from the community who may be more in tune with local sensibilities.

Small businesses may be more inclined to hire resi

dents they know and keep hiring centralized to the local area — something that keeps more resources and money in the commu nity.

3. Adaptability and change

Local businesses can move more quickly to respond to economic fac tors that require change. Since they are focused more on the needs of their customers rather than stockholders, changes can be implemented rapid ly without having to go through red tape, meet ings and updates to corpo rate policies.

Changes also can be

customized to the local community at large.

4. Investing in the town

According to the finan cial resource Financial Slot, shopping at locally owned businesses rath er than big box retailers keeps more money in the community. Local prop erty taxes and other taxes paid by the businesses go right back into the com munity.

This helps raise overall value for homeowners and can even reduce their tax es. The funding helps keep police, fire and school departments functioning properly.

5. Turnover is greater

While no one wants to see a small business fail, that fate is sometimes unavoidable. However, that turnover helps teach communities what was done poorly and helps others learn from those mistakes. It also means fresh businesses will come in and replace the old, driving new growth, opportunity and compe tition that keeps prices competitive.

The benefits of a thriv ing small business sector are numerous. Consumers can do their part by pa tronizing the business.

‘Tis the season for gingerbread cookies

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

the sides of the bowl and all the ingredients are well incorporated.

ners and Sunday brunches together. Holiday baking sessions also hold a sacred spot in many households.

Such sessions are a great opportunity for adults and children to have some fun in the kitchen and create some tasty treats the whole family can enjoy.

Baked goods devotees may find it hard to imagine the holidays without gingerbread, and this recipe for “Soft Glazed Gingerbread” from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” (Chronicle Books) can ensure the whole family enjoys this holiday season staple.

Soft Glazed Gingerbread Cookies

Yields 12 to 20 cookies

3 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

4 teaspoons ground ginger

1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cloves

3⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 large egg

1⁄2 cup blackstrap or other dark molasses

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Glaze

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 tablespoons water

To make the dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attach ment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg and mix well. Add the mo lasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Stop the mixer again and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from

Remove the dough from the bowl, flatten it on a large piece of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, cover the dough with the plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper on a nonstick liner. Unwrap the dough and place on a floured work surface. If using a plaque with a design, roll out the dough 1⁄3-inch thick, lightly dust the top with flour, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut out the shapes with a small knife and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Alternatively, using the mold as a guide, cut around it with a small knife, flip the mold over so the design is facing you, and place the dough over it, pressing it into the design. Unmold the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.

If using a patterned rolling pin, lightly dust the lined baking sheet with flour and transfer the dough to the pan. Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour and roll it into a rectangle about 1⁄3-inch thick with a plain pin. Then, using the

patterned pin, roll over the dough with enough pressure to ensure a clear impression of the design. Trim the sides with a small knife.

It is not necessary to cut into smaller sizes be fore baking. Bake the cookies until lightly golden along the sides but still soft to the touch in the centers, 7 to 15 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the individual cookies, or if you have made a single large patterned piece that will be cut after baking.

While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and water until smooth. When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, while the cookies are still warm, using even strokes, brush a light coat of glaze on the top of each cookie, evenly covering it. Let the cookies cool complete ly. When the glaze dries, it should leave a shiny, opaque finish. If you have used a patterned pin to make a single large plaque, cut into the desired sizes with a small, very sharp knife.

The cookies will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about 2 weeks. They do not freeze well, however, as the glaze becomes watery when they are thawed.

Great gifts for school-aged children

STAFF REPORT

Successful shopping for adults on a holiday list often involves identifying a loved one’s favorite hobby and then finding some thing that makes that hobby even more enjoyable. For example, a new e-reader can be just what the family bookworm needs to make reading even more immersive.

School-aged children may not be so simple to shop for, as their interests are always evolving and they tend to outgrow toys as quickly as their growing bodies outgrow their clothes. No two kids are the same, but these gift ideas can appeal to school-aged young sters at a time in their lives when their curiosity is always piqued.

• STEM gifts: Parents know that the term “STEM” is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These academic disciplines have gained heightened importance over the last couple of decades, and many toy manufacturers now make products that reinforce STEM les sons kids learn in the classroom in a fun way. STEM-based toys are available for kids of all ages, including children who are still in diapers.

• Nature-based gifts: Many parents do everything they can to reduce the amount of time their kids spend looking at screens, which is a tall order in the digital era. But various manufactur ers produce toys designed to help kids be more physically active in the great outdoors.

From ageappropriate binoculars that encourage kids to explore natural settings to birdhouses and fairy gardens kids can build and paint in their favorite colors, shoppers can choose from a host of nature-based gifts that encourage kids to get away from their screens and enjoy the great outdoors.

• Board games: Board games remain a wonderful way for kids to learn and have fun doing it. Board games are made for kids of all ages, and they’re not just fun, but also beneficial to early childhood development. For example, clinical psychol ogist Beatrice Tauber Prior, Psy.D., noted to the children’s book publisher and distributor Scholastic that board games requiring strategy help the fron tal lobes of the brain develop. Those lobes are responsible for planning, organizing and decision-making. Board games also provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together free from distractions.

• Cookbooks: Cookbooks are another great gift for school-aged youngsters, who can learn a lot from pitching in at dinnertime. Children who cook with their parents can learn valuable lessons about nutrition and measuring ingredients can reinforce lessons learned in the classroom. Shop pers can choose from any number of cookbooks designed for kids, and even children as young as two can pitch in when baking cookies or preparing family meals.

Tips for baking better Christmas cookies

STAFF REPORT

Cookies and other baked treats are everywhere come the holiday season. It’s not uncommon to give cookies as gifts or arrive at holiday gatherings with cakes and other decadent desserts. Cookies are a classic holiday treat, and some families even build entire traditions around baking Christmas cookies.

Novice bakers making cookies for the first time may be a little over whelmed when perus ing recipes. Baking is a science, and sometimes it takes practice to get the results just right. How ever, there are some tips that can help yield better,

buttery bounties. Handle butter with care

Butter can make or break a cookie recipe, as butter is often the glue that holds the cookie together. Therefore, it is

key to follow the direc tions carefully regarding how to handle butter. Smithsonian.com says to leave butter at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes to properly soften it. This takes patience, but fiddling with butter too much can damage its

delectable integrity. While purists may say butter is best, margarine may be acceptable if it has a high fat content; otherwise, cookies may spread out and flatten. When it comes time to cream the butter with sugar, be sure to do so thoroughly to incorpo rate air into the butter and remove the grainy texture of the sugar.

Measure flour properly

Measuring flour the right way can ensure cook ies come out right. The Cooking Channel says to spoon the flour lightly into a dry measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Do not dip the measuring cup

into the flour or tap the knife against the cup. This will pack too much flour into the measuring cup and result in dry, tough cookies.

Slow down the eggs

Add eggs one at a time to make sure each will emul sify properly with the fat in the butter. Adding eggs en masse may cause the emulsification to fail.

Chill out

Follow recipes that call for chilling cookie dough carefully. This process is important for making sliced and shaped cookies. By chilling, the dough be

comes more malleable for rolling and even slicing.

Use a bottom rack

Too much heat may compromise cookie integ rity. The food experts at Delish say to try moving cookies onto a lower rack in the oven if they aren’t retaining their shape when baked. Put an empty cook ie sheet on the top rack. That will block the cookies from the most intense heat that rises to the top of the oven. Mastering cookies takes a little patience and some trial and error. Once bakers get their feet wet, Christmas-cookie-bak ing becomes even more special.

Baking cookies is a holiday tradition in many homes.

Handcraft holiday gifts this year with help from Woodcraft

STAFF REPORT

Nothing says “I care” like a gift you make with your hands — from your heart. Woodcraft has an exten sive selection of kits, plans and how-to videos and blogs to help the serious gift-giver create a present to remember. And, for the folks who don’t need a kit, Woodcraft offers all the tools, materials and sup plies to create a gift “from scratch.”

Custom knives

Whether you have a chef, an outdoorsman/camper or a survivalist on your gift list, a handmade knife will be a welcome gift. Select a knife kit and wood or

man-made scale (handle) material to build a custom kitchen or outdoor knife.

WoodRiver Mosaic Pins add a decorative touch.

ZHEN Kitchen Knife Kits include several types of knives, such as paring, chef’s and bread — all with attractive steel blanks.

WoodRiver knife kits for camping, hunting, skin ning, filleting, and other outdoor tasks include Drop Point Skinner or Modified Skinner, Fillet, Drop Point Hunter, Tanto Style, Spear Point, Alaskan ULU, and a Camp Axe. Camillus and Sarge knife kits are also available at Woodcraft. To learn about knife making, watch https://bit.ly/knifebuild on Woodcraft.com.

Eye-catching cutting boards

A cutting board is the perfect present for those who love to cook. That’s especially true when the cutting boards are at tractive as well as func tional. Make one or more custom cutting boards with a Woodcraft kit or with wood you select. To make the process easier, Woodcraft kits include a selection of different woods that have already been milled. Arrange wood pieces, glue them togeth er, clamp, and then sand. Watch https://bit.ly/ cuttingboardvideo to learn how to make a cutting board.

Pens and other small turned project kits

Pen turning is one of the easiest woodworking skills to learn — and one that can become habit-form ing. Woodcraft’s huge variety of pen kits and blanks make handcrafted pens the perfect custom gifts that can reflect the recipient’s favorite color, sport or hobby, military service, or profession (firefighter, police offi cer). For those who are not turners but want to be, watch https://bit.ly/ penturning101 on Wood craft.com . Other turning options include kits for making bottle stoppers, ornaments, pepper and salt mills, pizza cutters, ice cream and coffee scoops, vegetable peelers, cheese planes, roasting forks, and canes.

Create one-of-a-kind rings

Make unique jewelry with WoodRiver Titani um Comfort Ring Cores. Select a core the size of the giftee’s finger, and then choose from Woodcraft’s attractive offering of wood and man-made blanks to turn a cover for the core. Bushings are required (sold separately). Ring sizing gauges and display boxes are also available. Watch https://bit.ly/turna-ring to learn the steps in using a ring core to make a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Woodcarving

For those interested in carving a present, Wood craft carries an extensive selection of superior quality pfeil Swiss Made Carving Tools and Flexcut Carving Tools for carvers of all skill levels. For be ginners, Woodcraft carries two how-to products. Fox

Chapel Learn to Carve Kits

— Renowned carver Har old Enlow has designed hand cast resin sticks with a natural wood stain that provide a visual step-bystep carving progression to make realistic caricatures and facial features for Santa, a Cowboy, a Female Face, and a Wood Spirit. Kits also include a 32page booklet. Each Record Power 12-Piece Carving Chisel Set includes a tuto rial DVD and booklet from internationally acclaimed carver and teacher Mike Davies, who has developed a unique “carving by num bers” system that is ideal for the novice carving en thusiast. The DVD features his Significant Six carving techniques that will form a solid foundation for an as piring woodcarver’s skills.

Build beautiful model kits

UGears has created a se

ries of wooden Model Kits that range from miniature aircraft (10 to 19 parts; estimated completion of 10 minutes) to the complex Trimaran Merihobus Sail boat (237 parts; estimated 15 hours to assemble). Put down the electronics and build one of these attrac tive models — no glue or tools required — or give a model kit as a gift.

Plans and books

Woodcraft carries an extensive selection of paper and downloadable plans and books about making toys, jewelry boxes, furniture, and a lot more. To learn more about these products and the glues, finishes and other supplies you may need, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482, or visit woodcraft.com. Visit https://bit.ly/hand craftgifts to see related blog.

Tips to keep your tree fresh this holiday season

STAFF REPORT

Christmas trees are often the pièce de résistance of hol iday decor. Few things draw the attention of holiday guests quite like an awe-inspiring Christmas tree, especially when that tree maintains its fresh, healthy sheen through out December. Many families purchase fresh trees over Thanksgiving weekend or during the first weekend of December.

Though the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day may seem like a long time to keep a tree looking great, there are a handful of ways for holiday celebrants to help their trees maintain that undeniable appeal for the long haul.

• Pick the right tree. Choos ing the right tree is one of the simplest ways to keep a tree looking good throughout the holiday season.

A freshly cut tree that buyers choose and cut down themselves or have cut down can reassure them that the

tree is likely to stay strong throughout December. Trees purchased from a tree lot may have been cut down long before they made it to the lot, which can make it harder to keep them looking good until Christmas Day.

• Cut an inch off the base of any tree that is not freshly cut.

MSU Extension at Michigan State University notes that all Christmas trees are conifers, which means they have resin canals in their trunks. Once a tree is cut, the resin can block the pores and make it harder for the tree to take in water.

Cutting an inch off the base of a tree that was not freshly cut just before putting it in the stand can help ensure it gets the water it needs to stay healthy and firm. MSU Exten sion notes that this approach should be taken with any tree that was not cut within six to eight hours of being put in a stand.

• Replenish the water sup ply every day. Fresh tree vet erans recognize that Christ mas trees can be very thirsty,

especially within the first week or so of being cut and brought home. Fill the stand with water each morning and, if necessary, refill it each night before going to bed. The more water a tree gets and drinks, the more likely it is that the tree will look healthy all the way to Christmas Day.

MSU Extension notes that many decorative or antique tree stands do not hold much water, so anyone with such a stand may need to replenish the water supply more than once or twice per day.

• Keep the tree away from a heat source. For safety’s sake, trees should be kept away from heating vents, fireplaces and space heaters. But keep ing trees away from such heat sources, and ensuring they are not spending the daytime in direct sunlight, also de creases the chances they will dry out before Christmas Day. A handful of simple strategies can help holiday celebrants keep their Christmas trees looking good throughout the month of December.

Did you know?

STAFF REPORT

The Small Business Admin istration estimates that, for ev ery $100 consumers spend at a small business, $48 remains in the community.

Conscientious consumers who want to help local entre preneurs thrive may not need any extra incentive to support small businesses in their communities.

However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth noting the tax benefits of buying local compared to buying online or in other towns or cities.

Small businesses pay sales taxes to the city and county where the business is located, which means a significant amount of the money spent at local businesses is ultimately going to the community at large.

In addition, local businesses tend to hire local residents, who pay taxes on their incomes. Those taxes also benefit the towns and cities where workers live and work. This ripple effect of support ing local businesses is one reason why the Small Business Administration estimates that, for every $100 consumers spend at a small business, $48 remains in the community.

Serve potato pancakes for holiday celebrations

STAFF REPORT

Potato pancakes are traditionally served during Chanukah celebra tions. This dish is often referred to as “latkes,” a Yiddish word that loosely translates to “little oily thing.”

Potato pancakes are not exclusive to Jewish celebrations and cuisine. Germans have their own variation called “kartoffelpuffer” that can be served with sour cream, applesauce or smoked salmon.

The Irish have “boxty,” which may be made with a combination of shred ded potato and mashed potato before being fried. Many potato pancake recipes are quite similar.

They involve only a few ingredi ents and fry up in a flash. Some chefs recommend draining the shredded potato prior to cooking so that the pancakes will fry up crispy and not be soggy or break apart. Enjoy this recipe for “Latkes,” courtesy of AllRecipes. com.

Latkes (Potato Pancakes)

Serves 12

3 large potatoes, peeled and shredded

1 small onion, shredded

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or as needed

1⁄2 cup vegetable oil

1. Place the potatoes and onion into a bowl, and stir in eggs, salt and flour as needed to make the mixture hold together. With wet hands, scoop up about 1⁄3 cup of the mixture per patty, and form into flat round or oval shapes.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shim mers, and gently place the patties into the hot oil. Fry until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp, 5 to 8 minutes, then flip with a spatula and fry the oth er side until golden.

3. Line a colander or strainer with 2 paper towels, and drain the cooked latkes in the colander. Serve hot.