Southern Vermont Gift Guide 2022

Gift ideas for the family do-it-yourselfer

Do-it-yourselfers can be even more handy with tools geared toward their interests and repair needs

Home improvement projects enable homeowners to transform their homes into their ideal living spaces. According to iProperty Management, most homeowners in the United States spent between $5,000 and $10,000 improving their homes in 2018. And it doesn’t stop there, as home improvement sales are projected to reach $465 billion in 2022. Various renovation projects are best left to the professionals. However, many homeowners are eager to get their own hands dirty with various projects, large and small. Having the right tools and gear on hand can make projects go all the more smoothly. Holiday shoppers can consider these ideas as they seek to ensure DIYers have all they need to get the job done.

Painting time-savers

Painting requires some basic essentials, from paint trays to rollers to brushes. Projects can be made more efficient with innovative products that help save time and reduce mess. One such item is a paint brush

cover, which snaps over wet paintbrushes between coats so they won’t dry out or require rinsing. Brushes that cut in easily and others with flexible handles for getting in tight places also make painting projects that much easier.

Cordless drill

A mechanical drill makes easy work of assembly projects and general renovations that require screws as fasteners. A cordless rechargeable drill will be easy to maneuver when

handling projects away from outlets. Going cord-free also reduces the risk of trips and falls on errant cords.

Lawn care subscription service

Home improvements extend to the exterior. In addition to mowers, trimmers and garden shears, DIYers may benefit from subscription products that improve on property care. These formulations are customized to the specific needs of homeowners’ lawn or landscaping greenery and are shipped right to their door.

Rotary tool kit

This is one of the most versatile tools homeowners can have on hand. A rotary tool can engrave, grind, sharpen, polish, cut, carve, and more depending on the accessory attachment.

Multi-use ladder

A ladder is a necessity for various projects inside and outside the home. One that can transform into

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an A-frame, scaffold system, staircase ladder and other configurations helps ensure maximum safe reach for the job at hand.

Composter

Whether you use an indoor kitchen composter or one designed for outdoor use, being able to generate one’s own compost is great for avid gardeners. Compost, often called “black gold,” is made from kitchen scraps, leaves and other items that break down into a rich fertilizer.

Tool box/tool organizer

Tool storage is a market all its own. It runs the gamut from rolling metal storage containers to plastic or metal boxes to canvas bags to plastic molded curated kits. Tool organizer kits also come at various price points, so it’s easy for shoppers to choose one that fits their budgets.

Organizing units

Organizing units are available in prefabricated kits that are easily assembled when needed, as well as custom-made products that are installed by a professional. They may be an option for a handy person looking to organize tools and other items for home repairs.

Recycle and reduce waste for the holidays

The holiday season is a special time of year. Individuals often spend a little more on gifts, indulge a little more on rich foods and treats and make a concerted effort to enjoy more time with their loved ones during the holidays.

The tendency to overdo things during the holiday season can create a lot of waste. In fact, Americans produce 25 percent more garbage from Thanksgiving through the end of the year, according to Waste Advantage magazine, a publication of the waste and recycling industry. That uptick equates to one million tons of extra trash per week throughout the holidays.

Extra food, plastic and paper waste is generated this time of year, but people can be mindful of the potential to go overboard and take some steps to be more waste-conscious as they entertain.

· Reuse a small portion of wrapping paper or look for other

wrapping items. Sunday comics, newsprint, colorful magazine pages, and even pieces of fabric can be used to wrap gifts in lieu of purchasing new wrapping paper. Otherwise, collect used wrapping paper and reuse it next year, doing the same with boxes and bows. According to researchers at Stanford University, if every American family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.

· Skip disposable party items. It’s certainly easy to use disposable plates, napkins and cups when hosting holiday parties, but that is very wasteful. Opt for durable, reusable products that can be packed away and used each year during holiday events.

· Buy durable and reusable items as gifts. Avoid fad gifts and focus on items that will have staying power. Homemade gifts, such as foods, knitted scarves,

artwork, and more, are generally eco-friendly.

· Set up marked trash and recycling receptacles. Remind party guests to recycle the appropriate materials by clearly marking a pail designed for collecting recyclables, such as cans, plastic beverage bottles and glass wine bottles. Most hard plastics can be recycled.

· Remove your name from catalog lists. Call companies and ask to be taken off promotional mailing lists to reduce paper waste.

· Send a photo. Mail holiday card recipients photos of the kids or the entire family in lieu of cards. They’re apt to save the photos and display them, helping to keep even more paper trash out of landfills.

· Research new recipes for leftovers. With an abundance of food remaining after entertaining, turn leftovers into new meals by exploring recipes from friends or by doing a little research online.

What to give new homeowners this holiday season

The real estate market has been a wild ride in recent years. Sellers have cashed in on record-breaking profits, and buyers have had to compete against many others — sometimes in bidding wars — for a limited number of properties. Once listed, homes are selling fast. As interest rates rise and inventory increases, things are likely to change, though for some it did not come soon enough.

Individuals who were lucky enough to find a new home this year may discover they now have little money to outfit those homes. Shoppers with new homeowners on their holiday shopping lists may want to help those loved ones outfit their homes this season. The following are some home-related gift ideas to get shoppers started.

Video/smart doorbell

Although the smart doorbell market began with only a handful of options, there’s now a bevy of manufacturers who make video and smart home doorbells. These doorbells serve the dual purpose of alerting homeowners to someone at the

door, while providing surveillance of the comings and goings outside of the home. Depending on the product, a subscription may be needed to access video history. Doorbells range from $50 to $200 and more depending on features and resolution.

Furniture gift card

There’s a good chance new homeowners will need to furnish new rooms in a home, particularly if they’re coming from an apartment or a smaller place. Many people also like to update furnishings when they move into new places. A gift card to a popular furniture store in the area will provide the head-start new homeowners need to secure sofas, dining sets, lamps, rugs, and more.

Household tool kit

What better way to prepare new homeowners for the do-it-yourself projects and household repairs than with a tool kit? Home improvement retailers often package common tools needed in carrying cases or sets, but shoppers can grab separate items they think will be used and

group them together into one gift. Pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, a level, and measuring tape are good starter tools.

Customized doormat

Give that new home additional curb appeal with a doormat customized with a special message or the new homeowners’ names, such as Welcome to the Smith Home. Other customizeable products include cutting boards and wall plaques.

Programmable thermostat

A programmable or learning thermostat will help new homeowners save on their energy bills. Many thermostats now pair with smart home systems and phones and automatically adjust the temperature as needed to reduce energy consumption.

Linens

A high thread count sheet set or plush Turkish cotton towels may not be something new homeowners think to get for themselves. But these luxurious gifts can make life at home more comfortable.

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Gifts to get kids off the couch

Devices can be hard to ignore. Seemingly always within arm’s length, devices such as tablets and smartphones are as popular as ever. In a survey designed to gauge smartphone ownership, the Pew Research Center found that 85 percent of Americans owned a smartphone in 2021. That reflects a significant increase since 2011, when 35 percent of Americans owned a smartphone.

Adults may recognize the potential pitfalls of spending too much time on their devices, but those pitfalls are not nearly as apparent to children. For instance, a 2021 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry found that excessive smartphone use is associated with various health problems in adolescents and young adults. Such issues include psychiatric, cognitive, emotional, medical, and brain changes. A separate 2021 study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that children have a 62 percent greater risk of developing a binge-eating disorder for each additional hour they spend on social media.

Parents know that gettings kid to put down their devices is no small

task. However, the holiday season can be the perfect time to find fun gifts for kids that have nothing to do with screens and encourage kids to be more physically active.

Lessons

Whether it’s surfing, boating or music lessons, various courses do not require devices or even allow them to be used during sessions. Parents and loved ones of children can look for lessons that inspire

youngsters to pursue a new passion that promotes physical activity and encourages kids to get up and go.

Trampoline

Aunts and uncles should definitely clear this one with mom and dad before purchasing it. However, no kid, including tweens and newly minted teenagers, can resist a good trampoline. Modern trampolines are safer than yesterday’s models, especially when shop-

pers choose ones with enclosures that prevent kids from falling off the trampoline and onto the hard ground below.

Sports equipment

Organized sports instill lessons about sportsmanship, hard work, overcoming adversity, and the value of working as a team, all the while promoting physical activity. Young children who haven’t yet participated in organized sports may be compelled to do so if a new baseball mitt or basketball hoop is waiting under the tree this holiday season.

Kites

Kites can be perfect for kids who don’t take to sports or those who simply need a break from competition. Kites can help young children develop their gross motor skills and instill in them a love of the great outdoors that lasts a lifetime.

Getting kids to put down their devices is no small task. But parents and loved ones can do their best by giving gifts that encourage kids to get off the couch and be more physically active.

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Gifts for people who love the great outdoors

Certain people feel right at home in the great outdoors. With the sun on their faces and the wind in their hair, rock scramblers and kayaking buffs simply can’t get enough of being outside in the elements. Outdoor enthusiasts need reliable gear to make their experiences that much more enjoyable. Brandon Gaille Small Business & Marketing Advice reports that $230.6 billion was spent worldwide on sportswear and outdoor apparel in 2021. However, there’s always room to improve on adventures large and small, and holiday shoppers can keep these items in mind as they look for items for their favorite nature lover this season.

Plasma lighter

A plasma lighter can start fires in conditions that aren’t conducive to other fire-starting measures. Plasma lighters are water- and wind-resistant and work in nearly all weather conditions. Saberlight

even makes a rechargeable option with USB charging cable.

Lantern

Outside magazine recently named the BioLite AlpenGlow 250 as its new favorite road trip item. It can be used in a variety of settings, including inside a tent or at a hunting cabin, and produces customizable illumination.

Backpack cooler

Yeti is known as a leader in coolers, and the Yeti Hopper Backflip Soft Cooler makes carrying food and beverages even more convenient. This product is a backpack and a cooler, so it’s a hands-free and portable option when out in nature.

Waterproof backpack

Whether a loved one spends time in or near the water or just wants to safeguard his or her belongings in inclement weather, a waterproof backpack is the ideal outdoor gift.

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Hiking socks

Keeping feet cool and comfortable is essential on hiking trips. Injinji socks are made from CoolMax fibers that help provide a blister-free wilderness experience designed to minimize friction.

Lightweight sleeping bag

Maybe someone’s sleeping gear needs an overhaul? Enlightened Equipment offers an 850-fill, zero-degree sleeping bag that is warm, but only weighs 1.5 pounds. That helps free up space and lessens hikers’ loads when carrying gear on the trail.

Power bank/solar charger

Many people can’t live without their devices, even when out in the great outdoors. Since you can’t plug a phone into a tree, a portable solar charger and power bank is key. The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ comes with its own built-in battery, so a person can capture the sun’s rays during the day and save some power reserves for charging after sunset.

These are just a few of the innovative items that can appeal to outdoor enthusiasts on your holiday shopping list.

How to make the most of shopping holidays

Shortly after the Thanksgiving leftovers are put away, individuals’ thoughts shift to shopping. This is likely why the biggest shopping weekend of the holidays tends to fall directly after Tom Turkey has bid adieu.

Black Friday, Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday all come on the heels of the Thanksgiving holiday. These popular shopping holidays present opportunities for shoppers to score great prices on items on their shopping lists. Shoppers can take some additional steps to ensure they get the best prices possible .

USE A PRICE TRACKING TOOL

Maybe the price of that gadget seems too good to be true, but could it go any lower? Utilize price-tracking tools to chart when prices go up and down so you know the best time to buy. With a resource like CamelCamelCamel, you can track the price of every item on Amazon and even set price alerts when it reaches your desired price. For other retailers, Honey and SlickDeals

can help shoppers get the best prices possible. Honey applies coupon codes and can alert users to price drops.

CHERRY PICK DEALS

Different stores will offer different sales. Use your shopping list to match up with newspaper circulars (or online sales notices) and mark off on the list which store to visit for each item. Cherry pick deals accordingly. FLIPP is an app that enables you to compare prices in newspaper fliers so you know who is offering the best prices.

KNOW YOUR PRICES

It’s important to know the ordinary sticker price of common items and their price histories before assuming something is a great deal on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday. Unfortunately, some stores inflate prices around the holidays so their “doorbuster” deals seem like a deep slash. However, a $20 item marked down to $15 may not be such a bargain when you realize the original

selling price was $15. Being a savvy shopper means knowing the value of items before shopping.

STICK TO A LIST AND BUDGET

Keep track of what you’re spending with a running tally if you’re not using cash. This will help to keep spending in check. Also, do not buy items just for the sake of getting them at good prices. This can bust your budget quickly. Make a list and try not to deviate from it.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP

Ask the employees of the store if there are any coupons or promotions that you may be missing. Small businesses may have more wiggle room to work with you because they’re not beholden to corporate pricing strategies. It never hurts to ask, even if the answer is “no.”

Use smart strategies to get the best prices on gifts at the start of the holiday shopping season and in the weeks leading up to the big day.

Gifts to rev auto lovers’ engines

Since they first became widely available in the early 20th century, cars have inspired no small number of passionate devotees. Some people simply can’t resist the thrills of the open road, while others love driving because of the sense of independence it provides. Regardless of what inspires their passions, come the holiday season, auto enthusiasts undoubtedly would be excited to unwrap these auto-related gifts.

Car wash kit

It’s one thing to drive, and another thing entirely to drive a car that looks like it’s fresh off the dealership lot. Car wash kits come in various sizes, so they’re ideal for holiday shoppers working with various budgets. Kits may include wet wax, wheel gel, glass cleaner, a short handle brush, and microfiber towels, among other supplies. Each accessory within the kit can make cars or trucks shine and look as good as new.

Mechanics’ tool kit

Many car lovers enjoy working on their vehicles almost as much as

they love driving them. That makes a mechanic’s tool kit a must-have for auto enthusiasts. Like car wash kits, mechanics’ kits are ideal gifts because they can suit shoppers work-

ing with various budgets. Extensive kits include all the tools car lovers need, from ratchets to extension bars to sockets and more, to spend a fun day working in the garage.

Tire inflator

All those miles on the open road is bound to catch up with tires over time, and a portable tire inflator can ensure tires are always properly inflated. Cordless varieties are popular, but so are options that can be plugged into vehicle lighters. Either way, this is a must-have item for anyone who puts a lot of miles on their vehicle.

Autocross lesson

Of course, gifts for auto lovers needn’t be restricted to helping them take care of their own cars. Autocross lessons can teach drivers the finer points of timed competitions while enabling them to get behind the wheel of an exotic car they’ve dreamed of driving. Autocross schools typically have classes for drivers with experience as well as novices, making this a fun gift for anyone who wants to take the thrill of driving to the next level.

There’s no shortage of gift ideas to please the auto enthusiast on your holiday shopping list this year. From the fun to the functional, there’s something for everyone who loves being behind the wheel.

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4 gifts for the busy professional on your holiday list

The life of a successful professional can be hectic. Demands at work force many professionals to work long hours, and those days could be even longer for remote workers. In fact, a 2020 study of 2,800 workers by the staffing firm Robert Half found that 70 percent of workers who transitioned to remote work due to the pandemic now work on the weekends. The survey also found that 45 percent of workers indicate they now routinely work more hours during the week than they did prior to the pandemic.

With so much on their plates, busy professionals may not have time to shop for products that can make their lives a little easier. That makes the holiday season a perfect time for people to consider what to get the hardworking professional on their shopping list. These four gifts can each make it easier for busy professionals to handle long days at the office.

1. Portable phone charger

Modern professionals rely on their smartphones to check and send work emails, keep track of their busy schedules and answer calls from colleagues, among other things. But

those phones are only useful when their batteries are charged. Portable phone chargers are lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for on-the-go professionals who need to keep their phones charged all day long. Professionals who spend lots of time in their vehicles may love a solar-powered portable charger, which ensures their phone batteries stay charged even when they forget USB cables at home.

2. Wireless headphones

Though some models can cost of hundreds of dollars, a reliable set of wireless headphones can be found for as little as $50. These headphones can be especially useful for professionals who work from home, as many are designed to cancel out ambient noise, making it easier to participate in Zoom calls or other meetings even if the kids are being rowdy right outside a home office door.

3. Cleaning service

Few chores are less appealing after a long day at the office than cleaning a house. Many cleaning services offer weekly or monthly packages, and professionals would

undoubtedly appreciate someone taking this time-consuming task off their to-do list. Ask a relative or two to pitch in and help pay for the service if it’s beyond your budget.

4. Slow cooker

Slow cookers allow users to put everything in a pot in the morning and then arrive at night to a readyto-eat, homecooked meal. These can

be especially valuable to professionals who work long hours and don’t have the time to prepare a meal from scratch at the end of a workday. Whethers it’s portable tech, some help keeping their homes clean or a device designed to simplify homecooking, various gift ideas can help make busy professionals’ lives a little less hectic.

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Great gift experiences for foodies

Experiential gifts shift the emphasis from tangible items to building memories through experiences. Various studies have indicated that the memories gained through experiences may surpass the exhilaration and happiness of receiving a material item. What’s more, experiential gifts may be something that people can share together — expanding the possibilities of gift-giving even further.

There are many different experiences to accommodate people’s specific interests. People who enjoy spending time in the kitchen will undoubtedly be excited by these food-related experiential gifts.

Culinary classes

What better way to enjoy a passion for cooking than by learning more about techniques and terminology? Culinary classes can be the perfect avenue through which to gain more experience and instruction from professionals. While it’s possible to enroll in a culinary school if the goal is to change careers, many different private classes are ideal for hobbyists, such as cake decorating lessons to classes catering to children and teens.

Attend a show

Food as entertainment was first made popular by legendary television personality Julia

Child. Child paved the way for many others, including professionally trained chefs and those like Rachael Ray, who honed her self-taught skills through experience. Network food shows often tape in metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles. Research how to purchase tickets and give the experience of being an audience member.

Food and beverage hop

To promote local businesses, many cities and towns with strong hospitality markets organize seasonal restaurant tasting tours. For a predetermined price, participants gain entry to various establishments offering samples of their offerings. Gift-givers can purchase entry to these events, gifting a few people at the same time. Then the group can sip and nibble the day away.

Personal chef for a day

Treat someone to a professionally prepared meal in his or her own home. Private caterers and personal chefs will sometimes offer their services and walk guests through the making of a meal — preparing it right before their eyes in one person’s home. It’s a great way to learn technique and gather with a few other lucky people to enjoy a delicious meal at home with little effort.

Food-based experiential gifts can treat any foodie to special memories that last a lifetime

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Experiential gifts for seniors

Experiences can make for the perfect holiday gifts for seniors who have it all

Holiday shoppers know that, seemingly every year, there’s one person on their shopping list who’s hard to shop for. Seniors may fit that bill, as many have already accumulated a lifetime’s worth of goods and gadgets. That’s why experiential gifts can be such a good fit for seniors come the holiday season.

Experiential gifts are wildly popular. In its 2021 Winter Holiday Shopping Report, the market research firm Mintel revealed that nearly half of individuals surveyed for the report felt that experiential gifts are superior to tangible items. Seniors who already have everything they need might be even more enthusiastic about experiential gifts, which may encourage them to get out of the house or pursue passions they’ve long had a passing interest in. This holiday season, shoppers can consider these experiences as they look for something new and unique for the seniors on their shopping lists.

· Biplane flight: Few experiences are as exhilarating as a flight in an

open cockpit biplane. Biplane flights are unique to each company that offers them, but some planes can accommodate two passengers (in addition to the pilot), making this an ideal gift for senior couples who aren’t afraid of a bird’s eye view. The length of a flight depends on shoppers’ budgets, but no matter how long seniors are in the air, they’re sure to return to the ground having enjoyed a truly unique experience.

· Hot air balloon ride: If riding shotgun with a pilot in a tiny plane is more adventure than your favorite senior may be seeking, a hot air balloon ride may be more suitable. Hot air balloon rides provide a truly stunning way to experience idyllic settings and a calm way to take to the skies on a beautiful day. Rides tend to last around an hour, but companies typically offer various packages and may even let shoppers customize rides for their loved ones.

· Theatre tickets: The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t been easy for anyone, but seniors were among the

groups most vulnerable to serious infection if they caught the virus. As a result, many seniors strictly adhered to social distancing guidelines prior to getting vaccinated. Now that seniors are eligible to be fully vaccinated and even receive two rounds of booster shots, a trip to the theatre can reignite their passion for live entertainment and make for a memorable night out.

· Cycling tour: Modern seniors are among the most physically active demographics. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that, within months of the pandemic being declared, adults age 65 and older averaged 100 more minutes of physical activity than the next closest cohort. A cycling tour can make for a perfect gift to active seniors. Tours may be designed to visit local places of historical significance, idyllic natural settings or local eateries. Wherever the tours ultimately end up, they’re sure to put a smile on active seniors’ faces.

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Experiential gifts for kids

The popularity of experiential gifts is undeniable. In its 2021 Winter Holiday Shopping Report, the market research firm Mintel revealed that nearly half of individuals surveyed for the report felt that experiential gifts are superior to tangible items. Such preferences are something holiday shoppers can keep in mind as they pursue the perfect gift for their loved ones.

Experiential gifts are often associated with adults and their bucket lists, but kids have much to gain from being gifted experiences as well. In addition to the lasting memories inspired by experiential gifts, such offerings also get kids up and out of the house. Parents recognize that’s not always so easy in the digital age. Though children likely don’t have a bucket list that can make it easy for holiday shoppers to find the perfect experiential gift, the following are a number of experiences that kids of all ages can enjoy.

• A day at the zoo

• A trip to a trampoline park or bouncy house facility

• Tickets to a sporting event, concert or live show

• Music lessons

• A paint and sip (juice) event with one or both parents

• Cooking lessons

• A day at a nearby national park

• A camping trip

• Horseback riding lessons

• A day at a nearby amusement park

• A day at a local arcade

• A day at a local museum with interactive exhibits

• A helicopter ride

• Art lessons

• A day on the ski slopes

• A day on the beach

• Gymnastics lessons/classes

• A day at the local bowling alley with friends

• Ice skating lessons

• A round of mini golf

• Jewelry-making lessons/classes

There’s no shortage of experiences that can benefit children’s lives. That’s something holiday shoppers can keep in mind as they shop for the perfect gifts for youngsters on their shopping list this December.