LNT_Downtown Peru Gift Guide_112322

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Downtown Peru Gift Guide There’s no place like home for holiday shopping! Information On New Peru Holiday Events! Holiday Shopping Tips & Information Great Gift Ideas From Downtown Peru Merchants 2022

Craft an entire day around tree shopping

Though retailers may begin playing holiday tunes shortly after Halloween, for many peo ple, no date on the calendar marks the beginning of the hol iday season better than the day they pick up their Christmas tree. There are many different ways to acquire a Christmas tree. Some people prefer artificial Christmas trees that can be stored and taken out each year. Others make a yearly expedition to a tree lot or a Christmas tree farm to find the perfect fir or spruce. Historians believe a man named W.V. McGallard planted 25,000 Norway spruce seedlings at his Mercer County, New Jersey farm in 1901, essentially establishing the first commercial Christmas tree farm. By 1908, customers could visit the farm and choose trees for $1 each. McGallard helped create an entirely new industry that now accounts for 350 million trees being grown and sold in the United States every year.

Selecting a Christmas tree may not take more than an hour or two, but there are ways for fam ilies and other tree shoppers to maximize their time spent look ing for a tree.

• Bring refreshments. Couple Christmas tree shopping with picnicking if the weather is amenable. Pack some foldable chairs into the vehicle (sitting on the ground on a blanket may be too cold) and bring along thermoses of coffee or hot cocoa. Snacks like granola bars, Christmas cookies or other fill

ing treats can keep everyone sat isfied and energized while they shop for a tree.

• Pair tree shopping with a trip to see lighting displays. Find the tree lot or tree farm and then scope out potentially scenic spots to view holiday lighting displays nearby. Neighborhood Facebook or other social media groups often tout homes that put up eye-catching displays. Ask around for addresses and plan your own tours.

• Plan a night out. Everyone may be tired and hungry after a long day of Christmas tree hunting. Plus, it’s typically a good idea to wait some time for boughs to open before dec orating. Use this opportunity to dine out and return home ready to decorate. Make it a regular occurrence that Christmas tree shopping is followed by a family meal at a favorite restaurant.

• Watch a classic film. Many different holiday movies are broadcast this time of year and each enhances the Christmas spirit. While putting up the tree, play a favorite film in the background. What better way to enjoy decorating your own tree than by watching Charlie Brown adorn his meager evergreen at the same time?

Make a day of selecting and putting up the Christmas tree each year. Doing so can enhance the holidays and make for an entertaining way to spend time together as a couple or family.

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2 ShawLocal.com | NewsTribune | Illinois Valley Shopper | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | PERU CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE GIVE THE GIFT OF TECHNOLOGY! FREEPOINTCONNECTING TUMBLER WITH ANY PURCHASE!RETAIL FREE WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY LAPTOP FROM OUR RETAIL STORE! $29.95 VALUE Acer V226 21.5” Full HD Monitor (Refurbished) VGA, DVI – Includes: VGA Cable 90 Day CPCC Warranty Price: $50.00* HP Pavilion 17.3” Notebook (Refurbished) Intel i5-1155G7 2.6 GHz (4 Core) Processor 12 GB Memory/ 1 TB HDD Storage 17.3” Backlit FHD Display/ Backlit Keyboard Windows 11 Home 64 Operating System 90 Day Warranty Price: $449.00 Was $549.00 Save $100.00 HP ProDesk 400 G5 SFF Computer (Refurbished) Intel i5-8500 3.0 GHz (6 Core) Processor 8 GB Memory/ 512 GB SSD Storage/DVD-RW Drive Windows 11 Pro 64 Operating System USB Wired Keyboard and Mouse 90 Day CPCC Warranty Price: $349.00* (Limited Quantities) *BUNDLED PRICE FOR HP PRODESK 400 & ACER MONITOR $369.00

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 in creases, 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 follow ing 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 home owners 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 ac

cess video history. Doorbells range from $50 to $200 and more depend ing 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 com ing 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 retail ers 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 home owners’ names, such as Welcome to the Smith Home. Other custom izeable products include cutting boards and wall plaques.

• Programmable thermostat: A pro grammable or learning thermostat will help new homeowners save on their energy bills. Many thermostats now pair with smart home systems and phones and automatically ad just 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 them selves. But these luxurious gifts can make life at home more comfort able.

Moving into a new home is an exciting yet expensive endeavor. Carefully curated gifts can tap into what new homeowners need the most. GG229226

3 PERU CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | NewsTribune | Illinois Valley Shopper | ShawLocal.com Debo Hardware 1713 4th Street • Downtown Peru • 815-223-0461 Har Saturday December 3, 11am-1pm Pictures with Santa! He will have treats for the kids! Taste samplings of a variety of products! Holiday ornament make and take event! Free gift wrapping! Enter to win gift baskets! (Enter to win in store only on Saturday, December 3)

How to navigate potential supply shortages this holiday season

The COVID-19 pandemic might not be over, but for much of the world, its darkest days are well in the rearview mirror. De spite that progress, a few linger ing non-medical issues remain, including supply shortages.

Consumers across the globe have been forced to contend with supply shortages since the early days of the pandemic, and that same issue could cause problems this holiday season. Holiday shoppers can consider these tips as they try to navi gate their way through another holiday season that could be affected by global supply chain issues.

• Shop local. By mid-spring 2022, the National Retail Feder ation indicated that congestion at ports on the west coast of the United States had lessened significantly. But the NRF noted that the same could not be said for ports on the east coast. Many big box retailers rely on imports to fill their shelves, and that could make it hard for such sellers to deliver items in time for the holiday season. Shopping local and buying items directly off the shelf can ensure no one is given an IOU this holiday season.

• Give gift cards. If shipping estimates make it unlikely that gifts will arrive on time for the

holiday season, pivot to gift cards. Put the amount of money you would have spent on the item on the card instead. For ex ample, if an e-reader costs $150, give a $150 gift card in its place.

• Ship directly to recipients. It might not offer the same heart warming charm as handing a loved one a gift in person, but shipping gifts directly to their re cipients increases the likelihood that the person will receive the gift by Chanukah or Christmas morning. Many online retailers now offer wrapping at additional cost, and shoppers can splurge and have directly shipped gifts wrapped to add a more tradi tional feel to gift-giving.

• Give homemade gifts . Home made gifts, whether it’s baked goods or crafts, don’t need to be shipped, so there’s no way such items will spend the holi day season sitting on a ship in a congested port. If you choose to make crafts, decide early what you want create so you can se cure all of the necessary supplies in plenty of time to deliver the items during Chanukah or on Christmas morning.

Supply shortages could make for a tricky holiday season again this year. Planning ahead for such shortages can ensure gifts make it into the hands of loved ones without delay.

4 ShawLocal.com | NewsTribune | Illinois Valley Shopper | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | PERU CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE SM-LA2030593 FREE GIFT WRAP Vlastnik’s Menswear Downtown Peru • 815-223-0695 “Don ye now our Great Apparel” Look your best this Holiday season. SHIRTS, SLACKS & ACCESSORIES Sizes Small thru XXXXXX Large Also Talls Everything from work clothes to dress clothes Register to win one of four ($25.00) Gift Certificates to be given away!
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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 work ers 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 profes sionals 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 so lar-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 clean ing a house. Many cleaning services offer weekly or monthly packages, and professionals would undoubt edly 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 be yond 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 profession als 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 home cooking, various gift ideas can help make busy professionals’ lives a little less hectic. HL22A350

5 PERU CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | NewsTribune | Illinois Valley Shopper | ShawLocal.com M aking Connections. PeruFederalSavings.com 815.223.4300 · Business Loans · Mortgage & Home Improvement Loans · Investment Services · Personal Banking Merry Christmas & Many Happy Returns from your friends at Peru Federal Holiday Greetings WARM from your friends at: WATER STREET, PERU | 815-223-1742 | www.mazelumber.com

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 sports wear 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 na ture lover this season.

• Plasma lighter: A plasma lighter can start fires in conditions that aren’t conducive to other fire-start ing measures. Plasma lighters are water- and wind-resistant and work in nearly all weather conditions. Sa berlight even makes a rechargeable option with USB charging cable.

• Lantern: Outside magazine recently named the BioLite Alpen Glow 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.

• Hiking socks: Keeping feet cool and comfortable is essential on hiking trips. Injinji socks are made from CoolMax fibers that help pro vide a blister-free wilderness experi ence designed to minimize friction.

• 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. It’s easy to clean and keeps items inside dry. IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack is one to consider.

• Lightweight sleeping bag: Maybe someone’s sleeping gear needs an overhaul? Enlightened Equip ment 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 de vices, 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 re serves for charging after sunset.

These are just a few of the in novative items that can appeal to outdoor enthusiasts on your holiday shopping list. GG229225

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 over board 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 pur chasing new wrapping paper. Otherwise, collect used wrapping paper and reuse it next year, doing the same with boxes and bows. According to researchers at Stan ford 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, art work, and more, are generally eco-friendly.

• Set up marked trash and recycling receptacles. Remind party guests to re cycle 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 recipi ents 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.

Waste can get out of control during the holidays, but there are ways to tame the excess. TF22C560

6 ShawLocal.com | NewsTribune | Illinois Valley Shopper | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | PERU CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Smith’S SaleS & Service 1604 Peoria Street • Peru • 815-223-0132 Handles Like A Dream, Gives Snow Nightmares. $579 Power Clear ® 518ZE • Throws Snow up to 25' • 18" Clearing Width • 2 Year Full Coverage Warranty Model 38473 $1099 Snowmaster 724 QXE • Clearing Width 24" • Ideally used to clear 6-12" of snow at a time on a driveway made of concrete or asphalt surfaces that can park up to 4-10 cars Model 36002
7 PERU CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | NewsTribune |
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ENTRY FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED BY VISITING WWW.PERU.IL.US FORMS ARE LOCATED UNDER THE NEWS & INFO TAB • Contest will run December 9th - 25th. • Light displays are expected to be lit each Friday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m. during contest dates. • Entry forms must be submitted by December 2nd. • Once all entries have been received, a map with entries will be posted with a link to vote online for your favorite house! • Winners will be announced Thursday, December 29th. • 1st Place Winner receives: $500 Catering Gift Card for Tony’s Buttshack BBQ • 2nd Place Winner receives: $150 Gift Card to a Peru Business of your Choice • 3rd Place Winner receives: $50 Gift Card and Gift Basket from Debo Ace Hardware
Illinois Valley Shopper
ShawLocal.com
8 ShawLocal.com | NewsTribune | Illinois Valley Shopper | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | PERU CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 1st Ward a ldermen Jeff Ballard Bob Tieman 2nd Ward a ldermen Tom Payton Jason Edgcomb 3rd Ward a ldermen Dave Waldorf Mike Sapienza 4th Ward a ldermen Aaron Buffo Jim Lukosus CITY of PERU Mayor Ken Kolowski & Peru City Council Members City Clerk Dave Bartley • City Treasurer Jackson Powell • www.peru.il.us THE CITY OF PERU PRESENTS: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT! Saturday, December 3rd Washington Park 5PM - LIGHTED PARADE 6PM - SANTA ARRIVES AT PARK GIFTS FOR CHILDREN, COOKIES & HOT CHOCOLATE SM-LA2031640

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