A comprehensive guide to gifting fitness fans
(MS) - Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise guidelines supported by the medical community indicate most adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week.
Individuals can take several steps to be more active in their daily lives. Some become gym enthusiasts, while others congregate to yoga studios or other activities. Some still prefer to exercise at home or outdoors. When it comes time to shop for people with a fondness for fitness, gift givers can consider these ideas.
Upgrade a membership
weights, but another may include all that as well as access to massage chairs, spa services and more.
Massager or massage package
Working out muscles can lead to soreness each time a new milestone is reached. Help soothe those tired muscles with the gift of a neck, back and shoulder massager. Or go a step further and purchase a few sessions at a massage therapy location near the recipient’s home.
Insulated water bottle or tumbler
Do some research to learn where your fitness lover spends most time working out. If it is a traditional gym, a kick-boxing studio or a H.I.I.T establishment, speak with the staff to see if you can upgrade the member’s plan to receive more perks. For example, a base gym membership may only include use of the floor machines and
Staying hydrated is important when working out. An insulated water bottle ensures that fitness fans can enjoy cold water or a sports drink throughout their exercise sessions. There’s even a water bottle that self-cleans using UV light to kill bacteria in the bottle.
Treadmill or stationary bike
If you know a loved one has had eyes on
improving a home gym, a treadmill or stationary bike can bring the space to the next level. There is home equipment for every budget.
New kicks
Comfortable, supportive athletic shoes ensure workouts aren’t hindered by sore feet. Since shoe fit and style is a personal choice, it might be a safer bet to give a gift card to a popular athletic store or online retailer rather than purchasing the footwear yourself.
Fitness monitor or smart watch
It seems like everyone now has some sort of smart device, but if the person on your list still hasn’t made the switch to a watch that tracks various health data, then that can make for a perfect gift. Smart watches and fitness trackers monitor steps and various health markers such as pulse, elevation climbed and distance, and can even detect if a user has a burgeoning health problem. When pairing the watch with popular fitness apps, users can log daily activities and their diets to get a bigger picture of their overall health.
Those who prioritize fitness can benefit from any number of health-and fitness-minded gifts this season.
Great gifts for film fans
(MS) - Individuals’ hobbies can provide inspiration for gifts, particularly during the holiday season when shoppers have a lot of names on their lists.
Shoppers are bound to have a movie buff in their midst. These gift ideas can be fitting whether the recipient is a budding director, cinematographer, actor, or simply enjoys the magic of the movies.
• Personalized movie marquis poster: Who doesn’t want to see their name in lights? While it may not be possible to have the local theater change their marquis, shoppers can simulate it with a customizable poster that puts their loved one’s name front and center as part of the cast of a favorite film.
• Gourmet popcorn collection: Film fans know that having the right food while watching a movie makes the experience that much better. Elevate the viewing experience with an array of specially curated gourmet popcorn flavors. Don’t forget to include reusable popcorn tubs or cups so the snacks can keep coming.
• Couch (or chair) organizational system: These products help keep everything necessary for a movie-watching experience within reach. There are spots for remote controls, cupholders, places to stash a box of candy, and other dividers.
• Retro movie tape photo: Search Etsy for sellers like TheOrigamiFox, who create personalized prints. Like the movie marquis, this print can include a stack of now defunct VHS tapes featuring the recipient’s favorite movie titles.
• Subscription to a streaming service: Movies have gone beyond the big screen. Some studios release their films for home viewing shortly after they’ve left theaters. An array of streaming service subscriptions means viewers never miss out on seeing their favorite films. Shoppers can pay for a one-year subscription to a streaming service or upgrade an existing subscription to a no-ads model.
viewing.
• Ticket stub scrapbook: Give movie buffs a place to store their much-loved movie stubs and additional memorabilia all in one place with the gift of a scrapbook.
• Portable projector: An easy-to-use and portable projector can plug into phones, laptops, tablets, or even traditional cable boxes to offer a big screen boost to at-home movie
• Behind-the-scenes information: Many books delve into topics that are bound to pique the interest of film fans. These may include autobiographies from actors and directors, a look at how certain movies were made, trivia books, or photography books that provide a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on when the camera isn’t rolling.
Movie fans will be applauding these gifts that indulge their love of film.
Make holiday crafting a family affair
(MS) - Families gather frequently during the holiday season as everyone enjoys the feasts and festivities that are synonymous with this time of year. Families often bake and decorate together, as these activities are inclusive of people of all ages.
This time of year also is one for dabbling in creative pursuits. Now is a prime opportunity to bond with children over a table full of paint, glue, beads, and other crafty supplies. The crafts made during the holidays often become cherished mementos that will be regarded fondly for years to come. Here are some ideas to inspire holiday creativity.
SNOWMAN FAMILY
Handprint crafts are popular among children. Adults and children can dip their hands into washable white paint and make a handprint stamp on a small canvas, wooden palette or even a terracotta flowerpot. Decorate the white fingerprints with black dots to look like the faces of the snowmen and paint on top hats and scarves. In the years to come, artists can marvel at how small their hand prints once were.
WINE CORK REINDEER
Repurpose wine corks by crafting adorable little
reindeer. Two corks make up the head and the body, and four vertically will comprise the feet. Stick on googly eyes, and add a small red or black bead for the nose. Pipe cleaners can be bent to form the reindeer’s antlers.
FAMILY GARLANDS
This craft also makes use of handprints. Ask all family members to trace their handprints on different colors of construction paper or card stock. Cut out all of the paper hands, punch holes in the tops and then string a ribbon through. Decorate the Christmas tree or a mantle with this garland.
MINIATURE CHRISTMAS TREES
Paint the tips of gathered pine cones with green paint and allow to dry. Add white glitter or paint as “snow.” Glue the pine cones to wine corks that will serve as the tree trunks, and attach a small wooden star to the top of the trees for the finishing touch.
DECOUPAGE ORNAMENTS
Purchase wooden or plastic ball ornaments. Cover with small scraps of cut fabric or paper dipped in craft glue or Mod Podge®, and attach to the ornament in an overlapping fash-
ion. Remember to add a string from which the ornament can be hung on the tree. Allow to dry completely before use.
PAPER CHAIN ADVENT CALENDAR
Cut strips of paper to make a link for every day of Advent. Advent begins on Sunday, December 1, 2024, and lasts until Christmas. The top link can be any design artists prefer, but those who need a little inspiration can consider a religious symbol, the face of a reindeer, a snowman, or a Christmas tree. Hang the chain and then children can take turns ripping off a link from the bottom each day as they count down to the holiday.
POPSICLE STICK SNOWFLAKES
Paint four popsicle sticks per snowflake in desired colors. Decorate with glue, pompoms, beads, or other trinkets. Add small looped strings to hang the ornaments.
Parents, grandparents and children can have fun crafting holiday decorations this December
Gifts for holiday hosts
(MS) - Millions of people open their homes to relatives and friends each holiday season. Taking on the task of holiday host can be a labor of love, as it involves not only a commitment of time, but also a financial investment. Lending Tree reported that 60 percent of Americans considering hosting holiday gatherings in 2023 expected to spend an average of $556 on their celebrations. Six-figure earners planned to spend even more, indicating they expected to spend $764 on holiday hosting.
Guests benefitting from holiday hosts’ hospitality can offer tokens of their appreciation upon arrival. The following are some great gifts to offer hosts this holiday season.
• Beverage of choice: A bottle of wine or another spirit can be a great gift for holiday gatherings. Let hosts decide if they want to serve it with the meal or save it to enjoy at a later time.
• Curated food basket: A guest can put together a basket of different foods, including crackers, cheeses, jams, bread sticks, and other items that can be enjoyed as snacks or appetizers.
• Holiday plant.: A poinsettia or Christmas cactus may be fitting this time of year, and a holiday host can enjoy seeing it grow during
the season.
• Kitchen tools or serving items: A beautiful olive wood serving platter or cutting board might be appreciated, particularly if guests arrive with it covered in a charcuterie spread.
• Scented candle: Hosts can set the mood and add to the ambiance of an entertaining space with lit, scented candles, which make for a great gift. Guests can inquire as to the hosts’ preferred aromas or stick with safe bets like vanilla or cinnamon.
• Holiday ornament or decorative piece: Guests can offer ornaments for the tree or another decorative item for hosts who are repeat entertainers. Dating the decoration or having it engraved can transform it into a memento hosts can relish through the years.
• Comfort and care assortment: Hosting takes effort, so a box of items to pamper holiday hosts can be a great gift. Fill the box with a loofah, bath bombs, shower gel, moisturizing cream, and massage oil.
Holiday hosts invest time and money into making their homes welcoming spaces to spend the holidays. Guests can treat these hosts with gifts to show how much their efforts and hospitality are appreciated.
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Thoughtful gifts for aging parents
(MS) - Children typically want to treat their parents to something special during the holiday season. Parents do a lot for their children, and when those kids become adults, a desire to express their appreciation for Mom and Dad grows.
According to The Wrap Up: Snappy’s 2022 Holiday Gift Report, the majority of Americans (64.2 percent) report they need help when it comes to holiday gifting. They may want to carefully consider a recipient’s interests, as the report also discovered more than half of all Americans want a gift that reflects their personal interests and hobbies. When shopping for elderly parents, it may not be as simple as identifying interests, particularly if Mom and Dad are experiencing age-related health issues. Consider these gift ideas that may be ideal for the aging adults in your life.
• Cozy blanket: Older adults may have trouble regulating their body temperatures, which can translate to feeling cold a lot of the time. A new blanket or throw for a bed or to cuddle up with in a favorite recliner might be the perfect gift.
• Family history book: Budding writers can
interview their aging parents and jot down family stories. Those stories and anecdotes can be compiled into a book and combined with photos to make a family history log, which can be gifted back to the interviewee.
• Gripping slippers: Slips and falls can injure aging adults and put them out of commission for quite some time. Sturdy and secure slippers with anti-slip soles are good for getting around the house and making quick trips to take out the trash or get the mail.
• Robotic vacuum: Keeping up with the household chores is easier with a robotic vacuum that automatically scours carpets and hard-surface floors. This eliminates having to wrestle with a cumbersome vacuum.
• Key finder: A key finder can help adults find their keys if they are misplaced. Some employ radio frequency, while others utilize Bluetooth technology and can be paired to a smartphone.
• Magnifying light: Older parents who like to do puzzles or close-up work like knitting or stitching can benefit from an LED lamp that also has a magnifying glass built right in.
• E-reader: Avid readers may enjoy an
e-reader because they don’t have to find spots to store even more books in their homes. E-readers can be customized so the print is the right size for the reader’s needs. Also, the devices are lightweight and easy to stow in a bag.
• Automatic card shuffler: Parents who are known card sharks around the community can use an automatic card shuffler to make card play even easier.
• Resistance bands: Resistance bands are like large rubber bands that exert force to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. They can help aging adults stay in shape in a low-impact way.
• Dining gift cards: When parents do not want to spend additional time in the kitchen, they may opt to visit a favorite restaurant. A combination of a gift card to a favorite establishment as well as pre-paid taxi or ride share service ensures a good meal and a safe ride home.
Although they seem to have everything, aging parents still can benefit from some thoughtful gifts.
Add seasonal bazaars to your list of holiday shopping locations
(MS) - There is no shortage of options to find every item on your holiday shopping list. Shopping malls, online retailers and mom and pop stores along Main Street can be great spots to grab holiday deals, but shoppers also can find great gifts at holiday fairs and bazaars.
Bazaars are found all over the world, but are notable to Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Bazaars are marketplaces that feature several small shops or vendor stalls. In some countries, bazaars are outdoors and covered by tents, while in others they feature several stalls set up in large rooms.
Holiday bazaars often pop up during the holiday season and mimic international marketplaces. They may be hosted by cities or towns, schools or places of worship. Sometimes they are fundraising opportunities, with nonprofit organizations charging a stall- or table-renting fee for bazaar participants. Holiday fairs and bazaars often bring together an array of different retailers, many of whom are small businesses selling interesting wares.
a look at some of the benefits of bazaar shopping for the holidays.
from handcrafted jewelry to unique soaps to custom woodworking items.
• Develop new relationships. Shopping at holiday bazaars enables you to meet and interact with new people. This can expand your social circles and may even expand your professional network.
• Enjoy the shopping experience. Shopping away from the bustle of larger, busier retail stores gives you a break from the harried shopping experience many experience during the holiday season. Rather, holiday fairs and bazaars typically are less crowded and engage at a slower pace. Plus, they may have a more homespun decorating design that can have you feeling like you’re shopping in a Christmas village.
Shoppers should tak advantage of every opportunity to visit these holiday bazaars because they will only be around for a short time. Here’s
• Patronize small businesses. Holiday bazaars often bring together small businesses that may not normally have storefronts. This allows shoppers to meet the individuals behind businesses they already patronize or discover new firms they were previously unacquainted with.
• Shop unique wares. Holiday bazaars may showcase items not easily found elsewhere,
• Take advantage of food vendors. Food vendors likely will be mixed within the offerings of the holiday bazaar. That gives you opportunity to take the day off from cooking and enjoy some savory and sweet bites while grabbing gifts.
Holiday shopping bazaars are great places to shop for the holidays
Approx. 1/2lb Calico cheese, Gouda Cheese, 5 oz. Summer Sausage, Ritz and Club crackers, Babybel Cheese and Lindt chocolate sampler. $18.00
Two pkgs. Meat Sticks (Honey BBQ and Beef, Bacon & Cheddar), 1/2lb String Cheese, 10 oz, Sharp Cheddar Spread, Ritz and Club crackers. $26.00
Open: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5:30pm, Sat. 9am-3pm,Sun. 10am-3pm *Two other boxes to choose from. Most products included are local from Avanti, The Butcher Shop, Yaeger’s Distributing (Amish). Must pre-order at least 24 hours.
What to consider before purchasing e-bikes for children
(MS) - Bicycles have long been a popular mode of transportation. Cycling is fun and a great form of exercise, and riding a bike is better for the environment than driving a car or riding in other gas-powered vehicles.
Propelled by the long-standing popularity of bicycle transportation, electronic bikes, also known as “e-bikes,” have rapidly gained steam among adolescents and even adults in recent years. E-bikes look like regular bikes, but they feature an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. HealthyChildren.org says some e-bikes have a motor that only works when the rider is pedaling, while others include a throttle that enables the rider to use the bike whether he or she is pedaling or not. E-bikes can reach speeds between 20 and 28 miles per hour.
Although they can be exciting and convenient, e-bikes can be hazardous. According to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), there has been a steady rise in pediatric injuries related to e-bikes. Common injuries include concussions, extremity fractures, skull fractures, and facial fractures. Such injuries can occur by falling off the e-bike, by colliding with an object while riding, or after
being struck by a car. Sometimes pedestrians are injured after they are struck by an e-bike.
E-bikes, although motorized, are not presently classified as motor vehicles. In addition, the regulations regarding who can ride them vary depending on where one lives. Regulations vary depending on whether the e-bike is class 1, 2 or 3. The e-bike industry has grown rapidly, and safety regulations have not kept pace. It was only after dozens of dangerous e-bike fires in New York City that calls for standard UL certifications increased.
Parents may wonder if they should let their children ride e-bikes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that children between the ages of nine and 12 should not operate any product that travels faster than 10 miles per hour, including e-bikes. Parents may not realize that e-bikes are quite heavy, with some weighing in at 60 pounds. That can make e-bikes challenging for small kids to maneuver.
When considering e-bikes, prospective riders must take note of the following safety guidelines.
• Slower is better. Choose an e-bike that has the lowest maximum speed. Never rig an
e-bike to go faster.
• Wear a helmet. No matter the age of a rider, all should wear helmets with the chin straps fastened. The same goes when riding a traditional bike, scooter, etc.
• Do not ride with a passenger. Passengers increase the risk of crashing, so riders should never ask friends to ride with them.
• Follow the rules of the road. E-bikes, along with manual bicycles, are governed by the same rules of the road that motorized vehicles must follow. Ride on the correct side of the road and in the same direction as traffic. Stop at all intersections and respect traffic lights and road signs.
• Charge e-bikes while present. E-bike batteries can cause fires and there have been various instances of exploding batteries. Always be present when charging an e-bike battery. Never do so while sleeping or out of the house, and only use the recommended charger.
Adults may have to give pause to the idea of an e-bike for their children. Although wildly popular, e-bikes may not be appropriate for all riders.