Wednesday, November 26, 2014 Maryland Independent Page B-3
An advertising supplement to Maryland Independent
Three simple ways to kick the stress out of holiday shopping Traveling, cooking large meals, planning and surviving holiday office parties and managing relatives — the holidays can be stressful. Add in the time and money demands of holiday shopping, and you may be tempted to keep a therapist on speed dial. While you may not be able to avoid difficult relatives or the annual endof-year trip to a client you’d rather not see, it is possible to reduce holiday shopping stress. “In my opinion, the best deals are post-Black Friday,” said Peggy Blum, a former retail trends forecaster, past Seventeen Magazine editor, and current lead instructor for the Fashion Retail & Management program at The Art Institute of Austin, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston. “Black Friday will have some deals, but it won’t be the end-all of sales through the season.” With that in mind, here are three holiday shopping tips that are sure to help.
Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design. Whether it is toys, apparel or electronics, major retailers and brand-specific websites are publishing “hot holiday lists” and top picks for almost anything. “I’ve seen top picks by Amazon, Toys R Us, and PC Magazine for electronics,” said Campbell. “There are even top pick lists for cosmetics and best buys for kitchenware.” Blum adds that novelty gifts are also a great way to make an impact and a good place to start. She challenges shoppers to step away from the large retail stores and buy from privately owned businesses like local boutiques and mom and pop stores. “People really respond to unique gifts, and it puts the magic back into gift-giving,” she said. “Think outside the box, anything from craft beers, to personalized yoga mats, to craft jewelry could all make great gifts.”
You have no idea where to start or what to buy
Looking to save time and money
Kate Campbell, a former buyer for Dillard’s, suggests starting with a search of hot lists or top-pick lists. Campbell currently serves as the director of the Fashion Marketing & Management program at The
If you’re constantly on the go and prefer to rely on some preliminary shopping via your smartphone or mobile tablet, many apps can make shopping a bit more organized and convenient.
2014 “There are apps for apparel such as Wanelo and Wish, and major retailers or brands also have their own apps such as Pink Nation for Victoria’s Secret,” Campbell said. Need to keep track of all your online purchases? There’s an app for that! The larger shipping services like UPS and FedEx have their own apps, but you can also try the Slice app or the Posted app depending on your needs. Campbell warns that shoppers should plan for extra time on their delivery schedule when purchasing online or via an app. “Online and app shopping will save you the hassle and time, but you need to plan for shipping delays,” she said. “Some of your items could easily be coming from China and take a whole month to arrive.” Blum recommends surfing products online for a cost difference from store prices. If you print out the shopping cart you intended to purchase, and bring it in store, the retailer will often honor the price savings. Know-
Gift wrap tricks to save time Holiday shopping may be done, but that enormous pile of presents still needs to be wrapped. People have varying degrees of ability with regard to wrapping gifts. Some excel at those creased corners and perfect bows, while others are less adept at wrapping. The task of wrapping gifts may not be something to look forward to, but wrapping gifts is an essential element of the holiday season. Fortunately, there are a few tricks of the trade wrappers can lean on to make the process of wrapping gifts go as quickly and as smoothly as possible. • Stock up on double-sided tape. Wrapping with double-sided tape helps you avoid unsightly tape lines and creates a neat finished product.
• Use a toilet paper tube to preserve wrapping paper rolls and keep them from unraveling. Simply cut the tube lengthwise and snap it over the open roll of paper to serve as a handy clip to keep the paper tidy. • When you lose the edge of the tape on a roll, it can take precious time trying to find it again. Use a plastic bread clip to hold the place of the edge of the tape to prevent this from happening. • Turn snack containers into handy gift wrap options. Empty potato chip canisters can be wrapped and used to hold other food gifts or smaller stocking stuffers. Turn a foil-lined chip or popcorn bag inside out, first cleaning away any grease and crumbs, and use the bag to wrap a gift
ing and shopping the promotions before you go to the store is a different way of couponing.
Complete your shopping in one place or in one day Pick and choose where you think you may spend the majority of your holiday budget, and join the loyalty programs for coupons and reductions. “Be choosy and make sure you register with the loyalty programs that will really deliver savings and unique purchases as opposed to spam mail,” Campbell said. The key to holiday shopping is to avoid impulse buying. Make a list, and start early. Go online or ask your loved ones and friends about their hobbies. Stress relief and savings are the result of doing the homework. If you don’t, the worst will happen — you’ll force yourself to buy out of desperation. Brandpoint
and tie off the end with a decorative ribbon. • Wooden spoons or popsicle sticks can make clever gift tags. Poke a hole in the end and tie onto your gift. • Use a piece of fabric to wrap a present if you’re not too skilled with traditional paper. Fabric can be reused and is more durable, and you won’t run the risk of tearing an edge or poking a hole through it. This can be especially useful for oddly shaped gifts. • Newsprint tied with natural cord and some pine boughs is an inexpensive, classic-looking gift wrap. • Kraft butcher paper or brown mailing paper can be used in a pinch. Stamp images on the paper to customize the gift wrap. • Always work on a hard, flat surface, as working on the floor or a soft surface makes it more difficult to control wrapping paper and you’re more likely to tear the paper. • Reuse old boxes to create a greeting card. Use a piece of ribbon and a bow and your newly created card as a thank-you or gift tag for future gifts. This is a great way to recycle during a season when excess is common.
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Did you know? Santa Claus’ modern look was inspired by writings from The Knickerbockers of New York and imagery from Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Moore denied authoring the famous poem for 15 years after it was published anonymously, feeling the poem was beneath his talents.
Shop in your community during the holiday season and that identity can create a stronger sense of community among you and your neighbors. In addition, a unique community identity can make your town more attractive to outsiders, and that appeal can improve the value of local real estate while also attracting more people to local businesses in your neighborhood.
Home Is Where the Heart
Thanks for warming our hearts with your friendship and kind support this year. Neighbors like you make us especially proud to call this fine community home.
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Shopping is a big part of the holiday season, when families and friends gather to reconnect and exchange gifts. While the popularity of shopping online has grown, such practices are not always eco-friendly or timely, as gifts bought online must be packaged and shipped, wasting valuable resources and time that last-minute shoppers may not have. The benefits of shopping locally go beyond convenience and the chance to reduce your carbon footprint. The following are a few ways that shopping locally this holiday season can directly benefit your community and the people who call it home.
Local economy
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When men and women shop locally, they are putting money back into their local communities. Local small businesses may be owned by your neighbors, and it can be comforting to know that your holiday shopping dollars are going to support a neighbor instead of a large corporation. Local businesses also employ your neighbors, so shopping local can strengthen the local economy by creating jobs that may not exist if you and members of your community fail to support local small businesses.
Community identity Local small businesses go a long way toward creating a neighborhood identity,
The gifts you buy when shopping locally also can benefit your community. Gifts purchased from small local businesses tend to be more unique than items bought from national chains, as smaller retailers tend to sell more homemade items than their national competitors. Recipients of such items may find such gifts more thoughtful than mass produced items bought from national chains, and the uniqueness of homemade gifts may encourage the gifts’ recipients to visit your community and do some shopping, further benefitting your local economy.
Customer service The accessibility of customer service is another oftoverlooked benefit of shopping locally. When buying from national chains, especially during the holiday season when such businesses may be overwhelmed with orders, making contact with customer service departments can be a trying exercise in patience. Long wait times on the phone or online can make the process of contacting customer service extremely frustrating. But such frustration is rare when buying from local businesses, as consumers can simply take their products into the store, where employees can immediately address their concerns. In addition, buying locally makes it more convenient for friends and family members who also live in your community to return their gifts.
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Did you know? Each holiday season, PNC Wealth Management calculates the costs of the gifts in the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas.� The price index for the gifts went from $12,673 in 1984 to more than $24,000 in 2011. The most expensive gift is the swimming swans. Christmas carols began as an English custom called “wassailing.� Individuals toasted neighbors to a long, healthy life.
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Holiday gift ideas for the new parent in your life Many parents fondly recall their ďŹ rst holiday season as a mom and dad. While youngsters will not remember much about their ďŹ rst Thanksgiving dinner with family or where their ďŹ rst Christmas present was placed under the tree, parents tend to cherish such memories, making their ďŹ rst holidays with children in tow very memorable. Loved ones of new parents can take steps to make this holiday season even more special. The following are some gift ideas for holiday shoppers who want to make this season even more memorable for the proud new parents in their lives. • Photo album: Today’s new parents have more pictures and video of their bundles of joy than any previous generation of moms and dads, as smartphones, tablets and other devices have made taking pictures much easier than in years past. But family members also have more access to such photos than ever before, making it easy to put together a special photo album of the new parents and their new child. Pull pictures from the parents’ social media accounts or make an album of the numerous photos you have no doubt received since your loved ones became parents. Parents likely don’t have time to make such albums, so your efforts will almost certainly be appreciated. • Camcorder: Many smartphones are capable of taking video, but such devices are not ideal for shooting longer home videos new parents will want to watch for years to come. An HD camcorder with sufďŹ cient internal ash memory can allow new parents to take longer, higher quality videos with superior audio to those that are shot on smartphones. Such a camcorder may be costly for those shopping on a strict budget, but it’s a gift new parents are sure to love and utilize for years to come. • Nursery sound system: New moms and dads are no doubt anxiously anticipating the day when the newest additions to their households sleep through the night. Help speed up the arrival of that glorious night with a nursery sound system that provides soothing sounds to create a perfect sleeping environment for newly born boys and girls. The results may not arrive overnight, but parents may soon ďŹ nd their lovable youngster is spending more of the wee hours of the morning sleeping and less time waking up mom and dad. • Spa treatment: Not every gift you buy for the new parents in your life needs to focus on helping them cherish their ďŹ rst holiday season as parents. New parents tend to experience lots of exhaustion in their ďŹ rst few months on the job, but a spa treatment can be just the relaxing break they need from catering to their bundle of joys’ every need. Moms may prefer the full spa treatment, while dads may simply want a massage and some relaxing time in the steam room. Book a treatment for both mom and dad so they can spend some time relaxing during this hectic time of year.
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Page B-6 Maryland Independent Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Shop La Plata On
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014 Maryland Independent Page B-7
Small Business Saturday
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Page B-8 Maryland Independent Wednesday, November 26, 2014 1940362
No holiday celebration complete without eggnog Enjoyed almost exclusively during Christmastime, eggnog is as much a staple of holiday celebrations as stockings hung by the chimney with care. This year, impress guests with the following recipe for “Excellent Eggnog” from A.J. Rathbun’s “Good Spirits” (Harvard Common Press).
Excellent eggnog Serves 8 8 large eggs, preferably organic 21/4 cups superfine sugar 8 ounces brandy 8 ounces rum 4 ounces bourbon 1 quart milk Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish 1. Separate the egg yolks
from the egg whites, setting the whites aside for a moment. 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the yolks with a hand mixer until completely combined. Add the sugar and beat until it reaches a creamy consis-
tency. 3. Add the brandy, rum and bourbon, and then the milk, beating well. 4. In a medium-size mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until soft peaks form (be sure before beating the whites that you have cleaned and thoroughly dried the beaters). 5. Fold the egg whites into the yolk-sugar-alcohol mixture. Refrigerate the mix until well chilled (at least 3 hours). 6. Stir to recombine as needed. Serve the eggnog in mugs, topping each serving with some nutmeg.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014 Maryland Independent Page B-9
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Page B-10 Maryland Independent Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Gift ideas for the special seniors in your life With lifetimes of experiences and seemingly everything they could ever want or need in life already at their disposal, seniors can be difficult to shop for come the holiday season. Many even insist that their family members save their money and not buy them anything for the holidays. But if the thought of
Grandma or Grandma not having something to open come the holidays is simply unacceptable, consider the following gift ideas.
Food Food is always a handy gift because it doesn’t take up much room and can be enjoyed at a recipient’s lei-
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sure. Perhaps there is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but now finds hard to come by. An online search may uncover that special treat. You may be able to ship a specialty soft drink or favorite cookie that is not available in a nearby store. Otherwise, ask a store manager if a particular item that’s not in stock in the store can be a special order.
Activity assistance devices The realities of getting older often mean the body slows down and activities may not be as easy as they used to be. Many active seniors are not ready to live sedentary lives, nor should they be forced to do so. Plenty of products exist that can make life easier and more comfortable for older adults. Television amplifying headphones are one product that can be a great fit for seniors, particularly those having difficulty hearing their televisions. The headphones amplify the sound of the programming without disturbing others in the room, and many such headphones even allow users to mute their tele-
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Christmas tidbits to put you in the holiday spirit The holiday season has arrived, and millions of people across the globe will be celebrating Christmas with their families and friends. The following are some interesting tidbits to share with your loved ones this holiday season. • Each year, more than three billion Christmas cards are sent in the United States alone. • In 350 AD, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25 the official celebration date for the birth of Jesus Christ. Many historians and theologians have surmised that Christ really wasn’t born this time of year, thanks to 1944114
imagery and information from the Bible. • Santa has his own official postal code. It’s H0 H0 H0. • The song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving and not Christmas. People loved it so much that the lyrics were changed to fit Christmas. • Christmas trees typically grow for 15 years before they’re cut and sold. This means the trees sold today were likely planted in 1999. • Christmas was not declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870.
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Seniors who truly do not want or need anything probably will likely jump at the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Treat a friend or family member to a meal out or simply spend a few hours chatting at his or her home. Sometimes the company of a new face and good conversation is the ideal gift.
What grandparent does not enjoy looking at his or her family members? Computersavvy men and women can use photo software to design personalized photo books, calendars, mugs, and other photo-related gifts. Just about anything can be emblazoned with a photo, including tote
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bags and pillows. Another idea is to collect old photos and compile a memory book. Scan the images so they are preserved digitally and then print out the images in a book that includes the family history.
visions. This feature is perfect for someone who likes to watch TV while a spouse is sleeping or reading in the same room. Other devices that can make life easier for seniors include magnifying products or bookholders. In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home.
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Presents to delight music lovers Finding the right gift come the holiday season is not always so simple. Many people on your list may seem as though they already have everything they could ever want or need, making it hard to find them a gift they will truly enjoy. A great way to find the right gift is to think of a loved one’s hobbies and find something that fosters those passions. Many people love music, and if there happens to be a budding musician or someone who simply loves to rock on your list, then the following gifts may be music to their ears. • Concert tickets: The ultimate gift for many music fans is tickets to see their favorite performer in person. Concert tickets can sell out quickly, so research when tickets will be going on sale and be prepared to purchase them as early as possible. Some credit card companies sponsor concerts and make special arrangements with venues to offer cardholders advanced deals or special packages. Find out if your credit card company has such an offer available for the concert you are buying tickets for.
Six steps for holiday shopping safety The holiday season is a joyous and busy time of year. Decking the halls, catching up with old friends and holiday shopping make this time of year especially hectic. Though the season is generally jolly, there are those people who take advantage of the hectic nature of the holiday season, preying on busy holiday shoppers who may be understandably distracted as the season progresses. As a result, shoppers and holiday revelers should heed the following precautions to ensure this holiday season is as safe as it is festive. 1. Exercise caution at ATMs. Thousands of dollars change hands at stores and banks this time of year. Potential thieves know that ATMs make good places to target victims withdrawing funds for purchases. Shoppers should choose ATMs that are well lit and withdraw money only when banks are open. If that’s not possible, avoid using ATMs in remote locations or dark alcoves. Keep your eyes fixed on your surroundings and be aware of the people in your vicinity. Promptly pocket your money and do not openly display your cash. 2. Keep purchases out of view. When shopping, keep your purchases hidden from prospective thieves. Make frequent trips to your car when shopping and store merchandise in the trunk of your car or in a cargo area with a cover drawn. Once items have been brought home, keep them well out of sight, stored in closets or away from windows. 3. Only park in well-lit lots. Finding a parking space at a busy mall can be difficult, but be picky when choosing spots. Try to park in a well-lit area in a busy location and be aware of the surrounding vehicles. If you feel uncomfortable going back to your car, ask a security guard to escort you. 4. Shop in groups. Go to the store with a group of friends. There is safety in numbers and having more eyes to look out is to your advantage. Thieves are less likely to approach a group of people than a solitary person. 5. Carry minimal items. Always keep your hands free to ward off any people in the event of an attack. Bags and packages weighing you down make you an easy target. 6. Leave extra credit cards at home. Carry only what you need on a shopping excursion. Do not carry your entire wallet or extra credit cards. This only puts you at greater risk of identity theft or fraud should you lose your wallet.
• Digital gift card: Gone are the days when music fans visit a record store to purchase vinyl records, cassette tapes and even CDs. Many music fans now listen exclusively to digital music, so a gift card for digital downloads from Amazon or iTunes makes a great gift. A subscription to a music-streaming service also makes a great gift. • Theater tickets: Some people’s love of music stems from their love of live theater. Even if your loved one lives nowhere near the bright lights of Broadway, touring companies that perform popular Broadway shows visit cities both big and small across the country. Tickets to such shows can stoke your loved one’s passion for music and make for a great night out on the town. The gift of an experience is always a memorable one. • Music lessons: Perhaps your loved one is a budding musician who can benefit from professional instruction? A great way to encourage their aspirations is to finance their lessons with local music or vocal instructors. • Music store gift certificate: Musicians often need to repair or replace their instruments, so a gift card to a music store can make for a much-needed and appreciated gift. Repairs and new instruments can be expensive, so if you plan to go this route, put enough money on the card to make a significant dent at the register. • Gadgets: Each year the market seems to offer newer and better ways to listen to music, and these gadgets may be on your loved one’s wish list.
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Looking for holiday gifts they’ll still love next year? Popular wisdom would have you believe that the best holiday gift must have a battery, a touch screen and wireless capability. Technology gifts, however, rarely stand
the test of time. Give your loved one a smartphone or tablet in December and it may already be obsolete by spring. What’s more, market research firm MarketTools
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found 14 percent of us return consumer electronic gifts after the holidays. “There’s a reason why certain types of gifts and accessories become thought of as ‘traditional,’” said Karen Smith, senior buyer for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. “Their appeal and usefulness endure long after the holiday season ends. They speak to the recipient’s heart. They may create a warm sense of nostalgia and comfort by reminding the giftreceiver of a simpler time in their lives.” Need another reason to go traditional, rather than tech? Consider this: a Stanford University study of gift-givers and recipients found that the price of a gift had no influence on the recipient’s level of appreciation. How much the gift cost actually meant
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more to the giver than it did the receiver. For far less than you might spend on the latest technology gift, you could give a wide range of no-tech, traditional and nostalgic gifts. • Delightful holiday decorations — Giving holiday decorations is a great way to make the season even more festive for everyone on your gift list — and give something that will be used for years to come. Personalized ornaments or ones that celebrate a hobby, occupation or favorite sports team gently remind recipients that you know — and love — who they are. Unique holiday decor items such as items made from allnatural materials, a beautiful wreath for the front door, or hand-crafted lanterns with a winter theme make memorable, affordable and useful gifts. • Home decor — Many people agonize over how to personalize a gift, yet if you’ve ever visited someone’s home, you probably already have an idea of their home decorating style. Look for home decor pieces that mesh with items already in their home. For example, if your sister-in-law has decorated her home in a rustic style, she might welcome some rooster tableware or a beautifully crafted quilt. •Bedandbath—Everyone sleeps and everyone bathes, but does everyone on your holiday list already do both in style? Gift items that make for a more luxurious bathing experience — or even just put a touch of lux into everyday hand washing — can deliver a sense of caring, comfort and relaxation. Companies like J.R. Watkins, which has been around for more than 100 years, offer products that are practical and pampering, such as Lemon Mint Cream moisturizer. In the bedroom, accent pillows and quilts can
remind the recipient of your care all year long. • Timeless toys — Shopping for kids can be a challenge, especially if the child on your list has everything from a tablet to a batterypowered scooter. While last year’s tech toy may already be collecting dust on the shelf or broken beyond repair, traditional toys like old-fashioned musical instruments and simple dolls are timeless. This year, why not give a classic doll like Raggedy Ann or Andy, or a stuffed lovely like Sock Monkey? Or, try games that are as challenging now as they were decades ago, such as Simon, or those that travel well like mini Foosball or air hockey. • Food favorites — Food can be a deeply personal gift, especially if you opt for something that not only tickles the recipients’ taste buds but his or her sense of nostalgia as well. Childhood favorites like Necco Wafers, salt water taffy, peppermints or traditional root beer are flavorful reminders of a simpler time. Pantry staples such as gourmet pancake mix and syrup or premium vanilla extracts feed the recipients’ body as well as their sense of creativity. Or, save someone a step on her holiday meal prep by providing dessert; a homemade pie or other baked goodies will be a welcome addition to any host’s holiday table. “Some gifts will fade in favor just as winter fades into spring,” Smith said. “Everyone wants to give a gift that will be loved, used and remembered — and nothing accomplishes that better than a gift that appeals to our sense of nostalgia and tradition.” Brandpoint
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