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Holiday Gift Guide

‘Tis the season!

NOVEMBER 2014

PRESENTED BY

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GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

NOVEMBER 2014

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The party scene

NOVEMBER 2014

GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

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Affordable entertaining ideas guaranteed to impress at holiday gatherings The holidays are coming up quickly, and that means there’s plenty of reason to celebrate.

Whether you’re throwing a party for the first time or you’re continuing a longrunning annual tradition, hosting a festive celebration with friends and family is a lot of work and always worth it. This year, take your party to the next level to truly impress your guests – without breaking the bank.

Consider these five entertaining secrets that expert party planners use to throw unforgettable holiday parties for less:

by renting everything you need for an impressive presentation.

Silver food chafers, flatware, serving trays and more are available from your local ARA rental store. The expert staff can make recommendations based on your menu and help you select the perfect items for food and drink.

You might even consider renting a few fun extras, such as a chocolate or champagne fountain to really impress guests and make your party stand out.

Themes

No great holiday party is complete without entertainment. Let music set the mood by creating a custom playlist.

Then amplify those tunes by renting a professional sound system and dance floor to watch guests move and grove.

For movie-themed parties, consider renting a projector so guests can view the flick in style. Finally, casino or carnival games are sure way to get everyone involved in the festivities and provide fun for all ages.

Set the stage and get everyone in a festive mood with a great theme. A bit of brainstorming is all you need to figure out the best theme for your celebration.

From an outdoor autumn harvest to a New Year’s masquerade, the sky’s the limit. For a fun twist on holiday celebrations, consider having a favorite movie be the theme for the party. Include the theme on the invitations you send so guests know the details.

Food Whether you’re serving appetizers or planning a full-out feast, food is a party essential. Enhance your food service

Entertainment

Decor You may already have some decor to use at your holiday-themed party, but to really impress this year, consider fresh ideas for stunning and unexpected

decorations.

If you prefer the DIY route, visit sites like Pinterest for ideas on how to create beautiful decor. If you’re short on time or simply aren’t crafty, you can rent table linens, runners and centerpieces.

Visit www.RentalHQ.com to learn more about affordable holiday decor rental options. When deciding on decor, don’t forget about the importance of lighting.

Not only do the right lights create the ideal ambience, they also provide an element of safety and brighten up dark spaces so guests have more room to mingle.

Extras The extra touches – big and small – are what truly spice up a party and give it

‘Tis the season!

A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC

that professionally planned feel. Small additions like coat racks eliminate the pile of coats and purses, keeping rooms neat and tidy.

Extra chairs ensure guests are comfortable whether they are visiting, eating or drinking. For a truly festive celebration, rent a bar and set up a drink station with all the barware needed to really impress guests.

If you’re having a big party, don’t pack into your house – rent a tent and heaters if necessary and let the good times roll.

Come up with a few fresh ideas and rent some unique items that guests won’t expect, and you’ll set a new standard for hosting parties among your friends and family.

(BPT)

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GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

NOVEMBER 2014

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s t f i g t a e r G for the family foodie NOVEMBER 2014

The best holiday gifts are often those that encourage their recipients to pursue a passion or favorite hobby.

Tickets to a ballgame might be right up a sports fan’s alley while the family globetrotter would no doubt love a contribution to his or her travel fund.

When gifting the family foodie, that one person who loves to cook or simply can’t get enough of his or her favorite cuisines, shoppers have a host of options at their disposal to ensure this holiday season brings a smile to their favorite foodie’s face.

Spice rack Few home cooks can get by without a vast selection of spices, so a spice rack that includes all the essential spices makes perfect sense for the family foodie. Some spice racks even come with several years’ worth of free spice refills, so do your homework and find one that will have your friend or family member spicing things up for years to come.

Cooking lessons Cooking lessons can be a great way for men, women and even children to cultivate their love

How to give

for food. If your friend or family member prefers a specific type of cuisine, then find him or her cooking lessons where he or she can learn how to prepare and not just eat some favorite dishes.

Cooking lessons also make a great opportunity to bond with a loved one. If you, too, want to expand your cooking horizons, buy your own lessons and go with your friend or family member.

A night out If your favorite foodie prefers his or her meals made by someone else, treat that friend or family member to a night out at his or her favorite restaurant. You can give a gift card to the restaurant or take this special someone out yourself and enjoy a great meal and great company to boot.

Serving dishes Many foodies not only love to eat, but also love to serve up their favorite foods to family and friends. If your friend or family member has played host to guests many times in the past, surprise him or her with some new serving dishes. You probably have a sense of their serving style already, but if you don’t, make a mental note

GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

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the next time you visit or simply buy them a gift card so they can buy whichever dishes they need to make their next soiree a success.

Wine rack A great bottle of wine completes a great meal, so why not buy your family foodie a place to store all of his or her bottles of wine? Wine racks can range from the simple, inexpensive standup models to more complex or expensive models that need to be installed.

If the eventual recipient of your thoughtful gift rents rather than owns his or her home, avoid buying a wine rack that needs to be installed, as that might cause damage that will cost them some money when the time comes to move out.

But if your friend or family member owns their home, then look for a wine rack that fits in with their established décor. You even can christen the new wine rack by supplementing your gift with a few bottles of your loved one’s favorite vintages.

With so many potential gifts to choose from, shoppers often find foodies are fun to shop for come the holiday season.

(METRO CREATIVE)

HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS

Nearly every man or woman has hit that all too familiar wall when holiday shopping for friends and family. While many people might be a cinch to shop for, there always seems to be one stickler on holiday shopping lists, and finding the right gift for that person can be an exercise in patience and perseverance.

But even the most patient shopper has his or her limits, and many people find themselves giving gift cards to those friends or family members who seemingly have everything already. Such cards make great gifts, but only when giftgivers employ a few tricks of the gift card trade.

Buy directly from the retailer

It’s easy to be duped by a counterfeit gift card, which can be embarrassing for both the gift-giver and its eventual recipient. Counterfeit gift cards are big business for criminals who prey on gift-givers during the holiday season.

Only buy gift cards directly from the retailer, as cards sold by other sources, such as an online auction site, may be stolen or counterfeit. You don’t want to be the person who gave a stolen or counterfeit card, and your friend or family member does not want to be subjected to an inquiry as to why he or she is attempting to use a stolen or counterfeit card.

Examine the card before leaving the store Once a cashier or customer service employee hands you a gift card, examine it for tampering before leaving the store. Some criminals gain access to gift cards, even those that appear to be behind lock and key, to learn the PIN number associated with the card. Once they have the PIN,

recipients can then recreate their own card, using the stolen PIN to activate and make purchases on their counterfeit cards long before the real card is sold to you. If you detect any damage, ask for a new card before leaving the store.

Include a gift receipt with the card

When giving a gift card, don’t forget to include the gift receipt. The gift receipt not only verifies the value of the gift card, but also includes the date the card was purchased. That’s important information, as many companies begin to charge fees, some of which may be exorbitant, on unused cards after a predetermined period of time.

Recipients who have the gift receipt won’t have to haggle with retailers about the value of the card should that ever be in dispute, and the receipt also can serve as a reminder that the recipient needs to use the card before a given date to avoid fees.

Consider a general-purpose gift card

If that stickler on your holiday shopping list is especially difficult to shop for, then you might want to consider a general purpose gift card issued by a company such as American Express, MasterCard or Visa. These cards generally allow recipients to use their gift wherever they choose, whether it’s to put gas in their tank or buy groceries.

That versatility is valuable if you truly have no idea what your friend or

family member needs or where he or she likes to shop.

One notable disadvantage to general-purpose gift cards is that they tend to come with more fees than more traditional gift cards purchased directly from specific retailers.

Investigate these fees and find a card that charges no fees or only minimal fees.

Gift cards make great gifts and can bail out frustrated holiday shoppers who simply can’t find that perfect gift for a friend or family member.

But when shopping for gift cards, be sure to exercise caution before buying a card so your loved is not put in an embarrassing or costly situation.

(METRO CREATIVE)

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GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

NOVEMBER 2014

How to establish giftspending limits

Gifts to keep kids engaged Store aisles are filled this time of year with every musthave gift retailers can advertise. Children often plead and beg for the hottest toys weeks ahead of the holidays, hoping to find their requests wrapped up come the big day.

But once the giftwrap is torn away and kids have played with their presents for a day, some already grow bored with their new belongings and cast them aside. Certain toys are not engaging enough to warrant extended periods of play – no matter what the advertisements boast.

No gift-giver wants to spend money on a present only to have it collecting dust days later. With that said, employing these strategies can help anyone select a gift that will continue to inspire and excite children long after the holiday season has come and gone.

Don’t believe the hype It’s easy to fall hook, line and sinker for ultra-popular trendy gifts. While such gifts may have popular appeal, that does not mean they’re a perfect fit for your child. When shopping for youngsters come the holiday season, choose a gift because your child will truly enjoy it and not because it’s the trendy item of the year.

Focus on the play factor Too often shoppers get caught up in toys’ appearances.

Instead, think about how the toys will work with imaginative play. The more a child can envision himself doing with a particular toy, the more likely he or she will exhibit a

continued interest in that toy.

Look for minimal bells and whistles Kids often find toys that leave more room for imagination more interesting than toys that are loaded with gadgets.

Children prefer to make up their own stories and create modes of play that are more about what they like rather than the “right” way to play or win.

Choose gifts that grow Shoppers want to select gifts that are age-appropriate for children so they will be safe during playtime. But shoppers also should look for toys and activities that can be modified and grow with the child as he or she ages.

A game that gets progressively harder through levels or a toy set that can be supplemented as kids grow older may make good gifts. Musical instruments also can grow with a child, as the instruments become easier to master with practice.

Figure out the child’s interests Toys that cater specifically to a child’s interests will be the most warmly received. It may take going the extra mile to find a gift that matches a child’s interest rather than picking up the first trendy gift you see, but the results will be well worth it.

(METRO CREATIVE)

As the cost of living continues to rise, holiday shopping also has become much more expensive in recent years, and it can be easy for shoppers to overextend themselves financially come the holiday season.

According to a recent Gallup poll, the average American plans to spend around $790 per holiday season, although many go above and beyond that amount. Starting off the new year in debt is a recipe for stress, which can have negative repercussions for the rest of the year.

In addition to overspending during the holiday season, many people stretch themselves thin on Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. One way to make shopping more manageable is to establish spending limits that dictate how much each family member can spend on each gift he or she buys.

It is important to exercise tact when approaching the subject of gift limits.

Discuss the topic with friends and family members with whom you usually exchange gifts long before the holiday season.

Agree on a reasonable amount of money each person will spend on gifts. If necessary, ask everyone to write down a figure and then determine the average, using that figure as your spending limit.

Establishing a spending limit makes it easier for every family to afford their holiday purchases. If there are six people on your shopping list and you’re spending $50 per person, you know to allocate $300 for gifts. Saving and budgeting can be adjusted accordingly.

When no such limit is established, you may go overboard to compensate, even if you cannot afford to do so.

Another way to save money is to suggest giving the gift of experiences rather than tangible and potentially costly gifts.

For example, take a loved one out for dinner or suggest going on vacation together to make better use of your collective funds. A well-timed extended family vacation in lieu of gift exchanges may alleviate the stress of the holiday season, much of which can be traced to holiday spending.

Establishing a gift-giving strategy and budget for each person to work with can make for a more peaceful holiday season by freeing up time to spend with loved ones and placing the focus on family instead of shopping.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Gift exchange DOs and DON’Ts

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GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

NOVEMBER 2014

Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are right around the corner. That means neighborhoods, buildings and stores will soon be awash in holiday splendor. Social schedules will be full, and men and women everywhere will shuffle to complete their holiday shopping.

Grab bags are a staple of this season of giving, and the following are a few dos and don’ts to ensure participation in gift exchanges is fun and friendly for all involved.

DO set a gift amount limit

Holiday grab bags are more about having fun and exchanging a little something with friends and family members than walking away with amazing prizes. Establish a spending limit so everyone receives a gift of roughly the same value and no one feels slighted or left out.

DON’T exceed the spending limit

It can be tempting to spend more to make your gift appear more impressive. But overspending defeats the purpose of the gift exchange. Grab bags typically are anonymous, so being overly generous will not win you any style points.

DO make it a game

Tossing gifts in a bag only to have others reach in and grab one is certainly effective. But the concept can be even more fun if you make a game out of it.

Try passing wrapped gifts around in a circle to a holiday song. When the music stops, the gift you are holding is the one you open. Experiment with your own variations to make gift exchanges more fun.

DON’T let anyone see the gift you bring The idea is to keep things as secretive as possible so as not to sway the selection of presents.

DO ensure your gift is unisex

Unless you know specifically that only men or women will be opening the presents, select items that will appeal to both genders. Food, gift cards, music, or home staples make great grab bag gifts.

DON’T forget to consider ages as well

Gift exchanges may include both children and adults, so include gifts that appeal to all ages when necessary. When

the exchange has ended, allow participants to swap gifts if they want to.

DO expect some grab bag

gifts to be gag gifts

Such gifts are entertaining and may make up the majority of the grab bag gifts. Keep your sense of humor and you’re likely to enjoy grab bags a lot more.

DON’T regift items to use as grab bag picks

Should the person who gave you the gift participate in the grab bag, he or she can trace that gift back to you and

may be offended.

DO make sure everyone is aware of the grab bag gift exchange

There needs to be an equal number of gifts to participants so everyone gets a treat. Hosts may want to have a few extra wrapped gifts around just in case someone forgets to bring their contribution.

Gift exchanges in the form of grab bags, auctions, swaps, and other games make for fun additions to holiday festivities.

They also can be a part of any family or friends gathering to add excitement and entertainment to the occasion.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Great gifts for people who love to read Many people love to read, and such people do not often cause headaches for holiday shoppers. Readers typically are easy to shop for come the holiday season, when shoppers stuck on what to get a friend or family member can always fall back on a book or two if they know their loved one likes to get lost in a good book.

But books aren’t the only gifts shoppers can give the readers on their lists this holiday season. The following are a few gift ideas no book lover can balk at.

E-reader Before buying an e-reader, shoppers may want to first learn where the intended recipient of this thoughtful gift stands on the book versus e-reader debate. Some book lovers feel a sentimental attachment to traditional books, while others love the versatility of e-readers, many of which serve as tablets that allow users to peruse the Internet, play games and, of course, read books.

If your friend or family member does not have an aversion to e-readers, then this might make the ideal gift. The price of e-readers varies depending on their capabilities, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on which model you ultimately choose.

Storage For those readers who prefer traditional books, a new bookshelf can help them store their favorite titles. Books take up a lot of space, and avid readers tend to buy many new books each year, so homeowners and apartment dwellers alike will no doubt appreciate the extra space to store their collections.

But even e-reader enthusiasts may find their storage filling up faster than they might have liked. To remedy that problem, holiday shoppers can buy a Wi-Drive with ample extra storage space so readers who keep both books and movies on their e-readers and tablets have plenty of extra space to store all of those new books they plan to read in the coming year.

Decorative bookends Those who have a passion for books and home décor might appreciate a unique set of handcrafted bookends to store the books they keep on their desks or those they keep out as decorative accents that guests can enjoy when visiting. Such gifts will please your friends or family members who have a flare for interior decorating while also appealing to their love of literature.

Book club membership A membership to a Book of the Month Club may be right up the alleys of those readers who read too fast to join a local reading group or simply don’t have the time to devote to a community book club.

Such memberships often sell classic titles and the latest bestsellers at a fraction of the cost of the publisherestablished prices, and members typically can order as many books as they would like. This can be a great way for readers to find new titles and keep the books coming in without breaking the bank.

Avid readers are passionate about their books, and holiday shoppers can feed those passions by giving their favorite readers gifts that indulge their love of literature this holiday season.

(METRO CREATIVE)

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GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

NOVEMBER 2014

EFFECTIVELY MANAGE YOUR CREDIT

this holiday season

Spending is synonymous with the holiday season.

According to the U.S. Census Monthly Retail Trade Survey, spending rose throughout the holiday season in 2013, when consumers spent more than $300 billion in the month of December alone.

If spending and the holiday season go hand-in-hand, so, too, does January and the financial hangover that results from having spent so much in November and December.

Many consumers find themselves in considerable debt come the new year, having decided to put many of their holiday purchases on plastic when the season was in full swing.

But just because the holidays are a season of spending does not mean the first months of the new year need to be an exercise in extricating yourself from debt. The following are a few ways shoppers can effectively manage their credit this holiday season.

Don’t use credit just to earn bonuses One way to fall into significant debt is to justify your use of credit cards as a great way to earn miles, points or cash-back bonuses. While such rewards can be appealing, if you’re afraid that you will overspend this holiday season if you put everything on plastic, then don’t do so just so you can earn bonuses.

Credit cards should only be used when you have enough money to pay off a balance in its entirety before you incur any interest charges. Those rewards might be tempting, but they’re not as valuable if you overspend and end up paying substantial interest charges.

Avoid retailer credit cards Retailer credit cards also entice shoppers with deals.

When purchasing items in-store, customers often are asked if they would like to earn a percentage off of their purchase by signing up for a retailer credit card. Such discounts may fall anywhere between 10 and 20 percent, a deal that many

men and women may find too tempting to resist.

However, retailer credit cards often come with much higher interest rates than standard credit cards. Unless you know you can pay off the balance immediately, decline the offer to sign up for a retailer credit card, opting instead to pay for your items with cash or a pre-existing card that carries a much lower interest rate.

Use only one card Using multiple cards when making holiday purchases is a great way to lose track of how much you have spent.

Even though the Internet makes it easy to check balances on all of your cards multiple times per day, managing credit is still easier if you only need to log in to a single account to monitor your holiday spending.

Make a daily effort to monitor that spending, as it’s free to view your balance online and such monitoring can greatly reduce the likelihood that you will overspend.

Don’t exceed your credit limit One of the biggest yet most preventable mistakes consumers make come the holiday season is exceeding their credit limits. Exceeding your credit limit not only means you will have a rough month of January when the bills come due, but such a mistake also has a more long-term effect, as your credit score suffers anytime you exceed your limit.

Know your interest rates Though it’s best to only use a credit card when you know you can repay the balance in full when the bill arrives, some consumers simply must carry a balance. In such instances, know the interest rate held by a particular card before you swipe that card to make a purchase.

Some cards hold variable interest rates, which means the interest charged back in June may be far lower than the interest you will be charged in January. Before using

any of your credit cards, determine which one holds the lowest interest rate and use that one when making holiday purchases.

Though spending might be synonymous with the holiday season, consumers need not accept credit card debt as a harsh reality of January. Taking steps to manage credit effectively when holiday shopping can make January a more enjoyable time of year.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Reasons to host a holiday this year What would the holidays be without gatherings of family and close friends? Everyone gets to reminisce around the dinner table, and distant family members get to meet faceto-face instead of through social media.

In many families, holiday hosting duties are shared by one or two family members.

Some host out of a sense of obligation, while others do so because they truly love providing a place for their loved ones to get together during such a festive time of year.

Those undecided about whether or not to take on the role of holiday host should know there are a bevy of reasons to do just that.

No travel time – If you despise sitting in traffic or waiting in line at the airport for a delayed flight, hosting the holidays is your way around such headaches. While you’ll certainly deal with a number of people in your home, it will pale in comparison to the crowds holiday travelers must deal with.

New traditions – Hosting the holidays presents an opportunity to try out your own unique ideas and establish new traditions for your family. Over time, traditions become integral parts of family celebrations. A new host can impart fresh concepts and breathe new life into the festivities.

Time management – Hosting the event allows you to set the pace of the day. You may find the holiday is less stressful when you know what is coming next and can exercise control over the schedule. You may not have to wake up as early to account for travel time and could feel more relaxed.

Give older relatives a break – Perhaps Grandma or an aunt has always hosted the big holidays. Over time, the scope of the event can prove too much for an older person, whether it’s physical or financial constraints sparking such difficulties. Stepping up to take over hosting will relieve someone you love of the work, allowing him or her to enjoy the festivities even more.

Sense of pride – Hosting a holiday is a significant undertaking, especially if you will be following in the footsteps of a successful party host or hostess. This can be your proving ground and a chance to show that you are up to the task. It can give you a confidence boost and the inspiration to try other things you may have thought were beyond reach.

Food – Hosting also allows you to customize the menu so the foods you and your immediate family like best make it on to the holiday menu. You may open others’ eyes to new culinary treats and show off your culinary skills along the way.

Once the festivities have ended, you may even have enough leftovers to free you from cooking for a few days after the holiday, giving you a chance to relax and recuperate.

Some people shy away from hosting a holiday because of the work involved. Although it can be challenging, there is a sense of reward and many other benefits that come with opening your home to friends and family come the holiday season.

(METRO CREATIVE)

NOVEMBER 2014

GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

Page 9

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$4.00 age 12 & Up $1.00 age 6-11 Admission includes parking and shuttle

444 N. Pine St., Burlington, Wis. • (262) 763-3050 Located in Historic Downtown Burlington Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

*Proceeds help fund our Summer Camp Scholarship Program*

YMCA Camp MacLean, 31401 Durand Ave. Burlington, WI 53105 Phone: (262) 763-7742

183828

rmanent L NewunPtyeRoad H • Elkhorn, Woisccoantion

N4403 Co erly Form Creek se Moo Inn

sin 53121

The Christmas Barn A Charming Holiday Atmosphere featuring Antiques, Gifts and an Eclectic Group of Artisans showcasing their Creativity.

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www.burlingtonfootwear.com

Corpo rate Gifts

In the Heart of Walworth County

Hours of Service Wednesday - Saturday

11 AM - 9 PM Serving Full Lunch & Dinner Menu From Steaks to Seafood Burgers to Salad

Thursday

All You Care to Eat Crab Legs

Open

We Sh ip Nat ionwid e!

Nov. 7-Dec. 21 7 Holiday Weekends!

Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday

Breakfast & Lunch 9 AM - 3PM

Visit our fully stocked seafood shop for all your holiday needs. Smoked fish, shrimp, king crab & lobster. Our Smoked Fish Boxes Make Great Holiday Gifts!

Rushing Waters Fisheries LLC 183126

www.christmasbarnlakegeneva.com

N301 County Rd. H, Palmyra, WI

Mon. - Tues. 8 AM - 5 PM; Wed. - Sat. 9 AM - 9 PM; Sun. 9 AM - 3 PM For reservations call: 262-495-2089 • www.rushingwaters.net

183641 183641

NOVEMBER 2014

GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

Page 10

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.

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 televisions.

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 book holders. In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home.

Food

Food is always a handy gift because it doesn’t take up much room and can be enjoyed at a recipient’s leisure. Perhaps there is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but now finds hard to come by.

A search of the Internet 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.

Photos

What grandparent does not enjoy looking at his or her family members?

Computer-savvy 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 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.

Time

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.

(METRO CREATIVE)

How to save on

HIGH-TECH GIFTS

Gadgets are among the most popular gifts come the holiday season. In 2013, CreditDonkey.com surveyed shoppers to determine what they planned to give during the holidays, and electronics were second only to gift cards among the most popular gifts to give.

Sixty-three percent of respondents cited their intentions to give electronics, while the survey also found that 76 percent of people planned to request electronics as holiday gifts.

Gadgets figure to be popular gifts again this holiday season. Unwrapping the latest tablet or a bigscreen television can be exciting, but electronics can be expensive. Those who plan to give their loved ones the latest gadgetry should be happy to learn there are ways to do so that don’t require breaking the bank.

Scale back Oftentimes people are buying more computer or data than they actually need. For example, when buying computers, it’s tempting to go for those that boast the most memory, but that extra memory is only useful to those people who truly need it. A less expensive model that suits your loved one’s genuine needs will make for an impressive and more practical gift.

Determine necessity Some gadgets are more a desire than a necessity.

Decide if a particular device will be an asset to your loved one or just another trendy item that soon will be gathering dust. Look for devices that your loved one will make the most of. If the purchase is not warranted, save your money and look for something else.

Consider refurbished items Don’t shy away from refurbished items, as the discounts can be steep. Refurbished items are often just items that were returned to the store because they’re not needed or because the item was

malfunctioning. Returned items are factory-tested and then repackaged. Opt for refurbished items that carry a manufacturer-backed warranty for greater peace of mind.

Consider open box items Just because packaging is dented or torn does not mean the merchandise inside is damaged.

Purchasing a product that’s not inside a pristine box can sometimes yield a 10 to 15 percent discount at retailers that offer open-box specials. Just verify that all cords, manuals and other accessories are inside the box before leaving the store.

Peruse previous generation models Manufacturers release a new version of their devices seemingly every year. That doesn’t mean last year’s phone, video game console or computer is any less effective than the updated version. Models from previous years likely won’t be much different from the latest models, but they do figure to be considerably less expensive.

Look for coupon codes When researching products, search for coupon codes for desired electronics and retailers. Webbased retailers may post coupon codes that add up to significant savings. Just ensure that the total cost after taxes and shipping fees are calculated makes the purchase worth your while.

Skip the warranty Extended warranties often cost more money than potential repairs. In addition, after a few years’ time, your loved one may be looking to upgrade his or her gadget anyway, making the extended warranty an unnecessary expense.

Gadgets make for popular yet expensive holiday gifts. But holiday shoppers can save money on electronics by employing a few savings strategies.

(METRO CREATIVE)

NOVEMBER 2014

For Lasting Gifts

Page 11

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WE BUY GOLD

GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

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184510

E for theSenses Page 12

GIFT GUIDE FIRST EDITION

NOVEMBER 2014

DON’T MISS THE BOAT!

HOLIDAY HEADQUARTERS FOR ALL YOUR LIQUOR NEEDS!

Happy Holidays From Lake Geneva’s Largest Liquor Store!

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APRIL TO NOVEMBER

rdens AT THE RIVIERA DOCKS LAKE GENEVA, WI ups or individuals 262.248-6206 • 800.558.5911

524 Broad Street Lake Geneva, WI • 262-248-6407

www.brunosliquor.com Since 1975

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184180

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10/31/14 1:56 PM

Great Holiday Meals Begin Here Happy Thanksgiving from

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184171

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