Holiday Gift Guide 2022

HOLIDAY

2022

Toy Trends of 2022

While many holiday shopping lists include toys, it can be tough to know what to get as the popularity of certain toys can often change from year to year as well as the wishes of the children you are buying for.

For anyone struggling to figure out what to get the toy lover on their list, here are some of the top toy trends for 2022 according to The Toy Association:

All About the Experience

After two years of living through a pandemic, today’s consumers are more driven by the experiences they have than ever. While today’s kids are growing up as digital natives, their parents care about the memories their children are making in the real world. This holiday, look for screen-free toys that allow kids to customize their play experiences, playthings that bring digital worlds to life, and ones that super-size and innovate classic play for the whole family. This trend also encourages hands-on play and skillbuilding.

Entertainment Everywhere

Kids continue to take a cross-platform approach to media consumption and 66 percent of parents now report that social media and digital content influence the types of toys their kids want. For toymakers, this means new licensing opportunities and a springboard for emerging trends in play (as seen with fidget and sensory play videos on TikTok). From Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube, to the growing mainstream popularity of gaming, there are seemingly endless new channels of opportunity for toymakers to tap into.

Play for All

Play is for everyone — and the numbers prove it. Children won’t be the only ones making out toy wish lists this year, as toy-spending trends indicate adults (kidults) enjoy playtime just as much as kids. Parents who reported purchasing toys for themselves rank board games (52 percent) and collectibles/fan items (48 percent) among their most sought-out categories. Additionally, 67 percent of grandparents report looking for toys they can enjoy with their grandkids when gift shopping. Playthings with cross-generational appeal will continue to resonate with toy lovers of all ages this holiday.

Easy ways to personalize gift cards

Gift cards provide a convenient way to ensure people of all ages ultimately get something special. While some consider gift cards an impersonal gift, explore these ways to add a personal touch:

· Make your own gift card. Some companies enable gift-givers to personalize cards with their own photos. Or choose from predesigned options to present a card that reflects the personality of the person who will be receiving it.

· Wrap it in a unique way. Don’t just give the gift card in an envelope; find a unique way to wrap it. After all, that will make the gift card a gift within a gift. Find a small gift box and wrap the gift card as you would any other gift. Or make it even more exciting by designing a scavenger hunt with clues on where to find the hidden gift card.

· Assemble a gift basket. Add a few extra treats to a basket with the gift card that ties into a theme. If the gift card is for a boating or fishing retailer, place tackle, a floating key ring or a dry storage bag in the gift basket.

· Add a sweet message. Attach a greeting card and share a few sentiments about why the gift card was chosen. This will help make the gift more personal and show that time was taken to select the item.

Popular Toys By Decade

Experiential gifts for active seniors

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

This holiday season, shoppers can consider these experiences as they look for something new and unique for the seniors on their shopping lists:

Biplane flight

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

Cycling tour

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

Hot air balloon ride

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

Theatre tickets

Many seniors strictly adhered to social distancing guidelines prior to getting vaccinated. Now that seniors are eligible to be fully vaccinated and even receive multiple rounds of booster shots, a trip to the theatre can reignite their passion for live entertainment and make for a memorable night out.

What to give new homeowners this holiday season

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

Video/smart doorbell: Although the smart doorbell market began with only a handful of options, there’s now a bevy of manufacturers who make video and smart home doorbells. These doorbells serve the dual purpose of alerting homeowners to someone at the door, while providing surveillance of the comings and goings outside of the home, giving many new homeowners peace of mind.

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

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

Household tool kit: What better way to prepare new homeowners for the do-it-yourself projects and household repairs than with a tool kit? Home improvement retailers often package common tools needed in carrying cases or sets, but shoppers can grab separate items they think will be used and group them together into one gift. Pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, a level, a drill and measuring tape are good starter tools.

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

Four gifts for busy professionals

Busy professionals may not have time to shop for products that can make their lives a little easier, but these four gifts can make it easier for busy professionals to handle long days at the office.

Portable phone charger

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

Wireless headphones

Though some models can cost 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.

Cleaning service

Few chores are less appealing after a long day at the office than cleaning house. Many cleaning services offer weekly or monthly packages, and professionals would undoubtedly appreciate someone taking this time-consuming task off their to-do list.

Slow cooker

Slow cookers allow users to put everything in a pot in the morning and then arrive at night to a ready-to-eat, homecooked meal. These can be especially valuable to professionals who work long hours and don't have the time to prepare a meal from scratch at the end of a workday.

Gifts that will thrill auto lovers

Since they first became widely available in the early 20th century, cars have inspired no small number of passionate devotees. Some people simply can’t resist the thrills of the open road, while others love driving because of the sense of independence it provides.

Regardless of what inspires their passions, come the holiday season, auto enthusiasts undoubtedly would be excited to unwrap these auto-related gifts.

Car wash kit

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

Mechanic’s tool kit

Many car lovers enjoy working on their vehicles almost as much as they love driving them. That makes a mechanic’s tool kit a must-have for auto enthusiasts. Like car wash kits, mechanic’s kits are ideal gifts because they can suit shoppers working with various budgets. Extensive kits include all the tools car lovers need, from ratchets to extension bars to sockets and more, to spend a fun day working in the garage.

Tire inflator

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

What to get the family beach bum

If the weather outside is frightful, these beach-themed gifts can be just what beach lovers want to see under the tree this holiday season:

• Beach shade/tent: Beach shades and tents can make a day at the shore that much more enjoyable by providing protection from the sun.

· Sand-free towel: Sand-free towels are typically made with microfiber that prevents sand from accumulating on them. That helps beachgoers ensure sand on their towels doesn’t make it to their cars and homes.

· Foldable blanket: A foldable blanket can fold up and zip shut into the size of a small pillow, making them highly popular among beach lovers who are accustomed to serving as sun-soaked sherpas each time they visit the beach.

· Beach wagon: Beach wagons make getting from the car to the sand with your gear in tow that much easier. Collapsible wagons can fold up and fit easily into vehicle trunks when not in use. Depending on the size of the wagon, it may be able to carry more than 100 pounds of cargo, including beach chairs, coolers, towels and more.

Tuesday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Wednesday 11:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Thursday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Friday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Saturday 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Sunday 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm Take-Out & Delivery

Great gifts for fitness lovers

Though it’s not always so easy finding the right gift, identifying a passion of each person on your holiday shopping list can make finding the perfect present that much easier.

Many families have at least one person who qualifies as a physical fitness buff and a passion for fitness can serve as a great starting point when shopping for a loved one who can’t wait to exercise each day. This holiday season, shoppers can stoke that passion for exercise with some gifts designed to help people reach their fitness goals.

Insulated water bottle

On the surface, a new water bottle might not seem like the most impressive gift. However, fitness buffs know just how much water bottles have changed in recent years and how invaluable it can be to have a good one at the ready. A highquality insulated water bottle can keep water cold for hours, ensuring endurance athletes accustomed to long runs or cycling sessions won’t need to hydrate with warm drinks no matter how long it’s been since they started their workouts.

Fitness trackers

Fitness trackers run the gamut from low-cost options with useful yet limited capabilities to more expensive items that can seemingly give athletes all the information they need about variables such as their heart rate and performance metrics. If the fitness buff on your list has his or her heart set on an expensive device, speak to other family members about pooling your resources.

Fitness app subscription/gift card

The popularity of various exercise apps spiked dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic because they made it easy to get professional fitness instruction at home. A subscription to a service like ClassPass (classpass.com) provides access to classes at thousands of top-rated gyms, fitness studios, salons and spas across the globe. This can help fitness buffs find new exercises if their existing routines have grown stale or simply stay in shape even if they don’t always have time to get to the gym.

Home exercise equipment

Though the darkest days of the pandemic might be in the rearview mirror, the world has grown accustomed to periodic spikes that could compromise workout routines. That needn’t be the case for fitness buffs who keep some simple exercise equipment at home. A set of dumbbells, a new weight bench or even a new yoga mat can ensure fitness buffs won’t miss a workout even if they can’t get out of the house.

Security tips for online shopping

Online shopping may be especially convenient during a pandemic, but online shoppers should take extra steps to protect themselves from cyber criminals.

· Don’t just use any Wi-Fi. Unsecured Wi-Fi connections make it easy for cyber criminals to see everything users are doing online. When using Wi-Fi to shop, make sure the connection requires a password and never purchase items from a site that does not.

· Use a credit card instead of your debit card. Credit cards typically provide more protection to consumers than debit cards. Though conditions apply, credit card users are not liable if fraudulent purchases are made with their cards, while debit card users could face an uphill battle to avoid being on the hook for fraudulent purchases.

· Shop via mobile apps instead of websites. Cyber criminals are less likely to target mobile apps in an effort to access consumer data because apps require hackers to create specific attacks for each app. Websites are vulnerable to general browser attacks, which means hackers don’t have to work as hard to access sensitive data as they would if they were to target retail apps.

Gifts to get kids off screens and the couch

Parents know that getting kids to put down their devices is no small task. However, the holiday season can be the perfect time to find fun gifts that encourage kids to be more physically active and have nothing to do with screens.

Lessons: Parents and loved ones of children can look for lessons that inspire youngsters to pursue a new passion (music, art, cooking, etc.) that promotes healthy habits and encourages kids to get up and go.

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

Trampoline: Family members should definitely clear this one with mom and dad before purchasing it. However, no kid, including tweens and teenagers, can resist a good trampoline. Modern trampolines are safer than they used to be, especially the ones with enclosures that prevent kids from falling off the trampoline and onto the hard ground below.

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

How to find bargains this holiday shopping season

The pinch of inflation has been felt throughout the last year, and that squeeze could feel even tighter as the holiday season draws closer.

Holiday celebrants must contend with the costs associated with hosting holiday gatherings, travel and spending nights out celebrating with loved ones. But the biggest added expense many people must confront during the holiday season is the cost of buying gifts for family and friends. Though inflation might be beyond consumers’ control, there are still ways to find bargains when holiday shopping this year.

Start comparison shopping early

In addition to the rising cost of living, modern consumers also must contend with supply shortages and shipping delays. Shopping early is a great way to get around those lingering effects of the pandemic, and it also affords shoppers more time to find great deals. Comparison shopping sites make it easy to comparison shop by breaking items down into categories and producing a list of vendors and prices for an assortment of products. Utilizing these sites and shopping early is a great way to find bargains.

Attend local holiday bazaars and markets

One of the great things about holiday bazaars and markets is that many of the businesses that set up shop at these events are local. They also tend to sell an array of items, including small items that can easily fit into shoppers’ holiday budgets. Take pride in knowing that you not only found a great gift but that you supported a local, small business in the process.

Pool your resources

Another way to get around rising costs this holiday season is to pool your shopping resources with other friends or family members. The cost of more pricey gifts can be easier to bear if it’s split amongst a few people.

Join shopping groups on social media

There are a number of groups on social media outlets like Facebook where consumers share deals and tips with other members of the group. If you are looking for something specific, you can post and ask others if they have seen any good deals on that item. Or you can scroll through the deals others have shared to see if there are ideal items for those on your holiday shopping list.

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How to navigate potential supply shortages this holiday season

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 navigate their way through another holiday season that could be affected by global supply chain issues.

Shop local

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.

Ship directly to recipients

It might not offer the same heartwarming charm as handing a loved one a gift in person, but shipping gifts directly to their recipients increases the likelihood that the person will receive the gift by Hanukkah 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 traditional feel to gift-giving.

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 example, if an e-reader costs $150, give a $150 gift card in its place.

Give homemade gifts

Homemade gifts, whether it’s baked goods or crafts, don’t need to be shipped, so there’s no way such items will spend the holiday season sitting on a ship in a congested port. If you choose to make crafts, decide early what you want to create so you can secure all of the necessary supplies in plenty of time to deliver the items during Hanukkah or on Christmas morning.

What to do about returns after shopping early

If holiday shopping early increases the chances of finding the perfect gift, it also can make returns a little more difficult as many stores have airtight and time-sensitive return policies. Despite that, holiday shoppers who like to shop early can employ various strategies that could make it easier for loved ones to return gifts.

Shop at retailers who offer extended return policies. Many retailers recognize the popularity of shopping early for the holidays and tweak their standard return policies during this time of year. Prior to purchasing any gifts, shoppers can shop around for retailers who offer extended holiday returns. Pandemic-related supply shortages and shipping issues may compel more retailers to offer such policies as a greater number of people shop early to ensure they get what they want and that their purchases arrive on time. But it’s still wise for shoppers to confirm if an extended return policy is in place prior to purchasing anything.

Ask recipients to avoid opening packages if they might return items. The excitement of receiving a great gift may compel recipients, especially children, to immediately open the box. But early shoppers can request that packages remain intact until recipients confirm that they want to keep the gift. Some retailers may offer full returns or store credits on unopened items even if the return window has closed.

Keep tags and receipts. Recipients are more likely to get full refunds or store credit if tags are still attached and gift givers have saved their receipts. This applies even to items that were purchased months before they’re being returned.

Urge recipients to return items during off-peak hours. If recipients want to return an item in person, urge them to do so at a time when the store isn’t likely to be busy. Staff might be more willing to work with people returning gifts at times when they aren’t as busy.

Make Toy Safety A Priority

The holiday season is an exciting time for children eager to play with new toys and games. Ensuring those gifts are safe can make for a healthy giving season. Follow these guidelines when gifting young kids:

· Always read labels to see if the toy is right for a child's age. Don't buy a toy that is too mature for a child even if you think it would be a big hit.

· Recognize choking hazards in toys, which may include marbles, small balls and uninflated balloons. Button batteries, which come in many electronics, can be a choking hazard and cause damage to intestines if swallowed.

· Inspect all toys for sharp edges or points. Even stuffed animals with internal wires can stab, cut or shock.

· Avoid toys that have parts that fly off, as they can injure the eyes or other parts of the body.

· Look for nontoxic labels on toys, including crayons, markers and other art supplies.

· Consider a gift recipient’s temperament and behavior before purchasing a toy. While one child may be mature enough to handle a toy, another of the same age may not be ready for it.

Gifts for school-aged children

School-aged children may not be so simple to shop for, as their interests are always evolving and they tend to outgrow toys as quickly as their growing bodies outgrow their clothes.

No two kids are the same, but these gift ideas can appeal to school-aged youngsters at a time in their lives when their curiosity is always piqued.

STEM gifts: “STEM” is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. These academic disciplines have gained heightened importance over the last couple of decades, and many toy manufacturers now make products that reinforce STEM lessons kids learn in the classroom in a fun way. STEM-based toys are available for kids of all ages, including children who are still in diapers.

Nature-based gifts: From age-appropriate binoculars that encourage kids to explore natural settings to birdhouses and fairy gardens kids can build and paint in their favorite colours, shoppers can choose from a host of nature-based gifts that encourage kids to get away from their screens and enjoy the great outdoors.

Cookbooks: Cookbooks are another great gift for school-aged youngsters, who can learn a lot from pitching in at dinnertime. Children who cook with their parents can learn valuable lessons about nutrition and measuring ingredients can reinforce lessons learned in the classroom. Shoppers can choose from any number of cookbooks designed for kids, and even children as young as two can pitch in when baking cookies or preparing family meals.

Last minute gift ideas

Even thoose who start their shopping well in advance can find themselves scrambling for a last minute gift. Here are a few suggestions for last minute purchases:

Books

Board games: Board games remain a wonderful way for kids to learn and have fun doing it. Board games are made for kids of all ages, and they’re not just fun but also beneficial to early childhood development. For example, board games requiring strategy help the frontal lobes of the brain develop. Those lobes are responsible for planning, organizing and decision-making. Board games also provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together free from distractions.

Reasons to support small businesses

Here are several great reasons to shop at small businesses this holiday season and all year round:

• Not only will the small business appreciate your support but you will also feel good knowing you’ve helped a member of your community.

• Shopping at small businesses keeps those establishments afloat, and it also keeps their employees afloat. Keeping small businesses viable provides a strong job market for locals.

• National retailers and other businesses follow global business models that may not allow for much customization, but small businesses can provide products or services that relate directly to the needs of the communities they serve.

• Shopping at small businesses keeps more money in the community. It is estimated that $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. Spend the same $100 at a national retailer and only $14 stays.

• Small businesses also may be more inclined to work with local vendors and start-ups than national companies that have global supply chains.

Books are often overlooked, especially now that so many readers use e-readers. But books can be an ideal gift and especially convenient for last-minute shoppers, who can even gift e-books.

Experiences

Experience gifts open up a host of possibilities for last-minute shoppers stuck on what to give those loved ones who seemingly have it all. Tickets to sporting events and concerts can be easily purchased online, avoiding a mad dash to the store at the eleventh hour.

Food/beverage

When gifting the family foodie, last-minute shoppers may not need to look further than the latest hotspot restaurant or specialty grocery store for the perfect gift. The craft beer boom has created a host of devoted and knowledgeable beer drinkers, so a gift card or growler from a local craft brewery is sure to please people who love hoisting frosty pints.

Gift Cards

When all else fails, gift cards are a good choice because you can buy them at most retail locations, especially those that are open on Christmas Eve. And even if retails stores are closed, you can typically get gift cards at convenience stores and gas stations that are open late on Christmas Eve or even on Christmas Day.