Giftguide pg112112 by The Gazette

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Holiday Gift Guide

Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star | November 2012

Bring on the holidays in style. Your style! ‘Tis the season to be absolutely smashing in a totally together little something from Bowie Town Center.

BOWIE TOWN CENTER

Macy’s - Sears - American Eagle - Bath & Body Works - Barnes & Noble Charming Charlie - Dressbarn - Express - Famous Footwear - Lane Bryant - LOFT New York & Company - Old Navy - Things Remembered - Victoria’s Secret - Wet Seal

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Bowie Town Center is located on State Road 197 south of US 50 and north of US 301 in Bowie, MD. Shopping Line 301.860.1818.

November 2012 | Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star

Holiday Gift Guide

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Holiday Gift Guide

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Turn cash gifts into works of art. Recipients will appreciate the full value of the gift.

CREATIVE WAYS TO

GIVE CASH BY SHARON NAYLOR

ho doesn’t love receiving cash gifts? The gift of money allows your recipient to buy anything he or she would like without you having to guess or potentially send a present that might go right into their garage sale bin. These days especially, a little windfall allows your recipient to enjoy an indulgence, such as a manicure, a massage or a fabulous box of truffles. Even better, there’s no guilt associated with spending this extra money. It’s for pure enjoyment. Joel Waldfogel, professor of applied economics at the University of Minnesota and author of “Scroogenomics: Why You Shouldn’t Buy Presents for the Holidays,” said that recipients of cash gifts appreciate the full value of the present since they know the amount. In contrast, Waldfogel said, recipients perceive traditional, noncash gifts as costing 20 percent less than the giver paid. Applying this “perceived value” to gift cards would seem to make sense, but

Waldfogel said that 10 percent of a gift card value is never used and retailers can’t claim the unclaimed cards as revenue for years. Interested in giving cash gifts? Here are some creative ways to present them, making the gift even more of a thrill: ORIGAMI. The artistry of folding, curling and otherwise shaping crisp dollar bills into shapes and sculptures is a fun way to present cash gifts. You’ll pay just a small extra fee for an origami artist to make money roses, money hearts, even little shirts created from $1s, $10s, $20s, and even $50s or $100 bills for more extravagant givers. There are lessons on YouTube to try your hand at money origami, books on the topic at craft stores and expert origami artists who can create your cash sculpture for you. Many florist shops offer money rose origami to insert in floral arrangements or to give as gifts. At the Etsy shop PaperAffection, which you [continued on 13]

Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star | November 2012

Top Gifts for

TEENS BY SHARON NAYLOR

uying a gift for a teenager can be difficult since there’s such a difference between what a 13-year-old loves and what an 18-year-old loves. Teens can be very particular about which trends suit their style and which trends are “in” at their school. Luckily, there’s a free online tool to help you assess each of the teens on your gift list. Gifts.com’s Personality Profiler tool on its home page allows you to enter the teen’s name and answer some easy questions regarding the teen’s goals, hobbies and what she talks about at dinner. The site then delivers an array of gift suggestions. Take this quiz for each of the teens on your list and you’ll save time, and perhaps money, while finding the perfect, on-trend gifts. Gifts.com editors also place a banner on each of their top gift picks to help make finding the right gift easier. Here are the top trends in teen gifts for girls and guys:

Achiever Items Goal-oriented teen gifts include iPad covers in various designs, locker organizers with whiteboards and pockets, digital alarm clocks, USB sticks in themed designs and the Gifts.com editors’ pick of a digital scanner pen for taking better notes in class. Trendanista Items For teen girls who love their fashion designer labels, consider Kate Spade wallets, key chains or iPhone covers.

Gifts.com editors’ picks for teen girls include manicure collections filled with pretty nail polishes in classic, trendy colors with sparkly options for teens of all ages. As an example of new nail polish artistry, the editors of Gifts.com showcase the Ciate Caviar Manicure set, a two-part nail art kit created in London, which they said brings “avant-garde catwalk nail styling to your fingertips.” Featuring pearlescent beads to create a 3-D effect, this kit helps teens produce attention-grabbing nail designs for $25. Trendanistas also love jewelry, and this season’s big look is the cuff bracelet—also a bargain buy at less than $30 for many styles of wider bracelets in silver, either simple or intricate. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to the trendanista teen’s favorite store or website.

Technology Items Teens are extremely tech-savvy. They often own the top tools, such as iPhones, iPads, MP3 players and high-powered laptops and desktops. In order to get them excellent tech-oriented gifts, find out which kinds of tools they use right now so that you can give them accessories for those. It may be a wise idea to buy tech toys closer to the holidays, since teens upgrade their gadgets often—and you don’t want to give them a case that doesn’t work with their current phone, for example. Some choice picks: HEADPHONES. Yes, big headphones worn over the head are in again, with many featuring funky colors from designer collections. You’ll find basic black, island turquoise, vivid orange and [continued on 12]

November 2012 | Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star

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Holiday Gift Guide

The Monster High two-story school features some of the most recognizable rooms from the webisodes, including the iconic school entrance through the gargoyle statues and the mad science classroom.

CREATORS.COM/MATTEL

The Barbie Photo Fashion doll is actually a digital camera.

THIS SEASON’S

HOTTEST TOYS BY DIANE SCHLINDWEIN

urby is back and better than ever; Barbie will be taking a lot of pictures; and Monster High dolls and accessories probably will be smashing all the holiday competition, according to experts tracking popular toys for Christmas 2012. No. 1 on the Mattel top 12 list is the Barbie Photo Fashion doll. The doll is actually a digital camera; images appear on Barbie’s shirt. At $49.99, it’s a little pricier than your usual Barbie, but she can hold more than 200 images and features an internal rechargeable battery. 6

Holiday Gift Guide

“This year, we are introducing an innovative doll that lets girls customize, create and design, all in one interactive toy. The Barbie Photo Fashion doll combines fashion play and photography with a simple click,” said Cathy Cline, vice president of U.S. marketing for Mattel’s girls’ brands. “With this digital camera doll, girls can customize their own photos and then display them on Barbie’sT-shirt—allowing them to be the ultimate photographer and stylist.” Mattel also has launched Apptivity, which is a new line of plastic toys that interact with iPad games. Apptivity brings toys to life and turns tablets into moving digital worlds. Fisher-Price Apptivity items

are also compatible with the iPhone and the iPod touch. Games will include “Hot Wheels,” “Cut the Rope,” “WWE Rumblers” and “Fruit Ninja.” “With millions of households now owning iPads, we sought out a meaningful way to create new play possibilities that both entertain and bring families together,” said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president of marketing for Mattel’s North American division. “Apptivity meets the needs of today’s tech-savvy kids while showcasing our trusted brands and best-inclass partners.” Families who want to play a new and fun board game might consider giving the [continued on 13]

Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star | November 2012

FOODIE favorites BY SHARON NAYLOR

ive a man a fish and he eats for one day; give a foodie a fish spatula and he makes many delectable seafood meals for his family and friends. If you have people on your gift-giving list who love to cook and experiment with new recipes and exotic cuisines or are always serving up amazing dishes at meals and get-togethers, choose kitchen-oriented gifts for the so-called “foodies” this holiday season. Even the most inexpensive, unique kitchen gadget or spice mix can thrill them. Gifts can be purchased for the experienced chef or for those just starting out, such as newlyweds, engaged couples and those who have discovered a love of cooking later in life. “My mother started taking cooking classes at her retirement home,

and she fell in love with organic and Asian cooking,” said Dena Guerrard, a mother of two. “Now, she wants cooking tools, sauces, cookbooks and other items for her new interest, which makes it far more exciting to shop for her gifts.” Here are the top types of gifts to consider for all the foodies on your holiday shopping list:

Flavored Balsamic Vinegars These subtly or powerfully infused vinegars open up whole new worlds of flavor profiles in salads, seafoods, poultry and red meats. At the Cape May Olive Oil Company—www.capemayoliveoilcompany.com—some of the top creatively designed balsamic vinegars include: -POMEGRANATE: This balsamic vinegar has the tartness of the pomegranate right in

New and improved zesters are a top kitchen gift for foodies.

ZESTERS: CREATORS.COM/SUR LA TABLE; PLATE: ISTOCKPHOTO/JULYVELCHEV

it, making it slightly sweet, slightly tart. Enjoy it on salads, in desserts and in sauces and marinades. -MANDARIN ORANGE: Bold orange aroma and flavor. Perfect for vinaigrettes, salads and sauces for Asian dishes. Use with pork or chicken dishes. -CRANBERRY: This is a wonderful flavor to add to meats, such as pork or turkey. Works great on a salad with nuts, or try it on vanilla ice cream.

Flavored Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Flavored olive oils add gourmet flair to the foodie’s treasured recipes and allow

them to follow celebrity chef recipes to the letter. You’ll find such flavors as jalapeno, lemon, rosemary, garlic and even baconflavored olive oil. Look especially for black truffle garlic olive oil, which the experts at Cape May Olive Oil Company describe as “an elegant oil to use as a final touch to your dish. Drizzle over pasta, vegetables or scallops. Makes a wonderful risotto.”

Spices Quality spices are essential items in a foodie’s kitchen, and you’ll wow them with your gift of exotic spice blends, such as Marrakesh—a Moroccan [continued on 12]

PUBLICK PLAYHOUSE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES Red Baraat Nov 30 8pm Nego Gato Dance Ensemble December 2 3pm

Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration Tuesday Dec 18 10:15am & 12 noon Kwanzaa Celebration Friday, Dec 28 11am

Santa’s Workshop Tuesday, Dec 4 10:15 am & 12 noon One Appalachian Christmas Tuesday Dec 11 10:15 am & 12 noon Publick Playhouse 5445 Landover Road Cheverly, MD 20784

Soul In Motion Players Saturday, January 26 8pm To order tickets call the Box Office at 301-277-1710 TTY: 301-277-0312

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November 2012 | Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star

Holiday Gift Guide

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS The Nook HD+ is now greater than ever as the best-in-class, highest resolution HD tablet on the market. Enjoy pictures and video that look spectacular from ever y angle and words that are cr ystal clear.

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Holiday Gift Guide

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Help someone in need with your purchase of a 2012 engraved Holiday Gift from the exclusive Make-A-Wish Collection at Things Remembered. $2 from ever y purchase is donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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Nintendo Wii U is the gaming console that will not only redefine how you play, but will transform how you connect with friends and enjoy entertainment.

Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star | November 2012

FORGET THE HALLS. DECORATE YOURSELF. Express Tough goes traditional with the addition of Tweed. Express offers the Tweed Moto Jacket for a standout style with a cozy fit. 301.850.0009

Charming Charlie It’s a wrap. With a gift that can be worn 3 ways. Charming charlie offers Ruana’s in a wide variety of styles to fit your mood. 301.262.2796 New York & Company The latest and greatest trend, Colorblock, creates slimming appeal and effortless style. New York & Company offers beautiful dresses, blouses and even scar ves in this sleek design. 301.262.2117

November 2012 | Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star

LOFT LOFT offers the definition of day-tonight luxur y with these per fectly plush velvet pants. Check out LOFT’s charming prints to match this ultra fitted look. 301.805.0278

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Victoria’s Secret Lounge around this Holiday in style. Victoria’s Secret is adding sparkles to their most comfortable gear for a laid back but glamorous look. Check out the latest PINK gear. 301.809.2461

Holiday Gift Guide

GREAT BOOKS

for your kids—and for generations to come BY DIANNE CROWN

n old grandmother I once knew kept holiday gift giving simple. She gave each child something to do (play with or build), something to eat, something to wear and something to read. For that special something to read for your family this year, Chinaberry, a company that sells educational toys, recommends a collection of enduring favorites and soon-to-be-classic reads chosen to nurture caring and respect, to be positive and uplifting, and to provide rich reading for children’s hearts and minds. Consider these three new titles in the collection. Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton take a fresh look at “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” with paintings by Eric Puybaret, in a board book format. Unlike the sad tale of the great friendship of dragon and boy who slips away forever when he grows up and leaves home, there is a satisfying resolution that teaches more about friendship and loyalty than the 50-year-old folk song ever did. The board book retails for $7.95 and a pop-up version with a CD is also available.

“Seed by Seed: The Legend and Legacy of John ‘Appleseed’ Chapman,” written by Esme Raji Codell and illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins, broadens the story for middle-elementary through early-middle-school students. More than the oft-told tale, this new edition looks into a life based on five principles: Use what you have; share what you have; respect nature; try to make peace where there is war; and you can reach your destination by taking small steps.The book jacket reads: “Esme Raji Codell and Lynne Rae Perkins show us, in eloquent words and exhilarating pictures, why Johnny

Appleseed matters now, perhaps more than ever, in our loud and wired and fast-paced world.” The hardcover book retails for $16.99. Chinaberry also recommended Lissa Evans’ “Horten’s Incredible Illusions: Magic, Mystery & Another Very Strange Adventure,” for ages 8 years and older.This small, thick chapter book starts off where the first adventure, “Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms,” ended and grabs returning readers and new fans alike from page one. “Just when height-challenged Stuart Horten thinks his big adventure is over, he discovers that Great Uncle Tony has left behind yet another mystery: he’s hidden his will, and his magic tricks are the clues to its location!” the jacket reads. Unlike the dark and dreary books populating the shelves of many children’s sections, this is a fun adventure for reading alone or reading together out loud. The hardcover book retails for $14.95. Creators.com

CREATORS.COM/DIANNE CROWN

These three books are recommended by Chinaberry.

ISTOCKPHOTO/CARACTERDESIGN

Holiday Gift Guide

Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star | November 2012

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or shoppers on a tight budget, this time of year can be a real headache, but there are plenty of great and practical gift ideas out there for less than $50. Big Picture PR has standout stocking stuffers under $50 this season. For women, jewelry designer Paula Montgomery has a nice selection of repurposed, romantic, vintage earrings starting at $45. Jewelry designer Kris Nations has plenty of pieces for less than $50 in her eco-friendly line that’s made with repurposed metal. Necklaces start at $39, earrings at $35 and bracelets at $25.There are also several items on sale. All metals are 14-karat gold or sterling silver, and all her jewelry is made in the United States. Hard Candy Cases has a wide variety of casings for less than $50 for your iPhone, iPad, iPod, Kindle Fire and MacBook. Cases for iPhones start at $9.95, iPads at $16.95, iPods at $34.95, Kindle Fire at $39.95 and MacBook at $9.95. See the collection at www.hardcandycases.com. Many stores have an array of gifts for less than $50 online, including Barnes & Noble and Pottery Barn. Items include wine racks, industry wine coolers, candles, incense, recycled-glass bottle vases, lanterns, clocks, journals, pens and picture frames. An article from eHow on Christmas gifts for women that are less than $50 suggests purchasing bath and beauty products in the recipient’s favorite scent. “Find out her favorite perfume, and instead of buying the perfume itself for Christmas, purchase the accompanying products, such as lotions, body washes, body oils, soaps, bubble bath and candles in the same scent,” the article said. The article also suggested putting a spin on simply buying a bottle of wine. Instead, take the woman in your life on a tour of a local winery. Many wineries offer free tours and tastings, so you can sample a variety of wines to find out which your loved one will like best. “Take note of her favorite wines during the tastings,” the article said. “After the tour, purchase several bottles of her favorites, and give them to her as Christmas gifts. For $50, you can likely purchase one to three bottles of wine, depending on the price.” An article from eHow on gifts for men

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These blue keystone earrings from Paula Montgomery are a great gift if your budget is on the low side.

suggests picking out tools, sports paraphernalia from his favorite team, or a nice bottle of wine or whiskey for less than $50. Gift certificates are also a nice present for $50 or less. Montgomery said she’s big on giving them to her friends from their favorite places, such as knitting stores, bead stores, independent movie theaters and coffee shops. “That way, they only use it for themselves and don’t feel like they need to use it on someone else,” she said. “I like to get them from local shops and try to avoid the big-box, mall store, chain store, so as to support the local economy and locally owned shops. “I also make one-of-a-kind gift card holders myself so it shows more thought than just running out and buying a gift card and shoving it in a boring envelope. The envelope that I make becomes part of the gift,” Montgomery said. No matter the gift, Montgomery said, it is the thought that counts. Creators.com

November 2012 | Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star

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Holiday Gift Guide

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Holiday Gift Guide

TEENS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

patterned headphones on the market.The Urbanears headphones are an editor’s top pick at Gifts.com. EARBUDS. Teens use these tiny earpiece tools to listen to music or television shows via their handheld gadgets, and a range of teen-style earbuds are on the market right now. From classic, solid-colored earbuds to those with a hot pink, zebra pattern to earbuds with sports team logos on them, these gifts are easy to match to your recipient’s style. Even if they own earbuds already, they can always use extra pairs to keep in their sports bags or for travel. IPHONE CASES. Tailor your choice to the teen’s interests, from classic novel covers to soccer to funny quotes and sayings. Teens love to accessorize their tech gear and gift cases can expand their options.

Diaries and Journals Surprisingly, teens don’t write everything on social media—mostly because their parents are often “friends” with them on Facebook and monitor their posts and

FOODIE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

blend used for lamb, fish, meatballs, couscous, soups and roasted vegetables—and Cataluna—a blend of pimento and smoked cinnamon for stews, soups, bean dishes and pork.

Flavored Sugars The Cape May Olive Oil Company’s website shows off more than a dozen inspirational uses for flavored sugars, including ginger flavored pure cane sugar. SWEET: Top lemon sorbet or pumpkin pie. FRESH: Use ginger sugar in stir-fry to add a sweet zing. SAVORY: Perfect on grilled salmon. LIQUID: Ginger sugar will be your new favorite when it’s added to a steaming cup of tea. TWIST: Caramelize ginger sugar on top of crème brûlée. Kitchen Tools Browse the kitchen gadgets at such popular stores as Sur La Table, WilliamsSonoma, and other upscale entertaining and foodie delight sites and you’ll see chefworthy kitchen gadgets to turn the everyday cook into a wannabe master chef. From top-quality, ultra-long zesters and strawberry hullers to a chef-quality mandolin for fine slices of cucumber and a julienne peeler, specialty tools elevate

activities. So a private writing space is greatly appreciated by those who want to journal their projects, goals, and, yes, their school dramas and crushes. Creative types might use their journals for writing poetry or sketching, and a starter scrapbook complete with an array of stickers and borders from the craft store may meld a teen’s penchant for keepsakes and artistry. One of the most popular journals on Gifts.com is the Ticket Stub Diary, which lets them insert their tickets from concerts, plays, sporting events and vacations, and journal details of each experience.

Money and Gift Cards Teens are in a stage of self-discovery and independence, which means they love to choose their own gifts. You can help that happen, and perhaps even help them get an item they’ve been saving for, with a cash gift or a gift card to their favorite website or store. Not sure which gift card would be best? Just ask them. It’s a gift to give them some say in what you get them.Teens love that. Creators.com

an indoor and outdoor kitchen’s creations. Shop FoodNetwork.com for gadgets from a favorite chef’s line, such as Guy Fieri’s sauce squeeze bottles and expert paring knives.

Cookbooks There are so many gorgeous cookbooks on the market today—from elite chefs’ French cuisine to colorful offerings on panini sandwiches, healthy appetizers, Tuscan foods and, of course, the newest from the Food Network celebrity chefs. Rachael Ray’s new cookbook on burgers pleases male and female gift recipients and Melissa d’Arabian’s “Ten Dollar Dinners” cookbook adds budget-friendly recipes to the foodie family’s collection. If you know that your foodie already owns many cookbooks, give him the gift of choice with a gift card to Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com or the FoodNetwork.com store. On a budget of $20 or less, give subscriptions to foodie magazines for gifts that arrive fresh each week or month, or packs of pretty recipe cards so she can share recipes the old-fashioned way. Gadgets can also be found for less than $20, so you can thrill the recipient without spending a fortune. And every time he uses your gift with each winning dish he creates, he’ll be grateful to you. Creators.com

Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star | November 2012

TOYS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

“Angry Birds Space Game,” said Christopher Byrne, known across the country as The Toy Guy. “The app is now a board game,” he said. “This is the latest version from Mattel. It’s really selling well.” Lego toys have long been a favorite with boys, but the company has launched a new item in Lego Friends, said Byrne, who is also associated with timetoplaymag.com. “This is the first girl-centered line from Lego,” he said. “It caused a bit of a stir when it was launched...but it’s doing very well and is very popular.” One toy that’s making a comeback is the odd-looking, but fun, Furby. “Yes, it’s back, but I have to say that they’ve done a really great job of updating the technology, so the play is better than ever,” Byrne said. The Bounce Bounce Tigger, from Just Play, is a “new version of a toy that was a hit about eight years ago,” said Byrne. It was initially meant for preschoolers, but there is a “totally new consumer base since then. They’ve done a great job animating the toy, and it’s hilarious.”

CASH, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

can find online at etsy.com/shop/ PaperAffection, the artist will make blooming roses and other shapes from American and foreign currency. FENG SHUI RED PROSPERITY ENVELOPES. In a recent interview on Oprah.com, financial guru and author Suze Orman said that she likes to give money in red feng shui envelopes, which, according to the ancient philosophy of attracting energy, luck and other positives via symbolic placement of items, makes a gift of the envelope itself. When the recipient finds a cash gift in the red envelope, he or she can then remove the cash, fill the red envelope with nine coins of any type and then place the lucky envelope at the entrance to a room or in a room’s “financial corner” to “attract” wealth and financial health. WALLET STUFFING. Giving a gift of a stylish wallet or change purse gets even more exciting when the recipient opens it to find a stack of crisp $20s or a pile of $10s. STAND-UP CARD HOLDERS. Look at cute and creative place card stands with themed bottom designs such as starfish, little chairs and other items. Instead of those little printed cards, slip a crisp $5 or $10 bill into each of six or eight holders. Display this gift on a table or wrap in a pretty box, with the place card stands becoming a secondary gift the recipient will use again and again.

THE NERF N-STRIKE ELITE HAIL-FIRE

SHOOTS UP TO 75 FEET

AND CAN HOLD UP TO 104 FOAM DARTS. High-energy kids with time on their hands over the holiday break can play outside with the Nerf N-Strike Elite HailFire. “This is one of the most high-powered Nerf guns yet. It shoots up to 75 feet and can hold up to 104 foam darts,” Byrne said. Although it is still a little early to know for sure which toys will be most popular, Byrne made one prediction on which both he and Mattel agree. Mattel is promoting Monster High High School on its top 12 toy list, and Byrne thinks the toy company is right on the mark. Girls also will enjoy the Monster High Create-A-Monster kit, according to Mattel. Creators.com

RECIPIENTS PERCEIVE TRADITIONAL, NONCASH GIFTS AS COSTING 20 PERCENT LESS THAN THE GIVER ACTUALLY PAID. In a craft store’s wrapping and party favor section, there are trendy, patterned flat gift tins designed for holding gift cards. With zebra stripes, sports logos or other themes, gift tins are the perfect holders for your cash gifts—and again, the gift tin can be reused by the recipient. PAPER BANDS. As an easy DIY craft, simply cut a length of patterned paper—perhaps from a pad of scrapbook paper—to create a 2-inch-wide band that you wrap around the pile of money. Secure with tape and decorate with a rubber stamp design, sticker, wax seal or a message you write on the band in metallic marker. If your recipients live far away, you may be tempted to send money via PayPal, but be aware that they may have to open a PayPal account if they don’t already have one, and PayPal may charge a fee to the recipient—or to you, if you offer to pay it. If you decide to mail money to a faraway loved one, do so safely using trackable and insured mail. Check usps.gov for current regulations about mailing cash nationally and overseas. GIFT TINS.

Creators.com

November 2012 | Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star

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Holiday Gift Guide

holiday events T h e fo l l ow i n g i s a s a m p l i n g o f va r i o u s h o l i d a y eve n t s t h ro u g h o u t P r i n c e G e o rg e ’s C o u n t y. D a t e s / t i m e s ma y b e s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e .

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Open daily through Jan. 6; Hours vary. See website. Starting at $22.99 adults; starting at $15.99 children (4-12) Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor 301-965-4000 christmasonthepotomac.com

Christmas on the Potomac

Open daily through Jan. 6 Family-friendly events include a nightly indoor snowfall and tree-lighting show, Brunch with Santa, Potomac Express train rides and more. Many events are free; some require paid admission. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor 301-965-4000 christmasonthepotomac.com

Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating Open daily through Jan. 6; see website for hours. Starting at $29.95; no advance purchase required. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor 301-965-4000 christmasonthepotomac.com

ShrekFeast

Nov. 22-25; Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-31; Jan. 1-6; Breakfast available 8–11 a.m. $39.50 adults (13+); $26.50 children (4-12); free for children 3 and under. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor 301-965-4000 christmasonthepotomac.com

Tree Lighting Ceremony & Fireworks

Nov. 23; 5 p.m. retailer activities, 7 p.m. orchestra, 8 p.m. tree lighting, fireworks Weekly tree lightings and firework displays featuring local groups held every Friday through Dec. 21. National Harbor 137 National Plaza, National Harbor 301-203-4170 www.nationalharbor.com

Holiday Gift Guide

13th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show

College Park Aviation Museum 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 301-864-6029 collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

$1 Darnall’s Chance House Museum 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro 301-952-8010 pgparks.com

The Nutcracker

Nov. 23-25, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, Dec. 6-9; 12-5 p.m.

26th Annual Winter Festival of Lights

Nov. 23-Jan. 1, 5-9:30 p.m. $5 cars or minivans; $15 minibuses and limos; $25 buses; $10 multi-visit pass for cars and minivans; free on Dec. 25 Watkins Regional Park 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro 301-699-2456 pgparks.com/Festival_of_Lights.htm

Harbor Holiday Festival

Dec. 1, 7 p.m.; Dec. 2, 3 p.m. $35 adult, $28 seniors, $19 students, $15 (children under 12) The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie 410-224-5644 balletmaryland.org

Sincerely Santa

Dec. 1-14, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Free for ages 3 through 5 Harmony Hall Regional Center 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington 301-203-6040 pgparks.com

Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Dec. 2, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tickets range from $10 for an adult to $29.99 for a weekend family pass (entry for two adults and two kids); free for children. Plateau at National Harbor 201 Harborview Ave., National Harbor 800-830-3976 www.mdholidayshow.com

Holiday Ornament Emporium

Breakfast with Sint Niklass

Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30; 7 p.m.

Dec. 1-23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (closed Wednesdays) Montpelier Mansion/Historic Site 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 301-377-7817 pgparks.com

Holiday Hayrides

Dec. 1, 9 and 11 a.m. $10 child (ages 3-10 only), $7 adult; nonresident: $12 child, $9 adult. Registration required. Riversdale House Museum 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale 301-864-0420 pgparks.com

$5 Old Maryland Farm 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro 301-218-6770 pgparks.com

Holiday Arts & Crafts

$5 Prince George’s Publick Playhouse 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly 301-277-1710 pgparks.com

Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $5 resident, $6 nonresident Potomac Landing Community Center 12500 Fort Washington Road Fort Washington 301-292-9191 pgparks.com

Santa Fly-In

Dec. 1, 12-4 p.m. $4 adults; $3 seniors; $2 children (2-18), free for children under 2

Santa’s Enchanted Workshop Dec. 4, 10:15 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Holiday Craft Show & Gift Fair Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free; vendors fee $10 Harmony Hall Regional Center 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington 301-203-6040 pgparks.com

Holiday Candlelight Tours

Dec. 7-8, 6-9 p.m. $3 adults; $1 children (6-8); free for children under 5 Montpelier Mansion 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 301-377-7817 pgparks.com

Santa’s Cookies and Crafts Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

$5 resident; $6 nonresident; ages 12 and under Hillcrest Heights Community Center 2300 Oxon Run Drive, Temple Hills 301-505-0896 pgparks.com

Candy Cane Puppet Show & Workshop

Dec. 8, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $5 for ages 1 and older for the show; $3 for the workshop following the show The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie 410-566-1234 bealestreetpuppets.com

Winter’s Eve and Silent Art Auction

Dec. 8, 4-7 p.m. $2 or canned food donation National Colonial Farm 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek 301-283-2113 accokeekfoundation.org

Chesapeake Chorale Holiday Concert

Dec. 9, 3 p.m. $15 adults; $12 seniors, students, military The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie 410-721-5422 www.chesapeakechorale.org

Brunch with Santa

Dec. 9, 16, 23; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $55 adults (13+); $27.50 children (4-12); free for children 3 and under. Price includes tax and gratuity and one group photo with Santa for each family. Reservations recommended. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star | November 2012

201 Waterfront St., National Harbor 301-965-4000 christmasonthepotomac.com

Holiday Concert & Variety Show

One Appalachian Christmas

$5 resident; $6 nonresident Potomac Landing Community Center 12500 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington 301-292-9191 pgparks.com

Dec. 11, 10:15 a.m. and 12 p.m. $5 Prince George’s Publick Playhouse 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly 301-277-1710 pgparks.com

Holiday Tea at the Manor Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m.

$25 residents; $25 nonresidents Oxon Hill Manor 6901 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill 301-839-7782 pgparks.com

U.S. Army’s Jazz Ambassadors America’s Big Band Holiday Concert Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.

Free The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie www.armyfieldband.com/pages/ ensembles/ja.html

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-noon

$8 child, $10 adult; after Dec. 7, $10 child, $12 adult Baden Community Center 13601 Baden-Westwood Road, Brandywine 301-888-1500 pgparks.com

Arts Drop In: Holiday Printing Dec. 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Free for ages 5 through 11 College Park Community Center and Youth Soccer Complex 5051 Pierce Ave., College Park 301-441-2647 pgparks.com

Holidays Around the World Afternoon Tea Dec. 15, 1 and 4 p.m.

$27.50; reservations required Montpelier Mansion 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 301-377-7817 pgparks.com

Hansel & Gretel Tea Party Dec. 15, 2 p.m.

$12 resident; $15 nonresident; ages 5 and up Darnall’s Chance House Museum 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro 301-952-8010 pgparks.com

Dec. 15, 7-9 p.m.

Join us for the holidays and a portion of our sales will go toward Breast Cancer Awareness.

Holiday Trains and Planes Dec. 15-22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

$4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children (2-18); free for children 2 and younger College Park Aviation Museum 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park 301-864-6029 collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

Voted one of Bowie’s best restaurants by the Washington Post and best pizza by Bowie Choice Awards

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Pre-Kwanzaa

Dec. 18, 10:15 a.m. and 12 p.m.

FEATURING LEDO PIZZA

$5 Prince George’s Publick Playhouse 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly 301-277-1710 pgparks.com

6814 Laurel-Bowie Road Bowie, MD 20715

301-262-6282

Colonial Handbell Ringers Dec. 22, 2 p.m.

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$5 The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie 301-805-6880, ext. 56 www.colonialringers.com

27th Annual Waterskiing Santa Dec. 24, 1 p.m.

National Harbor 137 National Plaza, National Harbor 301-203-4170 waterskiingsanta.com

Kwanzaa Festival Dec. 27, 6-9 p.m.

Free; all ages Tucker Road Community Center 1771 Tucker Road, Fort Washington 301-248-4404 pgparks.com

Kwanzaa Celebration Dec. 27, 7-9:30 p.m.

Free; all ages Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center 6120 Sargent Road, Chillum 301-853-2005 pgparks.com

An 1812 Winter Evening Dec. 28, 6-9 p.m.

$5 ages 13 and up, free 12 and under Riversdale House Museum 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park 301-864-0420 pgparks.com

November 2012 | Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star

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Holiday Gift Guide

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Holiday Gift Guide

Special Supplement to The Gazette and Gazette Star | November 2012