2014 Holiday Gift & Party Guide by The Island 360

Holiday Gift & Party Guide

a blank slate media special section â&#x20AC;˘ december 12, 2014

30 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014

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Great gifts for the family foodie

he 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 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 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.

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32 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014

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he holiday season is a time to share happy experiences with friends and family. But reconnecting with loved ones come the holidays is not always possible, especially when family and friends are spread out across the country, if not the globe. Even though these people may not be close geographically, they’re still close in our hearts and, therefore, still on our holiday shopping lists. Some issues arise when sending gifts to faraway friends and family. Distance necessitates shipping gifts or making travel arrangements. To make that process less complicated, consider these suggestions. Package gifts wisely. When shipping gifts, exercise caution to ensure the item arrives on time and in one piece. The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for the shipping industry, and packages may endure a few bumps along the way. For fragile items, use extra packing peanuts, newspaper or other protective wrapping material. Choose the right size package so the gift does not move around much inside of the box. If the gift is expensive, insure the package in the event it gets lost or damaged. Also, you may want to spend a little more money to have the shipment tracked and a confirmation sent when the package is delivered. This can offer some peace of mind during a hectic time of year. Take advantage of free shipping offers. Many retailers offer discounts on shipping rates during the holiday

season. Shop at retailers that offer such discounts, as shipping costs can be exorbitant depending on the sizes of the packages being sent. In addition, online retailers may allow you to ship the gift directly to its recipient, which can help you ensure the gift gets to its destination on time. Give gift cards and certificates. Gift cards are an easy item to ship, and can be sent within the regular mail for the cost of a stamp. Certain retailers may have digital gift cards or certificates that allow buyers to email a special code to the gift recipient, who can then redeem the code for a purchase credit. This is a convenient, fast and inexpensive way to send holiday wishes. Don’t forget about inspections and customs procedures. Items shipped out of the country may be delayed by customs inspectors at their ultimate destination. Assume that certain packages may be opened or detained, and ship such packages early so the gifts still arrive on time. Packages that look unusual or like they’re hiding something may be prone to inspection more so than others. Be honest about declarations of value and what is contained in the package. Also, realize certain items, like fruits, vegetables, plants, or seeds, may be prohibited. Learn the international shipping rules for your gift’s destination prior to sending anything. Distant family members and friends may be out of sight but certainly not out of mind come the holidays. When it comes to sending gifts, ship smart.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ holiday gift & party guide

34 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014

Eco-friendly gift ideas for ‘green’ giving Locally made products Locally made products make great holiday gifts. Such gifts are not produced halfway around the world, meaning they don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming like products that need to be flown or driven across the globe. Craft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for locally made gifts, which also are a great way to support businesses in your community.

Music lessons and other gifts of service do not require a great deal of natural resources, making them ideal eco-friendly gifts.

iving eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever before. As more and more people are conscious of reducing their impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally conscious products and services has grown.

Choosing earth-friendly gifts is not only generous, but giftgivers also can rest assured they’re doing their part to safeguard natural resources for future generations. The following are some gift ideas for the eco-conscious people on your holiday shopping list.

Gifts of service A massage or music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of service. These gifts do not require much use of natural resources, and recipients find their personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of service also can include tasks you do yourself for the gift recipient, rather than paying another person to handle. For example, teach a senior member of your family

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Recycled goods When many people think of recycling, they tend to picture piles of discarded plastic bottles, glass jars and aluminum cans. While the end product of many of these recycled pieces is new cans, bottles and jars, recycled materials also can be turned into new and unique pieces. Trivets and spoon rests made from recycled and melted wine bottles make for clever and attractive gifts. Recycled fire extinguishers have been turned into vases, and you can even find bike parts that have been used to make wind chimes and belts if you know where to shop. Natural gifts Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herbgrowing kit that enables them

to experiment with freshly picked basil or thyme in the kitchen, while tree-growing kits and flower seed packets are nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners. Offer to purchase a living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant the evergreen after the holidays have come and gone. Antiques New, shiny gifts are not the only ones that have appeal. Gifting a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry or, if you do not have anything in your own collection, browse antique shops for items that have interesting histories. The holiday season is often a time of excess, but giving doesn’t have to be detrimental to the environment. Givers can seek out earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year.

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News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ holiday gift & party guide

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36 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014

Steps to take before giving pets as gifts some people may be allergic to certain animals or simply not have the time or energy to devote to pet ownership. No one wants to return an animal to a kennel, and forcing a loved to take on the unwanted responsibility of pet ownership does not make much of a gift.

t’s not uncommon for families to welcome a new pet into their homes during the holiday season. Parents may give their children their first pet during the holidays, but those who choose to give a pet to someone outside their immediate family or to someone they don’t live with should consider the following advice before going through with that decision.

Consult the eventual recipient first The element of surprise is part of what makes the holiday season of giving so special, and few things may inspire more enthusiastic responses than new pets under the tree. But however appealing you may find such reactions, it’s still best to first consult the intended recipient before buying or adopting the pet. Pets make wonderful additions to a home, but

Let the recipient choose the pet Aunts or uncles may think a cute puppy is an ideal holiday gift for their nieces and nephews, but it’s best to let those youngsters’ parents choose the pet rather than going it alone. Once mom and dad have given you the greenlight to gift their kids a pet, let them decide which type of pet will become the newest member of their households. Parents may not feel their children are ready to handle the significant responsibility of dog ownership, and they may prefer their kids first receive a more low-maintenance pet, such as a fish. Pay for everything Pets are expensive, even those that are adopted from nearby shelters. Cats and dogs adopted from local shelters or even animals bought directly from breeders will need some immediate

medical care, including shots and initial examinations at the veterinarian’s office, as well as food, dishes, leashes (if giving a dog), and bedding. When giving pets as a gift, men and women should fit the bill for these additional expenses, which can be significant. Recipients may not be able to afford these additional expenses, especially during the holiday season, nor did they ask to take on such a financial burden. So men and women giving pets as gifts should be capable of handling the oft-overlooked costs of adopting or buying a new pet. Be willing to take the pet Some households simply are not a good match for pets. Men and women looking to give pets as holiday gifts should be willing to take the pet into their own homes if things are not working out with the recipient. This does not mean gift-givers have to keep the pet forever, but they should be willing to temporarily care for the animal until it finds a new home. Pets sometimes make wonderful gifts, but men and women who are considering giving pets as gifts this holiday season should not approach such gestures lightly.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

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38 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014

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hanukah, 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 that there will be a grab bag gift exchange, as 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.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ holiday gift & party guide

40 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014

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News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

Easy ideas for holiday wreaths

reaths are synonymous with the holiday season, and they can range from intricate to simple to flashy to rustic. Creating festive wreaths does not necessarily require a lot of skill, and wreaths can be fashioned from a variety of different materials. The first step to crafting wreaths is to gather the foundation pieces. This usually involves a sturdy material that will serve as the wreath round. It can be vine, foam, branches, or even wire. You’ll also need decorative items that fit the theme of your wreath. These may be berries, ornaments, ribbons, bows, and other trinkets that will be attached to the wreath. Florist wire and tape can be used to attach the ornaments to the wreath.

“Say cheese” wreath

Purchase a premade evergreen wreath or wrap boughs of pine around a wreath frame to make your own. Glue or tie on small wooden frames with photos of the family to the wreath. Fill in the barren spots with small bows and ornaments.

Fruitful wreath

Instead of an evergreen wreath, create something festive and edible. Fruit and vegetables in vibrant colors can be used to fashion a wreath. Use picks or wire to attach oranges, lemons, limes, clementines, and any other produce desired to a foam wreath. Use leaves to fill in sparse areas and a thick ribbon to hang the wreath.

Holly vine wreath

Purchase a plain grapevine wreath and decorate it with sprigs of holly leaves and stems with berries. Simple and festive, this wreath should take only a few minutes to make and then hang.

Metallic wreath

Add a glamorous touch to an evergreen wreath with faux fruit and pine cones that you paint with glimmering metallic colors. Intersperse items in gold, copper and silver for an eye-catching piece that can adorn any spot in your home. Add a few twinkling lights to reflect off of the metallic elements to add even more appeal.

Bells or glass ornament wreath

Use flexible wire to string a wreath of metal bells or glass ornaments together in a ring shape. Bells not only look nice but also lend a gentle twinkling sound anytime the door is opened.

Floral wreath

Make a fresh flower wreath from a florist’s wreath and fresh blooms. Soak the foam wreath in water according to the packaged directions. Trim flower stems (carnations are durable) and insert the stems into the wreath. Attach a bow to the bottom of the wreath and then hang. This is one wreath that is best displayed the day of the festivities because it has a short shelf life.

Cinnamon wreath

This wreath looks beautiful and gives off that quintessential holiday aroma. Begin with a foam wreath and wrap with a two-inch wide ribbon to cover. Use hot glue to secure cinnamon sticks all around the wreath. For more color, add sprigs of holly, bows or mistletoe.

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News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 12, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

Emphasize safety when buying gifts for children

oys will once again be high on kids’ wish lists this holiday season, when advertisements will highlight this year’s most coveted gifts. But just because a particular toy is this year’s must-have item does not mean it’s the safest gift for kids of all ages. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 265,000 toy-related injuries treated at hospitals in the United States in 2012. Of those injuries, an estimated 72 percent happened to children younger than 15 years of age while 69 percent affected kids 12 years of age or younger. In addition, an estimated 34 percent of those injuries happened to children younger than five years of age. Many toy-related deaths were the result of drowning and asphyxiation. No one wants to think about injuries or deaths involving kids, but holiday shoppers must keep safety in mind when purchasing children’s gifts to safeguard youngsters from injury. Balloons The CPSC notes that balloons are the leading cause of suffocation death in children. Children may swallow broken or uninflated balloons, which can then stick to the throat and airway, making it impossible to breathe. Holiday shoppers should avoid giving balloons to children age eight or younger. In addition, dispose of balloons if or when they deflate. Painted toys Lead paints and toys containing lead are not legal in North America, but that doesn’t mean that imported toys are made in adherence to stringent safety guidelines. Before buying a toy, confirm that it is lead-free, as exposure to lead can cause serious neurological problems, especially in young children.

TOY SAFETY TIPS • Read the packaging to ensure that toys are age-appropriate. • Avoid projectile toys or those with sharp points. • Store toys that belong to older children out of reach of younger kids. • Don’t buy toys with removable parts that can be swallowed. • Only buy toys made from nontoxic materials. • Only buy fabric toys that are labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant. • Only buy stuffed toys that are washable. • Graciously decline hand-me-down toys that may not meet current safety standards. Button batteries Button batteries, or the small-sized batteries found in some toys, watches and hearing aids, can be hazardous. Batteries can become stuck and cause chemical burns. Adults should always verify that the battery compartments on children’s toys are secured with screws. Other products that have remote controls may contain batteries that are not adequately secured. In addition to button batteries, AAA batteries, which are small, can be hazardous to kids. Magnets Small magnets can be swallowed and become lodged in the digestive system of a child. If two or more magnets or a magnet and metal component are swallowed, they can attract to one another through intestinal walls. This can cause blockages, perforations and infections. Avoid toys that use small magnets, and check the CPSC website to ensure that magnetic toys are not among recalled products.

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