HOLIDAY GIFT AND PARTY GUIDE2020_12_11

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& PARTY

Holiday and Home Improvements Great gifts to spark home improvement projects

Handmade and Heartfelt Handmade gifts that are personalized and special

A Blank Slate Media Special Section • December 11, 2020

24 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 11, 2020

Have a healthy shopping experience

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eople are more conscious than ever about their personal health. In late 2019 and early 2020, the world was introduced to the deadly virus COVID-19, which spread across the globe like wildďŹ re, requiring various changes to personal routines and daily life to help corral its spread. COVID-19 is just one factor shoppers should consider if they plan to make healthful changes to the way they prepare for the holiday season. These health-minded tips can ensure the holidays are full of joy and personal wellness.

• Shop online. Avoiding crowds and busy places may be wise until a vaccine is developed. By early summer, many retailers were allowed to reopen if they implemented strict policies about workers and customers wearing masks and cutting store capacities by a certain percentage. Shopping online enables you to stay closer to home and have gifts either delivered or made available for curbside pickup. Many retailers, including small momand-pop stores, have implemented new e-commerce options to increase their online shopping capabilities.

• Stay well fed and hydrated. Marathon shopping sessions at the mall may get your gift list checked off, but you may feel ill if you don’t eat and drink. Stop for a healthy snack, and drink plenty of water so that dry, indoor air doesn’t contribute to dehydration. • Alleviate back pain. Heavy bags, lifting and inspecting items at arms length from racks or shelves and wearing a heavy purse can contribute to back pain. Minimize such movements to ensure a shopping trip doesn’t end with some aches and pains.

• Touch only what you plan to buy. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations have said it is unlikely that people can contract COVID-19 from handling packaging, do not pick up products and put them in your cart unless you plan to buy them. Compare items with your eyes, not your hands. • Wash hands frequently. Remember to frequently wash hands during shopping ventures or when returning from the store. In the absence of a sink, use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60 percent alcohol to prevent the spread of germs.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 11, 2020

Holiday gifts to spark home improvement ideas

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eople have spent more time at home in 2020 than they likely have in years past. This has provided homeowners with plenty of time to ponder potential upgrades to their homes. After taking inventory of their lifestyles, surroundings and furnishings, people have embarked on construction projects or home interior design renovations in record numbers. Holiday gifts that cater to projects around the house are likely to be highly valued this holiday season. Here are some ideas for home improvement-related gifts.

• Home improvement retailer gift card: Home improvement centers are one-stop shopping for do-ityourselfers. To help offset the cost of supplies, gift-givers can give a gift card to a neighborhood hardware store. • Magazine subscription: There are plenty of ideas on the internet, but a subscription to a home remodeling or interior design magazine puts inspiration right in homeowners’ hands. Pages can be marked or cut out and used on idea boards. • Tools and supplies: Homeowners just starting out may benefit from the basics. Stores often sell starter tool kits that can be used in home improvement-themed baskets. Experienced DIYers may have a special tool in mind that is outside their budget right now, like a chop saw or cordless power drill. Purchasing one of these items can help projects move along more smoothly.

• Expert consultation: Who can’t use a little help with their home remodeling efforts? Give the gift of a consultation from an interior designer or professional contractor to help complete plans that may be a little out of reach for the average DIYer. • Big-ticket item: Some friends and family members may want to pool their resources and offer loved ones an over-the-top gift. This can include a backyard playset for children, a storage shed, a pool installation, or even a new appliance package. Gift ideas are endless and only limited by budget. • Room re-do: All it may take is some new linens or accents to transform a room. From throw pillows to curtains to wall art, give the gift of an easy room makeover. Riding the momentum of increased home improvement projects from the past several months, holiday shoppers can choose home-related gift ideas to keep the projects and ideas flowing.

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26 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 11, 2020

Did you know? recent survey from the cloud-based voice and analytic supply chain solutions provider Voxware found that consumers were planning to change their approach to holiday shopping as early as June. The survey, which included 500 consumers in the United States and sought to determine how holiday shopping behaviors may be altered due to concerns about the COVID19 virus, found that 76 percent of respondents intend to purchase more than half of their gifts online in 2020. With that in mind, small business owners can

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work to build up their e-commerce and delivery capabilities so they are in position to capitalize on a retail season that, while different, can still prove lucrative. In fact, the earlier businesses prepare for the holiday shopping season, the more lucrative it may be, as 51 percent of respondents to the Voxware survey indicated that they expect to begin holiday shopping earlier than normal this year. In addition, 62 percent of respondents indicated they plan to purchase more stocking stuffers and last-minute gifts online. Small businesses can capitalize on that likelihood by offering free shipping on orders that exceed a certain amount. Such offers may compel consumers to more thoroughly peruse small businesses’ online offerings as they look to find everything from big gifts to stocking stuffers in the hopes of earning free shipping.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 11, 2020

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28 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 11, 2020

Handmade gifts are personalized and special 2

020 has been year unlike any other. A global pandemic affected communities in every corner of the globe, and many people found they had much more time on their hands due to stay-at-home restrictions. That extra free time may have opened up the opportunity to re-engage with old hobbies or start entirely new ones. Such endeavors may have resulted in items that can make ideal handmade holiday gifts.

and forces a person to be completely immersed in the moment. For those who prefer to continue to avoid crowds until COVID-19 is in the world’s collective rearview mirror, producing handmade gifts also cuts down on trips to shopping malls and other retailers.

Crafting or engaging in other creative pursuits is a great way to pass the time and alleviate anxiety related to selfquarantining. Katie Carey Levisay, a clinical neuropsychologist in Denver, said that crafting requires focused attention

• Jewelry: Most craft stores now have entire aisles dedicated to making jewelry. From earring posts and loops to necklace brackets and all the essentials in between, jewelry crafters can create something ďŹ tting for the special people on their lists.

Those interested in making handmade gifts this holiday season can consider these ideas.

• Candles: Candles add light, warmth and aroma to help a home feel cozy. With some basic components, such as a wax source, wick, tint, and scent oils, it’s easy to make candles. Pour the wax into a favorite vessel, such as a mason jar or delicate teacup. • Handmade soaps: Those who dabble in candles may want to parlay those skills into soapmaking as well. Soaps can be crafted relatively easy and packaged as part of the ultimate homemade spa package. • Oven mitts or skillet handle covers: Gift that special home chef with custom oven mitts and a coordinating skillet holder for popular cast-iron cookery. An easy

pattern, some durable fabric and some basic sewing skills are all that’s needed. • Handmade blanket: Those who love to knit or crochet know the bounty that can be made with needle, hook and yarn. From homemade afghans to cozy slippers to scarf and hat sets, the options are endless. • Food: Those whose talents lean more toward culinary than crafty can pour their holiday love into delicious desserts or tasty tidbits. Handmade gifts provide an opportunity to offer personal and meaningful gifts that can make the holidays that much more special.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 11, 2020

Tips for successfully gifting teens Gadgets Teens like staying abreast of the latest technology, and what better way to do so than with hot-off-the-assembly-line products? Moderns teens use multiple mobile devices — from tablets to smartphones to notebook computers — so an outlet multiplier with surge

protection could be the way to go. A charging caddy that keeps all of their devices organized and within reach while replenishing the batteries can make for another go-to gift. While shopping for gadgets, think about investing in Bluetooth-enabled earbuds or over-the-ear headphones. This way teens can enjoy their favorite streaming music stations or binge Netflix series without disturbing others.

Luggage/travel gear A thirst for exploration may inspire teens to travel the country or the world. A highquality piece of luggage can be a building block for teens’ travel gear. Other travel items to consider are RFID blocker ID and credit card holders, money toward a passport or an overnight toiletries bag.

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Gym equipment

School funding

Adolescents are conscious of their personal health and body image. To foster positive experiences, gift givers can encourage healthy physical activity. A gym membership or personal fitness equipment can help teens get on track with a weekly regimen.

Some gifts can focus on the future, including teens’ education. Consider donating to or opening up an account to help fund college costs. Different plans have different annual contribution limits and tax deferments, so it’s a good idea to speak with a financial professional to figure out which avenue is right for you and your gift recipient.

Gaming Many teens immerse themselves in gameplay, whether solo or online multiplayer. Games can be enjoyed while using various consoles, computers and even smartphones. Find out which platform teens are using and then purchase gift cards, points or e-codes so that they can get new games or enjoy in-app purchases and upgrades.

Retailer gift cards Teenagers always enjoy some extra purchasing power, so gift cards to their favorite retailers are likely to be a hit. If you’re not sure where the teen on your list shops, consider a gift card good for any store in a local mall.

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32 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 11, 2020

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