2014 Gift Guide TLKR

HOLIDAY
NOVEMBER 26, 2014
GIFT GUIDE
Things to Consider
Before Buying a Gift
Gift Exchange
Dos and Don’ts
2014 Toy Predictions
Gifts for People
Who Love to Read
Sending Gifts Far Away
Gifts to Keep
Your Kids Engaged
Brighter Holidays
With Winter Plants
Christmas and Pets
Shop Local This Season
THE
LEADER
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
2 • Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014
Things to consider before buying this holiday season
Few holiday shoppers can resist a
great deal. Whether it’s heavily discounted merchandise on Black Friday or last-minute sales for shoppers who procrastinate, there are
deals to be had from the start of the
holiday season until its unofficial
end sometime around New Year’s
Day.
But not all deals are what they
seem. Many a shopper has swiped
their card on a gift for a loved one
only to find out later they overspent or didn’t read the fine print
and subjected themselves or their
friends and family members to potentially costly fees. The following
are a handful of things shoppers
should consider before making any
purchases this holiday season.
Restocking fees
As thoughtful as holiday gift
may be, many are ultimately returned. Recipients may already
have similar items at home or find
a particular gift does not suit their
personal styles. Because returns
are so common, shoppers should
read the fine print before buying
gift to ensure their purchases are
not subject to restocking fees if
they must be returned. Restocking
fees can apply to any product, but
they are most often applied to electronics. A restocking fee is a charge
the person returning the gift must
repay upon bringing the gift back
to the store or mailing it back to the
warehouse. Restocking fees often
apply to items that are not returned
in their original factory-sealed box,
and these fees can be exorbitant,
sometimes as much as 20 percent
of the cost of the product. So before
buying that big-ticket television or
appliance, holiday shoppers should
ensure the item’s recipient will not
be subject to a considerable fee if
he or she decides to return the gift.
Extended warranties
Many items come with manufacturer warranties that cover damaged items for a predetermined
period of time. But many shoppers
want to go the extra mile and buy
extended warranties that protect
the products for longer periods of
time. While that’s good in theory,
studies from Consumer Reports
have shown that products rarely
break within the time period covered by extended warranties, meaning shoppers are simply buying a
false sense of security they’re unlikely to ever use. When considering an extended warranty, first research the product you want to buy
by reading customer reviews of the
product on popular sites such as
Amazon.com. Such sites can offer
valuable insight with regard to how
reliable products are. If multiple
reviewers note that a given product has never given them a reason
to reconsider their purchase, then
you likely don’t need an extended
warranty. If you still want the extra protection, read the fine print of
the extended warranty so you know
just what it doesand does not cover.
Return policies
Because so many gift are returned
once the holidays have come and
gone, it’s important to understand
a retailer’s return policy before
buying a gift for a friend or family
member. In-store purchases may be
subject to different return policies
than items bought online, which
may need to be returned via the
mail, a potentially costly expense
for the gift’s recipient depending
on the size of the gift. Try to shop
only at stores with flexible, consumer-friendly return policies so
your friend or family member does
not have to jump through hoops
just to return the gift.
Resisting a holiday deal can be difficult.
But shoppers should first read the fine
print before making any purchases so
they can rest easy knowing they made
the best decision possible.
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Phone: (641) 762-3406
Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014 • 3
Gift exchange dos and don’ts Christmas tidbits to put
Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are
right around the corner. That means neighborhoods,
buildings and stores will soon be awash in holiday
splendor. Social schedules will be full, and men and
women everywhere will shuffle to complete their
holiday shopping.
Grab bags are a staple of this season of giving, and
the following are a few dos and don’ts to ensure participation in gift exchanges is fun and friendly for all
involved.
DO set a gift amount limit. Holiday grab bags are
more about having fun and exchanging a little something with friends and family members than walking
away with amazing prizes. Establish a spending limit
so everyone receives a gift of roughly the same value
and no one feels slighted or left out.
DON’T exceed the spending limit. It can be tempting to spend more to make your gift appear more
impressive. But overspending defeats the purpose
of the gift exchange. Grab bags typically are anonymous, so being overly generous will not win you any
style points.
DO make it a game. Tossing gifts in a bag only to
have others reach in and grab one is certainly effective. But the concept can be even more fun if you
make a game out of it. Try passing wrapped gifts
around in a circle to a holiday song. When the music
stops, the gift you are holding is the one you open.
Experiment with your own variations to make gift
exchanges more fun.
DON’T let anyone see the gift you bring. The idea
is to keep things as secretive as possible so as not to
sway the selection of presents.
DO ensure your gift is unisex. Unless you know
specifically that only men or women will be opening
the presents, select items that will appeal to both genders. Food, gift cards, music, or home staples make
great grab bag gifts.
DON’T forget to consider ages as well. Gift exchanges may include both children and adults, so
include gifts that appeal to all ages when necessary.
When the exchange has ended, allow participants to
swap gifts if they want to.
DO expect some grab bag gifts to be gag gifts. Such
gifts are entertaining and may make up the majority
of the grab bag gifts. Keep your sense of humor and
you’re likely to enjoy grab bags a lot more.
DON’T regift items to use as grab bag picks.
Should the person who gave you the gift participate
in the grab bag, he or she can trace that gift back to
you and may be offended.
DO make sure everyone is aware 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.
you in the holiday spirit
The holiday season has arrived,
and millions of people across the
globe will be celebrating Christmas
with their families and friends. The following are some interesting tidbits to share with your loved
ones this holiday season.
· Each year, more than three billion Christmas cards are sent in the
United States alone.
· In 350 AD, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed December
25 the official celebration date for
the birth of Jesus Christ.
· Christmas carols began as an
English custom called "wassailing." Individuals toasted neighbors
to a long and healthy life.
· Despite the common tale that
three wise men paid homage to
baby Jesus, the Bible never specifically calls out a number. Similarly,
there's no specific indication that
they visited the infant Jesus. Their
visit may have occurred when Jesus was older.
· Santa Claus' modern look was
inspired by writings from The
Knickerbockers of New York and
imagery from Clement Clarke
Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Moore denied authoring the
famous poem for 15 years after it
was published anonymously, feeling the poem was beneath his talents.
· Santa has his own official postal
code. It's H0 H0 H0.
· The song "Jingle Bells" was
originally written for Thanksgiving and not Christmas. People
loved it so much that the lyrics
were changed to fit Christmas.
· Christmas trees typically grow
for 15 years before they're cut and
sold. This means the trees sold today were likely planted in 1999.
· Christmas was not declared an
official holiday in the United States
until June 26, 1870.
· Before turkey, the traditional
Christmas meal served in England
was a pig's head and mustard.
· Male reindeer tend to shed their
antlers in the winter. This means
Santa's reindeer are likely female.
· Christ may have been born in a
cave rather than a manger. According to the gospel of Luke, the shepherds that helped find shelter for
Mary to give birth kept their flock
in a cave. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is built over a
cave called the Grotto of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have
been born.
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4 • Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014
Emphasize safety when buying gifts for children
Toys 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.
Button batteries
Button batteries, or the smallsized 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.
2014 holiday toy predictions
Parents often find themselves waiting in
long lines to snag the hottest toys for children’s holiday gifts. Shoppers arrive at retail stores in droves to grab the newest video
game consoles or must-have dolls or action
figures.
· 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-medown toys that may not meet
current safety standards.
From Cabbage Patch Dolls of the 1980s
to the Elmo craze of the 1990s, every generation seems to have its own “must-have”
holiday gift. This year, holiday shoppers
may want to start shopping early if they
hope to land any of the following items that
figure to be this year’s hot toys.
· “Frozen”-themed toys: Mega-retailer Walmart predicts that toys inspired by
the smash hit film “Frozen” will continue
to be hot commodities this holiday season.
To meet demand, the retailer already is
stocking up on the popular characters and
other products banking on the popularity
of the film. If the special girl in your life
is still enamored with all things “Frozen,”
it’s a smart bet to start your holiday buying
early this year.
· “Hunger Games” athletic items:
Fans of the “Hunger Games” trilogy, be it
the books, movies or both, are familiar with
lead character Katniss’ prowess with a bow
and arrow. Bows inspired by the movie are
in demand and will appeal to both girls and
boys testing their archery skills.
· Beats by Dr. Dre: Music-lovers still
consider these headphones must-have
items. They’re especially prevalent among
the teen market. Available in a variety of
colors, users can coordinate their Beats
headphones with their clothing or accessories.
· Lego Minecraft: It was only a matter
of time before Lego got in on the action of
one of the hottest games to sweep the Internet and video game console world. Minecraft is a digital building game that has enthralled gamers of all ages. Now Minecraft
enthusiasts can recreate on-screen worlds
in tangible Lego versions.
· Xeno: Xeno is a “friend-toy” that is
neither robot nor doll, but an interactive
pet. Made from nontoxic elastic material
and including eight sensors, the creature is
a moving, reacting companion. Xeno even
can dance to music. And parents will love
that Xeno does not need to be taken for
walks.
· Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: On
the heels of summer blockbuster inspired
by these gifted turtles, fans of the weaponswinging shelled warriors will certainly
want to surround themselves with all things
turtle, so expect to see plenty of movie-inspired gifts on store shelves this season.
The holiday season is on the horizon, and
it’s never too early to begin shopping for
the toys and games experts predict will be
this year’s must-have items.
Did you know?
Though there is no official
data that declares the best-selling holiday toy for children of
all-time, it’s fair to assume the
lovable “Sesame Street” figure Elmo is high on the list of
most popular holiday toys.
Much of that popularity can
be traced to the introduction
of Tickle Me Elmo in 1996.
Though not the first Elmo doll,
Tickle Me Elmo became the
must-have gift of 1996, when
parents searched far and wide
for the doll that laughed when
users tickled its stomach.
During the holiday season
of 1996, many people paid
far beyond market price just
so their children could wake
up on Christmas or Chanukah
and have a Tickle Me Elmo
doll to call their own. Since
1996, Elmo has been reincarnated many times over, and
each Elmo doll seems to inspire its own craze come the
holiday season.
Released in 1998, Walk ‘N’
Talk Elmo was a popular children’s gift, as was Rock ‘N’
Roll Elmo (1999), Tickle Me
Elmo Surprise (2001), Chicken Dance Elmo (2002), and
SHOUT Elmo (2005).
In 2006,Mattel®, the company that produces the Elmo
dolls, announced a special
commemorative Elmo to
mark the 10-year anniversary
of the introduction of Tickle
Me Elmo. That, too, sparked a
buying frenzy, as some reports
indicated private sellers were
selling the latest Elmo, known
as TMX Elmo, for thousands
of dollars.
Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014 • 5
Giving holiday gift cards cards Establish spending limits
Nearly every man or woman has hit that all too familiar wall when holiday shopping for friends and family.
While many people might be a cinch to shop for, there
always seems to be one stickler on holiday shopping
lists, and finding the right gift for that person can be an
exercise in patience and perseverance.
But even the most patient shopper has his or her limits, and many people find themselves giving gift cards
to those friends or family members who seemingly
have everything already. Such cards make great gifts,
but only when gift givers employ a few tricks of the gift
card trade.
· Buy directly from the
retailer. It’s easy to be duped
by a counterfeit gift card, which
can be embarrassing for both
the gift giver and its eventual
recipient. Counterfeit gift cards
are big business for criminals
who prey on gift givers during
the holiday season. Only buy
gift cards directly from the retailer, as cards sold by other
sources, such as an online auction site, may be stolen or counterfeit. You don’t want
to be the person who gave a stolen or counterfeit card,
and your friend or family member does not want to be
subjected to an inquiry as to why he or she is attempting
to use a stolen or counterfeit card.
· Examine the card before leaving the store.
Once a cashier or customer service employee hands
you a gift card, examine it for tampering before leaving
the store. Some criminals gain access to gift cards, even
those that appear to be behind lock and key, to learn the
PIN number associated with the card. Once they have
the PIN, recipients can then recreate their own card, us-
ing the stolen PIN to activate and make purchases on
their counterfeit cards long before the real card is sold
to you. If you detect any damage, ask for a new card
before leaving the store.
· Include a gift receipt with the card. When
giving a gift card, don’t forget to include the gift receipt. The gift receipt not only verifies the value of the
gift card, but also includes the date the card was purchased. That’s important information, as many companies begin to charge fees, some of which may be exorbitant, on unused cards after a predetermined period
of time. Recipients who have the gift receipt won’t
have to haggle with retailers
about the value of the card
should that ever be in dispute,
and the receipt also can serve
as a reminder that the recipient
needs to use the card before a
given date to avoid fees.
· Consider a general
purpose gift card. If that
stickler on your holiday shopping list is especially difficult
to shop for, then you might
want to consider a general purpose gift card issued
by a company such as American Express, MasterCard
or Visa. These cards generally allow recipients to use
their gift wherever they choose, whether it’s to put
gas in their tank or buy groceries. That versatility is
valuable if you truly have no idea what your friend
or family member needs or where he or she likes to
shop. One notable disadvantage to general purpose
gift cards is that they tend to come with more fees than
more traditional gift cards purchased directly from
specific retailers. Investigate these fees and find a card
that charges no fees or only minimal fees.
Swenson’s Hardware
As the cost of living continues
to rise, holiday shopping also has
become much more expensive in
recent years, and it can be easy
for shoppers to overextend themselves financially come the holiday season.
According to a recent Gallup
poll, the average American plans
to spend around $790 per holiday
season, although many go above
and beyond that amount. Starting off the new year in debt is a
recipe for stress, which can have
negative repercussions for the
rest of the year.
In addition to overspending
during the holiday season, many
people stretch themselves thin on
Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
One way to make shopping more
manageable is to establish spending limits that dictate how much
each family member can spend
on each gift he or she buys.
It is important to exercise tact
when approaching the subject of
gift limits. Discuss the topic with
friends and family members with
whom you usually exchange gifts
long before the holiday season.
Agree on a reasonable amount of
money each person will spend on
gifts. If necessary, ask everyone
to write down a figure and then
determine the average, using that
figure as your spending limit.
Establishing a spending limit
makes it easier for every family
to afford their holiday purchases.
If there are six people on your
shopping list and you’re spending $50 per person, you know to
allocate $300 for gifts. Saving
and budgeting can be adjusted
accordingly.
When no such limit is established, you may go overboard to
compensate, even if you cannot
afford to do so.
Another way to save money
is to suggest giving the gift of
experiences rather than tangible
and potentially costly gifts. For
example, take a loved one out for
dinner or suggest going on vacation together to make better use
of your collective funds. A welltimed extended family vacation
in lieu of gift exchanges may alleviate the stress of the holiday
season, much of which can be
traced to holiday spending.
Establishing a gift-giving strategy and budget for each person
to work with can make for a
more peaceful holiday season
by freeing up time to spend with
loved ones and placing the focus
on family instead of shopping.
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The Cobbler Shoppe
21 Main Ave. N, Britt
Bill Eckels
641-843-3512
6• Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014
Great gifts for people who love to read
Many people love to read, and
such people do not often cause
headaches for holiday shoppers.
Readers typically are easy to
shop for come the holiday season, when shoppers stuck on
what to get a friend or family
member can always fall back on
a book or two if they know their
loved one likes to get lost in a
good book.
But books aren’t the only gifts
shoppers can give the readers
on their lists this holiday season. The following are a few gift
ideas no book lover can balk at.
· E-reader: Before buying
an e-reader, shoppers may want
to first learn where the intended
recipient of this thoughtful gift
stands on the book versus e-reader debate. Some book lovers feel
a sentimental attachment to traditional books, while others love
the versatility of e-readers, many
of which serve as tablets that allow users to peruse the Internet,
play games and, of course, read
books. If your friend or family
member does not have an aversion to e-readers, then this might
make the ideal gift. The price of
e-readers varies depending on
their capabilities, but you can
expect to spend anywhere from
$50 to several hundred dollars
depending on which model you
ultimately choose.
· Storage: For those readers
who prefer traditional books,
a new bookshelf can help them
store their favorite titles. Books
take up a lot of space, and avid
readers tend to buy many new
books each year, so homeowners and apartment dwellers alike
will no doubt appreciate the
extra space to store their collections. But even e-reader enthusiasts may find their storage
filling up faster than they might
have liked. To remedy that problem, holiday shoppers can buy
a Wi-Drive with ample extra
storage space so readers who
keep both books and movies on
their e-readers and tablets have
plenty of extra space to store all
of those new books they plan to
read in the coming year.
· Decorative bookends:
Those who have a passion for
books and home décor might
appreciate a unique set of handcrafted bookends to store the
books they keep on their desks
or those they keep out as decorative accents that guests can
Holiday
Open House
Come join us for treats
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Friday, December 5th
Garner 10:00 – 4:00
Klemme 10:00 – 12:00
Happy Holidays
from your friends at
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Member FDIC
Avid readers are passionate about their books, and holiday shoppers can feed those passions by giving
their favorite readers gifts that indulge their love of literature this holiday season.
enjoy when visiting. Such gifts
will please your friends or family members who have a flare for
interior decorating while also
appealing to their love of literature.
· Book club membership:
A membership to a Book of the
Month Club may be right up the
alleys of those readers who read
too fast to join a local reading
group or simply don’t have the
time to devote to a community
book club. Such memberships often sell classic titles and the latest bestsellers at a fraction of the
cost of the publisher-established
prices, and members typically
can order as many books as they
would like. This can be a great
way for readers to find new titles
and keep the books coming in
without breaking the bank.
Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014 • 7
Gifts for music lovers Gifts for the family foodie
Finding the right gift come the holiday season is not always so simple.
Many people on your list may seem as
though they already have everything
they could ever want or need, making
it hard to find them a gift they will truly
enjoy.
A great way to find the right gift is to
think of a loved one’s hobbies and find
something that fosters those passions.
Many people love music, and if there
happens to be a budding musician or
someone who simply loves to rock on
your list, then the following gifts may
be music to their ears.
· Concert tickets: The ultimate
gift for many music fans is tickets to
see their favorite performer in person.
Concert tickets can sell out quickly, so
research when tickets will be going on
sale and be prepared to purchase them
as early as possible. Some credit card
companies sponsor concerts and make
special arrangements with venues to offer cardholders advanced deals or special packages. Find out if your credit
card company has such an offer available for the concert you are buying tickets for.
· Digital gift card: Gone are the
days when music fans visit a record
store to purchase vinyl records, cassette
tapes and even CDs. Many music fans
now listen exclusively to digital music,
so a gift card for digital downloads from
Amazon or iTunes makes a great gift. A
subscription to a music-streaming service also makes a great gift.
· Theater tickets: Some people’s
love of music stems from their love
of live theater. Even if your loved one
lives nowhere near the bright lights of
Broadway, touring companies that perform popular Broadway shows visit cities both big and small across the country. Tickets to such shows can stoke
your loved one’s passion for music and
make for a great night out on the town.
· Music lessons: Perhaps your
loved one is a budding musician who
can benefit from professional instruction? A great way to encourage their aspirations is to finance their lessons with
local music or vocal instructors. Visit
a nearby college or school for recommendations on local instructors. The
franchise “School of Rock” has regional locations and offers musical training
as well.
· Music store gift certificate:
Musicians often need to repair or replace their instruments, so a gift card
to a music store can make for a muchneeded and appreciated gift. Repairs
and new instruments can be expensive, so if you plan to go this route, put
enough money on the card to make a
significant dent at the register.
· Gadgets: Each year the market
seems to offer newer and better ways to
listen to music, and these gadgets may
be on your loved one’s wish list.
The best holiday gifts are often those that
encourage their recipients to pursue a passion or favorite hobby. Tickets to a ballgame
might be right up a sports fan’s alley while
the family globetrotter would no doubt love a
contribution to his or her travel fund.
When gifting the family foodie, that one
person who loves to cook or simply can’t get
enough of his or her favorite cuisines, shoppers have a host of options at their disposal to
ensure this holiday season brings a smile to
their favorite foodie’s face.
· Spice rack: Few home cooks can get by
without a vast selection of spices, so a spice
rack that includes all the essential spices
makes perfect sense for the family foodie.
Some spice racks even come with several
years’ worth of free spice refills, so do your
homework and find one that will have your
friend or family member spicing things up for
years to come.
· Cooking lessons: Cooking lessons can
be a great way for men, women and even children to cultivate their love 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.
Free Movie & Photo
with Santa at the Avery
See Arthur Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 6 at 9:30 am
Join in the Holiday Spirit by bringing a non-perishable
(non-expired) food item for
God’s Pantry
(community food bank)
After the movie, have
your Free Picture
taken with Santa
Sponsored by
Garner 641-923-2801
Klemme 641-587-2202,
www.RSBIowa.com
8• Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014
Gift ideas for the seniors in your life
With lifetimes of experiences and seemingly everything they
could ever want or need in life already at their disposal, seniors
can be difficult to shop for come the holiday season. Many even
insist that their family members save their money and not buy
them anything for the holidays.
But if the thought of Grandma or Grandma not having something to open come the holidays is simply unacceptable, consider the following gift ideas.
Activity assistance devices
The realities of getting older often mean the body slows down
and activities may not be as easy as they used to be. Many active
seniors are not ready to live sedentary lives, nor should they be
forced to do so. Plenty of products exist that can make life easier
and more comfortable for older adults.
Television amplifying headphones are one product that can
be a great fit for seniors, particularly those having difficulty
hearing their televisions. The headphones amplify the sound
of the programming without disturbing others in the room, and
many such headphones even allow users to mute their televisions. This feature is perfect for someone who likes to watch TV
while a spouse is sleeping or reading in the same room.
Other devices that can make life easier for seniors include
magnifying products or bookholders. In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home.
Food
Food is always a handy gift because it doesn’t take up much
room and can be enjoyed at a recipient’s leisure. Perhaps there
is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but
now finds hard to come by. A search of the Internet may uncover that special treat. You may be able to ship a specialty soft
drink or favorite cookie that is not available in a nearby store.
Otherwise, ask a store manager if a particular item that’s not in
stock in the store can be a special order.
Photos
What grandparent does not enjoy looking at his or her family members? Computer-savvy men and women can use photo
software to design personalized photo books, calendars, mugs,
and other photo-related gifts. Just about anything can be emblazoned with a photo, including tote bags and pillows.
Another idea is to collect old photos and compile a memory
book. Scan the images so they are preserved digitally and then
print out the images in a book that includes the family history.
Time
Seniors who truly do not want or need anything probably will
likely jump at the opportunity to spend time with loved ones.
Treat a friend or family member to a meal out or simply spend a
few hours chatting at his or her home. Sometimes the company
of a new face and good conversation is the ideal gift.
How to send gifts to faraway friends and family
The 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.
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Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014 • 9
Holidays can be potentially hazardous to your pets
The holiday season is full of
joy. But in the midst of decorating and socializing, pet owners may overlook the needs of
their pets. Hectic schedules and
homes full of unusual décor can
throw pets off-kilter.
No pet owner wants their pet
to feel uncomfortable or suffer
any injuries, so it's important
that owners exercise caution
with the following items come
the holiday season.
· Bones: Is turkey on the
menu for the family feast? If so,
resist the urge to toss some bones
and scraps to dogs or cats. Small
bones or bone chips can become
lodged in the digestive tracts of
pets and cause serious injury.
If you want to provide your pet
with a holiday treat, choose a
safer, store-bought bone.
· Aromatic oils: The holidays are not the same without the
familiar scent of mint, cinnamon
or pine. Some people resort to
scented candles or aromatherapy
oils to create the perfect holiday
ambiance. But some synthetic
aromas or even natural extracts
can be toxic to cats and dogs.
Stick to nontoxic items and keep
them well out of the pet's reach.
· Chocolate and other
sweets: An abundance of treats
seems to be par for the course
during the holiday season. Dogs
should avoid all chocolate, but
dark chocolate poses a particularly serious threat. Chocolate
can cause agitation, elevated
heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting,
seizures, and even death. In addition, candy or cookies sweetened with the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause a dangerous
drop in blood pressure for dogs.
· Pine needles and trees:
When ingested, pine needles can
puncture the intestines of pets. In
search of an easy drink, dogs and
cats may be drawn to the fresh
water reservoir of live trees, increasing the likelihood that they
knock over a Christmas tree, injuring themselves and causing
damage around the house. Trees
should be properly secured, and
fallen needles should be promptly discarded.
· Tinsel and decorations:
Skip the tinsel if you have a
cat. Felines are likely to mistake tinsel for a toy. Eating tinsel can cause severe damage
to a cat's intestinal tract, as it
may get caught in the stomach
while the rest of it continues to
pass through the intestines. Tinsel also may wrap around the
tongue, increasing the cat's risk
of choking. Ornaments also are
tempting playthings. Cats may
pounce on glass ornaments,
breaking them and suffering injury. Keep pets in mind when selecting tree ornaments, and opt
for unbreakable ornaments when
possible.
· Electrical cords: The
American Animal Hospital Association says holiday lights
mean more electrical cords for
kittens and puppies to chew. Secure all cords and keep them out
of reach of pets.
· Candles: The subtle flicker
of a lit candle can add ambiance
to a space. But all it takes is the
swish of a tail or the pat of a paw
to knock over a candle and spark
a fire. Never leave lit candles
unattended. If you have boisterous pets, opt for LED simulated
candles instead.
· Alcohol: Spirits are sometimes a part of celebrations, but
alcoholic beverages should be
kept out of reach of pets. Alcohol suppresses the immune system, and it can result in significant health issues for pets who
consume it.
The holiday season is a time for
celebration. Ensure that these
festivities are as safe for pets as
they are enjoyable.
Steps to take before giving pets as gifts
It'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
the Perfect
first consult the intended recipient before
buying or adopting the pet. Pets make
wonderful additions to a home, but 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.
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
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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 giftgivers 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.
10 • Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014
Gifts to keep kids engaged
Store aisles are filled this time of year
with every must-have gift retailers can
advertise. Children often plead and beg
for the hottest toys weeks ahead of the
holidays, hoping to find their requests
wrapped up come the big day.
But once the gift wrap is torn away and
kids have played with their presents for a
day, some already grow bored with their
new belongings and cast them aside. Certain toys are not engaging enough to warrant extended periods of play - no matter
what the advertisements boast.
No gift-giver wants to spend money on
a present only to have it collecting dust
days later. With that said, employing
these strategies can help anyone select a
gift that will continue to inspire and excite children long after the holiday season
has come and gone.
· Don’t believe the hype. It’s easy
to fall hook, line and sinker for ultra-popular trendy gifts. While such gifts may
have popular appeal, that does not mean
they’re a perfect fit for your child. When
shopping for youngsters come the holiday
season, choose a gift because your child
will truly enjoy it and not because it’s the
trendy item of the year.
· Focus on the play factor. Too
often shoppers get caught up in toys’ appearances. Instead, think about how the
toys will work with imaginative play. The
more a child can envision himself doing
with a particular toy, the more likely he
or she will exhibit a continued interest in
that toy.
· Look for minimal bells and
whistles. Kids often find toys that leave
more room for imagination more interesting than toys that are loaded with gadgets. Children prefer to make up their
own stories and create modes of play that
are more about what they like rather than
the “right” way to play or win.
· Choose gifts that grow. Shoppers
want to select gifts that are age-appropriate for children so they will be safe during play time. But shoppers also should
look for toys and activities that can be
modified and grow with the child as he or
she ages. A game that gets progressively
harder through levels or a toy set that can
be supplemented as kids grow older may
make good gifts. Musical instruments
also can grow with a child, as the instruments become easier to master with practice.
· Figure out the child’s interests.
Toys that cater specifically to a child’s interests will be the most warmly received.
It may take going the extra mile to find a
gift that matches a child’s interest rather
than picking up the first trendy gift you
see, but the results will be well worth
it. Select gifts that will have a longer shelf life, guaranteeing more opportunities for play.
Shoppers can employ several strategies to save money on gadgets this holiday season.
Save on high-tech gifts
Gadgets are among the most popular gifts
come the holiday season. In 2013, CreditDonkey.com surveyed shoppers to determine what they planned to give during the
holidays, and electronics were second only
to gift cards among the most popular gifts
to give. Sixty-three percent of respondents
cited their intentions to give electronics,
while the survey also found that 76 percent
of people planned to request electronics as
holiday gifts.
Gadgets figure to be popular gifts again
this holiday season. Unwrapping the latest tablet or a big-screen television can be
exciting, but electronics can be expensive.
Those who plan to give their loved ones the
latest gadgetry should be happy to learn
there are ways to do so that don’t require
breaking the bank.
· Scale back. Oftentimes people are
buying more computer or data than they
actually need. For example, when buying
computers, it’s tempting to go for those
that boast the most memory, but that extra
memory is only useful to those people who
truly need it. A less expensive model that
suits your loved one’s genuine needs will
make for an impressive and more practical
gift.
· Determine necessity. Some gadgets
are more a desire than a necessity. Decide if
a particular device will be an asset to your
loved one or just another trendy item that
soon will be gathering dust. Look for devices that your loved one will make the most
of. If the purchase is not warranted, save
your money and look for something else.
· Consider refurbished items. Don’t
shy away from refurbished items, as the
discounts can be steep. Refurbished items
are often just items that were returned to the
store because they’re not needed or because
the item was malfunctioning. Returned
items are factory-tested and then repackaged. Opt for refurbished items that carry
a manufacturer-backed warranty for greater
peace of mind.
· Consider open box items. Just because packaging is dented or torn does not
mean the merchandise inside is damaged.
Purchasing a product that’s not inside a
pristine box can sometimes yield a 10 to 15
percent discount at retailers that offer openbox specials. Just verify that all cords, manuals and other accessories are inside the
box before leaving the store.
· Peruse previous generation
models. Manufacturers release a new version of their devices seemingly every year.
That doesn’t mean last year’s phone, video
game console or computer is any less effective than the updated version. Models
from previous years likely won’t be much
different from the latest models, but they do
figure to be considerably less expensive.
· Look for coupon codes. When researching products, search for coupon
codes for desired electronics and retailers.
Web-based retailers may post coupon codes
that add up to significant savings. Just ensure that the total cost after taxes and shipping fees are calculated makes the purchase
worth your while.
· Skip the warranty. Extended warranties often cost more money than potential repairs. In addition, after a few year’s
time, your loved one may be looking to upgrade his or her gadget anyway, making the
extended warranty an unnecessary expense.
Gadgets make for popular yet expensive
holiday gifts. But holiday shoppers can
save money on electronics by employing a
few savings strategies.
Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014 • 11
Winter plants brighten holiday spaces
Spring and summer have the
colorful blooms and rich greenery that make the great outdoors
so lush and inviting. Autumn is
awash in vibrant colors that beckon people outdoors to explore. But
winter has a poor reputation with
regard to natural beauty. While it's
true that many plants and wildlife
retreat into hibernation come the
colder temperatures, some choose
the wintertime to bloom. Other
plants and shrubs continue to hold
on to their leaves and color despite the cold.
Hardy winter plants do more
than just survive the snow and ice.
Many thrive and have the potential to add that unexpected touch
of color to an otherwise dreary
landscape.
In addition to berry bushes that
can feature bright red, yellow and
orange berries perfect for holiday
decorating, plenty of other plants
are visually appealing through
colder temperatures.
· Mahonia: Some varieties of
mahonias bloom in the winter and
can be hardy up to USDA Zone 9.
The close relative Oregon grape
holly will flower in very early
spring.
· Camellia: Camellias grow
flowers similar in shape and size
to roses. They range in shade from
light pink to bright red. Camellias
can bloom all year long in moderate temperature zones. Even in
colder zones, some cold climate
hybrids can continue to add welcome color to the garden.
· Daphne: The fragrant flowers
of many daphnes appear in midwinter. The variety Jacqueline
Postill is evergreen.
· Evergreen holly: Perhaps
the evergreen holly is the quintessential winter plant. Green shiny
leaves and bold red berries can be
a bright spot in a winter garden.
A holly hedge also can serve as a
wind and privacy barrier.
· Japanese pieris: Flower
buds on this shrub, sometimes
called the "Mountain Fire," thrive
from fall through winter. This
shrub needs moist, well-drained
soil and should be placed in a
shaded location in warmer climates.
· Hellebore: Also called the
"Christmas Rose," hellebores can
be delightful in areas of the country where winter flowers tend to
be rare. The plant bears pure white
flowers that often age to pink.
· Snowdrop: These delicate
white blooms often pop out of a
layer of snow even before the first
crocuses of spring. Snowdrops
can wait out harsh weather and
even extended snow events before
eventually sprouting.
· Crape myrtle: There are
around 50 species of these trees
and shrubs that are native to parts
of Asia and India. The trees bloom
beautifully and continue to hold
on to their bright colored flowers
in warmer climates.
· Winter jasmine: If you
want to create a mid-winter color splash, consider the climbing
winter jasmine, which is hardy in
zones 5 to 10 and blooms in January.
· Jelena witch hazel: These
curly, odd-shaped blooms have a
rich, copper color and can bloom
as early as January. This plant also
is an orange-red color in autumn.
· Kaffir lily: Also known as the
"Red River lily," these perennials appear in the fall but can still
bloom on mild days in the winter.
These plants prefer wet conditions.
· Winter vegetables: Planting cabbage, spinach or swiss
chard can give you something
fresh to eat through late autumn
and even into winter if you have
a greenhouse or cold frame in the
yard.
Winter may be characterized by dreary landscapes, but plenty of plant life
thrives in spite of the chill.
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12 • Hancock County Holiday Gift Guide • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014
Shop locally this holiday season Gift wrap tricks
Shopping is a big part of the holiday season, when
families and friends gather to reconnect and exchange gifts. While the popularity of shopping online has grown, such practices are not always ecofriendly or timely, as gifts bought online must be
packaged and shipped, wasting valuable resources
and time that last-minute shoppers may not have.
The benefits of shopping locally go beyond convenience and the chance to reduce your carbon
footprint. The following are a few ways
that shopping locally this holiday
season can directly benefit your
community and the people
who call it home.
Local economy
When men and women
shop locally, they are putting money back into their
local communities. Local small
businesses may be owned by your
neighbors, and it can be comforting to
know that your holiday shopping dollars are going
to support a neighbor instead of a large corporation.
Local businesses also employ your neighbors, so
shopping local can strengthen the local economy by
creating jobs that may not exist if you and members
of your community fail to support local small businesses.
Community identity
Local small businesses go a long way toward creating a neighborhood identity, and that identity can
create a stronger sense of community among you
and your neighbors. In addition, a unique community identity can make your town more attractive to
outsiders, and that appeal can improve the value of
local real estate while also attracting more people to
local businesses in your neighborhood.
Uniqueness of gifts
The gifts you buy when shopping locally also
can benefit your community. Gifts purchased from
small local businesses tend to be more unique than
items bought from national chains, as smaller retailers tend to sell more homemade items than their
national competitors. Recipients of such items
may find such gifts more thoughtful
than mass produced items bought
from national chains, and the
uniqueness of homemade
gifts may encourage the
gifts’ recipients to visit
your community and do
some shopping, further benefitting your local economy.
Customer service
The accessibility of customer service is another oft-overlooked benefit of shopping locally. When buying
from national chains, especially during the holiday
season when such businesses may be overwhelmed
with orders, making contact with customer service
departments can be a trying exercise in patience.
Long wait times on the phone or online can make
the process of contacting customer service extremely frustrating. But such frustration is rare when buying from local businesses, as consumers can simply
take their products into the store, where employees
can immediately address their concerns. In addition, buying locally makes it more convenient for
friends and family members who also live in your
community to return their gifts.
Shop Small Business Saturday
Saturday Nov. 29 at The Flower Cart
9 am to 2 pm
Cider and
Goodies while
you shop!
20% OFF
Storewide
(excluding Fresh & Live Wreaths)
Holiday
Decorations
Woodwick Candles
& Diffusers
Willow Tree Nativity
Wreaths, etc!!
The Flower Cart in Britt
Shop Locally on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29
581 9th Ave. SW (across from WH school) 641-843-3269
People have varying degrees of
ability with regard to wrapping gifts.
Some excel at those creased corners
and perfect bows, while others are
less adept at wrapping. The task of
wrapping gifts may not be something
to look forward to, but wrapping gifts
is an essential element of the holiday
season. Fortunately, there are a few
tricks of the trade wrappers can lean
on to make the process of wrapping
gifts go as quickly and as smoothly as
possible.
· Stock up on double-sided
tape. Wrapping with double-sided
tape helps you avoid unsightly tape
lines and creates a neat finished product.
· Use a toilet paper tube to preserve wrapping paper rolls and keep
them from unravelling. Simply cut the
tube lengthwise and snap it over the
open roll of paper to serve as a handy
clip to keep the paper tidy.
· When you lose the edge of the
tape on a roll, it can take precious
time trying to find it again and then
lift a piece of tape off the roll. Use a
plastic bread clip to hold the place
of the edge of the tape to prevent this
from happening.
· Turn snack containers into
handy gift wrap options. Empty potato chip cannisters can be wrapped
and used to hold other food gifts or
smaller stocking stuffers. Turn a foillined chip or popcorn bag inside out,
first cleaning away any grease and
crumbs, and use the bag to wrap a gift
and tie off the end with a decorative
ribbon.
· Wooden spoons or popsicle
sticks can make clever gift tags. Poke
a hole in the end and tie onto your gift.
· Use a piece of fabric to wrap a
present if you’re not too skilled with
traditional paper. Fabric can be reused
and is more durable, and you won’t
run the risk of tearing an edge or poking a hole through it. This can be especially useful for oddly shaped gifts.
· Newsprint tied with natural
cord and some pine boughs is an inexpensive, classic-looking gift wrap.
· Kraft butcher paper or brown
mailing paper can be used in a pinch.
Stamp images on the paper to customize the gift wrap and use ribbons and
bows to further dress things up.
· Use a gift box or cardboard to
create a firm container to wrap soft
gifts.
· Reuse old boxes to create a
greeting card. Use a piece of ribbon
and a bow and your newly created
card as a thank-you or gift tag for future gifts.
Supper with Santa
Friday, December 5
5-7 pm at the Britt Municipal Building
Hot Dog Supper
Make your own Sundae
Free Will Donation - Proceeds go to
Hobo Days 2015- Help bring back the
Carnival!
Prize Drawings for
Kids & Adults
Register to win 18”
Boys and Girls Bicycle
20” Live Wreaths
for Sale!
With a weatherproof red ribbon and
pinecones.Order now through Dec. 19
Pick-up available anytime after
Thanksgiving. Proceeds go to Britt
Hobo Days. Order from:
The Flower Cart 843-3269
Amy & Paul Boekelman 843-3734
Jerry & Arlene Christensen 843-3921
Linda Arndorfer 843-3007 Beth Gretillat 843-3425