Gift Guide 2015 by Beacon Media

RhodyBeat

presents

November 2015 â€˘ A Special Supplement from

Beacon Communications

Beating the Crowds How to avoid the holiday shopping rush

Christmas Close to Home The benefits of buying local this holiday season

View this section online @ www.rhodybeat.com

Goodi for F es oodie s

Gif fan ts no go atic food wit sho hou uld t

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 2

3 • November 2015 •

Holiday Gift Guide

Gifts no food fanatic should go without

Gifts to promote physical activity

How to approach your holiday spending

Did you know - retail sales

Great gifts for on-the-go loved ones

What to get the movie buff in your life

Gift ideas for avid readers

Play ball! Great gifts for sports fans

How to avoid the holiday shopping rush

Did you know - holiday shopping

Don’t forget to gift holiday hosts

Protect your purchases during the holidays

The advantages of last-minute holiday shopping

Transporting holiday gifts

The benefits to buying local this holiday season

How to manage credit this holiday season

Stock up and organize holiday gift wrap

Did you know - Christmas tree

22 22

Make a child’s first holiday special Cost-saving measures when gifting a large family

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 4

Gifts no food fanatic should go without F

ood plays a big role come the holiday season, when friends and family tend to gather around the dinner table to share good meals and catch up on the year’s happenings. But while food plays an integral role at holiday gatherings, food also makes a great gift for that friend or family member on your holiday list who loves to savor a good meal no matter the time of year. Thanks in part to celebrity chefs and television shows that teach viewers how to make gourmet meals at home, it’s now easier than ever before for food lovers to expand their culinary horizons. Gifting such food fanatics can be fun and may even inspire a love of unique cuisine in holiday shoppers, especially those who consider the following gift ideas. Cooking kit: Ingredients and other essential elements of good meals were once taken for granted. But more and more foodies are now creating their own foods from scratch. Bacon fans may fall in love with a kit that helps them cure and smoke their own bacon, while

those who love fresh, homemade bread may appreciate a bread-making kit that includes flour, a pan, some recipes, and other items necessary to make the perfect homemade loaf of bread. Cooking kit options are vast so find a food your loved one can’t go without and purchase the appropriate kit. Gardening tools: While the holiday season might not seem like the ideal time to buy your favorite foodie some gardening tools, such items make the perfect gift for your loved one who wants to grow his or her own fruits and vegetables. Locally grown produce has become increasingly popular among foodies focused on eco-conscious cooking practices, and it does not get much more local than home cooks’ own backyards. Cutlery set: Though it’s easy to overlook, cutlery goes a long way toward making home cooks’ jobs easier. The right cutlery set, which may include one or two chef’s knives, a vegetable knife, a santoku knife, a bread knife, and other knives home cooks will appreciate, can make preparing a

Finn’s Harborside

The Place For Fresh Lobster and Local Seafood!

LOBSTER • SEAFOOD • STEAK APPETIZERS • COCKTAILS

FinnsHarborside.com

38 Water Street East Greenwich

ON SCENIC GREENWICH COVE

884-6363

meal easier and more efficient than cooking without a set. High-end cutlery sets can cost several hundred dollars, but shoppers on more limited budgets can still find quality cutlery sets for less money.

Food getaway: Many foodies love to travel so they can experience cuisines popular overseas or in different regions of the country. Men and women whose spouses love food can plan a food-themed getaway weekend to a locale that specializes in a type of food their significant others enjoy or have always wanted to try. For example, men and women who love lobster may enjoy a trip to Maine’s annual Lobster Festival, while those who can’t get enough barbecue may appreciate a trip to one of the country’s more notable barbecue spots, such as Memphis, Kansas City, North Carolina or Texas. Food-themed gifts make the perfect holiday present for food fanatics, and shoppers have an endless array of options to satisfy their favorite foodies’ appetites.

Open Every Day at 11:30a.m.

Now Booking

Holiday Parties

aking New Year’s resolutions is a popular tradition once the holiday season has come and gone. Such resolutions often serve as catalysts for something positive, whether it’s saving more money in the year ahead or spending more time with family. Resolving to lose weight is one of the more popular resolutions men and women make each year. But you don’t need to wait until the calendar turns to January to start helping a loved one achieve his or her goal of losing weight in the new year. If a friend or family member has expressed a desire to slim down in the new year, the following items can make great holiday gifts that help your loved ones get a head start on their weight loss goals. Yoga mat and DVD: Yoga has grown increasingly popular in recent years. According to a survey from the National Institutes of Health, nearly 10 percent of adults in the United States participated in yoga in 2012, up from 5 percent in 2002. Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and get in shape, and it can help men and women feel more flexible. That increased flexibility can help men and women looking to lose weight, making a yoga mat and DVD an ideal holiday gift. Such gifts are even better for men and women who may feel intimidated by exercising after a long layoff, as they can dust off the cobwebs from the comforts of their own homes. Offer to come over and show them some basic moves and help them in their first few sessions if you’re already familiar with yoga. Swimming lessons: Many people learn to swim as children, but a refresher course can help loved ones who have not dipped their toes in any water in recent years. Such lessons also may ignite (or reignite) a passion for swimming, which is a wonderful exercise that can promote weight loss and cardiovascular health while helping men and women develop toned muscles. Find a local swim club or gym that offers lessons, and go along for the first few lessons to help calm any nerves your loved one might have.

A yoga mat and instructional DVD make great holiday gifts for loved ones who want to get a head start on their New Year’s fitness goals.

Healthy cookbook: Effective, longterm weight loss requires both diet and exercise. A cookbook full of healthy recipes can prove an invaluable resource for men and women who recognize the role healthy foods play in losing weight and keeping the weight off. Many adults cite a lack of time as the primary reason they eat unhealthy foods, so look for a cookbook that offers healthy recipes that can be cooked up quick. Fitness tracker: Fitness trackers come in many shapes and sizes, but many allow users to count their steps and track the distances they travel in a typical day. More advanced models may even help men and women track the amount of calories they’ve consumed, both on a daily basis and over time. Such devices can prove motivational to men and women looking to lose weight, providing detailed daily information they can use to track and see their progress. Holiday gifts that aim to help men and women looking to lose weight can pay dividends long after the holiday season has come and gone.

Holiday Gift Guide

to promote physical activity

5 • November 2015 •

Gifts

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 6

2015 Annual

Christmas Bazaar Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

How to

approach your holiday spending

• Our famous Roll Up Raffle & Chinese Raffle with wonderful prizes! • Beautiful handmade gifts and gift baskets for everyone on your list Vendors include: Scentsy Wickless Candles Mary Kay Tastefully Simple Cia Mar Collections Handbags Jewelry Scarves Many Handmade Items & More!

Did you know? The 2014 holiday shopping season was the best for retail sales since 2011. According to the National Retail Federation, total holiday retail sales in November and December of 2014 reached $616.1 billion, a 4 percent increase from the previous year. Non-store holiday sales, which indicate e-commerce and online sales, increased by nearly 7 percent to just below $102 billion. The increase in spending did not appear to be limited to any particular area, as technology company First Data reported all 50 states experienced positive sales growth during the 2014 holiday shopping period. While spending trends benefited retailers in the United States, such was not the case in Canada, where Statistics Canada reported a 2 percent drop in sales in December, despite a small increase of 0.4 percent just a month prior. Spending on clothing and accessories, two sectors that often benefit come the holiday season, showed a nearly 6 percent drop for the holiday season.

Savvy shoppers can take steps to avoid overspending this holiday season.

he holiday season can be both exciting and expensive. The excitement stems from chances to see family and friends, while the expenses often stem from holiday shopping for those very same loved ones. Many shoppers run into financial trouble come the holiday season, when the temptation to overspend on holiday gifts can be tough to resist. But the following are a handful of ways shoppers can stretch their budgets and avoid going broke this holiday season. Agree to spending limits. Come the holiday season, many people overspend on gifts for their immediate family members. Before shopping season begins, speak with members of your immediate family to discuss spending limits on gifts, agreeing that you each won’t spend more than an agreed upon amount of dollars on gifts for any one person. Come to a consensus on a reasonable limit and urge family members not to exceed that limit no matter what. Determine how much you can spend. Many people find themselves overextended financially come the holiday season because they never bother to sit down before the season begins to determine how much they can afford to spend. Set some time aside before your first holiday shopping excursion to exam-

ine your finances. Such an examination should give you a ballpark figure of how much you can spend. Keep a tally of all of your purchases with you whenever you go shopping, updating the list with each new purchase you make. Tracking spending can help you stay within your budget. Go shopping with a plan. Visiting the mall or a town shopping center without any idea of what you’re looking for is a recipe for overspending. Put some thought and research into your holiday shopping so you aren’t spending time wandering around and buying on impulse, which can increase your chance of overspending. The more thought you put into your shopping, the more you can comparison shop and find the best price for each gift. Start early. If your holiday shopping list is long or if you know money will be tight come the holiday season, begin your holiday shopping early. Doing so allows you to stretch your spending out over several months as opposed to several weeks. Shopping early also gives you more time to comparison shop and find the best price. Resist the temptation to put it all on plastic. Credit and debit cards are more convenient than cash, especially now that you can buy everything from cups of coffee to big-ticket items with the swipe of a card. But cash can be your friend when holiday shopping, especially if you have a history of overspending during the holiday season. Leave cards at home when holiday shopping, spending only the cash you have in your pocket. While this may be a less convenient way to shop than you’ve grown accustomed to, it will save you the grief of large credit card bills come January. Holiday shopping can easily get out of hand. But shoppers who commit to spending only what they can afford before their first shopping trip can make it through the season with their finances intact.

Gear

Whether the wanderer on your holiday shopping list prefers to travel domestically or overseas, he or she can’t hit the road without certain gear. Camping afficionados might appreciate a new mini-stove or grill so they can eat like kings no matter how far they retreat into their favorite forests. For the international jetsetter on your list, perhaps a new set of luggage might make the perfect holiday gift. If your budget is a more tight, consider a traveler’s kit with luxury shampoo, conditioner and body wash and lotion.

Camera

AVA I L A B L E

HERE!

Part of the joy of traveling is documenting a trip with a great camera. Cameras come in a wide range of styles, and good cameras can range from a couple hundred dollars to more expensive models that cost upwards of a thousand dollars. If your budget does not allow for a more expensive camera, give your loved one some cash toward buying a new camera for his or her next adventure. If money is

for on-the-go loved ones

Holiday Gift Guide

any people love to travel, but some take their wanderlust to another level. Men and women who seem perpetually on-the-go may not stop to discuss items on their holiday wish lists, but holiday shoppers can find the right gifts for those loved ones who never seem to stop for long before moving on to the next place.

7 • November 2015 •

Great gifts

no object, do your homework, researching cameras based on your loved one’s interests. More adventurous travelers might want cameras that can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor sports, while travelers who focus more on sightseeing might not benefit from cameras designed for more daring photographers. Research cameras online, and ask employees at local electronics retailers which type of camera is best suited to the traveler on your list.

Airline miles

Many airlines allow customers to transfer their airline miles to whomever they choose. Some airlines, such as Delta, allow miles to be transferred to a maximum of four people, and such transfers incur both a fee per mile transferred and a transaction fee. In addition, airlines may limit how many miles you can transfer or only allow members of their mileage programs to transfer their miles to other members. Airline miles can be a great gift for travel enthusiasts, saving them substantial amounts of money. Learn the ins and outs of your mileage program before giving miles as a gift. If the traveler on your shopping list prefers to travel by car rather than airplane, a gas card can go a long way toward trimming the cost of his or her travels.

EYE WEAR SHOP LOCAL SHOP STYLE SHOP SERVICE

Experiences

If you know a loved one will be traveling to a particular locale in the near future, look into his or her destination and book a unique experience for him or her. For example, travelers headed to London may appreciate a tour of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Men and women visiting New York City for the first time might appreciate a boat tour to the Statue of Liberty or a nighttime boat ride along

the Hudson and East Rivers that allows them to take in Manhattan’s famed skyline under the stars. Such experiences can make trips that much more memorable. Travel enthusiasts range from weekend warriors who can’t wait to arrive at their favorite campsite to international jetsetters. Holiday shoppers can find a host of gifts suited to all types of travelers this holiday season.

EYE ry! a s r e v i t n s n 1 A G O IN G

STRON

UR G ON O

CARE DR. JACQUELINE BOISVERT

EXPERT MEDICAL CARE, ABOVE & BEYOND SERVICE

SeCeOMuE s

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 8

What to get the movie buff in your life

any movie buffs can instantly rattle off extensive lists of their favorite films, sharing information such as when the movies were released, who directed them and, of course, who played the leads. Holiday shoppers on the hunt for the perfect gift for the film buffs in their lives might be a little intimidated by their loved ones’ encyclopedic knowledge of movies. Such knowledge can make it difficult to find gifts that friends or family members will truly appreciate, but the following are a handful of ideas to consider gifting to the movie lover in your life. Box set: Box sets make great gifts for film fans, whether those fans prefer a particular genre of film or appreciate the work of a certain director. Fans of horror movies may appreciate the “Horror Classics 50 Movie Pack Collection,” a comprehensive collection of classic horror films that includes the likes of “The Indestructible Man,” starring Lon Chaney, Sr., and “Night of the Living Dead,” starring Judith O’Dea. Fans of director Quentin Tarantino may enjoy the “Tarantino XX 8-Film Collection,” which includes some of the director’s most beloved films, including “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction.” If you can’t find a box set to your loved one’s liking, consider making your own by buying several individual DVD’s and wrapping them together. Streaming membership: Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime are growing more popular by the day, and film fans would no doubt appreciate having instant access to the hundreds of films available to subscribers of these services. A 12-month subscription to Netflix or Amazon Prime, which offers addi-

tional benefits when shopping on Amazon. com, won’t break shoppers’ budgets but will provide lots of bang for their gift-giving buck. Gift certificate: Gift certificates to the movie theater are another great gift for the old school film fan who still prefers seeing all the new releases in the theater. Movie tickets can stretch film fans’ budgets, especially for those film lovers who need to see every big-budget blockbuster or Oscar® candidate in the theater. A gift certificate may be just what your favorite film fan wants to see in his or her stocking this holiday season. Sound system: For those holiday shoppers working with big budgets, a sound system that enhances the experience of watching movies at home might be just the thing to light up your favorite film fan’s smile this season. Surround sound systems give movie watchers at home an experience similar to that enjoyed by moviegoers in the theater. Such systems can vary considerably with regard to price, with smaller systems costing far less than larger, more advanced systems that can cost several thousand dollars. If you think a sound system is all your loved one needs to make the most of his or her movie watching experience, speak to him or her before buying the system, footing the full bill if you can or offering to contribute a certain amount of dollars toward the sound system of his or her dreams. Film fans can be fun to shop for come the holiday season, and shoppers have a host of options at their disposal to make their favorite film buffs happy.

9 • November 2015 •

Books and other literary-themed gifts can be ideal for avid readers.

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift ideas

for avid readers

ift giving is made easier when shoppers are in tune with their loved ones’ interests. Knowing a friend’s or relative’s likes and dislikes can provide a starting point as you begin your holiday shopping. Reading is one interest or hobby that has never gone out of style. People who enjoy reading tend to devour book after book and are always eager for the next installment from their favorite authors. Books and other reading materials can make perfect gifts for anyone with a love for literature. First edition texts Collectors very often are interested in the first edition or first printing of classic books. Publishers may offer only a limited number of books in a first edition or first printing, and such editions tend to be rare. A first edition of a favorite book can make a cherished gift. These books often can be identified by a unique numbering system or even by the words “first edition” or “first printing” on the copyright page. Work with a reputable bookshop or dealer to find expensive and rare prints.

Digital reading device Some book purists stand by their decisions to only read paper copies of

their favorite books, feeling there’s something special or more enjoyable about holding a hardcover or paperback in one’s hands and making progress through paper pages. Others are enamored with the convenience and portability of having an entire library saved on a digital device. E-readers come in different sizes and offerings from various manufacturers. The Kindle® from Amazon and Nook® from Barnes & Noble are two of the more popular stand-alone reading tablets. E-reader apps also are available through Apple and Amazon to work on various mobile devices. A tablet can be a welcome gift, especially for a reader who appreciates on-demand reading material. Protective case Help readers protect their tablets with protective cases. These run the gamut from the utilitarian to the decorative. Some tablet cases are designed to look like books themselves, with a soft interior cushion for the e-reader and a hard shell to keep it safe. Book accessories Readers need their own collections of accessories that cater to their love of the written word. Look for clocks made out of literary volumes, lamps that look like a stacked book collec-

tion or framed photos of favorite book covers. Some publishers offer printed works reissued in decorative covers to make the books an eye-catching addition to any home’s décor. Someone who lends out favorite works may like a personalized library embosser, which will imprint a book page with the name of the person loaning out his or her collection of books.

Book tote Whether they are carrying books back to the library or traveling with an e-reader in tow, avid readers might appreciate a functional tote bag. Order pre-printed literary tote bags or customize a tote based on the tastes of the gift’s recipient. It even can feature photographs or the jacket of a favorite book. When gifting readers, there are many ideas that can make welcome presents.

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 1

Play ball!

Great gifts for sports fans

inding the perfect holiday gift for the family sports fan can be fun for shoppers who also can’t get enough of their favorite sports. But shoppers who don’t know the Super Bowl from the World Series might not have the first idea about what to get the person on their list who seemingly spends all of his or her free time following the home team.

Bowl tickets tend to be the most expensive tickets in American sports, and such a costly gift might be more than your holiday budget can handle. Championships in other sports tend to be expensive, but more reasonably priced than Super Bowl tickets. If possible, ask a friend or relative to split the cost of a pair of tickets.

Fortunately, shoppers don’t need to know a lot about sports to find holiday gifts that will elicit cheers from their favorite sports fans. The following are just a handful of gifts that would make any sports fan happy this holiday season.

Television

Championship tickets

Many sports fans dream of attending a championship game, whether that game is the Super Bowl in the National Football League, the World Series in Major League Baseball, an NBA Finals game, or whatever sport most stokes a particular sports fan’s passion. Tickets have long been a go-to gift for sports fans, but holiday shoppers who want to go above and beyond may want to purchase tickets to the championship of a friend or loved one’s favorite sport. Super

Many sports fans now prefer to watch their favorite sports on television rather than in person. Remarkable advancements in technology have made watching the game at home not much different than being there in person, and watching from home won’t require fans to pay for travel, parking or tickets. A new smart television that makes it possible for sports fans to stream out-of-town games or watch online highlights on big screens may be just the thing your favorite fanatic is hoping for this season.

Gym or league membership

Some sports fans are not merely content to watch their favorite

sports; they also want to compete. Devoted fans of mixed martial arts might appreciate a membership to a local MMA gym, where they can mimic their favorite competitors’ moves all while getting in shape and meeting like-minded men and women who share their passion for MMA. Offer to pay for the first several months of a loved one’s membership, or if your budget allows, buy a 12-month membership. If MMA is not your loved one’s thing, then pay his or her entry fees into a local sports league, such as a summer softball league or a competitive basketball league for adults.

Attire

The sports attire business is booming, and no sports fan’s wardrobe is complete without a handful of items that profess his or her love for a favorite team. Visit a local sporting goods store to stock up on clothes that help your favorite fan fit in when he or she attends a game or visits a nearby bar or restaurant to take in the game with fellow fans. Holiday shopping for sports fans can be fun, especially for shoppers willing to get a little creative.

Tickets to a big-time game or event is one holiday gift no sports fan will ever forget.

11 • November 2015 •

Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 1

Happy Holidays How to

avoid the holiday shopping rush

Law Ofﬁce of

Richard Gallone, P.C. 1329 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick

737-0500

GalloneLaw.com Auto Accidents • Free Consultations • No Fee Unless Successful

Did you know? Many people begin their holiday shopping around the end of summer, when retailers first begin to roll out new clothing lines and mark down existing items to make way for new inventory. Beginning holiday shopping near the end of summer or the beginning of fall may seem a little early, but early shoppers often find that starting earlier affords them more time to find the right gifts at the right prices. Early shoppers can comparison shop without the specter of the fastapproaching holiday hanging over their heads, and comparison shopping helps consumers feel more confident that they are getting the best deals possible. Starting early with regard to holiday shopping also allows shoppers avoid the financial crunch that shoppers who wait until the holiday season begins often feel. Spreading out spending over several months as opposed to the handful of weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a great way for shoppers to avoid buying too many gifts on credit, which can make for a penny-pinching start to the new year when bills come due in early- to mid-January.

oliday shopping can be both fun and hectic. While it’s fun to scour stores looking for can’t-miss gifts for your loved ones, shopping amongst the crowds also can prove hectic. While online shopping has made department stores somewhat less crowded come the holiday season, the National Retail Federation notes that online shopping during the 2014 holiday season accounted for just one-sixth of all holiday shopping. The opportunity to see and feel potential gifts in person compels many people to do the majority of their holiday shopping in-store, and there are ways for such shoppers to avoid the holiday shopping rush as they begin their quests for the perfect gifts. Shop during off-peak hours. Weekends and weeknight evenings tend to be the busiest times to go holiday shopping. Professionals who have weekends off may put off their shopping during the week, choosing to do so on Saturday and Sunday afternoons when they have extra time to browse and comparison shop. Shopping off-peak hours, such as during weekday mornings or even early mornings on weekends, is a great way to avoid crowds. Parents of young children might want to take a morning or even a full day off of work to get their holiday shopping done so they

can avoid shopping with their kids in tow. You can probably move around more quickly if you choose to shop while the kids are in school, and this also affords you time to find gifts for the kids. Make a list. Knowing what you want to buy online can decrease the amount of time you spend wandering around malls and stores. The longer you linger without an idea of what to buy, the greater the chance you will be joined by fellow shoppers. If possible, call stores before you leave the house to confirm if they have certain items in stock, or buy items online from retailers who offer an in-store pickup option. Checkout lines for instore pickup items are often separated from more traditional checkout lines, further reducing your risk of waiting in long lines. Shop local businesses. Small local businesses may not boast the inventory of larger retailers you’re liable to encounter at the mall, but local small businesses tend to deal with thinner crowds than national stores during the holiday season. Items in such businesses may be more unique than items sold at nationwide retailers, and when you shop at smaller businesses, you likely won’t be forced to hunt for parking spots or wait on long checkout lines. Start shopping early. Crowds only grow bigger and more impatient between Black Friday and the final days before Christmas, so shoppers who can find the time to shop before the height of the shopping season might find parking lots and checkout lines more to their liking. In addition, shopping early affords shoppers more time to find the best deals. The holiday shopping rush hits full swing in the weeks before Christmas Day, but there are many ways shoppers can get their shopping done and avoid the crowds at the same time.

it gives hosts the night off from cooking dinner.

Cater a meal If your family is too big to take out or if the family simply prefers to stay in and enjoy one another’s company, pay for a catered meal to be delivered to your hosts’ home. This can be a great way to catch up, and hosts can join in the fun because they won’t be busy preparing dinner in the kitchen.

Wine rack

Cooking breakfast for your holiday hosts throughout the duration of your stay is a nice gesture busy hosts will surely appreciate.

illions of people will travel this holiday season, and many of them will lay their heads to rest in the homes of family and friends. Hosting guests come the holiday season can make this time of year that much more special, but hosting also is a significant undertaking that asks a lot of the men and women who open their homes to loved ones. Guests who want to express their gratitude for their holiday hosts can do so in any number of ways, and the following are a handful of ideas that would surely please your hosts this holiday season.

Night out on the town Holiday hosts have a lot on their plates. Before guests arrive, hosts clean their homes top to bottom and may even rearrange rooms in their homes to accommodate overnight guests. Once the guests arrive, hosts work to cater to their guests’ needs. Guests can show their hosts how much they appreciate them by paying for a night out on the town. Babysit hosts’ kids so mom and dad can enjoy a night out together, or take the whole family out and foot the bill. A night out can be enjoyable for all involved, and

Men and women who offer to host for the holidays likely don’t mind hosting at other times of the year as well. A brand new wine rack can make for a great gift for your friend or relative who loves to host dinner parties throughout the year. Stock the rack with a couple of bottles of wine and crack one open to celebrate your loved one’s new toy.

Linens If you want to give your holiday hosts something practical, then some linens they can use right away make great gifts. Quality bed sheets, some warm blankets and some soft, high-quality towels can help hosts replenish their linen closets, and they might appreciate using these new items once the holiday season has come and gone.

Cook breakfast Another great way to show your appreciation to your holiday hosts is to make breakfast for everyone each morning during your stay. Let your hosts relax with a cup of coffee while you prepare breakfast each morning for everyone staying at the house. Hosts will no doubt appreciate the hassle-free mornings, and a fresh, home-cooked meal is a great way to express your own appreciation for their hospitality. Holiday hosts accept a lot of responsibility when welcoming guests into their homes. Guests can show their appreciation for this hospitality in numerous ways.

Holiday Gift Guide

to gift holiday hosts

13 • November 2015 •

Don’t forget

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 1

Protect

your purchases during the holidays

oliday shoppers spend billions of dollars during the holiday rush. Although the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day make up a season marked by giving and sharing joy with others, criminals are well aware that the holiday season can be a prime time to rip off consumers. Shoppers need to remain extra diligent to safeguard against theft and other notso-jolly crimes.

At the store

Be aware of your surroundings at all times while at the mall or other stores. Packages, wallets or purses should never be left unattended. Take notice if anyone is standing too close to you, asking them to respect your personal space if necessary.

YARD SERVICE LANDSCAPE EXPERTS INC.

Try to reduce distractions while you do your holiday shopping. This may mean leaving the kids at home so you can focus better on the task at hand or letting incoming calls go to voicemail while you shop. Make frequent trips to the car so that you can free yourself of cumbersome packages. Being laden down with bags or boxes can make you an easy target for a thief.

In the parking lot

Parking lots are notoriously crowded during the holiday season, so you may not be able to get an ideal spot. However, make every attempt to park near the entrance of the store or at least in a well-lit area of the lot. It gets dark early during the holiday season, and you want to feel safe bringing packages to your car. Store all items out of view, such as in the trunk. If you have an SUV, invest in a cargo bed cover that covers packages. If ever you do not feel comfortable walking to your vehicle alone, shop with a friend or ask a security guard to accompany you to your vehicle.

Purchasing power

Paying cash for purchases can alleviate debt come the new year, but credit cards also have their advantages. Credit card companies do not hold cardholders accountable for unauthorized purchases made with a stolen card. This peace of mind can make it safer for shoppers to use credit cards over cash or debit cards when making their holiday purchases. If shopping takes you online, restrict buying to well-established businesses whose reputations can be verified. Make sure that purchases are made through a secure website or server to reduce your risk of falling victim to hackers.

Buddy system

Packages left outside of empty homes can be ripe for the picking by thieves. Establish an agreement with neighbors that you will take in each other’s packages so they aren’t left unattended on front porches or in doorways. The holiday season should be a joyous time, but shoppers should still exercise a certain level of caution when buying gifts for their loved ones.

Call Ahead Seating

FALL CLEANUPS — NEXT DAY SERVICE

• Lawn Cutting • Tree Work & Chipping • Planting Beds Revamped • Mulching • Shrub & Hedge Trimming

• New Lawns Installed • Landscape Construction • Walkways & Patios Installed • Shrub Removal • Landscape Cleanups

REASONABLE & RELIABLE • FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED

Wishing You A Happy Holiday Season

828-1202 www.yardserviceexperts.com yardserviceexperts@gmail.com Commercial & Residential • Lic. #12161 RINLA Member

Fish & Chips • Chowder Clam Cakes • Every Day!!! Seafood • Chicken • Steaks • Pasta Plus DAILY SPECIALS We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Open Christmas Eve ‘til 8:00 PM Open 7 days a week 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Located 1/4 mile South of Apponaug 4 Corners

732-6575

288 Arnolds Neck Drive Warwick, RI

www.crowsnestri.com The Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your List – A Gift Card from The Crow’s Nest!

15 • November 2015 •

Holiday Gift Guide

1000 Division St East Greenwich, RI 401-885-8390 www.DavesGiftBaskets.com

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 1

The advantages of last-minute holiday shopping Shopping late in the season may be advantageous for some people.

ackling tasks well in advance has many advantages, and often it is in one’s best interest to be ahead of the game, including when the game at hand is holiday shopping. But men and women who simply can’t

get a head start on their holiday shopping need not fear, as waiting until the eleventh hour to do the bulk of your shopping can have some distinct advantages, too. Consumer Reports’ 2012 Holiday Poll found 9 percent of shoppers — an estimated 17 million people — planned to shop in stores on Christmas Eve in 2012. Many stores are still open on Christmas Eve, even if the doors are only unlocked for a limited number of hours. That gives shoppers one last chance to find the perfect presents. In addition to having more time to decide on gifts, here are some other benefits to shopping later in the season.

Smaller crowds: As the holiday season winds down, many shoppers have already completed their shopping. Fewer people tend to be in stores in the final days before Christmas, as they are readying their homes for company or making travel plans. This can be a prime time for shopping and getting

Transporting A

s families spread out across the country and even across the globe, the holidays can become a little more difficult to navigate. According to AAA, a federation of motor clubs throughout the United States, roughly 90 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for year-end holidays.

Discounted prices: Anxious to reduce inventory and make the most of end-ofthe-year profits, stores may discount merchandise even further for fast sale. Shoppers anxious to save a little bit more or come in under budget may find waiting to shop is to their financial advantage. Lower chance of discovery: One difficulty of shopping early is keeping all of the gifts hidden for the duration of the month. Waiting until later to shop means only having to camouflage gifts for a few days. When you wait, curious kids are less likely to find their gifts before the big day. Last-minute specials: Some online retailers offer “doorbuster” sales at various times during the holiday shopping season. These sales may offer additional discounts or even free shipping. Just be

sure to balance the benefits of the discount against the shipping price. If it means having to pay a premium for overnight shipping, it may not be worth the investment. More time to plan: By the end of the holiday season you may have a better idea of what you need to purchase. You also may have polled others regarding what they are giving, reducing the chances of giving duplicate gifts.

Gift cards galore: Some people prefer to give gift cards, which are available all season long. Consumer Reports says 62 percent of last-minute shoppers grab gift cards. If you fall into that category, waiting to buy the cards won’t be an issue so long as you make it to the stores before they close. Last-minute shopping has its advantages. If time is ticking away, there are still deals to be had.

holiday gifts

Families that are spread out must decide where to spend the holidays together. But in some cases, families can’t all be together, so celebrations must be handled remotely and gifts shipped to waiting recipients. Shopping for gifts may have taken some time, but now you will have to figure out how to get those gifts where they need to go. The following are some pointers for holiday celebrants who are driving, flying, taking a bus, or shipping gifts.

Learn how to pack or ship gifts safely to minimize inconveniences and ensure they arrive on time.

through malls or other retailers in less time.

Shipping dates If the goal is to purchase and ship gifts near and far, starting early has its advantages. Thousands upon thousands of cards and packages are shipped each day during the holiday season. In 2013, shipping giant UPS projected 132 million deliveries during the last week before Christmas, and actual figures exceeded those expectations. Many shipping services will get packages to recipients on time, but customers can help them along by sending them several weeks before the holidays. Shipping later in

the season may incur additional fees for priority shipping. Always check sellers’ “purchase by” dates to ensure items will arrive on time. Items that will be shipped internationally should include a detailed description as well as the value of the package. Presents under a certain value may be duty-free or tax-exempt. Check with customs to get a better idea of the shipping regulations. Plane ride Airlines have specific regulations in place regarding which items can and cannot be brought on planes, at least inside of the cabin. Thanks to increased security measures, restrictions are greater than they once were. Transportation Security Administration officers may have to inspect items for safety purposes. It may be better to leave gifts unwrapped and then wrap them after the flight to avoid hassles during the screening process. Liquids, including foods, may need to be put in a checked bag if they exceed 3.4 ounces. Consider

shipping delicate items ahead of time if you are concerned about breakage. Packing the car If a holiday road trip is in your future, space constraints may require you to be a little creative when packing the car. Shop for smaller gifts, including gift cards, which are easier to transport. Advise family and friends that you will have limited space so they should not go overboard with regard to gifts given to you in return. Heed safety precautions and do not obscure driver visibility in the car by stacking presents too high. Also, secure boxes and packages in the car so they do not slide or move around. Anything that is not secured can become airborne in the event of a collision, increasing the risk for injury. Items placed on roof racks should be tightly secured so they don’t fall off and present a hazard. Those who will be traveling for the holidays should plan how to transport any gifts they will be bringing along long before the day comes to hit the road.

We Thank You!

Season’ s Greetings William F. Varr, III, MD 220 Toll Gate Road Warwick RI 401-732-6640

215 Toll Gate Road Warwick, RI 401-739-9050 www.fmsportsortho.com

Astoria Salon 651 East Avenue Warwick, RI 401-615-1988 www.astoriasalon.com

Here’s hoping your holiday season is filled with beauty, joy and wonder!

With Sincere Best Wishes

It’s Been a Joy Serving You!

Massage Envy

Auto spa

Locations In Cranston • East Greenwich Lincoln • Providence

2406 Post Road Warwick, RI 401-738-4438

Enjoy the Season!

Rick’s Auto Body 62 Post Road Warwick, RI 401-781-8722 www.rickautobodyri.com

With Sincere Best Wishes

Elite Auto Repair, Inc. 1587 Post Road Warwick, RI 401-736-8942 www.eliteautori.com

Happy Holidays!

Jon’s Locks, Inc. 354 Samuel Gorton Avenue Warwick, RI 401-921-8376 www.jonslocks.com

Thanks for Your Patronage.

Warwick Mall 400 Bald Hill Road Warwick, RI

www.warwickmall.com

Happy Holidays!

We Thank You!

Yard Service Landscape Experts, Inc.

Gearhead Systems International

5776 Post Road, Warwick, RI 401-828-1202 www.yardserviceexperts.com bob@yardserviceexperts.com

250 Oakland Beach Avenue Warwick, RI 401-739-0090 office • 401-477-0985 cell www.gearheadsystemsinternational.com

Holiday Gift Guide

Kent Franklin E. Mirrer, M.D. Ophthalmology, Inc. Orthopaedic Surgeon, Inc.

It’s Been a Joy Serving You!

17 • November 2015 •

Enjoy the Season!

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 1

The benefits

to buying local this holiday season

oliday shopping dominates many people’s free time between the day after Thanksgiving and the final days before Christmas. While many people may shop ‘til they drop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, those days still account for a relatively small amount of the hundreds of billions of dollars that are spent each holiday season.

Shopping local this holiday season can benefit your community in various ways.

Shoppers now have a bevy of options at their disposal as they embark on holiday shopping season. Traditional in-store retailers are still around, and online shopping continues to grow in popularity with each holiday season. But many holiday shoppers are looking to buy local this holiday season, and such a decision can pay a host of dividends for both shoppers and the communities they call home. Buying local benefits your local economy. Studies from Civic Economics, an economics and strategics planning firm, found that independent, locally-owned retailers return a far greater percentage of their revenue into their local economies than national chain stores. One such study examined the disparity between revenue recirculation

among independent, locally-owned businesses in Raleigh, North Carolina, versus four major national chains in the city. The former recirculated 51.1 percent of revenue into the local economy, while the latter recirculated less than 14 percent. Similar results were discovered in many cities, indicating that buying local not only benefits local business owners, but also the communities those owners and their customers call home. Buying local creates jobs in your community. One of the biggest ways local business owners in Raleigh recirculated their revenue in the local economy was job creation. While national chains also create jobs, such jobs only benefit your community if the chains are located within your community. If your local mall is a considerable drive away, chances are the chains within that mall are not employing many of your fellow community members. Local businesses in your community are more likely to employ residents of your town. Shopping local may provide access to more unique gifts. In addition to the economic benefits of

buying local, shoppers may find merchandise made by local craftsmen is more unique than mass-produced items found on the shelves of national retailers. Recipients may cherish more unique items that they cannot find on their own, and that appreciation may even spur them to visit more local retailers after the holiday season has come and gone, benefiting their own communities in so doing. Local business may provide a more personal touch. Buying from national chains has its advantages, but customer service is not always one of them. Should your loved ones encounter problems with their gift that requires assistance, they might be forced to wait on the phone for extended periods of time as they and thousands of others wait for customer service representatives to answer their calls. Local businesses do not deal with nearly the volume of customers as national retailers and, therefore, are capable of addressing concerns more quickly and personally than large chains. Buying local not only benefits small business owners, but it also pays dividends for their customers and the communities they call home.

Christmas MORRIS FARM Wreaths Trees &

Beautiful Balsam & Boxwood

FRASER & DOUGLAS Come in early to get that perfect Christmas Tree! Bring your stand & we will place it in the stand for Free! FREE LOCAL DELIVERY FOR CHRISTMAS TREES

GREENHOUSES 2779 Warwick Ave., Warwick LOCAL DELIVERY AVAILABLE

738-1036

Call for info about our December Holiday Workshops

BOXWOOD TREES ~ SWAGS ~ ROPING KISSING BALLS

Beautiful Selection of

POINSETTIAS

19 • November 2015 •

Holiday Gift Guide

http://visitwarwickri.com/shopwarwick.html http://visitwarwickri.com/shopwarwick.html

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 2

The gift they’re wishing for.

Rhode Island’s Largest Selection of Sewing Machines and Sergers Starting at Only

159

• BABYLOCK Layaway & • BERNINA Financing Available • JANOME FREE • ELNA Instructions Gift Cards Available • NECCHI

How to

manage credit this holiday season

Sewing Classes

FREE

Service

H Home, Sweeter Home. Contact us today. Home Equity Line of Credit

(401) 455-3200 www.coastway.com

1.99% 3.25% APR*

12 Month Introductory Rate

APR*

Variable Rate Thereafter

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. The advertised introductory APR is a discounted rate and is fixed for the first 12 months. After the first 12 months, the rate will adjust to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus a margin of 0.00 percentage points. As of 11/1/15, the Prime Rate and corresponding APR is 3.25%. Line of credit rates are variable and may change monthly after introductory period ends. Advertised rates require an active Coastway checking account (“active” is defined as a minimum of 3 transactions per month) and automatic payment deduction from a Coastway account; otherwise, the rate and APR will automatically increase by 0.50 percentage points (after the introductory fixed-rate period), and an annual fee of $100 will apply. Maximum APR is 21%. A pre-payment penalty of up to 1.0% of the balance due at the time the line of credit is paid off and closed will apply during the first two years. For this promotion, the minimum loan amount is $25,000 and only new loans/new money are eligible. 1 – 4 family owner occupied primary residences only. Property insurance (including flood insurance, if applicable) is required. All advertised rates are the lowest available, and are subject to individual creditworthiness, including a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% and a minimum credit score of 700. Other rates and terms are available. Rates subject to change without notice.

oliday shopping takes up a considerable amount of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Shoppers who scour in-store and online retailers in the hunt for the perfect gift annually spend hundreds of billions of dollars during such pursuits, and what they swipe when making purchases could go a long way toward how their new years begin. Overreliance on credit cards to make holiday purchases can prove crippling once the calendar turns to January. According to an analysis of statistics from the Federal Reserve, the average household consumer debt in the United States was more than $15,700 as of June of 2015. That’s roughly one-tenth the average mortgage debt, suggesting that many consumers are relying too heavily on credit cards when making their purchases. This holiday season, consumers concerned about swiping their credit cards too often can take the following steps to more effectively manage their credit. Know what you can afford. Swiping now and dealing with the consequences in January is a recipe for a rocky new year. In some cases, it can benefit consumers to make purchases with their credit cards as opposed to their debit cards. For instance, when making pur-

chases online, it’s often safer to use a credit card rather than a debit card linked to your checking and savings accounts, as using the latter can make your life’s savings vulnerable to hackers. But don’t start swiping your credit cards until you know what you can afford. Examine your finances and only use your credit card if you know you can repay the balance before it incurs any interest. If you can’t pay the balance in full at the time the payment is due, use a debit card so you are only spending money you already have and not taking out what amounts to a high-interest loan on your holiday purchases. Resist retailer cards. When making instore purchases, chances are the cashier will invite you to sign up for a retailer credit card, even offering an immediate discount if you do so at the registers. While this discount may seem too tempting to ignore, keep in mind that many retailer credit cards come with considerably higher interest fees on balances that are not paid off in full. So that discount at the register may end up costing you more money if you get to January and can’t pay the balance in its entirety. Try not to juggle cards. Many shoppers juggle multiple cards to avoid building up too big a balance on one particular card during the holiday season. But that’s an easy way to lose track of how much you have spent. Rather than juggling cards, use only the one with the lowest interest rate. Monitor your balances. Swiping a credit card is easy and hassle-free, and many retailers both big and small now accept various types of cards. Keep a close eye on your balances, checking them online after each shopping trip. This can help you control your spending and also can alert you to any fraudulent activity. Shoppers who must use their credit cards this holiday season can employ several strategies to ensure they don’t dig themselves into a financial hole by the end of December.

21 • November 2015 •

and organize holiday gift wrap

any people spend a significant portion of the holiday season selecting and wrapping gifts. After all of the effort that goes into finding the perfect gift, many gift-givers want to dress those gifts up in eye-catching packages. As the holiday season hits full swing, now is the time to get wrapping supplies in order. Begin by shopping the sales. Some people save money by stocking up on wrapping supplies at the end of the holiday season. Those who do not look so far ahead may want to buy gift wrap and bags when these items first appear on the shelves, which affords shoppers a larger selection to choose from. Although you may be tempted to go for the least expensive wrapping paper available, investing in something a little thicker may make wrapping easier, as thicker paper is less likely to tear. Select one or two paper designs so you do not have to think too much about which paper to use for which gifts. When shopping, also grab a substantial supply of tape because you will need a lot of it. You probably will have some nonsymmetrical shaped gifts or ones that could get swallowed up in a lot of wrapping paper. You way mant to choose bags or gift boxes to wrap such items. Get creative with gift bags by purchasing solid-color

bags and using stamps to dress up the design. This way the wrapping looks like it was customized for each recipient. Let kids help, as they may have fun adding ribbon or bows to dress up gifts even further.

Holiday Gift Guide

Stock up

Set up a dedicated spot to tackle the wrapping. Perhaps you want to wrap everything in one sitting, or maybe you will wrap each gift as you make new purchases. Either way, keeping supplies at the ready and organized can make wrapping go more quickly. Wrapping paper and ribbon can be stored on a modified towel rack that hangs over the back of a door, or invest in a wrapping paper storage container so everything will be together when the time comes to begin wrapping. A folding table or even an ironing rack can make for good horizontal surfaces on which to tackle the wrapping. Remember also to keep an envelope nearby with any gift receipts so that they can be included with the gifts as you wrap them. Holiday shoppers’ work doesn’t end after gifts are purchased. Now is the time for wrapping and stockpiling all of the supplies needed to make holiday gifts that much more attractive.

Did you know?

Spring Street Holiday Sale DECEMBER 1–23

What would Christmas gift-giving be without a tree under which to place the presents? Tree shoppers have plenty of variety to choose from when selecting that ideal tree. Approximately 21,000 Christmas tree farms exist in the United States, and these farms sell between 30 and 35 million real trees each year. Those who prefer artificial trees can shop for everything from trees that appear to be natural to pastel-hued boughs. The first printed reference to a Christmas tree was made in 1531 in Germany. Since then, Christmas trees have grown in popularity through the centuries.

MON., THURS., FRI. 10AM-4:30PM TUES. 10AM-7PM (CLOSED WEDNESDAYS)

EARRINGS $2.00 PR 10/$15 BRACELETS $2.50 EA 5/$10 NECKLACES $4.00 EA 4/$14

Great Gift Items MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED • NO PERSONAL CHECKS

20 Commerce Drive, Warwick (OFF AIRPORT ROAD)

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 2

Make a child’s first holiday special

Cost-saving

measures when gifting a large family

Personalized framed print: Commemorate the first holiday season with your child by getting a print made with his or her name and age. Leave a space on the print so that the child’s parents can customize it even further with their son or daughter’s footprints. Include a matted frame and childsafe ink or paint to complete the gift. Thoughtful gifts can make this first holiday season one of joy for new children in the family.

baby’s life is filled with milestones. First smiles, first steps and first words are just a few of the moments parents will treasure. A baby’s first holiday season is another special time to cherish. Shoppers seeking gifts to make a baby’s first holiday special have many clever, cute and functional items to choose from. Several of these gifts can become keepsakes to be tucked into memory boxes for growing kids to look at later in life. Christmas pajamas: What better way to await for the arrival of Christmas than in a pair of snuggly pajamas? Send pajamas ahead of Christmas Day so that new parents will have plenty of adorable photo opportunities as their baby boy or girl tears open the gifts. Stores stock several different fun and festive prints, or look into pajamas that can be personalized. Photo print package: Photography packages can involve the entire expanding family and will catalog special moments in time. Purchase studio or onlocation time with a private photographer, or use one of the popular photography chains found in malls and department stores.

Keepsake ornament: Some families embrace the tradition of adding a new ornament to their Christmas trees each year. Purchase an ornament for the new baby with the year so he or she can join in the tradition. Crochet or knit blanket: Crafty individuals can make a blanket that the newest addition to the family can enjoy during the chilly days of winter. These blankets often become treasured keepsakes that may be passed down throughout the family or kept tucked away for kids so they can give them to their own children once they start their own families. Rocking horse: Babies don’t wait long before they start to run around and climb. A classic rocking horse makes for a fun baby gift, and rocking horses come in many different styles. If you are the family carpenter, you can even purchase some unfinished wood from a craft store and then make this into a homemade gift your favorite little guy or gal will always cherish. Piggy bank: Foster good saving habits by gifting a personalized piggy bank. Get kids off on the right foot by depositing a few dollars into the bank before giving the gift. A new baby brings many changes and fun experiences. Gift-givers can make a baby’s first holiday season one filled with joy and whimsy with creative gift ideas.

xchanging gifts with loved ones is one of the joys of the holiday season. But it can be challenging to reign in holiday spending when your shopping list is especially lengthy. Fortunately, there are many ways for holiday shoppers to cut costs this season. Create a limited gift exchange. Speak with other family members who also may be feeling the pinch of holiday spending to establish a gift exchange system. Rather than purchasing a gift for everyone in the family, split the list accordingly. Maybe everyone will only be expected to purchase gifts for the children, instead of buying for kids and adults. Propose that you only exchange gifts with immediate family members and not your extended family, such as your cousins, aunts and uncles. Develop a system that works for everyone so no one feels like they need to break the bank this holiday season. Host a holiday grab bag. Grab bags are great ways to exchange gifts without going broke. In a traditional grab bag, everyone brings a gift that does not exceed a predetermined value and puts it in the bag. Each family member then pulls a gift out of the bag. Allow everyone

the option to swap with one another if one gift is more fitting for a particular person. Set a price limit. Decide in advance that gifts should not exceed a certain price. This way if you are budgeting for the holidays you will have a better understanding of what you can expect to spend if every gift should be around $30. Pool your resources. Rather than giving many little gifts, pool your resources with some relatives and give a single bigticket gift. Each person can contribute the same amount, or family members can contribute as much as they can afford. Give an experience. Sometimes the gift of an experience, such as tickets to a sporting event or a night at the theater, can make a thoughtful and impressive gift. Again, other family members can contribute, and collectively you can enjoy a night on the town or another adventure. Having a large family can be expensive come the holiday season. However, there are ways to curtail your spending without taking any joy out of the holidays.

23 • November 2015 •

Holiday Gift Guide

Opening November 27 for the Holiday Season y a d o T n i Stop Your for g n i t a r o c e D ! s d e Ne

Fresh Greens Kissing Balls Cemetery Baskets Wreaths Trees ...And More...

Holiday Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. — 7 Days A Week! 700 Atwood Avenue • Cranston, RI 02920 (401) 944-8720

Like Us On Facebook

Holiday Gift Guide • November 2015 • 2

warwickmall.com

Buy $150 in Warwick Mall Gift Certificates and receive two tickets to Warwick Mall Night on January 18, 2016 at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Watch the Providence Bruins LIVE, meet Warwick Mall’s Mascot Happy, and enter to win giveaways! While supplies last.