Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide Guide
A special advertising supplement to the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer
Friday, December 8th, 2023
Inspiring ideas for last-minute holiday shoppers
It’s unlikely that anyone aspires to be a last-minute holiday shopper. Putting off holiday shopping until the last minute can make for a stressful home stretch to the season, and there’s no guarantee store shelves won’t already be picked clean or that gifts purchased online will arrive on time.
Despite how unappealing lastminute shopping can be, it’s still a fact of life for millions of holiday shoppers. As the clock winds down this holiday season, shoppers can look to these ideas for inspiration.
• Gift cards: Gift cards may never earn a distinction as the most sentimental item to give a loved one during the holiday season, but they are surprisingly sought-after. In fact, a survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of participants identified gift cards as the most-wanted gift of the 2022 holiday season. Chain retailers, small businesses and restaurants are among the many establishments that sell gift cards, so shoppers are bound to find a card to please anyone on their shopping list.
• Food/beverage: The holiday season is a popular time to indulge in some great food and wash it down with a favorite wine or another adult beverage. That makes food and beverages a great holiday gift. Shoppers can take a loved one out to a favorite restaurant, prepare a homemade treat or purchase a favorite dish from a local specialty grocery store or eatery. Pair the food with an appropriate beverage and this accessible last-minute gift idea is sure to be a hit.
• Tickets: Tickets to a movie, sporting event, live theater performance, or concert are another gift idea that likely won’t be gobbled up by early bird shoppers. People of all ages enjoy experiences, and a 2022 survey from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide found that 50 percent of survey respondents indicated they would enjoy tickets to a concert or show.
• Books: Books make an ideal holiday gift for everyone from young kids to grandparents. Traditional print books are small enough that they can likely arrive on time even if they’re purchased just a few days
before Christmas. E-book sellers enable gift givers to pick the perfect time to notify loved ones they have received an electronic book. Audiobooks, which can be downloaded to a smartphone or given as a CD, make an ideal gift for loved ones who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Last-minute holiday shopping can be stressful. However, various sought-after items can be secured at the last minute, ensuring gift givers’ loved ones have a happy holiday season.
Tailor-made gifts for on-the-go seniors
Seniors and older adults did not seem to get the memo regarding inflation. As the world continues to navigate a cost-of-living increase, internal data from Bank of America indicates that Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) and Traditionalists (individuals born between 1928 and 1945) are spending more while younger generations are cutting back. Between May 2021 and May 2022, spending by Traditionalists increased by more than 5 percent while Baby Boomer spending rose by 2.2 percent. That uptick occurred while younger generations’ spending fell by 1.5 percent. Seniors seem to be on the go, and that’s something holiday shoppers can keep in mind as they look for gifts for their aging parents, grandparents and others. With that in mind, shoppers can consider these gifts that align well with the lifestyles of seniors who are out and about and making the most of their free time.
• Golf clubs or additional golf gear: Data from the National Golf Foundation indicated that more than 34 million people in the United States played golf in 2019, and 15 percent of those players were 65 and over. A
new set of custom-fit clubs can help seniors take their game to the next level. Such clubs can be expensive, so they make a great tandem gift from children and grandchildren who pool their resources. If new clubs are not necessary or too costly, a single club, such as a new driver or putter, makes for a great gift as well. Gear like a new golf bag, new spikes and new course-friendly attire also makes a great gift for seniors who love the links.
• Travel gifts: The 2023 AARP Travel Trends survey found that 85 percent of older travelers rank travel in their top three priorities for discretionary spending. The appeal of travel has not worn off for modern seniors, and shoppers can keep that in mind this holiday season. New luggage, travel miles earned through a credit card, unique experiences at senior travelers’ next destination, air tags that can keep track of luggage, and a world travel adapter that can convert plugs in any country across the globe are just a few of the many travel gifts shoppers can give on-the-go seniors this December.
• Exercise gear: The National
OnlineGuide&Directory
Council on Aging notes that adults who exercise after turning 65 continue to reap the same rewards that improve quality of life among younger men and women. In addition to boosting immunity, exercising after 65 continues to improve mood so long as seniors stay the course. Exercise gear, including attire and appropriate footwear, can reduce injury risk and help seniors feel more comfortable while breaking a sweat.
• Spa session: All that activity is good for the body, but so is a little post-activity rest and relaxation. A day at the spa, where seniors can get a massage, take a mental break and address minor aches and pains can be just the thing seniors need to recover in time for their next excursion. Any number of gifts can make this holiday season even more special for modern seniors who continue to get up and go each day.
Holiday gifts for the family artist
The feeling of giving a gift and watching the recipient smile broadly after peeling away the wrapping is part of what the makes holiday season such a special time of year. Matching presents to people is not always easy, but when shoppers pull it off, the smile on a loved one’s face is quite the reward.
Creative individuals and resident artists are continually honing their crafts. This holiday season could be the perfect opportunity to tune into these artistic pursuits and give something that lets artists take their creativity to the next level. The following are some gift ideas for artistic individuals on holiday shopping lists.
SUPPLIES GIFT BASKET
Each artistic pursuit requires its own array of materials and tools to perfect the craft. For example, painters will rely on canvases, oils and paintbrushes to create masterpieces, while those who engage in ceramics may need bisques, clays and firing tools. A mix of supplies can fuel upcoming projects.
MUSEUM OR EXHIBITION VISIT
Artists may be inspired by others who engage in the arts. Purchase tickets to a museum that has always been a favorite for the gift recipient. Entry to a local art installation or exhibition also figures to be a hit.
LESSONS
Classes with an artistic master can help artists hone their craft. Masterclass.com offers annual subscriptions or monthly sessions during which people can learn from the world’s best instructors in their respective fields. Local artists also may be willing to serve as mentors or instructors, and sessions with these people also can make perfect holiday gifts.
SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Many artists also are entrepreneurs who sell their wares to others. You can help promote that passion by funding an online shopping website or paying for table or booth fees at area craft festivals and other vendor events around town.
DISPLAY THEIR ART
If an artist you know has a particularly beloved collection or piece of art, arrange for a professional framing or purchase a high-end display case. This way the artwork will remain pristine for others to enjoy in the years ahead.
GIFT CARDS
Though gift cards may seem impersonal, they can be the means by which an artist is able to purchase supplies or travel to art shows to sell their offerings. Don’t discount the utility of gift cards come the holiday season. Artists can benefit from a number of different gifts that help to propel their creative pursuits.
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Tasty tidbits about eggnog
Eggnog is a rich and delicious beverage that has become synonymous with the most festive time of year. This milk- and egg-based concoction is tasty on its own, or it can be dressed up with other flavors and spiked with a favorite spirit when celebrating the holiday season with other adult partygoers.
December is National Eggnog Month, and December 24 is National Eggnog Day. There is no more perfect time of year to learn everything you can about eggnog - all the while sipping a cup of this creamy concoction. Indulge in these festive facts about the beverage, courtesy of Mental Floss, The Fact Site and Tastemade.
• Eggnog likely originated in the medieval period and was known as “posset,” a hot, milk-based drink made of spices and wine. Even though posset could be a cocktail, it also was used as a remedy for colds and flu for its soothing properties.
• Milk, eggs and sherry used in the early recipes were difficult to come by, so when eggnog first appeared it was a drink only the wealthy could enjoy. That changed when eggnog was popularized in the American colonies, where dairy products and liquor were more readily available.
• Entymologists believe “eggnog” stems from the word “noggin,” which refers to small wooden mugs often used to serve strong ale, known by the slang word “nog.”
• In the Medieval period, it was
risky to drink milk straight because it wasn’t pasteurized. Eggnog contained alcohol so that it would kill off any harmful bacteria in the milk.
• A typical homemade version of eggnog has roughly one egg per serving. However, commercial eggnog is regulated by the FDA and can only contain 1 percent of the product’s final weight in egg yolk solids. That stems from fear of raw egg and salmonella.
• President George Washington apparently enjoyed serving eggnog at Christmas, and even had his own special recipe (see below), according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
• There is no right or wrong alcohol to use when preparing eggnog. Distilled spirits like rum, sherry, cognac, and whiskey all have produced suitable eggnogs.
• Puerto Rican coquito is a traditional drink that is very similar to eggnog.
• Individuals concerned about eggs or milk in eggnog can enjoy a vegan recipe made from nut milk instead. Commercially produced vegan eggnog offerings are now more widely available.
• One of the more notable flavors in eggnog comes from the use of nutmeg. Nutmeg is a fragrant spice made from grinding the seed of the nutmeg tree.
Now that you’ve learned about eggnog, whip up a batch of George Washington’s original recipe this holiday season.
EGGNOG
(George Washington’s original interpretation)
1 quart cream
1 quart milk
1 dozen tablespoons sugar
1 pint brandy
1/2 pint rye whiskey
1/2 pint Jamaican rum
1/4 pint sherry
Eggs (Washington forgot
to include the number of eggs, so home chefs can improvise or use six, which seems to be the standard in traditional recipes)
Mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating. Beat whites of eggs until stiff and fold slowly into mixture. Let sit in cool place for several days. Taste frequently.
Tip: Today’s recipe makers may want to set the eggnog in the refrigerator as the “cool place” of choice.
Clever holiday shopping strategies to save
The holiday season is here again, which means that the time for shopping lists and gift-buying has returned as well. Shoppers long have relied on Black Friday deals to save some money and streamline shopping excursions. But now Thanksgiving Day sales and additional retail holidays like Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday have made it easier than ever to score holiday deals. The following tips can make holiday shopping more fruitful.
KNOW YOUR PRICES
Shoppers who would do well on TV’s “The Price is Right” can save money. It’s important to have a general idea of what items cost, especially those that will be on holiday lists. Shoppers can set up price alert notifications on the gifts they plan to buy to compare prices in advance of holiday sales. This way they will have a better idea if the Black Friday/Cyber Monday “deal” is just a markdown on an exaggerated price or if it’s a legitimate bargain.
CONSIDER PRICE-MATCHING
Before shoppers run all over to a dozen stores in the name of saving a few bucks, learn about stores’ price-matching policies. For example, Best Buy may be willing to give the same price on a printer if you can prove that Staples is offering it for $30 cheaper. Keep in mind that many stores are even willing to match Amazon’s prices.
UTILIZE A SHOPPING APP OR COUPON AGGREGATOR
Online shopping is here to stay, and one way retailers provide deals is with coupon codes. Shopping applications can help shoppers save money and time. Some, like Rakuten, offer cash-back and instant discount opportunities, particularly during the holiday season. Others, like Honey, for example, are apps as well as browser extensions that will automatically search for and apply coupon codes on retailers’ sites to ensure a shopper is getting the lowest price.
HolidaySpectacular
November24th-December22nd 10-75%discountonalloff-the-rack gownsinthestore. November24th-December2nd
CasablancaandBelovedCurvyTrunkShow Freeshippingonallorderedgowns! Calltobookanappointment, spaceislimitedandfillsupquickly!
*Ifyouwouldliketobringanitemtoaddtoourboxfor thelocalfoodpantrythatwouldbewonderful!
17MainStreet,Jaffrey,NH
603.532.7641
603.532.7641603.532.7641 www.countrybridals.com
SHOP AHEAD AND PICK UP
Be aware of retailers who offer a lower online price for merchandise than what the same item sells for in store. For example, a six-pack of socks may be $9.99 when purchased online, or $13.99 in store. If the store offers free pickup for online orders shipped to the store, then consumers can use this option to get the discount but avoid shipping fees. Plus, pickup kiosks generally are less crowded than waiting for the checkout registers.
BUY NOW, RESIZE LATER
Shoppers who can’t find their needed size or color in clothing or merchandise can buy any size or color on sale day at the discounted price, then exchange a few days later for the item they need. Think beyond the usual retailers Lowe’s, Home Depot and even pharmacies have lesser-known, but advantageous deals as well. Don’t overlook these retailers for holiday decor or stocking stuffers. Holiday sales shopping is more budget-friendly with some simple saving strategies.
AFewIdeasfortheHolidays
OfTimeandTurtles:MendingtheWorld,ShellbyShatteredShell By SyMontgomery,MattPatterson (Illustrator)
A NewYorkTimes BestsellerandanIndieBestseller!
“Montgomery’sheart-tuggingconversationswithteammatesandhercommitment tohelpinganoctogenariannamedFireChiefrevealturtlestobeperfectconduitsfor meditationsonaging,disabilityandchosenfamily.”—ScientificAmerican NationalBookAwardfinalistfor TheSoulofanOctopus and NewYorkTimes bestsellerSyMontgomeryturnsherjournalisticcuriositytothewonderandwisdom ofourlong-livedcohabitants—turtles—andthroughtheirstoriesofhopeand rescue,revealstousastonishingnewperspectivesontimeandhealing.
WhenacclaimednaturalistSyMontgomeryandwildlifeartistMattPattersonarriveatTurtleRescueLeague, theyaregreetedbyhundredsofturtlesrecoveringfrominjuryandillness.Endangeredbycarsandhighways, pollutionandpoachers,theseturtles—withwoundssoseverethatevenveterinarianswouldhavedismissedthem asfatal—aregivenasecondchanceatlife.TheLeague’sfounders,NatashaandAlexxia,livebyonemotto: Nevergiveuponaturtle.
Butwhyturtles?Whatisitaboutthemthatinspiressuchdevotion?Ancientandunhurried,long-livedand majestic,theirlineagestretchesbacktothetimeofthedinosaurs.Somelivetotwohundredyears,orlonger. Othersspendmonthsburiedundercoldwinterwater.Montgomeryturnstotheselittleunderstoodyetendlessly surprisingcreaturestoprobetheeternalquestion: Howcanwemakepeacewithourtime?
Inpursuitoftheanswer,SyandMattimmersethemselvesinthedelicateworkofprotectingturtlenests, incubatingeggs,rescuingseaturtles,andreleasinghatchlingstotheirhomesinthewild.Wefollowthesnapping turtleFireChiefonhisastonishingjourneyashebattlesagainstinjuriesincurredbyatruck.
Hopefulandoptimistic, OfTimeandTurtles isanantidotetotheinstabilityofourfrenziedworld.Elegantly blendingscience,memoir,andphilosophy,anddrawingonculturesfromacrosstheglobe,thiscompassionate portraitofinjuredturtlesandtheirdeterminedrescuersinvitesusalltoslowdownandslipintoturtletime.
NicBlakeandtheRemarkables:TheManifestorProphecy
By AngieThomas
InternationallybestsellingsuperstarauthorAngieThomasmakeshermiddlegrade debutwiththelaunchofaninventive,hilarious,andsuspensefulnewcontemporary fantasytrilogyinspiredbyAfricanAmericanhistoryandfolklore.
It’snoteasybeingaRemarkableintheUnremarkableworld.Somethingsarecool— likegettingapethellhoundforyourtwelfthbirthday.Others,notsomuch—likenot beingtrustedtolearnmagicbecauseyoumightuseittotakerevenge onanannoyingneighbor.
AllNicBlakewantsistobeapowerfulManifestorlikeherdad.Butbeforeshehasachancetoconvincehim toteachherthegift,aseriesofshockingrevelationsandterrifyingeventslaunchNicandtwofriendsonahunt forapowerfulmagictoolshe’sneverheardof...tosaveherfatherfromimprisonmentforacrimesherefusesto believehecommitted.
TheBigCheese(TheFoodGroup)(Hardcover)
By JoryJohn,PeteOswald (Illustrator)
Don’tmisstheseventhpicturebookinthe#1 NewYorkTimes bestsellingFood GroupseriesfromJoryJohnandPeteOswald!
TheBigCheeseisthebestateverything,andbragsaboutit,too.Whentheannual Cheese-cathloncomesaround,theBigCheeseispreparedtowin,asalways.But whathappenswhenthequietnewkid,WedgeWedgeman,comesoutontop?Isa sliceofhumilityalltheBigCheeseneedstodiscoverthatsomethingsarebetter thanbeingthebest?
JoryJohnandPeteOswaldserveupanotherheapingplateoflaughsandlessonswiththisempowering,witty,and charmingadditiontotheir#1 NewYorkTimes bestsellingseries!
Fun books to read to children this holiday season
The holiday season is a special time of year for people of all ages, but children might be the most enthusiastic celebrants come December. Children spend much of the holiday season anticipating the arrival of the man in the red suit, and that enthusiasm can be contagious. Families have their own unique traditions during the holiday season, but one popular way to harness kids’ enthusiasm between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day is to read them holiday stories. There’s no shortage of great holiday books for kids, but here are a handful that kids may remember well into adulthood.
• “The Polar Express,” by Chris Van Allsburg: The beloved tale is the story of a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole.
• “The Littlest Elf,” by Brandi Dougherty: Part of a series, this story focuses on a tiny elf named Oliver and a series of misadventures as he navigates his way through Santa’s workshop.
• “Olive, the Other Reindeer,” by Vivian Walsh: Olive is no ordinary reindeer. In fact, Olive is a dog who heads to the North Pole believing she is a reindeer. Her decision to join Santa’s team ultimately benefits the big man and his trusty reindeer.
• “The Miracle of the First Poinsettia: A Mexican Christmas Story,” by Joanne Oppenheim: A little girl named Juanita is the star of this retelling of a traditional Mexican tale with a valuable lesson
• “Gingerbread Mouse: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids,” by Katy Bratun: A fallen tree branch
almost ruins Christmas for Mouse, whose determination and resourcefulness mixed in with a little Christmas magic ensures she finds a place to call home in time for the holidays.
• “A Night in Santa’s Great Big Bag,” by Kristin Kladstrup: Santa saves the day in this tale starring a young boy’s favorite stuffed animal, whose excitement for Christmas compels him to climb into Santa’s big bag of presents on Christmas Eve.
• “Santa Claus and the Three Bears,” by Maria Modugno: This twist on the popular tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” finds three unsuspecting bears encountering a familiar fellow in a red suit upon returning home after a nighttime walk.
• “Twas the Night Before Christmas: Edited by Santa Claus for the Benefit of Children of the 21st Century,” by Clement C. Moore: Parents will appreciate this updated version of the popular tale that, among other things, has removed the reference to Santa smoking.
• “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss: Children can join generations of fans that came before them as they hear the redemption story of the Grinch who was once determined to ruin Christmas for the happy people of Who-ville.
• “The Nutcracker,” by the New York City Ballet: The classic story is retold based on famed choreographer George Balanchine’s production. The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Reading new and classic holiday stories to children is one tradition any family can embrace.
The different types of experiential gifts
Seasoned holiday shoppers know it’s not always so easy to find the perfect gift. When shoppers find it especially difficult to pick the right present, it can help to consider what recipients may want. And recent surveys have found that more and more individuals are interested in experiences rather than physical gifts. A 2022 survey from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide found that 77 percent of individuals surveyed preferred to receive experiences over more traditional physical gifts during the holiday season. Such gifts are now categorized as experiential gifts, and there’s seemingly no end to the possibilities when holiday shoppers choose to give experiences to their loved ones.
TRAVEL
Experiential gifts related to travel are wildly popular. In fact, 63 percent of respondents to the GetYourGuide survey indicated they would most enjoy surprise travel as a gift, making it the most popular category among participants. Travel-related experiential gifts include everything from airline miles to unique activi-
ties at a loved one’s eventual destination, such as a parasailing adventure at an island resort.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Outdoor adventures need not be exclusive to vacations in parts unknown. Holiday shoppers can examine local attractions that will ensure their loved one enjoys an adventurous day close to home. Such experiences are popular, as 43 percent of respondents to the GetYourGuide survey indicated they would most enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, boating or hiking. An adventure with a local company that offers hot air balloon rides or a guided hiking tour through scenic local mountains are just a couple of ways to gift an outdoor experience loved ones won’t soon forget.
FOOD
Food-based experiences were the fourth most desirable experiential gift among GetYourGuide survey participants. Such experiences can include food tours, cooking classes, a night out at a local hotspot known for its appetizing menu, or even a meal
at home prepared and cooked by a private chef. Beverage-related experiences also merit consideration, as many a food fanatic would undoubtedly love a course on wine tasting or even home brewing lessons from the brewmaster at a local brewery.
ENTERTAINMENT
Exactly half of the GetYourGuide survey respondents indicated they
would enjoy tickets to a concert or show. Shoppers can scour the websites of a loved one’s favorite musicians to see when they’re in town. Live theater fans may appreciate a night out to enjoy dinner and a show at their local theater. There’s no end to the experiences holiday shoppers can gift to their loved ones. And such gifts have become wildly popular in recent years.
