NOVEMBER 2012 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
Budgeting Your Buying
SEASON FOR SAVINGS Great gifts that won’t break the bank
On-the-Go-Gifts
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Thursday , Nov. 22, 2012 Alberni Valley News
Holiday Gift Guide 2012
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SAVING & SHOPPING 3
Proper etiquette for gift giving
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Save when shopping this holiday season
5
How to establish a holiday shopping budget
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Great gifts that won’t break the bank
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Gifts No sports fan should go without
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Gifts Ideas for the family globe-trotter Great gift ideas for seniors
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Help College Students this holiday season
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The right age to gift children mobile phones
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Has gift wrapping become a lost art?
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SAFETY Should be a holiday tradition, too
Alberni Valley News Thursday , Nov. 29, 2012
Proper etiquette for GIFT GIVING
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Holiday Gift Guide 2012
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Introducing our our Introducing New Christmas New Christmas Introducing our our JewelIntroducing Pops Jewel Pops New Christmas Newour Chritmas Introducing Jewel Pops Jewel Pops New Christmas Jewel Pops The rules of etiquette have loosened a bit from centuries past. No longer are people held
accountable for the slightest misstep, and sometimes the rule-breakers are revered. However, when it comes to holiday gifting, erring on the side of caution and following proper etiquette can make exchanging gifts go more smoothly. Being considerate when gifting helps make the holidays enjoyable and as stress-free as possible. Some may find it unfortunate that so much pressure is placed on giving gifts this time of year. When exchanging, heed these suggestions. • Gift-giving is about the recipient and not you as the giver. The idea is to create that warm and fuzzy feeling for the person on the receiving end of the gift. Think about the person’s interests and find a gift that pertains to these interests. It may not be the easiest to find a rare book or those collectible golf clubs, but putting forth the effort will mean more to the person getting the gift. • Don’t up the ante. When exchanging gifts with a person, do not try to anticipate what he or she will spend and then go above that price. This may come off as petty and make the other person feel uncomfortable. Instead, choose a price that you can readily afford and find the nicest thing within that range. If a person with whom you hadn’t anticipated exchanging gifts gives you something, simply offer thanks and don’t feel uncomfortable that you do not have something to offer in return. • Gift receipts are very thoughtful. Including a gift receipt with your gift tells the recipient that you tried to find something that he or she will enjoy, but that you’re comfortable with them returning the gift if it’s not just right. Again,
this conveys your feelings for the recipient. Do not, however, use gift receipts as a “get out of jail free” pass. That means, don’t simply grab anything off the rack, attach a gift receipt and attempt to pass it off as a meaningful gift. • Do not e-mail thank you notes. If you are not able to thank a person in person for a gift, it is in better taste to send a hand-written note than to fire off a quick e-mail. While writing letters has become a lost art, a hand-written thank you note stands out and shows how much you appreciate the gift. • It’s unnecessary to give your boss a gift. Gifting your boss may come across like you are trying to win favor. It also may create a competition within the office. Stick to gifting colleagues, but leave the boss out of the holiday pool. • Gift cards do not break etiquette rules. Although gift cards may seem like the easy way out of gifting, they’ve become more acceptable and popular. If you want to personalize a gift card, try using a photo or special memory that correlates to the gift card. Otherwise, package the gift card with a few inexpensive items to create a gift basket. • When in doubt, stick with nonintimate gifts. Perfume, cologne, intimate apparel and similar items say that you know a person on a deeper level and are extremely personal. For friends and acquaintances, stick with safer gifts that do not give off intimate undertones. • Don’t regift. Whenever possible, graciously accept gifts and do not try to pass them off as your own to other people. If caught, you will be more embarrassed than if you had not given a gift at all. Following a few guidelines on gift-giving etiquette can help to make the holidays even happier.
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Thursday , Nov. 22, 2012 Alberni Valley News
Guide 2012
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Alberni Valley Clean Team The holiday season is filled with tradition. Many families have their own unique customs, and those traditions create lasting memories for adults and children alike. One such holiday tradition is shopping for gifts for family and friends. Many people enjoy holiday shopping, anxiously anticipating the look on their loved ones’ faces when they open their presents. But holiday shopping is even more enjoyable for shoppers who can save a little extra money. The following are a few tips for shoppers who still want to give the perfect gifts but don’t want to break the bank. • Stop paying for shipping. Many people now do their holiday shopping online. Online shopping can be more convenient and give consumers more options. But some shoppers still shy away from online retailers for fear of high shipping costs. However, some retailers offer free shipping to consumers who spend a certain amount of money. In addition, savvy shoppers can scour the Internet for free shipping codes they can use at checkout. Some retailers even offer free shipping during the holiday season (last minute purchases might not be eligible) to entice customers. • Empty your wallet of gift cards. Gift cards are popular gifts come the holidays, but many gift card recipients fail to use their cards prior to their expiration dates. Many cards expire 12 months after their initial purchase date. If your wallet is filled with gift cards you received last holiday season, use them to buy gifts for friends and family now before they expire. • Make a list. Santa Claus is renowned for making a list come the holiday season, and holiday shoppers should follow his lead. Prior to your first holiday shopping trip, make a list that includes the names
of friends and family to buy for and what you want to buy for each one of them. Doing so decreases the chances you’ll forget someone and be forced to drive back to the mall. Reducing the number of shopping trips you have to make will conserve fuel and save you a substantial amount of money and time. • Pay in cash. If you’re not a fan of online shopping, then use only cash when shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Paying with cash eliminates the risk of overspending with credit cards, which will come back to haunt you in January when the bills are due. Take a predetermined amount of cash with you when shopping, and once that money is gone, then it’s time to go home. • Don’t be tempted by retailer credit cards. Retailer credit cards can be very tempting, especially when the cashier offers an immediate 20 percent discount if you sign up for the card at the register. But that discount comes at a steep price down the road. Not only will you be receiving a bill after the holiday season, but that retailer credit card will most definitely feature a high interest rate that can negate the initial discount at the register — unless you pay off the balance in full. • Create spending parameters with your immediate family. The economy has yet to fully recover from the downturn that began nearly half a decade ago. As a result, many people still approach the holiday shopping season with a degree of trepidation. Get together with your immediate family and establish spending parameters so no person feels like he or she has to spend too much money on holiday shopping. Agree that no gift should cost more than $25. Everyone will still enjoy the holiday season and one another’s company, and they won’t be forced to deal with the stress of overspending.
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Holiday Story Contest Students, enter your best story starting with this sentence: Today was the day of the school play, but Jack still hadn’t learned his lines. Prizes will be awarded to first and second place in four age categories: K to Grade 2, Grades 3 to 5 , Grades 6 to 8 and Grades 9 to 12. Maximum 300 words. All stories must include the student’s name, grade and school. Contest is open to all students, grades kindergarten to 12 in School District 70, as well as those attending private schools and those homeschooled. Stories may be emailed to publisher@albernivalleynews.com, dropped at our office at 4656 Margaret Street or faxed to 250-723-6395. Deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Dec. 10, 2012 no exceptions. Winners will be notified by Dec. 14, 2012
How to establish a holiday
Alberni Valley News Thursday , Nov. 29, 2012
Establishing and adhering to a holiday shopping budget is essential to making it through the season debt-free. spending habits is a great way to discover which of those habits are unhealthy and which you can build on to become a more responsible shopper.
In 2010, holiday spending forecasts were bleak. Groups like that National Retail Federation were predicting that 2011 holiday spending would increase only by roughly 2.5 percent from the previous year. Such a forecast unnecessarily worried retailers, who ultimately had prosperous sales that exceeded expectations significantly — increasing somewhere between 5 and 6 percent.
Many of the shoppers who ventured out that holiday year may have overspent despite poor economic predictions simply because they didn’t want to do without during the holidays. A 2011 study from Cardhub.com found that consumers accumulated $16.8 billion in credit card debt in the third quarter alone. Holiday debt is a condition that can be prevented. In order to avoid joining the growing number of people accumulating massive amounts of credit card debt, holiday shoppers must establish a shopping budget. A budget helps shoppers control their spending, and the following are a few tips shoppers can employ to establish a budget that ensures this holiday season is as debt-free as it is festive. • Remember the Alamo. While the Battle of the Alamo may have nothing to do with holiday spending, shoppers who have found themselves with a mountain of post-holiday debt in the past should learn from their history so they aren’t doomed to repeat it. Look back on the previous year’s spending habits to determine where you could have saved money. Keep this year’s receipts so they can be examined next year. Gaining an understanding of your
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Holiday Gift Guide 2012
• Take shopping year by year. Just because you spent thousands of dollars last year doesn’t mean you should it do so again this year. Let the past year dictate how much you can spend on holiday shopping this year. Shoppers who purchased a new home since last year, for instance, should not feel obligated to spend as much as they did last year, and neither should men and women who lost their jobs or took a pay cut since last year’s holiday season. When establishing your budget, take all of the events of the last year into consideration. If you’ve had an especially successful year financially, perhaps this year you can spend more than last year. Just remember a holiday shopping budget should always be fluid and you should not feel pressured to exceed or equal the spending of previous years.
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• Don’t set a spending minimum. Many shoppers feel guilty if they don’t spend X amount of money each year on gifts for friends and family members. But shoppers should not feel guilty if they come in well under budget, nor should they keep spending if they have purchased gifts for everyone on their list and spent less than they anticipated. Do not enter the holiday shopping season feeling you have to spend a minimum amount of money to show your loved ones how much you value them. • Do set a spending maximum. Shoppers should, however, establish a maximum amount of money they can spend during the holiday season. A host of factors should be considered when determining how much you can safely spend. Those factors include your current financial situation and your job security. If you presently have a substantial amount of debt, eradicating that debt should take priority over holiday shopping. And if your working part-time or on contract or have reason to believe your job is in jeopardy, then you should, as much as possible, avoid holiday spending entirely. Once you have established a maximum amount you can spend for the holidays, do not exceed that limit and do your best to come in under budget.
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Thursday , Nov. 22, 2012 Alberni Valley News
Guide 2012
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Holiday Gift Guide 2012 Alberni Valley News Thursday , Nov. 29, 2012
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Photography
GREAT GIFTS that won’t break the bank
The dawn of the digital age has made photography more popular than ever before. Amateur photographers can now take photos with a digital camera or even their cellular phones and post their pictures to the Internet in a matter of seconds. Though online photo albums are popular, a traditional photo album is a thoughtful and inexpensive gift for a loved one who can’t take enough pictures. New parents might also consider giving their youngster’s grandparents a photo album filled with photos of the family’s newest addition.
Giving is synonymous with the holiday season. But in a holiday season where people are still dealing with a sagging and unpredictable economy, giving in a way that won’t break the bank is imperative for many thoughtful holiday shoppers.
In response to the economy, many families have set limits on how much family members can spend on holiday gifts. Such budgets are a great idea and can even make holiday shopping more fun as shoppers hunt down the perfect gift without having to worry about how they’re going to pay for it. Low-cost holiday gifts come in many shapes and sizes, and the following are a few ideas to help you get started.
Pet Parents Pet parents are enamored with their furry friends, so a petoriented gift is sure to make their holiday season even more special. A new bowl, a flashy new collar or some additional attire aimed at helping their beloved pooch or cat stay warm through the winter months won’t cost much, but it’s certainly something most pet owners and their pets need. For the pet parent who seemingly has everything, remember that pets can never have enough toys. Pets tend to play rough, so their toys aren’t known for their longevity. Some new pet toys can be had on the cheap, and pet parents will appreciate the gesture.
Food & Beverage
Film Fans
Rest & Relaxation
If you need to find an inexpensive gift for the family foodie, then you’re in luck. Plenty of culinary gifts can be had for less than $25. Early risers might appreciate some gourmet coffee beans accompanied by a new coffee mug, while those who prefer tea instead of coffee would no doubt appreciate a variety pack of herbal teas and a new teacup or teapot.
Movie buffs are passionate about their favorite films, and feeding that passion can be easy and inexpensive. Many film fans have a favorite director or actor, so why not gift a collection of that director or actor’s work? Perhaps thanks to the growing popularity of streaming movies online, DVDs are now more affordable than ever.
Arguably one of the best holiday gifts is one that won’t cost shoppers a penny. Offer to babysit a loved one’s kids so the adults can enjoy a worryfree night on the town or simply relax at home without the kids.
Men and women who embrace mealtime as an opportunity to experience various styles of cuisine would likely love a cookbook filled with recipes from all over the world or a particular country whose cuisine inspires them. Another great gift for foodies is a membership to a club such as “Pastry of the Month” or “Coffee of the Month.” Such gifts cost a little more than thrifty shoppers would care to spend, but there are some deals to be had on such memberships come the holiday season.
Many film fanatics are also interested in the history of the film industry, so a book detailing that history might appeal to your loved ones. Of course, all film fans generally appreciate a gift certificate to their local multiplex.
Another R&R gift is to book a spa trip for you and a loved one. While this won’t necessarily qualify as an inexpensive holiday gift, you can often get great deals on spa treatments and other luxurious services when you book for two. And booking such a trip is also a way to reward yourself for surviving another holiday season.
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Gifts
Holiday Gift www.albernivalleynews.com
Sports fans enjoy indulging in their love of a particular sport with video games, making a new game an ideal gift for the family sports fan.
Few things make holiday shoppers happier than giving a gift that instantly lights up a loved one’s eyes. All the work that
goes into finding and securing the perfect gift becomes worth it and then some when the recipient’s smile stretches from ear to ear. A great holiday gift often involves someone’s favorite hobby. When gifting the family sports fan, the options are endless. Sports fans tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves, and they’re liable to be just as vocal with appreciation if any of these gifts are waiting under the tree for them this holiday season. Magazine subscription: Many sports fans feel they can never get enough information on their favorite teams and sports. A magazine subscription to Sports Illustrated or another periodical focusing on a particular sport can provide insider access for a year or longer. Magazine subscriptions are typically inexpensive, but they provide lots of bang for your gifting buck, especially weekly publications. In addition, many magazines now give print subscribers access to exclusive content online, playing to your favorite sports fan’s ever-growing desire for more knowledge. Sports apparel: According to IBISWorld, a Californiabased market research firm, online sporting apparel sales were expected to approach $5 billion in 2012. Driving those sales are sports fans who can’t wait to don the gear of their favorite teams. Apparel makes a great holiday gift, whether it’s an authentic player jersey, a team logo hoodie or a personalized T-shirt that directly connects fans to their teams. Memorabilia: Sports memorabilia can be costly, but shoppers can still find great deals on everything from autographed items to relics of a franchise’s fledgling days. When shopping for memorabilia, be wary of auctions, where “shill bidding” can drive up the price of coveted items. Shill bidding occurs when owners bid on their own items at auction in an attempt to drive up the sale price. And authentication can be an issue with regard to sports memorabilia. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been cracking down on fraudulent memorabilia. Shoppers without knowledge of the memorabilia industry might want to focus on less expensive items that will be a hit under the tree but won’t be a hit to their bank accounts. Video games: Many sports fans indulge in their love of a favorite sport by playing video games. Like most technology, video games are consistently reinvented, so last year’s game might already be outdated, making video games an ideal holiday gift. Those who want to go the extra mile can include a new gaming console along with the latest video game. Tickets: Of course, sports fans might like nothing more than tickets to see their favorite teams play. Buying directly from a sports team is a safe bet, but it can also be expensive. Savvy shoppers can explore the legal secondary market, which includes online retailers like StubHub.com or even league-affiliated programs like NFL Ticket Exchange, where they might find more affordable tickets. When gifting tickets, do so far enough in advance of the game so fans have time to plan their trip and, if need be, take a day off from work.
Gift
Guide 2012
The perfect holiday gift isn’t always easy to find. Shoppers may scour the malls looking for ideas or spend countless hours online in the hopes of landing the gift that is sure to make their loved one’s holiday unforgettable. When shopping for the holidays, shoppers often discover that the best gifts are the ones that speak to a person’s passion. A sports fan, for instance, might want nothing more than tickets to watch his favorite team play. When catering to a person’s interests, shoppers should find out what that passion is and then the process of finding the perfect gift becomes a lot easier. Of course, passions can vary. For those with an on-the-go loved one who’s seemingly always planning his or her next globe-trotting adventure, the following gift ideas are sure to please.
The Backpacker Travelers come in many shapes and sizes. Those who prefer backpacking through the woods instead of jetting off to the nearest island resort may love a new backpack. When shopping, don’t look for backpacks tailor-made for students. Instead, visit your nearest outdoor store and look for a bag that’s sturdy and capable of storing a variety of items needed for camping. Daypacks are smaller and made for campers who frequently take day trips or shorter overnight trips. These packs are lightweight and boast enough room for a small amount of supplies. Medium-duty packs typically provide more storage and support than smaller daypacks. They often feature internal frames and can be used when backpacking through a variety of trails. An expedition pack will be larger and is ideal for campers who need to carry a lot of weight because they tend to go on longer camping or hiking trips.
The Road Tripper Despite the high cost of fuel, some people still feel road trips are the best way to travel. Travelers who can’t get enough of the
Thursday , Nov. 22, 2012 Alberni Valley News
open road would benefit from a gift card to a filling station, which can drastically reduce the cost of their next adventure. When going this route, shoppers should be sure to buy a gift card to a filling station their loved one is bound to encounter on the road. The card won’t do much good if drivers won’t be able to use it. Before purchasing a card, call the company or visit their Web site to ensure they have locations along your loved’s one route. Another thoughtful gift for the family road tripper is a membership to a roadside assistance service like AAA. Such memberships can prove invaluable if or when your loved one’s car breaks down. These prepaid memberships ensure drivers will have access to emergency roadside service, discounts at many hotel chains across the country and even maps and directions to help them plan their next trip. The cost of membership is relatively inexpensive, but it can save travelers substantial amounts of money should a car not prove as reliable as its owner hoped.
The Jetsetter For those who feel travel is best done in style, one of the often dreaded parts about following their wanderlust is sitting in airports or on airplanes as they anticipate the adventures that await them at their destinations. Such restlessness might be quelled with an e-reader that enables travelers to read books, stream movies and television shows and update their status via social media apps so their friends and family can follow them on their adventures. Some new luggage may also make a jetsetter’s holiday that much better. While a completely new set of luggage might break the bank, consider a nice duffel bag or a small travel bag with room for toiletries and other small items no traveler can do without. Traveling is a passion for many men and women. This holiday season use a loved one’s love of travel to help you find him or her the perfect gift.
Alberni Valley News Thursday , Nov. 29, 2012
Great Gift
IDEAS FOR SENIORS Exchanging gifts has become synonymous with the holiday season. Family members exchange
gifts with one another, men and women trade gifts and greeting cards with their coworkers and students participate in grab bag gift exchanges in the classroom. Giving gifts is such a big part of the holiday season that shoppers may run out of gift ideas before they have crossed everyone off their lists. For example, it might not be easy to find the perfect gift for the senior citizen on your holiday shopping list. Seniors might not be upto-date on the latest gadgets or might have downgraded from a home to a more manageable living arrangement, so knickknacks or decorative items for the home may not be too practical, either. The following are a few tips for gifting seniors this holiday season. • Warm things up. As men and women age, many develop medical conditions that require medication. Medications like blood thinners can make seniors feel the cold more than others, so a gift that can keep seniors warm through the winter can make a great gift. A thick wool sweater
We have great gifts for everyone! Massagers SeaWench Naturals Crystal Lamps Daylight Lamps Bosu Balls Balance Boards Bath Salts Exercise Balls Hot tubs
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Holiday Gift Guide 2012
Lift chairs Sherpa Slippers Walkers Canes Scooters Bath Safety Hot Tub Steps Hot Tub Accessories Saunas
And much much more. Or maybe a gift certificate?
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or a fleece blanket is both practical and thoughtful. • Open a senior’s eyes to e-readers. Many seniors find that maintaining a household is simply too much work once all the kids have grown up and moved out. As a result, many move from private homes into apartment complexes geared to the senior set or even into assisted living facilities that make it easier to deal with the daily demands of life. When seniors make such a move, they sacrifice space for convenience. Personal libraries may no longer be possible or practical, but an e-reader such as Amazon’s Kindle or the Nook® from Barnes and Noble allows seniors to store their favorite books in one small and convenient place. • Give the lap of luxury. Many seniors are on fixed incomes, which greatly limit how much disposable income they have to treat themselves to something nice. But seniors still love a trip to the spa or a round of golf just as much as their younger counterparts. Savvy shoppers know that deals can be had on such luxuries, and it just takes a little patience and research. Sign up for a service like
Entertaining this holiday season?
See us for all-natural products Appys made on-site! Dinners • Pepperoni (buffalo, honey garlic turkey, diablo & regular) • Bacon, back, double smoked, maple & reg • European smoked sausages, turkey & reg breakfast and dinner sausages, hams, cottage rolls, beef steaks, chicken cordon bleu • pickled sausages in-2kg jars • buffalo steaks and roasts • locally made Croquettes • Rookworst • Imported Fishermans Pickled Herrings from Denmark We have Wing Platters too!
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FRITT ADVENT CALENDARS Fruity & Delicious Fritt Chew Strips & Yogurt Strips with colouring page on the back.
We also carry Adult Liquor Chocolate Advent Calendars!
Stocking Stuffers Chocolate Letters
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Holiday Gift Guide 2012
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raising a family to focus on their own health are typically encouraged by their physicians to exercise and embrace healthier eating habits. Gift-givers can help seniors on their quests to become healthier by buying them a membership to a local fitness club, many of which provide classes designed specifically for seniors. Fitness clubs typically offer discounted memberships to seniors, who might even be eligible for rebates from their health insurance providers if they meet established attendance requirements. Seniors who suffer from arthritis might benefit from a membership at a nearby yoga center.
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Thursday , Nov. 22, 2012 Alberni Valley News
Adelaide Centre AdelaideShopping Shopping Centre 47864786 Johnston Johnstonrd., Rd., Port Port Alberni Alberni ~ 250-723-7241 ~ 250-723-7241
• Give the gift of communication. Sometimes the best gift is the simplest gift. Seniors love to speak with their children and grandchildren, so why not give the gift of communication? If you haven’t already, alter your cellular phone plan to a family plan that gives seniors unlimited minutes when calling family members so they can speak to their grandkids as often as possible. You can even go the extra mile and upgrade a senior’s computer so he or she has access to instant messaging and videoconferencing services such SkypeTM, allowing seniors to see just how fast their grandchildren are growing even if those youngsters are on the other side of the country.
Alberni Valley News Thursday , Nov. 29, 2012
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Holiday Gift Guide 2012
this holiday season
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College is a time when many students form friendships and make memories that last a lifetime. College is also a time when students learn to stretch a dollar, and the right gift come the holiday season can have a big impact on a college student’s life. The following are a few gift ideas that may help make your favorite student’s second semester a success.
• Books and supplies: Textbooks and supplies remain one of the biggest expenses for today’s college students. According to the College Board, a not-forprofit organization aimed at helping college students be successful, the average cost for books and supplies during the 20112012 school year was roughly $1,200. Such an expense can be daunting for college students, and relatives can help them out come the holidays by paying for a portion or all of their second semester textbooks and supplies. Such a gesture might not make the most sentimental holiday gift, but it’s a practical present that will go a long way toward helping a financially struggling student pay his or her bills. • Travel: College students who want to study abroad or travel for spring break must bankroll those travels themselves. In addition, some students struggle to pay for their travel back home during the holiday season or during other breaks from class. Adults who want to lend a college student a helping hand this holiday season can offer to help pay those travel costs. Men
and women who travel a lot for work might be able to use their airline miles to secure a free or low-cost ticket for the college student in their life. • Computer accessories and programs: Of course, not all gifts need to be financially oriented. Practical gifts like computer accessories can also make a great gift for college students. Nowadays, many colleges and universities require incoming students to have their own desktop or laptop computers. Students with their own laptops might appreciate new laptop bags that make it easier to transport their computers to and from classes and the library. In addition, some majors, such as graphic design, require that students use ever-evolving and expensive computer software. These programs are often installed on computers in the university’s labs, but students may perform better in school if they install such programs on their own computers. Upgrading students’ computer software can save them money and help them do better in school. • Gaming consoles: Another great gift for college students is the latest video gaming console. Though such a gift might not be as virtuous as new textbooks or computer programs, a gaming console can help students unwind from the stresses of schoolwork. Today’s college students grew up with gaming consoles and many are avid gamers, so a new gaming console can also be a great way for them to make new friends who share similar interests.
N
3569 3rd Avenue Port Alberni, B email: barlows.ent@shaw.ca • ww
CHANGE FOR THE GOOD Donate your extra change to kids in our community
Pennies for Presents 100% of proceeds donated to
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Pennies for
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NEWS Every home ◆ Every Friday ◆ Every day online 250-723-6399
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Holiday Gift www.albernivalleynews.com
Guide 2012
Gadgets often top the list of desired gifts for the holiday season. Adults and children alike fawn over the latest technology, and giving a loved one a new phone, portable video game console, tablet or e-reader for the holidays is sure to please. When gifting children with the latest tech gifts, parents typically ask themselves if a child is mature enough to handle the responsibility of having his or her own mobile phone. There is no clear-cut answer to this question, and it is up to the gift-giver to assess the maturity levels of the gift recipient as well as his or her behavior when considering giving the gift of a mobile phone. Today’s cellular phones are much different from the ones that flooded the market 10 to 20 years ago. Although the concept of a mobile phone has been in place since the late 1940s, it wasn’t until 1983 that mobile phones became commercially available in North America. Phones once did little more than just dial a call, and even then service was spotty. Now phones are mini-computers, able to make and receive calls, take photos, access the Internet, download photos and text, provide GPS positioning, give
Thursday , Nov. 22, 2012 Alberni Valley News
directions, check e-mail, and so much more. Such cell phones can be invaluable, but their accessibility often makes parents and guardians think twice about gifting children with a mobile phone. Those who are carefully considering purchasing a phone as a holiday gift for a tween may want to consider the following. • Reliability: How well does the child take care of his or her belongings? Are keys constantly being lost? Are you often replacing items that were just purchased? If so, the child may not be ready for a cell phone. Although many mobile phone companies offer promotional prices on phones this time of year, buying a phone can still be a considerable expense. Adding insurance to that phone will cost even more. Cell phones may only be for children who have a good track record of caring for and keeping important belongings. • Maturity level: Some children seem to be born wise beyond their years. Others are eternal Peter Pans. It is unwise to base a cell phone purchase simply on age alone. Parents typically have a grasp of their child’s maturity level, so it should be easy to determine if they are mature enough to handle the responsibility of a cell phone.
• Features: Mobile phones, particularly smartphones, offer a bevy of different features. From social networking to mapping physical locations, these phones can make children widely accessible from a communications standpoint. It can be quite easy for a child to take and share a photo with someone inappropriate, and vice-versa. Find out the reasons behind why your son or daughter wants the phone. Is it simply for texting, or is it to have emergency contact with home? Knowing the reasons why a child wants the phone may make the decision easier. • Safety: Cell phones make it easier for parents to monitor their children when they are away from home, providing some peace of mind. • School rules: In many institutions, cell phone use is prohibited during school hours or phones may not even be allowed on school property. This is something to keep in mind before purchasing. Many children want their own cell phone, in part because they see their parents and others on the phone. But it’s wise to consider the pros and cons of giving children cell phones before telling children they can have one.
Alberni Valley News Thursday , Nov. 29, 2012
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Holiday Gift Guide 2012
• Paper is more cost-effective. You are bound to get more bang for your wrapping buck by choosing wrapping paper. Although there are scores of discount stores that sell low-priced gift bags, often the quality isn’t the same, and the handles could tear after one or two uses. Wrapping paper per inch is definitely more affordable than gift bags, particularly when purchased on sale.
HAS GIFT WRAPPING
• Wrapping paper lets you be creative. Cover a box with a patchwork of different paper scraps, choose to stagger colors of paper with boxes towered one on top of another or tie on the biggest bow you can find.
Have we become a society that is too busy for gift wrap? When a birthday arrives or the holidays come around in full force, where do most people turn? To the ultra-convenient gift bag, that’s where.
Many people have turned their backs on wrapped gifts in favor of gift bags. However, there’s something to be said for intricately wrapped presents under the tree.
Gift bags have largely taken over the party aisles at most stores, where rows and rows of gift bags in all shapes and sizes are not uncommon. If you’re trying to find a roll of wrapping paper, good luck. For birthdays, anniversaries and even baby showers, paper designs have essentially become obsolete. It’s true that wrapping paper seems to make a rebound come the holiday season, when stores begin to devote aisles of space to holiday supplies. But even when shiny foils and smiling Santas beckon customers from the tightly packed rolls, many people still choose gift bags. Gift bags do have many advantages. They are easily portable, generally inexpensive and come in some very clever designs. They’re also touted as a “green” product because they can be reused. But there are plenty of people who
feel that the elimination of intricately wrapped presents takes some of the magic out of the holidays. Carefully wrapped gifts show that a person put in time and effort to present a gift in a way that is sentimental and personal. Although it may take mere minutes to pry away the paper and find a treasure inside, there’s something to be said for paper-wrapped gifts. It means the gift-giver sat down, pondered the paper design and carefully chose the bow or ribbon with the recipient in mind. Before you eschew wrapping paper for a gift bag this holiday season, think about all of the advantages to spending some time and reacquainting yourself with the art of gift wrapping. Here are some reasons to save the gift bag for another time. • Wrapping can be green, too. Wrapping paper can be reused if it is carefully removed from a gift. You also can create your own wrapping paper by decorating brown postal paper with a rubber stamp or having children color their own special murals. Don’t overlook newsprint as wrapping as well.
• Paper is traditional. Look back to the classic stories of yuletide and you are bound to find images of Santa Claus pulling wrapped boxes out of his enormous gift sack. Also think about how department stores used to (and some still do) offer complimentary gift wrapping. • Wrapped gifts travel better. When carrying your bounty of gifts to friends and family, carefully wrapped boxes tend to stand up to travel better than gift bags. No one wants to receive a gift bag that has been wrinkled and crushed into some amorphous shape. Plus, wilted tissue paper can be off-putting. • There’s something magical about wrapping paper. The anticipation, the drama, the build-up to peeling aside wrapping paper and revealing the gift has brought smiles to children’s (and adults’) faces for generations. It is hard to improve on something that has been successful for years and years. Although the public may be swept up in rushing from here to there, there are traditionalists who appreciate sitting down and spending time creating holiday magic by way of beautifully wrapped gifts.
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Holiday Gift www.albernivalleynews.com
Guide 2012
Thursday , Nov. 22, 2012 Alberni Valley News
Celebrants and shoppers annually spend billions of dollars during the holiday season. With so much money exchanging hands, it is imperative for shoppers and revelers to use caution to avoid incidents that can put a damper on such a festive time of year.
Safety
Though many people who look forward to the holiday season for all the right reasons, there are some who see this time of year as a prime opportunity to prey on the generosity or distraction Christmas brings. Thieves know that the holidays can be hectic, and they use this to their advantage, knowing full well people tend to store high-priced items in their homes during this time of the year. Heeding certain safety tips during the holidays can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Stagger shopping times Being a creature of habit may not be advantageous come the holidays. Oftentimes, potential burglars monitor neighborhoods to see when residents
come and go. It can take mere minutes for a thief to get into a home and then abscond with valuables. Creating a situation where there is always someone home or at least the appearance that someone is home might dissuade a thief from targeting your home. When you venture out to shop, do so at different times so you’re not establishing a recognizable pattern that gives a thief a sense of security and a perfect window of time to break in.
Triple-check your home Security experts warn that most burglaries occur during daytime hours when homes are empty. The main point of entry is on the ground floor via a rear or a side door. Access through a garage door is another common way thieves gain access to a home. Before leaving the house, make sure that all doors and windows are locked and that the garage door cannot be opened. Many times thieves are able to simply enter a home through an unlocked window. The key is to make it as difficult as possible for a burglar to get inside your home.
All your Christmas entertaining Nicole Deli Manager
wrapped up!
• Deli platters • Bakery • Floral decor
3756 – 10 Ave. Port Alberni Store: 250.723.6212 Pharmacy: 250.723.6204
OPEN 7 am to 10 pm daily
Alberni Valley News Thursday , Nov. 29, 2012 Running out of the home for parties, shopping and other social events could derail safety precautions. If need be, leave a checklist by the front door to remind you to safeguard the home before exiting.
Park in well-lit areas Cars are prime targets for burglaries. Many times shoppers visit the car frequently during shopping excursions and store gifts in the trunk, only to return for more shopping. Thieves recognize there may be a bounty of merchandise inside. First and foremost, all items in the car should be stored out of sight to deter interest in your vehicle. Secondly, make sure that the car is locked and that the security system (if there is one) is engaged, as merchandise in a car is not often covered by standard auto insurance policies. In addition, park as close as you can to the store entrance or beneath a bright light. Poor visibility encourages thieves.
Watch your wallet Cash is a very attractive prospect for thieves because it is largely untraceable and easily spent. While shoppers who want to curb high credit card bills might
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Holiday Gift Guide 2012 favor cash, it is important not to carry too much around. Spread out purchases over a few days so that you do not have to carry large quantities of cash.
Gift Baskets Order now for Christmas
When using an ATM at the mall or at the bank, always be aware of your surroundings, including fellow customers. It may be worth paying multiple service fees to withdraw small amounts of cash rather than withdrawing a large amount of money that thieves can target.
Ready made or custom made to order
Remove extraneous credit cards when shopping. Should your wallet be stolen or go missing, this will eliminate the number of accounts that thieves can use and also cuts down on the number of accounts that need to be closed out. You should never carry your social security card in your wallet because this increases your risk of being victimized by identity theft.
2787 Alberni Hwy, Port Alberni, BC (250) 724-1500 or (250) 724-2300 www.emeraldcoastvineyards.ca
Request to sign for packages Many shipping carriers have eliminated the need for package recipients to sign for merchandise. Recipients can now choose to have boxes and bags left outside the front door. To decrease the risk of theft, always choose to sign for packages, regardless of how safe your neighborhood may be.
Holiday Shop Local & Save Shopping Shop Local & Win! Alberni Valley
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ute Great Last Min e! Gift Ideas Insid • KD Air • Bosley’s • The Brick • Finishing Touches • Trends Design Team
• AV Clean Team • Flandangles • Kismet Quilts • Wynans
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• Safeway • LB Woodchoppers • KD Air • Salmonberries • The Funk Trunk • Jay’s Lace It Up
• Windsor Plywood • Barlow’s Audio Video • Dieverts Jewelers • U-Cut Christmas Trees • Alberni Colour Corner
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Holiday Gift www.albernivalleynews.com
Thursday , Nov. 22, 2012 Alberni Valley News
Guide 2012
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