B8 | XXXXXXX | Wednesday, November 22, 2023 | Jamestown Sun
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Toy buying tips when shopping for kids Shopping for gifts for kids makes many shoppers nostalgic for their own childhoods. Few adults can forget the joy of finding the perfect gift under the tree on Christmas morning. Recreating that magic for a youngster can be as joyous for gift-givers as it is for kids. That’s especially so when shoppers make it a point to give safe, age-appropriate gifts. Whether shopping for their own children or their grandkids, nieces or nephews, shoppers can keep these tips in mind to ensure they give toys that are as safe as they are fun. • Speak to Mom and Dad first. When buying for a grandchild, niece or nephew, shoppers should first ask Mom or Dad for suggestions. Parents will know which types of toys their children like, and they’ll also know the child’s level of maturity. Some kids may not be mature enough to play with otherwise
age-appropriate toys, while others may be mature beyond their years and enjoy more complex toys than their age would suggest. Parents will know what makes a good toy and what doesn’t. • Learn what to look for on labels. Toy labels are great sources of information, but shoppers must know what to look for. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that toy labels include information about age-appropriateness (i.e., “Ages 3 & Up”) as well as directions regarding how to use the toy. If the instructions seem a bit complex for the child the item will be for, look for something else. Children’s toy labels also include additional information that consumers may not be familiar with. For example, toys labeled “ASTM F963” meet the latest safety standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. An “ASTM D4236” label indicates the
materials associated with the art toy have been reviewed and deemed safe by a toxicologist. More information about toy label requirements can be found at cpsc.gov. The AAP advises that electric toys should only be given to kids if they include the UL label. That means the toy has been certified by the global safety certification company UL, LLC. • Avoid certain features. The AAP notes that toys that are loud, shoot objects into the air or contain small pieces pose a threat to children. Especially loud toys can damage children’s hearing, while projectiles can increase the risk of eye injuries or choking. Toys with small pieces also pose a choking risk to young children who may try to put the pieces into their mouths. • Err on the side of caution. Consumers who are uncertain about the safety of a given toy, even after reading its label,
should err on the side of caution and only give toys they’re confident won’t pose a safety risk. Even toys that may seem safe could be dangerous to kids who might
otherwise seem old enough. For example, the AAP advises against giving kids under 12 hobby kits and chemistry sets. That’s because such kits may contain dangerous
chemicals that even preadolescents are not old enough to handle safely. Shoppers must consider a host of factors when looking for safe toys for kids this holiday season.
Fun books to read to children during this holiday season
The perfect holiday party playlist Experienced party hosts understand that certain elements are essential to throwing a successful get-together. Guests expect a few things when they arrive, with good food and drink topping the list. Music also figures into the magic formula for a wellreceived party. The late Aretha Franklin said, “Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.” The power of music is so strong that party hosts know they must curate a playlist to complement the festivities. When hosting during the holiday season, hosts can rest easy in the knowledge that curating a playlist tends to be easier than at other times of the year. That’s due in large part to the prominent role some classic holiday tunes play come December. When curating a holiday party playlist, be sure to include these options. • “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1943): This is a song written for Judy Garland for the MGM musical “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Many artists have covered it, including Frank Sinatra and Sam Smith. • “Run Rudolph Run” (1958): Written by Chuck Berry, and first performed by him, the song is a 12-bar blues. It’s similar in style to Berry’s popular “Johnny B.
Courtesy / Metro
Shoppers can keep these tips in mind to ensure they give toys that are as safe as they are fun.
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 seaCourtesy / Paul Bradbury / Metro son, but one popular way When curating a holiday party playlist, be sure to include to harness kids’ enthusithese options. asm between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day is Goode.” Written by Bob Geldof to read them holiday sto• “It’s the Most Wonder- and Midge Ure, this song ries. There’s no shortage ful Time of the Year” was recorded to raise of great holiday books for (1963): Recorded by Andy money for famine relief kids, but here are a handWilliams for his first in Ethiopia. It features ful that kids may rememChristmas album, this Band Aid, a supergroup ber well into adulthood. song is a celebration of made up of popular Irish • The Polar Express,” by holiday gatherings with and British musical Chris Van Allsburg: The friends and family. artists. beloved tale is the story • “What Christmas • “All I Want for Christof a young boy who Means to Me” (1967): Ste- mas Is You” (1994): Love boards a mysterious train vie Wonder’s recognizit or loathe it, Mariah bound for the North Pole. able tenor shines Carey’s song is one of • “The Littlest Elf,” by through on this song the few modern ChristBrandi Dougherty: Part that shares all the tradimas songs to enter the of a series, this story tions that help make esteemed Christmas focuses on a tiny elf Christmas merry and music canon. It also named Oliver and a series bright. helped pave the way for of misadventures as he • “Happy Christmas Carey to be forever tied navigates his way (War is Over)” (1971): to Christmas. through Santa’s John Lennon and Yoko “It’s Beginning to Look a workshop. Ono released this song in Lot Like Christmas” • “Olive, the Other Rein1971. Though it’s a pro(2011): Several artists deer,” by Vivian Walsh: test song against the have recorded this song, Olive is no ordinary reinVietnam War, it has which was written in deer. In fact, Olive is a since become a Christ1951. Jazz standards artdog who heads to the mas standard. ist Michael BublŽ made North Pole believing she • “Santa Claus is Comit his own in 2011. is a reindeer. Her deciing to Town” (1975): Curating a holiday sion to join Santa’s team Bruce Springsteen’s party playlist can start ultimately benefits the rocking version of this with the above songs, big man and his trusty song is one no holiday and the list can then be reindeer. playlist should be customized with more • “The Miracle of the without. tunes that help make the First Poinsettia: A Mexi• “Do They Know It’s season magical. can Christmas Story,” by Christmas?” (1984):
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.
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The Chamber will be providing Loyal to Local Holiday Passport booklets featuring our local businesses. Participating businesses will confirm purchases by stamping the customer’s passport during the original transaction.
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AS O HE SE
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CAL O L P O
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NOVEMBER 25, 2023 to JANUARY 5, 2024
The customers will fill out their passport and return it to the Chamber to be eligible to win prizes. All passports must be turned in by January 8th and prize drawings will take place on January 9th.
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