SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS
Inside
• Shopping Strategies • Gifts for Kids • Homemade Treats • Shop Local
Holiday
FIRST EDITION 2021
Smartwool Socks Guaranteed not to shrink or itch. her Out performs all ot socks.
BUY 4 GET
1 FREE F E A T U R I N G
• Taos Keen • and many Brooks more! Red Wing New Balance Haflinger Smartwool Socks Gift • Dansko Certificates • Merrell Available • Earth • • • • • •
155 W. Main St., Whitewater (262) 473-4093 Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30; Sat 9-5 • www.dalesbootery.com
406340
406338
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
DEMOS GALORE & SAMPLES THROUGHOUT ALL FOUR STORES SALES IN EVERY DEPARTMENT
Beautifully decorated for the holiday season with great values for all your holiday grocery & liquor shopping
All Our Holiday Best! 100 E. Geneva Square Geneva Square Shopping Center Lake Geneva • 262-248-8798
1414 E. Geneva Street Shopko Shopping Center Delavan • 262-728-2638
2801 14th Place Kenosha North Side 262-553-1370
7600 Pershing Boulevard Pershing Plaza Kenosha • 262-764-1954
407666
Page 2
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
Saturday, December 4 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Close to Home
Ways to support small businesses by shopping locally this holiday season
needed fiscal boost before the end of the year. With many restaurants, shops and other entrepreneurial entities still recovering from the effects of a difficult 2020 holiday season hit hard by the pandemic, small businesses need assistance this year more than ever and they may find it from unexpected places – in some cases, from big businesses. For example, Wells Fargo has supported its small business customers and extended philanthropic support to the broader community throughout the pandemic. Efforts have included working together with more than 3 million small businesses across the country to help them get back to thriving, and the creation of its Open for Business Fund, a roughly $420 million recovery effort offering capital, technical • CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
CHAD HENSIAK Holiday Gift Guide
Page 3
Nadia Danford (left) and Sunny Mistry check out the items for sale during the 2020 holiday art event at Riverview Studio during last year’s Small Business Saturday in Burlington.
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
While big businesses receive attention during the holidays for offers of free shipping, buy one get one free and other promotions, it’s small businesses who are truly the heartbeat of local communities and help bring magical experiences to this time of year. From holiday lights in the center of town, to decorations and pictures with winter characters, receiving a warm smile and possibly a tasty delight from a local pastry chef while shopping at a small business brings holiday joy to all.
The 32 million small businesses in the U.S. employ nearly 61 million workers, or about 47% of the labor force, according to the U.S Small Business Association. But small businesses are also the most vulnerable, as sudden changes in fortune - like a recession, natural disasters or an unprecedented pandemic – can shutter many of them for good. For boutique retailers and other small businesses that vie for consumer mindset, the holiday season can make or break them. While mass-market stores and big brand online merchants continue to grab market share, smaller brick-and-mortar or local e-commerce shops often offer the most customized and unique holiday gifts. And it’s up to their neighbors, in countless communities from coast to coast, to show appreciation by opening their wallets and providing local small businesses a much-
Employees at the Rusty Gate on South Pine Street in Burlington assist customers during their Christmas Extravaganza sale on Small Business Saturday 2020. CHAD HENSIAK Holiday Gift Guide
Page 4
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
CLOSE TO HOME
• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
assistance and long-term programs for small businesses. In preparation for the holidays, Wells Fargo’s Hope, USA program will build on the bank’s foundation of support by helping to beautify business districts in more than a dozen cities nationwide and encouraging everyone to join in giving hope a hand this holiday season by supporting small businesses and shopping locally. Here are five ways you too can help to support small businesses this holiday season:
Shop for gifts locally While it can sometimes be more efficient to holiday shop at one-stop mass online retailers, it’s more fun to window-shop for – and purchase – unusual gifts from local boutiques, pop-up stores or marketplaces. And if you prefer to shop online, there are many mom-and-pop e-tailers who sell a variety of specialty and craft products. Not only can an out-of-the-ordinary gift
delight a friend or family member on your shopping list, so, too, can the story you’ll be able to share about where and from whom you purchased it.
or mouthwatering schinkenbrot rolls from a German bakery, foods seem a bit tastier and drinks a bit sweeter when produced just down the road.
Leave lots of ‘likes’
Shop kindly
If you enjoyed your small business experience, take five minutes to write and post a review online, via Yelp, Google or other crowd-sourced business review sites and social media platforms. With limited marketing budgets, positive word-of-mouth may be the best way to help increase awareness of and spark sales at your favorite stores.
If you are a fan of a local merchant’s goods, buy a few more items than usual. You or a gift recipient will love the special indulgence, and the merchant will appreciate the additional, well-deserved business boost.
Grab holiday grub While chain grocery stores are a great one-stop shopping option, they can’t compete with local farms, markets, produce stands, microbreweries and bakeries for locally grown or produced treats. Whether it’s locally ground cornmeal, grape-to-glass merlot from a nearby vineyard and winery,
Purchase now for later Supporting small businesses by purchasing a gift card is a great way to contribute to their immediate cash flow during this busy season. The gift of a gift card can also help small businesses win new customers down the road. Help make the holiday season merrier than ever for small local businesses. Your efforts may help them survive and thrive into 2022 … and beyond. (BPT)
Travel-related gifts Travel restrictions greatly limited where people could go, so millions embraced staycations as a means to taking breaks from school and work. Travel restrictions have now been lifted in many parts of the world, and vaccinated individuals may feel more comfortable traveling again. Consider gifts that include travel essentials, such as luggage, plane tickets, toiletries, hotel vouchers, and even gift cards to use on vacation purchases.
Home improvement supplies
Preparatory gifts People are much more “germ-conscious” as a result of the pandemic. Cases of COVID-19 are on the decline, but it still pays to be cautious and sanitary. Gifts that promote cleanliness may continue to be appreciated and also prepare a person should another pandemic occur in the future. Stylish reusable face masks; special sanitary “keys” that limit contact with things like ATMs, doors and elevator buttons; ultraviolet disinfecting lamps; and even purses and bags that can be cleaned without damage are all gift ideas that make cleanliness more convenient.
Dining out vouchers Even though many restaurants pivoted to takeout service or established outdoor seating to meet safety requirements, dining establishments still felt the pain of the pandemic. More people have now returned to • CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Page 5
In the wake of canceled vacation plans, homeowners channeled their vacation dollars into home improvements. Those who still have plans to redo
and renovate will appreciate gifts that may include gift cards to popular home improvement and design retailers. In addition, as certain home improvement materials like lumber have gotten more expensive, a cash gift to offset the cost of materials can help people see projects through to completion.
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
Postpandemic gifts for friends and loved ones
Families, businesses, schools, and just about everyone had to modify daily life in dramatic ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the most significant effects of COVID-19 – beyond the health implications – have been the changes in outings and gatherings and the ways holidays were celebrated. The 2021 holiday season figures to be especially jovial as the world continues to emerge from the pandemic. As shoppers hit the holiday shopping trail once more, they can look to the pandemic for gift-buying inspiration.
GIFTS
• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
traditional dining, and restrictions on indoor dining have gradually been loosened. Therefore, gifts that focus on dining out, such as certificates for favorite restaurants or wine bottle caddies for BYOB establishments, can make for great gifts.
Support new hobbies Many people took on new hobbies and explored new activities to pass the time during the pandemic. Encourage these hobbies by gifting tools and supplies. If a person adopted a new pet, try pet-toy subscriptions or even purchase pet health insurance. Though the pandemic is something many people would love to forget, holiday shoppers can look to it for inspiration when buying gifts for loved ones this year.
Page 6
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
(METRO CREATIVE)
BUY $50 IN GIFT CARDS
GET A $15 GIFT CARD FREE 724 Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147
262-248-6008
See full menu and upcoming events on our website
champslakegeneva.com
408475
406339
Gifting a
Puppy
Read these tips first
Don’t
communicated that they’re ready to take on the commitment and can prepare for the puppy’s arrival. Wait too long to start looking if you know this is something you and your family want for the holidays.
2.
Try and cut costs. Healthy, well-bred 3. puppies can be expensive. If you see something that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Expect a puppy to arrive fully-trained 4. and well-behaved. Puppies can be mischievous and require a lot of time and attention.
Do
Leave plenty of time for the entire 1. process, you don’t want to rush selecting the right pup for you.
Realize your puppy may not arrive at 2. the exact moment you had hoped for. These are living, breathing animals that require stops and care along their journey.
They are not a warehouse package.
Plan to be home for the holidays to 3. acclimate your puppy. Be sure to consider what happens when the holiday excitement dies down. Puppies need a great deal of attention, especially during their first year.
Use reputable services, like 4. PuppySpot, which is authorized by the American Kennel Club and
has its own independent scientific advisory board that collaborates with the USDA to ensure all national standards are exceeded. To learn more about PuppySpot and its promise to connect the nation’s top breeders to caring, responsible pet owners, visit www. puppyspot.com. While there is perhaps no more joyful holiday surprise than a puppy, this is one gift that should never be given lightly. By weighing the decision carefully, you can ensure that a puppy’s new home is their fur-ever home. (STATEPOINT)
Page 7
your friend, partner or 1. Surprise spouse unless they’ve openly
this holiday season?
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
Thinking of surprising a friend or family member with a puppy this holiday season? “Before gifting someone with a commitment that lasts well beyond the holidays, make sure you’ve made your list and checked it twice,” says Claire Komorowski, chief executive officer of PuppySpot, a USDA-licensed company whose mission is to make lives better by placing healthy puppies into happy homes. Having introduced over 200,000 puppies to loving homes, PuppySpot encourages potential dog owners to make responsible decisions this holiday season and are offering the following Do’s and Don’ts to help:
JAKOB OWENS - UNSPLASH
GREAT HOMEMADE FOOD GIFTS Gifts from the heart are among the most coveted and appreciated come the holiday season. Hobbyists from all walks of life can turn their passions into handmade gifts, but few gifts may be as welcomed as those that can be eaten. Cooking and baking ramps up during the holiday season. People can turn extra time in the kitchen into opportunities to create festive treats that are ideal for gifting. But which items are the best of the best? Even though tastes are singular, these items will appeal to most foodies and others on your gift list.
but bundt cakes make for great and traditional offerings as well. Miniature bundts filled with chocolate chips, dried fruits or even those soaked in a favorite boozy-butter glaze can be moist and delicious.
Chocolate barks, fudge Seasonal flavors can come to life in chocolate treats. White chocolate filled with peppermint pieces or dark chocolate and cherry chunks are tasty pairings. Break apart portions of the bark or cut the fudge with cookie cutters and gift inside cello bags tied with ribbons or in cardboard candy boxes.
Jams and preserves
Cinnamon rolls Warm, sticky and full of aromatic spice, cinnamon rolls are the perfect comfort foods. These rolls do not typically have a long shelf life, so be sure to present them promptly before they get stale.
Cocktail syrups Food in a jar If you have a fantastic recipe that you can’t resist sharing, try turning it into a gift. Measure and package the ingredients into mason jars, tie with ribbons and include directions for preparation and cooking.
Mini bundt cakes Fruit cakes may be a holiday standard,
Create spicy or sweet syrups that are tailor-made for enhancing cocktails. Anyone on your gift list can then become a master mixologist.
Shortbread cookie ornaments Circular shortbread cookies can be decorated with royal icing to look like Christmas ornaments. They can be eaten or even placed on trees to complete holiday decor.
Hostess Gifts, Batchlorette Parties
724 Milwaukee Ave. Burlington, WI
(262) 763-9968
ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS WITH
608-883-2100
Lots of stocking stuf fers under $10
Just East of Hwy. 89
• Wine Flights • Delicious Picnic Platters • Wine & Chocolate Pairings • Barrel Cellar Tasting
384373
C u s t om iz Holid ed Gif t Ba ay skets
A family owned and operated business for more than three generations
SIMONS Feed & Seed LLC
Browse our store for unique wine items and Wisconsin cheese Relax in our gazebo area with a glass of wine Now Open Wed. through Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.stallerestate.com
A gift for everyone’s Backyard Barnyard
Phone: 262-723-7945 Fax: 262-723-7945 Like & Friend us on Facebook 406631
Your feed ’n seed need is our business indeed!
641 North Lincoln St. Elkhorn, WI 53121
384452
Page 8
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
W8896 County Rd. A
PURCHASE YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES
(METRO CREATIVE)
Fruit jams and preserves are versatile foods. They are as at home on toast and biscuits as they are as fillings in cookies and tarts. Jams and preserves can be made with relatively few ingredients and work well with seasonal fruits.
For the kids TOY BUYING TIPS WHEN SHOPPING FOR CHILDREN
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.
Look at labels
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
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 pre-adolescents are not old enough to handle safely. Shoppers must consider a host of factors when looking for safe toys for kids this holiday season. (METRO CREATIVE)
Page 9
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
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
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.
Tips to gift your child with tech safely this holiday season Are you wondering if this is the right year to gift your child a smartphone for the holidays? While age may seem important, maturity levels play a big role in letting you know if your child is ready to handle the responsibility of owning a connected device. It’s always important to weigh the pros and cons. The benefits of a smartphone and internet access are that they offer a wealth of educational opportunities for students. Children are early adopters of the latest technology and in many cases, can absorb and digest information easier and much faster than adults. The downside is that children have access to everything on the internet, including potentially inappropriate content. The good news is that there are many safety and monitoring apps and tools available, some at low or no cost to you. For example, T-Mobile offers Family Mode, an app that allows the primary
YAKOBCHUKOLENA/ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS
account holder to monitor a child’s internet access when the app is downloaded on the device. T-Mobile also offers Family Allowances, an app that for a
CUT YOUR OWN: Firs Available
Page 10
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
Pre-Cut Fraser Fir • Up to 12 Feet
small monthly fee, allows you to assign allowances for the number of minutes, texts, downloaded content and money spent on downloadable apps. It also allows you to block your child’s use of their devices during certain times of the day, such as school, during homework, dinner time or at night. Google Family Link is another option that is free of cost and provides you with the ability to monitor your child’s web activity, limit daily phone access, and approve or decline downloadable app purchases. You can also check with your internet provider or wireless smartphone provider to see what child safety features are available with your current plan.
Wreaths, Garland and Other Greenery Available
If your child isn’t quite ready for a phone, but you still want to have the ability to monitor and communicate with them, a connected smartwatch may be the next best option. T-Mobile recently launched SyncUP KIDS Watch, which features real-time location tracking, talk and text with approved contacts only, virtual boundary alerts, silent mode to use during school, and a help button that alerts pre-set emergency contacts when pushed. It has safety feature that parents want, but is also fun for kids, with a camera to snap and record moments, plus interactive games. To learn more, visit t-mobile. com.
Gift Cards Available!
OPEN 9:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Everyday Starting Nov. 26 while supplies last 10 miles north of Elkhorn on Hwy. 67
N9171 NELSON ROAD ELKHORN, WI 53120
262-495-4502 Cash or checks only No chainsaws allowed
407137
RETAIL STORE • Wine • Beer • Craft Spirits • Gift Items
BEER WINE BAR GARDEN • Wines by the • Craft Beer Glass • New Glarus • Wine Flights • Bottles of wine to enjoy in our lounge
LOUNGE & EVENTS PATIO • Check our • Comfortable website for a seating for full calendar of relaxing events • Lounge - 2 fireplaces • Patio - weather permitting
617 W. Main Street • Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (half block east of Starbucks) www.thebottleshoplakegeneva.com
407841
Great gifts for tweens and teens this holiday season
LED strip lights
Gift cards
for teenagers, but they tend to be costly, especially for trending styles and brands. Vans Slip-On™ Core Classics, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneakers, Reebok Club C 85 Vintage, Nike Air Force One, and Adidas Sobakov are popular among today’s tweens and teens. In addition, thanks to the resurgence of 1990s style, Dr. Martens boots are once again in demand.
Teens try to keep up with the latest styles. A gift card or clothing gift from one of their favorite retailers can help them build their ensembles that much quicker. Aeropostale, Abercrombie & Fitch, Video game consoles Hollister, Forever 21, Zumiez, American Eagle, and Tilly’s are just some of the stores Each gamer has his or her preferred platform for gaming. From the Nintendo popular among today’s tweens and teens. Switch to the Xbox Series X to the Sony Wireless earbuds or headphones PlayStation 5, these systems are in high demand. Due to that demand, these Wireless headphones are used on a daily products may be harder to find the closer basis by tweens and teens. They rely on them for listening to music, watching movies you get to Christmas Day. Grab them while you can and soak in the smile on your on their devices and even during remote favorite tween’s or teen’s face. learning sessions. There are many brands to Teens and tweens are notoriously choose from, and Beats by Dre and Apple challenging to shop for. However, with AirPods are among the most popular. some knowledge, loved ones can find gifts tweens and teens are more likely to use and Sneakers and shoes enjoy. Sneakers have long been popular gifts (METRO CREATIVE)
Page 11
Both girls and boys may enjoy customizing their rooms as they see fit. Teens can utilize LED strip lights to create a unique ambiance that reflects their style. These often self-sticking ribbons of lights adhere right to walls. They come in a variety of lengths so they can be used to
frame the perimeter of the room, if desired. Complete with multicolored options and a remote control, teens can set their room colors as their mood dictates.
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
Children often marvel at the world around them. They’re delighted to receive just about any toy, and play with items that others may not see as fun – including everything from mixing bowls to cardboard boxes. Slowly that cherubic toddler turns into a school-aged wonder, and later into a young adult trying to find his or her place in the world. With each passing year, the task of finding gifts for tweens and teenagers becomes that much more challenging. While most parents and other relatives may never seem “cool” in the eyes of their teens, they can gift the tweens and teens they love with presents that will earn them a few extra brownie points. The following are five gift ideas that are tailor-made for tweens and teens.
Dreams do come true
AREA WOMAN OPENS BOOKSTORE IN WATERFORD By Tracy Ouellette
would become reality. “When this space became available, we For Kelly Klein, owning a bookstore just decided to do it,” Klein said. “But it’s has been a lifelong dream and when the been crazy, we started on Oct. 1. We’ve opportunity arose a couple of months ago to only been in the space about six weeks and do so, she jumped at it. we’re opening next week!” “I’ve wanted to open a bookstore since With help of her husband, Steve Klein, I was a little girl,” Klein said. “I’ve always and her sister, Wendy Harmon, along with had a passion for reading and books. My other friends and family members, Klein mom and I went to bookstores all the time. was able to make her dream come true. It’s a huge passion of mine, something I’ve “We have done 100% of the renovations dreamed about doing.” ourselves,” she said. “Everything from While the idea of owning a bookstore carpentry to electrical. We build the may have been lurking in the back corner of children’s room, put in new flooring, walls, her mind for decades, even Klein couldn’t window coverings … it’s been a lot of work have predicted how quickly that dream and my husband has been amazing.”
Page 12
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
EDITOR
Klein said that beyond fulfilling her dream of owning a bookstore, she wanted to bring something special to the community she calls home. Kelly has lived in the Waterford area for 23 years and loves the community. “I’ve lived in Waterford for the last eight years and in Rochester the 15 years before that. The kids all went to the Waterford schools. I wanted to give something back to this community,” she said. Independent bookstores are few and far between in today’s world of Amazon delivery, but the ones that are around tend to have a loyal customer base. InkLink Books on the East Troy Village
Kelly and Steve Klein (back), owners of Reads by the River Books and Gifts in Waterford, and Kelly’s sister Wendy Harmon, are ready to help customers. The new store is literally a dream come true for Kelly. TRACY OUELLETTE Holiday Gift Guide
Business Saturday, but I was reminded about Christmas in the Village and great it would be if we were open for that, so the timeline got moved up,” Klein said with a laugh. “We’re ready and we’ve got something for everyone,” she continued. “Games, puzzles, gifts – literary-themed ones – and other fun things I’ve found along the way. And, of course, books. Fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, coffee table books, kids’ books … lots of books.” Reads by the River is at 102 E. Main St. in downtown Waterford. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday until Christmas. After Christmas, the shop will be closed on Sunday. For more information, find the bookstore on Facebook.
TRACY OUELLETTE Holiday Gift Guide
Page 13
from top: Reads by the River has a large selection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books along with literary-themed gifts; The Kids’ Cottage at Reads by the River contains the bookstore’s children’s collection.
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
Square is a favorite of locals and attracts visitors from as far as Illinois on a regular basis, according to the owner, Kayleen Rhorer. In fact, Klein said she was a frequent customer at InkLink and the support shown by the independent bookstore community helped her open her own store. “It’s incredible,” Klein said. “I’ve found the whole independent bookstore community so welcoming and supportive of each other. It’s a really great group of people who share this passion and are keeping independent bookstores alive and well. They’ve been answering my questions, offering advice and sharing things that have really helped. It’s really a great community to be a part of.” Reads by the River is officially opened Nov. 19, to coincide with Waterford’s Christmas in the Village celebration. “Our plan was to open the following weekend for Small
Be prepared
Page 14
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
Beat the holiday hustle with these shopping strategies It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday shopping season. The four- to fiveweek period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the most frenzied times of year, especially for shoppers. According to recent research from Needle, an advocate-powered e-commerce company, shoppers report feeling more stress from holiday shopping than they do from family obligations and holiday travel. Eighty-four percent of consumer respondents in Needle’s survey stated that gift-giving caused them stress. Finding the right gifts for everyone can be particularly challenging. While it may not be possible to remove all of the stressors surrounding holiday shopping, these tips may help make the job more manageable.
Outline everyone on your list Santa has it right by making a list and checking it twice. Only by writing a list will you be able to ensure you do not forget anyone. Savings expert Lauren Greutman from Flipp, a Canadian savings app, suggests including teachers, coworkers and service people in addition to family and
friends on the list.
Track deals and coupons Sticking to a budget is easier when you utilize tools that help you save even more. Resources like Honey and Retail Me Not will automatically apply coupon codes at checkout to make sure you are getting the lowest prices possible online. Social media, retailer websites and third-party apps also can be great places to find bargains.
Protect your info The Federal Trade Commission says to protect yourself financially by shopping only on secure websites with an “https” address. Stick with retailers that tell you what they do with your data and how they keep it secure. Consider creating a separate email address and/or account password for shopping retailers to reduce identity theft and other fraud.
Shop early Bank of America says one of the easiest ways to overspend is waiting until the last minute to shop and then having to settle
for what’s available, regardless of prices. Spread out purchases and begin holiday shopping before prices increase.
Be wary of fake coupons The internet has made shopping and researching easier but also more complicated at the same time. A deal that seems too good to be true may be just that. Counterfeit coupons are phishing scams that can end up compromising personal information when you click on them.
Take advantage of warehouse stores Make the most of that membership fee by buying the bulk of your gifts at a warehouse store to save time and money. These retailers carry everything from jewelry to electronics to clothing. Also, they sell gift baskets or boxes around the holidays that can be divided into multiple gifts, saving you even more. There are many ways to make holiday shopping easier and more affordable. (METRO CREATIVE)
Unique holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list
One of the best ways to ensure you give thoughtful, meaningful holiday gifts is by consulting gift guides that offer unique ideas for everyone on your list. Whether you’re shopping for a fashionista or an athlete, get inspired to make the holiday season brighter for your loved ones with the following ideas:
For book worms Give the book worms in your life a gift that keeps on giving with a three-month, six-month or 12-month subscription to Book of the Month. Membership can be tailored, as users can pick from five popular selections every month, select one or more books at a time, or even defer their choice until the following month.
For music makers
For pet parents Whether your loved one’s pet is cuddly or not, they can snuggle up to their animal friend with a personalized pet pillow from Get Photo Blanket. Simply upload an image of the pet, and the site will create a
PROSTOCK-STUDIO/ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS
custom throw pillow – the perfect décor for adoring pet parents!
For fashionistas Great accessories can complete any outfit. For those who appreciate a stylish, clean design without compromising functionality, consider the stainless steel EDIFICE EFSS570DC-1A from Casio, which features a slim case and modern gray octagonal bezel with soft yellow accents. With solar power capabilities, water resistance up to 100 meters and a scratchresistant sapphire crystal, as well as features that include a date display, stopwatch and three dials to display seconds, stopwatch minutes and stopwatch
seconds, this will become your gift recipient’s go-to timepiece no matter the occasion.
For athletes From CrossFitters to marathoners to triathletes, all those who work out hard know that protein is essential for repairing muscles. Simplify your favorite athletes’ post-workout refueling sessions and boost their recovery with a High Protein Fitness Box from gift snack box e-tailer, Bunny James. With a little inspiration you, can spoil loved ones with unique gift ideas that show you care this holiday season. (STATEPOINT)
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION ONE
Regardless of their skill level, musicians deserve a powerful, portable and versatile keyboard. Designed for music lovers who enjoy playing anytime, anywhere, the Casiotone CT-S1 has a sleek design 9-pound design, features strap pins and can be powered with six AA batteries, making it a great choice for those in bands and other performers. Aside from its portability, its stereo grand piano sound, 61 full-size keys with touch response, plus 60 other AiX-powered studio-quality tones, means this instrument looks as good as it sounds. Wired or wirelessly, users can also link the keyboard to Casio’s dedicated Chordana Play, an app that enables tempo and key changes in addition to displaying music scores and a piano roll. These features are great tools for those learning to play, those expanding their skills and experts alike.
Page 15
STOP IN AND SEE OUR
Smart Home Showroom Sinc 195 e 6
www.lylestv.com • Online Parts & Service
The Appliance Store with So Much More
Stop in & Shop Our
Fully S tocked
SHOWROO M
406337
17 S. Washington Elkhorn (262) 723-3477