Holiday Inside
• Shop Small • Craft Ideas • Last-Minute Gifts • Toys for Tots
SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS
SECOND EDITION 2021
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CHRISTMAS trend setters
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COLLECTIOn
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
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348 N. Pine St. Burlington, WI, 53105 262-763-8685 www.ShopTJC.com
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TIPS FOR A
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smart holiday shopping game plan
starting your shopping early; • Take advantage of annual deal days without navigating in-store traffic or risking online shipping delays by using unified commerce services like BOPIS and curbside pickup; and • Forty-five percent of U.S. consumers said store occupancy limits preventing overcrowding would make them feel more confident shopping in-store this holiday season. If that describes you, take your business to stores adhering to occupancy limits and practicing other safety measures. The good news is that businesses have a lot of tools in their toolbox. New technologies are helping retailers understand expected shopper patterns so they can implement in-store strategies to better service their customers. For more holiday season shopping insights, visit sensormatic.com. As we enter the second holiday season of the pandemic, smart strategies can help you get your shopping done safely and with ease. (STATEPOINT)
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in part because of the convenience these services offer. For example, 42% of those surveyed say they’ll use buy online, pick-up in store services for their holiday shopping, a 9% increase from 2020, and 44% say they’ll use curbside pickup, a 12% increase from 2020. Popularized during the pandemic to help people adhere to social distancing guidelines, these fulfillment options are great alternatives to brick-and-mortar shopping. “We expect more contactless checkouts and unified commerce services like BOPIS and curbside pickup this holiday season because health and safety is paramount,” says Kim Melvin, global leader of marketing, Sensormatic Solutions, which is helping retailers solve complex challenges related to consumer confidence, health and safety as part of Johnson Controls’ mission. As you check all your items off your holiday shopping list, consider the following tips from Sensormatic Solutions: • Avoid busy stores and crowds by
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
Health and safety, shipping delays and a constrained budget – these are just some of the concerns that may be amplifying your shopping stress this holiday season. A new consumer sentiment survey centered on the holiday season can help you know what to expect in the coming weeks so you can make a smart shopping game plan. The Sensormatic Solutions survey finds that more people plan to shop in-store this year over last and plan to get started earlier. Indeed, while 63% of U.S. consumers are concerned about shopping in-store, this isn’t stopping them from taking advantage of annual deal days or visiting enclosed malls. In fact, 50% of U.S. consumers still plan to shop in-store during Black Friday weekend and 50% will start their holiday shopping before November, compared to 43% in winter 2020. Despite many consumers indicating that they plan to hold fast to the traditional shopping experience, the survey also finds that a growing number of consumers are adopting newer shopping methods. This is
Gifts to excite the family athlete this holiday season Holiday shoppers know that few things can match the joy of finding the perfect gift for a loved one. Whether that loved one is a tiny tot who can’t wait to unwrap this year’s must-have toy or an adult hoping to find the latest gadget under the tree on Christmas morning, the thrill of giving a great gift is part of what makes the holiday season so enjoyable. Friends and family members may fall into certain categories, and that can make holiday shopping a little easier. For example, loved ones who can’t wait to sit down with a good book would no doubt appreciate a new e-reader or the latest bestseller. When it comes to gifting the family athlete, the following ideas can provide the inspiration shoppers need to put a smile on the face of fitness-minded friends and family members. WEIGHTED VEST Weighted vests have gained popularity in recent years. Available from a variety of manufacturers
and for athletes of varying skill levels, weighted vests can be ideal for athletes who want to burn more calories and build strength during their workouts. This can be an especially useful gift for endurance athletes who want their training sessions to mimic the challenges posed by nature or difficult competitive terrains. HEADPHONES OR EARBUDS Many athletes relish their workouts not only as opportunities to zero in on their fitness goals, but also as chances to block out distractions and clear their heads for an hour or two each day. Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds effectively block out external noises, allowing athletes to direct all of their focus on their workouts and training sessions. ENERGY DRINKS Though it might not seem like the most exciting gift to unwrap • CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
JOIN OUR HOLIDAY TRADITION
NOV 26 - DEC 30 B U Y T IC KE T S TO DAY 1 LIECHTY DRIVE, WILLIAMS BAY, WI | (262) 248-6206 | SANTACRUISELAKEGENEVA.COM 408691
Small shops offer special gift ideas AS SHOPPING SEASON HEATS UP LOCAL RETAILERS STEP UP
By Tracy Ouellette STAFF WRITER
loyalty program. Every $25 spent at the store earns patrons five points. Earn 200 points and receive 10% off an entire purchase. As for what to get that Dungeons and Dragons player if the gifter is not familiar with the game? Modrow said the choice is simple. “Dice. Everyone who plays love dice and we have a huge selection,” he said. Campaign Plus is at 532 N. Pine St., Lobby B, Burlington. For up to date information on store promotions and hours, find the game store on Facebook, call 262716-0080 or visit the website. • CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
SUBMITTED PHOTO Holiday Gift Guide
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Campaign Plus owner Matthew Modrow stocks trading cards, board games, Dungeons and Dragons games, dice, figurines and much more at the downtown Burlington game store.
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, many area residents are embracing the shop local idea and frequenting the specialty shops in the area’s downtown districts. Matthew Modrow, owner of the new Campaign Plus game store in downtown Burlington said he’s seen an increase of customers already. “It’s been good for us,” Modrow said. “We’re pretty new and we’re still trying to get the word our that we’re here, but people are coming in and excited to find us. So often we hear, ‘I didn’t even know you were here.’”
The game store, which specializes in Dungeon and Dragons games, opened in October. The store also has board games, card games, puzzles, gifts for gamers and more. Modrow is running specials throughout the month of December and is raffling off the shop’s Dungeons and Dragons table to make room for a new one. Raffle tickets are $5 each and the drawing will be held Saturday, Jan. 1. Tickets may be purchased at the store or on the shop’s website at www.campaignplusllc. com. “We’ll have other sales in December, too,” Modrow said. Campaign Plus is also running a new
SHOP LOCAL
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Local artisans For those looking to pick up something handcrafted and locally sourced, Zinn’s Mercantile on the East Troy Village Square may be the ticket. The shop, which features most of its items crafted within a 35mile radius of the Village Square, include food-safe pottery, kids clothes and games, body care products, candles, hand-crafted wood kitchen utensils, charcuterie and cutting boards, scarves, hats, Wisconsin-centric T-shirts and hoodies and holiday decorations. Zinn’s Mercantile is at 2087 Division St., East Troy. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 262-441-0280 and find them on Facebook Other ideas The Southern Lakes Area offers a multitude of specialty shops for holiday gift giving. Here are just a few of them: Toys and games – Allison Wonderland, 472 N. Pine St., Burlington, and 720 W. Main St., Lake Geneva. For more information, visit www.allisonwonderland.com. Lake Geneva Games LLC, 918 S. Wells St., Lake Geneva. For more information, visit lakegenevagames.com. Books – InkLink Books, 2890 Main St., East Troy. For more information, visit inklinkbooks.com; Reads by the River, 102 E. Main St., Waterford. For more information, find the store on Facebook. Dust Bunny Books, 152 Center St, Lake Geneva. For more information, call 262-248-2882. Gift shops – Geneva Gifts, 150 Broad St., Lake Geneva. For more information, visit genevagifts.com; Lubick Gallery, 117 S. Third St., Delavan. For more information, call 262-740-1996; Friends on the Square, 41 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. For more information, visit friendsonthesquare.com.
Zinn’s Mercantile on the East Troy Village Square offers handcrafted holiday décor, gifts and more. Most of the store’s vendors operate within a 35-mile radius of the store. SUBMITTED PHOTO Holiday Gift Guide
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2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
GIFTS
on Christmas morning, energy drinks are vital to many fitness enthusiasts’ athletic endeavors. For example, endurance athletes may appreciate a tub of Osmo Active Hydration Performance Drink Mix, which contains an optimal ratio of sucrose, glucose and electrolytes, helping athletes improve their endurance and power while reducing instances of cramping and fatigue. Energy drinks make for a perfect stocking stuffer.
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HOME GYM EQUIPMENT Pandemic-related gym closures turned athletes into their own personal trainers, and some may not want to return to local fitness facilities even now that they’ve safely reopened. Home gym equipment can help athletes continue to build their own private home gyms, making items like kettle bells, dumbbells, weight benches, and resistance bands great items to put under the tree this holiday season. It’s never been easier to shop for the family athlete during the holiday season. A heightened focus on fitness ensures there’s something for every type of athlete on your holiday shopping list. (METRO CREATIVE)
The genuine article
NATTAKORN MANEERAT / ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Protect kids by steering clear of knock-off toys
That may be a red flag that you are dealing with an illicit seller. 3. If a product’s reviews are negative, or if there aren’t many, it’s a clue the product could be a fake. 4. Poorly photoshopped pictures, typos, or spelling mistakes in the online description or packaging are other clues that the product could be illegitimate, and therefore unsafe. 5. Can’t find a toy on your child’s wish list? Wait for a trusted retailer to restock the product. Buying fake or cheaper alternatives is just not worth the risk. In addition to avoiding knockoff toys, helping ensure your child’s safety during the gift-giving season also means shopping for toys only appropriate for their age. According to The Toy Association survey, 76% of parents read age recommendations on toy packaging before purchasing. However, 40% admitted they • CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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popular toys, counterfeits are likely to be even more enticing. And new research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Toy Association suggests that consumers are not always as vigilant as they should be, with 65% of parents saying they would purchase knock-off/counterfeit toys if they couldn’t get their hands on the original item and 63% indicating they would buy counterfeits if they were cheaper. Indeed one in 10 parents are not even aware that counterfeit toys can be dangerous for kids to play with. As you go about looking to snag a hot toy this holiday season, steer clear of counterfeit toys that are not safe or appropriate for your child by following these tips from PlaySafe.org: 1. Shop only from reputable brands and sellers. Their toys have been tested for compliance with over 100 different safety standards and tests required by law. 2. Make sure the brand you’re purchasing from has a professionallooking website. Can’t find a website?
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
In the scramble to get your hands on the toys your children want this holiday season, experts warn that you should prioritize safety by sticking to age-appropriate toys and by avoiding counterfeit alternatives at all costs. “Illicit sellers of counterfeit toys may dupe parents into thinking they’re buying the real thing, or entice them with lower prices or the promise of getting the ‘hot toy’ of the holiday season,” says Joan Lawrence, The Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom” and senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs. “What’s scary is that these illegitimate sellers are actually peddling fake and unsafe products that oftentimes don’t comply with product safety laws. That’s why we always urge parents to shop from reputable brands and sellers whose toys have been tested for compliance with over 100 different safety standards and tests required by law.” With the shipping crisis predicted to have widespread impacts on the availability of this holiday season’s most
KNOCK-OFF TOYS
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view age labels on toys as suggestions instead of a warning, and 68% would give their child a toy recommended for older children. Be sure to follow age recommendations on toy packaging, which are not mere suggestions but firm recommendations made by safety experts that are based on childhood developmental stages. For more safe shopping tips, visit www.PlaySafe.org, a premier toy safety resource site. “With your vigilance, you can keep the merriest time of year happy, healthy and joyful by ensuring your child doesn’t unwrap a potential safety hazard,” says Lawrence. (STATEPOINT) NATTAKORN MANEERAT / ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS
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2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
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How to reduce reliance on big-box retailers Prioritize quality
Reach out through social media for recommendations on small businesses in the area. Find out where others are shopping and what they have to say about certain companies. You may not have certain establishments on your radar and may be pleasantly surprised at the competitive prices and outstanding service provided by local businesses.
Look at the alternatives Shoppers may look to big-box stores because they know what to expect and are familiar with their goods. But exploring smaller alternatives first can turn up some pleasant surprises. Take walking tours of the community and make note of which stores are available.You might just uncover a hidden gem.
Shop in person There’s no denying the convenience and all-hours capabilities of shopping online.
However, it denies shoppers the experience of going into a store and browsing for products and getting a true feel for their sizes and quality. Modern consumers are no doubt familiar with the tedious nature of returning online items that fell short of expectations. Such experiences are significantly less common when shopping in-store, particularly at small businesses.
Competition keeps prices lower Big-box retailers may offer good deals, but over time those prices may rise as national retailers command more control of the market. A competitive marketplace encourages businesses to offer lower prices to attract customers. By shopping a variety of stores, customers can further this healthy competition across the board. Big-box retailers need not be ignored. However, consumers can balance their spending at big-box stores and small businesses so they do not become entirely reliant on national chains. (METRO CREATIVE)
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Big-box retailers frequently turn to foreign-made products and can offer very low prices because the huge amount of merchandise they sell enables them to negotiate lower bulk prices from suppliers. Mass production of products may result in lower-quality merchandise. Small businesses may pick and choose their stock, vetting items before the customer even does his or her research.
Ask for recommendations
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
Big-box retailers span the globe. Though Walmart, Target and Lowes may offer great deals, there’s often nothing unique about big-box stores. Proponents of Main Street also note that big-box stores can’t provide the small business charm that can make local neighborhoods special. Balance is everything, and that even applies to shopping. Big-box retailers can feature in consumers’ shopping plans, but there’s a place for small businesses as well. The following are some strategies to reduce reliance on national chains.
Shop local, shop now
Consumers urged to support small businesses this holiday season By Eric Ness CONTRIBUTOR
The holiday season is here and your local shops have been eagerly preparing. They especially need good sales in 2021 during what is traditionally the most lucrative time of year for them. While retailers recently have reported doing better than early in the pandemic, about 20% say they are still experiencing negative impacts. In the meantime, the headlines are filled with news of supply chain disruptions and labor shortages affecting almost all industries. This could affect this season’s gift-giving and holiday preparations for you and your family – as well as Wisconsin’s 51,000 small retailers and 18,000 food service and accommodation small businesses that are still working hard to survive. If you haven’t begun your
Eric Ness
holiday shopping, are you concerned? Don’t panic yet! Here are some tips to support your local small businesses and meet your gifting goals this year: • Our colleagues at the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center network
suggest shopping sooner as well as shopping local. Start shopping now before the crowds grow and the supplies dwindle. You’re more likely to find that special toy your child has asked for or that hard-to-find fashion item for your teen. • Look for local artists and winter markets to find interesting and offbeat one-ofa-kind items. When you buy locally, more of your dollar stays in the community with benefit to other businesses and the whole area. • Find gifts you can buy now and give later. If it’s not right for the winter holidays, is it a great birthday or Valentine’s Day gift? • Create an experience for your family or friends with what’s locally available. Have a game night or other gathering at home with treats from your favorite bakery or get tickets to
a movie, a concert, or a show. • If you can’t find what you want in your neighborhood, see if you can shop online from a local shop in your larger community, county, or state. • Buy presents for your local shelter or food pantry. Many distribute gifts to those struggling with the basics at the holiday season. Now is the time to get started, and your local business owners and neighbors will thank you for your patronage and for helping them to stay in business. And for those facing challenges, the SBA Wisconsin team and SBA’s network of partners around the state are available year-round to help business owners start, grow, and expand as they navigate the holiday season and beyond. Eric Ness is the Wisconsin District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration.
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2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
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For the procrastinators
Last-minute holiday shopping tips
spend on each person, and stick to that limit for each person. Move on to the next store if you didn’t find what you need in your price range.
Streamlining gifting in this way may save money as well as time.
Some people thrive by doing all of their tasks early. Others seem to do their best work when faced with a time crunch. The methods individuals use to manage their time at work and play may extend to the ways they approach holiday shopping as well. There’s no right or wrong way to handle holiday shopping tasks, though Christmas Eve crowds at malls and throughout shopping districts suggest that there’s more late comers than there are early birds. The following tips can help those who typically wait until the last minute to check names off their lists.
Establish a time limit
Rather than scouring various aisles, you can shop a retailer’s website and then pick up items in the store. You’ll save on potential shipping fees but still benefit by avoiding crowds. Some people wait until the last minute to do their holiday shopping. A few tricks of the procrastinator’s trade can make lastminute shopping go smoothly.
Shoppers who shop for gifts online at the last minute run the risk of gifts not arriving on time. Many online retailers charge a premium for expedited shipping. Try to stick to shopping at online retailers that offer free shipping even in the eleventh hour.
(METRO CREATIVE)
Subdivide bulk gifts Think about purchasing bulk gifts like gift baskets from wholesale clubs and then breaking them down into individual gifts. This way you can gift several people on one purchase and save time in the process. Choose ‘one-size-fits-all’
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Think about a gift that can be purchased for multiple people so you can save time shopping for individualized gifts for everyone. For example, print a personalized Create a budget photo calendar for several members When rushing around from store to store, of your family. You also can purchase it may be easy to spend more than you want multiple subscriptions or memberships to zoos or magazines for people on your list. to. Make a list of how much you want to
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
Utilize free shipping
Stores have strategies in place to keep shoppers in their establishments longer, hoping you’ll make impulse buys. These tricks include scenting the air with inviting aromas, putting necessities at the rear of the store, failing to display the time, and putting discounted items by the registers or door to attract shoppers. Set an alarm on your watch or phone for each store so you get what you need and get out on time.
Choose in-store pickup
Holiday crafts families can make together Decorating for the holidays can be made even more special when decorations are handmade creations families can cherish for years to come. Holiday crafting is an enjoyable way to pass some time and create lasting holiday traditions and memories. The following are some crafts families can make together. Personalized elf For families who want to make their own personalized elf dolls, all it takes is a little computer knowledge, some clever photo work and a some sewing skills. Find a template for a rag doll sewing pattern or an illustration of an elf online. Superimpose an image of your child’s face on the template in a photo editing program. Print out the entire image onto iron-on fabric transfer paper. Iron it on to a light-colored piece of fabric from the craft store according to
the product directions. Cut out the fabric with ironed-on decal, leaving about a one-inch margin to allow for sewing and eventual stuffing. Duplicate the shape of the doll onto another piece of fabric to make the back of the elf doll. Place the front elf image face down on the back piece of fabric and sew the edges together, leaving a small opening at the end. Using that opening, flip the elf right-side out and stuff with pillow fill material. Sew the small opening closed and enjoy a personalized elf doll for the holidays.
Holiday candle This craft is attractive and also smells good. Gather one bar of fragrant soap (like Irish spring); a small, white washcloth; red and green ribbon; a round of colorful mesh or tulle of yellow felt cut to look like a fabric measuring roughly 12 flame; and one or two sewing inches or enough to wrap your pins. bar of soap; craft glue; a piece Roll the washcloth into a cylinder shape to serve as the “wick” of the candle. Glue the edges together and wrap a piece of ribbon diagonally around the wick and adhere to secure even further. Glue the felt flame to the top of the wick. Place the soap in the center of the round piece of fabric. Attach the wick vertically to the soap using the pins. Then gather the tops of the mesh fabric around the base of the wick and use another piece of ribbon to tie into a bow and secure the fabric Monday-Saturday 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. to the wick base. Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. The soap and pins should now be concealed. Place the
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Growth indicator ornament Purchase a large glass or plastic Christmas tree ball. Select an acrylic paint in your color of choice and squirt some into a paper plate. Have a child dip his or her hand into the paint and then transfer the handprint to the ornament. Let dry and then attach a ribbon to hang on the tree. Through the years see how much children have grown from that little handprint. (METRO CREATIVE)
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2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
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“candle” out of direct sunlight and away from heat, preferably on a little dish so the soap will not damage any furniture.
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Reasons to shop at small
The feel-good factor
Create job opportunities Shopping at small businesses keeps those establishments afloat, and it also keeps their employees afloat. Small businesses are the largest employers in the United States. That’s also true in Canada, where 68.8 percent of the total labor force works for a small business. A person may never know when he or she — or a relative — will need a job. Keeping small businesses viable provides a strong job market for locals. Keep more money in the community The Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. Spend the same $100 at a national retailer and only
$14 stays. Enjoy a more local flavor National retailers and other businesses follow a global business model that may not allow for much customization, but small businesses can provide products or services that relate directly to the needs of the communities they serve. These same small businesses also may be more inclined to work with local vendors and start-ups than national companies that have global supply chains. These are just a few of the many reasons to seek out small businesses when in need of products or services. With the holiday shopping season underway, there’s more than one reason to shop local. From helping local businesses to avoiding the supply chain problem, small businesses can meet the holiday demand while benefiting the community. (METRO CREATIVE)
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Doing for others certainly has an impact on the person on the receiving end, but also benefits the do-gooders. A November 2020 survey by Union Bank found that 72 percent of Americans said supporting small businesses was more important than getting
the best deals. That may be due to the feeling of helping out a fellow neighbor.
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
The numbers don’t lie. Locally owned businesses may be classified as “small,” but they have a big impact on the national economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics report, small businesses created 10.5 million net new jobs between 2000 and 2019, accounting for 65.1 percent of net new jobs created since 2000 in the United States. Supporting locally owned businesses is a great way to support a neighbor, but that’s not the only attraction. Here are several reasons to shop small.
businesses
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2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
Spend for the holidays without breaking the bank After scaling back celebrations last year, people are ready to spend money on gifts, vacations, decorations and entertaining for the 2021 holiday season. But the pressure is on with news of inflation and ongoing supply chain issues. So finding everything on your wish list may be harder to find, and more expensive if you do find them. According to Bankrate.com, the average American shopper will spend $998 on gifts and other holiday expenses. “If you have a large family or like to throw holiday parties, you could possibly double or triple that number,” says Cheryl Costa, a certified financial planner professional. “Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy plenty of holiday fun, and find gifts for everyone on your list, without breaking the bank.” Costa recommends taking these steps to avoid starting the New Year with a sleigh full of bills:
can reasonably afford to spend on various holiday expenses, such as: • Decorations, • Party supplies and food, • Cards, • Gifts, and • Travel.
Budget ahead
Get a seasonal job
Subtract your “must pay” expenses from your income. Then decide how much you
Most retail stores seek extra help at night and on weekends during the holiday
Do the math If you go over budget in one category, cut back in another. Perhaps a family ski trip takes priority over hosting the neighbors. Or have a potluck party and invite everyone to bring a dish. Trim the gift list For work friends, book groups and extended family, suggest a Secret Santa, where everyone in the group is assigned someone at random. This allows each person to buy one gift, instead of buying gifts for everyone.
season. Flexibility is the norm, if your schedule permits. You can enjoy a seasonal second career and get an employee discount on your own purchases. Curb the card Avoid racking up high credit-card bills for holiday spending. Keep your budget in mind when you pull out the plastic for online purchases, and don’t forget to look for free shipping. A CFP professional can help you manage your money with short-term and long-term plans to make the most of your money now and in the future. For more budgeting ideas during the holidays, check out LetsMakeAPlan.org. (NEWSUSA)
Toys for Tots brings joy to children in need Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. While Giving Tuesday has passed, Marines and volunteers are busy engaging with local businesses, media, and community leaders to collect new, unwrapped toys for distribution to less fortunate children during the holiday season. Local donation sites are available across the Southern Lakes area. Go to toysfortots.org for a location near you. The national website provides donors with multiple avenues for donating as well. One way Toys for Tots’ donors can support the 2021 campaign is by making a monetary donation through the website. The Holiday Recognition Program is another way for donors to give to less fortunate children while honoring friends, family members, clients, or business associates. Toys for Tots needs your help to deliver the magic of Christmas to millions of less fortunate children. Donate today by visiting toysfortots.org to help give children in need the Christmas they deserve.
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Christmas morning without even one present to open. Last year, despite the pandemic, Toys for Tots brought joy, hope, and toys to 7.4 million children, but this year even more children are in need. As the 2021 campaign season hits the halfway mark, Toys for Tots is asking for support now more than ever. Last year, Toys for Tots encouraged their supporters to donate to their Giving Tuesday campaign, calling their day of generosity, Giving TOYSday. This year, Toys for Tots again asked for the same generosity on Giving TOYSday. Giving Tuesday, Nov. 30, has become known as a global day of generosity to highlight the joy of giving to others. Giving TOYSday is special, especially this year when so many children and families have experienced so much stress, anxiety, and despair. “Every child deserves a little Christmas, and now more than ever, children living in unimaginable poverty need your messages of love, comfort, joy, and hope,” says
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • EDITION TWO
It has been another challenging year as American families and parents continue to struggle to find work, put food on the table, and make financial ends meet. Being able to give their children a merry Christmas can feel out of reach. Supply chain and economic hurdles bring extra challenges this year to Toys for Tots, the 74-year-old national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The Toys for Tots annual mission is to provide toys, books, and games to children in need while delivering a message of hope to inspire children and build their selfesteem. The annual Toys for Tots campaign also serves as a way to bring communities together, as schools, churches, and community centers serve as collection sites for donated items. The 2021 Toys for Tots campaign season is under way in 832 counties across the Nation, but we are facing a critical shortage of toys this year, and we need the Nation’s help to ensure that no child has to endure
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