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Santa Claus is Coming to Town Emilio Flores Los Fresnos News
Taking Flight!!
Page 4
Beautiful Butterfly Poem by Selene Olguin
Page 5
Tips For The Holidays
Page 7
How to Use Body Language to Create a Dynamite First Impression
Page 8
LOOK INSIDE Classified................. pg 3 Sports...................... pg 4 Puzzles.................... pg 5 Activity Page........... pg 6
Town of Indian Lake plans to have Santa Claus spread some cheer at the Town of Indian Lake’s Market Days. Enjoy the shopping and handmade crafts that locals make themselves, along with a chance to meet Santa Claus! The Town of Indian Lake has a market day every second Saturday of the month at 9 am to 1 pm. You can expect to find hand-made jewelry, plants, pottery, soaps, Organic Personal products, homemade salsa, home decor, and more! Don’t forget the food like kettle corn, Hawaiian shaved ice,
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fruit cups, Lemonade, Agua Fresca, and more! Bring your whole family this holiday month to take a picture with Santa, and shop around for gifts for one another at the Market Days. Then later, you’ll be able to see Santa again at “Santa’s Gift Delivery Parade”. Where Santa will come by and deliver gifts to the children living in Indian Lake. The Parade will begin at 4 PM. Both events will be taking place on December 11th, don’t miss out on spreading the Holiday cheer.
LFCISD Competes in South Texas Torch Cutting Competition Welding students from Los Fresnos High School had an opportunity to compete in the Inaugural Lincoln Tech South Texas Torch Cutting Competition that took place at the Mercedes Livestock Show Grounds on Nov. 18th. The competition's focus is on the competitive skills of using the oxyfuel torch efficiently and with speed. Students were judged on the speed, accuracy, and skill level of the students using the oxyfuel torch. A total of 170 competitors from 15 different south Texas schools competed in the competition. We had 10 LFHS students compete in the event. 6 out of the 10 students advanced with our Los Fresnos Student, Teresa Ann
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Bottom row left to right: Teresa Ann Alvarado, second row Carlos Alberto Breton, Oscar Omar Jr. Sandoval, Juan De Dios Moreno, Ernesto Jr. Ramirez, 3rd row top Jose Angel Banda Eligio, Isaac Thomas Alexander Joseph, Angel Jr. Leos, Eduardo De La Fuente, Joseph Sandlin
Alvarado, placing 3rd in all. Each student that competed automatically
received a $500 scholarship and the third-place winner received a $1,000
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scholarship to the program of their choice at Lincoln Tech.
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2 • December 8, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
From left to right: Eduardo De La Fuente, Ernesto Jr. Ramirez, Angel Jr. Leos, Oscar Omar Jr. Sandoval, Teresa Ann Alvarado 3rd Place winner, Jose Angel Banda Eligio, Joseph Sandlin, Juan De Dios Moreno, Carlos Alberto Breton, Isaac Thomas Alexander Joseph
Teresa Ann Alvarado ( 3rd place winner)
Teresa Ann in the middle to her right her teacher Mr. Eliseo Gamboa welding instructor has a cap with glasses on them and in the green jacket.
Left to right: Lincoln Tech rep David Davila and Teresa Ann Alvarado
Teresa Ann Alvarado 3rd place winner
Ask Our Dentists by DR. ADAM LALONDE
Q: What is the purpose of laminate veneers, and how are they made?
“Your Community Newspaper”
ANSWERED by DR.ADAM LALONDE:
Laminate veneers are among the most nonevasive options for improving the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or showing other imperfections. A veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct nature’s mistake or the resultsof an injury and help you have a beautiful smile. Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are Dr. Adam Lalonde designed to cover the front side of teeth. Some are made from composite plastics, others from porcelain. Your dentist first prepares the tooth surface and makes an impression. A veneer is created in a dental lab, from an impression so that it fits precisely. Your dentist then bonds the new veneer to the tooth. Veneers offer some distinct advantages over other options. Porcelain veneers, for example, reproduce the translucence of natural teeth. They also are believed to be more durable than some materials that are applied directly to the tooth and then are shaped, or “sculpted.” For many years, covering a tooth with a crown was about the only choice for improving an imperfectlooking tooth. Now, veneers have joined the list of composite resins, bleaching procedures and other techniques that are convenient options. If you have any questions about veneers ask your dentist or contact our office. Additional information can also be found online at: www. ada.org.
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HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: 1 year subscription delivered by U.S. Postal service...$27.95 or can be purchased at several convinent locations through out the cities of Los Fersnos and Brownsville for 50¢. The Los Fresnos News is mailed and delivered Tuesday, December 7, 2021, and published weekly by Los Fresnos Publishing, LLC. Periodical Postage Rates paid at Los Fresnos, TX. Post Office. Advertising deadline is noon Thursday at the office at 203 N. Arroyo, Los Fresnos, TX 78566. (POSTMASTER send address changes to Los Fresnos, P.O. Box 990, Los Fresnos, TX 78566.)
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December 8, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 3 Additional stories and content on our website
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losfresnosnews.net CITATION BY PUBLICATION
CLERK OF THE COURT Sylvia Garza-Perez 974 E. HARRISON STREET BROWNSVILLE, TX 78520
ATTORNEY OF PERSON FILING THE CAUSE Frank Wood Sanchez Whittington & Wood LLC 3505 Boca Chica Blvd Suite 100 Brownsville TX 78521
THE STATE OF TEXAS In the County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, Texas To: UNKNOWN HEIRS, IF ANY OF MARIA TERESA PEREZ, Deceased, GREETINGS: You are commanded to appear and answer to the Application to Determine Heirship, filed by MARIA JOSEFINA PEREZ, at or before 10 o’clock A.M. of the first Monday after the expiration of 10 days from the date of service of this citation, before the Honorable County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, Said Application to Determine Heirship was filed on August 23, 2021. The file number of said Matter being No. 2021-CPC-00133 County Court at Law IV The Style being:
IN THE ESTATE OF MARIA TERESA PEREZ, Deceased
The nature of said proceeding being substantially as follows, to wit: Determine who the heirs and only heirs of decedent are and their respective shares and interests in this estate; that no appraisers be appointed; and for all other relief to which applicant may be entitled. Issued on this the 27th day of October, 2021. Given under my hand and seal of said Court at Office in the City of Brownsville, Texas on this the 27th day of October, 2021. Sylvia Garza-Perez, Clerk Cameron County, Texas.
By _/s/Martin Obregon___, Deputy Martin Obregon
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Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 221 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
4 • December 8, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
Taking Flight!!
(956) 797-9920 • email: riosportsmagazine@gmail.com
By Ruben Rodriguez Los Fresnos News
The Los Fresnos Lady Falcons Basketball team has been soaring high and have had a great start to the 2021 Texas High School Basketball season. The Lady Falcons currently hold a 10-5 record heading into December. Last Season. The Lady Falcons went into December with a 5-1 record due to a shortened season during the Pandemic. In a Season that started with a loss to La Joya 67-61, The Lady Falcons quickly bounced back to rack up 4 straight wins, including finishing in fourth place in
the 2021 Chick-Fil-A Mid Valley Classic. In their next Tournament appearance, the McAllen Border Bash, The Lady Falcons finished their tournament run with a solid 4-1 record, owning victories over powerhouses McHi, San Antonio Madison and Sharyland. Post Tournament, Los Fresnos suffered a loss to McAllen Memorial, a team they defeated at the Mid Valley Classic.The Lady Falcons again bounced back to knock off Brownsville St. Joseph 47-25, and McAllen Rowe in a thriller win 50-48. The Lady Falcons remaining non-district opponents include Lyford,
Brownsville Pace and Mercedes. Leading scorers this season for the Lady Falcons include Shiloh Jones, Olivia Parra, Sarahi Jones, and Aylene Ortega, who each have put up more than 10 points per game. As The Lady Falcons continue to wind down the non-district schedule. The Lady Falcons will open up district play on the Road against San Benito. Last Season, the Lady Falcons finished district play in fourth with a 6-6 record. With the firepower this Lady Falcons team has, they are surely in the mix for a potential District Championship.
# 13 Oliva Parra Highschool junior photo by Brittany Marvin
Head Coach Alex Lucio Photo by Brittany Marvin
v Maritza Ortega Highschool Junior Photo taken by Brittany Marvin
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December 8, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 5
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The Next Chapter Poem
Beautiful Butterfly
A beautiful butterfly with shades of black and white; when you see it, it is such a sight! You see the bright pigment of colors, as its beautiful wings gently flutter. Slowly it lands on a tulip’s petal and peacefully rests, soon to settle. Poem by Selene Olguin 12 years old
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Want your story in the paper? This story continues next week. The Next Chapter is a column featuring a serialized continuing short story from a local author. You can submit your own original story for publication at our Facebook Page.
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LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORDS ANSWERS
THEME: HAPPY HOLIDAYS ACROSS 1. Pilgrim’s destination 6. Make a scene 9. Rubik’s puzzle 13. Hawaii environs 14. Toothy fish 15. Cone-shaped dwelling 16. White Swan in “Swan Lake” ballerina 17. ____-Wan Kenobi
18. *Decorate with wreaths and holly, e.g. 19. *Either dessert or source of heat (2 words) 21. *____ Day, or second day of Christmastide 23. Land parcel 24. Strauss of denim fame 25. Broadband access overseer, acr. 28. Clarified butter 30. Acute one and
obtuse one 35. Southeastern Asian country 37. Jouster’s breastplate 39. Shrewdness 40. Caspian basin river 41. *Pasadena’s Tournament of ____ 43. Tel ____, Israel 44. Native American emblem 46. “Why not?” 47. Hitchhiker’s quest
48. Omits when speaking 50. Hard to find 52. Bear’s winter quarters 53. Hoodwink 55. Scepter’s partner 57. *Number of days in Christmastide 60. *”Ugly” holiday party garb? 64. Prepare a letter 65. “Bingo!” 67. Hunger for 68. Pass-the-baton race 69. *Cranberry sauce sometimes comes from it 70. Same as tori 71. Raise the roof 72. German river 73. Stall sound DOWN 1. Whiny and miserable 2. Shade of beige 3. Finish a ceiling, to a plasterer 4. Marlboro alternative 5. Not digital 6. Bug-eyed 7. Not Uber 8. Social group 9. Ghana monetary unit 10. Second word of many fairytales 11. Cause of Titanic’s demise 12. Poetic “even” 15. Burdensome 20. Not this or that 22. Lab eggs 24. Time off 25. *Champagne holder 26. *Wassailing composition 27. Raccoon’s South American cousin 29. Feeling of superiority, pl. 31. ____ gum, food additive 32. Furiously angry 33. Exclude or omit 34. *Number of candles in kinara, Kwanzaa 36. *Troika vehicle 38. “Will be,” according to Doris 42. Asian goat antelope 45. Potpourri 49. Chevy Suburban, e.g. 51. Builds 54. *Popular holiday wish 56. Munchausen’s title 57. *Bedecked arbor 58. Shakespeare, to his friends? 59. And others, for short 60. Minus 61. Tropical edible root 62. Anon’s partner 63. Take a load off 64. Like some humor 66. *Traditional main holiday dish
6 • December 8, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
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December 8, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7
U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban Development Awards Brownsville $450,000 Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant BROWNSVILLE, Texas (November 24, 2021) – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that the City of Brownsville and the Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville (HACB), in collaboration with Borderless Studio, were selected to receive a Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant in the amount of $450,000 to support the development of a comprehensive neighborhood Transformation Plan for Victoria Gardens Development in the International/Southmost neighborhood. The highly competitive grant program received many applicants from across the nation, and only 8 of these applications were selected. Brownsville, Texas is the only border town out of the 99
Choice Neighborhood Implementation (CNI) Planning award recipients to have ever been awarded a Choice Planning Neighborhood Grant. The Choice neighborhoods Program is focused on the following three core goals: Housing: Replace distressed public and assisted housing with high-quality mixedincome housing that is well-managed and responsive to the needs of the surrounding neighborhood. People: Improve educational outcomes and intergenerational mobility for youth with services and supports delivered directly to youth and their families. Neighborhood: Create the conditions necessary for public and private reinvestment in distressed neighborhoods to offer the kinds of amenities and assets, including safety, good schools, and
commercial activity, that are important to families' choices about their community. On the incredible news and collaboration, Carla Mancha, CEO of HACB, stated: “This is the 10th year anniversary of the Choice Neighborhood Program and Brownsville has received two Choice Neighborhood Planning Grants in the past five years. This is a testament to the strong collaboration that exists between HACB and COB. HACB looks forward to working with our families and partners to develop a holistic Transformation Plan that will create opportunities for all." On Brownsville as a selection for this prestigious award, Mayor Trey Mendez, stated: “We’d like to thank HUD for this generous grant and our community partners at the Housing Authority for their
hard work in bringing this investment to the Southmost neighborhood. This initiative will help so much in redeveloping our community to ensure that all residents have access to quality, affordable housing.” A strong advocate for neighborhood improvements within the Southmost area, City of Brownsville District 1 Commissioner, Nurith Galonsky Pizana, stated: “The news of this award is testament to how important it is for people and entities to work together for the greater good of the community. It took us two tries at the grant, but the team insisted we reapply because we believe that this area has the potential for impactful transformation that will benefit many.” “We are excited that we were able to come together to develop a cohesive
plan for the International/ Southmost neighborhood. With HUD’s support, we are confident this plan will come to fruition and provide a road map for sustainable and affordable housing,” said City Manager Noel Bernal. The City of Brownsville and the Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville would like to also thank local leaders, residents, and stakeholders for coming together, believing, and supporting the submittal of the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant Application. “On behalf of the HACB Board of Commissioners and myself, we want to congratulate our HACB Team and the City of Brownsville Team for their collaboration to pursue and be awarded a second Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant. This planning grant is the first step in
transforming the lives of the families residing in the International/Southmost neighborhood to include the families of the Victoria Gardens Public Housing development,” said Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville Chairman Eduardo Garduño. Through the Choice Neighborhoods initiative, local governments, housing authorities, residents, nonprofits, tribal authorities, private developers, school districts, police departments, and other civic organizations create a common vision and develop effective strategies to revitalize their neighborhood. The results include revitalizing the distressed public and/or assisted housing units, transforming the surrounding neighborhood, and promoting opportunities for families.
Tips For The Holidays scan & visit!
NEW LOCATION AT CAMERON PARK 2302 Delia Ave - Brownsville, TX. 78526 -Tel (956)620-3735 - Fax (956)620-3778 384 Military Hwy. - Brownsville, TX. 78520 - Tel (956)544-4400 - Fax (956)544-4508 3831 Boca Chica Blvd. - Brownsville, TX. 78521 - Tel (956)554-3964 - Fax (956)554-3992 2814 International Blvd. - Brownsville, TX. 78521 - Tel (956)542-8695 - Fax (956)554-3160 3244 Southmost Rd. - Brownsville, TX. 78521 - Tel (956)541-7535 - Fax (956)541-6010 719 W Hwy. 100 - Los Fresnos, TX. 78566 - Tel (956)233-2795 Fax (956)233-2797 860 S. Sam Houston Blvd. - San Benito, TX. 78586 - Tel (956)399-4111 - Fax (956)399-4481 MAIN OFFICE 1737 Boca Chica Blvd. - Brownsville, TX. 78520 - Tel (956)546-3120 - Fax (956)546-3980
719 W. Ocean Blvd. • (956) 233-2795
Located next to Los Fresnos Pharmacy
It may be the season of cheer, but for many, the holidays are rife with anxiety about expenses. A recent survey shows that staying on budget is Americans’ top concern this holiday season, followed by incurring long-term debt, shipping costs, and being charged late or hidden fees. Here are five tips to protect your holiday budget: 1. Set a spending cap with friends and family. Americans plan to spend $998 on gifts this holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation. ‘Tis the season for giving, but make sure you don’t overspend. Know your budget upfront and communicate that with loved ones. Another idea to limit spending is to put everyone’s name into a hat. Each person draws one name and buys a gift for just the person they selected. You can add a bit of intrigue by keeping the identity of your recipient a secret until you open gifts!
2. Take advantage of deal days. Timing is everything for getting the best prices. Do your homework in advance to pay significantly less and wait for big sales days, such as Super Saturday before Christmas, which is great for last-minute gifts. 3. Purchase gift cards with peace of mind. Gift cards are a popular, convenient gift, but some would-be buyers may hesitate to purchase them out of fear that the business may end up closing, especially those still struggling during the ongoing pandemic. Erie Insurance is taking away that concern with gift card reimbursement coverage, which is provided to certain eligible homeowners at no additional charge. The coverage provides reimbursement for up to $250 per gift card at local businesses within 100 miles of a customer’s home if the business permanently closes within a year after purchase. Reimbursement
coverage is limited to $500 per policy period. 4. Track when products are discounted with a browser extension. Do you want the best deals but don’t have the time to spend searching for them? There are extensions you can download on web browsers that will compare prices and even apply the best coupon codes at checkout. 5. Use credit card rewards. You’ve earned those points throughout the year and now is a great time to cash them in. The simplest way to use points is for gift cards, as it’s one of the top requested gifts and there are many categories to choose from, including restaurants, clothing, and grocery stores. Another option is to take advantage of the money saved from a statement credit to cover the expense of holiday gifts. Being mindful of your spending now can help you have a low-stress holiday season and start the new year off on the right foot.
8 • December 8, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
The Art of Manliness Monthly Segment
How to Use Body Language to Create a Dynamite First Impression Brett and Kate McKay Art of Manliness
There are two components to creating a positive first impression: what you say (conversation) and how you act (body language). Both components are important (you can read more about the art of conversation here), but the latter is actually much more influential. Nonverbal cues have 4X the impact on your impression than your words do. Thus, how you stand, sit, gesture, and generally hold yourself can either significantly enhance or detract from the overall first impression you make on others. In order to make your body language a first impression booster, you want it to communicate 3 main things: openness, confidence, and interest. Body Language That Communicates Openness Have you ever needed to ask someone to take a picture for you, or looked around the room at a party trying to decide who to talk to? How did you pick? You may not have realized it, but you likely chose someone who looked “open” rather than “closed.” There was something about their facial expression, gaze, posture, and the way they talked and interacted with others that seemed warm, safe, and approachable rather than threatening, hostile, aloof, and/or selfcontained. How do you achieve such a welcoming aura yourself, so that people want to make contact in the first place, and can feel a sense of connection with you once they do? It’s primarily about opening up what body language expert Patti Wood calls your “body windows.” Body windows are parts of the body that influence
others to see you as more open or closed, all depending on how you orient them. These are places that feel intimate and/or are vulnerable to physical attack. When you “expose” them to others, therefore, the more primal part of people’s brains reads you as more accessible and approachable. Wood compares someone who keeps these body parts “closed” to a house with boarded up windows — the effect is bleak, creepy, confined, and off-putting; you certainly don’t want to go in. A house with open windows, in contrast, feels fresh, welcoming, and inviting. Let’s take a look at each “window” and how you can either close or open it: Heart. The heart is the metaphorical seat of feelings like love and warmth, as well as values like honesty. It’s not surprising then that having a frank, emotionally intense conversation is known as having a “heart to heart.” People will feel more connected to you, and open up more, if you face them straight on — literally heart to heart. You come off as more trustworthy when you’re dealing with them “straight.” Even a quarter turn away from someone can make the interaction feel less intimate. Eyes. Eyes are famously said to be the windows to the soul. So don’t always have their shades drawn by staring at your feet, or at your phone. Don’t wear sunglasses unless you really need them. And try not to blink excessively. Look around with an open gaze, and don’t be afraid to make warm, friendly eye contact with other people. Eye contact very often serves as an invitation for someone to approach. Throat. Baring the
throat makes one vulnerable to attack. When you’re wearing a button-up shirt and tie, which doubly covers your neck, you convey a closed-off, protected authority, which can be helpful in the competitive world of business. But in a social setting, an open neck reads as warm and welcoming. So in your off hours, remove your tie, and unbutton your shirt a little. Or wear a v-neck tee, which not only reveals your neck, but offers a little more access to your heart as well. Not too deep mind you; a few inches from your collarbone will do. This is perhaps why turtlenecks don’t make a great impression. Well, also, because, turtlenecks. Mouth. A frown registers instantly in the primal parts of the brain as a potential threat. A smile signifies an invitation. It bespeaks friendliness, warmth, and openness. And when you smile at someone, they feel as though you find them appealing. Stomach. One of the most common things to do with your arms is to cross them across your stomach. But this stance reads as defensive and puts a barrier between you and others that makes you seem more distant and aloof. Research actually bears this perception out; when a group of participants were asked to listen to a lecture while keeping their arms crossed, they felt more negatively towards the speaker and reported higher levels of stress than the control group. So to not only feel less stressed yourself, but to also convey more openness to others, sit and stand with arms by your sides rather than crossed over your stomach, even if it feels a little awkward. Hands. Specifically
your palms. For whatever reason, it’s hard to lie while showing your palms. Dishonest people will ball them into fists, hide them in pockets, tuck them under the table, or secrete them behind their back. Conversely, showing open palms to others conveys honesty, trustworthiness, and openness. So leave your hands at your sides and to the front, and make plenty of gestures with an open palm. Feet. Wood calls the feet “the most honest windows” of the body. Though we can often consciously control other parts of our body, especially our upper half, she explains, our true feelings tend to “‘leak out’ through the feet.” One of these “tells” is what she calls the “foot lock,” where “one foot wraps around the leg, usually at the lower calf.” This bit of body language, Wood says, “is like having a ‘closed’ sign hanging on the door.” In addition to opening up each of your “body windows,” you should also be mindful of clearing away any objects between you and another person. So don’t hold a beverage up to your chest while you’re standing at a party, and when you’re sitting face-to-face with someone at a restaurant or coffee shop, don’t put your drink, laptop, backpack, phone, etc. on the table between you. In fact, don’t put your phone on the table at all. Research shows that its mere presence — even if you’re not looking at it — leads people to keep their conversation more superficial; they subconsciously feel they may be interrupted at any time, and so refrain from going deeper. All in all, you want your body windows open, and the channel for connection clear...
Top 5 Gift Ideas for the Person Who Has Everything
Statepoint We all have someone who has more than enough clothes, jewelry, artwork and overall “stuff,” that you just don’t know where to begin finding a gift they’ll need or want. The next time you need to come up with a clever birthday gift idea for them, try one of the following categories: 1. Something they’ll use. Nowadays, there’s a good chance there’s a subscription box filled with items your recipient needs or will always use, from clothes, snacks and razors, to tools, toys and pet supplies. For example, if your friend picks up wine every time they grocery shop, a subscription to a monthly wine club won’t go to waste. In fact, it will probably be an appreciated gift! Many boxes offer flexibility for the red, white, or rosé-all-day person’s preferences and include additions each month. 2. Something personalized. If you’re in search of a creative gift, consider giving a custom gift. This might sound like a pricey approach, but customization can be as simple as sending a fun, personalized ecard. With SmashUps from American Greetings, you can start by selecting a fully customizable video featuring some favorite famous faces, including Dolly Parton, Shaq, and Alicia Keys. Next, you can personalize the video with a name and other custom elements, so the celebrity is singing directly to your loved one. Finally, you can instantly share the video with the guy or gal by text or email, or you can let other friends join in on the fun by sharing it on social media too. And because SmashUps is a one-time fee, you can shower relatives or friends with personalized messages that will make them smile all year round. Custom gifts show true thoughtfulness and can make someone feel extra special for the holidays.
Smashups are a fun and lighthearted way to virtually express your care and love toward a friend, family member, or coworker. 3. Something they’ve always wanted. Difficult to shop for people who often have birthday gift ideas for themselves or items they’ve always wanted that they’ll never buy or request. Maybe it’s a high-ticket item or maybe it’s something simple that other purchases just get prioritized over. If you know of such an item, consider giving it as a gift! Your friend will feel good receiving a gift from someone who was listening and understanding them. 4. Something they didn’t know they needed. Sometimes, you can’t put your finger on a practical item that you know the person will use and have to use your best judgment. Though it could be as simple as a mug or digital picture frame, these are often the best gifts of all, because the people receiving them likely never thought of them either. 5. Something that requires thought. If the person you’re shopping for has a lot of “stuff,” stop thinking of additional items to give them. Shift your focus and gift them your time or attention. If it’s a significant other, plan a special date night on the town or in the house. If it’s a parent or grandparent, consider what experiences or events they might appreciate; maybe it's going to a play, watching a movie, or taking a trip as a family. Not all gifts have to cost a lot; in fact, some of the best gifts are ones that create memories. When it comes to gifts for those who have everything, don’t fret. With a bit of creativity, you can make their day special. For more clever birthday gift ideas and ways to celebrate, visit: www. americangreetings.com/ smashups