GIFT GUIDE FROM

:

FROM:

:

FROM FROM

:

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF

2 • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • The Paducah Sun

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

y a d i l o h GIFT GUIDE

Inside: What colors do you see on Christmas?

Page 4

LAST-MINUTE holiday shopping tips .............. page 2 How to ORGANIZE office gift exchanges ...... page 3 NORTH POLE warmer than you think ............ page 5 TECH GIFTS for the savvy ................................ page 6 Stocking stuffers for ATHLETES ........................ page 9 Great gifts for SENIORS ................................. page 11 Get FESTIVE.................................................... page 13 ON THE COVER: Some of our most festive families in The Paducah Sun retail department shared family photos as a way to say, ‘HAPPY HOLIDAYS.’ You bring us into your home every day, take a glimpse at ours.

Last-minute holiday shopping tips H

oliday shopping season typically begins the day after Thanksgiving and extends all the way to Christmas Eve. While that’s a considerable amount of time for shoppers to find gifts for everyone on their shopping list, many people will still find themselves putting holiday shopping off until the last minute. In certain ways, last-minute holiday shopping is easier than ever. Thanks to online retailers who can ship products overnight, men and women who delay their holiday shopping have more options at their disposal than they did before the arrival of the Internet. And unlike the days of yore when the best deals were largely exclusive to Black Friday, some shoppers find that competition between online retailers and traditional brick-and-mortar stores is so great that deals can be found regardless of when they begin shopping. But while waiting until the last minute to begin holiday shopping may not be as risky as it used to be, shoppers may still benefit by sticking to certain strategies so they can find the perfect gifts without breaking the bank. Stay within your budget. Even last-minute shoppers have holiday shopping budgets. But it can be harder for last-minute shoppers to stick to their budgets because they have less time to comparison shop and hunt for deals. As the holiday shopping season winds down, resist the temptation to go over budget. If a gift you had in mind is available but more than you can spend, look for something else. Overspending on holiday shopping in December is a recipe for debt in January, and no shopper wants to begin the new year weighed down by consumer debt. Shop local. National chains and big box retailers are renowned for rolling out great deals during the holiday season, but such stores may have very limited or unimpressive inventory left by the time last-minute shoppers begin shopping. Local retailers are often

Leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus is a Christmas Eve tradition. Children regularly place a dish of cookies and a glass of milk by the tree on Christmas Eve so that Santa has enough energy to complete all of his gift-giving before kids wake up on Christmas morning. The tradition of leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve may trace its origins to Saint Nicholas. On

incapable of slashing prices as significantly as their larger competitors, and that may mean they have more extensive inventories available throughout the holiday shopping season. In addition, shoppers who stick with local retailers won’t have to pay shipping costs to ensure items arrive on time. Shop during off-peak hours. Shopping during off-peak hours can help last-minute shoppers make efficient use of the limited time they have to buy gifts for their loved ones. Visit stores early in the morning or late at night, or schedule a midweek afternoon shopping trip so you aren’t spending what little time you have left waiting on lines or hunting for parking. Give something less traditional. Holiday gifts need not come from stores. Rather than spending their time shopping for gifts for loved ones who seemingly have it all, lastminute shoppers can give the gift of a donation in their loved one’s name. Last-minute shoppers who want to give something more tangible can create a homemade gift that’s both unique and heartfelt.

the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6, children would leave food and drink for the saint and any attendants. The treats would be exchanged for gifts. While that’s one theory behind the tradition, others think it is linked to the history of the Christmas tree and the edible decorations that adorn it. Santa would snack on the ornaments. Even after edible decorations gave way to inedible ornaments, the tradition of leaving a snack for Santa remained. Whatever the origins behind the tradition, millions of children dutifully leave milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

The Paducah Sun • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • 3

How to organize office gift exchanges C

lose-knit groups of employees commonly exchange gifts with one another come the holiday season. Friendly coworkers enjoy bringing smiles to the faces of their friends and fellow employees, and these informal gift exchanges can benefit company morale and establish a familial atmosphere at the office. In spite of the good-natured reasons to exchange gifts with coworkers, some people are nervous about the prospect of gifting fellow employees. Questions regarding what makes for an appropriate gift or how much to spend may arise, turning office gift exchanges into potentially puzzling situations. Those ready to participate in office gifting can follow certain etiquette guidelines to take the anxiety out of office gifting. Determine if there is an office policy governing gift exchanges. Some businesses may have a specific policy in place that establishes guidelines on what makes acceptable, appropriate gifts for coworkers. The larger the company, the more specific the policy is likely to be. Consider the overall office climate. Is yours a relaxed working environment, or is it ultra-formal? Allow the corporate culture to play a part in your gifting decisions. A gift that may be appropriate for a smaller, casual company may not be fitting for a large, rulesheavy corporation. Always let common sense prevail. Establish a spending limit. Spending limits let everyone know just how

much to spend. Resist the urge to go above and beyond. While you may just want to be generous, others may view an expensive gift as a way to show off or an attempt to flatter a coworker or even a boss. Think of life outside the office. When shopping, start thinking about what your coworkers like to do when they are not at work. For example, golf enthusiasts may enjoy a box of balls or a gift certificate to play at an area course. Stick to generic gifts if you are unsure of what your coworkers do when they are not working. Personalized holiday mementos, gadgets for entertaining, items that can be used around the office or food-related gift baskets make great holiday gifts. Remember to take into account others’ religions and traditions when shopping. Avoid gifts that are overly personal. Steer clear of giving fragrances or cosmetic products because you do not know what the other person will like. Scented products also may send the wrong message, indicating you think someone needs to cover up with an aroma. Clothing is another gift to avoid, as certain items may be seen as suggestive and you may not be in tune with the recipient’s personal style. Consider personal or handmade gifts as well. Engraved picture frames, hand-picked gift baskets filled with homemade treats or gift certificates to favorite coffee shops or lunch spots in the vicinity of the office make ideal office gifts.

Select educational gifts when shopping for children

W

hen shopping for holiday gifts for children, shoppers can easily be overwhelmed by the many toys, electronics, apparel and other items available for kids. Those who may not be up-to-date on the latest trends may even find shopping for kids a bit like solving a difficult puzzle. While some shoppers may want to get kids the flashiest toy, others may prefer gifts that are both fun and mentally stimulating. Developmental toys and educational games for kids make for popular gifts. Toy and game manufacturers continue to develop products that integrate logic, reasoning, language stimulation, and motor skill development. Shoppers looking for fun, educational toys and games for the kids on their shopping lists have a host of items to choose from. Building blocks: Blocks that enable children to design and construct are popular among youngsters of various ages. Blocks come in many different forms, from early education wooden blocks that fill nursery floors to the more intricate, interlocking building sets that are coveted by older children. STEM toys: Some of the latest trends in children’s toys veer away from regular video games and apps and cater to the rising interest in STEM. STEM is an acronym for science, technology and math. Early introduction to STEMrelated skills can pay dividends later in life, considering students who have an emphasis on STEM knowledge are highly coveted among employers. STEM toys may include robot-building kits, toys that help young learners test the boundaries of physics, apps that help kids learn computer programing, and even scientific experiment kits that illustrate cause and effect. Sensory toys: Young children can benefit from toys that stimulate the senses. Items to consider include water toys, sands (includ-

ing the newer kinetic varieties), playdoughs, musical instruments, and bubbles. Even food-related toys, such as those that encourage baking or cooking, will appeal to various senses and can help kids learn valuable skills. Imaginative play toys: Imaginative play is an effective way to stimulate creative thinking and may help children become better learners. The Creativity Institute, specializing in toys for creative play, says playing is important to children and the way they practice growing up. According to an article by Dr. Scott Kaufman that appeared in Psychology Today, “Systematic research has increasingly demonstrated a series of clear benefits of children’s engagement in pretend games from the ages of about two and one half through ages six or seven.” Dress-up toys, puppets, dolls, action figures, and toys that mimic real-life activities are all examples of products that promote imaginative play. Educational toys can be included on holiday gifting lists. Not only will they encourage children to play and have fun, but they’ll serve as building blocks to a lifetime of learning as well.

Last Minute Gift Ideas Early bird shoppers may purchase and even wrap gifts before December, but eleventh-hour shoppers may need some help come the holiday season. For those last-minute folks, there still are plenty of ways to ensure your shopping list is checked off. The following gifts are quick to purchase and can still make for thoughtful presents. Liquor or wine basket: Prepackaged spirits often come with decorative glasses and other accoutrements for entertaining. What’s more, they’re convenient to purchase if you’re on a time crunch. Fueling station gift card: Drivers will appreciate a gift card to their favorite fueling station. Such cards suit anyone who has a car and frequently travels or commutes. Food basket: A visit to the supermarket or a convenience center can yield many tasty finds that can be packaged together into a gift basket. Pair foods with a gift card to that retailer. Streaming service: Offer to treat a loved one to a month or two of their favorite streaming television or movie service. If they already have streaming subscriptions, offer to cover the cost of the subscription for a few months. Premade gifts: Don’t overlook your local pharmacy as a place to find convenient gifts. Look for unique items in the seasonal aisle, where you might be able to find stocking-stuffer toiletries or cosmetic gifts that suit several people on your shopping list.

Give the gift of food, drink and good times with friends, with a Gift Card to Italian Grill on Broadway. 314 Broadway St. Paducah, KY 42001 (270)443-5222

4 • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • The Paducah Sun

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

Merry Christmas

Activity Page

What’s the Difference? There are 4 things different between Picture A and Picture B. Can you find them all?

A

Holiday Word Match Use a pen and match the symbol with the holiday to which it belongs.

1. Menorah

A. New Year’s Day

2. Mistletoe

B. Independence Day

3. Noisemakers

C. Chanukah

4. Fireworks

D. Christmas

How do you say that English ................. Winter Spanish ............ Invierno Italian ................ Inverno French ................... Hiver German ............... Winter What’s the difference answers: 1. Missing snowflake 2. Ribbon is dotted 3. Extra tree sprig 4. Tag says “Merry” Holiday Word Match Answers: 1— C, 2 — D, 3 — A, 4 — B

B

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

The Paducah Sun • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • 5

Three, Two, How to manage shopping One…Holiday!

with tots in tow H

oliday shopping has changed considerably since the dawn of the Information Age. Whereas holiday shopping once required shoppers to spend hours perusing stores at the local mall, nowadays many shoppers get the bulk of their shopping done online. Shopping online may be convenient, but more traditional holiday shopping still affords shoppers the chance to find great deals, especially at the last minute. Parents may prefer to leave the kids at home when holiday shopping, but sometimes they don’t have a choice. Fortunately, there are ways to manage holiday shopping trips with kids in tow. Encourage kids to create shopping lists. Keeping kids engaged on holiday shopping trips can be difficult, especially when shopping at stores that tend to draw crowds and long lines. But parents can engage youngsters by encouraging them to create their own holiday shopping lists for family members and then helping them find those gifts at the mall or wherever they plan to do their holiday shopping. Let kids bring their lists along and check off gifts as they purchase them. Let kids do their own shopping. In addition to creating lists, let kids do their own shopping, including paying for gifts they purchase for loved ones. Kids

might be more interested when holiday shopping if they’re allowed to peruse stores for potential gifts and then purchase gifts with their own money. Break up shopping excursions with a meal. Kids enjoy dining out, even if their preferences lean more toward chicken fingers than steak au poivre. By breaking up shopping excursions with meals out on the town, parents can give kids something to look forward to at the onset of the shopping day. Such a break also gives everyone, moms and dads included, a chance to get off their feet and catch their breath. When the meal is over, promise kids a trip to get some ice cream or hot chocolate at the end of the day so they once again have something to look forward to.

Schedule some fun time. While parents pressed for time might not have much time to do anything but shop, kids are likely to grow impatient if the day does not include at least one fun distraction. Look for malls or shopping centers that feature fun things for kids to do, such as carousel rides or visits with Santa Claus. While this might require parents to spend more time at the mall or shopping center than they initially hoped, it can help keep kids engaged while giving them something fun to do at the same time. Parents who must take their kids along on holiday shopping excursions can take steps to make such trips fun for all involved.

Amazon.com launches Black Friday deals store, gift guides Amazon.com announced the launch of its Black Friday Deals Store and more than a dozen curated holiday gift guides, officially marking the start of the holiday countdown. Customers can enjoy tens of thousands of deals this holiday season on Amazon.com, with new deals as often as every five minutes on everything from HD TVs to stylish kitchen staples to some of the most popular toys of the year. In addition, Amazon offers curated holiday gift guides to help take the guesswork out of shopping for loved ones and make it easier for customers to find the perfect gift for everyone on their list. “Customers love discovering the best deals on the most sought-after products, and our Black Friday Deals Store and curated Holiday Gift Guides offer them a place to do just that – plus enjoy the most convenient shopping experience with tons of super-fast shipping options,” said Doug Herrington, Senior Vice President of North American Retail at Amazon. “This holiday season, we’re offering more deals than ever before and – for the first time ever – giving Prime members an opportunity to use Alexa voice shopping for purchasing their holiday gifts hands-free. They can make purchases simply by asking Alexa-enabled devices, like the new Echo Dot, while relaxing at home with family and friends.”

Black Friday Deals Store Available at www.amazon.com/blackfriday, the Black Friday Deals Store is the leading deals destination for customers with tens of thousands of deals, and new deals as often as every five minutes, now through December 22. Customers can enjoy more deals than ever before this holiday season, including low prices on top gifts such as electronics, toys, clothing, jewelry, kitchen items, and more. In fact, Amazon is offering up to 20 compelling Deals of the Day in a single day. Some examples of the great deals Amazon customers can take advantage of this holiday season include: $20 off the Kindle Paperwhite, savings on an LG 55” 1080p Curved Smart OLED TV, and up to 40% off select Magformers toys.

While it might be synonymous with Santa Claus and cold weather, the North Pole is actually much warmer than the South Pole. That’s because the North Pole sits at a lower elevation than the South Pole, and it is located in the middle of an ocean. The South Pole, on the other hand, is located on the continent of Antarctica, which is covered in ice. But Santa fans mulling a trip to the North Pole to visit jolly old St. Nick might want to think otherwise, as temperatures at

Your Holiday Headquarters Put a Smile on Their Face ... Give Them a Gift to Last a Lifetime!

Shop for gifts of Exceptional Taste Don’t Forget Small Business Saturday November 26th In House Specials on Select Merchandise

December 2nd, 2-4pm

Women’s Shopping Spree!

FREE TAG Dishes with Purchase of Dining Group Chairside Tables Only $99.99!

the North Pole are less than welcoming. Summertime temperatures at the North Pole, for example, hover right at the freezing point. In addition, because of the way Earth rotates, the North Pole experiences just one sunrise and one sunset each year. However, because the sun is always above the horizon in the summer and below the horizon in the winter, the North Pole actually experiences 24 hours of sunlight in summer and zero hours of sunlight in the winter.

SAVE 10% ON ALL MERCHANDISE

cMliilnes e• Lray-a-way Available e R 1ve9ry9within 50 $ e th eli

f D Hs Soamme aes Caosh • FREE

12 0 Day

We Carry Our Own Accounts!

Holiday Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mattress & Appliance Center 901 Paducah Road (Next to Driver Motors), Mayfield, KY • 270-356-1100 • www.merisons.com

Award Winning Producers of Country Ham, Bacon & Sausage Hours: Monday thru Friday 8AM - 4PM Saturday 9AM - 4PM

257 Mary Blue Rd. Kuttawa, KY Exit 40 on I-24 directly behind Huck’s Truck Stop

800-841-2202 Call for a FREE Catalog www.broadbenthams.com

Holiday Gift Guide

6 • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • The Paducah Sun

G

As holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, retailers who use apps and mobile responsive websites to reach more customers may benefit by making a concerted effort to reach older shoppers. According to Nielsen’s Mobile Measurement, 26 percent of the more than 100 million mobile shoppers are 55 and older, while an additional 40 percent are between the ages of 25 and 44. Those figures might surprise some retailers who are quick to associate mobile shopping with digital-native Millennials. Nielsen’s Fourth-Quarter 2014 Mobile Multicultural Insights report even noted that Hispanics are more inclined to shop via mobile than nonHispanic, white smartphone owners. Retailers may also be interested to know that more and more shoppers are turning to apps instead of websites to do their shopping. Between the fourth quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2014, Nielsen reports that 101.4 million smartphone users accessed a shopping app. By the fourth quarter of 2015, that figure had risen to 109.9 million users.

Christmas at Purple Toad

paducahsun.com

tech talk

adgets make great gifts come the holiday season. Children may want the latest must-have video games, and many adults scour store advertisements for the newest televisions, tablets, smartphones, and other gadgets to include among their own most wanted lists. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the holiday season is typically a record-setting time for consumer spending on tech gifts. The CEA notes that roughly $34 billion was spent in 2015 on tech gifts, and that number figures to grow during the 2016 holiday season. The holiday season is a time when consumers buy tech gifts for their loved ones, but it’s also a time when they splurge on items for themselves. Technology gifts are popular, but these purchases require some research prior to swiping a card at the checkout counter. Consider this advice before gifting any gadgets this holiday season. Check product reviews. Use resources such as Consumer Reports to read up on the reputations of certain products and brands. Avoid purchasing products that have no established track record. Also try to read reviews from third-party sites rather than those posted on manufacturer websites. Independent reviews may be more forthcoming than customer testimonials. Speak with an educated retailer. Visit a store before making any purchases to learn more about the inner workings of the product you plan to buy. Discover its attributes, advantages, disadvantages, and what others are saying about it. The

to Guide g for n shoppi

tech s t f i g

salesperson may have his or her own opinion on the item and may calm any nerves you have. Niche retailers tend to have knowledgeable sales staff and can be assets when comparison shopping. Determine if the gift is ageappropriate. It may be tempting to purchase children the latest and greatest tech gifts because all of their peers may be getting similar items. But first determine if certain items are age-appropriate. Remember, many tech gifts, such as tablets and smartphones, open children up to the world of social media. So if you buy such products, make sure you have turned on the privacy and safety features available before giving the item to your loved one.

Offering 30 Sweet and Dry Award Winningg Wines! nees! W

I

N

E

R

Y

4275 Old US Highway g y 45 S Paducah, KY 42003 www.PurpleToadWinery.net [email protected]

270-554-0010

It’s Gift Card Season! Call TODAY to Book Your

Largest Selection, Hottest Brands for Girls and Guys only at

Holiday Christmas Party!

Now available online 24 hours a day!!

Call Ahead and Cut Your Wait! Cal

270-442-7000

2900 James Sanders Blvd

T j@ kK  

270.442.7921

1466 Bechtold Road, Paducah KY 42003 Donations are accepted at P.O. Box 1000, Paducah KY 42002-1000

www. DansSouthernPrep.com 1205 A Chestnut St., Murray, KY •270-753-0100

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

The Paducah Sun • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • 7

Things to consider before giving pets as gifts T he blissful image of a young child or a significant other receiving a pet as a holiday gift compels many shoppers to give pets as gifts come Christmastime. But pets are unlike any other holiday gift, as pets are living things that require food, shelter and attention. Because pets are unlike video games, diamond pendants and other popular holiday gifts, shoppers must consider a host of factors before deciding whether or not to give pets as gifts this holiday season.

Living situation Shoppers who plan to give a pet to someone they don’t live with, whether that person is a niece or nephew or a girlfriend or boyfriend, should first consider and/or confirm the recipients’ living situation. Landlords may forbid apartment dwellers from having pets, so it’s best to confirm with your loved one whether his or her lease allows pets before adopting or buying the animal. If you don’t want to spoil the surprise or you cannot confirm if a loved one’s living situation is pet-friendly, don’t adopt or buy the animal.

Allergies Some people, including many who profess to love pets, cannot have pets of their own because of allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as three in 10 people in the United States have pet allergies. Cat

allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, but gift givers who intend to give their loved ones a dog should still confirm if the recipient has a dog allergy before adopting or purchasing the animal. The AAFA also warns against looking for pets that are described as “hypoallergenic.” While some people are more sensitive to certain breeds of cats and dogs than others, there is no guarantee that a particular breed of cat or dog will not cause an allergic reaction.

Timing There are good times to give pets as gifts, while other times can be tough. Pets need time and routine to acclimate to their new environments, so avoid giving a new pet to a family about to embark on a lengthy holiday vacation. Families staying home for the holidays and taking time off from school or work may be most capable of welcoming a furry new addition into their homes. If you want to give a loved one a pet for the holidays, delay giving the gift until things have returned to postholiday normalcy.

Show your p et some love to o

Pets are cheri sh many pet pare ed members of the family, and nts animal compa choose to purchase gifts fo r their nions. According to a survey conduc 95 percent of ted by Rover.c pet owners ha om, ve purchased gifts for their p C h ristmas ets. While Christm as is the most p presents for p ets, pet owners opular holiday to buy also buy prese their pets’ birth nts days and for V alentine’s Day. for

From OUR family to YOURS

Happy Holidays — The Paxton Media Group Family

8 • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • The Paducah Sun

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

Smart ways to budget for gifting

S

hoppers across the country routinely make the holiday season one of the biggest spending periods of the year. American Research Group, Inc., said that in 2015 the average predicted expenditure on gifts equaled $882, which was up from $861 the previous year. Many holiday shoppers worry about whether or not they will have enough money for gifts, while others anticipate using credit cards or other financing methods to

stretch their abilities to spend even further. This can make the holiday season more stressful than it needs to be while affecting finances into the new year. Budgeting for the holidays is a great way to keep spending in check. With these suggestions and shopping strategies, holiday shoppers can better manage their spending. Look at spending from last year. The first step to establishing a budget is to review spending from last year. See how

much you allotted to each person and how much you actually ended up spending on those people. Did you go over or under? Think about the other ways you spent money, including on decorations, entertaining, etc. Once you have a clear picture of how you spent your money last year, you can start building a budget for this year. Set limits on spending. You may want to be generous with

everyone and go above and beyond, but overspending is impractical and can have some grave consequences. Many financial planners recommend shoppers spend no more than 1.5 percent of annual income on holiday expenses, so establish realistic

spending limits that won’t break the bank. Make lists of highpriority gifts. Select the gifts that have the most importance or those you want to buy the most, and budget with them in mind. Resist the temptation to buy extra items in an effort to make gifts

look more impressive. Keep track of spending. Be sure to keep receipts and maintain a log of all your holiday spending. You will not know if you are sticking to your budget if you do not keep a running tab of all your spending.

Help holiday gifts

arrive on time The end of December is prime shopping and shipping time for holiday gifts. Shipping giant UPS calls this time of the year its peak season, and FedEx and the United States Postal Service also cite the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day as some of their busiest weeks. Jingling bells and Christmas carols once were the foremost sounds of the season, but now those noises have been replaced by the sounds of conveyor belts, trucks and airplanes rushing to get packages to their destinations. According to research firm Forrester, online sales now account for 10 percent of all shopping and 15 percent of holiday shopping. USPS expects to deliver roughly 15 billion letters, cards and packages during the holiday season. While the postal service and the major pack-and-ship companies are incredibly reliable, shoppers can take the following steps to further ensure their gifts arrive on time. Shop in-store. Choose off-peak hours, such as early morning and late evening, to visit brick-andmortar stores. The crowds will not be too large, and you will have the added peace of mind knowing that you

don’t need to wait for gifts to arrive via the mail. If you like the convenience of online shopping, shop online but take advantage of in-store pick-up when available. If items are in stock, this can save you the hassle of making your way through crowded stores. Follow cut-off dates. Many online retailers will post “purchase by” dates to ensure specific delivery times. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these dates so your items will arrive on time. If time is ticking away, you may have to pay more for expedited shipping. Avoid backordered items. Popular gifts may sell out quickly, and retailers could put you on backorder lists. Research similar products as potential backups should your primary choice be on backorder. Shop well in advance. Shopping early is the best way to ensure gifts arrive on time. Shopping early also gives shoppers time to make exchanges in the event an item is not up to par or is damaged. Thanks to the popularity and prevalence of online shopping, it has become very important for shoppers to take shipping concerns into consideration before making purchases.

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

The Paducah Sun • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • 9

HOW TO MAKE GIFT WRAPPING EASIER

W

hile holiday shoppers are often enthusiastic about finding great gifts for their loved ones, many are decidedly less excited about wrapping those gifts. Many holiday shoppers spend hours wrapping gifts each year, and as gift lists grow, so does the amount of time needed to get all of those presents wrapped, hidden, packaged and/or shipped. Shoppers can employ the following strategies to make the process go much more smoothly and to reduce gift wrap-related anxiety. Relearn the basics. Some people may think they know how to wrap gifts, only to realize it’s harder than it looks once the paper, scissors and Scotch tape comes out. Relearn the basics by viewing online tutorials prior to wrapping gifts so the lessons learned remain fresh in your

mind. Learn how to wrap standard clothing gift boxes and recognize that such boxes can often be used to house oddly-shaped items. Wrap as you buy. Instead of getting bogged down with wrapping all in one evening, wrap presents as you purchase them. This ensures that you don’t leave everything for the last minute and reduces the likelihood that curious kids or inquisitive spouses discover gifts before the big day. Work on a hard surface. It may be tempting to lay everything out on your bed and wrap gifts while you’re bingewatching the latest Netflix series. But hard surfaces make the best places to wrap gifts. This ensures there won’t be any wrinkles in the paper and that you won’t lose supplies in the bedspread.

Rely on double-sided tape. For that professional look, invest in some double-sized tape so you will not have any unsightly tape lines. Keep all of your supplies together. Store wrapping paper, scissors, tags, tape, ribbons, and whatever else you may need to wrap gifts in one convenient location. This cuts down on time wasted hunting for supplies around the house. Draw on plain gift boxes. Make your own “wrapped gifts” by drawing or stenciling on plain gift boxes if you’re short on time. Identify recipients by gift wrap. Designate one gift wrap for each person on your shopping list. This way you can easily distinguish one person’s gifts from another’s. This can keep things more organized when

Stocking stuffers

for athletes, sports enthusiasts Gifts comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the best gifts are those that come in small packages. Though some people pore over their holiday shopping lists for weeks, it’s not uncommon for even the most devoted holiday shopper to overlook stocking stuffers, which can be just as difficult to find as larger gifts. When shopping for stocking stuffers, consider interests. For example, athletes and sports enthusiasts would undoubtedly love a gift that reflects their loyalty to a favorite team or their devotion to a particular

sport. Holiday shoppers who have a sports-crazed superfan or accomplished athlete on their shopping lists may want to consider the following items when looking for stocking stuffers this holiday season. Sports memorabilia: Sports fanatics sometimes double as collectors who are always on the lookout for new memorabilia to display. Such collectibles may include bobbleheads, cards, ticket stubs and signed photographs or equipment. Rare memorabilia may be beyond many gift-givers’ means, but there are still plenty of impressive items that can

Hwy. 641/91 N., Fredonia, Ky.

270-545-3498 Regular Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Closed on Sun.

www.feagansfurniture.net Serving the area since 1932 with quality you have come to know.

fit into any holiday gifting budget. Game tickets: Give sports fans a chance to cheer on their favorite teams in person. Find a home game that will not require the recipient to travel too far, or if you want to splurge, include transportation with the tickets to an away game.

sorting and visiting with friends and relatives later on. Keep gift bags on hand. Gift bags work in a pinch and make it easy to conceal gifts that are hard to wrap. Curious loved ones can easily peak inside gift bags, so be sure to wrap gifts in tissue paper before placing them in the bags. Less is usually more. Do not use too much paper when wrapping; otherwise, you will be left with bulky, sloppy folds. Before trimming the gift wrap from the roll, check that it overlaps the ends of the box by just a couple of inches. A sturdy paper will help you achieve crisper folds and prevent tears when wrapping. For the simplest wrapping design, try kraft paper (brown mailing paper), which can be dressed up with ribbons, cutouts or stamps.

10 • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • The Paducah Sun

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

H I S T O R I C

DOWNTOWN PADUCAH www.paducahmainstreet.org

Small Business Saturday

SANTA & MRS. CLAUS Grand Entrance! Grand Lodge to the Gazebo – 10 a.m. – Free Victorian Carriage Rides Free Gift Wrapping Stations Letters to Santa and FREE Christmas Ornament at MAKE Paducah Free Hot Chocolate, Coffee and Wassail Roasted Nuts, Bake Sale S’Mores by the Fire and Christmas Storytime Choirs, Carolers and Characters of All Sort Meet & Greets with Cinderella, Elsa, Snow White and the Grinch who stole Dickens Dickens Kids Lunch Specials: Tribeca - Feliz Navidad Quesadillas .4´W7ERXE´W7TIGMEP'LMGOIR*MRKIVWERH;EJ¾I*VMIW Paducah Beer Werks - Oliver Twist Half Pint Pizza with Cherry Lemonade Shandies - Half off kids meal with adult meal Gold Rush Cafe - Free kids meals, 1 per adult meal purchase

NOVEMBER 26TH 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

The Paducah Sun • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • 11

Great gifts for seniors E

very holiday shopper ends up with at least one loved one on their shopping list who they can’t seem to find anything for. Some people seem to have it all, while others may be less than forthcoming with regard to items they may need or want. Many seniors tend to fall into the latter category. Shopping for holiday gifts for seniors can be difficult if shoppers don’t know what seniors want. But the following are a handful of gift ideas that might make this holiday season that much more special for seniors.

Books A 2015 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 69 percent of adults age 65 and over acknowledged reading at least one book in the previous 12 months. That makes books a good bet for shoppers who don’t know what to get their 65-and-over loved ones this holiday season. But shoppers might want to opt for more traditional print books rather than e-books, as the survey found that only 15 percent of readers age 65 and over had read an e-book in the previous 12 months.

brittle, fragile bones. Physical activity, including muscle-strengthening activities like weight training, can help combat osteoporosis. Family members stuck on what to get aging loved ones may want to consider gifting a membership to a local gym. Many gyms offer heavily discounted memberships to seniors, and such gyms may even offer senior fitness classes at no additional cost.

Travel gifts Many retirees love to travel, but not every senior has the means to take off for parts unknown. A 2013 survey from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies® found that 25 percent of retirees admitted they wished they would have saved more for retirement travel. Holiday shoppers can light up seniors’ smiles by gifting travel gifts this holiday season. One idea is to transfer airline miles to an elderly loved one so he or she can get a free or discounted flight. If that’s not a possibility, some new luggage or a Global Hotel CardTM sponsored by Orbitz®, a gift card that can be redeemed at 70,000 hotels across the globe, is sure to please.

Gym membership Family time According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, more than 80 percent of adults do not meet the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. That can be especially troubling for seniors, who are at greater risk for osteoporosis, a medical condition in which agerelated tissue loss contributes to

Shoppers who are especially stuck on what to get seniors for Christmas can just resolve to spend more time with their elderly loved ones. Many seniors genuinely have everything they need, and such men and women may only want to spend more time with their children and grandchildren.

How to navigate return policies Understand a store’s return, exchange policy before purchase The holiday season is rife with merriment and giftgiving. Shoppers flock to stores in an effort to find the ideal gifts for everyone on their lists. While shoppers hope the presents they select will be well-liked, many know that not every gift will be the perfect fit. It’s in shoppers’ best interests to familiarize themselves with store return policies to avoid being stuck with unwanted purchases or losing money on exchanges. Knowledge of store policies also is useful information to pass on to gift recipients, so that they will be able to realize the full benefit of their gifts should something need to be replaced. Shoppers who anticipate a loved one returning their gift would be wise to always include a gift receipt with gifts. Some stores offer only store credit to people who return gifts without receipts, while others may not allow non-receipt returns at all. In addition, some retailers only offer non-receipt refunds that are equivalent to the lowest recent sale price. Consumers can arm themselves with this information and take a proactive approach to holiday shopping. Visit the customer

service desk and ask for the complete return and exchange policy. Study the policy to understand how exchanges or refunds are handled. Think about purchases before making them, which may cut down on the number of exchanges or returns necessary. Keep all receipts in a safe place. Opt for emailed receipts whenever possible, as such receipts may be easier to catalog and less likely to go missing. Ask for gift receipts if you are uncertain if the gift recipient will like the gift or you aren’t sure on sizing or fit. Attach this receipt to a tag so it does not get lost during wrapping. Visit the return desk during off-peak hours, such as dinnertime or early in the morning, when employees will be less harried and better able to work with you

Make purchases on store credit cards or other credit cards. Doing so may make the purchases easier to track if the receipt goes missing. on facilitating exchanges. exchanges Make purchases on store credit cards or other credit cards. Doing so may make the purchases easier to track if the receipt goes missing. Shop at retailers with no-

toriously good return policies. Money magazine and GOBankingRates say that Nordstrom; L.L. Bean; Bed, Bath & Beyond; JC Penney; and Costco have the most generous return policies.

Returns and exchanges are a part of holiday giving. Consumers who educate themselves on stores’ return policies can make the holiday season easier for themselves and their loved ones.

12 • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • The Paducah Sun

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

Let game ratings guide gift purchases

C

ome the holiday season, millions of people will be flocking to stores or browsing online retailers to shop for gifts for their friends and loved ones. Video games have long been some of the most popular holiday gifts to give, and this year figures to be no different than years past. The assortment of video games is so diverse that consumers may not know where to begin their shopping excursions. Gaining a greater understanding of the video game rating system can ensure shoppers they find age-appropriate games for the youngsters on their holiday shopping lists.

UNDERSTAND

r a ti ng s

Video games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. The ESRB is an independent, selfregulatory organization that assigns age and content ratings, enforces industryadopted advertising guidelines and ensures responsible online privacy principles for computer and video games in the United States, Mexico and nearly all of Canada. The ratings provided are concise and help shoppers make informed decisions based on the content in video games. According to the ESRB, the ratings have three parts: 1. Rating categories suggest age appropriateness. 2. Content descriptors indicate content that may have triggered a particular rating and/or may be of interest or concern. 3. Interactive elements inform about interactive aspects of a product, including the users’ ability to interact; the sharing of users’ locations with others; the sharing of personal information with third parties; the completion of in-app purchases of digital goods; and/or level of restriction of internet access. This rating system was derived in 1994 after various child development and academic experts were consulted. Other rating systems also were considered, and the ESRB consulted with parents nationwide as well. There are currently seven different ESRB ratings for games and apps. They are as follows: C: Early childhood games feature content that is intended for young children. E: Games rated as Everyone feature content that is generally suitable for all ages. There may be minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence. Mild language may be infrequent. E 10+: Content in games rated Everyone 10+ is appropriate for gamers ages 10 and up. The games may contain cartoon, fantasy or mild violence. Mild language and/ or minimally suggestive themes also may be present. T: Teen games are generally suitable for ages 13 and up. These games may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and some strong language. M: Games deemed as Mature are generally suitable for gamers ages 17 and up. In such games, there is a high propensity for intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and strong language. A: Adults-only games have content suitable for adults ages 18 and up. Graphic sexual content, prolonged scenes of intense violence, and gambling with real currency may be depicted or available in these games. RP: Games that are marked Rating Pending have not yet received a final ESRB rating. Usually this verbiage is only used in marketing materials, and the rating will be updated once the product hits the market. Along with the general rating, the ESRB uses content descriptors to further break down the type of content one can expect in the games. These can include everything from references to alcohol to fantasy violence to sexual themes to tobacco references. Again, these content descriptors will offer a concise way to assess if a game is appropriate for a particular gamer. Video games are popular holiday gifts. Game ratings can help guide consumers to make smart choices so that gamers of all ages can enjoy their gifts this season.

to your wallet!

CHECKING +SAVINGS Forget meeting qualifications— EARN OUR

PREMIUM RATE ON THE FIRST $10,000.

2.25

%

APY

1

Plus!

FREE Nation-Wide ATMs 2 FREE Mobile Deposits 3

It’s time to change the way you bank. Bank like an all-star and bring more joy to your wallet with FNB’s new All-Star Checking and Savings package. Checking with free nation-wide ATM service and free mobile deposits all tied with a high interest savings account. Give yourself the gift of an account that has it all!

For more joy in your wallet …Think FNB!

1 Annual Percentage Yield (APY). For balances over $10,000.00 a standard rate of .05% APY will apply. APY information is accurate as of November 1, 2016 and is subject to change. Interest rate applies to All Star Savings only. All-Star Checking and Savings accounts each require a minimum opening deposit of $50.00. All Star Savings is only available with an All-Star Checking. All Star Savings is limited to one per primary account holder. Fees could reduce earnings on account. 2 Free Nationwide ATM service is limited to 5 transactions per statement cycle. For ATM fees $5.00 or greater ATM receipt(s) must be presented for reimbursement. 3 Mobile banking is required for mobile deposit.  FNB Bank does not charge for mobile banking app, however, message and data rates may apply.  Please see your local branch office for account disclosure information, full terms and conditions.

FNB Bank, Inc. + ThinkFNB.com

Get

paducahsun.com

Holiday Gift Guide

The Paducah Sun • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • 13

Tips to prolong the life of your Christmas tree C

hristmas trees are symbols of the holiday season and the spirit of giving that the season champions. Choosing and decorating a Christmas tree is a tradition for many families, and depending on the trees they choose, families may have some work to do to keep their trees glowing all season long. Artificial Christmas trees require little, if any, maintenance. But live Christmas trees, which some people feel are more authentic and welcoming than their artificial counterparts, require daily maintenance. In addition to supplying the tree with water at least once per day, live Christmas tree owners can take these steps to prolong the life of their trees. Protect the tree on the way home. Your tree might be vulnerable to damage as you transport it from the farm to your living room. Unwrapped trees placed atop vehicles can be dried out by the wind. Prevent wind damage by wrapping the tree if you plan to place it atop your vehicle. If possible, lay the tree in the bed of a pickup truck and close the cover over the bed. If you don’t have access to a pickup truck but can use a minivan or SUV to transport your tree, see if the tree fits inside your vehicle. If it doesn’t, wrap it tightly in a blanket or another form of cover, making sure the cover won’t blow off in the wind when you hit the open road. Have the tree cut before you take it off the lot. If you typically purchase your tree from a florist or tree lot instead of

a tree farm, then remember to ask the seller to recut the stem of the tree before you take it home. Tree farm trees are freshly cut, but trees sold away from the farm might have been chopped down weeks before they are ultimately sold. During the interval between being cut down and sold, trees’ vascular systems can clog and prevent the tree from getting the water it needs to survive the season. A fresh cut of the stem unclogs the system and ensures the tree will be able to consume water. Avoid placing the tree near heaters or drafty windows. Many people know that placing a live tree near a potentially hot heating vent poses a fire hazard. But doing so also can dry out the tree, decreasing the chances it will make it through the season. Placing the tree near drafty windows also can dry out the tree, so try to find a spot in your home with a consistent temperature. Water the tree often. Christmas trees need lots of water to make it through the season. You may notice the water in the tree stand disappears quickly when you first bring the tree home. That’s because freshly cut trees will consume more water than trees that were cut several weeks ago. As the season goes on and the tree’s vascular system begins to clog, you might not need to water the tree as much as you did when you first brought it home. But check the tree’s

water stand twice per day when you first bring it home, refilling the stand with water whenever necessary. A few tricks of the trade can help holiday celebrants maintain lush, awe-inspiring Christmas trees throughout the holiday season.

14 • Thursday, November 24, 2016 • The Paducah Sun

Holiday Gift Guide

paducahsun.com

Catering takes the work out of holiday entertaining A

s enjoyable as the holiday season may be, quite a number of people admit to feeling pressured by the demands of shopping, wrapping and hosting events. According to a poll from the American Psychological Association, up to 70 percent of people feel stressed out by a lack of time and/or money during the holidays. Stress can take its toll during the holidays. But stress does not have to turn this festive time of year into something less enjoyable. By removing some of the work involved in holiday planning and hosting, individuals can free up time and enjoy a more relaxing holiday season. For example, holiday hosts may spend several weeks organizing their holiday meals, hours shopping for the ingredients and still more time preparing and cooking the food. By enlisting the services of a professional caterer, hosts can still throw festive parties with great food while letting someone else deal with the stress of meal planning. When you decide to have your holiday party catered, keep a few factors in mind as you consider your options.

Recommendations If you have never used a local caterer before, seek recommendations from neighbors and friends. There are many different types of caterers, and some restaurants even provide catering services. Recommendations can help hosts find the right caterer for the style

of gathering they’re hoping to host and help them avoid caterers who may not be the best people to work with.

Timing The holiday season is a busy time of year for many businesses, caterers included. The sooner the contract is negotiated, the better. Lock in the date and desired meal as soon as you decide to use a caterer. The longer you wait, the more your options dwindle, as caterers’ schedules tend to book up quickly come the holiday season. Have a second-favorite caterer at the ready in case the first one is booked solid.

Packages

Some caterers will only provide the food. Others are full-service providers and will bring much of what’s needed to entertain. This can include cutlery, plates, chafing dishes, napkins, linens, condiments, and more. Understand fully what each potential catering package includes. It may be worth spending a little more for a package that’s all-inclusive rather than saving money on a package that requires you to do a

Stuff the Stockings... with VISA Gift Cards!

Cards are available from $ 25 – $1,000 ed and can be used anywhere VISA is accepted.* * Some restr ic tions apply

3$'8&$+Ř0$