Showcase 2013 Gift Guide

8/13/2019 Showcase 2013 Gift Guide

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HolidayGift Guide

The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

NOVEMBER 2013A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

HOLIDAY SHOPPINGon a budget

HOW TO GO GREENwhen holiday shopping

GREAT GIFT IDEASoutdoor enthusiast, teachers, atheltes & music lovers


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2 November 2013 A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News

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Gift GuideHolidayGIFTS NO OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTCan resist

HOW TO GO GREEN When holiday shopping

FRUGAL Gift Wrapping Ideas

Christmas Stroll

Special: Buy 1 for $20or2 for $30

Calendars can be purchased at Red Lodge

School of Dance, Mad Woman Sewing,Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce,Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot, RedLodge Drug, Bridge Creek or Online at:www.redlodgeschoolofdance.wordpress.com

2014 Ballerina CalendarThe Red Lodge School of Dance

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GREAT GIFT IDEAS For teachers

GIFT RETURNS Done right

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ARE CASH GIFTStacky or ideal?

DOS AND DONTS of holiday shopping

AVOID THE HIDDEN COSTSof online shopping

GIFT IDEASfor the athlete in your life

15 GREAT GIFTS for music fans

03 HOLIDAY SHOPPING On a budget

07 CLEVER WAYS TO GIVE Gift cards


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A special publication of The Carbon County News & Stillwater County News November 2013 3

Holiday shoppingON A BUDGETThe economic downturn that began in late 2008 forced many holiday shoppers to

curb their spending on gifts for friends and family. But even though the economy hassince recovered, savvy holiday shoppers are still taking a conservative approach totheir shopping, and saving lots of money along the way.

Shoppers often struggle with how much to spend on gifts for their loved ones comethe holiday season. The quest for the perfect gift leads many to overspend, but thereare ways holiday shoppers can give great gifts without breaking the bank.

* Leave credit cards at home. Stretching a budget when holiday shopping can betempting, especially when shoppers come across cant miss gifts they know theirloved ones will treasure. Succumbing to such temptation typically finds holiday shop-pers using their credit cards to make purchases they otherwise cannot afford, andthat only lands shoppers in post-holiday debt that can be difficult to pay off. Leavingcredit cards at home when shopping for the holidays significantly reduces the likeli-hood that shoppers will overspend, and it guarantees they wont be mired in debt

come January.* Whittle down your shopping list. Many holiday shoppers find themselves in fi-

nancial hot water come the end of the holiday season thanks in large part to seeminglyendless holiday shopping lists. Lists may include coworkers, distant cousins, neigh-bors, and a host of other acquaintances. Whittling down holiday shopping lists cansave shoppers money. Contact loose acquaintances and distant relatives to suggestyou stop exchanging gifts come the holidays, saving both parties time and money.

* Make a list of gifts. Blindly shopping for holiday gifts can prove disastrous to yourfinances. Before heading out on a holiday shopping trip, make a list of gifts you intendto buy for each person on your list. This can help you focus your search and reducethe likelihood that you will make potentially costly impulse purchases as you wanderaround the mall for hours on end.

* Avoid last-minute shopping. Last-minute shopping may unearth some greatdeals, but its far more likely to back shoppers into corners as they race against time tocomplete their holiday shopping. When shopping is put off until the last minute, shop-pers dont have time to comparison shop and find better deals, and that can quicklyturn a holiday budget upside down. Begin your holiday shopping as early as possible,and take advantage of holiday sales.

* Spread out your shopping. Holiday shoppers with especially long shopping listscan spread out their shopping over several months to reduce the likelihood that theywill accumulate credit card debt or run out of cash during the holiday season. Beginshopping in late summer or early fall, periodically buying gifts for loved ones whenyou have the cash to do so. This has the added benefit of freeing up time during theoften hectic holiday season, and it greatly reduces the risk of compiling post-holidaydebt.

Many people stretch their budgets during the holiday season. But savvy holidayshoppers can employ several strategies to keep themselves out of debt this holiday

season.


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Gifts no outdoor enthusiast can resist

The great outdoors is even greater when youreprepared for all of the things Mother Naturecan throw your way. Holiday shoppers witha person who enjoys the outdoors on their

shopping list can turn this holiday season into a trulyjoyous occasion with the following gifts tailor-made fortackling the great outdoors.

* Folding kayak: Kayaking is a great way to take inthe great outdoors, but not everyone has the room athome to store kayaks when they arent being used totraverse nearby waterways. Those who live in apart-

ments, condominiums or smaller homes with limitedstorage may appreciate a folding kayak, which can bestored in a closet or beneath a bed and put together in amatter of minutes. Folding kayaks that can be stored in

vehicle trunks and quickly assembled once you arriveat your kayaking destination also can save kayakersmoney on roof racks for their vehicles.

* Waterproof backpack: A good outdoor personknows never to leave home without a waterproof parka,but what about his or her backpack? A waterproof back-pack protects valuables, including cell phones, camerasand tools, from the elements. Look for backpacks with

waterproof zipper systems to ensure your loved ones

valuables are fully protected on rainy treks through theforest.* Water filter: Drinking straight from natural water

sources may seem like a genuinely adventurous thingto do, but its genuinely dangerous as well. A hikers

water filter greatly reduces his or her risk of sufferingillness after drinking water tainted with bacteria such asE.coli. Even the most serene streams or isolated riverscan contain harmful bacteria, so a portable water filteris a necessity.

* Compass: Many of us have grown to rely on our

smartphone apps to get us from point A to point B.While such apps may do the job when we are near cellphone towers, phone signals are often less reliable inmore remote locations, such as forests and nationalparks. A reliable compass is all one may need to makehis or her way through the wilderness.

* Hot dog roasters: No trip to the great outdoors iscomplete without roasting some hot dogs over an openflame. But far too many hot dogs have been lost to thefire thanks to traditional campfire forks that dont pro-

vide adequate hold as hot dogs cook over an open flame.Curly hot dog roasters wrap around the hot dogs, snug-gly holding them in place as the franks cook.


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Holiday shoppers spend

billions of dollarseach year on gifts forfriends, family and co-

workers. But holiday shoppersalso spend substantial amountsof money dressing up those giftswith bows and wrapping paper.Shoppers may not want to spendmuch more on wrapping paper,bags and other ways to dress-up their gifts, and by employing

a few tricks of the gift wrappingtrade, they may not have to. Thefollowing are some frugal, yetflashy, ways to wrap presents thisholiday season.

* Childrens artwork: Over thecourse of a school year parentscan accumulate dozens of originalpieces of art from their childrenstime in the classroom. Insteadof relegating those pictures to amemory box or temporary gloryon the refrigerator, turn theminto unique gift wrap. Pair thesepieces of art with colored ribbon,and everyone who gets a uniquemasterpiece will feel special.

* Newspaper: Recycle news-print and comics into wrapping

paper. Encourage everyone towrap in newspaper for a cohesivelook come Christmas morning.

* Cloth: Leftover cloth fromHalloween or cloth purchasedto create homemade curtainscan be turned into giftwrap forawkward-shaped gifts. Use deco-rative ribbon to seal the bundleshut.

* Brown paper: Brown papertied with twine or ribbon is in-expensive and can easily be re-cycled after use. Use a marker toput the names of gift recipientson each package to save on gift

tags as well.* Glass jars: Use mason jars

when wrapping smaller gifts, in-cluding gift cards, to give theman arts-and-crafts feel.

* Fabric gift bags: If yourehandy with a needle and thread,sew sacks out of leftover fabric tomake gift bags of various sizes.

* Cookie tins: Find uniquecookie tins from yard sales orleftover tins from holidays pastand use them as gift boxes.

* Recipes: If you will be givinga cookbook or food-themed gifts,print recipes that can be used as

gift wrap and then later used tomake certain dishes.

* Baby linens: From blanketsto wash cloths, use baby linens towrap infant-themed gifts for newparents.

* Baskets: Wicker baskets areavailable in various shapes andsizes. They can be used to makea gift collection and then reusedover and over again.

There are many creative andinexpensive ways to wrap giftsthis year instead of relying onpreprinted and often expensivewrapping paper.

FRUGAL

GiftwrappingIDEAS

Baskets are an often inexpensive alternative to wrapping paper.


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The color green is synonymous with theholiday season. But as holiday revelers

deck their halls with green this season,they also can go green when shopping for

loved ones.Many shoppers are concerned by their carbonfootprints. In an effort to embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle, such shoppers may look for

ways to continue their holiday traditions, but doso in a way thats more considerate of the envi-ronment. Though the holiday season is often as-sociated with excess, holiday shoppers can stillfind eco-friendly ways to put smiles on their loved

ones faces this year.* Purchase energy efficient products. The holi-day season is a great time of year to find deals onmajor appliances, which may be on sale to makeroom for next years models. When shopping forappliances this holiday season, shoppers shouldlook for energy efficient products that consumeless energy without sacrificing performance.Since the institution of its ENERGYSTAR(R) pro-gram in 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency has helped consumers invest in energy-

efficient products that helped reduce air pollutionand energy consumption. The program has sinceexpanded into Canada as well. When purchasingappliances this holiday season, shoppers shouldlook for ENERGY STAR qualified products,

which can protect the environment and also saveconsumers money on utility bills.* Plan shopping trips in advance. The holiday sea-son can be hectic, and as a result many holidayshoppers find themselves getting their holidayshopping done as time allows. But breaking upholiday shopping into several trips can increasefuel consumption and lead to more time spent in

traffic, where vehicle emissions can contributeto air pollution. Instead of getting your shoppingdone on several quick trips, plan a holiday shop-

ping trip in advance, setting aside enough time toget as much shopping done as possible in a single

trip. This can cut back on some of the stress ofholiday shopping and benefit the environment atthe same time.* Set up a holiday shopping carpool. Many peo-ple carpool to and from work, and such a systemcan be employed when holiday shopping as well.Plan a shopping trip to the mall with neighborsor friends to cut back on your fuel consumptionand vehicle emissions. Sedan or coupe ownersmay want to limit their carpools to two people sotheres enough room in the car for gifts on the

way home, while minivan or SUV owners shouldstill have ample room for multiple passengers andtheir presents. Remove unnecessary cargo fromthe trunk or other storage areas before beginning

your trip.* Create your own gifts. Worried about purchas-ing products with excessive packaging? Then try

your hand at creating gifts instead of giving over-packaged store-bought items. Homemade giftsmay be more well-received than another necktieor pair of slippers, and such gifts dont have to bepackaged at all.

* Buy local. When shopping for the holiday, lookfor locally-produced products, whether its artsand crafts produced at a nearby store or organicfoods purchased from a local farmers market. Lo-cally produced products dont need to be shippedto make it onto the shelves at local stores, makingsuch products far more eco-friendly than mass-produced products shipped from factories faraway.

The holidays may not seem like an eco-friendlytime of year, but shoppers can take steps to re-duce their carbon footprints when shopping thisholiday season.

HOW TOgo green WHEN HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Shoppers can coordinate their holiday shop-ping trips, carpooling to the mall in an effortto be more eco-friendly.

Did you know?Making a list when holiday shopping can help you avoid spending more than your budget allows. Rather than be caught of f guard,carefully make your shopping list and include everyone you intend to gift. Purchase one or two extra generic gifts just in case some-thing comes up. It is much easier to afford holiday giving when you can divide your budget by the number of gift recipients ratherthan having to add on gifts after the fact. Also, in the event you are left with extra gifts that were unnecessary, you can return themafter the holidays and use the money to treat yourself to something nice or donate the gift or the returned funds to someone in need.


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FLOWER GARAGE

G

ift cards are a staple of theholiday season. Often a go-to gift when other options

just do not seem to suffice,

gift cards remove the worry aboutwhether or not the item will fit orif its the right color or model. Giftcards can make ideal gifts becausethey are chosen with the recipientslikes and tastes in mind while al-lowing recipients to shop withoutspending their own money.

Todays gift cards are better thanthose of yesteryear, which typical-ly came with expiration dates andonerous fees. E-gift cards, which canbe purchased and redeemed online,are among the most convenient ofall gift cards.

Although gift cards have many posi-tive attributes, its difficult to over-look that gift cards are viewed as asafe gift lacking in originality. Butthe National Retail Federation notesthat in 2011, 57.7 percent of survey

respondents said they would preferto get a gift card that year. This ranksgift cards higher than electronics,clothing and accessories as desiredgifts. Recipients of holiday cheer

seemingly would like to pick outtheir own presents, which can easethe burden on gift-givers searchinghigh and low for the perfect gifts.

Still, giving a gift card can removesome of the excitement of unwrap-ping a mystery gift. By employinga few creative tips, gift cards can befun and unique.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Have the gift recipient work a little ina clever way for the gift. Plant cluesaround the house that will graduallylead to the hiding spot where the giftcard is stashed. Clues can include

witty poetic verses or tie into recipi-ents personal interests.

NESTING BOXES

Another way to present a gift card isto hide it inside of a box that lookslike any other gift. However, oncethe person unwraps the gift, he orshe will discover another wrappedbox inside. This prank can be re-peated over and over as many times

as desired until the gift card is un-earthed.

GIFT BASKET

A gift card can be ensconced withother trinkets and tied into a theme.For example, a gift card for a spamassage may be complementedby lotions, massage oil and a terry-cloth robe. These items can all bepackaged together in a decorativebasket to make the entire gift eye-

catching and appealing.Themed wrappingPlace the gift card inside of an itemthat epitomizes the gift. A card for

a bookstore can be nestled insideof the pages of a classic book. A giftcard to a hair salon can be attachedto the end of a hairbrush. For thosegifting to a favorite coffee shop,place the gift card inside of an empty

coffee mug.SHOPPING SAVVY

Offering a gift card as a present isentitling the recipient to a day ofshopping. Wrap the card with a re-usable shopping tote so that he orshe can carry purchases inside. Youcan monogram the bag with initialsor even decorate it. Otherwise, pur-chase a new wallet and place the giftcard inside. Wrap the wallet and en-courage the recipient to go on a spree.

SPECIAL DELIVERY

For a creative spin, work with aretailer that offers home deliveryservice. Ask to have the gift card at-tached inside of a pizza box or nes-tled in a bouquet of flowers. Whenthe recipient receives the delivery,he or she will be surprised by theadded gift.Gift cards make convenient gifts, but

they may not carry with them the pa-nache of other holiday gifts. Dress-ing up gift cards in creative ways canmake them even more appreciated.

CLEVER WAYS TO GIVE GIFT CARDS


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Few opportunities to thank teachers forall of the hard work they do presentthemselves during the course of a typi-cal school year. But a thoughtful holiday

gift is one way that students and parents can showtheir appreciation for a teachers effor ts.Its customary for students to offer teachers smalltokens of their affection, whether its during theholiday season, at the end of the school year orboth. Choosing a gift for a teacher can be chal-lenging, as the relationship between student and

teacher and/or parent and teacher is not personal,and its very possible students and parents havelittle knowledge of a teachers interests outsidethe classroom. But the following gift ideas are es-sentially universal in their appeal, making them

great gifts for the special educator in your life.* Handwritten notes from students: Rather thantrinkets that proclaim Worlds Best Teacher, stu-dents can write their own sentiments about theirteachers and present it with a gift card or anothergift that doesnt take up much space. A heartfeltnote of appreciation and gratitude can be all ittakes to put a smile on a teachers face this holidayseason.* Food: Food can be enjoyed in and around theseason. Avoid making items yourself, as some

people are particular about eating foods that werecooked in someone elses kitchen.Stick to pre-packaged food baskets, or even treatthe teacher to a meal with a gift card to a restau-rant.* Something scholarly: A gift that provides ateacher with some intellectual stimulation might

just do the trick this holiday season.For example, a set of safety goggles or a kit for do-ing in-class experiments might work well for a sci-ence teacher, while a biography or a best-sellingnovel may fit the bill for English teachers.* Gift cards Very often all of the students in a classdonate a small amount toward a gift card. Con-sider a card that is redeemable at a nearby storeor a generic cash card the teacher can use any-

where credit and debit cards are accepted.* Classroom supplies Budget constraints haveforced many teachers to supplement classroommaterials out of their own pockets. So a gift ofschool supplies or a gift certificate to an of fice-sup-ply store or teacher-supply center may be greatlyappreciated.* Catered lunch: Consult with the school principalto set aside a day when teachers can enjoy a ca-tered lunch provided by the students. Each classparent can collect funds, which can then be pooled

to host a lunch for the teachers.When gifting teachers, there are some gifts toavoid.* Trinkets and mugs: Through the years a sea-soned teacher has likely collected a fair share oftrinkets and coffee mugs. Chances are he or shedoes not need another one.* Perfume and lotion Avoid scented lotions, per-fumes and other cosmetic products, as such itemsare more personal.Overly expensive gifts Do not give a gift that isbeyond the standard range of others in the class-room, which usually falls between $10 and $20. Itcould appear as if youre buying affections for thestudent, and it could make the teacher uncomfort-able.

Great gift ideas FOR TEACHERS


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Did you know?

Gift returns are inevitablecome the holiday season.No matter how muchthought shoppers put into

gifts for their loved ones, chancesare someone is going to return oneof those gifts. Clothing may not fitor a gift might be a duplicate, while

other gifts simply dont tickle a re-cipients fancy.But returns should not be taken as apersonal slight, and men and wom-en can take steps to make the pro-cess of returning gifts a lot easier.

GIVERS

There are many ways to facilitate theprocess of exchanging gifts or mak-ing returns, including finding a giftthat is less likely to be retuned. In asurvey for the popular departmentstore Kohls, researchers found thatclothing, items for the home and

beauty and fragrance items werethe gifts most likely to be returned.So shoppers may want to avoid suchgifts this holiday season.

Another way to make returning orexchanging gifts easier is to makenote of the policies governing suchreturns and exchanges. Such poli-

cies are often posted near checkoutareas and are outlined on the backof printed receipts. Before embark-ing on a shopping trip, shoppers can

visit a retailers Web site and famil-iarize themselves with its returnpolicies. If rules are unclear, ask anemployee.Shoppers also can shop at storesthat allow consumers ample time

to return or exchanges gifts. Thisallows your loved ones to return orexchange a gift when its most con-

venient for them.Many retailers have recognizedthe advantages to having more lib-eral return policies. A recent surveyby ConsumerWorld.org identified

which retailers have made chang-es and which have maintained the

same return policies. Amazon, BestBuy, Costco, Kohls, Marshalls, andTJ Maxx were found to be the retail-ers with the most generous regularor holiday return deadlines. Choos-ing retailers with more lenient re-turn and exchange policies canmake things easier on your lovedones.Shoppers also should include a giftreceipt with gifts. This shows re-

cipients that you have their needs inmind and want to make the processof exchanging or returning a gift aseasy as possible. Without a receipt,recipients may not get the full valueof the item at its time of purchaseand only get credited with the cur-rent price of the item. Prices are of-

ten slashed in the days following theholidays.Many stores have become morestringent with their return policiesin an attempt to avoid fraud. As a re-sult, receipts are essential because

without a receipt stores cannot ver-ify purchases or issue a refund orexchange. Certain stores will allowa certain number of returns with-

out a receipt, but these are carefullyrecorded and linked to a shoppersdrivers license number. This makesit easier for retailers to monitor se-rial returners. Some retailers evenrefuse returns without receipts.

RECIPIENTS

Try to make returns during lessbusy times of the day. Long lines

at the customer service counterare commonplace in the days afterChristmas. Check the receipt forthe return deadline, and try to waitat least a week or two after the holi-day rush is over, eventually visitingthe store in the early morning orlate evening when crowds typicallyhave thinned.Returns for online purchases maybe challenging. Some retailers allow

returns at their brick-and-mortarstores, while others require con-sumers to mail back the item. Somestores will only offer store creditinstead of a cash refund or replace-ment of funds on a credit card. On-line returns may require the help ofthe person who gave you the gift.

Christmas Day has become a big day in the movie business. Many studios now release big-budget films on December 25th, and audiences haverecently flocked to the theaters to see some of their favorite stars in films that opened on Christmas Day or shortly before. According to Box Of-fice Mojo, an online movie publication and box office reporting service, no film has fared better on Christmas Day than Sherlock Holmes, whichpremiered on December 25, 2009, earning just under $25 million in its initial day onscreen. Avatar, the 2009 James Cameron film that would go onto gross $760 million in domestic receipts alone, holds the distinction of earning the second most money on Christmas Day, when it earned a littlemore than $23 million despite having already been out in the theaters one full week. The 2004 Ben Stiller film Meet the Fockers opened threedays before Christmas but still managed to earn $19.5 million on Christmas Day. A pair of 2012 films, the latest big screenadaptation of Les Mis-

erables ($18 million) and Quentin Tarantinos Django Unchained ($15 million), round out the top five highest grossing films on Christmas Day.Numerous films are slated to open on December 25, 2013, including Stillers The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,starring Chris Pine and Kevin Costner.

Gift returns done right


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When faced with a gift list a milelong and no idea what to get

certain individuals on that list,many holiday shoppers opt to give cashas a present. Cash gifts are easy, one-size-fits all and no one will request areceipt to return a cash gift. Still, somepeople are not quite sure if it is sociallyacceptable to give a gift of cash.There are many pros and cons to giv-ing cash as a gift. Once a person weighsthe advantages and the disadvantagesto giving cold hard cash as a gift, thenhe or she can decide if cash is an ideal

present or one thats best avoided.

ADVANTAGES

One of the advantages to giving cash

is it eliminates waste. Unlike giftsthat will never be used and sim-

ply take up space, cash will beused sooner or later. How of-t e n have you received a sweater

you wont wear or a trinket you wontuse? Sometimes people return thesegifts, but very often they get relegatedto a pile of belongings that will end upin the garbage or stashed in the back ofa closet. Cash eliminates this waste bygiving a person the opportunity to buyexactly what he or she wants.

Cash gifts may be ideal for older peopleto give because they have limited mo-bility and cannot get out to the store toshop for presents. And grandparentsunaware of the latest trends can givecash in a card and instruct grandchil-dren to purchase something they like.Some people overextend themselvesduring the holiday season, and a cashgift can soften the blow of holidayspending.Cash is very portable, which can makeit easier for those who travel for the hol-idays to avoid shipping costs or extrabaggage fees to take gifts on airlines.

People are inundated with a lot of stuff

already, and a cash gift might be justwhat the doctor ordered.

DISADVANTAGES

Cash gifts may be considered imper-sonal and lacking in creativity. It doesnot take much effort to stash a dollaramount inside of an envelope and pres-ent it, so gift recipients may questiontheir relationships with gift givers whogive cash.

For many people, the excitement ofthe holidays has a lot to do with see-

ing a giant pile of gifts waiting to beunwrapped. Gifting cash removes thatexcitement of presents under the tree.Although items can be purchased lateron, the immediate gratification of tear-ing through boxes and bags simply isnot there.

Some people find it awkward to receivecash because the value of the gift isright there in black and white. It putsboth people on the spot and may cre-ate some uncomfortable moments ifthe value of a cash gift does not matchup to what the cash recipient spent onthe cash giver. When gifting standardgifts, many people are unaware of what

the other spent and if the item was pur-chased on a discount. If you gift with

cash, there is no hiding the value.Another disadvantage is if a persongives cash and receives cash in return.Do the two gifts cancel each other out?What if the amounts are dif ferent? Deal-ing in cash alone can be awkward.There are ways to make giving cash alittle more acceptable. If you get cre-ative when handing over the money,this may take away from the fact thatcash does not make a very dramaticgift.

* Try pairing the cash with a wallet orpurse to make the presentation a littlemore interesting.* Send the recipient on a scavengerhunt for the money, writing clues andhiding them around the house.* Create a money tree or wreath that dis-plays the cash in an interesting way.* Fold bills into bows or tape together tomake wrapping paper for a small tokengift.* For children, roll up bills and put it intoa crayon box or pencil case.* Fill up a large box with a lot of fillerand hide the cash inside of a smaller boxtucked inside.

Are cash gifts tacky or ideal?


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The quest for the perfect gift is a familiar

journey for many holiday shoppers. Asany veteran shopper knows, some people

are easy to shop for, while others baffle eventhe savviest of shoppers. But recognizing lovedones passions and finding gifts that suit thoseinterests can make shoppers quests for the per-fect gifts that much easier.

Every person is unique, and the things that

drive one person may be foreign to another. Butnearly every family or group of friends has anathlete in their midst, and gifting the family ath-lete can be both fun and easy. The following area few gift ideas, broken down by sport, for shop-pers looking to please their favorite athletes thisholiday season.

THE WEIGHTLIFTER

Weightlifting is now embraced by people of

all shapes and sizes. This activity is often rec-ommended as an integral part of a successfulexercise regimen, so shoppers can help theirfavorite fitness fanatics make the most of their

weightlifting routines with a few gifts designedto do just that.

Weightlifting belts can help prevent injury bysupporting lifters backs as they workout. Forlifters who dont tip the scales, a dip belt makesan ideal gift. Such belts allow men and women toadd weight to their body when per forming exer-

cises like dips, pull-ups and chin-ups. That extraweight helps athletes challenge themselves andbuild strength and muscle.

Workout gloves also make great gifts forweightlifters, helping to protect their handsfrom developing potentially painful and unsight-ly calluses that often result from weightlifting.

A new gym bag is another potential gift forthe family weightlifter. Such bags make it moreconvenient for athletes to carry their acces-sories, such as belts, gloves, athletic shoes, oreven tablets to use while on the treadmill or el-liptical machines.

THE BALLPLAYER

Whether shoppers favorite ballplayers arestill taking cuts at fastballs or have moved onto slow-pitch softball, these players will appre-ciate gifts they can put to good use on the dia-mond. Softball bats can be quite expensive, butthe right bat can make a big difference in thebatters box. Additional equipment shopperscan consider is a new mitt, a sleek pair of sun-glasses to make watching for flyballs that mucheasier or batting gloves to lessen the bit of chillyair many hitters are aware of come early spring

when the last of the winter weather just wont

go away.

THE MARTIAL ARTIST

Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest grow-ing sports in the world. Thanks in large part toits increasingly strong presence on television,mixed martial arts has inspired athletes acrossthe globe to embrace various forms of martialarts training, and gift options abound for suchathletes. Belts, mats and striking pads can helpathletes hone their skills both in the gym and athome, while instructional DVDs can help novicemartial arts enthusiasts practice before findingmartial ar ts facilities in their neighborhoods.

THE YOGI

Though its status as a sport is open to debate,yoga can be just as strenuous and physicallydemanding as more traditional physical activi-

ties. Yoga serves many purposes, and more andmore athletes have begun to embrace yoga toimprove their flexibility, balance and strength.

While yoga does not require much in the wayof supplies, yoga enthusiasts do need yoga matsand clothing that allows them to perform the

various poses a typical yoga session demands.Holiday shoppers may even want to buy the

athletes on their lists a few sessions at theirnearby yoga studios in an effort to supplementtheir existing workouts. Many who try yoga of-ten find it has a positive effect on their normal

workout routines, so even if your favorite ath-lete has never tried yoga, he or she might findits just the thing to take his or her workout tothe next level.

Many athletes feel yoga is a great way to improve

their flexibility and strength. Holiday shoppers

looking for the right gift for the athletes on their

lists may want to consider giving a new yoga

mat or a few sessions at their loved ones nearby

yoga studio.

Gift ideasFOR THE ATHLETE IN YOUR LIFE

Did you know?According to the American Bankers Association, many merchants view debit card purchases in the same light that they do purchases madewith cash or personal checks. Thats an important distinction for holiday shoppers to consider before making purchases, as any items boughton their debit cards may only be worthy of store credit instead of a full refund should such items need to be returned. Shoppers buying gifts forfriends and family members should understand that, even if they remember to include gift receipts when wrapping gifts, those items may onlybe eligible for store credit if purchased with a debit card. When buying items with credit cards, consumers can withhold payment if they are notsatisfied with the product. No such option exists when using debit cards. In addition to more restrictive return policies, shoppers who use debitcards may incur debit transaction fees, This means they are charged each time they use their debit cards, or such fees may be triggeredwhenusers use their card too often. Debit card users can check the agreement signed when they opened their accounts to determine if they will besubjected to debit transaction fees. Holidays shoppers whose purchases are subject to such fees may want to avoid using their debit cards dur-ing the holiday season.


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Thanks to sales featuring heavily discounted

items, millions of people wait to start theirholiday shopping until the season hits fullswing. But in spite of such bargains, overextend-ing budgets during the holiday season is tootempting for many shoppers to resist. However,shoppers need not risk financial peril if they shopsmartly and heed some dos and donts of holidayshopping.* Do set a budget. Establish what you can afford tospend on gifts and other seasonal trimmings earlyon. The National Retail Federation estimates that the

average consumer will spend around $700 come theholiday season. But not every person needs to be abig spender. The buy now, pay later mentality thatcredit cards offer lands many shoppers in trouble, asticky situation many only notice once the first billcomes due. If you cannot afford to pay your entirecredit card balance off once the bill arrives, you facesteep interest charges that can quickly add up. In-stead, pick a set spending limit and keep to it no mat-ter how tempting it may seem to overspend with acredit card.* Dont be fooled by false sales. Retailers understand

that a good advertised deal lures shoppers into theirstores. As a result, some retailers mark up the cost ofcertain items in order to slash the prices for holiday

sales. Even if you are saving the assumed 50 to 60

percent, the final cost of the item still may be higherthan normal. Comparison shop and do your researchso you dont fall victim to clever pricing.* Do schedule time for shopping. Hectic schedulessometimes result in last-minute shopping that leadsto impulse purchases. Schedule some distraction-free time for your holiday shopping so youre lesslikely to rush into purchases before thinking themthrough.* Dont double buy. Some shoppers use the holi-days as an excuse to buy more for themselves thanthe people on their lists. While its tempting to treat

yourself come the holiday season, this is a great andquick way to deplete your budget. If you plan on us-ing holiday deals to supplement your own wardrobeor household needs, reduce your spending the restof the year and save money for year-end purchases.* Do collect coupons and look for purchasing incen-tives. Comparison shopping not only helps you getthe best price, but also it can shed light on coupons,shipping discounts and other incentives that lowerthe overall cost of products. Search online for Websites that publish coupons and codes for online dis-counts, including free shipping. Join a stores mar-keting list and receive emails with deals sent directlyto your inbox.* Dont be afraid to delay some purchases if need

be. If hosting a

p o s t -h o l i d aygathering wheregifts will be ex-changed, itsperfectly ac-ceptable to de-lay buying thosegifts until afterChristmas orChanukah, whenmany items canbe found at even

lower prices.-Many storesreduce prices onmerchandise comeDecember 26, soyou can wait until after the holidays to shop for itemsthat will be exchanged with distant friends and rela-tives. This enables you to save more money and useany received gift cards toward shopping.* Do keep a level head. Some people forget the truemeaning of the season is spending time with lovedones. Getting swept away by shopping and worryingabout deadlines can make the season less enjoyable.Dont allow the stress of holiday shopping to com-promise an otherwise joyous time of year.

EstateSilentAuction

The HolidaysThe HolidaysCarbon County Arts Guild446-1370

5thAnnualHolidayBazaar

Santavisits the GuildDec 21, 2-4pm

MiniatureExhibit

ChristmasStrollOpenHouse, Dec 6&7, 4-8pm

connues now through the end of November

connues now through the end of December

opens Dec 1stand connues through January

Free Admission

Open Monday-Saturday, 10

-5 & Sunday, 12

-5

Find us at 11 West 8th Street, Red Lodge

www.carboncountydepotgallery.org

Dos and donts of holiday shopping


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Online shopping saves shoppers the troubleof waiting in long lines while of fering theconvenience of around-the-clock hours.

With a few clicks of the keyboard or scrolls on a

tablet, shoppers can typically find just about anyproduct or service they desire.But additional fees and service charges that

can quickly accumulate also are a part of onlineshopping. However, shoppers can mitigate suchcosts by identifying potential fees and learninghow to keep them manageable.

SHIPPINGShipping costs are a burden to online shop-

pers. Even when prices are low, shipping costscan offset those savings, especially for last-

minute shoppers forced to select overnight ortwo-day shipping.Before completing checkout, check the

estimated shipping costs to determine what thefinal cost will be. Avoid retailers who chargehigh fees or limit your shipping options. Watchfor specials that advertise free shipping, andstick with retailers that offer free or reducedshipping on particular days or times, then dothe bulk of your shopping during those dis-counted periods.

Some retailers offer free shipping to a storelocation. This affords consumers the conve-nience of shopping online without the addedcost of having merchandise delivered to yourhome.

POOR RETURN POLICYBefore buying any items online, familiarize

yourself with the return and exchange policiesof the retailer. Although many sites post sizingcharts and dimensions for furniture and otherproducts, sizing mistakes can be made, and youmay be responsible for the shipping costs whenreturning or exchanging items. Shop with retail-ers who have lenient return policies, includingaccepting exchanges or returns at area stores.Otherwise, rely on companies that include returnlabels and take care of the cost of exchanges.

RESTOCKING FEESRead the fine print when shopping online.

Although rare, some retailers charge a restockingfee for returned items, particularly electronics. This

fee may be 5 to 20 percent of the purchase price.

IDENTITY THEFTThe potential for identity theft is another con-

cern when shopping online. Reputable retailersemploy security measures to safeguard shopperspersonal information. Encrypted data, identifiableby a locked icon on the check-out page, protectsbilling information from hackers. Although nosystem is entirely impenetrable, encrypted sitesare generally safe.

Never enter personal information unless a siteis encrypted. It will cost you time and maybe evenmoney to refute fraudulent purchases, and suchissues may negatively affect your credit rating,even when theyre not your fault.

INTERNATIONAL FEESShopping online puts you in touch with global

retailers. Purchasing from around the world maybe easy, but navigating currency exchanges andother fees can be difficult.

International sites may list the prices of itemsat their currency rate, so what seems like a gooddeal may be anything but. Whats more, someshoppers may incur duty fees when acceptingitems from other countries, particularly if the

value of the product is high.The Internet may be a good place to buy items

at attractive prices from the convenience of home.However, shoppers should be aware of any hid-den charges that can offset the benefits of shop-ping online.

AVOIDTHEHIDDENCOSTSOFONLINESHOPPING

Hidden fees can offset the benefits of shopping

online.


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HappyHolidays

Call Vivian at 855-7040or email: [email protected]

Wreaths, 22 inch $75.00

Door swags, 30 in $75.00

table centerpieces,24 inch $50.00

Window boxes,

any size $25.00 per ft.Hangers or lights may be

added at $15.00 each

Brighten your home or business with fresh evergreenholiday decor, made to order and delivered!

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Free delivery in Red Lodge& within five miles!

Treat Yourself or Send as a Gift gift card included.

PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY!

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Great giftsFOR MUSIC FANS

Music remains an art form that evokes strong emotions and holds a specialplace in many a listeners heart. The nearly universal appeal of music makes it agreat gift come the holiday season, when shoppers may not always know what

to buy a loved one. The following are a few gift ideas that are sure to have yourfavorite music fan singing your praises this holiday season.

CONCERT TICKETS: Perhaps no gift makes music fans hearts race morethan tickets to see their favorite musicians perform. Your loved one probablyhas a favorite artist or someone he or she has long desired to see live. Look intothat performers tour dates to see if they are playing your area anytime soon. Iftheyre playing just before the holiday season, dont hesitate to give this gift alittle early. The same approach should be taken if an artist will be in town withina day or two of Christmas or Chanukah. Giving the tickets early enables yourloved one the chance to clear his or her schedule.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Its never too early or too late to learn how to playa new instrument. Shoppers whose loved ones love a good rock-and-roll riffmight find guitars make a great holiday gift, while those who cant stop playingair drums should enjoy finding a real drum set come the holidays. When buy-ing guitars, shoppers should learn which hand their loved ones favor.

MUSIC LESSONS: Lessons are the next logical step once a music fan hasthe instruments to work with. But even those without an instrument of theirown can benefit from music lessons. For example, music lovers who want tolearn piano can make use of lessons even if they dont have their own pianos athome. Lessons can be a great way for music lovers to gauge their skill levelsbefore buying an expensive instrument. In addition, lessons can turn music

lovers on to new instruments or new types of music they may never have con-sidered previously.SOUND SYSTEM:Advancements in technology have proven to be music to

music lovers ears. Music fans can now take advantage of crisp sound systemsthat make music that much more enjoyable. Sound systems come in manyshapes and sizes, and they can vary significantly in regard to price. When pur-chasing a sound system as a holiday gift, look for one thats compatible with

your loved ones existing components, such as a television or music player.STREAMING SERVICE MEMBERSHIP: Unlike the days when music fans had

to wait for local deejays to play their favorite songs on the radio, todays musicfans can essentially create their own radio stations on their computers and even

on their phones. Shoppers can buy their favorite music fans subscriptions tostreaming services, such as Pandora or Spotify, and listeners can then tailortheir own stations to include their favorite genres, ar tists or individual songs.


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