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Holiday Shopping Without the Runaround

Jennifer — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:11:15 +0000

Holiday Shopping Without the Runaround

Last year your family wanted a Nintendo Wii, Ugg Boots, and Guitar Hero III. This year it will be the Elmo Live doll, silver Converse shoes, and anything related to Disney’s High School Musical. Why is it they always want the most popular products, sending you scurrying from store to store only to find them sold out?

Reports suggest that shopping may be even more difficult this year, with cautious retailers reducing inventory levels to all-time lows. Online retailers may provide some relief, but only with additional shipping costs and the risk that it may not show up in time. Is there an easier way to shop locally?

NearbyNow thinks so. This new online service allows you to browse local stores for hot products, and even put them on hold in the desired size and color with just a few clicks. Just go to www.nearbynow.com and select one of 600 plus shopping areas, choose your product, and a NearbyNow concierge will call and reserve the item for you. Best of all, the service is absolutely free.

“Online shopping is convenient, but shipping and return costs add up fast,” said Scott Dunlap, CEO and Co-Founder of NearbyNow, Inc. “We knew there had to be a way to combine the best of both worlds. Search online, then let us find it close to you to pick up right away. It’s cheaper, convenient and better for the environment.”

Experts are reporting online or discount retail shopping may be at an all-time high this year. According to a TNS Retail Forward survey, 75 percent of consumers are consciously saving on gas by planning errands differently. Included in those figures are 55 percent of consumers looking to shop closer to either home or work and 26 percent using the Internet to check off their holiday gift lists.

NearbyNow not only allows you to find a specific item, but also to search generically, say for children’s toys or what’s new in cashmere sweaters. Once you instruct NearbyNow to find you an item, the concierge service will send you an e-mail or text message letting you know what store has it, if there is a sale price, and even the name of the salesperson to ask for when you pick it up. You could even potentially receive related sale coupons or specials for nearby stores exclusive only to NearbyNow.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Survival Shopping Tips for the Day after Christmas

Jennifer — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:13:58 +0000

You might still be stuffed from the Christmas turkey or ham, but any serious shopper worth her or his salt knows that the day after Christmas is to shopping what the checkered flag is to car racers - the sign that you have arrived at the sale of the year. Of course, shopping on this day is usually done by hard-core shop-a-holics or those who are looking for any and every avenue to escape their families on this day, although the latter will usually congregate at the local watering hole.

Knowing that you will have stiff competition from other serious bargain hunters, you will need to know these five survival-shopping tips for the day after Christmas.

Understand the reasoning behind these sales. Retailers do not want seasonal items to take up valuable space on their shelves, especially with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. In addition to the foregoing, some retailers have overstock they are trying to shed rather than sending it back to the manufacturers, and they are willing to compromise on the price just to make some profit on the item rather than sending it back to the factory to receive a credit of the cost only. Add to this a store manager’s worry that certain non-season specific items, perhaps such as electronics, were originally ordered with the idea of making great Christmas gifts, but if many are left over, they will be outdated as soon as the next wave of product will hit his or her shelves. Unable to return them - in some cases - and unable to sell them as Christmas bargains, these items will make hot sellers the day after Christmas, when the store manager has a shining opportunity to get rid of these boat anchors.

Clearance items are found everywhere in the store. Not just overstock anymore, the clearance items show that the store is anticipating the next wave of products to come in and shelf space is at a premium. If you do not think you will need or want the latest bells and whistles of a product, then this is a great time to find a bargain.

Get to the store early, really, really early! As a matter of fact, be there an hour or two before the store opens and be prepared to stand in line. Bargain hunters do not mind waiting in line, and if you want to get your hands on some incredible electronics deals, you do need to make this sacrifice.

Some of the best deals out there are not necessarily on the high ticket items, but on the small odds and ends that nickel and dime you throughout the year. For example, if you can find little items - heavily discounted - that would make great wedding, birthday, or other occasion presents, go ahead and purchase them! Wrapping paper should be a steal on this day, and you will be able to get non-specific paper and bows for a fraction of the price.

One overlooked item is food. After all, some manufacturers get in the swing of things by baking Christmas cookies, snowflake shaped crackers, and other food items that are heavily themed. After Christmas, you will be able to purchase them for a song, and it is highly unlikely that you will taste any difference in a snowflake cracker or a regular round one.

So go ahead and make the day after Christmas your personal bargain day. Get there early, stay in the action, and do not wait a couple of days because then the best deals will already have been snapped up and the inventory will be sorely picked over.

Choosing the Right Holiday Toys for the Little Learners in Your Life

Jennifer — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:45:50 +0000

(ARA) – Babies are virtual learning machines. Research shows that even the smallest newborns spend every waking moment learning. And they learn best through play with age-appropriate toys and loving interaction with their caregivers.

“It’s important to focus on ways to nurture babies’ changing needs through the multiple stages of their development,” says Ryan Gunnigle, president and CEO of Kids II, Inc., an infant and toddler toy and baby gear company. “Parents often look to get some help from toys to keep their babies engaged. Products that adapt as babies grow and their sense of play evolves are the ones to seek out for both versatility and value.”

So, this holiday, what type of toy and play is best for the baby in your life? Recent research by Kids II sheds some light on how to help babies play through multiple phases of development.

Newborns

Newborn babies spend a lot of floor time lying on their backs. Because of this stationary position, it is important to engage baby in visual and auditory stimulation. To do this, place toys and other stimulating objects hanging overhead whether from a play gym’s bar or a bouncer seat’s toy bar. Products that have dancing lights that help develop eye tracking or long-playing melodies tend to provide the best stimulation at this stage.

Tummy Time

Doctors recommend tummy time two to three times a day to help babies develop strength, balance and coordination. Research reveals that keeping more toys and activities around baby while he is on his tummy helps keep him engaged in play longer. Three-dimensional surface features found on some play mats, such as crinkle and textured flaps, provide baby with additional tactile stimulation. Once baby moves past tummy time, he will become even more curious of the world around him and will crave more movement.

Active Discovery

Between about four and six months, babies are at the active discovery stage — between lying and sitting up. Parents may find babies are less interested in standard gyms at this stage because they tend to roll away from the gym once they are able to move on their own. Kids II research has shown that adults often find themselves continually standing near babies as they play in these traditional gyms – constantly repositioning them under the toy bars. Infant play environments like the Bright Starts Baby’s PlayPlace help babies develop through play by keeping them totally engaged in the fun, using soft fold-up walls accompanied by adjustable toy bars and stimulating toys to help ensure babies stay focused on the fun and don’t roll away.

Crawling

At this stage of development, baby is ready and rearing to go. Flexible infant play environments, such as Baby’s PlayPlace can actually grow with baby as it is easily converted into an extra-long, soft tunnel. Toys hanging from toy bars and sides panels provide fun interaction as baby crawls through, encouraging crawling and exploration. Preventing injury is important, so try to choose toys that also offer protective elements.

Active Play

Once babies can fully sit up, they require 360 degrees of stimulation, Kids II research indicates. Toys and play environments that are versatile are ideal for this stage of baby’s development because they provide constant stimulation for baby even when he is actively discovering his surroundings. Babies need extra space to give them room for playtime and stimulation now that they are moving around, so choosing products that can expand and cover large floor areas providing a soft place for play are ideal.

For additional information on Baby’s PlayPlace and other developmentally appropriate toys and products for infants and toddlers, visit www.brightstarts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Savvy Online Shopping Secrets to Help You Save During the Holidays

Jennifer — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:04:34 +0000

More people than ever before will buy gifts online this holiday season, retail experts predict. In fact, online shopping rose 20 percent last year to a total of $211.4 billion, according to a Shop.org study, and the trend shows no signs of abating. So how do you make the most of your online shopping dollars?

“Online shopping is a popular and convenient way to lessen the stress of the holidays,” says Stephanie Nelson, the Coupon Mom. “Not only can you save time and energy, but with a little savvy shopping, you can also find some great deals.”

Whether you’re merely looking for stocking stuffers or planning to check off your entire gift list, Nelson offers the following advice for online shoppers:

* Have your online coupons ready and waiting. As you begin perusing your favorite retailers’ websites for the perfect gifts, sign up for their e-newsletters and begin receiving special holiday offerings in your inbox. Major brands often offer special deals such as if you spend $100.00 you receive an immediate 15 percent discount. That way, if you buy the majority of your gifts at one place, you save money for doing so. Be sure and save these offerings in a special folder or print them out so you have them on hand when you reach the online check-out line.

* Ensure gifts arrive before the holidays. “Most online retailers clearly explain their shipping times and policies, so you’ll know your deadline for ordering,” Nelson says. Enhance your chances for the gift to arrive on time by having items shipped directly to the recipients. Many sites offer gift packaging and the ability to include a note with your shipment.

* Make your dollars work for you – in the form of cash rewards that can be applied to student loans or a 529 college fund. Log on to Upromise.com and search more than 550 online retailers, including top sites such as eBay and Target.com, as well as retail giants like Apple, Best Buy, Red Envelope, and Pottery Barn. When you spend with participating Upromise retailers, the companies give back a portion (up to 25 percent) of your spending in college saving rewards. You can even link your Upromise account directly to your child’s 529, so that available funds conveniently go directly into their college savings account. What’s more, you can invite friends and family to join in by registering for their own Upromise account and designating their spending to benefit your child’s college fund.

* Don’t forget about price guarantee policies, which are detailed on each retailer’s site. If your item’s price goes down after your purchase, which is very likely after the holidays are over, you may be entitled to a refund. A site that make it easy to get refunds is www.priceprotectr.com.

To learn more about Upromise, visit www.upromise.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Making The Mad Dash For The Last Minute Gifts

Jennifer — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:51:57 +0000

How fun it must be for retail sales associates and customer service representatives during holiday seasons as they observe “the running of the frenzied shoppers” scrambling about for last minute gifts. In the past, it has been mainly men who wait until the eleventh hour to choose a meaningful gift for their significant other or spouse. As it turns out, women can be just as bad (or good) at throwing together a present for a birthday party or a bridal shower that begins in thirty minutes.

Are you prone to gift giving procrastination? Should your name be synonymous with last minute gifts? Do holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries always seem to get the best of you, no matter how much you try to plan ahead? You can avoid the stress and judging stares of the sales associates by cheating during the off season.

A Few Mad Dash Ideas

Perhaps you are just so strapped at work and around the house that you simply cannot make a trip to the mall. What do you do? Before you haphazardly scribble out another check to be crammed in a random greeting card from the corner store, breathe in deeply. It is a good idea to stock pile on gift basket essentials like coffee mugs, baskets, trinket boxes, bags of imported coffee, trial size lotions and bath gels, and even small picture frames.

See a nice bottle of wine on sale? If you are able, grab one for yourself and a few more for easy last minute gifts. Keep everything together so you will be able to find all the ingredients you need to make a charming gift basket without anyone knowing the wiser. And instead of buying several different greetings cards for each possible occasion, pick out blank note cards or stationary and fill in a heartfelt message yourself.

Gift cards also make excellent last minute gifts, and can easily conceal your true identity as a procrastinator. Are you not exactly sure which store to purchase a gift card from? Visa and American Express now have gift cards with their logo that can be used anywhere, to buy anything. They can be purchased through most banks, as well as in drug stores and department stores. Grocery stores are helping out last minute gift givers with an assortment of gift cards in set amounts near the check-out registers. Pick up a gallon of milk and a gift card to Blockbuster for your brother.

Shop Like a Pro This Holiday Season

Jennifer — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 04:14:09 +0000

(ARA) – Wish you had your own personal shopper this holiday season? Take the guess work out of gift giving with suggestions from Hillary Mendelsohn, noted shopping authority and author of “The Purple Book.”

“The holidays can put a lot of pressure on people to find the perfect gift,” says Mendelsohn, who is working with Office Depot to help simplify holiday shopping. “Gift giving doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, a thoughtful token can go a long way in spreading holiday cheer, particularly if it’s a themed gift that fits the recipients’ personality or interests.”

Consider these categorized shopping suggestions, all of which can be found at Office Depot:

* The Family Historian: Almost every family has an amateur photographer who loves to record events and get-togethers. The Canon Digital Rebel SLR XT and the Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam are two great gift options. Then help them bring these images to life with the HP Photosmart A826 Compact Photo Printer or the11-inch Ativa Digital Photo Frame, one of the largest digital photo frames available today.

* The Entertainment Buff: Do you have a friend or family member whose home DVD library is larger than the local video store? Why not give them the freedom to bring their passion on the road with the Memorex 10.2-inch Portable Widescreen DVD Player. Or for those couch potatoes, try a high-performance TV in a slim design like the Sharp 37-inch LCD HDTV.

* The Professional: Busy business professionals are always looking for ways to get the most out of the day, so why not give them the tools they need to maximize their time. Ensure they get to that important meeting safe and on time with the Navigon 5100 Navigation System, which has 3-D maps of both the United States and Canada along with over 5 million points of interest, including Zagat reviews and recommendations. And make sure they arrive in style with the Foray line of business cases which are the perfect blend of organization and fashion.

* The Gadget Guru: Looking for the latest technology gadget this holiday season? The dual speaker MOTOROKR S9 Bluetooth Headphones allow users to listen to iPods wirelessly via the included iPod adapter, or through a Bluetooth capable mobile phone. For the business professional more interested in staying in touch with the office than listening to their tunes, the Ativa line of Bluetooth Headsets from Office Depot provide premium sound and come with two chargers for the home and car.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Seeking Safer Toys? ‘Buy American’ is Back in Vogue

Jennifer — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:54:58 +0000

Parents looking to fill their children’s holiday wish lists have more on their minds this year than whether Johnny was naughty or Susie was nice. This year, parents are plagued by recalls of some of the season’s most-sought-after toys by big-name manufacturers.

The recent recalls of Chinese-manufactured toys have given a whole new life to the concept “buy American.”

“Buying toys and other goods made in America has always been a patriotic thing to do, something that supported the domestic economy,” says Glenda Lehman-Ervin, mother of two and a principal of Lehman’s, an old-time general store located in Kidron, Ohio. “Now, it feels like a question of safety, as well.”

But the good news is, there are American-made alternatives, toys that offer imagination-building activity and old-fashioned fun – without the contamination risks that have come to be associated with some foreign-made toys. “A lot of these toys are low-tech, interactive toys that really engage a child’s imagination,” Lehman-Ervin says. “And they are manufactured domestically, many by hand, making them not just toys but a piece of American heritage as well.”

Looking to fill your child’s Christmas dreams with American-made products this year? Here are some options:

* Classic rag dolls – “What toy is more American than a hand-made rag doll?” Lehman-Ervin says. Illustrator and author Johnny Gruelle created the most famous rag doll, Raggedy Ann, for his daughter in 1915, and Raggedy Ann’s brother, Andy, came along in 1918. Mothers have handstitched the dolls for decades, and mass marketing of the characters hasn’t changed the fact that the most popular versions are still handmade. Lehman’s offers Ann and Andy rag dolls that are still handmade by a real mother, who stitches them the old-fashioned way.

* Wood is welcome – From yo-yos to train whistles, some of the best-loved American-made toys are made from wood. It’s possible to find wooden toys at virtually every price point that are appropriate for different age groups. Pick-up sticks, a simple, classic puzzle game can be had in an American-made version for just $9.95. Wooden whistles cost even less, while Amish-made toy trains and wood and metal wagons range higher.

* Moving American-style – The bicycle may have been invented abroad, but American kids cemented the bike’s position as a classic toy in the 1950s and ‘60s. Bikes today are a multi-million-dollar industry, with some top line names being designed and built overseas. But it is still possible to find bikes and tricycles made domestically. Check out www.lehmans.com for “The Best Tricycle Ever.”

* Metal means fun – From Slinkies to devilishly simple-seeming puzzle games, metal toys have a long tradition as favorites in Christmas stockings. While modern Slinkies are made from plastic, a limited collectors’ edition metal Slinky is still made. And, ironically, many so-called Chinese puzzles – in which a child has to unlock intricately interwoven metal pieces – are actually made in the Unites States.

For more made in America toy ideas, visit www.lehmans.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Ten Ways to Keep Your Holiday Shopping Spirits Bright

Jennifer — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:48:56 +0000

Ah, the holidays: the joy, the snow, the rush … the frustration, the crowds, the bad-tempers, the rudeness! ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but how do you survive the holiday shopping season while keeping your spirits bright at the same time?

Peggy Post, author of “Emily Post’s Etiquette” and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM’s etiquette expert offers 10 ideas:

1. Smile, Smile, Smile — You can’t do it enough. Your face — and your soul — will thank you for it.

2. Lose the ‘Bah Humbug!’ attitude. Yes, it will be crowded and there will be lines, but don’t let that dampen the season’s joie de vivre.

3. “Please, Thank You and You’re Welcome.” Make this your mantra and you will smooth the way for better service and create a kinder, gentler atmosphere all around.

4. Be Gracious. You have circled the lot for the fifth time when you spy a space, only to see that someone else is already waiting for it. Be gracious. It’s the right thing to do.

5. A Little Patience, Please. Whether it’s the checkout counter or airline counter, the rules are the same: first come, first served, one at a time.

6. Friendliness. Say “hello” to the harried clerk behind the counter and don’t forget to smile. It will make a difference in her attitude and could be the best part of her day!

7. Complain to the Proper Person. Yelling at a salesclerk because a store is out of an advertised item only makes you look foolish and rude. Ask to speak to the manager. Frame your complaint clearly and simply and no venting, please.

8. Cell Phones: They’re useful when trying to find out your Aunt Mary’s glove size, but turn them off when you are working with a sales clerk or checking out at a register.

9. Shopping with Children: Don’t! It’s best to arrange to leave your children home when it comes to holiday shopping. If they must accompany you, make sure they are well-rested and fed, and bring along some small toy to keep their attention.

10. Don’t Forget the Lights — traffic lights, that is! People are distracted this time of year. Stop at the red lights and use your turn signals to alert other harried, distracted shoppers.

Of course, you can always join the ever-growing number of consumers who are avoiding the crowds, are cozying up at their computers and shopping online. Best of all, you can still convey thoughtfulness with each gift. Sites such as 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, for instance, offer gifts that have a real personal touch.

“Flowers will convey your deepest emotion every time,” says Julie Mulligan, floral designer for 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. Julie’s Glorious Bloom arrangement, for example, will show how much you care, while taking some of the pain out of holiday shopping at the mall. Make this truly a season to be jolly and take the stress out of shopping.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Unusual Gifts Are Stalwart Of Holidays

Jennifer — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:14:13 +0000

When it comes to gift giving imagination plays a major role as people many times go out of their way to find unusual gifts so they can be remembered. Many will shun tradition when they have to buy a present for someone and look for that one item that will stand out in the recipient’s memory.

There is no shortage of ideas for unusual gifts such as a pair or arms and hands, stuffed with cloth, to give the person a hug. Typically made of cotton with hand held together with Velcro fasteners, they can be placed around a person’s neck to serve as pillow while providing a tender hug, just from you.

For the person who works in an office and has their own workspace there is the “Pimp my cubicle” kit consisting of gold plated push pins, a paperweight shaped like a dollar sign and other humorous items to make their office cubicle unique. For the ladies on your list, other unusual gifts include the Victoria’s Rejects catalogue of unavailable items for those who are rapidly approaching middle age.

Unique Gifts To Keep Them Busy

Keeping with timely trends, unusual gifts can also give people something to do while they are waiting. For example, the roll of Sudoku toilet paper has a different Sudoku number puzzle on each sheet to be worked while they sit around. You might also include a pencil on a string so they can keep it close by to work on the puzzles.

To be truly memorable, unusual gifts should be those the person has not seen prior to opening your package. From children, gift certificates can work as unusual gifts, specifying a willingness to perform certain chores parents may have difficulty getting them to do on a regular basis. Such as washing dishes, helping cook supper or vacuuming the house, the coupons can be computer generated and placed in an envelope as a gift.

T-shirts often make some of the most unusual gifts with personalized saying on them such as “If my (name of dog breed here) doesn’t like I won’t either” can make taunting gift to someone who owns that breed of dog. Cat sayings are also popular as unusual gifts as are those depicting other animals.

Personalized items also make unusual gifts such as a person who makes their own wine, or other drink, you can have labels printed with their name along with the fun name of a fake company like Willy’s Wine, for instance, for them to place on their bottles.

Printable Christmas Cards Part Of Mainstream Holidays

Jennifer — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 21:11:06 +0000

Every since computers and printers became part of almost every family’s life, printable Christmas cards have become more acceptable. When they were first available, some thought them cheap ways out of supplying cards, but as personal messages were added they began to gain acceptance.

There are numerous websites that offer free and not so free card templates to print on your home computer, most having the ability to personalize them prior to printing. While several types of free printable Christmas cards are available, remember that you get what you pay for in the terms of quality. Think of being in the store and comparing a forty-nine cent card with a $5.00 card and the difference you can see in design and message. Of course, if you are writing you own message, that becomes a moot point.

There are computer programs available for your home computer that allows you to design printable Christmas cards and print them out an mail them in envelopes usually included with the program. The paper that comes with the program is usually scored and ready to fold to fit into the envelope. The problem arises when you run out of the initial supplies. While greeting card paper is readily available through a variety of sources, the envelopes can be tricky to find.

Make Children’s Craft Out Of Card Maker

To get the children more involved in the whole greeting card exercise, you can print the printable Christmas cards in coloring book format, that is without color and have them color them with crayons before mailing them out to relatives and close friends. The personal touch of a child’s card is sure to bring a smile to the grandparents’ faces.

This will also make the children feel more involved by decorating printable Christmas cards than having their parents buy a card and mail it for them. They can also learn the importance of adding a person note or personal tough when offering someone a greeting, even for holidays other than Christmas.

Many times when you buy a new printer the company will include bonus packages of software such as a greeting card maker that will provide printable Christmas cards that you can use from your home system. These bonus buys usually include the greeting card program along with card paper and envelopes. Be sure to print your first few cards on plain paper to make sure you have everything set up correctly before using the more expensive greeting card paper.