(ARA) – What is the hottest holiday gift-giving trend this season? It’s all about getting the most bang for your buck.

“Shopping for the holidays this year is all about finding value and stretching your dollar to get the most out of your purchases,” says Steve Kemble, ‘America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru’ and General Growth Properties (GGP) gift-giving expert. “Knowing the secrets to finding the best deals and creating a successful shopping strategy will get you the most value as you shop for family and friends this holiday season.”

To help make your holiday shopping experience a success, Kemble offers his top tips for a foolproof holiday shopping plan:

Tip 1: Subscribe to your local mall’s e-mail list:
Be the first to find out about the hottest deals by joining the e-mail list of your local mall. By adding yourself to these lists, you may be alerted of upcoming sales, or even receive special coupons or invitations to shopping events or promotions. Visit www.MerryGiving.com to find your local GGP mall Web site and register to receive exclusive news, retail offers and much more.

Tip 2: Buy early and late
Be a savvy shopper and buy gifts throughout the year when you find a good sale. By planning ahead and crossing some items off your list before the holidays, you can avoid feeling pressured into last-minute purchases and find a few gifts during late-season sales when some stores offer deeper discounts.

Tip 3: Buy last year’s model
Skip the lines and the steep prices by buying last year’s models on electronics that have likely seen up to 30 percent price cuts. Today’s cutting-edge technological advancements in Mp3 players and digital cameras don’t come cheap, so carefully consider the added value they offer. Do your research and find out if those extra pixels or special features are essential for the person you are shopping for. If you pay close attention, you may find that last year’s model does 95 percent of the things that this year’s model does, but at 70 percent of the price.

Tip 4: Comparison shop
Being organized is crucial to developing a successful holiday shopping strategy. Start a list of items you need to purchase and watch for ads in the newspaper, on television, and in your mall subscription alerts starting in early November. Then make your purchases wherever you find the best deals or most compelling promotions. For example, participating GGP malls all over the country are offering special retail offers on Thanksgiving weekend, including $10 GGP Gift Cards with qualifying purchases, and free holiday “Mistle-Tote” giveaways full of retailer goodies, while supplies last. Check out www.MerryGiving.com for more event information.

Tip 5: Find value in the season’s hottest gifts
Finally, once you have planned the perfect the holiday shopping strategy, keep your eyes open for these hot holiday gifts that can offer great value. Eco-chic is in now more than ever, and many gifts put a hip spin on being environmentally friendly by using renewable materials that are both functional and eco-responsible. For the techie on your list, smart phones are the do-it-all tool that keeps families connected with each other and the rest of the world. The latest smart phone technology is more affordable than ever – even free with a new contract or group plan – and available across a variety of carriers. Finally, for your fashionista friend, remember that high fashion doesn’t necessarily have to come with a high price tag. Give big, bold accessories that make a stylish statement without breaking the bank.

To find more ways to get the most value out of the holidays log on to www.MerryGiving.com where you can explore details of exclusive shopping events, retailer sales, and a special partnership with Martha Stewart Living magazine, all taking place at participating GGP malls across the country.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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The Blenderblaster

(NC)—Looking for a gift for the man (or men) in your life? Something on this shopping list from Homebasics (www.homebasics.ca) is sure to tickle his fancy.

If he hates to miss a game, the Slingbox SOLO gets him off the couch and lets him watch TV anywhere in the world – say, Singapore, or the backyard lounger – by streaming to his Internet connected laptop or mobile phone from your home digital cable, satellite receiver, DVR or DVD player. www.slingmedia.com

Now, he can talk and walk at the same time with the award-winning Jawbone Bluetooth headset with Noise Shield – not only does it eliminate virtually all background noises from his call, but as his background changes, it also seamlessly adjusts
the speaker so you can hear your
loved one’s voice better. www.jawbone.com

No more excuses for a vinyl collection that’s gathering dust in sorry old milk crates. The Ion LP-to-MP3 Converter transforms the music of his youth into MP3 format, so he can actually listen to it. There’s also a version that converts cassettes. Give him this gift with one condition: you get to hold the mother of all garage sales when he’s finished uploading his gems. www.ion-audio.com

How about a gas-powered blender to put more fun into cocktail hour on the deck? The Blenderblaster features cool retro designs, outrageous colours and vivid graphics, and whips up a margarita, smoothie or frozen drink in seconds. www.blenderblaster.com

How about a personalized branding iron to sear the pride of Dad’s BBQ onto his perfect steak? Steak branders are for more than just meat – you can use them to make your mark on buns, tortillas, wood and leather, too.  www.steakbrands.com

Achieving a personal best is no sweat when he’s got the right stuff – such as the Nike + iPod Sport Kit. With a pair of Nike runners and an iPod Nano, the Sport Kit turns into a personal trainer that tells him his time, distance and calories, then uploads it through iTunes. www.apple.com/ipod/nike

If you’re tired of turning the house upside down trying to find the car keys, you need a wireless key finder. Most manufacturers provide you with four or more tiny receivers that you attach to items that often go missing. When you need to find an item, simply press a button on the transmitter and a beeping sound will lead you to the misplaced item.

-News Canada

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“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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Warm up chilly winter skin with a self heating mask. Try the Apricot & Almond Oil Hot Masque to deep cleanse and moisturize or the Red Hot Earth Sauna Masque with rich clay extracts to draw out impurities and clear excess oils.

Feet been hidden in socks and boots for weeks on end? Bathe them in steaming water infused with the Pink Grapefruit and Balm Mint Foot Soak to relax and soothe. Follow this with the Spearmint and Balm Mint Foot Lotion to condition and refresh.

Grab a handful of Lime Oil Hot Miracle hair masks for all the girls to de-frizz dried out, damaged, lacklustre tresses. This intensive hot oil treatment locks moisture into the heart of your hair. Finish with the Ultra Shine Serum for lasting gloss and vitality.

Perfect for a quick daily treat or a full beauty makeover -there’s a Montagne Jeunesse solution for every beauty need – from top to toe. Conveniently packaged in single use sachets for under $2.00, Montagne Jeunesse sachets are available at major and independent retail chains and mass merchants.

If you and your friends love being spoiled, go to www.montagnejeunesse.com and see the many ways to do it. Don’t forget to add your favourite tunes and snacks. Then sit back, relax and enjoy the best of what the cold weather has to offer – good friends and good times.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

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Over the years, the quest for the perfect Christmas gift has become much more stressful. Plus, the average shopper does not stumble into the shopping malls and department stores until a few weeks, or even mere days before Christmas.

Finding the best Christmas gift is fast becoming a science to be studied, observed, and taught. Sometimes you are given a cheat sheet of sorts, the infamous wish list. And then you have the incredibly fun “surprise me” Christmas gift requests that force you to pull out the red-striped thinking cap (complete with bells).

Finding The Gift Niche

One unique way to show your affection and thoughtfulness for your family and friends is by making personalized and homemade Christmas gifts. Do not go crazy with tinsel and your glue gun; and sequins are okay in small doses. You can easily put together gift baskets with bath gels, tiny decorative soaps, candles, and even a loofa sponge for the ladies. For men, goodies like flavored almonds, mixed nuts, and an assortment of chocolate and candies will put a smile on his face.

Another good idea for those considering giving Christmas gifts with a personal touch is a calendar. You can create a photo collage, or choose different pictures for each month. Many major office supply stores now offer this service, as well as other personalized items like coffee mugs and mouse pads.

It you would prefer to do the project entirely hands-on, there are certain computer programs that you can purchase to create on-of-a-kind calendars. Everyone uses calendars; this is one Christmas gift that will not be stored away and forgotten.

Gift cards have gained in popularity as “one size fits all” Christmas gifts. You can pick the store and the amount, and you are good to go. Perhaps you are not sure where the intended recipient likes to shop; shopping malls offer gift cheques that can be redeemed anywhere within their walls. You can also purchase a gift card bearing the Visa, Mastercard, and even American Express logo. This way your Christmas gift can be used literally anywhere and for anything.

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It really is a time of joy and giving. Unfortunately, trying to find the perfect present for your loved ones, children, and friends can end up being very stressful. It is possible that opting to distributing Christmas gift baskets instead will lighten your load while brightening your recipients’ faces and homes.

The Many Varieties Of Christmas Gift Baskets

Christmas gift baskets can come in all different shapes, sizes, and combinations of goodies. You can purchase them through catalogs, flower shops, supermarkets, major department stores, and specialty shops. You can also create your own personalized Christmas gift baskets at home.

For ladies, a gift basket of candles, bath gels and sprays, scented soaps, and soft sponges is a wonderful invitation to evenings of pampering and relaxation. Instead of just inserting a small card, add a tiny picture frame with the card inside. It is a charming decorative touch to your Christmas gift basket, and something that can be used later on.

Want to make a gift basket from assorted foods? Select packets of flavored cocoas and coffees, along with spiced ciders, and either fresh-baked shortbread cookies or gingerbread slices. If you really enjoy baking, a Christmas gift basket filled with cookies, brownies, breads, and scones will warm hearts and tummies!

And for the men? According to an old nursery rhyme, boys are made of snails, pails, and puppy dog tails. In other words, boys are made of road kill. But, the does not mean they want a basket full of it. Contrary to what you may think, men like to be pampered as well. Sometimes that pampering is in the form of new golf accessories, or extra gadgets for their gadgets. A bottle of fine wine and a few samples of imported cheese may be what will whet his appetite.

You do not have to be extravagant with your Christmas gift baskets. It really is the thought that counts. Your loved ones, friends, and co-workers will mostly appreciate the sentiment behind the gift, not so much the gift itself. Do not forget the bows and holly leaves; give your baskets some holiday cheer.

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