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WESTERN MAINE Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Thursday, November 22, 2012

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Feature stories and information to put you in the holiday mood!

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Page 1: Holiday WEST 11-22-12

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Page 2: Holiday WEST 11-22-12

The holidays are usually pretty hectic, and the last thing you need is to stress over shipping your holiday gifts. With millions of packages moving across the country every day, knowing how to pack and when to ship your gifts can save you time and money, taking the hassle out of holiday shipping.

These tips from FedEx will help you ensure the safe and timely delivery of your holiday packages.

Smart packing tips

• Use new, sturdy boxes with the flaps intact, and do not reuse boxes. Select a box that is large enough to accommodate the proper thickness of cushioning material.

• Wrap items individually with cushioning material and center them in cartons away from other items and away from the sides, corners, top, and bottom of the box.

• Choose cushioning of appropriate density and thickness, and use enough to fill all void spaces in your shipping container. Position at least two inches of bubble wrap, peanuts, or other packing materials on all sides, and use a heavy-duty tape designed for packaging.

• Double-box fragile items with 3 inches of cushioning in and around the smaller box.

• For odd- or irregular-shaped items, be sure to wrap and tape all sharp edges or protrusions.

• Position the shipping label squarely on the most visible side of the container away from any folds or seams. Provide complete sender and recipient addresses, including zip codes and telephone numbers. Make sure the label is properly and securely attached. FedEx also recommends placing an extra label, business card or letterhead with the shipper’s address and phone number inside the package before sealing it.

• Apply at least three strips of packing tape (no duct or masking tape) to the top and bottom sides of the container using the H-taping method.

Don’t be afraid to ask for packing and shipping help. There are more than 1,800 FedEx Office Print & Ship Center locations around the world that provide a variety of packing and shipping supplies and services.

Smart shipping tips

• Send your gifts ahead. If you are traveling this holiday season, take the hassle out of carrying wrapped packages with you by sending your gifts ahead of your arrival.

• Ship early in the season. This will allow you to avoid the lines and provide you with a greater selection of shipping service options. Take advantage of FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery, and FedEx Express Saver and 2Day services to save money on your shipments.

Holiday shipping deadlines

For delivery in time for Christmas, the last day to ship with FedEx Ground is Monday, December 17, and the last day to ship with FedEx Express is Saturday, December 22.

For more tips, or to create and print a shipping label, visit http://www.fedex.com.

Recipe for a safe and crumble-free sweet treatIf you’re sending cookies or other sweet holiday gifts, make sure you pack them properly so that they don’t arrive as crumbs.

Ingredients:1 sturdy container for the baked goods1 box of wax paper1 roll of tape1 sturdy corrugated cardboard box

Bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts, plastic grocery bagsor other packing materials

Directions:

• Place the baked goods in a sturdy container lined with plastic wrap or wax paper. Layer wax paper between the baked goods, using crumpled paper to fill in any void spaces.

• Secure the lid of the container to the body with tape, to keep it from accidentally popping off.

• Place the container in a sturdy corrugated cardboard box, and use packing materials to cushion the container tightly in place.

• Shake the box – if you can feel or hear any movement, add more cushioning.

Baker’s notes:

• Don’t forget to include a card or sheet of paper with the shipper and/or recipient’s contact info on it. In case the shipping document gets lost, this information will help get the package to its destination.

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 20122 WESTERN MAINE HOLIDAY

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Getting it there: Happy holiday shipping

With millions of packages moving across the country every day, knowing how to pack and when to ship your gifts can save you time and money, taking the hassle out of holiday shipping.

Shippingpage 3 ‰

Page 3: Holiday WEST 11-22-12

The holiday season is fast ap-proaching, and this year, you’re going all out and host-ing your first party ever! You’ll need a date, time, and location for the party first and then you can start work on the guest list.

Creating a guest list is not al-ways as simple as it sounds. You’ll need a magic number, and for that, you should look to the type of party you are hav-ing and where and when you are having it. Having a formal dinner party late in the eve-ning for 100 adults and kids in your small home might not be such a good idea, especially if you’re planning to do all of the work yourself. Formal dinner parties are usually intimate af-fairs involving adults only. An afternoon buffet-style party catered locally at a nearby ban-quet hall, on the other hand, might just warrant 100 invita-tions to people of all ages.

Because the holidays are one of the busiest times of year, not everyone you invite will be able to attend your party, so shoot for a slightly higher number and have a backup list on hand. If you’d like to make dinner for 10 people, invite 15 just to en-sure you have a decent crowd. You don’t want to cook for 10 and wind up with only three guests at your dinner table. Provide an RSVP date on the invitations, and should more people decline than accept your invitation, get out that backup list and extend a few more invitations. Just make sure you are discreet about it. You do not want word to get out that you had a backup list and so-and-so was on it. That could lead to no party fast.

With magic number in hand, you can move on to the tricky part – determining whom to invite. To keep the conver-sation f lowing, try to invite people with common interests and make an effort to intro-duce everyone. Should your party be limited to your closest friends, make sure everyone

knows each other. Don’t invite three couples you hang out with regularly and one you see every now and then and expect everyone to have a great time. Chances are the one couple will feel left out, especially when the conversation veers toward events everyone else has shared together.

Watch out for potential con-flict. If your great uncle and grandma can’t be in the same room for more than 10 min-utes without fighting, chances are they won’t be able to do so at your party. Invite one or the other or neither. In fact, you might want to opt for the lat-ter and leave both names off the guest list to avoid accusa-tions of favoritism. No, it won’t be easy, and you’re likely to re-ceive a few calls about it, but it could save you a lot of trouble later. Who wants their holiday party to be remembered for the big scene caused by a couple of people who couldn’t get along?

Playing favorites is never a good idea with party invites, so do your best to avoid it. Invite your whole work team rather than just a select few, unless you are having a really sma l l a f fa ir w it h just t he closest of friends. In that case, it might be best to invite the co-workers with whom you have the best rapport. Just make sure you invite ALL who meet the criteria. You wouldn’t want to slight someone and create tension at the office. Think careful ly about the names you write down on your g uest l ist a nd ma ke certain you select the right ones. One wrong choice, like a supervisor few people get along with, can wreak havoc on the party dynamics.

Never lose sight of the party dynamics, and once you have a rough guest list in place, go over it a few times to make sure there aren’t any potential con-flicts or issues. Cross off the names of anyone who might not fit or gel with everyone else. Put some thought into your guest list, and your party is sure to be a rousing success.

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012 WESTERN MAINE HOLIDAY 3

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• When thinking about gift ideas, small or sturdier items like sugar cookies, biscotti, and popcorn are some of the sweet treats that will ship the best.

• Be sure to send your cookies early in the week so that they are still fresh when they arrive, as shipping may take up to three to five business days.

• For more tips and affordable shipping ideas, please visit www.fedex.com/us/holiday.

Trees for TroopsIn conjunction with the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, FedEx donates transportation and logistics services to help deliver

Christmas trees to activated service members and their families. Since the program began in 2005, Trees for Troops has delivered more than 100,000 trees to troops stationed at more than 60 bases around the world. Here’s how you can help spread holiday cheer to military families:

Make a donation

Make a tax-deductible contribution to the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, to help fund the Trees for Troops program.

Buy a tree

Find a Trees for Troops Weekend location or a tree farm near you. You can purchase a tree to donate to Trees for Troops.

Buy an ornament or t-shirt

• Purchase a commemorative pewter ornament, with proceeds benefiting the Trees for Troops program.

• The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation partners with Greater than Goods to sell t-shirts and sweatshirts. For every Trees for Troops item you purchase, $5 will be donated to CSF for the Trees for Troops program.

Learn more at www.treesfortroops.org. (Family Features)

Shippingfrom page 2

Guest lists: The magic number

By Tresa Erickson Feature Writer

Page 4: Holiday WEST 11-22-12

We’ve all seen the television commercials showing an adorable little puppy poking its head out of a package under the Christmas tree. Such a picture can melt the heart of the most hardened Scrooge.

Perhaps your four-year-old child has been teasing for a puppy and you can just picture the sparkle in their eyes when they see their new pet on Christmas morning.

Such heartwarming scenes lend themselves to catchy advertising for pet food, but the adorable puppy is not always the most practical Christmas gift to put under your tree.

“Christmas in most homes is a pretty hectic time,” said Steve Mason of Mainely Puppies in Oxford. “Introducing a puppy into the home can be pretty traumatic for the animal and should be done when the home is calmer.”

A gift certificate might be a better alternative, allowing time for the new pet owner to decide what type of dog or cat is a good match for the home and family. The American Kennel Club recommends prospective new dog owners research the breed and the breeders. Temperament, sociability, and what size the cuddly little puppy will be as an adult are important factors. Consider the environment the puppy will be living in such as an apartment or a home with a fenced-in yard.

If the breed is known for being high strung, it’s best that the new pet is not put in a home where it will be alone all day while its owners work and go to school. Until a puppy understands its boundaries when they’re in the home alone, crate training or a baby gate are good alternatives. The AKC website, www.akc.org has three questions you should ask yourself before you purchase or adopt a dog. 1. Have I found the right breed to fit into my lifestyle and home? 2. Will I have enough time to spend training, grooming, and exercising? 3. Am I willing to spend the resources to ensure the best future for the dog?

If you do decide to get a puppy, whether it’s a Christmas gift or not, obedience training is recommended. Find a reputable trainer or check out some of the online training videos. Mainely Puppies has a link to several videos on their website at www.mainelypuppies.com.

Adopting a pet takes consideration and is a humanitarian thing to do, but Lucille Larsen, manager of Responsible Pet Care in Norway, agrees with Mason.

“Christmas is not the best time to bring a pet into the home,” said Larsen. “It takes a little time for the pet to adjust to the new environment and, remember, cats and dogs will see the Christmas tree and presents as something to investigate.”

Gift certificates are also available at Responsible Pet Care where they have many kittens, adult cats, and a few dogs. The price varies depending on the animal and covers the cost of spaying or neutering, testing, defleaing, and worming.

“Getting a pet as a gift is not out of the question, but depends on the home circumstances. We’re happy to advise anyone looking to adopt,” added Larsen. “I defi-nitely don’t recommend a cat for the elderly, however, because of the possibility of tripping.”

Providing a good home with a lot of love for any animal is a wonderful and a great addition to the family, but for Christ-mas, a gift certificate in the Christmas stocking just might be the purrfect gift.

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 20124 WESTERN MAINE HOLIDAY

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When it comes to pets as gifts, think gift certificateBy Sharon Bouchard Feature Writer / Photographer

Julia Kugell, volunteer at Responsible Pet Care, with a resident.

Adorable puppies at Mainely Puppies in Oxford.

Residents at Responsible Pet Care.

“A puppy is not a toy or a throw away. They are for life!”

Steve Mason, Mainely Puppies

Page 5: Holiday WEST 11-22-12

There’s no question that chocolate is a crowd-pleaser. From snacks and baked goods to desserts and drinks, the flavor of chocolate signifies a sweet treat and a chance to indulge.

This holiday season, the pastry chefs at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts have developed delicious recipes that take chocolate to the next level and prove decadent doesn’t have to be difficult.

Thanks to Chef Edward Leonard, certified Master Chef and vice president of culinary education for Le Cordon Bleu, his special recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Torte will help anyone create the perfect centerpiece dessert for any holiday party or great edible gift.

“This year, we’re seeing great new chocolate desserts that incorporate other flavors that make the perfect indulgent treat for the holidays,” said Chef Leonard.

Le Cordon Bleu pastry chefs recommend giving your chocolate dessert a seasonal f lair by creating new flavors with unique ingredients, such as:

• caramel• salt• herbs and spices• beer• espresso powder• a variety of nuts

These ingredients will quickly help your dessert become a family favorite and stand out from the crowd at parties.

Students at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts learn the foundational techniques necessary to develop the skills to create exceptional dishes. Regardless of your comfort in the kitchen, a delicious chocolate dish provides a great opportunity to create a decadent dessert that will make for a memorable holiday meal.

“If you are looking to learn how to create new desserts or want to brush up on your culinary skills, I encourage you to attend a Le Cordon Bleu MasterChef class,” said Chef Leonard. “Our campuses around the country host hands-on classes where foodies can experience a class with a professional Le Cordon Bleu instructor.” To learn more about Le Cordon Bleu, visit www.chefs.edu.

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte½ cup peeled hazelnuts¼ cup all-purpose flour1 tablespoon quality cocoa¼ teaspoon Kosher salt4 large eggs, room temperature6 ounces 72% cacao extra bittersweet chocolate baking chips6 ounces cold unsalted butter, diced2 tablespoons Nutella½ cup granulated white sugar1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar¼ cup granulated white sugar

Toast nuts: Place hazelnuts in 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes. In food processor, pulse nuts, flour, cocoa and salt until finely ground.

Heat oven to 375°F. Line the bottom of an 8 x 3-inch spring-form pan with parchment paper that has been rubbed with cold butter. Separate eggs. Melt chocolate, butter and Nutella in a stainless steel bowl over a small pan of low simmering water. Remove from heat; reserve.

With electric mixer, beat egg yolks, ½ cup sugar and vanilla until pale and thick (about 4-5 minutes), creating a ribbon effect when you lift beater. With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the warm chocolate mi xture. Then fold in t he ground nut mixture; reserve. In a clean stainless steel bowl, with the whisk attachment, whisk egg whites at medium

speed until foamy; add cream of tartar. Whisk just until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating at high speed, until meringue is fluffy and still moist.

With a whisk, fold 1/2 of the whites into the chocolate batter. Quickly fold in the remaining whites. Do not overmix. Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes. Check cake by placing a toothpick into the center of the cake; when done, moist crumbs will appear.

Cool in pan on wire rack for about 15 minutes. It will slightly rise and fall a bit in the center. Remove from pan. Serve with chocolate sauce and soft whipped cream, if desired. (NAPSI)

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012 WESTERN MAINE HOLIDAY 5

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Cooking: Bring decadence and ease to the holiday season

Chocolate is a real crowd-pleaser, especially in this Chocolate Hazelnut Torte.

Page 6: Holiday WEST 11-22-12

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 20126 WESTERN MAINE HOLIDAY

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Games: Christmas tunes challengeBy Tresa Erickson Feature Writer

Turn on the radio any day in December, and chances are

you will catch a Christmas tune or two. Some stations, in fact, play nothing but Christmas music throughout the month. We all have our

favorite holiday tunes, but how many of us know who pen ne d t hem ? Did you k now, for exa mple, t hat Irving Berlin wrote, “A White

Christmas”? Take this quiz and see what else you know. Match the tune to the right songwriter.

A) Joan Ellen Javits & Philip and Tony Springer

B) Jay Livingston & Ray Evans

C) Joseph Carleton Beal & James Ross Boothe

D) Felix Bernard & Richard B. Smith

E) Steve Nelson & Walter E. Rollins

F) Mel Torme & Robert Wells

G) Gene Autry & Oakley Halderman

H) Fred Coots & Haven Gillespie

I) Johnny Marks

J) Sammy Cahn & Jule Styne

K) Peter J. Wilhousky & Mykola Leontovich

L) Bob Allen & Al Stillman

M) Ralph Blane & Hugh Martin

N) Edward Pola & George Wyle

O) Jose Feliciano

P) Walter Kent, Kim Gannon & Buck Ram

Q) Midge Ure & Bob Geldof

R) Meredith Willson

S) Tommie Connor

T) Billie Hayes & Jay W. Johnson

1) “Blue Christmas”

2) “The Christmas Song”

3) “Carol of the Bells”

4) “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”

5) “Feliz Navidad”

6) “Frosty the Snowman”

7) “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

8) “Here Comes Santa Claus”

9) “Home for the Holidays”

10) “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”

11) “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”

12) “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”

13) “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

14) “Jingle Bell Rock”

15) “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”

16) “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

17) “Santa Baby”

18) “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”

19) “Silver Bells”

20) “Winter Wonderland”

Answers: 1) T, 2) F, 3) K, 4) Q, 5) O, 6) E, 7) M, 8) G, 9) L, 10) S, 11) P, 12) R, 13) N, 14) C, 15) J, 16) I, 17) A, 18) H, 19) B, 20) D

Well, how did you do? The songs may be familiar, but the songwriters are a whole different matter. You may not have been as familiar with them as you thought.

Did you know? Interactive electronics all the rageInteractive electronics are poised to be all the rage for the 2012 gift-giving season, as Flying Super Grover(R) and Bouncy the Happy to See Me Pup(R) figure to generate significant interest. In addition, a classic interactive electronic toy is making a comeback this year. Developed in the 1990s, Furby(R) was one of the first interactive toys for kids. Its reincarnation has more expressive LCD eyes, more emotions and various fur colors. It even comes with an iOS app. Children can have fun teaching their Furby to learn English and respond through play. (Metro)

Did you know? Make shopping list to save moneyMaking a list when holiday shopping can help you avoid spending more than your budget allows. Rather than be caught off guard, carefully make your shopping list and include everyone you intend to gift.

Purchase one or two extra generic gifts just in case something comes up. It is much easier to afford holiday giving when you can divide your budget by the number of gift recipients rather than having to add on gifts after the fact.

Also, in the event that you are left with extra gifts that were unnecessary to purchase, you can return them after the holidays and use the money to treat yourself to something nice or donate the gift or the returned funds to someone in need. (Metro)

Page 7: Holiday WEST 11-22-12

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 22, 2012 WESTERN MAINE HOLIDAY 7

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Nick-of-time tips to make your home holiday readyAs you prepare to

c e l e br a t e t h e hol idays, wel-

coming loved ones into your home is a highlight of the fes-tivities. You may eagerly look forward to gathering with family and friends, but is your house holiday and house-guest ready?

Preparing your home for holiday guests doesn’t have to be t ime consuming or costly. By focusing on areas that receive the most guest traffic, you can create a fresh, welcom i ng env i ron ment within budget. The home i mprovement ex per t s at Lowe’s recommend updating five key spaces:

1. Entryways

Start by making a great first impression and setting the mood by en ha nci ng t he ent r y way a nd improv ing curb appeal. By adding a new doormat and painting the front door an inviting, rich jewel tone, you’ll be sure to make a statement year-round about the personalities inside your home.

N e x t , s t e p i n s i d e a n d consider lighting upgrades. The foyer is the perfect spot to add a dramatic pendant light

or chandelier to welcome guests with a warm glow. Add some festive holiday decor by layering a centerpiece of paperwhites – a fragrant, fast-growing seasonal f lower – paired with pinecones on a foyer table to create a look that combines two popular seasonal standbys. Roomier entryways can benefit from a decorative urn filled with a variety of greens. Heap colorful ornaments on top to create a “holiday topiary.”

2. Kitchens

The kitchen is the hub of the home, especially during the holidays. Giving this room a refreshed look can be quick and easy, regardless of budget.

Painting is one of the sim-plest, most cost-ef fective ways to completely change the look of a space. Experi-ment with rich, food- and spice-inspired hues that will provide an appealing back-drop for holiday decor and remain relevant when the seasons change.

It’s easier than ever to change t he look of cou nter tops and cabinets. While you’re swapping out k nobs a nd drawer pulls, consider giving tired laminate countertops

a coat of paint. Add a new backsplash in ceramic tile or natural stone, or go quick and easy with peel-and-stick metal tile that evokes the look of classic tin.

3. Guest bath / powder room

After the kitchen, the guest bath or powder room will likely see the most holiday traffic. These rooms – usually smaller than master baths – will benefit from a simple de-cluttering. Quick updates like adding new cabinet hardware and coordinating accessories like soap dishes, lotion dis-pensers, toothbrush holders, shower curtains, and towels are easy ways to refresh these small but important areas.

The holidays are also a great t ime to update items you can enjoy for the rest of the year, such as lighting and faucets, new mirrors, paint, or wallpaper.

4. Guest bedroom

A f t e r d a y s f i l l e d w i t h festivities, your guests will appreciate a comfortable place to rest . Get g uest bedrooms ready for visitors by clearing out closet space, adding freshly laundered

bla n ket s a nd prov id i ng plenty of pillows. Keep in mind the importance of a variety of lighting options in this room.

A bedside table lamp may be great for night-time reading but overhead lighting will be helpful when dressing, a p p l y i n g m a k e u p o r wrapping last-minute gifts.

Simple decor projects like new area rugs and window treat-ments can have a big impact on the room. If the guestroom is small, adding some decora-tive mirrors can help the area feel more expansive.

Updating the old ceiling fan can dramatically alter the look of any space, plus aid in airflow. Finally, polish off the holiday look with in-season flowers or plants – they're wel-coming and warm and make a great gift to send guests home with once their visits end.

5. Living room

Guests will also congregate in the living room. Fortunately, s o m e s i m p l e c o s m e t i c cha nge s go a long w ay toward making this room w a r m, c om for t able a nd inviting. Changing accent pillows, throws and window t r e at ment s to s e a s on a l patterns and colors are a great way to start.

A decorated mantel is also a classic holiday decor touch. For a fast and easy festive look, place loose evergreen branches along the mantel and intersperse with brightly colored Chr ist mas or na-ments. Don’t overlook the Christmas tree.

Positioning a tree in front of a window allows your holiday spirit to shine through to the outdoors. Just remember to keep trees away from the fire-place and other heat sources.

With some creativ ity and planning, you can get your home ready to welcome holiday guests – just in the nick of time. (BPT)

Page 8: Holiday WEST 11-22-12

From family and friends to teachers and coaches, finding the perfect present for everyone on your list can be a daunting task. But with a little creativity, you can find a

great gift without breaking your budget.

Choosing the perfect gift

The key to finding the perfect present? Taking time to consider what your loved one most cherishes. Do they favor a specific hobby? How do they spend their free time?

If you’re picking a gift for someone you might not know well, such as your child’s teacher or school nurse, consider giving

them something to help them unwind and relax. Here are some ideas to get you started:

For teachers, school nurses and coaches

The role models in your child’s life are often the peo-ple who would benefit most from a pampering present. Help them indulge in some relaxation by packaging up a basket of spa-inspired items.

Moisturizing beauty products with seasonal scents – such as the Softsoap Wintermint Wonderland and Enchanting Sugar Plum body washes – will keep skin smooth and g low i ng t h roug hout t he s e a s on’s fe st i v it ie s a nd conjure up images of favorite winter memories.

Bundle with a lush loofah, mini manicure and pedi-cure k it, facia l mask a nd lotion for a basket filled with items that will give them the opportunity to treat themselves to a little “me” time. Home-made treats and photo collages are also great gift options.

For cooking and baking enthusiasts

For your favorite foodie, consider giving some fun and affordable kitchen tools, such as ninja gingerbread cookie cutters. If your loved one is known for their savory cuisine, consider purchasing an assortment of spices to add to their favorite dishes.

Likewise, a new cookbook will help inspire creativity for the cook in the kitchen and add a dash of excitement to their regular recipe routine.

For travel lovers

For those on your list who love to hit the road and explore new territories, consider gifts that will make their travel more en-joyable. Passport covers, camera accessories, travel journals, or a mini alarm clock are all great options that won’t break the bank. You can also give them items that will remind them of their explorations. Put together a gift basket of exotic choco-lates and shelf-safe foods to remind them of their favorite fla-vors from abroad. Or you can remind them of one of the best parts of travel – the feeling of relaxation and getting away.

Body washes with a refreshing scent, such as the new moisturizing Softsoap Citrus Splash & Berry Fusion, will transport recipients to warm days and exotic locales. Combine with a selection of personal care products, such as facial masks and moisturizers to help them transform their bathroom into a mini-vacation abroad.

For the kiddos

When purchasing gifts for very young children, look for brightly colored toys that play music or offer an interactive element. Stuffed animals, baby blankets and clothing are great options as well.

For adolescents, teens and in-betweens

It’s hard to stay on top of the trends most pre-teens and teenagers are in tune with. Instead, opt for something you know they’ll enjoy. Consider giving a gift certificate to a movie theater or popular store where they can purchase electronics, clothing or sporting equipment. If you have your heart set on a tangible present, remember to request a gift receipt, just in case. To learn more about the full line of scented body washes from Softsoap, visit www.Softsoap.com or www.facebook.com/Softsoap. (Family Features)

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Smart thinking: Ideas for holiday gifts on a budget

With a little creativity, you can find a great gift without breaking your budget.