Holiday Gift Ideas 2013

8/13/2019 Holiday Gift Ideas 2013

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submitted photo

Mugs of hot milk plus "Hot Chocolate on a Stick" yield a new twist on an old

favorite.

Hot chocolate on a stick who knew?

It's fun, it's festive and it's a new twist on hot chocolate. Plus, it's

easy to make with kids and sure to please the "hard to shop for"

recipients on your list.

"Peppermint extract adds a holiday touch to these fudgy squares,"

said Mary Beth Harrington of the McCormick Kitchens. "I always

include a little note explaining how to enjoy the treat, like 'Swirl into

a mug of hot milk for a rich and creamy drink.'"For the finishing touch, top each one with a marshmallow and wrap

in cellophane with colorful ribbon. Discover other flavor variations

- like mocha and orange - and more gift ideas at www.McCormick.

com, www.Facebook.com/McCormickSpice, or www.Pinterest.com/

mccormickspices.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate on a Stick

Makes 36 servings

2 pounds white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

4 drops McCormick red food coloring

optional:

18 large marshmallows, halved crosswise

36 lollipop sticks

Line 9-inch square baking pan with foil. Spray foil with no stick

cooking spray. Place chopped chocolate in large bowl. Set aside.

Bring sweetened condensed milk and cream to simmer in medium

saucepan on medium heat, stirring frequently with wire whisk.

Pour over chopped chocolate. Let stand 1 minute. Whisk until

chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in peppermint

extract. Remove 3/4 cup chocolate mixture. Tint chocolate mixture

pink with red food color.

Pour remaining (plain) chocolate mixture to prepared pan. Drop

tinted chocolate mixture by tablespoons over chocolate mixture in

pan. Swirl with knife for marble effect.

Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight until firm. Cut into 36 squares.

(May be made ahead. Store chocolate mixture, tightly covered, in

pan in refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before

cutting into squares.)

To assemble chocolate on a stick, thread a marshmallow half

and a chocolate square onto each lollipop stick. Wrap each hotchocolate on a stick in plastic wrap or small cellophane bag. (May

be assembled up to 2 days ahead.)

To serve, stir hot chocolate on a stick into 8 ounces hot milk.

East Side Review Dec. 8, 2013 Lillie Suburban Newspapers Inc.

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Gift Ideas East Side Review December 2, 2013

From fostering a love

of science to building

vocabulary, the toys your

children play with can

have a large impact on

their interests and braindevelopment. So when

it comes to playtime,

parents are becoming more

selective.

With this in mind, smart

toymakers are aiming to

design toys that are not

only fun but also foster

learning.

For example, VTech has

assembled a team of child

development experts to

provide feedback on theirtoys before they hit the

store shelves.

The members of VTechs

Panel of Experts are

offering some helpful hints

to parents looking to get

smart about toys for

their kids:

Get involved: Toys can

create a bonding experience

b e t w e e n p a r e n t a n d

child. Look for toys thatemphasize this connection,

says Dr. Helen Boehm,

psychologist, author andparenting resource expert.

For example, a tablet that

lets your kids chat safely

with you while youre on-

the-go is a great way to

bond with them while they

are having fun.

A g e - a p p r o p r i a t e :

Children's brains develop

at a remarkable pace, and

their toys should keep up

with their development,says Dr. Lise Eliot, an

early childhood mental

d e v e l o p m e n t e x p e r t .Toys that are too young

or too old get boring or

frustrating. Make sure

youre keeping your kids

challenged with educational

toys that are just right for

their age.

Consider child-sized,

age-appropriate tablets

that have the look and feel

of adult mobile devices,

but are packed with

educational, stage-basedlearning content.

A d d i t u p :

Mathematical foundations

provide the building blocks

for future success, both

in school and for the rest

of a childs life, says Dr.Francis (Skip) Fennell,

mathematics educator.

Support and encourage

your children as they

develop these important

concepts and related skills

at a young age, with toys

that emphasize numbers,

counting and beginning

concepts with whole

number operations.

Science and math:You have probably

heard a lot about the

growing importance of

integrating the learning

of STEM science,

technology, engineering

and mathematics in K-12

schools, says Dr. Carla

C. Johnson, science and

STEM expert. It is critical

to foster a love and skills

in STEM for boys and

girls alike with educationaltoys that develop self-

confidence in the use and

application of technology.

Choose wisely: Dont

get carried away with the

bells and whistles. You

and your kids will quicklylook past those. Instead

look for toys that actively

engage your kids through

technology, by deeply

integrating games and

learning, says Dr. Eric

Klopfer, platform learning

expert.

Build vocabulary:

Children absorb new

information like sponges.

Take advantage of theirb lossoming in te res t s

with interactive toys that

highlight letters of the

alphabet, the sounds letters

make and vocabulary,

says Dr. Deborah Sharp

Libby, early childhood

language and reading

expert. Above all, don't

forget the importance of

reading to and with your

children often!

Statepoint Media

Take the extra time to find toys that help learning

submitted photo

By blurring the lines of play and education, you can develop an

early love of learning, and set up your children for success.

Every chef knows a properly

outfitted kitchen is a must in order

to create culinary masterpieces.

This year, make sure the

special food lover in your life has

everything he or she needs to stir

their passion for food and drink.Expand their culinary library

with a book that serves up helpful

food tips and original recipes. Let

them prepare their favorite recipes

with a set of ergonomic and

innovative knives. Perk up their

mornings with a coffee maker that

quickly brews a customized cup

at the touch of a button. Or, help

them serve up delightful dishes by

keeping their pantry stocked with

superior quality olive oil.

Whether you're investing innew technology or chef-quality

implements that will last for years

or offering some fun new tastes

and trends, kitchen-based gifts can

fit any price range.

A better brewCreate the perfect cup of coffee

every time with the Keurig K-

Cup Platinum Brewing System.

This single cup brewer allows you

to choose between five different

cup sizes to brew your favorite

coffee, tea, hot cocoa or specialty

beverage with the simple touch of

a button.

Whether it 's a to-the-touch

brewer for the office or a by-the-

quart crock pot for family get-

togethers, the newest generation

of foodie appliances is sure to

please.

Sharp gift-givingWhether you're a master cook

or you aspire to be one, everyone

needs a good set of high-quality

kitchen knives. CUTCO Cutlery's

Kitchen Classics Set is the perfect

foundation to build on for any

home cook. The Petite Chef Knife,Trimmer and 2 3/4-inch Paring

Knife will have you chopping,

slicing and dicing like your favorite

food celebrity.

Look in your favorite kitchen-

supply store for other suitable gifts

-- a new cutting board, an apron

that just "says" the recipient the

moment you see it. As they're used,

you'll be thought of fondly.

Snacks inthe stacks

Should you take a bath with

your strawberries or blow dry

your chicken? Clever culinary

insights are offered in small bites

in "Snacks: Adventures in Food,

Aisle by Aisle," a book by food

adventurer Marcy Smothers.The book takes the reader on a

grocery store journey, revealing

Smothers' knowledge, quirky

fun facts, and great passion for

exploring food. It's packed with

helpful tips, original recipes and

tantalizing tidbits.

Cookbooks are great gifts,

especially for young adults who

may be setting up house on their

own. Look for the encyclopedia

type, which offers descriptions of

vegetables, herbs or fruits as well

as recipes to use them.

More established cooks may

have their interest piqued by

smaller snippets: stocking-stufferbooks with quick recipes for one

or a brief introduction to new

trends and tastes.

Ingredients matterWith so many relatives and

fr iends "downsizing" from

big homes to townhouses or

apartments, it can be a challenge

to think of a gift to give thatwon't clutter a newly streamlined

lifestyle.

Think consumables -- in this

case, ingredients. Great dishes start

with the finest ingredients, such

as the superior quality of Olivari

olive oil. The people at Olivari

believe it's the little things that

help make great olive oil. From

harvesting olives so they never

touch the ground to staying eco-

friendly by making sure nothing

goes to waste.Tea lovers may swoon over

the fresh aroma of loose-leaf

from a tea boutique, and vinegar

aficionados over one of the many

herb-infused varieties.

This holiday, give the thoughtful

cook in your life a gift that

embodies care, quality and

excellence.

Family Features

Look to the kitchen for wide array of gifts

Getty Images

For friends who spend most their free time in the kitchen to family who'd never

think to splurge on a new appliance for themselves, cooking ingredients and

technology may be your gift-giving answer.


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Gift Ideas East Side Review December 2, 2013

Tech the hallsthis holiday season

Everyone loves finding the latest technology under the wrapping

paper, whether it's a gadget to help stay connected with family or offer

favorite entertainment on the go.

From a new tablet for Grandma to headphones for Dad, everyone has

at least one cool gadget on their wish list this season that can be found

at your neighborhood RadioShack. With so many products from which

to choose, knowing the best picks for the loved ones on your list can

be a difficult task.Here are some popular tech gift ideas to please everyone on your list

this holiday:

For the kidsWhat's better than an electronic gadget where you can play and

explore new worlds? Boys and girls alike will love playing with kid-

friendly tablets made especially for them. With games that educate and

engage in new, creative ways, they won't even know they're learning

- a gift for parents, as well.

Other great gadget gift ideas for children include radio controlled

cars and helicopters, DIY toy kits and video games.

For the teensFor social media, music downloads and so much more, the one gift

every teen looks forward to opening this holiday is a smartphone.

The new Samsung Galaxy S4 provides a large screen, top of the line

camera capabilities and all the necessary features to keep your teen

connected.

Other great gift ideas for teens include video gaming systems, mp3

players and cool cases for smartphones.

For the fitness fanLook no further than the latest digital fitness product for a gift toinspire and encourage your favorite athlete. From heart rate monitors

to activity trackers to track steps taken and calories burned, these right-

sized devices are sure to please.

Other great ideas for athletes include sweat-proof headphones and

new mp3 players to jam to while working out.

For the music guruFor the man in your life with music in his heart, think of a special gift

that combines the love of entertainment with high quality performance.

A set of quality headphones deliver great sound. Other options for

folks on your list include indoor-outdoor speaker sets, streaming media

players and satellite radio systems.

Many technology stores, including RadioShack, have ideas for those

looking for something special in gift-giving this year -- even down to

an "Idea Center" to help amplify a general idea into an enjoyed-all-

year gift.

-- Family Features

submitted photo

Every age can benefit from new takes on technology.

A "Tribute Tree," sponsored by the

Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul

and Ramsey County, may be the most

thoughtful and stress-free gifts you can

give this season.

A "Tribute Tree" is given in honor of

someone and planted by park staff in

any Ramsey County park, as well as city

parks in Arden Hills, Blaine, Brooklyn

Park, Little Canada, Maplewood, Mendota

Heights, New Brighton, North St. Paul,

Rosevi l le , St . Louis Park, St . Paul ,

Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, White Bear

Lake, White Bear Township or Woodbury.

Trees cost $100 each; three can be

given for $250. A hand-stamped card

will be sent to your gift recipient from

the Friends to announce the honor; next

summer, after the trees are planted, the

Friends will sent a map to the recipient

showing the tree's location.

To see the tree species preferred by

each community for its parks and to find

out more about the program, go to www.

friendsoftheparks.org or call 651-698-

4543.

'Tribute trees' offered

Your house serves as a safe

haven from whipping winds

during the long chill of winter.

When the days are short andthe nights are long, making

your rooms warmer and more

inviting can brighten the mood

of the whole house.

Especially during the holiday

season, it can seem home is just

a stopover destination to throw

off coats and boots during a

flurry of events.

Take a breather -- and combat

winter blues well past the

holidays -- by creating comfy

days this winter with thesetips from the experts at Sun

Products, the makers of Snuggle

fabric softener:

Breakfast in Bed: It may feel

decadent, but breakfast in bed is

the perfect way to stay cozy as

you get the day started.

Movie Night: Set aside a

night each week to snuggle up

on the couch for movie night.

Be sure your family room or

living room is decked out with

plenty of pillows and just-washed throw blankets. And

don't forget the popcorn.

Build a Fort: Young children

like nothing better than creating

a space to their scale. Help out

by building a "fort" by draping

sheets or blankets over a big

table, then join in playing a

board game or reading a story

together. Make soup together: Nothing

is more hearty and fulfilling

then a big bowl of soup in

winter. Make a big batch of

healthy soup at the start of the

week and serve it as a side all

week long.

Fireplace: Get the fireplace

going and have a campfire in

your living room, complete with

marshmallows and sing-alongs.

Make sure the kids have their

favorite teddy bears to cuddleup with for when you tell scary

stories!

If you choose a night each

week to get together for a

"campfire," board games or

movies -- or even if your

schedule allows just one every

few weeks -- make sure it's set

aside just as any other "must-

make" important appointment is.

Those last-minute opportunities

to "go somewhere" may sound

appealing, but a relaxing nightin helps to catch up with one

another and tackle the rest of

your week with more energy.

Statepoint Media

Give your familythe gift of time

Cooler temperatures often

bring along the season's sniffles

and colds. With a few winter

wellness tips, you can prepare

for a happier and healthier

season, regardless of your

budget, with the following tips:

Preventive care. A nutritious

diet and plenty of rest can help

you stay strong this winter

so consider keeping juices,

vegetables and fruits in yourfridge all winter long.

You can improve your

nutritional balance and overall

wellness with vitamins and

supplements. Trusted Rexall-

branded products, available

exclusively at Dollar General,

offer vitamins and minerals

including immunity-boosting

Vitamin C and multivitamins to

combat potential illnesses. You

can also purchase these items in

bulk online to save money andtrips to the store.

Stock your medicine cabinet.

When illness strikes, the last

thing youll want to do is rush

to the store. A well-stocked

medicine cabinet can save a trip

when youre feeling your worst.

Keep over-the-counter cold and

flu relief medications on-hand

for both day and night, as well as

cough suppressant and a general

pain reliever. Parents should

ensure they have medications

suitable for children, too.

Healthy skin. Skin is prone

to dryness in winter, so apply

moisturizer as soon as you get

out of the shower. If possible,

ditch the scalding hot showers

for warm water, as heat can bevery drying. Dont forget that

the suns rays can be just as

potent in winter as in summer,

so dont neglect the sunscreen

and lip balm just because of the

cool temperatures.

Germ-free. While germs

exist year-round, your body may

be more susceptible to cold and

flu viruses in winter. Be sure to

wash your hands thoroughly and

use a hand sanitizer.

Soups on. Start all yourwinter meals with a warm

bowl of soup full of protein,

vegetables and liquids. If you

dont have the time to make

soup from scratch, healthful and

delicious ready-made soup can

be a great alternative.

-- Statepoint Media

Stay healthy for

the holidays

Documents

Holiday Gift Ideas 2013