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Holiday advertising focuses on the efforts people make to find the "perfect gift for that special someone." Each advertiser
pitches their product as the solution to this holiday dilemma. Every store fills their shelves with tempting goodies. Are you ready for the decision making
and the physical effort necessary to make it through another holiday buying season? Are you concerned that your sanity and stamina will wear out long
before the task is done?
The staff at Dynamic Living offer some tips and products that help make your holiday shopping chores less stressful.
Make a list (and check it twice!):
Who do you need to buy presents for? Jot the names down and brainstorm some general ideas about what they might like. Think about their hobbies, their job, their family responsibilities. What might make things easier for them? Try to group similar ideas together. This way you can make a sweep through just a few stores and gather up most of what you need. If there's a particular hobby or store that the intended recipient likes, but you are not sure what to get, buy them a gift card. Gift cards are always the right size and color and won't need to be returned. We've also noticed kiosks at the local supermarket that show 20 or more gift cards for different stores and restaurants. What a time saver! Carry your list with you even if you aren't shopping for presents. If you spot the "perfect" present, you can check to see if you already bought something for that person. This eliminates a return trip to the store or buying extra gifts by accident.
Getting there is half the battle:
Parking and walking to the store from remote locations at crowded malls can be tiring all by itself. Then, when the shopping is done, packages need to be carried back to the car.
Carpool with friends or family to make shopping easier. Take turns at being the chauffeur who drops the gang off at the entrance and then picks them up again. Find out if a senior shuttle is offered by your community. Bring a folding shopping cart to help carry packages as you walk through the stores.
Avoid getting sick at holiday time:
Preparing for the holiday can be overwhelming and stressful. The extra strain can weaken your immune system. To avoid this:
Shop when you are rested. Spread out the effort over several trips rather than trying to complete the task in one very long day. If you have friends and relatives that are far away, shopping online is a great alternative. These stores are experts at shipping and you won't have to stand on line at the post office. Many companies offer gift wrapping or messages to complete the gift giving process.
Here are some gift ideas that have been holiday favorites at Dynamic-Living.com :
Gifts that help with memory:
A Ring Holder is the perfect gift for someone who forgets where they left their ring last. The tail of a whimsical elephant, dog or cat will also keep your rings away from the dreaded drain! The Photo Phone is a visual way to call friends and family. Simply place a photo over each of the 9 speed dial buttons.
Gifts of warmth:
The Polartec Moc-Socks are like slipper socks with non-skid bottoms, but toastier than the one's you remember as a child! The LapWrap Polartec Shawl is a great item to drape over your shoulders or across your lap. The Pocket Cape is the LapWrap's big brother. It is much longer and is great for quick trips to the store. No sleeves means no hassle to put on!
Gifts that make traveling easier:
Getting in and out of the car easily can be a difficult task, but there are products that make it much easier. The Swivel Seat is a "lazy susan" style cushion that eliminates twisting as you sit. Great for bad backs and hips. The Handy Bar and Car Caddie provide something to grasp as you rise to get out of the seat. The Travel Tow extends the handle on your luggage so you don't have to bend while wheeling your luggage through the airport or train station. The Travel Book Light lets you settle down with a good book on a bus, train or plane without disturbing your neighbor.
Gifts for those who like the latest Kitchen Gadgets:
The Coolhand lets you grab a plate safely from the microwave, even if it is steaming hot. Sugar Please. Try our new sugar dispenser that gives you a half teaspoon of sugar with the push of a button. The Graviti Pepper Mill grinds the pepper when you turn the mill upside down! No more difficult twisting to get freshly ground pepper.
Holidays can be hectic and stressful with lots of family visits, cooking and shopping. This stress can ruin the fun and even make you sick. Take the time to plan. Get ahead of the shopping tasks so that you can enjoy the season and keep yourself healthy. Our last hint for finding that perfect gift is: do the best you can and be satisfied with the effort you've made. Your company and good cheer are really the best gifts of all!
© Copyright 2006 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.
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