Gift Giving Guide Holiday 2016

Rachael Severino is a 10th grade student in Sachem School District. This aspiring writer has a knack for the written
word. She has penned short stories, poetry and is developing an impressive body of work.

Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and 
development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion trends and styles.

    Let’s begin with the youngest crowd. Fisher Price is again standing tall with learning toys that are fun to play with. Their Bright Beats Learnin' Lights Dance Mat is expected to be a big hit, as is the Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar. Both are fun for little boys and girls. As they get a little bigger, consider some of the Little People (a fan favorite when the kids were little in our house) or Imaginext toys. Both lines will provide hours of fun as they inspire creative play.
    Younger, school-aged children are bound to be interested in some of the movie-related toys and games that are seemingly everywhere. Whether it’s Trolls, Moana, Star Wars or Dr. Strange, you will easily find plenty of items from which to choose. Hatchimals are an ‘it’ toy this year, as are Project MC2, Paw Patrol and Disney’s Tsum Tsums. Many annual favorites are still extremely popular, including Legos, Crayola sets, Barbie sets and Nerf toys. Electronic toys grow stronger each year as tech-savvy kiddos ask for the latest tech trends.
    For your teen, you might want to consider clothes and one or two wow items. For clothing, choose by his or her personal style. Head to their favorite shops and get them something up to date that fits with that personal style. Think about what they typically wear or pieces they have distinctly said they liked. For those wow pieces, consider a nice pair of shoes or a new electronic item. Jordan, UnderArmour, and Nike are always a hit with boys who love shoes. If your budget will allow it, the latest phone, computer or gaming system is always welcome. If your budget is a bit tighter, consider the accessories that go with the ones they currently have. 
    Every book lover lives for the holiday season as it is the best time to get a flood of books. If you want to find a way to get several books, there are multiple stores that sell high quality books for cheap. Thrift Books is a popular website to order from and Half Priced Books is another helpful option. Mugs and gift cards are always well received. 
    The artistic people in your life deserve gifts with as much creativity as them. If they happen to be younger, art kits are a favorite. The Kiwi Kit has an array of art tools so your little artist can find which best suits them. For teens, professional forms of their favorite tool and new sketch books will be well received.
    Movie Buffs – regardless of age – are fairly easy to shop for. Favorite films for home viewing, box sets or director’s cuts are a thoughtful gift to unwrap at holiday time. Posters of films they’ve talked about a thousand times or clothing with film quotes screened on make a good gift. For those with a higher budget, popcorn makers or movie passes are a good idea. 
    For the man on your holiday list, show him how much you appreciate him with a gift that says you care. Consider a subscription gift like Dollar a Day Shave club or BirchBox Men. If Comic Con is his favorite day out, consider NerdBlock, a monthly subscription with all their favorite superheroes and characters. If he is a techie, the new Amazon Fire Stick, FitBit and Apple TV are popular choices. If he prefers his drink shaken, not stirred, the Hyper Chiller might be just the thing. It will keep his scotch cold as well as ice his coffee. Drones, cars and helicopters are still extraordinarily popular – for men and boys of all ages – and are available at many price points. If he is more about the experience than the item, try a gift certificate or tickets for his favorite activity golf lesson, massage, dinner, sporting event. 
    The lady in your life works hard at home, or in the community. Remember her at holiday time with a gift that speaks to her personal interests. If she is a fashionista, try a new outfit in her favorite color. Accessories from her favorite designer are always appreciated and will be used all year long. Not sure what she would select? Go with a gift card to her favorite store or boutique. Subscription services will provide monthly make up, fragrance or skin care treats.  If she loves to sport the latest electronics, consider a new piece of tech for work, reading or simply playing her favorite brain candy game. If she prefers low-tech, try a gift of journals, pens and candles for some quiet moments of reflection. If she is truly sentimental, try a personalized item – engraved necklace, personalized blanket, etc. – that reflects how you feel about her or includes her favorite quote.
    Don’t forget Fido and Fluffy at holiday time. Pet shops have a wide variety of holiday gifts for every pet. From catnip toys to bones to treats, you can find their favorite plaything in holiday colors and designs. Your pet will enjoy a favorite toy or treat just for him/her while the family bipeds unwrap their holiday bounty. 
    The biggest rule of thumb in your shopping outing is to pick a gift that the recipient would choose if they could. Steer clear of gifts that may result in a “You shouldn’t have” response.  Most of the time that means….you really shouldn’t have. Try selecting an item – large or small – that elicits a gasp of delight. Make it a truly personal selection and they will remember you all year long.

Happy Shopping!