Helpful Holiday Hosting How-Tos

(Family Features) – With the holiday season in full swing, party planners everywhere look to answer the same festive question with their annual gatherings – how do you spread the holiday spirit among guests? While décor and music play a role, nothing raises spirits more than a memorable hors d’oeuvres and drink spread that satisfies appetites and makes guests jolly.

Here are a few tips from King’s Hawaiian for creating a sumptuous first-course spread and festive setting that will keep guests entertained:

  • Deck The Halls! Create an enticing aroma and beautiful display with candles. Set them atop holders accented with ribbon and seasonal trimmings from pine and noble firs (widely available this time of year).
  • Punch it up! Create festive punches with a variety of toppings so guests may garnish however they want. Use red maraschino cherries, mint sprigs or cranberries. Consider pre-mixing drinks, so that you can enjoy the company of your guests. Also, offer beverages with and without alcohol for varying guest preferences.
  • Ho Ho Hors D’oeuvres Made Simple! To minimize your time in the kitchen, incorporate tried-and-true, ready-made dishes that can be created well in advance and served at room temperature. Veggie dips, cheese trays and fruit platters all work well. Professional caterers recommend having 10 to 12 appetizers total per person.
  • That’s Hot! As a complement to cold dishes, serve warm recipes that can be created almost to completion well in advance of the party. Just pop them in the oven right before guests arrive so they will be served warm, with minimal fuss.
  • Festive Finger Foods. Add flair to dishes with themed-toothpicks, colored sauces or decorative dips. Present them on attractive serving dishes which display seasonal colors. 

Here is an easy and elegant hors d’oeuvre recipe. Make the mixture and pour into muffin tins a day in advance of your gathering and, shortly before guests arrive, pop them in the oven to bake these simple and savory soufflé bites.

For more festive recipes, visit www.kingshawaiian.com

Mini Cheese Soufflé Bites

Ingredients

  • 1/2 16-ounce King’s Hawaiian Original Bread, cut into 1/2-inch thick vertical slices
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Preparation

  1. Trim crusts from bread slices and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
  2. Beat eggs in large mixing bowl. Add milk, cheese and Worcestershire sauce. Mix together, then stir in bread.
  3. Let stand for 15 minutes.
  4. Put 1/3 cup soufflé mixture into buttered muffin cups.
  5. Place the muffin tin into a jelly roll pan filled with 1/2-inch of water.
  6. Bake in a 375°F oven until set, about 25-30 minutes. Remove when they have puffed up and are slightly brown on top.
  7. Sprinkle chives on each soufflé, for garnish.

Serves
Makes 10-12 servings

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Craft Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

(Family Features) – Handmade holiday items bring a unique and personal touch to the season, making the giver and receiver feel special. This year, millions of families will be spending more time together creating low or no-cost crafts such as gifts, cards and decorations. In fact, the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) estimates that in almost 43 million U.S. households will create handcrafted holiday gifts and decorations this year.

“Crafting provides an opportunity to spend time with friends and family while creating unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that don’t need to cost a lot of money,” said CHA President and CEO Steve Berger.

To inspire you, here’s an idea to get you crafting this holiday season.

Swirl Place Setting

Courtesy of www.ilovetocreate.com

Materials:
Aleene’s Fabric Fusion
Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue
Tulip 3D Fashion Paint
65088 Gold Glitter
65408 Gold Metallics
Red placemats and napkins
Gold fabric – 1/4 yard
Cardstock paper
Buttons – gold (4)
Bulky yarn – red
Eyelash yarn – red
1-inch low tack masking tape
Scissors
Scratch paper
Paper towels
Pencil
Ruler

Placemats

  1. Use tape to mask off around edge of placemats and across one corner of napkin. Start the flow of the Gold Metallic paint on a paper towel using an even pressure on the bottle. Squeeze thin lines of gold in assorted sizes of swirls on placemat. Immediately and carefully place scratch paper over paint then lightly rub over paper. Remove paper and tape. Let dry. Continue with remainder of placemats and napkins.
  2. Add a Gold Metallic line around edge of pattern and across the diagonal on the napkin. Let dry.
  3. Squeeze a thin line of Gold Glitter to all swirls and let dry.
  4. Squeeze a thin line of Fabric Fusion next to edge on the top of placemat. Press bulky yarn into glue. When dry, flip placemats over, apply a bead of glue to edge then press in eyelash yarn, twisting yarn so fibers show around edge. Let dry.

Napkin Rings

  1. Measure and cut a strip of cardstock 2 x 7 inches. Apply Fast Grab to one end of strip, overlap and hold with tape until dry. Continue with desired amount of napkin rings.
  2. Cut strips of gold fabric 4 x 7 1/2 inches. Apply a thin even coating of Fast Grab to the ring; press on fabric then smooth with fingers. Apply glue to the fabric edges then fold to the inside and press to secure. Let dry.
  3. Cut a 12-inch piece of both yarns then wrap together. Tie around napkin ring and knot on top. Add a dot of glue to the back of the knot to hold in place. Trim ends.
  4. Cut the shank from the back of button; add glue and press in place over the knot.

For votive and place card instructions, visit www.ilovetocreate.com

Family Holiday Wreath

Courtesy of www.terriocraftprojects.com

Materials:

Wreath
Words of inspiration (K&Co.)
Rub-ons (K&Co.)
Favorite photos or seasonal stock photographs from www.iStockphoto.com
Heavy cardboard
Metal saying
Wire
Wire cutter
Glue gun

  1. Attach metal saying with wire to center of wreath.
  2. Print or download photos. The ones in this craft were printed in sepia.
  3. Adhere photos to heavy cardboard to fit the size of photo.
  4. Add rub-ons to photos.
  5. Glue words to wreath.

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Safe Winter Driving

Winter weather poses unique challenges for drivers. Before heading out onto snowy or icy streets, take a few minutes to refresh your memory on how to drive safely in wintery conditions.

Before Leaving

  • Make sure the gas tank is at least half full and the windshield washer fluid reservoir is full.
  • Clear as much snow off of the car as you can, including the roof, headlamps and taillights. Scrape ice off of windows and side mirrors for maximum visibility.
  • Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
  • If you are going to drive a long distance, find out what kind of weather to expect. Visit the National Weather Service website at weather.gov to check the forecast.

On the Road

  • Slow down. Tires lose their grip in slippery conditions, so accelerating, stopping and turning all take longer on snow-covered roads. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
  • AAA recommends that the normal following distance of three to four seconds be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
  • Accelerating slowly reduces wheel spin. If you’re starting from a standstill on ice or slick snow, start in second gear if you have a manual transmission. Some automatic transmissions have a winter mode that automatically starts in a higher gear.
  • Don’t lock the wheels when braking. This can make the vehicle slide or skid. If your vehicle has an antilock braking system (ABS), depress the brake pedal firmly and hold it down. Do not pump the brakes. ABS usually send a vibration through the brake pedal – if you feel this, don’t let up, it’s normal.
  • Do one thing at a time. Consumer Reports says that asking a vehicle to do two things at once – such as braking and turning, or accelerating and turning – can reduce your control. When taking a turn, slowly apply brakes while the vehicle is going straight. When it’s at the right speed to take the turn, let up on the brakes and smoothly turn the steering wheel. After you’re through the turn, slowly depress the accelerator to regain speed.
  • Correct for a slide. If the rear of the vehicle begins to slide during a turn, gently let up on the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide to straighten out. If the front end begins to slide, let up on the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go.
  • Pay extra attention to other drivers – they may not be driving as cautiously as you.

For more safe winter driving tips, visit consumerreports.org, aaa.exchange.com or the Federal Citizen Information Center at pueblo.gsa.gov.

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Tips to Find Great Deals Online at Holiday Time

(Family Features) – Bar·gain [bahr-guhn] – noun: an advantageous purchase, a great deal, especially one acquired at less than the usual cost.

These days, people are getting more creative with how they spend. When it comes to shopping, many are turning to the Internet for great deals on seasonal items, trendy fashions and the latest in tech gear.

One popular shopping resource is eBay. With over 88 million worldwide users each month, it has long been known as a place to find deals on new and used items.

Three eBay insiders – Constance White, style director, Cat Schwartz, gadget and toy director and Karen Bard, pop culture expert – have some tips to help deal hunters in their quest for the hottest items and the best bargains this year.

“The key is in the keyword search,” says White. “To find the best deals, be specific with your search terms. Instead of searching for shoes in general, try searching by designer, style, trend or even intentionally misspell the brand name to unearth hidden gems.”

Schwartz advises, “Consider searching pre-owned, re-furbished or used products, as well. Buying these goods eliminates waste going to landfills and scores you a great deal on a unique find.”
 
Bidding and buying strategies also play a key role in how much you’ll pay and how soon you’ll get the item. The basic strategies are:

  • Daily Deals. Follow eBay’s Daily Deals, hot items at steep discounts. Visit http://deals.ebay.com to sign up for the Daily Deals e-mail, and information about the freshest deals will be delivered directly to your inbox every day.
  • Buy It Now. Buy the item at a fixed price, and forgo the auction process.  “Buy It Now is an easy way to make a quick purchase without bidding,” said Schwartz. “Use this option to purchase the item at a guaranteed low price.” 
  • Bid Early. In auction-style listings, bidding early with the absolute highest price you are willing to pay (a true maximum bid) allows eBay’s Automatic Bidding to do the work for you.
  • Watch, Wait, Bid Late. “Another approach to auction-style listings is to watch the listing,” says Bard, “most bidding takes place at the end of the auction. Bide your time; you’ll get alerts when items you are watching are ending soon so you don’t miss out.”

Whether you’re an eco-conscious fashionista or are trying to keep up with the latest tech trends, being a savvy shopper can get you what you want without breaking the bank.

For more information and to find great deals on must-have items, visit ebay.com.

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Your Family Can Help Change The World While On Vacation

OK, we realize you’re going to want to take a vacation for more than 15 minutes (even with that pesky recession on!). But making the decision to take the family on a trip that involves helping others or respecting the environment instead of lounging at the beach can be made relatively quickly. There are a number of Eco tours and activist travel or work exchange programs that might even cost you less than that trip to Disneyworld and leave you or your family feeling more fulfilled upon your return home.

ResponsibleTravel.com – Listing thousands of options for a more sustainable vacation respecting the environments and local inhabitants, Responsible Travel is searchable by budget level, region, country, and even type of holiday and activities you’d like to do. Travelers are encouraged to review the tours they take, so you can also see others’ feedback on the trips you might be interested in.

Ecotour Directory – This site currently lists 95 different eco holiday and responsible travel options, searchable by continent.

TrekAmerica – TrekAmerica hosts tour programs focusing on appreciating and respecting the natural environment throughout North America. You get the opportunity to experience some unique environments while simultaneously having a positive impact on the land.

Volunteer Vacations – Instead of taking ad nauseum “I was here” photos in front of tourist traps on your next vacation, you could use your next trip to volunteer abroad. This site offers a number of 1-4 week vacation options from helping at children’s clinics to preserving wilderness trails to teaching math to kids in developing countries.

Global Volunteers – A clearinghouse of volunteer international service programs, Global Volunteers typically requires you front your own travel costs. They do however offer assistance qualifying for discounts or fundraising the cost of your service program fee.

Do you have other great world-changing ideas that don’t necessarily require an enormous time commitment? Let us know in the comments!

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Staying Healthy Over 50

Life expectancy has grown dramatically over the last century, but not all those living longer are living well. But it’s never too late to make behavior changes and get preventive screenings to help you live a better and longer life.

Behavior
* Be tobacco free. To talk to someone about how, call the National Quitline at 1-800-QUITNOW.
* Get active. Start small and work up to 30 minutes or more of moderate activity several days a week. Talk to your doctor first.
* Eat healthy. Lean meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fat free or low fat milk products are best.
* Get immunized. The right immunizations can prevent not only the flu and pneumonia, but whooping cough and shingles as well.
*
Screenings
Screening tests help check for problems before symptoms are apparent. Health experts recommend the following screenings for anyone over age 50:

* Colorectal Cancer
* Depression
* High Blood Pressure
* High Cholesterol

Women over age 50 should have the following screenings as well:
* Breast Cancer
* Cervical Cancer

Check with your doctor about what screenings you should have. Targeted screenings based on age, gender, underlying health condition or family history can make all the difference for a healthy life.

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The Importance of Senior Fitness

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), exercise and physical activity are some of the best things older adults can do to stay healthy. Even moderate exercise can improve the health of those who are frail or who have age-related diseases.

Some seniors are concerned that physical activity or exercise may be too strenuous or may do them more harm than good. In fact, it’s an inactive lifestyle that proves to do more harm than exercise does.

Without physical activity, older people tend to grow weaker in four areas important for staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. The NIH maintains that:

  • Increasing strength and endurance make it easier to climb stairs and carry groceries.
  • Improving balance helps prevent falls.
  • Being more flexible may speed recovery from injuries.

Exercising regularly can also have a positive impact on the immune system, blood pressure, cardiovascular system and it can decrease the risk of heart disease and help with depression or anxiety.

The American Senior Fitness Association has some recommendations for those wanting to start a fitness program.

  • Get medical clearance to exercise.
  • Don’t exercise if you are injured, sick, or running a temperature.
  • Always warm up and always cool down.
  • Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.
  • Avoid heavy meals for about two hours before energetic exercise.
  • If fatigue and/or discomfort last longer than one or two hours after exercising, cut back the next day but don’t stop completely. Comfort ranges can change daily, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t do the same amount of exercise as you did the day before.
  • Concentrate on exercises that improve and maintain your range of motion, lubricate the joints and keep muscles flexible. Everyday activities will be easier to carry out and you’ll have less pain, too.

Stop exercise and consult your physician immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • chest pain or tightness in the chest, neck or throat
  • considerable difficulty breathing
  • abnormal heart rhythm; nausea’ dizziness, light headedness, or visual  interruption
  • excessive cold sweat
  • extreme or lasting weakness or fatigue

For a good, overall exercise program, consider tai chi. Tai chi is a self-paced system of gentle physical exercise. It involves standing and performing a series of movements in a slow, graceful way. Each movement smoothly flows into the next. Studies suggest that tai chi may improve balance and knee joint stability, both of which help balance.

Staying active does the body and the mind a world of good. Find exercise and activities that you enjoy and you’ll be able to stick with it and improve your quality of life.

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Caught in the Middle – Help for the Sandwich Generation

Twenty million American adults are caring for aging parents at the same time they’re raising young children. Known as the Sandwich Generation, they are feeling the stress.

A recent study of “sandwichers” reports that:

  • 53 percent feel forced to choose between caring for their children or caring for their parents at least once a week
  • 20 percent feel they must choose to care for one or the other every day of the week

The American Psychological Association’s 2007 Stress in America survey found that mothers in the sandwich generation, ages 35 – 54, feel more stress than any other age group as they try to manage caring for growing children and aging parents.

The pressures of taking care of family members, as well as the worry over parents’ health, putting children through college and saving for retirement takes a big toll. So what’s a sandwicher to do?

Involve the whole family

It’s common for one family member to assume responsibility for older parents. But even the most take-charge, organized person will need help.

Getting siblings and other immediate family involved lightens the burden for everyone, and gives them a chance to show their love for parents, too.

Establish regular family meetings for those involved in providing care. Those that can’t be there in person can participate by phone or Web-cam.

  • Keep a list of updates and concerns about health, finances, legal or housing issues.
  • Talk about problems that may have come up with giving or getting help. Discussing such issues helps avoid hurt feelings and gets problems solved.
  • Focus on the task of caring for the parent, not dealing with old family hurts.

Find a job for everyone. A brother who lives far away can still help with paying bills, researching agencies, or just calling regularly. A sister who lives nearby but who can’t give regular care may be the designated back-up for the primary care giver.

It’s important to get your spouse and children involved, too.

  • Be specific about how your spouse can help, and make sure that you ask for help, not demand it.
  • Check in with your spouse about his or her feelings and encourage them to talk.
  • Be honest with your children about the situation. Answer their questions.
  • Ask them how they’d like to help out. Perhaps they’d like to make cards or show off their newest treasures.

Get outside help 

  • Community groups and churches often have volunteers who can help with home repair, transportation, meals and companionship.
  • Talk to those who see your parents regularly – delivery people, beauticians, barbers or neighbors – and ask them to call you if anything seems out of the ordinary.
  • Look to professional care services when your parent’s physical needs are too much for you to handle.

It’s also important to take care of yourself. Make time to rest, eat right and relax. You’re no good to anyone in your family if you’re exhausted and stressed out.

Caring for two generations at the same time isn’t easy, but it can be managed – if you get some help.

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Tricks and Treats With Halloween Sweets

B-O-O Brownie Pops
Halloween Goldfish Munch
Happy Haunted House

(Family Features) – The bewitching season is here! Gather the goblins, conjure up some creative costumes and prepare scary, scrumptious sweets for a great ghostly gathering.

Making these frighteningly fabulous party treats together is a perfect way for mom and the kids to share some spooktacular fun.

  • Cast a spell right from the start with a Happy Haunted House. Begin with a ready-to-decorate Halloween Cookie House Kit available at craft and hobby stores. The house is pre-assembled; just decorate and enjoy!
  • Sweetly smiling Goldfish Grahams do double duty as both roofing “tiles” and a wholesome snack (they’re made with whole grains, without artificial preservatives). Kids can affix the Goldfish crackers to the roof after it’s been iced (and enjoy snacking on them as they work), making sure to give equal representation to each flavor: cinnamon, honey and chocolate. The sparkling blue piping gel moat and pond need to be stocked with Goldfish, too. Complete the decorating with green coconut grass, a candy corn fence plus the icings and the candies that come with the kit.
  • B-O-O Pops are easy … nothing sinister here! Use a brownie mix for convenience and bake in the Brownie Pop Silicone Mold to ensure perfect pops. The kids can insert the lollipop sticks, then dip pops into the colorful Candy Melts. Decorating sprinkles and sugars add the finishing flourish.
  • Halloween Goldfish Munch is a snappy party snack or a tantalizing take-away for ghoulish guests. Kids can mix the Goldfish crackers (graham and pretzel flavors), with nuts and dried fruits while Mom melts the Spooky Green Candy for drizzling.

 Add favorite beverages and let the spookalicious party begin!

For additional information about Goldfish Grahams, recipes and nutrition information, visit www.pepperidgefarm.com.

Find more ways to bake, decorate and celebrate, or order the Halloween Cookie House Kit at www.wilton.com.

B-O-O Brownie Pops

Ingredients

  • 1 package (about 16 ounces) brownie mix (8 x 8-inch size)
  • Egg, water and oil to prepare mix
  • 48 lollipop sticks
  • Wilton Orange, Spooky Green and Light Cocoa Candy Melts
  • Wilton Spider Mix, Hallow Pumpkin Mix, Halloween Nonpareil Sprinkles, and Orange, Black and Lavender Sugars, as desired

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray brownie pop mold with vegetable pan spray; place on cookie sheet.
  2. Prepare brownie mix following package directions. Spoon batter into prepared brownie pop mold, filling cavities 2/3 full. Bake 15 minutes. Remove mold from oven; insert lollipop sticks. Return to oven and continue baking 10 to 15 minutes or until brownies test done. Cool brownies in mold on cooling grid 20 minutes; remove from mold and cool completely.
  3. Melt each color candy following package instructions. Dip cooled pops into melted candy, covering completely. While the candy is still soft, sprinkle with or dip pops into sprinkles and sugars. Place on parchment paper to set.

Serves
Makes 48 pops

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Note: If desired, bake brownies completely without inserting stick. After brownies have cooled, dip lollipop sticks into melted candy and insert into either end of brownie. Let set before decorating.

Halloween Goldfish Munch

Ingredients

  • 3 packages (6.6 ounces each) Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon, Chocolate or Honey Goldfish Grahams (or any combination)
  • 1 package (8 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Pretzel Goldfish Snack Crackers
  • 1 can (10 ounces) salted mixed nuts
  • 1 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 2 packages (10 ounces each) Wilton
  • Spooky Green Candy Melts

Preparation

  1. In large bowl, combine crackers, nuts, apricots and raisins; divide between 2 large cookie pans.
  2. Melt candy following package directions; drizzle over snack mixture. Refrigerate until firm.
  3. Break apart and store in airtight container until ready to serve.

Serves
Makes about 14 cups treat mix

Happy Haunted House

Ingredients

  • Wilton Halloween Cookie House Kit
  • 10 x 14-inch cake board
  • Cornstarch
  • Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon, Chocolate and Honey Goldfish Grahams
  • Wilton Piping Gel
  • Wilton Royal Blue and Kelly Green Icing Colors
  • Flaked coconut
  • Candy corn

Preparation

  1. Prepare icing mixes following instructions. Attach house to cake board.
  2. Outline door with black icing; attach candy dots. Outline door window in black icing; fill in with orange icing and smooth with finger dipped in cornstarch.
  3. Outline windows with black icing; add orange icing accents. Attach candy dot window sills.
  4. Spatula ice roof; attach crackers to roof with dots of icing. Decorate house eaves with jelly beans attached with dots of icing. Add orange outline to roof peaks; attach candy dots.
  5. Tint portion of piping gel blue; spatula blue gel “moat” and “pond” on cake board; arrange crackers in the water. Brush clear piping gel onto open areas of cake board; sprinkle with green-tinted coconut. Arrange candy corn around house with dots of icing.
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Gadget Gift Guide 2009

(Family Features) – Not sure what to get the gadget-lover in your life? This quick gadget guide will give you the scoop on what to look for so you can spread some holiday cheer.

E-book Reader

What it is: A small, portable device that lets you download entire books, newspapers and magazines in digital format. Made to mimic ink and paper publications, you can read with ease any time, anywhere. You’ll find a range of prices and services with Sony Reader, Amazon Kindle, Cool-er, iRex iLiad and Bookeen Cybook.

What to look for: Long battery life and an easy to read screen. The reader should be easy to carry and must be readable even in bright sunlight. Note that some e-readers must download materials by being connected to a computer, while others can do it wirelessly. Think about loading a few of the recipient’s must-read books onto the reader as an added surprise.

Who to buy it for: Travelers, gadget-lovers, busy book lovers.

Cell Phone Signal Booster

What it is: A small electronic device that reduces dropped calls and improves cell phone signal by capturing the stronger signal from the outside and amplifying the signal indoors. According to the zBoost “State of the Cell Signal” survey, 70 percent of cell phone owners experience problems with cell phone service, including dropped calls, poor signal reception or dead zones in their homes. A signal booster, like zBoost, can make those problems a thing of the past, as well as increase signal and speed of aircards, EDGE and 3G technology.

What to look for: Make sure the signal booster meets the needs of the intended user. Think about:

  • How much mobility will they need – will they be working at their desk or within a larger area?
  • How many phones or devices need signal boosting, one or several?
  • Where does the reception need to be improved, indoors or in a vehicle? The zBoost-ONE PCS, for example, is a the industry’s first one piece cell phone signal booster. It works with PCS carriers like Sprint or Metro PCS. Place the unit in the window, plug it in and enjoy all of the voice and data functionality on a PCS phone up to 1200 square feet.
  • For more cell phone signal booster options, visit www.wi-ex.com.

Who to buy it for: Road warriors, home office workers, rural or urban dwellers.

Bluetooth Headset

What it is: A wireless headset that lets you talk on the phone hands-free. You can find headsets from $20 and up.

What to look for:

  • Make sure the headset runs the same version of Bluetooth that the user’s phone does.
  • If they wear glasses, look at in-ear headsets rather than those that go over the ears – glasses and a headset can get cumbersome.
  • For extra clarity, consider a headset with a boom microphone – one that extends from the headset toward the mouth.
  • Headsets with good noise cancellation can make conversing in busy, noisy areas a lot easier. 

Who to buy it for: Phone fanatics, road warriors.

Pocket Camcorder

What it is: A pocket-sized digital video recorder that can go anywhere, making it easy to record events and special moments. Video is usually very easy to download to computers and the Web. Camcorders such as Flip from Pure Digital, Kodak’s Zx1 and Creative’s Vado are affordable options.

What to look for:

  • Resolution – Digital camcorders come in standard definition and high definition (HD). Standard definition offers video quality fine for viewing on a computer or a non-HD TV, and will usually cost less than HD. High definition produces wide-screen video suitable for viewing on an HD TV.
  • Think about how the recipient will be using it and then consider options such as image stabilization, audio recording and photo features, which let it be used like a digital camera.

Who to buy it for: Proud parents, college students, travelers.

Something for Everyone on Your List

Mobile Mom

Upgrade mom’s cell phone to a smart phone to help her manage family life with ease. If a smart phone isn’t in the budget, but she still needs a way to connect while on the move, look into a personal mobile email device, such as a Peek Pronto, that lets her text and send emails from anywhere.

Digital Dad

Forget socks and ties. Get him something that will help him stay in touch while at work, on the road, at the ball field or at home – a zBoost cell phone signal booster will let him get calls, texts, emails and pictures no matter where he is.

Road Warrior

Know someone who’s on the road all the time? Make their drive easier with a GPS, more pleasant with a satellite radio subscription or safer with hands-free phone accessories.

Gadget Chick

According to the recent “Women & Digital Life” study conducted by the Solutions Research Group, when women were asked if technology was a “guy thing” – an overwhelming 77 percent replied that it was not! Get your gadget girl a netbook, pocket camcorder or an e-book reader to keep her geared up and on the go.

SOURCE:
zBoost

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