How to Simplify Holiday Gift Giving

(BPT) - Overwhelmed by your holiday shopping list and short on time? Not to worry - here are a few tips to cut costs, stay organized and still buy presents that your friends and family will love.

1. Stick to a budget. Arrive at the dollar amount at which you feel comfortable spending and stick with it. Then, decide on cost ranges that you would pay for those on your list. Setting limits on how much you can spend per person will streamline the overall process of holiday shopping.

2. Use a gift selection website that does the picking for you. The Timex Gift Finder website, for example, lets you discover which watch styles your loved ones will crave most after you answer five short questions about their personalities. You'll also receive a coupon for $10 off two of these watches at Walmart or Target. To try the Timex Gift Finder yourself, visit www.TimexGiftFinder.com.

3. Be prepared with back-up gift cards. What if your cousin-in-law shows up to your shindig with a cute makeup set for you, but you have nothing for her? Don't let that happen by keeping a stock of extra gift cards. Walmart and Target offer a wide variety of them, so you don't have to drive from store to store.

4. Bake simple homemade treats. It's not the cost of the present that counts; it's the thought that matters.

Show off your culinary skills with some heart-healthy oatmeal cookies or your delectable apple pie. If you need creative ideas, search Pinterest for mouth-watering inspiration.

 5. Give to a worthwhile cause. Make a donation in the name of that friend or family member who has everything. Think about the recipient's philanthropic interests rather than just contributing to a cause that you support. Write a thoughtful card explaining what inspired you to choose this gift for an added touch.

Follow these easy tips and you'll be sure to experience stress-free holiday gifting.

Gifting Trends for the Holidays

(BPT) - Whether you began your holiday shopping in July or will wait until the last minute, whether you enjoy the festive fun of shopping in a crowded store or the solitude of shopping online, this year's gifting trends aren't about spending a lot of money. Instead, it's a matter of being clever and creative with some practical pizazz.

• Accessorize: There's no doubt about it, technology is always evolving. Your list is filled with people who already have all the latest in gadgetry. Tech accessories are great gifts and easy on the budget.

• Compliment her smart phone with novelty ear buds, a waterproof cover or an armband case for exercising. Give him a wireless keyboard, a portable speaker or a stand for his tablet.

* Serve it up: Instead of exchanging gifts, treat close friends and family to a merry night of food and drink on the house - yours that is. The memories of this joyous evening will last much longer than the gift cards you gave out last year.

* Something for everyone: Holiday shoppers are looking to find high quality gifts that can be given to many recipients such as the school principal, the contractor or the hair stylist. Why not give Hickory Farms diverse gift baskets? Gift baskets are the perfect gift for the women and the men on your shopping list this year.-Satisfy the outdoor enthusiast on your list with the Pack and Go Picnic Tote, which is insulated and includes savory and classic goodies. The Family Favorites collection has a little something for everyone from summer sausage to gourmet cheeses, crackers and mints. Surprise the wine connoisseur of the family with a Hickory Holiday Reserve basket with all the trimmings. Wine gifts are available for purchase online or via phone at 800-222-GIFT only. Visit hickoryfarms.com or visit kiosks and store fronts nationwide.

* Multi-purpose gifts: Who doesn't want to give a gift that is appreciated twice? Gifts that have multiple purposes are a big trend this year. The Hickory Farms Tastes of the Trade Tool Bag will make any handyman's day, stuffed full of tasty treats in lieu of tools. After the edibles are gone, maybe Dad will be inspired to use the tool bag and finish that project he started in the spring. Personalize a serving platter for Mom at your local pottery store and she can use it for special occasions throughout the year.

Take advantage of this year's gifting trends and you'll end up with thoughtful and practical gifts ... unlike that partridge in a pear tree.

Best Picks for your Holiday Electronics Gift List

(BPT) - Americans love their electronics: tablet computers, smart phones, digital cameras, HDTVs, e-book readers, MP3 players, and hearing aids.

That's right - new, modern, sleek, life-altering hearing aids. As contoured and futuristic as the most highly styled electronic device - or -so discreet that they're virtually invisible - today's hearing aids are the high-tech "anti-aging" tool that can help keep life-loving Gen-Xers and baby boomers socially, cognitively and physically active.

For more than 34 million Americans, hearing loss is part of life. Most frequently, it results from repeat exposure to loud noises - like at concerts, nightclubs, sporting events, crowded restaurants, loud workplaces and so on.

In many ways, hearing loss is the unintended by-product of life fully lived - that is, before we knew better about how to protect our hearing in such noisy environments. But when ignored and left unaddressed, hearing loss robs from life. It isolates. It debilitates. And it diminishes quality of life. It even takes a toll on fiscal wellbeing by cutting into earnings potential. And perhaps most notable during the holidays, unaddressed hearing loss creates barriers and unnecessarily strains even the best of relationships.

But listen up: It doesn't have to. And it shouldn't.

The overwhelming majority of people with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids. And eight out of 10 hearing aid users say they are satisfied with the changes that have occurred in their lives specifically due to their hearing aids - from how they feel about themselves to the positive effects hearing aids have on their social and work lives.

High-performance technology and style have merged with durability and ease-of-use when it comes to today's hearing aids. The options are so varied that there is an attractive solution for just about anyone.

Today's high-tech hearing aids can be as discreet or as visible as you like. Designers are offering styles that appeal to the fashion conscious, the trendsetter, the party-goer, the intellect, the cautious grandmother, the romantic, the weekend warrior, or the guy just tired of arguing with his wife and kids about the volume on the TV.

Simply, today's hearing aids transcend old-world notions about hiding a condition as common as hearing loss. Whether they sit discreetly inside your ear canal, or wrap aesthetically around the contour of your outer ear like the latest fashion accessory, today's high-performance hearing aids amplify life.

They unabashedly send the message: "I'm too young and full of life to stop doing the things I love best."

If you think someone you love is struggling with unaddressed hearing loss, ask yourself these

questions:

* Do they seem to have trouble hearing on the telephone?

* Is it more difficult for them to follow conversations when two or more people are talking at the same time?

* Do they keep turning up the TV or radio?

* Do they sometimes miss a telephone ring or doorbell?

* Do they seem more irritated or tired at big family or social gatherings?

If the answer to some or all of these questions is yes, it's time to make an appointment with a hearing health professional. Go to the appointment with your loved one. Your companionship may be just the encouragement they need to take charge of their hearing loss and regain the reins on life. It also may get you thinking about your own hearing health needs.

So go ahead. Do something radical this holiday season. Amplify someone's life. Buy them a hearing aid. And just maybe, when you celebrate the New Year together, you'll be rewarded when they tell you that they can hear the sound of ice-cubes jingling inside a glass again, or the sound of singing birds in the early morning - and what beautiful sounds they are. For more information on hearing loss, visit

www.betterhearing.org.

Holiday Gift Ideas for the DIYer

(BPT) - The holidays are here and for the do-it-yourselfer who always has a list of "to-do" projects to

tackle, a new tool makes a great gift. From the weekend warrior to automotive enthusiast, an addition

to the tool box is certain to bring a smile to their face.

Here are some ideas from Craftsman to get you started finding the perfect gift for the DIYer on your

list:

* Stocking stuffer - Craftsman Cap Wrench Bottle Opener

A tool box isn't complete without a bottle cap opener for use during the rewarding and relaxing time at

the end of the workday. Give your loved one's stocking a little extra weight with this tool that looks like

a traditional wrench with a fun twist. The patented fulcrum design opens a variety of bottle tops.

Personalize it by having a name engraved on the handle.

* Everyday DIYer - 65-in-1 Universal Wrench-

This innovative wrench empowers users to work on 16 different fastener sizes including inch and

metric. The universal design also gives it access to six different types of fasteners -2 pt., 4 pt., 6 pt., 12

pt., Spline and External Torx. No matter what size or shape nut or bolt you encounter, this tool has got

you covered, lightening up your tool belt.

* Auto enthusiast - Universal 19-pc. Max Axess Socket and Ratchet Set

For those who spend a lot of time under the hood, consider this tool set. It features a unique pass-thru

design built to take on any length screw and rods, without the need for deep sockets. The universal

tooth design grips six different types of fasteners, so no matter what type of nut you encounter, you'll

be covered. The set contains a total of 19 pieces, including eight metric socket sizes, eight standard

socket sizes and a 3/8-inch ratchet.

* Weekend warrior: Bolt-On Tool System

We all know that weekend projects tend to require more than one type of tool. This modular power tool

system saves you space, time and money with nine interchangeable attachments that all connect to one

tool base. With its ability to transform from a drill to a router to a jigaw and more in mere seconds, it's

perfect to take on nearly any project. A starter kit comes with the tool base, 20-volt battery, charger and

drill/driver attachment. Eight additional attachments can be purchased separately, allowing your loved

one to expand their power tool collection quickly and reasonably.

* Heavy-duty DIYer: C3 XCP Heavy-Duty Drill

This heavy-duty drill can tackle the toughest of jobs and is the most powerful drill in its class. It is

powered by a new extreme core performance (XCP) lithium-ion battery pack that provides 35 percent

more run time. Features Extreme Weather Performance, which allows for easier tool start up when the

temperature drops, so no matter what the season, your DIY die-hard can be working.

These gifts are sure to be "Guys Favorites Guaranteed." If they don't love their new tool, the Sears

return policy has you covered. For more information on top holiday gifts, visit www.craftsman.com

The Holiday Gift that Keeps on Giving: Opt to Adopt a Pet, Save a Life

(BPT) - It's not surprising that pets are often a popular holiday gift. The darling image of the bow-

bedecked puppy or the kitten-stuffed stocking is a holiday classic, but gift givers should make sure that

an animal's charm doesn't overshadow other important factors to consider when making a pet purchase,

including where the pets came from and who the recipient is.

Each year more than 4 million homeless pets are killed as a result of overpopulation, but families who adopt from animal shelters or rescue groups can help preserve these lives and support the growing trend of socially responsible holiday shopping. Best Friends Animal Society encourages families this holiday season to give the precious gift of life by adopting homeless pets rather than buying from breeders, pet stores or online retailers.

Also, resist the urge to surprise a friend or family member with a living gift. Choosing the right pet is

an extremely personal decision, one that should be made carefully by the adults who will be caring for the animal for its 15- to 20-year lifetime. Instead, offer an adoption gift certificate paired with a basket of pet care items or stuffed animal for the holiday itself, and then let the person or family choose the actual pet that feels right to them.

Once you've decided to adopt, keep in mind that welcoming a pet into your life is a big decision and

requires important preparation. Best Friends offers tips and advice to help make a smooth transition at home:

* Determine roles and responsibilities - Before bringing home a new pet, discuss what roles and

responsibilities each family member will take on. Who will be in charge of feeding, walks, changing

the litter box and taking your pet for regular visits to the vet? Giving each family member a specific

task will help everyone feel involved, especially young children.

* Prep the house - Adding a pet to the house means adding new items to your shopping lists. For dogs, the basics are a collar and leash, chew toys, a kennel and dog bed. Cats need a litter box and litter, a scratching post and a carrying crate for transportation. Also don't forget food and toys.

* Have your pet spayed/neutered - Spaying or neutering is one of the greatest gifts you can provide

your pet and community. It not only helps control the overabundance of pets, but can also help prevent medical and behavioral problems from developing. Most shelters include this with the adoption package or can recommend a local veterinarian in your area, so check with the staff at the shelter before you leave.

* Research community rules and resources - Do a little research on what identification (tags,

microchips, etc.) you might need for your pet. Scout out the local dog parks and runs for future outdoor fun, and make sure you know where emergency vet clinics or animal hospitals are located.

* Set limits - Having pre-determined rules will create consistency in training and help make the home a pleasant environment for you and your pet. Will your pet be allowed to snuggle with you in bed or curl up with you on your furniture? Will treats be limited to one a day? It's important to discuss these

questions as a family before your new family member arrives.

An estimated 17 million people will be adding pets to their families this year, so this season, help bring some holiday cheer to a homeless pet by adopting your newest companion.

5 Perfect Presents Make Gift-Giving Easy

(BPT) - The holidays are a special time of year to show the important people in our lives how much we

appreciate them and that means gift-giving. If picking out holiday gifts is painless for you, you're one

of the lucky ones. More often than not, people have a tough time finding the perfect present for friends

and family, particularly if you have someone on your list who already seems to have everything. So, if

 you're stumped as to what to get that impossible-to-buy-for person, consider these five gift ideas that

are sure to brighten anyone's holiday:

1. Gift your services

Rather than giving a tangible item, give your services; it's the perfectly practical gift for the person on

your list who may be short on space, lacking financial resources or would just appreciate a little extra

help. Love kids? Offer free child care so the recipient can enjoy an evening out on the town without

worrying about the little ones. Have a knack for cooking? Gift a weeknight meal that you deliver to the

recipient's doorstep. Known for your organization? Offer your skills to help the recipient organize a

closet, office or other cluttered space.

2. Make a miracle happen

Positively impacting others by giving a charitable gift in the recipient's name embraces the true

meaning of the season. The new Give Miracles Holiday Catalog from national nonprofit Children's

Miracle Network Hospitals features in-demand pediatric items and services that local children's

hospitals need — anything from comforting teddy bears ($30) to a case of extra-small preemie

diapers smaller than the palm of your hand ($170)! For high-impact gifts like a physical therapy toy kit

($375) or a pediatric wheelchair ($970), funds can be collectively raised by numerous gift-givers. This

option is ideal for extended families looking to do something more meaningful than the typical gift

exchange.

And to make that "do-good" feeling for the recipient last long after the holidays are over, Give Miracles

donors receive ongoing communication from Children's Miracle Network Hospitals throughout the

year about how their gift is making an impact at their local hospital. Browse the gift catalog at

www.GiveMiracles.org.

3. Purchase a membership to a monthly club

Rather than wasting money on a new gadget that will quickly be forgotten, give a gift that benefits the

recipient all year long. Monthly clubs provide fun deliveries to a loved one's address, an ongoing

reminder of your generosity. Monthly gift clubs are available for just about anything, from wine and

beer, to jams and cheese, to bacon and fruit.

4. Give a gift that grows

Potted plants are a fantastic gift idea because they represent how your love continues to grow for that

special someone. Plus, plants are a wonderful addition to interior decor and help clean the air. With so

many houseplants readily available, you're sure to find the perfect one for the person who has

everything. Does he gravitate toward decor with vivid color? Choose a flowering plant that provides

delightful blooms. Does she love Asian culture? How about gifting a bonsai tree or a bamboo plant?

5. Provide an experience

Often, it's not what's in the box, it's the memory that stays with so many people after the holidays have

passed. That's why giving a special experience can make a truly meaningful gift. Think about what

really interests the recipient or an activity they've had on their bucket list. Perhaps it's a hot air balloon

Holiday Technology Gifts for the Whole Family

(BPT) - Buying holiday gifts can be a fun and easy experience when you go to the right place. No

matter the age of the person you're buying for, there is one kind of product that is perfect for everyone:

technology. Whether it's the latest tablet or e-reader, new headphones, or a cool tech accessory for a

stocking stuffer, there is something for everyone.

Digital lifestyle expert and TV personality, Mario Armstrong, suggests making the shopping experience

easy by finding one place shoppers can turn to for all their technology gift shopping needs. "Staples is a

great place for tech gifts," says Armstrong. -"They offer customers a great in-store experience where

shoppers can test products to ensure they are getting the best gift. Also, if anyone is confused or needs a

little guidance, the Staples EasyTech Associates can help customers decide, purchase and even set up

the new technology gifts."

Here are a few of Armstrong's must-have gifts for this holiday season:

Tablets and e-readers: Whether you're simply looking for convenient reading on the go, or a do-it-all

media device for the family, tablets continue to do more while costing you less. Products such as the

Kindle Fire HD, Nook HD or Google Nexus offer the same reader-friendly experience along with Wi-

Fi capabilities and 16 or 32 GB of storage, making it the perfect companion for storing and streaming

music and movies, as well. If you appreciate the latest technology, consider trade-in programs that

allow you to get value out of your old tablets and e-readers to upgrade to the newest model.

New Touch Screens: PC users can't wait to get their hands on this newest operating system for laptops,

ultra books and tablets. Windows 8 features a Start screen, live tiles that make it fun to navigate with

touch or a mouse and keyboard, apps for work and play in the Windows Store and more. Customers

purchasing a new PC that runs Windows 8 from Staples can receive free one-on-one training on how to

use the new system and more.

Tech Accessories: With tablets, e-readers and mobile devices exploding in popularity, it should come as

no surprise that accessories to improve the mobile computing experience are hot items this year. If you

have someone on your list that won't leave home without his tablet in hand, consider a tablet-friendly

keyboard such or fashionable case. For the person who enjoys the ability to take movies and music

everywhere, a pair of high-definition headphones is the perfect gift.

Shopping for technology during the holiday season doesn't have to be time consuming, once you find

the right place that has everything, you'll be able to check off that list in no time.

Outside the Box Gift Ideas for the Home

(BPT) - In the words of a popular Christmas carol, there's no place like home for the holidays - it's

where family gathers and where long-treasured memories are made. So this year as you begin shopping

for those on your list, why not gift something for them and for their abode? There's something for

everyone - for the music junkie, the whole family, even for the king or queen of the brood. Read on for

some outside-the-box gift ideas that will add instant luxe inside the home.

* For the music junkie: Soak yourself in water and music with one of the holiday's hottest gadgets: the

KOHLER Moxie Showerhead + Wireless Speaker, an easy and affordable way to tech up your bath by

integrating sound into the showering experience. The bonus: the Bluetooth-enabled wireless speaker

pops out for musical enjoyment throughout the bath - and beyond. List Price: $199

* For the concert aficionado: If it's the pulsing energy of a rock concert that brings goose bumps to

your arms, or the delightful cascading flow of an aria that sends shivers down your spine, you can now

recreate these experiences right in your own home. The KOHLER VibrAcoustic Bath transforms your

bath into an in-home concert hall. This new technology encompasses the hearing and feeling sensation

of music through the entire body, giving you the same musical experience as felt in a concert hall. With

six speakers both above and below the water line, you'll love the musical experience while taking a

bath. And with its premium sound quality, the bath doubles as an audio source, even if you're not

soaking. List Price: Starting at $3,245

•

For the family: Think giving everyone in your home a custom shower would break the holiday

budget? Think again. The KOHLER HydroRail Shower Column instantly transforms a standard

shower into an at-home spa with the addition of a rain head and a hand shower, allowing each

family member to adjust the height of the hand shower for a truly customized bathing experience.

Now the tallest members of the family won't complain about constantly hitting their arms and heads

on the shower head, and parents can easily bathe small children without having to get wet. List

Price:Starting at $380

* For the color enthusiast: Splashes of color bring out energy and happy emotions when strategically

placed around the house. From throw pillows to a colorful painting in a bedroom, it's fun to install a

touch of color here and there. KOHLER Colors featuring Jonathan Adler highlights four bold hues on

six of Kohler's enameled cast iron sinks that will add a memorable punch of color to the kitchen or

bathroom: Greenwich Green is cultured and cultivated, Piccadilly Yellow is exuberant and fun, Palermo

Blue is cool and refreshing and Annapolis Navy is the unconditional classic nautical hue. List

Price:Starting at $295

* For the king (or queen) of the castle: If money is no object and you want to gift something with a

serious luxe factor, consider a throne. The Numi toilet from Kohler is the most advanced toilet with

bidet functionality, built-in music system, heated seat and foot warmer, dual-flush technology and

of course, a sleek, interactive LCD touch-screen interface. This royal flush is worth the splurge. List

Price: $6,390.

Should Santa sneak one or two of these finds under your tree, don't fret. Your house will certainly

thank you.

Get Crafty with These Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas

(BPT) - Make wrapping gifts more fun this holiday season. Get your supplies ready, invite some friends and turn up the holiday music.

Before you get started, here are some creative gift wrapping tips from popular crafting blogger, Cindy Hopper, founder of SkipToMyLou.org.

"I love wrapping holiday gifts - from little treasures like Dunkin' Donuts(R) seasonal packaged coffee

to bigger presents like kids' toys and electronics - in unexpected and creative ways," says Hopper. "You don't need a lot of money, just some motivation and imagination, to create packaging that will make any gift recipient smile."

* A touch of fun - Make packaging playful by adding a small toy like a jump rope as ribbon or jingle

bells to the top of the gift.

* Tie two together- Have the gift and its wrapping complement one another. Place a bag of new

Dunkin' Donuts Gingerbread Cookie packaged coffee in a cookie jar. Present the Pumpkin Spice

variety in a basket of mini-pumpkins, or serve Mocha Mint with a favorite chocolate bar.

* Keep a cushion - Replace packing peanuts with colorful tissue paper, blown up balloons or even

wrapped candies, to create an eye-catching display when recipients open their package.

* Wrap it up - Instead of purchasing wrapping paper, see what's available at home to use. Newspaper comics, wallpaper scraps or even pages from an old atlas or map make memorable gift wrap.

* Look to nature-Add a fresh flower, pretty shell or sprig of mistletoe for an elegant, outdoor element

to any holiday gift.

* Contain yourself - Instead of the standard cardboard box, house gifts in decorative tins, hat boxes or

fruit crates for a clever presentation.

* Two in one - If gifting seasonal food or beverages, pair the gift with serving items. For example, offer Dunkin' Donuts packaged coffee in a mug, or wrap the package with a ribbon attached to a coffee scoop.

* Tag, you're it- Focus on the gift tag. Use unusual items like recipe cards, luggage tags or coasters to

identify gift recipients.

* Stamp it out - View plain wrapping paper as a canvas by covering it with a unique pattern of colorful rubber stamp prints.

*Monogram madness - Personalize presents by including the recipients' initials on the wrapping.

Write their initials all over the paper or affix cut out letters or cookie cutters in their initials as tags.

Six Tips for Taking the Best Family Portraits

 Photo attribution

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=60534&picture=christmas-family 

(BPT) - As the holidays approach, many families are planning annual portraits for personalized cards

and gifts to loved ones. But this can be a complex planning ordeal for even the most organized person. In addition to coordinating schedules and what everyone should wear, it's just as important to focus on the best photography tips, tools and techniques to make the most of your family portrait.

"Everyone who has ever taken or posed for a family photo knows it's a rewarding yet challenging

endeavor," says Tim Meyer,-owner of Meyer Photography and program chair of the portrait division of photography at Brooks Institute, a leading provider of higher education for film, visual journalism,

graphic design and photography. "The good news is that with proper planning and digital photography advances families can get higher-quality photos than ever before, whether you're hiring a professional photographer or doing it yourself."

While it can still be difficult to capture the entire family with smiles on their faces, Meyer offers six

tips for taking the perfect family portrait this holiday:

1. Invest in quality camera equipment. Digital photography has brought the world of photography to

the masses, and high-quality digital cameras can be purchased new or used at reasonable prices. For

family portraits, make sure the camera has a timer so you can be a part of the picture. You should also

consider buying a tripod to steady your camera and make your photo shoot easier.

2. Scope out the best locations and background for the shoot. Think outside the family fireplace to

create interesting indoor backdrops for family photos - but avoid mirrors and windows that can create

issues by reflecting light. If choosing an outdoor location, make sure it is free from distraction. Like

indoor shots, intricate patterns or background commotion can distract from the subject of the photo - in this case, your family.

3. Consider the best time for taking photos with your family. Natural lighting is great for family photos, particularly the golden hour - the first and last hour of sunlight during each day. If this isn't convenient

for your family, choose a time when any children involved in the picture are well rested and more apt to patiently pose for photos. If you're shooting indoors, ensure there's adequate lighting, whether natural or from other sources.

4. Take lots of shots, but remember that the best expressions with children are often the first ones.

Group photos are challenging, considering the number of people who must smile and look their best at the same time. Chances are you'll have several photos with eye-blinking subjects and wiggly children. To increase your odds of getting the best family portrait, take as many photos as possible and vary the composition to get different angles and arrangements.

5. Plan ahead if including a furry friend in your family portraits. Many people view their pets as

members of the family, so it's only fitting that you might want to include your beloved pet in a family

portrait. If so, choose a time when the pet is naturally calmer, perhaps after a walk or at nap time. Also,bring treats to hold the pet's attention and reward the pet for a job well done.

6. Leave it to the professionals. If the challenge of taking your own family photographs becomes

overwhelming, connect with a professional photographer who can provide additional tips or

work within your budget to help you get professional family photos in time for the holidays.

Today's professionals offer a greater variety of styles and ways of sharing your images than ever

before.

Secrets of Building a Great Gift Basket

(BPT) - Giving a great gift basket is like bestowing a buffet of gifts on your loved one, and when the

well-put-together gift basket is opened, well, that's a magical moment. Beneath the pretty decorations

lie enchanting mysteries that emerge one-by-one to the delight of the recipient.

The personal aspects of a gift basket are also endearing. You can customize a gift basket to the occasion

(holiday, birthday, retirement, etc.) and tastes of the recipient, and taking the time to do so shows your

thoughtfulness and caring. Building a great gift basket can be fun and easy. The gift experts at Cracker

Barrel Old Country Store offer some advice for putting together a gift basket that will charm any

recipient:

The first steps

Begin by deciding what to put in the gift basket - packaged food, gourmet coffees, collegiate items,

apparel, candles, personal care items like soaps or lotions, cooking utensils, books, jewelry, home decor

items, gardening tools, ornaments, picture frames, etc. Practically any hobby or area of interest can be

an inspiration for a gift basket. Base your choice on the recipient's personality and interests.

Next, choose a container. Baskets, of course, are the classic container, but don't overlook other options,

especially if they fit the overall theme you've chosen. For example, load a toy football helmet with

items inspired by his favorite football team. A large stockpot can be ideal for holding cooking utensils

for a foodie or budding chef. A planter makes a useful and decorative container for gardening tools.

Arranging items

Once you've chosen the perfect container, think about how you'll arrange the items that go in it. First,

add some decorative shredding (available in craft stores, or make your own with colored paper and a

paper shredder) to help stabilize items in the container and make it look even more attractive. Then,

follow these rules of thumb for arranging items:

* Place tallest items in the back. If you're using a round container, choose a side to serve as a visual

"back."

* Moving forward, stair step the rest of your items from tall to short. It's OK if the rows are not

perfectly straight or even. In fact, a little variance in the arrangement will make the basket look even

more appealing.

* Be sure to place packaged items with the most interesting side facing forward so it's immediately

visible. For example, if you've included a bag of the recipient's favorite coffee, make sure the brand

name is showing so he or she will be able to tell at a glance what's in the basket.

* Be careful not to completely hide any items. It's fine to have things peeping through here or there, but

avoid burying anything on the bottom. Buried items could potentially get lost and tossed out with the

shredding.

* If you need to hold items in place, secure them using some glue lines or glue dots (also available in

craft stores.) Fitting everything snugly is the key.

The finishing touches

Once your basket is artfully filled, place the entire container in a large cellophane bag. Gather the bag

above the contents of the basket, then tie a bow at the narrowest part of the gathered bag. For smaller

containers, pull the corners of the bag under the container and tape them. Trim any excess bag at the

top.

You can either hand-deliver your gift basket - which gives you the instant gratification of seeing the

surprise and happiness on your loved one's face - or ship it if that's more convenient and practical.

When shipping, be sure to package your basket securely. If you purchase a gift basket at Cracker

Barrel, they will pack it for you at no extra cost and you just pay the actual shipping fee.

If creating a gift basket yourself is not your cup of tea - or if you prefer to have an expert handle the job

- the gift gurus at Cracker Barrel can do it for you based on your specifications. Visit

shop.crackerbarrel.com to learn more.

Five Tips for Stress-Free Gift Giving

(BPT) - Holidays are supposed to be fun. But the struggle to find the right gift can put a damper on

even the happiest celebration. Good news: It doesn't have to be that way. With a few simple tips and

tricks, learn how to take the stress and hassle out of shopping for presents and focus on the joy of

giving.

Lizzie Post, etiquette expert and paid Bank of America spokesperson, offers these simple tips for stress-

free gifting:

* Get creative: Not sure what to buy? Sometimes it's as simple as a little investigating on social media.

Friends or family members often post clues on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest that indicate their

interests or "must have" items.

* Stay organized: Make a list of stores throughout the year where you've seen gift ideas and presents

you'll want to purchase for the holidays. This will cut down on the number of trips you make to the

mall. Also, keep blank cards on hand for any occasion, as well as envelopes and stamps, so that sending cards becomes as easy as walking to the mailbox.

* Don't break the bank: Create a budget for gifts. Managing finances and shopping within your means

will take away some stress and restore a sense of control. Then relax and enjoy the occasion without

fretting about your next credit card statement.

* Designate a day: Dedicate a day, or even just a few hours, to shopping. Crossing all of your errands

off at once will feel like an accomplishment and free up time for other activities such as spending time with friends and family.

* Be practical: No one wants to buy a gift that's going to collect dust in the recipient's closet. Instead,

buy something that will be useful. And remember, useful doesn't mean boring; it means thoughtful like a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or a vase for a friend who loves fresh flowers.

*Don't hesitate to gift cash.

To make gift giving even simpler, why not give a friend or family member the freedom to buy what

they want? Giving cash is the best way to ensure that the gift will go toward something they really

want. Better yet, it means no more trekking to the post office, paying outrageous shipping fees, dealing with crowds at a mall, or waiting in long lines. It's a win-win situation.

And, with advances in mobile technology, gifting money is easier and more convenient than ever. For

instance, Bank of America lets people send money to another person using only their email address or

mobile phone number, allowing them to save time, energy and effort.

Prefer to send a check? No problem. Recipients can simply access Bank of America's mobile banking

app on their smartphone or tablet to securely deposit checks on their schedule.

Follow these tips to simplify your life and focus on what's truly meaningful. For more information,

visit www.bankofamerica.com/mobilebanking.

18 Layer Red Velvet Cake

With just a little effort on your part, this cake manages to create maximum "wow" factor for guests.

1. Ingredients

White Cake

1box Betty Crocker SuperMoist white cake mix

1 and 1/4 cups water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 eggs

 Red Velvet Cake

1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist German chocolate cake mix

1 cup water 

1/2 cup vegetable oil 

3 eggs 

2 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa 

1 bottle (1 ounce) red liquid food color (about 2 tablespoons)

 Frosting

 2 and 1/2 cups marshmallow creme (from two 7-ounce jars)

 1 and 1/2 cups butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 to 2 tablespoons milk

4 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar .-

Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray. Line bottom of each pan

with cooking parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with cooking spray.

Method 

2. In large bowl, beat White Cake ingredients on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2

minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Loosely cover and refrigerate.

3.In another large bowl, beat Red Velvet Cake ingredients on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium

speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.

4.Spread 1/2 cup red velvet batter in bottom of each pan. Loosely cover and refrigerate remaining

batter. Place all 3 pans on oven rack positioned in center of oven. Bake about 8 minutes or until cake is set when lightly touched in center.

5.For next cake layer, spread 1/2 cup white batter evenly over each baked red velvet layer. Bake 8 to

10 minutes or until cake is set when lightly touched in center.

6.Repeat steps 4 and 5, twice, baking 9 to 12 minutes per layer or until top of cake layer is set when

lightly touched in center.

7.Cool 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans; remove parchment paper from bottoms of cakes. Cool

completely, about 30 minutes.

8.Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat marshmallow creme, butter, vanilla and 1 tablespoon milk with

electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Beat in powdered sugar until fluffy. If necessary, beat in more milk, a few drops at a time until spreading consistency.
9.To assemble, stack cake layers, spreading 1/2 cup frosting between each layer. Spread remaining

frosting on side and top of cake.