Think outside the MALL: Try hardware stores, groceries, drugstores for gifts on Home Services

Jan

Think outside the MALL: Try hardware stores, groceries, drugstores for gifts

posted by admin in Home Depot

The holiday rush is reaching a crescendo. It’s a four-day weekend for some workers, but shoppers who haven’t checked off every name on their gift lists may spend the time at malls.

Other options exist. Many gifts are just waiting for quick pick-ups at stores that are busy much of the year, but quieter during the last-minute holiday crunch. And some gifts can even be made in a flash at home.

Home improvement stores have been busy trimming and bagging trees and selling poinsettias and wreaths. But with that rush passing, lines will be shorter. Pop into Lowe’s for gifts including a Hamilton Beach Eclectrics All-Metal Retro Drink Mixer ($89.99). It will come in handy for Christmas beverages and be ready for a real workout on New Year’s Eve. Open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. today and Sunday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday.

Home Depot is another spot for gifts. Crafters and craftsmen alike will appreciate Black %26 Decker Cordless Power Scissors ($19.97), which cut everything from fabric to vinyl to window screening. They also can be used hands-free with a table mount. It also comes with a charger and several blades. Another handy item is the Husky 45-piece Stubby Tool Set ($15) in a carrying case that can fit in a kitchen drawer or a glove box. Home Depot will be open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. today, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday and 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday.

Kid-appropriate tools

In need of gifts for the little ones? Head to the hardware store. The 42 metro Ace Hardware stores carry more than nuts and bolts and paint. Give the younger ones a Radio Flyer wagon ($109.99) to haul their bounty away from the tree. Start teaching the older ones to be junior do-it-yourselfers with a tool kit that will give parents and kids the chance to work on projects together. The kid-size tools are stored in their own truck-shaped case ($14.99). Check locations and hours for these independently owned stores at www.acehardware.com.

Weary gardeners longing for a bit of winter color will love gifts to lure beautiful birds to their yards. Pike Family Nurseries has a new collection of Woodlink bird accessories in brushed nickel or copper. The distinctive lantern feeder ($69.99) resembles a hanging light. A mini-feeder for sunflower seeds is $14.99. A bag of seed makes the gift complete. Pike Private Label Premium Blend is available for $8.99, 6 1/2 pounds; $11.99, 10 pounds; $16.99, 20 pounds. The stores will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday. Check store locations at www.pikenursery.com.

From the drugstore

Hard-core last-minute shoppers can thank 24/7 retailers and their workers for being there all through the holidays. Walgreens, for instance, has two dozen metro locations that never close. Others have extended weekend hours this time of year. Shoppers can find gifts as well as the wrap and ribbon. Shop for chocolates once reserved for exclusive specialty stores (Ghirardelli, Ferrero Rocher and Lindt), “As Seen on TV” gifts, and children’s goodies, such as the Hannah Montana Microphone and the Hot Wheels Classics set. Walgreens and other drugstore chains sell batteries to keep toys and gadgets running. Go to www.walgreens.com and click on store locator.

Everyone forgets something from the grocery store that’s absolutely needed for a holiday meal. While there, pick up last-minute gifts as well. Surprise family or friends with a breakfast bag. Choose a colorful, reusable shopping bag and fill it with pastries, fruit, gourmet coffee, cocoa and tea, as well as preserves and juice. Want a heartier option? Add a deli quiche or two. Drop it off on Christmas Eve for enjoyment Christmas morning. The selection we put together is from Publix. Its stores will be open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. today and Sunday and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday.

Another easy option is magazines from the grocery or drugstore. Pick up a friend’s favorite magazine, such as Real Simple, from the racks or at the checkout. Pull out a subscription card and drop it in the mail. Then wrap the magazine and include a note that more will be coming all year long. Real Simple is $4.50 at the newsstand, but annual subscriptions for this and most magazines are considerably discounted.

Other gifts can be assembled at home. Give a homemade dinner and include the presentation dish. It’s as simple as doubling a favorite recipe - think of winter comfort food such as chicken soup, lasagna or a favorite casserole - when making a weekend meal. Cook or bake the ingredients in a pretty casserole that’s color-coordinated with the recipient’s kitchen. Then she or he can pull it from the refrigerator and warm it in the oven. If you including a bagged salad and baguette, they’ll have an instant supper. A Tools of the Trade Basics 4 1/2-quart covered enamel-on-steel casserole, in red or blue, is $39.99 at Macy’s.

From the heart

Give a personalized gift of thanks and love. All it takes is a vase or container from the cupboard, a piece of paper, a bow and your sentiments. Spend a few minutes thinking through the little chores a spouse, a friend or a child does every day - and savor thoughts of happy moments together. Then put them in writing: “Thanks for getting your homework done early.” “I appreciate you folding the laundry.” “The dog loves your long walks with her.” “I love your warm hand on a cold day.” “Your last report card made my day.” Cut and fold the mini-notes.

Tell your loved one that he or she can open one a day, whether it’s the first thing in the morning or after dinner at night. It’s the little things in life - too often unsaid - that can make for the happiest memories. Write enough notes to last through Valentine’s Day, when you can re-fill the container.

Cobblestone Bits

About 72 pieces

Hands on: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

If the candy doesn’t set quickly, pop it into the refrigerator for a half-hour.

1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

1 (12-ounce) package butterscotch chips

1 cup smooth peanut butter

1 cup dry-roasted peanuts

1 (10 1/2-ounce) bag miniature marshmallows

In large, microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate and butterscotch chips and peanut butter. Microwave on 70 percent power 4 to 5 minutes, stirring each minute, until the chips are melted but retain their shape. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth. Stir in the peanuts and marshmallows. Spoon into candy cup molds or miniature muffin cups lined with candy cup papers. Cool until set.

Per piece: 88 calories (percent of calories from fat, 42), 2 grams protein, 12 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 4 grams fat, no cholesterol, 38 milligrams sodium.

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