Holiday Gift Returns Expected To Be Up 10 to 15 Percent This Year

Value of returned gifts could exceed $117 billion.

While some analysts predicted as much as a 4 percent increase in sales during the 2012 holiday season, actual figures show only a 0.7 percent rise. The effects of Hurricane Sandy and consumers fears over the fiscal cliff are to blame, according to some experts. Regardless of whether sales were up a little or a lot, one thing remains true no matter what the economy is like - people will return gifts. A recent Chicago Sun-Times article quoted AlixPartners' Joel Bines who believes that free shipping and free shipping on returns removes a major hurdle to many shoppers' interest in returning or exchanging unwanted or ill-fitting gifts. If you are planning to return a gift this year, there are a few things to keep in mind. Different stores have …

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When's the Last Day to Mail Christmas Presents?

Take note of these holiday shipping deadlines, and plan accordingly.

Time is running out for holiday gift and card shipping through the U.S. Postal Service. Mail parcels and packages by Dec. 14 for parcel post delivery by Christmas, and cards by Dec. 21, the post office's blog advises. If you miss those days, though, you're still OK—as long as you're fine with paying a little extra. Here are the absolute-last-day deadlines to keep in mind, according to the U.S. Postal Service's holiday calendar: One more date to keep in mind is Monday, Dec. 17: Traditionally, the post office's "busiest day is ... the Monday before Christmas as people mail cards and packages they prepared over the weekend," The Huffington Post reported last year. A good way to cut down on time spent waiting in line is to order your holiday …

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Handcrafted Holiday Gifts are Not Just for Kids

Sculpt, paint and design your own gift in Montgomery County.

While holiday spending is expected to remain level or even to increase slightly compared to 2011, many people are looking for ways to reduce the impact on their wallets or the environment by buying gifts at thrift or secondhand stores. Handcrafted gifts are another alternative to traditional holiday gifting (and they're not just for kids anymore). Businesses at which one may paint one's own pottery, fuse a glass sculpture, design a piece of beaded jewelry or even stuff a plush toy animal are located all over Maryland, including Montgomery County. *** Learn how to make your own beaded jewelry: Rockville: Accents Beads, 12112 Nebel St., Rockville, MD 20852 Silver Spring: The Bead Warehouse, 2740 Garfield Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910 Takoma …

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Christmas 2012 Gift Advice: No Towels or Sporks for Grandma

Study reveals we buy according to our age and life stage. But, for gifts, is cemetery lot maintenance really a crowd pleaser?

  During the holiday season, many struggle with the anxiety of wondering if a recipient will really like his or her gift. Are you considering opera tickets for your great aunt? What about purchasing a photograph session for a person under 30? Or, maybe grabbing a game for granddad? If the data in a recent article on The Atlantic’s website is any indication, you may want to think foremost about a person's stage in life before purchasing. The article cites a report from HS Dent, an economic forecasting firm that looked at U.S. Census data regarding spending behavior by age groups. Some of the data is less that shocking – spending on hearing aids, prescription drugs and the upkeep of cemetery lots rises dramatically as we age. Expenditures on…

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Sending the Troops Holiday Cards and Gifts

A primer on sending items to military troops this holiday season.

The holidays can be one of the most difficult times of the years for military personnel serving away from home. The simplest gesture—a call, a card or a gift can make a huge difference in their morale. There are countless organizations that help facilitate the gift giving process, and we’ve put together this guide to help you select a group to help you send something to the troops this holiday season. Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes Program The Red Cross will accept holiday greetings through Friday, Dec. 7 at the following address: Holiday Mail for Heroes P.O. Box 5456 Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456 The organization offers the following tips to help your letter pass through the screening process: Shutterfly The popular photo card website…

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Holiday Gift Guide: Amber Fields Interiors

Unique and elegant holiday gifts at reasonable prices

Over the years, I have lost a bit of my holiday spirit when it came to shopping. It just became one more thing on the to do list. After spending a good part of  an afternoon at Amber Fields Interiors, a furniture and decorating store, my awe of the season has been restored. Located in Chevy Chase, 7013 Brookville Road, in the shopping area of Martin's Additions, you feel the beauty and elegance from the moment you walk in the store. The warmth of the store is extended through the owner, Karen Marvaso and manager, Jenny Riffle who walked me through one holiday gift inspiration after another. 

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