Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-12-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – For busy families, the holidays can be a blur. With office parties, gifts to buy, kids’ holiday programs to attend at school, moving the holiday elf around the house, and invitations for countless get-togethers, it can become a stressful time that goes by too fast. All too often, the rush of the season takes hold and before you know it, you turn the calendar to January, wondering where the holidays went.

But, as parents know, there are only a handful of holiday seasons while children are young enough to delight in the magic of it all. This year, how about slowing down, involving the kids in some old (or new!) traditions, and making some wonderful memories that you’ll always cherish?

Here are five ways to enjoy the holidays with your kids.

Holiday movie night. Designate one night each week as family holiday movie night. Pour mugs of hot chocolate, munch on holiday cookies and watch favorites like “Elf,” “Home Alone” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” Make sure to catch the old Rankin-Bass cartoons “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and no holiday season is complete without “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”

Festivity Activities. Spark your child’s holiday imagination with Festivity Activities, a fun new offering from HP to bring the family together and help busy parents who may be out of ideas for their mischievous elves. All you need to do is print the templates from the HP site to make a little magic this holiday season. Templates for Festivity Activities include:

Holiday Picture Frame: Both colorful and blank options for kids to color in before framing their favorite holiday memory.

Holiday Light Bulb Decor: Print your winter wonderland decor right at home.

Christmas List: Parents can pretend their mischievous elves left this for their kids to fill out before they bring it back to Santa.

Holiday Lyric Bingo: Put on your favorite holiday playlist and have the whole family play along.

Holiday Popper: The perfect way to wrap small gifts or notes from holiday elves before popping them open.

All of these activities are designed to engage kids in the holidays by unleashing their creativity. Print the templates on the new Envy 6155e All-In-One printer by HP, the perfect way to print magic this holiday season.

Holiday story night. Snuggle with the kids for story time, even if they’re a little too old to be read to. Pick holiday favorites like “The Polar Express,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or “The 8 Nights of Chanukah.”

Holiday countdown calendar. Make your own Advent-style calendar by creating a countdown calendar that covers Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Find a calendar template online, making sure the box for each calendar day is big enough to write in activities, like your movie night, or just fun holiday messages. Print it out on your Envy 6155e and put it on the fridge!

Traditional holiday baking. Have you skipped holiday baking for a few years, opting for the convenience of store-bought treats? Bring back the traditions this year and share them with your kids. Whether it’s your mother’s rugelach for Hanukkah or your grandmother’s lefse for Christmas, involve your kids in your family’s traditions.

Whichever activities you choose, it’s about engaging yourself and your kids in the holiday season, enjoying the people you love, and making a little magic of your own.

2024-12-03T15:01:00

(BPT) – Bright Horizons, a leading education and care company, was built on the belief that doing well is firmly intertwined with doing good. For 25 years, the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children has formalized that mission, with employees volunteering and making a difference in communities across the country where they live and work.

Bright Spaces, the signature program of the Foundation, provide fun, educational, safe environments within non-profit organizations for children to play while their families are accessing the services they need. Created by Bright Horizons Foundation volunteers, Bright Spaces are located around the country in homeless and domestic violence shelters, police stations, sober living facilities, early intervention centers, and other community and non-profit agencies. Bright Spaces unite Bright Horizons employees, clients, vendors, families and friends in the important work of supporting children and families facing adversity, trauma and crisis — serving 130,000 children and their families annually.

“When Roger Brown and Linda Mason founded Bright Horizons, they were intent on extending the proposition that while we are serving the children of working families, we must also support those in need in the communities where we live and work. We live by that principle and the mission they set forth to this very day at Bright Horizons and through the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children,” shared Bright Horizons Foundation President Yvonne Lynch.

She added, “The goal of creating a Bright Space is to give children the opportunities they deserve to develop resilience and form stronger bonds with their families and other caring adults. We strive to promote healing, offer nurturing and stimulating activities and provide a stable, enriching environment for each child.”

Since 1999, the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children has opened 450 Bright Spaces across the United States. One Bright Space, located at the Capital Caring Health Adler Center for Caring in Aldie, Virginia, provides a comfortable and cozy spot for children and families to play, relax and be together while visiting loved ones at the hospice center.

Families who have access to a Bright Space have shared the difference it has made for them. One non-profit partner reported a baby had taken her first steps at their Bright Space. She and her mother were separated during foster care, and without having supervised visitation in a safe, warm, home-like space, the mom would have missed her daughter’s first steps. Another partner shared, “As the Bright Space is located in our overnight emergency shelter where many families are in crisis, it provides a safe and comforting environment where kids can just be kids even if only for a little while.”

These Bright Spaces offer a safe place for families to connect, whether it’s an emergency shelter for families who are in crisis or a place for young children to access needed resources like occupational therapy.

In Colorado, Bright Horizons employees created a Bright Space inside the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless headquarters in Denver to be a welcoming family room for Colorado residents seeking assistance with housing and other crucial services.

Earlier this year, Newton, Massachusetts-based employees came together to create two Bright Spaces at the Eliot Early Intervention Center in Malden in honor of Bright Horizons’ founders Roger Brown and Linda Mason. The spaces are for children 18-36 months of age and feature a gross-motor space for muscle development and a classroom play space for more structured activities like arts and crafts and circle time, much like a typical toddler room at a Bright Horizons child care center.

In 2004 a group of Bright Horizons employees in the Design, Construction and Facilities Department, along with a group of vendors, created the annual Bright Horizons Golf Tournament to benefit the Foundation. As the Foundation’s single biggest fundraiser, the tournament has raised an incredible total of $1,875,000 to date and sponsored 33 Bright Space makeovers over the last 20 years!

“For 25 years, Bright Horizons employees have rallied together to support organizations close to their hearts in their local communities,” said Lynch. “Their passion and dedication is a shining example of bringing the Bright Horizons mission to life.”

For more information on the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, visit: brighthorizonsfoundation.org.

2024-12-03T06:21:00

(BPT) – From big brunches to cozy dinners, get ready for holiday gatherings with kitchen tools that will delight your guests and make hosting easier. Here are five products that will elevate your holiday hosting season.

Start the Day Right with the JURA J8 twin

Are you hosting overnight guests during the holidays? With the JURA J8 twin, everyone can start the day with their favorite hot coffee beverage, from your aunt who loves espresso to your cousin who craves a sweet latte with a hint of hazelnut. This coffee machine has two high-performance grinders and prepares 31 different coffee specialties. Its Sweet Foam function even infuses milk foam with a hint of syrup for truly customized drinks.

Whip Up a Chocolatey Treat with the Capresso froth TS

Kids, and kids-at-heart, love hot cocoa on a cold day. The Capresso froth TS makes it easy to create creamy, frothy cocoa using your favorite chocolate chips, syrup or powder — quickly transforming dairy or non-dairy milk into a sweet beverage. For coffee drinkers, it also prepares frothed milk for cappuccinos or lattes.

Big-Batch Baking with the Ankarsrum Stand Mixer

If holiday bread-making and cookie exchanges are part of your tradition, the Ankarsrum stand mixer will help you breeze through pastry recipes. With its large-capacity bowl and powerful motor, it can produce more per batch than traditional stand mixers. Built in Sweden to the highest standards, the Ankarsrum Assistent Original mixer is beloved by baking enthusiasts.

Serve in Style with Tramontina Fiora Ceramic Pan

Holiday meals or side dishes will be the center of attention with the elegant Fiora Ceramic Nonstick Pan, ideal from stovetop or oven to table entertaining. This pan’s construction ensures even heat distribution, and its ceramic nonstick interior makes cleaning a breeze, so you’ll have more time to spend with family and friends.

Sweet Results with the CDN Digital Candy Thermometer

Homemade candy, caramel and deep-fried doughnuts are holiday favorites that require exact temperatures for the best results. The CDN Digital Candy Thermometer ensures you hit the right temperature for perfect texture and flavor. This handy tool has a long stainless-steel stem, preset candy stages, and offers visual and audio alerts for foolproof cooking.

This holiday season, make hosting easier with these essential kitchen tools. Whether you’re brewing coffee specialties, baking for a crowd, or serving up family favorites, they make your time in the kitchen more efficient so you can focus on creating memories with the people you love.

2024-12-03T14:09:01

(BPT) – Each year, The National Dog Show, presented by Purina, brings families together by celebrating their beloved furry canine companions. While millions tuned in for the highly anticipated Best in Breed and Best in Show awards, another exciting competition has captured the spotlight: Thanksgiving’s Top Dog Contest, where America’s pups show off their charm and spirit.

Searching for the Top Dog

This is the second year Purina has hosted Thanksgiving’s Top Dog Contest, a national social contest that invites dog parents to showcase their pet’s “Top Dog Energy” on Instagram or TikTok. Whether showing off their playful antics, heartwarming moments or undeniable charisma, pet parents across the country submitted photos and videos to compete for the coveted title.

Top Dog Energy is all about a dog’s unique blend of confidence, charm and playfulness that spreads joy to everyone around them.

While an independent judging panel selected the five Top Dog finalists, it was up to the public to vote for their favorite, ultimately determining who would claim the 2024 Thanksgiving’s Top Dog title.

And the 2024 Thanksgiving’s Top Dog is…

Hoagie!

Hoagie is a Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle) puppy from American Fork, Utah, who is training to become a therapy dog. Outside of training, he loves stealing socks and eating ice cubes.

“Hoagie is the sweetest dog anyone could ask for, and we’re over the moon about winning Purina’s Thanksgiving’s Top Dog Contest,” said Lexi Smith, Hoagie’s owner. “This is such an exciting moment for us and we couldn’t be prouder of our Top Dog!”

In addition to being crowned Top Dog, Hoagie also receives a one-year supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food and a $500 Chewy gift card.

Nutrition Fit for a Champion

Many top dogs, including Hoagie, thrive on Purina Pro Plan, the same nutrition trusted by National Dog Show Best in Show champions for the past 14 years. Nearly 500 experts, including nutritionists, veterinarians, and scientists, backing its formulas, Purina Pro Plan helps ensure dogs of all kinds stay healthy, happy and performing at their best.

“Nutrition plays a crucial role in a dog’s overall health and ability to perform,” said Purina veterinarian Dr. Callie Harris. “Whether your dog is Best in Show, Thanksgiving’s Top Dog or simply the champion of your heart, feeding them quality nutrition like Purina Pro Plan can make all the difference in their well-being.”

To learn more about Hoagie visit ThanksgivingsTopDog.com, and don’t forget to stream The National Dog Show on Peacock.

2024-12-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – The best holiday gifts keep kids engaged and creatively entertained for hours. So, if you’re looking for exciting new gifts to spark the imagination of the kids in your life, check out the latest offerings from Crayola, the #1 creative arts brand on wish lists for kids.*

Parents and kids alike will love the inspiration of the Scribble Scrubbie Pets Collection where kids can transform their favorite creatures into one-of-a-kind creations. Also, if you haven’t seen Color Wonder in action yet, you’ll definitely want to give this a try, as there are plenty of no-mess gift ideas for kids and toddlers.

Here are great gift ideas to get you started.

Endless creativity with the Scribble Scrubbie Pets Collection

Kids who love animals and art will have endless fun decorating these lovable pets over and over again, as they scribble colorful decorations, clean them under the faucet with the provided scrub brush — then scribble again. Whether you’re adding to your child’s collection or starting a new one, they’ll love the opportunity to express their creativity by drawing and coloring on their fuzzy friends, recommended for kids aged 3 and older.

Scribble Scrubbie Pets Jumbo Wilbur: These kid-friendly favorites had a super-sized makeover with new Scribble Scrubbie Pets Jumbo Wilbur. At 6 inches tall, this loveable jumbo pet has the same fuzzy exterior as original Scribble Scrubbie Pets, and a head and legs that are poseable too! This charming, cuddly French Bulldog can be colored with the included 5 Ultra-Clean washable markers or any Ultra-Clean Markers you already have at home.

Scribble Scrubbie Pets Spray Boutique: Kids will love to use this brand-new marker airbrush to give their pets fresh designs while learning the fun of spray art! Kids can explore whole new design ideas to decorate Scribble Scrubbie Pets in a completely new way, plus they can also draw directly on pets with the 8 washable markers for even more personalization.

Scribble Scrubbie Pets 1ct: These add-on toy packs contain one adorable mini pet, two washable Crayola markers and a scrub brush, perfect for expanding your existing Scribble Scrubbie Pets collection — and are perfect stocking stuffers.

Discover the mess-free magic of Crayola Color Wonder

Kids and parents alike love Color Wonder for its mess-free creativity, as the marker ink or paint only appears on specially formulated Color Wonder paper — not on skin, clothing or walls. Parents can let kids explore the magic of Color Wonder mess-free art tools without worry. Color Wonder is the dream gift for every sprouting young artist.

Color Wonder Magic Light Brush: Interactive and fun — though Color Wonder paints are clear, the special brush lights up to indicate the chosen color! Watch as little ones unleash their creativity with paint, celebrating the season in vibrant color, all while parents enjoy the peace of mind that comes with mess-free entertainment. Designed to prevent paints from drying out, so kids can use it again and again throughout the holiday season!

Color Wonder Activity Kits: Color Wonder Activity Kits combine kids’ favorite preschool licensed characters with a multidimensional role play twist! Kids will love interacting with their favorite licensed characters like Bluey, Gabby’s Dollhouse and Spidey & His Amazing Friends while extending play with colorable cardstock pieces. Parents will sit back and relax knowing this mess-free activity will not color on skin, furniture, or walls.

Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Pages & Markers: Continue your mess-free holiday journey with 18 fun-filled coloring pages depicting characters and scenes by kid-favorites like Bluey, Paw Patrol and Princesses, and 5 Color Wonder markers to make them your own. The convenient folder-style packaging works as reusable storage for coloring pages and markers. Little artists will love expressing themselves in this smaller set perfect for travel and snowy days this holiday season.

These gifts will help you complete your holiday list, so you can bring a smile to the faces of the little ones in your life.

*Source: Suzy Consumer Panel // 845 HH’s with Kids 3-12 yrs // November 11, 2024.

2024-12-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list doesn’t have to add to the holiday season’s hustle and bustle. Flip that stressful script by picking one theme and sticking to it. Smartphones are a hot trend for gift giving this year — wouldn’t your friends and family love a fun upgrade? There’s a device for everyone, and once you find it, tie it up with a bow, then enjoy holiday parties, building a snowman, sitting in front of the fire with a chai latte and a holiday favorite movie, or whatever else brings you joy this season.

The secret to making this strategy truly stand out? Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, choose the right phone based on the interests and personality of who will be receiving it.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

For the style icon into cutting-edge tech

The motorola razr+ is the perfect gift for that special someone who craves cutting-edge technology paired with a sleek, stylish design. The innovative features and modern aesthetic are the ideal choice for someone who loves staying ahead of the curve while making a statement. Flipped closed, the phone folds completely in half, allowing you to access all your favorite apps — including Google Gemini — from the interactive 4.0″ external display. When you want to view things on a bigger screen, just flip it open for an ultra-smooth, incredibly vivid full-sized display. But here’s the coolest part: the razr+ is sure to help you take content creation to the next level with its advanced camera system and versatile Flex View modes — giving you the ability to use your razr+ like a camcorder or a hands-free tripod, or your own personal photo booth. Plus, it’s easy to find a razr that fits your vibe with on-trend color options including Midnight Blue, Spring Green, Peach Fuzz, the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, and the iconic Hot Pink. Find the razr+ at motorola.com, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.

For the timeless trendsetter

They’re all about keeping it cool while staying practical. If you’re looking for a foldable device that offers an iconic design and advanced features for great value, the new motorola razr is an excellent choice. With its 3.6″ external screen you can still access your favorite apps and accomplish more without even needing to flip it open. The razr also comes in a range of stylish colorways including Beach Sand, Koala Grey, Spritz Orange, and features a premium vegan leather finish. Find it at motorola.com, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.

For tech-savvy adventurers

Do you know someone with an outdoorsy lifestyle, whose phone may have taken a beating a time or three? The new motorola edge is your go-to. It was created for tech-savvy users looking for a reliable smartphone with a striking design and advanced features, including a great camera system and battery life. Not only is this device built to handle all of life’s adventures — boasting an IP68 underwater rating and meeting military standards for durability —it’s elegant too, with a premium vegan leather finish that adds a stylish touch. Find the latest generation of the motorola edge at motorola.com, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.

For the creative artist

The moto g stylus 5G is the ultimate gift for the creative spirit who loves to bring their imagination to life, all while being incredibly affordable. With its built-in stylus, this device becomes a canvas for sketching ideas, crafting animated messages, or capturing moments in unique ways. Its stunning 6.7″ display and advanced camera system ensure every creation is vibrant and true to your vision. Perfect for anyone who thrives on artistic expression, it’s a playful and powerful tool to inspire endless possibilities. Find it at motorola.com, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.

Wrap up these great smartphones tailor made for everyone on your list and then get out there to enjoy the season!

2024-12-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is the perfect time to create lasting memories with family and friends, whether at an intimate dinner or a lively gathering. One of the simplest ways to impress your guests and celebrate the season is by incorporating craft cocktails into your festivities. This year, tequila-based drinks are stealing the spotlight, offering a versatile and sophisticated base for your signature holiday cocktails. With Casa Azul Organic Tequila, you can delight your guests and ensure every toast is as exceptional as the moment.

Why choose Casa Azul Organic Tequila for your holiday celebrations?

Not all tequilas are created equal. To make your gatherings truly unforgettable, elevate your bar selection with a premium tequila like Casa Azul Organic Tequila. Here’s why it stands out:

Choose premium craftsmanship

Premium 100% USDA certified organic tequilas like Casa Azul Organic Tequila offer richer and smoother flavor, which creates memorable cocktails. But what makes a brand premium? It’s not about price, it’s about perfection — which doesn’t come easily. Casa Azul is crafted from fully mature 100% single estate blue agave grown in the Tequila Valley Lowlands, where mineral-rich volcanic soil imparts unique character to each batch. The tequila is made using pure, deep well water from 885 feet below ground. Their agave is baked over two to three days immediately after harvesting in traditional stone ovens, then extracted with a traditional roller mill. A natural, open-top fermentation in stainless steel tanks with wild yeast follows, an approach that enriches the tequila’s depth and complexity. Finally, the tequila is twice distilled then rested, allowing it to aerate naturally for a smoother, softer profile before aging.

Choose certified organic

While all tequila comes from agave, the key differences between organic and non-organic options lie in farming practices. Casa Azul’s 100% USDA organic certification reflects the brand’s dedication to quality. Each agave plant is carefully tended to by hand, using time-honored traditions passed down through a multi-generational family of distillers and agave farmers. These organic practices ensure their tequilas are completely free from any pesticides or chemicals, with nothing added or taken away.

The perfect gift for any host

The holidays are all about presentation, and Casa Azul’s stunning bottle is as memorable as the tequila inside. Whether as a hostess gift or a centerpiece on your bar, its iconic frosted bottle brings a festive touch to any occasion. While these considerations are important, they’re not the only factors involved in choosing the perfect tequila for your gathering. Casa Azul Organic Tequila offers three distinct varieties of tequila that cater to every taste and cocktail style:

Casa Azul Organic Tequila Blanco

Crisp and zesty, Casa Azul ages this tequila for two to three months in stainless steel for bright citrus and white pepper notes with the pure essence of baked agave.

Casa Azul Organic Tequila Reposado

Velvety and rich, aged four to six months in bourbon casks with notes of vanilla, caramel and oak, balanced with the warm essence of agave.

Casa Azul Organic Tequila Añejo

Bold and balanced, aged over 15 months with flavors of caramel, oak and vanilla, finished with a touch of seasoned oak.

Create your signature holiday cocktail

Now that you’re familiar with tequila, how do you craft a signature cocktail for your event? Here’s a festive, refined recipe from Casa Azul Organic Tequila that is a zesty take on the classic mule, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

Casa Azul Season’s Salud Mule

1.5 ounces Casa Azul Reposado

0.5 ounces grapefruit liqueur

0.75 ounces fresh lime juice

1 dash grapefruit bitters

3 ounces ginger beer

Add all ingredients except the ginger beer to a highball glass. Fill the glass with ice and top with the ginger beer. Gently stir it to combine. Garnish the drink with an expressed manicured grapefruit twist.

This holiday season, elevate your gatherings by serving (or gifting!) high-quality, premium tequila from Casa Azul Organic Tequila. For more information, visit https://casaazulspirits.com/.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2024-12-02T15:13:00

(BPT) –

Has it been a while since you purchased a new TV? You might be surprised by how far TV technology has come since you bought your last set! Today’s smart televisions offer dramatic improvements in picture quality and home screens that are far easier to navigate. Plus, they come with a host of cool features like voice control that you may not even know about.

It’s time to discover what you’ve been missing — and if you’re asking yourself where to start, the Fire TV Buyer Insights Report can help.

This independent study surveyed over 2,000 recent purchasers of smart TVs to learn everything from where they did their product research to why they decided to buy. With the holidays almost upon us, the insights in this report can help guide you as you kick off your seasonal shopping. Whether you’re buying a gift, hosting a holiday gathering or looking for the perfect game-day screen, read on to find the best TV for your needs.

How do you find the right TV? Here’s how recent purchasers did it.

When it comes to buying a new TV, there are several factors you’ll want to consider, starting with who’s going to be using it. The study found that spouses (36%), kids (13%), and even grandparents (1%) were involved in the purchase process, so be sure to keep your home’s audience in mind. Beyond that, you’ll also want to think about:

Room size

Smart TVs range in size from a 32-inch screen all the way up to a whopping 100 inches or more. To determine the right screen size for your room, follow this guideline:

Small rooms: 32″–43″ screen

Medium rooms: 43″–55″ screen

Large rooms: 55+” screen

As for viewing distance, divide the screen’s diameter by 8 to get the ideal viewing distance in feet. For example, a 32-inch screen should be watched from about 4 feet away, while you’ll want to be about 8 feet away from a 65-inch screen.

Usage

How you plan to use your new TV should play a large part in your decision-making process. If you’re always looking for the latest show or movie to watch, your smart TV should offer optimal access to the latest streaming services. Gamers will experience better play on a TV with a high refresh rate, while sports enthusiasts will want to watch the big game on a set with smooth motion handling.

Connected TV experience

One of the most important considerations is how you’ll use TV. In the study, 83% of TV purchasers said that easy access to content was one of the things they liked best about their new TV. But beyond being an all-in-one source for entertainment, your smart TV should also play well with other smart home devices. For instance, Fire TV allows you to pair compatible devices seamlessly like video doorbells, smart home devices, and more. And with select models, Fire TV’s Ambient Experience can turn the biggest screen in your home into a beautiful, always-on smart display rotating through beautiful art, personal photos, and glanceable information like calendars and reminders.

Knowledge is power

Before you land on the perfect TV, you’ll need to do a little research first. The study found that only 12% of shoppers bought their TV on an impulse, while 65% engaged in some form of product research. Most (82%) respondents conducted some or all of their research online for instant access to smart TV reviews and feature comparisons. In fact, over half of respondents who searched online mentioned digital retailers like Amazon as a great source for honest ratings and buyer reviews.

Timing is everything

According to the study, the time from research to purchase takes about two weeks, so plan ahead — especially if you’re thinking about giving a TV as a holiday gift. There are also some great deals available during this time of year, so keep an eye out for sales and promotional offers.

The big picture

A new TV is a big purchase, so don’t make it an impulsive one. Take the time to do your research and remember that everyone takes a different path to finding the perfect TV. Whether your search begins online, offline, or with a mix of both, it will end with a next-level viewing experience that’s just right for the way you watch.

2024-12-02T09:31:00

(BPT) – Americans are evenly split on their shopping habits, shopping both big and small — 29% favor local or small businesses, while 29% prefer national retailers. Though price remains top-of-mind for many shoppers (62%), speed is a major factor, too: 53% say they want to get an item as fast as possible, no matter where it comes from, according to a new study by Empower, a financial services company.

Shoppers appreciate the personalized customer service (36%), high-quality and craftsmanship (34%) and locally made products (56%) found at the stores in their neighborhood. Lower prices (85%), greater product variety (71%) and more flexible return policies/warranties (64%) motivate consumers to pick big-box retailers.

Key takeaways

• Best of both: 29% of Americans prefer big chains, 29% favor local small businesses; 82% of Americans say they shop at both big chains and small businesses for different items.
• 53% want to get items as fast as possible, no matter where they come from.
• Half of Americans say bigger chain stores offer convenience (56%) and more loyalty programs or rewards (51%).
• 3 in 5 (61%) prefer to buy gifts from small businesses because they can find more unique and personal options.
• Eating at local restaurants (75%) and shopping for produce at local farmers’ markets (51%) are ways consumers support their local economies.
• Monthly spending at local small businesses averages $106, with Gen X ($113) and Millennials ($110) splurging more.

Purchasing preferences

Economic pressures can play a role in where Americans are shopping around: 44% report purchasing items less at small businesses due to inflation. Three-quarters of spenders say they buy online from big box stores to get better deals.

Beyond price, 6 in 10 Americans prefer to purchase gifts for others at local shops because they can find more personal and unique options. Three-quarters support small businesses in their town by eating at local restaurants (non-chains) and shopping for produce at farmers’ markets (51%). Other local finds consumers are on the hunt for include books and media (51%) and home goods or decor (44%).

The return or warranty policies at big chains offer financial peace of mind for many (49%), while shoppers are looking for electronics and appliances (92%) and sporting goods (81%) at national retailers.

Baby Boomers (41%) and Gen X (31%) are more likely to prefer shopping locally, while Millennials and Gen Z are more flexible — 42% and 46%, respectively, say they have no preference. Gen Xers spend the most per monthly average across both local and big chain stores, followed by Millennials, while Gen Z and Baby Boomers report lower spending overall.

Average monthly spending at local small businesses, by generation:

• Gen X: $113
• Millennials: $110
• Gen Z: $96
• Baby Boomers: $88

Average monthly spending at big chain stores, by generation:

• Gen X: $379
• Millennials: $338
• Gen Z: $298
• Baby Boomers: $259

The appeal of small businesses

More than a third (35%) are willing to pay extra at a local store for a product they could also buy at a big chain. On average, consumers are comfortable paying up to $14 more, with 10% ready to spend over $30.

Convenience is another important factor, especially for younger generations. Over half of Gen Zers (56%) would shop “small” more often if faster shipping options were available.

Online platforms like Etsy have also gained traction. About half of Americans (51%), including 54% of both Gen Z and Millennials, use these channels to support small businesses.

Additional reasons shoppers value small businesses include locally handcrafted products (56%), building relationships with owners (39%), and personalized service (36%).

The allure of big chains

Big chains attract shoppers with competitive prices, convenience, and loyalty rewards. Gen Zers are the most likely to seek rewards and discounts — 61% prefer shopping at national retailers to take advantage of these perks. When shopping online specifically, Gen Xers (79%) are more likely to buy from chain stores because of deals offered.

Methodology

Empower commissioned an online survey of 1,009 Americans in October 2024.

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2024-12-02T07:01:00

(BPT) – Winter is nearly here, and the almanacs predict it will be snowier and colder than last year for much of the country. Before those flakes fly and the ground freezes hard, get ahead of the season and make sure your home is snug, cozy and ready for the long winter.

It’s about your family’s comfort, first and foremost. But it’s also about your energy bills. The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates homeowners can save up to 30% on their bills by taking some care with insulation, home heating and seasonal maintenance. That’s a serious chunk of change that you don’t want disappearing out of drafty windows and doors.

Here are a few ideas to get you started to achieve a warmer, more economical winter.

1. Schedule an HVAC checkup

Before your heater roars to life this year, have it checked out by an HVAC pro who will clean and maintain it, making sure you won’t have any surprises on cold nights. Remember to change the filter according to your manufacturer’s directions at least once per season, if not every month. Also consider installing an ultra-efficient heat pump, which is a bit of a misnomer because it heats and cools your home. New federal tax laws are making it extremely affordable, if not free, to make that energy-efficient change.

2. Insulate your garage

Insulating your garage with an insulated garage door can make your home more sustainable and improve energy efficiency, especially if you have an attached garage. If it’s not insulated, you know how chilly those adjacent rooms in your home can be. If your garage door is damaged or doesn’t close all the way, installing a new door is a no-brainer. But even if it seems to be in working order and the garage is still cold, it’s time to upgrade to a new door. Not sure where to start? The pros at Precision Garage Door Service, a Neighborly company, will schedule an on-site visit to examine your door and provide options that best meet your needs. Precision Garage Door Service provides garage door repair, installation and garage door opener solutions. In addition to keeping your car in a warmer garage (you’ll thank yourself on those below-zero mornings) an insulated garage can give you extra living space, like a workout room or a workshop. Win-win!

3. Check your attic

Heat rises, right? If your attic isn’t properly insulated, all of that heat is going right out through the roof, especially if your attic is drafty. The Department of Energy recommends eight to 16 inches of fiberglass or cellulose insulation in your attic, and many homes don’t have that. This is a simple DIY job that will make a big difference.

4. Use the sun

Take advantage of the sun’s rays by opening curtains or shades on the south-facing windows. Let the sun do its thing and warm up your rooms naturally.

5. Seal up drafts around windows and doors

Whether you use window winterizing kits you can find at the hardware store or DIY it with a heavy-duty sheet of plastic, it’s important to stop drafts before they get into your home. Ditto with checking and updating the weather stripping around your doors.

With these tips, you can stay cozy and keep your energy bills down this winter. For more information on insulating your garage, or to find a service professional near you, visit Precision Garage Door Service and pop your zip code into the search field. And stay warm this winter!