Ready or not, the Christmas shopping season is in full swing. Shoppers often are perplexed about what to give their 60-plus spouse, parents, grandparents or siblings. Practical home and personal gifts are popular this year.

To avoid heavy traffic and crowded stores, many prefer to shop online or by phone. With today’s search engines, you can compare retail and online prices before you shop. If time allows, read online reviews.                      

Joy for All Companion Pets

Do you have a loved one or friend who needs the love and warmth of a cat or dog but without the mess, expense and responsibility required? Or perhaps he/she lives in a “No Pets Allowed” housing unit. You can bring delight, laughter, and companionship into the life of an elder loved one with a Companion Pet Cat. These cute battery-operated pets are designed to look, feel and sound like real cats with soft fur, soothing purrs and pleasant meows. They respond to petting, hugging and motion much like the cats your loved ones used to know. Cats are available in three colors: silver and creamy white, orange tabby, and black/white tuxedo.

For dog lovers, the Companion Pet Pup looks, moves, and sounds like a real dog. It responds to voices with realistic puppy-like sounds thanks to built-in BarkBack technology. With a lifelike golden coat, the pup looks toward you when you speak to it. Slowly and gently pet the Pup’s back to activate a soft heartbeat sensation.

Batteries included. Companion pets are available at Amazon.com and joyforall.com. Hint: Watch the delightful online video!

BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven

This handy countertop toaster oven achieves delectable deep-fried taste without the fat! Air Fry Technology uses high intensity hot air to bake, brown, and crisp your favorite fried foods with little to no oil. Try French fries, veggie chips, breaded fish fillets, frozen snacks, and more!

This stainless steel oven holds six slices of bread or a 12” pizza. Its dimensions are 18.5W x 13.D x 11.5.H, with a 22-inch power cord — the oven also is available in an extra wide size. Three control knobs make it easy to set the toast timer and the 60-minute timer. Choose from five cooking functions: bake, broil, toast, keep warm, and air fry. Because the back and side vents get hot while baking, it needs some clearance around the unit. 

This versatile oven includes an air fry basket, bake/broil pan and rack, plus a crumb tray that slides in and out for easy cleanup. Learn more at www.BlackAndDeckerAppliances.com.

Phone Loops save repair bills

If your friends and families have smart phones, a small investment in a Phone Loop can save hundreds of dollars for dropped smart phone repairs. These nifty loops attach to all standard phone cases and are easy to install. Stick the strip inside the phone case and loop around your fingers for a better grip.   

Available in 50 colors/prints, the ergonomic grip prevents hand cramps. The nifty loops support easy phone charging and enable steady, one hand full screen reach. Phone Loops are great gifts for holidays, birthdays or any occasion. For easy mailing, the flat cardboard packaging fits inside business envelopes and most greeting cards. Learn more at www.PhoneLoops.com and or www.amazon.com.

Heat Holders make life warmer

No one likes cold feet. Do you have a loved one, friend or colleague who works outdoors in a cold climate or plays outdoor winter sports? If so, Heat Holders socks, gloves and hats are thoughtful holiday gifts of warmth.

Internationally recognized as the world’s warmest socks, Heat Holders socks are more than seven times warmer than regular cotton socks and three times warmer than ordinary thermal socks.

Heat Holders are made with cashmere-like acrylic yarn that provides comfy insulation against the cold. With superior moisture breathing abilities, feet stay warm and dry all day. The heavy bulk yarn and long loop pile holds in maximum warmth. Those who want thinner socks can get LITE socks with a medium-thick profile.

The sock collection includes crew, ankle and long length options. Watch the short fascinating video and check out the deals at https://www.heatholders.com.

 IQ hearing buds

One out of six Americans has mild hearing loss.

Do you have a close friend or loved one who has a hearing deficiency but is not ready for actual hearing aids?

If so, check out IQbuds Boost from Nuheara. These sleek wireless Bluetooth earbuds can help people with mild hearing loss while in a variety of locations: concert, backyard barbecue, movie or noisy restaurant.

IQbuds cost thousands less than hearing aids and deliver “20/20 hearing” (20 - 20,000 hertz) without seeing an audiologist. In addition to amplifying and sharpening incoming sounds, these nifty buds also deliver brilliant audio. Users can customize IQbuds BOOST settings with an app that comes paired with the device.

IQbuds are great gifts for savvy adults who could use a little help with their hearing, but either don’t want or aren’t ready for a traditional hearing aid that costs thousands of dollars. Learn more about these clever devices at https://www.nuheara.com.