HOLIDAY GIFT HELPER | EVENT CALENDAR | CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS

Looking for a gift your child will love? Read on

By Michelle Adams-Thomas | Manor Ink

Finding the perfect gift for your kid can be hard. Each year children have new interests and hobbies. It can be hard to understand what they might want or need. As a teenager myself, I love when my parents know the perfect gift – it makes me feel connected to them. Well, I am here to help you adults out, to make sure you choose the gift your kid will love.

For children

Flying Orb Ball | $35.88

The Flying Orb Ball is a new popular ball that you can play with without even touching it. It floats around and is safe indoors. This hands-on toy also sharpens your child’s dexterity.

Purrble | $59.99

Purrble is a stuffed animal that can calm your kid down and make them feel safe. With its realistic heartbeat and its soft purrs, it creates a soothing vibe. While helpful with emotional regulation, it’s also a cute toy to play with.

Bluey | Typically $84-90

Bluey is a fairly new TV show. Popular for its inclusiveness of topics from autism to deafness, the Disney show presents children with everyday situations. The Blue house toy includes some of the main characters in the show and it easily keeps all the pieces together with its case design.

For Pre-teens

Splatoon | $59.99

This has been a popular game since 2015, when the first version was released. Many kids and teens love playing it. The newest of the series is Splatoon 3, just released in September of this year.

Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 7 | $49

Instant cameras are easy to use for all ages. Because the display photo they produce develops right away, your child will have the satisfaction of instantly seeing the results of their creativity.

Nike Dunks | Around $95

One of the newest trends in footwear, these shoes are all over the Internet and will make your teen seem up to date with the times. They are very comfortable and seem to go well with most outfit choices.

For Teens

Vinyl Records | $25-$50

LPs are great gifts for a teenager. Music has been proven to help with stress and focus. Vinyl records also add an aesthetically pleasing element to a teenager’s room. They allow your teen to combine a love of music with an appreciation of vintage audio technology as well!

Hydro-Stars | $10.99

As teens, hormones can ruin our daily lives. Things like bad hygiene and acne start to form and make us insecure. But Hydro-Stars can help. They are cute patch-like stickers that you can put on your face during the day or at night to get rid of dirt and grime in your skin while still looking cute!

Tote bags | Around $15

These bags are very easy and cute items to get your teen. Most schools don’t allow backpacks in class, but bags are the exception. Tote bags can be customized to carry your daily necessities or books.

Your holiday guide to festivities and events

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s time to get in the winter holiday mood. Here’s a list of some of the seasonal activities taking place in the hamlet in the upcoming days and weeks.

Saturday Dec. 3: Holiday Tree Lighting

The Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce, the Manor Rotary Club, Calliope-on-Main and the Manor Fire Department will host the hamlet’s annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. in the lot next to Life Repurposed at 62 Main Street. Enjoy hot cocoa, treats, Santa, gift bags, caroling and more for a spirited start to the season.

Saturday Dec. 3: Tote bag giveaway

The Chamber once again sponsors a tote bag freebie for everyone who shops at Livingston Manor businesses. Buy local and get a free designer tote to carry your purchases.

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Livingston Manor Central School also has plans for the festive season. School choirs will set the mood with familiar holiday melodies, and seniors will once again raise funds for class activities with hearty breakfast fare.

Saturday, Dec. 10: Breakfast with Santa

Students of the Class of 2023 will serve up pancakes and other breakfast favorites in the LMCS cafeteria from 8 to 11 a.m. Old St. Nick will be in attendance for photos with children. Tickets are available at the door or by calling Janelle Jones at 439-4400, ext. 1242.

Tuesday, Dec.13, and Wednesday, Dec. 14: LMCS Winter Concerts

Elementary students are featured on Tuesday, with middle and high schoolers appearing on Wednesday. Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. on both evenings in the LMCS auditorium. The concerts are open to the public and admission is free.

Thursday, Dec. 22: Class of 2026 Holiday Event

The LMCS freshman class will present a special holiday-themed program right before Christmas. Check the school website for more information, lmcs.k12.ny.us/events.

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Lastly, artisans will also be featured this month in several special showings focusing on the season.

Saturday, and Sunday Dec.3 and 4: Holiday Makers Market

The Farmhouse Project is hosting a Holiday Makers Market at the Arnold House, located at 839 Shandalee Rd., Livingston Manor, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A modern interpretation of the traditional craft fair, the market will feature talented artisans from studios and workshops throughout the region, locally-sourced Christmas trees and wreaths, cozy fires and winter-inspired cuisine, craft beer, mulled wine and festive cocktails.

Chamber of Commerce member Maria Bivins contributed to this article.

Christmas Tree Farms

Looking for that perfect evergreen for your holiday decorations? Here’s a list of tree sellers in Sullivan County where you may find it.

PINE FARM CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
121 Eagin Rd., Youngsville
Trees: You-cut or pre-cut; Frasier fir, balsam fir, Canaan fir, concolor fir, Colorado blue spruce trees, and wreaths.
Open: Nov. 25, 26 and 27; Dec. 3, 4, 10, and 11; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Info: 607-591-5507, pinefarmchristmastrees.com

FRIENDLY ACRES FARM
728 County Rd. 114, Cochecton
Trees: You-cut or pre-cut; spruce, fir, pine and wreaths
Open: For trees, see website
Info: 440-413-5024, friendlyacresfarm.com

GOTSCH TREE FARM
86 Knight Road, Grahamsville
Trees: You-cut or pre-cut; blue, white spruce
Open: Weekends, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Info: 845-985-7902, facebook.com/GotschTreeFarm

MAPLEHORST FARM NURSERY
51 Rapp Rd., Monticello
Trees: You-cut or pre-cut; Frasier fir, balsam fir, blue spruce, Canaan fir and gift shop
Open: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Info: 845-794-8596, maplehorstny.com

SWISS HILL CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
399 Swiss Hill Rd., North Jeffersonville
Trees: You-cut or pre-cut; spruce, pine, fir
Open: Call for hours
Info: 845-482-4949

This list was compiled by reporter Zoey McGee.