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Tips for Budgeting This Holiday Season
The holidays are just around the corner! This month is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve by planning out your shopping list and your budget. With friends, family, and coworkers to get gifts for, it’s important to consider where and when to shop, and what types of things your loved ones might like. To avoid breaking the bank this season, we’ve compiled some tips for you to be able to check off every name on your shopping list without breaking the bank. Put Your Budget in Perspective Each year, the holidays usually sneak up on us and we have to rush to get gifts for everyone without any rhyme or reason. This often leads to poorly thought out gifts and spending more money than we should. So how can we get ahead this year? First things first: the list. To get an idea of how much gift-giving is going to cost you this year, start by making a list of everyone you would ideally like to get a gift for. Then, separate the list into different categories. For example: best friends and family, friends and supervisors, coworkers and acquaintances. Set a budget per person for each category and see what the total cost would be. For example, let’s say you have 10 people in each category. Your budget for best friends and family is $50 per person, friends and family $25 per person, and coworkers and acquaintances $10 per person. The total comes out to $500 + $250 + $100 = $850. Then, divide your total budget by the number of weeks you have to finish shopping: $850 divided by about 7 weeks until Christmas = $121 per week. It adds up fast! Seeing the names and numbers on paper can really bring into perspective how much you’re spending. Get the Most Out of Your Budget Once you have an idea of who you’re shopping for, how much you can spend on each person, and how much you can spend each week leading up to the holidays, shopping is a lot less stressful. To get the most out of your gift-giving experience, consider taking advantage of discount stores and sales. During Thanksgiving weekend, there are usually Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and sales in shopping malls. With a little patience, you can find designer clothes, the latest electronics, and plenty of other goodies without having to pay full retail price. This way, you get the most bang for your buck and your loved ones are none-the-wiser (besides, it’s the thought that counts, right?). Add a special touch to your gift with a personalized message. Taking the time to write out a heartfelt card is unexpected these days. You’re likely to pleasantly surprise your friends and family by letting them know how much they mean to you. Quality Over Quantity Another tip: quality over quantity. Instead of getting your significant other five stocking stuffers that they’re likely to stick in a drawer and forget about until next year, use your budget wisely to pick out one special gift that they’ll truly enjoy. Maglite makes a practical, useful, and affordable gift for anyone on your list. It offers legendary performance with an iconic design that everyone is sure to love. Check out the popular Complete Home Bundle, Complete Professional Bundle or the City Life Kit. Happy shopping!
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Halloween Safety and Fall Festivities
This month, fall is in full swing with colorful leaves on the trees, a chill in the air, and bags of candy by the truckload. It’s also Halloween Safety Month! There’s nothing more important to parents than their children’s safety, especially on a dark night with distracting decorations and distracted drivers. Below you’ll find some trick-or-treating tips to help keep you and your little ones safe. This week there’s also sure to be a fall festival at your local school or church. We’ve compiled some game booth and silent raffle ideas so you can focus on enjoying the fun! Safety First, Candy Second When you take a few precautions for your child’s safety this Halloween, the night will be a little less scary and a little more spooky! Firstly, carving pumpkins is a fun Halloween tradition, but it can also be dangerous. Consider having younger children decorate with markers or paint instead of carving. If they insist on a carved pumpkin, have them draw on the pumpkin first and then have an adult carve. The little one can get involved by scooping out the seeds. Then, light your pumpkin with a Maglite ML25LT LED C-CELL flashlight in candle mode instead of a burning candle to avoid any risk of a fire hazard. The second thing to think about is your child’s costume. Make sure that the costume is flame resistant, does not obstruct their vision, and is short enough to prevent tripping. You can also add reflective tape to the back or bottom of the costume, or even on the trick-or-treat bag. Be aware of your child’s costume accessories as well. For example, if they need a sword, try making one out of foam board or cardboard so that it’s not too sharp. That way it can’t harm your child or others if they happen to trip and fall or get a little too excited. Lastly, be prepared for the trick-or-treating chaos. Always accompany younger children through the neighborhood. If they’re older, make sure you discuss the route they plan to take and agree on what time to come home. Remain on well-lit streets, only approach houses with their porch light on, and never enter the house or car of a stranger. Make sure you and each trick-or-treater have a flashlight so that you are visible to drivers and can easily see sidewalks and crosswalks. You’ll be safe and stylish with a Maglite Halloween Safety/Fun Pack Bundle. It comes with 3 Classic Solitaire flashlights, the Maglite ML25LT LED C-Cell flashlight, and a white lite wand. Fall Festival Fun Fall festivals are a fun staple of fall and a great time to get involved with the community. If you are in charge of a game booth, here are some easy (and cost-effective) ideas to keep the kiddos entertained: Ball in Basket: Get a pallet or plywood from a grocery store or local business. Find various sizes of baskets and toy balls from the dollar store. Screw the baskets to the pallet in 4 rows, and lean the pallet up against a wall. Keep two baskets handy to store the balls for the players. Have the players try to toss the balls into the basket. Score three baskets and win a prize. Ring Toss: Start with a piece of plywood. Drill holes into the plywood at about a 45 degree angle in a 6x6 square grid pattern. Insert large lollipops into the holes. Get plastic rings, glow stick necklaces, or frisbees without a center. When a player successfully tosses a ring around a lollipop, they can claim it as their prize. Penny Toss: All you need for this game is some poster board and pennies. Use three different colors of large poster board and cut them in concentric circles in a bullseye pattern. Set it up flat on a table and have the players toss pennies onto it. When they land a penny in the center circle (bullseye!), they win a prize. Need to donate a basket for the silent auction? Try asking local businesses and restaurants for gift card donations. The marketing manager or general manager often has a budget set aside for serving the community. You can also find hidden gems at discount stores to create your basket. A “spa” basket might include bath bombs, face masks, lotion, and candles. A “work” basket could have notebooks, pens, pencils, a coffee tumbler, and a cute tchotchke for the desk. No basket is complete without a Solitaire LED Key Chain flashlight. It’s a handy, helpful tool that fits perfectly on any key ring, backpack, or purse. Add some tissue paper and ribbon, and you’ve got a basket people are sure to bid on. Enjoy the Moment Whether you’re out trick-or-treating or at a fall festival, we hope that you have a great last week of October. Remember to enjoy the moment with your friends and family, and embrace your #maglife adventure.
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National Boyfriend Day
They give you their jacket when you’re cold. They get rid of spiders and other creepy crawlies. They hold your purse when you go to the fitting room. Ladies, October 3rd is National Boyfriend Day! Whether he’s a bookworm or an adrenaline junkie, we’ll help you plan the perfect #maglife adventure for you and your man. Not-Your-Usual Date Night Show your beau how much he means to you this National Boyfriend Day by thinking of something to do that’s not your usual dinner-and-a-movie date night. Coffee houses and restaurants often have weekly performances where you two can get a drink and dessert, listen to some live music, and enjoy each other’s company with quiet conversation. There are also many Paint Night locations around town, where an artist guides you through painting your own masterpiece while you sip on a drink. You could also take a stroll through your local art museum, attend a sporting event, or have a picnic in the park. If your boyfriend enjoys a little more thrill, escape rooms are a fun way to get the adrenaline pumping and learn how to work together in a situation you’d (probably) never be in otherwise. You could take him skydiving, deep-sea fishing, go-kart racing, or bike riding. Pick an activity that you know he would like. Usually boyfriends cater to the desires of the girlfriend, so this is your opportunity to reciprocate. Whatever activity you choose, make sure to plan in advance. Since October 3rd is a Thursday and you both most likely have to work, you may want to plan your excursion for the weekend. Events are likely to be sold-out and reservations booked if you wait until the last minute. Get Him Something Special Boyfriends can sometimes be the hardest person to shop for, no matter how long you’ve been together. If you want to get your boyfriend a gift to commemorate National Boyfriend Day, consider getting him something he can enjoy with you -- like concert or movie tickets, tickets to a baseball game, or a gift card to a restaurant. Some boyfriends will appreciate a little help in the wardrobe department with a new button-up shirt, a new wallet or belt, or a fresh pair of shoes. You can also make your man a sentimental gift like a homemade card with a heartfelt message, a customized playlist, or a framed photo of the two of you together. Maglite flashlights make a great practical gift, with flashlights for everyday use, emergency and outdoor use, and professional use. The ML300L 4D LED Flashlight can run up to 18 days on eco mode and has a beam throw of 5 football fields. This flashlight makes the perfect companion to your boyfriend’s car or toolbox. The Mag-Tac LED CR123 Flashlight is a remarkable, rugged tactical flashlight with three modes, a detachable pocket clip, and three classy colors. This flashlight is for the boyfriend that loves the #maglife adventure and needs a durable lighting tool. Maglite flashlights makes the best unexpected gift because they have an iconic style and are built to last a lifetime.
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Wife Appreciation Day
Did you know that Wife Appreciation Day was a thing? We’re pretty sure your wife knows, so don’t get caught without a gift on September 15th. Whether she is traditional and romantic or spunky and adventurous, there are many ways to show your sweetheart just how much she means to you this weekend. Here are some suggestions for how to figure out what she might like, and some activities you can plan to make a great impression! What’s Her Love Language? If you’re not sure how to express your appreciation for your wife, start by thinking about what her love language is. The five love languages are: receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, and physical touch. If her love language is receiving gifts, a personalized pendant necklace or bouquet of flowers might make her feel special. For quality time, simply finding a babysitter for a quiet dinner or taking a stroll on the beach might show her that you truly care. Words of affirmation can be shared by leaving love notes around the house, sending texts throughout the day, or doing something that might be outside your comfort zone -- like writing a poem! If your wife values acts of service, try completing some chores around the house, detailing her car, or making her breakfast in bed. Physical touch can be expressed by simply holding her hand in the car or giving her warm embraces throughout the day. Sometimes small gestures can have a big impact on whether or not your wife feels loved, heard, and appreciated. Think Outside the Heart-Shaped-Candy-Box To make your wife’s day extra special, surprise her by doing something out of the norm. Plan a weekend staycation at your wife’s favorite resort and book a couple’s spa. Some spas have packages that include chocolate covered strawberries and champagne -- yum! Get up before dawn and make your way to a nearby hike. You’ll get some exercise in and beat the heat. Maybe even pack a picnic and relax at a scenic vantage point. Road trips are always a fun way to feel like you’re going on an adventure, even if you don’t go very far. Take a drive up the coast to a restaurant she’s always wanted to try, or plan a camping trip and spend the night under the stars. The Perfect Accessory Whether you choose to appreciate your wife with a grand gesture or a simple act of kindness, don’t forget the perfect accessory -- her very own Maglite! In fact, get her our new City Life Kit. It comes with a Mini Maglite Pro LED pocket / purse flashlight and a Solitaire LED key chain flashlight - all in 9 stunning colors! The Mini Maglite Pro LED fits in her purse and it’s also a must-have for the glove compartment for roadside emergencies. The Solitaire LED Key Chain Flashlight is super convenient to have on hand instead of wasting your phone battery using it as a light. Its beam throw is half a football field and lasts for two hours on just one AAA battery. It’s pretty, petite, and powerful! Why let Wife Appreciation Day stop at one day? Let your wife know she’s appreciated all month long with an iconic Maglite and some #maglife adventures. Be sure to snap a photo of you and your honey celebrating with your Maglites and text MAGSWAG to 88333 for a chance to win a trip for two to explore southern California’s beautiful beach cities in July 2020. Check out contest details here.
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From Summertime To School Time
With summer ending and back-to-school in full effect, the work/home balance and hectic schedule may need some getting used to this first week of September. There’s back-to-school night, sports games, family dinners, etc. -- all while making sure you and your loved ones feel happy and healthy. Here are some #maglife tips that might just help make the transition from a carefree summer to a busy school year a little easier. Your plans at-a-glance It might seem a little obvious, but planning ahead is a great way to begin to tackle the chaos this fall. With so many responsibilities and commitments these days, the mental file cabinet isn’t always enough to keep track of everything. Utilizing a family calendar can help take away the stress of remembering dentist appointments, parent/teacher conferences, piano recitals, and which-kid-needs-to-be-where-at-what-time. Wall calendars are helpful because all members of the family can see what’s happening at a glance and can add to it as things come up. Try using different colored pens for different kids, or convenient multi-colored sticky notes that you can move around as plans change. You can also utilize your phone calendar to make sure you and your family are in sync. Set reminder alerts and color coordinate tasks in the calendar app and your week will feel streamlined in no time! What’s for dinner? Sometimes deciding what to eat can be the most stressful part of the day. Try planning out meals for work and home so that you and your family will be well-nourished and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Meal prepping takes some work up front, but having a meal ready to go helps to make sure that you don’t skip a meal when the day gets hectic. You can also make a grocery list of fresh food, grab-n-go snacks, and frozen favorites. Make a list for two weeks and then alternate throughout the months so that mealtime doesn’t get monotonous. Taking the guesswork out of shopping will help create healthier eating habits as well. Instead of snacking on junk food or stopping by the drive-thru, you’ll have a fridge and pantry that’s well stocked to take on the week! Hit the reset button One thing that often falls by the wayside during stressful weeks is exercise. Exercising is refreshing for the mind, body, and soul. Be sure to take a few minutes out of the day to unwind. Take a couple laps around the block, go for a swim, or play catch in the yard. Getting some fresh air will help you press the reset button on your day and reconnect with your family. You can even do some exercises at your desk at work to get the blood flowing when that two o’clock feeling sets in. Maybe try something new -- yoga, running, cycling, crossfit, jiu jitsu -- sometimes finding a new passion can help kickstart your energy levels and ease your stress. Lust for life No matter what the beginning of this school year brings your way, the Maglite Complete Home Bundle has got you and your family covered! Bring the ML300L 4D LED flashlight along for walking to the car after late night soccer games. The Mini Maglite Pro LED flashlight is perfect for taking a twilight stroll through the park. The Solitaire LED flashlight is made for your keychain and will come in handy as a quick light in any situation. However you choose to relieve your stress this week, remember to live the #maglife way -- with a lust for life and adventure!
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Prepping For Back To School
Yep, it’s that time of year again! August is back to school for all ages, which means stocking up on crayons for little ones, snagging the new “it” backpack for teens, and styling dorm rooms for college freshmen… all while making sure the kids are well-fed, well-rested, and well-dressed. Back to school is an exciting time for kids and parents alike... It’s the start of a new adventure! And wherever there is adventure, you’re sure to find Maglite there too! Backpacks, Lunchboxes, and Water Bottles (Oh, My!) As a kid, the best part about going back to school (besides seeing your friends) is back to school shopping. The first day of school is all about showing off your cool new gear -- of which backpacks, lunchboxes, and water bottles are the essentials. Backpacks these days come in all shapes and sizes, so how do you pick the right one? Start with making sure to grab all of the school supplies (pencils, highlighters, notebooks, etc.) that are on the class list from your child’s school. Many retailers will also have your child’s class list available on their website or in person at guest services. This way, you will know exactly what your little one will need to be toting around all day, and you can help them choose their backpack accordingly. Other factors to consider for a backpack are durability and style. Of course, no backpack is complete without a keychain -- that is, the Maglite Solitaire LED Key Chain Flashlight. This nifty little flashlight has a beam throw of half a football field and can run for almost two hours on just one AAA battery. These flashlights are great for emergency situations, saving your phone battery for important calls, and finding items in your kid’s backpack-black-hole. It comes in nine colors, so there’s sure to be one that will match your child’s new backpack and personality! Whatever you’re looking for in a lunchbox, the right one is guaranteed to be out there. There are bento boxes for neatly portioned meals that come with a reusable cutlery set. Dual-compartment lunch bags keep cold items separate in an enclosed, hard-bottom cooler. This feature is great for storing cold items with an ice pack to make sure they stay fresh until lunchtime, or for storing items that you don’t want to get smashed. Lunch totes are the perfect carry-all -- just throw it in the bag! There are even lunch bags that are fashionably disguised as purses. Pick the lunchbox that perfectly balances form and function, and your kid will be sure to thank you! Make sure your child stays healthy and hydrated by getting them a reusable water bottle that is BPA, BPS, and BPF free. Bottles with a flip-open valve or pop-top are great for tossing into a lunchbox or backpack without worrying about spillage. Don’t forget to snag a tumbler for your morning coffee or tea. Look for ones that are conveniently dishwasher safe and are made out of quality materials that won’t burn your hands or fall apart after a few uses. College is the start of a new adventure! Prepping for the dorm is just one part of the going-away-to-college adventure. Here are a few essentials that will make dorm living a little easier: A storage ottoman is a great way to add an extra seat and utilize every square foot for stashing clothes, books, snacks, etc. A toiletry tote is a must-have for dorms with shared bathrooms. Stock it with everything one normally needs for the bedtime routine, plus shower slippers with a non-slip sole and a comfy, absorbent robe. Don’t forget to double check the measurements of the dorm bed to make sure that you get the right size sheets. Worried about late night walks from classroom to dormroom? Snag an iconic Mini Maglite Pro LED Flashlight, perfect for your pocket or purse. It’s beam throw is almost two football fields -- much more powerful than a phone flashlight. Plus, it comes in nine colors, so you can stay safe and make a #maglife statement. Keep your back-to-school cool Back to school can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Stay ahead of the to-do list and take it one day at a time. Remember that life is an adventure, and Maglite is here for you every step of the way!
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