This month in our ongoing search for unique gadgets that will help improve the lives of seniors, we found the following holiday gift ideas:

SmartShopper: This gadget is an automated grocery/errand list assistant that uses Nuance's state-of-the-art voice recognition technology. The user simply presses the center button on the unit and speaks the name of a grocery item or errand that needs to be picked up or done on his/her next visit to the store. The device even categorizes the items on the list for quick reference in the grocery store and designates quantities needed next to each item. Once the user is ready to head out to do the day's shopping, all he/she has to do is press print, and the entire list is printed out. For more information, visit www.smartshopperusa.com.

The Giddy-Up Stick: This unique, dual-handle walking cane enables users to more evenly leverage body weight when standing. The top handle is stationary while the bottom handle swivels a full 360 degrees. The LED light accessory is available for nighttime or low-light use. Adjustable for any height, it is crafted from lightweight aluminum and is designed for arthritis sufferers and for use after knee replacement or hip surgery. Click here for product information.
 

The Ring-Pen: This pen is the first writing instrument that takes a holistic approach to how a pen should be designed to fit the human hand and has been endorsed by the National Arthritis Foundation because it relieves arthritic pain due to its ergonomically sound design. As it relieves many of the stresses associated with the ordinary pen, it also relieves the pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome sufferers. It relaxes the hand while writing, allowing one to write for longer periods with less fatigue, preventing "writer's cramp", and promotes correct writing posture. www.ringpen.com

Looking for an affordable gift with a personal touch? A spice gift basket can fit any budget and makes an ideal hostess or holiday gift for every cook. They are perfect for a birthday, housewarming or simple thank you, too. With just a little thought and a few supplies, you can assemble a personalized basket. With Internet and mail-order shopping, it's possible to buy everything you need without leaving the house.

     Begin with a basket or any other useful kitchen container, such as a mixing bowl, cake pan, serving dish or colander. Vintage items you pick up at a second-hand store or garage sale can be charming. Line the container with a pretty cloth napkin, a colorful dishtowel or even a piece of fabric cut with pinking shears, or use tissue paper if you prefer. Add bottles or packets of spices, herbs, seasonings and other ingredients.

      With the wide variety of seasonings and accessories available, the possibilities are endless. Just use your imagination and you can spice up your gift-giving with personal and original gifts. For more tips and suggestions for specific gift baskets made with spices, seasonings, mixes and cooking accessories go to www.frontiercoop.com/giftbaskets.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Photo: FreePhotos.com

This season make all your festive get-togethers sparkle by using simple and innovative ways to entertain friends and family. Being creative with items you already own and a few extras will make your parties shine.
     Jennifer Sbranti, co-founder and editor-in-chief of HostessWithTheMostess.com offers a few easy and clever tips to make your celebrations sparkle. 

Set a Festive Table:

• Fill oversized, clear glass vases with colorful elements like fresh cranberries or white feathers for a modern, monochromatic centerpiece.
• White twinkle lights and candles are appropriate for any type of party theme and put your guests in a festive mood.
• When deciding on the menu, choose seasonal items, such as root vegetables, that are easily found in stores and at farmers markets in the fall and winter months to make great-tasting dishes.

Dress up Drinks:

• Set a trend by offering a signature drink. Pick one that matches your party theme or colors. For non-alcoholic options--and to make an eye-catching centerpiece--try lining up colorful bottles of all-natural IZZE Sparkling Juices.
• Get creative with garnishes. Dip the rims of cocktail glasses in colorful sugars and complement the colors and flavors of a drink with fruit or holiday candy.
• For creative, simple and fun bar table decorations, line up martini glasses and fill them with multi-colored candies, small fruits and nuts.

Courtesy ARA Content

Photo: FreePhotos.com

Don't Be Tricked by the "Grandparent Scam"

In what's known as the "grandparent scam," calls often come late in the night, and the callers are in a panic, saying that they're in an emergency situation, like a car accident or having been arrested. Posing as grandchildren, the con artists often beg their victims to transfer money as quickly as possible. "The best protection from this scam is awareness," says Denise Jaworski, Vice President of Consumer Protection at Western Union. "It's important to verify any emergency situation before sending funds."

Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself:

• Tell the caller you'll call them back at a known number, not a number that they give you. In the meantime, call a mutual friend and ask if they are aware of the situation.
• Contact your friend or family member and let them know you've received an e-mail or call claiming to be from them.
• If you did send a money transfer through Western Union before realizing it was a scam, call the company immediately at (800) 448-1492. If the transfer hasn't been picked up, it will be refunded to you.

For more information about scams and for more tips on how to protect yourself from fraud, visit www.WesternUnion.com/consumerprotection.

Courtesy of ARA Content