(BPT) - The holiday shopping season is already in full swing and between the bevy of friends, family and coworkers on your shopping list, finding items that everyone will love can become complicated to say the least.
Sure, you could pick up some generic gifts that will likely end up at the bottom of a closet or spend years collecting dust in some dark basement, but you're better than that. This year, forget the socks and neckties. Skip the latest cell phone and run-of-the-mill gift card and make the holidays a hit with the following great gift ideas. From the rugged outdoorsy type to four-legged friends and all your loved ones in between, there's something for everybody.
For the loving pet parent: wholesome, made-in-the-USA holiday recipes
Treat your dog to food worthy of a fork this holiday season with Merrick Pet Care's new, classic and grain-free recipes and special holiday boxes. Merrick food is made in the USA with fresh, locally grown ingredients and balanced nutrition.
Furry, four-legged family members won't feel left out during holiday gatherings when they receive Turducken and Grammy's Pot Pie meals as part of Merrick's Holiday Meal Sampler Box ($19.99). This special holiday gift box includes: one 5-pound bag of Merrick's new classic toy and small breed dry recipe and two 3.2-ounce cans of Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Turducken and Grammy's Pot Pie (six cans total). The limited- edition Merrick Holiday Sausage Treat Box ($9.99) is also sure to please the pickiest pooches with 10 Grammy's Pot Pie Sausages, 10 Cowboy Cookout Sausages and two 3-ounce dry food samples.
Merrick is available nationwide at Petco and independent pet specialty stores. Find your local or online retailer at merrickpetcare.com.
For the fishing fan: hook up the angler in your life with the latest, greatest gear
When your favorite anglers hit the water, make sure they're equipped with the latest sure-fire lures from Rapala - the authority on fishing - with the new BX Series. An ideal stocking stuffer, the BX Series lures are designed with a durable balsa core that enables the all-around angler to tango with the strongest jaws in both fresh and saltwater. Perfect for casting or trolling, the BX Swimmer, with its articulated body, is a slow-sinking bait with a methodical swimming action that entices strike after strike. The BX Minnow is a sleek bait with flat sides that flaunts an incredible flash on the roll as it cuts through the water, creating a motion fish can't ignore.
Suggested retail price for the BX Minnow and BX Swimmer: $9.99 - $11.99.
For the techie: take constantly connected to the next level
What do you get for someone who has all the latest technology? The hottest smartphone, newest computer, highest resolution camera - you name it, they have it. Make your tech guru's year with Nexia Home Intelligence, a new smart home automation system from home industry powerhouses Schlage and Trane. Nexia Home Intelligence gives users the ability to remotely access and manage their home from any Web-enabled computer or smartphone.
Whether they're celebrating the holidays at grandma's down the road or from the beach in Florida, Nexia Home Intelligence allows users to kick up the heat before the cold front hits, unlock the front door for the dog sitter, switch on porch lights at dusk, check the backyard to gauge how much snow really did fall overnight, or even set up a text alert when their neighbor drops off her famous holiday fruitcake - all from a smartphone.
Visit nexiahome.com for more information on package options and monthly service pricing.
For the home cook: essentials for every kitchen
This holiday season, get the cooks on your gift list what they really want: to take the stress out of the kitchen with new products that pair perfectly with their cooking style. Calphalon makes gift-giving easier than ever with holiday "gift guides" for every type of home cook on your list - including gift ideas for new homeowners, newlyweds, bakers and gourmet cooks, as well as gifts for under $100. Whether they like to sauté, bake, roast or toast, there is sure to be a cookware piece or electric that needs updating in their kitchen. Help your cook sear the perfect steak with the Calphalon Unison Nonstick Grill Pan, whip up an unforgettable brunch with the No Peek Waffle Maker, or toast a delicious morning bagel with the 4 Slot Stainless Steel Toaster. No matter the gift, they'll surely be cooking up memories for years to come.
For more information on these great gift ideas, visit merrickpetcare.com, Rapala.com, nexiahome.com and Calphalon.com or connect with each brand on Facebook.
