Articles Tagged "Holiday giving"

Don't forget about your stocking stuffers as you shop for your holiday gifts. Homemade stocking stuffers are a fun, thoughtful way to show your loved ones that you're thinking about them. Our real estate agents suggest checking out these DIY stocking stuffer ideas. 

1. Homemade Playdough
   Playdough isn't just for kids; teens and adults enjoy creating figures and shapes for stress relief and artistic entertainment. You can whip up a batch of playdough after exploring Bradenton homes for sale in just a few minutes with a simple recipe. Grab a pretty jar or storage container, and your gift is ready to go.
   
   
2. Homemade Sugar Scrub
   A DIY sugar scrub is an excellent way to soothe rough, dry skin. Combine a cup of sugar with two cups of coconut oil, along with 15 drops of essential oils. Peppermint or lavender are popular options. You can gift a large batch or divide it into smaller containers for multiple stocking stuffers.
   
   
3. Chocolate-Covered Spoon
   Chocolate-covered spoons are a delicious addition to a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. You can cover disposable spoons with chocolate and sprinkles, or you may opt for a reusable spoon that the recipient can add to their at-home coffee bar. Just melt the chocolate and dip the spoon. While the chocolate is wet, add any flavor accompaniments, like sprinkles, crushed peppermint, drizzled peanut butter, nuts, or mini marshmallows. Make sure to make a couple for yourself so that you can relax with a tasty beverage after viewing Sarasota homes for sale. 
   
   
4. Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
   Mix up a batch of your favorite homemade hot chocolate and house it in small jars. You can add a small card with preparation instructions and a small bag of marshmallows to complete your stocking stuffer. 
   
   
5. A Paperclip Bookmark
   Have a friend or family member who's always folding down their book's pages to save their spots? Make them a paperclip bookmark by tying a small tassel or ribbon to a large paperclip. 
   
   
6. Candy Bottles
   Grab a small glass bottle with a lid and fill it with the recipient's favorite candy. Or, try a holiday favorite, like Hershey's hug kisses, holiday M and Ms, Snowcaps, or festive gummy candies. 
   
   
7. Holiday-Themed Mini Candles
   Holiday-themed mini candles are simple and fun to make. Head to your local craft store, and pick up your favorite color of candle wax. Prepare it according to the instructions, and use small holiday-inspired cookie cutters to make your candles. 
   
   
8. Photo Magnets
   To make photo magnets, print out your desired photos and mount them to a mat board. Cut each magnet out using scissors. Cover them with a layer of Mod-Podge or another protective sealant and attach a strip of magnetic tape to the back. 
   
   
9. Polka Dot Pencils
   Polka dot pencils make it fun to write and take notes. Pick up a pack of pencils and spray paint them your desired color. Use a Sharpie pen or marker to add the polka dots. 

Wish that your home had more space for holiday festivities and craft sessions? Contact us to search for your next home!

Wagner Realty Celebrates Another Successful Year With Holiday Brunch at the Bradenton Country Club

Bradenton, FL  December 8, 2021 – Each year as the holidays approach, Wagner Realty invites agents, support staff and affiliate partners to gather for a wonderful brunch at the Bradenton Country Club. This year, the company held its holiday celebration on December 6^th with more than 150 in attendance, celebrating their successes and enjoy each other's camaraderie.

 "Despite the many challenges, 2021 was a momentous year," notes David Eckel, Wagner Realty's owner and principal broker, adding "we want our agents and staff to know how grateful we are for all of their hard work."

After looking at various Sarasota homes for sale, are you finally settled into your new house? As much as you love your new place, it may not quite feel like home yet. You may still be unpacking, decorating, and making the space your own. How, then, does celebrating the holidays fit into this equation? Better than you think! Here are seven ways to make the most of the holidays in a new home.

1. Attend Local Events
   Your home may not quite be set up for celebrating yet, but surely there are lots of local events that can put you in the holiday spirit. Look for tree lighting ceremonies, local shopping events, and winter festivals to attend. You'll get to know the area and your neighbors better in the process.
   
   
2. Make a Special Meal
   Enjoying a special meal at home is a nice way to spend time with family. Even if you can't make your traditional holiday meal because some of your cookware is still packed away, take the time to make something else. You can make a delicious holiday roast in a slow cooker or bake a lasagne in the oven. 
   
   
3. Start a New Tradition
   New home, new traditions! If you take the opportunity to start a new holiday tradition, you will always reflect back on your first year in this home each time you stick to that tradition in the future. You could create a new traditional meal. Or you could play a certain game, wrap gifts together while holiday music plays, dance to some favorite tunes, bake cookies — the possibilities are endless. 
   
   
4. Decorate With What You Have
   Sure, most of your decorations might still be packed away. Some of them may not work well in your new home since you selected them for your old home. But how much fun can you have decorating for the holidays with what you have on hand? You can really exercise your creativity here. Make snowflakes out of paper plates. Create paper chains from takeout menus. Use cookie cutters to trace holiday shapes onto paper, creating ornaments. Your decorations won't be traditional, but that's half the fun.
   
   
5. Take Baked Goods to the Neighbors
   If you enjoy baking during the holiday season, consider sharing some baked goods with your neighbors. This is a great way to get to know others in your community. Becoming friendly with your neighbors will make your house start to feel more like a home during the holiday season and beyond. You might find that some neighbors give you holiday baked goods in return, which is always comforting, too.
   
   
6. Order From a New Restaurant
   If your kitchen items are still packed, and cooking isn't an option, take this opportunity to order from a new, local restaurant. You'll be supporting a local business, which will help you start to feel like a part of the community. Plus, you'll get to enjoy delicious food, which always puts you in a holiday mood.
   
   
7. Host a Move-in Holiday Party
   If you have friends and family members in the area, invite everyone over for a combination move-in party and holiday party. Nobody will be surprised that your home is still filled with boxes, and helping you unpack can be part of the fun. Put on some holiday music, and work together to make your house a home.

These ideas are sure to make your holidays brighter! If you're still looking for Bradenton homes for sale, please feel free to contact us. We'll put you in touch with our real estate agents, who can simplify the home buying process for you.

The holidays are a season of giving, and our real estate agents are always on the lookout for new ways to give back to our local community. This year, with so many families in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas suffering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for help is greater than ever. 

Whether you're a long-time resident of the area or are looking at Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale, we're excited to share ways to help. Please consider some of these opportunities to give back this holiday season!

1. Give to a Toy Drive
   As a child, one of the great joys of the holiday season is the thrill of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning. That's why participating in a local toy drive is a great way to give back and share some joy with a child in need. No matter where you live, chances are, there's a toy drive in your area. Here in Sarasota, the 4th Annual Toy Drive, hosted by the Sarasota sheriff's office, or the local chapter of the Marine Toys for Tots program, helping children in need since 1947. 
   
   
2. Give the Gift of Warmth
   Far too many people must face winter without the warm clothing they need. Donating unused winter coats to a winter coat drive is a great way to give someone the warmth and security they need this holiday season. Here in the Sarasota and Bradenton area, the annual Facing Homelessness coat drive collects much-needed winter coats for the homeless every December. 
   
   
3. Donate Blood
   Blood and platelet donations are always in need, but many people forget about it during the holiday season because their attention is turned to other charities and causes. But the American Red Cross is always in need of donations, and the winter is actually one of the seasons of greatest need. Giving blood at a local blood drive this time of year is a life-saving gift that directly helps those who need it most.
   
   
4. Donate to a Food Pantry
   No one should go without, especially during the holiday season. Donating canned goods and similar non-perishable food items to a food pantry or food bank is a great way to help. This is more true in 2020 than ever before. Check out this directory of food pantries and similar charities in the Sarasota area to learn more about where you can give. 
   
   
5. Give to the Boys and Girls Club
   For more than 150 years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America have helped create brighter futures for children in need. This nationwide charity network does so by providing quality voluntary after-school programs for kids who may not otherwise have access to them. Our local Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County can always use your assistance, and there are many ways to give. Financial donations are always much appreciated, but you can also volunteer your time, just as essential. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. If you're looking for your dream home, our team is here to help every step of the way. We're also thrilled to offer some unique ways to give back to the community we love.

'Tis the season for giving, and our real estate agents invite you to join our shop small initiative. Our local businesses support our communities economically and socially. Without them, Sarasota and Manatee Counties just wouldn't feel like home. Let's support our friends, family members, and neighbors by purchasing gifts from these local shops.

Gifts for the Outdoor Enthusiast…

Living in Florida means living outside for most of the year. If you have someone on your gift list that loves the outdoors, you can't go wrong with a gift card to Surfer Bus. Located around the block from Anna Maria homes for sale, this kayak rental service makes it effortless to get out onto the open water. For those who prefer to stay on land, Zegway by the Bay is a better bet. This unique company offers Segway tours around local towns near our Holmes Beach homes for sale. If you're looking to hit the town in style, consider a gift certificate to Longboat Limousine. Cruising from our Longboat Key homes for sale throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties, you can simply enjoy a luxurious ride with million-dollar views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Gifts for the Foodie…

Who doesn't love good food? Gift the foodie in your life a gift certificate to Jennings Downtown Provisions. A favorite destination of those who moved into Bradenton homes for sale, Jennings is a restaurant and bar specializing in great eats like tacos and flatbread. The Bradenton Farmer's Market is another fantastic place where a single gift card will fill them with the best local flavors.

Gifts for Lovers of All Things Local…

The Original Sand Dollar and Sun & Surf Beach Shop have various gifts that fit perfectly under the tree. If you're seeking something unique, you'll find several one-of-a-kind, locally-owned, giftshops near our Sarasota homes for sale, like Artisans' World Marketplace, Maker's Market, and The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. Or you can think outside the box and pair a foodie gift card from above with a trip to the theatre. 

Gifts that Celebrate the Arts and Nature…

While some nonprofit shops may not have gift certificates for purchase, you can gift tickets or memberships to some of our local museums like The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Gardens, and Sarasota Art Museum.

Gifts to Benefit A Favorite Cause...

It's a time of increased need throughout our community, which makes it a great time to give the gift of support. We also encourage you to consider gifts that help nonprofits in the Sarasota and Manatee Counties. If you aren't sure which non-profit you would like to support, visit The Giving Partner website. The Giving Partner, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, helps local nonprofits tell their story and enables you to explore how each nonprofit is making a difference in our neighbors' lives. The Giving Partner database contains over 700 profiles of 501(c)(3) charitable organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.

If you're interested in buying or selling homes in Manatee or Sarasota Counties this holiday season, feel free to contact us. For more gift giving inspiration, be sure to check out our collection of short videos.

December is a delightful time of the year, and nothing makes the holiday season brighter than the vibrant holiday celebrations taking place throughout our region. Our REALTORS® encourage you to gather your family and explore our local holiday events.

• Lights in Bloom — Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 909 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | Dec 14 – Jan. 4
  The Lights in Bloom Selby Experience is an event like no other! More than two million lights will transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. This 16th annual Sarasota tradition includes crafts and games for children as well as a visit from Santa. Schedule your Sarasota homes for sale tours early in the evening so you and your family can stroll through the magical gardens under this dazzling display!
  
  
• Holiday Boat Parade — Caddy's Bradenton 801 Riverside Drive E., Bradenton, FL 34208 | Dec 14
  The 22nd Annual Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade is a very Floridian way to celebrate the winter holidays. This event will feature dozens of boats decked out in holiday decorations vying for prizes. Grab a seat along the river and watch as these Christmas ships cruise across the Manatee River in support of the Toys for Tots Program. This event takes place in the afternoon, so be sure to schedule Bradenton homes for sale visits early!
  
  
• VABI Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration — Venice Arboretum at West Blalock Park 401 Pensacola Rd., Venice, FL 34285 | Dec 14
  The Venice Area Beautification Incorporated Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration returns for its 13th year. Come together with the community as dozens of trees are illuminated with colorful lights. Entertainment for adults and children will be provided, including a visit from Santa! Don't worry — we can help you pick out a few Venice homes for sale, so Santa knows what you want.
  
  
• Holidays Around the Ranch — Lakewood Ranch Main Street 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 | Dec 13
  Holidays Around the Ranch is a favorite annual gathering of the Lakewood Ranch community. This festive celebration has everything from eggnog and carolers to a tree-lighting ceremony, musical performances, and a grand entrance from Santa Claus! They've also got an outdoor snow slide for children that turns Main Street into a winter wonderland. If you're spending the weekend looking at Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, come into town early so you can enjoy this celebration.
  
  
• Sarasota Holiday Parade — Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 Dec 7
  Welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Sarasota when you attend the annual Sarasota Holiday Parade. This event is always held on the first Saturday in December and is close to many Sarasota homes for sale. The parade will feature lighted floats, high school marching bands, and of course Santa. 
  
  
• Holiday Tour of Lights — Regions Bank 4041 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL 34236 | Dec 6 – 31
  The Annual Holiday Tour of Lights is a must-visit event in the Sarasota area. Hop aboard the SRQ Trolley as it glides you around the best light displays in town. You are permitted to bring snacks and beverages onboard, but remember, the trolley takes off at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm sharp! Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to walk Sarasota homes for sale and get to the pickup spot!

Are you hoping to light up your own home in Sarasota or Manatee County this holiday season? Contact us today, and we'll help you with your search!

Our real estate agents know about all the things that make Sarasota such a great community to live in. And one of the best things is the people. Many people in our city like to volunteer during the holiday season, and Sarasota has no shortage of opportunities to help make our community a better place. The holidays often bring an increased need for community services and the groups that provide those services have an increased need for volunteers. So during this season of giving, consider giving some of your time to help one of the many organizations that make Sarasota a better place. Whatever your skill set, you can find meaningful work that supports the community. Not sure where to start? We have a few suggestions to help.

1. The Salvation Army Sarasota, 1400 10th Street, Sarasota, Florida 34236
   The Salvation Army Sarasota has a wide variety of ways to volunteer. Successfully providing over 700 meals per day to those in need takes a lot of volunteers! There is always a need for food prep, service and clean up. Other programs provide shelter and life recovery services and those programs need volunteers to help with laundry, teaching, and mentoring. Additionally, volunteers answer the phone, drive the van, help at special events, and provide other essential tasks to help the Salvation Army serve those in need.
   
   
2. Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, 1757 N. East Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34234
   Do you have a knack for building, repairs, or painting? You can help Habitat for Humanity Sarasota to build and provide critical repairs to homes. They provide the tools and training so even if you don't have experience, you can still help out. Opportunities are updated weekly, so there's plenty of work to go around.
   
   
3. Humane Society Sarasota County, 2331 15th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
   The Humane Society Sarasota County is the area's largest no-kill shelter and always needs plenty of animal lovers to help out. Volunteers can help with cleaning and laundry, dog and cat companionship and care, administrative support and help at special events. Of course, they are always in need of foster homes for animals as well.
   
   
4. MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
   If your love of animals is more for the swimming kind, volunteering at MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium might be for you. MOTE is dedicated to research and education supporting conservation and sustainable use of the oceans. Cashiers, greeters, tour guides, and membership specialists are all volunteer opportunities that help educate the community on the importance of marine stewardship.
   
   
5. Resurrection House Inc., 507 Kumquat Court, Sarasota, FL 34236
   Caring and compassionate people are needed to help Resurrection House Inc. provides day services for the homeless of Sarasota. Over 180 volunteers help people back to self-sufficiency with a faith-based program that provides necessities such as showers and laundry, medical treatment, and counseling services.

Making a real difference in someone's life this holiday season can be a rewarding experience that makes your community a better place. When shopping for a home, deciding where you want to live is an important part of the decision. Sarasota homes for sale offer everything you want in a home and a community. Contact Wagner Realty today and get started finding the right home for you.