New light bulb choices and light bulb packaging are beginning to show up in stores. This is because of new energy efficiency standards that were launched at the start of January. Shoppers may have to think differently when looking to fulfill their lighting needs.

According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the new standards require light bulbs be 25 percent more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. Over the next two years, changes will come to the 100-watt bulb, 75-watt, 60-watt and 40-watt bulb. There will also be new packaging to make it easier to compare different light bulb technologies.

NYSERDA has outlined tips for shoppers when trying to find the right light bulb.

The Saratoga Polo Association has announced four different ways to give the gift of polo to someone special. The four different “stocking stuffers” are part of the Saratoga Summer Experience.

“We wanted to find a way to bring a little piece of summer to December, “ said Jim Rossi, Managing Partner at Saratoga Polo Association in a statement. “So, by offering the Polo Picnic Packages with match tickets and food, with the ease of ordering on line at saratogapolo.com, the Saratoga Polo experience is a gift that lasts long after the snow is gone.”

The four packages are:

Polo Picnic for Four

General Admission for a carload

Complete Picnic for Four * $85

Premium Polo Picnic for Four

General Admission for a carload

Premium Midfield Parking

Complete Picnic for Four * with one bottle of Red or White Wine $125

COLONIE - Sammi Gelhaus searched for the perfect Webkinz for her little sister at a Hallmark store Tuesday, and she wasn't worried about the price.

Last Christmas, Sammi was unemployed, but now that she's working in her family's business, there's more money to spend.

"I guess I'm just more confident in buying stuff this year because I have a more stable job," she said.

That sentiment was reflected in a new state wide Siena poll, that surveyed New Yorkers about their holiday spending plans.

Seven percent said they expect to shell out more this year than they did last year, up from four percent.

34 percent planned to cut back on gifts this year, not as many as a year ago.

55 percent said they will spend about the same as last year.

The manager at the gift store Pearl Grant Richmonds in Stuyvesant Plaza  said they're already seeing an uptick in spending.