Technology is great, but when it come to younger children, it has not-so-great aspects, including the creation of ecowaste, negative effects on children's attention spans and problems associated with social media use by preteens. And, less importantly but of more immediate significance, the … [Read more...] about Old-school, no-tech gifts for kids
Christmas
Avoid holiday scams and frauds
Holidays are a busy time for all of us, including the scammers and fraudsters working overtime right now to cheat you out of your money, even your identity. Here are types of holiday scams to watch out for. Email scams We couldn’t deliver your package: Spam emails from senders with … [Read more...] about Avoid holiday scams and frauds
50 white-elephant gift exchange ideas
White Elephant gift exchanges, or as some call them, Yankee Swaps, are about as popular as ugly Christmas sweater parties. Finding the perfect gift can be difficult because there are often a variety of people participating, and you may have to gear the appropriateness around the type of party: … [Read more...] about 50 white-elephant gift exchange ideas
Make your own easy holiday wreath
As a traditional part of decorating for the holidays, we adorn our walls and doors with pine wreaths and garlands. The stores are full of wreaths with sensors that start music for passersby, simple plastic-pine wreaths embellished with bells and bows, and natural pine garland wreaths that fill the … [Read more...] about Make your own easy holiday wreath
How to end the exchange of useless holiday junk
As the holiday gift-giving season approaches, we often are filled with a sense of dread: How will we ever find the perfect gift for everyone on our list, have the time to finish our shopping and come up with the money to pay for all the stuff we need to buy? Some Americans are saving money and … [Read more...] about How to end the exchange of useless holiday junk
Elegant holiday party on a beer budget
You’d love to give a holiday party, but those events can be real budget-busters. Well, ho-ho-hold on there. There are ways to do it up right and not break the bank. Here are some tips. Invitations first. Keep it simple. Most people today are OK with an e-mail invitation. If you know someone who … [Read more...] about Elegant holiday party on a beer budget
Christmas dinner to go 2021
Celebrate the holidays, or just the end of the year, by gathering around the table. If you're looking to avoid all the cooking that comes with these celebrations, consider ordering a fully cooked Christmas dinner to go so you can spend more time with your family than in the kitchen. You can … [Read more...] about Christmas dinner to go 2021
10 thoughtful gifts that keep on giving
When it comes time to choose holiday gifts, there are times you just don't want to buy any more things. Yet, you want to share joy, make your friends and family happy and give them a thoughtful gift that they will enjoy all year. There is a way to do that. Memberships in museums or botanical … [Read more...] about 10 thoughtful gifts that keep on giving
10+ cool, inexpensive gifts for kids
Retailers want you to believe that the toys under the Christmas tree should be large and expensive. But if you've ever seen a kid more excited about the box a gift came in than the toy itself, you know that sometimes the cheaper, smaller gifts are the favorites. Plus, a few less expensive gifts can … [Read more...] about 10+ cool, inexpensive gifts for kids
35 ways to save money and time during the holidays
The holidays are approaching, and everyone you know is searching for the best deals on gifts and trying to figure out how to avoid the stress that comes this time of year. If you want to enjoy more time and worry less about spending too much, check out these ideas to help you do both. … [Read more...] about 35 ways to save money and time during the holidays
15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas
Looking for DIY and handmade Christmas gift ideas? We found tons of handmade gifts that are easy to make and special to give. From food gifts to handmade bath products, all of these holiday gift ideas provide an affordable way to celebrate the holidays and to give gifts that are unique and … [Read more...] about 15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas
8 holiday spending mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to bust your budget
We have great intentions when we create our holiday shopping plan of attack. Maybe you're the type who hits the stores armed with flyers, coupons, apps and lists. Or maybe you’re the type to hit the online stores without a plan and marathon shop till you drop. Either way, you could be blowing your … [Read more...] about 8 holiday spending mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to bust your budget
How to holiday shop for people who have everything
No matter what you do, December is a pricey month for most people. Not only are you buying gifts for the holidays, but you may have to spend on food, travel costs, holiday parties and Secret Santa at work. You might even have the added challenge of shopping for someone who has … [Read more...] about How to holiday shop for people who have everything
10 great gifts for under $10
Does your Christmas gift list stretch from here to the mailbox? Do you need to buy for aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as your immediate family? That can add up to a hefty credit card bill come January. We have some ideas for great gifts you can get for under $10 – where … [Read more...] about 10 great gifts for under $10
Living on the Cheap gift guide roundup 2021
Some people enjoy thinking about what to buy for gifts, going out to buy gifts, getting home and wrapping gifts, going out to deliver gifts or mail gifts . . . I am not that person. Don't get me wrong. I love it when I happen to see something in a shop or online and think, "That would be … [Read more...] about Living on the Cheap gift guide roundup 2021