The holiday shopping season is well upon us, but if visiting a shopping center or mall at this time of the year gives you heart palpitations, not to worry.No matter where you live, there are bound to be some cultural institutions with great gift shops. There, you’re likely to find one-of-a-kind … [Read more...] about Hate the mall? 5 places to shop for unique gifts
Gift Guide
Thoughtful wedding gifts that don’t cost a fortune
Wedding season is upon us, and for guests that can mean spending a lot of cash. Whether you’re going to a wedding of a friend or a family member, it’s likely that you will want to spend some money on a nice gift for the newlyweds. But this can get expensive. Some brides view their registry as a wish … [Read more...] about Thoughtful wedding gifts that don’t cost a fortune
12 free or cheap Mother’s Day gift ideas that cost little or no money
The value of a Mother’s Day gift is not how much you spend. It’s the time you take to prepare it, the thought you put into doing something that speaks to your mom, and the love you put into the gift. A perfect Mother’s Day gift doesn’t even have to be a tangible item, and it doesn’t have to cost you … [Read more...] about 12 free or cheap Mother’s Day gift ideas that cost little or no money
How to make homemade vanilla extract
One of my goals for this year is to begin making holiday gifts in November, so I'm not stressing and rushing to finish up gifts mid-December. One of my favorite homemade gifts to give (and keep for myself) is homemade vanilla extract, but it takes time to develop so you need to start it … [Read more...] about How to make homemade vanilla extract
15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores
If you have a bunch of folks on your holiday gift list, you know how fast even small items can add up. This year, why not stuff a stocking for each person on your list instead of buying a gift that needs to be wrapped?First, you need some stockings. You can get inexpensive ones at the dollar … [Read more...] about 15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores
An easy and cheap way to make your own Christmas ornaments
Every year throughout December our family does a Christmas countdown calendar. It's full of activities like making cookies with Mom, swimming with Daddy, driving around town looking at Christmas lights, and 21 more. One of those activities is always making homemade ornaments for our tree and as … [Read more...] about An easy and cheap way to make your own Christmas ornaments
The best Christmas gifts of all cost nothing
I often think of my grandfather around the holidays. Even though I didn't know him well, I find myself reflecting on his life when I look at a photo that shows him working on his farm. It’s a reverie that has become one of the best Christmas gifts he gave to me, without even knowing he had done … [Read more...] about The best Christmas gifts of all cost nothing
9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
Adults aren’t the only ones who enjoy giving gifts during the holidays. Kids like being givers, too. That’s why, when thinking about gifts for their teachers, kids often expand the gift list to include what seems like every adult in the school – the computer teacher, librarian, gym teacher, art … [Read more...] about 9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
Lego mania: Finding the best Lego deals
As I read my son’s Christmas wish list (aka the Santa List) this year, I was secretly hoping for more variety, but there it was — all Legos again. With age came sophistication for which Lego products he wanted, but so came an increase in price. It was getting more difficult to find a … [Read more...] about Lego mania: Finding the best Lego deals
Navigating the minefield of office gift exchanges
It's awkward enough choosing the wrong gift for Uncle Fred for Christmas, but at least you won't see him for another 364 days. Choose incorrectly for the gal in the next cubicle, and you have to live with that embarrassment on a daily basis.That's why personal etiquette and branding expert Vicky … [Read more...] about Navigating the minefield of office gift exchanges
