Search Results for: blog the best gifts of all

Did You Go Overboard with Gifts?

Now that the gift wrap is off and the gifts are spread around under the Christmas tree, there might be a sense that you went a little bit overboard. If it isn’t the sheer number of gifts, perhaps it is the credit card bill or the drain on your bank account that tells you that  you might have done a little too much. For me, it is usually the couple of extra gifts that I have left in the closet, too embarrassed or overwhelmed to bring them out. Ah, isn’t it so easy to be Santa these days. Still, it … Continue reading →

Find Genealogy Gifts Online

If you are looking for a gift for the good little genealogist on your list, you might want to check out the following sites which offer gifts for genealogists. If you have been a good little genealogist, you might even want to consider picking something up for yourself if your holiday budget allows. Genealogy Fun Stuff at petersenprints.com is an online genealogy store which has great genealogy supplies as well as plenty of giftable items. Whether you want to help someone get started with genealogy with something like a book or a research binder, or give a gift that is … Continue reading →

Free Holiday Gifts (and some under $5)

How many people can you knock off of your Christmas giving list without spending any more than $5 a piece? One, two, none? You might be surprised. With a little investment of a few hours, you might be able to get a gift for everyone on your list for free or for less than $5. Here are some ideas. Homemade Knitting Knitting a sweater or a scarf is an age-old way to give someone a nice personal gift, but yarn, especially that made out of wool can get expensive. Instead, buy a nice sweater or sweaters second hand and then … Continue reading →

Why Cash Might Be the Best Gift

Some people feel uncomfortable giving cash as a gift. That was never a problem in my family. In every Italian-American family wedding I’ve been to, the bride carries around a little purse just for the purpose. The envelopes get oohed and ahhed over more than does the sauce maker or the set of bed sheets. I do understand, however, that many people aren’t comfortable giving cash. They often opt for gift cards instead. A recent survey shows that people like getting gift cards, too. According to the 2012 Holiday Consumer Spending Survey, about six out of ten people would like … Continue reading →

Deals at Kohl’s, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, and More!

Fall sales are still going on. Some of them are starting to merge into the holiday sales. Whether you need to pick up a few more “Back-To-School” clothes, or you are ready to start shopping for Christmas gifts, these are the sales for you! Kohl’s has a way for you to save an extra 10% on your next online order. Sign up for Kohl’s Mobile Sale Alerts. Once you do, Kohl’s will text you a code that you can use to save on your next purchase. To sign up, text SAVE07 to KOHLS (56457). Kohl’s has a program called “Kohl’s … Continue reading →

Would You Get Secondhand Gifts?

Today we were at a large local thrift store. We love this store, and most of our clothes that aren’t hand-me-downs come from there. Yes, even my clothes once lived at this store, and I’m perfectly happy with that. We get other goodies from this store too. Kitchen items, sports items, and baskets for cookies are all there. Today I got some yarn for our Brownie group’s project, a parrot for my daughter’s Halloween costume, and shirts for my daughter. I also got Christmas gifts. This might seem tacky. Perhaps it is tacky. I am likely quite tacky without realizing … Continue reading →

The Best Mother’s Day Gift: Time

The past few days I have been listening to various stories on my favorite radio station. The question has been asked, “What would be your best Mother’s Day gift?” I have been thinking about how different my answer today is compared to 10 years ago, 5 years ago or quite honestly, even a week ago. Of course, some of that has to do with a shattering event that took place in our family this past week. But it also has to do with the stage of life I am in. When I think back 10 years ago my children were … Continue reading →

When Dad Doesn’t Call

I love Christmas morning. I love the excitement and noise and mess. Most of all I love seeing my daughters face light up when she gets that one thing that she thought was out of reach for us this year. This year, somehow, I managed to get the one thing she really wanted, and the look on her face was worth it. As a single parent it’s hard to give your kids everything you want to for Christmas, however most of the time you can console yourself knowing they get two Christmas’, one at Mom’s house and one at Dads. … Continue reading →

Preschool Health: Constipation in Small Children

Constipation is uncomfortable and often painful. It is hard to watch your child struggle with bowel issues due to how miserable it can make one feel. The best way to alleviate constipation is to avoid it. However, kids have a mind of their own and controlling when they go potty can lead to constipation issues. Parents need to be aware of the causes, treatments and preventative measures to keep their child healthy. Thankfully, the treatments and remedies are not harsh and normally natural means are effective. If you suspect an underlying problem or if your child is having an especially … Continue reading →

The Best Tradition of Christmas: Being Together

Christmas traditions in my family have changed over the years. When the kids were little, we always opened gifts on Christmas Eve. Now they receive money ahead of time and get to spend it however they wish. My youngest spends it as soon as it touches his fingers, my daughter waits until she can get to the mall and my oldest holds onto it for a while. Another tradition we had when they were younger was to read stories like “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Now we play games like Uno, Apples to Apples or Catch Phrase. We used to … Continue reading →