While the holidays are supposed to be about giving, admit it, we’ve all experienced some disappointment after receiving a dull gift. Maybe you’ve even been on the opposite end. Perhaps you felt ashamed after giving someone a lousy gift because you couldn’t get creative. Giving gifts unconditionally is not necessarily simple. Gift giving can sometimes feel like a chore that makes us resentful. Other times we give gifts in order to get something in return, even if it is simply the gratitude from the recipient. Sometimes, you’ll have plenty of ideas of what to buy someone: maybe your sister is into knitting and always wants unusual wools and accessories, or maybe your aunt loves gourmet food baskets. But, some people are just hard to buy for – especially if you don’t know them well. Don’t be afraid to ask if there’s anything they’d particularly like – you might want to approach one of their close friends or a family member to find out. Many people will hint at gifts they’d like to receive – some more blatantly than others! Listen out for phrases like “I’d really love a new scarf” or “Maybe I’ll wait till the January sales to buy myself...Read More

Although Christmas is almost everyone’s favorite holiday, with the increasing financial difficulties we face in this economy, it’s getting harder and harder not to turn into a total Scrooge… It may sound crazy to even think of Christmas before November, but now is the time to start your shopping to avoid the last minute chaos and truly enjoy the holidays with your family, the way it should be. We are less than one hundred days until Christmas and you may need help getting started. I would prefer to be sitting back with presents under the tree, sipping eggnog while my friends and family scramble to meet the holiday deadline. Christmas is a holiday that should be all about family, friends, and loved ones, there are a few simple solutions to making this holiday a little less stressful financially. Christmas causes many to feel joy about the meaning of the holiday, gathering with family and exchanging gifts. Christmas shopping has become a national pastime for many, as lists are formed, sales sought and crowds expected. When money is tight, the holidays invoke more stress than fun, and the fear of adding to an already overburdened credit card makes some people dread the season. You...Read More

As a child I can remember tearing through the pages of a big toy catalogue. I recall wanting all sorts of things and circling the items with an ink pen. I know my son wants everything he sees on a commercial or in a store. At a big box store or the mall we are constantly bombarded with opportunities and impulses to buy without much thought. Kids love being involved. This year, in addition to baking and decorating with your kids, make shopping part of the family routine. Take this as an opportunity to talk about money management it is good practice for kids to use math skills and decision-making skills. Kids’ Critter Labels Kids will love these whimsical, vividly colored sticker sets personalized just for them! Set #1: Pink Lamb, Yellow Kitten, and Orange Ladybug Set #2: Purple Worm, Green Frog, and Blue Caterpillar Sets available in 100, 200, 300, 400 labels Coordinates with our Critter Notes Children should learn that it’s truly the thought that counts and remember that you are the one whom is supposed teach them about money and making good decisions. While you want to teach money management, you don’t want to focus too much on...Read More

If you work in an office you know how annoying it is when someone keeps running through all of the stationery and desk accessories. I suggest getting some basic office supplies and a few other things that are often used by your coworker(s). With most of us on a tight budget we will need to find something more creative and less expensive. For each person it may be hard to think of a suitable gift that you will like to buy for them. If you are not very sure at this point, here are some reasonable ideas that may inspire some thought towards coworkers or friends. Best Value! Our Standard Box – Qty 100 Shts 50 Env. – Monogram A customer favorite for over 85 years, the “standard” by which others are measured. Fine quality, versatility and medium weight paper. An excellent value. Plain second letter sheets also available. Size: 6″ x 7″ Ink Colors: Black, Blue, Brown, Hunter Green or Wine Monogram Memo Set and Holder This trendy memo set features a new monogram-a mix of block and script typestyles that are perfect for the most discriminating of writers. The White memos come in 7 pads of 100 sheets...Read More

Website merchants provide rebates on various products. So, always remain in touch, look for online rebates offered by retailers and save big. See if free shipping is provided. Online website merchants provide free shipping offers and comfort of getting the products delivered right at your doorsteps. It also provides a simple and enjoyable experience; all that is to be done is to add the particular product into the shopping cart and enter shipping and credit card details. Wooden Photo Puzzle – 30 Piece Horizontal Turn your favorite picture into a puzzle – the perfect way to share that new photo of the kids with the grandparents. This 30 piece wooden puzzle measures 7″ x 10″ when put together. Also there are some shopping applications available that will help you find a good deal and save you money. Online products are somewhat lower in prices and much cheaper which allows enjoying huge savings. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and clearance bargains. An even change within the season allows online merchants to provide clearance and sale offers. Make use of sales, clearances and save a great amount of money. Samsung Galaxy II Cell Phone Cover These high quality cell covers...Read More

Christmas is coming, fast. It’s time to panic. After all, you don’t want to relive last Christmas Eve. There you were, at ten to five in the evening, standing in a large department store, with two gifts still to buy and a distinct shortage of cash. It’s the lovely time of the year again; the time for giving and sharing of gifts with family and friends. As much as we want to celebrate and be jolly during this festive season, we want to make sure that we are careful about spending so that we don’t spoil the festive mood. Here is a rough guide on how to shop for Christmas gifts: List the people who you are going to buy a Christmas gift for. This is a good place to start as the exercise will help you see the ‘magnitude’ of the shopping you need to do. Here are some of the people who you will probably include in this list: Family. Close friends. Colleagues. Gift exchanges for Christmas parties. Custom Memo Pads – Grid Memo Pad Organize your thoughts with grid or lined memo pads. Paper Color: White Size: 8 1/2″ x 11″ Ink Color: Black, Blue, Hunter Green...Read More

Just because a gift basket is called a gift ‘basket’ does not mean you are confined to using only a basket. We give them, get them, and we love them it should be that simple. I’m not sure if it’s the basket or the gifts inside that make this such an ideal gift. Gift baskets are a great modern day gift, but their history is a long one. Baskets date back to ancient times. In fact, certain historical events perhaps paved the way for the modern practice of giving gift baskets. The ancient counterparts to our modern baskets had a more utilitarian function to gather foods and transport goods. Even though baskets today are not a necessity for us, they still serve the same function. Baskets, with their warm earthy tones, serve to gather an array of gifts to present to friends and family. From ancient beginnings to modern traditions gift baskets are bountiful gifts that show our loved ones on their birthday, anniversary, a holiday or any happy occasion how much we care. There are tons of ways to be creative with the vessel that is delivering your gifts. If you have a gift theme in mind, play off that theme...Read More

Everyone knows that the autumnal color palette is full of warmth and comfort. Why not use that to your advantage by sending fall themed care packages? A far away family member who is not feeling well. A friend that is in need of a pick-me-up. A niece or nephew going off to college for the first time. A neighbor going through a tough time. Give them that feeling of warmth and comfort which fall inspires and show them you care by helping to raise their spirit or to regain their sense of self. Keeping your color palette in mind, do not limit yourself to the typical autumn hues of orange or brown. Stretch your possibilities by looking for items in deep pink, bright chartreuse, marine green, pacific blue or dusty plum. Choose colors that will evoke the feelings of fall. The contents of your care package can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose. Think of things that will make the recipient smile and feel good. Include personalized stationery as writing notes to friends and loved ones always makes people feel more relaxed and connected. Tuck in a comfy throw that they can snuggle up in. Add a...Read More

The time for holiday festivities is fast approaching.  Along with lots of gatherings and parties comes the need for special hostess gifts.  Of course, hostess gifts are given all year long, but I find holiday time is when I really need clever and reasonably priced gifts.  A bottle of nice wine or a baked goodie from your kitchen is a “tried & true” gift.  If you are going to the trouble of selecting a hostess gift, let’s make it something that stands out.  I have a favorite that I give frequently.  A small vase filled with cut flowers is always good any time of the year.  However, I always bring the flowers already arranged in a vase so the host does not need to hunt up a container for the flowers while tending to his/her guests.  You can find cute, inexpensive glass vases at a craft store. Since this is the season for parties, I have some holiday specific gift ideas for you.  A fun assortment of holiday cocktail napkins is always a good option.  Add some matching coasters and you have got it made . . . a happy host/hostess!!!  If you are going to a very special gathering...Read More