Most anyone will say that teenagers are the most difficult to buy gifts for during the holidays. It’s not easy keeping up with their constantly-changing fads and trends and the last thing you want is to give a gift that goes directly in the recycle bin. The key is simple: be observant or ask someone […]

So it’s down to the wire and you’ve still got shopping left to do. You want to give nice, thoughtful gifts but you’ve got no time. What do you do? Here are a few gift ideas for last-minute shoppers: Gift certificates are a go-to classic, but sometimes feel impersonal. Some stores make them fun; Bull […]

Every family has at least one, and every one has several family members who simply don’t know what to get them come the holiday season. Music mavens are the family music expert, the one family member who can tell you all you need to know about the Beatles and all you don’t want to know […]

If you’re looking for easy but thoughtful gifts for holiday giving, herb, spice and tea baskets offer a solution for just about anybody on your list. Ordering online the supplies to make them will save you shopping time. And by buying your ingredients from the bulk section of your local food store, you can craft […]

Sure she smiles politely every time you give her flowers or a new bracelet, but instead of offering her the same old gifts this year, score big with a present that will really knock her socks off. Forget flowers, scented candles or even trendy fashion accessories – this year’s high-impact gifts blend technology’s fun and […]

You spend every Christmas slaving away in the kitchen. From sunup to sundown, you’re chopping, dicing, frying, baking, broiling, cleaning and putting things away. You eat and rest little until night falls and your family is off and about, leaving you to your own devices. Not this year. You’re taking it easy this Christmas and […]

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and often the busiest time, too, as family get-togethers and holiday celebrations quickly fill the winter months. This holiday season, you can save time and avoid chaos in the kitchen by taking a few simple shortcuts. Whether you’re the go-to host for the holiday festivities year after […]

The Christmas countdown has begun, and the days will no doubt fly off the calendar like they do every year. Before you know, it’s only a few days until the holiday is here. Those who haven’t yet started shopping may feel pressed for time and worry that they will not be able to find gifts […]

Turn Ho-Hum Holiday Greetings Into Ho, Ho, Hot Stuff Holiday greetings are an annual tradition. The average person will mail out 28 cards to family and friends. Setting greetings apart from others with a personalized photo can make the holidays that much more unique. Instead of sending the same, mass-produced boxed greeting card to everyone […]

Unique Title: Snook Alone, by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering Snook Alone is the tale of a beloved rat terrier, the companion of a gentle monk living in a faraway sea, who has been asked to catalog the plant and animal species of their small part of the Indian Ocean. Snook, marooned by […]