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What’s even more painful than the “morning-after” hangover you may feel after too much holiday cheer? The “month-after” holiday credit card bills! Each year millions of us vow that we will stick to our holiday budgets only to find ourselves more in debt than ever. The good news is that there are steps we can take to ease the pain and make sure that we don’t end up in the same place again next year.
Christmas is a time for giving — giving to your friends, your family, your neighbors, your postman. The list goes on and on. But how do you give to others when you’re not receiving a paycheck yourself?
This is definitely a year that our friends and family will appreciate thoughtful, inexpensive gifts. It’s the thought that counts, so really think about the kinds of gifts you can give that show you know their interests, without breaking the bank. These are my top 10 strategies for giving thoughtful gifts on the cheap:
This holiday season there are more ways than ever to pup-style your pet without breaking the bank. Here are a few of my favorite pet gift ideas that will get tails wagging.
With the economy tanking and layoffs being announced almost daily — 533,000 American workers lost their jobs in November alone — you may be feeling anything but merry this holiday season. In fact, you may just be wishing that the holidays were behind you.
For the fifth straight month retail sales have taken a hit. The Commerce Department released statistics Friday saying that in November, retail sales fell 1.8 percent. This is less than the 2.8 percent decrease in October, but still a significant decrease during the holiday season, which is a time when combined sales for November and December can add up to as much as 50 percent of a retailer's annual profits and sales. As job losses and concerns about the economy curb consumer spending this holiday season, retailers are feeling the pinch.
You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why: Santa Claus has abs of steel.
Hostess gifts — the token gifts of gratitude that you give to your host for including you — are a proper etiquette must-do. When accepting an invitation to a dinner or party, most of us offer to help or to bring something and when the host refuses, we end up bringing a bottle of wine.
Stumped on what to get a certain someone this holiday season? Books make great gifts, and there's always something for everyone.
In this economy everyone is looking to save money, even at Christmas, but you can still have a beautiful Christmas tree and leftover money to purchase the presents to place under it. Several of the ornaments can be made at home with things you already have — just get the kids ready some festive arts ’n’ crafts projects!
When the words “cheap” and “gift” appear together in the same sentence, “disappointment” usually comes next (often followed by “I sure hope this was a re-gift!”). Everyone is trying to save money this year, but that doesn’t have to mean sacrificing good taste or becoming Scrooge.
One day last December, little Morris — with shining eyes and a broad smile — skipped into my classroom toting a gaily wrapped box. With the impatience and exuberance typical of a toddler, he insisted that I open the gift right away. Before I even untied the bow, he announced that it was Hanukkah cookies that he and his mother had made. Of course, he insisted that I try one immediately.
Why get up in the early morning for a doorbuster sale when you can sleep in, avoid parking at the mall and skip the long lines to the register? Instead, browse catalogs and the Internet to find the perfect gift for your dad, your mom, husband and best friend. These gifts offer delights for the tongue, wearable style, cozy comfort and wonderfully artistry:
With the holidays upon us, chances are you'll have lots of family and friends in your home over the next few weeks — but how safe is it? Slips and falls account for over a million injuries in the U.S. alone. And many happen right in your own home. Some other things to worry about are holiday candles, loose or broken furniture, even safe usage of your holiday lighting. Here are some tips to keep you safe and sound at home:
This is my Christmas fantasy: I find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on my list. I ice-skate with my son, shop with my mom and curl up with my husband in front of a blazing fire. I painstakingly wrap presents. I make both sets of parents happy. They say as much. Now for the real version: I try hard to find the perfect gifts, but wind up spending hours at the mall getting nothing except a lip gloss for me. The only time my guy and I are together in front of a fire, there are in-laws wedged between us. And I race from one set of parents to the other, worrying that both sides are feeling slighted. If you love the holidays but find them a wee bit stressful, you're only human.
Most shoppers are looking for good, inexpensive holiday gift ideas this year. If you want to give your family and friends presents they will really enjoy, consider my favorite bargains at $5 to $10 per gift.
In Style editors reviewed hundreds of products and narrowed them down to the top gift ideas for everyone on your holiday gift list, from the modern tot in your life to your favorite glamourista:
What's Christmas without a tree? Each holiday season, shoppers find themselves confronted with a choice: Celebrate with a fresh, natural tree, or an artificial tree made of plastic or aluminum? Landscape designer Ahmed Hassan, host of DIY's “Yard Crashers,” offers a rundown of natural, artificial and even funky tree options.
There are so many video games and tech toys to choose among, it's hard to zero in on the ones that will be enjoyed after the holidays and inspire kids' imaginations. James Oppenheim of JamesGames.com reveals the top products for children of all ages.Whether you’re looking for a present for an elementary school or college student, there are products to make “learning” easier:
Forget the ties, scarves and gift certificates. Thrill your friends and relatives with these unique and fun gifts of health. I’ve put together my ultimate holiday gift list, complete with exercise enhances to get your loved ones moving and shaking, kitchen gadgets for whipping up nutritious treats, tools for tracking fitness goals and stocking stuffers galore. With these “skinny gifts” awaiting them under the tree, everyone on your list will be able to get a head start on their New Year’s resolutions.
This holiday season, warm someone's heart with a gift inspired by their favorite A-list celebrity. TODAY style editor Bobbie Thomas profiles the insider options that have Tinseltown buzzing.
Used socks, unsolicited gym memberships, half-eaten boxes of candy, unwanted self-help books ... bad, offensive — and downright cruel — gifts are as ubiquitous as blaring Christmas music this time of year.
Victoria's Secret's devilish angelsSee how supermodels like Heidi Klum and Adriana Lima strut their stuff in elaborate lingerie and glitzy jewels. Take a look at the sexy slideshows from past Victoria's Secret fashion shows.
No more letters from North Pole? Ho ho oh no!Since 1954, volunteers in North Pole, Alaska, have opened thousands of letters addressed to Santa and sent replies with North Pole postmarks. But after one volunteer was recognized as a sex offender, the Postal Service is dropping the program - and people are outraged.
The 'pardoned' turkeys: Where are they now?Every Thanksgiving, one lucky bird is appointed National Thanksgiving Turkey, appearing at the White House and getting an official pardon from the president. But where do these turkeys go to meet their non-food fate?
Hunky Santa at the mall is sooooooooooo L.A.You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why: Santa Claus has abs of steel. Or at least this one does.
The 16 worst holiday foodsThe holidays can be fun and happy time, but it can also bring on the pounds what with all the delicious dishes offered at parties, dinners, get-togethers.? The authors of "Eat This, Not That!" reveal the belt-busting foods to avoid and give you some satisfying and healthier alter …
The 16 worst holiday foodsThe holidays can be fun and happy time, but it can also bring on the pounds what with all the delicious dishes offered at parties, dinners, get-togethers.� The authors of "Eat This, Not That!" reveal the fattening foods to avoid during this festive time, and give you healthier …
The 16 worst holiday foodsThe holidays can be fun and happy time, but it can also bring on the pounds what with all the delicious dishes offered at parties, dinners, get-togethers.� The authors of "Eat This, Not That!" reveal the fattening foods to avoid during this festive time, and give you healthier …
Used socks, old candy: Holiday gift horrorsThink a tie sounds bad? How about a Wonder Bra, self-help book or a pound of frozen beef? Readers share horrifying tales of tacky, weird and downright cruel holiday presents they found underneath the Christmas tree.
There's no Who-ville in Louisville this ChristmasThe Kentucky city is scrapping plans to use the iconic Dr. Seuss village and characters as part of its annual Christmas display after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Dr. Seuss Enterprises. "These lawyers' hearts are two sizes too small," said the mayor.
Ach, bah humbug? Santa shortage afflicts GermanyWanted: Cheerful, chubby men, preferably with fluffy white beards and no criminal record, ready to work hard for one month. Germany is running out of qualified Santa Clauses and needs to recruit and train them fast, a leading job agency says.
Top off your Thanksgiving feast with cheesy biscuitsIt's the perfect breakfast, hors d'oeuvre or complement to your Thanksgiving meal. Callie White and Carrie Morey, the mother-daughter team behind Callie's Charleston Biscuits, explain how to make Callie's Charleston cheese biscuits.
The 'pardoned' turkeys: Where are they now?Every Thanksgiving, one lucky bird is appointed National Thanksgiving Turkey, appearing at the White House and getting an official pardon from the president. But where do these turkeys go to meet their non-food fate?
Thanksgiving taste test: Which bird reigns supreme?When you're cooking a turkey, you've got one shot to get it right. To help you select the best bird this Thanksgiving, Epicurious roasted six turkeys and compared their flavor, texture and appearance.
Grab a pint: Best beers for every seasonThe advent of autumn and the holidays that follow bring a flood of seasonal beers - from pumpkin spice ales to Oktoberfest and yueltide brews. Here are some tips of what to look for, whether its on tap or in a bottle.
Grab a pint: Best beers for every seasonThe advent of autumn and the holidays that follow bring a flood of seasonal beers - from pumpkin spice ales to Oktoberfest and yueltide brews. Here are some tips of what to look for, whether its on tap or in a bottle.
In Japan, $850 Christmas chicken defies recessionWant to splurge this holiday season? Despite a looming recession, a department store in Japan is selling roasted chickens stuffed with black truffles, foie gras, white sausage and chestnuts for 84,000 yen ($847) apiece.
Will giving thanks drive you broke this year?Crazy economic times have Americans counting their pennies along with their blessings this Thanksgiving. And that has many people wondering, just how much will it cost to give thanks this year?
Award-winning, high and low-tech toys for kidsFrom an adorable robotic pup to dolls that celebrate diversity, Stephanie Oppenheim lists the best in new, fun toys for the holiday season.
Go for the green this holiday with eco-friendly giftsDreaming of a green Christmas? Brita Belli, an editor at� %u201CE-The Environmental Magazine,%u201D offers eco-friendly gift �ideas for everyone on your list, from the outdoor enthusiast to the hipster/fashionista.
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