The Lakeside Collection Gift Basket Giveaway

Have you always wanted to give a gift basket but couldn't find one with the right gifts inside? Or the price was too high? The Lakeside Collection offers gift baskets that you customize, so you not only can put in whatever you want but also spend how much you want. There are five categories to shop from to please your outdoor friends, foodies, fashionistas, little princesses, and pet lovers.

The Lakeside Collection sent me the Curious Cook gift basket to review. Everything was wrapped superbly, so that although my package arrived a little banged up, the contents were safe and sound.

The gifts included were perfect for my family, too! I loved them all, and my husband was most excited by the bread dipping set. He wanted to go out that night and buy bread so we could use it right away!

The gift basket comes unassembled so you save on shipping and can arrange the basket however you want,  based on what you bought. Or, if you want to split the gifts among people, then you don't have to worry about undoing a fancy, pre-wrapped basket. Either way, there are assembly instructions online for a sample basket of each type so you can get a general idea of how to compile the gifts. This is how I assembled my basket (you can finish it by wrapping it in cellophane, though I prefer it without--better visibility and less waste).

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*Customization of gifts and price with a variety of items and prices. 
*Low shipping costs.
*Gifts are high quality.
*Comes with return instructions and shipping label.
*If you're not into gift baskets, they have a ton of other unique gifts to choose from!
*Excellent customer service!

Frowns
*Not the type of gift basket you can ship to a distant friend since it isn't pre-assembled, unless your friend is like me and couldn't care less about the presentation.

One of you lucky readers will win any gift basket of your choice! Enter in the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to the U.S. only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas in Snow Valley Clean Romance Bookset

Christmas in Snow Valley is only $.99 until November 8th.

Amazon * iTunes * B&N * Smashwords * Kobo

Snow Valley, Montana, is a small community with the tradition of doing Christmas big. Festivities begin with tree lighting in the town square the day after Thanksgiving and continue until the culminating romantic Christmas Ball. From the Polar Express to a Winter Carnival, there’s something for every wonder-filled  child—and every couple who’s in love—or about to be.

An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
Lucy Phillips doesn’t want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than the guy she kissed at the airport?

Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
Christmas in Snow Valley is the perfect way for April Winston to introduce her city slicker fiancé, Scott Mecham, to life on a farm. If only Wade Hadley, hometown boy and high school sweetheart, will cooperate! But Wade has no intention of letting April go without a fight. This Christmas, Wade is determined to overcome their painful past and show April that she already has what she’s been seeking all along.

Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts
Kazlyn is too busy with her schooling and future plans to enjoy life, let alone fall in love with a man who has heartbreak written all over him. Tyrese Hamilton, a college basketball star and major heartthrob, is intrigued when Kazlyn doesn't pursue him or even seem interested. Ty's career is in jeopardy, and he needs a miracle and Kazlyn to save him.

The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
When Molly O’Hare gets a prediction that she will kiss her true love on Christmas Eve, she thinks it’s utterly ridiculous. But when she gets teamed up with Kevin Snow, aka her ex-boyfriend, to decorate a Christmas tree, things start to change. Too bad getting over the past is hard and seeing him kiss another girl is even harder. Now Molly is left with a choice—run away from home and heartbreak or let Christmas work out a miracle all of its own.

Risking it all for Love by Award-Winning author, Kimberley Montpetit
Ever since her high school boyfriend's death from a car accident three years earlier, Jessica Mason and her hometown of Snow Valley, Montana, with all its awful memories, have not been compatible. Running away to New Orleans on a ballet scholarship, Jessica cringes when she thinks about confronting Pastor John and the community church--she doesn't want to talk about God, not after He took Michael, the boy she was going to marry ever since third grade.

In the local scene of funky New Orleans, Jessica seeks out Madame LaBlanc, hoping Michael will absolve her of her guilt the night of the car accident in a seance, but the spirit world is silent and she fears the grief will drown her.

Finally succumbing to family pressure, Jessica reluctantly returns for Christmas - and the little town of Snow Valley does Christmas big. When she visits Michael’s grave in the church yard, Jessica is shocked to meet handsome James Douglas, Pastor John’s nephew, who’s studying for the ministry. No, she is not going to be attracted to someone who wants to be a preacher! Definitely not compatible! But James Douglas is unlike any minister-in-training she's ever met. James can not only dish back Jessica’s finely tuned sarcasm but understands grief all too well, turning Jessica’s world upside down.

Can Jessica forgive herself for that terrible, fateful night? Can she take another risk on love?

Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell
As head of Snow Valley hospital's fundraising effort, Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn't have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She's been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.

Click any link at the top to buy your copy of Christmas in Snow Valley today while the price is low!

Gift of the Month Club Giveaway & Fundraiser [CLOSED]

Last year I spent a lot on gifts for family and friends. How convenient it would be to always have something cute and unique on hand, and at a reasonable price. Markets of Sunshine's Gift of the Month Club does just that, sending you a collection of handmade, eco-friendly items or direct sales products with a retail value of up to $60, so you have many gift options when you need them.

You can also buy DIY scrapbook or card-making kits. There is a BOGO sale too. Not interested but still want to support small businesses? The buyer's club allows you to make a donation in exchange for a free gift and other perks. If you are a seller, you can join the promo club to build your customer base and promote your business.

The founder, Marsha, sent me a collection to review:

• Dog-print cloth bowl cover (for microwaves or picnics)
• Organic cloth towelettes in 2 sizes
• Bracelet with a cat charm
• Cat-themed table runner
• Mini appliqued tote bag in pink

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*All handmade items.
*Individually wrapped.
*Variety of items, including decorative and practical.
*Unique gift ideas. I immediately thought of 2 people I could have given some of the gifts to.
*Club is family owned and operated.
*Direct phone line for customer service issues.

Frowns
*The only frown is something out of Marsha's control:

On December 30, 2005, Marsha was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which has progressed into other illnesses. When you try to kill it, it tries to stop you by shutting down vital organs. At present Marsha's kidneys, liver, and other vital organs are under attack, and she now has Type 2 diabetes. Her weight has dropped from 138 lbs. to 105 lbs. She has to wear a mask outdoors due to multi-chemical and environmental allergies. She uses a wheelchair because her muscles are weak and she has arthritis in her joints. Also, Marsha can no longer use prescription medicines due to the auto-immune nature of Lyme disease.

The medical cost is very expensive and is not covered by insurance. Her family has refinanced their house several times and now have nowhere else to turn for help for her ongoing medical costs and care. Please help her return to a life of normal activity by donating to her medical fund and new doctor that is helping her regain her health.

Her goal is to reach $12,000. You can donate here.

One of you lucky readers will win the collection I received (above), a $40 value! Want to shop from the club's artists? Check out this treasury for all the shops and a 50% off coupon code!

10 entries: Make a donation to Marsha's medical fund. Leave your username.

1 entry: Post Marsha's donation page on Facebook (click "Share on Facebook" under the photo). Leave the link.

1 entry: Visit the Gift of the Month Club subscription page and tell me which collection interests you most.

1 entry: Follow the Markets of Sunshine blog via Google Friend Connect (located at the bottom).

1 entry: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Saturday, March 8. 
• This giveaway is open to the U.S. only.

Featured Seller: Jessica from Buns and Bows

This week's featured seller is Jessica from Buns and Bows. She is a very talented artist!

Hello! My name is Jessica and I am the proud owner of three beautiful bunnies. I have always enjoyed painting digitally (using a pen tablet and Photoshop); however, it was my rabbits that inspired me to paint their portraits.

I have really come to know my bunnies' individual personalities. One particular bun seems to think she is the queen of our apartment! This gave me the idea to paint on accessories which help show off the characteristics of each pet. It is great having the power to turn a cute little bun in to a gangster with gold bling!

Check out Buns and Bows for more adorable portraits and gift ideas for your pet owner friend. You can also find Buns and Bows on Twitter and check out Jessica's site for cute photos of her bunnies and guinea pig.

Christmas Gifts for Men

DabbledDetails.etsy.com

Guys can be hard to shop for, so here are some fun and unique Christmas gift ideas for men:

Edibles

• Stocking stuffers: beef jerky, favorite drink, candy
• Wrapped gifts: steak, summer sausage, specialty BBQ sauce

Hobby Equipment (especially ones that need to be replaced often)

• Stocking stuffers: golf gloves, gift card to hobby store, tool parts
• Wrapped gifts: free weights, camera lens, ammunition

Experiences

• Stocking stuffers: tickets to a game, massage appointment, golf lessons or club fitting
• Wrapped gifts: fan items to wear to the game, massage oil, golf clothes

TV Show Paraphernalia

• Stocking stuffers: key chain, phone case, decals for his laptop or car
• Wrapped gifts: t-shirt, DVDs, poster or artwork

Accessories (no ties!)

• Stocking stuffers: belt buckle, watch, cuff links
• Wrapped gifts: belt, shoes, backpack or bag (shoulder, duffel, laptop, camera)

Decor

• Stocking stuffers: wall decals, desk calendar with photography, cell phone holder for the desk
• Wrapped gifts: clock, 3D letters of his initials or alma mater, bookends

Electronics

• Socking stuffers: video game, gift card to electronics or app store, headphones/ear buds
• Wrapped gifts: gaming accessories, tablet keyboard, speakers

Blessingway Gift Ideas

My sister-in-law and doula are throwing me a blessingway next month. (Read about blessingways here.) If you've been invited to one and don't know what to get the mother, here are some blessingway gift ideas:

• scented candles
• massage or essential oils
• jewelry (you can find cute birth-related jewelry on Etsy)
• bath & beauty products
• artwork (your own or others')
• personal letter
• encouraging quote
• poetry (your own or others')
• relaxing music
• service (cooking, cleaning, helping with other children, etc.)

(The photo is of a blessingway gift I made for my friend. When our car got broken into a few months ago, none of the valuables were taken, but this was! It was gift wrapped, so they didn't know what they were stealing. I wish I could have seen their face when they opened it! I made my friend another one yesterday, but forgot to take a photo.)

Baby Shower Gifts for Crunchy Mamas

cafepress.com

Do you have a "crunchy" pregnant friend and no clue what to get her for her baby shower? Here are some gift ideas for the health-nut, attachment-parenting mama:

• cloth diapers and accessories: cloth wipes, wet bags, safe laundry detergent
• nursing accessories: cloth nursing pads, nursing cover, milk storage bags, nursing necklace, lactation cookies
• essential oils
• coconut oil (Nutiva is a good brand)
• amber teething necklace
• wooden, felt, or cloth baby toys and teething rings
• wrap or sling for wearing Baby (extra points for buying the dad one too!)
• baby-safe bath, hygiene, and cleaning products (check the Skin Deep Database; the lower the score the better)
• co-sleeper
• any book by Dr. Sears or Elizabeth Pantley

What are some other great baby shower gifts for crunchy mothers?

IzzybizzyME Mother's Day Card Giveaway & Craft Idea [CLOSED]

Last year I bought my mother and mother-in-law gifts from Etsy. This year I want to give them something I made. So when IzzybizzyME teamed up with me for a giveaway, I was delighted to find this Mother's Day printable card in the shop:

Instead of using it as a card, I turned it into a craft. At Walmart I bought black 5x7 in. picture frames for 95 cents each. I printed and trimmed the cards and then embellished the frames. Simple, inexpensive, and beautiful handmade gift for Mom! (Unfortunately for me, both women read my blog, so it won't be a surprise!)

TWO of you lucky readers will win this Mother's Day printable card!

Mandatory Entry: Visit IzzybizzyME and let me know what else you like.

1 entry: Like IzzybizzyME on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow IzzybizzyME on Twitter.

1 entry: Follow IzzybizzyMe on Pinterest.

1 entry: Pin an item from IzzybizzyME to Pinterest.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Post this giveaway to Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, April 30. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 1, giving you enough time to print the card, make your craft, and send it to your mother by Mother's Day (May 12)! Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win and IzzybizzyME can send you the card. This giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck!

Featured Seller: Mary from Charmed by Wine

This week's featured seller is Mary from Charmed by Wine. Mary makes wine glass charms. Now, I know what you're thinking: why is a Mormon mommy who doesn't drink featuring wine charms? I asked Mary to describe her product more to me and she replied,

 
I certainly understand that wine charms are not for everyone. Although the purchaser may not drink or enjoy wine, my items do make wonderful gifts and are useful to have around the house for holidays and other gatherings when others may wish to drink. A few alternative uses are:

• coffee mug/teacup charms (on the handle!)
• water goblets or any other stemmed glassware
• Christmas tree ornaments
• gift tags or part of gift wrapping
• tapered candle charms
• charms on any stemmed candle holders
• gifts: hostess gifts, holiday gifts, party favors, wedding shower or wedding favors, etc.

If you take a peek in my shop, you'll see that there are various designs and colors, and their purpose is simply to add a little sparkle and interest to an item, as well as to ID the person's glass so as not to confuse it with another (a classier way of writing your name on a cup).

I was in awe of how many great uses there are for them! Here is how Mary got started making them. 

I recently got married in August 2012. My husband and I had a beautiful wedding inspired by my Italian heritage, our love of clean and classy styles, Sinatra, food, and wine. As part of the planning process, I thought it would be a cute idea to give wine charms as favors. The wedding sets I was finding were so expensive and they weren’t very personal, so I decided to make my own.

I made over 1300 wine charms (which took me the better part of 6 months to do!). With about 400 charms to go, I realized that I enjoyed making them, but was getting so sick of the current design. I started imagining other options and designs for wine charms. I had a bunch of supplies left over at the end, so I began researching online selling venues like Etsy and learning about how I could create and sell my wine charm designs to others – mainly because I knew that if I didn’t sell them, I’d end up with a houseful of wine charms!

I opened the shop in November 2011; however, with the wedding plans, a house purchase, and kitchen renovation, I didn’t really start creating items and putting time into the shop until about October 2012. I love being active in sports, eating healthy, and learning about DIY house projects and practicing new recipes. Working on the charms is a perfect downtime activity for me while catching up on DVR'd shows!

Check out Charmed by Wine for more great designs. You can also visit the main site, follow Mary's blog, or like her Facebook page.

Featured Seller: Jessica from Memories in Clay

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift? Look no further. Jessica from Memories in Clay makes ceramic plaques of your child's handprint or pet's pawprint.

I am an elementary art teacher that has always loved working with clay. I've been doing clay projects with my students for years, but really got into the handprint items when I had my own 2 little girls. Ella is now 3, and Maddy is almost 1. They grow so fast, and imprinting their tiny handprints and footprints makes me feel comfortable knowing that I will always have a keepsake to remember them at this age. 

Check out Memories in Clay for more options, like a Mommy & Me handprint plaque, and follow on Facebook for updates and deals. Hurry and order today to ensure the gift is ready by Mother's Day!

eDiaperCakes.com Coupon Code

Liz, the creator of eDiaperCakes.com, asked to work with me. Once I saw her gorgeous, professional diaper cakes, I had to say yes! The variety is endless--including ones that look more like wedding cakes and a DIY kits--and the shipping is a flat rate of $5.

I am a new mom, and my diaper cake company was just born this year out of a need for me to be creative. EDiaperCakes.com makes great baby gifts for first-time parents. We design diaper cakes from our favorite children’s books, rattles, plush animals, and flowers. Some of the plush animals we use are allergy friendly! Our diaper cakes have more uses than just being the centerpiece at the baby shower. They are used as gifts for friends and neighbors, and we even have offices that buy diaper cakes for pregnant coworkers.

When we create our baby gifts, we only use brand name products. We know how special the gift is, so we want to make sure that the mommy will only get quality when she orders from us. Some of the brands that we use are Pampers, Gund, Kid’s Preferred, and TY. 

Liz is generously giving you all $15 off when you use the coupon code "babygiveaway15." Hurry! It expires Christmas Day, December 25, 2012. Start shopping now for a beautiful and practical Christmas gift for the new mother in your life!

Statesman Ties Customized Tie Giveaway [CLOSED]

I met Rob from Statesman Ties through the LDS Etsy team. When he asked me to do a givaway, I was thrilled! My husband desperately needs new ties, but refuses to let go of his old ones for sentimental reasons. I chose the red tie with the Canadian maple leaf embroidered in the corner because Justin served a mission in Canada.

On the back I had his nickname embroidered:

He wore it to church on Sunday. Isn't he handsome?

Smiles
*I love the color!
*Excellent customer service.
*Endless possibilities of customization (see the policies page).
*Justin: I love the embroidery.
*Justin: The tie feels nice and it's easy to knot.

Frowns
*Justin: It would be a good idea to offer different lengths. Although the tie fit me perfectly, it may be too long for shorter guys (he's 5'10").

Statesman Ties is giving away to one lucky reader any tie in the shop with the customization you want!

Mandatory Entry: Go to Statesman Ties and tell me which tie you would choose and how you would customize it.

1 entry: Heart Statesman Ties on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Visit the Statesman Ties website and tell me something you learned.

1 entry: Like Statesman Ties on Facebook. Leave your FB name.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your FB name.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each (4 total): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

1 entry: Tell me what tie would you like to see in the shop.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PDT on Thursday, October 11. The winner will be announced on Friday, October 12. Please leave your email address in one of your entries so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open to the U.S. & Canada. Good luck!

What to Expect When You're Expecting 3-Book Giveaway [CLOSED]

Raise your hand if you've read What to Expect When You're Expecting. The first thing I did when I found out I was pregnant was buy the book. I was absolutely clueless about pregnancy and childbirth! And I greatly fear the unknown. The title delivered its promise: the book gave me the basic facts I needed to lay a good foundation of knowledge that I built upon while making my birth plan.

You can imagine my excitement when their partnership director contacted me asking me if I would like to work with WhatToExpect.com, the website associated with the book. He sent me What to Expect When You're Expecting, What to Expect the First Year, and What to Expect the Second Year to review and is giving away sets of those 3 books to 2 lucky winners!

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*Extremely informative. Every question you can think of is answered!
*Sequenced so you can read what you need to at each stage of pregnancy and childhood, allowing you to take each section at a time instead of feeling you need to read the whole book at once.
*Includes indexes for easily finding answers you need right now.
*Written in a tone informal enough to feel like you are conversing with another mother yet authoritative enough that you feel confident in trusting the content.

Frowns
*Although the authors try to be unbiased and merely factual with certain controversial subjects, it is easy to tell which side they are promoting. So these books are best for mainstream moms or new mothers who haven't formed any parenting opinions yet. However, the authors frequently repeat something I strongly believe: only you know what is best for you and your baby, and a choice is right if it feels right to you.
*Repetitive: many questions are answered more than once.

Two of you lucky readers will win a set of the 3 What to Expect books! Perfect for you new mothers or to give as baby shower gifts.

Mandatory Entry: Browse WhatToExpect.com and tell me something you learned.

1 entry: Like What to Expect on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow What to Expect on Twitter (@whattoexpect).

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each: Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

1 entry: Tell me if the books would be for you or someone else and why.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, September 5. The winner will be announced Thursday, September 6. Please leave your email address in one of your entries so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck!

Easter Gift Exchange

Sonya Kanelstrand hosted an Easter gift exchange in which I participated. The item(s) had to be handmade, so I gave someone in Phoenix Easter gift tags, all occasion gift tags, and a "key to my heart" die cut. I received an adorable upcycled bunny from Tanya of Manila Extract in Hawaii.

This was so much fun! I would love to host an exchange on my blog. Would anyone be interested? You don't need to have an Etsy shop, but just be willing to make something.

Baby Food Jar Favors

Once Caden started eating baby food, I found myself with a ton of jars I didn't want to throw away but had no use for. Then I came up with an idea: as my gift/favors for the blessingways I attended, I decorated baby food jars with paper and ribbon and put a tealight candle inside for the ladies to light when the mother went into labor. Super cheap and easy!

First version:

Second version:

Third version:

I ran out of ribbon, and the store didn't have any more, so I used what I had and it came out ok:

You could fill the baby jars with candy instead for baby shower favors. Baby food jars also make great storage containers for craft items, such as buttons and confetti. How have you used baby food jars?

Inspired Greetings & Designs $15 Shop Credit Giveaway [CLOSED]

A few weeks ago I won a giveaway for $15 toward Inspired Greetings & Designs by Stephanie Thompson. It doesn't seem much, especially for beautiful handmade cards. But I got these 6 gorgeous cards with envelopes:

She sells more than just cards. She also has flower hair clips and headbands and flower embellishments.

Smiles
*One of the most beautiful greeting card shops I've seen
*Friendly seller
*Reasonable prices, especially for the quality
*Nicely packaged and shipped

Frowns
*None

Stephanie is giving one of you $15 store credit to her shop (and she'll pay for shipping)!

Mandatory Entry: Add Inspired Greetings & Designs to your favorite shops on Etsy. Leave your username.

2 entries: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

2 entries: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook.

1 entry: Post this giveaway on Facebook.

1 entry: Tell me what you would buy with the $15.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MST on Friday, February 17. The winner will be announced on Saturday, February 18. Please leave your email in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open to the U.S only Good luck!

How to Save Money on Greeting Cards

Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day, weddings—they all require cards. With so many holidays and events throughout the year, the bill for greeting and thank-you cards quickly adds up. Try these tips to save money on greeting and thank-you cards, making both your wallet and loved ones happy.

Craig P

BUY CHEAP
Buy greeting cards at the dollar store. They have very nice cards, and some stores even sell them for only 50 cents. Check out sales, especially after holidays, at regular stores too. Buy thank-you and all-purpose note cards in bulk packages and Christmas cards in box sets. Although blank inside, they are cheaper and allow room for longer, more personal messages.

REUSE

Cut off the front half of a received greeting card if there is no writing on the back. Punch a hole in it and tie it with ribbon to a gift bag or tape it to a wrapped present. Write a short message on the back or just to and from.  Or make your own card by gluing the cut card to the front of folded paper. You can also cut out the inside message of the greeting card to use inside your own card.

Alaina Cherup

CREATE

Instead of buying greeting cards, make your own. Putting in time and creativity will make the card more personal and appreciated. Use cardstock or scrapbook paper and decorate it with stickers, photos, ribbon, stamps, buttons, and other craft items. Browse greeting cards at the store or online for design and message ideas. Search for jokes, quotes, and poems online or write your own.

Have a greeting card you've made that you would like to share? Post a photo of it on my Facebook page!

How to Avoid Returns and Exchanges

Long lines at the store don't cease after Christmas. In fact, they might get even longer from everyone returning or exchanging their Christmas gifts. Here's how to avoid that situation:

As a Getter
~Make a very specific Christmas wish list of things you would like to ensure you don't get something you wouldn't like.
~ List things of different prices to give people options that fit their budget.
~Include your clothing and shoe sizes and favorite brands and styles.
~Share your favorite color, band, movies, restaurants, etc.
~Let people know what you already have or really don't want. It's better to be bold now and save you both embarrassment if you don't like their gift.

As a Giver
~Ask for all the above information from the people for whom you're buying gifts.
~Always include a gift receipt to make returns/exchanges easier.
~If you're at a complete loss of what to buy, just give them a gift card or money. Sometimes being creative can be a bad thing.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Have you already bought the big Cristmas presents only to be stumped by what to put in the stockings?
The ideas are endless! Here are a few to get you started. Just keep in mind each person's likes and interests to make the gifts meaningful and appreciated.

Practical Stocking Stuffer Ideas

• chapstick
• makeup
• nail polish
• small school or office supplies
• bath & body products
• small kitchen gadgets
• treats: nuts, candy, exotic fruit, gum/mints
• gift cards, including prepaid
• money

Fun Stocking Stuffer Ideas

• golf balls or tees 
• tickets to an event or place
• small craft items
• ornaments
• stickers
• bubbles
• jewelry
• receipt to something that hasn't arrived yet or for a virtual purchase (like Netflix)
• inside jokes, like bandages for a klutz or something silly the person frequently borrows from you or never seems to have when needed

Where to Get Cheap Stocking Stuffers

• dollar stores
• Target's $1 spot
• Michael's
• Party City's party favor and candy aisle
• clearance

How to Save Money on Gift Wrapping

With Christmas around the corner and other holidays and birthdays all year long, expenses on gift wrapping can easily add up. And most gift wrapping, and thus your money, ends up in the garbage. But you can save money on gift wrapping without forfeiting a beautifully wrapped present.

• The most obvious way to save money on gift wrapping is to reuse gift bags, party favor bags, tissue paper, ribbons, and bows you receive. You can even reuse wrapping paper if you are careful opening it.
• Keep small boxes from clothes, shoes, tissues, jewelry, cereal, etc., to hold items that are not easily wrapped. Decorate the box itself instead of wrapping it, if possible.
• Wash and reuse cookie and candy tins. Save cute baskets and other nice containers for holding gifts.
• Buy gift wrapping supplies on sale right after the holidays to use for next year. Also check out thrift stores and garage sales for cheap wrapping paper, tins, mugs, vases, and baskets. Try craft stores for great sales on scrapbook paper to wrap small items.
• If you are artistically talented, create your own gift bags and wrapping paper. Buy cheap plain-colored bags and paper to decorate or use brown lunch bags and construction paper.
• If you are not artistically talented, use newspaper or magazines. Choose sections/articles that suit the gift recipient: the comics, sports news, advice columns, politics, beauty tips, crossword puzzle, etc.
• If you have kids, let them decorate plain bags and paper for the gifts they are giving. Some creative ideas are to use stamps, stickers, old cards and decorations, and handprints.
• For last-minute wrapping ideas, just use tissue paper and a ribbon or stuff small gifts in a toilet paper roll, wrap it, and tie the ends with ribbon.
• Some stores offer free gift wrapping, so be sure to ask.