Hottest Toys for Christmas

In case you have not yet decided what to get your children or young loved ones for Christmas this year, use this checklist to make this holiday shopping much easier.

The first order of business is to discover what are the hottest toys for Christmas this season. You do not want to see looks of disappointment on Christmas morning.

Hottest Toys for Christmas – What’s Selling Like Hot Cakes

Let’s start with the youngest age group first, those that are six years old or younger.

For this age group you just cannot go wrong with Elmo. Kids love the television show Sesame Street and there are several of these furry dolls to choose from. The last doll, Tickle Me Elmo, was hilariously funny and sold out before the shopping season had even gotten started.

You may prefer toys that are more educational for this age range, and that is okay too since there are many cool learning toys. Today’s learning toys are technologically advanced and do not feel like learning at all, Leapfrog is a good brand to go with for these kinds of toys.

Still sticking with the younger age group another great toy are brightly colored building blocks. Legos are a great example of hottest toys for Christmas; children simply adore building their own little kingdoms with these. Thankfully, all the blocks work together from one collection to another.

One toy that will probably never go out of style is the ride on vehicle; these are tiny versions of mom and dad’s car, truck or motorcycle and remain a hot seller this year. Your children’s imagination will run rampant as they tear up the yard in their new “car”, these can be motorized or peddle varieties.

Everyone loves stuffed animals and with the internet, this time-honored favorite has taken on a new life. Zhu Zhu hamster pets is a toy hamster who has his very own virtual world. It is possible to purchase accessories such as clothing for these collectible toys. Some of these toys will come with a special tag that has a code for you to input online, you then get the accessory you purchased.

Almost every age level will find handheld electronic games like the Nintendo DS to be loads of fun and there are many games to choose from. Video games period are a big winner every year, particularly the brand name console systems like the PS3, which flew off the shelves last year. If this is on your to do list for Christmas do not wait too long to get your loved ones a gaming system.

Believe it or not, there are a few kids who aren’t into the interactive games as much, but that does not mean they dislike electronics. Try an electronic notebook where they can write their thoughts, favorite poems or song lyrics and save them. On the other hand, fashion dolls are always popular as well, and this year looks to be another bumper year for them.

The new fashion dolls may not be electronic but even they are being influenced by television, movies and books. Some of the hottest toys for Christmas will be the vampire doll characters based on bestselling novels and movies. Of course, these dolls will come with all the accessories and clothing, leading to hours of fun.

The boys get in on the fashion doll experience too with the new Transformers characters being in doll form, or excuse me action figures! Boys and girls can have a blast with these figures that change from robots into awesome vehicles! Remember all of these hot toys will be flying off retail shelves as quickly as they are stocked, be quick or you will be holding an empty shopping bag!

Unique Gift Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

Giving a gift is a way of saying I love you and you’re special. It can be a distinctive thank you for just being you.  Whatever the reason, the act of giving is something we all enjoy even though times are tough and maybe your budget is stretched to the limit.  What can you do to make gift giving more affordable and still give with pride?  Let’s take a look at some of the ways.

Personalized homemade gifts are some of the best. These depend somewhat on your particular talent but others can be made with just a little creativity and imagination.  Ideas could range from something you’ve sewn or knitted such as scarves or sweaters.  Handcrafted jewelry or wood art would be a special gift of your talent.

Frame a picture of your family or the recipient. Frames aren’t that hard to make or buy an inexpensive frame and personalize it with your own handiwork by adding shells, brass corners or names.  A personalized gift with someone’s name is always appreciated.

Calendars can be made from photos taken throughout the year. These are easy and fairly inexpensive to make online.  You make it more personal by adding special dates and names such as birthdays and anniversaries.  This is a gift that gives all year.

Books can be real treasures for a lifetime. Hard cover books are best but soft covers can be made special with an autograph of the author or a personal hand written note from you.  Include a bookmark with the person’s name.

Food dishes you’ve cooked yourself are wonderful gifts. Prepare whatever is your specialty such as jellies, breads, candies or cookies.  Make is personal with a label that says “From the Kitchen of…”  Decorate it with a colorful bow or ribbon and include the recipe.

Plants you grow yourself can be an inexpensive yet thoughtful gift. A small colorful plant is probably best and can be placed in a pretty container with a ribbon.  Include a note on how to care for the plant. If you don’t have a green thumb, silk flowers would be appropriate and can look almost real.

A magazine subscription keeps giving every month. They’ll think of you each time they receive a copy and be reminded of your thoughtfulness.  Many schools sell magazine subscriptions as a fund raiser giving you an opportunity to do two good deeds.

Gifts for or from the computer are perfect these days. Use your computer to create personalized address labels or greeting cards.  It’s easy to put names on them.  Computer software games can also be given or tutorials on various hobbies and projects. Personalized gifts given with thoughtfulness and care are for all ages and worth far more than a hurried purchase just to fulfill your obligation regardless of the cost.

Unusual Gifts to Make and Buy

Giving a gift is a very generous and thoughtful thing to do.  It tangibly shows the giftee that you care enough to make or purchase something with only that person in mind.  This is more difficult to do for some people than others, especially if you must be cost conscious.

You can become tired of giving the same old expected gifts and getting the same old predictable response.  It may be time to get resourceful and begin thinking outside the gift box.  With a little creativity and maybe a little work you can come up with gifts that go beyond the ho-hum and into the realm of extraordinary.

An IOU gift certificate is practically free.  Compose a gift certificate or card that says you owe that person some sort of service.  It can be whatever you’re good at such as a home cooked meal or prepared picnic basket.

Offer an evening of baby-sitting or one hour of house cleaning.  If you’re an artist it could be one of your sketches or a free sitting for a painting.  Even if you’re not trained, offer to give a neck or foot massage.  You may get a request for the same gift next year.

An inexpensive wall hanging corkboard can be transformed into a distinctive display board with easy artwork.  Cover the corkboard with a piece of bright fabric.  Glue appropriate decorations on it depending on the interest of the recipient such as flowers or seashells.  Add a small dry erase board and you not only have a display board but a message board.  You’re no longer just giving a drab corkboard.

Build a lattice wood photo display.  Cut the lattice, one or more pieces, to fill a suitable place on the wall then cut photos to fit in the diamond shaped holes.  Cover the pictures with clear plastic and decorate to suit the photo theme.  You can leave the lattice as is or frame it with molding.

Buying land on Venus, Mars or the moon goes into the bizarre but it’s being done.  You get a deed to your land with a map and location.  Stars are also being named for both adults and children.  A certificate is provided with the star coordinates.  Several extraterrestrial real estate companies can be found on line and in big city newspapers.

Photos of that special person offer countless ideas for unique gifting.  Place the photo on a mouse pad, a coffee cup, plate or T-shirt.  Photos can be put on almost anything so use your imagination. This can be especially appropriate for the person who works at home.

At Christmas time, give a dreaded fruitcake but with a humorous twist.  Include with the cake a barf bag, a roll of stomach tablets and a first aid kit.  This is a gift best given in person to share the laughs.  Actually, most fruitcakes aren’t bad and a first aid kit is something most of us plan to buy but don’t.

These are gifts that incline toward the bizarre but would be enjoyed and most of them probably needed. If you hand craft a gift, make sure you’re careful to make it look nice and worth giving.  Nothing says love better than a gift selected personally for someone.  And, if it borders on the unusual, rest assured it will be treasured and remembered.

How to Save Money on Christmas Gifts

There’s no doubt we spend a lot of money at Christmas time.  As a matter of fact, a quarter of all personal spending in the United States is done during the holiday season.  As families grow so does the gift list and our Christmas budget can get out of hand.  But, there are ways to save and cut back on your gift giving without looking like a scrooge.

Remember, it’s the thought that counts.  We should be celebrating the real meaning of the season.  Right?  Well, that’s a hard sell at times to children but with creative planning coupled with imagination, your gifts will be appreciated and you can avoid going into holiday debt.

Celebrate Christmas all year long especially where buying gifts is concerned.  Make a gift list early in the year and when you do your everyday shopping you’re sure to stumble onto the perfect gift for someone on your list.

It may even be on sale or on special.  Two for one clearance deals can double your shopping fun.  Huge savings can be found right after Christmas so constantly be on the lookout.  No last minute shopping for you.

Scan sales flyers and clip coupons.  You probably already do this but this year keep gift giving in mind too.  Try to use coupons in combination with sale prices and save even more.  Sign up for department stores newsletters through the mail or online to keep on top of sales.  Newsletters many times include special offers and discounts.

Shop the Internet.  Here you can compare prices not only online but how they compare with your local stores.  Usually, when you buy online you don’t pay sales tax and many times shipping is free.  The gas savings is another plus.

Carpool with a friend when you’re going shopping. This not only saves fuel but you can exchange ideas on what to give and where to go.  Make gift buying fun instead of a obligatory chore.  Don’t forget to shop the Dollar Stores and the 99 Cent Stores.  No one has to know what you spent on the gift.

Yard and garage sales are great places to find that perfect treasure for a fraction of the cost.  And, many items are new, in their original package and unopened.  But, the item doesn’t have to be new.  With a little clean up and fix up it can look new.  Or, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find an antique that just needs a coat of polish.

Regifting is a practice that’s gaining in popularity.  Yes, many people do it and you can too.  No need leaving that gift you received years ago in the closet gathering dust.  Dust it off, gift wrap it, give it to someone who can use it and you save.

If you have frequent flyer miles that are going to waste give them as a gift.  Who wouldn’t enjoy a free plane ride?  Most mileage plans can also be traded for merchandise or even cash.  Don’t let them expire even if you have to give them away.

Many large families nowadays draw names to keep holiday expenses in line.  Some only give gifts to the children or exchange cards.  Of course, personal, obviously well thought out gifts are always most appreciated.  Enjoy the holiday season but stay within your budget.  It will be a happier new year if it starts debt free.