Online Christmas Wish List

There’s a site that makes creating your own Christmas wish list super easy. It offers you the option to quickly and easily add links to anything you find online on any site.

Go to Wishmodo and sign in. 

You have the option to post your wish list on Facebook after you’ve created it.

Making a wish list is super easy. You just install a Wishmodo button into your browser and surf online as you usually do. Once you find something you like just click the Wishmodo Button and it’ll be quickly added to your wish list.

Obviously, a huge time saver.  Let me know if you try it out.


Update:
Various people have stated that Internet Explorer does not open the website.  I liked the idea and am saddened to hear of this glitch.  If you do achieve access, please tell us your experience with an online wish list.

12 Days of Christmas Gag Gifts

This is a great gift idea, especially if you are a secret Santa. You present the suggested gift along with the printed verse each day for twelve days.

Feel free to make up your own verses.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - a partridge in a pear tree...

Sorry, but I couldn't find the partridge so I am giving you some pears from the tree the partridge flew away from.
(Leave note along with a can of pears or a few fresh pears.)

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - two turtle doves...

Unfortunately, I don't have any, will candy turtles on a bar of Dove soap do?
(Leave note along with a box of turtle candy and a bar of Dove soap.)

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - three French hens...

The French hens were not available, so I'm giving you some chicken noodle soup, compliments of the three French hens.
(Leave note along with a can - or 3 cans - of chicken noodle soup.)

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - four calling birds...

I can't find those calling birds, but here are four messages they left for you before they flew off.
(Leave note along with four messages describing what a wonderful person the gift recipient is.)

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - five golden rings...

Sorry, I'm too poor to buy five real gold rings, but will some golden pineapple rings suffice?
(Leave note along with a can of pineapple rings.)

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - six geese a laying...

You don't really want messy geese all over the house do you? How about some of the eggs they left behind?
(Leave note along with six eggs.)

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - seven swans a swimming...

All of the swans have flown south for the winter, but here are some of the bubbles they used while they were swimming.
(Leave note along with a bottle of bubble bath.)

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - eight maids a milking...

Here's some milk I got from the eight maids - we think they must have been milking some brown cows.
(Leave note along with carton of chocolate milk.)

ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - nine ladies dancing...

Here are some canes used by the ladies to help them walk home after they were out dancing all night.
(Leave note along with a box of candy canes.)

ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - ten Lords-a-leapin'...

After the Lords get done leapin', this is what they use for their sore muscles.
(Leave note along with a tube of Ben-gay or other soothing lotion.)

ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - eleven pipers piping...

Here's a pipe of your own, have fun and don't blow the whole day.
(Leave note along with a bottle of bubbles and bubble pipe.)

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you - twelve drummers drumming...

No drummers, we thought you could use some quiet time so here is a special treat we drummed up for you so relax and enjoy.
(Leave note along with some homemade cookies or other treats.)

Easy Homemade Gifts to Make for Christmas

We certainly love to receive gifts but there is more joy from giving gifts. This, unfortunately, can turn into an expensive venture as our list of recipients continues to grow and the prices continue to creep higher. A fantastic way to give Christmas gifts is to make them yourself. This is not only a great cost-saving way to give, it also adds a personal touch to your gifts and is a terrific bonding activity for the whole family. Get your creative juices flowing with these great homemade Christmas gift ideas:

Box of Homemade Christmas Ornaments

This is a great gift idea for anyone as it can be personalized to suit ages and personal interests. You will need a box of plain round Christmas ball ornaments. For a sports fan family, you can paint the ornament to look like a soccer ball, a basketball, a baseball, and so on. You can also paint on personalized season greetings or names. Another idea is to put colorful beads, metallic shreds/tinsel, a feather (to represent an angel), paint (then swirl ornament around to get good coverage), or small toys inside. More ideas include placing a small photo or flower insides.

Box of International Teas (or Coffee)

This is a great way for your family and friends to experience different tastes of the world. Invest in a number of different boxes of tea from different places in the world. Many types of tea can be found at your local supermarket or mass merchandise store, for example, green tea from China, masala tea from India, black tea from Kenya, Earl grey tea from the UK, etc. For more specialized tea, you can find great deals online, especially if you buy in bulk. Then pack them in pretty plastic bags, simple baskets, or mugs. Remember to  include a card explaining the different types of tea and where they are from.

Box of Homemade Treats

Roll up your sleeves and get your hands sticky making homemade fudge, cupcakes, truffles, mini loaves of bread, brownies, candy, &/or cookies. These are fun to make, fun to decorate, and fun to eat. Get out the tried and true family recipes to use. 

Personalized Wrapping

Get creative with your wrapping too. Many options include pretty but inexpensive plates, mugs, disposable foil pans, colorful plastic wrap, and Christmas patterned Ziploc bags.

Written by Nisha Sharma from Freebies365.co.uk and Storm Litz.

Personalized Christmas Gifts

With the festive period fast approaching, the spectre of what gifts to buy family and friends is upon us, and with topping last year’s purchases and buying for those that seem to own everything already, the task is becoming more difficult every year. Tailored Christmas presents are one way to get round this conundrum.

·      An old favourite is simply to make something from scratch. This method is particularly nice when the present comes from a child.  The gift actually means something and will more than likely adorn the wall or mantelpiece of a loved one for years to come.

·      Personalised mugs, hats, t-shirts, etc. are a great way to make what is usually a pretty standard Christmas gift into a more enduring and meaningful offering. The process for arranging this sort of present is fairly easy and can be done in most cases simply by sending off a relevant photo. The end result will belie the actual effort put in!

·      If you want to really make a point with a personalized Christmas gift why not go for a private license plate? For a new motorist or a seasoned driver with a new car, a personalized plate would be a perfect gift.

·       A photo frame of the digital variety is a great modern take on a classic heartfelt present. By loading up the frame with snaps of friends and family, before wrapping up for Christmas morning, you can take the hassle out of the technology for a loved one and give them a gift that will always be fresh.

·      Lastly, everybody likes to let themselves 'go' over the Christmas period, so giving the gift of chocolate is always a winner. We all know about the selection box on Christmas morning but a more refined cocoa present, with a personalised message, from a good chocolatier is a great way to give a custom gift.

Written by Daniel Nicklin on behalf of Search Laboratory Ltd. and Storm Litz.

My Ugly Christmas Sweater

You have heard the phrase 'another man's junk is another man's treasure.'  Here is an updated version:  One man's ugly, tacky sweater is another man's sparkling, fun sweater.

Do you remember the gawdy, over-rated, sparkly, light-up sweaters from about twenty years ago?  Guess what?  They are back in fashion.  In the case of the Ugly Christmas Sweater, the more lights, patterns, sparkles, colors, fringe, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees, glitzy, the uglier; the better the sweater is according to Ugly Christmas Sweater.

Each sweater is one-of-a-kind and hand-crafted in Vermont, USA.  You can beam with pride that you are wearing a genuinely ugly sweater.

Don't Go Broke for Christmas

Inexpensive Resources So You Don't Go Broke for Christmas

Haha, remember that old song, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, – well, I wonder if the spirit of ol’ Bing would update that to 'I’ll be broke for Christmas.' Hey, I’m not complaining because I know a lot of people out there are in the same spot. This year has really sucked in the financial department. I think we feel it more around Christmas time because we want to be generous this time of year. We want to splurge and shower our friends and loved ones with wonderful gifts, delicious things to eat, delightful toys, great fun, dashing parties, and merriment – the whole ball of wax. But alas…what’s a Christmas time junkie to do when she’s short on cash?

Well, I don’t know if it will help but I’ll give you my own version of Christmas on the cheap. Here’s what I do (in no particular order):

1. I comb the thrift shops, discount stores, consignment stores, library sales, dollar stores, and clearance shelves.

2. I check the grocery store flyer's for whatever is on sale.  For example, if roast beef is less than $2 a pound, well then, that’s my Christmas meal.

3. I use my old Christmas cards to make collages, framed art decor, boxes, gift tags, etc.

4. I go for walks and collect pine cones, sticks (for primitive tree), greenery and put them in baskets and vases around the house to help give it that Christmas look.

5. I handmake many of my gifts (bake brownies & cookies, create gifts in a jar, scrapbook pages/albums, & scrapbook jewelry, cards, ornaments, etc.) for the mailman, mechanic, teachers (when my kids were in public school), neighbors, the local fire station, the local police station, the local senior citizen center, etc.

6. I invite friends for a potluck movie marathon. Four friends each bring a dish of some sort, add three movies, hot cocoa, and you’ve got a party.

7. I drive around the neighborhood at night and admire the Christmas lights and displays.

8. If I’m exchanging gifts with friends, we set a limit, like $5 and we stick to it. You can find some great inexpensive gifts that people will cherish:  fuzzy Christmas socks, nice pen set, note cards,

9. A hand-written letter listing what you admire most about the person is an awesome gift.

10. I’ve also been known to give coupons for 3 hours of pet sitting or kid sitting, a home-cooked meal, an afternoon of shoveling snow, 3 hours of cleaning, or an afternoon of driving so they can go shopping and do errands.

I take whatever talents or resources I have available and I turn them into the most Christmas-y thing I can think of . . . and you know what, it works.

H&S Candies . . . and a Giveaway!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
        so why not enjoy the most wonderful chocolate?! 

H&S Candies newest chocolate for the season is “Heart of Christmas” chocolate.  H&S chocolate is the perfect, delicious gift for all of your friends and family.  Unwrap an inspirational message with each scrumptious bite.  A portion of sales goes to Samaritan's Purse, a charity that provides aid to victims of war, poverty, natural disaster, and disease.

Now for even more chocolately goodness . . . Let's have a Chocolate Giveaway! 

The person who shares THIS post the most (via StumbleUpon, Twitter, AddThis.com, Facebook, blog post, etc).  What you need to do to enter is let me know in the comments section how you shared about this contest.  Only one comment for each way you shared please.

Ugly Sweater Store

The Ugly Sweater Store is the original online store to purchase "ugly" sweaters for Christmas, Halloween, and everything in between. Of course, what is considered "ugly" is really in the eye of the beholder, so they offer a variety of sweaters on their site.

The idea of the Ugly Sweater Store materialized in 2008 while spending too much time on the congested highways of Chicago. Ugly sweater parties are a growing trend and everyone wants to have that perfect ugly sweater, but who has time to scour stores for the right sweater? Ugly Sweater Store will do the shopping for you.

All of their sweaters are unique and hand-picked with an expert eye for "ugly." We know that the more beads, bells, and bling, the more likely you are to be the talk of the party.

Heinous stripes, reindeer, candy canes, bells, beads, applique galore (and so much more) go from the trash heap to Holiday Fashion Chic.

Christmas Gift Suggestions

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Need some stocking stuffer ideas?  Not sure what to put in your loved one’s stocking this year?  For those that want to be creative and personable, think of what would make the other person smile.
You can make your loved one's holiday extra special this year, by adding in a mix of useful stocking stuffers, sentimental stocking stuffers, and personable stocking stuffers.

To make Christmas last a little bit longer, open stockings later in the day.   To make the festive feeling last even longer, wrap each stocking stuffer before filling up the stocking on Christmas Eve.

Young Kids (Elementary Age) Stocking Stuffers:

• crayons
• coloring book
• markers
• pencils
• yo-yo
• Matchbox cars
• punching ball/balloon
• small action figures
• stuffed animals
• stickers, sticker book
• paint
• glue
• glue sticks
• lip gloss
• chapstick
• comb
• brush
• mirror
• costume jewelry
• hair ties
• hair bows
• hair clips
• mini photo album
• notepads
• small baby doll
• Polly Pockets
• Silly Bandz
• Christmas socks
• balls
• Play Doh

Teen Girl Stocking Stuffers:

• lipstick
• fingernail polish
• fake nails
• compact mirror
• necklace
• bracelet
• ring
• bobby pins
• travel-size hair spray
• brush
• perfume
• lotion
• body wash/shower gel
• CDs 
• concert tickets
• pens
• notepads
• note cards
• gift cards
• cell phone cover
• MP3 cover
• cell phone charm
• photo frame
• craft kits

Teen Boy Stocking Stuffers:

• cologne
• aftershave
• body wash/shower gel
• pocket knife (for fishing or hunting)
• comb
• concert tickets
• pens
• cell phone cover
• MP3 cover
• CDs
• boxers
• gag gifts
• flashlight
• key chain

Women Stocking Stuffers:

• perfume
• body wash/shower gel
• lipstick
• mascara
• blush
• eye shadow
• fingernail polish
• lotion
• candle
• photo frame
• necklace
• bracelet
• ring
• earrings
• barrettes
• hair clips
• CDs
• gift cards
• cell phone charm
• pens
• notepads
• note cards
• homemade coupons (bubble bath without interruption, back massage, breakfast in bed, do chore without being asked, etc.)

Men Stocking Stuffers:

• wallet
• lottery tickets
• gift cards
• cologne
• aftershave
• boxers
• game tickets
• concert tickets
• key chain
• flashlight
• pocket knife
• pens
• CDs
• bumper stickers
• office supplies

With a bit of planning, it's easy to give your loved one a Christmas stocking that's extra special this year.


References:
Suite101: Stocking Stuffer Ideas 
Suite 101: Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Children
Suite 101: Dollar Store Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Christmas Gift Alternatives to Video Games

Everyone knows that kids love video games. They're on nearly every child's wish list between the ages of 7-17. But at some point, you have to wonder if kids play video games just a bit too much. So this year, instead of getting them another Xbox 360 or Wii game, consider these electronic alternatives to video games.

Christmas Collectibles for the 2010 Holiday Season

Everyone knows about the typical Jesus nativities for Christmas, but what about a Santa nativity? Sometimes the best Christmas decorations are the unique ones that few other people have or the ones that you make yourself. Traditional Christmas decor with Jesus and other religious themes is definitely beautiful, but when you are looking to spice up the holiday season with more than eggnog and a wreath, swapping Santa for other more traditional Christmas characters is a new and exciting way to accomplish this.

Read more.

10 Regrettable Christmas Toy Crazes

As if the travel and family commitments didn't make Christmas crazy enough, the holiday season is often marked by a conspicuous consumption and pursuit for certain random products that's downright insane. Every year or two, some new fad hits the scene and sends kids into a frenzy and their parents into a fury, and just as quickly, those crazes are forgotten as shoppers move onto the next big thing. In a sense, every toy craze is regrettable, but the ones listed here are probably the worst.  Go to Online Degree for the full story.

Thanks, Anna, for sharing.

100 Days of Holidays

100 Days of Holidays starts next week.  Create a holiday haven that will sparkle all season long the new 100 Days of Holidays e-mail newsletter. The FREE Better Homes and Gardens® holiday e-newsletter arrives daily starting September 24 and runs through January 1, from Halloween to New Years you’ll get an easy-to-read email filled with:

• Free pumpkin-carving stencils
• Complete Thanksgiving menus
• Stunning centerpiece ideas
• 100s of Christmas cookies
• Handmade ornaments you’ll love

8 Wonderful Gifts That Don't Cost A Cent

THE GIFT OF LISTENING


You must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your responses, no second-guessing. Just listen.

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.  Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for your family and dose friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER

Clip and share cartoons and funny stories. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE

It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered
for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT

A simple and sincere, “You look great in red,” “You did a super job,” or “That was wonderful,” can make someone’s day.

THE GIFT OF A FAVOR

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE

There are times when you want nothing more than to be left alone.  Be sensitive to that same need in others and give the gift of solitude when it seems needed.

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION

The easiest way to feel good is to offer a kind word to someone.  Really, just a cheery “Hello,” or “How are you?” can go a long way.

~~ Farmers' Almanac, 2001 ~~

Checking Them Twice

As December speeds by, many last minute buyers feel the urgency to find just the right gift for a particular person. But, in that search for something cool, people often forget about safety. Before you buy this year, you may want to check out what the Consumer Product Safety Commission has to say about that gift that your family or friends really want. After all, it’s no fun to get (or give) a present that isn’t up to par and has to be returned.

Seeds of Hope

This holiday season, there is one gift – a piece of beautiful, hand-crafted jewelry - that is helping to give back: the Seeds of Hope Pin. The Seeds of Hope Pin is donating 25% of its proceeds to the National Foundation for Cancer Research (www.NFCR.org). Each Seeds of Hope pin is made of sterling silver with individually hand-set stones and signed by renowned artist, Robert Coogan, creating an heirloom-quality piece, made in the USA. Unlike other pins, the Seed of Hope pins can be personalized to reflect an individual's particular sentiment: White - Hope; Red - Honor; Blue - Triumph. 25% of the gross proceeds from each Seeds of Hope pin supports cancer research. Visit http://www.hopepin.com for more information.

Christmas Gifts for My Kids

Everyone has their own reasons, beliefs, and whys for buying or not buying Christmas gifts. Do what you think is right for YOU.

I am a low-income single mother, so many years I just don't have much money so I adopted the idea of the wise men and offer three gifts for my children. If Christ only got three gifts then my children can live with three main gifts. They also get a stocking from Santa and a Treasure Bag from mom (similar to a stocking) filled with simple things like fruit, toothbrush, toothpaste, crayons, coloring book, etc.

Gifts That Don't Cost a Cent

~ THE GIFT OF LISTENING ~

You must truly listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listen.


~ THE GIFT OF AFFECTION ~

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and handholds. These small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.


~ THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER ~

Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."


~ THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE ~

It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.


~ THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT ~

A simple and sincere, "You look great in red", "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.


~ THE GIFT OF A FAVOR ~

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.


~ THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE ~

There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.


~ THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION ~

The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. It's not hard to say, "Hello" or "Thank You," and you will make someone's day.

Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 20 - Mailing

The sooner you mail packages the less money you will have to pay because you can use the longer shipping methods. Consider mailing packages the day after Thanksgiving because the lines at the post office are often short as most people are out shopping.

Remember that if you are late in getting that package mailed you still have the option of Express Mail (overnight) and Priority Mail (1-2 days) and it is guaranteed from the post office to be delivered on time, including Saturday and Sunday. They even deliver on Christmas day but it will cost you more. Check out United States Postal Service site for more information.

Consider condensing gifts into one box if multiple people are going to one location during the holidays. For example, if you and your siblings all go to your parents' home during the holiday season (even if it is not at the same time), send all the gifts to your parents' home instead of each individual family's house. This will save you time and money on shipping!

Purchase your Christmas stamps for cards now before the post office gets busier.

Save on postage by hand delivering cards to friends and others you see on a regular basis. If you still want to send something in the mail consider mailing Christmas postcards.