hotknoieu: Christmas

Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Best-Selling Christmas Gifts

Dec 21, 2010 Kerry Gallagher

iPod Touch, popular Christmas gift - IPod_touch_2G.png: Kyro

Amid the recent focus on electronic gadgets, several sources are reporting a comeback for the likes of Lego and collectable toys as Christmas gifts this year.

Budget Constraints mean Simple Gifts

British newspaper The Telegraph reports that budget constraints have meant parents have cut back on fancy electronic gifts and opted for more ‘traditional’ toys instead. These include games, such as Monopoly, or stuffed toys such as Sylvanian Families.

Overall, the average price of the projected most-popular toys has fallen, with The Telegraph citing British retalier Sainsbury's as cutting the price of all toys by 50 percent.

CNBC reports that lower-priced toys are popular this year. It also states that a trend is toward buying collectable items, such as Zoobles, Squinkies and Sing-A-Ma-Jigs.

Lego, a best-seller

But Lego seems to be the big winner as a result of this year’s trend.

Walmart reports that a relatively cheap Lego set is the number one selling toy for online shoppers.

This claim has been backed by Amazon.com ’s rankings, in which Lego is excelling.

In their best-sellers list, in the toys and games category, Lego products are first and second, with the “Sigma 3 Remote Controlled Helicopter” in third place.

Amazon's Best-Sellers

Further examination of Amazon ’s best-sellers list is revealing.

In electronics, the “Kindle” is number one and two, with the “iPod Touch” third.

In movies, “Inception” comes in first and third, with its box-set and DVD editions respectively. The “Despicable Me” DVD is third.

The “Canon EOS Rebel T2i” is the best selling camera. The “Flip Ultra HD” video camera is third and Canon is also third in this category with the “Powershot SD 1300”.

The top three video games are “Just Dance 2” for the Wii, “Call of Duty: Black Ops” for the X-Box, and “Donkey Kong Country Returns” – also for the Wii.

Most Popular Books

The George W. Bush penned “Decision Point” is the hottest selling book on Amazon, with the “Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume 1” second and “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption” third.

USA Today also ranks “Decision Point” as the top-selling book, with other top-sellers being “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth” and the Tom Clancy, Grant Blackwood novel “Dead or Alive” also high on the list.

Meanwhile, KTXS News reports that the hottest selling toy is the "Kinect" game system. Walmart also reports this is the second-most popular selling toy, behind the Lego set.

Consumer Spending

Overall, according to Gallup, consumer spending in the USA is about on-par with that of a year ago., but that level of spending has been relatively lower in the past few years. However, this data considers overall spending, not just Christmas purchases.

iPod Touch, popular Christmas gift - IPod_touch_2G.png: Kyro
Lego, a popular low-tech Christmas gift - de:Benutzer:Priwo
Traditional toys are making a comeback - Husky (talk | contribs)

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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Dress Up Costumes Make Perfect Christmas Gifts for Kids

Dec 10, 2010 Bambi Hokanson

Dress up costumes are perfect gifts for kids. - bandini at morguefile

Dress up costumes help kids to expand their imagination because they love to pretend to be someone else. Store bought costumes and handmade costumes can provide endless hours of play. They can become a favorite character, scary monster, princess, pirate, fairy and the list goes on and on. For those who are shopping for Christmas gifts for kids, dress up costumes make the perfect gift.

Both boys and girls love to play make believe by dressing up in costumes and pretending to be someone or something else. For many years, there have been some classic costumes that are popular dress up favorites of children. They will surely continue to be loved by kids for many more years. These would include animal, profession and imaginary costumes.

Popular Dress Up Costumes for girls:

Fairy
Butterfly
Cheerleader
Pop Star
Witch
Majorette
Nurse
Cat
Rabbit
Zookeeper
Mermaid
Bride
Princess
Angel
Ballerina
Lady bug
Beautician
Doctor
Queen
Bumble bee
Tooth Fairy

Popular Dress Up Costumes for Boys:

Postman
Golfer
Astronaut
Doctor
Fireman
Fire fighter
Soldier
Construction worker
Policeman
Ninja
Skeleton
Monster
Race car driver
Ghost
Pilot
Dentist
Boxer
Barber
Hunter
King
Pirate
Puppy
Cow
Horse

Throughout the years there have been numerous character costumes that have become classics with kids. However, children’s fantasy heroes change and there are new dress up costumes continuously being offered for sale on the market. For this reason, costume Christmas gifts for kids are becoming more and more popular every day.

Character Dress Up Costumes for Kids:

Barbie
Sleeping Beauty
Belle from Beauty and the Beast
Tinkerbelle
Cinderella
Snow White
Hanna Montana
Jessie from Toy Story
Dora the Explorer
Bratz dolls
Moxi girl dolls
Divas
Fiona
Shrek
Mario
Luigi
Donkey Kong characters
Harry Potter
Batman
Darth Vader
Skywalker
Star Wars
Toy Story characters
Bakugan
Transformer
X=Men
Spider man
Pokemon

Christmas is equally a festive time for kids to dress up in Christmas costumes. There are various holiday costumes that kids enjoy wearing for playtime or to participate in passing out gifts. There are quite a few choices to choose from.

Kids Christmas Costumes:

Snowflake
Reindeer
Grinch
Santa
Angel
Nutcracker
Elf
Mrs. Clause
Christmas Tree
Shepard
Star
Ornament
Sheep
Mary and Joseph
Wise men
Bell
Christmas present

Those who are talented should think about making personalized costumes for the children on their Christmas shopping list. There are various patterns available for almost any type of dress up play clothes. Handmade costumes tend to fit better and last longer than store bought costumes. In addition, there are loads of ideas and instructions online for making them. Just ask the children who their favorite characters are and make them a gift they will remember for years to come.

It is easy to see why kids are so fascinated with costumes and will spend hours on end playing dress up. It is fun for them to fantasize about living in the world of their favorite character or pretending they are something or someone else. Whether store bought or handmade, dress up costumes definitely make perfect Christmas gifts for kids.

View the original article here

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Don't Give Fraudsters A Christmas Card

Dec 3, 2010 Kim Gillman

Don't Give Fraudsters a Christmas Card - Dagmar dsurreal

More people will do part of their Christmas shopping on-line this year, than ever before. We are expected to spend a massive ￡4.6billion over the internet in the run up to the festive season.

More than half the UK population shops in cyberspace, instead of struggling out in the cold; you make your purchases at a time that suits you from the comfort and warmth of your house. You don’t have to fight your way through crowds of other shoppers, or struggle home loaded with heavy bags.

Search engines such as Google make it quick and easy to find the gifts you want, to compare prices and track down better deals than you would on the high street. But the internet does have a down side. When you are not buying face to face, it can be easier to be ripped off. A product may seem well priced and a web site may look above board, but you can’t always be sure of getting what you ordered, or that whoever is behind it won’t do some shopping of their own with your card details.

According to the UK Cards Association, fraud losses from ‘card not present’ transactions, which include internet purchases, totalled over ￡18million in the first six months of this year. Ensure you don’t add to the total for the second half of the year, only use reputable sites and do everything you can to protect yourself. The internet is a safe place to shop provided you are wary with how you use your personal information. To help your self to a happy on-line Christmas take the following steps:

Before you go on-line, make sure the PC you are using has a firewall and up-to-date anti-virus software.
Where possible, use sites you are familiar with or that have been recommended by someone you trust.
Be particularly wary about sites that are based overseas, if anything goes wrong, it will be a lot harder to get your money back.
If you are uncertain about a site, search it for the company’s contact details, reputable ones will give a proper address, not just a PO Box number. If there’s only an email address and mobile phone number, don’t use it.
Never access a site from a link in an unsolicited email. Always type the address into your web browser, and check you are happy with it before entering any personal details.
If an offer looks to good to be true, or a site doesn’t look quite right, for instance, it seems to be trying to masquerade as a famous brand, avoid it.
Before you place an order, particularly if you are using the site for the first time, check the web address starts with ‘https’ as the‘s’ means its secure.
Also look for a locked padlock symbol in the browser frame, as this also confirms any information you type in will be transmitted securely.
Read the terms and conditions, delivery information and returns policy, and make a note of the postal address and phone number in case of problems with your order.
When you are finished shopping, always log out and save the confirmation email as proof of what you have brought and paid for.
If you are spending more than ￡100, use a credit card rather than a debit card. The Consumer Credit Act states that if something goes wrong, such as the retailer goes bust, you can claim amounts over ￡100 back from the credit card company.
To password protect your payment details; register your credit cards with Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code when the prompt screen comes up. This will prevent anyone else using them.
Always check card statements for unfamiliar transactions. If you spot anything you didn’t buy, get in touch with the card provider right away to dispute it.
To find out more about staying safe in cyberspace log on to: Becardsmart.org.uk

View the original article here

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Inexpensive Christmas Decorating Ideas For the Family

Nov 29, 2010 Bambi Hokanson

Inexpensive Christmas decorating ideas do exist. - writer's files

There are many cheap Christmas decorating ideas that can make decorating for Christmas fun for the whole family. Christmas decorating can make a home warm and cheerful for the holidays. When decorating for Christmas this season, consider some unusual Christmas decorations that the entire family will enjoy. Everyone will be amazed at how festive the home can look with inexpensive Christmas decorating ideas.

Be Creative with Cheap Christmas Decorating Ideas

The holidays can be a time for showing off talent and creativity with Christmas decorating ideas. When there is little money for Christmas decorations, talent can go a long way. When the family puts their heads together and each uses his/her own imagination, it takes very little money or tangible items to create some awesome and unusual Christmas decorations.

Old Christmas decorations can be modernized for use on the Christmas tree. Divide the vintage Christmas ornaments between all the members of the family and ask them to remake them for decorating the tree. Turn it into a contest, to encourage them to do a good job.

Make candy, dried fruits and Christmas cookies. Put them along with other food items such as nuts, Christmas candy and candy canes into airtight jars decorated with bows. Use them to decorate the house until Christmas Eve and then hand them out to neighbors, family and friends for Christmas presents.

Tips for Inexpensive Christmas Decorating Ideas

Use fruit slices to make garlands and wreaths

Make gingerbread and snowman cookies. Wrap them in clear plastic wrap and hang them on the tree with ribbon. Perfect for decorating and eating.

Tie red bows around candy canes and hang on tree

Use old Christmas cards to cut out tags for gifts and to make other decorations

Make a gingerbread house and get the entire family involved.

Have everyone in the house come up with his or her own design for a cheap Christmas decorating idea.

Decorate the tree with homemade ornaments of photos of the family over the years. Include baby photos, special events and vacations.

Decorate the entire Christmas tree in cupcakes or ice cream cones. There are many sites on the Internet with easy instructions for making inexpensive cupcake or ice cream cone tree ornaments. This is a perfect family project.

Lights Are Great for Cheap Christmas Decorating

Just lights alone can brighten any room with a cheery Christmas ambience. Lights and some decorating snow can go along way when it comes to Christmas decorating. Mirrors or silver trays with snow and white lights and/or candles are beautiful on a shelf or mantle. Decorate the framed family photos on the shelves with a bed of snow and lights.

Inexpensive Christmas decorating ideas for the family really are plentiful and easy to find online. There are cheap Christmas decorating ideas that will entertain the whole family and Christmas decorating can provide much needed quality time for the family. There are unusual Christmas decorations the entire family can make and enjoy while adding cheerful décor to warm the home for the holidays; however, all it takes is for each family member to contribute his or her own ideas and the house will be overflowing with inexpensive Christmas decorating ideas.

View the original article here

Monday, November 22, 2010

Toys 4 Tots -- Marine Program to Give Christmas Gifts to Children

Nov 21, 2010 Katrena Wells

Toys 4 Tots History and Contact Information - Photo by Jake Joy

Toys 4 Tots was started in 1947 in Los Angeles by a group in the Marine Reserves at the request of Diane Hendrix, the wife of Major Bill Hendrix, after she discovered that no organization existed to distribute toys to needy children at Christmas.

This pilot program began with the distribution of 5,000 toys locally to a nationwide effort providing over 400 million toys to over 188 million children in need through local campaigns throughout the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. In addition, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has provided a free book to over one million children across the nation.

Toys 4 Tots Wins Awards and Respect in Communities

Many celebrities have publicly supported the Marine Toys 4 Tots program, including Walt Disney, who designed the logo in 1948. Nat “King” Cole, Peggy Lee, & Vic Damone first recorded the theme song for Toys 4 Tots in 1956. Other celebrities supporting Toys 4 Tots include, but are not limited to:

Bob Hope
John Wayne
Tim Allen
Kenny Rogers
Billy Ray Cyrus
First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush

Toys 4 Tots has been ranked or recognized by several different organizations, with awards including:

Philanthropy 400 (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year (DMA Nonprofit Federation)
America’s Best Children’s Charity (Reader’s Digest)
Gold Star List (Forbes)
Local Community Organization of the Year (Native American Program)

Many corporations support the Marine Toys 4 Tots charity. Partners that have donated at least $1 million cash or toys equaling at least $2 million include:

Associated Television International
Babies R Us
Build-a-Bear Workshop
FAO Schwarz
Hasbro
Scholastic
The UPS Store
Toys R Us

Ways to Donate to Toys 4 Tots Nonprofit Organization to Support Kids

Only 4% of donations go toward fundraising efforts, while the other 96% provides toys, books, and gifts to children in need. Toys 4 Tots has several different options for donating:

At a local drop-off site
Via PayPal
Through eBay
Online using either VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express
In memory or tribute to someone
In honor of someone
To the Native American Program
By using select search engines that donate to nonprofits

Donations may be sent through postal mail at the following address:

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

18251 Quantico Gateway Drive

Triangle, VA 22172

Donations to Toys 4 Tots are tax deductible. Although used toys were accepted for donation several years ago, Toys 4 Tots now only accepts new items due to limited time available to refurbish toys and safety concerns. People may also donate a vehicle to benefit the Toys 4 Tots program. Donations are tax deductible. Those who wish to find a drop-off location may sign up on the Toys 4 Tots web site. People who wish to receive toys through Toys 4 Tots may check the web site for local contacts.

Toys 4 Tots Gives Toys, Books, and Hope to Children Across America

Those who are looking for a trustworthy non-profit organization that helps underprivileged children at Christmas may wish to consider Toys 4 Tots. This charitable program began with someone recognizing a need and has developed into a large nationwide effort lead by the Marines. Toys 4 Tots has expanded to benefit Native American populations and to encourage literacy by providing books as well.

Readers may also wish to read:

Information in this article is current on the date of publication.

Toys 4 Tots History and Contact Information - Photo by Jake Joy
Marine Toys 4 Tots Program Gives Free Toys to Kids - Photo by taliesin
Toys 4 Tots Literacy Program Offers Free Books - Photo by Nicki Dugan
Toys 4 Tots Native American Program Offers Hope - Photo by puravida
Help Underprivileged Kids at Christmas Toys 4 Tots - Photo by Paul Anderson

View the original article here

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Cheap Christmas Decorating Ideas that Make a Home Festive

Christmas is just around the corner, and there really are many cheap Christmas decorating ideas that can brighten up a home for the holidays. In fact, with a little imagination, anyone can make a home festive for the holidays and accomplished it with little money. Here are a few tips for inexpensive Christmas decorating.

There are numerous inexpensive decorating items that can be found at stores such as Michaels or other craft stores and Dollar stores. Everything from ribbon, artificial flowers and candles to holiday goodies, wrapping paper or felt can be found at these different types of stores. The possibilities for decorating with inexpensive holiday items are endless.

Christmas time can still be fun when there is only a small amount of money available for decorating. Cheap Christmas decorating ideas truly are endless and they can make a home festive. With a bit of creativity, inexpensive Christmas decorating can be exciting and fulfilling for the whole family.

View the original article here

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Card Aid: Donate More at Christmas With Charity Cards & E-cards

Nov 15, 2010 Carol Finch

Card Aid Christmas Cards Donate More to Charity - Photo by whitesja

If you, or your business, wants to use charity cards, then you may be able to donate more at Xmas by using Card Aid products. The organisation sells cards to the public for home use, customised business Christmas cards and both still and animated e-cards. Why does Card Aid donate more and how can you buy its products?

Card Aid Gives All Profits to Charity

Card Aid is a not for profit organisation set up by the UK's Charities Advisory Trust with the aim of giving charities an easy way to bring in money from the sale of Christmas cards. All of the organisation's products are made in the UK from sustainable forests and envelopes are made from environmentally friendly materials.

Profits will give back 40-60% of the cost of a pack of general cards, one-third of the cost of customised corporate cards and 30% from the sale of e-cards. Retailers that sell charity cards, on the other hand, may donate much less. Research into the retail sector by the Charities Advisory Trust in October 2010 showed donation levels of between 4.2-25%.

Buying Charity Christmas Cards With Card Aid

You can use the Card Aid website to buy cards or, in some areas, you can visit one of the organisation's shops to buy direct. These stores open on a temporary basis each year, usually between October and December. There are various locations in London and a few outside the capital (i.e. Bromley, Ely, Cambridge, Guildford, Oxford and Sedburgh).

If you opt to buy charity Christmas cards online, then you simply need to choose a design that you like and/or a charity that you would like to support. Each card is associated with a particular organisation. You can pay by card via the Worldpay payment processing system or you can send in a cheque if you prefer. If you want to create personalised cards, then you can also use Card Aid's customised service.

Using Card Aid to Create Customised Corporate Christmas Cards

Businesses and individuals can also use Card Aid to customise Christmas cards. This service allows you to choose any charity (as long as it is UK registered). You can also use your own own image (or one provided by the site), add a logo and put a personalised message in the template. Cards can be printed in up to four colours. The minimum order cost is ￡195 (excluding VAT). Orders for corporate cards need to be made online.

Using Still and Animated Christmas E-cards for Business and Home Use

Card Aid also has an e-card service (still and animated) that can be used by businesses and individuals. This may suit those that want to cut down on environmental waste and to give a 'greener' Christmas card. You can choose the charity you wish to support with e-cards and they can also be customised.

Although Card Aid's e-cards are priced individually, there is a minimum spend for both still (￡22.50) and animated (￡75) cards. Some will also come with minimum order levels. Adding a logo costs an additional ￡10. Once you have paid for an order, you will be sent a personalised link which you then use to mail out your card.

You, or your business, can donate more at Xmas by buying cards through Card Aid. If you want to find out about other ways to send charity cards and gifts or to give seasonal donations, then the following articles may be useful:

Sources: Card Aid; Charities Advisory Trust; The Guardian ("Charity Christmas cards still offer stingy donations"); Card Aid. Accessed online 13th November 2010.

Card Aid Christmas Cards Donate More to Charity - Photo by whitesja
Giving Charity Cards Can Help Others at Xmas - Photo by alicja_sto
Why Use Charity Corporate Christmas Cards? - Photo by flaivoloka
Charity Christmas e-cards Help the Environment - Image by acidum
How to Email Christmas Cards - Photo by Egilshay

View the original article here

2010 Couple Gifts for Christmas, Original and Personalized

Nov 14, 2010 Helen Smeaton

Coasteering Adventure Experience - Helen Smeaton

If you think that couple gifts should only be for anniversaries then think again. Presents bought for two people rather than one can make your Christmas budget go further and they are the perfect solution for hard-to-buy-for people like in laws, or serious boyfriends and girlfriends, as you can just buy couple gifts for Christmas that they will both love.

Christmas Present Ideas for Couples

Before you start making your Christmas gift list, think about the type of present each couple might need, want or like to have. For instance, if they are an adventurous couple, they may love a weird and wacky gift experience, or if they have just set up home together, they may relish some cool items for the house.

On the other hand, if they have been together for a long time, they may prefer something personalized to remind them just how long they have been a couple.

Personalized Couples Gift Ideas

These personalized couples gift ideas are both fun and practical:

Caricature portrait – pull out some old photos of the couple and have one made into a caricature; there are plenty of online sites like Caricature King, where all you need is a digital photo; they do the rest.
Hand drawn portrait – if it’s an older couple like your grandparents, a hand-drawn portrait may be more appropriate; easily done again just by sending a digital image over the internet to a company like PaintYourLife.
Build a website– a great gift for an older couple as a home for photographic memories, and cheap, as all it costs is your time! Use a free hosting company like Yola to make a simple website that they can then update and add to; just make sure they have a home computer before you start!
Private dance lesson – a romantic idea for a couple gift, sure to please anyone hooked on the TV show Strictly Come Dancing; it's also a fun way to lose a few pounds post Christmas!

Cool Holiday Gifts for Couples

For people who have just set up home or for friends that are difficult to buy for individually, these cool holiday gifts for couples are practical and look great around the home:

iPod docking station – almost everyone owns an iPod but how many own a cool docking station? Consider the sleek Klipsch docking station pictured below; it packs a powerful punch when it comes to quality music and sounds as good as a Bang and Olufsen at a much cheaper price.
Magimix food processor – perfect for want-to-be master chefs and a real time saver.

Fun Couples Christmas Presents

Looking for something original and totally different? How about fun couples Christmas presents like these?

Teepee retreat – buy an overnight gift experience staying in a teepee; combine it with horse riding or mountain biking if they are energetic, or an evening massage followed by a candlelit outdoor supper.
Driving experience – forget the boring Ferrari; book them a tank driving experience instead!
Ride on the world’s fastest roller coaster – yes this one will cost money as you have to get them to Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World but they will have the ride of their lives!

Or consider the following:

For Adventurous Couples – Buy Gift Experiences

Balloon rides and spa weekends immediately spring to mind, but how about these unusual alternatives for adventurous couples:

Indoor skydiving – highly popular flying in a wind tunnel and, with many 2 for 1 offers from companies like Red Letter Days, good value for money too.
Coasteering – an activity that originated in Wales, it involves traversing terrain close to the sea by swimming, clambering over rocks and jumping off high points.
Zorbing – known also as sphering, couples race each other downhill transported in a huge plastic ball. Now available worldwide, this could be the perfect gift for couples planning on going to New Zealand to watch the Rugby World Cup in 2011, as the original Zorb track can be found in Rotorua.
Schweebing – and if they are planning to visit Rotorua anyway , buy the couple a voucher for Schweebing (see this article to find out what is a schweeb!)

Best Christmas Gifts for Couples

The best Christmas gifts for couples will depend largely on their interests, but there is sure to be an adventure experience or cool household item that will suit their tastes. Just use the above ideas as inspiration for your 2010 couple gifts.

Related Articles:

Also of interest may be

Coasteering Adventure Experience - Helen Smeaton
Klipsch iPod Docking Station - Helen Smeaton
Zorbing in New Zealand - Helen Smeaton
Caricature, Perfect Couples Gift - Helen Smeaton

View the original article here

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Charity Christmas Cards: Do They Donate Enough to Charities?

Nov 13, 2010 Carol Finch

Are Charity Christmas Cards Worth it? - Photo by afreeta

Many shoppers will make a point of buying charity Christmas cards in stores in the belief that their purchases will give reasonable donations. Each year, however, the Charities Advisory Trust produces its Scrooge Awards. This list shows how much shops actually donate to charities from each sale. Are charity Christmas cards worth buying and where can you shop to make the highest donation?

Are Charity Christmas Cards Worth Buying?

If you buy charity Christmas greetings cards from shops, rather than direct from charities, then the retailer commits to donate a percentage of the money spent on the purchase. Although this can seem like a good deal, as it allows you to use your spending to give to a good cause, where you shop may affect how big the donation is. According to the Charities Advisory Trust, a retailer can donate as little as 1% from the sale of a card and still brand it as a charity product.

Which Shops Give the Best and Worst Charity Donations for Christmas Greetings Cards?

Research done by the Trust in October 2010 shows a wide range of current percentage donations with some retailers coming out better than others. For example, Marks and Spencer and Debenhams donate 20% and Clintons 21.3%. On the lower end of the scale, some Cards Galore cards will only make a 4.2% donation (although some products rise to 16.9%) and Fenwick have a spread of just 5.1-9%.

Is it Better to Buy Christmas Cards From a Charity?

A charity may make much more money selling its own cards, but it may not be able to compete on a cost basis with major retailers. This can put off some consumers who like the idea of making a 'no-cost' donation but who would rather pay high-street prices for their Christmas cards.

If, however, you buy direct from charities, use Card Aid or pop-up seasonal charity card shops, then more of the money spent will go to the charity itself. Card Aid donation levels are estimated at 40-60% of the cost of the card. A temporary charity shop/sale could provide similar results.

Buying charity Christmas cards direct will give a higher donation to charity. If this is beyond your budget, then it may be worth trying to buy from retailers that commit to give higher percentages. The following articles may be of interest if you are interested in learning about other ways to donate at Christmas.

Sources: Charities Advisory Trust; The Guardian ("Charity Christmas cards still offer stingy donations"); Card Aid. Accessed online 13th November 2010.

Are Charity Christmas Cards Worth it? - Photo by afreeta
How Much is Donated from Charity Xmas Cards? - Image by dlnny
Charity Christmas Cards May not Donate a Lot - Photo by Alke_Paiva
Buying Christmas Cards From a Charity Gives More - Photo by czbalazs

View the original article here

Monday, November 15, 2010

Finding Money For Christmas Presents

Nov 13, 2010 Tammy Maas

Finding $ For Christmas - Tammy Maas

Times are rough in the neighborhood this year and Christmas is almost upon us. Scrounging up cash for Christmas gifts is a must if you have children. If you don’t have children and really can’t afford to buy gifts for friends and family this year, speak up now, they will understand as many are in the same situation. You may also want to mention that you would prefer not to receive gifts either. Christmas will come and go regardless of how much you spend or don’t spend. But if you can’t resist the Black Friday ads read on for ways to dig up some money.

Piggy Bank

It may not be a piggy bank but most people have a spot where they throw loose change. It may not look like much but something is better than nothing. Take it to the bank, dump it into one of those fun change counters and collect your cash. You would be amazed at the cool stuff available at the dollar store. Check it out and start your shopping. It’s the thought that counts, not how much you spend. You can get a nice picture frame for one dollar, put in a picture of you and the gift recipient and you have a great gift for only one dollar.

Redeem Credit Card Points

Some people have credit cards such as Discover and are earning cash back points and they don’t even realize it. Look closely at your statement to see if your card has a cash back or point program. You can typically redeem for cash, gift cards or merchandise. Add that onto the piggy bank money and you are ready to put on those shopping shoes!

Run an Ad

If you have something substantial to sell, run an ad in the newspaper, put it on Craig’s List, or consider e-Bay. Just make sure you consider the price of the ad or shipping costs when pricing the item. Even if you have a bag or box of kid’s clothes people will be willing to pay good money for it. Most people are in the same boat, if they can buy a bag of kid’s clothes at a bargain price they will jump on the opportunity.

Sell Video Games/Movies

If you or your children have video games that you no longer play, trade them in. Most video game stores have programs where they will pay you cash for used video games. Some stores also buy used movies, and video game systems. Try EB Games or Gamestop.

Recycle Your Devices

If you have cell phones, laptops, IPods’ – anything electronic, you may be able to get money for the units even if they don’t work. Log on and type in all the information you have. You will get an immediate quote. The company will also send you a box to ship the merchandise to them in and you don’t have to pay any postage. Even if they don’t offer you anything for the items it’s still a deal as some place charge money to dispose of electronic devices. In my town it’s ten bucks to throw away a laptop. Try Gazell or Networth.

Once you do find some shopping money, make sure to get the most for your money. Wait for Black Friday ad's or shop on-line to get the best deals. Have fun and try not to get too stressed out.

View the original article here

Saturday, November 13, 2010

2010 Christmas Presents for Teenage Girls, Cool, Trendy or Safe

Nov 10, 2010 Helen Smeaton

Beanie Hat Gift for Teenage Girl - Lululemon Athletica on Flickr

Teenage girl gift buying can be challenging at the best of times, not least in 2010 when the average teen is totally up to date with what’s in fashion. If you buy a gift based on what you think she will like, chances are you will get it wrong and the last thing a parent needs is a sulky teenager on Christmas day!

This article offers some cool and trendy fashion suggestions, together with some safer gift card ideas that can be spiced up with an added extra; all presented in a beautiful gift box.

Cool Gifts for Teens

The best cool gifts for teens are often fashion accessories as, even if they don’t love them to bits, they can always do an accessory swop with their friends. Beanie hats (see the main picture) are hot fashion items and they are also practical for keeping out the cold, as are berets. They do come in hundreds of different styles and often with glitzy embellishment like sequins or beads, so it’s worth checking with the teenager’s mum that she is into a bit of bling before buying a particular hat, whether it's peaked or is a simple bobble hat.

You can also add a scarf, which probably shouldn’t match as teen girls are into odd socks and nails painted with different colors, or you can throw in a pot of nail varnish if you think a beanie hat gift isn’t big enough.

Christmas Gifts for Teenage Girls

If you don’t want to touch clothing or accessory items for fear for having your gift rejected, how about a funky mouse mat to jazz up her social networking time? These are available in both fashion stores as accessory items or at online stores like Zazzle, which has some fantastic designs for both fashion and tom-boy teen girls alike.

Safe Teen Girl Gifts

Last minute shoppers or simply those looking for completely safe teen girl gifts will probably want to buy a gift card. As boring as this can be, don’t resort to a gift voucher for any old store. Make a quick phone call and find out where she likes to shop (don't forget that this could be an online store) and either buy one for that store or, better still, for the whole mall, so she is not restricted to where she can spend her Christmas money.

Another idea is to buy a card to a DVD rental or cinema chain (make sure there is a relevant DVD store or cinema close to where the teen lives before you buy!) or a Netflix card so she can watch what she wants when she wants. An iTunes voucher card is also sure to bring a smile as the teen can simply download the music of her choice without spending her own pocket money.

Any gift voucher can be made more special by packing it in a pretty gift box tied with raffia or colored ribbon, and adding a twist inside as an unexpected extra. If giving a simple cinema card, for instance, add a gift voucher for a ride in a luxury limo to the cinema so she can entertain her friends. Or add an extra voucher for a meal at the mall, so can she enjoy an all-day shopping trip.

Teen Christmas 2010 Gift Shopping

Give a gift a teen girl will love by choosing a hot fashion item or a safer gift card with an added extra for Christmas 2010. Gift shopping for a teen need not be stressful if you stick to these simple but sure-to-please ideas.

Related Articles:

Need gifts for young kids? See Top Toys for Christmas 2010, What to Buy if you Don’t have Kids.

Need a client Christmas gift? See Unique Corporate Christmas Gift Ideas

Get ideas for wrapping with DIY Gift Boxes for Christmas and

For a teenager’s boyfriend, show her Cool Boyfriend Christmas Gift Ideas with a Wow Factor.

Beanie Hat Gift for Teenage Girl - Lululemon Athletica on Flickr
Funky Mouse Mat - Sunshinecity on Flickr
Teenage Girl Gifts - Garry Knight on Flickr

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Friday, November 12, 2010

Christmas Shopping Survival Guide

Nov 10, 2010 Georgina Bourdeau

Christmas is thundering toward us like a steam engine fully stoked. Anxiety levels are starting to rise as each day is marked off the calendar. Being prepared both in mind and body can alleviate the Christmas jitters. Having a well thought-out plan can make shopping during the holidays uncomplicated and reduce post holiday credit card debt.

What can we do to prepare ourselves before we set out to shop for presents?

First we have to be in a certain frame of mind. Preparing your body and mind is the first step. Rushing from work to the overcrowded department stores is definitely out of the question. Make sure you are in a good place, spiritually and bodily. This requires a well-rounded meal so that your body is fueled up. A soothing bath or shower, meditation, yoga, anything that can contribute to a feeling of well-being, will start you off on the right foot.

What do we plan ahead of time?

Santa Claus has a list for a reason, and so should you. Each shopping excursion should be short and productive, so keep your list to no more than ten people or presents. Any more than that on one outing will wear you down and make the shopping a chore rather than an adventure. Always have a budget for each gift. This will diminish your credit card debt after Christmas, and will give you the best bang for your buck.

Balance your list of easy gifts to buy with those that may be more difficult. From the grandma that has everything to your nephew who just moved out of the house, write down gift ideas for each person on your list. It narrows the search for you and helps you combine gift searching in one department. This alleviates aimless wandering and impulse shopping.

When is the best time to do my Christmas Shopping?

Many large stores like Wal Mart have truly blessed the Christmas shopper by staying open all night during the Christmas season. The stores are like ghost towns compared to the daytime peak hours.

Christmas shopping can truly be painless and satisfying if you are prepared both in mind and body. You can survive the Christmas season both financially and mentally if you plan a list, stick to it and shop in the stores during their low traffic periods. Remember your survival guide to holiday shopping and embrace the Christmas spirit.

View the original article here

2010 Christmas Presents for Teenage Girls, Cool, Trendy or Safe

Nov 10, 2010 Helen Smeaton

Beanie Hat Gift for Teenage Girl - Lululemon Athletica on Flickr

This article offers some cool and trendy fashion suggestions, together with some safer gift card ideas that can be spiced up with an added extra; all presented in a beautiful gift box.