If buying gifts this year for whatever reason, whether it’s your babysitter’s Birthday, a Christmas gift for your neighbor, a Valentine’s gift for your favorite Aunt, or a Thank You gift for someone who took care of your dog, has you panicked, join the club. Families all over the world are feeling the pinch of an exceedingly tight budget.

When the budget starts to suffer, we start to rethink giving gifts. Yes, we want to show our appreciation to the people who support us and love us, but we just don’t have the money anymore. The answer goes back to the old days: giving gifts from your heart, using the talents you have, and you will never go wrong.

Making chocolate treats is one of my favorite gift ideas. It’s pretty simple to impress someone with a beautiful box of chocolate covered pecans or chocolate dipped pretzels. Chocolates always seem festive, and homemade chocolates say you appreciate someone very, very, much indeed.

Chocolate gifts aren’t as hard to make as you might think. With a little practice, you can create marvelous confectionery delights that will thrill your friends and family and make you the talk of the town! This is a fancy chocolate treat that no one makes for themselves, so it is the perfect gift.

Chocolate Dipped Coffee Spoons

This spoon will top your list of all time favorite gifts for the coffee lover. What’s great is that you can give this gift to a man or woman because chocolate knows no limits.

Get ready with these items:

You’ll need to buy heavy duty plastic spoon, I like the clear ones. If you’ve got a great thrift store or antique store in your community, you might be able to find some unique silver spoons that would definitely add a special touch. Be sure they’re in good condition, then wash and dry them well.

In the baking aisle of your grocery store, you will find milk chocolate coating. This is the chocolate you’ll want to use. Don’t use the Real Chocolate as it is way too fussy and you don’t want to worry about it not turning out right.

If you’d like to add some crushed peppermint candy or other candy sprinkles to your spoons, that’s really pretty, too. You may also look for flavoring oils, like peppermint or amaretto, to really make these spoons fancy.

You’ll need to cover cookie sheets with parchment paper so the spoons won’t stick while cooling. Don’t use waxed paper as the chocolate will stick and you’ll have a mess. Parchment paper can also help the clean up if you’re working on a larger number of spoons.

I recommend that since you’re giving a gift of food, buy the proper wrapping. Look in your candy making section of any craft store for clear cellophane candy bags in a size to fit the spoon, leaving some of the handle sticking out. You’ll also want to find some ribbon and raffia to tie the package closed and to decorate the gift.

The process is simple:

Place a large pot of water on stove, bring to boil and turn off heat. Meanwhile, cut your chocolate into small pieces and melt by placing in a small heavy pot inside the larger pot of water that has boiled. When chocolate starts to melt around the edges, remove from hot water and stir with a rubber spatula or big wooden spoon until all the chocolate has melted. Be careful that you don’t splash any of the water from the big pan into the small pan.

When the chocolate is melted down, take a spoon and carefully dip it into the chocolate, hanging on to the handle, and place it on parchment paper on your tray or cookie sheet. Now is the time to add any decorations like sprinkles or crushed peppermints. Then continue dipping each spoon and decorating. When you are done, take your cookie sheet full of spoons and place it in a cold area. You can put them in a freezer or refrigerator but don’t let them stay in there because they will get moist. If you do use the freezer or refrigerator, take them out in just a few minutes and let them totally set up somewhere dry.

Once the chocolate has set up, you can put each spoon in a candy bag, and tie a piece of ribbon, raffia, or what have you around the handle of the spoon to close the bag. Now you can add a little extra ribbon, a candy cane, or any other decoration you’d like. If you are giving more than one spoon to someone, be sure to put them in a candy bag first, then place all of them together in a pretty bag or box.

You have now completed a gift that anyone would be thrilled to receive. Don’t you feel good knowing that you used your creativity and time to make a personal gift for someone you care about? This is not just any gift… it’s a gift you gave from your heart.

Add a bit of light and a few sound effects and watch the fun grow. Your baby can roll, sit and even step a bit when holding your fingers or clinging to the couch. It might be time this year to get a Christmas gift that will really get the party started. Babies love lights. Toys that blink or flash stimulate brain function and really hold your little one’s attention. You probably already have a variety of toys that come equipped with a light show. The addition of a few sounds and strains of music take the fun to another level.

Yet all the lights and sounds in the world are often no match for the simple pleasure of standing and moving. Babies who have reached the cruising stage are not content to sit in one place and rattle the same toy no matter how many lights it has or different sounds it makes. A cruising baby wants action!

This is where toys that come in the form of a table come in. There is a type of musical lights and sound table to suit any parent or baby’s wildest Christmas dreams. A few of the more common varieties are simply activity tables that stand about a foot or so off of the floor. These elevated toys have knobs and buttons for your child to press, open, roll or slide. In addition to the gadgets for baby’s play your child can now stand and shimmy all the way around their little table. Babies love to press the buttons that play music then perform their own dance routines while using the table to steady themselves.

Has your baby already shown an interest in a certain cartoon character or song? There are tables that incorporate most of the major baby friendly cartoon shows and songs. The familiar colors and sounds enhance baby’s interest and play.

One of the perennial favorite light, sound or musical play tables for little ones are tables that include a miniature key board. It is never too soon to create a love of music in your child. Who knows where this early piano tinkering will take your child?

Parents often think about fun and learning. Babies just want to have a bit of fun. There is a table for that! In fact there are many, many tables that not only stimulate play, but also help your child learn a variety of basic facts. Some tables come with buttons shaped like each letter of the alphabet, as your baby presses these buttons the letter’s name is said. The same holds true of shapes, numbers or animal sounds.

To get the most for your money look for tables that grow with your child both in terms of height and interest. Some tables have different program settings that will change the function of buttons and sound effects. This means your baby will move through the cruiser and toddler stages and not become bored because even for youngsters variety is the spice of life.

For mommy and daddy’s sanity, look for tables that are equipped with volume controls as well as an off button. If your child loves this toy as much as most babies do you may soon wish it wasn’t quite so loud. You will also want to consider how the table is powered. How long do the batteries last? How many, what type and what is the cost of the batteries it uses? Many toys requiring batteries are left lifeless and useless once the batteries wear out if the cost and ease of replacement is too high.

No doubt most of us are feeling the effects of the low economy. It is definitely a time for pursuing “save money ideas.” This is especially true for the rapidly approaching Christmas season. With each passing day, our children become more overjoyed with excitement as their favorite time of year approaches. Their Christmas list is filled with the hottest toys, amazing technology gadgets and other thrilling delights.

Numerous people love to give gifts because of the sure joy they receive from giving. They are filled with an overwhelming feeling of joy and contentment when they see the look of pure delight upon a loved one’s face as gifts are opened. Gift giving is made even more special, when you can give someone a fabulous gift and know you benefited from “save money ideas” in the process.

To capture the essence of “save money ideas” for the holiday, all you need is a small amount of preparation, coupled with foresight. Consider these holiday season money tips as a way to help you manage your money wisely this holiday season.

1. Look at your budget and compose your Christmas shopping list. You will need to take some time to reflect upon your list. After you decide upon the names for your gift list, place an estimated amount by each name based upon your budget constraints. Make it a key point not to go over your budget. This is a critical factor in being successful with “save money ideas.”

No doubt, you will sometime run across an item that you would love to give, but the price is not within your budget. When this happens, remember there is always another great gift around the corner for a loved one to enjoy that will meet your budget constraints. Just use your imagination when shopping. Think “outside the box” of gifts you normally give. Sometimes a unique gift ends up being the favorite.

2. Start your Christmas shopping early. Take advantage of the early sales, not to mention escaping the hustle and bustle of packed malls. Shopping online is one of the best “save money ideas” for Christmas shopping. You can find some great bargains online with the added plus of never having to leave your home. This gives you extra time to devote to holiday decorating, entertaining and having fun with family and friends.

3. Plan your food budget. Seems as though each time we go to the grocery store our grocery bill gets bigger. Having a potluck holiday meal is a great way to save on the food bill. If you are the host for this year’s holiday meal, then serve one meat dish. This can be a big saving for your food budget and at the same time most people will not care. With a potluck meal food tends to be bountiful, especially during a holiday. One of the great things about a potluck holiday meal is guests frequently love sharing the recipe of their own special dish they brought to the festivities.

4. Limit your travel. Traveling expenses can easily add up. Try to stay home this Christmas, if possible. If you must travel in order to spend time with loved ones, then pack sandwiches and snacks. This can save with food expenses for the trip. If you are traveling via car, then driving slower will give you better gas mileage. If you need to fly, then be sure to book your flight early to get a good price. This will be a key consideration in your Christmas “save money ideas.

You have selected your toddler’s first bike. It is a sweet sassy little number complete with racing stripes and a bell. It is only 18 inches off of the ground. After the frenzied research and purchase is complete don’t be tempted to think your job is done. Dreams of Christmas morning watching your child run to the toddler bike are incomplete unless your toddler is properly equipped with a helmet and other safety gear.

Why does a toddler need a helmet?

Many parents when shopping for a toddler bike forget about the helmet. The bike is only knee-high and the likelihood of serious injury may seem quite remote. Don’t be one of the parents whose Christmas efforts and dreams are rewarded by a broken baby. It is very easy to see the reasoning that a tiny bike might only cause a small bump or bruise, and let’s be honest, for many this is the case. The news headlines on Boxing Day are not topped with mangled and helmetless riders of toddler bikes. Yet there is an element of protection a helmet provides that will insure your child’s safety.

Does a Toddler need the padding?

Toddlers have plenty of natural padding in the form of chub, but they may need a few extra layers to prevent bumps and bruises as they hit the road on their new tricycle. It seems kids these days are buckled, padded and helmeted until they can hardly see or breathe. These safety items really make a difference.

Even the most vigilant parent cannot prevent every fall, nor do they want to. It is necessary to risk a good tumble to learn how to ride a bike, even if it is a tricycle. Toddlers want to learn how to do everything by themselves. Why not give them the padding to make any falls less scary for both parent and child.

Think of it this way: your timid, yet eager child perches atop his bike ready to ride when splat! He falls off skinning his elbows or scraping his knee. This is not a serious life threatening injury, but how long and how much talking will it take to convince your child that this fancy tricycle is fun and not a toddler torture device?

Teach them young

Perhaps the more compelling reason is that of precedent. This is a toddler bike, but it is your baby’s first bike. Setting the expectation of wearing a helmet and other padding protection for knees and elbows now will establish good habits. Then when your toddler somehow becomes a daredevil 8-year old rocketing up and down the street he is doing so while happily wearing the appropriate safety gear.

The first toddler bike is a big deal. Enjoy your child’s Christmas present along with them and have the shiny new helmet and elbow pads with red racing stripes to complete the holiday Kodak moment. Have a safe and merry Christmas!

The Twelve Days of Christmas is actually one of the most incorrectly identified holiday traditions and time periods on the calendar today. Most people assume that the 12 days of Christmas, like the advent calendar comes before and leads up to Christmas day. However, it actually begins on or after Christmas.

The 12 days of Christmas is also known as the period of Christmastide. During Christmastide, the way people celebrate the holiday season varies slightly. For instance, there are different beliefs as to when the holiday should be celebrated. These beliefs are typically influenced by the culture that you live in as well as the religious denomination that you practice.

For example, some traditions celebrate the twelve days of Christmas from Christmas day until January 5th. Other traditions celebrate it starting on Christmas evening until January 6th.

The twelve days of Christmas signifies the travel of the 3 Kings from the east to go see Jesus. When the Kings discovered that Jesus was born, they decided to travel to Bethlehem to see him. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh with them.

There are various philosophies of when the appropriate time to give gifts is during this time period. Many people identify Christmas day as the appropriate time to give gifts. Others save their gifts until the 12th day of Christmas. There are also many cultures and denominations that believe that a gift should be given each day of the 12 days.

This holiday period has a number of different ways that you can celebrate it. Many people celebrate it by lighting candles for the 12 days. For example, on each day of the 12 days, they light a candle to represent the progression of the Christmastide season.

Christmas dinner is also a significant part of the 12 days. The way dinner is treated varies as well. Some groups of people have their major Christmas dinner on Christmas day itself. Others have their major dinner on the 12th day of Christmas. Still others have a feast every day of the 12 days.

Then of course you have the 12 days of Christmas song. This song is the one where the lyrics are “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me” There are many people who believe that this song actually refers to different components of the Christian faith, such as the Trinity and the 4 Gospels of Christ. Other people believe that this is false and is simply an urban legend.

Regardless of what you believe on how the twelve days of Christmas should be celebrated, it can be an incredible opportunity for you to gather with your friends and family and have fun. You can choose the best way to celebrate it based on your own beliefs and convictions about the holiday season.

Sesame Street has done it again! Elmo Live! will entertain and teach your children in a way that only your favorite character Elmo can. His singing, talking and even jokes are all designed to interact with your child. In searching for good Christmas gifts, you can’t find anything better for your children 18 months and upward.

Introducing the next “best toy” – Elmo Live! Moving, Talking, and Dancing!

This Elmo Live! toy has it all – the adorable big eyes, the red cuddly fur, the sweet voice created and loved by Sesame Street. And his actions making him seem more real than ever!

His animation while singing, talking and even tells story makes him seem so life-like;

Gesturing is done with his arms and added movement with his legs.

Sitting on a stool (which comes with Elmo Live) he can cross his legs.

Out of 18 reviews, 15 found him very easy to play with. He will tell you a story. He even acts out parts of his stories! Squeeze his nose, and he’ll make a silly sound.

Leave it to the creators of Elmo Live! to even make the powering down fun. When Elmo hasn’t been played with for a while, he yawns and says he is tired.

Comments posted raved on the uniqueness of this “toy that talks” not just reusing preprogrammed statements. This makes the toy even more life-like as it seems to actually interact with your child.

As with any toy, there are a few glitches. When Elmo Live! is gesturing alot, he can sound a bit machine-like. Also he tends to fall over. But true to Elmo Live! style, he cutely asks for help up and then thanks you!

What’s in the Box?

Elmo Live! doll and 6 AA batteries.

Get a peek preview of Elmo Live! by clicking below.

This is such a HOT Christmas gift that Fisher Price is limiting the order amount to 6 only. Don’t miss out!