Lured by deals, more holiday shoppers are treating themselves this year
Maria Prieto couldn't resist. Shopping for Christmas presents at a Gap Kids recently, she thought about that 25-per cent off coupon she had. Why let it go to waste? Full Story
Strategies to recover from holiday overspending
It's time to make a plan to deal with your finances so you're not still paying off this year's purchases next holiday season.
Necklaces, ornaments made from coin-sized pieces of reindeer dung earn cash for zoo
Necklaces and Christmas ornaments made from coin-sized pieces of reindeer droppings have earned a Bloomington, Illinois, zoo nearly $21,000 this holiday season.
Helping others beats 'sitting on a couch' over holidays, say young volunteers
It's the peak of the Christmas gift-buying rush and Galen Aker hurriedly packs boxes. They won't be adorned with shiny wrapping paper or bows, but it's what's inside that really counts.
Despite declining donations, rising demand, charities work to meet holiday need
Marta McLaughlin has sponsored families in the past through the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, but it had long been on her personal to-do list to give some of her time.
Holiday regifting: Naughty or nice?
In the Seinfeld episode aptly titled "The Label Maker," Elaine calls Dr. Tim Whatley a "regifter" after he gives Jerry a present originally gifted to him by Elaine.
Last-minute shopping tips from a pro
With just a few shopping days remaining until Christmas, find out how to get in and out of the mall quickly without losing your sanity or blowing your budget.
Secrets of the stars for last-minute shopping
Just like, you, celebrities are on the hunt for awesome holiday gifts. Now, you can borrow their best shopping strategies and "Wow!" those loved ones on your gift list.
10 great holiday gifts for teens
Holiday shopping for teens just got easier with this last-minute list of great gift finds.
A gift that teaches personal finance lesson can have impact long after holidays
While others are blowing their holiday budgets, you can set an example and send a message by giving a gift with a focus on personal finance.
'Tis the season: Save big with 5 easy, cheap and chic gift-wrapping options
After trimming the tree and fighting the crowds for door-buster deals, there's the annual hunt through a closet for last year's gift wrap and ribbon.
Jesus Inc.: Popular brands mimicked in spinoff goods
Christian stores have just the Christmas gift for Facebook fans: A "Jesus Christ wants to be your friend" T-shirt that mimics the design of the popular social networking site.
Fragrance can be the perfect gift - but only if you pick the right one
A bottle of fragrance is an almost irresistible gift to give, but it's also a very personal present.
Handmade gift bags are easy to make and give extra touch to holiday gifts
Put down the tape dispenser and the wrapping paper. Instead, make your own gift bags this holiday season.
Parents encouraged to nix lottery ticket gifts
Parents and relatives should think twice before stuffing a child's stocking with lottery tickets, because the seeds of a gambling addiction can be sown early, experts are warning.
Regifting sees a resurgence in struggling economy
No longer synonymous with tacky, giving a gently used gift can make great sense this time of year, but proper etiquette must be followed.
Sports expert offers his top 10 favourite fitness tools
With the new year will come resolutions, including the vow to get in shape. While you could go and buy the fanciest of home gyms, sports medicine expert Dr. Grant Lum says there's no need. Simplicity is best.
What to get the foodie in your life who has it all? Easy gift ideas for all
If you want to please a picky cook, look for gifts that solve problems and make work easier, or at least make it easier to love the work.
Do-it-yourself holiday gifts cost less, mean more; projects to try
If ever there has been a year to give a homemade holiday gift, this is it. The economy's in the dumps and budgets are tight.
A list of Canadian coffee-table books to give or display over the holidays
Guests will gush over Mark Reid's collection of Canuck photographs. Table tops will tempt with artwork by Ted Harrison. And gift exchangers will cackle over the cartoons of Aislin.
Gift lists shrink this season; how to make the cut painless
Tough economic times have gift givers ready to find creative ways to cut down their holiday gift lists.
Regulators say popular Zhu Zhu Pets are safe
Toy safety regulators said Monday that Zhu Zhu Pets -- one of the holiday season's hottest toy crazes -- do not violate federal safety standards after all.
Back in rotation: vinyl sales set for record year
For the first time since at least 1991, annual sales of vinyl records have broken the two million mark, prompting enthusiasts to ask whether LPs will outlive, even help unseat the compact disc.
For toys, expert tells parents to keep it simple
With the holidays fast approaching and wish-lists being completed daily, one toy expert says you can never go wrong by keeping things simple.
Retailers put a lot into - and hope to get a lot out of - holiday shopping bags
The scale is smaller, but holiday shopping bags can have a marketing heft that rivals a billboard.
Gift ideas for guys shopping for the women in their lives
Wandering aimlessly around a lingerie store trying to buy a gift for your girlfriend or wife? Not sure if mom wants another kitchen gadget? How to buy presents for the ladies in your life that will ensure they still love you past Boxing Day.
Cool holiday gifts that keep on giving
Companies and celebs are catching the gift-giving spirit this season, marrying a social conscience with super holiday shopping.
Before you buy holiday gifts, know the return policies
It's OK if your boyfriend doesn't like the digital camera you bought him. As long as he doesn't open the box.
All items in 12 days of Christmas would cost $87,000
An American firm says buying all the items in the famous 12 days of Christmas song would rack up bills of almost $100,000.
Holiday gone to the dogs: Gift ideas for the pets on your list
Your dog and cat may not know it's the holidays, but admit it, most of those pet presents are really gifts for ourselves.
Tiny company, huge hit: Robotic hamsters dance out of stores
Zhu Zhu Pets, which retail for about $10, are this year's bona fide must-have toy, following in the footsteps of past crazes for Tickle Me Elmo and Cabbage Patch Kids.
Need soars for charitable groups during holidays
It's the season of giving but instead of blowing the budget on presents your friends and family don't really need, why not give back in a different way?
How to ruin your holiday budget
We all know the holidays are expensive, which is why smart holiday revellers set out a budget before they start to shop. So why is it that so many of us are still paying for Christmas long after Valentine's Day?
Presentless Christmas brings more time with family and fewer holiday bills
I embrace almost all of Christmas. Except for one tradition that brings so much stress and expense that eliminating it has made the holiday even more magical. Presents.
Small businesses shouldn't give up on giving to customers
Small business owners with cash flow problems might be tempted during yet another difficult holiday season to forgo gifts for clients or customers.
Traditional holiday markets open in German capital
Traditional gingerbread- and trinket-laden Christmas markets in the German capital have opened for the season amid hopes for sales as brisk as the weather.
Make holidays more memorable with customized gifts
If you can only afford to give one gift this year, make it truly memorable by going custom-made.
Gifts galore for $25 or less with practical, stylish treats
The economy is slowly recovering, yet consumers remain nervous, leading retailers to offer more items for $25 or less, experts say.
Swap the traditional reindeer for a goat and make a difference
Not sure what to buy that hard to buy for person on your list? How about a goat? Or maybe a bear or elephant? How about saving a rainforest?
Be generous without overspending; holiday tips don't have to wipe you out
This holiday season, a leaner budget might clarify which people truly make a difference in your life. The challenge will be figuring out how much to tip them.
Buying holiday gifts year-round helps ease the December crunch
For some, the day after Christmas marks the beginning of the next holiday shopping season.
Travel books worth giving: from coffee-table to travelogues
Whether you're looking for a gift for an armchair traveller or a frequent flyer, you can't go wrong with a book.
Hand-knit gifts: When time is short, choose simple patterns, bulky yarn
There's nothing like a handmade gift. And one that is knit will last longer and have fewer calories than one from the oven.
Tiny gadgets on gift list for travellers, but don't forget the wine wheel
If you have big bucks, splurge on an electronic reader or a netbook. But if you're on a budget, go for clever stocking-stuffers.
10 fool-proof, time-saving gifts for busy moms
Half the fun of the holiday season is that mad, party rush, and the festive excitement shouldn't be missed, not even by busy moms.
Toy-testing council names top picks for 2010
A peek-a-boo baby play centre, a tumbling top and a reversible costume set are among the top toys for 2010 chosen by the Canadian Toy Testing Council.
U.S. stores keep inventories thin, holiday shelves already going empty
Just as holiday shoppers start to get serious, shelves are already empty as stores try not to order too much during these bad economic times.
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_  Some great products and tips to make putting away your decor easier. | _  A cheese board is an easy and delicious way to entertain. | _  Smoky flavours to drinkable desserts, what's big for 2010. | _  Last-minute ideas to get your home in the holiday spirit. | _  How to get the best deals on the things you want this Boxing Day. | _  How to score deals and still get great gifts for loved ones. | _  DIY decor, food and drinks for the last-minute party planner. | _  A delicious winter grilling recipe may start a new tradition. | _  Tips to halt holiday weight gain and still enjoy festive treats. | _  Christmas cookies can be a delicious way to decorate your Christmas tree. | _  Tips on how to make the hectic holiday season safe for your pets. | _  A personal concierge service may help take the stress out of holiday planning. | _  Check out a seafood risotto recipe that's perfect for Christmas Eve. | _  With only five days left, where can you go for last-minute gifts? | _  A look at how charities can lighten your shopping load this season. | _  Canada AM brings you five days of the season's top sweets. | _  Colder weather seems to be sending Canadians into shopping mode. | _  Kris Abel's top gift picks for geeks, shutterbugs, movie buffs and more. | _  A master colourist shares his tips for great DIY hair colour. | _  Six tips on how not to gain 10 pounds over the holidays. | _  Meet a couple who brightened the holidays with 70,000 bulbs. | _  Tips on getting more for less, and things you can get for free. | _  From adventures to tastes, experiences are becoming popular gifts. | _  Everyone needs some 'support' under their cool new party duds. | _  How to handle your children over the stressful holiday season. | _  Easy and quick appetizers you can make from what's already in your pantry. | _  Canada AM contributors share their top picks for holiday gift giving. | _  If you're not keen on cut or artificial, you may be able to rent a live tree. | _  Tips on how to stay safe during the deadliest season for home fires. | _  Some ideas for environmentally friendly gifts this holiday season. | _  Some of the best wines and liqueurs to have on hand this holiday season. | _  How to make your tree look like it was decorated by a designer. | _  Some tips on how to keep your pets healthy during the holidays. | _  A slow cooker makes it easy to prepare snacks, deserts and meals. | _  Tips on how to avoid counterfeit goods this holiday season. | _  A preview of the game, debuting before the hugely-anticipated film. | _  A week-long series on gift ideas for kids of all ages and tastes. | _  Tips for entertaining while still keeping the budget in check. | _  Tips for winterizing your home to keep heating costs down. | _  A lesson in cocktail manners to help survive the holiday party season. | _  Check out the three hottest looks for decking your halls. | _  Tis' the season for spending, but is it possible to give like Santa and save like scrooge? | _  Find out the sunny hotspots that will brighten spirits this winter. | _  With so much choice, how can you find the right gifts for kids? | _  Find out which snow shovels are getting top marks this winter. | _  How to keep rechargeables at peak performance for the holidays. | _  Great tips on how to go from a day at the office to the party. | _  Learn how to winterize your skin to face the snow season in style | _  Top tips for staying healthy throughout the winter season. | _  Learn how to keep your home clean and energy-efficient. | _  A look at some 'cool' ways to work up a sweat this winter. |
