Top Christmas toys for 2014 Black Friday shopping and best U.S. prices

Toy Retailers Association announced its 2014 Dream Toys List on November 5. Each holiday, the UK/Ireland toy vendor group rates the 12 best children's toys. Just in time for your Black Friday Christmas shopping, here's what toys will top every kid's wishlist to Santa. The list includes best U.S. pricing so parents can shop smart and put those toys under the tree!  Top Christmas toys for 2014 Black Friday shopping and best U.S. prices

Budget Christmas Shopping Tips for Big Families

I shop for about 30 people at Christmas, including kids' giving tree gifts. I'm also a tightwad mom. As a Catholic Christian, I don't feel right buying lavish gifts I can't afford. Kind of spoils the real reason for the holiday. Here are penny pincher shopping tips to save money, keep costs low and buy meaningful gifts for everyone.  Tightwad Mama's Common Sense Christmas Shopping Tips

Ways parents can develop awareness of poverty, teach generosity

If I had a buck for every time I heard someone say "kids today are so insensitive and selfish," I'd be rich. If kids lack sensitivity, it's because we parents have failed to teach empathy. And kids need to learn empathy, especially with those in need. Here are ways to develop awareness of world poverty and teach generosity. Christmas is a great time teach kids awareness of social justice, world poverty. read more

Once a Week Cooking Recipes for the Holiday Season

 The holidays mean extra work for most families. Alas, we don't get extra time for the extra work. Amid the holiday rush, it's easy to lose sight of family nutrition. Here are quick, easy, inexpensive recipes that your whole family will enjoy. Read more

Best Christmas Gifts for Babies, Infant Gift Recommended Reading List

Best Books to Read to Infants and Babies- Great Baby Shower and Christmas Gifts Read to an infant? Yes, you read that title correctly. Want to raise children to love books? Don't wait. Here is a list of books I highly recommend to read to an infant or baby. Oh and, ahem, these make excellent Christmas and baby shower gifts, too. read more

Holiday Shopping Guide: Make Impulse Buying Work for You

Holiday Shopping Guide: Making Impulse Buying Sales Work in the Shopper's Favor This Christmas finds me shopping far more frugally than ever before. I haven't finished my holiday shopping because I am trying something new this year. I am making impulse buying theory work in my favor, by practicing what I call 'mindful' shopping.
penny pincher holiday shopping guide

Holiday Shopping Guide to Save Big Money on Christmas Gifts

Holiday Shopping Guide: Money Saving Advice from a Recovering Shopaholic One of the biggest financial mistakes is to overspend during the holidays. We overspend for many reasons, but the result equals money trouble. I've always been a frugalista, but the holidays are my nemesis. Here are some tips to avoid overspending during the holidays, from a recovering shopaholic. read more

Best Christmas Gifts for Tween Girls

Best Moderately Priced Gifts for Tween Girls Ages 9-13 Tween girls: not teens and not little girls. How do you shop for girls in that age between childhood and adolescence? You don't want kid gifts for gifts that are too old. Here is a holiday shopping guide for preteen girls. Read more

Cheap, Homemade Personalized Gift Baskets

Homemade Inexpensive, Personalized Gift Baskets Holiday gift baskets have been a popular gift item for some time now. Some of us have found ways to create personalized gift baskets based on interest. What is more challenging is to create inexpensive gift baskets. read more