(ARA) – Finding a perfect gift doesn’t always mean spending a ton of cash. Whether it’s a handy gadget, a fashion accessory or a day’s worth of spa-quality pampering, the following gift ideas for women are all available for $50 or less. An MP3 player for musical enjoyment A workout partner, a travel companion, a [...]

I love the idea of homemade jars for Christmas gift ideas.  I’ve seen them being sold at Williams Sonoma for a lot of money, but the following video shows how simple and inexpensive it is to make them at home.  You can fill the jars with what it takes to make a batch of chocolate [...]

(NC)—For many Canadians, 2011 was a rough year. Layoffs, family emergencies, and poor investment choices have meant you’re counting pennies and struggling to pay off debt. And, with the pending holiday season, you’re stressed about finding money in the budget for appropriate and meaningful gifts. After all, with holiday parties, seasonal decorations, and multiple trips [...]

(ARA) – Video gaming’s popularity is at an all-time high – in fact, a recent study from Memorex shows four of five families have at least one gaming console in the home. This holiday season, skip a pricey console purchase and give your favorite gamer a gift that keeps on giving. Here are four gift [...]

(NC)—Holiday parties are over, gifts are unwrapped and the Christmas tree is at the curb. Now it’s time to tackle a daunting pile of bills. Follow these three steps to avoid a debt spiral in 2012. 1. Get financial advice A financial advisor can help you pull together a plan to budget and pay off [...]

(ARA) – Teens are always dreaming big around the holidays, and see this time of year as the perfect opportunity to put big-ticket electronics or sought-after concert tickets on their wish lists. So, for many parents, holiday shopping for their teens can seem a bit daunting. How can you give your teens gifts they really [...]

(ARA) – Nothing says how much you value a person more than a personalized handcrafted card or gift. And making your own can be far easier on your budget than buying from the store. So consider putting your creative skills to the test this year. Where to start? No need to be a computer guru [...]

(NC)—If everyone in Canada wrapped just three gifts in reused paper or gift bags, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 hockey rinks.* That’s a lot of paper! When wrapping your gifts this holiday season, consider making your own recycled or reusable wrapping paper. “From old scarves to baskets, there are many common items [...]

(NC)—What do your children wish for this holiday season? You’d probably be surprised if they asked for clean water, education, and at least one meal a day. But children in developing countries would like nothing more than these basic essentials we often take for granted. Two-time Olympic champion Catriona Le May Doan experienced this reality [...]

(NC)—This holiday season there are sound environment gift options for every taste. Choose greener gifts by keeping three guidelines in mind: locally sourced, thoughtfully personal and smart wrapping. A simple option is to find something grown or crafted in your area. Local wines, cheeses or seasonal arrangements are always a welcome gift. During the holiday [...]