(NC)—The growing popularity of charitable gift catalogues proves Canadians are thinking twice about traditional holiday gifts like expensive clothing and décor items that will just add clutter; opting instead to value "what matters most"—experiences, memories, and connecting with friends and family. And although the reasons for charitable shopping are as varied as Canadians themselves, the end result is the same: Canadians are using their holiday shopping to make a difference. Shoppers are flocking to reputable Canadian charitable websites like Christian Children's Fund of Canada (www.ccfcanada.ca) to find the perfect gift. And with prices starting at $10, it's easy to find something for everyone on your list while at the same time providing a meaningful way to bond with others both at home and around the world. Foodie in your life—One kilogram bag of rice: $10 A non-perishable one kilogram bag of rice is a staple in many countries and will provide hungry children with a guarantee of at least one hot meal per day. Teacher/Child Care provider in your life—Dictionary: $15 A building block of education no teacher or student should have to do without. Under $20/Hostess gift—Warm blanket: $20 Even in Africa, nights are chilly and children get cold. Give a child a warm blanket to protect them from the elements and provide them comfort throughout the night. Stocking stuffer –Fruit trees: $20 Fruit trees provide families with an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and enhance a child's immune system to protect them from illness. Produce from trees such as bananas, papayas, mangos, coconuts and oranges can also be sold for additional income. Last minute gifts—Two mosquito nets: $30 One million people die from malaria every year, with pregnant women and children the most vulnerable to the disease. A simple mosquito net can protect a family of four. www.newscanada.com

(NC)—The growing popularity of charitable gift catalogues proves Canadians are thinking twice about traditional holiday gifts like expensive clothing and décor items that will just add clutter; opting instead to value “what matters most”—experiences, memories, and connecting with friends and family.

And although the reasons for charitable shopping are as varied as Canadians themselves, the end result is the same: Canadians are using their holiday shopping to make a difference.

Shoppers are flocking to reputable Canadian charitable websites like Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (www.ccfcanada.ca) to find the perfect gift. And with prices starting at $10, it’s easy to find something for everyone on your list while at the same time providing a meaningful way to bond with others both at home and around the world.

Foodie in your life—One kilogram bag of rice: $10

A non-perishable one kilogram bag of rice is a staple in many countries and will provide hungry children with a guarantee of at least one hot meal per day.

Teacher/Child Care provider in your life—Dictionary: $15

A building block of education no teacher or student should have to do without.

Under $20/Hostess gift—Warm blanket: $20

Even in Africa, nights are chilly and children get cold. Give a child a warm blanket to protect them from the elements and provide them comfort throughout the night.

Stocking stuffer –Fruit trees: $20

Fruit trees provide families with an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and enhance a child’s immune system to protect them from illness. Produce from trees such as bananas, papayas, mangos, coconuts and oranges can also be sold for additional income.

Last minute gifts—Two mosquito nets: $30

One million people die from malaria every year, with pregnant women and children the most vulnerable to the disease. A simple mosquito net can protect a family of four.

www.newscanada.com

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Give the gift of U.S. Savings Bonds

(ARA) – Buying U.S. Savings Bonds for loved ones has been a holiday tradition for more than 75 years and is a unique part of our nation’s history.

Whether gift-givers are parents helping their children save for their first home, young couples celebrating their newborns’ first holiday season, or grandparents helping their grandchildren save for college, the U.S. Department of the Treasury looks forward to helping families preserve this tradition of savings bond gift-giving for generations to come.

While the 2011 holiday season will be the last for savers to purchase paper U.S. Savings Bonds through a bank, electronic savings bonds still will be available for purchase online through www.treasurydirect.gov, the Treasury Department’s safe, secure and convenient website to purchase, manage and redeem savings bonds 24/7.

Once you create a TreasuryDirect account, you can purchase savings bonds for yourself or loved ones starting at $25. The TreasuryDirect website offers a variety of themed gift certificates for the holiday season – as well as for birthdays, graduations and more – that you can fill out and print from home to commemorate the occasion.

Because recipients of gifts purchased through TreasuryDirect will require an account of their own to receive the gift bonds, encouraging family members to create a TreasuryDirect account can give people of all ages a safe and convenient way to save.

Visit www.treasurydirect.gov for a guided tour on how to open a TreasuryDirect account – or, just follow the five steps below.

1. Have your Social Security number, bank routing number, checking or savings account number and email address handy.

2. Go to www.treasurydirect.gov and complete the online application.

3. Once your account has been created, log in and use the Gift Box feature to buy gift bonds.

4. Choose the recipient for the bonds in your Gift Box by entering his or her full name, Social Security number and TreasuryDirect account number. When you deliver the bond to the recipient’s account, he or she will get an email announcing your gift.

5. If your family member or loved one doesn’t have a TreasuryDirect account, encourage them to create one so you can readily purchase savings bond gifts for them. Children under age 18 must have a minor account linked to a parent or guardian’s TreasuryDirect account.

Visit www.treasurydirect.gov today to learn more.

The preceding information has been provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Public Debt.

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Deluxe Fragrance Sampler For Her ($96 Value)

This year I’m planning on giving gift sets from Sephora to the lucky ladies in my life.  Sephora is a leading provider of all things beauty-related.  They offer makeup, skincare, fragrance, bath & body, hair and beauty tools & accessories.

Personally, I can never have enough perfume!  One great gift Sephora is offering this year is Sephora Favorites for $50 (a $96 value) which includes a set of 12 fragrance samples that also includes a voucher for a full size bottle of perfume making it the perfect present for the lady who is not sure what her favorite scent is.  I love this idea!  The set contains the following scents:

• Bvlgari Mon Jasmin
• Clinique Happy
• Coach Poppy Flower
• Dolce & Gabbana
• DKNY pure DKNY
• Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioa
• Givenchy Very Irresistible
• Gucci Guilty
• Juicy Couture
• Marc Jacobs
• Prada Infusion
• Versace Bright Crystal

Buxom Mix & Mingle

Another great gift idea from Sephora is the Buxom Mix & Mingle for $39 (a $72 value).  This is an eight-piece lip collection featuring colors to mix and match in coordinating shades.  It contains both Lip Polish and Lip Sticks.  A great gift idea for the glam girl in my life!

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Stocking stuffer success

(NC)—Holiday shopping season is here, and you don’t want to forget about stocking stuffers and other small gifts. The small stuff can be a hit and bigger certainly doesn’t mean better – many of us have a blender in a cupboard somewhere to prove that. If you’re looking for stocking stuffer inspiration, editors at RedFlagDeals.com, Canada’s largest bargain hunting website, have some great suggestions:

For Him

• A multitool is small, useful, and let’s face it, guys like gadgets.

• Anyone who plays video games can appreciate an extra controller for his Playstation 3 or Xbox 360.

• Does he play sports? Pick up some accessories for his sport of choice like extra golf balls, hockey tape, or ski wax.

For Her

• Good body lotion, especially in cold, dry-skin inducing weather, will be appreciated.

• A simple scarf and set of gloves stave off the cold and can be great fashion accessories.

• A well-made water bottle is nice to have at the office or yoga studio.

For Everyone

• A travel pillow goes a long way in the economy class cabin, on road trips, and on lengthy commutes.

• Make a gift of some extra charging cables for the person’s mobile phone. You will be loved for it.

• A well made corkscrew is classy and comes in handy.

• Just about everyone can use a good set of rechargeable batteries.

A thoughtful gift is usually the best gift. More stocking stuffer ideas and money-saving deals can be found online at RedFlagDeals.com.

www.newscanada.com

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Avoid the last-minute holiday rush

(NC)—The holiday season isn’t officially upon us, but we all know people who have started and completed their gift list. Though it irks you, they will have earned the right to sit back, relax, and smile smugly at all the frantic shoppers come December. You, on the other hand, have no idea what to buy for your favourite people this year. Join the ranks of the unstressed and get your shopping done early. Here are some ideas for the following people on your list:

The new man/woman in your life. You’ve only been on a few dates, but you’re already thinking long-term with your new beau. But do they feel the same? To avoid awkward scenarios during the holiday season, avoid super expensive or impersonal gifts. Instead, give a gift that shows attentiveness like tickets to see their favourite sports team or a gift certificate to a coffee shop they frequently visit.

A colleague you drew at the office gift exchange. Whether your colleague is a close friend or stranger, you should always aim to spend at least the minimum amount allotted for the exchange. Avoid shopping for trinkets at the dollar store. Instead, pay attention to what your colleague spends his/her time and money on. Do they make frequent trips to the vending machine? Consider a basket of snacks to perk them up for lazy afternoons. Are they pet people? Consider a pet-themed album or frame.

Your spouse. Spending quality time together is important amid the busyness of life. Enroll in an educational workshop, language class, fitness club, or dance lesson and enjoy the new things you’ll learn together as a couple.

The person who has everything. Your friend may have the latest gadgets and designer clothes, but you can bet they never thought to buy a goat, a fruit tree, or a clean water well. Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, an international child development organization, provides practical, life-changing items that help children, families, and communities in need. You can purchase a gift in your friend’s name and then send him/her an e-card to show how they helped this holiday season. Find more details online at www.ccfcanada.ca/Gifts.

www.newscanada.com

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Last-minute gift ideas for everyone on your list

(NC)—While it may seem daunting to check off everyone on your holiday gift list each year, there are some gift ideas that are sure to please everyone—and you may not even need to set foot inside a shopping mall.

• Know someone who can’t go a day without their favourite hot beverage? Look no further than the coffee shop around the corner for a gift that everyone loves, like a new mug or a Starbucks gift card. And, make sure to collect My Starbucks Rewards stars by paying with your registered Starbucks card—then it’s giving and receiving.

• Post-holidays can be long and dreary, but also a perfect time to go see the latest film out in theatre. Stop by the theatre or order movie tickets online that can be used in the New Year. Throw in a voucher for that expensive popcorn and you’ve found an entertainment hit with friends and family of any age.

• What’s the gift that keeps giving all year round? Magazine subscriptions. Not only can you order a subscription online or over the phone, but picking up a copy of a particular magazine from a convenience store makes for a nice gift to unwrap and enjoy until the first issue is delivered.

This holiday season, spare yourself some stress. You don’t always have to spend a lot of time and effort to find the perfect gift.

www.newscanada.com

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Giving green: Natural ways to spread holiday cheer

(ARA) – The holidays are a time for celebrating, reflecting on the past year and exchanging gifts with friends and family. However, unique and meaningful ideas can be a daunting task. Gifts that keep giving and growing are a perfect solution. Plants are not just beautiful, but also cheer up any space and even improve air quality in a home or office space.

When gifting plants:

Give care:
Always include care instructions for the plant gift. Even the most experienced indoor plant grower appreciates a little help. Most live goods come with suggested light feeding and watering recommendations. If the plant selected does not have these care instructions, ask before leaving the nursery so the recipient can keep this lovely gift green.

Customize the plant to the person:
Flowers, succulents, cacti, tropicals and even bulbs can make great presents. The varieties and combinations are as endless as the personalities on your gift list. It is important to match the plant to the recipient. For instance, a plant needing daily watering would not make a good gift for a constant traveler. Instead, give them an interesting cactus or succulent, which needs less frequent care. For an artistic friend, try a terrarium that can be customized to their tastes. The more sophisticated giftee may appreciate a colorful and delicate orchid. For those with asthma or allergies, plants like palms, peace lilies and ferns do an excellent job of improving air quality and filtering out toxins.

Containers make a difference:
Those boring, plastic pots that house most plants are not very attractive or personal. Pop your plants into colorful ceramic, glass, wood or even metal containers for a more interesting and personal touch. Inexpensive terra cotta pots can be painted in bright or metallic-colored paint, large coffee cups as containers can add a quirky element or baskets can be lined with plastic and used to hold small pots. When repotting plants yourself, make sure to use a high-quality potting mix such as Miracle-Gro Potting Mix or Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix. Also, keep in mind that specialty plants like cacti, African violets and orchids may perform better in special potting mixes. When in doubt, ask the nursery for recommendations. For presentation, wrap foil, paper or cellophane around the outside of the container and use fabric bows or raffia to add a finishing touch.

Plants at the party:
Little gifts from nature go a long way in spreading the holiday cheer to friends, family and neighbors. When hosting a party, offer little mementos for your guests to take home. Try a small terra cotta pot painted gold and planted with rosemary or thyme and tied with a lovely ribbon Or, maybe small, colorful pots filled with soil and a bulb to add a pop of spring to the winter months. Add a photo of the flower your guest can expect and directions on forcing the bulb to the gift tag. Whether paying a call on friends or attending a party, host or hostess gifts are another fun way to spread holiday cheer. Poinsettia, amaryllis and Christmas cactus are seasonal favorites.

Plants make excellent gifts and will be a reminder of the good times you shared.

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Finding gift ideas for the impossible-to-shop-for person

(ARA) – Shopping for holiday gifts would be a lot more fun – and so much easier – if you knew exactly what you wanted to get for everyone. But there’s a good chance your list includes an impossible-to-shop-for friend or family member.

If you’ve struggled in the past to find the perfect gift for this person, you may have resorted to giving gift cards they applied to their everyday shopping, or asking them to give you a wish list.

Tackle those impossible-to-shop-for people on your list with a new approach to finding good – and unexpected – gift ideas with the following tips:

* Head to the public library and browse through magazines that cater to his special hobbies. Pay close attention to ads and products in the articles. If you see something you don’t think he has already, make a mental note to scope out his house or work area the next time you’re visiting, just to make sure. Or chat with someone else who shares his hobby and would know if you’ve discovered the perfect gift that he’ll use and appreciate.

* Go online and visit shopping sites like CouponHeaven.com, which features hundreds of niche stores. For example, CouponHeaven.com allows you to sort shopping opportunities by stores and categories, and you can browse the latest specials. You can also find great ideas from coupon codes and discounts posted for sites like Barnes and Noble for the book lover, Gardener’s Supply for the green thumb and even Joann Fabric for the crafty person.

* Take her out for a window-shopping experience, disguised as a walk through the mall for exercise, or as a trip to purchase gift ideas for other people on your list. Pay close attention to anything she takes a second look at – whether it’s clothing, beauty items, household items or even exercise equipment. Make mental notes on those items, and either schedule a trip back to the store to purchase the item she was interested in, or head home and look the store up on CouponHeaven.com to see if any coupon codes or discounts are available for that store or item. Since she’s already invested an interest in the item, you’ll know it will be enjoyed and used after she unwraps it during the holiday season.

* If the person on your hard-to-shop-for list lives far away, preventing you from looking around his house or taking him window-shopping, then start investigating his life. Call his friends and family and interview them. Check out his postings on social networking sites to see if he’s mentioned any interests you could follow up on. Paying attention is key to finding the perfect gift, so make notes whenever you can.

Don’t delay in trying these holiday gift idea finding tips, because the earlier in the year you start, the more ideas will be presented to you. And if you come across several gifts that could work, write those ideas down, so you’re prepared for next year’s holiday season.

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Secret Santa 101

(NC)—Coworkers aren’t easy to shop for when it comes to Secret Santa exchanges. Fortunately, bargain hunting website RedFlagDeals.com has some gift-giving tips:

• Avoid gifts that reference the recipient’s job. Receptionists don’t need stationery and the IT guy doesn’t need a book on database administration.

• Listen to water cooler chat for ideas. If their hobbies are hiking and kayaking, a gift card to a sporting goods store might work. If they’re a film buff, get something like a Netflix subscription.

• Well-intentioned or not, a diet book or a pass to the local gym will undoubtedly offend.

www.newscanada.com

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The perfect gift is at your fingertips

(NC)—Christmas is around the corner and as another day winds down and the kids are in bed, you start to really wonder when you will possibly find the time to get your Christmas shopping done. And then the answer comes to you: Your Sears Wish Book. A Canadian Christmastime tradition, the Wish Book catalogue has thousands of gift ideas to help you make everyone’s wishes come true. And you can do all your holiday shopping tonight from the comfort of your home.

Give your partner time: The Kobo Wi-Fi E-Reader with touch screen comes with 100 preloaded classic books, lets you access your local public library’s free E-books, plus you can browse and buy to build your own personal library. For a more classic gift option, a watch will forever be appreciated.

Let your children be merry: Outfit your teens and kids with trendy high tech winter gear so they can spend hours skiing or snowboarding on the slopes and look great. Alpinetek jackets and snow pants are great for cold winter play. The gear pairs perfectly with the equipment, especially when they are in the fun themes they want, like Disney Cars and Princess.

Make your BFF sparkle: They get you through everything and you want to get them a gift that is as special as they are. A beautiful pendant will be easy to buy this person since you know them so well and will make a timeless statement. A whiskey decanter with matching goblets is handsome and perfect for toasting life’s milestones.

Bring the holiday spirit to the office: Give your co-workers a token of appreciation. A decorative handbag hook is inexpensive and handy to keep your purse off the floor. Or consider an Emerson auto mug that plugs into your car outlet to keep your coffee warm on the way to the office. Another idea is an NHL novelty USB drive that brings work and play together to bring a smile to their face.

Spread the holiday cheer: Ready to serve tasty treats make gift-giving easy. A Hickory Farms gift basket is a great way to thank the host at your holiday parties. A select gift of cheeses, jams, nuts, and other tasty treats can also make your neighbour feel special.

www.newscanada.com

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