TipSheet : Holiday Gift Guide

A Christmas Story—And Four More

Karen Springen — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:31:35 GMT

We love Dr. Seuss (who doesn’t?), but there is more to kids’ Christmas books than “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Here are Tip Sheet’s picks:

‘Olivia Helps With Christmas’ by Ian Falconer (ages 5 to 7; $18.99). Kids will identify with Olivia, an adorable piglet who frowns when she opens a gift of a sweater and booties but beams when she gets a sled and maracas.

‘The Nutcracker’ by Susan Jeffers (ages 5 to 8; $16.99). This beautifully illustrated condensed version of the famous story will prep young kids for seeing and understanding the ballet.

‘The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll’ by Patricia McKissack (ages 5 to 8; $16.99) tells the tale of a 7-year-old during the Depression who doesn’t want to share her new doll with her sisters.

‘Sharing Christmas’ by Kate Westerlund (ages 4 and up; $16.99). In the middle of a harsh winter, a deer, a squirrel and a rabbit discover nuts and berries to share with others.

‘Great Joy’ by Kate DiCamillo (ages 5 to 8; $16.99). The author of kid-lit hit “Because of Winn-Dixie” pens a picture book about a little girl who sees an organ grinder and his monkey sleeping outside on the cold street.

Holiday Gifts Online

Sarah Kliff — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:47:53 GMT

Can't stand the stores at this time of year? You're not alone. Every year, millions more Americans discover the joy of shopping online. Check out these six fave sites and find the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list, all without taking off your pj's and slippers.

www.redenvelope.com
Red Envelope takes its name from an Asian tradition of presenting gifts in simple, red envelopes. Their site aims to make the art of gift giving equally effortless: the site allows you to navigate through their exclusive products sorted either by the occasion or recipient. The gifts are a bit high-end so get ready to spend, but you'll have an easy shopping experience -- and a grateful recipient.

www.charitynavigator.com
A charity donation can be the perfect way to embrace the holiday season--just make sure that your money lands in good hands. This nonprofit charity watchdog group lets you to check out the organizations that you’re thinking of handing your money to. Charity Navigator will tell you how efficiently your gift will be spent and which charities are in deep financial trouble.

www.overstock.com
If you purchase at Overstock.com, your gift may not be one of a kind-but you will be getting a killer deal. The “outlet mall” of online shopping, this site will give you brand names at steep discounts. Check out their clearance bin for some of the best deals. Shipping also comes at a pretty sweet price too: just $2.95 for anything you order.

www.thinkgeek.com
Think Geek may have a few items that even your earliest-adopter friends don't have--a WiFi-powered rabbit, perhaps, that will give you everything from weather reports to messages from friends? They have an entire section of the site devoted to caffeinated products, from lip balm to body wash sunflower seeds. Consider buying some for yourself, to power you through the shopping season.

www.uncommongoods.com
From bracelets made out of old typewriter keys to cute monkey slipper-socks for the entire family, Uncommon Good offers holiday presents that are a bit off the beaten path. They're a small website but have a pretty great selection that ranges from jewelry to house accessories to toys. Our pick? A Christmas stocking made out of recycled sweaters.

www.arenaturals.com
If you are dreaming of a green Christmas, this is your place. ARE Naturals specializes in earth-friendly gifts, like recycled candle holders and organic fruit baskets. And your gift may keep on giving-for every order of $50 or more, they will plant a tree for California Wildfire Releaf.

Tip Sheet Holiday Gift Guide

Newsweek — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 19:41:26 GMT

Silver Speedster: Tykes can go for the checkered flag with this little racer. $89; modmama.com
Photo: Damien Donck for Newsweek

Panicking about wedging another gift-giving season into your crammed schedule? Relax, we’ve got you covered with fun and funky presents for all your nearest and dearest. Happy Holidays.

See our gallery of 100 of our favorite things to give this year.