Last Minute, Local Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is today. Haven't gotten your sweetie anything yet? Have no fear, I'm here to help.

Shopping on Christmas Eve? Here Are Some Gift Ideas

Here's a few last-ditch effort gift ideas to avoid getting coal in your stocking... good luck!

It's Christmas Eve and you still haven't found the perfect gift for those on your list. The following ideas are designed to be quick and thoughtful.  Mix Tape  Alright, so maybe you haven't resorted to this idea since you were in seventh grade but really, who doesn't love music? You could give a mix of your favorite holiday carols, or make it more personal. You can give them a sample of music that you think they might enjoy, or give them an array of the now embarrassing tunes that you used to listen to together. They may not listen to your gift everyday, but it'll almost guarantee a smile every time they happen upon it. For the personal touch, create a CD insert booklet that explains why you chose each track. Consider the following layout …

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Last Minute Gift Ideas: It's All in the Box

Who says that thinking in the box has to be boring? Give the gift of surprise with these minimal supply ideas.

Stop starring at empty gift boxes and wrapping paper, and stop racking your brain trying to think outside the box for the perfect gift idea. Instead, hop into the box with these not so square ideas that can be created with the blank supplies in front of you. All you need to complete any of the following is an empty box, scraps of gift wrap, a writing utensil, and a little creativity. Consider recycling a box that you received a shipment in and cover the outside with the gift wrap. You can also substitute card stock scraps for something sturdier. Family Bonding Box Whether for your family or someone else's, encourage spending time with family throughout 2011 by creating a bonding box. Fill a box with suggestions for family activities and …

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Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers

Hand sanitizer, homemade gifts and Dipsy Bowls top the list for holiday gifts for teachers this year.

Whether it's to thank them for a job well done or apologize for your child's behavior, teachers should be high on everyone's holiday shopping list. Here are some fun, unique and practical gifts that will help show your child's teacher how much you appreciate them and the job they do.  Homemade Gifts Making a homemade gift from the heart is always a special way to show someone you care, so this year, get the kids involved with original holiday recipe books written out by your children. Or how about homemade hot chocolate packets and let the kids decorate the packages? Helpful tip: include two spoons to share. Or for the ambitious and talented parents, try knitting a scarf, mittens or hat. A truly thoughtful gift that is sure to come in …

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5 Gifts Grandparents Will Love

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. For grandparents, that number might be a little higher.

Here is the first thing you need to know about holiday shopping for grandparents: We just can't get enough pictures of our grandchildren.  Whether they're printed on Kodak paper or popped in as wallpaper on our iPad screens, grandparents love, love, love looking at those precious faces. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking in the right direction: These are available on-line through sites like Snapfish.com, or you can order them when you take your digital images or film to Walgreen's, CVS, Rite Aid, or wherever you order prints. My personal favorite is a 4x6 album that fits into my purse. (Go ahead, ask me about my grandchildren.) Help the kids make a frame using a craft-store kit, or simple materials like heavy cardboard or Popsicle …

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Don't Forget Dad

Some simple gift ideas for that no-fuss father in your life.

In general, my dad's a pretty simple guy. He likes golfing, fishing and fantasy football; and if he can combine those with family, friends and good food, then life's good. My best advice for those trying to think of the perfect gift for this Father's Day is to keep it simple. Make the day high in fun, low in fuss and be sure to feed him! Below are a few ideas to help you honor that special father in your life. The Good Ol’ Outdoors For the outdoorsy dad, consider giving him an unlimited all-access pass to the beautiful state parks that Michigan has to offer.  Michigan residents can purchase an annual motor vehicle pass for $24 which allows them to enter state parks and enjoy the various hiking and biking trails, fishing access, picnic …

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