Santa's Sleigh 2009

From personalized cereal to a new-wave puzzle with millions of solutions, you don't have to wallop your wallet to find creative, clever and fun holiday gifts at affordable prices. Here are some that meet the criteria, all for $25 or less! *Mix It Up: For a gift that's truly personal -- and personalized, too -- MojaMix, a California Web-based company, can create a 12-ounce bag of

Holiday season giving should mean more than giving or getting a new toy, the latest gadget or a piece of splashy jewelry. Making a charitable donation is an option, too, one that sometimes is overlooked in the crush of Christmas shopping and festivities. In 2008, adjusted for inflation, charitable giving was down 5.7 percent, the largest drop recorded since Giving USA, the yearbook on American

From toys to accessories to small appliances and electronics, you'll have to shop early to snare some of the "hottest" holiday gifts for 2009. Here's what industry insiders think will top the season's popularity list: *"CLUE: Secrets & Spies." Hasbro's classic game of murderous mayhem gets an innovative twist with a new optional text-messaging feature, which

Here's a holiday quiz to give yourself: Would the men in your life like to find another shirt and tie under the tree this holiday season, or would they rather go skydiving or drive on a NASCAR track? Would the women prefer a sweater or cooking classes with a renowned chef? Would the kids be more thrilled by another action figure or an afternoon at a theme park with friends?

Most holiday seasons are chock-full of joyful anticipation, with a little stress mixed in. But in this year's economic crunch, buying gifts probably adds to the stress. One way to save money and increase the joy factor is to make your own gifts.

Everyone hopes to be on Santa's "nice" list, but the mad rush of holiday shopping often brings out the naughty in people. Freeman Hall, author of the recently released "Retail Hell," manages to put a funny spin on the torture sales associates sometimes experience, but in real life, it's not so funny.

There's no reason to panic when it comes to the holiday shopping season. Instead of dreading all the gift buying, embrace the spirit of Santa; put on your elf shoes, and jingle those bells. Here are some tips from some of the most successful shoppers I know:

As the season of thanks winds down, don't forget to write notes of appreciation to family members and friends who gave gifts or helped you out in special ways this year. "It is certainly always appropriate and necessary to thank gift givers in person if they are there when you open gifts," says etiquette expert

You have the holiday gift list down pat for family and close friends, but when it comes to choosing the best present for a co-worker, your child's teacher, the letter carrier, in fact, a whole string of people you want to acknowledge this time of year, let your budget, etiquette and ethics be your guide, experts say.

Want to really wow your favorite foodie this holiday season? Indulge his inner gourmand with one well-chosen ingredient. Gimmicky gadgets only end up cluttering kitchens and collecting dust, but raw ingredients are gifts that keep on giving. Think olive oil pressed at the peak of freshness, vinegar that's aged like fine wine or flavor-infused sea salts.

Want the gift you give to be something to remember you by? Just wrap it up creatively! It may be easier than you think. "Embellish the package with items other than bows," suggests gift-wrap guru Ellen Timberlake, a Texas insurance exec and past winner of the

Going to the movies doesn't necessarily mean leaving your home anymore. With widescreen TVs, surround sound speaker systems and even theater-seating options, you can pop popcorn in your home microwave and put your jammies on before the opening credits. Whether you have a spare room, an unfinished basement or a simple family room, a few additions can turn the space into a family entertainment Mecca.

he holiday season requires multi-tasking -- buy presents, throw or go to parties and arrange travel plans while still working and maintaining a personal life. Whether you're looking for a present for yourself or for someone else, a spa package is a gift that offers more than just a great deal; a few precious hours of pampering and peace of mind can make all the difference in getting through the hectic season. Consider offering the woman in your life -- or yourself -- a beauty deal that will save time, money or both yet also make her feel cared for. Taking time out for an afternoon at a spa can be a great way to rejuvenate while preparing for a big night out or just shoring up some tranquility against the days ahead. Also, consider the many beauty kits offered as gifts during the season as a kind of portable spa.

While you are making your list and checking it twice, make sure that you include your favorite handyman -- or handywoman -- around the house. Give a shiny new "toy" and let your recipient know how much his skill means to you. There are some spectacular new items coming out for this holiday season, as well as favorite standbys. Craftsman is introducing three new hand

From clothes made of bamboo and jewelry recycled from antique tea tins to an acre of primal forest and down-on-the-farm goats and chickens, green gifting is getting easier and more creative with every holiday. The Sunnan solar-powered lamp sold in 300 Ikea stores worldwide is a case in point. "At $19.99, the Sunnan is a great gift for everyone," says Mona Liss, Ikea's corporate public relations director. There's an extra dividend, too. "We have partnered with UNICEF, and

More people are watching their budgets this Christmas. But cutting costs doesn't mean your home can't look as merry as it has in previous years

You don't have to break the bank to create memorable hostess gifts that your guests will love. Listed below are some ideas for hostess gifts that are sure to bring merriment to your guests' holiday season:

According to a study, 52% of people give food as gifts at Christmas. Below is a list of America's favorite Christmas snacks.