Christmas, Gift | featured news

My daughter participated in a Christmas gift exchange in her young-adult-usher ministry. Every teen but my daughter brought gift cards. She came with a movie to exchange. Her gift was not so popular. My, how times have changed. Forget the crazy-colored scarves or the overly bold-smelling lotion gift packs. The gift card is the go-to present when you don’t know what to get someone. My husband and I laughed that the teens could have put all the cards in a bowl and then selected the one each wanted.

There are only 96 more shopping days until Christmas. This year, experts say, you should be shopping early for more than just gifts. "Airline fares are 20 to 30 percent above last year's rates, and they vary day to day," said Tom Parsons of Bestfares.com.

Searching for a gift for the exercise enthusiast on your list? Whatever the sport or activity, we have ideas that are fun, functional and in a range of prices to help keep you fiscally fit.