Topic: Gifts and Gift-Giving

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Kate Middleton lends a hand to children, the arts with her charity projects

Kate Middleton, known as the Duchess of Cambridge, today announced the first five organizations she will support as a royal patron.
7 of the best young adult novels of 2011

Here are seven of my favorite young adult novels of 2011.
5 best websites for turning junk into cash

Houses have an almost magical ability to accumulate junk, and everyone seems to have stuff they don’t really want and won’t ever use. Instead of letting that box of unused electronics or your great aunt’s porcelain cat collection turn you into an unwilling hoarder, why not sell it off and make some extra cash? You can try doing it yourself (check out 13 Tips for a Super Yard Sale) or take your stuff to a local consignment shop (although you’re going to pay a large commission fee – at least 40 percent of the sale price, according to MSN). Like everything else these days, online is where’s happening. But if you want to earn top dollar, make sure you target the right market:
Seven worst Christmas toys for kids

This year’s list of the worst toys is brought to you by plastics, those bright synthetic polymers that threaten to overtake the living rooms of middle-class parents. They can be classified into three categories: those that assault our senses, those that skank-ify our daughters, and those so bizarre they deserve a spot on late-night TV. Don’t be fooled. Many of these toys make great gifts, at least for someone else’s child, ideally someone who lives out of state. Here's my list of the Top 7 worst Christmas toys for 2011:
4 gift picks for your favorite movie fan

For that friend who lives at the multiplex, here are a four great gift ideas.

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Kate Middleton lends a hand to children, the arts with her charity projects

Kate Middleton, known as the Duchess of Cambridge, today announced the first five organizations she will support as a royal patron.
7 of the best young adult novels of 2011

Here are seven of my favorite young adult novels of 2011.
Social media helps far-flung families connect this holiday season

Without platforms like Facebook, Skype, and Google +, it would be much harder for some far-flung extended families to stay connected this holiday season.
Reader recommendation: The Warmth of Other Suns

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.
5 best websites for turning junk into cash

Houses have an almost magical ability to accumulate junk, and everyone seems to have stuff they don’t really want and won’t ever use. Instead of letting that box of unused electronics or your great aunt’s porcelain cat collection turn you into an unwilling hoarder, why not sell it off and make some extra cash? You can try doing it yourself (check out 13 Tips for a Super Yard Sale) or take your stuff to a local consignment shop (although you’re going to pay a large commission fee – at least 40 percent of the sale price, according to MSN). Like everything else these days, online is where’s happening. But if you want to earn top dollar, make sure you target the right market:
Horizons
Amazon app will pay you $15 bucks to walk out on retailers

Amazon offers a new incentive for holiday shoppers. But you'll have to download the Amazon Price Check app first. 
Seven worst Christmas toys for kids

This year’s list of the worst toys is brought to you by plastics, those bright synthetic polymers that threaten to overtake the living rooms of middle-class parents. They can be classified into three categories: those that assault our senses, those that skank-ify our daughters, and those so bizarre they deserve a spot on late-night TV. Don’t be fooled. Many of these toys make great gifts, at least for someone else’s child, ideally someone who lives out of state. Here's my list of the Top 7 worst Christmas toys for 2011:
4 gift picks for your favorite movie fan

For that friend who lives at the multiplex, here are a four great gift ideas.
Stir It Up!
Holiday shopping for your favorite foodie

A round-up of food-related ideas for your 2011 holiday gift list.
5 great gift book ideas: something for everyone

From art history to the stars of sports, here are five gift books with wide appeal.
Holiday shopping online: How to avoid the '12 cyber scams of Christmas'

With more Americans turning to the Internet for more of their holiday shopping needs, good cybersecurity is vital to avoid a raft of scams – from promises of "free iPads" to "holidays screensavers" that install malware on your computer. Here are the "12 cyber scams of Christmas."
The New Economy
The economics of gratitude

Market transactions only measure a portion of the true economy. Here are ways to extend our resources without additional spending.
Black Friday 2011: You can get deep discounts ... on that?

Black Friday 2011 offers huge savings on popular holiday gift items, like televisions, gaming systems, laptops, clothing, and so on. But some retailers are using the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season to offer deals on stuff that's on (practically) no one's gift list. Here are our Top 6 wackiest product deals for Black Friday 2011. Have you got a better one? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook:
The Simple Dollar
Avoiding online impulse buys

Three ways to curb online purchases you'll regret later
Father's Day gifts: Top 5 unusual gifts for under $25

Father's Day gifts may generate a little more boost to the economy this year. Americans will spend an average $106.49, slightly according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. That would be the largest amount in at least eight years. Sure, you can always buy a power tool. In these tough times, however, dads might appreciate something that's equal parts flair and frugal. Here are five unusual Father’s Day gifts for less than $25, which could make June 19 especially memorable.
12 great books for Father's Day

Looking for a good book for a Father's Day gift? Here are a handful of recommendations that run the gamut from quality nonfiction to fascinating history to page-turning thrillers.
10 best books for Mother's Day

Looking for that just-right book for a Mother's Day gift? Here's an excellent crop.
Tax deductions for bingo? One of five strange IRS write-offs.

Tax deductions ... er, income taxes are on Americans' minds as the April filing deadline approaches. Here are five of the more offbeat tax deductions the IRS allows you to include. Hey, maybe you even qualify!
In Pictures: Cellphone evolution
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 01/05
Stir It Up!
Holiday gift ideas for your favorite foodie

Homemade treats, food memoirs, cookbooks, or kitchen specialty items are just a few ideas to get you started.
Secret Santa II hands out Christmas cheer and more in Kansas City

Secret Santa II carries on the good works of the original Secret Santa, who handed out money to folks down on their luck during the holidays. This week, Secret Santa II hit the Kansas City area, trying to help out those in need.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 12/13
The Simple Dollar
Homemade gift series: homemade cookies and a gift bundle

How to make cookies with everything, plus ideas on how to bundle together some of your homemade gifts.
Gift guides for the holidays include classic TV shows

Gift guides are popular this time of year, especially for the procrastinating shopper. Check out the Monitor holiday gift guides, which include classic and foreign TV programs in DVD sets.