gifts

These are gifts that seem almost too practical.

Reach out to those you love or reconnect with friends. Make memories that will last much longer than any new gadget ever will.

There's something uniquely lovely about a gift that someone has created with their own hands and skill and time. Especially since we live in such a busy age.

As gift-givers, we get the biggest high when we put a lot of thought into a gift that has special meaning and it makes the receiver laugh, cry, or jump up and down. But the best gift, apparently, requires no thought at all.

We can leave the Fed-Ex guy a gift that's up to $75 in value this holiday season, but how in the world do we get it in his hands? He's so fast.

Not everyone loves a Secret Santa gift exchange at the office, and here's why.

Lucky for you, I'm not "most Americans."

Christmas shopping with local East Texas businesses and craftspeople while perusing home- and handmade items sounds delightfully holiday-spirit inducing.

That way, when January (and reality) rolls back around, you won't be feeling so bah-humbug.

Shop local if you can. But, if you do shop with say, Amazon, for example, it's a good idea to get a few pro-tips from those who have studied these things.

Amazon Homemade is a magical place to peruse for unique gifts without leaving the house and the current list of most wished for items is a true treasure trove. I actually crossed a couple of people off my holiday gift list while pulling this post together so I guess the early bird really does get the worm! The early bird also avoids anxiety attacks and expedited shipping costs if he's proactive enough.

I've been buying my dad Father's Day gifts for years, but never before have I made this dumb shopping mistake.