Best Gifts for Teen Boys, Men of All Ages

Teen boys can be tricky to shop for when buying holiday and birthday gifts. We have two girls and two boys. When the boys, now 23 and 21 were little, it was no problem: Matchbox, Legos, tools, sports equipment--they loved them all. The ladies have always been easy to shop for. Then the boys hit adolescent and got complicated. We didn't want to buy gifts that would embarrass. Though they still liked toys, we had to be careful not to patronize. Girls don't get as so sketched out about gifts that might be for younger ages. And there's more available for various ages. But boys are just wired funny as teens. So here's a recommendation  Best Gifts for Teen Boys

Top 10 (plus a Few) 2013 Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys

The gift-giving dilemma for boys has always been pinpointing their exact maturity level and then finding what they'd like. This is respectful and sound thinking; we don't want to buy something that is too old for them, but we DEFINITELY don't want to buy something that is too young for them, either.

This article is nearly eight years old and suggestions are still relevant, too, except that I would change CD to iTunes gift card and add Craigslist to the suggestion about eBay. I would also add that instead of just an Mp3 player, buy an iPod Touch 4th Generation. Kids can use internet free anywhere there's WiFi and they can download a free texting app from Textnow.com. So you don't need to buy phone and plan.  Here's how to navigate that Top 10 (plus a Few) Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys

Man Pleaser Recipes For Birthdays

It really is true--the best way to a man's heart is via the tummy. I've been gettin' to this guy's heart for 26 years now! Men love to be cooked for. And at the risk of gender profiling, I've got to say, women and men don't like the same foods (usually). Gals can subsist on tofu and sprouts. We can even fake we like it. Guys typically can't and they certainly won't pretend to like it if they don't. Here's a recipe shout-out for the boys. Use this man-pleasing menu to satisfy the y-chromosome! Happily, these menus and recipes are easy and mostly inexpensive.    Dad-Pleasing Father's Day Menus, Mens' Favorite Recipes

Cheap Graduation Open House Party Tips

Hosting a graduation open house for a junior high, college, high school or even kindergarten? It can get expensive if you don't cut costs. If you have a high school-graduation open house looming, you have probably just bought invitations, caps and gowns, prom expenses and all the other hidden costs of graduation. Of course, you want to celebrate your student's graduation. But use these tips to save money. Here's one I discovered after writing this--shared open houses. A friend's having a combined open house with families of three of her son's pals. Great way to keep it reasonable. And four kids mean guests don't have to choose between parties if they coincide. Graduates will love the quadruple guests--no sitting with 5-6 people (all family) because your friends are at other open houses. Been there done that at several parties. Parents rented a hall that sat 150 and 12 people came. Very awkward and embarrassing. Better to be overcrowded. And if you're grad objects to cheapness, remind him that parties are a big, expensive gift and you're the ones paying. He's welcome foot the bill himself if he doesn't like your tightwad tactics.  Do's and Dont's for Hosting a Cheap, Open House Graduation Party

Educational, Vintage Memorial Day Student Pageant and Party

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May has several names: Remembrance Day and Decoration Day. We honor fallen military and our loved ones who have passed. Teachers and homeschool families, here's an educational Memorial Day pageant planner with U.S. history tie-ins, American patriotic themes and a vintage flavor.
Make it a give-back to seniors, grandparents for all they've done. Make it a community thank you to veterans for their contributions.Educational, Vintage Memorial Day Student Pageant and Party

Dad-Inspired, Kid-Friendly Mother's Day Party, Homemade and Cheap

As a 25-year mom of four, I've been the guest of honor at many kid-inspired Mother's Day and birthday parties. Our children learned to throw a budget, homemade bash from me and my husband. For a guy, he's great at party-planning. Dads, here are tips from the master's knee, on planning an inexpensive Mother's Day party with your kids, that your wife will love! Dad-Inspired, Kid-Friendly Mother's Day Party, Homemade and Cheap

50+ Mother's Day Gifts Priced Under $10

Mother's Day approaches and you find yourself with more special ladies to remember than money in your pocket. The economy is tight; people are losing jobs, factories are closing, hours are getting cut. There's sometimes barely enough for bills, let alone gifts for special occasions. I've been a mother for twenty years and I want to quickly assure you first of all that it is the thought that really counts. Gifts are nice, but truly, not necessary. Having said that, I know many of you will say, 'but I want to give my mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, teacher, a token of my affection and regard."50+ Mother's Day Gifts Priced Under $10