gifts

According to a Harris Interactive survey of adults planning to buy children’s presents this holiday season, the most popular kid’s gift items — more popular than video games, board games and dolls — are books.

As soon as I heard about this idea, I double-checked my credit card limit to see if I could afford it. I cannot. Maybe you can. Because it's amazing

Dad is going to love you no matter what you get him, but seriously, he really doesn't need another tie. This year, get him something he might actually use, like one of these five ideas for Father's Day gifts that can do a heck of a lot more than a "World's Best Dad" mug.

Is there any home accessory more fought-over than the remote control? TV-loving dads have long had to establish that they are masters of their domain by commandeering the clicker from the kids. But why should fathers settle for a remote that just changes the channels when they can have one that also opens a bottle of beer? Or tells time? Or is powered by their own wind? This Father's Day, swap the

Whether you're tight on cash or simply want to shower mom with gifts from the heart, opting for the DIY route is a great alternative to storebought treats. And even though she'll love anything you get her, she'll definitely notice -- and appreciate -- the extra bit of elbow grease you put into Mother's Day this year. Below, a few instructional videos on how to make creative Mother's Day gifts from

If you really think about it, Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to make up for all those times you gave mom a hard time during your youth. After all, a bouquet of daffodils now definitely excuses that time you snuck out of the house at 2 am. And a box of gourmet truffles? The perfect antidote to the antique china you broke while running around like a wild banshee. But while flowers and choco