Has Regifting Become Socially Acceptable?

Try one of the thrift or secondhand stores in Prince George's County or other DC neighborhoods for holiday gifts.

Have you ever regifted? You know, taken that unwanted desk adornment you got from your uncle last year and given it to a co-worker. While regifting has traditionally been frowned upon, the economy and environment may be helping shed some of the stigma associated with it. Some see it as a smart way to keep items out of landfills, while others view it as an opportunity to save money. In fact, regifting websites are cropping up all over the place, each with their own spin on the closeted practice. One site has proclaimed Dec. 20 as “National Regifting Day,” another has given prizes for the best regifting story and a third offers a “Gift Giver’s Guide to Gracious Regifting.”   Even if you don’t have some unwanted gifts on the top shelf of your…

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SPEAK OUT: Do You Plan to Spend More Money this Holiday Season?

How will your finances affect your holiday spending?

Two-thirds of respondents to a recent poll by the NPD Group said they “plan to spend about the same” as last year, while 10 percent planned to “spend more.” With the economy and job situation still in flux for many families, we want to know what families in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County plan to do for Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa gifts in 2012. Will you be more creative with your gifting? Use sites like Groupon, Living Social, etc? Brave Black Friday sales? Cook or bake for familty and friends?

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Jenni Pompi

2:33 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012

We are budgeting for slightly more than last year, but not much.   more ›

Go Wild With Your Holiday Shopping at the National Zoo

Support animal care, science and research with these great gift options.

  Do some good for yourself, your family and friends and the animal kingdom by doing your holiday shopping at the National Zoo this year. For the kids: Bring home plush versions of Crystal or Cody, the zoo’s gray wolves with these realistic 16” renditions of the popular canines for just $20. Colorful owl or butterfly-themed purses are always in style and sure to be a hit with the girls in your life. Each version features working zippers, an inside pocket and a 10” strap for $22. For the animals: Show your favorite zoo animal how much you care by purchasing one of these great enrichment toys. You can either purchase items on the zoo’s online store, or visit the Enrichment Giving Tree to find out what’s on their wish list and you can drop it…

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The Gifts Not to Buy for Valentine's Day

Greenbelt Patch Editor Bailey Henneberg gives you the low down on gifts no sweetheart wants to see on the most romantic day of the year.

Living Well

Holiday Gift Idea for Your Favorite Runner: the Gift Basket

Looking for that perfect gift for the runner in your life? Get creative with a gift basket.

I love gift baskets. I love receiving them, because the gift goes on for so long as I pick my way through, examining each of the items. But I love giving them as well. I enjoy deciding on the theme months in advance and picking up items throughout the year that will make the basket special. I enjoy finding the last minute perishable items to add just a little sweetness, and I enjoy watching the recipient as they go through the layers of gifts. One of the best parts about giving a themed gift basket is that you can’t possibly go completely wrong. With several items to choose from, at least one will hit the spot. My favorite theme basket this year is for runners. Because of the number of hours I spend inside sports stores throughout the year…

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Shannon Hoffman

12:02 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011

I never heard of this book... This is awesome. I can think of several people I would buy this for.   more ›