There's been a lot of natural disasters recently. People have given so much money to disaster relief, so you may be feeling like your budget can't take much more than the change you can spare for the Salvation Army bell ringers. If you're feeling that way, consider these gifts that give back. Part of the proceeds goes to the American Red Cross' relief efforts and those on your holiday list will be happy, too.

And speaking of bell ringers, I have noticed that I use my bank card more and more often these days and change is hard to come by. I also just don't like to carry around a lot of cash. This season, however, I've made it a point to stop by the ATM machine on the way to shop so that I can purchase some items or food with cash and have money leftover for my son to put in the red kettles. I have to wonder how much they have been affected by the bank card phenomenon.

Also, do you remember when there was all the ruckus about Target Stores not allowing the bell ringers to stand outside their stores? I guess they're trying to make good, now. They've paired up with the Salvation Army to allow people to buy needed items from a wish list.