Family Gift Guide

I interrupt this gift guide to bring a personal message to those near and dear to me: Deep down inside, all that matters is that I have my family around me, healthy and happy, for yet another year. What more could a mom want? Well, now that you ask... How about an iPod, a trip to the spa and a new set of blank journals? Because deep down inside, I know that you, my loving family, want me to be happy and healthy, too. Thanks!

I have to admit that I'm pretty terrible at buying dad gifts. It doesn't help that my son's dad just goes out and buys what he wants leaving me with no other option besides tie or something golfy. Luckily, this gift guide has options for every type of dad out there from the giant geek to the more fitness-oriented guys and, of course, for the man who has everything.

As luck would have it, not only am I bad at getting dad-type gifts, but I'm twice as bad at getting grandad-type gifts. My grandpa's so frugal, I'm literally petrified at the thought of getting him anything at all for fear of the lecture that will ensue if he can figure out how much I paid for it. These gifts, however, give me inspiration. I mean, come on, why didn't I ever think of getting him a weather station? Or what about a Swiss Army knife? That's 29 tools for the price of one, Grandpa! Whatcha got to say about that?!

Grandmothers are much easier to buy for. They seem to wear their interests and hobbies on their sleeves and none of the grandmothers in my life are very shy about letting you know what they want. My son's grandmother loves to cook and while she loves tradition, she likes a fresh take on it, too. I love all the gifts on this list, but I think the polka dot apron will make a great gift from her grandson (especially since she got him a chef's hat a couple years back). That's the circle of life, right there. Grandmas love that stuff.

Deck the halls, trim those trees and don't forget to stuff those  stockings. Now that you've (hopefully) gotten all your big shopping out  of the way, get tips on stocking stuffers for the youngest kids right up  to the oldest.

For more holiday ideas, please check out the creative tips and useful resources in our About Family Holiday Survival Guide.