The holidays bring about their own set of challenges when it comes to gift-giving etiquette. There are many things to consider when getting or giving gifts. While the overall sentiment of thoughtfulness is a wonderful guide, it might be a little too vague to be truly useful. To help you organize your gift giving efforts this year, we’ve put together five tips to help you navigate it without stepping on any toes.

1. Just say thank you.

Have you ever received a gift from someone that you did not buy a gift for? Avoid the urge to fall all over yourself apologizing for the fact that you don’t have anything for them and simply say a heartfelt, “thank you.” There is no rule that you have to buy a gift for everyone. Another way to avoid the guilt: make a few batches of cookies and put them in small decorative tins that you can give as impromptu gifts. {image via: Sunset}

2. Wrap well.

Wrapping a gift well doesn’t take any longer than wrapping one sloppily. And a well-wrapped gift sends the message that you put thought and effort into picking out something special just for them. If you’re challenged in this department, get a few boxes made out of recycled paper, like these from the Container Store, and invest in some brightly colored ribbon. “Wrap” the gift by tying the ribbon only. If you have kids (and therefore the ten tons of artwork that come home with them), use their canvases to wrap gifts for family members.{image via: vtwonen}

3. Only re-gift if you can do it with meaning.

We all have one or two items cluttering up our spaces that would be perfect…for someone else. Re-gifting is a wonderful way to finally put that gift in the right hands. But tread carefully. The last thing you want to do is make the gift someone else’s clutter problem. Be clear that the person on the receiving end would actually use it. And of course, you need to be sure you’re not re-gifting an item back to the person who originally gave it to you. If you can’t remember who gave you an item, it’s better to bring to Goodwill than to risk giving it back to the giver.

4. Avoid gag gifts.

Period. This rule especially holds true at work. The danger lies in the fact that the joke may be missed, or worse misinterpreted. Instead, go with gifts that are personalized in a positive way. Worry less about finding the “perfect” gift, if you think they will like it, chances are they will.

5. If you’re stumped, ask for a hint.

If you have absolutely no idea what to give someone, rather than giving a generic gift card or gift, ask them what’s on their wish list this year. If everything on their list is over your price limit, you can always get them a gift card to the store where they can get it for a dollar amount that is within your range.

Celebrate how awesome your Dad is by giving him a personalized kit of useful things to keep in the glove box of his car.

This DIY Father’s Day Gift via Not Martha will make any Dad feel special. Include things like a flashlight, pen, sunscreen, digital tire gauge, tissues, bandages, and disinfecting wipes. All stuff that will make dad into a well prepared superhero for any situation. Click here for instructions on how to make this kit.

Happy Dad’s Day!

Need a cheap, creative, and thoughtful Mother’s Day gift idea?

I found this great DIY dry-erase memo board at the Dollar Store Crafts blog, which is a cinch to make, and can be customized any way you like! I love that the board prompts you to list the reasons why you love your mom!

Learn how to make here!

Julie Ames, the artisan behind The Broken Plate Pendant Company, deliberately breaks plates selected from thrift stores, antique shops and department stores in order to turn the shards into jewelry.

She first got the idea after making a mosaic mailbox for herself and was left with more broken shards that needed to be repurposed. Once she made pendants, the orders started rolling in and her business was launched.

Now, she also does custom orders where she turns broken but sentimental pottery like a wedding plate or family dish into wearable heirlooms. So despite the name, she makes plates into rings, bracelets, and earrings too. You can see more of Julie’s designs at her Etsy Store. They are just adorable and make great gifts!

Did you get gift cards this holiday for stores you would never think of stepping foot in, or just prefer cold hard cash instead?

If your stack of gift cards is coming up short, check out Gift Card Swapping to swap your gift card or sell it for cash. (via The Daily Muse)

It can be very hard for children to think about others during the holiday season.

We have to help children learn to give, not just receive. Use this child’s gift list form to help children record their gifts to others, as well as their Christmas list. In addition to asking “What do you want for Christmas?,” also ask “What are you giving this year for Christmas?” Download here.

All your mom really wants is for you to be home this year, but whether you’re here or there, snag some incredible presents your mom will love while keeping your budget in tact with these great gifts for under $25.

Pedicurz™

These easy to carry pedicure slippers with toe spreaders make them perfect for Mom when she’s going to get a pedicure.
$12.99 at yogasandals.com

Mom’s Nest

Personalized engraved rocks.
$15 at etsy.com

Adjustable Rolling Pin

Take the guess work out of preparing crust, dough, pastry, and noodles. Three sets of removable disks raise the rolling pin to 1/16″, 1/4″, 3/8″, or 1/8″ ensuring a uniform measurement.
$20 at momastore.com

Cargo Travel Organizer

Organizes the accessories Moms can’t live without while on-the-go.
$25 at builtny.com

Collapsable Funnel

Because of their shape, funnels are notoriously hard to store. But thanks to a clever design, this space-saving funnel can collapse flat for storage, making room in even the tightest kitchen drawer.
$25 at aplusrstore.com

Porn for Women

With photos of strapping young men doing housework strewn across the pages and accompanied by quotes such as “Have another piece of cake. I don’t like you looking so thin” or “Want to snuggle?” this book is a fun gift for Moms everywhere.
$12 at uncommongoods.com

Dunkin’ Donuts Card

The Dunkin’ Donuts Gift Card makes the perfect gift for Moms who love coffee. They can also be personalized online with cherished photos or a customized message.
$4.50 + gift card value at dunkindonuts.com

ButtonedUp.coupons

Make Mom feel truly pampered and loved this Holiday. This fun, friendly little coupon book has 20 cleverly illustrated coupons that enable you to lighten the load of mom. The set includes coupons for everyday tasks like taking out the trash, doing the laundry, and running the errands. Each one is perforated, so you can give one coupon at a time, or the whole book at once.
$4.50 at shopgetbuttonedup.com

Dinner of the Month Club

Do you really want to do something nice for Mom this year? Why not join the Dinner of the Month club. One night a month a wonderful dinner will be delivered to your door and all you have to do is boil pasta and add the specially prepared sauce. Not only does this give Mom a break from cooking but also gives you plenty of bonus points for drumming up a premium gourmet meal. Best of all, you get to eat it too. You can’t go wrong with this one.
Month-to-Month Membership: $24.95 at amazingclubs.com.com

Posy Frame

Moms everywhere will love this fun and stylish wire desktop photo frame/note holder.
$14.00 at umbra.com

Birch Burl Barrettes

Handmade, one of a kind, unique wooden barrettes made by wood worker Edward Smith.
$25 at edwardssmithfinewoodworking.com. To order, contact Edward Smith directly here.

Disclosure: This post is not sponsored.

A pet may seem like a wonderful holiday gift. But if may mean you’ll be the one buying the pet food, paying the veterinary bills, and taking it for walk at 6 am on dark rainy mornings for years to come.

Depending on whether you’re in the right stage in your life, and have a big enough heart (not to mention a big enough home!), buying a pet for a holiday gift can be a great addition to your family, whether you have kids in your home or not. If you’re thinking about giving a pet to your family for the Holidays, read on.

Sarah on “Dog, Cat, or Maybe Just a Fish”

“Every home isn’t ready for a puppy, which needs a fair amount of attention, involving walks, potty training, walks, obedience training, and more walks. Cats are a much less demanding, and, after being properly taught how to use a litter box, are happy to laze around while you’re not at home (and maybe even ignore you when you actually are home.) But even cats need a certain amount of attention and care. One way to break your children in to the responsibility of having a pet is to start small, in my case it was a fish tank, so they learn what it is to care for something, feeding it regularly, and checking on the cleanliness of its tank. Only after graduating from the fish, was I declared ready for something fuzzier, a cat named “George,” who I ended up caring for and loving for years and years.”

Alicia on “Where to Get Your Pet: Shelter vs. Breeder”

“Once you’ve decided you are going to give a pet as a gift, the next step is where you’re going to get it. Your two main choices, specifically if you’re looking for a dog, are from a shelter or from a breeder. They are two very different options, with two very different price ranges. Nowadays, shelters are the preferred adoption center of choice. They always have a wide variety of pets to choose from, and you’re doing a great thing by rescuing a pet that doesn’t have a home. It’s usually inexpensive as well, with a “donation” to the shelter the only fee you need to pay. Breeders, on the other hand, charge a fair amount, for a dog, sometimes upwards of $1000. Unfortunately, there are fair number of bad breeders out there, so be sure to do your homework and ask breeders for past references.”

A few quick thoughts before putting a ribbon on that holiday pet.

#1: Pick an Appropriately Aged Pet

While kids are clamoring for puppies and kittens, for some families getting an older, pre-trained dog or cat is a better choice. If you’re adopting from a shelter, just make sure that you find out the history and behavior of whatever animal you’re interested in. While many pets are left at shelters in great shape, many others are either too hyper, need too much space, or other bad habits.

#2: Pick the Appropriate Breed

Before buying a pet, talk to other pet owners about the breeds they have and read up on the breeds you’re interested in. Each breed of dog and cat is different, having been developed for specific functions and, thus, their personality and traits may not match your lifestyle. And always remember, puppies aren’t always puppies. Sometimes, they grow up to be 200 lb. Bull Mastiffs.

#3: Assigning Responsibility

The rush of getting a pet as a present is one that children never forget. Unfortunately, the actual pet, and the responsibility of caring for it, is something that can quickly fade into the background. It’s important for kids to understand everything that comes with having a pet, so sometime soon after giving your furry gift, set up a list of duties, from feeding, to walks, to baths, that everyone needs to pitch in doing to keep the pet, and the family, happy.

If you’re too full of turkey to get up early on Black Friday to brave the crowds, never fear. Wait until Monday (November 30) and you can keep those slippers on — or take a shopping break at work – and get some great deals on the Web.

Although Cyber Monday sales rarely leak, I dug up some sneak-peek specials for Buttoned Up readers on gifts you won’t find at Macy’s or Best Buy.

Funky & Electronic

What to do for the technophile who has everything? At Fred Flare
FredFlare.com, you’ll find hard-to-find gadgets like the iPod accessory iKaraoke as well as loads of kitsch and retro items like edible candy cane shot glasses, and a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Their Holiday ideas are super-organized by giftee (dad, grandma, teacher, co-worker) and price ($10, 25, 50, 100). Use the code PRESENT to get free shipping on all orders (no minimum necessary) on Cyber Monday.

iPhone Karaoke

Candy cane shot glasses

Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Live & Edible

Visit Organic Bouquet for bulbs, seeds, plant kits, gift baskets and wreaths – all with an eco-slant. Shoppers will get free shipping Nov. 22-30 and an additional 10% off on Cyber Monday only.

Beautiful arrangement from Organic Bouquet

Stylish & Pint-Sized

Purveyor of designer diaper bags, cool baby clothes, and classic and retro toys, Pokka Dots is offering 5% off all purchases and free shipping on Nov. 30 with the code 5OFFHSP.

You can also use the code on their sister sites, Modern Nursery for sleek baby gear and gifts, and the Wall Sticker Shop, which also sells unusual mobiles, cuckoo clocks, and chalkboard wall stickers.

(Psst: the coupon code is valid through the end of the year.)

Chalkboard Animal Wall Stickers from www.WallStickerShop.com

Hand-Crafted & Vintage

If you love one-of-a-kind, visit Etsy to browse thousands of hand-made offerings. Some artists will be offering special discounts on Cyber Monday, like Satre Steulke at RadiologyArt who is offering free shipping Nov. 27-30 on his ethereal x-ray photos of everyday objects.

PS3 Remote as seen by a CT Scan -- by RadiologyArt

For a complete list of Cyber Monday specials, visit Esty’s Storque blog on Thanksgiving weekend.

Upscale & Traditional

As seen in Real Simple magazine, Best Crystal offers a variety of modern and traditional gifts such as barware, candleholders, clocks and, of course, crystal by designers like Vera Wang and Thomas O’Brien. In addition to the standard free shipping, free gift wrapping and zero sales tax, you can also get 10% off all full-priced items on orders over $100 through Nov. 30. Use code THANKS10 at checkout.

Nambe Aperture Frame

Hip & Earth-Friendly

Eco-chic site Green with Glamour carefully curates a selection of clothing, jewelry and home goods, like these salt and pepper shakers made in Brooklyn.

Chic and Green - Salt & Pepper Shakers

Buttoned Up readers can take advantage of an exclusive 30% discount by entering code BUTTONEDUP30 at check-out. (Valid from Nov. 30 to Dec. 23, 2009 on regularly priced items.)

Sophisticated & Silly

Yes, you can find both at The Spoon Sisters who are offering a special Buttoned Up discount on their vast selection of stocking stuffers, gag gifts, party favors and unusual presents for brother or best friend. Use code BUTTONSPOON for 15% off the entire site (valid through Dec. 31).

Floral Sculpted Nesting Bowls

Inspiration

If you’re not sure what to get for that person on your list who has everything, try online catalog Elsewares.com They are offering our readers 20% any order on Cyber Monday and the day after (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1)! Just type code BUTTONEDUP at checkout.

Lots of good ideas at Elsewares - plus 20% off for Buttoned Up readers

Finally, CyberMonday.com , the official site of Cyber Monday, will be posting special November 30 discounts by national chains and superstores starting on Thanksgiving and leading up to the Cyber Monday itself.

The weather’s getting colder — time to warm up with your loved ones, and little ones! So how great would it be to have these adorable mittens as you and your little one go for a walk in the park? I want them and I don’t even have a child!

Two mittens in one, these Squeeze-Me Mittens are a pair of adult-sized mittens with a pair of kid-sized mittens sewn on. They come in all different colors too! They’re a little pricey though, at $60 a pair, so you may want to add to your Holiday Wish List. (via OEUF)