I'm in the middle of Christmas shopping. I went the Amazon route and picked off the lists for my DIL and grandsons, and one of my sons. MY DIL is getting books, my older grandson is getting a little guitar, and the baby, who doesn't care, is getting a new outfit. My son, the daddy in the family, is harder to buy for. The only things on his list are board games (he loves intricate, creative board games -- even wants to design them). However, I just got him a game for his birthday, which was only last week, and I hate to give a similar gift again. My other son is getting a gizmo for his Playstation, which was on his list; however, his fiancee doesn't have a list. I really don't know what to get for her. I gave her vintage jewelry for her birthday. In the past, I've given her cookbooks and a crystal vase. I'm running out of ideas.

Any ideas from you twenty-thirty somethings out there?

Anyway, I've spent about $160 so far (I'm budgeting $40 per person.) All on Discover card. If I find I can't pay my Discover card in full I will use the EF.

On the 16th I'm going to a family holiday breakfast which will include my ex and his wife. I wonder whether I should have some gift on hand in case they give me one? I know they are planning on giving the kids their gifts at that time, as they will be in Florida for the holiday.

I know what I will give my sister. I'm going to reimburse her for the $60 she spent to check one bag on USAir. She is always out of money; I think it will be the best gift for her.

I usually don't exchange gifts with my cousin, but I have learned that she is having someone finish a quilt my mother started. So I need to get something nice for her. I also have a good friend who always gets a little something -- that won't be hard; she is easy to buy for and only expects a small gift.