Five Practical Holiday Gifts for Parents

Heading out to start the holiday shopping? Between retailers stocking shelves and consumers getting a head start, the Christmas season seems to start earlier each year.

When making your holiday list, try to remember the practical gifts. While practical presents may not seem as luxurious as the prepackaged goodies available during the holiday season, parents will appreciate them when credit card bills start appearing in mailboxes in January. Practical gifts are not nearly as likely to be "regifted." Think creatively and find a gift that will be appreciated long after the Christmas decorations are packed away.

1. Box of Batteries- Every home has hundreds of gadgets that require batteries. Remote controls, hand held games, wireless keyboards, and a variety of toys require batteries. Fill a shoe box with shredded tissue paper and fill the box with an assortment of batteries. Buy in bulk for the best value. Remember, the most common type of battery is AA followed by AAA, so buy multiple packs of these sizes.

2. Restaurant Gift Cards- Everyone has a hectic day from time to time. Almost every restaurant offers gift cards during the holiday season. Is there a better gift for frazzled parents than taking care of dinner on a stressed out evening. Skip the fancy restaurants and opt for the local pizza place or fast food restaurant. This option provides busy parents with drive through options. Think "fast in and out" for busy school nights!

3. Diapers and Baby Wipes- Parents will admit that diapers and baby wipes are a large chunk of a weekly grocery bill. Children in diapers often get toys that they are not old enough to play with as well as out grow clothing before they can wear them. Cases of diapers and wipes can be purchased at bulk discount stores for a reasonable price, and will save the grocery budget in January.

4. Gourmet Cooking Sessions- Give Mom or Dad the night off by sending them to a gourmet cooking session. Often in a two-three hour session, participants can cook enough meals for two weeks. Participants are guided step by step and the meals are to be taken home and frozen. Busy parents simply thaw the meal in the refrigerator the night before, and dinner is a breeze! Not only does this gift make dinner easy, but it also provides enjoyment and instruction, all in one!

5. Movie Passes- Everyone loves going to the movies. Tickets, popcorn, candy, nachos... A family of four can easily spend $50 at one movie. Consider stopping at your local cinema to purchase movie passes for the holiday season, and bring enjoyment to a family outing.

Practical gifts are a pleasure to receive for busy parents. Not only do they make life easier after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, they also can be enjoyed by the entire family. Family...that is really what the holidays are about anyway, isn't it?