'Tis the shopping season

Beginning this weekend the shopping season will be in full swing. While some may already be well on their way with this task there is no question that many will be hitting stores, both online and in-person in the coming weeks. This post will provide you with information on selecting the right age appropriate gift for those youngsters on your list, store shopping safety tips, charitable giving information, online purchasing information, and also reminders on how to correctly ship packages.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/money/2008/11/11-ways-to-stri.html#more
Consumer Reports has a very timely article about after Thanksgiving shopping and provides a shopping guide for all those individuals who will get an early start Friday morning.

http://www.ksag.org/content/page/id/56
The Kansas Attorney General Office provides many consumer brochures with topics ranging from mail order shopping, charitable giving, and checking account fraud.

Store shopping

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt082.shtm
Provided by the Federal Trade Commission this list provides holiday shopping tips to help you navigate sales, and special store policies.

www.accesskansas.org/kbi/info/docs/pdf/Personal%20Safety%20for%20Women%20Brochure.pdf
Brochure offered by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation providing information for women but still applicable to all, while shopping, traveling or at home.

Online buying

http://www.safeshopping.org
This informational site, created by the American Bar Association, will help you order safely when shopping online.

http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/online-shopping.aspx
Provided by the Federal Trade Commission this site offers information to help you shop safely and wisely online. You can learn, for example, how to use online payment services, participate in an Internet auction or resolve a complaint with an online dealer.

Selecting the right gift

http://www3.toysrus.com/safety/prodRecalls.cfm
Toys"R"Us, Inc., in collaboration with Safe Kids Worldwide, has developed a list of Safe Holiday Toy Shopping and Play Tips.

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/PRHTML98/98043.html
Toy safety shopping tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Charities

http://www.kscharitycheck.org/
Kansas Charity Check serves as a great resource for those wanting to make an informed decision when giving.

http://us.bbb.org
The Better Business Bureau website has what you need to check the standing of a business or charity. You can also receive advice on giving, and receiving, pre-paid bank card. Be sure to check out their News Center which has recent posts dealing with shopping safely online and avoiding dangerous or toxic toys.

Mailing packages

Information for many of the major package carriers are provided below. Each provider lists a holiday shipping schedule and tips on how to best package your gift.

http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/pr08_125.htm
USPS- United States Postal Service

http://www.compass.ups.com/article/article.aspx?id=2289
UPS- United Parcel Service

http://www.fedex.com/us/holiday/index.html
FEDEX- Federal Express