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The Parent's Guide to
Brought to you by BMO Harris Bank
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — and also the most
hectic. So we’re helping out with 15 last-minute, budget-friendly
gift ideas you can order, pick up or put together within 48 hours.
For Your Kids
If you’re not armed with a carefully
crafted wish list, look into one of the
following tips, courtesy of bmoharris.
com/life:
• The experience: Is your child a
budding scientist, artist-in-training
or adventurer? Tap into their
hobbies, and treat them to a day at
your local science museum, an art
class or a go-carting adventure.
Tip: Many local museums offer free
days to visit, as well as discounted
tickets for kids, which can help
save on costs. Additionally, to save
on time, try booking your tickets
and classes online.
• The practical need: Mix practical
needs with the holiday season by
gifting supplies for all the fun that’s
to come in 2017 — think soccer
cleats, a swimsuit or an e-reader for
the new year.
Tip: Be sure to double-check
shipping dates! Only order these
goods online if they’re guaranteed
to arrive on time. If not, you’ll want
to hit the local shops instead.
• The thoughtful DIY: Print some fun
photos of you and your kids from
throughout 2016, and work with
them to create collages to hang in
their rooms.
Tip: Get some quality printer paper,
or visit a nearby printing shop.
Swing by the dollar store on your
way home to pick up paper, glue
and glitter to give your collages a
little something extra.
For Your Parents
Give your parents something thoughtful
and sweet (and team up with siblings to
save on costs:
• The experience: A subscription to
ancestry.com may give your parents
a chance to re-connect with their
past in a new and exciting way.
Tip: Subscriptions for this “story of
a lifetime” are available month to
month, or you can purchase a sixmonth
membership.
• The practical need: If they have
everything, consider stopping by
your local market or specialty store
and lling a gift basket with their
favorite foods (pasta, sauce and
parmesan, perhaps?, topped with a
bottle of wine for a nice night in.
Tip: If your budget permits, make
this a gift that keeps on giving by
signing your parents up for a “gift of
the month” club. You’ll save yourself
a shopping trip (you can order
online! and ensure they can enjoy
delightful treats year-long.
• The thoughtful DIY: Enlist the kids
to craft a pair of ridiculously cute
mugs that will add a little more joy to
your parents’ morning routine. Then,
pair those mugs with their favorite
coffee, tea or sweets.
Tip: You should be able to nd all the
materials needed to create the mugs
at your local dollar or craft store.
/ancestry.com