Holiday Shopping

Americans are ready to show mom some bigger love this year by upgrading our Mother's Day gifts. Consumer spending for the holiday is expected to total $14.6 billion this year, averaging $126.90 per person. That's up $3 from 2009.

Military Moms miss so much when stationed overseas, but being away from family on Mothers Day must be extremely difficult. Sadly, there are so many limitations on shippable gifts that are also acceptable to the military.

This is your annual guide to tipping those who can't accept tips. These people may work equally hard all year round, yet are precluded from extending their palms by company standards, government regulations or simple rules of etiquette.

The Gospel According to Matthew tells how the Three Wise Men brought the baby Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh, thus setting off a tradition that has evolved into Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The Wise Men also started a tradition of guys not wrapping their presents. We know this to be true because nativity scenes never include wrapping paper or neatly tied bows.

My mother took cheap stocking stuffers to entirely new heights. She frequently reminded me that when she was young, her Depression era parents gave her two pieces of fruit in an old sock.

Legend has it the rare albino elephant was sacred in Thailand and each new white elephant became the property of the king. It was forbidden to kill such an elephant or to use it for work, so whenever the king wished to punish an obnoxious underling, he'd present him with one of these useless pale pachyderms.

Some merchants are pushing Black Friday back to Thursday this year, by opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day. Others are encouraging us to shop their websites, after a good dousing of turkey and dressing.

Back by popular demand, Coupon Sherpa presents our comprehensive list of Veterans Day discounts and freebies for everything from restaurant meals to haircuts. Remember not all franchises participate in these offers, so check ahead before you go, and don't forget to bring some form of military identification.

The 4th of July is next Monday, which means a three-day weekend with lots of special deals to celebrate our country's borth. Enjoy this comprehensive list of 23 Fourth of July freebies, deals and events. Have a happy!

Almost every city holds some type of Memorial Day event in grateful thanks to members of our armed forces. We detail the top national events and provide a sampling of Memorial Day freebies, coupons and sweepstakes.