Holiday Shopping

As one of the millions of singletons definitely not looking forward to Valentine's Day this year, I thought it only appropriate to compile a lengthy list of gifts to give your loved one if you'd like to join the ever-expanding crowd of single Americans.

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.

The tale of two Black Fridays began with the first modern Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924, which ended with an appearance by the jolly man in red.

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.

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.

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.

With Christmas expenses looming, this may not be the best time to invest time and money in Halloween costumes. Still, no one wants to be left out of the fun, so we've come up with 50 easy and creative costumes for adults, children, couples and groups that won't cost you an arm and a leg, unless you're a real zombie, that is.

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.