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20 last-minute Christmas gifts under $50 12/17/2021 05:57am • Despite all the warnings to do your holiday shopping early this year due to supply chain issues, plenty of us are still procrastinating. But whether you're strapped for cash, you've neglected to make a shopping budget or you've simply put off getting presents this year, there's still time to secure Experts' tips on gift card etiquette for the holidays 12/15/2021 04:24am • Gift cards are sometimes criticized as impersonal presents, or perhaps worse, forgettable pieces of plastic that end up stuck in a drawer and never get used. WTOP asked etiquette and gift-giving experts to weigh in on the gift card debate. More Holiday News "There was a time w How to give more to charity this year 12/14/2021 07:30am • 'Tis the season to give: In fact, about a third of annual giving occurs in December, and 12% during the last three days of the year, according to Charity Navigator. But if you're like a lot of people, the idea of donating to charity can be financially painful. So instead of giving until it hurts, Fantastic experience gifts to give 12/13/2021 10:50am • 'Tis the season for gift-giving, but that's easier said than done. There are plenty of people who would rather skip the "stuff" in exchange for experiences to give as gifts. Not only do experience gifts save you valuable space, but experiences can result in longer-lasting happiness than material pos Your Holiday Tipping Guide: Who to Tip and How Much 12/12/2021 07:00pm • The holidays are traditionally a time to tip those who have made your life easier, more convenient or more enjoyable throughout the year. Christmas tips also provide a financial boost to workers who may be struggling to make ends meet during the holiday season. "These tips really go a long way to su Top spots to take your holiday gift-giving up a notch in Frederick, MD 12/08/2021 03:18pm • Looking for thoughtful, unique gifts for your loved ones this holiday season? Visit locally owned and operated stores in Downtown Frederick, and chances are you’ll find special gifts for everyone on your list while supporting small businesses. Here’s a quick guide on where to start!  Pla Shopping for stargazers in 2021 12/07/2021 10:30am • It’s nearing the end of 2021, and COVID-19 is still with us, but we can still shop for Christmas and the holiday season. Once again, it’s that time of year to shop for your favorite stargazer. More Holiday News WTOP’s annual gifts for stargazers recommendations will help Cloned Virginia State Police Loudoun County office phone number used in scam 12/03/2021 11:38pm • A scam is using a valid Virginia State Police phone number and authorities are warning people to beware. Police said its Loudoun County/Leesburg Area 11 Office has received three calls verifying that the state police called them asking for payment due to outstanding warrants. A phone scammer h What to tip when spreading holiday cheer 12/02/2021 09:00pm • 'Tis the season for holiday tipping, and those who expect to do so intend to spread between $20 and $50 of holiday cheer to service providers, according to a new survey. Median intended tip amounts according to the CreditCards.com poll: $50 to housekeeper and child care providers $30 to t 10 healthy holiday gift ideas 12/02/2021 07:00pm • With the holidays in full swing, I thought it might be helpful to offer up some healthy gift ideas suggested by my nutrition pals. Because if you're anything like me, gift buying can be a little stressful. You can thank me later. Apple Watch I will admit this can be a costly gift for some, but Maryland Attorney General Frosh: Keep guard against holiday shopping scams 12/02/2021 04:00am • It's the holiday shopping season, which is also a time when scammers are busy trying to separate consumers from their money. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh led an hourlong online forum Wednesday aimed at helping consumers avoid being scammed. "The folks who are trying to steal your money a A Checklist for First-Time Homebuyers 11/30/2021 07:00pm • What do first-time buyers need to purchase their dream home? You might be tempted to start hitting open houses, but first you need to get your money in order.Talk to a mortgage lender to line up financing, then work with a real estate agent to get your offer accepted before you head to closing.Read Fitness gear as a holiday gift? 11/30/2021 07:00pm • Remember the controversial Peloton ad that came out around this time a couple of years ago? In it, a woman is given a Peloton by her husband for Christmas. The ad shows her getting up early to ride and coming home from work late and jumping on her Peloton. She really likes her gift and the "me time" DC-area restaurateur offers tips on what not to give during food drives 11/28/2021 06:46pm • Are you interested in making food donations to a local kitchen or pantry, but aren't sure that what you're giving will help? Local chef and restaurateur Mark Bucher has some suggestions. Bucher is no novice when it comes to feeding the areas most vulnerable. When food insecurity spiked during the Holiday shipping deadlines for USPS, UPS and FedEx 11/27/2021 07:30pm • (Photo Getty Images) If you want your holiday gift packages to reach loved ones by Christmas, here are essential shipping deadlines to keep in mind. United States Post Office For shipping through the U.S. Post Office, here are the recommended send by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25.