gifts

N.Y. Gift Fair Puts a Bow on Consumers' Improving Mood

Gift-buying trends revealed at the New York International Gift Fair showed that consumers are still focused on value, but less leery of spending. Signs of the brighter mood were everywhere, from the color palettes to the growth in personal pampering products.

This Gift-Tax Change Is a Huge Gift -- If You're Wealthy Enough

A temporary change in the tax code is creating a sweet opportunity. Through 2012, the amount you can give in tax-free gifts jumps from $1 million to $5 million. In this video, Kevin Sanderford, principal of Colorado West Investments, explains how you can take advantage of this "two-year window."

Winter's Gloom Hasn't Kept Shoppers From Spending

January's retail and food services sales rose a sharp 7.8% from January 2010 and 0.3% from December. For the most part, merchants and manufacturers worked to line up wares that consumers want at prices that attract those who are now more frugal.

Will You Be My (Financially Responsible) Valentine?

When Cupid slings his arrow, it can hit you right in the wallet. What's the economically challenged lovebird to do? Well, luckily, a sense of humor is still free. Here are some tips -- and some what-not-to-do's, including some of Ed Begley's ill-fated money-savers.

A Heartwarming Valentine's Day Sales Forecast

Retailers should be swooning this year: Spending for the lover's holiday is forecast to top $18.6 billion, a 5.8% jump in spending over 2010. That amounts to about $125 per person who buys a gift for that special someone.

Amazon's Plan to Save You From Unwanted Gifts

While it may sound more Scrooge than Santa Claus, Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, has filed a patent for technology that would allow customers to return -- or "convert" -- gifts they don't like, even before they actually arrive.

Holiday Shoppers Keep Their Plastic in Their Pockets

Retail sales have perked up, but consumers aren't resuming their old habit of using credit cards to splurge on gifts. According to a new poll, more than half of American adults say they're sticking with cash this holiday shopping season.

Amazon's Holiday Gift to E-Shoppers

While it probably should have done this long ago, Amazon will now let you send an e-book to anyone, Kindle owner or not. The online retail giant's move is aimed at undermining a similar one by rival Kobo -- and shows how hard it is to outmaneuver Amazon in the marketplace.