A holiday shopping guide just for kids. (Originated from Orange County Register) - Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service

    Cool toy commercials fill the airwaves and weird Christmas trees play Jingle Bells in stores. It must be that time of year. Then it dawns on you that the piggy bank is kind of empty. And you're blanking out big-time on what to buy. Well, we say chill. If you're between 8 and 14, weve got some tips to make holiday shopping an easy scene. After all, who wants to be like grownups who just lose it this time of year? Relax, read on, and happy shopping.     _First, just because everyone else gets stressed out, you don't have to. ``Have fun with shopping,'' says Kristine Jablonski, a mother of three, and a psychiatric nurse therapist in Placentia. She helps people deal with stress.     ``The whole idea of the holidays is to connect with people we love,'' she says. ``That's what the real spirit is about.''     _Make a list _ that's one way to feel in control. Who are you giving gifts to? Write down their names. Think about what they'd like. What does that person like to do? Does he or she have hobbies? Collect certain things?     _Ask them for suggestions. Your parents probably have loads of ideas about what you can give them.     _Next, look at advertisements or ask your parents how much things will cost. Before you buy, ``it might be a good idea to look first,'' says Janet Bodnar, who just wrote a book called ``Kiplinger's Money-Smart Kids (And Parents, Too!)''     ``Otherwise, you might overspend and all of a sudden realize you don't have enough money,'' says Bodnar, who writes a newspaper column called ``Dr. Tightwad,'' where she answers questions from parents about kids and money. She has three kids.     _Count your money. You can ask your folks for some, but you know what? Money experts say you'll feel better if you spend your own.     Paul Richard is vice president of the National Center for Financial Education in San Diego, which publishes lots of books for parents about money and kids.     He recommends you don't spend all your money, just in case. Also, he says, ``start looking early for bargains.''     If you wait until a few days before Hanukkah or Christmas, you might not find real great prices. Or, lots of stuff might already be sold out.     By now you're ready to hit the stores. Where do you start? If you don't have a lot of money, try discount stores, the dollar-only stores in malls, ``off-price'' stores such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Mashalls, even grocery stores and drug stores _ where sometimes you can find great little items. For variety, go with your parents or friends to the mall.     ``Compare and contrast. Don't settle for the first thing you see,'' says Robert Lipsett, who works with elementary school kids as a speech pathologist in Southern California.     Carry your money in your wallet, a pocket or other safe place where it won't get lost, says Katie Murphy, who manages a Sesame Street General Store in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Calif. She helps lots of kids make purchases.     ``And make sure to get your change back. Pay close attention,'' she says.     Don't be afraid to ask people who work in stores for help. That's what they get paid for. If you cant find a price or the item you want, or if you want ideas in your price range, ask! And find out if the store has free gift boxes.     What if you're broke?     There you are, turning your pockets inside-out, sad look on your face. Broke city. No bucks. Bummer.     So who says you have to buy gifts? You probably don't believe it, but parents really do like things you make. They'll keep them for years.     Think about some school project youre working on. Could that be a gift? Or hunt through your closet or desk. Betcha have some stuff there you could turn into cool gifts. What about writing a poem, letter or story? Or look for library books on crafts. ``Highlights for Children'' magazine always has a section called ``You Can Make It!''     ``People appreciate a gift made by hand, because they know you put your time and effort into it,'' the December issue of Highlights says.     You might get together with your friends and make stuff _ sometimes, you get more creative when you're with other people.     You also can give a gift of service, especially to someone such as a grandparent.     If youre really set on buying something, offer to do chores to make some extra money. No doubt your folks can find something for you to do.     WHAT TO GET WHOM     MOMS: Jewelry, such as pins or earrings; makeup, such as nail polish; candy; books, such as the little ones full of sayings usually found by the cash register; flowers or plants; fragrances; coffee or tea.     DADS: Books, socks, cologne, stuff for their cars, tapes and compact discs, golf balls or items for a sport they play.     BROTHERS and SISTERS: Toys, games, books, tapes, hair accessories, their favorite candy.     GRANDMAS and GRANDPAS: Stationery, books, a school picture of you in a frame, plants or flowers, candles, a game you could play with them.     FRIENDS: Things that fit their interests, or things you like that youre sure they'd like.     TEACHERS: Items that mention teachers,such as magnets, mugs, pins. Or find out a teachers hobby and give something that could be used for that.     COOL TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS     1. IT'S LIST TIME! Get organized! Take a couple of moments to write things down. Your job will be easier.     2. GET A MOVE ON IT! Don't wait. Stores get more crowded, and they run out of items the closer it gets to Christmas.     3. SNOOP, SNOOP, SNOOP. Be a detective. Ask people what they want. Figure out their likes and dislikes.     4. ASK FOR HELP. Have Mom help you with Dad's gift, or vice-versa. See if your brother or sister will split the cost of a gift .     5. WRAP, WRAP, WRAP IT UP. If you dont have money for wrap ... use comics from the newspaper, or tie a bow around a paper bag.     6. NO PEEKING! See if you can stash your presents at a friends house so a nosy brother or sister doesnt find them.     7. LIKE, AT THE MALL. If you go with your parents, ask if you can meet them somewhere in half an hour, so you can shop.     8. 'TIS THE SEASON. Don't worry about whos giving you what. Just give _ a gift, a card, a smile, or just some of your time.