black friday

Last night consumers were tent camping in front of stores to be first in line to get the best deals on holiday shopping. On what is called Black Friday, stores are hoping to turn the corner from losses to profits, as a large percentage of their earnings come after Thanksgiving sales for the Christmas holidays. As much as I love consumer confidence and the gradual restoration of economy, I am personally disinclined to fight the madness of holiday shopping.

In some home work shops, mothers and fathers are busy making things for their kids. Which scenario offers the most growth? Shopping or making? Which behavior sets the best example for kids? "I want that!" or "I can make that!"

The average time Americans shop during the holiday shopping season is 20 hours. Some shop more and some less. But did you know you can make some pretty cool things in less than 20 hours and avoid mall time entirely? You have 29 making days to go until Christmas. If you feel inclined to help the economy, buy tools. Top of the charts in this year's buying guide for the 6 to 12 year old is an iPad selling at a whopping discounted price of $458.00 today only. On the other hand, (literally) a great buy for kids is the 10 oz. Little Pro Claw Hammer American made by Vaughan and Bushnell and shown in the photo above. Unlike all the consumer electronics products on the market this holiday shopping season, it will last a lifetime.