Part of my problem with even thinking about heading out to the stores for Black Friday is that I haven't really given much thought yet to what I want to buy, and for whom. With 30 shopping days left, I need to sit down and make my holiday shopping list today.

Fortunately, my fellow Parenting and Family Guides have put together various holiday shopping guides. These themed gift lists are helping me brainstorm ideas, compare prices, and even get a little online shopping done before the big rush.

Thrifty Gift Ideas

• DIY Cheap Gifts for Everyone on Your List
• Retailers That Offer Free/Flat-Rate Shipping
• Give Cheap Gifts Without Looking Cheap

Shopping for Babies and Toddlers

• Inexpensive Baby Clothes
• Gifts for Grandbaby's First Year
• Commemorative Gifts for Baby's First Christmas

Shopping for Young Children

• Active Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers
• Top Preschool Board Games
• Educational Toys for Preschoolers
• Electronic Gifts and Games for Preschoolers
• DVDs/Blu-rays for Preschoolers

Shopping for School-Age Children

• Active Toys for School-Aged Kids
• Electronic Gifts and Games for Kids
• Classic Toys for Today's Kids
• Books That Keep Kids Busy
• Educational Kids Games for Grade Schoolers
• DVDs/Blu-rays for Kids Ages 6-9

Shopping for Tweens

• Gift Ideas for Tweens
• Shopping for Tween Girls
• Electronic Gifts for Tweens

Shopping for Teens

• Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens
• Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Boys
• Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls

Shopping for Young Adults

• 10 Great Stocking Stuffers for College Kids"
• Holiday Gifts Under $30 for College Kids & Young Adults

Shopping by Interests

• Top Gifts for Crafty Kids
• Audiobooks Kids Love
• Building Toys That Promote Independent Play
• Shopping for Gift Cards

Shopping for Moms

• Thoughtful Gifts for Moms
• Surefire Gifts for Mom
• 10 Ways to Give Mom Gifts She Deserves
• Gifts Designed to Get Mom Out of the House

Shopping for Dads

• Gift Ideas for Single Dads
• Gadget Gifts for Dads
• Unique Gifts for Dads

Shopping for Grandparents

• Gifts for Grandpa
• Grandmother Gifts From Around the World
• 10 Ideas for Grandparents Gifts

Shopping for Other Adults

• Best Boyfriend Gifts
• Best Girlfriend Gifts
• Luxurious Gifts for Single Parents
• Top Inexpensive Gifts for Teachers, Coaches and Parent Volunteers

Shopping for Entire Families

• Affordable Parent-Child Gifts
• Board Games That Are Fun for Parents, Too
• Active Toys for the Whole Family
• Video Games for the Whole Family
• Disney Classic Re-releases - 2009

When your life is in flux--because of a divorce, job change, or an impending move--and you need share with your kids the details of how some of the changes will affect them, make sure that you do your "homework" ahead of time. Approach the conversation ready to give them as much detailed, accurate information as you can, while also maintaining age-appropriate and respectful boundaries. (In other words, don't tell your kids more than they need to know, and stay away from details that could compromise their affections for the other parent.) For situation-specific tips, read:

• How to Tell Your Kids "We're Moving"
• How to Tell Your Children About Your Divorce

Do you ever wish you had a legal expert on hand to provide guidance on issues such as child custody, child support, visitation, and more? I'm thrilled to announce that here at Single Parents at About.com, we do!

Please welcome Debrina L. Washington. Debrina is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and she runs her own virtual law practice in New York. She's also the mom of an adorable 2-year-old little boy! Learn more about Debrina by reading her bio here on the site.

Debrina's most recent articles include:

• Child Support Modification
• Child Relocation Guidelines
• Win Child Custody
• How to Obtain a Passport for Your Child

Please join me in welcoming Debrina to About.com!

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This week's highlights include several hopeful stories, along with recent trends in child custody, one military mom's difficult choice, and the opportunity to win $10,000 from Fifty Cent and BET.

On the Blogs:

More Fathers Are Getting Custody in Divorce - Many successful businesswomen are now losing custody to fathers who work fewer hours. Lisa asks whether this is a raw deal or fair play. What do you think?

Ravens Players Provide Thanksgiving Meals to Single Parent Edgewood Families - Ben Grubbs, along several Baltimore Ravens teammates and members of the U.S. Marines, are scheduled to serve Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday to 100 Baltimore-area single parent families.

In the News:

Mom Chooses Son Over Service - Fearing her ten-month-old son would be placed in foster care, single mom and army SPC Alexis Hutchinson refused to deploy to Afghanistan after her mother backed out of her agreement to care for the boy.

Event Helps Single Mothers - An organization called "The Caring People" raised more than $60,000 to help support single mothers and their children!

From Section 8 to Single Mother of the Year - The story of how one single mom turned things around for herself and her young sons.

50's Money for Moms Contest - Three lucky single moms will win $10,000 from Fifty Cent and BET. Could you be one of them?

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