Having trouble finding that special gift for great aunt rose or uncle tom? You know when you get to the point where family or friends have enough golf shirts, costume jewelry, Pj's, etc. etc.

Another option besides a gift card (for a company who goes out of business) is to donate money to your local food bank or other charity in the person's name. There is no required minimum amount. Usually the charity sends thank you cards to both you and uncle tom.

For example, my son's grandmother passed away a short time ago. Some relatives were too far away to attend the services. There wasn't enough time before the services to send flowers.

So the relatives made donations to their local food bank in memory of the person who had passed on. The food bank sent a very nice card to both the family survivors and the actual doner thanking them for the donation. There was no mention of the amount of the donation.

Why not make a donation in the person's name to your local food bank or for that matter any charity. You have given a gift that really matters and won't be sitting on a shelf somewhere gathering dust.

Times are rough for a lot of people all over the world. This is just one way that might help a little. You feel good because you didn't have to spend hours shopping and finding nothing. The person in whose name you donated the money is equally thankful because she/he didn't end up with the latest version of the bobble head doll.

Just a though.