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Life for me this year has seemed more chaotic and complicated, so my motto right now is to simplify. With that said, the gifts I'm buying for my family and friends this year is all about practicality. Maybe that sounds boring, but think about it — if you give them something they'll use almost every day, then they'll remember you almost every day! Or if it's something that makes their life easier, then they'll thank you repeatedly!

For example, for anyone who has to cook for mouths to feed, why not give them something from the Temp-tations line? I bake and serve with my Temp-tations dishes all the time, practically every day. They're easy to clean, they go in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher, and they look good, too! It's a great gift!

Or how about giving something practical that makes you feel pretty or smell pretty like philosophy shower gels? Anyone can use those not only to shower with, but to wash their hair, too. Even men like their shower gels. It's a little indulgence without the guilt, because it's practical!

How about the family that has millions of CDs, DVDs, gaming CDs, photo CDs, computer software CDs? One of the most practical things we have in our home and that I've given as gifts more times than I can count is the Discgear disc organizer! It's one of the best things since sliced bread! Not only does it get rid of clutter, but I can actually find the disc I'm looking for when I need or want it!  Brilliant! And it's great to give to that brother-in-law you don't have a clue what he wants.

There's one last thing I'd like to recommend because I use it every day and I've also given it as gifts in the past. It's the AutoSeal vacuum insulated travel mugs. I rarely travel anywhere except back and forth to work, but I literally have one in my car at all times, and I use it even in the house when I'm home. It keeps me drinking more water every day, and if I choose to put a hot drink in it (my new favorite thing is Chai tea), then it keeps it warm for me for hours! Here's the best part — it doesn't spill! After four kids, I've cleaned up more messes than anyone should ever have to do in a lifetime! So now there are less messes!

I wish you all the best in deciding which gifts to give, but if you keep it practical, they will thank you again and again!

Counting our blessings,

—Mary Beth Roe