Starting the day off right by treating Dad to breakfast in bed can be followed up by giving Dad control of the TV remote control for the day. Taking over those summer Sunday chores, like cutting the grass, can also be a welcome gift.

Yet, many children will also buy or make a card and Father’s Day gift for their Dad. Traditional gifts like ties, socks and chocolates are always high on the list, but more personal presents that show how much thought has gone into the gift are often most valued. Perhaps a book by his favourite author, a CD by his favourite group, or even tickets to a favourite sporting or music event, if budgets allow, will make him smile.

For younger children, keepsake Dad Teddy Bears, home-made cards, pictures or stories drawn and written by their children can make delightful Father’s Day gifts. Similarly, framed photos of their children are also excellent ideas.

While it’s easier for adults to simply spend money on their Dad, time can be a wonderful gift on Father’s Day. Taking Dad out for a meal or cooking him a homemade meal is a great way to spend more time with Dad on Father’s Day. It also returns to the root of why this day was first established – to appreciate all the things that our fathers do for us throughout our lives.

The age at which ‘coming of age’ birthdays are celebrated varies enormously. In China a child’s first birthday, known as ‘zhua zhou’ is considered a coming of age birthday, while in Western societies, coming of age is usually celebrated during the teenage years. Yet the exact age is dramatically different depending on exactly where you live and the religion you follow.

Jewish children celebrate their Bar Mitzvahs (boys) and Bat Mitzvahs (girls) around the time of adolescence at 12 or 13 , while in Latin American countries girls have to wait until they’re fifteen before celebrating Quinceanera. Americans throw ‘sweet sixteen’ parties, yet individuals in the UK have the longest wait before ‘coming of age’.

Traditionally we had to wait until 21 to celebrate being given the ‘key of the door’. However, since the age at which we legally become an adult dropped to 18, this then became a landmark birthday celebration, even though 21st birthday parties are still popular.

I suppose that, despite having to wait the longest for our first ‘big birthday’, in the UK we get the best deal of all. We can take our pick, or choose to celebrate twice – once on our 18th birthday and again on our 21st birthday. Best of both worlds as they say.

By the way, if you’re looking for gift ideas for big birthdays, see our ‘Celebrate Big Birthdays in Style’ article.

You can also check out our press release Big Fat Balloons uncovers cultural differences of landmark birthdays.

But everyone’s enthusiasm for birthdays began to fade as the numbers increased. I also found that a big birthday would suddenly arrive and remind me just how quickly time passes.

Yet when I was talking to a good friend of mine, my attitude towards birthdays changed again. Her next big birthday has appeared on the horizon and she isn’t the least bit bothered, in fact she’s quite looking forward to it.

“There’s no hiding from it, your birthday will happen once a year and when you think about the alternative… well, I’d prefer the birthday! You can relax and indulge yourself without feeling guilty, and you get to eat cake. What’s not to love?”

It seemed fun and exciting and prompted me to write an article on Celebrating Big Birthdays in Style with party tips and gift ideas. Is a milestone birthday looming for a loved one? You can always surprise them with a big birthday balloon or birthday teddy bear delivered direct to their home or work place (so they can’t hide how old they really are any more!).

And when it comes to a big birthday, remember to have fun and celebrate is style!

As the kids grow up, the presents seem to be getting smaller but the price becomes greater!

When the festive season comes around again and the kids look at you with those longing eyes, any promises to keep my budget in check fly out the window as fast as the cash flies out of my purse.

So this year, I thought I’d put together an article with some handy hints and tips on budget Christmas gifts and advice on how to stick to your budget and make your money go further.

One of my favourite gift ideas is to frame and gift wrap a poem you’ve written or a picture you’ve painted or drawn. A friend’s 12-year-old son wrote a beautiful poem that she had framed and gave to her father-in-law as a Christmas present one year. It became his most favourite gift and still creates a talking point when they have visitors to the house.

> Read the full article on Budget Christmas gift ideas that won’t break the bank.

We’ve also got new Christmas balloons and Christmas teddy bears in stock, with a range of prices to suit most budgets – they might be worth checking out.

Why not have a read while you’re enjoying a cuppa or have a spare 5 minutes. You may find some useful advice – or at least enjoy a good giggle! See the subjects covered below:

Christmas countdown – if you’re always in a last minute rush at Christmas then this article is for you. It gives you hints, tips and a week by week countdown to ensure that this year, you’re organised, prepared and relaxed when the festivities begin.

Christmas stress management – Forget all the hard work, stress and family feuds that turn your dream Christmas into a stressful nightmare. We’ve compiled 6 top tips to make sure that you’re relaxed and ready to have a very merry Christmas this year.

Congratulations gifts to celebrate exam results – Are you one of the thousands of families of GCSE and A level students who are hoping to celebrate their exam success this summer? We’ve come up with some more interesting gift ideas to help you celebrate their exam success in real style.

Solving the Father’s Day gift idea problem – Are you plagued with the same old problem – what on Earth do you buy your dad for Father’s Day? Well, to help you out, we’ve put on our thinking caps and come up with some excellent gift ideas to suit all budgets.

6 Top tips that make buying gifts for kids child’s play – a practical guide to buying gifts for children. You’ll never be stuck for ideas again.

How to buy great Birthday gifts for kids – Does a kid’s birthday party invitation leave you wondering what gift you might buy them? This article will give you tips that should help you buy great birthday gifts for kids – while keeping things simple and stress-free.

Top 10 irresistible budget gifts for kids – if you’re buying gifts for kids but don’t want to spend a fortune, then check out our budget gift ideas. There are loads of ways to personalise gifts and make them special without breaking the bank. You’ll never be stuck for ideas again. Read on to save money now.

Buying gifts for women – Men, read this before you buy another gift. Good advice for any man who has tried, and failed, to impress his girlfriend / wife / mother / sister with his gift buying skills.

A Tricky Problem for a Halloween Party – Halloween is now a major event in the autumn calendar. Why not embrace this fun, spooky evening by throwing your own Halloween party? We’ve put together some great ideas – from how to decorate your home, spooky treats for guests to eat and even some tips on creating creepy fancy dress costumes. Find out how you can turn your Halloween party into a real treat this year.

Buying gifts on Mother’s Day – Remember what’s important on Mother’s Day. Extravagant, expensive gestures are not expected or necessary. What is important to most Mums is to be shown how much they’re appreciated by their children.

Great teacher’s gift ideas – We’re nearing the end of another school year and you’re struggling to find any original thank-you gift ideas? To save the teacher from yet another cupboard full of bath foam and chocolates, check out this article.

Surviving Valentine’s Day – Whatever your situation – single, in a new or long term relationship, this article will give you tips and advice on how to make Valentine’s Day a success.

Marriage proposal ideas – Thinking of getting down on one knee? Our guide to unusual ways to ask your loved one to marry you may give you some great ideas.

Winning wedding gifts - discover how to buy the right wedding gifts, with practical ideas on how to buy from wedding lists, last minute wedding gifts and what to do if the couple does not want any gifts at all.

They deserve a medal!

I know how hard my sons’ teachers work. Every day both children can’t wait to go to school, they love the environment and adore their teachers, which makes it so much easier for me!

It also means that I’m more than happy to send a thank you gift at the end of the school year. And I know that most mums and dads out there agree.

In our final blog on teacher’s gifts, I’ve come up with some more ideas to save the teacher from yet another cupboard full of bath foam and chocolates.

Make it personal

If you start thinking in advance, you’ll have time to do a bit of research. Take note of the style your child’s teacher prefers. If they have a female teacher, does she wear accessories and fashion jewellery or have her ears pierced? If it’s a man, does he use cufflinks?

Just be careful that you’re not too obvious or you could be mistaken for a stalker!

But what about something that shows the positive influence of their teaching skills? Ask your child to write a thank you note to their teacher in their own words, which you can frame. This can be especially effective if your child has shown real progress over the year.

They could also make and decorate their own card and write a poem that tells why they like their teacher so much.

Or paint a terracotta pot and give it their teacher with a plant in it (if you’re very organised and plan a few weeks in advance your child could even grow a plant from seed).

Why not brainstorm with your children for ideas?

Whatever you decide to buy, always remember that it’s the thought that counts.

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For fun teacher’s gift ideas why not check out our teacher’s balloons?

Well, what about something practical?

A nice pen will be useful, for instance – you’ll just have to hope that the other parents from your child’s class aren’t reading this, or the teacher could end up with a full stationery set.

You could always buy something useful for the classroom too. For infant and nursery school teachers, what about a soft toy book character? Not only will your child love to give their teacher a cute, cuddly toy (assuming that they don’t want to keep it for themselves) but it can also be used as a teaching aid.

Soft toys like Paddington Bear, Elmer the Elephant and The Hungry Caterpillar are great fun. And, in association with the books, can be used to illustrate a variety of educational lessons for years to come.

That time of year again!

The end of the school year is approaching fast and that age-old question has arisen yet again: what do you buy your child’s teacher?

This phenomenon only seems to affect infant and junior school children but it’s one that can’t be ignored.

In the last week of the school year, every staff room in the country must resemble a strange cross between Interflora, Boots and Thorntons.

I’m as guilty as the next mum or dad for rushing round at the last minute trying to think of something different – and I often end up with the usual chocolates or flowers. However if you get a little organised you can come up with a more original gift idea – and hopefully one that your child’s teacher will remember.

Why not club together with a few other parents and buy your child’s teacher a gift voucher for a local spa? She will deserve it after putting up with our little darlings all year. If your child’s teacher’s a man, he will probably prefer a department store voucher!

You could also simply use the money to buy a more substantial gift. For something more traditional buy a large bunch of flowers or plant, a large box of chocolates or a gift hamper.

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For a teacher gift that’s a little different why not check out our teacher balloons?