Yeah. We know. Christmas is less than a week away. And you’re thinking, If I don’t have all my gift-shopping done now, I’m out of luck! Didn’t we tell you we’re here for you? Um, it’s still true. Just sayin’…

So because we know that sometimes life gets crazy and you realize you forgot to buy something for your slightly crazy half-cousin Mary Sue, we’re highlighting the best charity (aka online) gifts you can give. Basically you can buy a super-useful gift for someone in poverty and send a card to Mary Sue, letting her know you donated in her honor. So not only can you knock that person off your gift list, you can help change the world. Yeah. Pretty awesome.

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Yep. We know. You’ve been eagerly anticipating Monday to see what new gifts we will suggest. It may be the first time you’ve looked forward to a Monday. =) Well, the wait is over! This week it’s time to explore the best fun gifts.

You’ve heard us talk about this one before, but we’re crazy about Funglish, $20. It’s not your average board game. It’s like Pictionary, but with words. Which is super fun for those of us whose stick figures would stump Picasso. A perfect gift for friends who like to have fun. We think this game rocks. (more…)

Yep. It’s that time. The time when people go out of their minds trying to find the perfect gifts for their friends and family. And since we care about you, we’re gonna help you out. It’s a crazy world out there and you really do not wanna wander out unprepared. Heaven forbid, in your quest for a great gift, you accidentally come between a grandma and the last toy of choice. (Seriously. It would be bad.)

Each Monday from now until Christmas we’ll be throwing out awesome gift ideas. This week we’re focusing on gifts for the artists or writers in your life. Not just because we’re artists and writers. (Okay, maybe it is. But we had to start somewhere!) (more…)

What if you were an orphan? I know what you’re thinking. Okay, Halee, I see where this is going, but I’m not exactly ready to adopt right now. I kinda need to finish high school…

Don’t worry. I’m not advocating teen parenthood! But you’re not too young to make a difference. Check out this video and then we’ll talk:

Okay, so you may not be ready to take care of a kid (even though that video might’ve made you want one. There’s time for that later.). (more…)

Happy Retro Day!! To go with our current them of “back to school”, we decided to re-post this great story from Halee about her hilarious high school debacle. Enjoy!

By RTF Editor Halee Matthews

It was a rite of passage – a mean, painful initiation. Nearly every person at my high school suffered through it at some point… except me. I managed to dodge it until the end of my junior year, when it found me in the place where the stairs lie in wait for their next victim. (more…)

Halee: Once upon a time, there were some slightly crazy editors. Okay, fine. There were some definitely crazy editors. And in the spirit of collaboration and fun, they decided to gather and create some collective craziness.

(Okay, 3 look crazy and 1 just looks scared…) (more…)

by Editor Halee Matthews

Still bored, huh? Don’t worry, I’ve got more ideas.

6. Tutor. Even though school is out, some parents are trying to help their kids work on their math skills or iron out the wrinkles in their grammar. Whatever the case, pick a subject you’re good at and make good grades in, and let families know you’re willing to do a little tutoring. Just keep it fun and interactive. Then both the kids and parents will appreciate your skills. (more…)

by Editor Halee Matthews

It’s summer (just in case you missed the blinding sun and scorching heat). And now that you’re over the “woo hoo, no school” phase, you might find yourself a little bored. (Unless you’re in summer school, in which case, you have my sympathy.)

If you find yourself staring up at the ceiling, debating how to fill your time, here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Volunteer. Great causes are always looking for people to help them out. You could go with a longer term commitment, like several weeks, or just a few days; most organizations are flexible. (more…)