It won't be long till buying time for the ferrets on the giving tree. In anticipation we can start purchasing items now. Many of the items asked for are typically what we give our own ferrets. I shop the dollar stores for safe toys and baby blankets and Walmart carries 88 cent dog and cat toys that are strategically placed in boxes on the shelves by the registers. Favorites at our house is the soft cloth flying saucer dog toy - no squeaker inside, and the rope toys - no loops. My last trip to Walmart I saw fleece lap blankets (by the check-out) for $3.88! Whenever I'm in the stores I check out the sales aisles and the baby aisles for items that will work for ferrets. When sending gifts you can always send more than what is asked for! Other ideas would be gift certificates to on-line pet stores for items lower priced than what will be found at the local pet stores. There are several that offer a low shipping rate and some offer free shipping with a certain amount purchase. And for anyone shopping on-line, if you shop the iGive.com stores, the charity you choose earns a percentage of the sale. Or maybe you'd like to make a payment to their vet account. Also remember the caretakers too. They might like a ferret calendar and if you purchase the ferrets of the fml calendar or buy calendars sold by ferret clubs and shelters you donate twice! Or maybe they'd like a ferrety trinket, or something warm to drink, or a snack to eat. Maybe they'd like that lap blanket at Walmart for $3.88! Or the flameless scented candles that are out on the market now. Don't forget other ways to give, such as donating a few hours, a day or more helping to take care of ferrets at a shelter or sanctuary, ferret-sitting for an evening while the caretaker(s) go out for a nice meal, or adopting a ferret from a shelter. Maybe the shelter or sanctuary has older ferrets that just need someone to sit and hold them for awhile. The gift of gentle caressing and cuddling can mean so very much to a ferrets. Another idea would be to contact your local schools and see if the teachers would like to offer the children a chance to help the ferrets on the giving trees too. An entire class can choose a ferret or two and send package or some in the class may want to spend a few hours helping out at the shelter. Anyone else have some ideas? Please post if you do! Let's make this season a very loving time of year. tle www.ferretfamilyservices.org [Posted in FML 5731]