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Holiday gift trends are always evolving and this year, what’s old is new again, but now with a modern, tech twist. Every kid wants to have the coolest gift to show off to their friends at school. So get a head start on holiday gift buying before the most popular toys fly off the shelves.

Here are some surefire hot sellers this holiday season:

ABCs

Traditional ABC blocks have been around since the 1600s, so an upgrade is long overdue. The VTech Alphabet Activity Cube builds on this classic learning toy by adding an electronic learning component that’s super easy to use. The blocks can be stacked on the top of the cube or they can be inserted into the side slot so kids can learn more about each letter. The toy also features five piano keys, a number keypad, and telephone. It’s a great way to make learning the alphabet fun! Learn more at http://vtechkids.com/cube.

2-in-1 Fun

For generations, children have simply loved toy cars and toy dinosaurs. This hasn’t changed, as one of the hottest gifts this holiday season is VTech’s Switch & Go Dinos, an interactive 2-in-1 play experience that brings together dinosaurs and vehicles. Switch & Go Dinos easily transform between a dinosaur and a vehicle in a few simple steps, coming equipped with an LCD screen for customizable animations. In dinosaur mode, action buttons play interesting facts about each dinosaur, so they can learn while they play. For more information, visit http://vtechkids.com/dinos.

Board Games

Classic board games such as Monopoly and Risk have entertained families for decades. Why not introduce these classics to your children this year? New updates to these games are adding to the appeal for kids today. Monopoly Revolution has added sounds and music to accompany your real estate journey, while Risk Halo Wars incorporates armies from the popular video game franchise. This holiday season, your old favorites are in style once again, with a new flavor. You’ll be sure to see these gifts at the top of many wish lists.

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Even when times are tough, many Americans budget a portion of their assets to go to charity. According to Giving USA, a research institute that publishes data and trends on charitable giving, Americans contributed more than $298.42 billion to charities in 2011. While your heart may guide you to a particular charity, don’t just hand over your hard-earned money without getting some information. Though all charities purport to be doing good work, some organizations have less than stellar track records. Just as you would scrutinize a financial investment, so should you examine a charity to ensure your money makes the biggest impact possible. Fortunately, there are resources out there that can help. For example, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, established by the Better Business Bureau, connects donors to charities they can trust. Without judging the worthiness of a charity’s mission, BBB Wise Giving Alliance applies 20 Standards that ensure that a charity is aboveboard in everything it does, from money-management, to public transparency, to interactions with its board. Your money will be better used if you donate to a charity that is well run and meets these standards. So the next time you donate, first consider accessing a free report of the charity of your choice at www.give.org. And if your charity is not listed, you can request a review. One sector, in particular, that is always in need of charitable support is education. Investing in education is investing in the future of the local, national and global communities.

Here are some great examples of educational organizations that meet the standards of BBB and could use your help.

• DonorsChoose.org: This online charity makes it easy for donors to help students in need. Public school teachers post classroom project requests ranging from basic school supplies to musical instruments. Donors can choose projects based on criteria like location, subject, cost, or poverty level.

• Girls Inc.: Girls Inc. offers programs that help girls navigate gender, economic and social barriers, equipping them to achieve academic success, lead healthy, physically active lives, manage money, and discover an interest in historically male-dominated fields like technology, engineering and math. They award multiple college scholarships annually.

• National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD): NCLD advocates success for students with learning disabilities by connecting parents and educators with resources and tools. You can get a free copy of an evaluative listing of educational and other national charities by sending your name and address to Wise Giving Guide, 3033 Wilson Blvd, Suite 600, Arlington, VA, 22201 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . With the cost of education on the rise, the need to offer financial support to educational institutions is increasingly important. But remember, if you’re going to give, give wisely.

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According to the National Sleep Foundation, if you have trouble staying and falling asleep at night, or you wake up feeling unrefreshed in the morning, you may be suffering from insomnia. Almost everyone has trouble sleeping every so often, but for many Americans having a hard time getting to sleep or waking in the middle of the night is a significant problem. To help, board certified sleep specialist Dr. Russell Rosenberg, Chairman of the National Sleep Foundation, offers answers to some questions about insomnia:

What is insomnia?

Insomnia involves difficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep, waking too early, trouble getting back to sleep or lack of refreshing sleep, as defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Are the symptoms of insomnia the same for everyone?

Insomnia may affect people differently. Some complain of waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble falling back asleep, while others have trouble initially getting to sleep.

What can I do to help me fall asleep at night?

Establish a regular bed and wake time. Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet and comfortable. Allow time at night to “wind down” before climbing into bed. Doing work, watching TV and using the computer, both close to bedtime or in the bedroom, can hinder your ability to fall asleep. Avoid violent shows and news reports before bedtime as they can be agitating.

If I wake up in the middle of the night, what are some tips to help me fall back to sleep?

If you wake up in the middle of the night and stay in bed, don’t stare at the clock. Also, do not watch TV, use your computer or cell phone, because use of these technologies can stimulate your brain and make it harder to fall back to sleep. Avoid drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. Most importantly, you should try to relax.  

What can I do during the day to help my insomnia?

Good daytime habits may help with both types of insomnia. “I tell my patients to avoid caffeine after lunch,” stresses Rosenberg. Also, get regular exercise but avoid rigorous exercise close to bedtime and always check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen. If those suggestions don’t help, what else should I do? You should speak with your healthcare professional if you are having trouble sleeping. He or she can determine whether or not you suffer from insomnia and if treatment is needed.

Where can I learn more about insomnia?

For more information regarding insomnia, visit the National Sleep Foundation website at http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/insomnia-and-sleep.