UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- If you have your holiday gift giving "wrapped up" already, congratulations. For the rest of us, a consumer scientist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences offers some suggestions.

"Last year, holiday shoppers spent, on average, almost $900 on gifts," says Marilyn Furry, associate professor of extension education. "But holiday shopping doesn't have to be extravagant -- or difficult.

"Because gift selection can be a challenge, ask family members and friends to complete a 'gift form,'" Furry suggests. "The form can include information like sizes; favorite color, books, authors and musical groups; musical equipment owned; hobbies; magazine subscriptions desired; collectibles; jewelry; and sports interests. This list can help you throughout the year for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, birthdays, graduation and other celebrations."

Furry also suggests setting spending limits, then using credit cards in moderation or not at all. "Don't let the ease of shopping put stars in your eyes and tinsel on your brain," she says. "Post-holiday bills arrive in the mailbox soon after the carefree holiday season."

Furry offers other suggestions for holiday shopping:

• Shop with a list.

• Shop long before the holidays and only in reputable stores between 2:30 and 5 p.m., when stores are not as crowded.

• Ask salespeople about their refund and exchange policy. "Study any warranties before you buy and keep all receipts," she says.

• Take advantage of stores' free gift wrapping service.

• Check to see if the item will need to be assembled. "If you're not handy with tools, assembling furniture, toys and bikes can be daunting -- especially the night before the holiday," Furry says.

• If crowds and traffic are too much to handle, shop at home using well-known, established companies. "Be sure to read product descriptions and return policies carefully," Furry says. "Ask about shipping costs and payment options and be sure the gifts will arrive in time for the holidays."

• Consider holding a dinner in a restaurant, or attending a play, musical or event your family will enjoy. "Make this special outing part of the holiday spending budget," Furry says. "Often we remember these events long after the gifts we receive."

• Involve children in gift giving -- guiding and advising them rather than dictating what they buy.

• Adopt a pay-as-you-go plan, eliminating credit use.

• Draw names among family members, buying one major gift for the name drawn and stocking gifts for $10 or less for the others.

• Make gifts or send photos or videos of the family to faraway relatives. "Take pictures of your children from dawn until bedtime and title them 'A Day in the Life of...,'" Furry suggests. "Or make a booklet of recipes, such as Mom's lasagna, Dad's barbecue rub and Grandma's peach pie."

• Consider giving redeemable vouchers for a meal, child care, pet sitting, tax preparation or any services you're willing to provide.

• Visit craft sales at malls and churches where handmade items and baked goods (for the freezer) are sold, with the sales benefiting the organizations.

• Take a collection for needy families or charities rather than exchanging gifts at the office.

• Keep holiday expectations reasonable. People are more important than things.

• Consider volunteering during the holidays at agencies that provide help and services to the less fortunate. "Check with your local hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters or senior living centers to ask how you might help," Furry says.

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  EDITORS: For more information, contact Marilyn Furry at 814-863-7428.

  Contacts: Kim Dionis KDionis@psu.edu 814-863-2703 814-865-1068 fax