We love our kids and want to make them happy. Maybe that's why we tend to go a little overboard at Christmas time. Somehow, no matter how good our intentions, when we hit the mall and see so many things that we know they'll love, we end up with a cart full of the top toys and a wallet full of maxed out credit cards. Then it's the day after Christmas and we're beating ourselves up mentally and wishing we'd stuck to our original intentions.

This year, there's the added problem of so many toy recalls. How to Find Safe Toys has a list of up-to-date recalls and a safe toy list you can check. Who wants to poison their child or have to take away a favorite Christmas present later on, because it's covered in lead paint? Many of the recalled toys were at the top of the favorite toy lists last year and many kids were disappointed when they had to give up their little train sets or action figures.

Christmas doesn't have to be this way. There's a happy medium between overindulging our offspring and giving them sacks of coal under the tree. This year, make a shopping list that fits your budget and stick to it. Don't know how to get them what they want and still stay within budget and without spoiling them? Here are some ideas.

Start by having them make a list of everything they want this year. Make sure that you have them list some things that aren't very expensive. It might help if you preface your list request by telling them that they're going to be getting some little gifts this year, as well as a big one or two. If they're old enough - ten or so - let them know that you feel that they have more than enough toys. Tell them that you just can't spend as much this year. Even third graders know that gas is sky-high as is heating oil. They hear it on the news and in school. Reassure them that Christmas will be just the same as always in your family, with all the traditions, only with fewer presents under the tree. This might be a good time to remind them of the "true meaning of Christmas" whatever that is for your family.

I like to go online, list in hand, and see what kind of bargains I can get for one or two presents that my kids have said that they want the most. If the price is within reason, I try to get them at least one of these things. Then I divide whatever other money I've budgeted between the kids and look for quality gifts that won't bore them to tears by New Year's Day. One of my favorite gifts for kids and teens, is games that the whole family can play.

The Cranium games are very good. They're very popular right now too, quirky, colorful, easy to learn and fun to play. Some other good games for ages 8 and up are Monopoly, Set and Mancala. For more ideas, How to Find Safe Toys has a list of safe toy companies with both the newest and also traditional toys. And don't forget puzzles, sports equipment, clothes for kids who are into fashion. Most kids like books, scrapbooking supplies and arts and crafts materials. Do your kids have hobbies? Do they have pets that need toys or supplies? Do they play a musical instrument and need sheet music with the latest songs?

Be creative and you'll find that there are alternatives to more toys that just add to the clutter in their rooms. How about a rugged but inexpensive digital camera for a budding photographer? Plants for the kid who likes to garden? New bedding for the kid who enjoys redecorating her room? How about their own personal rocker that fits into a corner of their room so that they can read or rock their baby dolls? You know your kids better than anyone else does, so you'll be able to come up with some very personalized, unique gifts if you just think about what they really like to do and what gifts would fit in with those activities.

Stick with your list. Don't overspend. Go shopping when you're rested and the mall isn't crowded - supper time is a good time to go. Don't wait until the last minute to shop. Start as soon as possible and take your time. You and your kids will enjoy Christmas just as much, if not more, if you put more thought into choosing presents and less money. Better yet, you'll enjoy the day after Christmas a lot more without the big credit card bills or the guilt you used to feel when you gave your kids too much.

Looking for safe toys? At How to Find Safe Toys Lill Hawkins blogs about resources for finding safe toys for Newborns to Teens. Check in daily for the latest toy recalls and a long list of alternatives to blah big-box gifts.