Is your teen's youth group doing any caroling this year? Maybe just heading out to the local light show? Are you trying to pull together a car pool of teenagers? It's crazy! Lucky for you I've done this quite a few times and although I'm not promising you won't get a little nuts, these tips should help.

Shopping for your teen can make you nervous about facing all of the holiday crowds, finding the right gift, your budget, etc. But parents, you can get your teen to help! Have them tell you what they want and then just order what you need online. For years, I've been using this time-saving trick. I still shop in stores for the fun of it at Christmas, but it is stress-free, because what I need is already purchased.

Here is how: Have your teen create a wish list and give them the responsibility to find the item in online stores, trying to get the best price. Then use their wish list to shop. Be sure to tell your teen what your budget is, but that they can put what they want on the list. This is also very handy if you have relatives who are looking to buy for your teen. Just email your teen's list to them. One wish list I recommend is Amazon.com's wish list area.

Suggested Resources:

• Over 50 Holiday Gift Ideas for Teens
• Free Stocking Stuffer Coupons
• 10 Creative Ideas for Giving Money
• How To Wrap a Large Gift
• Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens
• Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Boys
• Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls

Follow the About.com Parenting & Family's Holiday Shopping

• Surefire Gifts for Mom
• Give Cheap Gifts Without Looking Cheap
• 10 Great Stocking Stuffers for College Kids"
• Holiday Gifts Under $30 for College Kids & Young Adults
• Active Toys for the Whole Family
• Active Toys for School-Aged Kids
• Active Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers
• Board Games That Are Fun for Parents, Too
• Affordable Parent-Child Gifts
• Best Boyfriend/Girlfriend Gifts
• Inexpensive Baby Clothes Gifts
• Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens
• Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Boys
• Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls
• Top Gifts for Crafty Kids
• Gifts for Grandpa
• Grandmother Gifts From Around the World
• Gifts for Grandbaby's First Year
• Commemorative Gifts for Baby's First Christmas
• Top Preschool Board Games
• Educational Toys for Preschoolers
• Top Inexpensive Gifts for Teachers, Coaches and Parent Volunteers
• Video Games for the Whole Family
• Electronic Gifts and Games for Kids
• Electronic Gifts and Games for Preschoolers
• Gift Ideas for Tweens
• 10 Ideas for Grandparents Gifts
• 10 Ways to Give Mom Gifts She Deserves
• Classic Toys for Today's Kids
• Books That Keep Kids Busy
• Educational Kids Games for Grade Schoolers
• DVDs/Blu-rays for Preschoolers
• DVDs/Blu-rays for Kids Ages 6-9
• Disney Classic Re-releases - 2009
• Awesome Collector's Editions and DVD/Blu-ray Gift Sets - 2009
• New Christmas Movie Releases

My daughter has a very part time job this year, therefore she has been able to save some money for Christmas shopping. After counting it up and seeing what she would like to buy her sisters and her friends, she realizes that she may not have enough. She then started looking for sales and has not - yet - asked for more money from me. The thing is, I'm not sure how much money I'm willing to give. I'm sure after talking to her I'll know better what she needs, but as a ballpark figure, I don't know. My feelings are that I was willing to give her more last year, but why should she be penalized for having a job and saving some money? I'm going to have to think about this. While I do, let's get a pulse from our parenting community with a poll - and don't forget to leave your opinion in the comments area!

Poll: How much money do you give your teen for Christmas shopping?

• None.
• $25 and under
• $25 - $50
• $50 - $100
• Over $100

See the poll results.

And does your teen still let you hug them? I went to hug my 13 year old today in the grocery store because she was sad about losing a basketball game and she looked like she needed it. She backed away and looked up and down the aisle, making sure no one was there before she let me hug her.

Do you think I should have told her about the cameras stores use to keep shoplifters at bay? lol

So, fess up! Do you have to sneak in a hug or two with your teen or do they let you hug them any old time? And how important do you think hugs are?

Share on the your stories, advice and opinions in the comments area.