I struggle with gift ideas for my husband. I just never know what to get get him, or my dad, my brothers and brothers in law too, if you want to know the truth.  Gift giving for men is tricky because I find that if a man wants something, he’ll just go out and buy it!

 When birthdays and Christmas come around, there isn’t really anything they want and there are only so many shirts or iTunes gift certificates you can buy a person.

However, this year I have a great idea – beer of the month club. How good is that? For just $21.95 (plus $10 shipping) each month my DH gets a twelve pack that contains four different types of hand crafted microbrews in 12-ounce bottles, courtesy of the Great American Beer Club. 

The company has been running since 1994 and all beers are hand selected by a panel of experts (I’m sure my DH would like that job!). Also, there’s no minimum membership period so you can trial the monthly beer club before making a commitment, but if you sign up for a year, you will receive a $25 credit towards a second membership. 

The beer selections come from two or three different microbreweries each month, so he will get to try beers that he might not find at our liquor outlet or sports bar. Beer of the month club is such a great gift idea.  I remember someone saying that when it comes to gift giving for men, the best bet is something they can eat or drink.  Come to think of it, I don’t mind that kind of gift myself!  Anyway, a monthly beer club delivery of designer brewskis  is practical, classy and is something every beer lover can appreciate!

And if DH find some beers he really likes, he can order them at a discounted price and have them delivered to his door.  He’s going to love it.  It’s a really great idea. Plus, there is a monthly beer lovers newsletter to help them become true connoisseurs!

When traveling out of the United States, your child, regardless of age, will need his/her own passport. To obtain a passport you will need to go to your local passport office and fill out the required forms. You will be required to show proof of identification for yourself and your child.

You can apply for a passport at most city offices. Check your local government listings for exact locations.

When you fill out the passport application you will need to have with you proof of US citizenship, proof of identity, two recent pictures, and the correct amount in fees.

You must have certified copies of all birth certificates submitted. The passport office will take your birth certificates with your application. They will be returned to you, by mail, with your new passport.

Photographs must be exactly 2 in X 2 in. and no more than 1 3/8 in from the bottom of your chin to the top of your hair. The image must be of you alone and no less than 1 in. Additionally, you must not be wearing any type of head covering or dark glasses, unless they are certified religious or medical in nature.

Also, for your children you will need  proof that you are the child’s parent or guardian, including a notarized statement signed by both parents or evidence you are the child’s only legal guardian. The US Department of State will provide you with these forms.

Keep in mind, the child must accompany the parent to the passport office. You can not apply for your child’s passport without them.

Plan well ahead and allow at least eight weeks to receive your passports. When you turn in your application and supporting documents, you will be given a website address where you can check on the status of your passport..

When traveling by train or bus with small children, safety is a crucial factor.

In the station lobby, keep children close by.  Places like crowded airports and bustling train stations are very popular hangouts for purse snatchers and pickpockets, and an unsupervised child might be a very tempting target.

Don’t let your luggage out of sight, either.  With a family-sized pile of baggage, one small piece might not be missed until the family is a hundred miles from the station.  Put your ID on all of your luggage.  While you’re at it, make sure every child is also carrying ID, including name, address, itinerary, phone numbers, and if possible, the contact information for the person the child is going to see at their destination.  That way, even in the unlikely event you and your children are separated, they should be able to contact either you or someone at the destination.

Supervision of children is also critical when boarding or leaving the vehicle.  Bus and train stations are very active places, with vehicles moving in all directions, and a child could very easily step into danger while the parents are wrestling with a stroller or heavy bag.

Bus or train rides that last longer than a few minutes will require moving around, even if only for restroom breaks.  Since the vehicle will be moving, children may need help to keep their balance and footing while working their way to and from the restroom.

Place children in window seats on buses whenever possible.  Not only will this give them something to look at during the trip, it will also make it more difficult for them to wander away down the aisle if mommy or daddy falls asleep because they would have to crawl over or under the adult.

Trains and subways can be very crowded at times and small children can get lost in the commotion.  Be sure to keep the children close when the ride becomes “standing room only.”