This holiday season, many parents are reporting that they will spend less on each other so that they can buy gifts for their children. Slightly more than half (50.3 percent) of parents surveyed said they plan to cut back on gifts to each other, according to a new survey by America's Research Group, a consumer research and marketing firm. Things were very different before the economic downturn tightened everyone's purse strings: In 2007, only 6 percent of spouses said they'd cut back on gifts for each other.

But as with any cloud, how you deal with the setback determines the shine of your silver lining. If you're spending less on your spouse this year, you can look at your limited holiday budget as a challenge to buy only small but thoughtful gifts that will be appreciated. For instance, if your spouse loves to collect ornaments, you can buy her one to add to her collection. Or if he loves to watch football with buddies, you can arrange for a guys' afternoon football party at your house and surprise him with an invitation.

For other cheap but great holiday gift ideas, check out Working Moms Guide Katherine Lewis' ideas for Nice but Cheap Gifts.

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Toys sold by big companies like Mattel and Disney have been found to have high levels of lead, according to a new report by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a research and advocacy group that works to protect consumers from toxic chemicals. CEH tested 250 products sold at major retailers such as Sears and Wal-Mart and found that 7 items contained lead levels that exceed federal safety standards.

The products found to have high levels of lead are:

The most disconcerting part of this new report is that it comes after a new law passed by Congress last year that sets strict limits on lead and chemicals in products for children ages 12 and under. That law was prompted by a series of major product recalls of toys tainted with lead. Which makes a parent think, "When will kids' products finally be free of lead and other toxic chemicals?"

What do you think about the new ad campaign promoting chocolate milk in schools? The campaign, which is sponsored by The National Dairy Council, stresses the nutritional value of lowfat chocolate milk and asserts that kids drink less milk when chocolate milk is taken away.

Meanwhile, those who oppose chocolate milk in schools say that flavored milk adds extra calories -- and therefore extra pounds -- contributing to the growing problem of childhood obesity. They say kids will drink plain milk when flavored is not available.

Is the answer balance? Some schools are experimenting with offering flavored milk only on certain days of the week. And in our family, I know that my son, for one, will rarely drink plain milk. To boost his calcium intake, I give him yogurt and cheese and calcium-fortified orange juice. And I also occasionally give him vanilla or chocolate-flavored milk. He doesn't eat much sugar otherwise, so I figure the occasional serving of flavored milk is worth any extra calories.

Is your family planning to travel to see family this Thanksgiving? If so, you may want to check out these tips on getting cheaper Thanksgiving travel flights from Teresa Plowright, guide to family vacations. Being flexible with travel dates can mean significant savings for families.

If you're planning to drive, try these tips on saving gas. You can use these fuel-efficiency tips to save gas on your Thanksgiving trip and beyond. Making these gas-saving tips a part of your daily routine will not only save you money but also help you do your part to save the environment.