BTW, I found the cheap lights at Home Depot again the other day. They were in a big cardboard bin by the registers for $0.88 each. I picked up a handful - it's nice to leave one in every room so I don't have to search around for a light when I need one. The only downside is they take 3 AAA batteries each, but they should last almost forever.
On gifts for kids, my M-I-L has a system: if your kid/s are invited to a birthday party for a child/parent combo they and you like, get them something nice. If it is for a child/parent combo you aren't completely happy with, fingerpaints make a great gift. If the kid is too old for fingerpaints, lights and noises are a fine substitute!
