Q: So I have three b-day's coming up and I am just a teen in high school with NO money. What could I do for their birthdays? 2 girls and 1 guy. Thanks for your advice! Chris
A: You have many options. 1. Wrap an old pair of socks in birthday paper, with no label. Get to the party early. Look through the pile of gifts for something that looks expensive. Remove the label and put it on your package with the socks. Then put your own label (made before you left home) on the fancy package. No one will be the wiser. 2. Lacy underwear is always a safe bet. If you can't afford new, then rummage through your mother's or sister's lingerie drawer. Look for a dark pair that doesn't show the stains. If it's for a guy, watch for him to open it. Give him a wink and make the "Call me!" sign with your hand. 3. Be creative. Make something out of 'found objects.' It's amazing what a little imagination can do with some pretty rocks from your driveway, a bowl of gazpacho, 12 rubber bands (like the 12 tribes of Israel), a can of Mandarin oranges, an integrated circuit from an old circuit board, a dead spider, a slice of American cheese rolled into a ball, a bent nail. 4. Clip some of your favorite columns from a magazine or newspaper. Fold them in a unique and creative manner. Stuff them into an envelope and add a drop of cologne. 5. Write a poem. Tip: Do NOT start it with "Roses are red...." That's totally hackneyed. Try this: Begonias are pink. Dead leaves are brown. I'm under the sink. Let's go to town! Good luck, and remember, just "Be Yourself!" If that doesn't work, then think of a TV celebrity and be that guy. I suggest Phil Spector, b/c he has cool hair.