Monday, April 30, 2007
Mother's Day Can Be Marvelous! Great Gift Ideas for Mom
The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.
Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:
So you don't want to do flowers this year. You want something really unique, something that will really show how much you appreciate her.
Something great … but what?
Buying gifts for Moms are, admittedly, easier than buying for Dads most of the time, but finding that perfect gift (the one that will make her face light up as if she were 5 again) does take some time. We know you're busy, so we've taken some of the legwork out of the process. Here's a list of great gift ideas you can consider for Mother's Day.
• For the Artistic Type. What about a portable art studio? If she loves watercolors, you put together a set she can take out anywhere. Easel, supplies, it's all in one handy case that she can sling on her back and hit the road. You can also stock it with oils or drawing pencils if those are her cup of tea.
Or, if you'd like to surprise her with something completely new, why not put together a gift basket revolving around, say, candle-making? Or calligraphy? Trying something new is always fun and exciting, and it might even be something you can try together.
• For the Health Nut. If your mom loves exercise and well-being, why not put together gifts that cater to that? You could buy her an exquisite indoor water fountain for soothing background noise. There are many made of copper that look like works of art, and all come in sizes from the very small to the very large.
Meditating machines also create soothing background noises like birds chirping, rushing mountain streams, or the surf. These are great for cutting out unwanted background noise, and can be very relaxing to listen to while reading or doing yoga.
• For Pure Decadence. Everyone loves getting stuff in the mail, especially on a regular basis. Why not think about getting her a regularly delivered gift? You can do flowers every month, cakes, cookies, fruit, chocolate – the possibilities are endless. It's like getting a new present every few weeks!
• For the Time Honored Gift. This category is great for anything personalized. Paperweights, photo albums, watches and jewelry, and even art, personalizing is a great way to give a gift that will be honored and kept forever.
If you'd like to get a bit more creative, you could also write a letter to your mom to go along with a personalized gift. Recount some fond memories you've had with her, and let her know why she's so special to you.
• For a Technology Gift. If your mom loves music and does not already have an iPod, this makes a really wonderful gift. They're lightweight and hold an amazing number of songs. If you know her musical taste, you could load some of her favorite tunes on there before giving it to her so she could start enjoying it immediately!
If she does already have one, why not get her an iTunes gift card or some accessories to go with it? Perhaps a nice set of headphones (those earbuds that come with it start to hurt after awhile), or a portable boom box she can slip her iPod into and take outside.
Or why not think about putting together a gift basket full of DVD's revolving around a theme? For example, if your mom is from the South, why not pick out a bunch of movies with a Southern Girl theme (think ‘Steel Magnolia's' here …) or, if she loves action flicks, get her a bunch of action movies she can curl up on a Friday night and watch. You could also add to this theme and throw in a fancy popcorn bowl, some gourmet popcorn, a cozy blanket, anything she might want for a movie-watching marathon.
Giving great gifts is like an art form, and with a little creativity you can put together gifts that will never be forgotten!
Karen Fusco is co-founder of SilkBow.com which supports Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to meet the challenges of motherhood. She is also co-founder of WellnessArticles.net , a directory of articles covering many areas of wellness. Karen can be reached directly at: karen@SilkBow.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Fusco
There's a lot to understand about mother's day gift. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
How to Save Money with Great Gift Ideas
Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with gifts ideas? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you've ever wanted to know about gifts ideas.
If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.
How to Save Money with Great Gift Ideas
By Ispas Marin | On January 30, 2006 | In Home-and-Family | 34 Viewings
Want to save $1000 this year for very little effort? Gift giving is an area where impulse buying is a frequent occurrence. I was amazed to discover I was spending over $1500 or more per year for gifts. What have you spent for gifts in the last 12 months?
Want to save $1000 this year for very little effort? Gift giving is an area where impulse buying is a frequent occurrence. I was amazed to discover I was spending over $1500 or more per year for gifts. What have you spent for gifts in the last 12 months?
In my experience, gifts were last minute purchases for which money was no object. I now spend less than $500 per year for gifts. Take two hours of your life and save yourself $1000 or more per year on gift giving.
Get Prepared
Label 12 manila folders January - December. On the front of each monthly folder, write the days of the month. Next to the appropriate date on the folder, write in the occasion for which a gift and/or a card will need to be purchased. Then, write the amount of money you will spend on that gift. Inevitably, a wedding or birthday will come up that you didn't know about, so be sure you leave a little money left for these unexpected occasions.
The key is, don't exceed what you budgeted for each gift. For example, for Mother's Day, I will write $15 next to the holiday. I only allocate $400 for the known holidays and set aside $100 for the unexpected gifts such as a wedding or birth of a child. You may find that you are unable to budget $500 a year for gift giving. Just determine what you can afford and STICK WITH IT. Don't deviate from your budget.
Advance Planning
There are very real benefits to planning your gift-giving in advance. And, with a little creativity, you can bring your overall cost down substantially. Because you're prepared, you can actually enjoy the holidays. You won't feel financially strapped since you've budgeted for the gifts in advance. Since you've anticipated the gift-giving occasion, you will undoubtedly find the gifts on sale. It goes without saying, but the ideas is, NEVER PAY RETAIL - EVER!
Frugal Gift Ideas
Buy gift-wrap and greeting cards on sale, or better yet, make them yourself.
Shop for gifts all year long to get the best price. This may mean you could be buying Christmas cards in January.
Plant an herb garden for a friend. And, while you're at it, make one for yourself too.
Treat your partner/spouse to a homemade spa. Give him/her a gift certificate announcing a full one-hour body massage and facial. This gift is easily worth over $75!
Organize personal negatives and photographs for a friend or family member. Create a scrapbook, photo books, or even Photo CDs.
Make some creative hand puppets for a child if you have mismatched socks and buttons lying around your home.
Create a care package for a friend who recently got a new job. In a box or basket put some instant coffee, tea bags, aspirin, bandages, travel size toothpaste and toothbrush, along with a coffee cup.
If the friend is a female, add some trial size products such as perfume and hair spray. If you want to increase the value of the gift, give a portable umbrella.
Design a similar package for a recent high-school graduate student who will be entering college. You may want to even provide a $5 phone card instead of an umbrella.
Buy movie tickets... a gift where one size fits all. When movie tickets are purchased in advance from movie theatres, you can usually get them at half price!
Offer to make dinner for your friends if you're a good cook.
Give a single friend or elderly family member freshly frozen dinners for a week.
Mail out holiday cards for an elderly family member. if you're computer literate, put their address book into a database so the information can easily be updated.
Make a year's worth of greeting cards and personalized stationery for someone if you're a bit crafty.
Make enough birthday cards, anniversary cards, and blank cards for a year's worth of holidays. The thoughtfulness will go a long way throughout the year.
Help someone else get organized. If the person you need to give a gift to is an entrepreneur or extremely disorganized, make a filing system for the upcoming tax year.
Purchase gift-with-purchase cosmetic/perfume specials and split the gifts. Usually the gift is nicely wrapped, generic, and valuable enough to give away for an upcoming gift in your tickler file.
Getting Organized
In a drawer or closet, place the gift giving manila files, the greeting cards, gift-wrap and purchased gifts in chronological order. This is now your tickler file and shopping list to remind you what holiday is coming up.
Gadgets, innovative products, gift ideas and unique gifts, an array of gadgets aimed at benefiting those that demand convenience, from http://www.cgets.com
Is there really any information about gifts ideas that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.
If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.
How to Save Money with Great Gift Ideas
By Ispas Marin | On January 30, 2006 | In Home-and-Family | 34 Viewings
Want to save $1000 this year for very little effort? Gift giving is an area where impulse buying is a frequent occurrence. I was amazed to discover I was spending over $1500 or more per year for gifts. What have you spent for gifts in the last 12 months?
Want to save $1000 this year for very little effort? Gift giving is an area where impulse buying is a frequent occurrence. I was amazed to discover I was spending over $1500 or more per year for gifts. What have you spent for gifts in the last 12 months?
In my experience, gifts were last minute purchases for which money was no object. I now spend less than $500 per year for gifts. Take two hours of your life and save yourself $1000 or more per year on gift giving.
Get Prepared
Label 12 manila folders January - December. On the front of each monthly folder, write the days of the month. Next to the appropriate date on the folder, write in the occasion for which a gift and/or a card will need to be purchased. Then, write the amount of money you will spend on that gift. Inevitably, a wedding or birthday will come up that you didn't know about, so be sure you leave a little money left for these unexpected occasions.
The key is, don't exceed what you budgeted for each gift. For example, for Mother's Day, I will write $15 next to the holiday. I only allocate $400 for the known holidays and set aside $100 for the unexpected gifts such as a wedding or birth of a child. You may find that you are unable to budget $500 a year for gift giving. Just determine what you can afford and STICK WITH IT. Don't deviate from your budget.
Advance Planning
There are very real benefits to planning your gift-giving in advance. And, with a little creativity, you can bring your overall cost down substantially. Because you're prepared, you can actually enjoy the holidays. You won't feel financially strapped since you've budgeted for the gifts in advance. Since you've anticipated the gift-giving occasion, you will undoubtedly find the gifts on sale. It goes without saying, but the ideas is, NEVER PAY RETAIL - EVER!
Frugal Gift Ideas
Buy gift-wrap and greeting cards on sale, or better yet, make them yourself.
Shop for gifts all year long to get the best price. This may mean you could be buying Christmas cards in January.
Plant an herb garden for a friend. And, while you're at it, make one for yourself too.
Treat your partner/spouse to a homemade spa. Give him/her a gift certificate announcing a full one-hour body massage and facial. This gift is easily worth over $75!
Organize personal negatives and photographs for a friend or family member. Create a scrapbook, photo books, or even Photo CDs.
Make some creative hand puppets for a child if you have mismatched socks and buttons lying around your home.
Create a care package for a friend who recently got a new job. In a box or basket put some instant coffee, tea bags, aspirin, bandages, travel size toothpaste and toothbrush, along with a coffee cup.
If the friend is a female, add some trial size products such as perfume and hair spray. If you want to increase the value of the gift, give a portable umbrella.
Design a similar package for a recent high-school graduate student who will be entering college. You may want to even provide a $5 phone card instead of an umbrella.
Buy movie tickets... a gift where one size fits all. When movie tickets are purchased in advance from movie theatres, you can usually get them at half price!
Offer to make dinner for your friends if you're a good cook.
Give a single friend or elderly family member freshly frozen dinners for a week.
Mail out holiday cards for an elderly family member. if you're computer literate, put their address book into a database so the information can easily be updated.
Make a year's worth of greeting cards and personalized stationery for someone if you're a bit crafty.
Make enough birthday cards, anniversary cards, and blank cards for a year's worth of holidays. The thoughtfulness will go a long way throughout the year.
Help someone else get organized. If the person you need to give a gift to is an entrepreneur or extremely disorganized, make a filing system for the upcoming tax year.
Purchase gift-with-purchase cosmetic/perfume specials and split the gifts. Usually the gift is nicely wrapped, generic, and valuable enough to give away for an upcoming gift in your tickler file.
Getting Organized
In a drawer or closet, place the gift giving manila files, the greeting cards, gift-wrap and purchased gifts in chronological order. This is now your tickler file and shopping list to remind you what holiday is coming up.
Gadgets, innovative products, gift ideas and unique gifts, an array of gadgets aimed at benefiting those that demand convenience, from http://www.cgets.com
Is there really any information about gifts ideas that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.
Tips to Buying Gifts
The following paragraphs summarize the work of gifts experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of gifts. Heed their advice to avoid any gifts surprises.
Truthfully, the only difference between you and gifts experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to gifts.
Tips to Buying Gifts Online
Author: Cristi
If you are browsing for gifts, then you have undoubtedly been doing some virtual window shopping. For many, the concept of ordering gifts online is new. Even though mail-order and catalog vendors have been in existence for years, there is something about shopping online that still worries some shoppers. So, whether you are new to buying gifts online or you are the kind of shopper who already knows their way around a virtual shopping mall, the following tips may help to make your buying experience a pleasant one.
When shopping for gifts online, always make sure that you know the company you are buying from. Never go around passing out your credit card number as though it were sticks of bubble gum. Instead, purchase only from a reputable company or one that you have researched with the Better Business Bureau. Most major catalog vendors also have websites, which ensures a safe shopping experience from nationally known vendors.
If you receive an e-mail inviting you to purchase from a store that you are not familiar with, do not click on any link inside the e-mail. Many links are nothing more than a scam that is set up to access your credit card information. If you want to shop from a particular website, open your browser and manually enter the website address rather than clicking on an e-mail link.
If you are looking for a real bargain, consider thinking like a bargain hunter. The best deals are often found at auctions, which is ideal as the buyer gets to determine their purchase price. One of the largest jewelry auction websites is Bidz.com, which offers everything from gold watches to rings and diamond necklaces. Depending on the time of day you bid, bargains are often found very early in the morning while the rest of the world is still having their first cup of coffee.
If at all possible, use a credit card to purchase gifts online. If anything should go wrong with the order and the seller will not stand behind the product, you may have the ability to file a dispute with your credit card in order to get your money back for the defective item. It will also help if you can check with the company's return policy prior to placing an order. Some items, such as opened computer software or DVD movies, are not returnable. Other items, such as lingerie or similar items are also non-refundable if they have been worn. The return policy is very important with any purchase, especially where gifts are concerned incase they need to be exchanged later.
Shopping for gifts online is not so different from browsing through the mall. You will want to give careful consideration to the recipient's favorite items or wish list before committing to a purchase. Does he have a favorite watch brand or sports team? Does she have a favorite gemstone or apparel color? These are all things to consider when buying gifts anywhere, whether online or in person. As a final thought to shopping for gifts, always try to stay within a reasonable budget and select something nice at a cost that you can comfortably afford.
Source: Submit Articles at ArticlesBase.com
About the Author:
Find great gifts ideas including the new Apple iPod , Sirius satellite radio and more than 50 other gift ideas on http://www.mothergiftbasket.com
Now you can be a confident expert on gifts. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on gifts.
Truthfully, the only difference between you and gifts experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to gifts.
Tips to Buying Gifts Online
Author: Cristi
If you are browsing for gifts, then you have undoubtedly been doing some virtual window shopping. For many, the concept of ordering gifts online is new. Even though mail-order and catalog vendors have been in existence for years, there is something about shopping online that still worries some shoppers. So, whether you are new to buying gifts online or you are the kind of shopper who already knows their way around a virtual shopping mall, the following tips may help to make your buying experience a pleasant one.
When shopping for gifts online, always make sure that you know the company you are buying from. Never go around passing out your credit card number as though it were sticks of bubble gum. Instead, purchase only from a reputable company or one that you have researched with the Better Business Bureau. Most major catalog vendors also have websites, which ensures a safe shopping experience from nationally known vendors.
If you receive an e-mail inviting you to purchase from a store that you are not familiar with, do not click on any link inside the e-mail. Many links are nothing more than a scam that is set up to access your credit card information. If you want to shop from a particular website, open your browser and manually enter the website address rather than clicking on an e-mail link.
If you are looking for a real bargain, consider thinking like a bargain hunter. The best deals are often found at auctions, which is ideal as the buyer gets to determine their purchase price. One of the largest jewelry auction websites is Bidz.com, which offers everything from gold watches to rings and diamond necklaces. Depending on the time of day you bid, bargains are often found very early in the morning while the rest of the world is still having their first cup of coffee.
If at all possible, use a credit card to purchase gifts online. If anything should go wrong with the order and the seller will not stand behind the product, you may have the ability to file a dispute with your credit card in order to get your money back for the defective item. It will also help if you can check with the company's return policy prior to placing an order. Some items, such as opened computer software or DVD movies, are not returnable. Other items, such as lingerie or similar items are also non-refundable if they have been worn. The return policy is very important with any purchase, especially where gifts are concerned incase they need to be exchanged later.
Shopping for gifts online is not so different from browsing through the mall. You will want to give careful consideration to the recipient's favorite items or wish list before committing to a purchase. Does he have a favorite watch brand or sports team? Does she have a favorite gemstone or apparel color? These are all things to consider when buying gifts anywhere, whether online or in person. As a final thought to shopping for gifts, always try to stay within a reasonable budget and select something nice at a cost that you can comfortably afford.
Source: Submit Articles at ArticlesBase.com
About the Author:
Find great gifts ideas including the new Apple iPod , Sirius satellite radio and more than 50 other gift ideas on http://www.mothergiftbasket.com
Now you can be a confident expert on gifts. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on gifts.
Nine Reasons To Shop For Gifts Online
The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage--at least it seems that way. If you've been thinking you need to know more about it, here's your opportunity.
Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there's more to gifts than you may have first thought.
Shopping for gifts online rather than in the mall has a number of obvious benefits – you can do it from the comfort of your armchair, you don’t have to drive to the shops and pay for parking, and you don’t need to tire yourself out trudging through the crowds – but there are many other reasons to buy over the internet. We have listed nine here:
1. It's not cheap to buy books in a bookstore in Australia, so it's good to benefit from the discounts available by buying books online. From some online booksellers you can get books for literally half price. Alternatively, a magazine subscription can be a gift that's a little bit different
2. We don't always have time to nip down to the music store, so buying from CD or DVD stores online can save a lot of time and effort, as well as money. A DVD or CD can be a great gift for all age groups
3. The best part about buying adult gifts online is that it is both discreet and secure. No one needs to know where you have been surfing or what you've been spending your money on. And another plus is that you avoid customs duty and restrictions
4. Men just love gadgets - it's the way of the world. It might be a stereotype, but electronic gifts are the ideal gift for 'him'. You can save huge amounts by buying electronics gifts online, and most can be delivered to your door
5. Why not try something a bit different and treat that special person to an 'experience'. Whether it's horse riding, a pampering treat, racecar driving or paintballing, they make a great gift for other people, or even yourself. You can buy a voucher online that the recipient can then redeem it themselves
6. Flowers are the classic gift that says it all. Perfect for Valentines Day or Mother's Day, or just to say thank you. Buying from an online florist is so much more convenient and almost always much cheaper than going to the florist yourself
7. A food and wine hamper is a gift that suits a number of different occasions, and with same day delivery to most towns and cities in Australia, all the hard work is done for you
8. Health and beauty products are no longer just reserved for women. Men are getting more and more into skin care and grooming. So buy perfume gifts online, for him or her, and avoid customs duty and restrictions
9. Australia loves its sport, and sporting gear and accessories can make the perfect gift for the sporting nut. You can save money by buying from sporting goods stores online
About the Author:
Andy McKenna owns www.ausgift.com, a website providing gift ideas, advice and special offer information, as well as reviews of gift websites and the gift products of over 70 merchants. To receive regular gift advice and news of special offers you can subscribe to the ausgift newsletter at www.ausgift.com
Read more articles by: Andy McKenna Article Source: www.iSnare.com
That's the latest from the gifts authorities. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level.
Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there's more to gifts than you may have first thought.
Shopping for gifts online rather than in the mall has a number of obvious benefits – you can do it from the comfort of your armchair, you don’t have to drive to the shops and pay for parking, and you don’t need to tire yourself out trudging through the crowds – but there are many other reasons to buy over the internet. We have listed nine here:
1. It's not cheap to buy books in a bookstore in Australia, so it's good to benefit from the discounts available by buying books online. From some online booksellers you can get books for literally half price. Alternatively, a magazine subscription can be a gift that's a little bit different
2. We don't always have time to nip down to the music store, so buying from CD or DVD stores online can save a lot of time and effort, as well as money. A DVD or CD can be a great gift for all age groups
3. The best part about buying adult gifts online is that it is both discreet and secure. No one needs to know where you have been surfing or what you've been spending your money on. And another plus is that you avoid customs duty and restrictions
4. Men just love gadgets - it's the way of the world. It might be a stereotype, but electronic gifts are the ideal gift for 'him'. You can save huge amounts by buying electronics gifts online, and most can be delivered to your door
5. Why not try something a bit different and treat that special person to an 'experience'. Whether it's horse riding, a pampering treat, racecar driving or paintballing, they make a great gift for other people, or even yourself. You can buy a voucher online that the recipient can then redeem it themselves
6. Flowers are the classic gift that says it all. Perfect for Valentines Day or Mother's Day, or just to say thank you. Buying from an online florist is so much more convenient and almost always much cheaper than going to the florist yourself
7. A food and wine hamper is a gift that suits a number of different occasions, and with same day delivery to most towns and cities in Australia, all the hard work is done for you
8. Health and beauty products are no longer just reserved for women. Men are getting more and more into skin care and grooming. So buy perfume gifts online, for him or her, and avoid customs duty and restrictions
9. Australia loves its sport, and sporting gear and accessories can make the perfect gift for the sporting nut. You can save money by buying from sporting goods stores online
About the Author:
Andy McKenna owns www.ausgift.com, a website providing gift ideas, advice and special offer information, as well as reviews of gift websites and the gift products of over 70 merchants. To receive regular gift advice and news of special offers you can subscribe to the ausgift newsletter at www.ausgift.com
Read more articles by: Andy McKenna Article Source: www.iSnare.com
That's the latest from the gifts authorities. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level.
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