THE IDEAL GIFT FOR DAD

1. How about a gift that keeps on giving month after month? A magazine subscription is always a good choice. Here is a variety….“GOLF DIGEST” (throw in new golf gloves or a towel), “CONDE NAST TRAVELER” for the adventurous father (include a travel neck pillow that will help him rest while on the plane or a back pillow for driving to his destination), “WIRED” for the gadget-loving Dad (throw in a CD of songs you downloaded just for him). “THE WEEK” is my favorite weekly rag for Dad that will tell him everything he needs to know in the news for that week.

2. How about giving Dad some items from a line of beauty products for men? Bath and Body Works has a nice mix of shaving products as does Burt’s Bees from Target. A good combination is shaving cream, moisturizer with sunscreen, anti-wrinkle cream, after shave lotion, and/or cologne. Package them up in a plastic carry case for under the bathroom sink or in a travel case.

3. If your Dad is a wine connoisseur, what about “WINE” magazine with a bottle of special wine or else a book on wine coupled with new wine glasses? How about some pricey beers that are special but ones Dad wouldn’t normally buy? Throw in some themed beer mugs. A bottle of Dad’s favorite tequila and margarita glasses or a bottle of liquor with a shaker and a cocktail recipe book is also a favorite.

4. For the Dad who likes to read…..the latest thriller along with a bookstore gift card.

5. How about a pair of comfortable CROCS? Dads like to be comfortable too! After all, physicians and chefs wear them. You can get these at Macy’s or on-line at crocs.com. These are also great for gardening.

6. A tripod flashlight is a handy gift. Stanley makes one for $25. Or, a Black and Decker pivoting auto vac for $40? A case of auto cleaning products for under $25. can be had from Target.

7. For the Bobby Flay wanna-be…..a grilling recipe book, new knives or a trendy grill apron? Pair one of these with a restaurant gift card and you will make Dad happy.

8. A DVD set is always a good choice to help Dad relax. Any favorite tv show series like “24” or a set of Indiana Jones or James Bond movies is a male favorite. How about a PBS series of DVD’s? Go to shoppbs.org for a variety.

9. A hammock is a great relaxing gift for Dad and one that he can use for many years. These can be found at any major store in a wide variety and price selection. Just type in “hammock” on google and see what you get.

10. The best gift you can give Dad is your time and attention. Take him to a movie, make him dinner from a new recipe and enjoy it with him together or take him out to dinner and have someone snap a photo of the two of you (give it to Dad later). Listen to his stories or jokes (the ones you have heard many times before), play a game of chess, backgammon, or just catch with your baseball and gloves. These moments mean the most to Dad.

Baby Shower

1. Fisher-Price Rainforest Waterfall Peek-A-Boo Soother
Lulls little ones to sleep with a glowing blue waterfall leading to a pool of real bubbling water. It contains a fish that bobbles, a swinging monkey and a peek-a-boo frog. You can control sounds of classical music, lullabies, or the rainforest. It attaches to crib. $34.99

2. Battery Operated Swing or Baby Bouncer

Either one is great! It usually includes a toybar and can have music and lights. It entertains, vibrates and soothes the child. $24.99 and up.

3. A Baby Gate

This functional gate is made for a doorway to keep babies safe and from falling down stairs or any dangerous area. It is sturdy and easy to install. $34.99 and up.

4. Be Be Pod

The ultimate in infant positioning and support. An essential tool for infants learning to sit $59.99

5. Boppy Tummy Play Pad

A brightly colored padded mat that provides a clean and comfortable area for your infant to play on that includes a tummy propping pillow with toys and a teether. $24.99

6. The Floppy Seat

A patented padded shopping cart seat cover. It is machine washable, has its own carrying case and expands to fit any shopping cart or high chair. Very sanitary and safe for baby. $39.99

7. A Baby Bather

There are many types available. This provides cushioning and safety while bathing your infant. It is great for travel. They normally can be used in a tub or kitchen sink and provide stability
and support for baby. Folds flat. $19.99 and up

8. Mobiles

Not for a crib but portable mobiles that attach to a car seat or stroller. They have names such as: Freddie the Firefly or Dylan the Duck. These clever little mobiles have toys to keep your infant busy such as: mirror, teether, rattle, squeaker, clinking rings, etc. $12.99 and up

9. Miscellaneous-These items can be grouped together or added on. There are so many to choose from such as: Bath Toys (teach cleanliness is fun), Books (so many to pick from-Dr. Seuss, Goodnight Moon, etc), Baby Einstein, Brainy Baby or Baby Genius Learning DVD’s or CD’s, Teething Cloth/Toys to soothe babies sore little gums.

10. Last but not Least….Don’t forget Mom or Dad-to-Be. A gift card for a dinner, movie and a free night of babysitting will go over big!!

For Boys: Ages 6 - 14

1. Boys love their electronic toys. Computer games are always appreciated especially along the sports line such as football, baseball, hockey, basketball.

2. The younger boys may enjoy Lego’s or Transformers sets to build. The older boy may enjoy building robots, radios, or anything electronic.

3. Board games are always fun and cross any age line plus they encourage using your brain. Inexpensive card games such as UNO can be had for under $10. Scrabble is also making a comeback. For something special, an expensive chess or backgammon set.

4. DVD’s of their favorite movies. Boys love to relax and watch their boy themed movies. Action and comedy films are a big hit!

5. Sports themed clothing and accessories. A tee or hoodie of their favorite team or a backpack is always nice.

6. Posters for their room of their favorite sports figure or film star. A really fun item is a cardboard stand up. Years ago, our guy had a stand up of basketball star, Shaquille O’Neal in his room. You can buy from various websites on the internet. Just type in cardboard stand up on Google or any search engine or go to allposters.com or cardboardcutouts.com.

7. Any sports gear is always fun. A new football, basketball, baseball glove, or soccer ball would be appreciated. Depending on the sport they are into, buy accordingly or introduce them to a new sport.

8. A tent, fishing rod, or any camping gear for an outdoor enthusiast would be a great gift gear.

9. A nice set of headphones which can be used with their MP3 Player or their hand-held games would be especially appreciated by Mom and Dad.

10. Special Books. There is one called, “The Dangerous Book for Boys”. This is a fun, can’t put-it-down book for boys that teaches them so many things such as coin tricks, knot tying, making paper airplanes, how to tan a skin, place a splint among many serious subjects. Fun and learning in one.

GIFT CARD SUGGESTION** Toys R Us, KB Toys, Discovery Channel Toy Store.

For Girls: Ages 6 - 14

1. Anything “Hanna Montana“-This ultra popular television show has just taken off and keeps on going. I’d suggest any of these items: CD, poster, calendar, books, alarm clock, pillow, apparel, video games, etc. They can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Target, or off the Internet.

2. Anything “High School Musical”. This is a Disney movie that children and young teens love. It is about 2 high school juniors from 2 different worlds and how they try out for their high school musical. The movie has great singing and energetic dancing. You can get the DVD, CD, Video Games, Posters, etc. at so many stores such as Target or Wal-Mart.

3. A really special handbag. You can always buy a cartoon themed bag for a young girl. For the older girl, a Vera Bradley brightly printed bag in key lime or hot pink. For something really special, a small Dooney and Bourke wristlet from Macy’s or a Coach wristlet. You can also get great deals on these items on eBay.

4. Clothes from Target, Old Navy, H & M. Girls love the trendy items that can be had for a reasonable amount. You can always find great themed T’s, PJ’s, Hoodies, or accessories from these fun stores.

5. Cosmetics or Toiletries. Bath and Body Works has a great line called, “American Girl“. You can get a set of products or purchase individual items such as lip shine, body wash, shimmer lotion, nail polish and accessories, etc.

6. A great book is always appreciated. A new one that is really hot is entitled, “The Daring Book for Girls” by Andrea J Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz. It is basically a guide to knowing anything about so many various subjects such as: building a campfire, how to play cat‘s cradle, making friendship bracelets, playing a good joke on someone, making a quill pen, etc.

7. Anything “Hello Kitty” would be fun for this age range. This fictional character originated in Japan but is now worldwide and is on everything from jewelry, handbags, luggage, to credit cards. Target is a great place to buy this line or any dept. store.

8. Does your girl love to be fussed over? Buy her a gift certificate to a salon for their first manicure or pedicure. Girly girls will love this.

9. Jewelry is always something us young and/or old gals love. Personalized jewelry is a thought such as an initial necklace in gold or silver. A starter charm bracelet is still fun. A nice watch in bright colors is always appreciated.

10. How about a pair of comfortable Crocs shoes? Young girls love the brightly colored Crocs with Jibbitz (little buttons you can place in the holes of the Crocs shoes). Older girls may like the Crocs with the fleece lining (like slippers).

Gift Card Suggestion** A Movie Theater Gift Card and a Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream Gift Card for afterwards.

THE HOSTESS/HOST GIFT

1. A good hand soap, preferably one that is a foaming hand soap. Bath and Body makes some great ones. I like Freshwater Cucumber because it is a light scent that both men and women would like. There is also passion fruit, grapefruit, peach, pineapple, and black raspberry vanilla. You can also get soaps at Williams-Sonoma.

2. How about 2 thick, substantial dish towels? You could even pair this with the hand soap or pair it with a great mix for muffins, scones or bread. Even if your host is not a cook, a mix is always easy. Williams-Sonoma, or even your local grocery store has gourmet ones.

3. How about personalized bath hand towels with their initial? You can get these at any bath shop or finer dept. stores. This can be coupled with some special bar soap or shower gel.

4. How about a CD of the person’s favorite artist? Or, a compilation of some great jazz or country tunes? Or, a great DVD of their favorite movie? A DVD can be accompanied by gourmet popcorn and a great bowl. How about some moose munch popcorn from Harry and David?

5. Food is always a good choice but how about something the person wouldn’t buy for themselves normally? Expensive chocolates, gourmet potato chips, special ice cream or gelato (if not a far drive). What about pricey fresh fruit, a good smoked salmon or special cheese?

6. Of course, the proverbial bottle of wine is always a good choice. But, how about a special liqueur, extra special bottle of tequila or vodka, gourmet beer (that the person wouldn’t normally buy for themselves)? For an alcoholic free treat, sparkling juice or non-alcoholic beer? Gourmet coffee?

7. Good candles are always a nice gift. The beeswax ones are great as they are non-drip. A Yankee candle in a special scent is always nice. Or, what about those new flameless candles that look like a candle but are really a battery operated light?

8. A live plant is always nice. Go one step further…a bamboo practically takes care of itself), a bonsai tree, a flowering plant in season, such as a Christmas cactus, a beautiful mum for fall, a daisy or hydrangea for spring?

9. Great wineglasses or martini glasses, a special platter, a cute candy dish or nice vase.

10. How about a special cake or gourmet bakery from the best bakery in town?


***GIFT CARD SUGGESTION*** $10. Starbucks Card with 2 special coffee mugs

The Fitness Enthusiast

1. For walking/running or cardio enthusiasts, how about a pedometer or a basic Timex sports watch with a stopwatch? Little extras to throw in would be a good sunscreen, a good protective lip product, and a product called “Body Glide” which is an anti-chafing product or it can be used to guard against blisters. A heart rate monitor is a great gift.

2. How about an exercise mat, dumbbells in 5, 8 and 10 pounds for a great workout at different levels? A jump rope or a weighted fitness ball are also good picks.

3. How about some great athletic gear for both women and men? Target carries up-to-date fitness clothes that are quite reasonable.

4. For a walking enthusiast, how about walking sticks for a better workout? Nordic Walking Sticks for instance and they are under $100.

5. A magazine subscription to “SHAPE”, “FITNESS”, “RUNNERS“, “YOGA“ to keep them inspired along with some great exercise DVD’s such as Tae-Bo, Zumba, or Pilates.

6. How about a massage for their tired muscles at a great spa?

7. An iPod shuffle along with a gift card for tunes.

8. For biking enthusiasts, how about bike pants or shorts with the padding? Good gloves that have gel in them will protect their hands. For their helmets, a mirror to attach to see traffic behind them.

9. Cold can be a problem for runners and walkers. How about buying them some cold weather gear? I am talking about polypropylene, gore-tex, or capilene materials used in clothes/gloves/hats. A wool hat and gloves is also a plus.


10. Here are some old/new exercise products: push-up bars, resistance bands, body tubes, power twister, sit-up bar, medicine ball, balance board, calf isolator, chinning bar.

***GIFT CARD IDEA***

A gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods or any sporting goods store where they can pick out their own gear and put the card in with a pair of great anti-wicking socks.

Valentine's Day Gifts for Him and Her

FOR HIM…
1. C’mon gals…we all know guys love their sports so let’s give them sports….. How about an NFL neon light or an NFL watch (both of these can be obtained at JC Penney for under $100.). A duffel bag with your man’s favorite NFL sport team is a good one. JC Penney has a Reebok one for $30. Just check out their website.

2. A turbo charger for your man’s cell phone or iPod. They can charge their phone or iPod anywhere. Guys get so agitated when their cell phone dies on them. A great gift especially for the guy on the road.

3. How about a leather laptop portfolio (carrying case with lots of pockets along with carrying their laptop computer) with removable shoulder strap? You can get this for under $100 at many stores.

4. A car kit with everything included. This is a carrying case with car wash products for both the interior and exterior. My husband goes ga-ga over this. Target and Wal-Mart have good ones.

5. How about a sausage and cheese basket (from wisconsincheeseman.com) or a wine themed basket (from winecountrygiftbaskets.com)? These two websites have such great items that would please any man.

FOR HER…
1. We all know diamonds are a gal’s best friend. But, let’s say we do a re-mix. How about another type of gemstone in her favorite color - say in a stud earring? I am talking a red garnet or a purple amethyst or a green peridot - for under $100. at JC Penney.

2. The spa is the ultimate destination for your lady to unwind. A gift card for a massage, manicure and/or pedicure is always a good one and can be obtained for under $100 at most places.

3. How about a sweets basket without the calories? How about “Frosting Forever” 3-in -1 bubble bath, shampoo, body wash at Bath and Body Works? Bath and Body Works also carries chocolate scented products-yummy! How about adding a bag of chocolate coffee? You can get this at your local grocery chain. They have gourmet coffee brands in chocolate (Millstone is one). Throw in a personalized mug (Maybe one that says, “You are my box of chocolates“). Add a chocolate scented candle.

4. How about a real sweets basket with the calories? Try chocolate covered strawberries from your local candy shop or off the Internet (http://www.berries.com/). How about a chocolate covered apple (on the internet at MrsPrindales.com)? Add a great bottle of wine or sparkling champagne and roses or just 1 rose from your local grocery store and you are all set for a great evening.

5. How about a soft, warm wrap (called a pashmina) to keep her warm? A pashmina wrap comes in many colors and one size fits all and can be found at any dept. store (JC Penney, Macy’s, etc). Maybe in the card write, “To keep you warm when I am not around?

**GIFT CARD SUGGESTION**
An iTunes gift card packaged with a CD of your partner’s choice. They can download any songs they like to listen to and think of you. Go to iTunes.com.

The Senior Man or Woman 65+

1. Put together a package with stamps and note cards plus a box of greeting cards that are all-occasion along with a ergonomically shaped pen that is easy on arthritic fingers. Sometimes that senior person doesn’t drive anymore which makes it difficult to have that special card or stamp ready. Throw in some personalized address labels and a little sponge that they moisten for the stamps and backs of envelopes. For added fun, cute stickers to add to their cards.

2. How about a couple of chunky soup mugs with handles that can be carried to the table along with some great soup mixes? Throw in some gourmet crackers and cheese or tuna packets or flavored peanut butter. This is a great gift for both men and women. Seniors cannot get to the store as often as us younger folks. You can find the flavored peanut butters at Target along with gourmet soup mixes at any specialty gift shop or deli or even at the supermarket.

3. A Netflix type membership for movies is good. If the senior cannot get to their local Blockbuster then they just need to walk to their mailbox. They will need a computer in order to pick their movies but so many seniors are online these days.

4. How about a large numbered phone in order to make a telephone call? You can buy these at a phone store or online. This is such a huge help to that senior with poor eyesight or the beginnings of macular degeneration. Another addition to this would be a large magnifying glass for doing cross-stitch or reading the newspaper.

5. An enhancement for their telephone to hear better. This is available on-line or through your local hearing disability organization.

6. A magazine prescription. A nice magazine for seniors is “REMINISCE“ or “SATURDAY EVENING POST“ or the old stand-by, “READER‘S DIGEST“.

7. Anything homemade. A nice teacake or bread along with special gourmet coffees or varieties of tea or cocoa. A nice pot of homemade soup or steaming pot of stew or chili is always special. If you aren’t a cook, get takeout and go share a meal. Companionship and a nice conversation over a bowl of soup is sublime!!

8. A toilet seat that is elevated/padded or a shower seat. It is hard for many seniors to bend or sit without a lot of pain. These elevated seats and shower chairs are such a comfortable alternative to the norm. These items are available at your local medical supply store or available on-line.

9. A few large print books or audio books. Due to poor eyesight, many seniors miss their hobby of reading.

10. A Boom-box. Find a smaller one that can be placed on a table that plays the radio, cassette tapes or CD’s. So many seniors have old tapes. Or, you can download favorite tunes from the senior’s favorite era and make CD’s. Go to ITunes.com and download swing music, 50’s rock n roll or even Lawrence Welk.

**GIFT CARD SUGGESTION**
How about a gift card to get their hair cut or styled at their local salon? Or, a manicure? Seniors love pampering too!

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The Single Guy - Age 20+

1. A new coffee maker with the single pods to make one cup at a time. There are various brands. The two most popular are the Tassimo and the Senseo. These can be purchased for under $100. You then purchase various pods that you buy separately for a wide variety of hot drinks such as coffee, cappuccino, hot cocoa and tea . The convenience is great, the beverage is divine, and the time it takes to make a hot beverage takes a minute.

2. A framed photo of their alma mater as in high school, college, medical school, etc. Guys love having a photo of their college on the wall of their apt., office, etc. You can obtain these photos in various ways. If you live in the town where the school is located, take a photo. You can also purchase any photo of a school on line through Google, EBay, the school website, Ask.com, etc.

3. Bar Glasses as in Beer Mugs, Martini Glasses, Margarita Glasses, Shot Glasses, etc. An ice bucket is a great addition along with beverage napkins or coasters. You can get inexpensive glasses of all sorts at Wal-Mart, Target, JC Penney, TJ Maxx, Stein Mart, etc. Ditto for the coasters and napkins.

4. Neon lamps. Guys get a kick out of displaying a neon light that shows their favorite beer logo, a palm tree or flamingo, martini glass silhouette, a sports logo, etc. Again, these can be picked up on-line the most readily or you can sometimes find them in various stores. I have found them at Big Lots.

5. A Slow Cooker/Crock Pot. It is great to come home to a hot meal with little effort. There are many slow cooker mixes with seasonings in your local grocery store to throw in with some meat and veggies or noodles. You can make a tasty chili, beef stew, pot roast, pulled pork, or soup in one of these cookers. The possibilities are endless. Dining out is great but can be quite expensive when done on a regular basis. This is a great solution.

6. A magazine subscription to whatever interests your guy. You cannot go wrong with easy reading to relax. Any of these can be obtained on-line or by purchasing the magazine at your nearest book store or grocery store and taking out the order insert always included in a magazine.

7. Game Items such as an automatic card shuffler. Most guys love to have a poker night. Any kind of game accompaniment is a prize for a guy. Again the possibilities are endless. What about a pool cue stick, a themed set of playing cards, a great poker tablecloth, a dart board?

8. Oversized Bath Towels with a great luxury soap to accompany it. Guys love big, oversized bath towels. A special soap is always appreciated in his favorite scent. I like the oversized towels at Kohls or any dept store.. Special soaps can be found at TJ Maxx, Caswell-Massey, Target, Bath and Body, etc.

9. DVD Set of his favorite Television shows such as, “24”, “The Office“, “Seinfeld”. Or, a DVD Set of his favorite movies such as, “Lord of the Rings“, “Harry Potter”, “James Bond”, “Indiana Jones”. etc. He’ll watch these for many years. A great relaxation tool.

10. Toaster Oven/Panini Maker. There is nothing like a grilled cheese or a great hamburger. A quick way to a quick meal.

GIFT CARD SUGGESTION
I am going to say a grocery store gift card is my ideal choice for the single guy. You can never go wrong with this idea. Always appreciated and always needed. How about packaged in an empty milk container or with a great loaf of bread or with a can of gourmet coffee?