Picking The Right Baby Gift

By Mandie Klein

The baby gift - that most difficult of gifts to figure out; the gift that must stand the test of time. The baby gift must be as relevant to its recipient years from now as it is right now. How do you purchase this gift correctly? With a lot of care and forethought of course!


Bring A Smile

The baby gift should make that child smile like sunbeams. There are fewer things that can make someone feel good than the genuine smile of appreciation that only a baby can give. That is why picking the right gift is so important. You want the child to be extremely happy about your choice, or you will end up feeling like a grinch. So analyze the situation and study what the child likes. How he behaves will usually give you some clue as to what interests him or arouses his curiosity. When you do this, you can get an idea as to what gift to get that child.

Something you should not do is look at the cost. More expensive gifts are not necessarily that much better. Think of purchasing something that has some use to the recipient. Whether it be something he can hug or something that can amuse him for a few hours, the item should have some utility. Buying a bejeweled scepter to hang over the crib is not going to cut it.


Sensible Choices

Safety must be above all. No use in giving the best and greatest gift if it is going to potentially hurt the baby. So do not give glass or wooden objects with sharp edges as they are accidents waiting to happen. Look for something that is non-toxic. Obviously, babies are more sensitive than adults when it comes to chemicals and materials. Always keep in safety in mind when you are considering your choices.

Also, as mentioned before, do not make the price tag a consideration. Babies have no concept of material wealth in the first place. So do not even make that a consideration. Instead, focus on how the item will engage a child and hold his attention. Stuff like books and audio CDs would fit into this category. Even if the child is really too young to understand, images and sounds will generate brain activity and development. This type of baby gift not only engages the child, but teaches him something as well. So think about your gift choice long and hard. Think about the drawbacks and benefits so you can make a better choice.

Whatever baby gift you end up giving, make sure that it is something the child will treasure, even when he grows up. It should be a gift with a lot of sentimentality and love in it, not some generic thing you picked out of the store. You will be very happy when you talk to the child about the gift when he grows older. You will have shared joy and love with an innocent soul and few things can beat that.


About the Author: Looking for a baby gift? Consider unique baby shower gifts. Baby gift sets are also good choices. Visit BabyLandGifts.com today.

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The Perfect Gift For Valentine's Day Is Sexy Lingerie

By Amanda Cotterill

Sexy lingerie is an easy way to add sizzle to your Valentine's Day. If you are in a relationship, the benefits of sexy lingerie are obvious. For the single girl, however, a sexy lingerie purchase may seem pointless or even depressing. However, this not need be the case. Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to make an investment in beautiful exotic lingerie. Read on for some great reasons to treat yourself to a Valentine's Day purchase.


Looking Good, Feeling Good

When you go out, you probably work hard to find the perfect outfit, apply makeup carefully and do your nails. You already know that presenting a great outward appearance is an important part of meeting someone new. However, self-confidence is a big component of attractiveness. Although you may never show off your new sexy lingerie, you know that it is there. Feeling beautiful from the inside out will raise your self-confidence, making you even more attractive to others.


Looking Your Best

The right lingerie can actually serve an important purpose in the look of your outer garments. From push-up bras to smoothing chemises, look for undergarments that flatter your assets and hide your trouble spots. It is amazing how much different the same outfit can look with a brand new set of eye-popping sexy lingerie underneath. Try on different types of intimate apparel and take your time in deciding what is best for your body.


Discovering What You Like

When you are part of a long-term relationship, it is easy to get caught up in making your partner happy. Embrace your single status as an opportunity to get back in touch with your own inner preferences. Maybe your ex liked to see you in body-restraining corsets, while your preference is a more romantic bustier. Or perhaps you developed the habit of sleeping in a chemise, when a babydoll is actually more flattering on your body. Whatever ruts you have been in, now is the time to break free. You can shop in anonymity online, allowing your imagination to wander free. You have the time to shop now, without feeling rushed or pressured, so take advantage of it.


You Never Know

Perhaps today it seems unimaginable that you will meet someone. But you never know what tomorrow will bring. Opportunities have a way of finding us when we least expect them. Buy yourself a Valentine's Day present of exotic lingerie to ensure that you are prepared when you finally discover Mr. Right.

Empower yourself by transforming Valentine's Day from a day of depression to a day of self-esteem by purchasing a great piece of sexy lingerie. Being single is no reason to stay home and wallow, or deprive yourself of the things that you love. You have a unique opportunity to shop carefully, take your time and discover the things that truly make you happy. Take advantage of this opportunity, and allow yourself to consider new and unusual items. When true love does arise, you will already have a great piece in your lingerie wardrobe.


About the Author: Amanda Cotterill has been involved in the erotic lingerie sector for many years. uk market for many years. This article outlines the benefits of women wearing sexy lingerie as if that needed much explaining! Please include this credit if you use this article.


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The Father’s Day Gift Dilemma

By Net Callidus

What do fathers like? It’s impossible to answer, of course. For every football-loving, beer appreciating, socializing dad, there’s one who’s more at home in the potting shed or clambering up icy rock faces. For every techy electronic gadget aficionado, there’s a collector of hammers. And yet for all of them, the perfect Father’s Day gift is out there – if you know where to look.

Mother’s Day is pretty straightforward. Flowers, chocolates and blush-inducing Jane Austen DVDs usually do the trick. Perhaps it’s because this celebration of motherhood stretches back a few centuries that we have developed system of rewarding our overworked mums and pampering them for one day a year.

But Father’s Day is a different beast. At the risk of making stereotypical statements, the prospect of being pampered for a day just doesn’t cut it with dads. (Or at least they would never admit to it.) Dads want something that will assert their masculinity; and if it proves “quite handy” in the future, so much the better. They want something they can admire, that will make them laugh, that will make them feel like number one.

Well there’s your invaluable insight into the paternal mindset. Now you’ll want to convert this knowledge into your choice of the ultimate Father’s Day Gift.

Finding your Father’s Day Gift

Before you set off for your local supplier of quality knitwear, have a good think about the man you call father. Consider his passions, his hobbies and, above all, his idiocies, and hold them in a “mental image” while you pay a visit to http://GettingPersonal.co.uk.

If you’re unfamiliar with this website, the breadth and depth of its treasures might come as a surprise. And as it’s subdivided into categories, all your Father’s Day gift options can be viewed on one page (click Occasions then Father’s Day Gifts). Now, clench your fists, close your eyes and summon forth the “mental image” you’ve probably forgotten already. Bingo! You can scroll down the extensive list of treats and before long you’ll be narrowing down your options.

Sporty dads are well catered for. Don’t forget, as the offspring of the aforementioned, it is your moral duty to indulge his sporting fantasies at every opportunity. It’s well known that sport is a substitute for our cave-dwelling ancestors’ activities, as is proven by the ancient cave paintings of men swearing at other men throwing spears. If he’s into golf, football, rugby, horses or motor sports, you’re sorted. There are fantastic experience days and dozens of themed gifts to make a truly special Father’s Day.

Then you’ve got the jocular gifts that will raise a smile and knowingly point out one of his quirks or traits, like the coin sorter, custom made for the skinflint father. The hilarious crime scene toilet roll will leave him flushed with mirth, and the golf puzzle will keep quiet any father who never knows when to stop talking.

But as with all Getting Personal gifts, it’s not just about poking fun and satisfying his dreams. There are the simple, personalised everyday gifts with a quiet message that shouts from the rooftops just how much he means to you – and maybe that’s all he wants for his Father’s Day gifts.

About the Author: For more information regarding father's day gifts please visit our website.

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Tags: father's day gifts

The Right Baby Gifts

By Mandie Klein

Baby gifts should be given with a lot of care and thought. They must be chosen with a great deal of discernment. You should always pick gifts that will be treasured for a very long time. That is why the age of the baby does not matter. You should be planning to give a gift that is timeless and precious.

Something Old, Something New

Babies are naturally curious. They love exploring the world around them and discovering new things. Good baby gifts can satisfy that curiosity. These types of gifts will naturally attract the child. His attention will then be fixated on the gift, and he will end up valuing that gift even more. He will be constantly grabbing and reaching out for your gift. It has almost everything. His interest will be stimulated by this fascinating new object.

You can also give gifts that make the child interact with his environment. Even very young children can learn at a very instinctive level. The proper baby gifts can make very good tools for this kind of learning. That is why you must plan the giving of baby gifts with much care. For example, make sure the gift is non-toxic. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how many people do not think about the safety of a gift. Also, avoid giving very small items as gifts, or items with small, detachable parts. The child may accidentally swallow such small objects.

Something Big, Something Blue?

So think of giving something big and something huggable. Maybe a giant blue elephant? Babies generally become attached to such toys. They will look for the item constantly and develop a very strong bond with it. Other things that babies love is an item that can help them walk. An item that can generate sounds will also fascinate a baby to no end.

Shopping on the Internet for baby gifts is a great idea. You will find a variety of offerings all from the comfort of your own home. A lot of vendors will also personalize the gift for you. They will inscribe the recipient's name on almost anything. This lends a very personal touch to the gift that you choose. Portraits of a baby with his or her name make very beautiful gifts. Beautifully embroidered name cards are also highly sought after. But the ultimate personalized gift would be a personalized blanket. The infant could be wrapped in it while he is fast asleep. What could be a cuter sight?

In any case, as with any gift, it is the thought that counts. Give some time and effort to the process and in the end you will certainly make a good choice. You can also use the parents as the basis for your gift choice. They will be a good gauge for the kind of gift you might want to give the child. You might even want to consult directly with them about what to buy since they certainly will have some input.

About the Author: Looking to buy baby gifts? Go for personalized baby gifts because they make unique baby gifts. Visit BabyLandGifts.com today for your choices.

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Tags: baby gift

Gourmet Gift Baskets - What Better Way To Celebrate Life!

By Toni Young

Celebrate life with food and drinks. And when you have to present a loved one or a colleague with a gift why not bank on the age-old hit formula of a food related gift to win you appreciation. Gourmet gift baskets are a smashing idea in this direction, one that will have people talking about your high tastes for times to come.

Gourmet gift baskets are designed to include the finest in foods so that the receiver is captivated by all that it holds. There are excellent gourmet gift baskets available in stores at reasonable prices. So, whether it is a special person close to your heart whom you want to congratulate on an achievement or co-workers in the office with whom you want to share the holiday festivities, gourmet gift baskets are just what it takes to express your heartfelt feelings.

If you want the gourmet gift basket to be exclusive you can easily design one yourself. Get a nice basket of an appropriate size and fill it with stuff that you know are sure to be appreciated and enjoyed by the receiver. You can well imagine the thrill that goes through a person as they lay open the gourmet gift basket and take in the mouth watering aromas which is heightened as they extract the goodies one after the other, wondering what will come out next. The excitement of receiving a gourmet gift basket is unmatched, especially for the food connoisseur for whom the mere sight of fine foods is sheer pleasure.

When it comes to filling up a gourmet gift basket, you are spoilt for choice. You can go for exotic fruits that will have the receiver fascinated. Tempt people with sinful chocolates that melt in the mouth. Seafood and cheese are some other favourites. Special coffees and teas for the beverage buffs and sparkling wines for merry making, they all are incredible things that would make your gourmet gift basket appetising and attractive. You can even put together several food items that complement each other that will offer greater variety for the receiver to sample and indulge in.

With gourmet gift baskets, the world of foods and cuisines is all yours to explore, pick and assemble into a delectable little basket. You are offered the opportunity to choose the luxury foods of the world and present them to your near and dear ones to show your appreciation of them on special occasions while at the same time making excellent tastes your very own hallmark.

By its very nature, gourmet gift baskets qualify as gifts for both close relatives and friends as well as for more formal relations. Good food is a great way to strengthen flourishing relationships and to foster new ones. With gourmet gift baskets you can be certain of winning nothing but appreciation and admiration.

We all wait for special occasions and reasons to celebrate and offer gifts to people. However, we must realize that every moment of life itself is a celebration so, why wait for a reason to present a gourmet gift basket to your dear ones. Just go ahead and do so whenever you wish to and watch joy dance on their faces as you exult in the joys of life together.

About the Author: Make gift giving very easy and affordable. The Basket Spot offers beautiful gift baskets that almost everyone will love and enjoy. Toni Young is the owner. of The Basket spot and partners with animalguardiansofmichigan.org for pet gift giving. and is a partner with raymondschools.org, where gifts are giv

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Tags: gift, gift basket, gourmet

Executive Business Gifts For The Board Of Trustees

 by Tina Rinaudo

The holiday season is a time of giving, but if you’re an upper-level manager, you may be panicking because your board of trustees can be a thorn in your side when it comes to our Christmas shopping list. Typically, board members are upper-middle class or upper-class people who are well established in the community and know everyone. In other words, they already have everything they need. There are plenty of executive business gifts on the market, but which ones will suit your board members?

First, consider the role of the board of trustees within your business or organization. Do these community members meet a few times every year to discuss the budget? Are they involved with every aspect of the business? Are they paid? Are they shareholders in the company? In general, the more work the trustees put into the company, the more money you should spend on their executive business gifts. Remember, there are plenty of gifts at YesGifts.co.uk that look expensive but are surprisingly affordable. However, some promotional T-shirts are probably not appropriate!

Unless, of course, you run a clothing business that specialized in promotional T-shirts! Take into account the very nature of your business. The executive business gifts you choose for board members of a construction company will be different than the executive business gifts you choose for board members of a stock broking company, and both will be different than those executive business gifts you choose for the board members of a hospital. You don’t have to have a theme to your gift (ie, hammers for the construction company board or stethoscopes for the hospital board), but you should take into account that different businesses dictate the need for different gifts.

Also consider the lives of the board members. When someone is one a board of trustees, they often also have a different full-time job. In many cases, you’ll find similarities. For example, a non-profit organization focusing on education might have a board of trustees made up of many stay-at-home mothers. For them, a corporate carrying case doesn’t make sense. At the same time, a board of trustees for a restaurant chain may all be involved in the business world. For them, corporate carrying cases make a lot of sense.

Of course, always purchase the same thing for all members of the board. Playing favorite could put your relationship with the board in jeopardy and, if nothing else, will make some board members feel unappreciated. Set a budget for gifts and divide that total budget by the number of member on the board. This will dictate how much you can spend on each person. Luckily, executive business gifts like desk clocks, polo shirts, and conference folders don’t have to be expensive.

The weight of purchasing executive business gifts for board members should fall on an upper-level manger who is not a member of the board. Someone who works in the budget department is a good choice for this task, or it can fall on the head of the vice-president of the company. When in doubt, suggest the idea to the highest authority who is not on the board of trustees. Together, you can work to choose the perfect holiday gift to show your board members that you appreciate the work they do for the company.

Tina Rinaudo is one of the leading lights in the UK business gifts industry. Tina is a key member of YesGifts, the UK's fastest growing online business gifts resource specialising in promotional pens, mugs, mouse mats, umbrellas, conference items and much more. For more information please visit www.yesgifts.co.uk.

Article Source: www.tips.com.my

Tags: business gifts, gifts, business, executive gifts, executive business gifts, promotional t-shirts, conference folders

How to Choose Among Business Gift Companies

 by Tina Rinaudo

Promotional items. Advertising gifts. Marketing gifts. Customized promotional gifts. Corporate business gifts. Whatever you want to call them, promotional business items are big business, and there are dozens of business gift companies vying for your business. With everyone out to get a chunk of your marketing budget, how do you choose which business gift companies to honor with your trade? Here are some questions to ask yourself – and a company representative – to help you decide on the best business gift companies for your firm.

Is the company more than just a sales outlet?
Many business gift companies do nothing but serve as a conduit for sales. You order from them and they order from another company. A reputable, expert company will have an art department to help you translate your logo to the appropriate produce, and a production department that will follow your order from start to finish to be sure that you get what you need when you need it. Many of them also have experts in marketing on hand to help you develop your campaign and make suggestions for appropriate products that fit your mission and will make an impact.

How well do they know their products?
You’ll have questions about the products you see in the catalog, and a good business gift company should be able to answer them quickly and easily. Their representatives will know the quality of the products that they sell, and can steer you to the best quality items in your budget and marketing needs range. Expert advice is one of the services you should expect from a promotional items supplier. The best business gifts companies will work with you to find the products that you want – and some may even be able to design specialty products just for you.

How long have they been in business?
Just as in any other business, longevity counts. A business that has been around for a while has formed their own relationships with suppliers and other vendors, as well as with distributors and other people that you’ll need to make sure your event goes off without a hitch. Those relationships will serve you as well as them. A well-known company has the leverage to get your order processed and shipped quickly and efficiently, and the pull to be sure that your products get special treatment in the mix.

And of course, there’s no substitute for experience when it comes to helping your business. A business gifts company that’s been around for a while has seen nearly every type of marketing promotion, and can give you advice on the pitfalls to avoid and the opportunities of which to take advantage. Who else would know that imprinted chocolate bars are an absolute no-no for a late July event in Coventry – unless you want melted chocolate all over your guests?

Are they reliable? Will they be there when you need them?
When you need answers, you need them now, not tomorrow morning. Small business gifts companies may not have the staff to handle your questions and concerns at any time. Work with a company that has the staff to devote to your order so that they’re available when you need them to be available. Also take the time to check with previous customers to find out if products were delivered on time and the quality was as expected. A reputable business gift company will be happy to give you references.

The bottom line is that the business gift company that you choose will affect your bottom line. A company that delivers slipshod work will make YOUR company look bad, not theirs. Take the time to do a bit of research to be sure you’re doing business with the best.

At www.YesGifts.co.uk, we’ve been in the business of supplying promotional and marketing gifts for decades. Our staff are highly experienced experts who can help you design your logo, offer you advice on product choices and answer any questions you might have. When you do business with us, you can be assured that your company will always look its best – because when you shine, we shine.

Tina Rinaudo is one of the leading lights in the UK promotional products industry. Tina is a key member of YesGifts, the UK's fastest growing online promotional items resource specialising in promotional pens, mugs, mouse mats, umbrellas, conference items and much more. For more information please visit www.yesgifts.co.uk.

Article Source: www.tips.com.my

Tags: Promotional items, advertising gifts, marketing gifts, gifts, promotion, corporate gifts, customised gifts, customized gifts, promotional items. promotional products

Using Advertising Business Gifts To Increase Your Business

 by Tina Rinaudo

Your marketing division – maybe that’s you? – has two major jobs to do for your company:

- find new customers
- hang on to existing customers

Both of those jobs can be a major challenge. Trying to do both of those jobs on a budget is an even bigger challenge. Advertising is the usual answer to finding new customers, but advertising can be expensive – often prohibitively expensive. Worse, it’s usually difficult to tell just how effective your advertising campaigns are. The best that you can usually do is measure sales before and after a marketing campaign, but even then it’s difficult to tell which part of your marketing efforts really paid off with results.

It’s even more difficult when it comes to keeping your existing customers. The traditional way to hang on to those customers once you’ve found them is by offering exceptional quality, excellent customer service and great prices. The problem is that your competitors are trying to do the same thing, and one place where they find new customers is by luring them away from you. Even your best customers will only be loyal to a point. If they’re offered a better deal with the same benefits elsewhere, you’ll stop hearing from them – and discovering precisely why they jumped ship to the competition is nearly impossible.

How do you solve both problems with one low-cost alternative? Advertising business gifts are one solution that can satisfy both of your needs. Business giveaways and advertising business gifts are an excellent way to promote your services and products to both existing customers and new ones. Here’s why:

Everyone loves to get something for nothing. Getting a gift makes you feel good about the person or company giving the gift, especially if it’s something useful and valuable to you. Giving out a free advertising business gift is a great way to introduce your products and your company to new business prospects. Whenever they use your gift, they’ll be reminded of that good feeling, and that translates into trust and loyalty.

Everyone likes to be appreciated. When you give little tokens of appreciation to your existing customers, you let them know that you value their business. That appreciation translates into – you’ve guessed it – trust and loyalty. And trust and loyalty drive business sales.

When you choose to promote your business with advertising business gifts, you’re putting the bulk of your promotional budget where it counts and where it will do the most good – in front of your customers. You’re not sending out signals to reach millions of the wrong people. Instead, you’re focusing your efforts on those people who are the most likely to buy from you or use your services.

And your advertising isn’t flashed before them for thirty seconds as an annoyance or an interruption to their leisure time viewing and listening. Instead, your gift sits there on their desk, their key chain or their refrigerator every day, day after day, all day long. When the time comes that they need your product again, who do you think they’ll turn to?

Tina Rinaudo is one of the leading lights in the UK business gifts industry. Tina is a key member of YesGifts, the UK's fastest growing online business gifts resource specialising in promotional pens, mugs, mouse mats, umbrellas, conference items and much more. For more information please visit www.yesgifts.co.uk.

Article Source: www.tips.com.my

Tags: Advertising business gifts, business gifts, advertising gifts, gifts, advertising, advertising campaigns, marketing campaigns

Easter Gift Baskets With A Twist

By Flaminglacer

Easter is a time when we traditionally give gift baskets full of good things to the ones we love and care about. Of recent times we have got a little bit lazy and we tend to fill them with sweets and chocolate. But that doesn’t have to be the case. There are all sorts of alternatives.

As far as little ones are concerned they are just as happy if their Easter gift basket is full of toys or something to cuddle. Because it’s a time of year when there are babies of all varieties around the girls especially love to have something small and soft to carry around with them and there are loads around. The boys are maybe a little more difficult but you can pick up reasonably priced toys that encourage them to play outside and take some exercise. Where my family is concerned board games always go down well if the weather is bad and they need to be amused. I have a particular fondness for them as it involves the whole family.

An Easter Basket wouldn’t be quite the same if it didn’t contain some nice things to eat, but what about fruit and nuts or reduce the impact of chocolate by combining it with fruit such as raisins or cranberries. You can go the other way and add a few chocolate chips to a healthy muesli bar for a special treat. I make chocolate nests from cornflakes and bran flakes and fill them with fruit and my kids have always loved those.

We make lots of the goodies that go into our families Easter Gift Baskets, masks and cut outs, cards and games as well as the munchies. If you haven’t got time to make things you can always buy a basket that isn’t filled with just chocolate. Books are a lovely alternative gift – especially Easter Stories for the little ones, or maybe a good novel for Mum. One of the best gift baskets I ever received was full of luxury Bath Time treats, beautiful lotions and potions with lovely smells, a candle to make the Bathroom feel nice and a soft fluffy towel to wrap myself in when I got out of the bath.

Men are always much more difficult to buy Easter Baskets for, but most men have a hobby or two, what about Golf Balls, Tees, and a Golf Magazine, or if Fishing is his thing, line, floats and all those twiddly things they seem to find indispensible. Gardens are always a good source of inspiration too. It is the time of year when the garden is starting to grow and there are lots o beautiful plants around, and you can always find space for those. If you have the space you could buy lots of quick growing vegetable seeds for the children and help them plant their own garden and see how good those home-grown vegetables taste. Not only have you given them something different but you are encouraging good eating habits too.

It wouldn’t perhaps be an Easter Gift Basket without a small chocolate Bunny or a handful of min eggs but there are so many other things you can add to make it a long lasting and much healthier gift.

About the Author: flaminglacer is a well known 'Net Wanderer' who writes regularly on many sites. A self-proclaimed Grumpy Old Woman she shares her thoughts freely and is renowned for her forthright views and opinions on most topics. A member of the Marketing Mavens, you can find more Easter Ideas at Easter made Easy

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When It Comes To Creating Gift Baskets From The Heart, Turn To Professionals

By Muna wa Wanjiru

I can’t think of anyone who does not like gifts. Gift baskets are an ideal present for nearly everyone. They are a nice treat for someone who is recovering from an injury or for someone who just needs a little cheer. Gifts remind many of us of our childhood. Even the scent of cookies can bring a smile to a person’s face. There is no wonder why gift baskets are growing in popularity.

Some people have the patience, skill and talent to create gift baskets on their own. Many of my friends and relatives are avid bakers. They create amazing cookie treats from scratch and I simply scratch my head in wonder of their talent. Many of these friends and family members are also very crafty. These talented individuals have no trouble arranging even the most delicate cookies in a display that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palette.

I am not one of those people. You will never find me creating gift baskets on my own. I do not have the patience that is required to bake from scratch. My idea of baking is breaking the cookie dough off of the square at the perforated seams. Even the pre-made cookie dough that comes in the very familiar log is too vexing for me. The dough is either too tough to cut or it is too soft and the dough winds up in a tangled mess.

Then there is the whole heating and waiting part. It requires some math skill. It also requires patience, which as I mentioned before, I am lacking. If I do finally create edible cookies, I doubt that I can create an appealing cookie gift baskets because that requires even more patience in the attempt to arrange the cookies in an attractive fashion. In my experience, really good cookies are soft and the very thought of breaking an edible cookie that I made from scratch is unbearable.

When it comes to creating gift baskets from the heart, I turn to the professionals. I can actually save a lot of time and money by simply ordering a cookie gift basket from someone who has the talent and the patience that I lack. I also want to make sure that I don’t give my loved ones anything that may lead to a tummy ache.

Muna wa Wanjiru is a web administrator and has been researching and reporting on Internet Marketing for years. For more information on Gift Baskets, visit his site at Gift Baskets

Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com

Tags: gift basket

Flasks: Make Great Gifts And Movie Props

By Bradlley Mckoy

Imagine this set-up in a comedy film: two men are trapped under a sewer because of some freak accident. It was just coincidence that the other character in the story has a flask with him. As the scene goes on, the two tough characters began to tell each other their life stories taking turns at a swig from the flask. After sometime, the alcoholic beverage in the flask begins to kick-in that as they go on with their stories, one of them begins to break-out and cry, which is a really funny scene.

That movie is I-Spy starring Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson. In the movie, the flask is subliminally guiding the attention of the movie-goers, while it can also act as a cue for the actor that he is about to speak his script lines. Flasks make great props in movie scenes where there is a conversation between two or three actors. This strategy has been used a number of times in Hollywood films.

Off reel, flasks, especially hip flasks, were restricted to gentlemen or people with noble birth during the old days, although, it is not so surprising to discover women with tucked flasks in their garter belts as well. It is always filled with liquor and is supposed to keep the body warm during the biting cold of winter. This use for the hip flask definitely stuck with us until today that having a hip flask tucked into ones trousers or jeans makes one look like an alcoholic.

Today, a flask is considered as an interesting and valuable gift. It is in fact ironic that an item filled with alcohol can also be managed to be a symbol of elegance and style. For instance, in the movie Spy Game, starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt, the latter gave the former a flask as a gift. In the movie, the flask, old yet priceless, symbolizes the apprentice's trust, loyalty and reverence to his mentor. On the other hand, when the mentor sees the gift after he had tucked it away for so long, he realizes the meaning behind the gift and is thus propelled to act in aid of his apprentice in distress.

It is either from the sheer polish of silver or its colorful use in the movie industry that propelled the flask to popularity. You can check at any souvenir stores and you may find one or two flasks for sale. Try to look a glass lining inside to see if you have chosen a quality flask. A flask with a glass lining protects the metallic taste from mixing with the drink.

Whatever the reason behind its fame, a flask is definitely a gift that is welcomed by anyone, alcoholic or not. If MTV ever had the coolest accessory in a movie film award, it had to be a flask. No other item can handle itself better in a scene than a flask. The only problem is who will accept the award?

About the Author: Want to learn more about flasks and leather money clip? Or find out how business card holders can help you with your image? Go and visit ExecutiveGiftShop.com today!

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Tags: flasks, gift

Valentine's Day, What is Love?

Longfellow once said "Love is the root of creation". Many have tried to understand and interpret Longfellow's words. Does "love is the root of creation: means love is all about creating children? This is for sure what we hope is the creation of children; out of love, but is that the full and complete purpose of this statement?

"Love is the root of creation". I close my eyes and say these words and many images come to mind:

A new bride and her husband looking into each other's eyes at their wedding ceremony - A young lady at the moment her Prince Charming proposes marriage with a sparkling diamond ring surrounded by a beautiful black velvet box in his hand - A young boy planning with his new puppy, the dog he will love for years to come -

An elderly couple, married for 55 years, taking their daily walk in the park, walking hand in hand, as they have done every day of their married life -

The creation is the outcome of the feelings of love felt between us, in our human experience. Love is the birthplace of the creation of our best thoughts and ideas. Love allows us the feelings of passion for what we believe in, passion for what we create.

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, we can reflect on the loves we have had in our past, the relationships we currently need to appreciate and the creations we will manifest with passion now and in our future. Any attempt to create without love and passion is a creation without heart and is doomed to fail. Lives without love and passion are doomed to exist, void of spirit and soul. Even a glimmer of light and love can bring the darkest soul to a better place.

Some might feel that in these supposedly difficult times: war, two jobs to pay the bills, confusion about what we are and what we believe, we should be more focused on the serious issues of our lives. I believe that we can influence the outcomes of the lives around us by how we react to life every day. Valentine's Day gives us the opportunity to do just that. It gives us the opportunity to say Thank You and I Love You to those most important in our lives. To stop and smell the roses as the old expression says.

Longfellow was so right "Love is the root of creation". The more we focus on today and the future; to create, the better our hope becomes, the better our joy becomes, the better our happiness becomes, the better life and love becomes.

Can you make Valentine's Day a day full of love and creation? I hope so. On this day take a moment, breathe in all the love in your life, the scent of beautiful red roses and savor the taste of fabulous chocolate! Feel the passion of life this Valentine's Day and every day of your life to come...

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This series is presented by Diane Dutton, MBA,CPA, Speaker, Business Strategy Consultant and author of "A Woman's Ladder To Succes Is Paved With Broken Glass Ceilings", available at Amazon.com. For more information, read the rest of the story at http://www.businesswomenspeak.com.or contact ddutton@businesswomenspeak.com.

Tags: personal development, love, women, family, hope, holiday, empowerment, career

Flowers Are The Superman Of The Gift-Giving World

Copyright © 2006-2008 Wesley Berry, AAF

Able to create smiles on the faces of those in need, leaps from shore to shore in a single bound...it's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superman? No! It's flowers!

Flowers are an extremely versatile gift with a universal appeal. Both men and women, old and young, appreciate a bright, beautiful, fresh gift of flowers no matter what the occasion. When other gifts have been forgotten, people remember the flowers they've received and whom they were from. In fact, flowers are among the most favored gifts that people receive. In a recent survey, flowers consistently ranked at the top of the list. The survey showed the following results:

• Best "I love you" gift: 37% flowers/houseplants, 34% jewelry, 5% perfume or cologne.
  


• Gift most likely to make you smile: 26% jewelry, 23% flowers/houseplants, 12% event tickets.
  


• Gift most often given to apologize: 49% flowers/houseplants, 10% jewelry, 8% event tickets.
  


• Gift that makes you feel most special: 33% jewelry, 24% flowers/houseplants, 10% clothing.
  


• Gift most often given: 38% clothing (also the most frequently returned gift at 65%), 12% flowers/houseplants, 10% food.
  


• Favorite occasion to receive flowers: 30% no special occasion, 20% Valentine's Day, 14% Anniversary, 12% Mothers' Day, 10% Birthday.
  
  


• Percentage of people who gave flowers in the last year: 58% (35% of women surveyed gave flowers to men last year).
  
  


• Who gives the best gifts: 56% significant other, 11% mother
  
  


• Best gift to get from a business associate: 34% tickets, 16% flowers/houseplants, 10% food.
  
  Perhaps one of the reasons we enjoy giving and receiving flowers is that they are so easy to fit to anyone's personality. The gifts we remember most are those that were uniquely personal to us, and flowers can very easily be made personal. Your florist can help you pick the perfect arrangement based on the personality, likes, and dislikes of the recipient. Then, he or she can even help you build in the person's favorite hobby. For example, if the gift is for a man who loves fishing, your florist can add fishing lures to the arrangement to make it an angler's dream.
  
  Superman may be able to accomplish a lot of things, but it's probably easier to get flowers to make a house call. Just pick up your phone, stop in at the local flower shop, or log on to the Internet to order some flowers today.
  
  About The Author:

Wesley Berry is member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar floral business that was established in 1946. He is also the developer of LocalNewsDelivery.com a website that delivers local news to over 40,000 communities across the country. Recently he also launched a website providing information about various places of worship throughout the United States. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at www.800wesleys.com.

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Tags: flower, flowers, versatile gifts, gift, men, women, young, old, lovers, friends, fresh, occasion, favored

Flowers Are The Perfect Gift For Father's Day

Copyright © 2006-2008 Wesley Berry, AAF

Dads everywhere have Sonora Smart Dodd to thank for getting Father's Day started. In 1909, Sonora sat in a church in Spokane, Washington listening to a sermon expounding on the virtues of motherhood. But, as she sat there, she thought about how special her own father was since it was he who raised her after the death of her mother. She saw him as a loving, kind, self-sacrificing, and amazing man and knew that there were many fabulous fathers just like him who deserved their own day to be celebrated. To that end, she suggested a specific day in their honor and chose June 19, the birth date of her own father, in the year of 1910 as the perfect day for the very first Father's Day celebration.

Since then, dads have been receiving gifts of ties, cologne, and golf balls from well-meaning children every year. While dads appreciate any gift given in love, there's an easier way to show your dad you love him than by racking your brain for the perfect gift-send him flowers.

Now, you might be thinking that flowers are a bit feminine to be sending to your dad, but the truth is that in surveys conducted by the Society of American Florists, 60 percent of men responded that they do enjoy receiving flowers. If you're not sure flowers are right for your dad, talk to your local florist and ask for a masculine spin on the design. Your florist can design a gift of flowers that's sure to make any dad smile.

Men are typically visually stimulated and appreciate floral gifts using bold colors (red, yellow, orange, purple, etc.) and masculine elements, such as twigs and natural grasses and leaves. They also prefer designs with more of a linear feel than those perceived as soft and fluffy.

For an added personal and masculine touch, let your florist know if your dad has a favorite flower or a hobby that could be incorporated into the gift. For example, if your dad likes woodworking or fixing things around the house, bring in a small hand tool for your florist to add to the design. If he loves tennis, include a container of balls. If he's the family grill-master, tuck in a basting brush, spatula, or other grilling accessories.

If you're still not sure flowers are the right gift for your dad, you could send a green or flowering plant instead. Many men enjoy the natural beauty a plant adds to a home. There are many varieties that are easy to care for and your florist can include a plant care card with the gift.

So, this year, spend less time worrying about what gift to give your dad and more time celebrating all the wonderful things he's done for you. Spend just a few moments talking to your florist and order a beautiful floral design or plant that will be sure to please.

About The Author:

Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar business that was established in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the Professional Florists' Institute, a floral design school located in Michigan. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at http://www.wesleyberryflowers.com.

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Tags: sonora, fathers day, father, mother, parents, gift, gifts, holiday, love, children, flowers, flower bouquet, florist, perfect

Tips For Shopping For Wine Gift Baskets

By IPRWire Staff Writer

If you are shopping for wine gift baskets, there are a few things you need to know. First, just because an arrangement contains a bottle of what appears to be a high quality beverage, doesn’t mean that it is a high quality arrangement. Many companies package cheap beverages in pretty wrappings that make them appear better than they are. Make sure you carefully check the brand and vintage of the beverages in a basket you are considering buying.

Next, you also need to be aware that there is more to wine gift baskets than just the beverages they contain. Some companies that sell these arrangements will choose an excellent beverage. However, because the beverage is so pricey, they will then put cheap foods in the basket to make it look full. Another thing you might find is that these companies put worthless items into their arrangements. These things are items the person you are giving the present to will never use. You want to find an arrangement that couples an excellent beverage with quality foods that will enhance the flavor of the drink, not detract from it.

Another thing to look for when shopping for arrangements is the container that the arrangement is in. the best quality arrangements be housed in attractive and useful containers, not plastic tubs that are good for nothing when the contents have been consumed. One great idea is to look for an arrangement that is housed in a beverage-cooling tub, so the container is useful even while the recipient is still using the contents!

One mark that indicates that you have found high quality wine gift baskets is if you find arrangements that contain useful tools, such as a corkscrew or wine opener. This shows that the company making the arrangement has thought of what the recipient will need as soon as he receives the gift. After all, a good beverage cannot be enjoyed if it cannot be opened.

Don’t forget to look at the way the arrangement looks. The best vendors will carefully arrange their products so that the beverages are showcased and offset by the other items the arrangement contains. Also, they may decorate the arrangement with items like bows or faux grapes that highlight the contents beautifully. By finding a company that shows attention to the details included in creating the arrangement, you will be assure that you have found a company that will pay attention to putting the best foods and beverages into their products.

When shopping for wine gift baskets, you should consider shopping with Van’s Gifts. This online store had its beginnings as a paper catalogue vender. They have been making arrangements for all sorts of purposes for over twenty years. They include the best beverages, quality foods, and important tools in their beautiful arrangements. You can see pictures of what they offer by visiting http://www.vansgifts.com, where you will find their entire catalogue in a convenient online forum. From this site, you can place your order and have it shipped either to you or your recipient directly. Whatever you choose, you will be confident that you are purchasing the best arrangements available anywhere, whether online or offline!

About the Author: http://www.vansgifts.com has been in business since 1984 and ships to all 50 states. The company has become known for their customizable and well put together gift baskets. For more information on tea gift baskets, gourmet gift baskets and wine gift baskets please visit our site.

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Tags: Wine Gift Baskets

Celebrating Valentine’s Day With Valentine Box Ideas For Kids

By Michelle Bery

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love in any form. Whether romantic or platonic, we use this special day in the middle of winter to warm our hearts by declaring our love for the people in our lives. In elementary schools everywhere, children celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving each other cards. Big, small, decorated with stickers, or filled with candy, these cards are the children’s first foray into articulating their respect and appreciation for each other and it is an important part of the Valentine’s Day tradition. In order to give and receive these cards, the children often create their own Valentine box in which they collect their cards. And, as is often the case, these boxes are constructed at home and then brought to school for the festivities. For those craft-challenged parents faced with the prospect of helping their child with such a project, there are several easy Valentine box ideas that will have your child ready for Valentine’s Day in no time.

First and foremost, the shoebox is your best friend when it comes to simple Valentine box ideas. All you need to do is take an ordinary shoebox and cover it with brown paper – turn a grocery shopping bag inside out and you have all the brown paper you need. Or, if you have any on hand, you can cover the box with Valentine’s Day wrapping paper –anything, white, red, or pink will do. Once the box is covered, cut a slit in the top of the box lid so that cards can be slipped inside the box. Then let your child go to town decorating the box with stickers, drawings, fabric, glitter, beads, paint – all of which you can pick up at your local craft store. Just make sure that their name is on the box somewhere.

Another one of the equally popular Valentine box ideas is to take an empty Valentine’s Day candy box – heart shaped or otherwise – and cut a slit in the top into which you can slip cards. Again, cover the box so that your child can decorate it the way that they want to and be sure they put their name on the box somewhere.

The most important part of any Valentine box ideas, of course, is that your child has fun doing it. Make it a craft that the two of you can do together by gathering all the materials and shopping for what you need. Then you can both sit down and plan the design of their special Valentine box.

About the Author: For easy to understand, in depth information about Valentine box ideas visit our ezGuide 2 Valentines.

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Tags: Valentine's day gift

Sandwiched Boomers And The Valentines Gift Of Discourse

By Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D.

This Valentines Day, are you hoping that your sweetheart will finally write the love song you've been waiting to hear? Or are you taking a more proactive stance - busy shopping for the language of love that is bound to communicate the depth of your true emotions?

How couples talk with each other is a concrete example of differences between the sexes – and the conversational styles of women and men are often polar opposites. Despite your partner's ongoing support, you may find it difficult to speak about your deepest thoughts. Sometimes, when you just want your husband to listen to how you feel about a situation, you find him intent on fixing what's wrong or finding a solution. Or when your wife asks you what you're thinking and you answer, she goes on and on so that you're sorry you responded in the first place.

Research statistics show that one out of two marriages in the United States ends in divorce. And as a safeguard to this institution, some couples sign a clearly delineated legal pre-nuptial contract. There are other non-verbalized agreements that impact marriages, but are not communicated as directly. For example, “I earn more than you and that gives me greater control over major decisions” is often understood but not considered a topic for conversation. An increase in either trust or tension in the relationship eventually leads to the expression and resolution of these kinds of concerns, one way or the other.

Still other decisions are unconscious, part of the psychological baggage that is carried forward from the family of origin or from previous relationships. For instance, “My father walked out on our family without much of an explanation so, when you’re quiet for too long, I get scared” can be an old, deeply embedded emotional script that is left over from childhood. Shaped by earlier experiences and well hidden by defense mechanisms, these entrenched beliefs often continue to drive individual attitudes and behaviors.

Discover the benefit of bringing these emotional influences to conscious awareness. At this time of year, when so much love is in the air, apply the following five tips and let your heart do the talking:

1. Pay attention to the positives in your relationship by noticing the various qualities that bring you pleasure. Discuss these with your partner from time to time and review them often for yourself.

2. When talking quietly together, be willing to reveal your own personal needs and opinions so that he has some access to your subjective world. Encourage him to take a risk and do the same with you.

3. Opposites attract. Genuine mutuality thrives on recognizing the differences in how you communicate. When it's impossible to respect and honor what sets you apart, find the humor in the situation and fall back on laughter.

4. Create a balance between caring for your personal needs and nourishing the well being of your relationship. Take time out of your busy schedules each day to connect and converse about how you can nourish both.

5. Reduce the stress in your lives in order to enjoy fuller and deeper conversations. A minor change in attitude can make your partner more responsive to you and to your needs.

Couples who practice conversational etiquette become more skillful in active listening than in advice giving. Over time, many discover that a commitment to understanding each other’s position, especially in conflict, goes a long way. As Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, so wisely stated, "You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist."

According to Donna, learning to recognize the differences in how she and her husband evaluated and worked through problems made their relationship much stronger. “We resolve conflict by trying to see what the other one needs. We’ll go around what we can’t agree on and make every effort to reach some compromise. It has taken years, but we’ve both grown to value our relationship more than being right.”

On February 14th, mark your calendar as the first day of the rest of your lives. Cast a love spell in celebration of your relationship. And commit to nurturing a heartfelt connection with your partner through the intimate gift of conversation.

© Her Mentor Center, 2007

About the Author: Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. & Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. are founders of http://www.HerMentorCenter.com, a website for midlife women and http://www.NourishingRelationships.Blogspot.com, a blog for the Sandwich Generation. They are authors of a forthcoming book about Baby Boomers and family relationships. They offer free newsletter Stepping Stones.

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Tags: Valentine's day gift

Giving Gifts People Love To Get

By Bill Parsons

Well, it’s time to go shopping. Maybe it’s your boss’s birthday or time to recognize your niece’s graduation. How on earth do you find the right gift?

The answer is really quite simple. Pay attention to the person. Look carefully at what they wear, how they carry themselves. Giving gifts is a great way to show someone you care about them, and giving a gift that really speaks to them, while it may seem challenging, is worth the effort.

I’m not suggesting that you stake out their house or office and spy on them. You do, however, need to watch them, and pay attention when they’re talking. In the case of a boss or co-worker, it can be relatively easy. Look at what he or she has on her desk. Listen carefully when they talk about what they did on the weekend or where they’d like to go on vacation. Next, via a few simple questions, you can decide what to give them for their special day. Find out what they think would be fun about the Bahamas or what team they support in the NBA. Then, depending on your budget, you can get them something that shows you know what’s important to them.

In regards to a family member, especially extended family like a niece or cousin, things can get really easy. If you’re not exactly sure what would be the perfect gift for your nephew, ask his mom! His parents will know (or should) what kind of music he likes, or what games he’s playing on the computer. For young folks, you can even ask them. They know what they want, down to the model numbers, in some cases, and will be thrilled to receive what they asked for.

Of course, you may not always have the time, opportunity or inclination to do the research suggested above. If this is the case, let me suggest something that EVERYONE likes to receive, and that something is cash. No one I know would refuse cash, and if you think they’d be embarrassed to receive actual money, you can give them a gift card. These little babies are so well loved that there’s not a soul who would refuse one. You can go generic and get one for the Mall or a chain restaurant, but you can also get more specific to shops you know your recipient frequents or even websites that you think they’d enjoy shopping at.

Wrap it up in a cute little box (they have them now just for gift cards) and deliver it to your special someone. They’ll be thrilled because they’ll either be able to go out for dinner for free or they’ll be able to pick out something they love at their favorite store. And that’s way better than having to return a too-small sweater or a duplicate coffee grinder.

Looking for a neat gift idea the kids will love? By getting them an outdoor basketball hoop you not only find them a gift they'll love, but you will get them outside exercising!

About the Author: Find tons of basketball hoops at this neat online basketball hoop store. From indoor basketball hoops to outdoor, they have the basketball hoop for you.

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Tags: gift

Chocolate Gift Baskets – Weaving The Magic Of Paradise On Earth

By Toni Young

It is said that chocolate is the food of the Gods. Perhaps this is the reason why it is the most desired gift. Chocolates make wonderful gifts for all occasions, and when offered to a dear one it warms the hearts of both the giver and the receiver, the former in the knowledge that they have made a superb offering and the latter at having received such a warm gift.

There are occasions when a single bar of chocolate may not suffice, so why not offer a basket load of it? A chocolate gift basket is absolute pleasure multiplied a number of times over. Rare must be a person walking this planet that does not adore chocolates, so this is one gift that you can simply not go wrong with. Chocolate gift baskets dwell on this very indulgence of people and take the bliss a step further by offering the receiver an abundance of choice to satisfy their sweet cravings.

While there are fabulous chocolate gift baskets present on the store shelves as well as available online, you can also create your own ones. Chocolate gift baskets can be loaded with all kinds of delectable stuff. Go for a large exclusive box of chocolate and accord it pride of place in the basket. Next, stuff it with smaller bars or boxes of assorted chocolates. If you are aware of the kind of chocolates preferred by the receiver, make sure to include these in the chocolate gift basket and you will be the recipient of some heartfelt appreciation. Milk chocolates, dark chocolate truffles, exotic candies and many more lip-smacking items in different shapes and sizes can look very appealing in a beautifully decorated basket.

For variety you could put in some chocolate cookies, chocolate dipped raisins and chocolate chips so that the receiver will be really spoiled for choice. For a heady feeling, liquor filled chocolates in a gift basket can be fun to gift to a close friend. There are other options in center-filled chocolates, for more formal acquaintance. When invited for a formal dinner, a chocolate gift basket loaded with an assortment of classic chocolates will win over the lady of the house.

With chocolate gift baskets the possibilities are endless. If you are getting a custom gift basket, take care to pick out a basket that is elegant so that even when the sinful delights have been devoured, you will be remembered for your thoughtfulness whenever the eyes take in the beautiful piece lying on the table. Thereafter, it is up to you to set your imagination free to pick out all sorts of chocolates treats to load it up with, that you feel will charm the receiver.

So, whenever comes the opportunity to offer a gift, all that you need, to make a stylish statement as well as a fascinating gift is a nice little chocolate gift basket. And when that happens to be a signature chocolate gift basket stuffed with personal favorites, it makes the ultimate gift. Use this food of the Gods to enchant the humble mortals on earth!

About the Author: Gift Baskets are the perfect gift to give for any holiday or occasion. The Basket Spot offers gourmet food & wine gift baskets at affordable prices. Toni Young is the owner of The Basket Spot and is a partner with raymondschools.org, where gifts are given for excellent academia.

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Tags: Gift Baskets

Parenting Tips - 3 Gifts We Must Give Our Children

By Deanna Mascle

Parenting is the most difficult, the most challenging, and the most important job we will ever have. So many of our children's future successes and problems can stem from our success as parents. Yet fortunately we do not have to go it alone. We can learn from the successful parents around us, if we are fortunate including our own parents, and also learn from those less successful as well. In addition, we can learn many important lessons about parenting from our own children. If we only listen and pay attention they tell us so much about what they want and need from us as parents. While we can so often get caught up in the little details and daily grind of parenting, if we keep sight of three main goals then the rest will take care of itself. All our children really need from us are these three all-important gifts: our love, our care, and our time.

Love is the easiest and yet the most overlooked of the gifts we must give our children. We love our children. It is such an overwhelming emotion for us that we often forget that our children may not realize its depth and breadth. It is true for many of us that we did not realize how much our parents love us until we too became parents. Demonstrate through your actions and choices that you love your children. Show them and tell them how much you care. Do this with little gestures and big ones and do it every day. One certainty our children should possess as they grow and develop is that they are loved as this gives them a foundation and confidence that nothing else can.

Care is something we do all the time, so much so that it is often on autopilot. Folding clothes, picking up toys, packing lunches, and washing dishes. One of the ways to cope with these tasks is to put them in perspective. These boring, repetitive tasks are one of the ways we care for our children and by doing them we are showing our care. But do not neglect the emotional and cognitive care along with the physical care. It is easy while making sure our children are fed, clothed, and washed to overlook the emotional care and cognitive care children also need. Teach your child how to handle emotions like fear and jealousy by talking things through and modeling good emotional behavior. Make sure your child is challenged intellectually through conversation, games and books.

Time is the most precious of all gifts and yet so many parents short their children of their time. Time is spent at work and at various life activities from home maintenance to recreation, but simply giving your child the gift of your time and attention every day can reap tremendous rewards. Giving your child your time and attention is the surest way to demonstrate to your child that he or she is loved. You can multi-task while spending time with your child if the task is something that the child can be involved in or adjacent to -- and the task is something mindless so you can focus on the child. For example, children can help with household chores or can talk or read to you while you fold laundry or wash dishes. Simply making a point of spending time with your child every day where your primary focus is on the child can reap tremendous rewards today and tomorrow.

There are no perfect parents, so striving for perfection is setting yourself up for failure. All you can do is try your best and give your child the gifts of love, care, and time. If you do then you will be a good parent. It really is that simple.

About the Author: Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle shares more parenting tips in her blog at http://renaissancewomanonline.com

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Tags: gift

Gift Trends

 by sakvoyaj

According to the survey, flowers, clothing and jewelry are the most popular gifts exchanged in America. Flowers top the lists of both men and women as the best "I love you" gift. Clothing is ranked the most convenient to give, and jewelry makes us smile.

"Our favorite gifts are the ones that allow us to express emotion and make us feel special," said noted gift expert and author of The Perfect Present, Robyn Spizman. "They are personal expressions of our feelings for each other."

When asked which gifts make us feel most special, respondents name jewelry (26%) and flowers (23%). Fifty-eight percent of Americans say they gave flowers at least once in the past year. This resulted in millions of smiles, many of which came from men, as one out of three women gave flowers to men.

"Not surprisingly, the top reason women and men like to receive flowers is love," said Spizman. Respondents also note friendship, thank you, and anniversaries. "Flowers are always a thoughtful choice," added Spizman.

Men who forget their anniversaries reach for the phone to call their florist, as flowers were named the most popular gift to get out of the doghouse. Clothing is the gift Americans give most often, but by the same fashion, clothes are also the gift most often returned, according to respondents.

In keeping with our romantic feelings about gifts, an overwhelming majority of Americans surveyed cited their spouse or significant other as the person who gave them the best gift they ever received. Mothers rank a distant second, followed by other relatives.

As for love interests, according to the research, more than 25 percent of Americans say the gift they would most like to receive from an admirer is flowers or houseplants - followed by jewelry, clothing and perfume or cologne.

In the office, 36 percent of those receiving gifts from business associates would most appreciate tickets to a sporting or entertainment event, while 23 percent prefer flowers.

Just Because You Care

While most Americans enjoy receiving gifts on traditional holidays, "no special occasion" tops the list with nearly one-third of respondents citing it as their favorite time to receive a gift of flowers. Flowers also lead the bunch as the gift most given to express everyday sentiments.

Excuses and e-tiquette

Approximately 25 percent of Americans admit to re-wrapping gifts and giving them to others. Women are more likely to re-gift than men and are also more likely to expect a thank you from a gift recipient.

When it comes to gratitude, according to the survey, over one-half of Americans do not expect a thank you for a gift. While women are more likely to anticipate a sign of appreciation, both men and women agree that an in-person thank you and a handwritten note are the most acceptable ways of expressing gratitude for a gift. Most also agree that a phone call is acceptable; however, when it comes to high-tech modes of communication such as e-mail and voicemail, agreement significantly drops. A faxed note is the least acceptable method of saying thank you.

"As times and technology change, it's still the personal touches that are most meaningful," added Spizman. "Make every gift count."

Gift Giving Survey Results

The results below offer trends on everyday gift giving. Percentages tally the top answers by both men and women, unless otherwise noted. The survey was an independent survey conducted by International Communications Research for the Society of American Florists in January 2000.

to be continued

Centralflowers Don Belbeder Florist flowers online

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Tags: gift trends

Flowers Are A Popular Gift For Christmas

Copyright © 2006-2008 Wesley Berry, AAF

Let's face it, for many people Christmas shopping is a stressful event. It can be really difficult to find just the right gift for your Great Aunt Millie who doesn't really need anything. And, just what do you give your boss's wife when you're invited to their home for a Christmas celebration? This year, you could finish your Christmas shopping in just one stop...or without even leaving your home. Just contact your local florist, either in person or via telephone and order flowers for all the people on your list.

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for florists all over the country. That's because the American public understands just how much their loved ones enjoy receiving flowers. In fact, in a study by the Society of American Florists (SAF) and The Michael Cohen Group, 92 percent of women remember the last time they got a gift of flowers.

Rebecca Cole, host of the Discover Channel's show Surprise by Design, has teamed up with SAF to provide tips on how flowers can make our holidays even brighter. She says, "Sending flowers for the holidays is the gift of emotion. The season has a way of conjuring up feelings of nostalgia. We think about grandma's house, the cozy fireplace, the great feast, and good times with family and friends. Flowers and plants are the finishing touch that make the holidays complete."

For great Christmas gifts, Cole shares these ideas:

• Give bulb plants like Amaryllis and Paper White Narcissus that will flower just around Christmas. You may wish to give these flowers early so that the recipient can enjoy the blooms as they appear and reach their peak.


• Cyclamen, kalanchoe, and Christmas cactus make great flowering plant gifts.


• Have your florist create a design with a winter harvest feeling that includes fruits and vegetables.


• Ask for a design that incorporates shiny tree ornaments or candles for a beautiful centerpiece.
  
  If you're looking for gifts to give in the office or to clients, Cole suggests:
  
  


• Send a beautiful, showy wreath, floral arrangement, or poinsettia to your most important clients.


• Provide your florist with a mug or other container displaying your company's logo and ask him or her to fill it with flowers.


• Order door swags made of fresh greens for office doors.


• Have a large basket of fruit and flowers delivered to the office for everyone to enjoy.
  
  Christmas is most certainly a time for giving and flowers are definitely the right gift to give. For more great gift ideas, visit or call your florist.
  
  About The Author:

Wesley Berry is member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar floral business that was established in 1946. As a member of the Henry Ford Hospital Community Relation Board he has contributed to the community at large. He owns both a brick and mortar and an internet flower delivery business. Visit Wesley Berry Flowerson the web at www.800wesleys.com.

Article Source: thePhantomWriters Article Submission Service

Tags: gift

Choosing The Perfect Gourmet Gift Baskets

By IPRWire Staff Writer

Gourmet gift baskets have plenty of uses. You can give them to employees or clients to help increase your profits for your business. You can give them to family or friends to help celebrate a special holiday or anniversary. You can give them as thank you presents or get well soon presents as well. No matter what your giving need may be, these arrangements are the perfect choice.

However, you need to choose the arrangement you give carefully. When shopping for these arrangements, you should also stop to think about the type of food you want the arrangement to contain. Many people choose arrangements with wine as the central element. Others will choose an arrangement of chocolate goodies or other candies. Tea and coffee are other popular themes for these arrangements. Think about what your friend will like, and then find an arrangement to match. However, avoid foods that spoil quickly, such as fruit, because your friend may not be able to eat them before they spoil, and then your gift will be wasted.

Remember, not all arrangements are made of the same quality, and thus many people end up looking cheap when they give someone a food arrangement. Your friends, family, and coworkers know what quality foods are, so when choosing gourmet gift baskets, take the time to find a company selling beautiful arrangements made with high quality foods.

Take the time when shopping to look at all of the food items an arrangement contains. Often companies will create arrangements with one or two high quality items, and then fill in the arrangement with cheaper, less tasty items. The best arrangements will contain only high quality foods with no filler items. Consider each item in the basket to ensure that you are getting the best for your money.

Next, look at how the arrangement appears at first glance. You could find an arrangement with the best foods, but if it does not make a good first impression, you may end up looking as though you gave a present of lesser quality. The best gourmet gift baskets will include high quality foods arranged in a beautiful fashion so they make an excellent first impression.

Finally, find an arrangement that has practicality in mind. If you choose an arrangement with wine in it, make sure it has a wine opener included. Also, make sure that you choose an arrangement in a practical container. Purses, totes, briefcases, magazine bins, and decorative boxes all are something that the recipient can continue to use for many years after you give the present.

Van’s Gifts is a company that meets all of these needs. They make their gourmet gift baskets practical, with wine openers and practical containers in each one. They also use only the best name brand food distributors, such as Godiva chocolates, and arrange their products carefully so they make a great first impression. To see for yourself, visit their website at http://www.vansgifts.com, where you can see the foods they offer and pictures of their beautiful arrangements. They have wine, chocolate, candy, tea, and coffee arrangements to offer their customers, as well as non-food items, so you will have plenty of arrangements to choose from.

About the Author: http://www.vansgifts.com has been in business since 1984 and ships to all 50 states. The company has become known for their customizable and well put together gift baskets. For more information on tea gift baskets, gourmet gift baskets and wine gift baskets please visit our site.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=188549&ca=Business

Tags: gift basket

Buying Perfume as a Gift ... Online (It Can Be Done, and Done Well)

Buying perfume as a gift for someone can be tricky. Although lots of women love perfume and even more like it, not every woman does. The first step in your perfume purchase plan is to find out if your intended recipient even wears fragrance.

The best way is to ask her if she has a favorite scent. Most women who like perfume, even peripherally, will be able to name a couple of scents.

Some women don't need asking. You just know by their smell that they adore perfume.

You can buy a favorite scent, but it's even more charming to introduce a woman to her next favorite scent. How do you do that? By planning.

If you're the brazen type you can sashay right up to the perfume counter at your local department store. This is scary territory for a lot of men (and even some women) because everybody seems like they know something you don't. Well, they probably do, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that you get your perfume.

A great boon for men and people who fear encounters with the tragically hip (the kind of clerk who works at a perfume counter) is the online perfume store. The drawback is that you can't smell before you buy. But in a lot of stores today, you can't try fragrance on very much, either. At most department stores you have to ask specifically for a sample of a fragrance and then they give it to you on a little matchstick of paper that they wave around in the air like it was going to turn into a dove and fly away.

Perfume on paper is not the same as perfume on skin. Besides, the only way to get one of these samples is to know what you want. Want to try on Cinema by Yves St. Laurent? If you know that much and can find the Yves St. Laurent territory at the perfume counter, you can ask for that. But if you don't know to ask for it by name, you won't get it.

That's why online shopping is practically the same as in-store shopping. You don't get to sample much anyway.

So let's talk types.

A great "type" of perfume is what I call French. Nobody else calls it that, but I can explain what I mean. The great perfumeries of France have a sort of trademark character to them. The scents are soft, floral, and tend to favor the powdery. Don't expect a lot of fruit clatter. These scents are considered the world over to be classics, sophisticated, dignified, expensive, and beautiful. They are feminine. Women who like French scents tend to be more mature (mom-type fragrances) or women in the business world or females with classic tastes and sensibilities. Like that? Try these lines: Chanel, Nina Ricci, Yves St. Laurent. There are others but that will get you started.

Or are you looking for something fun, youthful, and hip? Then you have to go foody. Yes, perfume smells like food these days. Try Pink Sugar by Aquolina, Groove by Carol's Daughter (or try her Almond Cookie which smells exactly, and I mean exactly, like it sounds), Sugar Blossom by Fresh or Coney Island by Bond No 9. By the way, if you're looking to please a perfume sophisticate, you've got to turn up some new brand, not a big name you can get at a department store.

In this league but a bit apart is Angel by Thierry Mugler. By the way, Angel is the best-selling perfume in France. Go figure.

Want to gift your recipient with a brand she likely doesn't have (and may not have ever tried)? Go to Bond No. 9. Or buy the fragrance attached to the brand of Coach or Tiffany (yes, they have a signature scent). Or go to a boutique house like Niel Morris. All of these are sold online.

Another main type of perfume is the American perfume. American scents tend to favor orange and citrus notes, be fresh, and have exuberant florals. Who likes them? Most women can wear these fragrances with ease; they tend to compliment most skin chemistries. They're very flowery, so it may be that the hyper-youthful will find them "old fashioned." But most people over 15 (in spirit if not in chronological age) will love them. I'm thinking Beautiful by Estee Lauder, Romance by Ralph Lauren, Eternity and Obsession by Calvin Klein.

Now if you want to tweak the great American scent, you should try Euphoria by Calvin Klein. It's a strong American scent with a bubbly soupcon of fruit.

Sometimes older women enjoy nostalgic scents. You can still buy Youth Dew by Estee Lauder just about everywhere. For more difficult-to-find scents, shop the unlikely online source of The Vermont Country Store. They specialize in nostalgic stuff. Look for Tigress, My Sin by Lanvin, and Joy by Jean Patou.

You may want to give your youthful and lovely recipient a fragrance that is nostalgic but not because she "used to wear it." Consider going back into the fragrance archives to dig up forgotten treasures. The best two here are both at the Vermont Country Store. Buy her Evening in Paris or Christmas Night. Both are fragrances from Paris in the 1930s. Evening in Paris was created by the same "nose" (perfumer) as Chanel No. 5 and I think it's just as fabulous only more obscure (which makes it even better). Christmas Night is a sensational fragrance but it's so rare even a lot of women of fragrance here don't know it.

Both would be cool gifts to a knowledgeable perfume person to show that you know your stuff.

If you're giving perfume to somebody who doesn't know a thing about perfume, you can't go too far wrong with the so-called "fresh scents." Fresh scents were designed to smell like soap or clean air or ozone or something. They're the equivalent of natural-looking make-up. The best fresh scent, in my opinion, is Grace by Philosophy, but any of the Philosophy line is good. You can get these online at Sephora.

Scents that work for men and women include Calvin Klein's One and Gramercy Park by Bond No. 9 (which is also not widely worn).

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Buying perfume online is not as hard as it sounds! To learn more about what works and what doesn't and to shop around, check out http://www.squidoo.com/perfumehappy .

Tags: perfume gift

Popular Corporate Gifts

Author: maxine greco

This article describes the pleasure of giving & receiving corporate gifts.

Corporate gifts are especially popular year-end. They are wonderful at holiday parties and at end of the year celebrations. They are a way to say, "Remember me" or "thank you". They also remind the receiver over and over of the gift giver. When building a brand name, they keep the brand and logo alive in the mind of every one who sees the item. Many corporate gifts can be inscribed with the recipients name or initials making it even more personal. Everyone loves to see their own name on a gift and it shows more thought went into the purchase. Almost anything can work as a corporate gift. There are inexpensive gift items such as pens and key chains. There are also expensive items such as pens and key chains. To be considered a corporate gift, the item merely has to be imprinted, embossed or debossed, silk-screened, monogrammed or embroidered with a company name or logo. Elegant packaging or gift-wrapping is another way to make sure the corporate gift appreciated. Packaging can even be imprinted with a slogan or company logo.

Clever merchandise that is targeted for a certain profession or useful on the job will always be popular. Items that make you laugh or smile will be kept around and bring good feelings for a long period of time. There's a huge amount of merchandise targeting lawyers and doctors. Almost everything seems to have a scale of justice or a medical caduceus. There are also logos for chiropractors, accountants, and dentists. One of the cleverest items available is a paperweight with magnetic pieces on top. The pieces can be custom cut to fit any situation. There are teeth for dentists, bones and hearts with the medical caduceus for surgeons. There are small bottles and creams for pharmaceutical companies. If you think it up, they can custom make it. Because the magnets will stay flat on top for packaging, it's the perfect type of corporate gift to bring to a trade show. Just pack them in your lightweight luggage, and off you go.

Travel accessories are another great item that can be imprinted with a company name or logo. They're especially popular because everyone seems to be traveling somewhere. Whether they are going on a business trip or on a long or short vacation, it can be used and therefore even more appreciated. There are many items in this category. Just think about a travel clock, a passport case or travel wallet or a handy folding tote bag or duffel. All of these items are great to travel with and available in every price range. There are inexpensive travel alarm clocks and there are beautiful Movado travel alarms. The travel wallets are available in fabric or exquisite leathers. Folding totes are seen in nylon, leather, and combinations of both. Pick your price range and you'll be sure to find a huge array of merchandise available.

It seems every year there's new items. One of the most clever seen this year is a Godiva hot chocolate set with a leather-covered carafe. The carafe can be embossed or monogrammed with a company name of logo. The carafe is great for coffee or tea on the go. It will keep your drink hot for hours. The item comes in an elegant gold foil box, which can also be imprinted. Another clever and useful item is the men's valet with charger built in. The valet holds watches, keys and glasses and the charger will charge your phone, iPod, and PDA. The wind-up rechargeable radio and light from Grundig is another useful item. The carry bag can be embroidered or silk screened with a company name or logo. They are also available with a cell phone charger that does not require batteries. You just wind-up the crank handles to use everything. Batteries are not needed. Many of these items can also be used to celebrate an employee's years of service to the company. Corporate gifts are exciting and lasting!

About the Author:

Maxine Greco has been in the luggage and travel business for over 38 years. She is currently working at Village Luggage and Gifts.

Tags: corporate gift