Gift Idea: Elmo!

Elmo Birthday Party Ideas

By Crystal Mclain

Everyone knows, and loves, that furry red monster on Sesame Street known as Elmo. Adults may find his voice irritating, but there is no questioning his cuteness, and that cuteness is not lost on the kids who watch him every day and buy his products.

As a result, you can expect that one of your children will ask to have an Elmo-themed birthday party for their birthday, and before you start watching hours of Sesame Street to understand what an Elmo-themed birthday party is, we have some excellent suggestions.

Elmo Movies

One of the quickest and easiest ways to make it an Elmo birthday party is to simply let the kids watch Elmo movies during the birthday party. This can be done before or after the cake, and it will get all the kids into a happy mood as they watch their favorite Muppet dance his way on the television screen, singing songs that the kids can sing along to as well.

Write An Elmo Story

The kids can put their creative minds to work when you get them to each write up a quick Elmo story that they can then read to everyone. Don't be surprised if the kids love the stories, and encourage each other to write more. You never know, you may start the next great novelist on their path to literary fame doing this!

Elmo Dolls

Elmo dolls are everywhere, and it is tough for it to be an Elmo-themed birthday party without them. You should see if you can pick up a couple of dolls that can have a place at the table with everyone else. This will make it seem like Elmo has come to the party to enjoy it with the kids himself.

Decorate the Backyard

The backyard is an excellent place to have a birthday party, and it is an excellent place for the kids to burn off energy after cake and Elmo movies. Decorate the backyard in red streamers, balloons, Elmo pictures and Elmo plates to make it seem like the kids have stumbled into their own little Elmo wonderland. This can easily be accomplished using several excellent supplies that are available in Elmo-themed birthday party supplies.

No matter what you choose to do, having an Elmo birthday party can be a lot of fun, not only for yourself, but for the kids as well. After all, there is a little Elmo in all of us.

For even more great Elmo Birthday Party Ideas, visit Birthday Supply Depot.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Mclain

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Fisher-Price Elmo LiveProduct Features

• Elmo Live is a plush that is in a sitting position
• Elmo has an internal mesh that is located in his torso and shoulders, and his legs are floppy with no structure inside
• Elmo will have his activation switch located in either hand
• Once pressed Elmo will say an intro phrase as he is turning at the waist
• Features a variety of songs 3 to 4 of Elmo's favorite songs

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

In this truly life-like creation, for the first time ever, Elmo seems to actually be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like the real Muppet, Elmo, from Sesame Street. His mannerisms are right on target as his head bobbles back and forth as he speaks. He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs, all the while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games. Children can activate the magic with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo’s foot, tummy, back or nose. Requires 6 AA batteries, included.

Product Description

Is it live or is it Elmo Live? For the first time ever, in this truly life-like creation, Elmo really appears to be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like a muppet. His mannerisms are right on target and his head bobbles back and forth as he speaks. Elmo waves his arms, sits and stands, and even crosses his legs while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games. Children can activate the magic with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo's foot, tummy, back or nose. Requires 6 "AA" batteries, included. Measures 12" tall.

Fisher-Price Elmo Live

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Fisher-Price T.M.X. Tickle Me Elmo

Product Description

Editorial Review

In 1996 Independence Day rocked the box office, the "Macarena" began its trek up the charts before landing on wedding dance floors, and Elmo first showed the world his predilection for tickles. Tickle Me Elmo is remembered as one of the most difficult-to-find toys of the 1996--or any--holiday season.

When you first take him out of his box, T.M.X. Elmo doesn't seem all that grand. He looks after all, well, like Elmo. Covered in the soft red fur that one would expect from everyone's favorite Sesame Street character, T.M.X. Elmo stands an unimposing 14 inches tall. Even worse, he feels all hard and plasticy under his fur. But this Elmo is not meant for cuddles or hand holding or swaddling.

This Elmo is all about tickles.

Sit T.M.X. Elmo down and hit one of his three "tickle" spots. There's one under his chin, one on his belly, and one on top of his foot. Yes, this Elmo wiggles just like he did 10 years ago, but that's just the start. Elmo slaps his belly, falls forward with his butt sticking out, stands back up again only to topple backwards, kicks his legs over his belly, and then stands right back up, all while laughing hysterically.

"Again! Again!"

Elmo gets more outrageous when you "tickle" him a second time, and the fun really starts with the third "tickle" session. Elmo's fancy moves include falling over on his side, shimmying on his back, and what seems to be everyone's favorite: lying flat on his belly slapping the floor next to him as if he can’t stop laughing. This Elmo has a serious case of the giggles. His trademark voice builds into a fit of histrionics, endless snickers that drown out everything but an unintelligible cackle until even Elmo admits he has had too much.

T.M.X Elmo requires 6 AA batteries, which are included, although these wore down quickly in our review copy. Elmo also has an on/off switch, so the tickles can be brought to an end when more than just Elmo has had too much. He moves a lot and needs a little open space for the full performance, although he does use his arm to determine his orientation periodically and stand back up if nothing is in the way. He gets a little stuck on uneven surfaces but for the most part performs amazingly well on carpet. On hardwood floors, Elmo works, but he occasionally slams his eyes on the floor in a way that seems it should halt the show.

In the end, T.M.X. Elmo is undeniably a trooper. Early reviews show that this turbocharged version of Tickle Me Elmo will follow the stellar path enjoyed by his much simpler predecessor. --David Morel

Product Description

Elmo has impressive automatic stand up action keeps you going while he continues to giggle and say, "I got tickled". It has three modes of giggle action - Press its foot or belly and hear "You tickled Elmo." TI can go from standing to sitting. Then, it falls back, sits and stands straight up again - the whole time giggling away and flapping its right arm. Touch its belly again, and it sits and rolls from one side to the other. It ends up on his back, kicking his legs, flapping his arms and giggling with the words, "You did it again." It ends his hilarious giggle session by standing up and letting out a deep sigh. This Elmo has a few more phrases: "Again, again," and "Give Elmo a break, please," and "I can't stop laughing". It require six AA batteries, which are included and it measures 15"H.

Fisher-Price Elmo Live

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Other Links:

• Fisher Price Sesame Street Many Kisses Elmo
• Fisher-Price Sesame Street Classic Plush Elmo
• Fisher-Price T.M.X. Tickle Me Elmo
• Sesame Street - Plush - Elmo Hand Puppet by GUND
• Sesame Street 19" Plush Elmo Stuffed Doll
• TMX eXtra Special Edition
• Gund Teach Me Elmo-15.75"
• Fisher-Price Elmo Live
• Gund Soft and Shaggy Elmo doll in new larger size!
• Gund Sesame Street 13-Inch Elmo

How to find the perfect gift

Copyright © 2008 Daren Burbridge

It's always hard to try and find that perfect gift for someone special. In the 21st century people do not have the time to go out shopping and scour the shops to find that special gift. It is also difficult to find something special for someone who has everything, how do you find something that no one else would have thought of or that they haven't already got?

Occasions where you may need to find that special gift include birthdays, Christmas, weddings, anniversaries, mothers day, fathers day and valentines day. People are also even looking for alternatives to Easter eggs, wanting to buy children a gift rather then getting too many Easter eggs.

Internet shopping is becoming the worlds favourite way to shop. By doing this it saves you time and energy and takes the stress out of shopping and making it an enjoyable experience. High street shops and internet companies are making it easier and easier for the consumer to purchase items online and sometimes offer incentives like discounts or free delivery. Some companies even do exclusive online sales that you would not normally see in the shops on the high street.

They can even offer you a better discount on items that they are selling as by having an online shop it is cutting their costs of having the overheads of running a high street shop and paying staff to serve you.

Things to bear in mind when trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone are try and think about their hobbies. Are they in to any particular sport or like reading particular books or listening to certain types of music? Do they have any hobbies that you may be able to find a gift that they would be able to use in their hobby, like if they were in to football, maybe you could buy them a football shirt or sports bag? Or if you know what football team they support then you may be able to get them a clock, scarf or badge or something else that a football souvenir web shop may be able to offer you.

Other ideas would be to think about their interests i.e. some people are in to gardening, maybe think about what tools they might need or a special tree or plant that they could grow and remember who bought it for them. Some people may have certain jobs that you may be able to find a different type of gift for like if they work in an office, then a novelty desk game might be fun!!

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Occasions where you may need to find that perfect gift include birthdays, Christmas, weddings, anniversaries, mothers day, fathers day, valentines day or maybe just a gift for him or gift for her.

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Tranquil Delights Lavender Spa Bath and Body Gift Set - Tea & Cocoa Gift Basket

Theres no such thing as too much pampering! Send a blissful gift of tranquility to coworkers, friends, family  even for you! This lavender scented spa trio of cleansing bath gel, moisturizing lotion and sisal loofah relaxes, refreshes, and rejuvenates in the shower or tub. Out of the bath she'll enjoy comforting Double Chocolate Brownie Cocoa and Enli-Tea-Ments Apricot Medley Tea with dainty Tea Biscuits. Each gift is presented in a handy woven gift tote perfect for storing crafts, cards or collections in, tied with ribbons and includes a personalized gift message from you to convey your best wishes. We offer standard ground shipping (4-6 business days in transit) or expedited shipping (2-3 business days in transit). Copyright Art of Appreciation. To determine when your gift will be delivered, please review the "Shipping Rates and Policies" link below:

Tranquil Delights Lavender Spa Bath and Body Gift Set - Tea & Cocoa Gift Basket

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The Classic Gourmet Food Gift Basket - Medium - Perfect for any gift occasion!

Send your heartfelt sympathy to friends and loved ones with this beautiful basket themed in classic black and gold. It's such a thoughtful way to express your condolances by providing snacks and goodies for sharing. We start filling your gift with Black Peppercorn Crackers, Sesame Crackers, Lady Walton Ameretto Cookie, Lady Walton Dark Chocolate Cookie, Camembert Cheese, Cafe Caramel Mocha Mix, Angelina's Sweet Butter Cookies, Gourmet Caramel Corn, Chocolate Toffee, Honey Cashew Nuts and fine Ghirardelli Caramel Chocolates, then tie it with beautiful ribbon and include a personalized gift message from you to convey your heartfelt sympathy. We offer standard ground shipping (4-6 business days in transit) or expedited shipping (2-3 business days in transit) gift delivery services. To determine when your gift will be delivered, please click on the "View Shipping Rates and Policy" link below:

The Classic Gourmet Food Gift Basket - Medium - Perfect for any gift occasion!

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You're My Cup of Tea Gourmet Food Gift Basket - a Great Gift For Her!

This whimsical wicker "Tea Cup" is filled overflowing with delicious tea time goodies for your special someone to enjoy. Let them relax and recoup with refreshing Apricot Tea, Box of Chai Latte Tea Mix, Old Brussels Gourmet Tea Cookies, Almond Hazelnut Biscotti, White Chocolate Ameretto Cookie, Chocolate English Toffee Cookie, Key Lime Shortbreads, Mama Says Biscotti Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Mama Says Biscotti Pistachio, and luscious Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares (dark, mint, caramel). PLEASE NOTE: During warm weather we will substutute Ghirardelli Chocolate with Strawberry Bonbons to maintain the high quality of your gift in transit. Each gift are carefully hand crafted with attention to detail, tied with ribbons and includes a personalized gift message from you to convey your best wishes. To determine when your gift will be delivered, please click on the "View Shipping Rates and Policy" link below:

You're My Cup of Tea Gourmet Food Gift Basket - a Great Gift For Her!

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A Wine Gift - A Gift That Keeps Giving

By John Wineberger

If you have been looking for a gift that suits nearly all occasions, then why not consider a nice bottle of wine? For anyone that has passed the legal alcohol age limit, receiving a bottle of wine on a special occasion or day is always well received. A wine gift is a classic custom that has been performed for quite a long time and is re-finding its popularity today. A fine bottle of wine is always right and will never sit on a shelf gathering dust.



What Is In A Wine Gift Basket

A very popular way to give wine today is in the form of a wine gift basket. The basket usually contains a least a couple of bottles of wine and selected appetizers that are pre-matched to the wine. Chocolates are usually paired to reds, crackers and various yummy spreads with chardonnay and cheeses like Brie and fruit to sweet wines. Whatever the wine, there is always an appetizer that will be perfectly matched to it. If you would like to make your own gift basket, just go down to your liquor store and ask some questions. More often than not, the clerk will be able to help you.



Chosen Wine for The Month

If you really want your wine gift to stand out from the crowd, then may be you should look at a wine of the month club. This gift will appeal to nearly everyone but mostly to wine lovers. The recipient of the gift will receive certain wines on a monthly basis that needs to be pre-selected by you. Membership to a wine of the month club, will approximately cost you around the $300.00 mark. You will also have the opportunity to request whether white or red wines are to be delivered or a combination of both. One added bonus of the gift is that any wine can be re-ordered from the club and as many times as you would like.



Wine Gift Assortments

If one bottle of wine is not going to impress, then why not give two bottles and if that also makes you feel uneasy, why not give an entire case? However, remember that wine is always well received and is a gift that can easily stand on its own.



Choosing The Wine

If the recipient of the wine gift is a wine lover or a connoisseur of fine wines, maybe a vintage wine will be more appropriate. You should always try the wine before giving it as a gift as you need to know that the quality that you are paying for will measure up to the expectations and taste.

Vintage wines nearly always have a story behind them and if you are lucky enough to purchase one that is a gift box, more often than not, it will be accompanied by a little booklet giving some facts about the origins of the wine. However it this is not the case, you can always do a quick search for it on the Internet.

If you have really gone the extra mile and driven off the beaten track to find that special gift, make sure you tell your story. A true wine lover will always enjoy such tales and who knows that, one day, they might want to go and find that special place themselves.


About the Author: If you want your wine gift to stand out from the crowd, make sure you check out our site for many wine gift ideas as well as a coffee and wine gift basket.


Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=245922&ca=Food+and+Drinks

Father's Day Gourmet Coffee Gift Basket For Gift Basket Lover In Your Life

By Edwin Hezron

Are in search of a great gift basket idea to give to a friend or a love one? You can make your choice from the various gift baskets we have around. And you can’t go wrong with a father's day gourmet coffee gift basket. These baskets come with several types of gourmet gift baskets of various types liable on the type of basket you want. If you have a father's day gourmet coffee gift basket lover in your life and you want to get something they’ll actually use and enjoy, try one of these baskets that are sure to make them happy by putting a smile on their face. You choose the father's gourmet coffee gift basket and the extras to go inside and it will be packaged up and ready to give to that special person you wanted to give.


Various Types Of Coffee

It’s common for the father's day gourmet coffee gift baskets to come with coffees from all around the globe. Coffees from South America, The Middle East and more are great ways to have your coffee lover taste what other coffee drinkers taste in other country around the globe. With most father's day gourmet coffee gift basket, you can choose what type coffees go into the basket.

It all depends on what you’re looking for, you can either choose each type of coffee individually, or you can go with packaged baskets that come already chosen for you. These different types of coffees look great in the father's day gourmet coffee gift baskets and your coffee lover will think of you each time they brew a new pot of gourmet coffee and that will constantly remind them about your kind gesture and love.


Various Extra s That Comes With The Package.

It is never strange for a father's day gourmet coffee gift basket to come with some extras such as, coffee grinders, coffee mugs and more. The more extras, the more the father's day gourmet coffee gift basket will cost but they are also sure to please and sort your taste. The more extras the better, as they add extra value to the father's day gourmet coffee gift basket and they’ll provide your coffee lover with everything it takes to enjoy their gourmet coffee till they are completely satisfied.

We are two types of father's day gourmet coffee gift baskets around. There are ground coffee gift baskets and there are whole bean baskets. Sometimes it comes with the grinder though this is not the most important thing, but if the coffee lover in your life doesn’t have a way to grind beans, a whole bean coffee basket won’t do them much good. So always take into cognizance that they should have all it takes to enjoy your father's day gourmet coffee gift basket before you buy it in the first place.

Do you have a friend or a loved one that passionately loves coffee; give a father's day gourmet coffee gift basket this year. They’re absolute for any occasion and they provide your loved one with a gift they’ll actually use and enjoy it to the fullest.


About the Author: Committed To Your Success, Edwin Hezron, Teaching Thousands Of Gift Lovers On How To Make Good Choices Of The Best Gift Baskets Of All Season Visit http://www.giftbasketstips.com/giftbasketstips/ For Your FREE Info.



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=221755&ca=Arts+and+Crafts

Gift Ideas for Quilters

There are many great gift ideas for quilters that go beyond a simple gift card to a favorite craft or hobby store!

To pick the perfect gift ideas for quilters you know, it's important to know what kind of quilting they enjoy. It's easy enough to ask if you don't already know.

Some quilters prefer appliqué, which is a sewing technique in which a design is stitched on top of a fabric block or panel using a zig-zag, satin or blanket stitch. All three applications may be done by machine. The blanket stitch method may also be done by hand.

Nice gift ideas for appliqué quilters would include a gift basket with supplies such as needles (machine or hand sewing), transfer paper, a good pair of scissors, and an appliqué design book.

Other quilters prefer to piece quilts. This is a quilting method in which pieces of fabric cut in various shapes or strips are sewn together to create a quilt top. Many popular traditional designs for pieced quilts include a 9-Patch, Double Wedding Ring, and Monkey Wrench.

Quilters who piece quilts together may do so by hand or machine, or a combination of the two sewing methods. Gift ideas for quilters who piece are a snap!

These quilters would enjoy gifts of fabrics, quilting threads, needles (machine or hand sewing), and books that feature a variety of quilt designs.

Foundation quilting is another type of quilting. It's a technique in which fabrics are pieced together by sewing them onto a temporary paper foundation. Gift ideas for quilters who enjoy foundation quilting can be quite fun!

Ask what type of paper foundation they use. If it's newspaper, save several back to include with his or her gift. Remnant fabrics are always appreciated because they increase the fabric stash the quilter has on-hand!

Quilting software would make a great gift idea for quilters who like the age of technology in which we live! You'll need to know your friend's personal computer operating system to make sure the software will be compatible.

Buying quilting software will take a little research. Read about your options online and talk with sales representatives at your local craft, hobby or sewing stores before making a purchase.

Another way to select gifts for quilters is to examine your friend's market. Does he or she quilt for fun or for profit? Some quilters concentrate solely on baby quilts. Some like to quilt wall hangings. Others create twin to king size bed toppings. Some quilters create clothing.

A hobby quilter would love to receive any of the quilting necessities and notions, such as threads, needles, thimbles, sewing books, etc. A quilter who sells his or her creations might also appreciate customized labels or ribbons to be used in packaging.

Quilters who create clothing would enjoy books that offer lots of photos for inspiration and how-to advice. If they embellish their quilted clothing with rhinestones or studs, those would make a nice gift idea for clothing quilters. Check to see if your quilting friend uses iron on rhinestones or uses a small apparatus for attaching them. It will make a difference in the type of rhinestone you should buy for his or her gift.

A perfect gift for any quilter would be an Internet quilting club membership. The best quilting website memberships offer videos of various techniques and software programs, a good range of frequently asked questions, and lots of inspiration and encouragement!

If you're giving an Internet club membership as a gift, make a nice card with the membership information on it and place it in an envelope. Finish it up by attaching a cute bow you've made from a scrap piece of fabric!

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Penny Halgren

http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com

Penny has been a quilter for more than 26 years and enjoys exploring all aspects of quilting sharing her knowledge with all quilters. If you are looking for an Internet quilting club with a wide variety of resources for all level quilters, check out http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com .