Christmas Gift

The Gift of the Magi THE GIFT OF THE MAGI by O. Henry One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. Andsixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and twoat a time by bulldozing the grocer and the vegetable man andthe butcher until one's cheeks burned with the silentimputation of parsimony that such close dealing implied. Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty- sevencents. And the next day would be Christmas. There was clearly nothing to do but flop down on theshabby little couch and howl. So Della did it. Whichinstigates the moral reflection that life is made up ofsobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating. While the mistress of the home is gradually subsidingfrom the first stage to the second, take a look at the home.A furnished flat at $8 per week. It did not exactly beggardescription, but it certainly had that word on the lookoutfor the mendicancy squad. In the vestibule below was a letter-box into which noletter would go, and an electric button from which no mortalfinger could coax a ring. Also appertaining thereunto was acard bearing the name "Mr. James Dillingham Young." The "Dillingham" had been flung to the breeze during aformer period of prosperity when its possessor was beingpaid $30 per week. Now, when the income was shrunk to $20,though, they were thinking seriously of contracting to amodest and unassuming D. But whenever Mr. James DillinghamYoung came home and reached his flat above he was called"Jim" and greatly hugged by Mrs. James Dillingham Young,already introduced to you as Della. Which is all very good. Della finished her cry and attended to her cheeks withthe powder rag. She stood by the window and looked out dullyat a gray cat walking a gray fence in a gray backyard.Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, and she had only $1.87 withwhich to buy Jim a present. She had been saving every pennyshe could for months, with this result. Twenty dollars aweek doesn't go far. Expenses had been greater than she hadcalculated. They always are. Only $1.87 to buy a present forJim. Her Jim. Many a happy hour she had spent planning forsomething nice for him. Something fine and rare andsterling--something just a little bit near to being worthyof the honor of being owned by Jim. There was a pier-glass between the windows of the room.Perhaps you have seen a pier-glass in an $8 flat. A very thin and very agile person may, by observing his reflection in arapid sequence of longitudinal strips, obtain a fairlyaccurate conception of his looks. Della, being slender, hadmastered the art. Suddenly she whirled from the window and stood beforethe glass. her eyes were shining brilliantly, but her facehad lost its color within twenty seconds. Rapidly she pulleddown her hair and let it fall to its full length. Now, there were two possessions of the James DillinghamYoungs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim'sgold watch that had been his father's and his grandfather's.The other was Della's hair. Had the queen of Sheba lived inthe flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hairhang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been thejanitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement,Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed,just to see him pluck at his beard from envy. So now Della's beautiful hair fell about her ripplingand shining like a cascade of brown waters. It reached belowher knee and made itself almost a garment for her. And thenshe did it up again nervously and quickly. Once she falteredfor a minute and stood still while a tear or two splashed onthe worn red carpet. On went her old brown jacket; on went her old brownhat. With a whirl of skirts and with the brilliant sparklestill in her eyes, she fluttered out the door and down thestairs to the street. Where she stopped the sign read: "Mne. Sofronie. HairGoods of All Kinds." One flight up Della ran, and collectedherself, panting. Madame, large, too white, chilly, hardlylooked the "Sofronie." "Will you buy my hair?" asked Della. "I buy hair," said Madame. "Take yer hat off and let'shave a sight at the looks of it." Down rippled the brown cascade. "Twenty dollars," said Madame, lifting the mass with apractised hand. "Give it to me quick," said Della. Oh, and the next two hours tripped by on rosy wings.Forget the hashed metaphor. She was ransacking the storesfor Jim's present. She found it at last. It surely had been made for Jimand no one else. There was no other like it in any of thestores, and she had turned all of them inside out. It was aplatinum fob chain simple and chaste in design, properlyproclaiming its value by substance alone and not by meretriciousornamentation--as all good things should do. Itwas even worthy of The Watch. As soon as she saw it she knewthat it must be Jim's. It was like him. Quietness andvalue--the description applied to both. Twenty-one dollarsthey took from her for it, and she hurried home with the 87cents. With that chain on his watch Jim might be properlyanxious about the time in any company. Grand as the watchwas, he sometimes looked at it on the sly on account of theold leather strap that he used in place of a chain. When Della reached home her intoxication gave way alittle to prudence and reason. She got out her curling ironsand lighted the gas and went to work repairing the ravagesmade by generosity added to love. Which is always atremendous task, dear friends--a mammoth task. Within forty minutes her head was covered with tiny,close-lying curls that made her look wonderfully like a truantschoolboy. She looked at her reflection in the mirrorlong, carefully, and critically. "If Jim doesn't kill me," she said to herself, "beforehe takes a second look at me, he'll say I look like a ConeyIsland chorus girl. But what could I do--oh! what could Ido with a dollar and eighty- seven cents?" At 7 o'clock the coffee was made and the frying-pan wason the back of the stove hot and ready to cook the chops. Jim was never late. Della doubled the fob chain in herhand and sat on the corner of the table near the door thathe always entered. Then she heard his step on the stair away down on the first flight, and sheturned white for just a moment. She had a habit for sayinglittle silent prayer about the simplest everyday things, andnow she whispered: "Please God, make him think I am stillpretty." The door opened and Jim stepped in and closed it. Helooked thin and very serious. Poor fellow, he was onlytwenty-two--and to be burdened with a family! He needed anew overcoat and he was without gloves. Jim stopped inside the door, as immovable as a setterat the scent of quail. His eyes were fixed upon Della, andthere was an expression in them that she could not read, andit terrified her. It was not anger, nor surprise, nordisapproval, nor horror, nor any of the sentiments that shehad been prepared for. He simply stared at her fixedly withthat peculiar expression on his face. Della wriggled off the table and went for him. "Jim, darling," she cried, "don't look at me that way.I had my hair cut off and sold because I couldn't have livedthrough Christmas without giving you a present. It'll growout again--you won't mind, will you? I just had to do it. Myhair grows awfully fast. Say `Merry Christmas!' Jim, andlet's be happy. You don't know what a nice-- what abeautiful, nice gift I've got for you." "You've cut off your hair?" asked Jim, laboriously, asif he had not arrived at that patent fact yet even after thehardest mental labor. "Cut it off and sold it," said Della. "Don't you likeme just as well, anyhow? I'm me without my hair, ain't I?" Jim looked about the room curiously. "You say your hair is gone?" he said, with an airalmost of idiocy. "You needn't look for it," said Della. "It's sold, Itell you--sold and gone, too. It's Christmas Eve, boy. Begood to me, for it went for you. Maybe the hairs of my headwere numbered," she went on with sudden serious sweetness,"but nobody could ever count my love for you. Shall I putthe chops on, Jim?" Out of his trance Jim seemed quickly to wake. Heenfolded his Della. For ten seconds let us regard withdiscreet scrutiny some inconsequential object in the otherdirection. Eight dollars a week or a million a year--what isthe difference? A mathematician or a wit would give you thewrong answer. The magi brought valuable gifts, but that wasnot among them. This dark assertion will be illuminatedlater on. Jim drew a package from his overcoat pocket and threwit upon the table. "Don't make any mistake, Dell," he said, "about me. Idon't think there's anything in the way of a haircut or ashave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less.But if you'll unwrap that package you may see why you had megoing a while at first." White fingers and nimble tore at the string and paper.And then an ecstatic scream of joy; and then, alas! a quickfeminine change to hysterical tears and wails, necessitatingthe immediate employment of all the comforting powers of thelord of the flat. For there lay The Combs--the set of combs, side andback, that Della had worshipped long in a Broadway window.Beautiful combs, pure tortoise shell, with jewelledrims--just the shade to wear in the beautiful vanished hair.They were expensive combs, she knew, and her heart hadsimply craved and yearned over them without the least hopeof possession. And now, they were hers, but the tresses thatshould have adorned the coveted adornments were gone. But she hugged them to her bosom, and at length she wasable to look up with dim eyes and a smile and say: "My hairgrows so fast, Jim!" And them Della leaped up like a little singed cat andcried, "Oh, oh!" Jim had not yet seen his beautiful present. She held itout to him eagerly upon her open palm. The dull preciousmetal seemed to flash with a reflection of her bright andardent spirit. "Isn't it a dandy, Jim? I hunted all over town to findit. You'll have to look at the time a hundred times a daynow. Give me your watch. I want to see how it looks on it." Instead of obeying, Jim tumbled down on the couch andput his hands under the back of his head and smiled. "Dell," said he, "let's put our Christmas presents awayand keep 'em a while. They're too nice to use just atpresent. I sold the watch to get the money to buy yourcombs. And now suppose you put the chops on." The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wisemen--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. Theyinvented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise,their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing theprivilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here Ihave lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of twofoolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed foreach other the greatest treasures of their house. But in alast word to the wise of these days let it be said that ofall who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who giveand receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere theyare wisest. They are the magi. Return to Christmas Poems and Stories Hypertext format ©1996 Rosemary (Rosie) Winters rosiec@night.net . All rights reserved.

Jewelry Gift Ideas There's

Jewelry Box Wooden - Gifts AB Looking For Gift Ideas? Visit Siena Julia for a unique collection of gift ideas. Siena Julia offers unique home decor, fashion jewelry, gifts, collectibles, office accents, tableware, and much more. Jewelry Box Wooden Articles Jewelry Boxes - Unique Jewelry Boxes - Jewelry Gift Ideas There's nothing plain or ordinary here--these unique jewelry boxes are perfect for people who prefer to break away from everyday storage solutions in favor of a more individual, stylized look. The good news is that unique doesn't always equal expensi...( Continue Reading ) Rio Grande Games - End of 2004 Game Schedule The schedule of game releases from Rio Grande Games for the final months of 2004....( Continue Reading ) Jewelry Boxes Find all styles of new and vintage jewelry boxes....( Continue Reading ) Rio Grande Games - Late 2004 Schedule A look at the late 2004 publication schedule for Rio Grande Games....( Continue Reading ) Top Picks - Jewelry Armoires - Jewelry Boxes Jewelry armoires are tall, with stacked drawers and often with hooks to hang longer items such as necklaces. Here's a selection of armoires in different styles. A few are unisex versions, suitable for a man or a woman....( Continue Reading ) Jewelry Box Wooden Directory Links gifts for brides gifts made by children cheap romantic gift ideas month flower on gifts to baptism gift etiquette amazon gift codes seven deadly sins dog lover gifts england wild flower mother day gifts to hadley school for the pictures of flower arrangements gift certificate form flower pot for infant flower girl dress peridot jewelry flower show 2006 lloyd wright gifts designs for flower wedding aniversary traditional gifts slave to the buttercup flowers jewelry making tips paper airplane new years city flower shops holiday flower arrangements 50th wedding gifts flower shops in orlando wildwood flower midi carol wrights gifts mother of the bride gift printable gift tags netherlands flower show national flower of italy los angeles gift baskets corporate anniversary gifts jewelry show las gifts for valentines day george k walker james avery and jewelry metropolitan opera gift shop a gift basket to remember new mexico Popular Search Terms: Gifts AB | Gifts | Gifts Resources | Add URL © 2004 Gifts AB All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved.

Shower Gift Ideas and

Pregnancy Today: Showering the Mom-to-Be With Love (Baby Shower Series) Search the Site: news | expert Q & A | lifestyle | resources | community | diaries | shop Baby Shower Gift Ideas and Tips By Jessica Williams The baby shower is a great time to give a pregnant woman gifts. In fact, baby shower gifts are very special to the mom-to-be, and many keep a list of what they received at their shower in their baby book. There are numerous items to choose from, and many guests like to give gifts they found useful with their own babies. If you aren't sure what to give, do some investigating before you begin your shopping. If possible, find out what other guests will be giving so the guest of honor won't receive duplicates. And more important, find out what mom needs and wants. The parenting methods she wishes to practice are also important to know before buying gifts. If she plans to breastfeed, bottles, pacifiers, formula and other accessories that help with bottle feeding would not be appropriate and probably won't be used. Instead, you could buy her nursing pads, nursing shirts or a breastfeeding book. Similarly, if she plans to return to work a few weeks after Baby is born, a breast pump or storage containers for expressed breastmilk would be a great gift. Some parents wish to use a specific parenting style once Baby is born. This can also affect the items they need. If a mom expresses her desire to practice Attachment Parenting (a parenting method coined by Dr. William Sears where parents carry Baby frequently and respond to Baby's needs by providing closeness rather than using "gadgets"), a baby swing, play pen or other solitary items may not be great gifts. Instead, you might consider giving a sling, backpack carrier or nursing pillow. Let your guests know what you really need. When birthdays orChristmas roll around, most people are humble when asked, "What do youwant?" But you will need things for the new baby, and this is notime to get shy. Be especially clear about how you want to parentyour baby (if you plan to breastfeed, use cloth diapers, etc.) anddon't give the same gift ideas to everyone. Many items can enhance a mother's daily life with her new baby while allowing her to keep doing what she loves. If your guest of honor loves to go cycling, a bicycle trailer and infant helmet would be great gifts. Or if she likes to take long morning walks, a stroller and diaper bag may be helpful. Because babies take numerous naps throughout the day, a mother who likes to garden may find a baby monitor useful for keeping tabs on when her little one wakes up while she is outside. Sometimes, a mother may need extra safety items for her house. If she has stairs, a gate would be appreciated for when her baby is mobile. Stay away from items that might create dangerous situations, like baby walkers. Walkers not only pose a threat to babies who live in houses with stairs, but they can also be dangerous for little ones because they place them at a higher level where they might reach items that can cause injury. Safety items that are always important in any house are electrical outlet plugs, cabinet locks and corner bumpers for sharp coffee tables and counters. Besides giving gifts that are helpful for both baby and parents, you might also consider giving special items to mom - for her use only. Comfort gifts such as bath baskets that contain dissolvable beads, fragrant soaps and lufas are a great relaxation gift. A special mommy journal or scrapbook accessories are good for moms who like to write or take photos. And don't forget Dad! Perhaps a book ( Becoming a Father by William Sears [La Leche League International, June 2003] is a popular one) or a gift certificate to his favorite steak house would be appreciated. For those who are on a tight budget, don't know the mother very well or aren't sure what to get, be sure to ask the hostess if the parents have registered somewhere. Many of the baby-oriented stores now have computerized registries that help guests find items that can fit their needs. Here are some items that are typically under $20: Packaged clothing like onesies and undershirts Receiving blankets Disposable and washable nursing pads Many safety items like bath faucet covers and bath thermometers Mobiles, night lights and other small nursery items Rattles, teething rings and other toys Baby nail clippers, shampoo, wash cloths and other baby-care items Cloth diapers (these are also great for burp rags) Crib, bassinet and cradle sheets Books to read to baby Diapers may not be personable, but they sure can come in handy. Be sure to find out if the parents plan to use disposable or cloth,and then buy them in the newborn size. You can also buy diaper wipes or safety pins. Diaper bags are popular gifts, so be sure to check with other guests before buying one. Give gifts you think are wanted and needed, and remember that the mom-to-be will probably be gathering items herself. Most of all, try to choose something you will enjoy giving. If you really can't decide, maybe a homemade picture frame or baby booties would work better for you. Take her to a La Leche League meeting, or give her a hand-made gift certificate offering three home-cooked meals, prepared by you, for after the baby is born. This is a special time in the mother's life. Always keep in mind that love, support and friendship are the best gifts of all. Want to see more? Organization for a Memorable Shower Showering the Mom to Be With Love The Best Baby Gifts Talk about it! About the Author: Jessica Williams is a Montana based contributing writer for iParenting Media and mother of three boys. http://pregnancytoday.com © 1996-2004 iParenting, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Pleaseread the important disclaimer regarding material presented on this site and our Privacy Policy Statement . Commentsor questions? We'd love tohear from you . Like what you see? Tella friend!

Shower Gifts Baby Basket

new baby gift baskets, baby shower gifts Baby gift baskets, unique baby shower gift ideas, new baby gifts, and gift basket ideas for mom by All About Gifts & Gift Baskets -- Baby Gift Baskets & Baby Shower Gifts Baby Basket Ideas Home FAQ My Account Contact Us Frequent Buyers Club New Items Order Status THEME GIFTS Wedding Gift Baskets Thank You Gift Baskets Sympathy Gift Baskets Housewarming Gifts Get Well Gift Baskets Congratulations Gifts Care Packages Birthday Basket Ideas Anniversary Ideas North Carolina Themes Virginia Themes GIFTS BY RECIPIENT Kids - Children Man & Sports Woman & Gardening Gifts for Golfers Gifts for Spa Lovers Gifts For Book Readers Pets - Dogs & Cats GOURMET GIFTS Candy Gift Bouquets Cheesecakes Coffee & Tea Diabetic/Healthy Food Gift Baskets Fruit Selections Gourmet Nuts Italian & Pasta Gifts Popcorn Gift Tins Monthly Clubs Wine Gifts Gourmet Cakes & Pies ENGRAVED GIFTS Bar & Glassware Cigar Gifts & Lighters Executive & Desk Gifts Golf & Sports Gifts Jewelry & Keepsakes Key Chains Knives & Pocket Tools Money Clips ON A BUDGET Items Under $30 QUICK SEARCH Little Angel Gift Basket $50 $70 Triple Decker Baby Cake $55 Baby Necessities Gift Bag $45 Baby's Zoo Friends Basket $65 Old MacDonald's Baby Gift Basket $97 Good Nights Baby Gift Basket $38 Splish Splash Bath Gift Set $38 Deluxe Baby Books Gift Basket $99 Teddy Bear Gift Basket $49 Little Ducks Baby Gift Basket $48 Baby Einstein Gift Basket $110 Snuggle Buddy Blankie $45 Ballerina Slipper Basket $90 Sail Away Gift Basket $90 Baby Happiness Basket $70 Baby Bonanza $54 Hello My Baby $43 Train Bank $27 Lil Princess Diaper Cake $45 $60 $85 $120 Lil Prince Diaper Cake $45 $60 $85 $120 Need Milk Diaper Cake $45 $60 $85 $120 Welcome Wagon $50 Radio Flyer Deluxe (Girl) $149 A Star is Born Gift Basket $40 $65 Baby Hoagie $42 Just Ducky Cake $48 Baby Shower Deluxe $190 Radio Flyer Deluxe $149 It's A Boy Cookie Arrangement $29 $39 $49 $60 $80 Welcome Baby Bassinet $75 Baby Time Capsule $55 Baby Welcome Wagon $90 It's A Girl Cookie Arrangement $29 $39 $49 $60 $80 Baby and All $70 Baby Care Package $35 Rocking Horse with Cookies $67 $77 ABC Pot Baby Cookie Gift $48 $59 Engraved Cube Money Bank $19 Extreme Baby Basket $195 Pooh Bear Diaper Cake $45 $60 $85 $120 Standard Diaper Cake $15 $25 $45 $65 $80 Personalized Lamb Snuggly $27 Deluxe Baby Bath Gift Basket $99 Arrive In Style $64 Need more unique ideas? Selections tailored to that special woman, man, or couple can be found under our "For Any Occasion" selections. Just click on the link for gourmet foods, for men, for women, etc. on the left navigation bar. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with our products. If you are unhappy with an item please email us. We will work with you to rectify the situation. Order your selection online 24 hours a day, or call us at 1-800-590-1388. Our customer service department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. After you have selected an item and viewed the details about the selection, just click the radio button for the size and price for the item you wish to purchase. Then just click the "BUY" button just to the left of the aforementioned radio buttons. Our company is headquartered in Virginia. However, we have distribution centers and several bakeries distributed across the country. Just look for the trucks imprinted with the 2 letter state abbreviation. These trucks show the shipping origination of each gift. By selecting an item from the distribution center or bakery nearest your recipient, you can often save time and money. The arrangement photos shown online are accurate depictions of what your selection will look like when your recipient opens his/her package. Most of our selections are wrapped in a cellophane bag or shrink wrap and finished with a large bow. Each selection also includes an enclosure card with your message. The item will arrive in a large shipping box packed with bubble-wrap and/or blank newsprint. Please keep in mind that due to demand, it may be necessary for us to occasionally substitute items of equal or greater value than those shown online.

College Gift

Skidmore College - Gift Planning - Life Income - Charitable Gift Annuity Search | Calendar | A-Z Index Thu Sep 22 5:37 PM EDT Skidmore Home | Admissions | Current Students | Faculty & Staff | Parents & Friends | Alumni Wills and Bequests Life Income Gifts More Gift Options Breaking News To Honor Donors Bring Legacy to Life! Scribner House Contact Our Staff Gift Planning Home STANDARD MAIL 815 North Broadway Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866 GIFT PLANNING PHONE 518-580-5655 E-MAIL CONTACT Gift Planning Gift Planning Life Income Gifts - Charitable Gift Annuity A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is one of the simplest ways to make a planned gift that provides lifetime income to the donor and/or another beneficiary. A simple one-page contract between the donor and a qualified organization such as Skidmore completes the arrangement. Typically, a CGA is funded with cash or securities. In exchange, Skidmore guarantees a specified annuity payment for the lifetime of one or two recipients. An annuity may be funded with a minimum gift of $5,000. Favorable income tax and capital gains tax treatment is also possible. Annuity rates of return depend on the age(s) of the beneficiary(ies) and whether the annuity payments will be immediate or deferred. In a deferred arrangement, annuity payments are delayed until a date (typically a 65th birthday) selected by the donor. It's a great way for younger donors to make a gift now, receive immediate tax benefits, and set up a future source of retirement income at much higher return rates. Please call or email to learn more. Bring Legacy to Life! Philanthropy • Legacy • Security The Office of Gift Planning urges donors to consult their legal and other professional advisors when considering charitable gift giving. Our staff is always pleased to work directly with donors and their advisors during the process. Creative Thought Matters. Skidmore College · 815 North Broadway · Saratoga Springs, NY · 12866 Skidmore College Main Links ©2005 Skidmore College · Contact Information Skidmore Home | Admissions | Current Students | Faculty & Staff | Parents & Friends | Alumni