Gifts for Women •

Aspen Country - Gifts for Women, Home Decor Accents for Ladies, Women's Gift Ideas, Feminine Woman's Decorations Entrance Reminder Service Contents View Basket Shipping Checkout Contact Us F.A.Q. About Us Express Order Welcome to Aspen Country Aspen Country specializes in distinctive home decorations, home decor accessories, lawn and garden accents, decorative bookends and office decor, country kitchen decorations, and affordable fine art sculptures. Shop for that perfect decorative home accent piece, or browse our American Old West statues, patriotic decorations and eagle sculptures, wildlife figurines and collector's plates. And, be sure to check out our unique gift ideas. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! Enjoy Aspen Country! Store Directory Aspen Country Sampler Men's Home Decor & Gifts Nautical Home Decorations Decor & Gifts for Women • Sculptured Roses & Flowers • Lighted Flower Bouquets • Keepsake Jewelry Boxes • Decorative Trinket Boxes • Unique Lady's Watches • Crystal & Glass Gifts • Heart-Shaped Sculptures • Silk Flower Bouquets • Luxury Bath Gift Baskets, Spa Style Gift Sets • Mom Plaques, Mother Poems • Mother's Day Gifts Patio, Lawn, Garden Decor Home Decor Accessories Antique-Style Decorations Decorative Mirrors Country Clock Shop Feng Shui Oriental Decor Country Kitchen Decor Country Candle Shop Angel Sculptures & Decor Religious Gifts & Statues American Old West African Heritage Decor Dolls, Miniatures, Musicals Toys, Chess Sets, Games Medieval & Legendary Wildlife Animal Sculptures Elephant Statues & Decor Bird & Eagle Sculptures Human Figurines Decorative Photo Frames Home Office Accessories Knives, Tool Sets, Totes Fine Jewelry Gifts Christmas Decorations New Knickknacks & Gifts New! Gift Certificates Home Decor & Gifts for Women *NEW!* Fiber Optic Animated Floral Bouquet - Mixed Flowers Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- This lovely everlasting flower arrangement is actually an animated multicolor fiber-optic floral display. UL recognized. "Dancing" flower light measures 12" x 7 1/2" x 17" high. (Regularly $49.95) SALE! Our Price: $39.95 In Stock Item: 35254 *NEW!* Round Red "Handbag" Jewelry Box - Mirror in Lid Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- A nice gift idea for teens, tweens, and ladies of all ages! A round, red leatherette covered "handbag" opens to reveal a handy little jewelry box with spaces for rings, earrings, and mirror lid. 6 3/4" x 3 1/4" x 6 1/4" high. (Regularly $19.95) SALE! Our Price: $14.95 In Stock Item: 35232 *NEW!* Spa Style Bath Gift Set in Wood Caddy - Ocean Breeze Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- "Ocean Breeze" spa-style bath gift set includes slippers, gel, lotion, salts, foot brush and more -- plus a decorative white wood bath caddy shelf with drawer. 2" x 4 3/4" x 12" high. (Regularly $44.95) SALE! Our Price: $35.95 In Stock Item: 35034 *SALE!* Fine Clear Cut Glass Single Rose Bud Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- The one you love will appreciate this single rose, the symbol of everlasting love. Captured in stunning cut glass, this romantic rose sculpture is 2" x 1 1/4" x 5 1/2" long. (Regularly $23.95) SALE! Our Price: $17.95 In Stock Item: 28394 *SALE!* Glass Sculpture: Cinderella Carriage with Horses & Coachman Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Right out of a fairy tale, Cinderella's pumpkin coach features a heart shaped door, horses and coachman, all in glistening spun glass. Gold trim. Decorative carriage figurine measures 8 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 4" high. (Regularly $29.95) SALE! Our Price: $24.95 In Stock Item: 35383 *SALE!* Ladys Victorian Antique Style Bangle Watch Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Elegant dual-tone Lady's Victorian style bangle watch with simulated diamonds surrounding mother-of-pearl dial. Quartz movement. (Regularly $49.95) SALE! Our Price: $39.95 In Stock Item: 22965 *SALE!* Mother's Poem Decorative Scented Candle Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- A pretty chamomile tea scented candle is embedded with dried flowers and features a lovely poem for Mother. This sentimental Mother's Day candle is 3 1/4" diameter x 5 1/4" high, making a thoughtful gift for MOM any time of the year. (Regularly $9.95) Our Price: $8.95 In Stock Item: 29550 *SALE!* Musical Book Sculpture - Mother's Love Poem Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- A poem extolling the virtues of a mother's love is accompanied by the melody Amazing Grace in this sculpture "book" creation complete with walnut wooden stand. This inspirational Mother's Day gift is 8 1/4" x 1 1/8" x 6 1/2" high. (Regularly $17.95) SALE! Our Price: $14.95 In Stock Item: 30270 *SALE!* Rose Motif Antique-Style Keepsake Box - Porcelain Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- A beautiful repository for treasures, trinkets, or momentos, this antique-style rose design keepsake box comes complete with matching lid. Porcelain with resin legs and accents. 12 1/2" x 7 1/8" x 8 3/4" high. (Regularly $44.95) SALE! Our Price: $36.95 In Stock Item: 35139 Bath Set in Basket - Luxury Spa Style With Slippers Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Turn your home into a spa with this basket full of indulgence. Slippers, shower gel, sponge, and body lotion for luxurious skin care; pumice stone and nail brush for hands and feet; a wooden massager for sore muscles. (Regularly $24.95) SALE! Our Price: $19.95 In Stock Item: 33034 Coconut Milk Bath Set in Wire "Bath Tub Basket" Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- A wire bath tub holds all the elements for a tranquil moment! "Pure Pleasure Coconut Milk" bath gel, body lotion, and bath salts are joined by a sponge and pumice stone in this set. 11 3/8" x 6 1/2" x 6 3/8" high. (Regularly $24.95) SALE! Our Price: $19.95 In Stock Item: 34186 Crystal Dinner Bell with Etched Rose - 24% Lead Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Glass dinner bell made from genuine crystal with 24% lead content. Highly decorative pressed glass designs with round etched panels, each featuring a rose. 8" high. (Regularly $12.95) SALE! Our Price: $10.95 In Stock Item: 20049 Decorative Wall Swag with Fabric Roses & Hydrangea Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Hang this springtime swag above an entryway to usher in the season. Wood twigs and fabric roses and hydrangeas are arranged in a colorful arch. 24 1/2" x 4" x 10 1/2" high. (Regularly $24.95) SALE! Our Price: $19.95 In Stock Item: 34075 Everlasting Satin Rose Bouquet in Glass Vase Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- This satin bouquet creates an everlasting floral display to be enjoyed for years. A glass vase is filled with four peach roses, baby's breath, and bow. Colors may vary slightly. 21" high. (Regularly $19.95) SALE! Our Price: $14.95 In Stock Item: 33191 Best Sellers *SALE!* Fine Clear Cut Glass Single Rose Bud Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- The one you love will appreciate this single rose, the symbol of everlasting love. Captured in stunning cut glass, this romantic rose sculpture is 2" x 1 1/4" x 5 1/2" long. (Regularly $23.95) SALE! Our Price: $17.95 In Stock Item: 28394 Red Rose on Heart Crystalline Sculpture Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- A heart and a rose, two eternal symbols of love, are brought together in crystalline splendor. This romatic red rose sculpture is 3 1/2" x 1 5/8" x 5" high. (Regularly $27.95) SALE! Our Price: $22.95 In Stock Item: 29390 Sculptured Glass Rose in "Love" Vase Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- The sentiment of "Love" is expressed in the beauty of a red rosebud. Vase base and lip, rose leaves and bud are all accented in gold plating. Base is 2 3/4" diameter, total height is 8" high. (Regularly $14.95) SALE! Our Price: $12.95 In Stock Item: 28206 Ladybug Watch Necklace - Wings Open & Close Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- This lovely "Ladybug" opens her wings to reveal a watch! Gold-tone case and chain. Simulated mother-of-pearl face. Quartz. 27 1/2" chain included. Our Price: $27.95 In Stock Item: 27366 Wood Bucket Bath 6-Piece Set with Loofahs Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Treat yourself to a luxurious bath with this 6-piece bath set. Comes in a charming wooden bucket, and includes two loofahs, nail brush, hair brush, and mirror. 6-piece set. Bucket: 5 3/4". Our Price: $12.95 In Stock Item: 28061 Shop Online! Our customer service is second to none and your credit card purchases are secure. Shop By Mail or Fax Order Form Shop By Phone 303.221.2010 For the newest home and garden decor trends, distinctive decorating themes, and unique gift ideas, please visit our deluxe ENTRANCE Aspen Country: Decorating Themes & Home Decor Trends Patriotic Sculptures Old West Decor Cowboy Statues Southwestern Decor Wildlife Sculptures Oriental Home Decor Feng Shui Accessories Feng Shui Garden Lawn Ornaments Garden Sculptures Garden Angels Country Kitchen Rooster Decorations Flower Vases Collector's Plates Decorative Bookends Golf Theme Decor Fishing Decorations Hunting Theme Decor Safari Motif Decor Sun Moon Stars Motif Cherub Motif Decor Elephant Sculptures Monkey Theme Decor 2004 Aspencountry.com

SHOWER GIFTS!!! N A

Baby Gifts, baby carriers, Baby shower gifts, baby quilts, baby products HOME | VIEW CART | CHECK OUT Plus unique baby gifts for baby showers, newborns, first birthdays or any "baby" occasion! ** HOT CLOSE-OUT PRICES" FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY - ON ALL "SEE SHELL BABY CARRIER" PURCHASES!** The See Shell Baby Carrier is an infant carrier only, NOT A CAR SEAT. 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL " SNUGGLE QUILTS " ORDERED FROM NOW UNTIL September 30, 2005!!! " SNUGGLE QUILTS " MAKE WONDERFUL BABY SHOWER GIFTS!!! N A V I G A T I O N Home See Shell Carrier Order a See Shell Other Carrier Uses Seat Safety Products Baby Shower Baby Cakes Baby Gifts Gift Baskets Jewelry Journals Pearl Jewelry Personalized Crib and Embroidered Receiving Blankets Water Carrier Baby Wear Baby Bibs Baby & Infant Hats Baby Banz Baby Sunshades Baby Scrubs Kushies Gift Certificates Nursery Snuggle Quilts Products for Mom Fertility Kits Jewelry Progesterone Cream Become a Reseller Child Safety Tips Links & Resources Parenting Resources Shipping Policy The Inspiration for the See Shell Baby Carrier READ ABOUT IT Introducing a NEW section on Baby See Shell ! Products for Mom! The See Shell Baby Carrier is a baby carrier that has an innovative, lightweight design parents and family will love to use. Tired of lugging that heavy car seat carrier everywhere you go? In and out... buckling ... unbuckling ... taking turns carrying it around and trying to squeeze it into restaurant booths or church pews? What a pain! Not to mention the pain in your back or arms when you have to haul it around for any distance! Here's the solution! This new Made in the USA "See Shell Baby Carrier" is not only nice-looking, it weighs in at only 6 pounds! AND it passed critical consumer safety standards through independent safety tests at the ACTS Testing Labs in Buffalo, New York. Its unique look and design, the Tri-Lockster seatbelt buckle system and patented tubular steel handle make this lightweight baby accessory a MUST HAVE for new parents! The See Shell makes a great feeding seat when you're away from home and a high chair is not readily available. And don't think its usefulness is over when your little tyke is too big to sit in it anymore . . . when he or she begins playing with teddy bears or baby dolls, the See Shell makes a wonderful seat, carrier, high chair, or any other vehicle of your child's imagination . . . great for teaching nurturing skills! [ ORDER A SEE SHELL ] NOTE: The Baby See Shell Carrier is NOT a car seat. But it IS a carrying "dream come true" for all other occasions! [ See All See Shell Baby Carrier's Features & Benefits ] ANNOUNCING... 5 NEW Sections on Baby See Shell Pearl Jewelry PLUS see our NEW Romance Gift Basket Amazing Water Carrier Baby & Infant Hats Baby Bibs We now offer BABY CAKES! Stop by often, we are adding more daily! Check Out Our Line of Kushies Baby/Children's Swimwear and Swim Shoes Introducing a NEW section on Baby See Shell! Products for Mom! Stop by often, as new products are being added to this page daily. FREE!!!! We will gift wrap your "Snuggle Quilt" in an adorable baby shower wrapping paper and include a note card with your personal message. Just type your message in the "Message" box on our shopping cart, and we'll take care of the rest! Our Special "Star" Baby Products Clover Shaped Baby Snuggle Quilts Ocean Creatures Bob the Builder Unique Baby Gifts Bootie Bouquet Baby Gift Basket See Shell Baby Products is happy to bring you what we believe to be the safest, easiest to use baby carrier on the market today, and we are sure you will agree! Special Women's Article September 2005 Issue: A Safe Natural Alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy Check out our Happy PMS Cream , the 100% all natural progesterone cream! Parental Resources September 2005 Issue: The night visitor: Trips to the parents bed CrossDaily.com has Awesome Christian Sites where you can vote for this site & other great ones. Christian search engine, directory & voting index. You'll find Bible, chat, churches, jobs, music, reviews, software, theology, & more. See the best sites! SEE SHELL NEWS Find out why this baby's Mommy and her friends gave a rousing THUMBS UP to the See Shell Baby Carrier [ Click Here ] The See Shell Story was published in the York Daily Record [ Click Here ] More News TESTIMONIALS "[The See Shell Baby Carrier] is fabulous, everything you said it was... You have a GREAT product and we are very pleased." -- L. Massey, Terrell, TX More Testimonials 1st-in-babies.com - baby gifts Baby strollers, cribs, highchairs and more. Baby Sleep Secrets [ Top of Page ] [ Top of Page ] [ Home ] [ See Shell Carrier ] [ Other Carrier Uses ] [ Order a See Shell ] [ Seat Safety Products ] [ Snuggle Quilts ] [ Baby Sunshades ] [ Baby Scrubs ] [ Sunglasses & Hats ] [ Baby Gifts ] [ Kushies ] [ Baby Cakes ] [ Gift Baskets ] [ Journals ] [ Jewelry ] [ Gift Certificates ] [ Parenting Resources ] [ Pearl Jewelry ][ Personalized Crib and Embroidered Receiving Blankets ] [ Products for Mom ] [ Shipping Policy ] [ Child Safety Tips ] [ Become a Reseller ] [ Contact Us ] [ About Us ] [ Press Releases ] 2000-2005 See Shell Baby Products, LLC See Shell Baby Carrier Patent No. D434232 See Shell Baby Products LLC, P.O. Box 7345, York, PA 17404 Telephone/Fax: 717/733-0015 email: sales@babyseeshell.com Web Site Maintenance by TBI Designs. Baby carrier : See Shell Baby Carrier is a light baby carrier, and we believe the safest baby carrier available. Buy a See Shell Baby Carrier today! The See Shell Baby Carrier is a baby carrier, not a car seat, so it can be the lightest baby carrier available!

College Gift

Providence College - Gift Clubs Online Resources Angel Campus E-mail Directory Check PC E-mail CyberFriar Employment Opportunities Friar Attire & Gift Items Make a Gift Online Phillips Memorial Library Home    Alumni    Giving to PC    Parents for Providence    Gift Clubs Stay Involved Giving to PC Annual Fund Ways to Give Make a Gift Online Reunion Giving Smith Center for the Arts Campaign Leadership Giving Matching Gifts Information Parents for Providence Endowed Scholarship Funds Friars Forever Athletic Fund New Initiatives at PC Alumni Events Reunion Weekend 2006 Alumni Programs Area Clubs & Chapters News & Photo Gallery Notable Alumni Friar Attire & Gift Items Institutional Advancement Staff Alumni Online Community Getting Married at PC -- Gift Clubs President's Circle* $1,000-$2,499 Vice President's $500-$999 Dean's $250-$499 Associate Dean's $100-$249 Friar's $25-$99 *A leadership pledge/gift of $1000 or more entitles donor to some annual communications and  special events  made available only to the College's Leading supporters. HOW TO BECOME INVOLVED Membership Roles and Responsibilities Structure Committees PARENTS FUND Introduction Gift Clubs Types of Gifts How to Make a Gift PARENTS' COUNCIL Events RESOURCES FOR PARENTS Directions to the College Area Accommodations Admissions Who to Contact at the College Campus Directory | Site Map | Search | Contact Us Transform Society, Transform Yourself (™) © 2003 Providence College 549 River Avenue Providence, Rhode Island 02918-0001, U.S.A. Tel:401-865-1000

Groomsmen Gift

Always Friends Groomsmen Gift Ideas, Bridal Party Gifts Personalize FindGift.com! -- Login | Sign Up | List of Services Gift Ideas Gift Registry Gift Shops Gift Bookmarks Home | Help keyword search Gift Giving Made Easy! A free service dedicated to helping you find creative gift ideas! Home Categories Bridal Party Groomsmen Always Friends Refine Search for Bridal Party Gift Ideas Groomsmen Always Friends Barware Cigar Theme Golf Theme Office Theme Weird & Wacky Any Price $0 - $10 $11 - $25 $26 - $50 $51 - $100 $101 - $200 $200+ Related Links Sign Up for our FREE Bridal Registry! Wedding Gift Ideas Use our Gift Wizard to customize your gift search Use our Gift Finder to find gift ideas customized to the likes/dislikes of the recipient. Custom Bridal Party Gifts Personalized gifts for groomsmen, bridesmaids & more. Top quality! www.Wedding-Presents.com Wedding Party Gifts Take care of the wedding party! Unique gifts, free shipping www.fromthegroom.com Viewing 1 - 10 of 81 gift ideas found Best Man or Groomsmen Thank You Wedding Gift from PoetryGift.com ($29.99) Unique wedding keepsake for the groom's best man, groomsmen and ushers. Poem is personalized with names, wedding date and personal message from groom. Optional photo area will hold a wedding photo. Free shipping available FREE SHIPPING available for any order. Special 10% discount by entering coupon code - poetrygift - on order form Questions? Contact PoetryGift.com . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] 2 Tone Money Clip & Cuff Links Boxed Set from Things Remembered ($39.95) We've teamed up a handsome money clip with a set of classic cuff links for the perfect gift. The set comes in a two-tone wood box to make a perfect gift presentation. Be sure to engrave the recipients initials on both items. Limited time offer! Buy any gift and get the 2nd gift, of equal or lesser value, at 50% off! Questions? Contact Things Remembered . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] 1 Acre of Land on the Moon from LunarLandOwner.com ($29.99) 1 acre on the Moon - $29.99 It is true. You can purchase land on the Moon. 100% legal and real! Moon property is: a great gift, potential prudent investment and an interesting conversation piece. Attractive gift pack. 10% discount for FindGift shoppers. Enter coupon code 1057301965 when checking out. Questions? Contact LunarLandOwner.com . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Stainless Steel Round Flask with Glass Window and Funnel Gift Set from Uptown Enterprises ($23.96) 5 oz. Stainless Steel Round Flask has a glass window trimed in gold and comes complete with a stainless steel funnel. This beautiful set comes in an elegant gift box and each is engraveable. Always 20%-50% off retail prices. Custom engraving is available for those perfect gifts, collectibles, or keepsakes. Questions? Contact Uptown Enterprises . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Carbon Fiber Pocket Watch/Money Clip Set from Things Remembered ($59.95) This set includes a handsome polished silver pocket watch and money clip. The pocket watch features a faux carbon fiber dial and indexes. The money clip is made of matching faux carbon fiber. Limited time offer! Buy any gift and get the 2nd gift, of equal or lesser value, at 50% off! Questions? Contact Things Remembered . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Rustic Fishing Journal from Renaissance Art ($95.00) Each journal is hand built and personalized with the owners name and the date you specify. To fully appreciate what these journals offer, view both of the Inside Detail pages. 54 pages. Buy your Groomsmen's gifts here and get something free for yourself!! Questions? Contact Renaissance Art . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Gunmetal Pocket Watch in Espresso Wood Box from Things Remembered ($59.95) This stylish pocket watch from Colibri features a stylish gunmetal finish and a dependable quartz movement. It's ready to present in its own mahogany stripe wood gift box. Create a keepsake by having this timepiece engraved. Limited time offer! Buy any gift and get the 2nd gift, of equal or lesser value, at 50% off! Questions? Contact Things Remembered . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Groomsman Mug from Personal Creations ($16.95) Here's the cup of coffee the groom's party might need the morning of the wedding! This ceramic mug is the perfect memento for your groomsmen. The 2"Diam. $5 OFF orders over $40! Save on personalized gifts, ornaments and decorations. PROMO CODE: GFB548. (exp 12/31/05) Questions? Contact Personal Creations . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] The Men's Club Custom Etched Mug from Wedding-Presents.com ($18.95) Toast each other in style with our Custom Etched Sports Mug. The traditional mug will hold 25 oz of your favorite brew and is personalized with up to 3 lines. A terrific gift for groomsmen, hostesses, housewarmings and more! *Money Saving Coupon* Save 15% off your order! Use code 'findgift' during checkout. Hurry, offer expires September 30th! Questions? Contact Wedding-Presents.com . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Three Dial Black Face Pocket Watch by Colibri from Things Remembered ($59.95) Give him a gift that stands the test of time with this handsome pocket watch. Features alloy case with black sunray face and three dials, six hands. Limited time offer! Buy any gift and get the 2nd gift, of equal or lesser value, at 50% off! Questions? Contact Things Remembered . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | viewing 1 - 10 of 81 gift ideas found Bosses Day Oct 16, 2005 24 Shopping Days Left Bosses Day Gift Ideas Sweetest Day Oct 15 Halloween Oct 31 More Holidays Seasonal Gifts Wedding Gift Ideas Anniversary Gift Ideas Autumn Theme See this month's Top 20 Gift Ideas Gift Helpers » Anniversary Gifts » Flower Meanings » Monthly Flowers » Monthly Birthstones » Signs of the Zodiac » Additional Resources FindGift.com Newsletter Sign up to receive seasonal and unique gift ideas via email. Email Address Merchant Login | Add Your Products to FindGift.com | Press Room | FAQs | Contact FindGift.com Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map © 1997-2005, Registry Online, Inc. FindGift.com and its logo are trademarks of Registry Online, Inc.

Birthday Presents Some thoughts

Buying Birthday Presents ABC Home Radio Television News …More Subjects Email this page Print-friendly This week's Treasure Past Treasures About Treasure Hunt Buying Birthday Presents Some thoughts onBUYING BIRTHDAY PRESENTS Gidday! You know theres a funny thing about the Carter Clanmost of us have birthdays around the same time. While thats great cause it means we get to do a lot of celebrating it can also be a bit hard on the old hip pocket nerve when it comes to buying all those presents! So, in an attempt to economise this year, I set myself a challenge: to buy five gifts for five members of my family for fifty dollars each or lesssomething for my grandson, my wife, my daughter, my mother and my father. Fortunately, our whole family is mad keen on anything to do with antiques so that solved the problem of where to find all of this gearit was just a quick trip up the road to our local Antiques Centre. Now fifty dollars is not a lot of dough but youd be surprised at what you can do with it if you look hard and you think a little bit sideways When I go shopping at big antique centres the first thing I do is walk every isle looking for likely suspectsthen I do it all again to see if theres anything Ive missed and there always is. Next, I pick out the stuff I want, examine it carefully and then think about it some more before making a final decision. Well, the day I went present shopping was a little bit different because it didnt take me long before I found something really excitinga nice piece of Latticino Glass. It could have been the perfect present for my wife, June, because its just the kind of thing she collects. After carefully examining the piece I found it was in great condition with the only real blemish being a barely noticeable flaw on the surface. If money were no object I would have bought it there and then. But, at $280.00 it was well over my budget! The next thing I found or to be more truthful it found mewhen I fell over itwas this good little retro set. Anodised aluminium cup sets from the 1950s are becoming really popular with collectors these days. At $20.00 this set was a real bargain and would have looked good in my daughter Christines kitchen. I say would have looked good cause Christines the odd one out in our familyher birthday doesnt happen for another six months so shell have to wait. Life can be cruel sometimes! The day was moving on and I still hadnt found something suitable for my wife June that would be within budget. Well, after a bit of snooping around some dusty old shelves I finally found something really interesting tucked away in a dark corner. It was a nice piece of Murano Glass. Fortunately June collects this stuff as well. Im not surprised really as its a style of glass fast becoming popular as a collectible. Entry-level pieces can cost you as little as $20.00 to $25.00 though pieces from the 1930s can command higher prices due to their rarity. The piece I found was circa 1950 and the asking price was $55.00. Now that was about the right market price but, after a little bit of negotiating with the dealer, I was able to buy it for $50.00right on budget. Now if you fossick around a bit in antique centres youre liable to find some very odd things. When I was rummaging through a box of second-hand books and magazines, I came across an illustrated childrens storybook from the 1930s. The thing that caught my attention was that it was full of stories about dogs, so I said to myself that this would be a great present for my grandson. Now that might seem a strange gift to buy for a little boy but what you dont know is our family is awash with dogs, weve got loads of em, so I reckon hell eat that book upthat is when granddads finished with it! There are things you can stumble across in antiques centres that youre never going to find in your average department store. While I was pulling stuff out of a box of odds and sods looking for that elusive bit of treasure I came across a set of novelty coffee mugs, each filled with what appears to be a naked lady! Wouldnt get much coffee in them thoughbut then who would care! Absolute kitsch, but at $19.00 for the three they were almost worth buying just for the fun of it. Now, when I go off to buy presents for my daughter Julie I sometimes like to play a little joke on herI buy the worst thing I can possibly find knowing that shell hate it, but that she wont be able to do anything about it because its a present from her Dad, so shell have to keep it forever. Now Julies mad keen on collecting anything to do with shellsher house is crammed full of em. So, I thought Id find her something that would compliment her collectionand I found it. Its a paperweight cum desk/kitchen ornament, probably made around the late 1940s or early 50s. I think itll look great in her dining room next to her giant clamshell! Now my Mum is an interesting ladyshes in her mid eighties, got white hair, looks like butter wouldnt melt in her mouth, smiles all the time, everybodys favourite grandmother type, but she does have a little vice: she loves a drop of the hard stuff! Now last year I bought her a very nice whisky tumbler. This year I wanted to buy her something that would compliment it. After scouting around a couple of the glassware cabinets, I found just the thing, a nice cut glass water jug. Made in England around 1890, its good quality gear with a deep cut pattern and, surprisingly, in very good condition for its age. It came in at $48.00 so was well within budget. Strangely enough, my Dad turned out to be the most difficult person of all to buy something for, and thats because hes got everything he could possibly want or need, so I made the decision to buy him something I think he might just enjoy. During the Second World War he was in the Royal Engineers and hes collects military badges and medals from that period. Fortunately our local antiques centre has a comprehensive collection of militaria so I certainly wasnt lost for choice. In fact the selection of gear on offer was enormous ranging from World War One Trench Art to modern day memorabilia. After a bit of fossicking I finally settled on a Royal Engineers badge from the First World War. It will fit perfectly with the rest of dads collection and at $28.00, a real bargain. Dad also loves military music so, as well as the badge, I decided to buy him an LP of military music. Now this was just on $4 so the total expenditure on Dad only came to $32.00, and Mum reckons, thats just how it should be! So there you have it, with a little bit of patience and a keen eye, I was able to get all five of them sorted out, no bother at all. The best part about it was the bill only came to $215 .00 which was well under the $250.00 Id originally planned on spending. So, if youre on a budget or in a hurry, large antique centres are a godsend. I reckon any body should be able to find something if they look hard enough. And speaking of looking hard enoughyou know, with that $35 left over I might just go back and buy those naughty mugs! Its a funny old world Bye for now, Alan. © 2005 ABC | Privacy Policy There is a thriving market for vintage Hornby and Hornby-Dublo model trains throughout the world. In Australia, a useful starting point is the Hornby Railway Collectors Association, which caters for collectos of both Hornby 0 gauge and Hornby Dublo trains. Most buying and selling takes place at model railway swap meets and toy fairs, but auctions, specialist shops and model railway exhibitions are also good places to look for bargains.There are literally hundreds of books and magazines devoted to collecting model trains. Most will give you a good indication of current values and condition and some will even give you a rundown on prices paid at recent auctions.