gift ideas for boys!

Amazon.com: So You'd Like to... see cool gift ideas for boys! Your Store See All 31 Product Categories   Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help Improve Your Recommendations | Your Amazon Home | Your Profile | Learn More Search Amazon.com Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Restaurants Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Beta Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Travel Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Scientific Supplies Medical Supplies Indust. Supplies Automotive Home Furnishings Lifestyle Pet Toys Arts & Hobbies Web Search So you'd like to... see cool gift ideas for boys! A guide by Ariel ,Observer of what kids like? E-mail this guide to a friend Mario Party 5 Availability: Currently unavailable Super Mario 64 Buy new : $29.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Nintendo DS Buy new : $129.95 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See all products Okay, now with this christmas coming so quickly, parents are probably wondering what to get your boys for christmas. This is a list featuring toys for boys of different ages. The age range is mainly between 6 and 17. (However I have a 22 yr. old brother and know that his 19-24 yr. old friends also play video games and stuff lol.) Okay so I'll list some gift ideas for any boy and you decide which ones you think are what the boy your getting the gifts for would want. (P.S. I'm also going to write a girls list next so look for it please!)((Oh yes and GIRLS may like some of these toys as well!) P>S> some of the game cube and playstation 2 games also are made for all the systems, computer, Xbox, Game Cube, and Playstation 2, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS (So if your kid doesn't have the system needed to play the games below, but has another gaming system, look up these games' titles except under their game system and see if they have one of these titles for that system.) BY THE WAY the NINTENDO DS plays GAME BOY ADVANCE GAMES and GAME BOY ADVANCE GAMES WILL STILL BE MADE!!! The price of the GAME BOY ADVANCE SP will go down and will still be a great gift because GBA games are still going to come out because Nintendo DS games are harder to make and are more expensive most-likely...as is the Nintendo DS!!! 'Sharper Image Signature Series Robosapien - Chrome (WW250CHR)' 'Sharper Image Signature Series Robosapien - Metallic Blue (WW250BLU)' 'Mario Party 5' (Mario party 6 is about to come out though so get Mario Party 6 instead because it's coming out like 3-5 weeks before christmas!) IMPORTANT: look for the games ratings located on the bottom left corner of the game! : E = everyone (6 and up) T = teen (12 and up) M= mature (16 and up) and any other rating is...not going to be listed here that's for sure! Basically any other symbol you see (and even some M symbols) are similar to rated R movies and BEYOND rated R movies....liker the next rating up after R) ~I also encourage you to look for similar items as these because some have products made for age ranges like the zipline...they have different titles for those. 'Super Mario 64' 'Nintendo DS' 'The Urbz: Sims in the City' more stuff: 'Metroid Prime 2: Echoes' 'Need For Speed Underground 2' 'Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater' 'Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3' 'Dragon Ball Z: BUUs Fury' 'Game Boy Advance SP - Platinum' 'Game Boy Advance SP- Onyx' 'Game Boy Advance SP- Flame' 'Game Boy Advance SP - Cobalt' 'Radio Control Flying Saucer: Blue & Silver (27 MHz)' 'Spy Robot' 'Loud 'N Clear 2-Channel Headset Walkie Talkies' 'Spy Tracker System' 'Spy Bug Remote Listening Device' 'Spy Listener' 'Motorola T6500R GMRS / FRS Rechargeable Two-Way Radios, Khaki (2 Pack)' 'Motorola T7100R GMRS/FRS Rechargeable Two-Way Radios, Silver (2 Pack)' 'Spy Tool Kit' 'Spy Communicators' '50'' Big Bounce Ball' 'Large Space Dome Play Tent' 'Fun Ride Deluxe Classic Zip Line' Products mentioned include: 1. Mario Party 5 by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Availability: Currently unavailable Used & new from $25.99 2. Super Mario 64 by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Offered by: GameStop List Price: $34.99 Buy new : $29.99 You Save : $5.00 (14%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $19.98 3. Nintendo DS by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us List Price: $149.99 Buy new : $129.95 You Save : $20.04 (13%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $114.95 4. The Urbz: Sims in the City by Electronic Arts Offered by: J&R Music and Computer World List Price: $39.99 Buy new : $29.88 You Save : $10.11 (25%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $18.90 5. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Offered by: J&R Music and Computer World List Price: $49.99 Buy new : $44.88 You Save : $5.11 (10%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $36.99 6. Need For Speed Underground 2 by Electronic Arts Offered by: J&R Music and Computer World Buy new : $49.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $23.76 7. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater by Konami Offered by: J&R Music and Computer World List Price: $49.99 Buy new : $29.88 You Save : $20.11 (40%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $15.45 8. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 by Atari Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Target List Price: $49.99 Buy new : $29.99 You Save : $20.00 (40%) Availability: Usually ships in 2 to 3 days Used & new from $16.99 9. Dragon Ball Z: BUUs Fury by Atari Average Customer Rating: Offered by: GameStop List Price: $29.95 Buy new : $19.99 You Save : $9.96 (33%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $13.95 10. Game Boy Advance SP - Platinum by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Offered by: GameStop Buy new : $79.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $67.90 11. Game Boy Advance SP- Onyx by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Availability: Currently unavailable Used & new from $69.99 12. Game Boy Advance SP- Flame by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Availability: Currently unavailable Used & new from $69.49 13. Game Boy Advance SP - Cobalt by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $79.95 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $63.91 14. Radio Control Flying Saucer: Blue & Silver (27 MHz) by Valen Brost Game Co Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $19.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 15. Spy Robot by Wild Planet Availability: This item is currently not available. Customers also shopped for these similar items . 16. Loud 'N Clear 2-Channel Headset Walkie Talkies by 200 Toy Offered by: Toys"R"Us List Price: $14.99 Buy new : $12.99 You Save : $2.00 (13%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 17. Spy Tracker System by Wild Planet Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $19.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 18. Spy Bug Remote Listening Device by Wild Planet Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $9.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 19. Spy Listener by Wild Planet Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Imaginarium List Price: $12.99 Buy new : $8.98 You Save : $4.01 (31%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 20. Motorola T6500R GMRS / FRS Rechargeable Two-Way Radios, Khaki (2 Pack) by Motorola List Price: $79.99 Buy new : $49.99 You Save : $30.00 (38%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $43.50 21. Motorola T7100R GMRS/FRS Rechargeable Two-Way Radios, Silver (2 Pack) by Motorola Average Customer Rating: Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days. Used & new from $54.99 22. Spy Tool Kit by Wild Planet Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Imaginarium List Price: $19.99 Buy new : $14.99 You Save : $5.00 (25%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 23. Spy Communicators by Wild Planet Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $19.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 24. 50'' Big Bounce Ball by Sport Fun Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us List Price: $29.99 Buy new : $24.99 You Save : $5.00 (17%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 25. Large Space Dome Play Tent by Pacific Play Tents Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Imaginarium Buy new : $49.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 26. Fun Ride Deluxe Classic Zip Line by Spring Swings & More Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Imaginarium Buy new : $99.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Create your own guide! See the Best Guides Top 100 So You'd Like to... guides Search So You'd Like to... guides More about Ariel Add to Favorite People Related So You'd Like to... Create a guide Become a Spy : A guide by Alexa Green, Experienced Spy Play all the metroid games? : A guide by winton@people..., Intergalactic Bounty Hunter become a world-class spy : A guide by J. Frank, Writer, Aging Kid Be a super-spy : A guide by tidalwave0007, A 9-year-old super spy know all the right gear for a spy mission : A guide by softballchick907, Emily, Kid super spy Make the ULTIMATE VIDEO GAME COLLECTION!!!! : A guide by dux432, Video Game Player Get the best game systems : A guide by jojowatermelon, amateur gamer Create a guide Related Listmania! 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Gifts For Women

10 Valentine's Day Gifts For Women 10 Valentine's Day Gifts For Women Valentine's Day is the perfect holiday to put extra thought into your gift giving. Women love to know their partners are not only spending their money, but theirthoughtful written all over them. One of them is bound to please the woman in your life. Of all the holidays in the year, Valentines Day is the one to truly make the thought count when it comes to gift giving. It is all about her. Take yourself out of the equation. If its something you will love, chances are its not a gift exclusively for her. I shouldnt even have to say this by now, but please no sexy lingerie! So before you rush off to the mall, take a look around your womans surroundings, her favorite places in her home. You may think you know her, but a fresh look is always time well spent. One well thought out gift can erase from her memory her horror when you gave her a box of low fat chocolate, or the slinky lingerie three sizes too big. Its neither all about pretty nor all about practical. Its not about expensive or cheap. Again, its the thought and effort put behind the gift. As you plan your gift, practice a little imagery. Imagine her opening up your gift. Prove to her that you know her, what makes her heart go pitter patter, her eyes well up with happy tears, her face beam with delight. Still cant think of a great gift? Allow me. Here are ten thoughtful Valentines Day gifts. Books, CDs, books on tape, videos. Again, take a long look at what she already has in her bookshelf, in her music collection. Dont be afraid to ask the store clerk either. You already know her tastes, right? But store associates know whats hot or even what classics are most sought after even if you dont. Music or dance lessons. Does she not so secretly express her desire to compete on American Idol? Do you catch her singing into a hairbrush in the mirror? Does she fawn when PBS airs the international ballroom dancing competition? A romantic meal at home. Notice I didnt say you had to cook it? Restaurants are now making it easier than ever to pick up a meal on the go. There are also some excellent frozen entres in your grocers freezer. The famous chef to the stars, Wolfgang Puck even has a line of frozen gourmet dishes. Dont forget dessert. Either way, make it easy, put out the best china and silverware, and do not leave a mess in the kitchen! Cushions and pillows. Nothing says lovin like a little luxury. Does she sit in a chair most of her day? Or does she like to sit in bed and read magazines? Give her a top of the line back or bootie cushion. Go to a store that specializes in orthopedic or ergonomic products. This thoughtful gift will remind her how you care about her comfort. Gadgets. Gadgets arent just for guys anymore. What about a cool camera phone? Or an MP3 player? Or, if and only if, shes already an exerciser, visit your local sporting goods store and check out the latest device designed to help her accomplish her fitness goals, maybe a talking pedometer. Dont forget the card and words to the effect of, I love it that youre taking care of yourself. I want us to be healthy and happy for a long time. Shoes and a day of shoe shopping together. No matter if shes the diva type or the earthy type, a good pair of shoes can put a smile on a womans face for a long time. Look, theres no way in heck youre going to be able to pick out a pair of shoes. I dont suggest trying it. Dont even buy a gift certificate. You cant limit her to just one choice of store! Instead, put it in writing that you will accompany her in good spirits to as many shoes stores as necessary in a 24 hour period for her to find a pair of shoes she will truly love. 24 hours of personal service---housekeeper, cook, masseuse, butler, secretary, and chauffeur. We should all have the feeling that our every whim is being catered to at least once a year. You might wake her with breakfast in bed, then run a bubble bath for her, and bring her the morning paper. While she reads her favorite magazine, you are dusting and mopping and cleaning the house from top to bottom. Remember, its the spirit that you undertake the chores with that will make the biggest impression, so dont forget to whistle while you work! Make an appointment with a professional to have something fixed about you. Yes, I said it, the f word. Are your teeth needing some repair, have you been putting off an uncomfortable but necessary health screening? Now some will say, How romantic is that? But she will know that youre finally listening to her and taking care that youll stay healthy for her, and that, my friends, is happiness money can never buy. Of course, youll need to give her the news over a romantic candlelight dinner. Selection of gift certificates from her favorite stores, the stores where she buys things for other people. If she likes that expensive coffee place, thats a good start. Take a walk around her favorite mall without her. Her spirit will guide you and before you know it, youll be thinking youre a genius for being so thoughtful! Professional photo session. You know how shes always the one making memories from your everyday life? Shes the photographer, rarely the photographed. Give her a session with a professional photographer. Now we know the most popular form of this gift is from that place where glamorous shots are taken and tons of makeup is applied semi-professionally. Again, know your woman. If thats not her style, then find a local photographer who will photograph her naturally or however way she truly wants to be seen. Now if youre a traditionalist and these ideas have your head spinning, then go ahead and throw in a bouquet of flowers and a shiny box of chocolates. It never hurts to have a backup! Author: Sandra Webber About Author: Ellen Webber is a freelance writer with many years experience receiving Valentines Day gifts through the years. She admits all the gifts shes received werent as unique and thoughtful as these listed here, but she accepted each one graciously as she believes is the only way to make sure the gift givers try again the next year. DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms at www.2020site.org/legal/. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. Since this information is from old and outdated books, it is for research purposes only. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you. This site and its contents are (c) 2002 by LoveToKnow Corp.

shower gift . One

All About Baby Showers - Baby Shower gifts,Baby Shower Ideas &planning, Baby Shower Games, Baby Shower recipes, drinks & desserts, BabyShower Tips Birthdaysby Rexanne - Main Page / BirthdayGifts / BirthdayPartyStore / Birthday Cards& Graphics / Birthdays for Kids / BirthdayParties / Birthday PartyTips / Reader party Tips / BirthdaySigns & Symbols / BirthdayFacts & Fun / Birthday Food & Cooking / BirthdaySites & Homepages / BirthdayGuest List / BirthdayChecklist / BirthdayScreensavers & Wallpapers / BabyShowers / Party Hats A ll A bout B aby S howers Baby showerplanning, resources, gifts, sites, games, tips, food, ideas and more! Havinga child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in lovecan commit. - Bill Cosby Are you hosting ababy shower? You're a good friend or relative! All the answers to your manyquestions and dilemmas are on this page, ready to help you organize and pull offthe best baby shower possible. This is my reward to you for going the extra milefor the mom-to-be. She deserves this shower and you deserve as much help aspossible. A babyshower can be hosted by a close friend or group of friends of the mother-to-be.While traditionally considered improper for a family member of the mother-to-beto host a baby shower, family members today commonly help and often plan babyshowers. My call on it: if you are a family member and the only one able to give themom-to-be a baby shower, do it . Every baby deserves a shower and every pregnantmom deserves a party! Babyshowers are typically held one to two months before baby's arrival. In somecultures, baby showers are given after the baby is born. If there are siblings-to-be, please remember themwith a small gift or special mention. If you're giving your friend or family member a baby shower, start with a guestlist and definitely consider instantlydownloading the amazing baby shower package that comes with everything you'll needfor a memorable and fun party here: TheVery Best Baby Shower ... just add food and guests. Also consider buying the excellent book BabyShowers: Ideas and Recipes for the Perfect Party . These will ease your mind,give you many new ideas and help you create a memorable baby shower. Send the shower invitations at least three weeks in advance.You can also emailshower invitations if everyone has an email address or just to those who do. Remember the babyshower games to keep guests entertained and always offer babyshower favors to your guests. These do not have to be expensive andit's the classy thing to do. :-) Personalizedchocolate bars are my current favorite party favor idea. Easy, everyoneloves them and you can save one for Mom's keepsake reminder of the great baby shower you gave her. Mom-to-be needs a babyshower book to recordthe shower events,gifts, guests and pictures from her special day. The most gracious shower hosts supply this veryimportant keepsake ,which can also double as a shower gift . One of thecutest decorating ideas for a baby shower is to toss babypacifier candy and confetti down the center of the foodtable and/or coffee and end tables. Give yourself a huge break and orderyour baby shower candy online. If you know the baby's sex, you can toss wrapped ' It'sa Boy ' or ' It'sa Girl ' candies (or combine them if you don't yet know baby's sex) ontables, too. Want to make a lasting impression on Mom-to-be and all the guests?Toss mini personalizedbaby shower chocolate bars on tables, end tables and down the middle of thefood table. Very cute way to add to the decorations and guests can indulge theirsweet tooth at will. And always have pretty flowers and balloons to help decorate the party room. Another really super decoration is a BabyShower Canopy , that can be hung over the food or gift table to add flair and a custombaby shower banner looks great, will be a treasured keepsake and makes a big impression! Havethe baby showerbeverages ( soda& water bottles ) personalizedand decorated for a really special treat. This is especiallygratifying to order online because you get that heavy stuff delivered right toyour door. ;-) For moreinspiration and WWW goodies, you'll find plenty of links below to help you plan, prepare and party . Baby Shower Gifts Baby Shower Sites & Resources Baby Shower Games Baby Shower Food & Drinks To send ababy arrival or congratulations card online, click here: Cards B aby S hower G ifts Stork's Choice Disposable Diaper Delivery Possibly the best service ever created ... A gift of disposable diapers and wipes delivered for a month or more will make you the new parent's best friend. AAA Balloons Send a fun, gorgeous balloon bouquet! Always appropriate and very festive. Especially perfect if you'll be unable to attend the baby shower. Newborn & BabyGifts G ifts and gift ideas for newborns to toddlers. Uncommon Goods - Baby Shower Gifts For really unique and awesome baby shower gifts, this is the place. BabiesRUs Everything a new baby could hope for and a parent-to-be would love. Layette sets, strollers, toys, bath items and much more. Diaper Cakes Diapers, blankets, hooded towels, and baby toys, in the shape of a tiered cake . Variety of colors and themes. Perfect for a baby shower table centerpiece! Lovies Precious cuddly baby blankets with soft animal heads that baby will cling to for security and love for years. G reat Arrival Baby Baskets A dorably packaged newborn and baby gift baskets , filled with all the necessities ataffordable prices. The Stuffed Ark Premium quality life-like plush stuffed animals. Always a fun baby shower gift and The Stuffed Ark has the best! Baby Shower Keepsake Book A wonderful gift for mom-to-be. Records all the shower events, shower gifts, guests, predictions and advice. Robeez Baby Shoes Gorgeous and affordable high quality booties & soft leather baby shoes. Go on easy but don't fall off. Baby's parents will surely appreciate this thoughtful and unique gift. So will baby. :-) Kid's Land Darling baby gifts. From knitted caps to strollers. Baby Wise Innovative, unique and time-honored baby gift products. Self-closing Pacifiers What a great invention! Automatically self-close when they hit the deck. Fun to attach as a wrapping decoration or an essential to add to baby baskets. Musical Baby CD's Have a music CD personalized if you already know baby's name or pick from classical music or baby lullabies with a teddy bear toy. Tooth Fairy Pillows They will become necessary and these are so cute! Fun addition to baby baskets. Nursery Depot C rib bedding and nursery furniture in all styles with guaranteed low prices. The Baby Book ' Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two. ' One of the best books on the subject and an excellent gift for a new mom. Baby Matters Another excellent newborn reference book. Carefully & tediously researched bringing wisdom of the ages to modern parents. The Best Baby Books These are my recommendations for the best baby books that all new parents and baby would love to have. Quilting B's Complete quilt kit - family & friends make the squares, Quilting B's creates a gorgeous quilt for baby. Proflowers Sending a lovely arrangementof flowers to help make the party room beautiful is always a thoughtful gift. Top 40 Shower Gifts As recommended by other new moms. Baby Shower GiftSuggestions Shared ideas from other Internet users. Baby Shower Gift Wrapping Ideas Backto top Thinkof stretch marks as pregnancy service stripes. - Joyce Armor B aby S hower R esources& I nformation The Very Best Baby Showers Step by Step kit for planning the perfect babyshower. Includes, games, invitations, recipes ... the works. Instantly downloadable. BabyShower Theme Party Packs Complete baby shower theme party planner packs, including games, invitations,decorations, recipes, ideas ... the works. Easy baby shower. :-) BabyShower Party Supplies Everything you'll need ... paper goods, decorations & shower favors. Baby Shower Banners Customize and order online. Diaper Cakes Almost essential these days as a table centerpiece, party decoration and ultimate baby shower gift. These are too cute! Stork Avenue Baby shower invitations, birth announcements, self-closing pacifiers (so cool!) and much more. Easy navigation, great products and affordable prices. OnlineBaby Shower Invitations Send email invitations and save on stamps and paper goods. Free with easyregistration. Baby Shower Favors &Supplies Individual shower items and sets, shower favors, decorations,and more. Quilting B's Absolutely adorable - gorgeously finished quilts for baby, created by family & friends. Perfect baby shower activity that becomes a super gift. BabyShower Invitations Printable designedbaby announcements and shower invitations. Free to print. BabyShower Message Boards Ask your peers what they would do! Baby Shower FAQ A who, what, when, where of showers. Baby ShowerQ&A Another guide to frequently asked questions. Perfect BabyShowers Information and ideas. Take A Stroll - Baby ShowerIdeas Games, planning, prizes, favors. ShowerIdeas.com- Baby Showers Detailed info on games and more. Baby Shower Tips Good baby shower tips to help you. PookietheBear'sBaby Showers Collection of information, ideas and advice. Throw a Memorable Baby Shower Very good shower-giving advice, from games to decor. Throwinga Successful Baby Shower Advice and ideas from readers of Parent's Soup. HipBaby Shower Themes For the coolest mom-to-be. ;-) SpecialConsiderations Adoption, single mom and other special issues. SpecialTouches Those little things that make your shower unique. CouplesBaby Shower Non-traditional but gaining in popularity. Adoption Baby Showers Etiquette and information for adoption baby showers. HolidayBaby Shower Showers with a special holidaytheme. Baby Names Just in case the parents haven't yet decided ... Backto top Ababy is God's opinion that the world should go on. - Carl Sandburg B aby S hower G ames BabyShower Games A to Z Many unique & classic baby shower games. Print & play instantly. Well worth the low price. Baby Shower Games List of common games and rules. Baby Shower Party Games Lots of baby shower game ideas with instructions. New & Different Baby ShowerGames A unique twist on the age-old game play. Baby Shower Games Some different ones here. Moms On The Go - Baby ShowerGames Games and instructions. Baby Shower Gamesfor Everyone Ideas and instructions for various baby shower games. Baby-Shower-Games Fun, challenging and ice breaker game suggestions. BabyShower Games - The Dollar Stretcher Good, frugal ideas forgames. Free Baby Shower Games- My Bambino The kind that don't cost anything. ;-) Babee - Baby Shower Games Some more free to print games. Baby Shower Game Advice Some Q & A for inspiration. Backto top Menare often bad; babies never are. - Louisa May Alcott B aby S hower F ood BabyShower Recipe Collection Cute names and various shower recipes. BabyShower Recipes From finger foods topunch. Baby Shower Foods Cute ideas and recipes for a full menu. French BabyShower Recipes Very classy menu ... you can do this! Baby Shower Food & Drink From punch to dessert. TastyTreats for a Baby Shower Spinach dip and Stork Cake recipes. Pookiethebear'sBaby Shower Food Gotta love Pookie for putting this page together! Good advice. Lite Baby ShowerBuffet Great low-fat menus and recipes. BabyShower Refreshments Menus, snacks and beverages. BabyShower Tea Parties An assortment ofmenus for an afternoon tea shower. Baby SleepingFruit Salad Visually adorable, fresh fruit-based salad. Baby Shower Cake ABC cake, using frozen pound cake. Nice & Easy. BettyCrocker's Baby Shower Cake Pink, blue and white layered cake. Butterfly BabyShower Cake Cute and not too hard to recreate. Wilton's Baby Shower Cakes & Desserts Recipes & decorating instructions. Howto Make a Baby Shower Cake Low calorie pineapple cake recipe. Baby Shower Cupcakes Cute rubber ducky theme - recipe & decorating instructions. Pregnancy Punch Sprite & rainbow sherbet based. Baby ShowerPunch Strawberry soda based. Fruit Juice Baby Shower Punch Can use champagne for a kick. ;-) Personalized& Decorated Party Soda & Water Bottles Too cute to have soda and water bottles designed just for your baby shower! BabyPacifier Candy A must-have for table decorating (toss them randomly on all tables) and/or incandy dishes. ' It's a Girl' Wrapped Candies ' It's a Boy' Wrapped Candies Backto top Iwas cesarean born. You can't really tell, although whenever I leave a house, Igo out through a window. - Steven Wright B irthdays b y R exanne- S ite M ap Baby Shower Favors &Party Supplies Rexanne'sParty Store Birthdaysby Rexanne - Main Page Birthday Gifts Birthday Cards & Graphics Birthday Screensavers & Wallpapers Birthdays for Kids Birthday Parties Party Tips & Ideas Reader Party Tips Party GuestList PartyChecklist Birthday Food & Cooking BirthdaySigns & Symbols Birthday Facts & Fun Birthday Sites & Homepages Baby Showers Party Hats Subscribe! Select the update or newsletter from Rexanne.com you'd like to receive, then enter your email address below. It's free! Rexanne.com Updates Rexanne's Web Review - Monthly Family Newsletter [ Rexanne.com - Main Index Page & Site Map ] [ Parenting & Family Articles ] [ About Your Baby ] [ Shopping for Parents & Family ] [ Parent Links ] [ Kid Links ] [ All Holidays & Celebrations ] [ Birthdays by Rexanne ] [ All About Baby Showers ] [ All About Graduations ] [ Teacher Appreciation ] [ Rexanne's Web Review - Newsletter ] [ Humor Pages ] [ Graphic Links ] [ About Me ] [ Advertising Information ] [ Link To Rexanne.com ] [ Privacy Policy ] [ Email ] All material on these pages 2001-2005 - Rexanne Mancini unless specified otherwise Please contact Rexanne for reproduction or reprint permission.

Wedding Gift Registry: Charity

CBS News | Wedding Gift Registry: Charity | August 5, 2005 13:00:24 SEARCH: CBSNews.com The Web Home U.S. World Politics SciTech Health Entertainment Business Opinion Sports FREE CBS News Video August 5, 2005 13:00:24 Living HealthWatch Leisure Series The Sat. Early Show Contributors • Section Front E-mail This Story Printable Version Wedding Gift Registry: Charity NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2005 Charitable Couples Aakash Thakkar and Christina Giallourakis (Photo: CBS/The Early Show) (CBS) The latest request at many weddings these days hasn't been for presents at all. With the average ages of brides and grooms today at 27 and 29 respectively, many have all the dishes and bedding they need. So instead of asking for china and crystal, The Early Show contributor Laurie Hibberd reports, they're asking their guests to donate to charity. When Christina Giallourakis and Aakash Thakkar got married this spring, they were actually excited that half of their wedding guests did not buy them gifts. Thakkar explains, "We had sort of tried to, in planning for our wedding, to sort of get the basics that we need. Sure, maybe we didn't have sort of all the toasters and silverware and plates, et cetera, that one might need. But I think, our general thought was we could buy that stuff along the way." Instead, this Washington, D.C., couple asked their friends and family to help start a scholarship fund at Thakkar's high school alma mater. He says, "The thought was to start a scholarship that would be perpetual, and would allow a disadvantaged child in the Washington, D.C., area to be able to go to St. John's College High School." And they're not the only ones to forgo presents for charity. The trend has grown in the last few years, with a number of high-profile celebrity couples, including Billy Joel and his wife, Katie, setting the example. "I don't think we ever considered asking our friends to buy us gifts," Katie Joel says. "My husband and I were really on the same page when it came to this issue. We wanted to have charity donations for the wedding from the beginning. I got a lot of feedback from different friends saying, 'It's great that you chose to give to charities, instead of asking for gifts. We don't want to buy you a coffee pot'." Kara Corridan, executive editor of Modern Bride magazine, notes, "Over the past few years, couples may donate the unused food from their reception to a local food bank, or they'll print their invitations and their stationery on recycled paper. Or instead of giving favors to guests, they'll tell them that they made a donation to their favorite charity." Bethany Robertson is the executive director of the I Do Foundation , a non-profit organization that helps couples incorporate charity into their big day. Roberts says, "We have seen a phenomenal increase in the number of couples who are participating. In 2004, we had about 20,000 couples in the program. And this year, we're on track to have over 200,000 couples choose a charity through either the I Do Foundation or one of our partners. This is money that did not currently or before exists in the charitable pipeline. This is money that was being spent on cake toppers and garter belts. Now, it's being used for children's health or for community development, things like that. I kind of think of it as icing on the cake, really." Experts say it makes sense that this trend is on the rise with couples waiting longer - and until they're older - before walking down the aisle. Corridan says, "I think now because we have more couples who have been living together before they get married, they literally just don't need the stuff that would end up on a traditional registry, or they may live separately, and so, they might end up with two sets of everything going in to setting up their home." For couples like Christina Giallourakis and Aakash Thakkar, who are tying charitable giving into the day they tie the knot, they say it makes all the difference. "I think it made our wedding better," Giallourakis says. "There was that much more interaction with all of our guests before the wedding. It wasn't they just went to a Web site and bought a gift and that was it. It was: How's the fund doing? Where are you up to now?" And Robertson is hoping that more and more people think of those less fortunate while planning for their own futures. She says, "The I Do Foundation's vision is really that in 10 years, when someone comes back from a wedding, people will say, 'What did the bridesmaids' dresses look like? Who was the best man? And what was the couple's charity?'" If you're wondering how much money can actually be raised like this, so far Giallourakis and Thakkar's scholarship fund has raised about $8,000. What's This? MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Rita Exodus Texas Gov. Reverses Southbound Interstate Lanes To Aid Evacuations • Passengers Watched Drama Unfold • New Orleans: New Flood Risk • Democrats Split On Roberts Wedding Gift Registry: Charity What More Engaged Couples Are Asking Of Wedding Guests • 'Jaws' Set To Scare Anew • Getting These Blues Can Help • Trend Report: Bright Ideas • Leo DiCaprio On 'The Aviator' Back To Top Bios | Contact Info Help | Advertise | Contact Us | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | CBS News Bios | CBS.com | CBS SportsLine.com | Internships ©MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Love Is In The Air Here are some showy proposals and weddings that got attention. Celebrity Circuit Hollywood's elite turns up at Toronto Film Festival This Is His Life A look at award-winning "Piano Man" Billy Joel. Video Instead of registering for wedding presents, many couples are asking for donations to charity. The Early Show's Laurie Hibberd reports on this rising trend. Story Piano Man A Married Man Again Link I Do Foundation - Web site Link The Wedding Salon - Web site Link American Cancer Society's Wedding Scroll Program Link Modern Bride Magazine Sign up: E-Mail Alerts RSS Feeds Podcasts Contributors Bobby Flay Susan Koeppen Emily Senay Minna Lessig Steve Hartman Danny Lipford Debbye Turner Bob Vila -- Laurie Hibberd Colin Cowie Dayle Haddon -- Christy Ferer Tracy Smith Ray Martin Charlie Dimmock Regina Lewis Melinda Murphy Martha Stewart -- Face The Nation CBS Morning News Up To The Minute -- close [x]

wedding gift: cash toward

MSN Money - A practical wedding gift: cash toward a home MSN Home My MSN Hotmail Shopping Money People & Chat Sign In W eb Search: Money S earch MSN Money: Help Home News Banking Investing Planning Taxes My Money Portfolio Loans Insurance Planning Home Retirement Savings Insurance Family/College College Tools Scholarship Search College Search Resources Decision Centers Commentary Index More Tools Related Links Message Boards Print-friendly version Send this to a friend Get market news by e-mail See if refinancing works Personal finance bookshelf Find It! Article Index Finance Q&A Tools Index Site map Related Articles Marriage means updating important documents Romance can wait; first, talk cold, hard cash Tie the knot without busting your budget Related Resources Decision Center: Essential homebuying guide Decision Center: Love, money and marriage See if youre carrying too much debt Stay at home or work? Try our calculator Related Sites Bankrate.com The Basics A practical wedding gift: cash toward a home advertisement If anyone asks what you want for a wedding present, you might try 'cash for a down payment.' Its legal, if you follow the rules, and asking for cash even meets the Emily Post test for politeness. By Bankrate.com June is the busiest month for weddings, and a forest's worth of invitations either already has been mailed or soon will be sent. A lot of couples want money for wedding gifts. A wedding-day cash infusion can make putting a down payment on a home easier. With prices appreciating rapidly in much of the country, lots of couples need all the help they can get. There are formal and informal rules governing gifts of money to help newlyweds buy a house. First, the informal rules: Is it OK to ask one's wedding guests for money? "It's not rude to request money as a wedding gift," says Peggy Post, author of Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette. "However, it's extremely important to ask politely." Peggy Post is Emily's great-granddaughter-in-law, the wedding etiquette expert for WeddingChannel.com and the main spokesman for the Emily Post Institute. She says one of the most common challenges that couples face is how to request money as a wedding gift. Doing so is acceptable, if done politely. If you seek down-payment money, get the word out through family and friends, Post recommends. Just don't include that info in the same envelope as a wedding invitation. "If you are asked point-blank what you would like for a gift, you might say, 'Whatever you choose will be wonderful, I'm sure, but money for a house down payment is on the top of our wish list,'" Post says. It's OK to say what it's for Go ahead and tell people what you want the money for. Who knows? If you let people know that you plan to spend the money on a down payment, rather than on a honeymoon in Tuscany, they might be more willing to open their pocketbooks. Wedding guests who insist on giving you yet another toaster or wicker picnic basket or a set of rosewood corn holders should be thanked anyway, even though they aren't helping you buy a house. "You should always accept any gift graciously, and remember that the choice of what to give really belongs to the gift giver," Post says. With the etiquette question out of the way, that brings up how to get the money from your guests' pockets and into the hands of the folks who eventually sell you their house. It's not simple, because mortgage loan programs have differing rules on the use of gift money in making a down payment. So know the gift rules Generally, you are expected to be able to make a down payment of at least 5% from your savings, excluding gifts. But what if you are too impatient to wait that long? Some mortgage programs allow you to use gift money if you can't scrape together that 5%. Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration allow you to use money from gifts to make a down payment of as little as 3%. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two biggest purchasers of home loans, offer similar programs through lenders. Fannie Mae's program is called "Flex 97" and Freddie Mac's is called "Alt 97." If there is a problem with these loan programs, it is that they limit whose money you can use. The FHA, Fannie and Freddie allow you to use money from family members. In the FHA's case, givers have to be members of your "immediate family." It's up to the loan officer to figure out who is family and who is immediate family. What about friends? Can you use gift money from, say, the woman who has been your mother's best friend since kindergarten? Technically, no. The money has to come from family (or from a nonprofit or government agency, but they don't give wedding gifts). It wasn't always this way. In 1996, the FHA encouraged lenders to offer "bridal registry accounts," where couples could stash gifts from friends and family. "Then, when the newlyweds purchase their new home, the money will be available and documented through a lender-supervised account," the FHA said. A few lenders responded enthusiastically, establishing account programs specifically for newlyweds complete with gift cards that could be returned to the bank with a check enclosed. One such lender is SunTrust Mortgage, a subsidiary of SunTrust Banks. Through SunTrust Mortgage, you can open a bridal registry savings or checking account at SunTrust Bank. When a wedding guest makes a deposit, the bank sends a card to the bride and groom to let them know. Ready to find a mortgage? "When they're ready to go ahead and make that first home purchase, they access those funds and we get a mortgage for them -- and we hope they remain a SunTrust banking customer," says Cheryl Nolda, senior vice president of marketing for SunTrust Mortgage. In the last few months, about 500 brochures have been given to prospective couples, Nolda says. The lender usually sees an upsurge in interest in the two months before June and October, which tend to be the busiest months for weddings. Despite their success at SunTrust, bridal registry accounts never really caught on. You can always open a regular old savings or money market account to hold your down payment fund, but you might need to document where the money came from. That's easy enough when the money comes from your paycheck. If some of the money comes from gifts, be prepared to document the source. Encourage gift-givers to give checks from their personal accounts. And don't forget to write those thank-you notes. 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