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.
College Gift Baskets Articles
College Gift Baskets - Gifts BW gifts | gifts Resources | Add URL Wine Gifts & Baskets From the casual wine drinker to the serious enthusiast, we have a gift that will make them smile. Our selection includes premium wine, gourmet baskets, distinctive champagne sets & the very finest California and Northwest wines. College Gift Baskets Articles Florida Collegiate Fan Gifts Florida for Visitors guide Dawn Henthorn picks collegiate fan gifts for the college sport fan that loves Florida college teams....( Continue Reading ) 2005 Calendars Featuring the State of Washington A selection of 2005 calendars featuring the state of Washington, including scenic photographs and professional and college sports teams....( Continue Reading ) Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Gifts If the Jacksonville Jaguars are your favorite team, then you'll love these fan gifts picked for you by Florida for Visitors Guide Dawn Henthorn....( Continue Reading ) Miami Dolphin Fan Gifts If you're a Miami Dolphin fan, then you'll love these fan gifts picked for you by Florida for Visitors Guide Dawn Henthorn....( Continue Reading ) UT Merchandise for Dorm or Apartment Whether you're living at home, renting an apartment, or sharing a dorm room, show your school affiliation with University of Texas Longhorn merchandise that is not only team-spirited but functional as well. These items make great gifts for the UT-bou...( Continue Reading ) College Gift Baskets Directory Links monetary wedding gifts wedding gifts for the groom baby shower gag gifts valentine gifts online valentine gifts to make corporate gifts online valentines day gifts for women christmas gifts for dogs bridal party gifts gag gifts for christmas sympathy gift baskets adult birthday gifts ten year wedding anniversary gifts wedding attendent gifts to send gifts to india last minute christmas gifts golf novelty gifts original christmas gifts virginia gift baskets horse lovers gifts fun gifts for men anniversary gifts traditional and modern gifts for first holy communion high school graduation gifts for boys japanese gifts com gourmet business gifts anniversary gifts for her romantic holiday gifts christmas gifts girlfriend homemade gifts for mom valentine gifts weding anniversary gifts unique mens gifts unique baby gifts college graduate gifts gifts for bridal party bridal gifts northwest gift baskets christmas gifts for her baby birthday gifts simple gifts shaker gifts for 8 year old boys california gift baskets birthday gifts for guys anniversery gifts Popular Search Terms: Gifts BW © 2004 Gifts BW All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved. This site is not related to Brajeshwar or Brajeshwar.com in anyway, shape or form
gifts for women? We
Birthday Gifts UK - Unusual & Unique Ideas for Men & Women -- Gift Search By person: - Mum - Dad - Brother - Sister - Grandma - Grandad - Girlfriend - Boyfriend - Male friend - Female friend - Wife - Husband - Couple - Daughter - Son - Kids (m) - Kids (f) By price: - under 15 - 15 - 30 - over 30 -- home for men for women for children gadget box king of the kitchen bedroom bonkers bathroom bananas lounging around office envy out and about wedding presents anniversary gifts corporate view basket information -- We are a member of the ISIS scheme UK E-Commerce Awards 2003 - London Winner Orderline: UK 020 7407 4821 Int'l +44 20 7407 4821 Last UK orders for Father's Day - 3pm Thursday 16th June -- ...for him Elvis Canvas - £45.00 Looking for unique gifts for men? We have a great range of gift ideas for men - whether it's for a birthday, anniversary... any occasion! Take a look... ...for her Supermodel Apron - £11.99 Looking for unusual gifts for women? We have a fantastic range of presents for her - How about a gift box full of smellies, or a personalised Name a Star gift. Take a look... ...for kids Rainbow Maker - £19.50 Looking for funky gifts for children? We have a great range of presents for children. Take a look... Business & corporate If you're looking for business, corporate or incentive gifts... we offer discounts for buying in bulk... Click here to see our top selling business & corporate presents for 2005... Customer comments "Dear folks,In today's culture of complain about everything and get your money back, it's not very often that someone takes the time to say thank you. Well, i would like to right that wrong! On Tuesday i ordered and paid for a star name from your website. I was informed that it would take upto five working days so was not expecting delivery until next week. Imagine my surprise when the postman delivered it this morning (Thursday) just two days later. This was purchased as a wedding gift from my four year old daughter to her Aunt & Uncle as she is their little star and also their flower girl. The whole experience of buying from your website (and subsequent prompt delivery) has been such a breath of freshair. Keep up the good work and i look forward to buying from your site again." Rosi McQuarrie-Parkes "Thanx for speedy delivery... excellent service." Regards, Luigi semoli "Will definitely use you again - excellent service received." Janet "Thank you very much for the product - it's brilliant - and the speedy postage. Great doing business with you." Maureen Belmont "I'm sure I'll use your web site for presents again and again." Darold, N.Yorks "I'm just writing to say thank you very much for your quick and brilliant service. You will see me returning to your site to purchase presents on a regular basis.Thank you so much for a great shopping experience." Vicky, Dublin "I just want to say how impressed I was both with the service and the packaging of the Christmas presents I purchased.I ordered 2 of the 'Hot Bears' and recieved them the day after my order was placed. It is nice to know that time and care was taken over the order and it definitley made receiving them far more special!I have highly reccommended your website to lots of my friends and will definitley be using you again soon." Jo, Derby "I just wanted to let you know I recieved my package this morning. I am very very pleased at the prompt and correct service. Congratulations for a job well done. I will certainly use the site again, and recommend it to friends. Thank's a million." Jacqui, Dublin "Thank you very much for your prompt and efficient service. Well Done and keep up the good work. A very satisfied customer!" Bernadette, W.Midlands We accept the following payment methods: We guarantee that shopping with us is safe. Click here for more. Bath-time Kiss & Fizz Exclusive! Pamper her with this bath-time set - £14.99 Cheeky Beauty Set Exclusive! Gorgeous make-up bag filled with goodies - £19.99 Urban Survival System Feel fantastic in the urban jungle - £19.99 Desktop Games Exclusive! Bored at the office? You won't be - £19.99 Hangover Pack Exclusive! Help them recover the morning after - £11.99 Michelangelo Apron As worn by Big Brother housemates - £11.99 Cheers Bottle Opener Learn to say cheers in 16 languages, while drunk - £9.99 I Love You More than Chocolate . A chocolate bar with a big difference - £9.99 Happy Birthday Choc Slab . This ain't no ordinary chocolate bar - £9.99 Grow a Sherwood Forest Tree . Grow a tree from this world famous forest - £14.99 -- more new gifts... 1. Become a Lord or Lady Demand more respect from lesser mortals - 29.50 2. Name a Star It really is out of this world! - 39.99 3. Acre of the Moon You too can own a piece of the Moon - 19.99 4. Silver Rolo Do you love anyone enough? - 39.99 5. Orgasmatron Makes you tingle all over - as seen on Big Brother - 14.99 6. Candy G-String & Bra Sweet and sexy edible underwear - 12.99 7. Credit Card Digital Camera Worlds thinnest digital camera - 29.99 8. Message in a Bottle A gift they can treasure forever. - 19.99 9. Colour Flame Candles Magical candles burn in three brilliant colours. - 12.99 10. USB Cup Warmer Make cold coffee a thing of the past. - 14.99 11. Fridge Magnet Bottle Opener 12. Nookii Board Game 13. Oggz (Single) 14. Orgasmatron Trembler 15. Rainbow Maker 16. Red Hot Chilli Lights 17. Supermodel Apron 18. Bath Tranquility Spa 19. Hunky Ironing Board Cover 20. Luxury Photo Album Free Newsletter Sign up for exclusive special offers and gift news. Enter your email address below. What they say about us... "... will change your life" Current review "Impressive site!" Current review "A great place to shop" Current review 3 x "Best sites of the week" Dec 2000, Oct 2001 & June 2002 "Loads of ideas" June 2000 "Website of the Week" June 2001 More reviews... Needapresent.com Ltd, Unit 12 B1, The Leathermarket, 11/13 Weston St, London, SE1 3ER Tel: 020 7407 4821 Terms & Conditions Come to Needapresent.com for funky, stylish, unusual & unique products for men, women and children. Think of all the times in the year you need to come up with presents - for a birthday, wedding, anniversary, house warming, a Valentine... there's Christmas, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Valentines Day the list goes on and on! We offer a fast delivery service in the UK - in around 2 days - and we deliver worldwide. Bookmark us and we will take the strain out of buying presents for good. We even offer business, corporate and incentive gifts too.
Gift Ideas Share a
Simplify The Holidays - Gift Ideas More Time More Fun More Nature More Fairness Turn the Tide Kids & Commercialism Simplify the Holidays In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards Multimedia Talk About It Conscious Consumer Institutional Purchasing Back to School I Buy Different (youth site) Less Can Mean More In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards Talk About It Take Action Act Locally Green Cars Today Do Not Junk New Dream Book Club Action Forum Give/Get Advice In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards New Dream Poll What's New Campaigns/Programs New Dream Store In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards Partners Testimonials Staff Careers Privacy Policy My Turn the Tide My Actions My Friends My Events My Profile My Conversations New Dream Store Privacy Policy More of What Matters Getting More More Time Intro Take Back Your Time Time Day Poll Retreat Resources More Fun More Nature More Fairness Talk About It Turn the Tide Intro Preview the Steps Partner Groups FAQ Publications Listing Order Print Copies In Balance What Kids Want Sustainable Planet Tips for Parenting Good Times... Simplify the Holidays Responsible Purchasing New Dream Video More Fun, Less Stuff Kit Turn the Tide Workbook EPP Video Bumper Sticker Bicycle Sticker Easy Does It Simplify the Holidays Home Alternative Gift Fairs What They Are Where They Are Success Stories What They're Like Organize Your Own Brochure Holiday Tips Getting Started Gift Ideas Share a Gift Idea Gift Basket Holiday Stats Polls 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Simplifying Story Kids & Commercialism Home Brochures Art/Essay Contest Marketing Facts Tips Even More Tips What Kids Say Pressure Schools Endorsers Take Action Current Alert All Actions Action Updates Petitions Discuss Actions Multimedia Expand All | Collapse All Inexpensive, Creative and Eco-friendly Gift Ideas Did you know that 82% of Americans would rather receive a photo album of times shared than a store-bought gift? (source: Center for a New American Dream-commissioned Holiday Poll, November 1998) Just in case you don't want to give memory-filled albums to everyone on your gift list, we have lots of other ideas. Gifts for Children Homemade Gifts Gifts of Time Family Gifts Gifts for the Environment Ideas for Donations in the Name of a Loved One For those gifts you're still going to buy, check out our Conscious Consumer site Gifts for Children: 1: Simple book about the child, written and illustrated by you! 2: The makings for hand puppets -- brown lunch bags, googly eyes, scissors, markers etc. Homemade Gifts: 3: Record interviews of parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles on audio or video tape; you can ask them to discuss their memories of the person you plan to give the tape to, or your family's history, especially funny or meaningful anecdotes. 4: Make your own cards and send them to relatives and good friends. 5: Frame one of your best photographs. Buy a frame from a local business or artisan. Or make one yourself out of stiff paper or cardboard, decorated with colored paper, old wrapping paper, beads and/or natural products (like leaves, small pinecones, or seeds). 6: Make your own calendar using cut-out pictures, photos, and/or drawings. 7: Assemble a collection of favorite recipes. Top of Page Gifts of Time: 8: Special activities with a significant other--a candlelit dinner, massage, or outdoor activity. 9: A monthly lunch date with an elderly relative or friend. 10: A handwritten letter or card sent to a long-distance friend or relative once a month for a year. Top of Page Family Gifts: 11: A jigsaw puzzle for the whole family. 12: Tickets to a favorite cultural or sporting event Top of Page Gifts for the Environment: 13: Assemble a Turn the Tide gift basket with compact fluorescent lightbulbs, forms for getting rid of junk mail, delicious recipes and a note about how the recipients can log on to www.turnthetide.org and see exactly how much of a positive impact they're having on the environment. 14: Buy a potted Christmas tree and replant after the holidays. (You can also have a tree planted elsewhere in someone's honor through American Forests .) 15: Instead of new wrapping paper, reuse old paper the Sunday comics section, old maps, decorated brown grocery bags, or a colorful piece of material. Top of Page Donations in the name of a Loved One: 16: Alternative Gifts International offers a wide array of global gifts that can be given in the name of your friend or relative. Their partner organizations include 33 projects such as Fuel Efficient Stoves in El Salvador, Conquering Tuberculosis in North Korea, Literacy Training in Senegal, Land Mine Awareness in Vietnam or Organic Gardening in Belize. Contact Alternative Gifts at 1-800-842-2243, P.O Box 2267, Lucerne Valley, CA 92356. Free catalog from altgifts@sisp.net or www.altgifts.org . 17: Give a donation to a local cause such as a soup kitchen, a shelter for battered women, a local environment group, etc. Call local churches, synagogues, and charitable organizations for ideas. 18: Give a friend a membership to a non-profit organization. JustGive.org allows you to donate online to thousands of charities. Want to give a gift membership to the Center of a New American Dream? Click Here Top of Page " 58% of Americans say they would be willing to give up one day of pay per week in exchange for one day off per week to spend more time with family and friends. " New Dream Poll Also check out the Big Love Gift Guide for gift ideas. Get started with our holiday tips Share your gift ideas Share what matters most to you by sending a New Dream E-card to friends and family Help organize an Alternative Gift Fair in your area Look for environmentally and socially responsible gifts on Conscious Consumers The Chatter Years ago I built a solor divice that made energy by using magnifying glass... - Page Tools Printable Page Send this page to a friend
Wedding Gift Service Marks
Gifts and wedding lists at www.weddings.co.uk Wedding Gifts Nationwide | London | South East | The South | South West | Yorkshire and Humberside | West Midlands | Scotland | Northern Ireland | International | Cities in Each Region Nationwide Absolutely Crackers - Based on the Christmas Cracker for Weddings Burleyhouse - Over 1900 gifts on-line Cambridge University Press - Bibles and Prayer Books Dial a basket gift delivery service English Glass - A hand made English Lead Crystal Heart crafted by Neil Wilkin The London Cufflink Company - Suitable gifts for the bridesmaids, best man and ushers Marks & Spencer - Wedding Gift Service Marks & Spencer - Homepage United Cutlers - Stainless Steel, Silver Plate and Solid Silver Cutlery Wedgwood - Fine bone china Robert Welch - Contemporary Cutlery and Tableware London Victorian-Style Pincushions - Perfect Gift Andrea Cunningham - Cartoonist / Caricaturist - Full colour caricature of the bride and groom South East Kuffits & Co - Leigh-on-Sea, Essex - Wedding Cufflinks South Scott & Sargeant Ltd - Specialists in cookware, giftware and tableware The South West . The Wedding List & Present Company Yorkshire and Humberside United Cutlers - Sheffield - Stainless Steel, Silver Plate and Solid Silver Cutlery - Free Brochure West Midlands Arlington Bridal Favours - Malvern Scotland Fripperies Bridal Giftware - John O'Groats - High Quality Bridal Gifts Northern Ireland Ballinderry China - Tea / Dinnerware - Crystal wedding Lists International Weddingkins - Ontario, Canada Wedding Favours A Kiss Glass Sculptures - USA, California Engraved sculptured glass favors and gifts Top Home | Bulletin Board | Wedding Tips | Whats New | Designer Collections | For the Bride | The Wedding | For the Groom | Lists and Gifts | Honeymoons | Finance | Contact Us www. weddings .co.uk info@weddings.co.uk