wedding gifts you really

MSN Money - Get the wedding gifts you really want 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 Resources Decision Centers Commentary Index More Tools Related Links My Accounts 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 Sites Association of Bridal Consultants The Honeymoon Casa de Oro Travel wedding registry Honeymoonforyou.com HoneyLuna.com The Basics Get the wedding gifts you really want advertisement Traditional registries can prevent you from getting 5 identical bun warmers. But some couples really want camping gear, home down payments or honeymoon contributions. What would Miss Manners say? By MP Dunleavey It's relatively rare these days for people to get married right after graduating from college. The average age for first marriage among women has risen steadily to more than 25, from less than 21 in 1970; for men, the average is now more than 27. My fianc and I were about a decade or so past our mid-20s when we got married recently, and like a lot of people, we had accumulated a lot of stuff during our unmarried years. The last thing we wanted was more stuff. At least that's how we felt when we considered doing the standard newlywed thing: i.e. registering for china, linens, monogrammed silver, matching PDAs and a small, well-behaved child. Nah. What we wanted, more than anything, given the stress of modern wedding planning, was to go lie on a beach somewhere and pretend we were still happily dating. Don't let retirement sneak up on you. Create a perfect plan. But like most couples we found the cost of the wedding taxing enough -- even though our parents did pay for most of it. There was no way we could afford a honeymoon, too. So we got this crazy idea. If our loved ones would be willing to shell out for glassware and new pots, would it be terrible -- crass, rude, self-serving -- to ask for contributions toward what we really wanted? Financial wedding etiquette To be honest, I've never liked the idea of a traditional registry. No matter how fancy the store (or your china pattern), you're basically telling guests what to buy you. Miss Manners, aka Judith Martin, pointed out in a recent column that commercial gift registries used to be kept ONLY in the event that customers inquired about a bride's china or silver pattern. Now, she says, all sentiment is being stripped from the gift-giving tradition. People turn to registries, she says, "to put generosity under the control of its beneficiaries." And, she concludes sternly: "These practices are no less vulgar for having become commonplace." Her point is well-taken. Some couples seem to equate "getting married" with "shopping spree" and use the registry system to shamelessly upgrade every item in their home. On the other hand, there is a financial reality that cannot be avoided. Custom dictates that a gift must be bought, so for most people the financial sanity (and sheer convenience) of bridal registries outweighs the inherent crudeness of this system. Guests don't waste their money buying gifts couples don't want or can't use. Couples get what they need, so they don't have to buy it themselves. Stuff -- who needs it? Increasingly, says Peggy Post, author of "Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette by Peggy Post", many couples would rather skip the stuff anyway. "So many couples come to the marriage with so many things," she says, noting that 40% of marriages are "encore," i.e. repeat, unions, for one or both partners. "These days you see people registering for all kinds of non-traditional items." Among them: camping gear, a down payment for a house, stock certificates and, yes! . . . the honeymoon. According to the Association of Bridal Consultants (see link at left), a wedding guest will spend an average of $85 on a gift. The average cost of a honeymoon is about $4,000. If a couple has no need for flatware and linens, why not encourage guests to contribute to a honeymoon registry like thehoneymoon.com, casadeorotravel.com, honeymoonforyou.com or honeyluna.com? Guests can contribute to airfare, romantic dinners, massages, picnics, guided tours, etc. To drool over a sample registry for a honeymoon in Hawaii, click on the link at left under Honeymoonforyou.com. For one in Greece, click at left under HoneyLuna.com. And to send in contributions for my honeymoon, click . . . oh, never mind. The etiquette of alternative registries Peggy Post, the great-granddaughter-in-law of Emily Post, thinks using these offbeat registries can be fine "with a big IF attached." Here's some guidance: 1) Wait until you're asked. It's impolite (and annoying) to include a card announcing where you're registered. Wait for guests to inquire, and let the word spread discreetly through friends and family. "Let your parents, siblings, wedding party and close friends know -- IF they've asked," suggests Bobbie Izeman, a bridal consultant and advice columnist for blushing-brides.com. "But don't announce it in a formal way." 2) Do not dictate. As Miss Manners points out, a gift, above all, is a gift. It is not up to you to decide what your guests should give, no matter how badly you want contributions to your down payment, help with your airfare or even traditional items like cookware. "You should leave your guests the option to give you what they want," agrees Post. 3) Say thank you. It may seem obvious, but sending a prompt, enthusiastic thank you note -- for every gift, no matter what the gift -- is essential. "The key thing is to remember to be appreciative," says Post. The honeymoon fund Since we didn't know about these honeymoon registries a few months ago, my fianc and I set up our own impromptu "honeymoon fund." We made a small gaffe by alluding to it in the instruction sheet for our weekend wedding (oops!), but it was in the context of asking guests please not to give presents. Apparently, that is also a faux pas (eek!), but we hadn't consulted all these etiquette experts then. To our surprise, a small number of friends (and a couple of relatives) protested. They wanted to get us A Real Gift. I can say with some relief that at least we handled that properly -- encouraging people to give whatever sort of gift they wanted. And they did. We got a lovely mix of gifts and honeymoon fund contributions. Just enough so that we can restore our sanity on some sandy shore -- without going into a penny of debt. What greater wedding gift could there be? Editor's Choice 3 legal papers you can't live without Your own business, your tax shelter Brush: The 5 most overpaid CEOs Are seniors gambling away retirement? Cut your taxes by going solar Readers' Choice Ratings Top 5 Articles 9.34 Zombie debt collectors dig up your old mistakes 9.33 10 ways to stop identity theft cold 9.31 10 ways to avoid outrageous hospital overcharges 9.22 The tricks and traps of debt consolidation 9.17 Safeguard your Social Security number View all top rated articles More Resources · E-mail us your comments on this article · Post on the Your Money message board · Get a daily dose of market news S earch MSN Money tips advertisement MSN Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. Our articles, columns, message board posts and other features should not be construed as investment advice, nor does their appearance imply an endorsement by Microsoft of any specific security or trading strategy. An investor's best course of action must be based on individual circumstances. © 2005 Microsoft MSN Privacy Legal Advertise Feedback Help

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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

Golf Gifts. Golf Baskets,

Golf Gift Baskets: Unique Golf Gifts, Golf Baskets, & Golf Gift Ideas. (Houston, Texas) Golf Gift Baskets, Golf Gifts. Golf Baskets, Golf Accessories. Gifts for Him. Gifts for Men, Gifts for Dad. Men's Gifts. Corporate Golf Gifts. (Houston, Texas) Search Our Site: Home | Order Tracking | Contact Us Create Your Own Custom Gift Basket! Design Your Express Gift Basket! Any Occasion Gifts Birthday Gift Baskets Chocolate Lovers Gifts Cocoa Pete's Chocolates Coffee Lovers Gifts Congratulations Gifts Flowers & Bouquets Fresh Fruit Gift Baskets Get Well Gift Baskets Gifts for Her Gifts for Him Gift Towers Golf Enthusiast Gifts Gourmet Gift Baskets Housewarming Gifts Italian Lovers Gifts New Baby Gift Baskets Retirement Gift Baskets Spa & Pamper Gifts Sympathy Gift Baskets Thank You Gift Baskets Taste of Texas Gifts Wedding / Anniversary Wine Gift Baskets Houston Gift Deliveries Specials Best Sellers New Items Corporate Gifts Custom Gift Baskets Gift Certificates About Our Baskets About Our Stuffers Affiliate Program Catalog Requests Contact Us Customer Accounts FAQs Join Our Mailing List Shipping Information Store Policies Privacy Policy Terms of Use Shipping Information | View Cart | Checkout | Order Tracking | Login Golf Gift Baskets If youre looking for a REAL Golf Gift Basket, youve come to the right place! Our Golf Gift Baskets are loaded up with real golf gear and golf accessories. These are the same quality golf products youll find at your local Golf Pro Shop: Ripstixx Golf Tees, the Swing Sock golf swing trainer, Nike golf balls, Golf Water Bottles and Koozies, the Rules of Golf Booklets, Golf club Headcovers, Golf Towels, Zivot golf divot tools, and lots more! Consider adding a golf themed picture frame, a golf themed coffee mug, or a genuine golfing teddy bear to your golf gift basket to really personalize it! FREE Ground Shipping with every purchase! *Excludes highly perishable or "warm weather challenged" baskets requiring expedited shipping: Chocolate Baskets, Fruit Baskets, Wine Baskets, & Flowers. Score Low! Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $45.95 Tee Time Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $45.95 The Mulligan Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $50.95 Tin Cup Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $76.95 Parific! Sm. Golf Gift Baskets Price: $80.95 Golf Nut Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $86.95 Back 9 Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $87.95 Front 9 Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $89.95 Birdies and Bogies Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $89.95 Just FOUR You! Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $91.00 The Fairway Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $91.00 The Pro Sm. Golf Gift Basket Price: $114.95 The Masters Med. Golf Gift Basket Price: $129.95 Born to Golf Med. Golf Gift Basket Price: $134.95 World of Golf Med. Golf Gift Basket Price: $175.95 Golf Gift Baskets Get a Tee Time! 2002 - 2005 Design It Yourself Gift Baskets LLC, Houston, Texas. All Rights Reserved. 100% Secure Shopping! We accept all major credit cards. Design It Yourself Themes: Gourmet | Coffee Lovers | Taste of Texas | Italian Lovers | Chocolate Lovers | Wine Enthusiasts Spa & Pamper | Golf Enthusiast | New Baby Home | Shipping Information | Shopping Cart | Checkout Contact Us | Mail List Store Policies | Terms of Use | Privacy Statement Gifts Directory & Link Exchange Site Design By: All The Rage Web Design Studios

gifts for women. At

My Word's Worth - choosing gifts for women My Word's Worth: a weekly column by Marylaine Block vol. 3 #21, November 21, 1997 ADVICE FOR DESPERATE MEN The XTC song "The World's Full of Angry Young Men" is running through my head, but the words attached to the music are "The mall's full of desperate men." As it gets closer to Christmas, the population of the mall starts changing. Early on women and teenagers predominate, but over time, there are more and more lost-looking men with that deer-caught-in-the-headlights inward-looking stare--the natural prey of eager shopkeepers who know they can sell these men absolutely anything. The problem is, of course, that when the world's tasks got divvied up by genders, women got to be the gift-givers. By and large this works out quite nicely -- at least until men need to find gifts for women. At this point, many of you are utterly clueless. You sense that whatever you give is freighted with symbolic meaning, but you have no idea what that meaning IS. You strongly suspect this is one of those little tests women put men through that you can't possibly win -- give us nothing at all, and be forever written off as insensitive dolts, or give us the wrong things and be forever written off as insensitive dolts. But we're not actually all THAT hard to please. Here are a few hints. Part of the symbolic value is that you remembered at all. So even if you screw up and select something fairly hopeless (crotchless panties are generally a mistake), we WILL give you credit for trying. After all, we have years of practice thanking little boys who give us footballs for our birthdays -- we understand that he thinks this is the finest gift anyone could ever receive. The malls are trying to sell you stuff for generic females, jewelry and perfume and nice-smelling expensive soaps and moisturizers and such, but she is NOT generic. She is a specific person with specific tastes that, yes, you should have noticed by now (and if you haven't, start looking at her closely). Don't buy earrings for her if you can't remember seeing her wearing earrings. If she does, does she like discreet little buttons, or splashy dangling ones? Show her that you pay attention to her unique interests and preferences. For example, my only real concession to feminine stuff is pretty scarves, fastened with a cat pin; anyone who gave me either a scarf or a cat pin would know that the gift will be appreciated on two levels: I'll wear it and enjoy it, and I'll be pleased that you paid attention to what I like. A gift should also indicate that you pay attention to what she says, or cares about. If she's a save-the-whales sort of person, a little gold whale charm on a chain would be a delightful present. If she couldn't stop looking at the Degas ballerina in the art museum, check out the art museum gift shop for an inexpensive print, or even Degas notecards. Did she cry her way through The Little Mermaid ? You could get her a video of it. Is she never quite warm enough? How about a pretty crocheted shawl to drape around her shoulders? Does she adore Andrew Lloyd Webber? There must be a production of his playing somewhere that you can take her to. A gift doesn't need to be expensive if it conveys the basic message, "I know who you are and I love that in you." Avoid vacuum cleaners and toaster-ovens and sewing machines, no matter how much she may actually need one. What we want is permission to stop being efficient and hardworking for a while and simply feel treasured. (Even the most competent women want to feel protected and taken care of by their menfolk.) If you're a man who understands what clothes look good on her, and you know what size she wears, you can buy her a great outfit. The implied message is "You're a damn good-looking woman, and I love to see you looking well-turned out." Of course, if, like my son, you think an orange shirt with red shorts is a nifty combination, you should avoid this route. One of the nicest gifts is your time. Arrange for someone else to take care of the kids, and take her off somewhere where you can pay uninterrupted attention to her, and she to you. There aren't enough hours in the day for us to do our work, take care of the kids, take care of our own needs, and still keep a relationship fresh. Give her time off from responsibilities and routine, and use the time to renew the romance. And whatever else you give her, add the gift of words. Tell her why you chose it specially for her. You wouldn't believe what a sucker we are for words like "This was so elegant it made me think of you," or "It reminded me of the music we danced to on our first date." If you could live your life again and you'd still fall in love with her, tell her that. Better yet, tell her that in writing. There's a reason we keep old love letters and mementos -- it's so we can read them over and over again when times are tough, and we're not getting through to each other, and we're trying to remember why it was we wanted the relationship to keep going. So go ahead, guys. Venture out into the cold and brave the alien territory of the shopping malls and exquisite little boutiques. All you have to do is remember who she is and what you love about her and what she cares about (besides you). Remember: Earth girls are easy. You get points for trying. And with these helpful hints in mind, you might pass the test this time around. Heck, you might even get an A. My Word's Worth Archive Current column Marylaine.com/ home to all my other writing NOTE: My thinking is always a work in progress. You could mentally insert all my columns in between these two sentences: "This is something I've been thinking about," and "Does this make any sense to you?" I welcome your thoughts. Please send your comments about these columns to: marylaine at netexpress.net. Since I've written a lot of these, some of them many years ago, help me out by telling me which column you're referring to. I'll write columns here whenever I really want to share an idea with you and can find time to write them . If you want to be notified when a new one is up, send me an e-mail and include "My Word's Worth" in the subject line.

Valentine Gifts Articles Volleyball

Cool Valentine Gifts - 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. Cool Valentine Gifts Articles Volleyball Valentine Gifts A collection of great volleyball gifts to get your favorite volleyball player....( Continue Reading ) Valentine's Day Gifts for Him Great ideas for gifts for men on Valentine's Day....( Continue Reading ) Valentine's Day Gifts for Him Great ideas for gifts for men on Valentine's Day....( Continue Reading ) Valentine's Day Gifts for Him Great ideas for gifts for men on Valentine's Day....( Continue Reading ) Very Cheery Valentine's Day Gifts for Cheerleaders Valentine's Day Gifts for Cheerleaders, a Cheerleading squad or Coach....( Continue Reading ) Cool Valentine Gifts Directory Links sister gifts easter gifts to make dog breed gifts unique groomsmen gifts promotion gifts staff appreciation gifts birthday gifts mom unique gifts male graduation gifts anniversary year gifts last minute valentines gifts gifts for grandmother gift baskets pennsylvania gifts bridal shower eccentric basket gifts online gifts to india baby baskets party lite gifts personalized photo gifts great valentines gifts online spiritual gifts test florida gift baskets beach gifts com personalized easter baskets wine gifts gifts for 12 year old girls recipes for gifts in a jar business corporate gifts mothers day gifts gifts corporate wedding anniversary gifts years top gifts cessation of spiritual gifts clip art gifts corporate gifts online easter baskets to make unusual valentine gifts gifts for 50th anniversary bull and bear gifts wedding gifts parents shannon irish gifts gift baskets of mississippi bride wedding gifts atlanta gift baskets wedding anniversary year 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