Jewelry Gifts • Gemstone

Aspen Country - Jewelry Gifts, Affordable Earrings, Chains, Necklaces, Pendants, Rings, Fine 14k Gold Jewelry & Sterling Silver Jewelry, Genuine Gemstone Jewelry 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 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 • Gemstone Earrings, Post Stud Earrings, Birthstone Earrings • Sterling Silver Bracelets • Lady's Rings - Gold & Silver • Pendants, Crosses, Charms • Chains & Necklaces • Lapel Pins & Fun Jewelry • Genuine Gemstone World Globe Keychains Christmas Decorations New Knickknacks & Gifts New! Gift Certificates Home Fine Jewelry Gifts *NEW!* African Amethyst Stud Post Earrings in Sterling Silver - Birthstone for February Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine deep purple, grape jelly color amethyst gems create these gorgeous stud earrings. Meaning "not drunken" in Greek, "amethyst" was historically worn to guard against drunkenness! 5mm round gems. Approx. ctw .80ct. Pair. Our Price: $24.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1003 *NEW!* Amethyst Stud Post Earrings in Sterling Silver - Birthstone for February Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine lilac amethyst gemstones with pink overtones, set in sterling silver, create lovely stud earrings. Our amethyst stones display pleochroism: light reddish-violet with gray violet flashes. 5mm round gems. ctw approx .80ct. Pair. Our Price: $17.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1002 *NEW!* Citrine Stud Post Earrings in Fine Sterling Silver - Birthstone for November Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine citrine gemstones set in fine sterling silver, create breathtaking stud earrings. Beautiful citrine stones are golden yellow color with light yellow flashes, reminiscent of autumn sunshine. 5mm round gems. ctw approx .80ct. Pair. Our Price: $17.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1011 *NEW!* Garnet Stud Post Earrings in Sterling Silver - Birthstone for January Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine red garnet gemstones, set in .925 sterling silver, create these dazzling stud earrings. Exquisite almandite garnet stones are true red color with lively internal brilliance and vitreous luster. 5mm round gems. ctw approx 1.20ct. Pair. Our Price: $17.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1001 *NEW!* Genuine Gemstone World Globe Keychain - Blue Lapis Lazuli Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- A great gift idea! Genuine blue lapis lazuli world globe, inlaid with semi-precious gem continents, is accented with continent names, silver-tone latitude and longitude lines, and red equator. Heavy silver-tone keychain is 1 1/8" x 3/16" x 4 1/8" long. Our Price: $19.95 In Stock Item: ACS-2001 *NEW!* Keychain with Genuine Gemstone World Globe - Black Onyx Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine black onyx world globe, inset with semi-precious gem including jade, tiger eye, obsidian, and jasper. Accented with continent names, silver-tone latitude and longitude lines, equator. Globe: 7/8" diameter. Keychain: 1 1/8" x 3/16" x 4 1/8" long. Our Price: $19.95 In Stock Item: ACS-2002 *NEW!* Mystic Fire Topaz Stud Earrings in 14k White Gold - Birthstone for November or December Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine mystic fire topaz gemstones in 14k white gold create beautiful, versatile stud earrings. Mesmerizing mystic topaz stones brilliantly sparkle, dramatically displaying nearly every color of the rainbow. 6mm round gems. ctw 2ct minimum. Pair. Our Price: $59.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1017 *NEW!* Mystic Fire Topaz Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold - Birthstone for November / December Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine mystic fire topaz gems in 14k yellow gold create gorgeous stud earrings. Mystic fire topaz stones sparkle in saturated prism colors including violet, purple, red, magenta, teal, green, blue, yellow and blue. 6mm round gems. ctw 2ct min. Pair. Our Price: $59.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1016 *NEW!* Oval Mystic Fire Topaz Lever-Back Earrings in Sterling Silver - Birthstone for December / November Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine mystic fire topaz gemstones in sterling silver create dramatic earrings. Vibrant mystic topaz stones display flashes of almost every color under the rainbow! 8x6mm oval gems. Lever-back earrings: 1/4" x 9/16" x 5/8" length. ctw approx 3.0ct. Pair. Our Price: $59.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1014 *NEW!* Oval Mystic Fire Topaz Post Earrings in Sterling Silver - Birthstone for November or December Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine mystic fire topaz gemstones, in sterling silver with silver butterfly-style earring backs, create beautiful stud earrings. Mystic topaz sparkles in colorful magenta, green, yellow, red, purple, blue, and pink tones. 8x6mm gems. ctw 3.0ct. Pair. Our Price: $59.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1015 *NEW!* Peridot Stud Post Earrings in Sterling Silver - Birthstone for August Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine green peridot gemstones, set sterling silver, create these gorgeous stud earrings. Our exceptional peridot stones are a vivid lime-green color with striking yellow flashes--NOT dingy olive green. 5mm round gems. ctw approx 1ct. Pair. Our Price: $17.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1008 *NEW!* Sky Blue Topaz Stud Earrings in Fine Sterling Silver - Birthstone for December Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine sky blue topaz gemstones, set in .925 sterling silver, create these exquisite stud earrings. Clear sky blue topaz stones are a delicate light ice-blue color with striking internal brilliance. 5mm round gems. ctw approx 1.10ct. Pair. Our Price: $17.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1012 *NEW!* Swiss Blue Topaz Stud Earrings in Fine Sterling Silver - Birthstone for December Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Genuine Swiss blue topaz gemstones, set in .925 fine sterling silver, create these gorgeous stud earrings. Clean Swiss blue topaz stones are eye-catching electric blue color -- the color of blue popsicles. 5mm round gems. ctw approx 1.10ct. Pair. Our Price: $24.95 In Stock Item: ACS-1013 *NEW!*10k White Gold .60 Ctw Tanzanite 3-Stone Ring with Diamond Accents - Sizeable Size 7 Add to Basket Add to Wish List ]-- Three genuine rare tanzanite gemstones and diamond accents in white gold create a lovely feminine ring. Our quality tanzanites are medium blue-violet with red flashes and adamantine luster--NOT light lavender. Ring approx 3/4" x 5/16" high. Our Price: $174.95 In Stock Item: ACS-3001 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

Unique Gifts for Kiddos

Listmania! Unique Gifts for Kiddos 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 Listmania! Unique Gifts for Kiddos by Julia Young , poet/caregiver/earthangel E-mail this list to a friend 1. Barbie The Pink Fragrance (Misc.) Offered by: Sephora from $15.00 - $20.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 2 business days 2. Royal Doulton Bunnykins 3-Piece Children's Set (Kitchen) List Price: $68.75 Buy new : $39.99 You Save : $28.76 (42%) Availability: Usually ships in 2 to 3 days Used & new from $39.99 3. Ballerina Soaps (Misc.) Offered by: Caswell-Massey Buy new : $5.00 from $5.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 4. The Fairy Chronicles Book One : Marigold and the Feather of Hope by J.H. Sweet (Paperback) List Price: $12.95 Buy new : $12.95 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $11.64 Julia Young's comments: Lovely fairy story. 5. Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You (Spiderwick Chronicles) by Holly Black, Tony DiTerlizzi (Illustrator) (Hardcover) List Price: $24.95 Buy new : $16.47 You Save : $8.48(34%) Availability: Not yet released. Julia Young's comments: Nice series. 6. Rainbow Bubble Bath Confetti (Misc.) Offered by: Caswell-Massey Buy new : $6.00 from $6.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 7. Bohemian Chic Quilt - Full/Queen (Kitchen) Offered by: Bombay Buy new : $189.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 8. Set of Two Pens in a Bag - Assorted (Kitchen) Offered by: Bombay Buy new : $3.50 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 9. Bvlgari Petits et Mamans Deluxe Set (Misc.) Availability: Currently unavailable Julia Young's comments: Not overly scented. 10. Bvlgari Petits et Mamans Playhouse (Misc.) Availability: Currently unavailable 11. Betsy Standard Sham (Kitchen) Offered by: Bombay Buy new : $19.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 12. Sketcher - Big Artist Sketcher by Learning Journey (Toy) Offered by: Baby Universe Buy new : $16.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $12.99 13. Craft House Artist Touch 3 Paint by Numbers, Guardian Angels - CFT 11352 by Craft House Availability: This item is currently not available. 14. Thomas Kinkade Hometown Morning Puzzle by Ceaco (Toy) Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $9.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 15. Anne Geddes 3 in 1 Puzzle: Vegetables by Ceaco (Toy) Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $15.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 16. Anne Geddes Butterflies Puzzle by Ceaco (Toy) Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $9.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 17. Long Sleeve Artist's Apron by Alex (Toy) Average Customer Review: Offered by: Imaginarium Buy new : $9.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 18. Baby Dance (Growing Tree) by Ann Taylor, Marjorie van Heerden (Illustrator) (Hardcover) Average Customer Review: List Price: $5.99 Buy new : $5.39 You Save : $0.60(10%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $3.20 19. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes: and Other Action Rhymes by Zita Newcome (Illustrator) (Hardcover) List Price: $15.99 Buy new : $10.87 You Save : $5.12(32%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $5.99 20. Clif ZBar Baked Snack Bars for Kids, Chocolate Brownie, 6 Bars Zbar (Health and Beauty) Buy new : $3.59 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $3.59 21. 10" Radio Flyer Classic Red Bike by Radio Flyer (Toy) Average Customer Review: Offered by: Toys"R"Us List Price: $49.99 Buy new : $49.90 You Save : $0.09 ( 0%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Create your own list! See the Best Lists Top 100 Listmania lists Search Listmania lists More about Julia Young Related Listmania! Add your list Special Gifts for Special Girls : A list by Becky King, mom and childcare specialist Good Stuff for Kids : A list by salt_water_taffy, I am a kid. Compelling Fiction for Adults and Kids : A list by J. Vincent Paul, writer and editor Fun Kids Reads : A list by Melinda, school counselor Add your list Related So You'd Like to... Create a guide Discover Fairy Recommended Arts & Crafts : A guide by J. H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles HAVE AWESOME READING ADVENTURES : A guide by Betty Dravis, author of The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley ENTER ANOTHER DIMENSION : A guide by Betty Dravis, DREAM WEAVER, author of THE TOONIES INVADE SILICON VALLEY GET THE BEST BOOKS FOR YOUR KIDS : A guide by Betty Dravis, Author of "The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley" MEET SOME NEW IMAGINARY FRIENDS WHO ARE LOTS OF FUN : A guide by Betty Dravis, DREAM WEAVER READ TO THE KIDS WHILE DAD READS "VELOCITY" : A guide by Betty Dravis, ANOTHER DREAM WEAVER SEND THE KIDS TO THEIR ROOMS WITH GOOD BOOKS : A guide by Betty Dravis, AUTHOR'S AUTHOR ... SEND THE KIDS TO BED WITH A GOOD BOOK : A guide by Betty Dravis, THE TOONIES AUTHOR Create a guide Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . Search All Products 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 Pet Supplies Travel Books Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Scientific Supplies Medical Supplies Indust. Supplies Automotive Home Furnishings Lifestyle Arts & Hobbies for Top of Page Amazon.com Home | Directory of All Stores Our International Sites: Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | Japan | France  | China Contact Us | Help | Shopping Cart | Your Account | Sell Items | 1-Click Settings Investor Relations | Press Releases | Careers Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1995-2005, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

great gifts. I have

NRDC: The Great Green Gift-Giving Guide Cities & Green Living : Green Living : In Brief : Guides The Great Green Gift-Giving Guide Tips from environmental professionals for giving easy-on-the-planet presents that go way beyond the basics. We asked NRDC's personal shoppers (actually, they're attorneys, scientists and policy analysts) to tell us the best environmentally friendly gift they've ever given or received. We've packed a shopping cart full of their stories, and added some links to help you track down their green gift suggestions. One of the best and easiest ways to remind your loved ones to get outdoors and enjoy nature is to buy them a national parks pass . It's a great reminder that there's life beyond the desktop. -- KATE WING is an NRDC policy analyst who works to protect marine species and habitat. One of the most useful holiday gifts I've ever received is a subscription to The Green Guide . Each month, The Green Guide provides clear answers to consumers' most immediate and practical questions about personal- and household-environmental issues, such as, "My son has asthma, how can I reduce his exposure to pollution at home and at school?" or, "We're preparing a new bedroom for our baby, can you recommend safe and healthy products for us to consider?" The Green Guide and its website are where Consumer Reports meets Good Housekeeping and Web MD . By doing the research on which products to buy and what practices are best, The Green Guide takes the hard work out of doing right. -- JACK MURRAY is NRDC's director of development. A year-long subscription to National Geographic is a superb gift idea for anyone interested in the natural world. I have spent many hours thumbing through issues collected over the years. The magazine's always-informative articles and spectacular photography celebrate different cultures, ideologies and natural phenomena around the globe. A subscription to National Geographic is a once-a-month adventure to unknown lands. You also get the pleasure of knowing your membership dollars help support important research and exploration projects around the world. -- NIKKI VERHOFF is a writer in NRDC's development department. The best present I ever gave, according to my best friend and the most inspiring environmentalist I know, was an autographed copy of Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree , accompanied by a certificate for a tree to be planted in his honor. I wrapped the book with old E magazines (to be environmentally friendly) and included a little thank-you note for his continued support and inspiration. -- ELIZABETH PANELLA is an assistant in NRDC's Northeastern air/energy and environmental justice programs. For the past few years, a popular gift in my family has been to donate an animal to a less fortunate family in another part of the world through Heifer International . The idea is that, on behalf of someone else, you purchase livestock -- anything from a llama to bumblebees -- to help that family become self-reliant. You can even buy "shares" of an animal or an entire "ark," depending on your budget. -- LISA WHITEMAN is a web production associate in NRDC's web department. For a $25 donation, an L.A.-based group called Tree People will plant a tree in honor or memory of someone and send a certificate. For $75 they will plant a grove of five trees. The certificates are very nice and make great gifts. I have done this several times over the years and people respond very favorably. -- GAYLE PETERSEN is the office administrator for NRDC's Los Angeles office. The best gifts I've given and received have been adopted manatees . The Save the Manatee Club in Maitland, Florida, has a bunch of cuddly manatees that people can adopt. You get a photo and a little bio of each one, plus an update on their doings throughout the year. -- ROB WATSON is a senior resource specialist who has led environmental design efforts for NRDC's award-winning offices in New York, Washington, D.C. and Santa Monica. A " night spotting scope " was a wonderful gift for me. I love to go camping and hiking at night, and have managed to sneak an excellent peek at some nocturnal animals through this handy gadget. I got a good look at a fox, several skunks and an elk despite very little moonlight. Another idea: Tilley hats are tough, outdoorsy canvas hats which protect from the elements. I bought one for my father and he loves it. And after much waiting (and hinting), I finally received one for my birthday. I have worn it through wind, rain, sea spray, hail and even volcanic ash, and it has held up perfectly (although it now has some spots to give it character). -- GINA SOLOMON, M.D. , an expert in environmental threats to public health, is a senior scientist at NRDC. Probably the best environmental gift I ever received was not designed to be an "environmental" gift at all. I don't think that I would be where I am today if my parents hadn't decided to send me to Camp Menatoma in Kents Hill, Maine, in the summer of 1969. That summer -- and for seven summers afterward -- I spent up to two months exploring the Maine woods, learning outdoors skills and playing with new friends. But Camp Menatoma taught me more than how to hold a canoe paddle or stand up on water skis. I also learned about the damage being done to the Maine woods by clearcutting, about how plastic six-pack holders could choke our lake's glorious loons and about our role as the earth's protectors. In short, at Menatoma I developed an environmental consciousness that has led me to a career with NRDC today. Going to camp showed me a world that existed beyond our suburban Long Island home, my grandparents' apartment in Brooklyn, and our many urban field trips to Coney Island and Manhattan. It's a gift that I thank my parents for every day. -- RICH KASSEL is a senior attorney at NRDC and an internationally recognized expert on vehicle pollution who is the main architect of NRDC's "Dump Dirty Diesels" campaign. Editor's note: A terrific, related idea is to give a donation in a friend's or relative's name to the Fresh Air Fund , which sends city children on summer vacations in the country. My best present was a pair of lightweight, top-quality binoculars that my husband, Michael, gave me. They've been a joy to have on long treks in mountains, on rivers and in deserts as well as on jaunts closer to home. Although I don't use them only for birding, they have made me a much better birder -- which has made both of us happy, since Michael is a big-time birder! I literally try not to leave home without them. -- JOHANNA WALD is the director of NRDC's land program and a nationally recognized expert on public land management. One year, two of my friends gave my mom a homemade holiday wreath decorated with birdseed, suet and fruit slices to hang in her garden and keep the birds well fed during the winter. After the bird food is gone, what's left of the wreath goes into the compost pile. It's not too hard to find the components to make your own, but you can also always buy a pre-made wreath for birds . -- LISA M. CATAPANO is NRDC's director of online advocacy and prefers watching college basketball to watching birds. A couple of years ago, an NRDC staffer recommended giving those really nice bags that fold up into a small pouch and are very easy to keep in your purse or pocket. To my delight, one of my coworkers was inspired by the idea and bought one for me. They're great -- much stronger than plastic bags, easy on the environment and perfect as stocking stuffers. -- RITA BAROL is NRDC's director of websites and reports. I received unpetroleum lip balm a couple of years ago and now buy it any time I can find it. -- KAREN WAYLAND is NRDC's legislative director. One great gift for homeowners is a bat house from Bat Conservation International . If you have a tall tree or a chimney you can host bats, which will help keep your insect populations down and teach your kids that bats are more friend than foe. "Fishing Hunks" calendar . Fishing has taken a heavy toll on our oceans, and as we try to make better management decisions for the future, communities are looking for ways to change how they relate to the seas. Proceeds from calendar sales go to scholarships for children of Cape Cod fishing families, supporting what I hope will be a new crop of smart, fisheries biologists.-- -- KATE WING Electric scooters are growing in popularity here in New York City. The gasoline-powered versions make a lot of noise, and their tailpipe emissions are completely uncontrolled. But the Zappy electric scooter is silent and creates zero tailpipe emissions. Even taking into account the emissions related to the electricity used to charge the battery, the Zappy is still much cleaner than its internal-combustion counterparts. My wonderful wife gave me one as a wedding present, and I've taken it all over the city on errands and for fun. People are always stopping me to ask questions and tell me how cool the scooter is. At around $400, the Zappy is a little expensive, but from the perspective of an environmental techie like me, it's worth every penny. -- NATHANAEL GREENE is a resource specialist at NRDC working on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Energystar.gov offers terrific information on energy-efficient lighting products , many of which are suitable for holiday gifts. For instance, giving someone an Energy Star-rated torchiere to replace a halogen torchiere is a perfect gift. Not only will it save your friends and loved ones money by reducing their energy bills, it may well save their lives (halogen lamps are notorious fire-starters). -- RALPH CAVANAGH is a senior attorney and co-director of NRDC's energy program. Holiday cards from Native Energy help spread the word about global warming and keep carbon dioxide out of the air at the same time. The cards come in four themes and represent carbon reductions for projects such as wind turbines on Native American lands or a renewable methane generator on a family dairy farm. By purchasing the $12 card, you'll keep a ton of carbon dioxide out of the air; with the $60 card, you can boost that number to 6 tons. Order online or call (800) 924-6826. -- ANTONIA HERZOG is a legislative advocate in NRDC's climate center. As a somewhat gadget-obsessed resident of sunny California, I'm hoping one of the environmentally minded gift-givers I know surprises me this year with the iSun Solar Charger . It's small enough to fit on a windowsill, and can charge cell phones, MP3 players and -- with a special attachment -- batteries. -- LISA BEEBE is a freelance web page producer with NRDC's web department. I give rechargeable batteries and rechargers to friends and family members, especially those with kids. Kids' toys create a lot of demand for batteries, so it's greener (and cheaper!) if parents don't have to deal with so many disposable batteries and the troubling chemicals, like mercury and cadmium, that they contain. -- ALLEN HERSHKOWITZ , an internationally recognized expert in recycling and solid waste management, is a senior scientist at NRDC. My wife has given me a flashlight and a radio from Freeplay , and they're great. Both are powered by cranking handles attached to the casings. (Some Freeplay products can also operate on a second source of power, either a solar panel or a rechargeable battery.) They ALWAYS work, and there are no batteries to dispose of. Plus, with the transparent housing, you can see how the really cool spring mechanism works so it's educational, too. -- BARRY NELSON , an expert in California water issues, is a senior policy analyst at NRDC. Give all the drivers on your list a tire inflation gauge so they can check their cars' tire pressure. Properly inflated tires save fuel, reduce pollution and don't wear out as quickly. Underinflation of only five pounds per square inch can reduce a performance tire's tread life by 25 percent! Being small and inexpensive, tire gauges also make great stocking-stuffers. -- JEFF FIEDLER is a policy specialist with NRDC's climate center. One of the best gifts I have given -- to the family that has everything (and more): the excellent little book by Alan Durning, How Much Is Enough? The Consumer Society and the Future of the Earth. Without being too preachy, it explores whether increasing consumption is related to greater happiness. -- ERIC A. GOLDSTEIN is a senior attorney and co-director of NRDC's urban program. LED (light-emitting diode) holiday lights are quickly becoming a tradition in public spaces across the country and make an energy-smart and safe gift. They save up to 90 percent of the energy used by regular mini holiday lights and last 100 times longer, saving the hassle of having to replace bulbs frequently. And since they don't heat up or break, these lights reduce the risk of fire and help protect children's hands. Look for them alongside standard lights in many stores. -- SARAH JAFFE is a science fellow in NRDC's energy program. book recommendations , many of which also make great gifts. -- Diaper service (you know, real cloth diapers -- remember them?) from my parents for my first-born. -- CHUCK CLUSEN is a senior policy analyst and director of NRDC's national parks and Alaska projects and is a nationally recognized expert in public land management. The best "green" gift that I've ever received was a couple of canvas shopping bags so that I'd no longer have to deal with the "paper/plastic" dilemma. Plus, the whopping five-cent reduction in my total shopping bill each time I use one helps towards my retirement. -- DAN GILDOR is a project attorney in NRDC's Los Angeles urban program and focuses on enhancing water quality in California. We once gave an old computer to a very small public interest group that was operating on a shoestring. We thought it was hopelessly obsolete, but they thought it was the greatest thing and were very grateful. Since discarded computers are increasingly an environmental problem, it's useful to know that you can usually find someone who is happy to accept one that is less than state of the art. And all the women in my family have whimsical earrings made from various kinds of recycled materials, ranging from typewriter keys to flattened bits of trash from Vermont roadsides. -- NANCY MARKS is a senior attorney at NRDC who takes on corporate polluters in court. Doesn't it seem silly to just trash out-of-date government-surplus maps? Someone at New England Cartographics asked that very question and came up with the idea of making stationery out of the old topographic maps, a truly inspired recycling idea. The attractive envelopes and letter paper are a joy to send and receive. Even my pen pal of 12 years was impressed. -- CRAIG DYLAN WYATT is a program assistant with NRDC's land program. My work on the pulp and paper manufacturing industry has helped turn me against using paper napkins, and cloth napkins make a great alternative. To create an inexpensive napkin gift package that's fun for kids, purchase cotton bandannas -- say, two per person for a family -- that are colored differently for each family member. Bandannas.com sells all sorts of great novelty patterns -- like rainbows, tie-dye and skull and crossbones (the pattern my five-year-old son picked for himself), as well as the standard paisley. -- JESSICA LANDMAN is an NRDC consultant and a former NRDC senior attorney and senior counsel. I give subscriptions to Organic Gardening magazine to avid gardeners who have not yet switched to organic methods but I'm sure would be keen to do so if they had some information at their fingertips. -- MATTHEW PERRIN is NRDC's development researcher and a community gardener in New York City. How about an organic dried fruit basket ? -- TOM COCHRAN is the director of NRDC's nuclear program and holds the Wade Greene Chair for Nuclear policy at NRDC. As a law student in Vermont, I learned to appreciate organic wines and beer. They took the edge off of those cold Vermont winters -- and they make a great gift! To find organic wine and beer sources online, check out Organic Wine Company , The Organic Wine Press , Organic Grapes into Wine Alliance , Bison Brewing or Otter Creek Brewing . -- DIANA DASCALU directs NRDC's Anacostia River restoration project. I'd like to give all my terribly busy friends in the New York area a weekly delivery of organic food from Urban Organic . The company buys produce, groceries and dairy goods in bulk from organic cooperatives, distributors and individual farmers and drop them off in grocery boxes at your door. The contents vary with each season, and you can ask them to leave out things you don't like. Planet Organics offers a similar service in the San Francisco Bay Area. -- SARAH BRIGHT is the associate editor for the NRDC website. In my work at NRDC I advocate alternatives to environmentally damaging factory farm practices that pollute our air and waterways and threaten public health. By purchasing your holiday ham or turkey directly from cooperatives like Patchwork Family Farms you can support independent family farmers who are trying environmentally sustainable methods of farming pork, chicken and beef. Last Thanksgiving I ate my words when I gave my mother a pasture-raised turkey to cook for dinner -- in case you are wondering, it was delicious! For more on sustainably-raised meat products visit the Eat Well Guide . -- MELANIE SHEPHERDSON is an attorney with NRDC's clean water project. I was about 10 years old when my mother -- a model of antimaterialism before it became fashionable -- decided to call off holiday gift-giving altogether. Instead, members of our family donated the money we would have spent on gifts for each other to our favorite charities . While I may not have been totally thrilled with the concept at that young age, it was a terrific lesson in values I've carried with me ever since. I've even wondered if this family tradition later influenced my choice of careers! -- ELIZABETH FINCH is NRDC's director of gift planning. More Green Gift Ideas and Holiday Resources from NRDC Give organic coffee from Beantrees -- designed with the earth in mind -- to any java-loving pals. Because it's grown without pesticides, organic coffee is healthier for the people who grow it, the regions where it's grown and the people who drink it. And we can vouch for the way it tastes: NRDC uses Beantrees coffee in our offices. (Tip: When ordering, enter the coupon code "freemug" to get a free travel mug.) Give an NRDC gift membership . Members receive a year's subscription to Nature's Voice , our highly readable and photo-filled bulletin, a stunning NRDC screensaver, a handy canvas tote bag and the satisfaction of protecting wilderness and wildlife. Visit NRDC's list of book recommendations to find the perfect books for all the readers on your list. Have a Cool Holiday for 10 ways to fight global warming while enjoying the season; fFor green consumer tips you can use all year, see NRDC's green living links . -- See NRDC's green living links for more green consumer tips. While NRDC strongly encourages efforts to "live lighter on the planet," we are not in the business of endorsing products or services. Our staff suggestions and the links that accompany them are meant only to give you some ideas and help you to make your own green-giving decisions. last revised 11.19.04 Home | About Us | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy | © Natural Resources Defense Council

housewarming gifts. There can

10 useful housewarming gifts ideas under $10 10 useful housewarming gifts ideas under $10 Here are 10 great ideas for affordable housewarming gifts. There can be no doubt that moving out of one home into another can be an extremely stressful time for anyone. Besides the obvious wear and tear associated with the physical move, there are also emotional ties to the old home to overcome and new social relationships to build in the new one. One of the best ways for new home owners or apartment dwellers to begin the process of building a new home for themselves is by giving a 'housewarming party'. Old friends and new acquaintances alike may stop by the new place for an informal get-together or a more formal tour and reception. Guests are usually expected to bring at least one gift that would be appropriate for a new house, such as decorations for the walls or a fruit basket. Some also purchase cards for the occasion, or contribute money to a special 'tree'. Whatever the level of formality, a small token of friendship is the proper thing to do. But what gift items should you consider if your budget is strained? All is not lost. Here are some practical gift ideas that should not cost over $10, and will be appreciated by new home owners everywhere. 1. Cleaning supplies and refills. At first, this may sound like a rather unimaginative gift idea, but presentation is the key. Fill a small metal bucket with sampler-sized cleaning aids and refills, then wrap the whole thing in cellophane with an appropriate ribbon and card. You might include a sponge, paper products, cutting board, Scotchguard, dish soap, hand cleanser or whatever else you can find in the cleaning aisle. You may find your best bargains at one of those 'it's all a dollar' type stores. Occasionally, you may find a small laundry basket that would be perfect for holding the other goodies. New home owners may not have had the time to unpack their own supplies, so such a cleaning care package may be the thing they need right away. 2. Kitchen gadgets. Many companies offer kitchen gadgets and aids that are reasonably priced. Salt and pepper shakers, vegetable peelers, nutcracking sets, knife sharpeners- all of these items can usually be found for under $10 in retail stores. You might also find discounted cookbooks or other kitchen-related books. Dishtowels, storage containers, casserole dishes, picnic baskets- these would all be appreciated by the house chef. You might consider baking a dozen cookies or a similar snack item and leaving the container as a gift. Decorative storage tins for dry goods can usually be found at a discount, and are very useful as well as ornamental. 3. Hooks, hangers, wires and nails. One challenge for the new home owner is to find places to rehang pictures and other objects from the old home. Some apartment dwellers may find that their new leases restrict the ways in which a picture can be hung on the wall. Instead of drilling a metal screw into the stud of a wall or pounding a nail into the drywall, they may be limited to such non-damaging methods as double-stick tape and putty. Home owners without such limitations may discover that they do not have the proper hangers for reinstallation. This could be a perfect gift opportunity if you are aware of their constraints. If you know the situation well enough to determine the proper way to go, you might consider purchasing nails, wire, hooks or hangers. Some non-intrusive hanging methods may include double-sided tape, specialized putty for picture hanging and wire stands. A good hardware store can supply you with specific ideas and supplies. 4. Gardening tools and supplies. If your friend's interests include gardening, you may want to consider getting some inexpensive gardening tools that could prove useful, such as trowels or weed removers. You could also provide assistance in a gardening-related service, like having lawn mower blades or a pair of hedge clippers sharpened. Seeds are also very inexpensive to obtain, and you could select colorful flower assortments or fruit and vegetable varieties. You could also find a book on gardening ideas or a coffee table book featuring gardens. 5. Magazines/Subscriptions. Although many magazine subscriptions will cost more than your $10 budget goal, they should pay for themselves in the long run. If you cannot afford a gift subscription to a magazine, see if there are more affordable newsletters on interesting topics. New homeowners may appreciate 'how-to' information or 'around the town' magazines geared towards newcomers. In addition, you may want to scour the local public information areas for free pamphlets that promote popular entertainment and cultural events. 6. Coupons for services. There is always a need for some sort of professional service when moving, so think ahead and collect coupons or gift certificates for places that provide such services. Dry-cleaning, locksmithing, shoe repairs, car servicing, auto detailing- all of these establishments should have at least one affordable service your friends could use. Also look into gift certificates from the best local restaurants, or a free drink at the local watering hole. 7. Personal services. If you have more time than money, you might consider offering a personal service as a 'gift'. Make out an official-looking voucher that will entitle the new homeowner to whatever service you can provide. If you can paint walls, offer your time and labor. New homeowners may also appreciate a free night of babysitting or an offer to housesit during a vacation. If you have the time and equipment, you could offer to mow their lawn or wash their car. You could also have an open-ended invitation for a home-cooked meal. 8. Host a 'movie night'. Movie rentals are relatively inexpensive, so select a movie or two and arrange a night of family fun. You might consider renting comedies that poke fun at the 'joys' of moving or buying a new home. Films such as Richard Pryor's 'Moving' or Tom Hank's 'The Money Pit' all deal with the unexpected and unpredictable aspects of buying a new home. Bring some popcorn and have some fun reliving memories of your own moving experiences. 9. Disposable cameras and film. One activity that almost every new homeowner enjoys is taking plenty of pictures. They may want to have snapshots of the old home to remember, or take pictures of the new place for relatives and friends to see. If you own a camera yourself, you could volunteer to document the party itself, or snap some pictures of the house or apartment. Disposable cameras are usually not expensive, so you could use one as a stop-gap present until your finances improve and you can afford a more expensive gift. 10. Frames and photo albums. You can never have enough picture frames or photo albums, so invest in a few as gifts. Many discount stores offer a variety of frames that will be suitable for any picture sizes. Photo albums can also be obtained fairly inexpensively, if you do some comparative shopping. Homeowners can start their own photo collections, such as 'Our First Apartment' or 'Our New Retirement Home'. You may also consider putting together a scrapbook of cherished items from the previous apartment or house, or even put together a 'gag gift' of candid shots and exaggerated comical moments associated with the moving process or any other 'disaster' that may have occurred. Create awards for 'Most Thumbs Hit by Hammers' or 'Most Likely to Need More Health Insurance'. Be creative and light-hearted when it comes to gag gifts. Written by Michael Pollick - © 2002 Pagewise You are here: Essortment Home >> People & Culture >> Holidays:Gifts >> 10 useful housewarming gifts ideas under $10 << Christmas stocking stuffers Christmas shopping lists with a budget >>

Anniversary Gift Ideas People

1st through 10th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas  You are here: About > People & Relationships > Marriage > Anniversaries and Holidays > Anniversaries > 1st through 10th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas People & Relationships Marriage Essentials Halloween Costume Ideas for Couples Coping With Disaster as a Couple Celebrating Your Wedding Anniversary Marriage Questions & Answers Ten Weeks to a Better Marriage Articles & Resources Proposing & Engagement Marriage Licenses Anniversaries and Holidays History of Marriage Marriage Laws Marriage Advice and Quizzes Marriage Courses, Workshops Money, Inlaws, Chores, etc. Stages of Marriage Marriage Tips, Myths, etc. Married Love and Romance Different Marriage Choices Infidelity & Other Problems Ending a Marriage Books, Statistics, Research Buyer's Guide Ready-to-Wear Halloween Costumes for Couples Great Gifts for Your Wife Great Gifts for Your Husband Articles Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Marriage newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Marriage Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Anniversary Gift Ideas 1st - 10th Anniversaries 11th - 20th Anniversaries 21st - 30th Anniversaries Anniversary Gift Ideas 31st - 40th Anniversaries 41st - 50th Anniversaries 52nd - 100th Anniversaries Suggested Reading More on Anniversaries Most Popular 1st-10th Anniversary Gifts Couple Costume Ideas Traditional 1st Anniversary License Laws US Marriage Laws What's Hot Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe June 1999 Marriage News Peter Jennings and Kayce Freed Christopher and Dana Reeve Lance Armstrong & Sheryl Crow Related Topics Weddings Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Divorce Support Financial Planning Senior Living Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas From Sheri & Bob Stritof , Your Guide to Marriage . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! 1st through 10th Anniversary 1st Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional: Paper Modern: Clocks More 1st Anniversary Resources 2nd Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional: Cotton Modern: China More 2nd Anniversary Resources 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional: Leather Modern: Crystal More 3rd Anniversary Resources 4th Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional: Fruit or Flowers Modern: Appliances More 4th Anniversary Resources 5th Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional: Wood Modern: Silverware More 5th Anniversary Resources 6th Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional: Candy or Iron Modern: Wood More 6th Anniversary Resources 7th Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional: Wool or Copper Modern: Desk Sets 8th Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional: Bronze or Pottery Modern: Linens or Lace 9th Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional: Pottery and Willow Modern: Leather More 9th Anniversary Resources 10th Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional: Tin or Aluminum Modern: Diamond Jewelry More 10th Anniversary Resources 1 2 3 4 5 Next Most Popular Video Fashion for Special Occasions Women: Dressing by Body Type Women: Building a Wardrobe Men: Building a Wardrobe Men: Dressing by Body Type See other videos at About.com        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Poll: What would you do with $10 million? 1) Spend it 4) Pay bills 2) Donate 5) Save 3) Invest 6) Not sure Is New York City Safe? Tips for Women Travelling What's Hot Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe June 1999 Marriage News Peter Jennings and Kayce Freed Christopher and Dana Reeve Lance Armstrong & Sheryl Crow