Wedding Gift

Wedding planning and advice, wedding dresses and fashion: ModernBride.com choose a quick link ----------------- accessories bouquets bridesmaid dresses budget cakes ceremony dresses favors flowers food guest lists hairstyles honeymoons invitations jewelry makeup message boards music photos real weddings receptions registry veils wedding dresses Help Hurricane Katrina relief efforts Florist, caterers, reception sites, wedding dress salons, and more Select Your Region Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas CA - Central CA - North CA - South Canada Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida GA - Atlanta GA - Other Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico NY - Hamptons NY - Metro NY - Upstate North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon PA - Central/West PA - Philly Area Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee TX - Austin TX - Dallas/Ft.Worth TX - Houston Texas - Other Utah Vermont Virginia Washington DC Washington State West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Instant access to 1000s of wedding dresses plus looks for 'maids, mothers, and flowergirls Choose your getaway: Caribbean, Domestic US, Hawaii, or South Pacific Match every wedding style with invitations, favors and more begin search Find great deals on your wedding essentials without leaving the comfort of your computer view products tell us about your wedding Your flowers, cake, ceremony--we want to hear about it all! Take our fun, fast survey and look for the results in an upcoming issue A Lakeside Celebration Ashleigh and Howard marry aboard a yacht in Northern Ontario The couple wasn't daunted by the logistics of planning an intimate, "not too formal", nearly 200-person wedding... click to see the celebration show off your big day! Click here to add your photos to our online wedding galleries ModernBride.com Home | Fashion & Beauty | Wedding Planning | Registry | Honeymoon | Real Brides | Local Planning | Shop Online Prizes and Offers | Newsletter | Privacy Policy | -- Advertise With Us | Contact Us Modern Bride magazine In This Issue | Subscribe | Customer Care | Media Kit Fairchild Bridal Group Sites for Wedding Planning and Wedding Dresses : Brides.com | ModernBride.com | ElegantBride.com Site for Prom Planning and Prom Dresses : YourProm.com Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy .© Fairchild Internet, Inc. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Fairchild Internet, Inc.

shower gift Wedding Gift

Berkeley Parents Network: Gifts for Weddings and Wedding Showers Berkeley Parents Network Home Members Post a Msg Reviews Advice Join BPN Help/FAQ What's New Search Gifts for Weddings and Wedding Showers Berkeley Parents Network Advice Holidays and Special Events Weddings Gifts Wedding Gift Suggestions What to give as a shower gift Wedding Gift Suggestions Help! I have a good friend getting married in TWO weeks and I need to find her a great wedding gift. Am thinking of a bread-making machine. Does anyone know of a good brand as well as a store that carries them? I bought one once from Bed and Bath (under $70!) but they don't seem to carry them anymore. Thanks! Naomi Recommendations for bread machines: http://parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/where2buy/breadmachine.html I can't provide advice about the breadmaking machine but would like to tell you that the one wedding gift we have found most useful over the years was a pair of binoculars (ours are Baush and Lomb and sport-size, not clunky with excellent optics). We've used them a lot at sporting events(baseball/football games) and on hikes. In recent years they have come in handy on walks with children, bird/animal watching at the house, at the beach, etc. By far we have used them more than the relish dishes, fine china or other various and sundry machines received(with possible exception of the rice cooker which we use a lot.) As you consider a gift for you friend think about the things they enjoy doing together--one friend of mine registered for camping gear. The happy couple received tent, "Sunshower" portable water bag/with shower attachment, camp stove and one of those small gas Weber barbeques (about $60) which doesn't require the charcoal and noxious lighter fluid, can be used at a moments notice, is also portable! Hope this helps...Good luck! Mary Have you considered giving your friend a wedding commemorative plate? As a "hobbyist" ceramic painter, I have done several of these for friends who have gotten married, and they love them. Jessica Abbott, who owns Brushstrokes Studio (a paint-it-yourself studio) in N. Berkeley (510-528-1360), will paint one for you if you don't feel confident enough to do one on your own (I think she charges about $75), and she can do just about any style you want. (She has some samples on the wall of the studio if you'd like to take a look.) Jessica will put the name of the couple and the wedding date on the plate for you, but I have also seen people put special messages on them. I think a handmade gift is wonderful, and your friend could enjoy it for years to come. Sarah Our favorite wedding gift (which we first received, and have given several times since) is a well-stocked picnic basket. Shops like Pier 1 and Cost Plus sell all sorts of baskets which you can fill with any number of goodies -- place settings, of course, but also acrylic wine glasses, a jelly jar with a votive inside, a checkered blanket or tablecloth, a CD of romantic or classical music, a bottle of champagne, cheeses, crackers, dried fruits... Especially if the couple are close friends, I prefer something creative and personal like this over picking from a registry. Loralee I recently remarried, and my husband and I had both been running householdsfor a while, so we weren't "starting from scratch" and already had mostof the basics. Here are some weddinggifts that we really liked and still enjoy after 3 years:a beautiful "throw" for the sofa, a serving platter forThanksgiving dinners, dinner for 2 at Bay Wolf restaurant, crystal wine glasses. What to give as a shower gift August 2003 I've been invited to a bridal shower and am lost as to what togive. I've looked on the web site which has recommended weddinggifts, but those are more for the couple, as opposed to thebride. In fact I've never been to a bridal shower before andalmost wonder if we're supposed to give ''racy'' gifts such aslingere -- I don't know the bride that well and don't feelcomfortable doing this. Are there other traditional orappropriate gifts to give at this occasion?Bobbie When in doubt, bath & body stuff from Body Time or the Body Shop is always a great gift. Another idea; a gift certificate to a nice restaurant for the happy couple (most places sell them). anon I received several (mostly white) pieces of lingerie at my engagement party several years ago- nothing too racy as they were gifts from my parents' friends. I had 2 showers- one with my future mother-in-law's friends and a co-ed one with our friends. At both of these showers, the gifts were not personal for the bride, but were mostly things we had registered for.Susan My sister threw me a surprise bridal shower and I got lots of fun racey (and some obscene)lingerie. One of my favorite gifts, however, was a set of 3 beautiful silk covered padded hangers - something I would never buy for myself, but I have enjoyed for almost 15 (!) years. I have also seen pretty soaps, skin creams and other ''pamper yourself'' gifts that everyone likes go over very well.showered I think it's fine to buy something off the registry for the bride. At my shower, I was up to my ears in lingerie that I only wore on the honeymoon, so I much appreciated the more useful, less racy gifts. Or if you want to get something just for the bride, you could get something not quite as sexy as lingerie, like a cozy but cute bathrobe or pajamas. Good luck! First, check the invitation. Most showers have ''themes'' to which the gifts ideally will relate (for example, ''travel'' or ''kitchen''). You may even have been ''assigned'' a letter of the alphabet with which the name of your gift should start or a time of day that your gift would be used. Second, are you sure this is a shower for the bride only, or is it for the couple? Among my friends, ''co-ed'' showers are now the norm, and typical gifts include books, movies, games, wine, and tools, along with the more traditional dishes and towels. Finally, remember that even though things like mixing bowls and picture frames are for the couple rather than for just the bride, they are normal bridal shower gifts because traditionally housekeeping, decorating and entertaining were the province of women only. Brides who are traditionally minded enough that their friends give them girls-only showers don't mind the implications of receiving a frying pan as a bridal shower gift, and usually prefer traditional housewares-type gifts. Lingerie is not the expected gift unless the shower has a stated theme of lingerie or ''personal'' items (which could also include bath products and the like). Something relatively inexpensive from the couple's registry -- kitchen utensils, napkin rings, casual candlesticks -- is appropriate. More creative possibilities exist, but in the absence of a theme and given than you don't actually know the bride very well, that's what I would suggest giving.Holly I am of the mind that the best gifts for brides-to-be are ones that a)encourage stress reduction and/or b) celebrate the fact that she is still an autonomous person who will bring her best to a marriage when she can maintain a clear sense of her own identity. Okay, so what does that look like in gift form? What I would have appreciated is a gift certificate for a massage or facial and/or a book on personal finance geared toward women, married or no. I don't know the titles of any off hand, but I know there are some out there. signed,not all that comfy in lingerie anyway Hi Bobbie.I like to give gifts to the bride that will benefit both bride and groom since this is a way of respecting their new union together. Also, men don't have these type of parties, so it's kind of sad if the guys don't get any gifts at all. You could give lingere if it is tasteful, and not trashy (and this will benefit the groom as well as the bride.) The best kind of gifts I think are for the home, particularly nice gifts they can use and show off when entertaining, and tell their friends that you were the one with such nice taste that gave them such and such.Hope this helps.Best Regards!Tiffany I have been to countless bridal showers (including my own), and it seems to me that just about anything goes. Some people stick to gifts from the wedding registry. Others do give lingerie, ''racy'' and not. But I think the nicest gifts are ones that are personal to the bride-to-be: candles, bath lotions and potions, gift certificates for a facial or massage, photo albums, camping gear, books--you name it. The only thing I'd steer clear of is giving cash! At the most recent bridal shower I attended, I gave the bride-to-be a gift certificate to a local bookstore; she is an avid reader and I knew she'd appreciate the chance to buy books for her beach-vacation honeymoon. Have fun and don't stress too much about it.once a blushing bride, now a tired mom how about bed & breakfast trays ($12 at Target) and some of your favorite breakfast recipes (breads, smoothies, etc.). Ask the hostess where the bride is registered. If she is registered, she hasvery good idea of what she wants for a gift and I think you should get her agift from her list, even if her tastes don't reflect yours. If she is notregistered, then you may want to get her a massage certificate. I know thatwhen I was a bride, I would have loved that! Lisa Some brides want lingerie as gifts, but don't get any if you're not comfortable with it! Bridal shower gifts are often more modest versions of wedding gifts. You could find out where the couple is registered from whomever is hosting the shower and choose something in your price range. If she's not registered or everything is out of your price range, simple home items -- think hostess gift -- are good bets. Picture frames are good shower gifts. If you want to get something just for the bride, you could get aromatherapy bath items since planning and preparing for a wedding is stressful though joyous, and I think everyone could use some pampering.-been to all types of bridal showers If the bride is registered, buy her something from the registery so you know you're getting her something the couple absolutely wants. It's tough to buy lingerie unless you really know her (size wise and raciness factored in!) Otherwise, I have gotten gift certificates for a massage, or any sort of spa treatment (manicure, pedicure, facial etc) because these are things anyone LOVES to receive. It also a great way to fit in time for themselves before their 'big' day! You can try Claremont, Nordstrom, LaBelle. If the cost is too much for a package, just give her a gift certificate that she can supplement; I'm sure she'll love/appreciate it. eileen Hi-Buy something that she will enjoy over the honeymoon. My hubby and I had a destintation wedding in Maui and one of my girlfriends bought me a nifty Hawaiian purse full of fun stuff: designer sunblock, sunglasses, evian spritz water, cheesy magzines, lip blam, scarf, aloe vera, etc. It was completely unique and I used everything. I am a bit of a penny-pincher so it was fun to get ''girlie'' stuff. :) Deniene Unless it's a themed shower, I typically give one of threepresents.... A ''breakfast'' basket... Muffin tins, a breakfast cookbook andmaybe a coffee pot Christmas Ornaments (obviously, for Christians) Baking trays, cookie cutters and a rolling pin. I sometimesinclude a good recipe for cookies. None of these are fabulously expensive, and they are alwayshappily received. anon I would not assume that the bride wants anything ''racy''...plus that's too intimate of an item. I would suggest PJ's from Macy's by ''French Jenny''. They're cute but not frompy. Also, http://www.flowerslippers.com/ sell super cute slippers that my attendants loved!!wfp The bride is almost certainly registered somewhere and the person who is organizing the shower should know where. I think the most traditional gifts are the kitchenware/cooking ones --the shower organizer should be able to point you in the direction of the gifts the bride would most welcomeanon I recently discovered what I think is a good bridal shower gift: cookbooks. I've been semi-seriously into cooking for 20+ years, and if there's one thing I know it's a good cookbook! FYI, my current favorites are ''The Best Recipe'' by the staff of Cooks' Ilustrated magazine, and the Bruce Aidells & Denis Kelly book on meat (I think it's something like ''The Complete Guide to Meat''). Both are really outstanding. The Cooks Illustrated folks take a scientific approach to recipe development: they read as many recipes as they can find, extract what seem to be the key variables, then experiment until they get something they think is the best. Aidells and Kelly not only give delicious recipes, but their stories of travels far and wide searching for great meals are lots of fun to read. Makes me almost feel sorry for vegetarians!Kathy She may have already registered for her wedding find out where and buy something off the registery- that way you know it's soemthing she wants. Or go for something simple like a nice leatherbound photo album for the wedding or shower. Film for the honeymoon. One fun thing to do is to make a bridal survival basket: you can keep it high brow or make it funny- it can include things you always need at the wedding- bobby pins, safety pins, extra pair of hose, hair spray, clear nail polish, lotion, aspirin, slippers for when those wedding shoes that were oh so cute don't feel so cute anymore, etc you get the picture. Just some thoughts. Have fun.Juliette As a recent bride, I loved getting gift certificates to local spas, for facials and manicures, etc. I think that even if the bride in question normally doesn't do these things, the first time is always fun! I was never into this, but once I did it, I understood why so many women love it. You can also get gift certificates to hot tub/sauna places (the one in Albany is nice) - this is something the couple can share. I also enjoyed getting gift certificates to nice restaurants. The memories from these occasions last as long, if not longer than, as any other ''tangible'' gift.anon Cookbooks are always welcome, as some are coffee table books in addition to being useful tools. I have really enjoyed the books by Nigella Lawson (Nigella Bites, Forever Summer, and How to Be a Domestic Goddess) as they are often doable, and accompanied by intersting stories about the food. Also books by Patricia Wells. I recently went to a bridal shower where the theme was ''Simplicity'' and asked us to bring the single most useful kitchen or other tool we had in our kitchen, along with a simple recipe. A NYT article proclaimed the 3 essentials of the kitchen as this: ''As the business of the vanity kitchen boomed, though, threesmall new tools - two tools and a mat, actually - werepicked up by cooks. You may own one or all of them: theMicroplane zester, the OXO vegetable peeler and the Silpatmat. None is particularly attractive. All are simple yetexceptional workhorses, and deserve to be regarded as newclassics of the modern kitchen - less flashy than theCuisinart, perhaps, but just as impossible to live without.Each has not only subtly and stealthily improved manycooks' lives, but changed what people cook as well. '' (June 4 NYT, A Hesser). Tongs, and an apple corer were also big hits at the bridal shower. I.e. useful, but perhaps esoteric items you would never buy for yourself. Email me if you'd like the full article. Good luck!ShahanaSimple but useful What you give at a shower can varry quite a bit. Some bridal showers have a theme and you buy gifts to go with the theme ie: lingere, kitchen, camping, etc. If it is a theme shower the hostess mentions that in the invitation. Otherwise, it depends on your relationship with the bride and your comfort level. Personally, I only have ever bought lingere for very close friends (room-mate, women I have known since childhood, if I had a sister... etc.) since size and style are hard to know for others. Other gift ideas: bubble bath/beads/lotions, candles and holders, hobby items (like cookie cutters and a jar if the bride or couple likes to bake). Cookbooks, kitchenware and linens are traditional gift items for a bridal shower. Also, you can purchase anything off the bridal registry for the shower as well. Rose Home | Reviews | Advice | Members | Post a Message Join BPN | Help | What's New | Search Please send questions and comments to Berkeley Parents Network . Last updated: Sep 14, 2003 © 1996-2005 Berkeley Parents Network The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network . Please see our Disclaimer for details.

birthday present. Me and

My Birthday Present My Birthday Present At A Glance Author rebecca Contact rreilly12@hotmail.com When It just happened Artist andres Studio monster Location san pedro, costa rica My birthday was on April 12th, but I found that I couldn't celebrate it as I was at the time involved in "Hairspray", my high school's musical for the year. My schedule was very hectic and I found that I had forgotten my birthday, and so had my parents. And so time passed, I finished the musical, and I decided that I wanted to give myself a birthday present. Me and some other friends involved in Hairspray found ourselves with nothing to do seeing as all of our time had been spent rehearsing. Yesterday I went with my friend Erica to the mall, and we planned on seeing a movie. We looked at our options for a movie, but our options consisted of idiotic movies, such as Miss Congeniality 2 and Son of the Mask, so we wandered around the mall for a while, had a few cigarettes, and then wandered some more. We were completely bored by this time, but I had to be there until 10:30 to wait for my younger sister who was there with her friends. Suddenly, Erica mentioned the fact that she had always wanted a labret piercing, and I decided on the spot that we should go and get pierced right now, that very day and get back to the mall in time to pick up my sister. I immediately called a cab so that we couldn't back out of it. We waited for the cab and shared a cigarette to calm our nerves, as my hands were already shaking and she said that she had the butterflies. I could relate. We were sitting in the cab and I tried to decide which piercing I would get. I wanted to get a vertical labret, but I had promised another friend that we would do that together, so that was automatically out. My tragus? I had already done my inner conch, and I wasn't in the mood to take care of another thick cartilage piercing in my ear. My nipples are also on the waiting line, but I'm waiting for my best friend to come down so that he can be there. Then it struck me... I should get my nose pierced! My father would kill me. This was to be my first facial piercing and I didn't know how he would react. However, my mother would most likely scold me, but secretly like it. So I decided just to go for it. I was doing it for me. It was my birthday present to myself. We stepped into the mall and I took Erica to Monster, a small store which sells clothes as well as does piercings and tattoos. I always loved the vibe of the store. I walked up to Andres and greeted him. I told him that I would like my nose done and that Erica wanted her labret. Erica wanted to go first because she was afraid that if she saw me do it first, she would chicken out. I'm glad it turned out that way because labret piercings hurt much less than nose piercings, and I didn't want her to be afraid. This was her first major piercing. So I held her hand as he did her piercing. It was done very quickly, and I was up. I sat on a metal stool and waited for him to retrieve the sterilized jewelry. A new needle in a package was produced, as well as many other utensils, including a toothpick so he could mark me. When he did, he asked me to look in the mirror to check and see if I liked it. It looked a bit high up to me, but he was the professional so I just let it go. He took out the needle and I gripped Erica's hand. I closed my eyes, and I felt him place the needle on my nose and break the first layer of skin. "Take a deep breath, and exhale." I was sweating. It was hot in the store, but I knew that I was responsible. "Inhale, Exhale." I tightened my grasp on Erica's hand. "Now take a deep breath and hold it!" Oh no! Panic sets in. He shoved the needle through my nose and man, did it HURT! My eyes were watering and my nose was burning. Then the burning subsided and I opened my eyes. I saw that in the mirror there was a needle sticking out diagonally in my nose. It looked so incredible! But then came the part that I feared the most. I've read on BME that putting the jewelry in hurts the most. It was worse than I expected. I think that the jewelry hurt more than the actual piercing. I was on the second day of my period, so my nose wouldn't stop bleeding. Andres explained it, but I can't quite recall his reasoning. I was too happy to pay proper attention. So Erica and I paid and then went to take pictures of our fresh piercings. I'm looking forward to taking care of it and waiting for it to heal so that I can change the stud. I would have preferred a ring, but that would most definitely be out of the question, both at school and with my parents. Now that I look at it in the mirror, I wish that I had told him to move it a bit lower down, but everybody thinks that it looks good where it is. Disclaimer: The experience above was submitted by a BME reader and has not been edited. We can not guarantee that the experience is accurate, truthful, or contains valid or even safe advice. We strongly urge you to use BME and other resources to educate yourself so you can make safe informed decisions. Return to Nose / Nostril

Christmas Gifts (By Request

Amazon.com: Books: Christmas Wishes, Christmas Gifts (By Request 2's): The Heart of Christmas/ Her Secret Santa Your Store Books See All 31 Product Categories   Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help Search | Browse Subjects | Bestsellers | The New York Times® Best Sellers | Magazines | Corporate Accounts | Amazon Shorts | Bargain Books | Used Books | Textbooks Search Amazon.com Books Web Search This item is not eligible for Amazon Prime, but over a million other items are. Join Amazon Prime today. Already a member? Sign in . 128 used & new from $0.01 Have one to sell? A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . Don't have one? We'll set one up for you. Share your own customer images Publisher: Learn how customers can search inside this book. Christmas Wishes, Christmas Gifts (By Request 2's): The Heart of Christmas/ Her Secret Santa (Paperback) by Tara Taylor Quinn , Day Leclaire (2 customer reviews) Availability: Available from these sellers . 128 used & new available from $0.01 Editorial Reviews Book Description Two versions of Santa . . . for two lucky women! The Heart of Christmas Tara Taylor Quinn Abby Hayden is at loose ends, but Dr. Nick McIntyre has a proposition for her. He persuades her to work at a home he's established for pregnant teens. That's where Abby learns she has a special gift: she knows how to make these girls feel loved and valued. And she receives a special gift herself -- her very own St. Nick! Not just for this Christmas, but for all the Christmases to come! Her Secret Santa Day Leclaire Despite his reputation for ruthlessness, there's another side to Mathias Blackstone. Every Christmas he procures wishes . . . and for one of his young clients, meeting children's writer Jacqueline Randell is a dream come true. But the more Mathias Blackstone woos Jacqueline, the more he begins to suspect that Jacqueline Randell is his Christmas wish, too! Product Details Paperback: 464 pages Publisher: Harlequin (November 1, 2002) Language: English ISBN: 0373217366 Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces. Average Customer Review: based on 2 reviews. ( Write a review. ) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,249,698 in Books (Publishers and authors: improve your sales ) Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. Great book to snuggle up with at Christmas , December 21, 2002 Reviewer: "amykaren" (Michigan) - See all my reviews I really enjoyed this book. The first story was not as good as the second, thus the 4 stars instead of 5. In The Heart of Christmas, we meet Abby who has gone through some trauma the last couple years and feels anyone she loves she will destroy. Dr. Nick gives everything but his heart. The story brings the two together, with a little mystery as a subplot. Great secondary charachters that fill out the story line. A few things are unrealistic, I'd tell you but I don't want to give away the storyline. All in all, a B+. The second story, Her Secret Santa-I just loved this story. Ms. Declaire writes so well I feel as if Jacq actually exisits-I can see her in my mind. Mathias falls for Jacq but he's hiding a secret-he knows she is a renowed children's author-a fact she is trying to hid. Will she forgive him when she finds out he knows? At first, I thought how can anyone fall in love in a week but keep reading the story, the plot thickens and fills out and you see the big picture-I want to tell you but I'll let you find out for yourself! An A+ effort, I will be buying more of her books. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 1 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Great book, but bad printing job , December 15, 2002 Reviewer: A reader I thought that both stories were great. Then as I got to the end of the second story, and the book started over, literally. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Listmania! Christmas Themed Romance Novels (One) : A list by happy-person , In No Particular Order Christmas Themed Romance Novels (Seven) : A list by happy-person , In No Particular Order Create a Listmania! list Look for similar items by category Subjects > Romance > Authors, A-Z > ( L ) > Leclaire, Day Subjects > Romance > Contemporary > General Subjects > Romance > General Look for similar items by subject Fiction Fiction - Romance Romance - Adult Romance - Contemporary Romance: Modern Fiction / Romance / General i.e., each book must be in subject 1 AND subject 2 AND ... This Book and You Write a Review | Write a So You'd Like To... 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Creative Gift

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 " I've started asking myself what I'm working so hard for. I don't want to work so hard for a house full of junk that's just going to turn into a pile of garbage. I want to work to create a simpler, easier life for my family. Mounds of junk have made my life more complicated, not simpler. " Angie Robinson Roseville MN 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