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We think exchanging gifts is a fun part of the holiday season, but we didn't want to max out our credit cards and fill up the landfills with more plastic junk. We asked "What is the most creatively inexpensive or eco-friendly gift you have ever given or received?" Here are a few of the replies: l. Give your child(ren) a box of items that can be assembled into a homemade playhouse or tree house: scrap wood, cardboard, small hammer, non-toxic paint, rope, pulleys, shingles, canvas, anything that you can find in your garage or basement that might be put to good use for that long-awaited play house. Include a certificate promising that you will help them build the house. 2. Consider a box of dress-up clothes, assembled from old Dad and Mom clothing and from local thrift stores. Silk nightgowns, wild shoes, silly ties, an old but fancy dress, hats, - all of these packed in a pretty box can provide hours of fun and creative play. 3. Store-bought gifts are not all bad! Consider giving gifts that bring out your child's creativity, while not generating junk, packaging, and more plastic. Why not a kid's cookbook with healthy, yummy recipes; a craft kit with organic yarn or fabric; some durable tools for building things; sheet music for your young musicians; a magnifying glass for studying bugs, plants, and rocks; a set of seashells; a stamp book for learning about other countries; several kids of modeling clay or homemade playdough; or gardening tools, seeds, and a plot of soil for your child's indoor gardening area. -- Submitted by the Center for a New American Dream's own Executive Director, Betsy Taylor, Takoma Park, MD I don't have a gift idea, but would like to say that it's fun and easy to make beautiful decorations at home with things you can find in your own backyard if you have one. Instead of buying greens trucked in from New England or Oregon, I simply go out back, trim a few juniper, arborvitae and winterberry (Ilex verticillata) branches and make wreathes and table and mantle decorations on my own dried up grapevines. After December, I throw all these in the compost. The junipers and winterberries are native here (Southwest Ohio) and provide cover and food for local wildlife as well as holiday decorations. I use the same forms, vases and ribbons every year, save money and get to play Martha Stewart minus the gold spray paint. This type of decorating is what our ancestors did, and local historic districts that decorate for the holidays can be a great source of ideas. As long as no one rips plants out of the wild, it seems the most sustainable way to go, as well as being a lot classier and creative than the plastic and/or generic alternatives. (Even though plastic decorations often last for years, they all make it to the landfill at some point.) It's fun for kids to do too--a relaxing family activity. -- Jenny Willis, Cincinnati, OH When my sister's children were very young and my money was very tight, I wrote stories with the kids as the main characters. I had once sent for a personalized story for another niece, and was very disappointed when it arrived. I had provide all of the information that was requested on the order form and the result was a story that read like dictionary entries - all the information was there, but it lacked cohesiveness. I began with a story about a duck who arrived in their town looking for an elf with tonsillitis who was needed back at the North Pole for reindeer trials. My niece was preparing to have her tonsils removed and my sister is a nurse who works for a pediatrician (obviously just where an elf with a sore throat would go). After writing the story, I drew pictures and put the whole thing together. My niece is a senior in college and still has the very first book that I made for her. It doesn't take a degree in English or an artistic gift to do this - it only takes a little bit of creativity and the love for a child. -- C.A. O'Flaherty, Braintree, MA How about some greenhouse gas offset credits?! -- Fran Morrill, New York, NY My mother knit a stocking for each of the three children, as they came along. Each was a solid color: Mine was red, then a green one for my younger brother, and a white one for the youngest. When the youngest one married a woman from Italy, my mother cleverly knit her a stocking in stripes of those colors to represent the Italian flag and her joining our family. My parents had always had fun doing the stockings even though we were grown up. Last year our father died, and we decided to modify our stocking tradition. Now my mother fills the stockings of the grandchildren, and my generation does a swap of clever stocking stuffers. We are usually heavy on office supplies, such as poster gum, pens, bookmarks, etc. We also put in photos, mottos, and small edible treats, incl. homemade ones. We save for this throughout the year, as we think of things. -- Name withheld Instead of simply giving your loved ones something, make them something. Or better yet, DO something challenging together: take a long bike ride and lunch, climb a mountain, or just go on a long walk. When people realize that it is not the remembrances and tokens of experiences that are great, but the experience itself that is great then "gift" ideas come filtering in. -- Ben Keep, North Haven, CT I have a great action. Get everyone to stop using Wrapping Paper and switch to cotton reusable bags (preferably cotton). Every year my mom makes bags for the gifts we give to others -- and the following year our friends and family use the bags to give their own gifts. We reuse the same bags in our own house year after year. This action would reduce the amount of wrapping thrown out by a billion or so tons (well you probably could find the real stats). My mom and I are thinking of starting an e-business to sell reusable organic holiday bags. Maybe by next year we will be online. -- Crystal Fortwangler This gift can be done for any occasion. I used it at Christmas for my wife. I thought of about 500 memories and wrote them down in 1-10 word snippets and then typed them up so they formed the words "I LOVE YOU" I arranged about 75 snippets of memories to form the capital letter I and then continued arranging memories to form L,O,V,E, and Y,O,U. When all the letters were arranged I printed out the banner and framed it with spare pieces of wood from around the house. Finally, I presented it to my wife on Christmas. -- Chris Klosterman, Toledo, OH Over the course of the next year, I will be "interviewing" my elderly parents on videotape about their childhood memories, how they met, what they can remember about their parents and grandparents. Then I'll videotape photographs and heirlooms of ancestors that have been passed down while my family members talk about the pictures and objects. I plan to do it for my in-laws as well as my own family. I hope to edit the tape over the summer and have copies made in time for Christmas next year. I'll give it to my siblings and to all of our children, who are very young. It will be a talking family tree for generations to come, all for just the cost of my time. And it will be a pleasure for me to make this gift as I will learn about my family history, as well. -- Martha, Saratoga Springs, NY The most enjoyed gift that I gave was bedtime stories. When I had to move 2000 miles away from my 7 granddaughters, whom I have spent a lot of time with, we missed each other terribly. So last year I sat down in front of the camcorder and read several of their favorite bedtime stories to them as if they were right in the room. These tapes have been passed back and forth between the households and now they want me to make more, so it will be down to the library for children's books and back in front of the camera. I feel almost like they are here as I read to them so I guess this is a gift for all of us. -- Shirley Marcy, Lethbridge, Alberta I love to send creative gifts. I am especially inspired by the internet. I create a website dedicated to my loved ones and include their special songs, and pictures that I have made and a list of their accomplishments. Some of the ones I have done are for birthdays, valentines day, Christmas, and spring. It's a very good way to show appreciation, love and to create a virtual brag "book" that highlights the persons talents, accomplishments that go unnoticed, especially to people that are far away. I love doing this! -- Wren Rose, Las Vegas, NV My children love to sing. And they are good too. They have been singing in our choir. We decided that for their grandparents ( who don't need a thing) we would have them record a tape of them singing some old familiar songs. The kids perform and the grandparents can enjoy it again and again. They also painted pottery for them. We had a fun day's activity and the kids made a gift to hang on the wall that is useful too -- a switch plate!! Music and art on a budget! Finally my son is learning Russian. His father studied Russian too. For Dad my son is making a calendar in Russian. They'll both be proud and Dad can use it! -- Name withheld Last year I gave my closest friends "prosperity bundles," borrowing from both Native American and New Age traditions. I collected interestingly-shaped twigs, bark, and wood and broke them into pieces about 15" long, then stacked and tied them into a fist-sized bundle with various wrappings: for some I selected gold cord, for others a beautiful variegated knitting wool, for others leftover ribbon of various kinds, or just plain twine. On my walks I also kept an eye out for other wonderful nature objects: interesting bits of shells or seed pods, feathers, etc. I put this all together and also used shells I had collected previously from the beach. Each bundle was a unique work of art, tailored to that person's personality. I had many compliments on this gift, which cost almost nothing to produce. (except my time, of course!) -- Maril Crabtree, Kansas City, MO Thank you for your wonderful web site! Here are a few of my gift ideas: this year I am painting some empty wine bottles (with special non-toxic paint that won't wash off), filling them with olive oil and topping them with an oil pour spout that can be found in gourmet cooking shops for less than $1. for people who use olive oil in their cooking, this is a gift they can use (and refill) all year. I am also going through lots of pictures I've accumulated over the past 10 years, and putting together a photo album for my parents (they either have everything they want, or can buy what they need, and I know having current pictures of my siblings and I will be meaningful to them). I am also making fleece hats for people. The fleece is relatively inexpensive, - I made some that past couple of years, and people tell me they constantly get compliments on them - their designs are more unusual than the ones you find in stores, and I can make about 4-5 of them for the price of one store-bought hat!!! -- C.R., Rhode Island Thanks for the booklet "Simplify the holidays". I don't have any trouble with my holiday spending as I make a lot of my children's, grandchildren's and great grandchildren's presents. Either knit, sew, woodwork or cooking. The thing that stood out most to me on your booklet was the lack of religious suggestions. Such as: give a bible. Take an elderly to the Christmas plays at church. Such as the hanging of the greens or choir cantatas. Take children to Sunday school give religious oriented books, story books and the like rather than power ranger stuff that really has no value. There are some very good bible games too. Introduce a young child to the local library. They have a nice story time. Garden books to a back yard gardener or a plant he or she doesn't have. Someone who can't see well bring them tapes of books for the local library everyother week. There are some real good ones out now. Well that is my ideas. -- Jean Jenner, Hemphill, TX Every year I try to give at least one thing that recycles something. Last year I baked very rich and sinful chocolate brownies. I then put them in beautiful tins that used to hold fancy chocolates my mother had received many Christmases ago, and were now gathering dust in her closet. My friends loved the brownies and the tins! I used waxed paper to keep the brownies from messing up the inside of the tin, but you could use something recycled, as long as it was clean and would not transfer bad flavors to the food. The tin can be used over and over again; I hope my friend gives it to someone else this year. -- Rachel Ward Get Sculptey clay and thumbtacks. Make some attractive push pins for your friend at the office. -- Juliet Famadico, Newark, California Last Christmas I made "healing baskets" for all the special people in my life...my mother, daughter-in-law, stepson, brother, friends, etc. Each was a basket I had received over the years so it was reused. Into each basket went homemade jams, preserves, jelly, each jar decorated with a little piece of scrap fabric and ribbon, handmade beeswax candles, recycled writing paper, and pens. I called them Healing Baskets because everything that was inside them was made by myself when I was recovering from a nervous breakdown. Each basket was wrapped with a large linen square that could be used as a small tablecloth or table runner. Everything was used and appreciated and it helped me feel better as well. -- Andrea Brennan Plaus, Brantford, Ontario, Canada I got this from a fellow county employee, Ronnie Wilcox, in Boulder County, CO: Last year I did something different (and sort of creative) that I have never done before. During the school year my son brought home several pieces of artwork...not extremely professional, but nicely done pieces in watercolor. I had them matted and framed and sent to his grandmother and father who are out-of-state. ...as your tips said "a special gift matched to the person". -- Anne Kaufmann, Boulder County, CO This year I plan to give friends and family an early "ungift", a Gift Exemption Voucher from Adbusters, a Guide to Compassionate Living from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and a Vegetarian Starter Kit from The Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine. Another idea is to make a baking mix, put it in a pretty bag and attach the instructions with a string or ribbon. -- Maura McCormick Columbia,MD A very close friend of mine made me a cassette tape of music complete with a set of handwritten liner notes explaining why he had chosen the song, why it was important to him, or why it made him think of me. I have blue eyes and there were a number of songs that mention blue eyes. The music was great but the personal liner notes really made the present very special to me. It was a present that made me feel close to him and also appreciated. -- Karleen, Salt Lake City, UT The best gifts I ever gave my family for Christmas came the year I gave away my own possessions. I'm doing this again this year because my husband and I are building a house and haven't got a penny to spare. If anyone else out there is like me, they've got a lot of seldom or never used stuff that is in good condition. I am simply going to go through my stuff with my Christmas list and find a nice thing for each person. The one time I did this before, I found that the more special the thing had been to me, the more it meant to the person receiving it. In my family, people didn't care that the present was something I already had: they understood that was all I had to give. If other people do care about that sort of thing, just don't let on the secret. -- Cassandra, Vermont my favorite Christmas gift as a child was what we called a "sock monkey". it was a monkey made from men's brown and white work socks with a red toe. The socks were inexpensive and my mom made each of us one. We loved them to pieces and have nothing left! this year I am giving "y2k romance packages". the basket is contructed of 1/2 - 1" branches cut from my trees. I cut them to 10 " lengths, microwave them for 1 minute (to kill any little critters), then construct a square basket by tying the branches together with twine. I then fill this with shredded paper, pine cones gathered from our trees, and a book of matches. I top it off with 2 mugs (left over from the many we receive every Christmas) and 2 packages of hot cocoa mix. This gift is completely consumable except the mugs and gives a much deserved opportunity to relax. I have also given sketches to friends of their houses with a few Victorian touches like a garden path running to the front door instead of a driveway. a wonderful keepsake and very inexpensive but for the film to photograph the house. -- Jan Hopkins, Farmington, UT The best gift I ever gave was to my then 6 year old daughter. I bought an old camel back trunk at an auction for around $15.00 (a real steal!). Then I lined it with some red "velvet like" material. I then went through my closet, my mothers closet, my grandmothers closet and found my old formals, gaudy jewelry, purses, hats, high heel shoes, anything that would work for "dress up". The only other thing I spent money on was a tea set. I put all of it into the trunk and gave it to her from Santa. She still plays dress up with all of her friends (I even put some boys clothes in for her male cousins.) I even add to it for birthdays and each year at Christmas to keep it fun and new. -- Kristie, Ashland, MO My grandmother doesn't need much and she loves gifts that are homemade. We grow our own herbs and my grandmother loves our garden. For several years now we have given her herbs for Christmas. We give her enough to last the year and we make our own labels to paste on the baggies or small jars. She loves the herbs and uses them all year. Christmas is just about the time she needs more. This year we are giving several relatives our herbs. Also in past years we have made flavored vinegars with our herbs. Again we put them in a nice jar and paste on a label we have made. The best vinegar we ever made was with our cayenne peppers. Flavored vinegar is easy to make. Just place the herbs (or chilis) in a decorative jar, add the vinegar and seal with wax. -- Michele Clark, Albuquerque, NM When my parents, brother, sisters and significant others gather to exchange gifts, there are 7 or eight people to give to. This can be very stressful and expensive! This year, my husband and I are creating a holiday pictionary game that will involve winning prizes. Prizes will be in plain brown bags, and include small consumable gifts like a nice bar of soap, locally made candy, local beer . . . When it's your turn to choose a prize bag, you have the option of stealing someone else's already opened gift. This is like white elephant games that some folks do around the holidays. I expect that it will be fun and entertaining. All the gifts are available cheaply from our local Co-op grocery store, and they don't include cluttering STUFF. Idea # 2: Perhaps we'll try this next year with my husband's family, but this year we're making homemade biscotti and giving it along with bags of organic, shade-grown coffee. Biscotti recipes can be found on the internet, and since they're dry cookies, they have a long shelf life. -- JoAnne Peters Minneapolis, MN After a poll of friends about their children's favorite and most lasting toys, I've decided to buy my son a piece of *rope* this year. It was unanimously the most-enjoyed and creatively-used toy brought up. -- Tabitha M. Felix, Orlando, FL My friends are always amazed at how I always have gifts for every one and how I seem to have just the right gift. It's something I sorta learned from my mother who shops throughout the year when ever she saw something on sale. She always had a whole closet of gifts even for the unexpected birthday. Me, I have used her idea of shopping all year only I do it at Garage sales. It is a fun outing every Sat. Morning.... beats sleeping in. I get to feel like I'm recycling. I get to take my time (all year) to find just the right gift. I save $$$$ on gifts but also on my own personal needs. I get everything from laundry soap to Nike shirts. In our culture we have soooo much that we can never use it all. I buy every thing that I give as a gift new and I pay $1 where it would cost $20 in the store. X-mas arrives and I am stress free while everyone else is shopping I am baking and sewing. Have a thankful end of the year as we prepare for the new millennium where we may all be tested to share like we have never been tested before. -- Dhira DiBiase Waimanalo, HI For several years my husband & I were going through money problems, you know no money, anyhow we tried to find ways to spend as little as possible on Christmas. So one year I made these flannel bags (12 by 4 inches) filled with dried corn inside The idea being that you heat them up in a microwave for a couple of minutes and use them to soothe sore muscles or to keep your feet warm at night. I tell you that this was several years ago and I still have people asking me if and when I am going to make more bags every year. Or for birthdays, I also had a friend who used the bag for her infant granddaughter to keep the baby warm from going to the car from the house. Not much money and it's a gift that is reusable. Once the corn is burnt or doesn't heat as well { it may take several years I am still working on one from 5 years ago} you can compost the corn. -- Joyce Brown, Thorsby, Alberta, Canada We wrap presents in 1:50,000 scale National Topographic Series Maps or backcountry hiking areas that are popular. Everybody loves maps and they make useful, reusable wrapping! Love the site - very helpful for our low-impact Xmas. -- Chris Hamilton, BC Parks, Cariboo District Last year my wife gave me one of the most touching and I think BEST Christmas presents I have ever received. On word cards on a metal ring she had written and drawn, in a colorful way, a set of gift certificates: "Good for a Massage", "Good for One Home Cooked Meal", "I will wash the Dishes - One Meal", "Good for a Walk in the Hills", "Good for One Camping Trip", "Good for One Day of Skiing", and "Good for a Hug". And best of all - they are reusable! -- Per Kielland-Lund, Madison, WI My only sister and I live across the country from one another. A few years ago, I bought a new calendar and in it I wrote family holidays and personal messages. I included some "memories" such as "remember when we were young and we would celebrate our own 'Christmas in July'?". Now, my sister makes a calendar for me, too! It is a wonderful way to think about each other every day and even though it takes time to put together, it costs very little. --Debra Myers, Midland, VA Story boards are great gifts too. My father was a high school basketball star from Vt. He always told us about how he played in the Boston Garden at the New England High School Basketball Championships, so when my husband was spending some time at the Boston Public Library he researched the Boston Globe to see if there were any articles written at the time. Sure enough he found some. I then called the VT State Library who for $7 sent me a few articles from a local paper. From that we made a story board of the event. It brought tears to his eyes and ahs from one of his old high school classmates. -- Kathy Corson, Exeter, NH This takes a little planning and a bit of research, but try this for holiday or birthday presents for your friends and relatives who admire flower gardens: Give a gift certificate for your perennials that are getting crowded and need dividing. You can dig the bulbs or tubers in the fall (daylilies, daffodils, lily of the valley, shasta daisies, some herbs, etc.,) if that’s what’s best to get the plants off to a good start in spring-they can overwinter planted in pots and kept lightly watered in the dark corner of a cold garage or basement (or root cellar, if you’ve got one). Or, if it’s best to dig the plants up in the spring (say, unwanted sprouts of shrubs like Rose of Sharon [althea]), give the person a gift certificate. (So that you don’t forget, make sure you mark your calendar for the next spring at a time that’s good for transplanting.) Put the plants or bulbs into pots you’ve saved from gifts or from your previously purchased plants (don’t you have a stash in your basement or garage?!) or pots that you’ve scrounged up at yard/garage sales for pennies. Wrap the pots in some foil (can be recycled in communities that collect it), add a bow if you’d like, and you’re all set. For extra credit, help your friend plant your gift, or enclose planting directions. Doesn’t cost much of anything, doesn’t pollute, and shares the beauty. -- Rosa, from The Bay State A gift that I've given my grandparents who are in a nursing home is a box of already stamped and addressed homemade postcards for all of their relatives. So when "cousin Joe" had a birthday my grandmother could simply find the card and send it. My grandparents didn't need anything more in their life and their handwriting was too shaky to read, so this gift made them feel like they could still send cards to their family. Recognizing other family member's birthdays is very important to my grandmother and it gives her a sense of independence. -- Name withheld For my mom for her birthday I gave her a collection of quotes about mothers that I collected from library books. I also had a list of some of the many reasons why I love her. She was so touched that she cried. To give her that gift was the most rewarding feeling I have ever felt from giving. I also made rosewater from soaking rose petals in water for about a month. Rosewater has a great many uses, including a refreshing face wash. --Kate Gould, OR Last year for Xmas, we made small pillows ( 5" x 5" ) out of scrap fabric and filled them with soothing herbs; lavender, rose, etc. Buying the herbs in bulk at the health food store cost only pennies. Our friends loved these gifts and we spent only a small amount of $$ and our time in making them. --Valerie Rowe, Sarasota, FL I once gave a friend a homemade coupon for her anniversary--for an evening's babysitting for her five sons, so she could have an evening out with her hubby. My cost??? About four hours of fun, reading to and playing with some great kids! She told me later it was her favorite gift. -- Jeanette, Huntington Beach, CA Last year I gave "Environmental Activist Starter Kits" as Christmas presents. The "kits" that I put together consisted of membership to non-profit organizations that send newsletters, such as Predator Project and Environmental Defense Fund, just to name two, along with recycled paper tablets and refillable Parker pens to be used for writing letters to newspapers and politicians. I tried to match the recipients with an organization that they may have some interest in. They seemed to be a hit, but quite honestly, I don't think that anyone wrote any letters to the editor or senators. But I like to think that they also got a little hidden gift with the kits -- Awareness. Other gifts that I have given include cloth grocery and cotton net produce bags, energy efficient light bulbs, and monetary donations to the local homeless center in the name of my friends and family. --Donna, York, PA After my mother-in-law died, my father-in-law did not eat properly. He often just had a bowl of cereal for dinner or snacked on candy or Cheetos in late afternoon and then skipped dinner because he wasn't hungry. He really liked homemade soups, so for Christmas, we packed up containers of soups, wrapped each container in a plastic bag, labeled it, and froze them. On Christmas morning we put them in a box and wrapped it. He loved the gift. He had oodles of "stuff" [my sister-in-law gave him a red flannel shirt each year for Christmas and when he died we found 3 unworn in the gift boxes in his closet!]. The soup was the perfect gift according to Dad. It solved the dinner problem for him and was "consumed" rather than taking up more space in the closet. Didn't cost much either! -- Lisa Anderson, Des Plaines, IL I have two younger brothers, ages 7 and 9, and I gave them an "adoption" of two animals, one a baby elephant and a killer whale. They received photos of the animals through the UK-based organisation "Call of the Wild", and were delighted by the presents! --Philippe Leupin, Athens, Greece One year, my sister was very inspired and wanted to do something really neat. With her husband and daughters, she went through the Christmas list and thought of 2 neat things about each person--things that made them special, things that we all liked about that person, something about his or her special talent. etc. She wrote these things on two pieces of ribbon, and attached them to a little fuzzy pom-pom (1" diameter). Then she put all these "warm fuzzies" in a bag. At our Christmas gathering, someone would reach into the bag, read aloud what was written on the ribbons, and then we would, as a group, decide who best fit the description and give it to that person. I still have my "warm fuzzy". It hangs on my tree as a Christmas ornament so I get to read it every year and it reminds me of the love that was expressed by all that year. It was and is a great gift! --Name withheld This Christmas I plan on making all of the gifts I give to my wife and children. I won't tell you about all of them, but I will tell about one. My wife and I went on a date a couple of weeks ago and ended up in an import shop here in Madison which imports goods from Africa. I am an African History graduate student, so, of course, I was interested. We entered and saw a store full of high-priced exotic items from half a world away. The thing is, I was amazed at how simple many of the items where: the consumer here paid for transport and to subsidize the store-owner's trips to Africa rather than for the items themselves or the skill of the craftsman. My wife and I were particularly impressed by the simple, yet elegant beadwork on many of the items. My wife picked up one item and said "Wow, this looks pretty! Ohmigosh! That's it?" I went over to ascertain what could have elicited such a response (my wife is not very excitable, a rather well-tempered person). There was a beautiful (and rather expensive) bracelet made from nothing but safety pins, tiny plastic or glass beads, and some elastic. We left the store and when we got home I headed straight for my children's bedroom. There, I new, was a stash of thousands of those little tiny beads that my daughter had received as a Christmas present a year ago, yet which remained largely unused. We had bought her one set and a cousin bought her another even larger set, so we had been swamped by beads. Try as she might, my daughter just couldn't seem to use them all. Well, now I have a use for them. After spending $4 or so on some safety pins, I am now beading them up and using what we already have to make a present for my daughter. She has seen these bead bracelets before and loves them, but we simply could not afford them... until now. --Forrest Aguirre, Madison, WI Last year we made birdseed balls out of seed, suet and leftover ribbons (so they could hang outside). We gave them to my husband's grandmother, and my mother and stepfather, Very inexpensive, environmentally friendly, didn't clutter up their houses and something we were able to say we made ourselves. -- Pam Hayes-Bohanan, Bridgewater, MA topcat.bridgew.edu/~phayesboh I give classes on passive solar design to our future builders on Native American Reservations. --Name withheld Hand knitted hats! Fun to make, and I can knit while talking with friends, watching a movie, or listening to some favorite music. Picture frames made from the cardboard of old boxes and decorated with pictures from old magazines or natural objects like seeds, leaves and flowers. I pick things to decorate the frame that represent the person I'm giving the gift to, and then get a copy of a favorite picture and put it in there. Wrap in cloth and tie with string, or decorate and reuse a paper bag. I think one of the best gifts if you do buy something for someone is to get the friend something that will encourage a talent they have or further their education. Use Christmas as a motivating reason to explore a hobby that you've thought about (pottery, bookmaking, painting, knitting, sewing, photography) but haven't yet pursued. Share your creations as gifts come holiday time. --Heather Smith, Asheville, NC Composting worms (red wigglers) --Tenaj DaCosta, Earth My brother once gave me a strange contraption which was basically a round wooden base with several 8" dowels protruding up- and outward from it. I had to ask him what it was. "Why, it's a baggie recycler," he said! --Tom Bombaci, Jr., Grants, NM A few years ago my husband and I lived in an older home that we were improving. This included a new bathroom on the interior of the house and a new fence for the backyard. When our friend's birthday came up, we made him a great cold-frame (like a mini greenhouse) completely out of reused materials! The cold frame had four sides made out of the lumber from the old fence, 1x4s and 2x4s of beautifully weathered cedar. The "lid" of the cold frame was made of one of the sliding glass door panels from the old, dilapidated shower enclosure. The glass had a nice pattern to it and was tempered. We used some more of the weathered cedar to build a frame for the glass panel, added some hinges and a handle, and there it was! He has used it for two years now to start his young, tender plants in the early spring. We were very proud! --Diane Broad, Corvallis, Oregon The best Christmas present I ever got, and the most ecologically friendly one, was when my parents sponsored a black panther in my name at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The money went to the care of the animal, and to educational efforts about endangered species. -- Rebecca, Madison, WI Last year my husband was interested in a particular book but never found the time to pick up a copy for himself. Without thinking I went to the bookstore and purchased it for him. When I got home and looked at the book more carefully I realized it was not the type of book one needs to own. It was a book that would be enjoyable to read once then pass on. I returned the book to the bookstore and called my local library and ordered the book. I wrapped it and gave it to him for Christmas. I renewed it for him a few times so he had plenty of time to read it. He was delighted to have the book (if briefly!) and we were both glad to avoid adding clutter to our house and unneeded expense to our budget! --Nancy Spicer, Cambridge, MA The last couple of years, I have sent a copy of the new telephone directory to a former resident of our city who has reason to keep in touch byphone, or needs the address of, many folks here in town. The gift has been received with appreciation. --Mark Lunde, Clive, IA I was on a very tight budget two Christmas's ago during a divorce. I had little for my child and I to live on, never mind Christmas Gifts and those for others. My Daughter then 11 years old, would go over to the park across the street from us after school and collect all the pinecones she could. We took shoe boxes and cut them into different shapes, painted them like baskets and used material to go inside like a bread liner, then we covered a handle with the same material, and hot glued pine cones inside with some multi colored mini lights, spread between the pine cones, (extra's we had from years of decorating) we added some red berries again found among our decorations, and then sprayed the whole thing with clear glaze and added a bow to the side of the basket. Add some cinnamon sticks at different places and wrap with saran wrap till its time to give them, they smell great and last forever, can be hung from a porch or used as a centerpiece. --Name withheld The most friendly and ecofriendly gift I ever received was a herbal wreath from a physical therapist/herbologist. Besides being aesthetically beautiful, it was created from all wild flowers/herbs and vines she had cultivated herself in a field. I have enjoyed the scents, eaten the herbs in prepared dishes, employed the healing properties in teas, and saved the seeds for my own garden. When I had disseminated the herbs, I composted the vines and greenery..and also learned to grow herbs myself. Not only did I become a committed herbal gardener, but have passed this down to my children...and they have conveyed this gift to several of their friends. What some might view as a pretty knick-knack has become a legacy of enjoying/utilizing the fruits of the earth in my circle of family and friends. --Name withheld The best frugal gift I got was an unintentional one from my then approx.6 year old son (his is now 18). Well it was Christmas shopping season. I did a lot of shopping with my friend, she had one daughter at the time my two sons were about 61/2 and 3. I am naturally thrifty, some would say cheap. I was amazed at the amount of stuff my friend bought, I began to think that maybe I hadn't bought enough for my kids. Well cheapness won out and I stuck to my usually shopping habits. Well on Christmas day after the kids had opened their presents the 6 year old said: "I think Santa emptied his bag here!" I tell you I was pleased. --Beth, Massachusetts The most creatively frugal and eco-friendly gift that I have given is honey that I harvest from my own colonies. It basically costs nothing to make. It supports the lives of insects, honey bees, who simply can no longer exist in their natural state. There are practically no wild honeybees living outside of man-made hives because pesticides and bee parasites (caused by global commerce in bees) have killed them off. Bees help agriculture yields through their propagation. Honey is a fine, nutritious food. --Bruce, Philadelphia, PA I have a friend who understands my reluctance to consume anything unnecessarily. But Sharon also knows that I like small gifts especially if they are handmade since I am an artist as well as an environmental activist and like to support others. The last several years, Sharon has given me handmade soaps and handmade candles. Both "disappear", neither have been packaged nor wrapped with anything other than string or yarn and they were handmade in Minnesota near where we both live. Thoughtful, useful and without serious impact on the environment while supporting our local underground economy. I think they are really thoughtful and I have enjoyed using them. -- Sheila Bayle-Lissick, Minneapolis, MI My cousin Adrienne has started a GREAT trend. Whenever she gives a gift, she uses old clothes or scarves rather than wrapping paper. She goes to a second hand store and picks out the most outrageous prints on dresses, pants, etc. and then cuts them up to fit the size of the gift. This is eco-friendly in three ways -- the clothes probably would have been thrown out (ugly clothes make great wrapping paper), she avoids using wrapping paper herself and then encourages her recipients to use them to wrap future gifts. Imagine how much wrapping paper would be saved if we all did this! -- Karlynn, Cambridge, MA I used to purchase all my gifts from the Peace Institute or the Physicians for Social Responsibility (they were located in the same building in Portland, OR). As far as I know neither group has a store anymore. They always had reasonably priced, nice cards, calendars, t-shirts and ornaments, which at least I knew was benefiting great causes. There seem to be a few good diversity-type stores which have reasonable gifts from all over the world. I don't know if other than promoting diversity, if they are benefiting any socially responsible groups. --Name withheld This is not my idea but I ran across it on the Internet and thought it was so cute: Anyone who owns a personal computer has probably received dozens of those AOL promotional disks and CD's (you know, the ones where you can 100 free hours for trying their service). One very clever woman made Christmas ornaments from the CD's and a really neat desk clock from the diskettes. The web address is: www.neosoft.com/nikki/ --Ellen Stoune My good friend's son recently graduated from culinary school. For Christmas he and his son gave us a complete gourmet dinner prepared in OUR home. They treated us like king & Queen for an evening! -- Jim Prado, Connecticut I like to give gifts of aid to third world countries in the name of a friend or relative. I think these are currently offered by Alternative Gift Markets, Inc., the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and Church World Services. To me this is truly special gift that will be remembered, and truly honors the person in whose name it's given. You really realize that you have a special relationship with someone who will understand and appreciate this type of gift. Along these lines are gifts that save rainforest; I think Nature Conservancy (Adopt an Acre Program)and the National Arbor Day Foundation have programs that do this. Also, a gift membership to an environmental organization is nice. --Name Withheld The most creatively frugal gift I’ve ever was from my very creative and frugal adult daughter, who bought a large wooden cooking spoon and attached a little scroll to it which listed "101 uses for a wooden spoon." It has hung on my wall for several years as a reminder of what an original thinker she is! Total cost: about $3. She also one year gave a used book to each family member that captured who that person was. On the inside cover of each book she wrote a tribute, detailing why she thought that book was the "essence" of the person. All of us in the family still treasure those books. Total cost: about $1-2 per book. -- Maril Naples, Florida Last year a good friend was turning 65 just before the holidays. I knew she would say she has everything so a group of friends and I did something a little different. We did random acts of kindness to honor her on her special day. This included planting trees in Israel, sponsoring an up and coming actor at a local theater, and donating books to a day-care just to name a few ideas. Each person wrote what they did in a letter and all the notes were gathered in a beautiful velvet covered box and presented to her. Many of the acts of kindness carried well beyond her birthday and we called it the gift that keeps on giving! -- Linda Bradbeer, Toronto, Canada Last year I went on a Spring Break hiking trip in the Escalante, in Utah. I had never been there before and was amazed by the desert flora I saw there. A friend of mine at college, however, was from there and was planning on moving to California after graduation. I decided to make him a piece of Utah he could bring along. I filled a Nalgene bottle (a water bottle for hikers) with small pine cones, juniper twigs, pebbles, berries, and these funny little paper seed balls that grow on bushes there. Back at school, I bent a thin green branch into a circle and suspended the natural objects from it with invisible thread. It was a lovely mobile. This could be done with objects from any ecosystem. -- Susannah Stevens " 58% of Americans say they would be willing to give up one day of pay per week in exchange for one day off per week to spend more time with family and friends. " New Dream Poll See a great list of gift ideas from New Dream staff See a even more gift ideas from web visitors like you 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

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Christmas Gifts for Unique People Christmas Gifts Family Portrait Platters Photo Quilts Photo Pillows House Pictures Watercolors Create Account | My Account | My Shopping Cart | Checkout | Order History | Logoff Products Family Portrait Platters Personalized House Pictures Photo Quilts Personalized Photo Pillows Watercolor Paintings Account Info Create Account My Account My Shopping Cart Checkout Order History Resources Christmas Ornaments Christmas Decorations Christmas Trees Christmas Cards Christmas Lights Christmas Flowers Christmas Crafts Christmas Gift Ideas About Us Our Team Company Info Testimonials Shipping Privacy Return Policy Product Templates Contact Us Order Beautiful Fresh Cut Wedding Flowers Direct From the Grower! -- Order Fresh Flowers! Proud Supporters of CCI and puppy raisers of Gretchen IV Welcome to Christmas Gifts With Heart! Unique christmas gifts for your parents, christmas gifts for your wife, christmas gifts for your husband, christmas gifts for the people you love! Family Portrait Platters - Personalized, Hand-Painted Ceramic Platters NEW!! You are going to love our Family Portrait platters - everyone does! We custom paint up to 20 family members to your specifications on our lovely Italian platters. We personalize with names, inscriptions and personal details to make every figure look just like the real person. Select from our Family Picnic Portrait platters or our Holiday Portrait platters. Great christmas gifts for grandparents and parents. 3D Peeps™ Family Prints NEW!!! Brand spankin' new for 2004! A new concept in personalized gifts. Our 3D Peeps™ Family prints allow you to create an adorable shadow box using our large selection of hand drawn characters and accessories. Each figure is carefully created, cut out and layered using small pieces of foam for dimension. The finished product is sure to create smiles! Personalized Photo Signature Quilts The "Our Life Together" Photo Signature Quilt has space for up to 45 of your favorite family snapshots. Each photo is artistically altered and tranfered onto our lovely, soft cotton, handmade throw quilt. The couple's names and anniversary date adornes the center square and can be signed by friends and family . Wanna give it as a gift? Gift certificates are available ! Custom Photo Quilts NEW!! You've been asking for them and now they're here! Custom photo quilts are made to order just for you in your choice of four sizes, many photo configurations, three photo treatments and twenty different fabric selections. Our largest king sized quilt holds up to 117 photos! These quilts take 4-6 weeks to be created and shipped once we receive your photos but they are well worth it. The perfect personalized gift for any member of your family. Family Tree Platters - Up to 26 Family Members NEW!! Up to 26 names fit on our largest platter along with your family name and the year. An optional marker is available to add baby names in the future. Family Tree Platters make a unique and creative gift for mom, dad, grandma, grandpa or even yourself! Watercolor Paintings Based On Family Photos Using your photos, artist Ruthie Friedman creates lovely watercolor paintings. Select photos that tell the story of your family and special relationships. The perfect christmas gift for your husband or wife. Select a wedding photo or a shot of your favorite vacation spot. Get creative! Gift certificates are available! A great, last-minute gift idea! Purchase a gift certificate and let the recipient choose the pictures to recreate. Photo Shadow Boxes NEW! We start with your submitted photo, size it to 5 x 7, unsaturate it to black and white and print it on our dye-sublimation photo printer. Next, we add a touch of fun with a glossy, 3D heart placed just over the hearts in the photo. You select the inscription for the banner. Tiny hand drawn hearts adorn the mat. The photo is framed in our 8 x 10 black shadow box frame for a great gift. Personalized Photo Pillows Create a decorative accent pillow using a favorite photo of the family. Our custom photo pillows make a creative christmas gift idea for any member of the family. Select a group shot of the whole brood for a great christmas gift for grandma. Select your baby photo for touching christmas gifts for mom. Use a wedding photo for sentimental christmas gifts for your husband or wife. Custom Photo Pillows NEW! So many choices! Our new line of Custom Photo Pillows allow you to select a favorite photo and have it printed in black & white, color or sepia tone on a handmade quilted pillow. The finished accent pillow is 18" square with a 2" ruffle in your choice of 20 fabric sets to match our custom quilts. Personalized 3-D House Pictures With room for up to 22 family members, the family name, street address and even the family pets, artist Elaine Rock's adorable handmade house pictures make perfect wedding anniversary gifts! The whole family can be represented - right on down to the grandchildren. Don't forget the pets - 2 are included and breeds can be customized for an additional charge. Thank you for visiting Christmas Gifts With Heart Watercolor Paintings | Photo Quilts | Personalized House Pictures | Personalized Ceramic Platters Related Links | Awards *** Christmas Gifts Home Please visit Wedding Gifts , Birthday Gifts With Heart and Wedding Anniversary Gifts Our Company | Shipping | Privacy | Returns | Contact Us Reach us Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Pacific Standard Time at (888)216-GIFT (4438) or email us

Gift (2001) see larger

Amazon.com: DVD: The Gift (2001) Your Store DVD See All 31 Product Categories   Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help Advanced Search | Browse Genres | Top Sellers | New & Future Releases | Television Central | DVD Essentials | Blowout DVDs | Movie Showtimes | Used DVDs Search Amazon.com DVD Used DVDs VHS DVD & VHS Movie Showtimes Advanced Search Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . DVD INFORMATION Explore This DVD buying info technical information editorial reviews customer reviews RATE THIS DVD I dislike it I love it! 1 2 3 4 5 Edit your ratings Favorite Magazines! Subscribe to entertainment magazines today. Visit the Books Store Mr. Skin's Skincyclopedia : The A-to-Z Guide to Finding Your Favorite Actresses Naked by Mr. Skin Save 43% on Remington Shaver Don't miss out on this incredible price reduction on the Remington Titanium Ultra Men'sShaver , now only $39.99. Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . 100 used & new from $5.80 Have one to sell? Don't have one? We'll set one up for you. The Gift (2001) see larger picture List Price: $14.99 Price: $11.99 and eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details . You Save: $3.00 (20%) Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours 100 used & new from $5.80 Edition: See more product details Better Together Buy this DVD with Disturbing Behavior DVD ~ James Marsdentoday! Total List Price : $29.94 Buy Together Today: $25.45 Customers who bought this DVD also bought: Uncovered DVD The Hole DVD Twilight DVD ~ Paul Newman The Dreamers (Original Uncut NC-17 Version) DVD ~ Michael Pitt (II) Explore Similar Items : 17 in DVD , 1 in Books , and 2 in Video Product Details Starring : Cate Blanchett , Keanu Reeves , See more Director: Sam Raimi Encoding: Region 1 ( U.S. and Canada only. This DVD will probably NOT be viewable in other countries. Read more about DVD formats .) Format: Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen, Dolby Aspect Ratio(s): 1.85:1 Audio Encoding: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Rated: Not for sale to persons under age 18. Studio: Paramount Studio DVD Release Date: April 1, 2003 Run Time: 111 DVD Features: Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround) Cast & crew interviews Music video "Furnace Room Lullaby" performed by Neko Case & Her Boyfriends From IMDb: Quotes & Trivia ASIN: B00005JH9M Other Formats: Theatrical Average Customer Review: Based on 145 reviews. Write a review . Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,451 in DVD Click here for more technical details about this edition... Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Take a pinch of psychic phenomenon, add a dash of Southern gothic, stir in a sharp cast of talented actors, and you'll come up with The Gift , director Sam Raimi's ingenious gumbo of a thriller. It doesn't hold together as well as Raimi's earlier A Simple Plan , but the two films are stylistically connected-- The Gift was cowritten (with Tom Epperson) by A Simple Plan 's costar, Billy Bob Thornton, who in turn draws from the Deep South milieu that informed his own Sling Blade and his earlier collaboration with Epperson, One False Move . A similar sense of mystery permeates The Gift , in which a small-town Georgia psychic (perfectly played by Cate Blanchett) is tormented by tragic loss and visions connected to the murder of a local vamp (Katie Holmes) whose schoolteacher fiancé (Greg Kinnear) is a prime suspect. Other suspects include a hot-tempered bully (Keanu Reeves) whose battered wife (Hilary Swank) is one of the psychic's regular clients, and a traumatized local (Giovanni Ribisi) who is tenuously stabilized by therapy and antidepressants. While this trio of potential killers keeps the mystery alive, the requisite red herrings don't add much to the film's low-level suspense. Instead, Raimi is far more effective in creating an atmosphere of anxious dread that wells up from each of these finely drawn characters, starting with the widow psychic's extended mourning for her lost husband, the agonized terror of a beaten wife, and the percolating anger of a cuckolded spouse. All of this makes The Gift a worthy showcase for its esteemed cast, even as its plot twists grow increasingly familiar. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition. Spotlight Reviews (What's this?) Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 11 of 12 people found the following review helpful: CREEPY, HAUNTING THRILLER WITH A PSYCHIC TWIST --BRILLIANT! , November 5, 2003 Reviewer: Shashank Tripathi (Tokyo, Japan)- See all my reviews This stunner of a murder suspense thriller from Sam Raimi and Co. would have almost solely been carried by Cate Blanchett and her commanding screen presence, were it not for the haunting performance of Giovanni Ribisi as a simpleton town boy, or Keanu Reeves, who proved for once that he can act, in a gratingly negative role. Blanchett plays a clairvoyant woman in a small town, tarot cards and all, but thankfully she isn't shown to be omniscient and in fact makes lots of mistakes which people with better education or just greater knowledge could have avoided. An interesting turn of events lead to a murder, and almost anyone of the many characters could have been culpable. Katie Holmes plays the gorgeous victim, which only makes it twice as sweet! The suspense is contagious, the acting very convincing, and the background score is superb. Had me glued almost until the end, I did predict about 20 mins before the denouement who the killer could be, but that isn't too bad! I guess the movie's power lies in its character studies which happen to be wrapped in a homicide. Highly recommend this immaculate blend of high-octane drama and supernatural horror. At the very least, it'll leave you with plenty to think about. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 12 of 13 people found the following review helpful: A RURAL GOTHIC THRILLER... , August 20, 2001 Reviewer: Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle)- See all my reviews This is an interesting movie with a stellar cast. The performances are notable, particularly that of Giovanni Ribisi, who plays a mentally troubled auto mechanic who is on the verge of a complete meltdown. Keanu Reeves also does a star turn, as Hilary Swank's abusive and philandering husband. Cate Blanchett is excellent as the young, impoverished widow with kids, who just happens to have psychic gifts. The always underrated Greg Kinnear gives his usual excellent performance. The action takes place in a rural Georgia town, where Cate reads cards for clients in an attempt to make ends meet. Hilary Swank is one of Cate's clients. Cate counsels her to leave her abusive and womanizing husband, played by Keanu Reeves. This just earns Cate the emnity of Keanu, who begins a campaign of terror against her. Cate also reads cards for Giovanni Ribisi, who is a standout with his dazzling performance in the role of a mentally traumatized young man, whom Cate treats kindly. Cate is called to her son's school one day, where she meets with Greg Kinnear over something her son did. While there, she meets meets his kittenish fiancee, well played by Katie Holmes, who recognizes Cate as the local psychic and asks what she sees in their future. What Cate sees does not bode well for them. When Kinnear's fiancee predictably turns up murdered, the hunt is on for her killer. The obvious suspect is Keanu Reeves, who is tried and convicted for the murder, after Cate testifies at his trial. You see, the body was found in a pond on his property, after Cate had a vision about it, and Keanu had been having an affair with her and had been the last person known to have seen the deceased alive. After the trial, however, Cate has visions that lead her to believe that the real killer has escaped justice. While there are a number of red herrings that are thrown the viewer's way, the viewer should have no trouble zeroing in on the real killer. What is surprising is the way Cate escapes death at the hands of that killer. Therein lies the real surprise. Viewers should enjoy this quirky, though interesting, film. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) All Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. The real star of this movie is "The Classic". , July 29, 2005 Reviewer: Lorraine Smith (Richmond,B.C. Canada)- See all my reviews If you are a Sam Raimi fan then you know that his old car is always featured somewhere in his movies. This movie is great in every aspect but especially because if features "The Classic"( which is what Sam calls this car) in almost every scene. This adds a touch of comic delight to a very tense and suspenceful movie. This role is usually filled by Bruce Campbell but in lieu of his precense "The Classic" is a worthy stand in. All kidding aside this is an excellent movie and well worth your time. Keanu Reeves gives an excellent turn as a creepy wife beater. Cate Blanchet is as always flawless. Every role is excellently cast and acted with skill by all. Sam's direction is always great and this is no exception. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Can I Return This 'Gift?' , June 16, 2005 Reviewer: L. Mintah "Lotusneko" (Illinois)- See all my reviews While The Gift has a stunning, heavyweight cast of actors and boasts a screenplay co-written by Billy Bob Thornton, who wrote and directed Sling Blade, one of the greatest movies of all time, I was disappointed at the predictable plot, cliched screenplay, and one-dimensional characters. The Gift has a few things going for it. It has great indoor sets, and builds suspense well. There were some really scary moments. It is on par with a Lifetime movie, and not a bad way to kill an afternoon. Plus, how can you resist a cast featuring Cate Blanchett, Keanu Reeves, Hilary Swank, Katie Holmes, Greg Kinnear, and Giovanni Ribisi? Cate Blanchett stars as small town psychic Annie Wilson, raising three boys as a widow. She brings in extra money by doing card readings to people in need of serious mental and sometimes physical medical care. Here come the one-dimensional characters. This plot and group is so stereotyped and overdone that it would serve well as a Whodunit audience participatory dinner theatre murder mystery. Hilary Swank is the Abused Wife. Reeves is The Wife Beater, a bully so unbelievable he also threatens little boys. Ribisi is the crazy schizoprenic. Holmes is The Slutty Society girl. I would say how slutty she is, but it would spoil the story. The makeup is also really bad in this movie. Swank sports a shiner that screams "shoe polish," and is gone without a trace next time we see her. And when Holmes' dead body is shown, she looks like a ghost in a Gothic thriller rather than a dead body. She also looks like she is playing dead. Last, but not least, gratuitous nudity to push this up to an 'R' rating. Enjoy this Lifetime type film, but don't expect more than dinner theatre. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 1 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Once Again Ms. Blanchett Proves She Has A Lot Of Class!!! , May 27, 2005 Reviewer: John Baranyai "Book Nerd And Ex High School Geek Member Of The Chess Club" - See all my reviews In this movie Cate Blanchett plays a psychic who supplements her weekly income by giving card readings. A brutal murder takes place and Ms. Blanchett is requested to help solve the case by the local Sheriff. Ms. Blanchett's character proves that you don't need a lot of money to still have lots of class which is a lesson most rich folks I know could benefit from. Cate is supported by a powerhouse performance by Giovanni Ribisi who plays a traumatized young man barely stablized by his medication. This movie is sad, creepy at times, but never boring. --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: It's Creepy, But It's Good , May 1, 2005 Reviewer: K. Fontenot "wandering aimlessly about" (The Pelican State)- See all my reviews Somehow, "The Gift" fell through the cracks when it came out in theaters. That's hard for me to understand, because not only does it have a brilliant cast, it's a great story that holds on to you and keeps you enthralled for the entire time. It stars Cate Blanchett, Giovanni Ribisi, Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes. It also stars Keanu Reeves in what I consider to be his best performance as a wife-beating slackjaw who constantly hurts his wife(played with trailer trash charm by Hilary Swank). There's also a brief but very intense cameo by Dennis Hopper. The basic plot is this: A murder has occurred in Blanchett's sleepy little town. No one knows who committed it and leads are slim. In desperation, the local authorities seek out Blanchett's psychic abilities to look for clues. What ensues is a haunting tale of good ol' fashion spooks, creepy sequences, and a wonderful little mystery that keeps a grip on you. Written by Billy Bob Thornton, who has a knack for capturing the good folks of the South, and Tom Epperson. Sam Raimi directs this flick and though it is nothing like his "Evil Dead" films or even his "Spiderman" flicks, you can see bits and pieces of Raimi's brilliant and off-kilter humor throughout this film. A must see for fans of a good murder mystery, suspenseful horror, or Raimi fanatics. It's got an "R" rating for a reason, that being strong language, a little nudity, and plenty of butt-whipping violence. No kiddies allowed, unless you're a dolt. Highly recommended. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 145 customer reviews... Customers who bought DVDs directed by Sam Raimi also bought DVDs by these directors: George A. Romero Quentin Tarantino Peter Jackson Guillermo del Toro Lucio Fulci Explore similar directors So You'd Like To... see Sam Raimi's filmography! :by Johnny , Last Updated 1/30/05 review 30 must see movies you may have overlooked--pt 1 :by 3kingsandaduce , Avid movie watcher know where you've seen them before (LOTR: FOTR) :by paulbos , Movie Fan, LOTR buff and time-waster Listmania! Disturbing Behavior:A Guide To Fun/Scary Disturbing Movies :A list by goofypridebear , Movie Junkie Katie Holmes :A list by lightningfilmz , katie holmes fan Top 25 Celebrity Nude Scenes :A list by jahubert , Guy who likes movies Browse for DVD in: Amazon.com Outlet > DVD Outlet > DVDs Under $14.99 DVD > Genres > Drama > General DVD > Genres > Mystery & Suspense > Thrillers DVD > Studio Specials > Paramount Home Entertainment > Drama DVD > Directors > ( R ) > Raimi, Sam DVD > Today's Deals in DVD > DVDs Under $14.99 DVD > Genres > Mystery & Suspense > By Theme > Whodunnit? DVD > Genres > Mystery & Suspense > General • I have seen this DVD,and I want to review it. • E-mail a friend about this item . • Write a So You'd Like to... guide . • Check Purchase Circles . For more information about "The Gift," visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. If you need help with an order, please contact Customer Service . Please mark as many of the following boxes that apply: Product information is missing important details. Product information is incorrect.Propose corrections using our Online Catalog Update Form . The page contains typographical errors. The page takes too long to load. The page has a software bug in it. Content violates Amazon.com's policy on offensive language . 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valentine gifts for him

ROMANTIC GIFTS FOR HIM: Romantic Gift Ideas for men for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or just because romantic gifts for him, romantic gift ideas for him, romantic gifts for men The Happy Valentine's Day Flower and Gift Shop [romantic music ] [ romantic movies ] [ romantic valentine gifts for him ] ROMANTIC GIFTS FOR HIM romantic gifts romantic gift ideas romantic gifts for him romantic gifts for men *Valentine's Day Gifts * Anniversary Gifts * Birthday Gifts* Romantic Gift Ideas for that Special Man in Your Life! Valentine Gifts- main page Romantic Flowers Romantic Candy Romantic Jewelry Romantic Music Romantic Movies Romantic Gifts for Her VALENTINE FUN: Romantic Poems Romantic Quotes Romantic Ecards Find Great Romantic Gifts at these stores: ROMANTIC GIFTS FOR HIM Click Here for LOTS MORE romantic gift ideas! Did you know there are 5 primary "languages of love"? They are: Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Acts of Service, and Gifts. Remember, his language may not be the same as yours. Discover your guy's primary love language (most of us have several), and you will speak "I Love You" to him, loud and clear! GIFTS For some men, this love language speaks of love and caring. Putting extra thought into a gift and making it personal & special speaks "I love you" to him. Gifts tell him, "She was thinking of me." Pay extra attention as gift-giving days approach- he may give you hints! And don't always wait for special occasions- this guy loves spontaneous gifts, for no reason at all except that you love him. WORDS OF AFFIRMATION For this sensitive guy, telling him how much you love and appreciate him, in spoken words & in writing, will express your love for him. A delightfully romantic idea is a Message in a Bottle . Add to the effect by giving him love messages throughout the day- on the breakfast table, in his car, on his desk, on his pillow. Message in a Bottle PHYSICAL TOUCH For this man, think of sensual gifts. Give him gifts that include the senses of touch to communicate your love. Give him satin boxer shorts, available in red or black, monogrammed with first initials within two interlocking hearts! Silk Boxer Shorts-Red QUALITY TIME For this romantic man, your gifts should include time you will spend together. This will speak "I love you" to him more than the fanciest package. Present your gift during a romantic dinner for two, or at home in front of the fireplace. Plan a romantic get-away weekend, or a picnic. ACTS OF SERVICE For this man, think of all the little things you could do to make his life a little easier. If you do, he will feel loved! Tuck a coupon into his gift or card, telling him what you will do. Romantic Gifts for Him Romantic Gifts for Him: Personalized Gifts Personalized Romantic Gifts Personalized gifts tell him you care enough to give him something uniquely for him. Let him piece together how you feel with The Game of Love Puzzle . King of hearts pillowcases also come in a set (king and queen.) For a fun gift, give him a caricature couple print (created from a photo of the two of you) Make Me Late for Work Coffee Mug The Game of Love Puzzle King of Hearts Pillowcase Caricature Couple Print More Personalized Gifts for Him : Give message of love rings, make me late pillowcases & more. Click Here: Personalized Romantic Gifts Click Here for LOTS MORE personalized romantic gift ideas! Romantic Gifts for Him: Jewelry Find engraveable key rings, money clips, cufflinks, men's bracelets, men's rings, lapel pins, engraveable business card cases, sterling silver, engraveable belt buckle, quality men's jewelry at: Men's Jewelry and Gifts at Mondera.com Give him a Swiss Army watch, or a Swiss Army knife: . Romantic Gifts for Him: Photo Gifts Photo gifts of the two of you together are unique, personalized gifts. Create a Custom Photo Mug , or give him a Photo Mouse Pad . For a gift that's sure to impress, create a Pop Art Poster from a favorite photo! More Photo Gift Ideas- photo ties, photo sweatshirts, photo t-shirts, photo playing cards, giant puzzle, and more. Click Here: Photo Gifts Romantic Gifts for Him: Fragrance & Grooming Gifts Get great fragrance gifts and skin care at Zihr . Featured on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy", NBC, and For Him Magazine Grooming Awards: ZIRH, the Best in Men's Skin Care, makes a Great Gift. The choice of celebrities worldwide. Check Instant Rewards for free offers! Or give him bestselling fragrances like Royal Copenhagen, Jaipur, Paco Rabanne, Escape, or the romantic, spicy/sweet "Eternity" by Calvin Klein. Click Here: FragranceNet.com Men's Cologne Romantic Gifts for Him: Gadgets & Sports Gifts These may not seem like romantic gifts to you, but if it's what he likes, he'll love you for it. Just think of him as a little boy who still loves "toys!" Find load of high-tech gadgets he'll love at Sharper Image: s hower radios, personal entertainment centers, digital cameras, motorized CD racks & tie racks, personal care, office & travel, electronics & toys, great massage recliners, lots more: Gifts for Him from The Sharper Image Has he been hinting about a hand-held computer ? Find great computer stuff at Dell: Buy a DELL Now! Find sports memorabilia- framed photo of his favorite player, t-shirts & caps & more of his favorite team, & autographed memorabilia: Starstruck's Sports Shots - Your Favorite Player Framed!! Star Struck/Proteam - Shop for team-licensed sports merchandise & memorabilia Click Here for LOTS MORE romantic gift ideas! Want to know more about the five languages of love in a relationship? Read THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, by Gary Chapman. THE HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & GIFT SHOP Romantic Gifts for Him Romantic Gift Ideas for Him romantic gifts romantic gift ideas romantic gifts for him romantic gifts for men *Valentine's Day Gifts * Anniversary Gifts * Birthday Gifts* [romantic music ] , [ romantic movies ] , [ romantic valentine gifts for him ] http://www.bethanyroberts.com/Happy_Valentines_Day_Valentine_Flowers_and_Gifts.htm

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Current review "A great place to shop" Current review 3 x "Best sites of the week" Dec 2000, Oct 2001 & June 2002 "Loads of ideas" June 2000 "Website of the Week" June 2001 More reviews... Needapresent.com Ltd, Unit 12 B1, The Leathermarket, 11/13 Weston St, London, SE1 3ER Tel: 020 7407 4821 Terms & Conditions Come to Needapresent.com for funky, stylish, unusual & unique products for men, women and children. Think of all the times in the year you need to come up with presents - for a birthday, wedding, anniversary, house warming, a Valentine... there's Christmas, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Valentines Day the list goes on and on! We offer a fast delivery service in the UK - in around 2 days - and we deliver worldwide. Bookmark us and we will take the strain out of buying presents for good. We even offer business, corporate and incentive gifts too.