Christmas gifts. That means

buynothingchristmas - Alternatives home alternatives resources stories questions media about contact us To help you celebrate your Buy Nothing Christmas. Many of the following ideas were borrowed from Bill McKibben's Hundred Dollar Holiday and from the Center for a New American Dream . You are welcome to give us your gift ideas . Well, our buy-nothing circle spread just a little wider this Christmas, and I'd like to share a few highlights. They include some "transition" gift ideas too, for those who can't handle BNC just yet: - One friend saved us a lot of money by simply handing us some RAM for our PC. He knew we needed it and he had extra. It was great! - Two family members got creative and made by hand an "action figure" of my husband and a marionette of me! Of course, this wouldn't work if the individuals didn't happen to be so artistically talented, but what unique and personal gifts! - Another friend who makes pottery simply gave us a lovely bowl more special than anything we could have bought. - Parents bought us necessities that we would have had to buy anyway. - We made writing paper with hand-drawn silly little doodles and hand-folded envelopes for some friends. - For most of those who weren't ready to move to a buy-nothing Christmas, we bought organic herbal teas and fair-trade coffees... they don't add to the clutter because they're enjoyed and gone, and they support sustainable businesses! Small steps ... but in the right direction. - Sara Parks Ricker Brilliant website and ideas. You get my full support. As an another idea, try www.oxfamunwrapped.com . It allows you to send a gift to the 3rd World and depending on your budget you can buy chickens, blankets, radios, right up to a travelling theatre! Our 10 year old son has 'traded in' some store gift vouchers to buy a goat. We have sent friends and families christmas 'gifts'from this site. Best wishes - Chris, Nottingham, UK At our house, we try to make all Christmas gifts. That means that December is a flurry of activity as our children make salt dough ornamments and then paint them to give to teachers and other adult friends. Last year, one boy made playdough, and one made a crayon ball to give to the other. For our friends, we've painted white candles with Christian symbols; these have become tradition. For our extended families, we made books with old pictures and memories. Our children especially love hand-made gifts; in this age where everything is plastic, they relish the idea of love in a sweater. - Molly I have been going down to my local recycling centre to see what's on offer. To my surprise, I found 10 glass coffee containers. Which are now glassed painted and filled with goodies for kids. - Sophia I am putting together a booklet of favorite family recipes, I will give From a recent news story : Giving More by Giving Less It takes only a bit of creative thinking to come up with alternatives to excessive consumerism. Some ideas: * Students at Trinity Western University [Langley, BC, Canada] set up a free store, bringing things they didn't need and trading with each other. * One family does a "make or bake" among siblings, exchanging names and producing one homemade gift each. * Some families now include sponsoring a child overseas or providing a goat or chickens for a micro-enterprise as a means of teaching their children to reach out to others. Or they help out at a soup kitchen or deliver Christmas hampers together. * Time is often a bigger gift than money. Creating coupons that offer free babysitting or housecleaning, a neck massage or a special treat can mean more than a stocking stuffer. * Offer to teach someone a skill you have. * Write a poem, tell a story, draw a picture or take a photograph and present it in a creative way. * Give fairly traded coffee, tea or chocolate, get beautiful items at garage sales or buy gifts from shops that support artisans in poorer countries. * Make your own cards from recycled paper. * Avoid commercial wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and tape, which are not recyclable, and opt for gift bags, tea towels or nice boxes, which are eco-friendly. From an article by Debra Fieguth in Faith Today , Nov/Dec 2004. everyone a copy. A couple of years ago I did a calendar for the family with everyone's photos and birthdays. That was a big hit. - Karin Last year we had a cookie exchange instead of a big party for work. Everyone brought cookies or treats - whatever their specialty was (one person made tree ornaments instead). We RSVP'd so we knew how many cookies to make, one for each person because we had so many people. We all went home with piles of cookies and treats. It was great, and so much fun. - Annika Sangster What about bumper stickers? I'd love to puchase some of these posters in bumper sticker format. Available? - schrills Editors response: Hmm... I'm already feeling like we have too much stuff on our website. Would we sell the bumper stickers on the Buy Nothing Christmas website? Maybe start off with a colour printout of your favourite poster, laminate it and then glue it on your bumper. I know, sounds dumb, and like a lot of work. But the more time you spend creating your own world, your own messages, the more alive you become. I can help with re-formatting graphics or text for printouts. Let me know how it goes. If you have some success with bumper stickers, let me know and I'll try to spread the word. Best, Aiden. I'm going to give my art this Christmas. It gave me the motivation to finish the production of a demo CD. The first copies will go to my family and friends. —Gabriel Give Linux for Christmas! It's free and it works like a charm! These days, distributions include not only the operation system that runs your computer, but applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, picture and sound editing, etc. And give a hand installing it. It's not that it's too difficult, but some people's tech-savvyness is rather limited. —Gilles Pelletier We have just launched a new scheme in the UK called Wedding List Giving Ltd. It allows the prospective bride and groom to choose a charity and ask guests to donate towards the "gifts of their choice." Hannah Crouch [Editor's note: the site includes charities like the Alzheimers Society, Amnesty International, Cancer Research UK, Children's Express, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Oxfam, Tearfund and others.] Just try make a spiritual gift, not material, not an object. I prefer doing something - singing a song, writing a poem - for a person. Plus a little beatiful card, because most people want to "have something in the hands," it's just a habit. —Matania, Russia Great site, lovely idea. Some friends of mine have a jumble exchange; it works like this. Everyone brings clothes, books, ornaments or toys that they don't really use any more. It all gets laid out on tables or a tarpaulin in the garden (or in the house if you have room). Everyone picks out what they want (no money changes hands). At the end there's a "grand holding up" where everyone is shown what is left. If no-one wants it, it goes to a charity shop (thrift store). Usually there are three or four big bags left over to go to the charity shop. Another idea is to write out some nice poetry in calligraphy style and frame it. To avoid buying the frame, you could make it out of driftwood or broken china mosaic, or pebbles. —Yvonne Aburrow We bought wax and made homemade candles. My husband carved stamps, we made our own paper and made greeting cards on recycled paper. Most of all, we vow to get the Christmas spending craziness under control and pay attention to our families and each other instead of the mall! If you still want to give a gift, there are so many more worthy causes than supporting the manufacture of plastic toys. I work for a nonprofit organization that supports grassroots groups working to live sustainably, preserve biodiversity, and gain a voice in their future. See www.greengrants.org . Other groups doing similar work include www.globalfundforwomen.org , www.globalfundforchildren.org . For more information on global giving in general, see www.gwob.org —Erika Carlson For your husband: Go to your favourite market or second hand shop and get a nice frame. With your most creative writing, write your wedding vows. — Maud Ray I usually make fudge (it helps to find a really good recipe) and put it in tins. I also buy old frames for cards, etc., I think the person would enjoy. I don't buy for anyone that is not either my child or parents/inlaws. And other than for the kids, I refuse to pay a lot. The cheaper it is the more personal it is sometimes. — Shelley, Prince Edward Island, Canada For me, environment and peace issues are interrelated, inseparable even. Some gift purchases help the environment and peace: Give people CFL bulbs to save energy. Give Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolate made in people-friendly and earth-friendly ways. Buy recycled paper for people. If possible pay someone to buy clean electricity which is still more expensive than dirty electricity. And one of our special concerns: Purchase a Peace Bond from the Nonviolent Peaceforce which even now has peace teams in Sri Lanka. "Upon Maturity the Bearer will See a Large International Team Trained for Nonviolent Conflict Intervention Around the World". Go to NonviolentPeaceforce.org to learn more. Keep up the good work. — A. Palmer, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania Perhaps an alternative to department stores is Ten Thousand Villages which provides vital, fair income to Third World artisans by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. This alternative emphasizes the fair distribution of wealth while still in a consumerism context. — Shalom, Carl Make a sweater from yarn found at goodwill/used clothing store. — Kristina Giggz Look through your (and your kids') old clothes, cut out squares of fabrics they will remember, and make a little wall hanging or pillow or stuffed toy or whatever. Pick a nice quote or scripture verse and write it up in calligraphy or a nice handwriting. — Gwenyth When i was little my parents always recorded a tape of me singing christmas caroles and/or reading stories for my grandparents and other family that lived far away. When i got older i started to make little comics for my friends, that were about us and things we had done. always with an added twist and some inside humour. This is totally fun to do- even if you're drawings are crappy. i think that this year i will write stories for my friends and family telling them why i love them! — T.B. Make pillows or stuffed animals. Cut out soft pieces of felt and hot glue them on to the pillow to personalize them with messages or make cute faces. — Kaitlin Give something you don't use any more. A sweater that you only wore once; a set of drinking glasses you forgot you owned. Clean them up and give them as gifts. I have found all sorts of things in my apartment that I have no need for, but know someone who would appreciate and enjoy it! — Jessica When someone asks what I want for Christmas I tell them, "Peace on Earth. Goodwill for all". If they explore the idea further (usually with, "No, really. What do you want?") I tell them to pick a charity and give to them whatever they would have spent on me. It makes me feel good that someone who really needs it is getting something. And ... It always fits! — Bill Budenholzer Babysitting coupons for the new parents. Grow your own veggies, can or freeze them and give them away at Christmas/Solstice. Spend more time with your family and friends...when you're dead you won't be able to. Decide as a family to work less hours, spend less and have more time together. Shovel the sidewalk for your neighbour. Plant trees. — Lee Make a small drawing of your select person's living room or other room in their house and give it to them. — Julian van Mossel-Forrester I have been giving more gifts that consist of certificates of gift from the Heifer Project . This year the only exception is my 9 year old granddaughter. — Paul Shankland I am making several batches of biscuits ("cookies" your side of the pond!) and boxes from some lovely dark red recycled card. — Alice Crawford Plant plants, now, to give for Christmas. Herbs, in particular. This is one way to always be present in your loved one's days for a while to come. — jeela Buy a used book and in the inside cover explain why you chose the book for that person. Make tree ornaments out of old CDs. Purchase gifts at a fair-trade shop, garage sale or thrift shop. Make hand-made soap or candles. If you are skilled in a particular area, offer a lesson or class. Make a birdseed ball. Make a soothing, herb pillow filled with lavender, rose, etc. Collect quotes that make you think of someone. Stamp and address postcards for family members. For the elderly people in your life, research newspaper and magazine articles from their youth and present in a creative fashion. Make a calendar with pictures of family members and/or scenery. Wrap gifts in newspaper, maps, scarves or interesting clothing. Fill an old trunk or suitcase with fun clothing, hats and gaudy jewelry for your children to play dress-up. Make a puppet from a sock. Give away a valued possession. Frame a piece of your artwork. Fill a basket with home-made goodies. Bake your favourite holiday treat and pack in a recycled tin. Paint an empty wine bottle with non-toxic paint and fill with olive oil. Top with an oil pour spout that can be found at a gourmet cooking shop. Videotape and interview your elderly parents about childhood memories, how they met, etc., and give to siblings or children. Compile a list of memories and arrange them in a creative fashion. Do something exciting and challenging together (e.g., long walk, bike ride, hike, art course). Knit a stocking, hat, socks, etc. Write and illustrate a book for the young people in your life. Collect meaningful photos for the gift recipient, make colour photocopies and create a collage. Create a menu of various culinary delights (e.g., Tantalizing Thai, Mexican Fiesta, etc.) and have the gift recipient choose one of the options. Create coupons for a massage, spring cleaning, child-minding, manicure, etc.

gift ideas for boys!

Amazon.com: So You'd Like to... see cool gift ideas for boys! Your Store See All 31 Product Categories   Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help Improve Your Recommendations | Your Amazon Home | Your Profile | Learn More Search Amazon.com Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Restaurants Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Beta Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Travel Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Scientific Supplies Medical Supplies Indust. Supplies Automotive Home Furnishings Lifestyle Pet Toys Arts & Hobbies Web Search So you'd like to... see cool gift ideas for boys! A guide by Ariel ,Observer of what kids like? E-mail this guide to a friend Mario Party 5 Availability: Currently unavailable Super Mario 64 Buy new : $29.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Nintendo DS Buy new : $129.95 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See all products Okay, now with this christmas coming so quickly, parents are probably wondering what to get your boys for christmas. This is a list featuring toys for boys of different ages. The age range is mainly between 6 and 17. (However I have a 22 yr. old brother and know that his 19-24 yr. old friends also play video games and stuff lol.) Okay so I'll list some gift ideas for any boy and you decide which ones you think are what the boy your getting the gifts for would want. (P.S. I'm also going to write a girls list next so look for it please!)((Oh yes and GIRLS may like some of these toys as well!) P>S> some of the game cube and playstation 2 games also are made for all the systems, computer, Xbox, Game Cube, and Playstation 2, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS (So if your kid doesn't have the system needed to play the games below, but has another gaming system, look up these games' titles except under their game system and see if they have one of these titles for that system.) BY THE WAY the NINTENDO DS plays GAME BOY ADVANCE GAMES and GAME BOY ADVANCE GAMES WILL STILL BE MADE!!! The price of the GAME BOY ADVANCE SP will go down and will still be a great gift because GBA games are still going to come out because Nintendo DS games are harder to make and are more expensive most-likely...as is the Nintendo DS!!! 'Sharper Image Signature Series Robosapien - Chrome (WW250CHR)' 'Sharper Image Signature Series Robosapien - Metallic Blue (WW250BLU)' 'Mario Party 5' (Mario party 6 is about to come out though so get Mario Party 6 instead because it's coming out like 3-5 weeks before christmas!) IMPORTANT: look for the games ratings located on the bottom left corner of the game! : E = everyone (6 and up) T = teen (12 and up) M= mature (16 and up) and any other rating is...not going to be listed here that's for sure! Basically any other symbol you see (and even some M symbols) are similar to rated R movies and BEYOND rated R movies....liker the next rating up after R) ~I also encourage you to look for similar items as these because some have products made for age ranges like the zipline...they have different titles for those. 'Super Mario 64' 'Nintendo DS' 'The Urbz: Sims in the City' more stuff: 'Metroid Prime 2: Echoes' 'Need For Speed Underground 2' 'Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater' 'Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3' 'Dragon Ball Z: BUUs Fury' 'Game Boy Advance SP - Platinum' 'Game Boy Advance SP- Onyx' 'Game Boy Advance SP- Flame' 'Game Boy Advance SP - Cobalt' 'Radio Control Flying Saucer: Blue & Silver (27 MHz)' 'Spy Robot' 'Loud 'N Clear 2-Channel Headset Walkie Talkies' 'Spy Tracker System' 'Spy Bug Remote Listening Device' 'Spy Listener' 'Motorola T6500R GMRS / FRS Rechargeable Two-Way Radios, Khaki (2 Pack)' 'Motorola T7100R GMRS/FRS Rechargeable Two-Way Radios, Silver (2 Pack)' 'Spy Tool Kit' 'Spy Communicators' '50'' Big Bounce Ball' 'Large Space Dome Play Tent' 'Fun Ride Deluxe Classic Zip Line' Products mentioned include: 1. Mario Party 5 by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Availability: Currently unavailable Used & new from $25.99 2. Super Mario 64 by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Offered by: GameStop List Price: $34.99 Buy new : $29.99 You Save : $5.00 (14%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $19.98 3. Nintendo DS by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us List Price: $149.99 Buy new : $129.95 You Save : $20.04 (13%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $114.95 4. The Urbz: Sims in the City by Electronic Arts Offered by: J&R Music and Computer World List Price: $39.99 Buy new : $29.88 You Save : $10.11 (25%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $18.90 5. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Offered by: J&R Music and Computer World List Price: $49.99 Buy new : $44.88 You Save : $5.11 (10%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $36.99 6. Need For Speed Underground 2 by Electronic Arts Offered by: J&R Music and Computer World Buy new : $49.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $23.76 7. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater by Konami Offered by: J&R Music and Computer World List Price: $49.99 Buy new : $29.88 You Save : $20.11 (40%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $15.45 8. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 by Atari Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Target List Price: $49.99 Buy new : $29.99 You Save : $20.00 (40%) Availability: Usually ships in 2 to 3 days Used & new from $16.99 9. Dragon Ball Z: BUUs Fury by Atari Average Customer Rating: Offered by: GameStop List Price: $29.95 Buy new : $19.99 You Save : $9.96 (33%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $13.95 10. Game Boy Advance SP - Platinum by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Offered by: GameStop Buy new : $79.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $67.90 11. Game Boy Advance SP- Onyx by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Availability: Currently unavailable Used & new from $69.99 12. Game Boy Advance SP- Flame by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Availability: Currently unavailable Used & new from $69.49 13. Game Boy Advance SP - Cobalt by Nintendo Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $79.95 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $63.91 14. Radio Control Flying Saucer: Blue & Silver (27 MHz) by Valen Brost Game Co Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $19.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 15. Spy Robot by Wild Planet Availability: This item is currently not available. Customers also shopped for these similar items . 16. Loud 'N Clear 2-Channel Headset Walkie Talkies by 200 Toy Offered by: Toys"R"Us List Price: $14.99 Buy new : $12.99 You Save : $2.00 (13%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 17. Spy Tracker System by Wild Planet Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $19.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 18. Spy Bug Remote Listening Device by Wild Planet Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $9.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 19. Spy Listener by Wild Planet Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Imaginarium List Price: $12.99 Buy new : $8.98 You Save : $4.01 (31%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 20. Motorola T6500R GMRS / FRS Rechargeable Two-Way Radios, Khaki (2 Pack) by Motorola List Price: $79.99 Buy new : $49.99 You Save : $30.00 (38%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $43.50 21. Motorola T7100R GMRS/FRS Rechargeable Two-Way Radios, Silver (2 Pack) by Motorola Average Customer Rating: Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days. Used & new from $54.99 22. Spy Tool Kit by Wild Planet Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Imaginarium List Price: $19.99 Buy new : $14.99 You Save : $5.00 (25%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 23. Spy Communicators by Wild Planet Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $19.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 24. 50'' Big Bounce Ball by Sport Fun Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us List Price: $29.99 Buy new : $24.99 You Save : $5.00 (17%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 25. Large Space Dome Play Tent by Pacific Play Tents Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Imaginarium Buy new : $49.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 26. Fun Ride Deluxe Classic Zip Line by Spring Swings & More Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Imaginarium Buy new : $99.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Create your own guide! See the Best Guides Top 100 So You'd Like to... guides Search So You'd Like to... guides More about Ariel Add to Favorite People Related So You'd Like to... Create a guide Become a Spy : A guide by Alexa Green, Experienced Spy Play all the metroid games? : A guide by winton@people..., Intergalactic Bounty Hunter become a world-class spy : A guide by J. Frank, Writer, Aging Kid Be a super-spy : A guide by tidalwave0007, A 9-year-old super spy know all the right gear for a spy mission : A guide by softballchick907, Emily, Kid super spy Make the ULTIMATE VIDEO GAME COLLECTION!!!! : A guide by dux432, Video Game Player Get the best game systems : A guide by jojowatermelon, amateur gamer Create a guide Related Listmania! Add your list Spy Stuff A list by C.T., Student All the right tools to being a spy A list by Jackie, kid who spies spy gear A list by Michael, student Add your list Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . Search People Purchase Circles All Products for Top of Page Amazon.com Home | Directory of All Stores Our International Sites: Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | Japan | France  | China Contact Us | Help | Shopping Cart | Your Account | Sell Items | 1-Click Settings Investor Relations | Press Releases | Careers Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1995-2005, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

Creative Gift Baskets Articles

Creative Gift Baskets - Gifts BW gifts | gifts Resources | Add URL Wine Gifts & Baskets From the casual wine drinker to the serious enthusiast, we have a gift that will make them smile. Our selection includes premium wine, gourmet baskets, distinctive champagne sets & the very finest California and Northwest wines. Creative Gift Baskets Articles Beadwork Gift Basket Ideas Some great gift ideads for yourself or a beader buddy...( Continue Reading ) Beading Gift Basket Ideas Give a beading basket as a gift with these great ideas for making your own beading gift basket...( Continue Reading ) Got a Writer on Your Gift List? - Creative Writing for Teens Archives Got a Writer on Your Gift List? - Here are some fun gifts for a writer: Writers' Gift Baskets. They come packed with books on publishing, a coffee mug that says "Writers are Novel Lovers," and lots of edible goodies. (Anyone got me on their list?)......( Continue Reading ) Make Your Own Quilting Gift Baskets - free step by step instructions Make Your Own Quilting Gift Baskets - free step by step instructions...( Continue Reading ) Got a Writer on Your Gift List? - Creative Writing for Teens Archives Got a Writer on Your Gift List? - Here are some fun gifts for a writer: Writers' Gift Baskets. They come packed with books on publishing, a coffee mug that says "Writers are Novel Lovers," and lots of edible goodies. (Anyone got me on their list?)......( Continue Reading ) Creative Gift Baskets Directory Links christmas gifts for coworkers chocolate holiday gifts gifts for birthday gifts in india collectibles gifts gift baskets england womens birthday gifts valentines gifts for women best graduation gifts home made valentine gifts baby boy gifts north carolina gift baskets gifts to make valentine gifts for a man gifts for less corporate golf gifts great valentines gifts african american gifts gift baskets for sale gifts of food gourmet picnic baskets gift baskets of tennessee perfect graduation gifts adult gag gifts seattle gift baskets dbgt animated gifts custom corporate gifts gifts valentines day cheap baby gifts anniversary year gifts simple gifts tab hand made christmas gifts sympathy baskets dog breed gifts best gift baskets christmas gifts for neighbors florida gift baskets longaberger easter baskets gag retirement gifts unique gifts gifts for him christmas gifts online gifts for expecting mothers cool valentine gifts wine gifts Popular Search Terms: Gifts BW © 2004 Gifts BW All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved. This site is not related to Brajeshwar or Brajeshwar.com in anyway, shape or form

Teacher Gift

Happy Holidays: Thoughtful Teacher Gifts Scholastic Home | About Us | Site Map Search | Privacy | Customer Service Get Your Free Parent Newsletter Sign Up Now Families Home Your Early Learner Your School-Age Child Family Matters Book Fairs Book Clubs RAISING KIDS TODAY THE RIGHT STUFF PARENT GUIDES ALL ABOUT READING SPONSORS & PARTNERS Shop by Age • Birth-2 • 3-5 • 6-8 • 9-12 Specialty Shops • Parent and Child • Expert Picks • See all Brands • Neurosmith • Fisher Price • See all Learn It • ABCs & 123s • Sights, Sounds & More • See all Shop by Department • Books • Toys & Games • Software • Videos & Music -- Celebrate Teachers with Thoughtful Gifts Skip the "#1 Teacher" knick-knacks — try these winners instead. By Toby Leah Bochan The holidays are a perfect time to show your child's teachers how much you appreciate all they do. So what do teachers really want? Favorite gifts cited were candles, plants, candy, and fruit baskets, but we've gathered up some even better — and sometimes cheaper — ideas that are sure-fire teacher winners and heart-warmers. 1. Write from the Heart "I know it's corny, but getting a thoughtful thank-you card from a student is a hundred times better than a bottle of perfume or a knick-knack," Kate, a 7th-grade social studies teacher reports, echoing a common sentiment. It may seem simple, but a poem or letter of thanks from your child is a gesture that's truly appreciated. Have him tell a story about a special moment during the school year, or about what school would be like without a favorite teacher. As for you, consider writing a letter to the principal lauding a teacher's good work and mailing a copy to that teacher. Or if you feel a teacher is especially noteworthy, take the initiative to nominate her for an award such as Scholastic's National Teacher of the Year Award . 2. Get Together and Give Get parents and children of a grade (or even several!) together to work up a sweat while doing something nice for teachers. Organize a free car wash just for teachers in the school, or clean and spruce up the teacher break room with wildflowers and fresh-baked goodies. If parents can volunteer in the classroom and take over for a few hours, put together a luncheon for all the teachers so they can really sit down and relax for awhile together. Have each class take on a task such as making centerpieces, place cards or tablecloths while parents take on food duty, bringing in favorite dishes to share. 3. Gifts from the Class Again and again, when asked what holiday gifts meant the most to them, teachers answered, "something handmade by the class," whether it be a poster with every child's handprint under a "thank you" banner, cookies made by tiny hands, or a simple framed class photo signed by the children. Another great cooperative class ideas is to have each child create a flower out of cardboard and paint, or wires and fabric, and create a bouquet that will brighten the winter days. 4. Give to the Classroom Many teachers pay for school supplies out of their own pockets, so a gift basket filled with colorful pens, paper clips, post-its, stickers, stamps, and other office goodies is always a favorite gift. Calendars and any items that help the teacher stay organized are also great. If you can organize the parents of the class, ask the teacher for a "wish-list" of books (and even software and videos) and assign parents a book each to create a new classroom library. 5. Make it Personal Teachers have lives outside the classroom and many of them have hobbies and collections. Find out what activities your child's teacher participates in after school and really show them you care about them as people, adding a snow-globe to a growing collection, giving a skein of pretty yarn to a knitter, or a box of golf balls to a golfer. If you can't ferret out this information, a popular collectable gift to give is a Christmas ornament, which can be handmade or personalized by a child. 6. Treat Teachers like Royalty Let teachers know that you appreciate all those long hours on their feet and at their desks by giving them the treats they may not give themselves. A pedicure or massage is a great gift. Get parents to chip in for a day at a local spa, tickets to the theater, or a gift certificate to a first-rate restaurant so he can really escape the stresses of school life. Or for a simpler escape, gift certificates for a movie or video rentals — perhaps tied up with a box of candy or popcorn — will surely be appreciated. Back to top • Introduction • Calendar • Articles • Printables • Booklists The PTA: Over a Century of Accomplishments Since its founding in 1897, the PTA has been involved in a lot of important programs and accomplished a lot, including: • Lobbying for child labor laws • Helping launch the federal lunch program in 1946 • Participating in field testing of polio vaccine & securing it for all school children • Spearheading the National Coalition for the Prevention of Drug & Alcohol Abuse • Developing Respecting Differences to promote diversity & inclusiveness in school • Fighting for automobile safety belt & child restraint legislation • Initiating nation-wide anti-violence campaign • Partnering in 2002 with the Kaiser Foundation to create a guide on talking about sex with children -- Back To Basics Toys Choose from a large collection of the classic toys you loved as a kid. From Lincoln Logs to Radio Flyer Wagons, Back To Basics Toys has it all! Go Now ALL ABOUT READING Make reading a part of your child's life! Get expert insight, book lists, and tips for tots to teens. Go Now THE SCHOLASTIC STORE ONLINE Free Parent Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter, featuring book recommendations and ideas to build your child's skills. Sign Up Now   TM & © 2005-1996 Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved. Read our Privacy Policy Statement | Terms of Use

Gift Ideas A gift

Thrifty Living - Gifts from the Kitchen Gifts from the Kitchen A gift from the kitchen is twice blessed; it gives pleasure to the giver as well as to the receiver. Many holidays are so commercialized that much of the true meaning of the holiday has been lost. While it is nice to give money or fancy gifts, no gift is more appreciated than those that are homemade or handmade. Those are the special gifts that come from the heart and take extra time and thought. Gifts created in your kitchen are a special way to share a little of yourself. Food Gift Ideas A gift from the kitchen does not need to be elaborate or be made of costly ingredients. It should be a bit out of the ordinary and something the receiver is not likely to make. Try to match the gift of food to the food likes of the person who will receive it. When thinking about what you might give as a gift, think about something You enjoy making; You and your children or grandchildren could make together; The recipient would not make for themselves; or That is your specialty. Presenting the Gift The way the gift is presented can be almost as important as the food itself. In some cases it is nice to use a container that will be used after the food in or on it has disappeared. Flea markets and yard sales are great places to shop for these kinds of giveaway containers. Here are a few suggestions: A loaf of bread tied to a cutting board accompanied by a bread knife. Tea or coffee blend in a bright canister or in a tea or coffee cup. - Jams, jellies, and other spreads in a reusable container with a spoon or spreader attached. Anything wrapped in a tea towel. Cookies in a flowerpot lined with plastic wrap instead of a cookie jar. Unusually shaped cookies packed with their cutters. Recipes Turkey Noodle Soup Mix A welcome gift during the holiday season, when there is usually plenty of leftover turkey meat on hand. 1/4 cup red lentils 2 Tablespoons dried onion 1-1/2 Tablespoons chicken-flavored bouillon granules 1-1/2 teaspoons dried dill weed 1/8 teaspoon ground celery 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1 small bay leaf 1 cup uncooked medium egg noodles Layer ingredients in the order given in a glass jar. Pretty Packaging: Cover the lid with a round or square of fabric that is cut 2-1/2" larger in diameter than the top of the jar. Fasten with a rubber band; tie with ribbon to cover rubber band. Gift Tag Greeting: "This makes about 10 cups of good, hot soup perfect for a cold night. Here's how to make it:" Turkey Noodle Soup 8 cups water 1 jar Turkey-Noodle Soup mix 1 package (10 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables 2 cups cooked, diced turkey or chicken Bring water to boil in large saucepan over high heat; stir in soup mix. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cooked turkey. Cook 5 minutes longer or until noodles and vegetables are tender. Prepared by Barbara Farner , Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness. New Features | Home Care | Wellness | Consumer Economics | Foods & Nutrition Home | Contact Us