Gift Ideas Share a

Holiday Gift Ideas from our Website Visitors More Time More Fun More Nature More Fairness Turn the Tide Kids & Commercialism Simplify the Holidays In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards Multimedia Talk About It Conscious Consumer Institutional Purchasing Back to School I Buy Different (youth site) Less Can Mean More In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards Talk About It Take Action Act Locally Green Cars Today Do Not Junk New Dream Book Club Action Forum Give/Get Advice In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards New Dream Poll What's New Campaigns/Programs New Dream Store In Balance (newsletter) New Dream E-cards Partners Testimonials Staff Careers Privacy Policy My Turn the Tide My Actions My Friends My Events My Profile My Conversations New Dream Store Privacy Policy More of What Matters Getting More More Time Intro Take Back Your Time Time Day Poll Retreat Resources More Fun More Nature More Fairness Talk About It Turn the Tide Intro Preview the Steps Partner Groups FAQ Publications Listing Order Print Copies In Balance What Kids Want Sustainable Planet Tips for Parenting Good Times... Simplify the Holidays Responsible Purchasing New Dream Video More Fun, Less Stuff Kit Turn the Tide Workbook EPP Video Bumper Sticker Bicycle Sticker Easy Does It Simplify the Holidays Home Alternative Gift Fairs What They Are Where They Are Success Stories What They're Like Organize Your Own Brochure Holiday Tips Getting Started Gift Ideas Share a Gift Idea Gift Basket Holiday Stats Polls 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Simplifying Story Kids & Commercialism Home Brochures Art/Essay Contest Marketing Facts Tips Even More Tips What Kids Say Pressure Schools Endorsers Take Action Current Alert All Actions Action Updates Petitions Discuss Actions Multimedia Expand All | Collapse All Holiday Gift Ideas from our Website Visitors When we first launched the " Simplify the Holidays " campaign in 1998, we wanted to compile some good gift ideas. 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

Gifts for Women Merchant

Gifts for Women - Find the tested safest Gifts for Women web-stores here. Tested Safest Gifts for Women Stores - Gifts for Women Merchant Options Tested Safest Gifts for Women Websites Home : Hot Topics : Gifts for Women Total Body Wellness Products for Healthier Living! Know Before You Go! about the testing Give the Gift of Health to the one you love! We offer quality products with personalized service for all your health and nutrition needs. TBW Gift Certificates are now available. Uncompromising Quality, Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff, and a 100% Money Back Guarantee! more.. Learn more about this company. Bodies By Design Professional Treatments at Home Know Before You Go! about the testing Professional treatments for spa or at-home use, guaranteed to work. Stretch mark cream, microdermabrasion kit, ionic hair dryer, manicure set, cellulite treatment cream, spider vein cream, seaweed soap, sunless tanning lotion, wrinkle patch and more. Read real customer testimonials. Free shipping offer. more.. Learn more about this company. Katlyns Korner Gifts Gifts & Gift Ideas Know Before You Go! about the testing Now Delivering Lasting Memories. A truly unique gift store where youll find unique gifts, exquisite handcrafted candles & soaps, fine art, collectibles, home dcor, gift baskets, wedding gifts, bath & beauty, novelty, imported gifts, and more. We have a large selection of gifts for all occasions. more.. Learn more about this company. Israel-Diamonds.com Diamonds, Gemstones & Jewelry Know Before You Go! about the testing Diamonds, gemstones and jewelry, with precious and semi precious stones, available from Israel-diamonds.com. Select from a wide variety of diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and other jewelry at low prices. Browse our special offers and buy jewelry at great prices today. more.. Learn more about this company. Luxe Vivant Mind & Body Tools Know Before You Go! about the testing Luxe Vivant offers unique and innovative products for mind & body. Discover luxury bath & body products, unique gifts, biofeedback & mind machines, DVDs, CDs, MP3 downloads and books for yoga, meditation, athletic & mental development, sleep, fitness, romance, weight loss, hypnosis and more. more.. Learn more about this company. Moosejaw Outdoor Equipment and Clothing Know Before You Go! about the testing Moosejaw offers amazing deals on the finest outdoor equipment and apparel from The North Face, Arcteryx, Patagonia, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Moosejaw and much more. Love the madness. Moosejaw. more.. Learn more about this company. Enhanced Ideas Gifts galore & more. Know Before You Go! about the testing We've made online shopping easy. Find everything from collectibles, figurines, blown glass, novelty items, fine jewelry, decorative candles, fountains, home decor, garden decor and much, much more. Including realistic, heritage, americana, mythical, magical and spiritual decor. more.. Learn more about this company. The Watch Prince Watch Bands and Accessories Know Before You Go! about the testing The Watch Prince offers quality watch accessories, including watch winders, watch boxes, and watch bands. Our specialty is difficult-to-find leather watch band sizes. Our customers appreciate same-day shipping, 30-day returns, and toll-free customer service. more.. Learn more about this company. Free-CDSoftware.com Free CD Software Know Before You Go! about the testing Enjoy over 125 name brand software titles free. Choose from a great selection of games, education, lifestyle, cooking, home remodeling, and much more all by publishers that you trust. more.. Learn more about this company. Pro-Med Products, Inc. Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Equipment Know Before You Go! about the testing Pro-Med Products: Buy direct and save on physical therapy products and rehabilitation equipment. We carry an extensive range of rehabilitation equipment, modalities, physical therapy supplies, assitive devices, traction products, massage, tilt and treatment tables. more.. Learn more about this company. 1 - 10 of 56 List Your Website Hot Topics As Seen on TV Auctions Boating Equipment Discount Cigarettes Feng Shui Gifts for Men Gifts for Women Party Supplies Patriotic Gifts Superstores Wedding Favors Categories Art Beauty Business Cars Clothing Computers and Web Education Electronics Entertainment Finance Flowers Food and Kitchen Gifts Health and Wellness Hobbies Holidays Home and Family Hot Topics Jewelry Lawn and Garden Pets Saving Money Self Help Special Events Sports Toys and Games Travel Vision Home Page - Corporate Info - Contact Info. - List Your Website © 2004 Safe Shopping Network. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement - Terms of Use/Disclosure

housewarming gifts The Housewarming

Intelecard News Online |ICN Wire | Thursday, 22 September 2005 Home | Subscribe | Advertise | Contact Us In This Issue Home Top Stories By the Numbers Legal Briefs tzone LMV Street Talk IPCA Insight Calendar Special Section New to prepaid? Glossary Editorial Calendar ICN International Advertise Media Kit SuperGuide Search Listings Get Listed Inside ICN About ICN Advisory Board Archives Subscribe Resources Advertiser's Links AXCESSRATEsm Helpful websites Downloads (PDFs) Profile Ads | American Express offers housewarming gifts The Housewarming Gift Card Gold Edition, an American Express branded gift card, will be available to the real estate, homebuilding and mortgage industries beginning January 2005. The card is designed specifically as a consumer transaction closing gift. Almost 180 select merchant establishments will accept this stored value card including home furnishing related names such as Williams-Sonoma, Pier 1, Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, Macy's, Pottery Barn and Linens & Things. Other Wire Articles Wireless: Brightpoint adds services Retail: Launch of GEO Asia from Locus Business: New CEO at Pago Distribution: 8x8 signs with Hello Direct Next Gen: NexTone Communications joins Level 3 program Business: Yankee Group analyzes bcgi ruling Distribution: Brightpoint, VTech partner on VoIP Payments: Trycera launches prepaid MasterCard Business: Arbinet-theexchange expands in Hong Kong Wireless: IDT launches TYo Mobile Wireless: Virgin Mobile USA and UTStarcom debut new camera phone Wireless: IDT selects Brightpoint Payments: PreCash adds execs Payments: Debisys and Emida merge Payments: RBS Lynk launches GiftVantage card Next Gen: eBay to acquire Skype Retail: BankFirst partners with Next Estate Retail: Evolution Prepaid Visa joins Green Dot Financial Network Distribution: Debisys signs contract with AmeriTel Wireless: bcgi offers services for MVNOs Next Gen: PrivateTel launches Click-and-Connect Retail: Roslyn Telco launches two cards Business: Total Call providing for Katrina victims Retail: Arthur Blank & Co. introduces DualCard Payments: IPP, Red Cross partner on hurricane relief EXPO EXTRA-Distribution: UTA invites attendees to test their skills EXPO EXTRA-Wireless: Titan General Holdings acquires Oblio; BRAVO launches EXPO EXTRA-Distribution: Direct Wholesale announces several initiatives EXPO EXTRA-Next Gen: NetworkIP launches international VoIP service EXPO EXTRA-Payments: SVS expands Scoot program EXPO EXTRA: Wireless: Horizon Mobile targets Hispanic market EXPO EXTRA-Retail: Phoenix, Protocol target travelers EXPO EXTRA-Business: MissionTelecard launches Enterprise Edition EXPO EXTRA-Retail: Ta'Facil joins Green Dot network EXPO EXTRA-Retail: Total Call launches two new cards EXPO EXTRA-Next Gen: Dialexia named to 'Pulver 100' EXPO EXTRA-Wireless: Locus to introduce new GSM features EXPO EXTRA-Payments: BankFirst to offer gift card drawing EXPO WIRE-Business: WCGS to introduce new BAT-1000 applications EXPO EXTRA-Wireless: Zamia Group, CellPoint target Latino market EXPO EXTRA-Payments: NMITech offers Profit Center EXPO EXTRA-Wireless: Beyond Wireless launches GSM wireless service EXPO EXTRA-Payments: Digital World to offer merchant solution EXPO EXTRA-Business: WCGS, AmeriVon team up on dialer EXPO EXTRA-Business: EZ Scores' new partner programs EXPO EXTRA-Retail: Navigata launches e-commerce store EXPO EXTRA-Wireless: Smetannikov to discuss MVNOs EXPO EXTRA-Wireless: MobileMax to present SmartPlug Payments: Morgan Beaumont adds payroll card Wireless: Motorola, Apple launch phone with iTunes Wireless: Orion Information Services merges with CellPoint Payments: NetBank Payment Systems appoints Bridget Brown Next Gen: FCC VoIP 911 panel takes shape Next Gen: 8x8 teams with Level 3 Communications Wireless: Verizon Wireless enables hurricane help Next Gen: Microsoft acquires VoIP firm Wireless: Sprint 'opens for business' Distribution: Affordable Telecom Wireless: Skype signs up mobile network partner Wireless: Boston Communications will appeal Wireless: U.S. Cellular targets Hispanic market Payments: MasterCard announces IPO Payments: COO leaves Morgan Beaumont Wireless: FTS Wireless partners with Metro PCS Business: Q Comm, IPP of America partner Payments: Payspot partners with VeriFone Business: Morgan Beaumont makes marketing changes Wireless: iLoop Mobile to partner with MyMoneyPlus Next Gen: New Global Telecom sells unit to StarVox Payments: Citibank to launch new product Business: FaceTime Communications provides service for Google Talk Business: Texas cell phone ban to target teenage drivers Business: EZ Scores expands affinity program Payments: Football team to launch gift cards Business: Morgan Beaumont to partner with Symmetrex Next Gen: iBasis partners with Telefonica Payments: CFLPA to launch cobranded prepaid cards Business: Viscom International appoints Barona Retail: NetSpend to sell prepaid cards at Safeway Business: Verso reports management changes Next Gen: VoX Communications appoints Harden Business: Quality Publishing partners with the IPCA Retail: 7-Eleven partners with Omnicom Wireless: Orion to deliver Brightcontent services Retail: TSYS expands services to Portugal Distribution: Morgan Beaumont expands corporate headquarters Retail: TaFacil Corp. signs with Next Estate Communications Business: Excel parent company acquires Brooktrout Payments: NetMusic partners with Media Global Infrastructure Business: Pocket Billboards appoints Silverman Next Gen: 8x8 signs with Melaleuca Payments: Relay Capital Corp. to market iWire cards Wireless: Brightpoint subsidiary appointed master agent Business: Legal Alert-- Fines Levied by Texas PUC Payments: Doc Hollywood Kidz, Relay Capital launch stored value card Business: OTC becomes CVT Prepaid Solutions Payments: 99Bill and NetEase launch online prepaid card payment platform Wireless: T-Mobile reports 2005 results Next Gen: Techedge to launch new VoIP product Payments: ChexCard signs with Green Dot Financial Network, adds load locations Payments: Morgan Beaumont, Meta Payment Systems to develop cards Payments: RBS Lynk certifies Integra service Payments: Retail Decisions signs with Fifth Third Bank Processing Solutions Business: Sprint and Nextel to close merger Business: Amrica Mvil acquires operator in Peru Wireless: Verizon Wireless has new prepaid service Wireless: LeapFrog and Enfora launch prepaid phone Payments: Football celebrity to launch prepaid card Wireless: Brightpoint partners with Skype Retail: HiCoLoCo launches card website Wireless: ESPN Mobile and Brightpoint finalize agreement Next Gen: CallWave launches VoIP-enhanced phone Payments: Trycera Financial signs with Western Union Next Gen: VoxBox World Telecom Inc. signs with Infinity Mobile USA Inc. Payments: Study focuses on gift card incentives Next Gen: Compro Technologies teams with Excel Switching Corp. Payments: FSV launches stored value program Wireless: Brightpoint signs with InProdicon Payments: WoW! Technologies to promote Philippine tourism Business: FCC fines InPhonic Payments: Relay Capital moves its corporate headquarters Business: Sprint and Nextel name senior vp for combined company Payments: Viscom International Inc. launches bilingual website Next Gen: Study reveals Latin American VoIP revenue drop Wireless: InfoSonics expands product with Edge Wireless Next Gen: Empirix launches Hammer DEX Wireless: In-Stat appoints new director of wireless research Payments: USA Paycard launches the PayCard Payments :Euronet acquires Euronet Worldwide Inc. Payments: Study projects international stored value to top $5 trillion Wireless: Calypso Wireless introduces new dual-mode phone Distribution: ExxonMobil's 'ewiz' kiosks gain ground at c-stores Next Gen: Study shows future growth in wi-fi VoIP handsets Payments: Paypro to extend services to Latin American banks Business: GTE signs licensing Agreement with RapidMoney Corp. Next Gen: Newroads Telecom selects Zhone and Metaswitch for new service delivery Next Gen: Hop-On gains six additional carriers Payments: Meta Payment Systems partners with Travelex Distribution: New division for Royal Buying Group Retail: Wal-Mart applies for bank establishment Wireless: FTS Wireless launches Hispanic radio campaign Payments: Spotya! offers loans with stored value card Retail: DBS to support Firefly phones, now available at Target Next Gen: TelEvolution launches VoIP service Business: Motricity appoints new CIO Business: OTC plans future growth, new headquarters Business: Sprint shareholders approve merger Payments: Genpass launches new card product for credit unions Wireless: Stratos and SMS Global introduce messaging service for maritime crews Next Gen: Nuvio upgrades VoIP platform Next Gen: Brightpoint becomes Vonage Master Agent Payments: TIO Network expands with Speedway Payments: PreCash reaches milestone Payments: GlobalCash partners with IBX Wireless: Study shows new services should be localized Distribution: Meru Networks offers new channel program Business: NACT acquires KASA Enterprises, names execs Payments: Visa USA appoints new president and CEO Wireless: bcgi opens offices, expands international market Business: Q Comm International gains new funding Wireless: Gemplus renews Cingular agreement Wireless: SanDisk to support Kyocera's music phone Distribution: Locus to expand card distribution Wireless: PCTEL, Kyocera partner on handset software Payments: eSafe contracts with Ingenicard for global market expansion Next Gen: ONIT updates IP Centrex product Next Gen: iBasis connects with SOFTBANK BB Wireless: Virgin launches third payment option Business: RK Telecom forms partnership with ECT Group Wireless: Turkcell reports increase in subscriber base Business: News from SaskTel Business: FastFunds signs agreement with Choice Payments: eTelcharge.com signs reseller agreement with Anres Technologies Corp. Next Gen: Study reveals increase in retail VoIP usage Next Gen: RNK to launch E911 VoIP solution Payments: CEMC to launch Destiny's Child card Wireless: Verizon and Gameloft to offer 'War of the Worlds' mobile game Payments: VISA adds new feature to TravelMoney card; plans new distribution Wireless: TCS and Skyhook Wireless to offer solution to E911 VoIP mandate Payments: i2c to provide processing solutions for eFiesta Card Wireless: Disney and Sprint to launch family-friendly MVNO Business: i2 Telecom International and Touch Group launch 'plug & play' VoIP Business: IP911 Resource granted 911 VoIP patent Payments: Debit Cash Card signs with HOT TV Network Wireless: QUALCOMM appoints Jacobs and Altman Payments: RBS Lynk appoints prepaid director of sales Payments: Ernst & Young names Steven Streit as Entrepreneur of the Year Wireless: NET10 launches new prepaid wireless service Wireless: Amp'd Mobile and THQ Wireless to launch 3G mobile entertainment Business: Total Call celebrates anniversary with DNA Wireless: Calypso Wireless completes demonstration of VoIP cellular phone Business: MobilePro Corp. to acquire Tiger Communications Distribution: Program helps troops call home this Independence Day Business: Bank of America to acquire MBNA Payments: IPP appoints Richard Okun Business: IDT approaches Net2Phone with offer Payments: Neos Merchant Solutions chosen for national launch Retail: Direct Response Financial Services launches stored value cash card Business: Stored Value Systems forms alliance with Brand Keys Wireless: Study says more adults prefer wireless Payments: Report reviews open prepaid market performance Business: Pay Pro Card Corp. to change name, split stock Distribution: Morgan Beaumont partners with CGS Financial Technologies Business: Ecount launches educational teen prepaid Visa card Business: Convergys to provide T-Mobile billing solution for wholesale business Business: Level 3 expands E911 VoIP Wireless: Yankee Group study reveals usage patterns Payments: IPP of America, BPS deploy new software on Verifone terminal Distribution: Q Comm, Telrite Wireless partner Wireless: CallWave launches branded prepaid phone service Business: TSYS announces executive promotions Business: Kineto Wireless names president and ceo Business: Cisco to acquire NetSift Payments: i2c offers services to Comm/Sure Business: NACS reports anti-trust suit procedures Wireless: SK-EarthLink names executives, sets up headquarters Next Gen: Siemens Communications offers VoIP solution Distribution: Brightpoint to distribute Belkin WLAN and VoIP products Business: Q Comm International to restate financial information Payments: Global Travel to offer check card Website Extra! Updated legal primer now available Wireless: CloseCall America launches 'TommyWireless' Wireless: Pingo lowers rates Business: Amrica Mvil receives top spot Business: Card Express welcomes new executives Wireless: Yankee Group releases 2005 survey results Business: Study predicts private line services to recover Wireless: bcgi reports status of patent case Retail: Study reveals online usage by ethnic groups Business: Census Bureau reports Hispanic population milestone Payments: CardSystems Solutions issues statement on security breach Payments: Ostrich Products acquires Pay Pro Cards Payments/Loyalty: Subway selects Chockstone Business: Trycera acquires Hawaiian company's assets Business: Relay Capital receives ZZ-Card order Retail: Walgreens to offer Next Estate Green Dot cards Business: Robert C. Atkinson named to Arbinets board Next Gen: Calypso, Ecutel partner on wVoIP Business: U.S. Postal Service enters gift card arena Business: WebDialogs and NetworkIP team Wireless: Bridge Mobile Alliance selects LogicaCMG Next Gen: Telecorp hooks up with iBasis Payments: CVS to use Hypercom Payments: Visa opens transaction-processing center Next Gen: Nokia, Intel partner on WiMAX Next Gen: sentitO Networks secures new funding Wireless: Mobile DataComm dealers can offer Verizon Wireless data services Payments: Research cites prepaid as growth sector Wireless: Brightpoint to distribute for Skype Business: First Data to acquire European card processor Business: FCC extends E911 rules to VoIP Payments: eFunds to acquire WildCard Systems Payments: Payment Data Systems signs with Next Estate Retail: SVS and Coinstar partner on gift cards Business: Grupo Todito splits Payments: Chase begins Colorado "blink" rollout Distribution: Affinity Merchant Solutions to distribute prepaid Mint MasterCards Business: XFONE appoints new cfo Wireless: Yahoo! and Sprint launch email service Wireless: Leap Wireless appoints Wokoun Next Gen: EnterSys Group, Vuico partner Payments: Global Vision allies with Cash Now Business: NetworkIP offers new service Next Gen: LingoMexico.Com offers unlimited calls to Mexico Business: Bertek Systems names new president Business: Affordable Telecommunications enters Asian market Next Gen: Covad and Earthlink test VoIP service Retail: AMEX, 7-Eleven offer RFID Next Gen: Movilnet selects Starent Networks Payments: i2c partners with Comm/Sure LLC Business: Beyond Wireless expands Wireless: RTM website offers comparison shopping Wireless: Digicel launches loyalty program Business: Q Comm receives AMEX letter Wireless: Study says MVNOs will drive prepaid wireless growth Business: PRE Solutions files lawsuit Distribution: FastFunds expands globally Next Gen: iBasis in Pakistan Next Gen: Arthur Blank partners on RFID Wireless: TelePlus signs two licensing agreements Payments: MasterCard holds forum Wireless: Verizon targets Spanish-speaking subscribers Wireless: Cingular updates GoPhone plans Next Gen: Gemplus to provide T-Mobile platform Payments: Relay Capital launches stored value card Next Gen: PointOne, Always On Wireless to offer VoIP Wireless: Verizon Wireless targets flyers Business: SmartServ won't acquire Telco Group Next Gen: Voiceware Systems, Rab Communications partner Wireless: Prepaid wireless creators win suit Payments: Chase Card Services launches Blink Payments: Alliance Data Systems acquires Atrana Solutions Retail: Caseys buys Gas N Shop stores Wireless: Azonic to change name, market cell phones Distribution Website launches rating system Business: Prepaid drives Visa 1Q sales Distribution: Q Comm to distribute Jump by Cricket Business: PayStar gets new backing Payments/Transactions: i2c in the news Payments/Transactions: HDFC Bank joins Euronet's ATM network Payments/Transactions: Valista offers new technology Wireless: Virgin Mobile's new plan Next Gen: 8x8 expands offering Wireless: Locus launches prepaid GSM program Next Gen: Marcatel expands offerings via APEX Distribution: Rx Processing partners with FSI Payments/Transactions: Q Comm delays quarterly filing Distribution: Affordable Telecommunications distributes Phonexion cards Next Gen: iBasis certifies Quintum switch Payments/Transactions: eSAFE contracts with Meta Payment Systems Next Gen: No Borders to acquire telecom assets Business: TelePlus, Aliant agreement Retail: AOL Latino launches prepaid card Payments/Transactions: Now Prepay, Global Payments have an agreement Distribution: OTC's new distribution program Distribution: Tadiran offers XFONEs service Next Gen: PointOne launches new portal Next Gen: Ingenico chooses ATGs software Wireless: Hop-on launches its MVNO Business: Legal Alert - AT&T seeks rules on prepaids Wireless: Leaps new launches Payments/Transactions: Coinstar's first quarter revenue Payments/Transactions: Smart Chip partners with IBM Payments/Transactions: Global Vision, Bright Global Groups form an agreement Payments/Transactions: CashWorks offers new platform Business: FTS appoints new president Payments/Transactions FiSCA, NetSpend join to offer program Next Gen: NACTs new system Next Gen: Great Lakes Telephone selects Voicewares switch Distribution: Nitecrest Ltd. receives Queens Award for Enterprise Business: Breitzke joins RBS Lynk Payments/Transactions: Matthews joins Morgan Beaumont Business: NACT appoints new vp of marketing Business: US Starcom's new management team Wireless: Accell assigns new sales director Business: US Starcom merges with Bestel Next Gen: Veraz offers new solution Business: VeriSign to acquire INS Wireless: Carriers see prepaid popularity Payments/Transactions: Mexican emigrants send money back home Payments/Transactions: InstaDial launches a debit MasterCard card program Business: Legal Alert Petition seeks to make VoIP pay DAC Business: IDT Europe makes inroads in Belgium Wireless: Movida speeds up rollout Business: IDT moves up Fortune 1,000 list Payments/Transactions: Q Comm appoints new chief financial officer Wireless: InPhonic gets listed Payments/Transactions: Euronet makes changes to management Business: Quality Publishing, IPCA sign a LOI Retail: 7-Eleven to add new stores in the United States Payments/Transactions: MPS partners with NetSpend Wireless: Vodafone K.K. to confirm ID prepaid customers Payments/Transactions: PreCash offers payment alternatives Retail: PaySpot, CJK Inc. form agreement Retail: UTA, Touch-n-Buy join forces Wireless: T-Mobile has new advertising campaign Payments/Transactions: IWC to distribute Tryceras cards Retail: Q Comm provides terminals to Certified Oil Payments/Transactions: Legend gets in the game of card trading Payments/Transactions: Print & Pay tests online payments platform Business: Legal Alert New Illinois certification requirement for prepaid Wireless: Gemplus offers services to wireless companies Distribution: Nobel launches new cards Distribution: Teleconnect receives big order Wireless: M:Metrics finds mobile gaming is in demand Payments/Transactions: Meta partners with NetSpend Wireless: MobilePro plans for new prepaid service Payments/Transactions: No Borders, IPrepay have agreement Orions new plan Russell Simmons conducts Hip-Hop Summit on finances No Borders has new card platform and liability company Trycera, CMG sign marketing agreement CallWave reveals new distribution strategy Entner joins Ovum LaGarde offers new platform ECHO provides POS services to CTW Prepaid Virgin Mobile, Kyocera introduce new phone NetworkIP enhances conferencing tool Q Comms new multi-app AirTel adds new master distributor Brooktrout demonstrates new media server Ingenico selects Peppercoin as a payments partner Heuristic, Copeland Burtnick & Associates reveal marketing agreement i2c, MetaBank processing agreement IBBS, PointOne form agreement New association created Trycera teams with US Capital Telstra offers new global VoIP service Launch of Nexus Mobile Universal Cash Express, Trycera partner Trycera launches new prepaid card Direct Response, Poder de Compra enter agreement NetworkIP patents iQT Telemac receives patent in Mexico MCI accepts Verizons bid Optimum Pay, First PREMIER Bank partner Peoples Trust, DM2 Technology, Mint to issue MasterCard Prepaid cards Excel and NACT partner Ritz, Sheetz sign for ExpressPay Direct Response forms advisory board Next Estate enables ubiquitous reload Euronet completes acquisitions Encompass to provision Fleet One Verso to display I-Master at Expo Skype offers new prepaid services EXPO newsmakers: Orion to unveil distribution strategy EXPO newsmakers: Excels press conference EXPO newsmakers: Noble's Touch N Talk Expo newsmakers: Pactolus introduces a new software application EXPO newsmakers: AmigoMoney prepaid cards EXPO newsmakers: Annunziata joins US Starcom EXPO newsmakers: DBS Communications to offer EZLinkMobile EXPO newsmakers: SVC Financial introduces Scoot EXPO newsmakers: Phoenix/XDNI at Intele-CardExpo EXPO newsmakers: Dialexias services at Intele-CardExpo EXPO Extra legal alert: Comments Due in FCC Prepaid Card Proceeding EXPO newsmakers: 8x8 Inc. services EXPO newsmakers: SKYNET updates its prepaid service EXPO newsmakers: CTI Labs special offer EXPO newsmakers: Q Comm, Leap Wireless partner EXPO newsmakers: Total Call offers new pay-as-you-go program EXPO newsmakers: Encompass launches Pronto Banco EXPO newsmakers: Boost, Next Estate partner EXPO newsmakers: AirTel in the news EXPO newsmakers: Via One offers new services EXPO newsmakers: DCI, KASA introduce FLEXSwitch EXPO newsmakers: SysMaster receives awards for Norfa EXPO newsmakers: Efficient launches KanguNet EXPO newsmakers: eCommLink launches new service EXPO newsmakers: Ready Mobile launches Grab n Go EXPO newsmakers: sentitO to be showcased at telX EXPO newsmakers: Life Prepaid product combines local phone and web-based dating EXPO newsmakers: Verso Technologies Inc. selected by Pakistans Worldcall International EXPO newsmakers: New services from VoiceVision International EXPO newsmakers: The Helein Law Group provides a one-stop legal shop EXPO newsmakers: World Communication Group teams up with Telco EXPO newsmakers: Billetel introduces its debit card at Expo EXPO newsmakers: Ingenico broadens its prepaid base EXPO newsmakers: Morgan Beaumont brands its locations as Sire Network EXPO newsmakers: POSA Systems to offer Telcels Amigo service EXPO newsmakers: Tele-Pak offers faster delivery EXPO newsmakers: NetworkIP upgrades iQT measurement tools EXPO newsmakers: Touch-n-Buy partners with IPP Surcharge Control LLC to launch POS bill generator EWI, PRE Solutions resolve dispute 7-Eleven offers digital photo service Ampd to use bcgi services Hansen oversees Blue Bamboo EMEA office Infonetics declares Convedia a leader Viseon offers new VoIP phone No Borders expands services Orion is back Leap offers new service Brightpoint in the news Verizon Wireless, Leap Wireless to share networks eCommLink adds execs Pactolus expands into Eastern Europe SMART System forms agreement with Dexit SmartServ plans to offer free international calling Firefly partners with Brightstar Ace*Comm offers new applications Coinstar acquires Mundo Qualcomm appoints new ceo and president Carrius selects Continuous Computings products CrystalVoice offers services in Asia TowerGroup expands team MRG Communications, Trycera join forces MasterCard. SK Telecom sign service agreement InPhonic plans for Spanish version of service Touch-n-Buy, IPP form alliance Givex, Casio integrate gift card services Movida elects chairman bcgi expands its team The Pantry to acquire c-stores NexTone selects Telchemy's software DBH offers prepaid platform Verso to acquire assets of JTA Legal Alert: FCC ruling concerning AT&T FCC finds AT&T avoided paying fees Givex, Geac integrate solutions Ingenico teams with bank on prepaid program C-stores are on the rise MetroPCS chooses BeVocals service Brooktrout, BayPackets develop solution Hong Kong, Brazil in the news NEC appoints Condon cfo Movida targets Hispanic community Ingenico acquires half of XA VON Coalition elects Pies Verizon has new prepaid plan Nextel exceeds in prepaid Prepaid in Japan Starbucks, MLB join to offer collectible card No Borders to acquire ASI Cardservice Prepaid MasterCard from Trycera NexTone provides new iVMS system Arbinets solution for mobile interconnectivity Northland Cable, Net2Phone offer phone service Verizon acquires MCI Launch of Xtreme Mobile Valentines sales are expected to be high Last Mile Connections offers Online Exchange sentitO provides VoIP solutions in Russia Excel, IP Unity partner on services for mobility eCommLink offers new platform Deloitte & Touche proves gift cards are popular SVS to provide WIC transaction service APEX adds conferencing to platform Direct Response offers insurance Bcgi presents new platform Visa prepaid achieves record growth Vita works with Trimfast Virgin reaches 3 million Global Links signs agreement with Symmetrex Beranek, Preston join Tefisto Q Comm brings on Charles Callis Wireless Age signs LOI for mmwave Angel Garcia moves to UTD FTS enables ring tone creativity Al Jazeera Mobile prepaid card offers breaking news Coinstar offers gift card program Pipeline, Goldnet partner Pipeline adds Linksys device Direct Response, Atrana form an agreement FSV offers FlexFUNDS SVC uses Grant Bettingen's services Payspot promise Digicel is growing SmartServ offers the World Card Q Comm provides terminal to The Big Apple Food Stores Frost & Sullivan reveals prepaid is growing Boost expands walkie-talkie service Bridgewater appoints new leadership SBC to acquire AT&T TracFone has strong year-end Mohr serves on board of WCD Answers, etc uses TSYS platform UniRush, TurboTax make taxes easy Zamia donates to African Childrens Choir SBC could acquire AT&T iBasis watches rates Direct Response offers prepaid through MasterCard 9278 acquires Reliablecom.com Paul Hickey moves to Shera International Relay selects Cardware Systems platform Pactolus chooses RightNow CRM GlobalTouch chooses Telco Systems VoIP service Bitfone receives patent Verso sells NACTs assets ISA partners with MailVision Powell resigns from FCC Cybertel markets phones to troops World Wide Telecom replaces its switch eCHEX card reaches 17 national markets Tripoint selects Q Comms system Ingenico partners with IBM POSA Tech extends program to Giant Industries Boost Mobile launches a prepaid Visa card 7-Eleven offers new handset Coinstar helps to distribute donations InfiniRoute chooses Excels media gateway NOVA and Givex Corp. join forces United Airlines flies prepaid First Data, GE Consumer Finance sign agreement Morgan Beaumont improves technology platform Legal Alert: FCC Rulings This Year FinCEN issues new registration form Ingenico adds operational experts Euronet makes management changes Frost & Sullivan awards IDT Corp. Paymentech certifies Slim CD GlobalTouch names new vp APEX eliminates licensing fees for ASR DuoCash appoints Case as ceo Discover Financial joins with Pulse Digilinea reaches 15,000 VoIP lines Q Comm concludes private placement of stock Frost & Sullivan rewards Convedia Relay Capital begins public trading Ingenico is growing PreCash expands product line Virgin Mobile has a new vp of distribution Epana chooses BayPackets for prepaid service Next Estate offers direct deposit Compleat-200 receives an award VeriFone aids Tsunami victims Legal Alert: FCC Waives Rules Vonage plans for wireless wi-fi IDT reaches record for minutes-of-use Arthur Blank & Co. expands its division 9278 acquires US Wireless Sheetz accepts PayPass AT&T selects InPhonic Legend Credit goes kiosk IDT signs stock agreement Universal Express distributes with PRE Solutions NetworkIP donates to the soldiers Charter selects RemotePipes service Sprint, Time Warner Cable start negotiations NFR forecasts gift-card sales Distributor trends taking place eMarketer recaps top 10 trends Sharing Way makes donating easy PTS obtains Global Links Card Services Royal Buying Group, Sinclair Oil sign agreement Dobson Communications acquires RFB Cellular Level 3 provides France Telecom with broadband Ingenico adds Opticard platform Airtel welcomes new sales agents Legal Alert: FCC Fines Prepaid Card Provider Exante Financial offers health cards Comverse offers MMS exchange AT&T donates phone cards to troops No Borders to acquire Samso's InComm launches national gift card program Hop-on sets up Mexico production line SmartServ acquires KPCCD Global Payments releases POS connectivity suite NetBank offers Visa cards online Legal Alert: 20% increase in USF proposed Juniper Research shows big numbers for MMS Dialexia provides Dial-Gate Sprint, Nextel boards approve merger GVHL expands its global presence Q Comm signs a referral agreement PayStar offers rent cards MasterCard accepts the PayCard Sprint, Nextel could merge GlobalTouch provides SIPTalk VoIPMDU.com offers a new VoIP suite Anuera expands its VoIP service Technik presents a new product line CashWorks offers a full-service kiosk Yak chooses Kayote Networks DBS joins the EZlink brand 9278 acquires Stay in Touch Communications Virgin Digital offers prepaid music Q Comm selects Shera Technology Boost hits 1 million American Express offers housewarming gifts Formula Telecom offers Leap Next-Gen 3.5 Analyst says Bellsouth in good shape PayStar signs MOU with Motocross team World Class Footwear chooses Blackstone as provider Q Comm adds a new broker SwissFone signs LOI with Alliance ESPN goes mobile Kramer exits Q Comm i2Telecom offers VoiceStick Digital Lifestyles and Ecount charm teens NextCare offers the gift of health Morgan begins stored value rollout transact offers e-top up to debitel Positions change at BellSouth Plastic popular on 'Black Friday' Surcharge Control partners with HP Legal alert: Lawsuits Claim Gift Card Unlawful Napster, Blockbuster offer the Digital Duo card Euronet's e-pay Australia signs retailers Jack in the Box offers Jack Cash FSV passes MasterCard review Radiant teams up with Ingenico and HSI "Inspired" coin ad campaign Blackstone to provision Farm Stores America West offers gift cards SmarServ signs LOI to acquire Telco Cards for a good cause SVS's agreement with Gift Certificate Center Mobile phones as payment device GVHL and NetNetMarketing offer rewards program RemotePipes adds to IP network Nokia, Virgin partner on handset Billing Solutions chooses EZ COM Locus launches ActFast Airtel welcomes new team members eFunds partners with WildCard Debit cards are decking the halls VendTek licenses software to Nexus First Data launches Fast REACT Leap chooses VoiceCue Tricom partners with BEC Telecom Gift Card Mall launches in Canada Airtel offers a new program transact services Kaiser Tengelmann Legal Alert: FCC rules VoIP not subject to state regulations Online debit card marketing targets underbanked Telations now services Costa Rica and Brazil U.S. Bank and bcgi offer ATM wireless top-ups GVHL reaches an agreement with IPS Lynk offers high-speed payment processing NMS and Primal Technologies team up SmartServ signs agreement with Sprint FCC rules on Vonage Trycera makes an agreement with Signature Credit Legal Alert: FCC Seeks Comments on Foreign Mobile Termination Rates Next Estates new prepaid product Euronet acquires Meflur J.D. Power study reveals satisfaction in wireless No Borders acquires Cybacom stock BPS offers Q Comm application Next Estate hinders identity theft SwissCall has a new card Hypercom launches the MegaNACR 240 Gift card subsidiary formed Comdata acquires Datamark E.Y. Snowden elected to CTIA board Kimberly Miller joins Trycera Financial Nobel makes Inc. 500 Internet Payment Solutions will accept DuoCash cards 7-Eleven reports third-quarter results Chockstone partners with Transaction Network Services Maser upped at AirTel Wireless Uphonia has an online voting booth SVS survey: Gift cards are popular CTIA teams up with Billboard Deloitte Research reveals VoIP's status HomeNet Communications partners with Level 3 Oberthur Card Systems aligns with NovaCard SSI Technologies wins its case GVHL reaches agreement with NetNetMarketing ACS Holdings partners with Next Estate Euronet has an agreement with Bank of America VocalData has a new conferencing server Cingular to acquire AT&T Virgin selects Bridgewater Systems Coinstar is in all 50 states Telecom in Ecuador American Eagle Manufacturing sells No Borders TCS given new wireless patents Affordable Telecommunications signs LOI i2Telecom's new strategy ATSI announces strategy ITC Financial offers Mio card Commerce Department helps smart card firms Survey reveals: service users make immediate purchases Rollins resigns from TVC Telecom Wireless VoIP handset from Net2Phone Circle K offers CashWorks services Transaction Management develops bill payment kiosk New handset for the hearing impaired Pactolus offers prepaid broadband telephony Category of its own 'Clear' campaign from IDT Telecom Customized solution for Pilot Travel Centers Coinstar acquires TelSouth Atlantic-ACM study reveals VoIP market is growing OnRamp Access selects PointOne Arbinet presents SoftSwitchAxcess Compact Power selects Energizer Tata allies with C-SAM Corvari joins Wireless Services Fatburger 'does good' with plastic Voiceglo chooses Infozech's service Deland Actel offers prepaid internet IDT to provision Sears Timber Resources signs LOI i2Telecom and Verso's partnership International Card Establishment's loyalty program Bruce Li at Total Call Hello Kitty is here Swiss prepaid customers must register WMO Global's new card New Coinstar survey results Teleplus and Mr. Prepaid Tefisto Partners offers free consultation Simple and PT-1 team up Nintendo offers rewards program Morgan Beaumont, Iprepay sign contract Survey says: Consumers prefer gift cards Direct Response, del Rey Marketing target Hispanics Denaris signs a marketing agreement TransOne ships international order VeriSign, Bridgewater sign agreement Legal Alert: FCC Steps Up USF Enforcement Hop-on goes to Mexico VendTek introduces new software GTS in Fuel Marts

Gift Taxes If you

Estate and Gift Taxes Home | Accessibility | Tax Stats | About IRS | Careers | FOIA | The Newsroom | Site Map | Español | Help Search for... within: IRS Site Forms & Publications Advanced Search Tips for successful searching Home Businesses Charities & Non-Profits Corporations International Businesses Partnerships Small Bus/Self-Employed Farmers Industries/Professions International Taxpayers Small Business Workshop Small Business Products Online Classroom Partners & Stakeholders Join Mailing List State Links Electronic Services More Topics . . Compliance & Enforcement Contact My Local Office e-file Forms and Publications Frequently Asked Questions Taxpayer Advocate Where To File Estate and Gift Taxes If you give someone money or property during your life, you may be subject to federal gift tax. The money and property you own when you die (your estate) may be subject to federal estate tax. The purpose of this web page is to give you a general understanding of when these taxes apply and when they do not. It explains how much money or property you can give away during your lifetime or leave to your heirs at your death before any tax will be owed. News and Events: Federal Transfer Certificates (International) Estate and Gift has received many questions about Federal Transfer Certificates (regarding international issues). For instructions about obtaining  transfer certificates, contact: I.R.S. Estate Tax Group 1114 International Programs SBSE; SE:S:SP:IN:T1 1111 Constitution Ave., N.W.; LE-4435 Washington, DC 20224.   For questions about transfer certificates or about the estate and gift taxation of nonresidents of the United States, use (202) 874-1660.  For all other estate and gift taxation questions, use (800) 829-1040. The annual exclusion for gifts made in 2004 and 2005 will remain at $11,000. Form 706 for dates of death occurring in 2004 is now available.  The instructions (which include rate schedules) may be found at the "Forms and Publications" link, below. There are few significant changes to Form 706 from the 2002 version.  The one change that will impact all filers is the reduction in the allowable State Death Tax Credit to 50% of the amount computed under IRC §2011(b).  Note :  The credit is repealed for decedents dying in 2005 and later years. NOTE regarding Extensions of Time to File/Pay U.S. Estate Tax (Form 4768, Forms and Publications link, below).  Some errors are being made regarding completion and filing of this form.  Be sure to file the second page and to fill in the decedent's name and social security number. Important information for Form 709/709A: Time for filing clarification :  Page 4 of the instructions for Form 709 states (Under When to File ) that "...you must file the 2003 Form 709 on or after January 1...).  It may not be clear, but this means that returns should not be filed until January 1 through the due date of the year following the year in which the gift is made.  In other words, any gifts made in 2004 will not be due (and cannot be processed) until after December 31, 2004.  Individuals who make certain qualifying gifts are required to file Form 709, United States Gift Tax Return.   The 2003 version and instructions are now available at the "Forms and Publications" link, below. Notice - Form 709-A is Now Obsolete. Form 709-A, United States Short Form Gift Tax Return, is now obsolete and should not be filed. All gift tax returns must now be filed using Form 709, United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return . -- 21-OCT-2003. In other news:  Form 709 has been modified for the 2004 filing season (for gifts made in 2003).  Click "Forms and Publications" below for the new form and instructions (which includes the rate schedule). If you are filing a request for an extension of time to file an estate or gift tax return, remember that the request must go to the Cincinnati Service Center (see the address, below), even if you file your income or other tax returns elsewhere. Links Introduction Estate Tax Gift Tax 2002 Tax Changes Frequently Asked Questions Forms and Publications Related Links Where to File and Contact Information Disaster Assistance Links FEMA  (Federal Emergency Management Agency) SBA  (Small Business Administration) Estate and Gift Taxes Introduction No Tax Owed Most gifts are not subject to the gift tax and most estates are not subject to the estate tax. (Only about 2% of all estates are subject to the estate tax). For example, there is usually no tax if you make a gift to your spouse or a qualified charity or if your estate goes to your spouse or qualified charity at your death. If you make a gift to someone else, the gift tax does not apply until the value of the gifts you give that person is more than the annual exclusion for the year.  Even if tax applies to your gifts or your estate, it may be eliminated by the Unified Credit , refer to Publication 950 , Introduction to Estate and Gift Taxes. No Return Needed Generally, you do not need to file a gift tax return unless you give someone, other than your spouse, money or property worth more than the annual exclusion ($11,000 in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005) for that year. Although a return may be required, no actual gift tax will become payable until the cumulative lifetime taxable gifts exceed the applicable exclusion amount. The donor is primarily responsible for the payment of the Gift Tax.  An estate tax return generally will not be needed unless the estate is worth more than the applicable exclusion amount ($1,000,000 for 2002) for the year of death. This amount is shown in the section under Unified Credit .  To reemphasize:  Most relatively simple estates (cash, publicly traded securities, small amounts of other, easily valued assets and no special deductions or elections or jointly held property) with a total value under $1,000,000 and a date of death in 2002 or 2003 and $1,500,000 and a date of death in 2004 or 2005 do not require the filing of an estate tax return. No Tax on the Person Receiving your Gift or Estate The person who receives your gift or your estate generally will not have to pay any gift tax or estate tax because of it. In addition, that person will not have to pay income tax on the value of the gift or inheritance received. NOTE: There are some technical applications for "Income in Respect of Decedent" under §691 that will have to be considered for income earned but not otherwise taxed prior to the date of death. No Income Tax Deduction Making a gift or leaving your estate to your heirs does not ordinarily affect your federal income tax. You cannot deduct the value of gifts you make (other than gifts that are deductible charitable contributions). If you are not sure whether the gift tax or the estate tax applies to your situation, refer to Publication 950 , Introduction to Estate and Gift Taxes. Unified Credit A credit is an amount that eliminates or reduces tax. The unified credit applies to both the gift tax and the estate tax. You must subtract the unified credit from any gift tax that you owe. Any unified credit you use against your gift tax in one year reduces the amount of credit that you can use against your gift tax in a later year. The total amount used against your gift tax reduces the credit available to use against your estate tax. In 2001, the unified credit was $220,550, which eliminated taxes on a total of $675,000 (applicable exclusion amount) of taxable gifts and taxable estate. These amounts were increased for gifts made, and for estates of decedents dying, after 2001. The following shows the unified credit and the applicable exclusion amount for the calendar year in which a gift is made or a decedent dies. For Gift Tax Purposes in years 2002 and 2003 the Unified Credit is $345,800, the Applicable Exclusion Amount is $1,000,000. For Estate Tax Purposes in years 2002 and 2003 the Unified Credit is $345,800 and the Applicable Exclusion Amount is $1,000,000. For Gift Tax Purposes in years 2004 and 2005 the Unified Credit is $345,800, the Applicable Exclusion Amount is $1,000,000. For Estate Tax Purposes in years 2004 and 2005 the Unified Credit is $555,800 and the Applicable Exclusion Amount is $1,500,000. For Gift Tax Purposes in years 2006, 2007 and 2008 the Unified Credit is $345,800, the Applicable Exclusion Amount is $1,000,000. For Estate Tax Purposes in years 2006, 2007 and 2008 the Unified Credit is $780,800 and the Applicable Exclusion Amount is $2,000,000. For Gift Tax Purposes in year 2009 the Unified Credit is $345,800, the Applicable Exclusion Amount is $1,000,000. For Estate Tax Purposes in year 2009 the Unified Credit is $1,455,800 and the Applicable Exclusion Amount is $3,500,000. Estate Tax Estate tax may apply to your taxable estate at your death. Your taxable estate is your gross estate less allowable deductions. Gross Estate Your gross estate includes the value of all property in which you had an interest at the time of death. Your gross estate also will include the following. Life insurance proceeds payable to your estate or, if you owned the policy, to your heirs. The value of certain annuities payable to your estate or your heirs. The value of certain property you transferred within 3 years before your death. Trusts or other interests established by you or others in which you have certain powers. Taxable Estate The allowable deductions used in determining your taxable estate include: 1) Funeral expenses paid out of your estate, 2) Debts you owed at the time of death, and 3) The marital deduction (generally, the value of the property that passes from your estate to your surviving spouse). For additional information, refer to Instructions for Form 706 . Gift Tax The gift tax applies to the transfer by gift of any property. You make a gift if you give property (including money), or the use of or income from property, without expecting to receive something of at least equal value in return. If you sell something at less than its full value or if you make an interest-free or reduced interest loan, you may be making a gift. The general rule is that any gift is a taxable gift. However, there are many exceptions to this rule. Generally, the following gifts are not taxable gifts. Gifts that are not more than the annual exclusion for the calendar year. Tuition or medical expenses you pay for someone (the educational and medical exclusions). Gifts to your spouse. Gifts to a political organization for its use. Gifts to qualified charities (a deduction is available for these amounts). Annual Exclusion A separate annual exclusion applies to each person to whom you make a gift. For 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, the annual exclusion is $11,000. Therefore, you generally can give up to $11,000 each to any number of people in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 and none of the gifts will be taxable. If you are married, both you and your spouse can separately give up to $11,000 to the same person in 2002, 2003, 2004 or 2005 without making a taxable gift. If one of you gives more than $11,000 to a person in any one of  these years, refer to gift splitting in Publication 950 , Introduction to Estate and Gift Taxes. Gifts to individuals are not deductible on the donor's income tax returns. Related Links Legal Information Institute Thomas.gov (Legislative Information Site) Where to File and Contact Information Use the below mailing address for all tax forms filed at the Cincinnati Service Center including Estate and Gift tax returns: Internal Revenue Service Cincinnati, OH 45999 To mail FedEx packages, please use the following street address: Internal Revenue Service 201 W. Rivercenter Blvd Covington, KY 41011 For questions about return accounts and extensions only, (no tax law questions) call: 1-866-699-4083. Many general estate and gift tax law questions can still be answered by calling: 1-800-829-1040.  You may also find many answers to your questions by visiting Forms and Publications . Caution: DO NOT submit tax related questions below. If you have a tax question that was not answered here or by checking Frequently Asked Questions, above, please call our toll-free tax assistance line at 1-800-829-1040 for individual tax questions or 1-800-829-4933 for business tax questions. We will not respond to tax related inquiries submitted on this page. If you have suggestions or comments (or suggested FAQs) for the Estate and Gift Tax web site, please contact us by clicking here:  CONTACT ESTATE AND GIFT TAX .  We will not be able to respond to your email , but will consider it when making improvements or additions to this site. Contact Us | IRS Privacy Policy

Housewarming Gift Get $5

House Warming Gift Ideas, Housewarming Gifts - FindGift.com Personalize FindGift.com! -- Login | Sign Up | List of Services Gift Ideas Gift Registry Gift Shops Gift Bookmarks Home | Help keyword search Gift Giving Made Easy! A free service dedicated to helping you find creative gift ideas! Home Occasions House Warming Refine Search for House Warming Gift Ideas House Warming for Him for Her for a Couple Gift Baskets Any Price $0 - $10 $11 - $25 $26 - $50 $51 - $100 $101 - $200 $200+ Use our Gift Wizard to customize your gift search Use our Gift Finder to find gift ideas customized to the likes/dislikes of the recipient. Personalized Gifts Wide selection personalized free! Preview online - shop today & save! www.PersonalizationMall.com Stylish Housewarming Gift Get $5 OFF orders of $50 or more Coupon code 5OFF50 (exp 9/30) www.wrapables.com Viewing 1 - 10 of 8415 gift ideas found Home Sweet Home Housewarming Gift Basket from Warm Sentiments ($41.99) There is nothing quite like your first night in a new home. It is hard to find a gift to equal that feeling. We have created a remarkable gift basket especially for you to send housewarming greetings. Questions? Contact Warm Sentiments . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] "Home is Where Your Story Begins" Plaque from Femail Creations ($29.00) No place like it. "Home is where your story begins." I just love that saying! For it truly is where our story begins and were we start to grow into who we are. We are proud of our products that are handcrafted in the USA. Questions? Contact Femail Creations . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] New Home Personalized Cartoon from Personalized by Annette ($10.95) New Home cartoons come matted, 8 x 10, in your choice of matte color. The Sign (3 lines) can be personalized. This cartoon can also be ordered as a snowglobe, key chain, magnet or mouse pad. Questions? Contact Personalized by Annette . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Money Tree from RedEnvelope ($38.00) The road to prosperity is paved with hard work, determination and one or two of these bright green trees--at least according to Feng Shui masters, who believe in the plant's power to deliver wealth and good fortune. Questions? Contact RedEnvelope . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Don't Break The Bottle Wooden Wine Puzzler from Future Memories ($23.95) Don't break the bottle is an ingenious gift idea for that "perfect host". To enjoy the fruit of your labour, you must first release the wine bottle from the wooden enclosure. Questions? Contact Future Memories . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Customized Housewarming Keepsake from PoetryGift.com (priced within $25.00 - $49.99) Special housewarming keepsake personalized with name, address, personal message and optional photo. Free shipping FREE SHIPPING available for any order. Special 10% discount by entering coupon code - poetrygift - on order form Questions? Contact PoetryGift.com . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Hand-drawn Pencil Sketch Based on Their House's Photo from myDaVinci ($49.95) Give a truly personalized gift for House Warming. Imagine your house photo as a hand-drawn pencil sketch by our professional artists. Preview your sketch online. Free revisions. Free Shipping and Satisfaction Guarantee. FREE Shipping and Satisfaction Guarantee on all orders! Questions? Contact myDaVinci . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] New Home Gift Box- Medium from A Gift to Remember, LLC ($29.95) A variety of shortbread, coffee, nuts, chocolate covered popcorn, chocolate covered pretzels, and a Ghirardelli chocolate bar will certainly help them find the energy to move into their new home. We do all the work! Easy, convenient, & quick ordering process. Send a classy, elegant gift to show how much you care. Questions? Contact A Gift to Remember, LLC . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Personalized Pub/Tavern Sign from Simply Sublime ($45.95) A fun way to personalize your rec room, bar, or personal getaway spot. Our 12"x18" tavern sign makes a great gift for Fathers day, perfect for groomsmen gifts, or for that hard to buy for person in your life. Personalize any of the text! No extra charge per letter. Christmas Delivery Deadline: December 1st Questions? Contact Simply Sublime . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Stainless Steel Soap from Wishingfish.com ($10.00) As seen in DailyCandy! This is definitely not your ordinary soap. Made of solid stainless steel with a lustrous matte finish, this quirky little item belongs in every cook's kitchen. Questions? Contact Wishingfish.com . Add to Gift Bookmarks Add to Registry [ More Gifts from this store ] [ People Who Liked This Gift Also Liked ] [ Report Error ] Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | viewing 1 - 10 of 8415 gift ideas found Bosses Day Oct 16, 2005 24 Shopping Days Left Bosses Day Gift Ideas Sweetest Day Oct 15 Halloween Oct 31 More Holidays Seasonal Gifts Wedding Gift Ideas Anniversary Gift Ideas Autumn Theme See this month's Top 20 Gift Ideas Gift Helpers » Anniversary Gifts » Flower Meanings » Monthly Flowers » Monthly Birthstones » Signs of the Zodiac » Additional Resources FindGift.com Newsletter Sign up to receive seasonal and unique gift ideas via email. Email Address Merchant Login | Add Your Products to FindGift.com | Press Room | FAQs | Contact FindGift.com Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map © 1997-2005, Registry Online, Inc. FindGift.com and its logo are trademarks of Registry Online, Inc.