wedding gift: cash toward

MSN Money - A practical wedding gift: cash toward a home MSN Home My MSN Hotmail Shopping Money People & Chat Sign In W eb Search: Money S earch MSN Money: Help Home News Banking Investing Planning Taxes My Money Portfolio Loans Insurance Planning Home Retirement Savings Insurance Family/College College Tools Scholarship Search College Search Resources Decision Centers Commentary Index More Tools Related Links Message Boards Print-friendly version Send this to a friend Get market news by e-mail See if refinancing works Personal finance bookshelf Find It! Article Index Finance Q&A Tools Index Site map Related Articles Marriage means updating important documents Romance can wait; first, talk cold, hard cash Tie the knot without busting your budget Related Resources Decision Center: Essential homebuying guide Decision Center: Love, money and marriage See if youre carrying too much debt Stay at home or work? Try our calculator Related Sites Bankrate.com The Basics A practical wedding gift: cash toward a home advertisement If anyone asks what you want for a wedding present, you might try 'cash for a down payment.' Its legal, if you follow the rules, and asking for cash even meets the Emily Post test for politeness. By Bankrate.com June is the busiest month for weddings, and a forest's worth of invitations either already has been mailed or soon will be sent. A lot of couples want money for wedding gifts. A wedding-day cash infusion can make putting a down payment on a home easier. With prices appreciating rapidly in much of the country, lots of couples need all the help they can get. There are formal and informal rules governing gifts of money to help newlyweds buy a house. First, the informal rules: Is it OK to ask one's wedding guests for money? "It's not rude to request money as a wedding gift," says Peggy Post, author of Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette. "However, it's extremely important to ask politely." Peggy Post is Emily's great-granddaughter-in-law, the wedding etiquette expert for WeddingChannel.com and the main spokesman for the Emily Post Institute. She says one of the most common challenges that couples face is how to request money as a wedding gift. Doing so is acceptable, if done politely. If you seek down-payment money, get the word out through family and friends, Post recommends. Just don't include that info in the same envelope as a wedding invitation. "If you are asked point-blank what you would like for a gift, you might say, 'Whatever you choose will be wonderful, I'm sure, but money for a house down payment is on the top of our wish list,'" Post says. It's OK to say what it's for Go ahead and tell people what you want the money for. Who knows? If you let people know that you plan to spend the money on a down payment, rather than on a honeymoon in Tuscany, they might be more willing to open their pocketbooks. Wedding guests who insist on giving you yet another toaster or wicker picnic basket or a set of rosewood corn holders should be thanked anyway, even though they aren't helping you buy a house. "You should always accept any gift graciously, and remember that the choice of what to give really belongs to the gift giver," Post says. With the etiquette question out of the way, that brings up how to get the money from your guests' pockets and into the hands of the folks who eventually sell you their house. It's not simple, because mortgage loan programs have differing rules on the use of gift money in making a down payment. So know the gift rules Generally, you are expected to be able to make a down payment of at least 5% from your savings, excluding gifts. But what if you are too impatient to wait that long? Some mortgage programs allow you to use gift money if you can't scrape together that 5%. Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration allow you to use money from gifts to make a down payment of as little as 3%. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two biggest purchasers of home loans, offer similar programs through lenders. Fannie Mae's program is called "Flex 97" and Freddie Mac's is called "Alt 97." If there is a problem with these loan programs, it is that they limit whose money you can use. The FHA, Fannie and Freddie allow you to use money from family members. In the FHA's case, givers have to be members of your "immediate family." It's up to the loan officer to figure out who is family and who is immediate family. What about friends? Can you use gift money from, say, the woman who has been your mother's best friend since kindergarten? Technically, no. The money has to come from family (or from a nonprofit or government agency, but they don't give wedding gifts). It wasn't always this way. In 1996, the FHA encouraged lenders to offer "bridal registry accounts," where couples could stash gifts from friends and family. "Then, when the newlyweds purchase their new home, the money will be available and documented through a lender-supervised account," the FHA said. A few lenders responded enthusiastically, establishing account programs specifically for newlyweds complete with gift cards that could be returned to the bank with a check enclosed. One such lender is SunTrust Mortgage, a subsidiary of SunTrust Banks. Through SunTrust Mortgage, you can open a bridal registry savings or checking account at SunTrust Bank. When a wedding guest makes a deposit, the bank sends a card to the bride and groom to let them know. Ready to find a mortgage? "When they're ready to go ahead and make that first home purchase, they access those funds and we get a mortgage for them -- and we hope they remain a SunTrust banking customer," says Cheryl Nolda, senior vice president of marketing for SunTrust Mortgage. In the last few months, about 500 brochures have been given to prospective couples, Nolda says. The lender usually sees an upsurge in interest in the two months before June and October, which tend to be the busiest months for weddings. Despite their success at SunTrust, bridal registry accounts never really caught on. You can always open a regular old savings or money market account to hold your down payment fund, but you might need to document where the money came from. That's easy enough when the money comes from your paycheck. If some of the money comes from gifts, be prepared to document the source. Encourage gift-givers to give checks from their personal accounts. And don't forget to write those thank-you notes. Editor's Choice 3 legal papers you can't live without Your own business, your tax shelter Brush: The 5 most overpaid CEOs Are seniors gambling away retirement? Cut your taxes by going solar Readers' Choice Ratings Top 5 Articles 9.34 Zombie debt collectors dig up your old mistakes 9.33 10 ways to stop identity theft cold 9.31 10 ways to avoid outrageous hospital overcharges 9.22 The tricks and traps of debt consolidation 9.17 Safeguard your Social Security number View all top rated articles More Resources · E-mail us your comments on this article · Post on the Your Money message board · Get a daily dose of market news S earch MSN Money tips advertisement MSN Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. Our articles, columns, message board posts and other features should not be construed as investment advice, nor does their appearance imply an endorsement by Microsoft of any specific security or trading strategy. An investor's best course of action must be based on individual circumstances. © 2005 Microsoft MSN Privacy Legal Advertise Feedback Help

Valentine Gifts License this

Illustrated Clipart Image of a Valentine Gifts Welcome to... ...a complete guide to online clipart, icons, photos, scans, and web graphics. Illustrated Clipart Image of a Valentine Gifts License this image Description: Illustrated clipart image of a valentine gifts. This colored clip art illustration shows a picture of a red, heart shaped, wrapped valentines gift and a present with red ribbon tied with a bow. Image Formats: EPS JPEG WMF GIF february 14th , gift , event , events , gifts , heart box , holiday , holidays , present , presents , saint valentine's day , sweets , valentine candy , valentine day , valentine gift , valentine gifts , valentine present , valentine presents , valentines , valentines candy , valentine , clipart, clip art, picture, image, images, pictures, web graphic, web graphics SEARCH CLIPART GUIDE HOME NEW IMAGES ALL IMAGES [text list] CLIP ART DIRECTORY Animals Cartoons Computer Flowers Food Holidays Icons Logos Miscellaneous People Stock Photos Religious Science Sci-fi Sports Transportation Travel Web Graphics CLIPART CATAGORIES Animal Clipart cats dogs horses pets farm animals Business Clipart boss business men business women desks employees graphs & charts money office   secretaries worker Cartoon Clipart animals food objects people Children Clipart babies boys girls at play school Christian Clipart bibles christian holidays christian symbols churches crosses jesus Computer Clipart computer mouse hard drives keyboards monitors networks printers Dog Clipart breeds mixed breeds puppies Event Clipart birthday oktoberfest wedding Food Clipart beverages desserts fast foods fruits meals vegetables Education Clipart health safety letters numbers math music science technology Emotions Clipart angry excited happy mad sad Holiday Clipart christmas easter halloween independence day valentines day Household Clipart appliances chores objects Money Clipart currency dollars finance credit cards atm's coins cash banks Objects Clipart cleaning supplies household objects instruments tools Office Clipart briefcases calculators charts computers desks fax machines paper clips pens pencil phones printers scissors telephones People Clipart babies boys business people children elderly ethnic people girls kids men models religious people seniors women Plant Clipart trees potted plants herbs flowers Religious Clipart biblical figures christians churches commandments crosses jesus religions buildings places School Clipart books buses classrooms graduation students teachers tests Science Clipart scientists laboratories molecules atoms experiments anatomy chemistry Sports Clipart baseball soccer bowling basketball golf tennis volleyball football track and field hockey boxing Transportation Clipart airplanes bicycles boats buses cars motorcycles trains trucks Wedding Clipart wedding cakes brides grooms ceremonies husbands wives newlyweds Work Clipart working workers meetings business servicing Wildlife Clipart birds elephants lions monkeys reptiles rodents   tigers whales © 1998-2005 Fred Voetsch Publishing All Rights Reserved The Whole Internet Clipart Guide is Published by Acclaim Images 201 Crater Lake Ave Medford, OR 97504 (541)618-8723 Privacy Statement .2

Teacher Gift

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

Housewarming Gift Ideas Email

Housewarming Gift Ideas  You are here: About > Home & Garden > Interior Decorating Home & Garden Interior Decorating Essentials Decorating for Fall Back to School All About Decorating Kids' Rooms It's Fall Showhouse Season Dorm Decorating Ideas Articles & Resources Beginner Decor Decorating Inspiration Elements of Decor Decorating by Room Decorating Styles Decorating Solutions Do-It-Yourself Projects Organize, Clean and Move Holiday Decor and Ideas Seasonal Decor Education and Careers Building and Remodeling Using Decorative Arts Articles Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Interior Decorating newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Interior Decorating Housewarming Gift Ideas Email to a friend Printer friendly version Related Resources • Gift Sources • Housewarming Parties • More Gift Ideas for Occasions About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address: Moving into a new home is a time that's full of possibilies. Friends, family, and neighbors often share in the excitement by taking a housewarming gift to the new homeowners. But what should you give? The answer depends partly on how well you know the recipients, and if you have insight into their personal tastes and preferences, their needs and wants. For your closest friends, housewarming gifts can be personal, humorous, and special, while for new neighbors or acquaintances you may want to make more generic gift choices. Housewarming gifts are the one type of gift that needn't always be formally gift wrapped. After all, plants, gift baskets, and other large items are difficult and unwieldy to wrap in gift paper. Instead, consider using tulle fabric or netting, clear cellophane, or even just a colorful bow to adorn your gift. Be sure to include a handwritten welcome card, and whenever possible, personally take the gift to the home and officially "warm" it with your good wishes. Whatever your gift choice, make is something appropriate for you and for the recipients. There's nothing more discouraging than to receive a huge Victorian swan planter when your entire home is black and white contemporary. It's better receive something predictible rather than something inappropriate. Here are our favorite -- and not so favorite -- gift ideas for housewarmings... The Good Give Something Classic Simple beauty never goes out of style. A silver picture frame, a cut crystal bud vase, or a beautiful clock are objects that can fit into almost any home. Make it special by buying it in your friend's favorite store, or go all out and shop at Tiffany, Neiman Marcus, or other specialty store. For an extra touch, fill the frame with a personal photo, place a rose in the bud vase, or engrave the object with the move-in date. Add to a Collection Choose an object that your friends can add to a treasured collection -- things like an antique tin, a white ironstone bowl, or a silver napkin ring are possibilities for some collectors. Then add a little something extra to the gift... perhaps a mini box of truffles inside the tin, some wonderful tea in the ironstone bowl, or a small bouquet of flowers cinched with the napkin ring. Gift Baskets Choose a theme appropriate for your recipients and have fun putting together something creative. Just choose a themed container, several appropriate pieces to place inside, and tie it all up in cellophane and a pretty bow. Use package shred or crinkled tissue to cushion the items if necessary. -- Gardening Bucket with garden tools, gloves, seeds, pruners, and gardening magazines -- Just Add Water with a vase, stem cutters, floral design book, and a big bunch of fresh flowers -- Paint Party in a Paint Tray with paint rollers, brushes, drop cloths, tape, 5 in 1 Tool -- Starter Tool Box with tape measure, hammer, screwdriver, pliers, and assorted nails -- Picture Hanging Kit with picture hangers and wire, nails, tape measure, level, and plumb line -- Dinner Kit with a casserole, plates, utensils, paper cups, and a bottle of sparkling cider -- Emergency Chocolate Kit for incurable chocoholics -- a candy tin or a basket, and a variety of chocolate candy, truffles, cookies, or freshly baked goods made of -- you guessed it -- chocolate ! Make Something Special Gif the gift of yourself by presenting something you've made. Perhaps a flavored vinegar, shaped topiary, painted welcome sign, fireplace starters, a flower arrangement or an Easy Fruit Arrangment . Toasting Flutes Add to their wedding crystal, or choose unique toasting flutes especially for the occasion. Tie the stems with pretty bows, and include a bottle of bubbly to toast your friends in their new home. Bridal Registry Newly married couples can be easy to shop for since you may still be able to choose items from their wedding registry. If the registered gifts have all been given, you can look it over for clues to their chosen color scheme and style preference, then make appropriate gift choices that will fit into their decor. Consider placemats to go with their china, an additional setting or two of everyday dishes, or an alternate choice of colored glassware. NEXT PAGE: More Good, Plus the Bad 1 | 2 | next Most Popular Video Bathroom Decoration Ideas Tag Sale Tips Creating a Craft Room Making a Personal Space Be Your Own Contractor See other videos at About.com        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Poll: What would you do with $10 million? 1) Spend it 4) Pay bills 2) Donate 5) Save 3) Invest 6) Not sure Is New York City Safe? Tips for Women Travelling What's Hot Ideas for Decorating Balanced Decorating Lauri Ward Teen Room Decor Report from the 2002 Pasadena House of Design Holiday Living Room Makeover

Great Gifts for New

Listmania! Great Gifts for New Moms Your Store See All 31 Product Categories   Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help Improve Your Recommendations | Your Amazon Home | Your Profile | Learn More Search Amazon.com Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Restaurants Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Beta Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Travel Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Scientific Supplies Medical Supplies Indust. Supplies Automotive Home Furnishings Lifestyle Pet Toys Arts & Hobbies Web Search Listmania! Great Gifts for New Moms by jusa97 , Stay at Home mom of 2 under 5 E-mail this list to a friend 1. Bedtime Prayers: Lullabies & Peaceful Worship ~ Twila Paris (Audio CD) Average Customer Review: List Price: $16.98 Buy new : $13.99 You Save : $2.99(18%) Availability: Usually ships in 5 to 6 days Used & new from $10.44 Club price : $9.99 jusa97's comments: Great CD for baby - soothing and beautiful. Mom will love the lyrics. 2. Until the Real Thing Comes Along (Ballantine Reader's Circle) by Elizabeth Berg (Paperback) Average Customer Review: List Price: $13.95 Buy new : $11.16 You Save : $2.79(20%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $0.58 jusa97's comments: Elizabeth Berg is a great author - this book has many sections that just "get" being a mom. Easy read - highly recommend ALL her books. 3. Peace Planet Aquarium by Fisher-Price (Toy) Average Customer Review: Availability: This item is currently not available. Customers also shopped for these similar items . jusa97's comments: This is great, babies love it and it's very soothing. If you get this buy LOTS of batteries - it goes through them fast. 4. 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas W. Phelan Ph.D. Average Customer Review: Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $5.92 jusa97's comments: This is a down to earth book that really works. 5. The Parent's Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents : A New Interpretation by William C. Martin, et al (Paperback- May 1999) Average Customer Review: List Price: $13.95 Buy new : $11.16 You Save : $2.79(20%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $5.50 jusa97's comments: great quotes, great advice, quick read. 6. The Read-Aloud Handbook : Fifth Edition (Read-Aloud Handbook) by Jim Trelease (Paperback) Average Customer Review: List Price: $15.00 Buy new : $10.20 You Save : $4.80(32%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $5.50 jusa97's comments: Makes you realize just how much you need to turn off the TV - gives titles of time tested children's books so you don't have to sort through everything alone. Great handbook to have, great informatio Create your own list! See the Best Lists Top 100 Listmania lists Search Listmania lists More about jusa97 Related Listmania! Add your list Favorite Chick Lit : A list by denagloss, College Graduate Awesome Books : A list by dezzy, 16 year old female reader Christian music for sleepy children : A list by Soozie4Him, A Mom who loves the Lord Blossomsmile's Parental Feedback Picks : A list by Blossomsmile ilaxi, Counselling Zone Add your list Related So You'd Like to... Create a guide Raise a READER!! : A guide by Avid Reader, reading dad teach your young child to read : A guide by nanette_in_texas, Homeschool mom of 5, Nat'l Merit Scholar Everything You Need for a New Baby!!! : A guide by Cheyenne Morfit, Mommy extraordinaire Discover Chinese wisdom, philosophy and medicine : A guide by Minje Zhang, PHD Philosophy Start a Book Collection for your Child (0-5 years) : A guide by Shanshad, Library Science Student and Booklover Continue a Book Collection for Children(Ages 4-8) Part III : A guide by Shanshad, library student, children's book fan Recommend Pagan-Friendly Books for Families : A guide by M. Barboza, Pagan Parent & Witch Know How to Raise Happy Kids? : A guide by Bob Gottfried, Psychotherapist and Neuro-Cognitive specialist Create a guide Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . Search All Products Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Restaurants Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Beta Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Pet Supplies Travel Books Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Scientific Supplies Medical Supplies Indust. Supplies Automotive Home Furnishings Lifestyle Arts & Hobbies for Top of Page Amazon.com Home | Directory of All Stores Our International Sites: Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | Japan | France  | China Contact Us | Help | Shopping Cart | Your Account | Sell Items | 1-Click Settings Investor Relations | Press Releases | Careers Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1995-2005, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates