Birthday Presents Some thoughts

Buying Birthday Presents ABC Home Radio Television News …More Subjects Email this page Print-friendly This week's Treasure Past Treasures About Treasure Hunt Buying Birthday Presents Some thoughts onBUYING BIRTHDAY PRESENTS Gidday! You know theres a funny thing about the Carter Clanmost of us have birthdays around the same time. While thats great cause it means we get to do a lot of celebrating it can also be a bit hard on the old hip pocket nerve when it comes to buying all those presents! So, in an attempt to economise this year, I set myself a challenge: to buy five gifts for five members of my family for fifty dollars each or lesssomething for my grandson, my wife, my daughter, my mother and my father. Fortunately, our whole family is mad keen on anything to do with antiques so that solved the problem of where to find all of this gearit was just a quick trip up the road to our local Antiques Centre. Now fifty dollars is not a lot of dough but youd be surprised at what you can do with it if you look hard and you think a little bit sideways When I go shopping at big antique centres the first thing I do is walk every isle looking for likely suspectsthen I do it all again to see if theres anything Ive missed and there always is. Next, I pick out the stuff I want, examine it carefully and then think about it some more before making a final decision. Well, the day I went present shopping was a little bit different because it didnt take me long before I found something really excitinga nice piece of Latticino Glass. It could have been the perfect present for my wife, June, because its just the kind of thing she collects. After carefully examining the piece I found it was in great condition with the only real blemish being a barely noticeable flaw on the surface. If money were no object I would have bought it there and then. But, at $280.00 it was well over my budget! The next thing I found or to be more truthful it found mewhen I fell over itwas this good little retro set. Anodised aluminium cup sets from the 1950s are becoming really popular with collectors these days. At $20.00 this set was a real bargain and would have looked good in my daughter Christines kitchen. I say would have looked good cause Christines the odd one out in our familyher birthday doesnt happen for another six months so shell have to wait. Life can be cruel sometimes! The day was moving on and I still hadnt found something suitable for my wife June that would be within budget. Well, after a bit of snooping around some dusty old shelves I finally found something really interesting tucked away in a dark corner. It was a nice piece of Murano Glass. Fortunately June collects this stuff as well. Im not surprised really as its a style of glass fast becoming popular as a collectible. Entry-level pieces can cost you as little as $20.00 to $25.00 though pieces from the 1930s can command higher prices due to their rarity. The piece I found was circa 1950 and the asking price was $55.00. Now that was about the right market price but, after a little bit of negotiating with the dealer, I was able to buy it for $50.00right on budget. Now if you fossick around a bit in antique centres youre liable to find some very odd things. When I was rummaging through a box of second-hand books and magazines, I came across an illustrated childrens storybook from the 1930s. The thing that caught my attention was that it was full of stories about dogs, so I said to myself that this would be a great present for my grandson. Now that might seem a strange gift to buy for a little boy but what you dont know is our family is awash with dogs, weve got loads of em, so I reckon hell eat that book upthat is when granddads finished with it! There are things you can stumble across in antiques centres that youre never going to find in your average department store. While I was pulling stuff out of a box of odds and sods looking for that elusive bit of treasure I came across a set of novelty coffee mugs, each filled with what appears to be a naked lady! Wouldnt get much coffee in them thoughbut then who would care! Absolute kitsch, but at $19.00 for the three they were almost worth buying just for the fun of it. Now, when I go off to buy presents for my daughter Julie I sometimes like to play a little joke on herI buy the worst thing I can possibly find knowing that shell hate it, but that she wont be able to do anything about it because its a present from her Dad, so shell have to keep it forever. Now Julies mad keen on collecting anything to do with shellsher house is crammed full of em. So, I thought Id find her something that would compliment her collectionand I found it. Its a paperweight cum desk/kitchen ornament, probably made around the late 1940s or early 50s. I think itll look great in her dining room next to her giant clamshell! Now my Mum is an interesting ladyshes in her mid eighties, got white hair, looks like butter wouldnt melt in her mouth, smiles all the time, everybodys favourite grandmother type, but she does have a little vice: she loves a drop of the hard stuff! Now last year I bought her a very nice whisky tumbler. This year I wanted to buy her something that would compliment it. After scouting around a couple of the glassware cabinets, I found just the thing, a nice cut glass water jug. Made in England around 1890, its good quality gear with a deep cut pattern and, surprisingly, in very good condition for its age. It came in at $48.00 so was well within budget. Strangely enough, my Dad turned out to be the most difficult person of all to buy something for, and thats because hes got everything he could possibly want or need, so I made the decision to buy him something I think he might just enjoy. During the Second World War he was in the Royal Engineers and hes collects military badges and medals from that period. Fortunately our local antiques centre has a comprehensive collection of militaria so I certainly wasnt lost for choice. In fact the selection of gear on offer was enormous ranging from World War One Trench Art to modern day memorabilia. After a bit of fossicking I finally settled on a Royal Engineers badge from the First World War. It will fit perfectly with the rest of dads collection and at $28.00, a real bargain. Dad also loves military music so, as well as the badge, I decided to buy him an LP of military music. Now this was just on $4 so the total expenditure on Dad only came to $32.00, and Mum reckons, thats just how it should be! So there you have it, with a little bit of patience and a keen eye, I was able to get all five of them sorted out, no bother at all. The best part about it was the bill only came to $215 .00 which was well under the $250.00 Id originally planned on spending. So, if youre on a budget or in a hurry, large antique centres are a godsend. I reckon any body should be able to find something if they look hard enough. And speaking of looking hard enoughyou know, with that $35 left over I might just go back and buy those naughty mugs! Its a funny old world Bye for now, Alan. © 2005 ABC | Privacy Policy There is a thriving market for vintage Hornby and Hornby-Dublo model trains throughout the world. In Australia, a useful starting point is the Hornby Railway Collectors Association, which caters for collectos of both Hornby 0 gauge and Hornby Dublo trains. Most buying and selling takes place at model railway swap meets and toy fairs, but auctions, specialist shops and model railway exhibitions are also good places to look for bargains.There are literally hundreds of books and magazines devoted to collecting model trains. Most will give you a good indication of current values and condition and some will even give you a rundown on prices paid at recent auctions.

gift ideas | resource

Amazon.com Baby:Gift Ideas Your Store Baby See All 31 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help Baby Registry | browse categories | browse brands | gift ideas | resource center | baby outlet Search Amazon.com Baby Products Toys & Games Advanced Search Web Search Baby > Gift Categories > Gift Ideas Browse Gift Ideas Baby Books & Calendars Blankets Gift Sets Gyms & Playmats Keepsakes Layette Moses Baskets Photo Albums Picture Frames Piggy Banks Related Categories Personalized Gifts by Babies 'R' Us Browse Picture Frames Collage Frames Photo Frames Special Occasion Frames Browse By Occasion Adoption Baby'sFirst... Baby Shower NewBaby Pregnancy Religious Browse By Price Under $25 $25-$50 $50-$75 Over $75 Browse By Recipient ExpectingMom Grandparent NewDad NewMom NewSiblings Toddler Twins,Triplets & More Are you, or is someone you know,expecting a little bundle of joy? A baby registry makesshopping easy and ensures that everyone gets what they want. Create your ownbaby registry or search for someone else's registry. Visit our BabyRegistry Guess How Much I Love You (Guess How Much I Love You) by Sam Mcbratney, Anita Jeram (Illustrator) Amazon.com Based on the popular bedtime story Guess How Much I Love You , My Baby Book is a delightful way to record and cherish the important events of your baby's first two years. Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare return to scamper through the pages, adding just the right touch of whimsy to this... read more --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. List Price: $6.99 Price: $6.99 Used & new from $0.32 See more books for baby A Reason to Celebrate Baby showers are a wonderful way for family and friends toshower the impending arrival (not to mention mom and dad) with plenty of gifts.Attending a shower and not sure what to give? No worries. Our baby shower gifts guide willwalk you through the basics and offer some gift-giving advice. Read our guide Subscribe Now! Find low prices on selected family and parenting magazines, including AmericanBaby , Parents ,and more! More magazines Give a Gift Set Gift sets are always a hit. Take a look at ourcollection of gift sets--from simple to spectacular--that include everythingfrom bathtime essentials to cozy layette items. See all gift sets Family Thermometer Gift Set List Price: $49.99 Price: $29.99 You Save: $20.00 (40%) Essential! , September 20, 2005 Reviewer: Maria Cason "Mommy" from FL Being a new mother, I couldn't figure out how to take my baby's temperature. I went through 2 of those ear thermometers without any luck. I figured I'd purchase this handy dandy pack since it has several different types of thermometers. I mean, there's got to be ONE in there that I can figure out... Read more Treasures Pewter Dumbell Rattle by Empire Silver Company Price: $23.99 Along with the stroller, car seat, and diaper bags, it's nice togive something that they won't grow out of. See our collection of keepsakes that will make anynew parent ooh and aah. See more keepsakes Our Top Sellers Updated Hourly 1. SwaddleMe Adjustable Newborn Fleece Wrap - Ivory by Kiddopotamus and Co Price: $9.99 2. LeapStart Learning Table by LeapFrog Price: $39.99 You Save: $5.00 (11%) 3. Baby Einstein Play Gym by Kids II Price: $59.99 4. Gymini Super Deluxe Light and Music by Tiny Love Price: $59.99 5. SwaddleMe Adjustable Infant Cotton Wrap - Green by Kiddopotamus and Co Price: $9.99 More top sellers Treat yourfavorite parents-to-be to a gift certificate with a free new baby or pregnancy e-card!Or purchase an e-mail or paper gift certificate . Whichever one you choose,you can't go wrong by giving them the gift of choice. See samples of our gift certificates Baby Outlet BabyRegistry Books, Music &More LayetteBoutique NewParents' Checklist Parents'Favorites Resource Center 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 Baby Products All Products for Top of Page Babiesrus.com | Baby Registry | Browse Categories | Browse Brands Gift Ideas | Resource Center | Baby Outlet 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

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Best Buy - $30 Birthday Gift Card - $30 Birthday Gift Card ');}else {document.write('');}//-- Entire Site Electronics Cameras & Camcorders Computers Home Appliances Phones & Communications Office Products Music -Album Title -Artist -Song Movies -Title -Person Games Software Resources Birthday Best Buy Geek Squad Weddings Music Games Movies Purse Best Buy Global Gift Cards Birthday Product Info Our Price: $30.00 Free Shipping In Stock Usually ships in 1 business day Estimate arrival time . Store Availability Not Available Best Buy$30 Birthday Gift Card Model: $30 Birthday Gift Card Give a birthday gift that lets them get the gift they really want. All Best Buy Gift Cards are shipped free of charge and are redeemable toward future in-store and online purchases. More Options Compare with products in this price range. About Us News Center Careers For Our Investors Business to Business Community Relations Store Pickup Returns & Exchanges Store Locator Weekly Ad Financing Offers Buy Gift Cards Check Gift Card Balance Best Buy Credit Card Affiliates Program Offer Sign-Up Rebates Warranties Service Plans PC Upgrades Repairs Replacement Parts Software End User License Agreement Car Home Entertainment Satellite Appliances Welcome . Please create an account or Sign in . Your Cart Contains 0 items Subtotal: $0.00 View Cart | Checkout Your Account Best Buy Credit Order Status Wish List Gift Cards Order Status Shipping Rates Returns Rebates Store Pickup Site Map Performance Plans Your California Privacy Rights Conditions of Use | Legal Policies | Privacy Policy Online prices and selection generally match our retail stores, but may vary. Prices and offers are subject to change. © 2003-2004 Best Buy. All rights reserved. For personal, noncommercial use only.

Wedding Gifts -- Wedding

Wedding Gifts – Wedding Gift Ideas – Unique Wedding Gifts - Unique Gifts, Personalized Gifts, Luxury Gifts - RedEnvelope -- Gifts Gifts by Occasion Wedding Gifts -- Wedding Gifts – Wedding Gift Ideas – Unique Wedding Gifts -- Find one-of-a-kind wedding gifts at RedEnvelope. Our collection includes many wedding gift ideas for unique wedding gifts from a newlywed cooking kit , double happiness photo frame , personalized family tree frame , engraved wedding keepsake boxes , monogrammed flasks to many more wedding gifts that are as memorable as their big day. We realize that finding unique wedding gifts is no easy task. Our wedding gift ideas assortment simplifies the shopping process by offering a wide variety of affordable, stylish, and unique wedding gifts . In addition, if you are looking for that special touch for your item, an item from our personalized wedding gifts assortment is a great way to give the new couple something that is truly one-of-a-kind. Celebrate the happy couple with a gift from our Wedding collection. Wedding Gifts: Engagement Engagement Gifts, Engagement Party Gifts and Unique Engagement Gifts are one of our specialties. You can shop our Engagement Gifts Collection in a variety of ways. Wedding: Bridesmaid Gifts Bridesmaid Gifts, Wedding Party Gifts and Bridesmaid Jewelry are one of our specialties. You can shop our unique Wedding Gifts collection in a variety of ways. Wedding Gifts: Groomsmen Unique Groomsmen Gifts, Bridal Party Wedding Gifts and Groomsmen Gift Ideas are one of our specialties. You can shop our unique groomsmen gifts assortment in a variety of ways. Wedding Gifts Looking for personalized wedding gifts? Our Wedding Gifts collection has a wide variety of unique personalized wedding gifts and wedding party gifts. Wedding: Silver Wedding Gifts Our unique Silver Plated Gifts collection offers a wide variety of silver gifts that make perfect gifts for brides and wedding presents. -- Featured Products: stacking jewelry box l-o-v-e frame diamond xo necklace silver-plated frames monogrammed luxury towels Be sure and review our other gift collections: baby gifts , romantic gifts , wedding gifts , graduation gifts , gifts for her , gifts for men , birthday gifts , gifts for dad , jewelry gifts , new baby gifts , gifts for mom , affordable gifts , anniversary gifts , gifts for him , gifts for women , new baby gifts , men's accessories , wedding anniversary gifts , corporate gifts . -- Gifts by Occasion • Gifts by Recipient • Online Gifts by Shops • Corporate Gifts Last Minute Gifts • Anniversary Gift Guide • Birthflowers Gift Guide • Birthstones Gift Guide -- ©2005 RedEnvelope, Inc. All rights reserved. The RedEnvelope mark and logo are trademarks of RedEnvelope, Inc. Index .