wedding gifts you really

MSN Money - Get the wedding gifts you really want 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 Resources Decision Centers Commentary Index More Tools Related Links My Accounts 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 Sites Association of Bridal Consultants The Honeymoon Casa de Oro Travel wedding registry Honeymoonforyou.com HoneyLuna.com The Basics Get the wedding gifts you really want advertisement Traditional registries can prevent you from getting 5 identical bun warmers. But some couples really want camping gear, home down payments or honeymoon contributions. What would Miss Manners say? By MP Dunleavey It's relatively rare these days for people to get married right after graduating from college. The average age for first marriage among women has risen steadily to more than 25, from less than 21 in 1970; for men, the average is now more than 27. My fianc and I were about a decade or so past our mid-20s when we got married recently, and like a lot of people, we had accumulated a lot of stuff during our unmarried years. The last thing we wanted was more stuff. At least that's how we felt when we considered doing the standard newlywed thing: i.e. registering for china, linens, monogrammed silver, matching PDAs and a small, well-behaved child. Nah. What we wanted, more than anything, given the stress of modern wedding planning, was to go lie on a beach somewhere and pretend we were still happily dating. Don't let retirement sneak up on you. Create a perfect plan. But like most couples we found the cost of the wedding taxing enough -- even though our parents did pay for most of it. There was no way we could afford a honeymoon, too. So we got this crazy idea. If our loved ones would be willing to shell out for glassware and new pots, would it be terrible -- crass, rude, self-serving -- to ask for contributions toward what we really wanted? Financial wedding etiquette To be honest, I've never liked the idea of a traditional registry. No matter how fancy the store (or your china pattern), you're basically telling guests what to buy you. Miss Manners, aka Judith Martin, pointed out in a recent column that commercial gift registries used to be kept ONLY in the event that customers inquired about a bride's china or silver pattern. Now, she says, all sentiment is being stripped from the gift-giving tradition. People turn to registries, she says, "to put generosity under the control of its beneficiaries." And, she concludes sternly: "These practices are no less vulgar for having become commonplace." Her point is well-taken. Some couples seem to equate "getting married" with "shopping spree" and use the registry system to shamelessly upgrade every item in their home. On the other hand, there is a financial reality that cannot be avoided. Custom dictates that a gift must be bought, so for most people the financial sanity (and sheer convenience) of bridal registries outweighs the inherent crudeness of this system. Guests don't waste their money buying gifts couples don't want or can't use. Couples get what they need, so they don't have to buy it themselves. Stuff -- who needs it? Increasingly, says Peggy Post, author of "Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette by Peggy Post", many couples would rather skip the stuff anyway. "So many couples come to the marriage with so many things," she says, noting that 40% of marriages are "encore," i.e. repeat, unions, for one or both partners. "These days you see people registering for all kinds of non-traditional items." Among them: camping gear, a down payment for a house, stock certificates and, yes! . . . the honeymoon. According to the Association of Bridal Consultants (see link at left), a wedding guest will spend an average of $85 on a gift. The average cost of a honeymoon is about $4,000. If a couple has no need for flatware and linens, why not encourage guests to contribute to a honeymoon registry like thehoneymoon.com, casadeorotravel.com, honeymoonforyou.com or honeyluna.com? Guests can contribute to airfare, romantic dinners, massages, picnics, guided tours, etc. To drool over a sample registry for a honeymoon in Hawaii, click on the link at left under Honeymoonforyou.com. For one in Greece, click at left under HoneyLuna.com. And to send in contributions for my honeymoon, click . . . oh, never mind. The etiquette of alternative registries Peggy Post, the great-granddaughter-in-law of Emily Post, thinks using these offbeat registries can be fine "with a big IF attached." Here's some guidance: 1) Wait until you're asked. It's impolite (and annoying) to include a card announcing where you're registered. Wait for guests to inquire, and let the word spread discreetly through friends and family. "Let your parents, siblings, wedding party and close friends know -- IF they've asked," suggests Bobbie Izeman, a bridal consultant and advice columnist for blushing-brides.com. "But don't announce it in a formal way." 2) Do not dictate. As Miss Manners points out, a gift, above all, is a gift. It is not up to you to decide what your guests should give, no matter how badly you want contributions to your down payment, help with your airfare or even traditional items like cookware. "You should leave your guests the option to give you what they want," agrees Post. 3) Say thank you. It may seem obvious, but sending a prompt, enthusiastic thank you note -- for every gift, no matter what the gift -- is essential. "The key thing is to remember to be appreciative," says Post. The honeymoon fund Since we didn't know about these honeymoon registries a few months ago, my fianc and I set up our own impromptu "honeymoon fund." We made a small gaffe by alluding to it in the instruction sheet for our weekend wedding (oops!), but it was in the context of asking guests please not to give presents. Apparently, that is also a faux pas (eek!), but we hadn't consulted all these etiquette experts then. To our surprise, a small number of friends (and a couple of relatives) protested. They wanted to get us A Real Gift. I can say with some relief that at least we handled that properly -- encouraging people to give whatever sort of gift they wanted. And they did. We got a lovely mix of gifts and honeymoon fund contributions. Just enough so that we can restore our sanity on some sandy shore -- without going into a penny of debt. What greater wedding gift could there be? 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. 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Groomsmen Gifts Flower Girl

Personalized Gifts, Engraved Gifts, Monogrammed Gifts, Bridesmaids Gifts, Groomsmen Personalized Gifts, Engraved Gifts, Monogrammed Gifts, Bridesmaids Gifts Shop by Price Gifts Under $20 Gifts From $20-$30 Gifts From $30-$40 Gifts From $40-$50 Gifts Over $50 Silver Jewelry Boxes Silver Lockets, Pendants Sterling Silver Charm Bracelets Compact Mirrors, Purse Mirrors Personalized Business Gifts Personalized Key Chains Business Card Holders Personalized Pens Money Clips Beer Steins Liquor Flasks Tankards Bar Accessory Items Cigar Cutters, Cigar Accessories Zippo Lighters Cuff Links Pocket Knives Pilsner Glasses, Sports Mugs Wine Glasses, Toasting Flutes Photo Albums, Picture Frames Crystal Clocks Personalized Baby Gifts Personalized Wedding Gifts Bridesmaids Gifts Groomsmen Gifts Flower Girl Gifts Ring Bearer Gifts Wedding Favors Graduation Gifts Retirement Gifts Engraving Styles TESTIMONIALS FAQ's Personalized Gifts - Engraved Gifts - Engravable Gifts - Monogrammed Gifts, Personalized Free Free UPS Ground Shipping For Orders Over $100 Bridesmaids Gifts, Groomsmen Gifts, Baby Gifts, Wedding Gifts & More. Bridesmaids Gifts, Unique Bridesmaids Gifts Personalized Key Chains Personalized Wedding Gifts Engraved Baby Gifts Groomsmen Gifts, Unique Groomsmen Gifts Personalized Business Gifts Gift-World-Collection.com Personalized Gifts - Engraved Gifts - Engravable Gifts - Monogrammed Gifts - Unique Personalized Gifts Compact Mirrors, Silver Jewelry Boxes, Business Card Holders, Personalized Key Chains, Money Clips Bridesmaids Gifts, Groomsmen Gifts, Personalized Wedding Gifts, Personalized Baby Gifts, Personalized Business Gifts, Personalized Gifts For Her, Personalized Gifts For Him groomsmen gifts | bridesmaids gifts | personalized baby gifts | personalized business gifts | silver lockets, pewter pendants | silver jewelry boxes | liquor flasks | beer steins | money clips | tankards | sterling silver charm bracelets | compact mirrors, purse compact mirrors | personalized key chains | wine glasses, toasting flutes | crystal clocks | business card holders | cigar cutters, cigar accessories | pilsner glasses, sports mugs | bar accessory items | personalized photo albums, personalized picture frames | teen gifts | flower girl gifts | ring bearer gifts | personalized pens | personalized wedding gifts | personalized gifts for him | personalized gifts for her | wedding favors Home About Us Privacy Policy Contact Us Affiliate Info Partners Product List Personalized Gifts, Engraved Gifts, Engravable Gifts, Monogrammed Gifts

Birthday Present Newsroom Press

Piggy’s Birthday Present Newsroom home | view cart | top 10 sites | faqs | about us | contact us an engaging language arts and early math program about product standards & skills newsroom request information ordering information printable order form Piggy’s Birthday Present Newsroom Press Release Reviews Piggy’s Birthday Present Santa Cruz, CA — Learning in Motion is pleased to announce the release of another learning environment featuring the well-loved Piggy! Piggy’s Birthday Present is a CD-ROM for early learners that builds English language arts and mathematics skills. Like Piggy in Numberland before it, this program gives teachers only one problem—how to get their kids off the computer! Piggy’s Birthday Present uses the popular “dot-to-dot” activity to provide fun and learning. With each dot-to-dot picture they complete, children are engaging in a sequence of progressively more advanced activities in language and number sense. The program is based on research into early language and mathematics learning, and the more than 2,000 questions originate from time-tested curricula. Piggy’s Birthday Present offers five murals in both mathematics and language arts. Students complete the murals, picture by picture, by answering questions at three different skill levels: kindergarten, first, and second grade. Whether in math or language arts, children alternate between content work and art work, and their learning potential increases via this “distributed practice.” After successfully completing the activity, students select from an array of paints, using the palette to color and customize their murals. Distributed practice, an important principle in educational psychology, is a perfect match for the dot-to-dot format, providing a systematic pattern of learning and playing, learning and playing. Murals for Language Arts and Mathematics In Piggy’s Birthday Present the research is solid, the activities classroom-tested, and the “kid-factor” high. Motivation and reward are keen in Piggy’s Birthday Present —students can print their pictures, search for hidden treasures, and receive special certificates. Sophisticated graphics and animation with whimsical characters and magical scenes all add to the fun. Also, Piggy’s Birthday Present is incredibly easy to play—there are no directions to read and Piggy’s friends Bee, Panda, and Baby Kangaroo are always nearby to help. Mathematics and language arts activities provide a sequenced progression of concepts and skills. English language arts emphasizes sight recognition, phonics (sounds), and morphology (word structure). Mathematics activities stress four areas: numeral recognition, counting, numerical relationships, and arithmetic. Each mural is supported by exercises at the three difficulty levels; students (or teachers) simply select the appropriate level. In addition, the numbers in the math dot-to-dots can be heard in several languages—Spanish, French, Chinese (Mandarin), Italian, Japanese, and Indonesian! Every mural contains several pictures focusing on a particular skill set. The Skills Summary feature gives teachers the content description for each mural at the easy, medium, or hard level. Students can work individually or in groups, and student work is always saved and recorded in the Skills Summary after every session. Piggy’s Birthday Present was developed by ThoughtMakers, a core team of cognitive psychologists, software engineers, graphic artists, and musicians. The program was produced, tested, and modified as part of a research and development effort headed by Dr. J. Arthur Woodward and Ms. Jill Gilkerson, Department of Psychology, UCLA. The school version of Piggy’s Birthday Present is shipped on two CD-ROMs with a Teacher’s Guide. The Teacher’s Guide offers classroom supports such as complementary activity suggestions. Piggy’s Birthday Present is priced at $39. Additional CD-ROMS are available for $15. Learning in Motion offers a free 30-day preview of Piggy’s Birthday Present to US and Canadian educational institutions. Contact Customer Service at (800) 560-5670. Piggy’s Birthday Present was designed by ThoughtMakers and published by Learning in Motion, Inc. Reviews This program definitely attracts a crowd of children when it is on, and the attention span for the program was unusually high compared to many programs on the market. Kids were highly motivated to complete the murals and build up their stash of treasures. Overall: Highly Recommended —Online review for The Review Corner ( http://www.reviewcorner.com ) ...There’s a lot of excellent early math and reading practice to be found in these simple puzzles, and the program has the important features of good graphics, a responsive design and an engaging theme in an easy-to-use format. —Ann Orr for Children’s Software Revue ( http://www.childrenssoftware.com ) This new program, the second in a series, breaks new ground in connect-the-dot puzzles. How? By putting hundreds of easy puzzles at a child’s fingertips and a fun surprise at the end. ...Incremental success keeps preschoolers glued to their seats. —October 1999 review for Scholastic Early Childhood Today ( http://www.scholastic.com ) The program provides colorful settings and graphics that are age-appropriate. Audio prompts for directions and navigation are user-friendly for young children. Piggy’s Birthday Present could be used in a computer center in kindergarten or first grade for either individual or group practice in language arts or math. Teachers in grade two may find it useful as a remediation tool, and ESL students would benefit from the activities as well. —A September 1999 review by the EvaluTech project of the Southern Regional Education Board ( http://www.evalutech.sreb.org ) 2004 Learning in Motion, Inc.

Gifts for Women Lawn

Romantic Gifts for Women - Oops Gifts, Ideas for Men in the Doghouse, Love You Gifts for Her Entrance Contents View Basket Shipping Checkout Contact Us F.A.Q.s About Us end rendering tab -- Welcome to Aspen Country Aspencountry.com specialize in unique, fine quality, yet affordable gifts and novelty items for hard to shop for people and special occasions. Guys, if you've messed up and you need a "make it better" gift your lady is sure to love, you're in the right place! Please browse the 1000s of gifts in our store, or check out our thoughtful gift giving ideas . Enjoy Aspen Country! God Bless America FREE SHIPPING On Orders Over $75 Click for details Search For Unique Gifts: Free Greeting Cards Free personalized online greetings from Aspen Country! Send Free Greeting Cards Add a Message to a Gift Order Browse Our Gift Store Aspen Country Entrance Aspen Country Sampler Men's Home Decor & Gifts Nautical Home Decorations Decor & Gifts for Women Lawn and Garden Decor Home Decor Accessories Antique-Style Decorations Decorative Mirrors Country Clock Shop Feng Shui Oriental Decor Kitchen Decorations Country Candle Shop Angel Sculptures & Decor Religious Gifts & Statues American Old West African Heritage Decor Dolls, Miniatures, Musicals Toys, Chess Sets, Games Mythical Fantasty Theme Animal Wildlife Sculptures Elephant Statues & Decor Bird & Eagle Sculptures Human Statues, Figurines Designer Photo Frames Home Office Accessories Knives, Tool Sets, Totes Fine Jewelry Gifts Christmas Decorations New Knickknacks & Gifts New! Gift Certificates Aspen Country Site Map - Sentimental Gifts - Romantic Teddy Bears & Love Teddies Plush Antique Style Teddy Bear Wearing Bow Tie This charming plush teddy bear sports a red, white and blue stars and stripes motif bow tie. Adding an antique look, "patches" decorate his elbow and foot. This all-American bear measures 6 3/4" high. Item:34540 $6.95 Humorous & Light-Hearted "Make It Better" Gifts for Women "Love Shack" Birdhouse with Heart-Shape Entrance A great place for feathered friends to bill and coo ... the "Love Shack" birdhouse. Rustic wood construction will blend nicely with your garden. 8" x 6 3/8" x 8" high. Item:29634 (Regularly $12.95) SALE! $10.95 Lover Frogs on Bench Metal Sculpture Set Cozily sitting on a garden bench crafted of metal, these two frogs are the essence of amphibious romance. Three-piece garden sculpture set includes metal bench with resin frogs. Bench: 8 1/4" x 3 1/2" x 4" high; biggest frog sits approximately 11" tall. Item:31730 (Regularly $16.95) SALE! $14.95 Shop Aspen Country Online! We aim to please our customers and we want you to have a pleasant online shopping experience. Our customer service is second to none and your credit card purchases are secure. Shop Aspen Country By Mail Order or Fax! Printable Order Form ©2005 Aspencountry.com All rights reserved. Number of Hits: "Oops! Gifts" - Apology "I Love You" Gifts for Women "Make It Better" Gift Ideas for Men Who've Messed Up! | Heart-Shaped Jewelry | Heart Trinket Boxes | Everlasting Roses | | Romantic Feminine Photo Frames | Romantic Candles & Soaps | | Irresistable Romantic Teddy Bears: Teddy Bear Figurines & Love Bears | | Humorous Romantic Gfits | More Gifts That Say: "I'm Sorry" | | More Thoughtful Gift Ideas & Unique Theme Gifts | - Gifts That Are Sure to Get Men Out of the Doghouse! - Heart-Shaped Jewelry: Romantic Hearts, Silver Heart Jewelry Sterling Silver Link Bracelet with Hanging Heart Sterling silver link bracelet with heart pendant. Bracelet 5mm. Silver heart measures 18 mm x 18 mm. Item:31493 (Regularly $79.95) SALE! $64.95 - "Make Up Gifts for Women" - Heart-Shaped Keepsake Boxes, Jewelry Boxes, Trinket Boxes Red Satin Heart Shape Keepsake Box Set Three heart-shaped nesting boxes crafted in red satin. Wonderful to display, even better to hold a romantic gift that comes straight from your heart. Largest: 9 1/2" x 8" x 5 3/4" high. Set of 3. Item:33108 (Regularly $39.95) SALE! $31.95 Sentimental Gifts for Women - Gifts That Say: "I'm Sorry" - Romantic Feminine Photo Frames - Ornate Heart Shaped Photo Frame with Cherubs Joyful cherubs and ornate flourishes decorate this heart-shaped frame for a 3 1/2" square photograph. Part of the Divine Inspiration, Cherubim Collection. 5 3/4" wide x 7 3/4" high. Item:33223 (Regularly $9.95) SALE! $7.95 Dangling Hearts "Hugs & Kisses" Photo Frame Surround your favorite person with "hugs and kisses" with this charming pewter photo frame. A nice way to show you care any time of the year. For a 3 x 3 photo. 5 3/4" x 3/4" x 5 3/4" high. Item:31324 (Regularly $9.95) SALE! $7.95 Heart Shaped Photo Frame with Lace and Pearls Surround your love with a touch of the Victorian era with this heart-shaped, lace and "pearl" heart photo frame. This pretty heart frame is 6 1/2" x 3/4" x 6" high. Item:31357 (Regularly $12.95) SALE! $10.95 More Romantic Gifts for Women: Romantic Feminine Photo Frames - Romantic Gift Ideas for Women - Forever Roses - Red Rose Sculptures, Glass Roses, Rose Decorations Sculptured Glass Rose in "Love" Vase The sentiment of "Love" is expressed in the beauty of a red rosebud. Vase base and lip, rose leaves and bud are all accented in gold plating. Base is 2 3/4" diameter, total height is 8" high. Item:28206 (Regularly $14.95) SALE! $12.95 Red Rose on Heart Crystalline Sculpture A heart and a rose, two eternal symbols of love, are brought together in crystalline splendor. This romatic red rose sculpture is 3 1/2" x 1 5/8" x 5" high. Item:29390 (Regularly $26.95) SALE! $22.95 Sculpted Ceramic Red Roses Bookends These feminine red rose design bookends are a luxurious addition to a bedside table or bookcase and look stunning surrounding cook books in a country kitchen. A thoughtful romantic gift idea that subtly conveys "I love you." 3 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" high. Item:31160 (Regularly $19.95) SALE! $16.95 Miniature Glass Sculpture - Rose with Red Tint Delicate glass ruby-tinted rose sculpture. The rose bud is ruby red glass and the stem, leaves, and base are carved clear cut glass. This "I love you" rose is 1 1/2" x 1" x 6" high. Item:31898 (Regularly $27.95) SALE! $22.95 Cut Glass Single Rose Bud Sculpture The one you love will appreciate this single rose, the symbol of everlasting love. Captured in stunning cut glass, this romantic rose truly does say "I love you." Rose sculpture is 2" x 1 1/4" x 5 1/2" long. Item:28394 (Regularly $23.95) SALE! $17.95 - Gift Ideas for Women - Romantic Bath Items - Floating Candles, Scented Soaps, Luxury Bath Sets Floating Rose Candles - 18 Peach Roses Designed to float in floral splendor, these three dainty rose candles have a lovely peach hue. 2 3/4" diameter. Sold as 6 boxes of 3. Item:32357 (Regularly $23.95) SALE! $18.95 Red Roses & Red Hearts Floating Candles - Set of 4 An alluring set of floating candles to evoke love and passion. Two red roses and two red hearts--perfect for a romantic evening! Each 2 1/2" diameter x 1" high. Set of 4 candles. Item:33083 $7.95 Herb Garden Ginger Therapy Bath Gift Set in Basket Surrender to a luxurious bath experience with this "Herb Garden Ginger-Therapy" bath set. Shower gel, lotion, soap, bath salts, sponge and massage tool are all contained in a gift basket. 9 5/8" diameter x 8 1/2" high. Item:34185 (Regularly $24.95) SALE! $19.95 6-Piece Wood Bucket Bath Set Treat the teenage girl on your gift list to a luxurious bath with this 6-piece bath set. Comes in a charming wooden bucket, and includes two loofahs, nail brush, hair brush, and mirror. 6-piece set. Bucket: 5 3/4". Item:28061 $12.95 More Romantic Gift Ideas for Her: Luxury Bath Sets for Women - More Affordable "I Love You" Gifts for Women - Romantic Sentimental Gifts That Say: "I'm Sorry" "Love Poem" with Flowers Candle - Rose Scent The sentiment of Love is offered on this rose-scented candle which is embedded with attractive dried flowers. 3 1/2" diameter, 5 1/4" high. Item:30451 (Regularly $9.95) SALE! $7.95 Musical "Love Book" Sculpture with Stand The essence of love is presented on this musical, keepsake "book" featuring a sculpted rose and love poem. Comes complete with walnut-colored, wooden stand. Tune: Amazing Grace. 8 1/4" x 1 1/8" x 6 1/2" high. Item:30271 (Regularly $14.95) SALE! $12.95 More Romantic Gifts for Her - Romantic Gift Ideas: | Romantic Sculptures | Gifts for Women | Gifts That Say I Love You | | Valentine's Day Gifts | Mother's Day Gifts | Back to the top of this page More Unique Gifts & Thoughtful Gift Ideas | Gift Ideas for Men | Gifts for Women | Get Well Gifts | | New Baby Gifts, Baptism Gifts | Unique Gifts for Children | | Gifts for Tweens & Teenagers | Grandparent Gift Ideas | | Gifts for Teachers & Students | Housewarming Gift Ideas | | Wedding Theme Decorations & Bridal Motif Gifts | | Anniversary Gifts | Gifts That Say I Love You | | Golfer Gifts | Hunter Gifts | Fisherman Fishing Theme Gifts | | Gifts Under $10 | Gifts Under $25 | Gifts Under $50 | Unique Theme Decorations & Affordable Gifts | Patriotic Decorations | Celestial Motif Sun Moon Stars Decor | | African Safari Motif, Leopard Print, Jungle-Theme | Butterfly Motif | | Feng Shui Decorating Accessories | Angel Theme Decor | | Decorative Bookends | Country Kitchen Decoration s | Flower Vases | | Monkey Theme Decor | Elephant Motif Home Decorations | | Southwestern and Old West Home Accessories | | Aspen Country Entrance | Aspen Country Sampler | Thank you for shopping at Aspencountry.com! 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