Personalised Gift Products - A Novel Niche Business Concept

by John Henry

Quite often the simpler ideas are the best; such is the case with the personalised product 'Day You Were Born' and related products such as 'Our Wedding Day' and 'Baby Certificates' (Details available at http://www.dayborn.com ). In essence this is a niche personalised gift item where the customer provides personalised details, such as a Name and Date of Birth and a clever and extensive database provides details of news, sports events, entertainment snippets, name meaning, birth flower/stone etc from every day from the year 1900 to the current month. This information is presented finely printed on attractive certificates, available framed or laminated. These make wonderful gifts that are often treated as heirlooms.

Datalite UK Limited first looked at Day You Were Born based products for the UK market some five years ago after examining a popular USA variant. This was obviously based on USA news and information, and in a format not really suitable for British customers. The solution appeared to develop our own in-house software and product, but prior to this a check was made for any existing products, and hence discovered the franchiser Glynne Davies of Glycar. Their software and business package was imminently suitable, and on the basis of no point in re-inventing the wheel, or getting involved in an intellectual property dispute, a reciprocal franchise arrangement was agreed. This has proved most successful.

Sales of Day You Were Born products continue to expand, partly fuelled via word of mouth and returning customers, and literally thousands have been sold. Outlets have included direct supply to well known catalogue companies, shops, holiday camps, mail order, telephone/fax orders, and of course online from website: http://www.dayborn.com.

Datalite's personalised certificate product range has ever evolved and includes (amongst many) such items as Our Engagement, Retirement, Years Service, even Divorce! Irish and Scottish variants have been developed to supplement the standard UK version, with many sales across the Atlantic of the Irish versions during the St Patrick's Day celebrations. Many further ideas are currently being researched, including the feasibility of adding 'Civil Partnership' certificates to the range, inspired by the evergreen success of the more traditional 'Our Wedding Day' certificates.

The 'Day You Were Born' product has undoubtedly proved a most successful personalised product. Individuals all have a birth colour, flower, stone, Chinese year sign, zodiac sign, name meaning (for most); together with news and entertainment events happening around their day of birth. It is concluded that its popularity has been down to the simple truism, that most people (no matter what they say) have a great and natural interest in themselves!

John Henry BA BSc is Managing Director of DATALITE UK LTD (http://www.datalite.org). Having served 22 years in the Royal Navy he created the company in 2000, specialising in supplying picture frames and personalised gifts. Well travelled due in large part to aforementioned naval service, John has written numerous articles, and has won prizes for his work including winning first place in a national Royal Navy essay competition.

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Wedding Favor Gift Ideas And Advice

by Mike Kabel

Wedding Favor Gift Ideas and Advice - If you’re looking for an inexpensive gift idea, consider giving personalized mints tins. They’re simple, inexpensive, and a great way to make a lasting impression on guests.

Personalized Mint Tins: A Small Favor
It’s an open secret among wedding planners and anyone else that’s planned a wedding event that finding an elegant wedding favor to give guests without breaking the bank is sometimes quite a hassle. Weddings aren’t cheap, and cheap wedding favors are more or less hard to come by, so finding the perfect wedding reception favor without breaking the bank is a challenge for anyone planning any gift of feast at all for their wedding. For the wedding couple on a budget, or for the couple who’s looking to spend their money or other things but that doesn’t want to leave their guests out in the cold by way of gifts, may we suggest the personalized mint tins?

First and foremost, mint tins are straightforward and elegant in their simplicity. They’re small – usually about the size of the average person’s palm – and they’re durable, typically made of stainless steel or nickel. If you’re looking for a unique and inexpensive wedding favors idea, these are certainly one of the most direct options available on the market.

Secondly, personalized wedding favor mint tins are just that… personalized. It’s possible to give a small favor or trinket anywhere, at a birthday party or social function, but mint tins offer the opportunity to infuse the reception dinner with something unique and as individual as the guests themselves, to say nothing of the lucky couple. Usually accented by a design enhancing the wedding’s theme or other motif the bride and groom want to emphasize, they become both charming and useful, while remaining economical. Which brings us to our last mint tin virtue, so to speak… Personalized mint tins are pretty cheap wedding favors, as wedding favors go. If you’re planning a large-scale event, something that’s going to involve feeding and entertaining possibly hundreds of people, and you’re looking for elegant wedding favors that nonetheless make an impression on any discerning mind, having a simple box of after-dinner mints available for after the wedding reception dinner is a good way to get your guests to notice. You might also consider giving them as wedding favors to enhance or augment another simple wedding favor, for example a place card holder or souvenir glass. They’re lovely touches, sort of the bon mot on the wedding feast.

We should also mention that the mints presented inside the tins are both kosher and parve, which means they’re safe for people of all religious faiths. That’s a delicate issue perhaps some people don’t foresee when planning their wedding reception, especially at times when relative strangers are brought or invited to the wedding out of a sense of politeness or formality. But it never hurts to be safe, and the thought will echo your graces many more times than the omission will speak ill of you.

My Wedding Favors.com offers a huge selection of Wedding Favors, to fit any
wedding theme or personal taste. Personalization is also free on some orders.
For a closer look visit
http://www.myweddingfavors.com/

Women's World Related Articles

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Personalized Picture Purse: A Perfect Gift For A Perfect Wife

by Mario Churchill

Because you forgot about your wedding anniversary last year, you now know that the saying 'hell hath known no fury than a woman scorned' is an understatement. Forgetting about your wedding anniversary while you're out drinking with your friends can really make your wife beyond furious.

Of course, now that you know that it is essential for you to remember your wedding anniversary or in any case, any occasion, like your wife's birthday, you would make all the necessary plans this year to make it special. You made dinner reservations to your favorite restaurant, you make sure that you leave work early, and you even set the alarm on your PDA hours before the big event.

However, you may be forgetting something. Because you will be celebrating your wedding anniversary or your wife's birthday, it is just right for you to buy her a special gift. A gift for your wife should be something that she will truly appreciate. It should be something that will remind her of all the special moments you shared together and one that should be truly unique.

If you're thinking of buying her that new gaming console you have been wanting, forget about it. It should be something that she can appreciate and should not be something you want.

To start thinking of a perfect gift for your wife, you should think of what will remind her of the special times you shared together. If you thought of a picture, then you are on the right track. However, giving her a picture that reminds her of the special times both of you shared isn't enough.

Why not enhancing the photo? Why not try and printing it to something that she uses everyday? Why not give her a purse that is personalized with the picture of you and her looking very happy. A personalized picture purse is one of the best gifts you can ever give to your wife. You can even add another surprise by buying and putting that expensive pearl necklace she always wanted inside the purse.

A personalized picture purse is simply a purse where the photo of your choice will be printed on it. It is something that she can use everyday and it will be something that will remind her of the great times both of you shared in that romantic vacation or on your wedding day.

Today, there are a great number of websites that offer personalized photo purse services. Here, you can choose the kind of purse you want to give your wife. All you need to do is send a digital photograph via email and give out your home address or work address to avoid spoiling the surprise then pay for it. Some website offers credit card billings while there are others that accept cash on delivery.

Getting her a personalized picture purse is one of the best gifts you can ever give to your wife. It will show your creativity and at the same time, show how thoughtful you are as well. Add a little something she wants (she will be giving you hints months before the occasion so pay close attention to her) inside the purse and double the surprise.

So, if you are looking for a perfect gift for your wife on a special occasion, such as your wedding anniversary, her birthday and others, a personalized picture purse with a little something inside is the perfect choice.

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information checkout http://www.snaptotes.com and http://styleends.com.

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Baby Shower Gifts - The Secrets That Make Sure Your Baby Gifts Are Unique And Stand The Test Of Time

by Qing Gu

When it comes to baby shower gifts, how much do you know about it?

Baby showers are a great distraction for mothers to be, while they wait in anticipation for their brand new little bundle of joy.

For those arranging the party, it can be a lot of fun setting up beautifully themed baby shower decorations and preparing the seating and side dishes, along with the most important part - the gift table.

While all of the preparation is going on, the guests are just as busy.

Guests have their own little mission and that is to compete with all of the other guests to find the mom and baby-to-be the coolest, most unique baby shower gifts.

Gone are the days when a few diapers, bibs, bonnets and booties were considered to be an ample gift. Although these are useful baby gifts, they are lacking in fun, uniqueness and will quickly be forgotten by the mother to be when her bundle of joy comes into the world.

So how does a guest make sure that their baby shower gifts are both remembered and treasured?

Easy, by making sure that the baby gift is useful, unique and can be used long after the baby has been born - a gift that will stand the test of time.

Personalized photo albums, wall prints that can hold the new born birth certificate or even personalized treasure boxes are great examples of new baby gifts that will keep on giving long after the diapers and booties have gone or are lost.

You may notice that all of the above baby shower gifts have one thing in common - they are personalized.

Cool baby shower gifts are those that look as though a lot of thought has gone into them which show that you really care. Not a baby shower gift that looks as though you have jumped in the car minutes before the party, gone to the mall and grabbed the first thing that looked like a baby gift, then gone out to get your hair done.

But if you shop online for the perfect gift, you can be getting your hair done as well as have the perfect gift, :-)

When choosing baby shower gifts that are unique, useful, personalized and absolutely cool, your imagination really is the limit.

So don't just look for traditional, every day, run-of-the-mill newborn baby gifts that everyone else will be purchasing and bringing along to the party. If outrageous baby gifts like diamond set pacifiers aren't your cup of tea, then why not consider getting a beautifully packaged personalized baby gift basket, overflowing with an array of different things for the baby.

Most importantly, remember to include a great greeting card, oftentimes, baby shower cards, along with newborn and birthday cards, are kept as keep sakes.

Make your card funny, personal or what ever really describes the relationship with the new baby and mom to be. Baby showers are supposed to be fun, so enjoy yourself. Baby shower gifts are supposed to be special, so make sure that your gift counts.

Copyright (c) 2006 Qing Gu

Qing Gu is a party planning expert and professional writer for baby related websites. Sign up with the 'Planning A Baby Shower with 5 Special Themes' FREE eCourse, you'll be mastering all the exciting, fun and innovative ways to make sure your baby shower a huge succes. http://www.coolest-baby-shower-idea.com/ecourse.

You can also find more helpful tips on how to choose excellent baby shower gifts at http://www.coolest-baby-shower-idea.com/baby-shower-gifts.html

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Make Your Own Dad Or Mom Gifts

by Kadence Buchanan

Whether their birthday is quickly approaching or Father and Mother Day are holidays you prefer to forget due to your inability to find something which can be a valuable present, a gift that you will craft yourself and will portray your own personal touch can go a long way into their hearts. Here are some easy craft ideas for those capable to open your computer and put it to work.

- Personal Music Compilation: You have heard them one thousand times. That Frank Sinatra song they were dancing last Christmas is engraved on your brain and you are catching yourself singing the lyrics every time you see a couple that resembles them crossing the street. One of the most appreciated gifts you can easily construct is that of a music CD containing all their favorite songs. You can even create the CD cover and labels on your computer and your gift can have a personal touch that will make tears fall from their eyes as they open the wrapping paper. Add a romantic photograph of them on the cover, put their theme song first and last, arrange the music according to their pleasing, and think of a good song that they do not know but will love when hearing. Improvise as much as you can and you will be glad you did.

- A Box Full of Memories: Last summer they have decided to visit Spain, but their tickets, photographs, beach shells, and museum passes have been inside a bag since then. Surprise them with a 'Box from Spain.' Arrange their favorite photographs and create on your computer a collage that will cover the sides of the box. Print and place the year and their favorite Spanish phrase, which they have been using since, on top. Place the tickets and passes on a transparency paper and glue them inside the box, organize the box according to days or places, and try to create the box you would like to receive. Give them a chance to travel back in time and smile to your ingenuity.

- A Photograph Album: The photographs they have been eager to take every summer are scattered around or placed in boxes that nobody has time to open up and see anymore. Visit your local art or bookstore and purchase a couple of albums that can host most of the pictures you know they cherish. Arrange the pictures in chronological order or just grab them from the box and place them in the album while adding your own comments or imaginary dialogues. You can also create the album yourself on your computer and bind the pages together with string and ribbon. Embellish the photograph albums with your own taste, like black and white copies of photographs and experience how it feels to have something truly valuable given to them.

- A Card Box: They are always searching those small pieces of paper with those old recipes or sports scores on them, which seem to have disappeared since you remember yourself. They are always complaining and thinking they are now really old and incompetent for not remembering where they have placed their favorite cards the last time they used them. Save them the trouble of trying to locate their 'valuable' pieces of paper and create a box which can have a title and display their favorite colors. Add some paper labels inside and give them the chance to feel organized and prepared when the time to use them again comes.

Creating the perfect gift for dad and mom is not that difficult. It needs some imagination and time to invest. We know you got both; you know it too. Good luck and happy crafting times!

Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://4homelife.net/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://itsfamilytime.net/ and http://homeimprovementstation.com/.

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Thoughtful Christmas Gifts That Won't Cost A Thing

by Ricky Alberta

We all get caught up in the material excesses of Christmas at some point. We shop for that perfect Christmas gift for that special someone, we wait in long lines, we spend a load of cash, only to find that the best gifts are the ones that don't cost a thing but are filled with thought and joy. These are the true gifts of Christmas. Here are some surefire Christmas gift ideas that won't cost you a cent but are guaranteed to please:

IOU's

These are probably the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Figure out what someone needs or wants, something that's not tangible, and write out an IOU to them on a Christmas card. Some examples:

- Your Mom would love some time alone to relax away from the baby, write an IOU for 2 hours of babysitting.

- You Dad plans to organize the garage, write an IOU for 2 hours of help with sorting out the garage.

- Your elderly neighbor could use a hand with yard work, write them an IOU for 1 hour of yard work on a future weekend.

- Your sister gets migraines a lot, write an IOU to give her some TLC during her next migraine.

- Your nephew is having trouble in math, write an IOU for 2 hours of math tutoring.

- Your friend recently moved so you don't see them anymore, write an IOU for a trip to the park or some other special place.

There are a million different things you can write an IOU for, the only limit is the limit to your imagination.

Pictures & Collages

Relatives love to receive pictures of their family. When you buy school pictures or have any other type of picture taken, you are usually left with some extras. Put the extras together in an old album and give it as a gift. You can also make a collage with your pictures, these are easy to make and thoughtful gifts.

Crafts

There are tons of crafts you can make with stuff just laying around your house. From handmade ornaments to adorned picture frames to home decorations made with pinecones, twigs and branches.

Food

Many people make cookies, candy or some other treat for Christmas. Why not make a little extra and give them as gifts? Some other excellent food gifts that won't break the bank are gift jar recipes, seasoning mixes, hot cocoa and drink mixes, spice rubs, flavored oils, flavored vinegars and pickled fruits and veggies.

Ornaments

Some of the easiest gifts to make are ornaments. Use old greeting cards, AOL cd's, pinecones, foil, candy, pictures, gift wrapping, gift boxes etc. There's a million ways you can make lovely ornaments from things found around your house.

Gift Basket

You can go all out and make a personalized, customized gift basket filled with each of these things. You might have an unused basket around the house, make sure it's clean and fill it with an IOU or two, some cookies or candies, homemade hot cocoa mix, a picture collage and some ornaments.

No matter what you give, put plenty of thought and care into it and your gift will surely mean much more to the recipient than a $200 MP3 player or $50 jeans.

Ricky Alberta writes for Eternal Christmas, a Christmas portal loaded with information about Christmas as well as games, music, graphics, recipes, gift ideas and much more. Come and celebrate the spirit of Christmas year round at Eternal Christmas, http://www.eternalchristmas.com.

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Buying Christmas Gifts For Teacher

by Low Jeremy

With Christmas fast approaching, one of the people that should be in your gift list is your teacher, especially your favorite teacher. Although it may be considered tacky to give gifts to your professors as some may see it as a form of bribery; you can still give gifts as long as they are not too expensive.

It is one way of showing teachers that you appreciate the efforts that they are making in teaching you what you need to learn. Below are some gift ideas for teachers that they will surely appreciate.

1. Cake and pastries

Who doesn’t want to be given cake and pastries? This is a wonderful holiday gift especially if you are going to have it designed in festive colors and figures. Of course, before you bake the cake or before you buy one, do some research and ask around for your teacher’s favorite flavor. Does she love chocolate cake or is more partial to mocha or mango? Does she like cakes or does she prefer cookies or tarts? It is often good to do some digging. It shows that you care enough to spend time in research.

2. Fruits

Apples have long been associated with gifts for teachers. Well, you can do better than that by giving them a basket of fruits that they can take to the faculty room or to their homes. Include fruits that are not so usual to lend it a more unique feel. Make sure that the fruits are fresh and ripe.

3. Turkey, Ham and other Holiday feast

Another great gift that you can give your teachers are turkey, ham or any food that they can serve in their dinner table come Holiday. You can either roast them yourself or buy one from the corner store.

4. Greeting Cards

Even as simple as a Christmas greeting card is enough to make your teacher smile. There are cheap cards available in bookstores that you can use. If you don’t have the money to spend for ready made Holiday cards, you can always make your own greetings cards.

In fact, they will better appreciate a handmade card because they know that it is something that you spent time and effort on. Besides, it is a great way to exercise your creativity and artistry plus of course some vocabulary!

5. Chocolates

Chocolates work their magic every time. One great time to buy lots of chocolates at really low prices is after Halloween when stores organize sale of leftover candies and chocolates from Halloween Trick or Treating.

Low Jeremy maintains http://Christmas-Gift.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

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Truly Unique Gifts This Christmas - Create Your Own Personalized Music CDs from Marvel Heroes™

by Michael McBride

Welcome to the Next Generation of Personalized Children's Music!

It's finally arrived... the latest development in the world of personalized children's music products, Grab and Go technology, by Kids Juke Box Inc, is now available at your local Toys R Us stores across the country and online at http://www.kidsjukeboxinc.com

Launching with the very first, Marvel Heroes, Music for Me CD.

This 8 song CD that sings your child's name throughout, has all of your children's favorite characters from Marvel, including Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, Wolverine and more...

The patent pending Grab and Go technology, allows parents and kids to create their own personalized music CDs by selecting the child's name in the personalization process.

Designed to alleviate the significant challenges that retailers have faced when it comes to stocking and selling personalized products, this wonderfully useful, new technology, has also attracted the attention of some of the world's leading licensed brands as a way of personalizing their products for their loyal customers.

No more, no-name product brands, with licensing giants like Marvel, on board with the program from Kids Juke Box Inc, there is an air of expectancy on the quality of titles and the future development of other product lines utilizing the new technology.

Already developed are the inter active storybook versions of 'My Day with Spider-Man' and the world's first personalized children's music CD from The American greetings stable 'Care Bears Music for Me'

Awaiting product release are 2 other fantastic product lines, with a Grab and Go MP3 personalized Alarm Clock and a MP3 personalized Teddy bear. Both of these products come with a USB port built into the toy and can be programmed, to be personalized, with any of the thousands of names available from the Kids Juke Box website.

Each Grab and Go product comes with its own setup software included with the package and it is the setup process that allows the customer to create their own personalized product.

This is a break through in the rapidly growing personalization market and with the advent of more licensed brand like The Children's Television Network's Sesame Street characters early in 2007 it is easy to see that this new technology is set to revolutionize the personalization industry.

You can watch a quick demonstration video of the entire process HERE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SleVZXLxnC8

When the personalization process is complete the customer has 2 ways to be able to playback their new personalized CD. The first way is with the GnG Music Player, this flash based music player is also personalized with the customer selecting the name, as a part of the download process.

It is a fully functional music player that runs straight from the customers desktop and also contains a CD burner function so customers can also burn a disc on the second CD provided as part of the Marvel Heroes Music for Me 2 CD set.

The newly personalized disc can be played in any computer and any other CD player, which is perfect for trips in the car and for taking over to a friends place. You can see the GnG Music player in action right here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6ddBNLOQBc

These new personalized music cds and storybooks are sure to be winners this Christmas. A gift that you can give knowing that it is truly unique and something your child will treasure for a long time to come.

Priced at under $20.00 these provide fantastic value for money and you can learn more about these products from Kids Juke Box Inc and their entire range of over 50 personalized children's music and other personalized products at their website.

http://www.kidsjukeboxinc.com

Michael McBride is the VP of International Sales fro Kids Juke Box Inc in Carlsbad, CA enquiries mike@kidsjukeboxinc.com

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Six Perfect Gifts for Your Guy

by Janette Vince

Admit it—it can be tough shopping for guys. They’re often passionate about their likes and dislikes—and worse, if you’re like most girls, those likes and dislikes don’t exactly resemble your own. If you’re at a loss as to what to give your guy for Christmas, his birthday, or any other major gift-giving holiday, we’re here to help out. Here are six never-fail ideas to make your guy fall in love with you all over again.

A gift voucher - No, really. Guys aren’t as sensitive as women when it comes to the hidden meaning of a gift. Most women believe that if a guy gives her a gift voucher, it means he doesn’t care enough about her to really give any serious thought to what she likes. But with guys, that’s often not the case. Every man usually has an obsession he’s carried over from adolescence—whether it’s electronics, grilling, outdoor activities, sports, or games. All these obsessions have one thing in common—a preoccupation with complex, expensive equipment.

Guys are very knowledgeable about the equipment involved in their obsession, and are often very picky—try getting your golfer guy a club when you know nothing about golf, and chances are you’ll buy the wrong one. But get your golfer a generous gift voucher to a golf store, and he’ll be thrilled. Find out what your guy’s obsession is, and get him a nice big gift voucher. Believe me, he’ll be pleased.

A classy poker/grill/wine set - Whatever your man is into, chances are there’s a fancy set for it. If he likes to BBQ, get him a nice set of grill tools. If he’s a poker player, get him a poker set in a nice hardwood box. Don’t get too technical—if his obsession is fishing, for example, you’d better let him buy his own rod, unless you know a lot about fishing too. But there’s no reason not to get him a great-looking box to keep his lures in.

A hand massager - Even guys like to feel pampered. An electric hand massager can be just the thing he needs to unwind after a long day. Guys tend to like harder, faster pressure than women do—so look for a powerful massager with several settings, so he can adjust.

An exotic car experience - Every guy has a dream car. You can probably tell what your guy’s is by being observant—notice what cars he checks out when you’re out together. If you can’t tell one car from another, ask him—chances are he’ll grab the opportunity to talk about his favorite car. Surprise him by renting his dream car for a day. Let him take it to work, out with the guys, or on a quick weekend getaway with you. It’s a gift he’s sure to talk about for years.

Concert or Theatre tickets – Most men have at least one music obsession. Find out what his is, and check online to see when they are coming to your town. Even if the concert’s a long way off, go ahead and buy him the tickets — it will definitely give him something to look forward to. And if you want him to think you’re a really amazing girlfriend and you really don’t mind not going, tell him he doesn’t have to take you. He might want to take his best friend who’s also a big fan. With a selfless gesture like that, your boyfriend is sure never to forget this gift.

A magazine subscription - Does he like Windsurfing? Get him a subscription to Windsurfing Magazine. Is he into cooking? Get him Fine Cooking Magazine. Like music? A subscription to Rolling Stone should be just the thing. Want to send him a naughty message? There’s always Playboy. Other Good general choices for guys include Maxim, Arena, and GQ. Chances are he’d never think of subscribing to a magazine himself, but would love one as a surprise.

Buying your guy a gift doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. These tips ought to be all you need to get off to a great start on gift-giving, and get your guy a present he’s sure to remember and appreciate.

Janette Vince is managing director of http://www.thanksdarling.com Thanks Darling provides a range of great gifts and driving experience days to suit all occasions. For a range of driving experiences as a gift for a friend of loved one or so you can do something different, visit http://www.thanksdarling.com/47-5.htm.

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Giving Unforgettable Birthday Gifts

by Tzippi Moss

Big birthdays are great opportunities to get creative. Instead of buying a gift that may or may not be appreciated, you can show your love, care and appreciation in ways that will leave a lasting impression and cost little or no money.

I was recently talking to a friend of mine who had just celebrated a big birthday. He told me how people went all out on the gifts, sparing no expense. When I asked him what his favorite was, he said, 'Oh, that's easy. No contest. It was the one from my daughter. She gathered pictures of both of us and made a big collage that she then had framed. On the wood frame, she painted 'I love you' with hearts and stars. That gift made me cry. None of the other store bought ones did.'

That got me thinking. What were the best gifts I have ever received? One that immediately stands out is what my then 17 year old daughter did for me at my last birthday. She told me that I needed to give her a couple of days notice before she could give me her gift. She said that I would need to clear a few hours on my calendar and tell me what day I had chosen. That got me curious. I was sure she was planning on taking me somewhere. One morning, I told her I had cleared my calendar for the next day. The following morning, just before leaving for school, she dropped an envelope on the table. 'Happy Birthday, Mom- don't open this until after I leave. I hope you like it.'

I was surprised. What in the world could she have given me? I tore open the envelope. Inside was a page of yellow lined paper with the following message:

Dear Mom,

You have your present coming to you, but like the parties you throw for your friends, you have to work for it! That is why I am sending you on a treasure hunt! Make sure to follow instructions carefully. Your notes are small yellow or orange notes. If you have any problems, send me a SMS. Wear comfortable shoes.

Here's your first instruction. Go to….

P.S. If you had given me more advance notice, I would have had more time to prepare. Thanks a lot! :)

Oops. So much for my following her pre-gift instructions of giving her a couple of days warning. Anyway, my blooper didn’t keep her from planning an incredible tour of one of the historic areas in our city that I barely knew. I searched for notes that directed me to a hollow tree stump, to a certain sales person named Dan in a local bookstore and other hilarious instructions that entertained and taught me about hidden gems in my own home town. The different stops included historical information about what I was seeing, a coupon for a used book, and a gift certificate to buy myself some article of clothing at her favorite store, so I would stop borrowing her cool clothes.

Follow the tips below and you'll be remembered for unforgettable gifts as well.

- Give a gift that expresses your love loud and clear. My friend’s daughter’s gift stood out because of the effort she made to personalize her present and her clear message of love.

- Give an experience. My daughter’s gift scored big because she sent me on an adventure that I will never forget! The more novel or unusual the experience and the more it fits the person’s interests, the more memorable it will be.

- Give the gift of your time. Again, my daughter’s gift was a winner as it was clear how much effort she had gone to to surprise and delight me. My mother's favorite gift was a hand made book of coupons she received from her grandkids that could be redeemed for giving her a piano concert, baking cookies together and other activities where they spent time just with her.

- Know the celebrant's dreams and desires and help them come true. My husband knew how much I had wanted to go on a meditation retreat and for one of my birthdays he made all the arrangements so that could happen. I have never forgotten that present. If you can make someone's dream come true, you have given a gift beyond measure.

Tzippi Moss is an expert in the areas of imagery, expanding creativity, dream work, stress reduction, and goal setting. She is the author of 'A Dash of Soul' and 'Real Women Sizzle'. Read more about them at: http://www.WomensBirthdayClub.com.

For more News, Articles, Guides, Tips, Tricks and various Gift Giving Products information... visit our site at http://www.gift-giving-central.com.

Personalized Gifts – Giving a Personal Touch

by Anne Harvester

It can be difficult to find the right gift for anyone. This is especially true if you don’t know them all that well. While most people appreciate the positive intention inherent in gift giving, a poorly chosen gift can leave a sour taste in ones mouth. This is why personalized gift giving is becoming very popular. Personalized gifts accentuate the most important reason behind gift giving - because you know the person. The other impetuses for gift giving, that you want to offer thanks, good wishes and make them feel good are all dramatically increased by giving personalized gifts.

There are several ways to personalize a gift each of which makes sense for particular gift giving situations. Several gift providers offer custom photo printing on variety of products from coffee mugs to shirts and more. Putting someone’s picture on a daily use or novelty item along with a message of thanks, friendship or love (depending on the nature of the relationship) helps to transform what would otherwise be a not-very-interesting-gift into something that will make the recipient think of you fondly.

There are several online and brick and mortar stores that offer good deals on professionally produced personalized gifts. One excellent way to find stores offering such products is search online using Google, Yahoo!, or MSN. By simply searching phrases like “personalized gifts” you can find a plethora of offerings to meet your needs. If you have a specific idea you can try something like “personalized coffee mug” or “personalized beach towel” to help narrow your search results.

If you are more comfortable using a local supplier you can try looking at local search results as well. Google offers an excellent local search tool known as Google Local that allows you to search for local merchants. This tool is associated with Google Maps as well so you can get directions to their location at the same time, as well as contact information.

Personalized gifts can also be a great idea for giving gifts to children. There are companies specializing in personalized children’s gifts such as personalized rocking chairs or piggy banks. Giving personalized gifts to children is a way to show the parents of the children that you’ve taken the extra time, effort and expense to create a gift specifically for their child, scoring you major points.

Through personalizing a gift with special themes, their name and/or pictures you connect the gift to the recipient much more strongly, insinuating a stronger bond and imbuing the gift with more meaning. Personalized gift giving gets a much stronger response than ordinary gifts, especially if it’s someone who you don’t know as well.

Anne Harvester is a homemaker extraordinaire with years of experience creating spectacular events and gifts. She supports http://www.GiftBasketsPlus.com/store/ for those in search of fantastic gift ideas.

For more News, Articles, Guides, Tips, Tricks and various Gift Giving Products information... visit our site at http://www.gift-giving-central.com.