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21 Great Gift Ideas and Tips

September 9th, 2011

Gift Ideas to Get You Started

Finding great gift ideas is not rocket science.  You might just be over-thinking things as you search for that special gift item that will send the message that you care.  To get things started, I thought it might be helpful to make a list of useful ideas that will help you to come up with great gift ideas.  Sometimes all we need is a little nudge to get our creative juices flowing.  If any of these gift ideas inspire you, or you just feel like sharing your thoughts and experiences, please leave a comment.  I’d love to add even more ideas to this list and keep it growing.

  1. One of the easiest ways to come up with the best present and gift ideas for someone you care about is to consider what interests them.  If they have a hobby, that’s a great place to start.  Try to get them talking about it (this shouldn’t be hard to do).  Then, as they go on for a while, pay attention to the little details they mention.  Sometimes this will lead them into talking about something related to their interest that they really wish they owned.  That is your perfect gift idea.
    gift ideas

    Know a fisherman? How about this top rated deluxe fishing chair?

  2. If you enjoy cooking or baking, remember that some people have absolutely no skill in the kitchen.  A home cooked treat or a special meal would make great gift ideas for someone who never gets anything like that.  This is also a good gift idea for a newlywed couple who is just coming back from a honeymoon or friends who are in the midst of moving or who are bringing a new baby home.  This is actually one of my favorite, low cost gift ideas on the list.  Depending on your situation, I'd add it near the top of my list for Mother's Day gift ideas and Father's Day gift ideas.  Special meals for parents also make pretty good anniversary gifts too when you don't have a lot of money to spend!
  3. Consider taking that special person out for a luxurious day or weekend at a local resort.  This may sound expensive, but if you look around, you can sometimes find very nice places that will offer special deals at certain slow times of the year.  This is great when you are searching for birthday gift ideas to commemorate some special "landmark" age such as the Big 4-0.
  4. If you are buying for someone who is a senior, remember that people really do often become set in their ways.  When you are buying for these folks, being original is not always the best approach.  If Grandpa says that he really wants his favorite aftershave as a birthday present, go with that.  Giving him some new brand because YOU think wearing the same scent for twenty years is boring, will most likely backfire on you.  These are usually not the folks you want to test out "original" gift ideas on.  Likewise, unique gift ideas, like a trip somewhere might not work out too well unless you know that the senior has always dreamed of visiting some particular place.
  5. Consider buying bulk for someone.  This could work well with an older individual like I mentioned in number 4.  If your Great Aunt Suzy loves to knit every day.  She might really love getting enough knitting supplies to keep her in stitches for the next six months.  One caveat though.  Be sure you are buying exactly what that person likes if you are going to purchase a lot of it.
  6. If you are going to ship a gift to someone by mail, take the time to pack it correctly.  If you don’t know how to do this, ask someone for help.  Use a sturdy box, bubble wrap, and plenty of packing peanuts.  Also, if what you are sending is on the heavy side, ask about flat rate priority shipping (in the United States).  It can save you a lot of money in postage and they’ll give you a free box.  If you are searching for online gifts that will be shipped, opting for the cheapest shipping is not always the best idea.
    Rory's Story Cubes

    Got Kids? Rory's Story Cubes are at the top of the "most wished for" list and they cost under ten dollars!

  7. Gifts don’t always have to be brand new.  Giving someone a gently used set of bedroom furniture when they really need it could end up being the best gift they ever received.
  8. When buying wedding gifts, don’t put yourself in debt just to shop off of the bridal registry.  Sometimes everyone else buys up the moderately priced items and all that is left is high end merchandise.  If this happens, do your best to come up with a thoughtful gift that was not listed by the bride and groom.  Remember that this should not be a "gift for him" or a "gift for her", unless you are buying a gift for each of them.  If you are buying for a bride to be, ask if there is a list anywhere of bridal shower gift ideas put together by the future bride.  You can also check for a gift registry when you are dealing with a baby shower.  These are not as common as a bridal gift registry, but they are catching on with some folks.
  9. Save some money by stocking up on the clearances that happen every year after Christmas.  Look for items that would make nice last minute gifts for occasions that might come up throughout the year.  It is never too early to start thinking of Christmas gift ideas for next year!  Do some after Christmas shopping with an eye toward Valentine's Day gift ideas, graduation gift ideas, and maybe even Father's Day gifts.  You might feel funny spending money so soon after Christmas, but just think how happy you will be to have your shopping done in advance (at a significant savings).
  10. If you are in charge of purchasing corporate gifts, try to put a little bit of thought into what is being given.  Many companies like to give lip service to how close knit they are, but only a few special ones will take the time to choose gifts that will be appreciated.  Of course a Christmas bonus check is almost always a sure winner!  Also, be sure to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to get some perspective on corporate gift ideas.
  11. If you have a good relationship with someone who depends on happy clients for their business, consider giving them a glowing testimonial in written form that they can use in their business.  This is sort of an unusual gift idea, but it would probably get put to use quite a bit.  The best gift ideas are not always found in a store.
  12. Do you have a talent or skill that could be gifted?  Most people perform their job for a paycheck.  Is there some way that you could use what you do to help someone?  Gift ideas based on kindness or helping someone seldom go wrong.  Can you think of anyone who would appreciate receiving your services for free as a gift?  This unique gift idea might not even cost you anything but your time, but it will probably be greatly appreciated.
  13. When buying a wedding or anniversary gift, consider finding an artist who will make a personalized gift for the couple.  It might be a painting or some other creative work.  A portrait made from their favorite wedding photo is a great idea for an anniversary gift.
  14. If you know you will be buying a gift for someone, try getting clues from them early on.  Don’t wait until it is obvious that you are fishing for hints.  If you are buying for children, double check as the date for gift giving gets closer.  They can change their mind a LOT.
    Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2-Quart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker

    Stuck for an idea? How about a machine that makes ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet? It is top rated with over 500 reviews!

  15. Money CAN be a thoughtful gift.  Not every couple who gets married is fortunate enough to have relatives footing the bill for them.  If a couple has paid for their own wedding and reception, giving them some money to start them off on the right foot is perfectly acceptable.
  16. If you like shopping online, don’t forget to check to see if gift wrapping is available or even included in your purchase.  Many shopping sites offer this service as a convenience to their customers.
  17. While you are shopping early, be sure to check regularly for special deals that are going on for popular items.  Large sites like Amazon usually have some type of Daily Deal that offers significant savings on otherwise expensive items.  If you are really stuck for an idea, check out what is popular.  Some of my best inspirations for great gifts come from the listings of bestselling an most wished for items on Amazon.  It draws from a huge base of customers and is pretty much constantly updating.  You can find those lists, broken down by category, by Clicking Here.
  18. Give without guilt.  Always give presents with a smile on your face.  Resist the urge to tell the recipient how difficult it was for you to afford the item.
  19. Try to remember that you are buying for someone else.  Resist the urge to buy something just because you would like to own it.  Put yourself in the shoes of the person receiving the gift.  Will they put it to use, or will it get stuffed into the closet until your next visit?
  20. If you are buying a gift for a child who is not yours, clear the idea with the parents first.  They may have reasons why they do not want the child to have a particular toy, or they may have already have plans on buying that same thing for their child.  This only takes a minute to do and it can help to avoid an embarrassing situation.
  21. Remember that it really is the thought that counts when giving gifts.  Take some time to make the gift reflect that you really know and appreciate your friend or relative.

Please Share Your Gift Ideas!

I hope that this list has given you a few helpful gift ideas for how to choose the best presents for the people you care about.  This list has touched on some ways to make good choices for the people you love and care about.  These tips can be applied to birthday gifts, bridal gifts, a special wedding anniversary, graduation gifts, gifts for Dad or Mom, romantic gift ideas (gift ideas for him and gift ideas for her), or anyone you care about.     Please take a minute and share your own gift ideas and gift suggestions by leaving a comment!

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An Aquarium Coffee Table is a Great Gift for Fish Lovers

May 14th, 2011

The Aquarium Coffee Table and The Art of Conversation

If you are one of those people that likes to entertain good friends, and you have a fascination with fish, then you cannot get any better than the aquarium coffee table. This is certainly sure to cheer up any room it is used in. It will definitely be the topic for discussion among friends.  Even if you don't like fish, if you have been searching for cool coffee tables, you don't have to look any further!  Aquarium tables are sure to start up a conversation.  Not many people have seen a coffee table aquarium up close, so they will almost certainly be interested in hearing about how you came to own such an interesting piece of furniture.

Although these tanks are unusual, there is nothing special that needs to be carried out, just fill up with water and you are good to go, the system comes as a ready-made unit. Like any other kind of aquarium tank, coffee table aquariums are great for their stress reducing qualities.

There are many different sizes and designs for individuals to choose from when it come to fish tank aquariums. You probably could use these coffee tables without the fish if you simply wanted something which looked out of the ordinary, but a majority of people love having the live fish to watch.

You certainly will not need to bother about getting interesting decorations to set on top of this table. The truth is, whatever you set on top of it will probably serve as a distraction. Something that could be interesting however may be a publication about fish. If you can pick one up that features details about the particular fish you have got within the aquarium, that may be even better!

Picture friends visiting your home and relaxing on the couch to check out a full size coffee table tank. These amazing aquariums are great showcase aquariums for almost any environment and are certain to impress friends and guests. Think about your self, the fish lover, setting your drink upon a fish filled coffee table.

Freshwater aquarium fish usually are peaceful creatures, but differing types of fish will not always live well together. Be certain to not get a fish that would harm one or more of your other fish in the tank. Freshwater aquarium fish, as opposed to their bright and elegant cousins of the saltwater variety, can be a fine experience for those who have never cared for fish previously. Saltwater aquatic fish tanks are usually difficult to set up and properly keep up.

For those who have never seen an actual aquarium tank coffee table, you'll find them for sale on the web. They are not a common product in many pet outlets. They keep the fish safe and also on display, just as a more traditional tank would, however the aquarium is built to do double duty as a piece of household furniture in your home. The most common place for individuals to put one of these tanks is in a rather roomy family area in which it may function as a centerpiece in the decoration.

If thinking about filling up such a large piece of furniture with water concerns you, you might want to consider utilising the table as a terrarium as an alternative. You simply would substitute the water and fish with plant life and animals such as frogs or some other fascinating pet that lives among vegetation.

Giving an Aquarium Coffee Table as a Gift

How is this for a cool present idea?  A fish tank coffee table!  OK, the one shown in this photo is a corner table, but there are aquarium tables sold to meet every furniture need or desire.

Midwest Tropical Aqua Octagon Coffee Table Aquarium, 28 GallonsThere are several different sizes available to fit your needs in almost any room set up. Many of them have built in filtration to keep the cleaning to a minimum, but be sure to check on the specifics of each aquarium.

There are several models shown below, and each will have its own features that should be checked out individually to be sure that it fit into your room design.  I don't know that I would actually give this as a gift without the consent of the receiver, because it does, of course, come with the responsibility of taking care of live animals.  If you know someone who has expressed an interest in such a table though, there are a lot of beautiful designs to choose from.

When purchasing aquarium set ups, it is usually a good idea to see if the tank you are interested in is available as part of a complete package of integrated equipment that is suited to that particular tank.  These are often sold together as systems.  This can save a lot of aggravation when you are trying to do the initial set up.  Below are some of the most popular models sold on Amazon.  I like to deal with Amazon for the simple reason that they are so well established that you can be pretty certain you are going to get what you order and that it will arrive in the condition that you expect.

If you prefer a larger fish tank table, there are several regularly sold on eBay by top-rated buyers.  These are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes.  Obviously, the larger the aquarium, the more it generally costs.

Before making the purchase of a fish tank coffee table, be sure to confirm with the seller what exactly is included in the aquarium package.  You will need the tank itself, as well as accessories for filtration and lighting along with all of the other basic set-up equipment.  In addition, you will need things like gravel and decorations for making the fish you put in it feel at home!

If you have small children in the house, you may want to either hold off on adding one of these to your decor, or make certain that it is safely out of the way of your kids.  This is not the type of item that will handle "oops" moments well.
AQUARIUM COFFEE TABLE Beveled Tempered Glass Top
AQUARIUM COFFEE TABLE Beveled Tempered Glass Top
Paypal   US $107.50 		Coffee Table Aquarium Fish Tank Cool Rec Room Furniture
Coffee Table Aquarium Fish Tank Cool Rec Room Furniture
Paypal   US $538.88
New Coffee Table Aquarium Long Octagon Fish Tank Kids or Family Room Furniture
New Coffee Table Aquarium Long Octagon Fish Tank Kids or Family Room Furniture
Paypal   US $538.88 		Lighted Filtered AQUARIUM COFFEE TABLE Beveled Tempered Glass Top
Lighted Filtered AQUARIUM COFFEE TABLE Beveled Tempered Glass Top
Paypal   US $950.00
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Nerf Stampede

April 20th, 2011

Generations of children have by now enjoyed the fun of playing with Nerf brand toys.  These wonderful versions of real life items have made indoor play so much more fun than it ever was before by being Mom and furniture friendly, while posing virtually no risk of injury to users or innocent bystanders.

The Nerf brand has been regularly updated with impressive new creations since the days of simple Nerf balls.  Some time ago, Nerf introduced their first dart firing weapons.  The idea has been very successful, and the good folks at Nerf have responded by updating and upgrading their offerings in that field.

One of their latest offerings is the Nerf Stampede.  This gem of a toy weapon has the ability to launch up to three harmless Nerf darts per second in fully automatic mode, but can also be fired in semi-automatic mode with one dart fired per pull of the trigger.

The ammo is fed into the gun by means of three eighteen round clips and one six round clip, allowing for up to sixty shots before having to reload the clips.  The Nerf Stampede will allow young warriors to launch a barrage of fire power to overwhelm their opponents up to thirty feet away.  It comes with a bi-pod to allow the front of the weapon to be self-supporting so that the user can sit or lay behind it and concentrate on aiming.

Prior Nerf weapons have occasionally been prone to jamming during the process of feeding ammunition into the firing chamber.  Nerf engineers have virtually eliminated this problem in their design of the Nerf Stampede.  User reviews indicate great satisfaction with the gun's operation.

This unit requires six D cell batteries to be used, so if you intend to buy one of them, don't forget the batteries.  It will make a wonderful gift for a child in the eight and up age range.

 

This is a very cool gift idea for kids (and parents) who love to shoot. If you have been frustrated by shooting toys that constantly jam or only hold a small number of darts, the Nerf Stampede might be the solution you are looking for.

Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS

Get More Detail On The Nerf Stampede Now!

Nerf does a good job of providing quality. If you have ever purchased bargain brand shooting toys, it is likely you've experienced the disappointment of poor performance (I have). The Nerf Stampede costs more than some other units, but it is worth it to have a toy that functions like this one does. A very cool feature of the Nerf Stampede is the front shield that can actually be seen through. You are protected while still being able to aim and shoot. Be sure to check out the customer review tab below for more details on the Nerf Stampede. You can also get a look at the Stampede in action by clicking on the video tab.

If you are buying this toy, don't forget the batteries! It takes 6 "D" cells.
Below you will find additional details and customer reviews of the Nerf Stampede. I'm also including links where you can find more information about other popular Nerf Blasters.

 

Nerf N-Strike Vulcan EBF-25 Blaster - Yellow

 

Nerf N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire CS-35 Dart Blaster

 

Nerf N-Strike Longstrike CS-6 Dart Blaster

 

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Keurig B70

April 17th, 2011

I absolutely love having a good cup of coffee first thing in the morning when the house is quiet and I'm the only one up and around. I personally enjoy drinking large amounts of the stuff, but many people today really enjoy the convenience of single serve coffee machines. The popularity of K-cups is proof of that. The idea of a single serving machine like the Keurig B70 is actually great for people who just want to grab a cup of coffee and hit the road, or for an office setting where people might want a fresh cup of coffee at different times during the day.

The Keurig B70 is one of the more popular coffee makers around. Keurig does coffee, and they do it well.  They have several different models available, but the B70 is the latest and greatest.  The actual making of coffee is extremely simple.  You just drop in your favorite K-cup flavor, set the size of the cup and your preferred coffee temperature on the machine and cut it loose. It brews up a cup of coffee in a very short amount of time (about a minute or so).   It is so fast that you won't even want to leave the room after you press the brew button.  It starts working right away and before you know it, your fresh cup of coffee is ready to go.  Here is a video of the Keurig B70 in action.

Keurig B70 demo

As I mentioned, you can put in your favorite flavor of K-cup, so people who are sharing the machine can still brew up whatever they like with every cup. There are tons of flavors available to choose from.  If you have different tastes than the other people you live or work with, just get different flavors of K-cups.

The one thing I would add that I suppose is sort of negative, is that the K-cups can get kind of expensive after a while if you drink mass quantities of java.  There are a couple of ways to deal with this.  The first is to buy your K-cups in bulk.  They are available in large size boxes that will earn you a bit of a price break.  You can also use a handy little adapter to make coffee using non pre-packed coffee.  This is the option that I prefer myself.  The stores near me have started carrying a variety of coffee beans that can be ground to order right when you purchase them.  I get these and then load up the "My K-cup" adapter.  It works just the same way that K-cups do, but instead of throwing away the used K-cup, you just rinse out the used coffee from the adapter and then use it again with fresh coffee when you are ready for it.

If you are a coffee lover, this is a machine to check out.  If you are looking for a coffee machine for the office, you couldn't make a better choice than a single serve machine.  It allows people to brew up a custom beverage for themselves, and it also eliminates wasted coffee at the end of the day (that nobody wants to clean up).  It's a very nice addition to the kitchen that will get plenty of use if you enjoy good coffee.  If you like what you have seen and read, but you still are sure if this machine is right for you, here are some more details on the Keurig B70.

 

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Monster High Dolls Draculaura Doll

April 15th, 2011

Someone finally realized that not every child or doll collector is only interested in princess dolls. Monster High Dolls are definitely made for people who like things that are just a little bit different. The doll shown is Draculaura. She has a cool and trendy look, but she also has a pet bat! I don't know if Barbie would want to hang out with her or not. There are other Monster High figures available as well. You can see some of them by clicking on the "Similar Items" tab below.

These dolls are extremely popular right now and many people are turning to Amazon because they cannot find them locally. Potential collectors might want to note that this doll does receive some great reviews, but there does seem to be an issue with the legs popping loose if the doll is handled too roughly. The instructions say that the arms are supposed to pop off and then go back into place. Check the reviews below for details, but you probably don't want to throw Draculaura and friends into the wrestling ring with Barbie anytime soon.

There are several dolls available in the Monster High collection. Below are a few of the more popular ones.

Monster High Draculaura Doll

Monster High Spectra Vondergeist Doll With Pet Ferret And Rhuen

Monster High Lagoona Blue Doll and Neptuna Pet Piranha

Monster High Frankie Stein Doll

Monster High Cleo De Nile and Deuce Gorgon Giftset

Monster High Clawdeen Wolf Doll

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Pandigital Novel Digital Book Reader

April 12th, 2011

The pandigital novel is a very nice, affordable option for people who are looking for an ereader. It has a solid feel to it at 19 ounces, but isn't too heavy to handle. Different people have different needs in their electronics. The market has responded with an enormous variety of products designed to carry out various functions. Of course, the price you pay is usually a good reflection of what the item is designed to do. This isn't meant to function like a desktop computer. People who are looking to read books that they have downloaded will enjoy this item. It is also capable of doing some web browsing for you, but it is not an iPad (note the price difference). Be sure to check out the Customer Review tab below for more feedback. You may also want to compare it to the Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device.

If you have never used a book reader, you will be amazed at how convenient it is to be able to carry around all of your favorite books in one lightweight piece of equipment. You'll never want to go back to reading traditional books again. Clicking on any of the images shown below will take you to its detail page on Amazon. I find that Amazon usually has the best prices on products, and they also offer plenty of first hand customer reviews for almost anything you can imagine.
Pandigital Novel Digitail Book Readers

Pandigital Novel - eBook reader - Android - 1 GB - 7" color TFT ( 600 x 800 ) - touchscreen - white

PRD07T20WBL1 7 Inch Color Multimedia

Pandigital Novel 2 GB 7-Inch WiFi Multimedia Tablet and Color eReader (Black) R70E200

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What Does RSVP Mean?

February 14th, 2011

 

Sometimes people are not as considerate as they should be, but sometimes they just appear inconsiderate because they do not understand what is expected of them.  I was talking to a friend recently and this was driven home when they asked me the meaning of RSVP on an invitation.  To me, this seemed like a very basic thing to know, but when I thought about it, I realized how easily one could grow up without ever having to actually learn the phrase.
So, what does RSVP mean?  RSVP is actually a shortened version of "répondez, s'il vous plaît."  In case you couldn't tell, that phrase comes from the lovely French language which many people have never had any reason to learn.  Basically, it means "please reply" to whatever it happens to be attached to.  The purpose of adding RSVP to invitations is to allow the host to better plan for the upcoming event.  In theory, it is a way to know exactly how many people will be coming and who those people will be.  For a small get together, this might not be of all that much importance, but for a large event like a reunion or a wedding, knowing how many people will be in attendance is vital so that the proper arrangements can be made.
You may sometimes find that an RSVP request is followed by the phrase "regrets only."  This simply means that your attendance will be expected unless the host hears otherwise.  Once again, taking a minute to respond is only common courtesy.
The method of replying is sometimes given on the invitation.  Sometimes there is a card enclosed that should be returned.  Usually, these will include an envelope that has already been addressed and stamped.  Another popular option is to include a phone number for invitees to call with their reply.  In either case, taking the time to respond is good form and shows good manners.  Even if you do not want to attend an event, you can nicely let the person who invited you know that you appreciate the fact that they remembered you.

 

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How to Buy a Wedding Gift

February 13th, 2011

 

Most people go through periods in their life when it seems that they have a wedding to go to every other week or so.  These periods are often offset by long stretches when no one we know is getting married.  If you are coming off of one of the dry spells, it may be tough to know exactly how to buy a wedding gift for the couple who has invited you.  Never fear.  Here are some tips to get you back on the gift giving track again.
Happily Ever After Wedding Gift Box
Most couples today will have registered somewhere so that people can easily take a peek at their wedding wish list.  If you haven’t shopped for a wedding lately, you may be surprised that some sites will have the registry available online for you to peruse.  If you prefer though, you can usually still visit the couple’s store of choice and check out the registry first hand.  If the engaged pair did not include details of where to shop for them in the invitation, give them or someone in their wedding party a call and they will most likely be able to direct you on where to find the registry list.
You might find with some couples that they have registered for what seems to be the most expensive of everything.  While this might seem like bad form to some, don’t let it break your budget.  If you can only afford what seems like a small item compared to the rest of the list, then go with that.  You are better off going with something that the couple chose than deciding on your own that they could do just fine with something less expensive.  Chances are, they will end up returning what you bought and paying the difference to get what they asked for on the registry.
Once you have purchased your gift, you may want to choose to have it gift wrapped professionally by the store who sold it to you.  Some places will even mail the package for you.  If you have decided to shop online, check for the services offered to buyers.  If the site sells a fair amount of gift type items, there is a very good chance that they will have the service and any associated costs listed right on the page where you found the item.  Some people prefer to hand deliver the gift, but having it shipped to the couple can be a convenient way to handle things.
People who prefer to give money as a gift should take their gift to the reception and drop the card with a check enclosed in whatever spot the couple has chosen to make available.  One of the most common methods used today is a wishing well placed on a gift table.  Remember if you are writing a check to make it payable to the bride and groom, and you might want to double check to see exactly what name the new bride will be going by after the nuptials.

 

 

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Oster BCBG08-C 8-Speed Blender 6-Cup Glass Jar

December 27th, 2010

Housewarming gifts can be a tough call sometimes. Here's an idea though. How about a blender that kicks tail given along with a bottle of mix for some frozen drinks?

Getting a good review from Consumer Reports can go a long way toward getting your product noticed. That is why so many people have noticed, and then fallen in love with the performance and value offered by the Oster BCBG08. It offers 8 speeds and a large 6 cup glass (not plastic) jar. It easily handles what most people will throw at it. (See additional reviews tab below for details)

When you buy a blender, you don't expect to have to replace it any time soon. Maybe there was a reason why there are so many vintage Oster blenders in the kitchens of grandmothers all across the United States. Oster builds blenders that do their job well and hold up to heavy use. What more could you want in a blender?

Well, how about a good price? Compared to many of the other blenders being sold today, this Oster model is priced very reasonably. This blender might not be the fanciest gift idea, but it will do its job and last for years. If you want to throw in some drink mix and ice cubes to keep things more interesting, that's up to you!

You can read more about this blender below. I've also included a couple of other Oster blenders that you might want to compare for options.

 

Oster BVTY06-Z15-000 eLume Touchscreen Blender

  

Oster BPCT02-BA0-000 6-Cup Glass Jar 2-Speed Toggle Beehive Blender, Stainless Steel
Oster BCBG08-C 6-Cup Glass Jar 8-Speed Blender, Brushed Nickel
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (125)
List Price: $49.99
Sale Price: $33.49
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Brought to you by the #1 Blender brand. A blender that's anything but basic.Your life isn't basic. Your blender shouldn't be either. With this Oster blender you don't have to sacrifice quality for simplicity. The large capacity, 6-cup glass jar is dishwasher safe and has been Thermal Shock tested so you can pull it out of a steamy dishwasher and safely make a frosty cold beverage right away. The stainless steel "ice crusher" blade does just that so you get smooth frozen drinks every time. And 8 speeds and 450 watts give you the power to perform for every usage[Read More]

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Wookiee Catamaran LEGO Star Wars

December 27th, 2010

I've got to admit, I love playing with just about anything LEGO. Back before there was much in the way of specialized LEGO models and kits related to anything specific, I would spend hours building all sorts of vehicles, buildings, and other creations. As far as Lego fans go, I was pretty low maintenance. I remember finding boxes of Lego blocks for sale at a local yard sale and feeling like it was Christmas because my Dad bought them for me. I honestly never thought about getting into any specific kits or models. I just loved imagining things and then trying to build them.

Today there are a lot more options than there were when I was growing up. Some of the most popular and amazing LEGO products available today are models and kits related to Star Wars. Of course I can also still remember the original release of the Star Wars movies back in the 1970s, so I guess it is pretty normal that things would have changed a bit.

The LEGO Star Wars Wookie Catamaran is one such product. It isn't cheap, but it has been very well received by its fans. This is not something that most very young children will be able to handle putting together by themselves, so if you are buying for a young LEGO fan, you should either be willing to help or pretty sure that they are capable of putting together something that is a little bit more involved.

It also should be noted that this is primarily a model, so if you have plans of running through the house with it, you might want to slow down a bit in the turns or you might risk losing a wing!

Please click below to read the mostly glowing user reviews for the Wookiee Catamaran. Some related products are also shown below for comparison.

See more Details and Reviews!

 

LEGO Star Wars Wookiee Attack

  

Lego Republic Cruiser - Star Wars - Episode 1 - 7665

It is hard to go wrong with Lego products. Most kids really seem to love playing with them, it is just a matter of how serious they are about their building. They make a great gift idea especially since their are different sizes available for different ages.

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Yaktrax Walker Traction Cleats for Snow and Ice

December 20th, 2010

I really like the idea behind these Yaktrax traction cleats. Just like you would never want to go into cold weather, winter driving with bald tires, you shouldn't head into the coldest and messiest season of the year with shoes that aren't up to the job. People slip and fall on the ice every winter, and sometimes people get hurt pretty badly. Older people especially need to use extra care when the outside conditions turn nasty. With Yaktrax, you get hundreds of ice biting teeth on the bottoms of your shoes to help you stay upright in the most slippery conditions.

Unless you and everyone you know lives in a tropical environment, you might want to consider Yaktrax traction cleats as a gift for yourself or a loved one. Where I live, it is not unusual to end up with at least an inch of solid ice covering the sidewalk and driveway after a storm blows through in the winter. Walking in these conditions can be difficult and dangerous to say the least. At times it is almost impossible to take a step without slipping. These affordable, lightweight walkers slip on right over top of your shoes and allow you to move about much more safely.

These cleats are probably enough to keep most people walking safely on their own sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. If you do some serious ice walking though (winter hike anyone?), you might want to step up to the Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats.

Yaktrax produces several popular products meant to help people get around safely in the snow and ice. A few of them are shown here along with a more detailed look that includes customer reviews at the bottom. If you have ever found yourself trapped in your own house after an ice storm, think about getting a pair of these before the next big storm rolls in this winter.

YAKTRAX Pro Shoe Crampon

Yaktrax SkiTrax (Black/Orange, Medium)

YAKTRAX Pro Shoe Crampon

Be sure to click on the tab below to see read the customer reviews!

Yaktrax Walker Traction Cleats for Snow and Ice,Black,Small
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (397)
List Price: $20.00
Sale Price: $12.60
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Free Shipping Available
The Yaktrax Walker is designed for people who are looking for an easy-to-use, lightweight traction device for their shoes. The Walker is the original version of Yaktrax and is ideal for pedestrians, the elderly, business people or anyone who want greater stability on ice and snow. Use the Yaktrax Walker while walking to and from work, school or just to the mailbox. The Walker is made out of an injection molded thermal plastic elastomer designed for easy on and off. The coils are protected against rusting and hand-wound to give you 360 degrees of traction on ice and snow.[Read More]

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Posted in Consumer Products, Unusual Gift Ideas

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Lavender Blue And Clear Swarovski Crystal Dangle Earrings SCER009

December 19th, 2010

Earrings are a wonderful way to make a fashion statement. The earrings you choose to wear can be fun, conservative, sparkly or plain. A lot of women have dozens of earrings (at least) and switch them up often. These adorable crystal dangle earrings are cute addition to any lady's collection.

These earrings are lovely to look at do a great job of catching the light. They are not large. Although they are dangle earrings, they are on the small and delicate side. They might be a nice gift idea for a younger girl (not that they wouldn't look great on more mature ladies). The lavender blue and clear crystals will sparkle in the sunlight and look lovely as long as you keep them clean. The backs are sterling silver.

If you are buying earrings as a gift, be certain that you take the individual tastes of the person you are buying for into account. If they absolutely never wear anything but studs, you might spend your money better elsewhere for them. If you or your friend like fun with a little bit of flash though, these dangle earrings are a cute choice at a decent price.

SCER009 Made with Swarovski Elements® Lavender Blue and Clear Crystal 1.5
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (123)
List Price: $35.99
Sale Price: $17.99
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Free Shipping Available
Sterling Silver Leverback 1.5" Long Light Blue, Lavender and Clear Crystal Dangle Earrings Made with Swarovski Elements®.These delicate earrings are a perfect accompaniment to our crystal necklaces and bracelets. The cool hues of the crystals perfectly complement each other, causing beautiful reflection and sparkle. The dangle allows for movement and visual interest. A sure hit with that perfect outfit at work, school, or a special occasion. Remember to check out our complementing crystal items for a perfect ensemble!*Measures approx. 1.5 inches in length from top of lever to bottom of dangle*Sterling silver leverback finding. Earrings will be shipped in a[Read More]

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Posted in Beauty, Fashion

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Duracell AA Batteries 20-Count

December 19th, 2010

I'm not giving Duracell AA batteries their own post because they are one of the best gift ideas I could come up with. These batteries are getting their own post because I made the mistake once of NOT having enough batteries on hand at Christmas. Consider this a friendly reminder to pick up plenty of batteries before there are toys lined up waiting for them.

I chose Duracells to show off because they have served me well. More and more, as I get older, I realize that you get what you pay for most of the time. Buying off brand batteries from the local dollar store is fine in an emergency, but I have never had much luck with them lasting very long. Especially when they are being used in toys that put a heavy drain on them.

This year we did pick up some Duracell rechargeable batteries, and I'll be experimenting with them soon enough, but even with those around, I like having a little stockpile of Duracells on hand. If the lights go out and your rechargeables aren't ready, you're out of luck.

Duracell Coppertop AA Batteries, 20-Count
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (279)
List Price: $17.13
Sale Price: $4.45
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Duracell is the World's No. 1 Brand - performance guaranteed! Duracell Coppertop delivers long-lasting, efficient and reliable power in popular battery powered devices such as: toys, Wii remotes, portable gaming systems, smoke alarms, clocks and radios.

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Posted in Consumer Products, Electronics

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Forza Motorsport 3 Evolution Racing Seat|Playseats

December 16th, 2010

If you have a gamer on your shopping list, you will want to put the Forza Motorsport 3 Playseat right up at the top of your list of possible gift items. Gaming has taken on a new significance with today's players. This is not the same world that greeted Pac Man a few decades ago. Things have gotten much more advanced in gaming. Amazing, life like graphics and sound are expected in today's games. To get the full effect, hard core game players want a proper seat to accommodate them and add to their overall experience. This very well reviewed seat (see below) does an outstanding job of putting the player in the game. It will cost more than some other gifts you may be considering, but it is almost certain to be a favorite gift for years to come.

EDIT:  I am updating this post because it seems that people are swarming to get Forza Playseats.  I checked and found that Amazon was showing that they had sold out of the one's that were previously showing here.  I am guessing that the company is backlogged or something because there was no projected date for them to be available again.  So, with that in mind, I thought I would update things so that visitors don't run into any dead end links.  Shown below are some other popular playseats for racing game fans to enjoy.  Float your cursor over them to see the specific name, and then click on them for details from Amazon if they look interesting to you.  If you find that any of the links are leading to unavailable items, please drop me a line.  Also, if and when the Forza models come back in, I'll be sure to get them back up again.

Playseat Limited Edition Gran Turismo® 5 Revolution Gaming SeatPlayseat Flight SeatPlayseat SV Sound and Vibration Gaming SeatPlayseat NASCAR #20 Joey Logano Playseat Executive Racer Office Gaming SeatPlayseat NASCAR #11 Denny Hamlin Playseat NASCAR #18 Kyle Busch Playseat Office Chair (White)Gyroxus GSR-71c Full-Motion Video Game Controller for Playstation 3

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Posted in Consumer Products, Finding the Best Presents

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Denon AVR5308CI Network Streaming AV Receiver

December 12th, 2010

One of the categories I like exploring for gift ideas is the really expensive, top of the line items. Many times people who do reviews just joke around, but when it comes to home entertainment, some people get very serious. If you have a loved one who is seriously into the home theater experience, this might be the way to go for top performance. Just make them promise to invite you over to watch your favorite TV show.

Denon AVR5308CI Reference-Level 7.1-Channel Multi-zone Network Streaming AV Receiver
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (1)
List Price: $5,499.99
Sale Price: $4,999.00
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Reference, Next generationA/V Multi Source/Zone, Network Streaming Receiver. THX Ultra Certified this all new receiver from Denon is the top of the line in terms of best of class technology. Setting the reference standard for sound and video quality, the AVR-5308CI is packed with all of the latest technologies for the ultimate home theater experience. Featuring THX Ultra2 certification, the AVR-5308CI features Denon’s legendary D.D.S.C.-HD surround sound decoding, employing no less than 3 high speed DSP processors, along with precision Burr-Brown DACs in differential mode on all output channels (12). Able to decode the latest high definition[Read More]

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Posted in Expensive Gifts, Unusual Gift Ideas

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Grizzly Bear Trap

December 12th, 2010

Here is another unusual gift idea for the person who has everything. A full size, working Grizzly Bear Trap. Of course this begs the question what the heck do you do with the angry and injured grizzly bear you just caught? I suppose there is someone out there with grizzly bears raiding their garbage cans. I guess I won't complain too much anymore about the neighbor's cats

Seriously, this item does come with plenty of warnings about the damage it could do, so it would probably be wise to just use it as a cool decoration in a cabin.

#15 Grizzly Bear Trap
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (0)
List Price: $300.00
Sale Price: $154.46
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
World's LARGEST real, working Grizzly Bear Traps! SAVE BIG! Real "mountain man" Bear Traps, as last seen working in the wilds of Canada and Alaska! There are 2 sizes, both solid steel, with cast jaws (with serious teeth) and hand-forged cross and bottom pieces. I recommend them for decor rather than for trapping lion or bear... for legal reasons, and because these can literally snap a 2 x 4 in half! Use extreme caution. Give your home or cabin, indoors or out, an impressive look from the days of the wild frontier... snap yours up ONLINE now! Please Note: This[Read More]

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Dragonfly Ceiling Lamp Stained Glass

December 12th, 2010

If you enjoy shopping for bargains, you might want to avoid the main attraction shown below. Compared to the other lamps shown, it is just a tad on the pricey side. I wonder how long it takes someone who buys a lamp this expensive to mention the price when someone comes over to visit? I could be wrong about that though. If you just showed up here, don't panic, most of the showcased items don't cost nearly this much. I just thought it would be fun to show off a few of the more expensive pieces of merchandise I have found while shopping online.

I've got to say that you would think the 17 bulbs required for this might be included in the purchase price, but what's another twenty bucks for bulbs if you are outfitting your house with this beautiful stained glass lamp? Keeping with my fun theme of really expensive gift ideas for people who don't worry about how much they spend, this is very lovely tiffany style lamp that would look great in just about any home. Just don't drop it, and be sure to enforce the "no baseball in the house" rule once you have it mounted.

I have also included some other dragonfly lamps below that carry a much more reasonable price tag.

Tiffany Style Dragonfly Red Hanging Lamp

Tiffany-style Hanging Dragonfly Lamp

Tiffany-style Dragonfly Sunset Hanging Lamp
Stained Glass Dragonfly Ceiling Lamp
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (0)
Availability:

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Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

December 12th, 2010

I thought that just for fun I would start a category of the most expensive items I could find listed on Amazon. These are usually the tip top of the line when it comes to each of their categories (but not always). Some people just enjoy owning the biggest and best of everything. Why should they be left out of the fun?

The first entry on this list is the Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras. This puppy weighs over 100 pounds and one would assume is meant for professional photographers. I guess you could use it to take close-ups of the people who live at the end of the street from your front porch. It might also be a great conversation starter at the beach.

Seriously, that is a LOT of money for a huge lens. I'm sure it is nice, but I'm also going to include a few lower priced alternatives here. Their apertures don't go down to f/2.8, but their prices are significantly less.

Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Tamron AF 200-500mm f/5.0-6.3 Di LD SP FEC (IF) Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM SLD Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital DSLR Camera
Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (42)
List Price: $25,999.00
Sale Price: $25,999.00
Availability: Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the item.
Free Shipping Available
This ultra telephoto zoom lens offers a fast aperture of F2.8 at the 500mm focal length and F5.6 at the 1000mm. It covers widely-used focal lengths from 200mm to 500mm and has a large aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. This lens can be used to create amazing image expression with various types of photography such as astrophotography, portraits, wildlife, sports. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass and three ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction for all type of aberrations. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides high image quality from the extremely[Read More]

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Posted in Expensive Gifts

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Pea Coats for Men

December 10th, 2010

Pea Coats for men are a very popular item. These coats are meant to look stylish while still keeping the person wearing them warm. As Pea coats for men go, this Kenneth Cole Reaction wool coat is one of the more popular ones being sold today. You know the name is associated with high quality and you could spend a lot more on a coat that won't look nearly as good.

If this particular style doesn't strike your fancy however, you can see more pea coats here.

Kenneth Cole REACTION Men's Wool Pea Coat,Charcoal,Large
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (45)
List Price: $225.00
Availability:
Plush wool pea coat

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Posted in Consumer Products, Fashion

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UGG Australia Classic Short Boots

December 10th, 2010

Women love Ugg boots. Both the short and tall versions are extremely popular, and if you read the reviews below, you'll see that the comfort and style of the original just can't be matched by knock-offs. Repeat buyers are a great testimonial for a product, and there are an awful lot of women with more than one pair of Uggs in their closet. If you are looking for cheap Ugg boots, these are some of the better priced ones out there. You know what they say, you get what you pay for.

I included a video below showing tips for spotting fake Uggs. Just a tip, I don't think Ugg has licensed anyone to sell out of their trunk yet. ;) The boots, and most other items shown on this site, are sourced through Amazon specifically because it is a reliable and well established retail outlet.

UGG Australia Women's Classic Short Boots, 8, Chestnut
Overall Rating:
Total Customer Reviews: (242)
List Price: $149.95
Sale Price: $138.97
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Classic short boots, Smooth leather outer. Fully lined with genuine sheepskin, Wicks away moisture and helps keep feet dry. Non-slip rubber sole UGG Australia, Style Number: 5825.

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