We always want to get it right when it comes to buying a suitable gift for a child. However it is not always easy to. There is often a clash of opinion when it comes to what children should play with. It is fair to say that parents are often encouraging their child to learn and therefore play with toys that can help achieve this. On the other hand, the priority of a child is not only to have toys that are ‘in fashion’ but also to have fun, and have lots of it. There is no reason why the two can’t be joined hand in hand. There are a huge number of products made for children which are classified as ‘educational toys’.
In this article I am going to highlight some educational toys which allows your child to learn and have a whole heap of fun.
Wild Science Range of Educational Kits- Wild Science is one of the most recognisable, best selling and popular science brands in the UK offering a diverse range of collectable science kits with real attitude. The quality of the kits from content and package design down to their sheer fun and entertainment value make this range a real winner. In the range are: Slime Labortaory, Perfume Laboratory, Hyperlauncher Super Ball Factory, Atlantis Nature Reserve and many others. The whole purpose of the Wild Science range is to teach children about certain elements of science and they have fun while doing so.
Nick Baker Nature Kits- this range was developed by Nick Baker, a popular Wildlife Expert, Author and TV Presenter. His kits guide you and your child through a fascinating world full of wonder and delight using specially designed, professional quality field equipment and revealing instructions containing loads of notes, hints and tips. In his range are: Animal Tracking Kit and Bug Hunting Kit. Not only are they educational and fun, the physical involvement involved in exploring nature allows a form of exercise that children can benefit from.
Go Solar Experiment Kit- this educational kit has more than 30 fun and exciting activities to do with energy from the sun and light. Activities include building your own solar furnace, solar powered carousel, and aeroplane mobile. Learn about temperature, focal points, colour refraction, the greenhouse effect and more.
Solar Mars Explorer- this odd but cool looking ‘mars explorer’ is powered by the sun. However, it firstly needs to be put together. It is the process of assembling this toy with the solar panel that teaches the child about solar energy and how the sun provides the energy required to activate the toy to walk around. Not recommended for children under 3 due to small parts.
The toys and games above are merely a snippet of products that are available under the category ‘educational toys’ but I hope I have given you encouragement that children can have fun learning.
My Linh Duong writes articles on gifts and gift ideas. For more information on these products, visit MyRedPacket UK, a unique gift and gadget shop with a good range of gifts for children and toys and games
Monday, 29 October 2007
Christmas Shopping For Presents- How to Best The Rush When Shopping Online.
Christmas has always been a time of joy and celebration. Shopping for Christmas presents has always been part of this and for most, this can be a rather stressful part of Christmas. It is the time of year where you are not only buying just the one gift for that one occasion, such as a birthday or an anniversary, but it is the time of year, when you may have a dozen people to buy for. In this short article, I want to give some of my suggestions to how you can minimise this stress.
Start early and plan ahead- this may seem an obvious suggestion, but you will be surprised at how many of us still fall victim of ‘last minute shopping’ syndrome. I can not stress enough that if you plan ahead and start your Christmas shopping early, this is the one of the most important factors in alleviating that stress. Planning ahead does not mean that you need to in fact do any shopping at all. I would suggest you do the following to plan ahead:
- make a list of all the people you need to buy for and ask each person to give you a wish list of what they would like. Look for good shopping sites that have the wish list function. A ‘wish list’ feature, as the names implies, allows the recipient to send through to you a list of gifts they like.
- while you are surfing the net for inspiration, make a point of book marking sites and products that you would go back to and shop at. This will save you a huge amount of time at a later stage.
Buy and receive your goods early- It would be wise to beat the shopping rush in the 2 weeks leading up to Christmas, where literally hundreds of thousand of items are being put through the postal system, hence a much higher chance of delay or even good lost in the post. Why get caught up in all that?
Make the most of gift wrap service- for a nominal fee, there are many online shops who offer a gift wrap service. This can do wonders to easing the time you have to spend on gift wrapping all your presents. In order to save on cost, you may even chose to have some of your gifts wrapped and the others to be done yourself- as the saying goes, every little helps.
These suggestions really are simple, often obvious, but yet effective ways to beat the rush and stay ahead!
Happy Christmas Shopping to you all!
Start early and plan ahead- this may seem an obvious suggestion, but you will be surprised at how many of us still fall victim of ‘last minute shopping’ syndrome. I can not stress enough that if you plan ahead and start your Christmas shopping early, this is the one of the most important factors in alleviating that stress. Planning ahead does not mean that you need to in fact do any shopping at all. I would suggest you do the following to plan ahead:
- make a list of all the people you need to buy for and ask each person to give you a wish list of what they would like. Look for good shopping sites that have the wish list function. A ‘wish list’ feature, as the names implies, allows the recipient to send through to you a list of gifts they like.
- while you are surfing the net for inspiration, make a point of book marking sites and products that you would go back to and shop at. This will save you a huge amount of time at a later stage.
Buy and receive your goods early- It would be wise to beat the shopping rush in the 2 weeks leading up to Christmas, where literally hundreds of thousand of items are being put through the postal system, hence a much higher chance of delay or even good lost in the post. Why get caught up in all that?
Make the most of gift wrap service- for a nominal fee, there are many online shops who offer a gift wrap service. This can do wonders to easing the time you have to spend on gift wrapping all your presents. In order to save on cost, you may even chose to have some of your gifts wrapped and the others to be done yourself- as the saying goes, every little helps.
These suggestions really are simple, often obvious, but yet effective ways to beat the rush and stay ahead!
Happy Christmas Shopping to you all!
Saturday, 27 October 2007
Gifts for Men and Gift for Women- Because Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus.
I have always wondered about the saying ‘men are from Mars and women are from Venus’. Comical in its approach, I got to thinking - can this approach be used in our chain of thoughts when it comes to gift buying for these two genders? In this article, I am going to take a comical stance and match some gifts with the sayings. Before I proceed I would like to personally state that these sayings are not factual statements and should not be treated as such. I am merely using the comical approach to highlight some gifts to match some well known theories and sayings.
“Women are more sensitive than men”
If women really are more sensitive than men, then romantic gifts would be ideal for a female. Chocolate and a bunch of roses are of course a well known romantic gift. However, I would suggest something a little more personal, such as personalised message in a bottle, which comes under the umbrella of personalised gifts.
“Women are better at multi-tasking than men”
This well known theory could be argued as right or wrong for years to come. If men are not as good at multi-tasking then related gifts would be ‘all in one tool kits’ available in the marketplace. These of course would not make a man better at multi-tasking. It merely adds convenience when he has several tasks to do around the home and hopefully a less stressed out man.
“Women love to shop”
Whether shopping for clothes, handbags or shoes, most women would agree to this saying. Of course there are some who do not. For those who do, an ideal gift would be an extravagant shopping voucher from one or several of their favourite shops. Better still, spend the day with her while she shops and be there to pay for the goods. She would absolutely appreciate your company and of course your money!
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”
Buy any woman a diamond and she will love you forever- that’s the theory. Buying a diamond encrusted piece of jewellery will most often than not put a gleaming smile on her face that will more than match the twinkle of the diamond
“The way to a man’s heart is via his belly”
It is fair to say that most men love food and beer. Therefore appropriate gifts would be a Luxury Beer and Food Hamper or a romantic dinner (at his favourite restaurant or home cooked).
“Boys and their toys- all men love gadgets”
If your man is always looking for knobs to twist and levers to pull, the gadget and gizmos market is saturated with useful, unique and daft gadgets. Be selective with what you buy. My suggestion would be to buy a gadget that is in an area he is passionate about. For example, a music lover would love and appreciate a music related gadget.
The above are some well known theories which have often been the talking point of the very famous sayings ‘Men are from Mars’ and ‘Women are from Venus’. That is men and women are from two different planets. I hope my article has given you some food for thought for gift ideas, if you are in fact a believer of this.
My Linh Duong writes articles on gifts and gift ideas. visit MyRedPacket UK, a unique gift and gadget shop with an excellent range if gifts for women and gifts for men
“Women are more sensitive than men”
If women really are more sensitive than men, then romantic gifts would be ideal for a female. Chocolate and a bunch of roses are of course a well known romantic gift. However, I would suggest something a little more personal, such as personalised message in a bottle, which comes under the umbrella of personalised gifts.
“Women are better at multi-tasking than men”
This well known theory could be argued as right or wrong for years to come. If men are not as good at multi-tasking then related gifts would be ‘all in one tool kits’ available in the marketplace. These of course would not make a man better at multi-tasking. It merely adds convenience when he has several tasks to do around the home and hopefully a less stressed out man.
“Women love to shop”
Whether shopping for clothes, handbags or shoes, most women would agree to this saying. Of course there are some who do not. For those who do, an ideal gift would be an extravagant shopping voucher from one or several of their favourite shops. Better still, spend the day with her while she shops and be there to pay for the goods. She would absolutely appreciate your company and of course your money!
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”
Buy any woman a diamond and she will love you forever- that’s the theory. Buying a diamond encrusted piece of jewellery will most often than not put a gleaming smile on her face that will more than match the twinkle of the diamond
“The way to a man’s heart is via his belly”
It is fair to say that most men love food and beer. Therefore appropriate gifts would be a Luxury Beer and Food Hamper or a romantic dinner (at his favourite restaurant or home cooked).
“Boys and their toys- all men love gadgets”
If your man is always looking for knobs to twist and levers to pull, the gadget and gizmos market is saturated with useful, unique and daft gadgets. Be selective with what you buy. My suggestion would be to buy a gadget that is in an area he is passionate about. For example, a music lover would love and appreciate a music related gadget.
The above are some well known theories which have often been the talking point of the very famous sayings ‘Men are from Mars’ and ‘Women are from Venus’. That is men and women are from two different planets. I hope my article has given you some food for thought for gift ideas, if you are in fact a believer of this.
My Linh Duong writes articles on gifts and gift ideas. visit MyRedPacket UK, a unique gift and gadget shop with an excellent range if gifts for women and gifts for men
Gifts for the Elderly- 5 Things You Should Know and 5 Gifts to Match
Buying a gift the elderly, whether it is for your grandparents or your parent is not an easy task. Their age is the one most single important factor to consider, as not all gifts would be suitable.
In this short article I want to highlight 5 things to consider about an elderly person and suggest 5 gifts to match.
History-an elderly person will have many generations of history behind them. In this I am talking about their family name and family history. An excellent gift for an elderly person to discover the history behind their name is Trace you family History Gift Box. This gift as the name implies, will allow them to discover their family tree and the history behind their family name.
There’s no place like home-an elderly person has probably lived in their home and area location for quite some years. An excellent gift suited to this would be Historic Map Gift Box. This gift entitles them to a historic map of the English county of their choice. As well as receiving a magnificent historic map, the recipient of this gift also has the fascinating opportunity to see how their county looked more than a century ago.
Old habits die hard-the good old saying ‘old habits die hard’ is very much true for an elderly person. With so many wise years behind them and memories, it is no wonder that many elderly people will continue to do things in the way that they have always done. Why not? It has always brought them happiness and why should they not continue to pursue happiness in the time they have left in the world. I therefore would suggest a gift that is specific to your elderly loved one. This of course will vary. If your grandma religiously sits down to enjoy a nice cup of English tea and biscuits at 3pm everyday, then why not buy her a hamper full of her favourite biscuits and tea?
A little goes a long way- as a person gets older, it is fair to say that owning material things becomes less important to them and less of a necessity. Having asked the opinion from many elderly people myself, it is clear that, for an elderly person, having their family with them on their special day (whether it be birthday or Christmas), is the single most important wish they have.
Treasured memories- old age comes hand in hand with many years of memories. Therefore an ideal gift is something that will capture those memories in one place- a photo montage of past and present photographs most certainly would do this.
In this short article I want to highlight 5 things to consider about an elderly person and suggest 5 gifts to match.
History-an elderly person will have many generations of history behind them. In this I am talking about their family name and family history. An excellent gift for an elderly person to discover the history behind their name is Trace you family History Gift Box. This gift as the name implies, will allow them to discover their family tree and the history behind their family name.
There’s no place like home-an elderly person has probably lived in their home and area location for quite some years. An excellent gift suited to this would be Historic Map Gift Box. This gift entitles them to a historic map of the English county of their choice. As well as receiving a magnificent historic map, the recipient of this gift also has the fascinating opportunity to see how their county looked more than a century ago.
Old habits die hard-the good old saying ‘old habits die hard’ is very much true for an elderly person. With so many wise years behind them and memories, it is no wonder that many elderly people will continue to do things in the way that they have always done. Why not? It has always brought them happiness and why should they not continue to pursue happiness in the time they have left in the world. I therefore would suggest a gift that is specific to your elderly loved one. This of course will vary. If your grandma religiously sits down to enjoy a nice cup of English tea and biscuits at 3pm everyday, then why not buy her a hamper full of her favourite biscuits and tea?
A little goes a long way- as a person gets older, it is fair to say that owning material things becomes less important to them and less of a necessity. Having asked the opinion from many elderly people myself, it is clear that, for an elderly person, having their family with them on their special day (whether it be birthday or Christmas), is the single most important wish they have.
Treasured memories- old age comes hand in hand with many years of memories. Therefore an ideal gift is something that will capture those memories in one place- a photo montage of past and present photographs most certainly would do this.
Friday, 26 October 2007
Gifts for Children and Teenagers- Stimulate Their Senses While They Are Playing
It is a well known theory that the type of toys, games and activities that a young child plays with can stimulate their mental development. This has led to a influx of educational and creative toys and games into the market place.
In this very short article I am going to introduce 5 creative and educational gift ideas for children, that them to have fun and also helps to stimulate their mentality.
Kids Colour Your Own Umbrella- A unique and functional gift, this child-child sized range of umbrellas are printed with outline shapes which can be painted. The gift comes complete with permanent glitter paints and paint brushes.
Personalised Children’s Story Books- These range of high quality books is quite recent addition to the market place. Books of course are an excellent way to improve a child reading and writing skills. Personalised books on the other hand can also help to build children's self-esteem and self-image because they are stars of the stories. All stories are thoughtfully written to convey positive, wholesome messages. Illustrations are colourfully drawn to maximise a child's sensory enjoyment. The books become a valuable teaching tool and a unique family keepsake.
Moon in My Room- this is a unique educational product which is aimed at the older children in their young teens. This clever gadget illustrates twelve authentic lunar activity effects and includes a remote control to display the visual effects at night. The Moon is an accurate curved reflection of the real thing, and is designed to be mounted on your bedroom wall. Using a mini remote control, you can control the phases of the moon, or leave it on automatic and watch is phase through twelve stages from Waning Crescent to New Moon. As it gets dark a light sensor in your moon illuminates the moon automatically and there is an auto shut-off (30 mins) to preserve the battery life (this feature can be over-ridden by you). It also comes with a 15min educational audio CD tour, where teenager and learn fact about the moon.
Star Theatre 2- The Star Theater® 2 is a Home Planetarium with interactive Meteor Maker™. Watch as hundreds of stars and constellations are projected on your ceiling and walls. Listen as you are taken on an exciting audio CD tour of the night sky. Control the Meteor Maker to create streaking comets and meteors overhead. The star theatre turns into a lamp, allowing it to project constellations all around your room, just as if you were up in the sky with the stars giving you a full 360 degree planetarium.
Wild Science Atlantis Nature Reserve- Wild Science is one of the most recognisable, best selling and popular science brands in the UK offering a diverse range of collectable science kits with real attitude. The child can Hatch and grow pre-historic triops in ‘Triop lagoon’, watch ants as they dig tunnels, feed and explore ‘Ant Island’ and grow vegetation to make the scene complete.
My Linh Duong writes articles on gifts and gift ideas. For more information on these products, visit MyRedPacket UK, a unique gift and gadgets shop with a selection of gifts for children, and toys and games
In this very short article I am going to introduce 5 creative and educational gift ideas for children, that them to have fun and also helps to stimulate their mentality.
Kids Colour Your Own Umbrella- A unique and functional gift, this child-child sized range of umbrellas are printed with outline shapes which can be painted. The gift comes complete with permanent glitter paints and paint brushes.
Personalised Children’s Story Books- These range of high quality books is quite recent addition to the market place. Books of course are an excellent way to improve a child reading and writing skills. Personalised books on the other hand can also help to build children's self-esteem and self-image because they are stars of the stories. All stories are thoughtfully written to convey positive, wholesome messages. Illustrations are colourfully drawn to maximise a child's sensory enjoyment. The books become a valuable teaching tool and a unique family keepsake.
Moon in My Room- this is a unique educational product which is aimed at the older children in their young teens. This clever gadget illustrates twelve authentic lunar activity effects and includes a remote control to display the visual effects at night. The Moon is an accurate curved reflection of the real thing, and is designed to be mounted on your bedroom wall. Using a mini remote control, you can control the phases of the moon, or leave it on automatic and watch is phase through twelve stages from Waning Crescent to New Moon. As it gets dark a light sensor in your moon illuminates the moon automatically and there is an auto shut-off (30 mins) to preserve the battery life (this feature can be over-ridden by you). It also comes with a 15min educational audio CD tour, where teenager and learn fact about the moon.
Star Theatre 2- The Star Theater® 2 is a Home Planetarium with interactive Meteor Maker™. Watch as hundreds of stars and constellations are projected on your ceiling and walls. Listen as you are taken on an exciting audio CD tour of the night sky. Control the Meteor Maker to create streaking comets and meteors overhead. The star theatre turns into a lamp, allowing it to project constellations all around your room, just as if you were up in the sky with the stars giving you a full 360 degree planetarium.
Wild Science Atlantis Nature Reserve- Wild Science is one of the most recognisable, best selling and popular science brands in the UK offering a diverse range of collectable science kits with real attitude. The child can Hatch and grow pre-historic triops in ‘Triop lagoon’, watch ants as they dig tunnels, feed and explore ‘Ant Island’ and grow vegetation to make the scene complete.
My Linh Duong writes articles on gifts and gift ideas. For more information on these products, visit MyRedPacket UK, a unique gift and gadgets shop with a selection of gifts for children, and toys and games
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Christmas Stocking Fillers- A Great Alternative to One Large Present.
With Christmas comes a range of traditional acts that celebrators of this festive occasion follows: Christmas Turkey dinner, putting up a Christmas Tree and of course giving and receiving Christmas presents. The latter of giving and receiving Christmas presents can come in the form of a traditional Christmas stocking filled with a whole variety of small presents, otherwise known as Christmas goodies.
Here I will give my 5 reasons why I think Christmas Stocking fillers make a great alternative and addition to one larger present.
1) Christmas Stockings can be filled with almost anything, from sweets, novelties to small toys & games. You will not be lost for choice when it comes to finding gifts to fill the stocking.
2) Stocking fillers themselves can be made up of low value items and hence does not need to cost the earth. Having a good range of cheaper items can make up for the cost of one large present.
3) Kids (and many adults in fact) love to wake up on Christmas morning to see a wonderfully decorated Christmas stocking hanging at the end of their beds. Their face will light up when they look inside the stocking to see a delightful range of gifts and goodies.
4) When you really do not know what to buy someone, because they are classified as ‘the person who has everything’, the novelty of having a stocking full of ‘bits and bobs’ can overcome that risk where one large present may be not what they want or that they already have.
5) It will save you time (and money) wrapping the individual gifts, as the Stocking itself, by default, will act as the gift wrap.
These are my 5 reasons why I think Christmas Stocking fillers make a great alternative or addition to one large present.
Here I will give my 5 reasons why I think Christmas Stocking fillers make a great alternative and addition to one larger present.
1) Christmas Stockings can be filled with almost anything, from sweets, novelties to small toys & games. You will not be lost for choice when it comes to finding gifts to fill the stocking.
2) Stocking fillers themselves can be made up of low value items and hence does not need to cost the earth. Having a good range of cheaper items can make up for the cost of one large present.
3) Kids (and many adults in fact) love to wake up on Christmas morning to see a wonderfully decorated Christmas stocking hanging at the end of their beds. Their face will light up when they look inside the stocking to see a delightful range of gifts and goodies.
4) When you really do not know what to buy someone, because they are classified as ‘the person who has everything’, the novelty of having a stocking full of ‘bits and bobs’ can overcome that risk where one large present may be not what they want or that they already have.
5) It will save you time (and money) wrapping the individual gifts, as the Stocking itself, by default, will act as the gift wrap.
These are my 5 reasons why I think Christmas Stocking fillers make a great alternative or addition to one large present.
Friday, 19 October 2007
Romantic Personalised Gifts - Gifts To Highlight ‘I Love You’
‘I Love You’ is such a beautiful phrase. Not only it is personal, it is so powerful- powerful in the sense that in three simple words, you can express your true feelings towards your loved one. In this short article I want to highlight some romantic personalised gifts for men and women which can take these three words to a whole new level.
Frame & Mounted Personalised Poem- this gift allows you to sum up everything you love about them in a touching and reminiscing personalised poem, with 5 personal photos of your choice. If you find the right retailer, the poem is written for you from experts, who can write your bespoke poem from treasured details you provide. Your poem can be funny, romantic, thoughtful, or whatever you fancy. Each poem is 100% written for you about your loved one. So if you want to let them know how special they are to you, why you love them, your favourite recollections, funny stories, etc, it can all be included.
Personalised Message in A Bottle- What better way is there to tell someone you love them than to send them a Message in a Bottle. Inside your Message in a Bottle is some sand, sea-shells and your personalised message printed on parchment. The bottle is corked and tied with a coloured ribbon. Your message in a bottle is delivered in a specially made wooden box.
Personalised Teddy in A Tin- this is a Teddy with a difference. The ute jointed teddy bear (with an adorable little face), holds a rolled message in a capsule, which has been written by you. He arrives in an aluminium silver, screen printed tin. Your message can be up to 200 characters in length and is printed in a stylish calligraphic black font onto marble effect paper.
Just For You- Express your love with more than words by giving that special person in your life the ‘Just for you' love in a tin gift. Your loved one will lift the lid on their personalised ‘Just for you' tin – where they sift their way through the red tissue paper and heart shaped confetti to find an array of love goodies that are sure to set pulses racing.
These are 5 romantic personalised gifts for women and men. Nothing is more romantic than your own heartfelt words wrapped up as a gift.
Frame & Mounted Personalised Poem- this gift allows you to sum up everything you love about them in a touching and reminiscing personalised poem, with 5 personal photos of your choice. If you find the right retailer, the poem is written for you from experts, who can write your bespoke poem from treasured details you provide. Your poem can be funny, romantic, thoughtful, or whatever you fancy. Each poem is 100% written for you about your loved one. So if you want to let them know how special they are to you, why you love them, your favourite recollections, funny stories, etc, it can all be included.
Personalised Message in A Bottle- What better way is there to tell someone you love them than to send them a Message in a Bottle. Inside your Message in a Bottle is some sand, sea-shells and your personalised message printed on parchment. The bottle is corked and tied with a coloured ribbon. Your message in a bottle is delivered in a specially made wooden box.
Personalised Teddy in A Tin- this is a Teddy with a difference. The ute jointed teddy bear (with an adorable little face), holds a rolled message in a capsule, which has been written by you. He arrives in an aluminium silver, screen printed tin. Your message can be up to 200 characters in length and is printed in a stylish calligraphic black font onto marble effect paper.
Just For You- Express your love with more than words by giving that special person in your life the ‘Just for you' love in a tin gift. Your loved one will lift the lid on their personalised ‘Just for you' tin – where they sift their way through the red tissue paper and heart shaped confetti to find an array of love goodies that are sure to set pulses racing.
These are 5 romantic personalised gifts for women and men. Nothing is more romantic than your own heartfelt words wrapped up as a gift.
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Funny Gifts and Joke Presents- Because Life is Too Short Not To Have a Good Belly Laugh Now And Again!
In this fast paced and stressful life that we often lead, one can have the tendency to forget how to laugh. The adage ‘laughter is the best medicine’ could well be true as there is strong evidence to suggest that laughter can actually improve health. I have read that laughter therapy (also known as psycho-neuroimmunology) can actually reduce stress hormone. The psychological benefits of humour are being recognised in the healthcare field. People often store negative emotions, such as anger, sadness and fear, rather than expressing them. Laughter provides a way for these emotions to be harmlessly released. Laughter is cathartic. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.
There are of course many reasons why a person laughs, but it is often as a response to what is said and what is seen. When choosing a gift for your friend or family member, would it not be an excellent idea to buy a funny gift, joke gift or a gag gift. Of course the funnier the gift, the bigger and louder the laugh! In this short article I want to highlight 5 top amusing and affordable funny gifts.
Executive Gentlemen’s Ball Scratcher- this really is the ultimate funny gift for men, boyfriends or husbands. This is definitely the present for the man who has everything! Aimed at the "Busy Male Executive" is the Gentleman's Ball Scratcher! For the days when your own hands are just not precise enough, the Gentleman's Ball Scratcher is in the shape of a delicate female hand, for those hard to reach places. The 9 inch handle provides excellent extra length to help get around difficult obstacles (beer bellies, old pizza, empty beer cans etc.) and provide the relief so many crave...not he can do it with style. This is most certainly not a gift for the ladies.
Crazy 8 Ball- the crazy 8 ball is perfect for those who play ball but often looses. This 2 inch diameter ball feels and looks exactly like a normal Pool ball but it has one fun difference which makes it wobble and go in all directions except the one intended. Just watch the amazement on your opponents face, as after you have discretely substituted the 8 Ball, he tries his pot! A really fun gift idea that will give you many laughs.
Remote Controlled Fart Machine- We all remember the good old fashioned Whoopee Cushion don't we? Now take this hilarious farting gag to a whole new level with this remote controlled fart machine. The remote works at impressive distances and the machine produces a variety of realistic sounds, from polite little "boom-sa-lars" to a "morning after baked beans" trumpet.
USB Missile Launcher- The ultimate weaponry gadget in office warfare, the USB controlled
Missile Launcher with sound effects is controlled by your PC and fires foam darts. Next time someone annoys you, take aim, and fire. Your PC can control the aim and will also fire the dart.
Beer Alarm- Protect you precious pint with this Beer Burglar Alarm System. Attach the little "sucker" to the side of you beer glass or bottle, set the proximity alert and walk away. Whenever someone comes within 30cm (12 inches) of your beer the mafia style voice alert sounds: "Keepa Da Hands off ma BEER!" The alarm can go off as a Siren or as the Mafia Voice.
These are only a minute handful of the large range of daft and funny gifts available. However, one common purpose they should all have, is to make the person laugh.
There are of course many reasons why a person laughs, but it is often as a response to what is said and what is seen. When choosing a gift for your friend or family member, would it not be an excellent idea to buy a funny gift, joke gift or a gag gift. Of course the funnier the gift, the bigger and louder the laugh! In this short article I want to highlight 5 top amusing and affordable funny gifts.
Executive Gentlemen’s Ball Scratcher- this really is the ultimate funny gift for men, boyfriends or husbands. This is definitely the present for the man who has everything! Aimed at the "Busy Male Executive" is the Gentleman's Ball Scratcher! For the days when your own hands are just not precise enough, the Gentleman's Ball Scratcher is in the shape of a delicate female hand, for those hard to reach places. The 9 inch handle provides excellent extra length to help get around difficult obstacles (beer bellies, old pizza, empty beer cans etc.) and provide the relief so many crave...not he can do it with style. This is most certainly not a gift for the ladies.Crazy 8 Ball- the crazy 8 ball is perfect for those who play ball but often looses. This 2 inch diameter ball feels and looks exactly like a normal Pool ball but it has one fun difference which makes it wobble and go in all directions except the one intended. Just watch the amazement on your opponents face, as after you have discretely substituted the 8 Ball, he tries his pot! A really fun gift idea that will give you many laughs.
Remote Controlled Fart Machine- We all remember the good old fashioned Whoopee Cushion don't we? Now take this hilarious farting gag to a whole new level with this remote controlled fart machine. The remote works at impressive distances and the machine produces a variety of realistic sounds, from polite little "boom-sa-lars" to a "morning after baked beans" trumpet.
USB Missile Launcher- The ultimate weaponry gadget in office warfare, the USB controlled
Missile Launcher with sound effects is controlled by your PC and fires foam darts. Next time someone annoys you, take aim, and fire. Your PC can control the aim and will also fire the dart.Beer Alarm- Protect you precious pint with this Beer Burglar Alarm System. Attach the little "sucker" to the side of you beer glass or bottle, set the proximity alert and walk away. Whenever someone comes within 30cm (12 inches) of your beer the mafia style voice alert sounds: "Keepa Da Hands off ma BEER!" The alarm can go off as a Siren or as the Mafia Voice.
These are only a minute handful of the large range of daft and funny gifts available. However, one common purpose they should all have, is to make the person laugh.
Monday, 15 October 2007
How To Choose A Developmentally Appropriate Baby Gift
Many of us are often in a position to buy a gift for a baby, whether our own child, or a friend or family member's child. Often we buy the baby toy that looks fun or that we guess is developmentally appropriate. Sometimes we buy what we’ve seen other buy, or what we’ve seen relentlessly advertised. But we don’t always realize that understanding a child’s developmental level can help us not only pick a toy the child will enjoy, it could also pay important dividends later on.
In fact, understanding the basic psychology of child development can help you buy a baby toy that will speed the child motor, cognitive, physical, or emotional development.
Here is an example:
The great researcher Piaget believed that children progress through the following developmental stages:
1. Sensorimotor stage (birth - 2 years old). During this developmental stage, the child begins to understand his or her world and how things work. This is the stage where a child does not know that physical objects remain in existence even when out of sight (also called object permanence).
2. Preoperational stage (ages 2-7). The child in this stage cannot think abstractly and needs concrete situations, but does understand that objects still exist out of his or her awareness. This is a very important leap because it helps the child begin to realize the he or she is a separate being, with distinct needs, wants, and feelings.
Piaget believed that during these development stages, the child can advance quicker through processes called assimilation and accommodation. In short what these processes suggest is that a baby who is younger than two years-old can be taught to progress to the next developmental stage quicker than he would have otherwise through specific learning and training fostered by the parent. The choice of appropriate developmentally appropriate toys and playthings can make this learning fun!
So, for example, a developmentally appropriate baby toy for an 18 month old might be a peek-a-boo game or an open-the-flap book. These toys might speed the child's progression toward the Preoperational stage by allowing the child to assimilate what he or she is seeing from the toy into a larger understanding of object permanence in the world.
This was just one example of how your generous baby gift can do more that give a child hours of enjoyment. You can actually speed a child's social, emotional, and cognitive development by choosing a developmentally appropriate baby toy.
For more information about developmentally appropriate baby toys and gifts, baby showers, and infant and child development, please go to http://www.baby-center.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Jacobson
In fact, understanding the basic psychology of child development can help you buy a baby toy that will speed the child motor, cognitive, physical, or emotional development.
Here is an example:
The great researcher Piaget believed that children progress through the following developmental stages:
1. Sensorimotor stage (birth - 2 years old). During this developmental stage, the child begins to understand his or her world and how things work. This is the stage where a child does not know that physical objects remain in existence even when out of sight (also called object permanence).
2. Preoperational stage (ages 2-7). The child in this stage cannot think abstractly and needs concrete situations, but does understand that objects still exist out of his or her awareness. This is a very important leap because it helps the child begin to realize the he or she is a separate being, with distinct needs, wants, and feelings.
Piaget believed that during these development stages, the child can advance quicker through processes called assimilation and accommodation. In short what these processes suggest is that a baby who is younger than two years-old can be taught to progress to the next developmental stage quicker than he would have otherwise through specific learning and training fostered by the parent. The choice of appropriate developmentally appropriate toys and playthings can make this learning fun!
So, for example, a developmentally appropriate baby toy for an 18 month old might be a peek-a-boo game or an open-the-flap book. These toys might speed the child's progression toward the Preoperational stage by allowing the child to assimilate what he or she is seeing from the toy into a larger understanding of object permanence in the world.
This was just one example of how your generous baby gift can do more that give a child hours of enjoyment. You can actually speed a child's social, emotional, and cognitive development by choosing a developmentally appropriate baby toy.
For more information about developmentally appropriate baby toys and gifts, baby showers, and infant and child development, please go to http://www.baby-center.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Jacobson
Friday, 12 October 2007
Buying The Ideal Gift For Women- Match The Gift to Her Personality and Interests
It is often said that women are a very difficult gender to buy for, and may I add that it is usually the male gender who says this. When it comes down to buying the right birthday gift for a woman, I got to thinking, are we ‘female species’ really that difficult to buy for? My answer to this would be no, if you try and find a gift to match her personality and interests. In this article, I will highlight some gift ideas to match various personalities and interests
The Out- Going Type Who Likes to Have Fun-funny and novelty gifts are a good match for a women with this personality. Here are some that I have picked.
Candy Bra- as the name implies this is a bra made purely of candy (yes sweets!). The sweets themselves, of which there are 330, are the delicious necklace sweets that we all used to love as kids. It’s no longer the case of 'do my boobs look good in this?', but rather now the question 'do my boobs look TASTY in this?' Also in this range are Candy G-String and Candy Garter.
Wind Up Racing Grannies- this hilarious novelty toy is a pair of grannies, who when you wind
them up, will race each other, holding onto their walking supports! These racing grannies really are very funny to watch, and a great gift for a female who likes to laugh! In this range is also Wind Up Fighting Grandads (yes, these two grandads fight each other with their walking stick.
The Homely Type- if the female you are buying for is the homely type, it is obvious to say that buying her something for her home is the perfect match. However, to pinpoint even further it is wise to buy a home gift that suits her taste, whether it be traditional or contemporary. There is of course a vast array of products available, but here are 2 examples of gifts to suit this type of female.
Hand Crafted Mango Wood Candle Holders- these particular candle holders are stylish and with a contemporary look, it will fit well into the modern home. Although there are of course many types available, the ones I would highlight here in fact come as a set of 3 square holders, each bigger larger then next and fit ‘into’ each other.
Pop Corn Maker- a homely person is someone who not only is proud of her home, but likes to spend her time in it. I have chosen the pop corn maker, because on those DVD nights, it makes a perfect combination.
The Creative Type - if she is what you would call the creative type, buying her a gift which has creative flare would be a good match. Here are two examples.
Hand Painted Pop Art Canvas - the painting itself can be a replication of a photo print, be it a famous person, a city or a personal photo. The creativity is in the conversion of the photo into a pop art piece. There are also other creative designs that can be achieved such as Retro, Illustration and Warhol. However, these designs tend to usually be for personalised photos.
The Beauty and Fashion Conscious- it would be fair to say there are many women in this category. The choice of gifts you have available here is vast. The more traditional gifts such as clothes and perfume is an obvious choice. Here are two slightly more unique gifts that fall into this category.
Bath Pearls - having a nice hot bubble bath after a long hard day at work is to most women,
heaven. Bath Pearls make a great addition to the ambience of relaxation and spa therapy. They float on water and will change into 7 different colours constantly. These ambient lighting bath pearls are ideal for a relaxing session in the bath.
The Out- Going Type Who Likes to Have Fun-funny and novelty gifts are a good match for a women with this personality. Here are some that I have picked.
Candy Bra- as the name implies this is a bra made purely of candy (yes sweets!). The sweets themselves, of which there are 330, are the delicious necklace sweets that we all used to love as kids. It’s no longer the case of 'do my boobs look good in this?', but rather now the question 'do my boobs look TASTY in this?' Also in this range are Candy G-String and Candy Garter.
Wind Up Racing Grannies- this hilarious novelty toy is a pair of grannies, who when you wind
them up, will race each other, holding onto their walking supports! These racing grannies really are very funny to watch, and a great gift for a female who likes to laugh! In this range is also Wind Up Fighting Grandads (yes, these two grandads fight each other with their walking stick.The Homely Type- if the female you are buying for is the homely type, it is obvious to say that buying her something for her home is the perfect match. However, to pinpoint even further it is wise to buy a home gift that suits her taste, whether it be traditional or contemporary. There is of course a vast array of products available, but here are 2 examples of gifts to suit this type of female.
Hand Crafted Mango Wood Candle Holders- these particular candle holders are stylish and with a contemporary look, it will fit well into the modern home. Although there are of course many types available, the ones I would highlight here in fact come as a set of 3 square holders, each bigger larger then next and fit ‘into’ each other.
Pop Corn Maker- a homely person is someone who not only is proud of her home, but likes to spend her time in it. I have chosen the pop corn maker, because on those DVD nights, it makes a perfect combination.
The Creative Type - if she is what you would call the creative type, buying her a gift which has creative flare would be a good match. Here are two examples.
Hand Painted Pop Art Canvas - the painting itself can be a replication of a photo print, be it a famous person, a city or a personal photo. The creativity is in the conversion of the photo into a pop art piece. There are also other creative designs that can be achieved such as Retro, Illustration and Warhol. However, these designs tend to usually be for personalised photos.
The Beauty and Fashion Conscious- it would be fair to say there are many women in this category. The choice of gifts you have available here is vast. The more traditional gifts such as clothes and perfume is an obvious choice. Here are two slightly more unique gifts that fall into this category.
Bath Pearls - having a nice hot bubble bath after a long hard day at work is to most women,
heaven. Bath Pearls make a great addition to the ambience of relaxation and spa therapy. They float on water and will change into 7 different colours constantly. These ambient lighting bath pearls are ideal for a relaxing session in the bath.The Personal Stylist - now, do not be fooled by the words personal stylist and think that this is something only the rich and famous can afford. This very unique and useful gift is in fact a personal stylist in a gift box. This gift box consists of personal style report compiled by a fashion stylist who has worked with top celebrities and actors. The recipient has to fill out a questionnaire, answering questions on areas such as their height measurements, body niggles, colouring, style personality and face shape. They will receive a personal style report to include: what colours suit you, how to maximise your assets, what clothes suit your body shape and height, how to dress to disguise your body niggles, what items are a must for your wardrobe, how your face shape impacts what make-up and hair choices you should make and lots, lots more. I would consider this an excellent gift for the fashion conscious woman.
Although there is a much large range of personalities and interests to consider, I have not covered them all in this article. The aim of this article is to help drive your chain of thoughts when finding a gift for a woman, and I hope that I have gone a little way to achieve that.
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Unique Gifts for Grandma & Grandpa- are they really that hard to buy for? My Top 5 Recommendations
It’s quite normal to feel that buying presents for your grandparents is hard. They are elderly and therefore a lot of thought needs to go into finding a gift that they would appreciate. However, if you do a little searching, you’ll be surprised at the range of suitable products available for them. I am not talking about a pair of slippers or a jumper, but unique gifts that you would probably not find in the high street. In the article, I am going to highlight some of the unique and often useful gifts for grandma and grandpa.
The Lav Nav (toilet night light)- you probably would not associate gadgets with the 
elderly, but the Lav Nav is a great little gadget that only appeals to the young, but also to the old due to it’s useful and functional nature. For many years, men and women have been falling out over the position of the toilet seat. Women want it down, men want it up. Most woman have, at one time or another, taken a sleepy trip to the bathroom only to sit on a toilet when the seat has been left up which apparently is not very nice. Waking in the night to go to the toilet is a common scenario, especially with the elderly. The Lav Nav could be the answer. This small, contoured, unit attaches easily to the toilet seat with the enclosed adhesive strip. Its built-in sensor is triggered by movement. Its ingenious sensors assess the position of the seat. When you walk up to the toilet in a darkened room, it lights up green if the toilet seat is down, red if it is up.
elderly, but the Lav Nav is a great little gadget that only appeals to the young, but also to the old due to it’s useful and functional nature. For many years, men and women have been falling out over the position of the toilet seat. Women want it down, men want it up. Most woman have, at one time or another, taken a sleepy trip to the bathroom only to sit on a toilet when the seat has been left up which apparently is not very nice. Waking in the night to go to the toilet is a common scenario, especially with the elderly. The Lav Nav could be the answer. This small, contoured, unit attaches easily to the toilet seat with the enclosed adhesive strip. Its built-in sensor is triggered by movement. Its ingenious sensors assess the position of the seat. When you walk up to the toilet in a darkened room, it lights up green if the toilet seat is down, red if it is up. Historic Map Gift Box- This gift entitles your grandparent to a historic map of the traditional English county they live in. The UK has 39 traditional counties that were established many hundreds of years ago but Thomas Moule and have been the foundation of English geography for centuries. As well as receiving a magnificent historic map, the recipient of this gift also has the fascinating opportunity to see how their county looked more than a century ago.
Trace your Family History Gift Box- This gift box enables your grandparent to discover the history behind their surname and delve further into their family tree. Once they have registered their gift they will be sent their surname history printed on an illustrative certificate. This information is provided by a team of heraldic and genealogical researchers who have researched more than 80,000 different names. There is also a book enclosed inside the gift box called ‘The Best Beginners Guide to Tracing Your Family History’ which may help them uncover the origin of their family. There is also a blank family tree enclosed so they can record the forgotten names that they discover. The Mind trainer Toilet Roll- the Mind Trainer Toilet Roll, that encourages you to train
your brain as your drain. The toilet roll has 10 different puzzles/games imprinted onto it (in colour): including puzzles, brain exercises, Sudoku and memory games. I would highly recommend The Mind Trainer Toilet Roll as a gift for grandparents. At first it may seem a little daft to give such a novelty gift for the elderly. However, there is an obvious benefit in using the Mind Trainer Toiler Roll as ‘brain’ exercise. The fact that it combines novelty and usefulness adds a touch of light humour to the gift.Diner Dirt Buster- It is a mini vacuum cleaner in the shape of either a Classic Cheeseburger or Muffin. Being handheld, it is extremely light and portable. Moreover, with strong enough suction to pick up the crumbs from your grandma's infamous Apple Pie to bits of everyday dirt around the home, it’s a yet another useful gadget for grandparents.
These are some of the unique yet useful gifts for the elderley. Of course there are many more in the marketplace which i have seen. You do not have to buy yet another pair of slippers!
For more information on these gifts, please visit http://www.myredpacket.co.uk/, a unique gift and gadget shop, with a good range of gifts for grandma and grandpa
Personalised Gifts for Anniversaries and Birthday Can Add a Personal Touch.
Looking for a special gift can be hard- hard in the fact that we are spoilt for choice. It is fair to say that almost anything can be given as a gift- money, fashion, food and even furniture, amongst many other things. However, is it not also fair to say that we always want to try and find something a little bit special, a little bit unique, especially when the occasion that you are buying for deserves that? Gifts which are personalised add a touch of class, uniqueness, identity and ownership.
Personalised gifts when chosen correctly can make that difference. Our appetite for personalised gifts, especially for anniversaries and birthdays has dramatically grown over the years, with it being big business for online retailers. In this article I aim to summarise my top 5 personalised gifts in the marketplace.
Personalised Photo Gifts- photos are our treasured memories that we want to keep for a 
lifetime. Now you can have them displayed onto an attractive wall canvas, photo frame or even a functional memo board. The range of personalised photo gifts is constantly growing- you can add a personal message to your photo canvas, or a bespoke poem to your photo frame. For the more adventurous, there are companies who can alter the photo itself, beautifully transforming it into a pop art, a Worhol style photo or even into a funky retro design.
lifetime. Now you can have them displayed onto an attractive wall canvas, photo frame or even a functional memo board. The range of personalised photo gifts is constantly growing- you can add a personal message to your photo canvas, or a bespoke poem to your photo frame. For the more adventurous, there are companies who can alter the photo itself, beautifully transforming it into a pop art, a Worhol style photo or even into a funky retro design. 
Personalised Message in a Bottle- this gift is particularly romantic and is perfect for as an anniversary gift or as a thank you gift. What a better way to tell someone you love them than by sending them a message in a bottle. The message itself is your own creation- your opportunity to express in your own words your love, gratitude or blessing. Inside your Message in a Bottle is some sand, sea-shells and your personalised message printed on parchment paper. The bottle is corked and tied with a coloured ribbon and delivered in a specially made wooden box. Personalised Name a Star Gift- if it’s a unique and romantic gift that you are looking for then the Name a Star Gift Box could well possibly be one of the most unique gifts around. Only a small number of stars in our sky actually have names allocated to them; the majority are nameless and are distinguished by their catalogue number only. Your gift box contains the details of one of these unnamed stars that is ready for naming by you. In this collection are also: Name a Rose, Dedicate a Tree, Adopt a Vine and Message to Space.
Personalised Headline Newspaper- this is a personalised gift that is becoming increasing
popular for all occasions, as the flexibility of what can be achieved is endless. The recipient and the occasion is put on the front page of a ‘fake newspaper’ as headline news. A personalisation form will need to be completed by the buyer, with a photo of the receiver. A professional editor will then create that all important attention grabbing front page newspaper. The sentiments of the editorial is of your choosing. It can be funny, serious or factual.
popular for all occasions, as the flexibility of what can be achieved is endless. The recipient and the occasion is put on the front page of a ‘fake newspaper’ as headline news. A personalisation form will need to be completed by the buyer, with a photo of the receiver. A professional editor will then create that all important attention grabbing front page newspaper. The sentiments of the editorial is of your choosing. It can be funny, serious or factual. 
Original Archive Newspaper- the recipient of this gift receives an original newspaper from any day that is requested. This gift therefore is a very meaningful way to celebrate a particular occasion, whether it be a birthday or anniversary. If it is for a wedding anniversary I would recommend the Anniversary Range, which includes 3 original newspapers, one from your wedding day, and both partner’s birth dates. These are my top 5 personalised gifts for birthdays and anniversaries. Of course if you spend some time looking, you will find a vast range of other products available.
Say I Love You With Lingerie - Tips for Buying Her a Sexy Gift
Nothing says I love you like some sexy, well chosen lingerie from you. Buying your girlfriend or wife lingerie can be a great way to impress her and if all goes well it can be a great way to give a little gift to yourself. Unfortunately, buying the wrong lingerie can not only ruin the moment, it can cause you a lot of grief down the road. Make sure your sexy gift doesn’t turn sexless with these great tips.
Size Counts: Heading into your local lingerie store with little more than a vision is only asking for disaster. Bras and panties aren’t as easy to shop for as say a sweater. Bra’s come in several sizes include a number size like 34, 36, or 38, as well as a cup size like A, B, and C. You’re going to have to get sly for this one. That’s right; this is one of the few occasions you’re allowed to do a little private prying. Next time you’re at your girl’s place or alone in your bedroom, get a pen and paper and check out that top drawer. While you’re snooping, copy down the size on the tag of her panties; as the number letter combo on her bra.
Style is Key: After you get the sizes written down and secured in your brain, your next big challenge will be the find a style that best suits her. While you may think a hot red G-String and a diamond studded playboy bra will be a great holiday gift, she may not. When you are snooping for sizes, make it a point to take notice of what colors and styles you find in her drawer. If she tends to have a lot of lacey bras and panties in pastel colors, go with something similar. Judging by the fact that you’re buying her lingerie, I’m assuming you’ve seen her in some before, so take that into consideration when you start shopping.
Shop Online: Most men aren’t exactly at home in women’s lingerie stores or department. While you may like what you see, chances are you’re still in a hurry to buy something and get out. If you tend to panic in situations like this, you may want to think about buying her something online. Shopping online will give you the freedom to browse at your own pace and get a better look at what you’re buying. Another great advantage of shopping online is the ability to see different pieces modeled, something that doesn’t often happen in your local department or lingerie store. Be sure to read all the descriptions so you know what material it’s made from, what colors in comes in, and what sizes are available.
Think About Your Message: What the lingerie you’ve chosen says is going to play a huge role in how your gift goes over. If your girlfriend or wife is pretty conservative in the bedroom, you may want to stick with simple pieces that are sexy but not super kinky. If your girl is up for anything, then go nuts. When you’re not quite sure what she likes, choose something more romantic over something extremely sexy; you are after all buying this for her, not yourself. You’ll also want to make sure you stay away from anything that can make her feel less than sexy. That means steering clear of undergarments that suggest she needs to lose weight or grow larger breasts.
For great gifts for your wife or girlfriend, including sexy lingerie visit babyphat.com. Baby Phat is your one stop shop for sassy, sexy, and stylish urban apparel.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Wasilewski
Housewarming Gifts- Be Creative. My Top 5 Gifts which will cost less than a £10 bottle of wine.
Buying a house or flat is one of the most important and expensive investment one makes. Having a housewarming party to celebrate the purchase of a new home is becoming increasingly popular. It’s a way, not only to celebrate with friends and family, but also to possibly to receive presents to put into your new home. One of the most popular gifts to take to a housewarming party is a bottle of wine- it’s the easy and relatively cheap option right? However, why not be a little more creative in what you take? It does not have to be hard to find a housewarming gift that will not put a big dent in your pocket. In this article I am going to highlight some unique gifts that cost less than a £10 bottle of wine.
Egglings- I would call this gift the mother of all housewarming gifts. It is quirky, unique,
purposeful and cheap. In summary it is a real life growing plant hidden in a fake hard boiled egg. In order for the plant to grow, you just crack the egg and treat the plant as you would normally treat any live plant. There are various plants available, from prickly cactus, Italian parsley, Phlox Flower to Spicy Red Pepper. Price- £5.95
Mango Wood Handcrafted Plate- the description itself would suggests a price tag of over £10, but in fact, at a mere £9.99, this is a wonderful and classy gift for any home owner.
Homor Simpson Talking Hand Bottle Opener- as the name implies, this is novelty item as well as a functional one. Homor Simpson does not only open your bottle of beer, but when doing so, churns out 3 trademark phrases when you pry of the bottle cap:
“To alcohol, the cause of and solution to all life's problems ".
" 80% of the human body is water, in my case its beer ".
" Drink up- not drinking is only going to make it worse".
Price: £7.99
MoodGlow Colour Changing and Scented Candles- these candles bring a fantastic light show along with a hint of fragrance to any home. It has LED technology which allows the candle to change through a spectrum of warm colours. The battery itself, which is replaceable, lasts up to 100 hours. With a vanilla aroma that it emits, this is a cool gift to take to any housewarming party. Price £9.99
I hope that I have given you some gift ideas which does not cost the earth and I am sure you will agree, are a little bit more ‘adventurous’ than a bottle of wine!
Egglings- I would call this gift the mother of all housewarming gifts. It is quirky, unique,
purposeful and cheap. In summary it is a real life growing plant hidden in a fake hard boiled egg. In order for the plant to grow, you just crack the egg and treat the plant as you would normally treat any live plant. There are various plants available, from prickly cactus, Italian parsley, Phlox Flower to Spicy Red Pepper. Price- £5.95Mango Wood Handcrafted Plate- the description itself would suggests a price tag of over £10, but in fact, at a mere £9.99, this is a wonderful and classy gift for any home owner.
Homor Simpson Talking Hand Bottle Opener- as the name implies, this is novelty item as well as a functional one. Homor Simpson does not only open your bottle of beer, but when doing so, churns out 3 trademark phrases when you pry of the bottle cap:
“To alcohol, the cause of and solution to all life's problems ".
" 80% of the human body is water, in my case its beer ".
" Drink up- not drinking is only going to make it worse".
Price: £7.99
MoodGlow Colour Changing and Scented Candles- these candles bring a fantastic light show along with a hint of fragrance to any home. It has LED technology which allows the candle to change through a spectrum of warm colours. The battery itself, which is replaceable, lasts up to 100 hours. With a vanilla aroma that it emits, this is a cool gift to take to any housewarming party. Price £9.99 Aroma Ducks- we all love the exotic and wonderful smell of fruit. These cute looking ducks are available in Orange, Strawberry, Banana and Mango and I would have to say, the smells are gorgeous! They will sit happily on any table in any room. Price £6.99.
I hope that I have given you some gift ideas which does not cost the earth and I am sure you will agree, are a little bit more ‘adventurous’ than a bottle of wine!
Monday, 8 October 2007
Birthday Gadget Gifts for your Boyfriend- My Tips for Buying the Right Gadget.
When it comes to looking for a present for your boyfriend’s birthday, we are spoilt for choice. There are literally thousands of products to choose from, and choice comes hand in hand with difficulty in finding and deciding what to buy. From my own personal experience, I always try and narrow down my search by looking for interesting gifts which matches his interests, his hobbies and the occasion. For example, my boyfriend is a bit of a gadget and music lover- many of my gifts to him have been based around this theme. Although he loves to dress well and is quite particular in what he wears, very rarely do I buy him clothes, as 9 times out of 10 I know I will chose the wrong thing.
In this post, I will be recommending some of my top gadgets for boyfriends, based on interests and personality.
Stylish Gadget Lover
LED Mirror with Scrolling Message Board- this is a contemporary and stylish mirror with and
LED message function, which can display the time and with the ability to program up to 99 messages. A perfect combination of style and hi-tech gadgetry.
Oregon DP100 Projection Radio Alarm Clock- With its modern design and innovative features, the DP100 alarm clock from Oregon makes a great gift for your style conscious gadget lover boyfriend! It includes, in addition to its vertical LCD display, a bright projection system that displays the exact time and temperature on the wall, even during the day.
Music Gadget Lover
Finger Drums- This miniature but genuinely life-like finger-sized drum kit lets him express his uncontainable musical energy in a way that will either get people to join in or to ask him to leave the room! The super finger-sensitive tiny drums include large and small tom-tom, bass drum with miniature foot pedal, snare and cymbal, so there is nothing missing. And even better, he can record what he has created.
APPLE Ipod Touch- The iPod touch is a revolutionary new iPod – and quite possibly the best ever created! It has a touch interface and the same panoramic screen seen on the iPhone, not to mention a WiFi Internet connection. In effect, the iPod touch is equipped with a revolutionary “multi-touch” interface that can put all his music and video files right at his fingertips.
’Likes to have a joke’ Gadget Lover
USB Missile Launcher- This is one of the best weaponry gadgets to have been invented, to give him the upper hand in office warfare. He can now spend hours of 'work time' mastering plans of mass annoyance on colleagues who deserve to be annoyed with a foam missile. USB controlled Missile Launcher with sound effects is controlled by a PC and fires foam darts!
Remote Controlled Fart Machine- We all remember the good old fashioned Whoopee Cushion do we not? Now he can take this hilarious farting gag to a whole new level with this remote controlled fart machine. The remote works at impressive distances and the machine produces a variety of realistic sounds, from polite little "boom-sa-lars" to a "morning after baked beans" trumpet. Very hilarious!
Fitness Freak Gadget Lover
The Powerball Techno- The Powerball, with in-built speedometer has not got anything to do
with pumping dance music, but is the latest addition to the Powerball family. The primary use for the Powerball is to build strength, fitness and power with simple wrist exercises. When you set it in motion, the Techno Powerball slowly comes alive with gyroscopic force. This innovative gyroscope magically scrolls your score across the surface of the rotor. The rotor also displays an entrancing collection of 'fire-lines' as it spins, ranging from red to blue in colour, creating a truly mesmerizing Powerball effect as it gathers speed. Set the Powerball Techno in motion, build up speed and watch as your speed magically scrolls across the surface of the rotor. How fast can he go? It has been said that the Powerball is incredibly addictive.
Viatek Mobile Massage System- This mobile massage vest is an easy portable way to relieve stress due to daily pressures. The Massage Vest has four powerful motors that provide soothing relief to your shoulders and back. It can be set on individual massage modes or it can be set to alternate between the three massage modes simultaneously. For additional relaxation the heat function can be used with any massage mode. Being portable and with detachable straps, this must have massager can be strapped around the car and office seat.
The Eco-Conscious Gadget Lover
Solar Phone Charger- Pretty well self-explanatory, a solar phone charger is the must have item for a boyfriend who worries about the environment. It does not require any batteries as it is powered by the sun. Most solar phone chargers will come with adapters for use with most mobile phones.
Solar Torch- Powered solely by the sun during the day, it can be used night.
I have merely touched upon some great gadget gifts for boyfriends. There is of course a vast array of products on the marketplace. However I hope that I have helped you narrow the choice by thinking outside the box.
Here is a clip fo the finger drums in action!
In this post, I will be recommending some of my top gadgets for boyfriends, based on interests and personality.
Stylish Gadget Lover
LED Mirror with Scrolling Message Board- this is a contemporary and stylish mirror with and
LED message function, which can display the time and with the ability to program up to 99 messages. A perfect combination of style and hi-tech gadgetry.Oregon DP100 Projection Radio Alarm Clock- With its modern design and innovative features, the DP100 alarm clock from Oregon makes a great gift for your style conscious gadget lover boyfriend! It includes, in addition to its vertical LCD display, a bright projection system that displays the exact time and temperature on the wall, even during the day.
Music Gadget Lover
Finger Drums- This miniature but genuinely life-like finger-sized drum kit lets him express his uncontainable musical energy in a way that will either get people to join in or to ask him to leave the room! The super finger-sensitive tiny drums include large and small tom-tom, bass drum with miniature foot pedal, snare and cymbal, so there is nothing missing. And even better, he can record what he has created.
APPLE Ipod Touch- The iPod touch is a revolutionary new iPod – and quite possibly the best ever created! It has a touch interface and the same panoramic screen seen on the iPhone, not to mention a WiFi Internet connection. In effect, the iPod touch is equipped with a revolutionary “multi-touch” interface that can put all his music and video files right at his fingertips.
’Likes to have a joke’ Gadget Lover
USB Missile Launcher- This is one of the best weaponry gadgets to have been invented, to give him the upper hand in office warfare. He can now spend hours of 'work time' mastering plans of mass annoyance on colleagues who deserve to be annoyed with a foam missile. USB controlled Missile Launcher with sound effects is controlled by a PC and fires foam darts!Remote Controlled Fart Machine- We all remember the good old fashioned Whoopee Cushion do we not? Now he can take this hilarious farting gag to a whole new level with this remote controlled fart machine. The remote works at impressive distances and the machine produces a variety of realistic sounds, from polite little "boom-sa-lars" to a "morning after baked beans" trumpet. Very hilarious!
Fitness Freak Gadget Lover
The Powerball Techno- The Powerball, with in-built speedometer has not got anything to do
with pumping dance music, but is the latest addition to the Powerball family. The primary use for the Powerball is to build strength, fitness and power with simple wrist exercises. When you set it in motion, the Techno Powerball slowly comes alive with gyroscopic force. This innovative gyroscope magically scrolls your score across the surface of the rotor. The rotor also displays an entrancing collection of 'fire-lines' as it spins, ranging from red to blue in colour, creating a truly mesmerizing Powerball effect as it gathers speed. Set the Powerball Techno in motion, build up speed and watch as your speed magically scrolls across the surface of the rotor. How fast can he go? It has been said that the Powerball is incredibly addictive.Viatek Mobile Massage System- This mobile massage vest is an easy portable way to relieve stress due to daily pressures. The Massage Vest has four powerful motors that provide soothing relief to your shoulders and back. It can be set on individual massage modes or it can be set to alternate between the three massage modes simultaneously. For additional relaxation the heat function can be used with any massage mode. Being portable and with detachable straps, this must have massager can be strapped around the car and office seat.
The Eco-Conscious Gadget Lover
Solar Phone Charger- Pretty well self-explanatory, a solar phone charger is the must have item for a boyfriend who worries about the environment. It does not require any batteries as it is powered by the sun. Most solar phone chargers will come with adapters for use with most mobile phones.
Solar Torch- Powered solely by the sun during the day, it can be used night.
I have merely touched upon some great gadget gifts for boyfriends. There is of course a vast array of products on the marketplace. However I hope that I have helped you narrow the choice by thinking outside the box.
Here is a clip fo the finger drums in action!
Gifts for your Boyfriend or Husband- My Top Tips to Finding the Right Present
Whatever we buy for our boyfriends or husbands, we all want to somehow express the same sentiments of love. There are many factors to consider when looking for a present for your man. In this article I am going to highlight my top tips in finding the right birthday gift for men.
The Occasion- buying a gift that matches the occasion is important, and can make the difference between saying ‘Happy Anniversary’, ‘Thank you’, or ‘Happy Birthday’. One common factor between these occasions is that behind these blessing, are the words ‘I love you’. Buying a gift for an anniversary is the perfect example of an occasion where you may highlight your love to him. It’s a gift which should encompass the whole meaning behind anniversaries (whether married or not)- that is, to celebrate the years you have been together and what it has meant to you. I would highly recommend a personalised gift for anniversaries. There are a vast array of personalised products available, and many of them, very unique. On the other hand, buying a gift to say ‘thank you’ or ‘happy birthday’ allows you to be a less specific. Here you may want to consider novelty gifts to make him laugh, a driving experience to thrill him, or a gadget gift. The list is quite possibly endless. These gifts, together with a romantic dinner and a birthday card with your love message, will more than tell him that you love him.
His interests and personality- when there is so much choice, eliminating gifts which you know he will not appreciate will help. For example, if he has no interest in cars, then buying him a car gadget would probably not be a good idea (believe me, there are some who do not, my boyfriend for example). On the other hand if he is a music lover, than a music gadget is perfect. In terms of his personality, if he is a bit of a ‘joker’, then he will probably appreciate a novelty joke gift.
His needs- a good example of this is footwear or clothing. His favourite pair of jeans may be ripped or his last pair of comfy trainers may be torn at the soles and replacing them is bound to please him. Of course, if you want to keep the element of surprise knowing his size and the exact style/design without asking him is a must.
A well thought of gift for your boyfriend or husband will send him the right message on that special occasion.
The Occasion- buying a gift that matches the occasion is important, and can make the difference between saying ‘Happy Anniversary’, ‘Thank you’, or ‘Happy Birthday’. One common factor between these occasions is that behind these blessing, are the words ‘I love you’. Buying a gift for an anniversary is the perfect example of an occasion where you may highlight your love to him. It’s a gift which should encompass the whole meaning behind anniversaries (whether married or not)- that is, to celebrate the years you have been together and what it has meant to you. I would highly recommend a personalised gift for anniversaries. There are a vast array of personalised products available, and many of them, very unique. On the other hand, buying a gift to say ‘thank you’ or ‘happy birthday’ allows you to be a less specific. Here you may want to consider novelty gifts to make him laugh, a driving experience to thrill him, or a gadget gift. The list is quite possibly endless. These gifts, together with a romantic dinner and a birthday card with your love message, will more than tell him that you love him.
His interests and personality- when there is so much choice, eliminating gifts which you know he will not appreciate will help. For example, if he has no interest in cars, then buying him a car gadget would probably not be a good idea (believe me, there are some who do not, my boyfriend for example). On the other hand if he is a music lover, than a music gadget is perfect. In terms of his personality, if he is a bit of a ‘joker’, then he will probably appreciate a novelty joke gift.
His needs- a good example of this is footwear or clothing. His favourite pair of jeans may be ripped or his last pair of comfy trainers may be torn at the soles and replacing them is bound to please him. Of course, if you want to keep the element of surprise knowing his size and the exact style/design without asking him is a must.
A well thought of gift for your boyfriend or husband will send him the right message on that special occasion.
Buying and Finding Gift Ideas From Online Gift Shops- are they better than high street shopping?
Gift shopping is an activity that we all have to do at some point during the year, whether it’s something we do once or more than once. We all have birthdays, attend weddings, celebrate anniversaries and for most of us, celebrate Christmas. Buying and giving presents seems to part of our international culture- to mark, congratulate and celebrate important events through the year. Why shouldn’t we celebrate the birth of our child, the day we married our spouse and so on and so forth? I don’t think the question is why we buy gifts, but how do we find that special gift? In this article I will try and discuss the two main sources we have for gift shopping- high street or online shopping and their pros and cons.
Gift shopping is an activity that we all have to do at some point during the year, whether it’s something we do once or more than once. We all have birthdays, attend weddings, celebrate anniversaries and for most of us, celebrate Christmas. Buying and giving presents seems to part of our international culture- to mark, congratulate and celebrate important events through the year. Why shouldn’t we celebrate the birth of our child, the day we married our spouse and so on and so forth?
I don’t think the question is why we buy gifts, but how do we find that special gift? In this post I will try and discuss the two main sources we have for gift shopping- high street or online shopping and their pros and cons.
I think both serve their purposes but not without their own cons. High street shopping can be an enjoyable way to look for your gift. Not only can you touch and feel the item, but it’s an activity that can be enjoyed with others. However from personal experience, looking for a gift on the high street can be a bit of a chore, especially if you do not know what you are specifically looking for. A whole day can be spent roaming the high street for that one gift, and on a cold rainy day, this is not a pleasant experience. Furthermore, how many occasions have there been when instead you start trying on clothes and shoes for yourself. It probably sounds familiar right? It is probably true that for many, gift shopping on the high street can put a further dent in your pocket and distract you away from your real task.
In a time precious, fast moving world that we live in, and with our ongoing hunger for convenience, online shopping has dramatically increased over the years. Here, I would like to discuss my thoughts on buying gifts online. In contrast to high street shopping, buying gifts online, I would say can be the convenient way to shop- many may call it the lazy way. I would say the word lazy is a little harsh. However notice how I have preferred to say CAN and not IS. I say this because, again, if you do not know what you are looking for, hours can be spent surfing the internet. The world wide web serves as one massive place where, not hundreds of shops can be found but tens of thousands. How do we select the good from the bad without having to spend hours on the internet? Perhaps for now you just want to get some inspiration and gifts ideas, and will decide on your purchase at a later stage?
It is true to say that although there are a huge amount of shops on the internet (far more than you would find on the high street), they all have varying quality in terms of what they offer and how they offer it to you. Therefore, be selective in the sites that you chose to spend your precious time browsing through. If your purpose is to look for a present, look through sites that you feel have been designed to serve this purpose. You may be wanting a gift wrap service because you need the gift to be sent straight to the receiver. Maybe you are looking for a gift for an elderly person? If so, it will make your life easier to look at shops that categorise gifts in this age group, rather than having to look through products that are only suitable for the younger generation. If you do not know what you are looking for, another important feature of an online gift shop is a well designed, user-friendly site with good navigation tools to help you find the ideal gift. One tool that is particularly useful when trying to find a gift is a gift finder. This tool allows you to narrow your search to find gifts that is suitable for your recipient. Most gift finder tools will match gender, personality and interests. One can usually gage from the homepage the quality of the site and what it has to offer.
All online shops will claim to offer unrivalled customer service, but only your own personal experience will tell you this. Of course if you don’t have any, spend a little time reading testimonials and reviews. It’s true that often only the good reviews are posted on the site, so finding unbiased website reviews can help. For a first time shopper on a new shop, trusting your initial instincts can also go a long way.
Gift shopping is an activity that we all have to do at some point during the year, whether it’s something we do once or more than once. We all have birthdays, attend weddings, celebrate anniversaries and for most of us, celebrate Christmas. Buying and giving presents seems to part of our international culture- to mark, congratulate and celebrate important events through the year. Why shouldn’t we celebrate the birth of our child, the day we married our spouse and so on and so forth?
I don’t think the question is why we buy gifts, but how do we find that special gift? In this post I will try and discuss the two main sources we have for gift shopping- high street or online shopping and their pros and cons.
I think both serve their purposes but not without their own cons. High street shopping can be an enjoyable way to look for your gift. Not only can you touch and feel the item, but it’s an activity that can be enjoyed with others. However from personal experience, looking for a gift on the high street can be a bit of a chore, especially if you do not know what you are specifically looking for. A whole day can be spent roaming the high street for that one gift, and on a cold rainy day, this is not a pleasant experience. Furthermore, how many occasions have there been when instead you start trying on clothes and shoes for yourself. It probably sounds familiar right? It is probably true that for many, gift shopping on the high street can put a further dent in your pocket and distract you away from your real task.
In a time precious, fast moving world that we live in, and with our ongoing hunger for convenience, online shopping has dramatically increased over the years. Here, I would like to discuss my thoughts on buying gifts online. In contrast to high street shopping, buying gifts online, I would say can be the convenient way to shop- many may call it the lazy way. I would say the word lazy is a little harsh. However notice how I have preferred to say CAN and not IS. I say this because, again, if you do not know what you are looking for, hours can be spent surfing the internet. The world wide web serves as one massive place where, not hundreds of shops can be found but tens of thousands. How do we select the good from the bad without having to spend hours on the internet? Perhaps for now you just want to get some inspiration and gifts ideas, and will decide on your purchase at a later stage?
It is true to say that although there are a huge amount of shops on the internet (far more than you would find on the high street), they all have varying quality in terms of what they offer and how they offer it to you. Therefore, be selective in the sites that you chose to spend your precious time browsing through. If your purpose is to look for a present, look through sites that you feel have been designed to serve this purpose. You may be wanting a gift wrap service because you need the gift to be sent straight to the receiver. Maybe you are looking for a gift for an elderly person? If so, it will make your life easier to look at shops that categorise gifts in this age group, rather than having to look through products that are only suitable for the younger generation. If you do not know what you are looking for, another important feature of an online gift shop is a well designed, user-friendly site with good navigation tools to help you find the ideal gift. One tool that is particularly useful when trying to find a gift is a gift finder. This tool allows you to narrow your search to find gifts that is suitable for your recipient. Most gift finder tools will match gender, personality and interests. One can usually gage from the homepage the quality of the site and what it has to offer.
All online shops will claim to offer unrivalled customer service, but only your own personal experience will tell you this. Of course if you don’t have any, spend a little time reading testimonials and reviews. It’s true that often only the good reviews are posted on the site, so finding unbiased website reviews can help. For a first time shopper on a new shop, trusting your initial instincts can also go a long way.
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