Your gifts and presents advisor

Give me a gift: say "hello"

2008-11-21T14:56:00.000+02:00

As I have mentioned once, indeed a present isn't something material. When we are giving gifts we are approaching to something magic, magic in a good sense of this word. The main idea is that gift or present is the transfer of something, without the need for compensation. And today is great chance to experience it.

Today we are celebrating the World Hello Day and anyone, who wants to participate in this huge festival, need only to greet other people. And the matter is not only about celebrating, to my mind. It's a way of discovering that everyone of us has that small, unpaid but priceless gift to others - word of five letters " Hello".

Well, ok, enough for sentiments. Let's go to the amusing part of this post:

And now, here we have a historical part:

We are celebrating the 35th annual World Hello Day this year. Anyone can participate in World Hello Day simply by greeting ten people. The day was originated by brothers McCormacks from Arizona in 1973.

That fall Egypt and Israel were in serious conflict and world couldn't stay calm. As the legend tells, Brian McCormack and Michael McCormack by surprise met each other in Nebraska. They were so happy and, what is more, so concerned about the peace in the world, that decided to mark this encounter.

They sent the greeting letters to their friends and acquaintances all around the world. The letters contained no ideological hints, just greetings and wishes and gentle asking if the receivers could give regards to at least ten other persons. The idea spread around the world and now people are celebrating World Hello Day in more than 180 countries.

So, to be a "true" celebrator, one should greet at least ten people. However, in my opinion, it's not most important. Just say "hello" to others and bring them the main message: personal communication helps to preserve peace.

In the end, I should say "Bye", shouldn't I? But today I say "Hello":)

Mobile phone history

2008-05-22T22:02:00.002+03:00

Mobile phone or cell phone is one of the most common gift nowadays. Watch how it has been developing for more than twenty years in less than three minutes. Maybe some old models would be a perfect gift now?

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - 8 MARCH 2008

2008-03-05T16:16:00.002+02:00

While some guys are thinking what would be the very fabulous gift to their women, read some facts about the whole event and it's value.

#15,000 women marched through New York City in 1908 demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. 100 years on, the pertinence of this event is honored through IWD's 2008 global theme 'Shaping Progress'.

#In just three years time, 2011 will see IWD's Centenary - 100 years of women's united action for global equality and change. Organizations around the world have already commenced planning for their IWD Centenary celebrations.

#The first International Women's Day was launched on 8 March 1911 in Copenhagen by Clara Zetkin, Leader of the'Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany. This followed many years of women's campaigning dating back to British MP, John Stuart Mill, the first person in Parliament calling for women's right to vote.

#On 19 September 1893 New Zealand became the first self-governing nation in the world to give women the right to vote.

This and further more in this site.

What colors can bring?

2008-02-08T12:03:00.000+02:00

I found it useful to extend yesterday's post about colors. Today I will also tell something about the meanings of colors, but from a little bit wider approach.

#Red is a color of life. It symbolizes and radiates heat. Therefore red warms, excites, encourages You and gives energy. It is also a color of love, passion, strength, anger and even war. Ancient Romans would dress their gods in red.

#Orange is the second color in the spectrum. It is associated with the sun, joy, creativity, success, energy. This color brings home warmth and cosiness, stimulates both emotions and mind, makes people more sociable. Therefore it is useful both for Your living room and Your office. The only problem - orange strengthens the appetite, so the eating time can become the eating times. Orange is also a color of courage. However, those who are very sensitive, should avoid it.

#Yellow is the third in the spectrum. It is also related to energy, sun and brings luck, joy and creativity. It is a color of freedom and intelligence. Yellow lamps or windows affects nerve system and the whole body. The immunity is strengthened. On the other hand, yellow is color of envy and fraud.

#Green gives stability, endurance and calm. It has something to do with money, growing, Spring, freshness, youth, devotion, harmony and healing, but also with envy too. This color helps to chill out and analyze new information. Because of it's restful features Ancient Egyptians would dye floor in temples in green.

#Blue associates with the sky, sea, religion, faith, stability, melancholy, trust, devotion, freedom, energy of the spirit, safeness. It was believed the witches dislike blue, so this color would be used as protection from them. Egypt Pharaohs dressed in blue to defence from the evil. Walls dyed in blue, relax You. I think it is because of both emotional and subconscious reasons.

#Violet. It reflect noble object of the spirit, so it is always associated with religion. This color eases nerves. Also it 's curative antiseptic features are unique. Pink and violet means dignity, spirituality and self-esteem.

#Pink is a color of aristocracy, strength, nobility, luxury and sprituality for thousands of years. Pink room can liven an imagination and inspire for art and creation.

#Brown means ground. Therefore it is often related the things which are down-to-earth. It joins us with earth and brings material thoughts. This color is associated with conservativity and stability.

#Grey. It frequently serves as a basement for other colors. This neutral, harmonious color means satisfaction.

#White absorbs all rays and because of that is relaxing and refrigerant. Angels are often dressed in white. They ARE white, I'd add. Ancient Persians believed all gods are white.

#Guess which color You can't see on this background? Yes, the black. And it often means mystery. It is related with sophistication and elegance, but also with dark powers and death. For young people black frequently helps to express their rebellion.

The meanings of flowers and colors. Very useful for Valentine's Day

2008-02-07T11:30:00.000+02:00

Valentine's Day brings a lot of traditions, magic and games. For example, in the Middle Ages young men and women would pull the leaflets with written names. The one which name had been written on the pulled paper would become him or her Valentine. In Wales on this occasion wooden spoons decorated with hears, keys and locks were presented to each other. Images meant:"You've unlocked my heart".However, the advice I shall give You now, hadn't sank into the past and is still very important. The flowers we present each other expressing our love, also have their meanings:

#Red roses mean: "I love You"

#Yellow roses say: "I love You but I'm not sure if You love me too".

#White roses declares: "Our love is pure"

#Four-leaved clovers are a wish for success.

# Orange blossoms represent the everlasting love.

Valentine's Day usually associates with red, pink or white color, but others also have their own meanings.

#For example, blue is the color of trust and reliability.

#Orange, which was already mentioned, is also a color of celebration and happiness.

#Green is a color of hope.

Valentine's Day Is not a Nightmare, My Man

2008-02-01T14:45:00.000+02:00

Finding the right Valentine's Day gift is probably the most difficult shopping experience in any man's life. It isn't like buying a birthday gift -- choosing a gift for this special occasion won't just show your affection toward her, but your degree of commitment as well, emphasizes Chris Rovney in askmen.com.

The nature of the gift can reflect how much you care, or don't care, about her. The meaning of your gift also varies according to the seriousness and the type of relationship you're in. Here are a few basic gift ideas, depending on your particular relationship level.

Casual date

You've gone out with her a few times, the level of commitment is low, and you're simply having a lot of fun. What do you buy her? This situation is the trickiest of them all because the wrong gift can take the relationship from casual dating to a full-fledged commitment.

Buying her the usual card and flowers is acceptable for this early stage in a relationship, or when your involvement is relatively weak.

On the other hand, if the relationship is strong and its future seems bright, opt for a more original present. For example, a sexy blouse or any form of eveningwear is classy enough to show her that you put some effort into selecting her gift.

Women generally appreciate that you spent some time selecting a gift. So it's a good idea to listen to what she says, pick up on a hint she may mention in passing, and then surprise her with it.

occasional romance

Every man, at one point in his life, will hook up with a woman simply for sex -- and amazing sex at that. This type of relationship is particularly exciting when Valentine's Day comes around, and selecting her gift can be amusing in itself. Choosing the right gift will hopefully guide the intensity of the evening and make it a night to remember.

Most of the time, guys will opt to buy her sexy lingerie. Purchasing lingerie is a little clich, but it's generally well-received by women. Another fashionable gift is a sexy dress she can wear for the Valentine's Day dinner. Keep it sexual by insisting that she leave her underwear at home.

However, instead of buying her these conventional gifts, a suggestion would be to get her a basket of sex toys. If you want to go all the way (in more ways than one), then rent a nice room and try to incorporate all these gifts into your evening.

married man

The married man will probably run out of original gift ideas sooner or later. He doesn't necessarily need to show commitment with his gifts, but he needs to set the mood for the upcoming passionate evening. In this situation, buy her an unconventional set of silk sheets, which can be purchased at any high-end department store. This gift will likely be expensive (which most women appreciate ) and surely has a sexual connotation (which most men love ).

The more conventional alternative for a married man is getting his wife some jewelry. This gift idea will please any woman, married or not...

Remember; these are only suggestions and none of these gifts represent the perfect choice. Each man knows what his woman enjoys, so my advice is to think about what she appreciates the most and use that as a guide.

Star-worthy gifts for celebrities or Your sweetheart

2008-01-21T16:07:00.000+02:00

Wanna present an amazing gift? Think as an amazing people. FOXNews.com has given a look at what might bring a smile to some of the world’s most recognizable faces:

Angelina Jolie certainly doesn't need collagen filler for her famously kissable lips, but Angelina Jolie’s puffy pout could certainly benefit from Benefit Cosmetics' Lipscription, a $32 exfoliator and balm set. AnAfter all, kissing four kids good night and smooching Brad Pitt might put some strain on that million-dollar mouth.
And what could be the best for Brad Pitt? This hunky humanitarian is so seemingly perfect that all we could think to get him was a mirror. The fogless Travel Mirror from 1ststoptravelstore.com, $11.99, is ideal for checking oneself out, whether you're lounging on the beach in L.A. or Namibia. After all, beauty knows no borders.

Paris Hilton. With Nicole Richie gearing up for motherhood and Britney running in and out of court (and red lights), this girl might be a little lonely these days.
So we think a brand new friend would be the perfect gift for Paris. Professional buddy "Paul" from one specific internet site is available for weekly chats about Prada's new runway collection, advice on how to get Tinkerbell wee wee pad-trained and so much more.For $49.95 a month, Paul will go as far as sending the celebutante holiday and birthday cards as well as flowers and gifts.

David Hasselhoff. It’s not that much of a hassle shopping for "the Hoff." The former "Baywatch" star and judge of "America's Got Talent" sports a chest so shiny, his secret beauty weapon just might be Crisco. Help keep his famous pecs supple with The Body Shop's Olive Body Butter, $20, a rich jar of paste perfect for locking in moisture, which is a necessity for this tan man as he rarely buttons his shirts up all the way.

Lindsay Lohan. This holiday season, give the fresh-out-of-rehab starlet a gift that might actually keep her out of trouble: a chic, black coffee backpack with monogrammed napkins, $60 from preppymonograms.com.Armed with her own coffee kit, the former teen queen can avoid the egg nog bowl and stay high on caffeine all night long.

Even if the closest you will ever come to Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie is renting "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," we think the leading lady or leading man in your life is sure to appreciate these star-worthy gifts — OK, maybe not the rent-a-pal. Happy shopping!

The oldest giver of THIS kind of gifts

2008-01-16T14:18:00.001+02:00

Today I want to mention one more kind of giving gifts. Is this a present, one can ask. And I will be forced to agree with him/her supposing this world is a cruel place. Anyway, this IS a gift, cause we say she gave him/her birth. We can't think without language and there we can find some true when we need it.

But let's get back to our topic. Today turn three years after 16th of January,2005, when 66-year-old Romanian woman Adriana Illiescu in Bucharest has given birth to a baby girl. Then she became the eldest known woman in the world to give birth. However, she had been able to enjoy this title only for about two years until a 67-year-old woman is Spain gave birth to twins.

Tips for adults: gits for children

2008-01-14T14:41:00.000+02:00

Gifts for children is very deep and vast topic but today I am going to be short. There are two main aspects You should think of and both are related to the fact that a child is in first stage of life. Therefore:

1) Presents should influence kids optimistically and mould positive attitude towards life (oh, yes, they still have chance to believe in beautiful life and successful destiny). Because of that gifts should be colorful, vivid and cheerful.

2) Beauty and liveliness is only one side of the coin. Even more important is an educational and function cause a game is perhaps the best way to learn and to develop. So the puzzle or compendium of games will be a great choice. If You notice a child tends to sports, present him/her the equipment for table football or ice hockey.

Some tips for men: gifts for women

2008-01-10T13:04:00.001+02:00

Is Your brain puzzled how can You please Your girl? Remember - every woman loves toys.

Sometimes not only men are grown children. Women are also!

She gets attracted every time she notices a sophisticated doll made up in XIX century technique and dressed up with XVIII century clothes. There even some sites and blogs, for example, historicaldolls.blogspot.com, dedicated to historical dolls news and acquisitions. Admire a picture from there...

Present one of the kind once, and maybe she'd become a collector. Both of You will be happy: she'll have a new passion, You won't be puzzled anymore. Not for always, of course...

If You lady adores watching the stars and is involved in those astrology things, look for the statues of Zodiac signs.

If Our woman tend to romance, find that little musical box which plays a sentimental melody when one opens it.

And, of course, You'll never lose presenting jewels..You'll never imagine what a vast majority of jewels exists unless You go to the place they are sold at. Are You afraid of going there? Afraid of possibility to get lost? It's natural:) Just remember: the way to the shop You can find by map. But when You enter, search for the gift by heart. That is the whole trick.

Some tips for women: gifts for men

2008-01-08T12:35:00.000+02:00

Today we will talk about gifts for men. It is because of my will to emphasize that tickets for UFC 77 are not the only great present for Your friend, farther or brother.

To think stereotypically, it seems that they already have everything: most favorite tie, book or luxurious lighter. Maybe they haven't their favorite car, but usually You don't have enough money.

To make things more difficult, men rarely reveal what they want. What is more, frequently they do not know themselves what they want. You can find it tricky to choose relevant present unless You have a sense of fay or a skill of detective to draw correct conclusions from tiny references or subconscious contemplation.

Do You feel lost? Have no ideas what to do? Then we should do a short brainstorm.

Think about all advantages and disadvantages of the man You want to give a gift for. Maybe he is always late? You can laugh at him but don't do it unkindly or banal. Instead of ordinary watch find something original.

Amazon.com Widgets

Computer fans will enjoy a watch with microchips. The only problem could be that You'll never understand what the time the watch shows...

Or be more ironic. If he is late, maybe he doesn't find the way? In this case clasp-compass would be a great present. Then he'll always be right on time.

Another masculine thing is beer, isn't it? There are a lot of amusing things for beer lovers from a special beer-bag to an original opener, for example bike chine opener:

But maybe our guy does not drink beer? Maybe he drinks wine, then? He'd like wine diary where he can note what kinds of wine he'd tested, I guess.

All in all, don't take this post as the only way. It is simply a start, a beginning. I just wanted to give some examples how to make gift searching more adventurous and efficient. The best tip for You is free Your mind and imagination and mix some love in the process.

gifts

The last gift of the year

2007-12-31T18:00:00.000+02:00

So today we have the last day of the year. Could there be any excuse if I didn't greet all of You? To be short, I just wanna send You all those classical regards and a few original ones. And here is my last gift this year.

Perhaps most of You have already seen or heard this song. But today Queen’s first new studio recording in ten years and Paul Rodgers’ first in 7 years, named "Say It's Not True," is officially out .

‘Say It’s Not True’ comes as an enhanced CD single release carrying the full video shown at the December 1st 46664 Johannesburg concert. All royalties from world sales will be donated to Nelson Mandela’s AIDS cause, 46664. And that's the true spirit of giving gifts.

Why did You not get the gift You wanted for Christmas?

2007-12-27T14:39:00.000+02:00

Christmas are slowly going away till the next year. Almost everybody found their gifts under the Christmas tree, however, not everyone got what he or she wanted. Why some of us didn't get the present we wanted even if we had written a letter to Santa? Here is the answer:

The house that Santa can bring under Your Christmas tree

2007-12-19T21:40:00.000+02:00

Let's go on with the "-est" gifts list. Today I can offer You the smallest house. Santa perhaps could even carry it. And t is back on the market, they say.

To exit through the back door of Toronto's "smallest house," first fold the Murphy bed back into the wall; it takes up the entire seven-foot width of the bedroom, many newspapers and internet sites quote "Reuters". And You can be convinced by photos here.

Built in 1912, the pint-size "Little House" features one bedroom, a kitchen with folding table and chairs, a living room and a full, if narrow, bathroom.

With a living area of just 300 square feet, it was bought and renovated this year, and is back on the market for C$173,000 ($227,916).

"Holy cow, that is the smallest house," said cab driver Kamran Ghuman, after pulling up outside 128 Day Avenue in Toronto's west end.

"It looks like it used to be a garage and then they made a house out of it."

Dwarfed between two larger homes, the detached bungalow was bought last spring for C$139,000 ($183,060) and redone inside and out, including a new decorative window for its gabled roof, hardwood floors, new cabinetry, appliances, a stone walkway and gardens.

"It reminds people of a small cottage or what they may have seen in a storybook," said owner David Blois, a property manager who took on the "flip" project.

Many neighbours agree.

"Look how cute it is. It looks like a little chapel," said Marika Wheeler, who has lived down the street for over 30 years and has seen the house change owners several times.

Blois says the house was built by a contractor on a strip of land where the city forgot to cut the curb for a laneway. He lived there for 20 years.

Since then, it has been home to several families, including immigrants from Hungary, Italy and Brazil.

Blois said one man who walked by the house during the renovations said he had lived there with his wife and three children.

Real estate agent Cristina Lopes said the property was a steal compared with bachelor or one-bedroom condominiums in Toronto, typically priced at over C$200,000 ($263,374) on property website mls.ca.

"Even though this is only 300 square feet, it looks more spacious than a condo that's 700 or 800 square feet," Lopes said.

"It all depends on the layout and the layout of this home was really nicely done."

The house, on a street of two- and three-bedroom homes, also boasts a patio and parking for two cars, as well as a storage basement, accessible through a trapdoor in the floor.

Lopes said the owner has received a few offers since the house went on the market, but they fell through.

Boy smokes away his Christmas gift

2007-12-17T15:43:00.000+02:00

After catching his 15-year-old smoking pot, a father sold the hard-to-get "Guitar Hero III" video game he bought his son for 90 dollars for Christmas at an online auction, fetching 9,000 dollars.

The sale took place after the father spent two weeks searching for the video game for the Nintendo Wii gameboard, Yahoo quotes AFP.

"So I was so relieved in that I had finally got the Holy Grail of Christmas presents pretty much just in the nick of time. I couldn't wait to spread the jubilance to my son," the father wrote on the eBay website.

"Then, yesterday, I came home from work early and what do I find? My innocent little boy smoking pot in the back yard with two of his delinquent friends."

The man, a school teacher, who kept his identity private, said he sold the coveted video game to punish his son and discourage him from smoking dope.

The sale was a boon for the family's bank account, since the game the father purchased for 90 dollars (US) was finally sold to an Australian who plunked down 9,100 dollars for it.

The naughty son, however, will not go without a present on Christmas.

"I am still considering getting him a game for his Nintendo. Maybe something like Barbie as the Island Princess or Dancing with the Stars ... I know he will just love them," the father said, tongue-in-cheek.

The most expensive gift in the world

2007-12-11T21:04:00.000+02:00

Now I know how much money one needs to make other one happy. 240 million euros or 352,948 US dollars.

This is the price for an island called Muchao da Poava, situated 300 metres from the coast of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, at its nearest point . It is the most expensive island for sale in the world, private islands online claim. It seems strange but the island of approximately 1200 hectares is still unpopulated.

For those, who in spite of living in Eden will still need somewhere to travel, this information will be useful too: the island is situated just 5km away from Lisbon harbour and just 6km away from the Lisbon International Airport. For others, it should help to ease the understanding how near the island is from Lisbon, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I'm sorry I've got just a satelite image of the island:

However, from the island You'd be able to admire sights something like that:

Christmas defeated Birthday. Is it true?

2007-12-10T14:59:00.000+02:00

Today it's not about greatest tips for gifts for men, women or children. It's even not about Santa Claus. It's about celebrations and gifts themselves. A few days ago I launched a poll asking which gifts are more important and valuable for You: Christmas, Birthday or other celebration?

As we see, thirteen voters declared their opinion and Christmas presents won the first place. However, they had overtaken Birthday gifts only by one vote. Gifts presented on other occasion also got one vote and one Grinch voted who hate presents as a kind.

What the conclusions might be? First of all, of course, we can say that this poll provided perhaps no value for sociologists and other scientists. One the other hand, results obviously show that Christmas and Birthday are the most important celebrations and their are strongly related with gifts.

I guess we can even highlight the mutual relation between these celebrations and gifts. Gifts have bring associations with Christmas (Birthday) and Christmas (Birthday) bring associations with gifts. And here I want to remind You of true meaning and value of the gift which was observed in this post.

How long does it take? (run, Santa, run!)

2007-12-04T14:50:00.000+02:00

After the Christmas gifts are chosen, someone has to deliver them. Everybody knows who is that guy. But does anybody know how he do that?

Santa must live in Kyrgyzstan and make his rounds at lightning speed if he is to deliver gifts to all the world's children on time, a Swedish consultancy has concluded.

Between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Santa Claus's route around the planet includes stops at 2.5 billion homes, assuming that children of all religions receive a present from the jolly man in the red suit, Anders Larsson of the engineering consultancy Sweco told AFP which is quoted by Yahoo.com.

"We estimated that there are 48 people per square kilometer (120 per square mile) on Earth, and 20 metres (66 feet) between each home. So if Santa leaves from Kyrgyzstan and travels against the Earth's rotation he has 48 hours to deliver all the presents," he said.

Father Christmas has long been believed to reside at the North Pole, although a number of northern towns, including Finnish Rovaniemi, claim to be his true home.

But Sweco's report on Santa's most efficient route -- which takes into account factors like geographic density and the fewest detours -- shows that he wouldn't be able to make his round-the-world trip from there in time.

"He has 34 microseconds at each stop" to slide down the chimney, drop off the presents, nibble on his cookies and milk and hop back on his sleigh, Larsson said.

Santa's reindeer must travel at a speed of 5,800 kilometers (3,604 miles) per second to make the trip on time.

Another report circulating on the Internet suggested however that Santa's sleigh, weighed down with presents and travelling at supersonic speed, would encounter such massive air resistance that the entire contraption would burst into flames and be vaporised within 4.26 thousandths of a second.

"The Killers" present a killerish gift

2007-12-03T11:09:00.001+02:00

The Christmas time has come. Our eyes have already witnessed the situation and now it's the time for the ears. Every year famous musicians prepare and present their gifts to the audience, not just because of the Christmas-occupied hearts, of course, but also of the sums of money that come to market in this period. However, it's not about the money this time. If real artists create something, they do it frankly.

"The Killers" share with us their attitude towards major winter celebration this time and it's definitely "killerish" approach. Melody fits to traditional Christmas mood and the ironic lyrics reflects traditional style of the band. And a genial clip (let me mention at least one feature - they sing about Christmas, but there are now traditional sentimental snow or something, the action is taking part somewhere in the desert).

A great composite, to my mind. Therefore, let's watch the video clip of "The Killers" song "Don't Shoot Me Santa" and identify that as "Merry Christmas, our fans!".

No gifts for Britney and Paris, give them all to Angelina

2007-11-29T18:03:00.000+02:00

We will find wonderful gifts somehow. But who have really deserved them this year? Ask the children. They never lie.

E-Poll Market Research has done that. A leading authority in celebrity and brand research, as they claim themselves, conducted a nationwide survey among 1,107 kids 2-17 to explore today's attitudes about nice, naughty, and the age old question of who makes Santa's list. This is what kids had to say in their own words:

Who topped Santa's "Nice List?" Hannah Montana was overwhelmingly deemed the "nicest" celebrity among kids 2-12. Teenagers 13-17 thought actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador, Angelina Jolie (photo on the left), was the "nicest" celebrity in 2007.

Britney Spears (photo on the right) claimed top "naughty" honors with both younger and older children, followed by Paris Hilton. Britney and Paris beat out Swiper the Fox (from Dora the Explorer), the Grinch and Darth Vader among kids 2-12 and topped Lindsay Lohan and Beyonce among teens.

What makes someone nice?, asked E-poll Market Research, and kids mentioned "cleaning up & doing chores," "sharing" and "being honest & polite" as sure fire ways to impress mom, dad and Santa. On the flip side, they mentioned "not listening to parents," "being mean & bullying" and "being snobby" as behaviors exhibited by "naughty" kids.

What should nice kids get? "Anything they want!" was the overwhelming response. On the other hand, rehabilitation has replaced coal as the theme for naughty kids. Maybe it's due to environmental concerns, or hedging their bets for future lists, but kids feel that the naughty ones should at least receive one present and "get another chance to do good for next year."

What gifts do kids want most? Kids 2-12 mentioned "Dora the Explorer'" "Hannah Montana" and "Barbie" as their top choices. While teens 13-17 mentioned "Wii," "X-Box 360," "money" and a "new car" as the gifts they desired the most this holiday season.

What can we learn from our kids? When asked what gift they would most like to give, kids cited "hugs," "kisses" and "love." Older kids also believe that "you should always be willing to help someone."

METHODOLOGY: This online survey was conducted among a nationwide, representative sample of 1,107 kids 2-17 from November 2-7, 2007. Results based on the total sample are considered accurate at the 95% confidence level, within +/- 2 percentage points.

Gift baskets top

2007-11-28T16:16:00.000+02:00

As we've got started looking for tops of gifts, let's go on. About.com suggests top 10 of business gift baskets. Of course, the primary function of the kind is to remind Your business partners of You. However, You can copy or upgrade the idea and use it in Your personal life. For example, You won't be able to pay a visit to Your relatives or friends this year. Therefore, a nice gift basket would be a great and original compensation. It was published as a top, but I threw away the numbers and places. I believe it's a matter of taste and everyone can create his or her own. top

Corporate Elite Gift Basket

What could be better than a gift basket full of palate-pleasing gourmet treats? A gift basket full of gourmet treats that includes a bottle (or two) of wine. Choose from Cabernet, Chadonnay or Merlot. The bottles come presented in a gold-tassled velvet wine sack nestled in a woven wood and bamboo trunk with a caviar, brie cheese, smoked salmon, crackers, gourmet flavored Cappucinos, and pistachio nuts.

Gourmet Foods Gift Basket

Giving your gift basket recipient a taste of luxury is a great way to show your appreciation. This no-fruit version of the corporate gift basket includes summer sausage, sweet biscuits, gourmet cheeses, mustards and other upscale goodies, packaged in an attractive basket.

Blooming Gourmet Gift Basket

When I'm looking for a gift basket to send to clients or customers, I'm always looking for something different that's going to stand out from other gift baskets the recipient may receive. This Blooming Gourmet Gift Basket is a good example; beautifully arranged carnations, lilies, and asters dress up a mouth-watering collection of chocolates, cookies, cheese and crackers.

Wrap-sody in Red Gift Tower

What are the two things that make a gift tower a winner? An attractive presentation and an array of delectable treats. The Wrap-sody in Red scores top points in both categories. A collection of red leatherette boxes open to reveal vanilla caramels, chocolate truffles, chocolate-covered marshmallows, white chocolate-covered pretzel balls, red and green Christmas hard candies and more. Perfect for holiday season giving.

Juniper Bonsai Gift Basket

Here's a different approach to the business gift basket idea; instead of food, show your appreciation with a Juniper Bonsai, a small shrub sculpted into a work of art. Juniper has a particularly pleasing scent and color and is evergreen. Any of the juniper bonsais on this page will make a beautiful addition to anyone's office or home.

Single Rose Gourmet Gift Basket

Its not just what's in a gift basket but how it's presented; you want your gift basket to impress your clients or business associates with its good looks as well as its tasty contents. This Single Rose Gourmet Gift Basket fills the bill admirably. Each attractively trimmed basket is brim-full of treats such as gourmet cheese, crackers, sausage, chocolates, and candies. (Exact contents may vary as each basket is created individually.)

Bountiful Fruit and Gourmet Gift Basket

It's hard to beat the traditional fruit and gourmet gift basket when it comes to choosing a business or corporate gift basket. They're not only attractive, but contain enough variety of food that you're sure to please the recipient's taste buds. This example is truly a classic, with a bountiful assortment of seasonal mixed fresh fruits, cookies, crackers, candies, cheese, jams, or similar gourmet goodies, spilling out of a wicker basket.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Gift Basket

There's something particularly irresistable about the combination of strawberries and chocolate - especially when we're talking about dark, milk or white chocolate sprinkled with almonds, coconut, mini-chocolate chips and double-dipped, a feast for both the eyes and the tongue. If the recipients are chocolate lovers, send them a box of these rather than a gift basket.

Winter Wonderland Gift Basket

Clients, customers, office staff, business associates – any or all of them would appreciate receiving this festive gift basket, sporting a collection of red carnations, white chrysanthemums, gerberas, holly and pinecones in a wicker basket tied with a red and green ribbon. It's like getting a shot of holiday spirit!

The City Block Gourmet Snack Tower

This snack tower is an ideal gift "basket" for sharing within an office. An attractive package opens to reveal nine individual boxes packed with scrumptious treats such as Aaron Bell Popcorn, Sesame Stix, Caramel Corn, Old Fashioned Taffy, Butter Toffee Peanuts and Ranch flavored Corn Nuts – something to please every taste.

So be free to choose, to think, to improve, to create or to say "I don't need this s***". However, if You want further information, go to about.com

Stupid presents top

2007-11-27T17:43:00.000+02:00

Originality is very important to the gift. But sometimes they are too original...Therefore the web site Stupid.com gives the top 10 "stupidest" holiday gifts for 2007. However, the site creators claim finding a truly stupid gift is an art form and the gifts from top are "so ridiculously stupid that everyone will want them".

This link appeared on Yahoo page which quoted "Reuters" and maybe because of the flash rise of popularity Stupid.com became temporarily unavailable today. So the text is taken from Yahoo:

1. Mistletoe To Go

In the mood for love but on the go? Consider this portable mistletoe. This attractive arrangement of faux mistletoe comes with a suction cup that attaches to your forehead.

2. The Hillary Nutcracker

Love her or hate her, this is a new take on Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton who, in holiday tradition, is made into a nutcracker.

3. Slingshot Monkey

The Slingshot Monkey is a stuffed monkey dressed like a superhero. It flies up to 50 feet and screams along the way.

4. Larry Craig Action Figure

The talking Senator Larry Craig action figure wears a T-shirt with his declaration: "I Am Not Gay." His limbs are bendable and he delivers a portion of his news conference after pleading guilty to lewd behavior in an airport bathroom.

5. Uncle Oinker's Gummy Bacon Candy

One of America's favorite smoked-meat product has been reproduced as a candy. Uncle Oinkers Gummy Bacon comes packaged the same way as real bacon and even looks like real bacon.

6. Inflatable Moosehead

No need to go through the expense and trouble of tracking down a moose and shooting it dead when you can simply buy an inflatable moose head for the trophy wall.

7. Electronic Yodeling Pickle

The electronic yodeling pickle is a 6-1/2" plastic pickle with a high-tech interior. When you press the pickle's button

it belts out a yodel reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.

8. Poo-lar Bear Candy

It's a plastic polar bear that you fill with candy poop so when you press down on the bear's hind quarters, he poops out a tasty treat.

9. Get Off the Phone Excuse Machine

If you have trouble getting off the phone from some people, this small electronic device could be the answer. Press a button for "Whoops, there's the door" or "I can't hear you, you're breaking up," and you can get off the hook.

10. USB dancer

This bikini-wearing dancer plugs into your computer's USB port and audio port and when sound plays on your system, she dances and gyrates around the pole.

Gifts for children and education

2007-11-24T16:48:00.000+02:00

Give me a gift, say hello

2007-11-21T16:36:00.000+02:00

World Toilet Day. Greetings? (both serious and funny approach)

2007-11-19T18:09:00.000+02:00

Don't get me wrong but I have to greet You:) Not me only. And the

too. This organization has announced the 19th of November as World Toilet Day. However, it's not as funny as it sounds.

World Toilet Organization was founded in year 2001, generally by the man, called Jack Sim. He felt that WCs were a neglected subject and there was much to be done. This idea led him to establish the Restroom Association of Singapore in 1998. After three years J.Sim he decided to reach the new aim - to raise the standards of public toilets not only in Singapore but all around the world. Now this organization unites the various toilet associations on Earth.

Set aside humor, there are still some greetings to be expressed. I can greet You if You are able to use a normal toilet, because about 40 percent of the world's population isn't. And this is one of main reasons for infectious diseases spread. Therefore World Toilet Organization invites everybody to repair, to clean neglected public toilets or to build new ones.

On the other hands, offbeat details cannot be hushed up. For example, did You know that in former times in some countries the nobility had more reason then alone luxury to have plenty estates? It was very natural. Once a wide party of blue-blooded would settle in the mansion, the surroundings would become "full" very soon and the smell would got familiar but not very good...So the whole party were forced to move from one estate to another regularly.

All in all, toilet is serious affair. Some artists, for example, creates an art based on it. More interesting details You can find here.

Christmas shopping. More original look

2007-11-14T16:31:00.000+02:00

And today, prolonging those not very original tips we should come to some more original...

If You got a headache thinking of suitable present to Your friend, a solution could be these ones, though they seems to be already heard somewhere:

Give to Your friend a big (500 W power, at least) light bulb and wish: "My friend, let Your life be more shiny!"

Or another one, similar somehow (and rather devoted to men) :

"That's enough, no more socks cleaning". These words will perfectly introduce Your present - 365 couples of socks (or 366, if it's leap-year, like 2008).

However, to be really original, You must present something like this glass jellyfish:

But this time is Your turn what to wish to Your friend, ok?

For further reading about this jellyfish and other glass sculptures, click here.

Christmas shopping. First look

2007-11-10T19:48:00.000+02:00

Recently I had a pleasure to visit Belgium. On a casual nice evening I was driving my trolley in the store and suddenly I saw THAT for the first time this year. It was a woman. Not ordinary woman. She had THAT. She was carrying a few little toys. For Christmas, I got aware it momently. We all are able to sense THAT in a moment. That's how I encountered with a Christmas shopping for the first time this year. Of course, I wasn't the first. And soon everybody will go for THAT... Don't You feel familiar with those in this video?

And even more sooner everybody will catch themselves in the deep deep thinking whether Charlie will be happy to get this, does Liz want that and so on. Some people love searching for Christmas gifts. But the majority certainly doesn't. Ant this sense leads into tiresome wandering in the shopping malls and saying goodbye to the hope of finding something.

STOP! Stop thinking so! It isn't so difficult as it seems at the first glance. Everything should be different this year. Ok?

We'll start with the most unoriginal (but still lovely) gifts and then go further.

Gifts for every case of life.

Don't agonize and buy things which are need by everyone. I personally don't know a man who doesn't need at least one of these: tie, shaving gear, T-shirts, muffler, a bottle of qualitative vodka or whisky (Maybe Robinson didn't need them, but I hadn't acquainted with him). What is more, look here.

Woman always will find a way to use lipstick, perfume, jewelery or cosmetics. Read here, of course.

Are You not happy? No problem. Let's go further.

Usefulness and practicalness

Many people presents the things which are useful to themselves. It's a little bit selfish but You also have friends who are doing this, I can swear. Except You don't have friends. So don't get too surprised when You get a CD, a PC game a book or something else, which soon will be borrowed. Then You will have a moral reason to do the same. You already have, I could guess.

However, there is a kind of selfish presents which still remains perfect. A practical girl is always able to present a wonderful New Year's Eve where the most important present is she, wonderful and unforgettable.

Some tips for men: gifts for women

2007-10-25T17:32:00.000+03:00

Is Your brain puzzled how can You please Your girl? Remember - every woman loves toys.

Sometimes not only men are grown children. Women are also!

Present one of the kind once, and maybe she'd become a collector. Both of You will be happy: she'll have a new passion, You won't be puzzled anymore. Not for always, of course...

If You lady adores watching the stars and is involved in those astrology things, look for the statues of Zodiac signs.

If Our woman tend to romance, find that little musical box which plays a sentimental melody when one opens it.

Some tips for women: gifts for men

2007-10-21T14:30:00.000+03:00

Today we will talk about gifts for men. It is because of my will to emphasize that tickets for UFC 77 are not the only great present for Your friend, farther or brother.

Do You feel lost? Have no ideas what to do? Then we should do a short brainstorm.

Amazon.com Widgets

But maybe our guy does not drink beer? Maybe he drinks wine, then? He'd like wine diary where he can note what kinds of wine he'd tested, I guess.

Sweetest Day

2007-10-20T11:44:00.000+03:00

The third Saturday of October has come and brought for us the Sweetest day. It is often claimed that this celebration was proposed by Herbert Birch Kingston, a philanthropist and candy company employee but some argue it was an idea of economist and writer Murray Newton Rothbard. However, everybody believes that the Sweetest day originated in Cleveland in the third decade of the XX century.

Following by the most spread version, observance of this day began in the third Saturday of October, 1922. Herbert Birch Kingston wanted to bring happiness into the lives of orphans, shut-ins and others who were forgotten. He and a few friends began to distribute candy and small gifts to the underprivileged.

There are some stories that on the first Sweetest Day movie star Ann Pennington presented 2,200 Cleveland newspaper boys with boxes of candy to express gratitude for their service to the public. Another popular movie star, Theda Bara, distributed 10,000 boxes of candy to people in Cleveland hospitals and also gave candy to all who came to watch her film in a local theater.

After a year more Clevelanders began to participate in the celebration ceremony and the day got the name of the "Sweetest Day". The idea was soon widened by giving gifts not only to the underprivileged but to everyone. A custom of giving some little present to others on the Sweetest Day spread all over the country.

Till nowadays Sweetest Day has evolved into something similar to Valentine's Day, but not so widely celebrated. However, a vast majority of small presents such as greeting cards, candy, and flowers are gifted on this day.

You can find some Sweetest Day greeting cards here. And my gift for You will be the song of Danielle Peck:

Gift's value and meaning

2007-10-18T13:32:00.000+03:00

A gift or present is the transfer of something, without the need for compensation that is involved in trade. A gift is a voluntary act which does not require anything in return. Even though it involves possibly a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power, a gift is meant to be free, says wikipedia. And those phrases like "without need for compensation" or "voluntary act" note the most important message - when we give a gift to someone we create the tie, the relation which is not money paid for the gift anymore. It turns into something bigger, something more significant than it's material worth. And the key is to give without taking.

Here we should distinguish the difference between gifting and giving. While giving is casual action, gifting has different status in time. Gifting is instantaneous and unpredictable (well, it is very predictable sometimes, but it's a shame on those who are gifting). Present should be unique (for example, when Microsoft discounts some it's products for me, I do know it discounts the same products for millions of others. It is not a gift). These three features transforms a thing into the gift.

The real present always has it's value. Both gift presenter and gift presentee should have something valuable, one to be able to gift, another to be able to take.