Gift Idea for Everyone

We all have that someone special who is really hard to buy for. If that special someone happens to be your Uncle Bob or your Uncle John, here are some truly unique gift ideas that will never have you crying uncle again!

MP3 Player: Sleek and sporty, they’ve been called the new age “digital jukebox” and they’re popping up everywhere. They can be personalized, store weeks of nonstop music and are completely portable. If your zany uncle hasn’t bought one yet, he’s sure to want one. Top picks: Apple’s iPod, Rio and iRiver. This gift is on the costly side, so be prepared to spend a couple hundred dollars or more.

Uncle Sam Memorabilia: An uncle for an uncle. Corny, yet stylish. Seriously, we all know who Uncle Sam is. Besides the American flag, Uncle Sam is one of the most recognized symbols of the United States. And he’s all over everything! From t-shirts to wall hangers, to collectibles and golf bags, your uncle will appreciate a patriotic twist on a traditional gift.

What A Year It Was! Yearbook: If your uncle is a baby boomer, he’ll relish one of these hardcover cocktail table books that feature a wonderful pictorial of the year he was born. Packed with rare photographs and unusual tidbits, this will become a conversational piece for years to come. You can even include your own customized greeting. Find them online at Amazon.com or visit your local book store.

Vermont Maple Syrup: If there’s one thing that any man can appreciate, it’s a product made right here in the USA. Often referred to as “liquid gold” or “sweet water”, pure Vermont Maple Syrup makes a mouthwatering gift. Because of the extensive time and limited production involved in making maple syrup, expect to pay a premium. Today a half pint goes for around seven dollars. Don’t forget to add the cost of shipping.

Newspaper Subscription: A newspaper subscription is a relatively quick, inexpensive and personal gift idea. And one that can be opened over and over again. Each time your uncle receives a copy, he will be reminded of you. Choose from a local paper or national publication such as USA Today, New York Times or the Wall Street Journal.

Uncles are often a source of help, advice and encouragement. Surprise and delight yours.

The choices for a great teacher’s gift are unlimited. However, consider the apple motif as being out. Gone. History. How many apple ornaments, apple magnets, apple frames and apple knick-knacks does one person really need? Or really want?

If you aren’t familiar with your child’s teacher it can be intimidating trying to find the right gift. And if you have more than one child in school, you’ll want to shop for gifts that are not only useful, but also inexpensive. The following are suggestions for affordable, practical teacher appreciation gifts that can be used for the holidays or at the end of the school year.

Classroom and School Supplies. No, not boring. Many teachers spend hundreds of dollars every year out of their own pockets to buy their students and classrooms much-needed supplies.

Bath and Body Products: Every teacher could use a little pampering at the end of the day. Shower him or her with fragrances, powders, milk bath, bath beads or body lotions.

Gift Certificate: Gift certificates are indeed the ultimate safe bet in gift giving. For teachers, consider a certificate to a book store or a coupon for a movie rental.

Donation: Want to see a teacher smile from ear to ear? Make a donation on their behalf to the local library, museum or non-profit theater.

Games: For those rainy days, teachers love to have games for their students to play while they are cooped up indoors. Look for original, fun and educational games that are age appropriate.

Ant Habitat: Forget ant farms. High tech has met low creatures! Your child’s teacher can set up an entire ant colony on his or her desktop. Based on NASA technology, ants burrow through a clear nutrient gel putting on a spectacular 3-D tunneling show! Requires no additional food or water.

Headache Relief Massager: Let’s face it. Teachers work in a noisy environment and probably experience quite a few headaches. That’s why a small, battery-operated massager is just the gadget a teacher needs to relieve a throbbing head.

Framed Art: A framed reproduction or original work of art will make an impressive addition to a teacher’s classroom or home. Gift stores often carry inexpensive selections from local artisans.

Teachers are great influences in our children’s lives and in turn, deserve a token of our appreciation. Yes, a simple thank you will do. All the same, it is perfectly acceptable to buy them a small gift. And you don’t have to break the bank with this symbol of your gratitude.