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.

Ah, the twenty-first birthday. It’s a momentous occasion and one that garners more celebration than any other. It is also considered by many as traditionally marking the passing of adolescence into adulthood. So unlike gifts of the past, you have the freedom to give a more mature, worldly gift. Be selective and walk a different path when choosing a gift for this memorable event and extraordinary individual. If you’re stumped, here a few to consider:

One Share of Stock: Stock entitles your twenty-one year old shareholder to declare dividends, access annual reports and more. You’ll be setting a great example and putting their financial future into motion. Personalized framing is frequently available so that your recipient can proudly display their ownership. Before ordering, make sure that you have the recipient’s correct social security number and mailing address.

Adventure: If you’re looking for an unforgettable twenty-first birthday gift, why not give the gift of an experience such as bungee jumping, skydiving or hot air ballooning. The latter two tend to be pricey, so you may want to pool your resources with a few other gift givers. Check your local yellow pages or jump online to find unique adventure gifts. Because experience is all about creating a day to remember, supplement your gift with disposable cameras and a gift card for developing the photos.

Solar Real Estate: Ever wish that you could give someone the moon? Well, now you can! Through the Lunar Registry, you can thoughtfully give that special twenty-one year old a piece of orbital real estate. You can select and buy them an acre of moon property, complete with a personalized deed certificate, a satellite photograph, geographic information for use with a telescope and more. Visit the Lunar Registry online at www.lunarregistry.com and give a gift that is truly out of this world!

Hotel Reservation: After this birthday gala, your young adult will probably enjoy getting away for a relaxing night or two. Purchase them a hotel gift certificate and have it all wrapped up!

There are so many possibilities for birthday gifts, particularly on the years with extra meaning attached to them. Keep in mind that birthday number twenty-one isn’t just about transitioning into adulthood, but also about a new beginning, the start of a journey. So on this special day, make your gift unforgettable and one that will be remembered for a lifetime.