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Healthy Gifts for 2012

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Is it too late to convert to Judaism?

UPDATE: The name for the green and blue scarf-loving, tongue-wagging doggie is . . . Ecstatic-the-Fanatic money saving pooch. Ecstatic (or Ecsta for short) will be sniffing out and tracking down the best deals all year round for you.

Be sure, we will "boo" those who suddenly hike prices too. Remember, if I haven't showcased you the gift you need, let me know more about the recipient. Ecstatic-the-Fanatic money saving pooch and I will add in more selection. We sure hope this helps make your life easier. [Intro photo: Aine D on flickr see here. / Licensed under Creative Commons]



Gift-giving really should be "just for the kids" don't you think? I just never see a happy face on any of the adults in the malls (around December) who you know are painstakingly trying to get something for every person they know on earth. Or else you might not make it to heaven or worse go . . .

I used to think that if I convert to Judaism, it would help. I am secretly attracted to Jewish people, even before I find out that they are Jewish. Unfortunately, they TOO end up feeling the need to buy gifts for all of the non-jewish people in their lives. Can we re-designate some holidays, like Christmas, as just for the kids (the gift part, like candy is for kids at Hallowe'en)? We adults have everything we need, don't we. Why not keep some good samaritan messages in it and let the children enjoy it? Let's give all this adult-created "stress shopping" a break for once. And seriously, most of the people you end up buying gifts for...take another look, bet you don't like half of them. They just happen to be in your life.

What is worth it: the children gleefully ripping open their gifts, a great turkey dinner with all the fixin's and pumpkin pie. Not worth it: the lines ups at the post office to send out those gifts - so they arrive before December 25th, the obligatory dinners that in-laws insist that you attend, and the crazy store line-ups to buy that one obnoxious or "high maintenance" person in your life who you fear may make your life miserable if you don't get him/her something really trendy.

If you ARE going to be buying gifts (for any occasion), I have researched the best things for every age group and every budget. I have included great gifts under $5, lots under $10, and most around $40. There are a few items I selected that are more expensive, but they cover groups of people...parties, office staff, social events, or family heirlooms. For ease, I decided to cover groups chronologically - from babies to seniors - with gifts in order from LEAST expensive to MOST expensive. And of course, our loving pets. That way, at a glance you can quickly find your "grouping", buy in bulk to save money, and move on. I guarantee you can complete ALL of your shopping on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon by viewing this.

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Enrich yourself reading this endearing article

about the origins, traditions & songs of Christmas by gypsyman27:

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Latest Revision

December 23rd, 2011

The greatest gift of all is the gift of life . . .

from my dear friend, NaturalVamp on Squidoo, please donate blood:

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Tips to Make Life Easier

while holiday or gift shopping . . .

Photo courtesy Photos8.comMake a list every year of family and friends you wish to buy for. Keep this list, you'll want to look at it next year (you don't wanna end up buying Uncle Jim yet another red tie). Look for age/group similarities and "group" them. For example, all the grandchildren between 6-10 years of age, all the teens, or all the retirees. I color code them, using highlighters...that way, at a glance I know I have 10 kids to buy for, 6 seniors, 8 teenagers, 4 pets and so on.

Check out all the age appropriate gifts that are top rated for those specific groups. Look at each name and assign whatever seems appropriate for each person (have a back-up second pick too - in case the store is sold out of your first pick). Set a spending limit for each person but bare in mind, there will always be that perfect gift that is "just over" what you planned to spend. See if you can find a sale or buy in bulk for another group on your list to offset those extra costs.

New Layout for 2012

Keeping it all chronological by age of recipient now, babies through seniors and pets (cats/dogs) gifts. I tried to keep items ordered from lower to higher price per group. Office and co-worker gifts will be right after the Gifts for Adults section.

NEW larger photos of items that are great deals

like this one, 5-Star rated and under $20, perfect for those holiday trips:

For ages 18 months - 3 years. Measures: 5.3" x 11.7" x 16.1" (1.8 lbs). See 2nd item down.

Great Gifts for Babies

and some for new parents too . . .

Take a peek at these unique, educational, and practical gifts for the baby-on-the-way. There is something adorable for every little angel about to enter this world. Even if you do not know if the baby will be a girl or a boy, you'll have that gift ready. Some little ones just can't wait and arrive early, you know.
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Gifts for New Parents (by request) . . .

Let me know whether you found that perfect gift or not here:

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Schylling ABC Nesting Cubes are under $20 now

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25 (see details).

Great for ages 2 - 5. Includes 10 nesting cubes. See 3rd item down. Given 4.5-Star rating.

Gifts for Toddlers and Children

that adults will also enjoy . . .

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The Step2 All Star Sports Climber (above)

Fun activities to do: basketball, soccer, rock wall, football toss and slide. Perfect for toddlers and will support up to 75 lbs. Tip: when assembling, use liquid dish detergent as a lubricant. Measures 30"L x 63"W x 43"H.

Kids can keep score with the built-in scorekeeper under the basketball hoop and a junior-sized inflatable football, soccer ball and basketball are included. Rock wall provides a safe and easy challenge for children. Durable poly construction lasts for years. Minimal adult assembly. Made in US.; sports balls made in China. A great gift for kids; under $100.00.

Gifts for Kids

for ages 3 + . . .

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Mega Playland is great for a few kids to enjoy

It's over 10 ft. long, with 5 separate structures which can be rearranged:

Includes: 1 hut with basketball hoop, large and small cubes, two 20' tunnels, carrying case and 50 balls in a mesh carrying case. Many reviewers also bought another 100 play balls.
Ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping (see details). Gift wrapping is available.

Perplexus Maze Game by PlaSmart, Inc.

For ages 6 - 14, develops fine motor skills, solitary game and no mess:

A transparent amusement park for marbles. Players can race each other or the clock.
No batteries and no set-up, see 3rd item down and video of it in action when you click.

Gifts for Tweens (for kids between 9 - 12)

usually they tell you what they want, but just in case . . .

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Real Wood Penguin and Baby complete kit

Bonus: as of November 26th, 2011: 2 new from $7.99 . . . will go fast.

Shown in next product section, 3rd item down. As of September 5th, 2011 listed at $12.08.

Tween Gifts (9 - 12 years old)

some more items, by request:

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Handmade gifts are often the most cherished

Check out these ideas from my new friend on Squidoo, Kathy McGraw:

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Teens Gifts (13-18 years old)

And, if I still haven't found it, let me know, I'll keep looking:

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Sideview comparison of Kindle 1 and Kindle 3

Gifts for kids, adults and my top 5 gift cards

(half of any royalties will go directly to Save the Children Fund)

International Children's Day in Canada and the UK is on November 20th. In the US, it is held early in June (usually the first or second Sunday). There are some products within this lens that would be great for gift giving during the holiday season. I also feature my 5 top picks for really good gift cards and the amazing music of Paul Brandt. Just take a peek, you can feel good about donating to a worthy cause while you find great gifts for loved ones...
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Buying for teens

can be tough . . .

Well, they always like being given money, and that is a good fall-back plan, but here are a few items worth looking at:
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Razor PowerWing DLX - great for girls and boys

By request, more gifts for Teens (13 - 18):

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Less than $50, claymation provides fun all day

Works with sony cameras (point and shot, dsrls, camcorders) on any of the PC`s OS: XP and Vista 32/64. NOTE: Microsoft H5D-00001. 5 Megapixel. 720p HD widescreen captures true HD quality up to 30 fps.

Top Gadgets for 2012 Holidays . . .

The best source I've found on Squidoo by lensmaster SereneSea:

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Gifts for Young Adults

worth it and trendy . . .

These are my 5 top picks and I was careful to consider those on tight budgets
(from $3.50 - $50), you'll find something both practical and meaningful to give:
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A nice way to unwind for 30 minutes after work

Ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping (see details). Play TV Golf - 74037 (under $100) as listed in product section that follows, 4th item.

Gifts for Adults

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Heart Healthy Gourmet Food Gift Basket ($90)

Hand-crafted, adorned with ivy, ribbons with a personalized note from you:

Ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping (see details). Featured next, 5th item down.

Gifts for the Office . . .

or anyone health conscious

Here are some of my favorite gift ideas for healthcare professionals and their amazing support staff:
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My new line of sousababy products . . .

(with large order discounts and bulk prices from $6.47 each)

Your company logo can be shown on the reverse side of the tote bag or travel mug.
A bully-free world tote bag A bully-free world tote bag by Sousababy

Buy Now

If you wouldn't say it . . don't send it. mousepad If you wouldn't say it . . don't send it. mousepad by Sousababy

Buy Now

When adults gossip or bully poster When adults gossip or bully poster by Sousababy

Buy Now

Proud to be a bully-free workplace mug Proud to be a bully-free workplace mug by Sousababy

Buy Now

Gossip hurts people mug Gossip hurts people mug by Sousababy

Buy Now

Bully-free workplace travel mug Bully-free workplace travel mug by Sousababy

Buy Now

powered by Zazzle.com

Co-worker gifts ($4 - $15 Dec. 23rd, 2011):

If I still haven't found it, let me know . . .

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As TopCoffeeLover recommends:

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2011 / 2012 Hot colors for Pashmina stoles

phlox (warm purple), bamboo, a rich pink (raspberry sorbet) and deep teal

The stole shown here is in the color Raspberry Sorbet - one of this season's hottest shades.

This is mine, shown in Camel. 5-Star rated, NOW about $26, retails for $150 (see 4th item below). 

Gifts for Your Best Friend

who's 40 + and fabulous . . .

To take some of the pressure off...my girlfriends and I decided a long time ago to "just skip the gifts and go out for a nice dinner some place" to celebrate the holidays. For the most part, this has worked - although once we had kids, had to travel or commute long distances, sometimes we had to defer this. There are times I couldn't meet up with all of my friends (and I have a couple guy friends too), these 5 picks are for those times. From $4 - $45, these are affordable until your next get together. The REALLY meaningful gift is, as you know, the friendship you both share.
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Akro-Mils Stack-A-Pot, 30-Quart (above) with flowers 

Best Female Friend (Adult) Gifts

Some more, by request:

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Baggallini in 'Tomato' $59.96 (on 12/23/2011)

Eligible for Free Returns, retails for $80 in Canada, 10"H x 15.5"W x 7.5"D

Gifts for those around 50

(still a hot age group, by-the-way)

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Quality chrome-plated metal license plate frame

Something unique, affordable and useful for grandparents (ONLY $18):

Available for purchase in the next section, 2nd item down.

Grandparent (and even Great Grandparent) Gifts

that they'll cherish . . .

Some grandparents look so young and vibrant...I can hardly tell who the parents are. Just love to see them strolling the babies in our neighborhood...they look so calm and proud. You know that there is a saying out there goes something like this: the truest, purest love is that between a grandparent and their grandchild.
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Victorinox Swiss Army golf tool & Callaway balls

Given 5-Stars only about $36 (list $64.00). One-day shipping and gift wrapping available. Ships FREE with Super Saver Shipping (see details).

Available for puchase in following product section, 3rd item down.

For the 60 + Lively Adults

with a light-hearted wit . . .

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Broadway Basketeers Chocolate Photo Gift Box

Kosher certified chocolate covered nuts, Ghirardelli truffles and pretzels

Measures: 9" L x 8" W x 4" H as shown above. Gift box also comes with a hand-tied bow.

The House of Quilts

If you know a quilter, here are some ideas

from my dear friend and fellow Canadian lensmaster, poutine . . .

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For only $5, this makes a great retirement gift:

By request, my top picks for those 65+

or early retirees (please, let me know if you find one suitable):

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Backed by Leatherman's 25-year limited warranty

Eligible for Super Saver FREE Shipping (see details). Request gift wrap.

If you have more than one pet (including a cat)

Ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping (see details). Currently on sale and under $130 (list $175) buy in product section that follows, 4th item:

For our furry friends (cats, dogs and others)

At least for me, unconditional love IS better than diamonds . . .

Charles de Gaulle said, "The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs."

Some of my favorite picks for our other loving members of the family:
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WeddingZazzle's top 5 dog gifts . . .

(BTW, she was the one responsible for my very first purple star).

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Important!

A section of replacements . . .

Over the course of 4 months, items have been in and out of stock. So, I created a section for those items sold out. Keep them in mind (nice for comparison shopping too). Hope this helps!

Infantino Activity Triangle for 6 month olds+

with zippy buttons, rattling beads, spinning shapes and a twirling puppy:

My picks to replace items not available . . .

Also, check on my first pick, since many DO come back in stock:

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Starbucks Coffee and Tazo Collection (Under $50)

5-Star rated. Measures: 18" L x 8" W x 11" H (Shipping Weight: 6 pounds)

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Did I find what you requested?

If not, tell me more about the recipient and I'll keep searching:

  • poutine Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:34 am | delete
    I agree with you Rose that the greatest gift is the gift of blood. I wish I could give some,but unfortunately I am on meds. and I am not accepted.
  • Tipi Dec 24, 2011 @ 2:42 pm | delete
    Amazing work Rose....and an angel blessing for making life easier for all for Christmas...may as well do it right and relax! All my kids will be over in a little bit and voted for the old family tradition of crab legs and shrimp...got gifts wrapped this morning and just waiting for it all to happen!
  • NaturalVamp Dec 21, 2011 @ 2:12 am | delete
    I'm having one of those windblown hair moments. You know, the ones where it looks like you used too much hairspray - there's a commercial out about that - but I digress dahling. I stopped by to say THANK YOU much for your featuring of my blood bank lens on this most wonderful and auspicious lens for giving among other wonderful gifts for Christmas!
  • GabrielaFargasch Dec 17, 2011 @ 8:04 am | delete
    It is very tough to find gifts for everyone for Christmas! For my mom I bought two colorful scarves (since she lives in New York...), for my sister Mariana I bought a butterfly bracelet, for my sister Nattie one cute stuffed owl and a stuffed elephant, for my daughter a new HDTV and a comforter! (Yes, she is the princess....), for my nephew I will send money and for my father a new hat when he comes down to visit me.... For my husband and I we got ourselves a new Hoover carpet cleaner! LOL (very practical 'gift').... I am probably still forgetting lots of people! Yikes!! (I love the gift baskets, they are perfect for last minute gift options...) Merry Xsmas!!
  • Koupie Dec 12, 2011 @ 8:14 am | delete
    Lot's of great gift ideas for everyone. I am liking the Pashmina quite a bit :)
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I love to know who came by for a visit . . .

feel free to leave comments, suggestions, or any other great ideas:

IF you know where to get a fabulous gift basket or perhaps you are starting a new business specializing in gift baskets or any other gift giving service, tell us about it.

  • LaurenIM Dec 20, 2011 @ 3:07 pm | delete
    Ecstatic-the-Fanatic money saving pooch - that's WMP funny! This is a really comprehensive lens. That's not an easy thing to do. Thanks for the hard work in putting it together.
  • aesta1 Dec 10, 2011 @ 9:37 am | delete
    I try my best and just forgive myself for the things I am not able to do. I was at UPS the other day.thanks God for couriers. Wish I can be more organized but I say this every year.
  • poutine Dec 10, 2011 @ 6:54 am | delete
    just passing by again.
  • hlkljgk Dec 9, 2011 @ 1:48 pm | delete
    yikes is right. thanks for the suggestions.
  • blackspanielgallery Dec 1, 2011 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    So many things here I thought it might make me dizzy just looking at pictures. Nice job.
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About the Author

Rose (aka sousababy)

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sousababy

My name is Rose and I am a Canadian freelance medical and health writer. I love to tackle human rights issues and anything related to the betterment of... more »

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half of royalties go to Save the Children:

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