Last Minute Gift Ideas » boxes http://gift-center-online.com Cool Gifts | Gift Shopping | Gift Store Sun, 27 May 2012 09:44:07 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 What To Do With A Gift Card You No Longer Want http://gift-center-online.com/what-to-do-with-a-gift-card-you-no-longer-want/ http://gift-center-online.com/what-to-do-with-a-gift-card-you-no-longer-want/#comments Sat, 18 Feb 2012 21:44:32 +0000 myarn If you search the phrase Gift Cards in Wikipedia they define it as a card that has a restricted monetary value that is issued by either a bank or a retailer that is given as an alternative to purchasing a physical gift.  To a consumer it means being able to easily give another person a present they are sure will be appreciated.  Businesses like them because they are a large source of profit.  Such large amounts of money, in fact, that a study in 2006 found that people in the U.S. and Canada spent a combined total of over $81 billion dollars on them.

Out of all of this a a lot of businesses have been born that make items such as gift card holders that compliment the cards themselves.  And if you need something a little more substantial there are available a large variety of various gift card packaging solutions like boxes, bags, envelopes and even tins.  This is all fine however recent surveys on card redemption rates showed that approximately 10% of these cards never get used. 

This means billions of dollars that are received by companies without them having to ever give a product or service.  Retailers, however, can generate even more money if these cards were used.  Studies have shown that customers will generally spend more than the card’s value on items or services.

Failure to redeem a gift card can come from several factors like expiration dates, hard to understand redemption rules or lost cards.  There is another issue and that is simply that you really don’t like the store the card has been issued for.  Well, there are now services that are targeting this niche.  These are the gift card resellers.

Sites like Plastic Jungle have created a business around the idea of selling unused cards at a discount.  You may even trade your card for one that you really will use.  A few sites can also guarantee that you can redeem the gift cards for their full worth.

For a consumer the main plus is that you won’t get stuck with credit for a retailer that may not have an item that you really want.  Converting the card into real money allows you to use that money for something you want.  With many people hold a credit card balance the money can be used to pay some bills.

Some of the real popularity in the reseller sites is for buyers.  Most of the gift cards sold on these sites are sold at a discount.  The reduction that is given can vary but you may expect to get 10% off of the card’s original value. And if you add this with merchandise that is already discounted the savings can be quite a bit.

Many of these reseller sites have yet to turn a profit themselves but popularity seems to be growing.  It may help to make gift cards even more desirable.  You now have a way to unlock the worth of the card that you may spend on just about anything.

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/what-to-do-with-a-gift-card-you-no-longer-want/feed/ 0 How to Save Money With Coupons? http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-save-money-with-coupons/ http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-save-money-with-coupons/#comments Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:44:06 +0000 myarn We’ve all read stories about the coupon-savvy woman who can feed a family of five on $50 a month. What is her secret? She’s perfected the art of couponing. While I won’t promise that you’ll be able to do quite that well, I do guarantee that if you follow the tips below you will be able to slash dollars from your monthly grocery bill.

Know when NOT to use coupons. When is a coupon not a good deal?Knowing this can be as helpful to you as the discount code itself. In most cases, the generic version of what you’re buying is cheaper than the more expensive counterpart even WITH a coupon. You may be asking yourself, “So why even bother? Why not just purchase generics?” You will need to become coupon-savvy in order to recognize when coupons are a good deal and when they’re not. Coupons work best when they’re combined with another deal or are doubled. Carry a small calculator in your purse to help you calculate the price per unit when you’re shopping.

Combine coupons with in store-sales and two-for-ones. I recently bought two boxes of Cheerios cereal. They were on sale at the grocery store for 2 for $3. I also used two $1 off coupons I had, saving an additional $2.My cost per box: only fifty cents. Normally, without the coupon, each box is at least $3. Cool, huh? A lot of grocery stores also offer “in store” coupons. Use your own coupons in addition to these to save even more.

Find a store that will double your coupons. If your town doesn’t have one, it may be worth a short drive to another town to a store that does. If making a special trip, be sure to call in advance to see if the store has restrictions on doubling coupons. Some stores will only double coupons under $.50, some only double coupons on certain days of the week.

Buy the smallest size. Most people are under the impression that you will save more by buying in bulk.When using a voucher, this usually isn’t true. What you will need to consider is the price per ounce. Here is an example of what I mean:

Without Coupon:

Diapers 28 count package: Price: $7.00 Cost per unit: $0.25

Diapers 56 count package: Price: $13.00 Cost per unit: $0.23

With Coupon:

Diapers 28 count package: Price: $7.00 – $1.50 coupon = $5.50 Cost per unit: $0.20

Diapers 56 count package: Price: $13.00 – $1.50 coupon = $11.50 Cost per unit: $0.21

While the price per ounce of the larger size is more economical without the coupon, the smaller size is the better buy with the coupon. Keep a small calculator in your purse or coupon caddy to help calculate the best deal.

Trade coupons with friends and online. Start a coupon group with women in your area. Let them know which items you need coupons for; and offer to trade with them. I have a friend who uses Pampers diapers, so whenever I see a coupon for that item I give it to her. In turn, she looks out for the items I use. To get started, e-mail 5-10 of your “thrifty” friends to see if they’re interested. Have each friend list 10-20 items that she always uses, and print out the lists. Keep the lists handy when you’re clipping coupons, and then pass on the coupons to your friends.

Other coupon sources. Some grocery stores have coupon bins within their store. Look for them near the customer service counter, or in the front of the store. Some libraries also have a coupon swapping bin. If your local library or grocer doesn’t, it doesn’t hurt to suggest it. Coupons are also now available in-store right next to the products themselves from machines sponsored by SmartSource.

Find coupons online. When you think of coupons, chances are you think of the kind that come as inserts in your Sunday paper. With the invent of the internet all sorts of other kinds of coupons are now available. You can download coupons from your computer and print them out. You can even find coupons being sold on eBay.

Organize! Make promo codes easy to file and easy to use. I used to have my coupons clumped together in an envelope in my purse. I could never find the coupons I needed, and I ended up throwing out expired coupons I could have used. I use a large plastic index-card box for my coupons now.I have it divided by categories such as: canned goods, baby products, clothers, cosmetics, foods, cereal, baking, Bed & Bath, books, magazine, dairy, etc. After serious couponing for a few months, you will discover which categories work the best for you.

After a little practice, you can become a coupon queen in your own right.Once you’ve mastered the art of coupon codes, you’ll never hit the grocery store without ‘em.

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-save-money-with-coupons/feed/ 0 How to Make Every Present (Even the One’s You Don’t Like) Work for You! http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-make-every-present-even-the-ones-you-dont-like-work-for-you/ http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-make-every-present-even-the-ones-you-dont-like-work-for-you/#comments Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:46:37 +0000 myarn Don’t you wish you actually got something you liked?  Well, there is a better way my friend  If you want the easy way out consider giving Coffee Gift Baskets.

 

Unfortunately, we don’t always receive something as cool as Gift Baskets.  That’s why I’m hear to help.

 

Everyone has been given a gift that is not the most desired gift.  You can give it to charity, or post it on www.freecycle.com where everything donated is free to users.  You might bury the unwanted gift in a box where you may never run into it again.  Whatever you do please do not throw the gift away.

 

We all know about re-gifting, a hazardous and often unsavory practice.  Regifting is not usually a welcomed custom.  Most importantly if the individual that gave you the gift finds out.  There are numerous ways to put the gift to use, without the awkward and blatant re-wrapping and passing along.

 

1.  Make a “Gift Box.”  Make sure that you put a post-it note on the item, and secure it with tape telling whom the item is from.

 

2. If you receive stuff you can’t use put it all together in the box.

 

3. Make sure to lump together similar items, i.e. electronics.

 

4. Try to give multiples of a like item.  Take DVDs for an example.  Take the movies, and place them in a gift bag with a bow. Purchase two boxes of gourmet popcorn, popcorn flavorings (often available at Ross stores, TJ Maxx and Target) and some hot chocolate.  If you are giving the movies to an adult or family, put in a homemade gift certificate for one night of free babysitting (if they have kids).  The goal is to avoid spending too much, but make a nice gift.  Make sure that you are not giving the gift back to the person that gave it to you.

 

Now you know what to do with all those unwanted jems you have accumulated through the years.

 

We all want to make our gift giving a little easier, so might I suggest you head on over to Nectar of Life’s Coffee Gift Baskets page and have a look around?  There’s no better place to find a gift basket than at Nectar of Life Organic Coffee Company.

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-make-every-present-even-the-ones-you-dont-like-work-for-you/feed/ 0 Baby Gift Boxes http://gift-center-online.com/baby-gift-boxes/ http://gift-center-online.com/baby-gift-boxes/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:03:18 +0000 gifted http://gift-center-online.com/baby-gift-boxes/ Baby Gift Boxes are traditionally a classic cardboard box filled with a variety of baby items.

The latest trend in Baby Gifts in New Zealand, include the unique and expertly crafted BabyCake Gift Box …. The box created entirely with usable Nappies .. a fantastic idea and popular choice from the Website of BabyCake Creations Ltd.

Three design options are available for these gift box classics.

Bath Time Baby Gift Box .. filled with all the bathtime essentials the New Mum and Baby needs.

Feeding Time Baby Gift Box … chocka fill with items associated with feeding time for baby.

BedTime Baby Gift Box…..including an adorable Night Time Night Light and many more necessities for baby.

When you can give a gift that will be entirely used, you know your money is well spent.  Not only are these gift boxes unique, they are so expertly crafted and designed that every Nappy used in creating it can be used by the New Mum and Dad.  With sizing options up to a Year of Age, your gift can be kept unwrapped for the new parents to admire until such time the items may be needed.

Another fantastic option that BabyCake Creations provide, is being able to add extra ‘ingredients’ to the Baby Gift Box of your choice, or any of our other Nappy Cakes, Towel Cakes or Blanket Cakes.  A variety of extra ingredients are available to add, and details of all ingredients used in our BabyCakes are also provided on our website.

BabyCake Creations creates Baby Gift Boxes unlike any others seen worldwide….visit us today at www.babycakecreations.co.nz and make your choice for the baby gift idea they’ll always remember.

 

 

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/baby-gift-boxes/feed/ 0 How To Announce A Pregnancy http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-announce-a-pregnancy/ http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-announce-a-pregnancy/#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 22:33:00 +0000 gifted http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-announce-a-pregnancy/ Learning you are pregnant is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. Not only is it a major milestone in the path of adulthood it is one of the most joyous experiences you will ever have.

Maybe you are so excited you can’t wait to throw open you windows and announce it to the world. Or are you the type that is so excited that you want to find a special way to announce it to those that you love the most.

Obviously you would want to share your joyous news to everyone and anyone who will listen. Maybe you want to share it in a special, unique way with your friends and family; a way that will completely surprise them all and have them in tears.

Ways to announce you’re pregnant

E cards

One of the simplest ways to announce your pregnancy is by e card. Hundreds of websites offer free e cards or some you can pay for.

Buy them a gift

Go to any store that sells small baby items. A dollar store is a good choice if you want to keep it low budget. Buy items like baby bibs, bottles, rattles, pacifiers, baby shoes, etc. Also you will need to buy small boxes for the items to fit in and gift wrapping paper. When you have time alone, place each item individually into a box and wrap them. Place a tag on each box for the person who will be receiving it. This can be done for your parents, his parents, your husband, sisters and brothers and so on.

You can even place a little note in each one saying, “We’re having a baby!”

Imagine your family’s surprise when they open this gift!

Ultrasound, baby’s first picture

Not all doctors give an ultrasound when you first find out you’re pregnant. Some do, however and this is another cute way to make your happy announcement. After you have your 1st ultrasound have copies made for the number of people you want to share your announcement with. Copies can be made in color for picture quality at a number of drug stores that offer film development. Buy enough frames for every copy that you had made. Also buy gift wrap and boxes for each.

When you have alone time, frame each ultrasound and wrap them carefully (stuffing the box is best since it is a breakable). Place a tag on each box to the person you plan on giving it to.

This is especially great for Christmas time, etc. Your family will be so excited by your baby’s first picture!

Paper Cards

Another great idea (if you are able to find them) is give out father’s day and grandparent’s day cards. If you can find the cards, fill them out saying: “Happy Father’s Day, etc. By the way, we are having a baby! “This will hit them from left field, especially if it is done completely out of the blue. If you have a hard time finding these cards because stores only sell them around the holidays they are intended for, try looking on the internet.

Word Search

This can be time consuming, especially if you have a lot of people to tell, but it is adorable. You will need a computer, printer and some type of software you can type on. On your computer type out various letters in no particular order in 10 columns across the screen and 10 columns down. When you finish you should have 100 letters in the form of a box (just like word search in a newspaper). Somewhere in the jumble of letters (wherever you decide) take out enough of the letters to put “We’re Pregnant” or “We’re having a baby”.

Let your friends and family members have fun searching for the secret you have to tell!

Proud Daddy and Grandparents t shirts

Another cute idea is to buy baby t shirts for your family. The t shirts should reflect who will be receiving them.

Example:

proud daddy
#1 grandpa
#1 grandma
#1 aunt or uncle

Package them the same, with gift wrap etc. and then pass them out to your family and friends!

There are so many creative ways to share your joyous occasion with the people you love. Give people the gift of surprise with a creative pregnancy announcement!

Gen Mason is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. To learn about losing weight during and after pregnancy go to Pregnancy Without Pounds

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]]> http://gift-center-online.com/how-to-announce-a-pregnancy/feed/ 0 Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas http://gift-center-online.com/homemade-holiday-gift-ideas/ http://gift-center-online.com/homemade-holiday-gift-ideas/#comments Fri, 21 May 2010 01:15:46 +0000 gifted http://gift-center-online.com/homemade-holiday-gift-ideas/ The holiday season is right around the corner and you may be facing the same challenges as last year.  The challenge of wanting to get the people on your list something original, creative and thoughtful, and not spending a fortune doing it.  The solution is simple and in this article, we will go over some homemade holiday gift ideas.

Many people complain that the holidays have become way too commercialized.  When you see the stores decorating for the holidays right around Halloween, I suppose you could agree.

In any event, I like to really personalize my holiday gifts, put thought into them, and truly think about the person who will be receiving my gift.  This means so much more not only to the person opening your present, but it gives you a chance to think about the person and the memories you have shared. 

The other great thing about homemade holiday gifts is that they can save you money and still be considered the best and most cherished gifts under the tree.  You are only limited by your imagination and creativity, whether you make everything yourself or buy items and assemble a customized gift box.

The ease and fun of putting together custom gift baskets, boxes, trays or platters can tend to get you into the holiday spirit if you need some help getting there.

When you are thinking about what to get for a gift, you need to think about what it is the recipient enjoys.  Do they enjoy golfing?  Do they love to eat fresh fruit?  Are they going to start a fitness program in the new year?  Whatever it is, you should have no trouble customizing a basket to fit their needs.

If you are an expert at knitting, you could certainly make something beautiful and useful to give as a treasured gift.  If you are a great artist, who would not love to receive an original piece of artwork from you? 

You can bake cookies and put together a festive tray.  If the person receiving this gift does not have time to bake cookies, it would be most appreciated.  Do you can fruit, bottle homemade wine or make a mean potato soup?

If you are running short on time and do not have the time to bake, you can buy cookies, candy or small ornaments and put together a custom gift basket using store-bought items.  Theme baskets are nice and can be customized according to the interests of those on your list.

If there is a pet lover on your list, you could purchase a dog or cat bed (or fish bowl, etc.) and fill it with all kinds of goodies.  Be sure to include toys, treats and bath or grooming items.

What about a movie lover?  You can buy “movie theater” boxes of candy, cans of soda and bags of unpopped popcorn, along with movie passes or gift cards from the local video store.  A movie poster is a nice touch.

A cheese and sausage platter, hot chocolate or holiday candy in a pretty container are all great gifts.  You can purchase pre-made gift boxes, take them apart and use the items in your own custom gift box or basket.

A theme basket such as manicure/pedicure, lotion/bath oil or puzzle books with an assortment of soothing tea is always very thoughtful.

Potpourri in a gorgeous glass bowl is not only fragrant, but very pretty and may be used as a holiday centerpiece.  Do not forget that you can use evergreen branches, pine cones or pick up a few fresh flowers to use in a centerpiece.  Remember to incorporate small, inexpensive candles or ornaments in your arrangements.

Was there a special family event during the course of the year?  A beautifully framed photograph of your family is surely a heartfelt gift.

The magic of Christmas will soon be upon us.  Make this year special by presenting those on your list with homemade holiday gifts.

Start getting those homemade gifts together! For more great ideas and for a FREE recipe for homemade Irish Creme, head right over to HOMEMADE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS now. Happy holidays!!

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