Thursday, September 27, 2012

Christmas gifts for Grandparents

Christmas gifts for grandparents have to be suitable and beneficial to your grandfather and grandmother. This is due to the fact that your grandparents are old people who have gone through so much in their lives. So when you are getting them a Christmas gift, it has to be something that will help them in their elder years. It can be health related gifts or gifts that would help them relax. They also lived through many Christmases so they have seen a lot of gifts, so you will have to think of something unique and new to surprise them, a gift that they did not get before. This is why you will have to think it through so you can come up with unique and suitable gifts for people in their elderly years. If you need some tips and gift ideas, keep reading as we will provide you with some ideas for Christmas gifts for grandparents.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Buying The Perfect Christmas Gift

Getting the perfect present for that somebody on our list is not as hard as it may seem but of coarse we should always take in to consideration that perfection takes on a different meaning in everybody's mind. For instance there are those whose love for winter sports make them the perfect candidates to receive a lovely new pair of skis or poles however if I be the case then this would be the furthest thing from my desires as I do solemnly detest anything that may have the slightest connection with winter sports. This I say not with intension of offending those who ski or even winter sports as it maybe my foolishness that prevents me from enjoying them but with the aim of giving an example of how "one man's trash is another man's treasure". Naturally this philosophy may also be applied to the female gender not only the males because in short what is perfect for one will not by necessity be perfect for another.

Once we have accepted this simple truth it is then that we can proceed by taking another factor in to consideration when getting that specific someone the perfect gift and this being that the present we are giving is not to ourselves but to another person. It is this fact rather then opinion that should allow us to understand that it is not important for us to like the present but for the future receiver. For instance the fact that we do not like or wear ties should not dissuade us from getting a tie for someone we know does like ties any more then the fact that some of us may like opera should not propel us to give opera CDs or DVDs to someone we know does not like opera. Naturally with some presents such as clothes we can not avoid using our own taste may it be good or may it be bad and then again there are those who tell us in so much detail (for instance a bottle of "Kenzo" "Jungle" 100 ml or "Star Wars 3" on DVD) that we need not fret.

Some people worry weather or not taking the direct approach is appropriate. The direct approach being the one in which we ask the person what is his or her heart's desire. To this concern I reply that since the present is to be not for ourselves but for that person then we should ask if there is anything specific that person wants or perhaps needs. This makes shopping more efficient though some may say this rules out the element of surprise which is a lovely one but a risky one for we may end up buying some one who does not smoke a very exclusive pipe or a book in a language that person does not speak. I do not rule out surprises but we should go about it with caution when we attempt to pull one off for this may backfire on us if we end up spending a lot of money on a present that receiver will have no use or liking for.

When we ask there are those who may say that what ever we choose is fine or that they wish to get what their eyes see when they close them. It is these people who are the most difficult or perhaps the easiest because they by virtue of having held their peace when asked forfeited their right to complain if they do not get something that is to their liking. With concern to what to get these people then I suggest getting them anything but not for the sake of satisfying them but for the sake of satisfying the need in ourselves to be generous and to give. For if the present pleases not the receiver may the act of giving bring joy to the bearer after all "tis the season".

We should always remember that a gift maybe practical but does not need to be fore if practicality were the sole issue then all would be made simpler as we could just get our loved ones some roles of toilet paper and have it done with. After all it is this kind of paper which is useful to all living human beings but who in truth wishes to get even 100 roles of toilet paper for Christmas. When I say a present need not be useful this should not to be interpreted that it can not be as a present might be both useful as well as decorative. For instance sweaters are both useful as most people wear them specially in cold countries and are not difficult to get in the right size as they mostly come in Small, medium or large. Of coarse a present has the right to be completely without practical use for instance a bottle of Champagne which in the event the receiver does not drink he or she may always serve to his friends who do or simply pass this present on to others. Let's not forget that we give presents to others for them to do with them as they see fit.

As an additional word of advice I would like to add that if we are giving ornaments for the house such as paintings or other items of the sort we should be sure that they are to the person in question's taste because if they are not then that person might be left in an awkward position of having to display in his or her home what that person does not like.

There are many strategies to follow when buying Christmas presents but mine (which is presented in part in my book "New York's Opera Society") is the following:

1) Make out a list of all those we wish to make happy with our presents.

This may not be necessary for those whose list only includes a very small number of people but for those who have more to give to it is a way of not forgetting not only those we have to get something for but even those we do not have but should get something for.

2) Next to each name put down two figures, one a minimum and the other a maximum of how much our budget or generosity will allow us to spend. This might be a good idea for those of us who shall we say only posses the kind spirit to give Ferraris, diamonds and such lovely presents but not the unlimited funds that being so generous requires.

3) Decide based on the amount of capital pledged whether to get that person one present or more. In some cases it may be nicer to give more then one present even if they be more humble for the physiological reason of allowing that special someone (effect might be greater on a child) to see more gift paper wrapped boxes under the tree. The sight of many bejeweled boxes is to my way of seeing things the true spirit of Christmas as it not only represents beauty but the spirit of giving and sharing with those who are dear to us.

4) Learn about the person whom we are trying to buy a present for if we are not already familiar with that person by this I mean find out what does the person on our list like. What hobbies if any does this person have so that we might get them something related. For instance if we know a person likes a certain kind of alcoholic beverage that would be an idea.

5) Of coarse asking perhaps eliminates the surprise factor but can also serve as a method that would avoid us getting somebody a present they may like but already have. For example what use would it be to anybody to have two copies of the same film on DVD, naturally there are those items where this would not matter like having two bottles of "Absolute" vodka for we could empty one first before starting on the second.

6) With children then the wise man's or woman's approach would be to ask the parents' of the child if they are not us not only what would make content the child's heart but what we can get them so the child will not get two of the same computer game or doll, making it seem as if Santa had committed an error.

7) a method a gentleman or lady might use to get a perfume or any other such item that requires knowledge of the person's taste is by telling the person whom they intend to give to that they are looking for a perfume for another person. For instance a man could tell his girlfriend he is seeking to buy a perfume for his sister or a female cousin and needs advise on what perfume to get. Naturally his girlfriend will mention the name of the perfume she likes and by doing so tell what perfume she herself would like to get. This making it easy for her boyfriend to know what perfume to get her while still keeping the element of revelation.

8) last but not least we should remember that the aim of giving presents is to let someone know they are special to us. This concept is simple in theory but is often forgotten as people in their attempt to impress a certain someone loose sight of the idea that it is the thought that counts.

As a final word I might add to those who feel guilty about receiving what they themselves would classify as overly expensive presents that if a person of his or her own free will is able to give something that is exclusive then why for any logical reason should the receiver hold feelings of culpability. The reason for my believe is that Christmas is a season for giving but for giving to take place somebody has to receive and if a person gives whose large funds should match his large heart then why should another be ashamed to let that person give. Should not being able to match the presents we receive dollar for dollar because our financial position does not allow us to do so prevent us from accepting costly presents? I claim for myself and those who care to heed my counsel that it should not fore those who give should do so only with intension of pleasing the spirit of giving and nothing more.

However to those whose feelings of guilt go beyond all reason then I suggest to them not to return that Ferrari, diamond necklace or those 2 million dollars worth of shares in Microsoft as this will surely offend the giver beyond measure. To them my recommendation is to pass on their feelings of guilt on to me for I by taking these items will relieve them of the ill feelings that taking them would have brought upon them.
I am the author of many an article to be found on the internet along with the book "New York's Opera Society". My works also include the books "What Should Not Matter", "Love Your Sister" and several others which still remain unpublished though I am presently looking to change this.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gianni_Truvianni

For more reading :
http://londonjuneguy.webs.com/apps/blog/show/19053071-christmas-gifts-for-boyfriend-
http://amazingworlds.webnode.com/news/christmas-gifts-for-boyfriend/
http://forexscambuster.insanejournal.com/118508.html
http://jameskarl.jimdo.com/2012/09/23/christmas-gifts-for-boyfriend/
http://yameerv.inube.com/blog/1857757/christmas-gifts-for-boyfriend/
http://aswinjames.tumblr.com/post/32125086422/christmas-gifts-for-boyfriend

Friday, September 21, 2012

How to personalize gift ideas for dad

Gift ideas for dad are an important thing to think of whenever your father’s birthday is near. This is due to the fact that your father has worked and spent a lot of time in order to feed you and to put clothes on your back. Also you need to remember how it felt like as a child whenever someone gave you a birthday gift as this is exactly what you want your father to feel. This is why you have to plan ahead and think of amazing gift ideas for dad in order to make him feel as you felt as a child.

As a child, you surely remember some gifts more than others. The ones that you remember are the ones who were personal gifts as they are the ones that stick to your memory. This is why you should think of personalized gifts when buying your father a gift for his birthday. So if you want to know some personalized gift ideas for dad, here is some examples that would help you out.

Personalized gifts for dad

The first idea for personalized gifts for dad is a homemade trip down to memory lane. You can do that by making a book of memories that involves your favorite memories with your dad. You can get old pictures of you and your father along with the family and glue them to the pages of an empty book. Under each picture you can write what happened on that day and what is the thing that you remember it with. This way your father will see how much you appreciate him and appreciate the times you spent with him.

Another amazing idea is to get your favorite picture that you had with your dad and have it printed or engraved on a coffee mug. This way your father can see this picture everyday he wakes up and goes for the morning cup of coffee. This will make him remember that you love him and appreciate him as your father.

Gift ideas for dad also include the very famous gift basket. A gift basket is basically a basket that is filled with various gifts that your father likes. This way you can combine more than one gift. You can get him season tickets and his favorite bottle of scotch among other things. This gift basket can be bought online or you can do it yourself. It is recommended to do it yourself in order for the gift basket to be as personal as possible. These are only a few examples of personalized gift ideas for dad.

60th birthday gift ideas for dad

Gift ideas for dad is what you should be thinking about as soon as Father’s day or your father’s birthday is only a few week away. You cannot buy your father a gift in the last minute because men have complicated taste in gifts unlike women. As for women you can easily buy chocolate and flowers but for men it is a lot more complicated. This is why you have to plan ahead and think about many gift ideas for dad weeks ahead.

For instance, if it is your father’s 60th birthday, you have to think of a gift that would be suitable for him, a gift that would show him your appreciation for all what he has done for you over the years. If you need some good gift ideas, keep reading as we will give you some gift ideas for dad that you can get him for his 60th birthday.

Different birthday gifts ideas for dad

Before you decide on what kind of gift to get your father, you have to put in mind what kind of man he is. Everyman has his own character traits and personality that affects his taste in gifts. This is why you have to understand your father, his likes and his dislikes so you can get him the suitable gift. For instance if your father is into golf, then the best thing you can get him is a round of gold at a nearby golf course where you can join him as well. It would be a great father-son experience. Also if you can spend some more money you can buy him signed golf clubs, he is surely going to enjoy those. Another gift idea which is also related to sports, if your father likes baseball, you can get him baseball cards of his favorite players. He is surely going to appreciate that.

Not all men appreciate sports as some of men prefer luxury gifts. If your father is one of them then you are advised to buy him a watch instead of a golf club. An expensive luxury watch that he can wear to important events would be a great gift.

Lastly, you can get your father a week in his favorite resort where he can sit back and do nothing. This is actually one of the most famous gifts ideas for dad because it allows you to pamper your father and pay him back for what he did for you when you were growing up. So after reading this article, you can choose one of the mentioned gift ideas for dad.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Nanny Share 101 and What to Expect

A nanny share is when two families engage the services of a single nanny to care for both families' children. Nanny sharing is a creative way to save money and still have a professional in home childcare provider. With child care often being the second largest monthly expense, your mortgage being the first, families find sharing a nanny to be a great solution. It is a common misconception that having a full time professional nanny is out of a family's budget, but sharing, lowers the average costs to $300-$450 a week per family. Although this sounds great, it is easier said than done! Nanny Shares have many pros and cons, and only you can determine if it is the right choice for your family.

First step: Finding the right family to work with! Just like having to interview nannies you will have to interview families first. Here are some things you need to consider:

1. Age of the children - It is probably better to have children close in age so they can play together and become friends, but think about the pros and cons of having multiple children the same or similar age or the opposite.

2. Values - How much is the other family looking to spend on a nanny? What benefits are they willing to offer? You would be surprised at how families differ on the subject.

3. Parenting Philosophy - How do you want the children disciplined? What does your child like to eat and what does their child like to eat? Does one of the children have a food allergy? What are your rules regarding television? The families must agree on these items - different rules for children being cared for together is not possible.

4. Scheduling - How often do either of the families require a nanny? If your schedules do not coordinate, how is this going to impact you? How often does each family go on vacation? How is the nanny compensated when only one family is using her? Timing is everything.

5. Activities - Do both families allow the nanny to take their children on outings to the zoo or parks? You would be surprised at how many families do not want the nanny to take the child out. You must consider how this will affect your day.

Second Step: Once you have found a possible family you would like to share a nanny with you still need to think about the following:

1. The Nanny Search - Both families should get together and write a job description, work agreement and qualities they are looking for in a nanny. They should agree on how the nanny search will be executed and determine responsibilities for each step of the way. If an agency is used: the fee amount, who pays it, and any fee-splitting arrangements should be in writing. If an agency is not being used, make sure you agree on a process for screening, background checking and reference checking. During the interview process, the nanny should have the opportunity to meet all parties before accepting the position.

2. Where will the care be given? - some families rotate; others use only one home. If care will not be given in each family's home, consideration should be given to the wear and tear which will occur in the home where the care is given.

* Is that home maintained and clean to the satisfaction of both families?
* Is the home child proofed?
* Are there pets in the home? What care must be taken to protect all children?
* Who will be responsible for supplying the toys and replacing broken ones?
* What about meals which the children and caregiver will be eating during the day - who will provide the food and pay for it?


3. Salary - When a nanny is hired by 2 families her salary is usually higher due to the more complex situation, but when split between two families will still result in a big cost savings. Consider what happens if there are days where one family's children are not being cared for - is the same salary to be paid or is a lower hourly rate ok? The same salary is recommended, but this must be worked out ahead of time. Families and the nanny should coordinate the withholding of payroll taxes and consult a payroll company (GTM) or accountant to find out how to handle this appropriately.

4. Benefits - What benefits will you offer your nanny? How do you plan to coordinate vacations? If the host family is vacationing, will the nanny be required to go to the other family's home? Full time nannies expect to receive weekly pay for every week of the year, even if a family does not need her care on any particular day or week. Typical benefits include paid federal holidays and 1-2 weeks of paid vacation.

5. Illnesses - It is important to work out what happens when the children are sick. It will be possible that the sick child will be living at the home where the care is being provided that day. Will the care be given at the other home that particular day?

6. Communication - Open lines of communication are very important. Both families and the nanny should be comfortable in bringing up any issues that might arise. Make it a point to check in once a month and give regular reviews to your nanny.

7. Contracts - Both families should have a contract not only with the nanny but each other. This should cover all the details like salary, benefits etc, but also what happens if one family wants out of the share. Always discuss an exit strategy, including what the rights and obligations of each family are, when the relationship ends.

Pros:
* More personalized attention than a day care and for less money
* Additional duties can be done like light housekeeping and laundry
 

Cons:
* It is very difficult for two families to find a nanny they agree on
* There is the risk of being left with a nanny who was hired for a certain salary

Sharing a nanny can be the best of both worlds or more trouble than it is worth. Evaluate your personal goals and what you want to get out of your childcare provider. Can your provider meet your goals while caring for other children? After weighing the pros and cons you will be able to determine if this is the right avenue for you.

Jobs and benefits usually get lost in the mix when it comes to sharing a nanny, but Steve Krex said it best, "Help Me - Help You" and find out your benefits with several Nanny Jobs available to you by contacting the Chicago Nanny Agency.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bacot

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