Gift Ideas for Christmas

We're getting into the last days before Christmas and some folks out there are wondering what to buy their loved ones. I'm a very skilled Christmas shopper so I'll share some of my ideas with you.

The Hypochondriac

What to get the hypochondriac in the family? We all have one. We call ours Dad. This Christmas, be sure to get him something to prepare him for the next illness.

Has he been complaining about neck and back trouble - of course he has. This thoughtful gift is designed for just these complaints and takes only a few hours to assemble.



Several years ago, in response to an inquiry from my sister about what to get my father for Father's Day, my mother suggested a stool for the shower so he wouldn't be forced to stand. My sister responded that if our father was too f%^$ing lazy to stand in the shower he should take a bath. That suggestion never left our thoughts, and for his birthday, we came up with this:

It's timeless and says I know it takes great effort to stand up and sit down. I believe it comes with a magazine rack attached.

You never know when tibia cancer will strike, so it's a smart move to be one step ahead.

If you can't put weight on a foot or ankle because of injury, illness or surgery, ActiveForever.com has the solution for you - the Turning Leg Caddy Knee Scooter! The Turning Leg Caddy is designed for anyone who has an injury below the knee. Standard crutches cause underarm discomfort, balance problems and other adverse consequences. Unlike conventional walkers, the Turning Leg Caddy leaves both hands free for daily tasks. 120 degree turning radius allows for easy mobility and a hand brake provides maximum control. The Turning Leg Caddy is more maneuverable than wheelchairs and easier to transport. The Turning Leg Caddy has every possible feature and is the most maneuverable leg caddy / knee scooter on the market. Just compare it to the Rollabout!

As you probably know, there's nothing more frightening than not knowing what your illness is. Your hypochondriac probably has a host of medical books and journals to help him diagnose his problem, but sometimes symptoms don't add up. Your thumb hurts and you have a rash on your leg - no doubt they are connected, but how?

It could be that he's contracted a rare disease prevalent only in the more remote parts of the world. Consider the Hidden Gifts of Nature this Christmas. It provides a description of today’s use of plants in West Bushmanland (Namibia) and the healing powers of each plant along with a list of possible illnesses.

The Person Who Has It All

The person who doesn't seem to want or need anything can be the most difficult. This is my sister. Each year is a struggle to come up with something creative that says you mean a lot to me. Start by asking yourself: What does this person enjoy doing?

As luck would have it, my sister enjoys gardening, so something for the garden would be in order.

With his characteristically big feet, our over two-foot- tall Garden Yeti will have guests doing a double-take as they admire your creative gardening style! With alleged sightings the world over from the highest Himalayas to the northwest United States, this elusive, mythical legend has been captured exclusively for toscano in quality designer resin and finely hand-painted for startling realism. (12 lbs.) 19 1/2" W x 19" D x28 1/2" H.

Luckily, she's an animal lover and has two cats and three large dogs including a yellow lab, a black labish thing and a black labish thing/pit bull cross. This opens up to door to numerous gift ideas:



The Decorator

The perfect gift for the decorator can easily be turned into a gift for all. Mom enjoys dressing up the house each season and we want to make her chore a little easier -

Instead of spending hours up a ladder attaching lights to your house, take a few minutes to set this weatherproof light projector on your front lawn and transform your homes entire facade into an illuminated snowscape. The projector creates gently falling snow flurries or other images across a 60'-wide expanse by directing a bright white beam onto a rotating mirror ball. Turn the mirror ball housing and you can adjust direction (up, down, side to side, diagonal) of the flakes, while a simple switch adjusts rate of fall.

The projector also comes with a set of additional interchangeable slides (eight total including snowflake slide) that slip into the lamp housing for a variety of images, including: deer, stars, balloons, skaters, witches, bats, and ghosts. Projector rests on a stable stand.

Don't let the neighbors forget it's not just about the presents.

The neighbors are sure to thank you.

The other obvious choice is something for the yard that she can decorate regardless of the season. I know my mom would be thrilled to wake up Christmas morning to this sitting in the frontyard, and I bet your mom would be too.

A real to life replica that is large enough to attract the attention of Wagon Train enthusiasts, yet small enough to move about in your yard. Handcrafted of Western Red Cedar, the Conestoga Wagon makes an attractive addition to any yard or garden, or would make an intriguing interior conversation piece. The cover (hand sewn of tough material for exterior durability) is supported with aluminum hoops.

Length of body - 39”

Overall length with tongue - 62”

Height - 26” Width - 18”

Wheel sizes Front - 10” Rear - 12”

Your Brother-in-Law

The brother-in-law can be tricky too. How do you convey: Thank you so much for marrying my sister?

Get him something he can enjoy wherever he is.

Hammaka Trailer Hitch Stand and Hammock Chair Set - Burgundy
• Hang Out in Style on this Hammock Chair and Stand Set
• Hammock Made of 600-Denier Polyester, 100% Polyester Burgundy with Solid Pattern
• Powder-Coated, Stained Black, Brown Finish Steel, Hardwood Frame
• Reinforced-Stitch Construction , Brass Hardware
• Attaches with Woven Nylon Hanging Rope, Chains, Polyester Rope, Hooks
• Foot Rest, Armrests, Portable Design

Remember, you want to buy his loyalty so that in the event of a family squabble, he owes you one! so don't stop with the Hammaka. Complete your gift with something that says he is sophisticated, yet not afraid to live on the edge.

Cruzin Cooler combines two basic necessities of life, the ability to have cold food or a beverage handy along with the means to get somewhere, without walking. With modern technology, the Crusin Cooler is available in gas and electric models.

The cooler is light enough to be driven to a location and then picked up and carried!! The cooler can be used for hunting, sporting events, races, camping, golf or even a trip to the grocery store to keep your food cold all the way home. Marine use will be popular for the new cooler allowing you to take your fish/drinks/food/ ice to and from your boat with powered assistance and braking. Simply ride or power your way up and down ramps.

Don't Forget the Neighbor's Kids

Even though they put leaves in your mailbox and Teepeed your house, this is the season of forgiveness and new beginnings.

Child's Play Station by Home and Garden

Don't let this coffin-like play-station fool you! It's fun for the kiddies all day long.

Aunts and Other Cooking Enthusiasts

Have an aunt you don't see regularly? She probably likes to cook. Consider getting her something for the kitchen that's practical and tasteful and shows her cultural sensitivies.

Mr. Chin - Hand-decorated Kitchen Timer
In collaboration with the National Palace Museum of Taiwan, Stefano Giovannoni has created a new 'Chin Family' line that is made from thermoplastic resin and are individually hand painted. Made in Italy.

The Alcoholic Friend

How about a gift for that someone who tends to overindulge? Everyone will giving bottles of wine and fine scotch. Come up with something different this year. Something stylish and unassuming.

Shotcha Bandolier
01A5BAND
Old West-style bandolier strap that holds 6 shotgun shell-shaped shot glasses with a large pouch for a bottle.
One size fits all.

Company Party

Finally we come to the Company Party gift. You're required to bring a generic gift for a man/woman that costs $20 or less.

A friend of mine recently purchased a Kamasutra gift basket for him and his girlfriend at an auction and I thought, what a lovely gift. I'll have to keep that in mind. So here is a nice one that should work for any company party: