Gift Ideas for a Lady's 80th Birthday

• Turning 80 deserves a special gift. Vicky Kasala Productions/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Reaching the age of 80 is a milestone in the life of a woman. A special 80-year-old lady in your life deserves a birthday gift that honors and celebrates this achievement. With the right considerations, it's possible to find something that will mean a great deal to the birthday honoree.

Donation

• It's possible that the new 80-year-old has devoted years of her life to a cause or charity. Honor her birthday by making a donation in her name to the charity she supports. Offer to spend the day with her volunteering at the location. If she's physically unable, volunteer on your own and document the experience with pictures and stories.

Homemade Gift

• Use the talents you have to make something. Paint her a picture of a place she enjoys, cook her an elaborate meal to bring to her home, or write a series of poems. Relate the homemade gift to the year of her birth, such as painting a scene from the era. A homemade gift is also an option for grandchildren or great-grandchildren who are young and want to share something special with grandma.

Special Day

• Not all 80-year-olds are able to get around easily. She may be housebound or only get out once or twice a month due to mobility issues. Make arrangements to take her to the local symphony, visit a museum or simply walk or wheel her through a local park on a beautiful day.

Objects from Childhood

• For someone who is 80, toys, games or even certain food items may seem like relics of time gone by. Find an antique item that may remind her of youth, whether it's a household item she's talked about while telling stories of the past or a doll similar to one she owned as a child. Sodas and candies that are no longer common can sometimes be found in specialty shops.

Easy Gifts for an Anniversary

• Shopping for anniversary gifts is not difficult. Kathryn Bell/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Anniversary gifts do not have to be time consuming. A simple gift can be put together with a lot of thought to show how much you love your partner. These gifts range in cost, but are easy enough to put together and leave time to spend time together, even on a busy work night.

Mix CD

• Create a list of songs from your digital music library or ripped from CDs that are relevant to your relationship. For example, compile songs from artists you have seen in concert together or heard while dancing on a date. You can also create a CD of songs about love that make you think of your partner. Most computers come with the ability to copy CDs, and blank CDs are inexpensive.

Massage

• Purchase a gift certificate to a local spa for your partner, or for both of you. Couples massages are relaxing and intimate, a way to spend a calm evening or afternoon together. If you have time, visit a weekend spa where you can receive a variety of procedures from facials to pedicures. Those who don't have a time to go as a couple can purchase a gift card just for their partner to go and have a quiet, relaxing day at the spa.

Bath Set

• Purchase a quality bath set full of bath crystals, bubbles, body wash and lotions for your partner. Men and women can both appreciate a calming, warm bath after a long day of work or play. Include scented aromatherapy candles to light during the bath as well as a new bathrobe to warm up in after the bath.

Pictures

• Frame your favorite photo of the two of you in a frame. A photo frame can be placed at home or in the office. Choose a photo that reflects your relationship or was taken on a date or vacation.

How to Send an E-Card With Music

A card with a personal message can be just as special as the most expensive gift. E-cards provide a way to send your messages electronically, so you don't need to make a trip to the store. E-cards exist for almost every possible occasion. You can customize them to suit your preferences. Cards with animated characters and pictures are available as well. E-cards that play music in the background while the recipients read their greetings are common and easy to send.

• 1

  Turn up the volume on your computer, so you will be able to hear the music playing on the e-cards. Not all cards will have musical accompaniment, but those that do will often display a small icon in one corner, which, if clicked, will mute the music from the card without muting the volume on your computer.

• 2

  Browse e-card sites to find a design that your recipient will like. Sites like 123greetings.com, hallmark.com and bluemountain.com have large numbers of cards for any occasion. Some sites require that you sign up for a membership or pay a fee for access to their whole e-card selection. However, if you want to send an e-card with music for free and without signing up for anything, these sites still have something to offer.

• 3

  Type a personal message for your recipient and follow the instructions given by the site. Usually, you will simply enter your name and email address and the name and email of your recipient. You can have your e-card sent immediately or you can create the card and schedule it to be sent at a later date.

Communion Cake Ideas

• Communion cakes are reminders of the purpose of the gathering. Digital Vision/Photodisc/Getty Images

  A child's First Communion is a special milestone for members of the Catholic faith. This practice is conducted as a ritualized, formal event within the church. Church and family members gather to celebrate an individual's relationship with Jesus and the Catholic church, and cake and refreshments are traditionally served afterward. The Communion cake should accurately embody the spirit of the event and represent the standards of purity and holiness of the Sacrament.

Church Cake

• Add decorative details to your church cake, such as flowers or crosses, for a creative touch. church image by Dusan Radivojevic from Fotolia.com

  The depiction of the Catholic church is a highly spiritual symbol. The church acts as the gathering site for the communion ceremony, is the place of Catholic praise and worship and is considered God's home. An individual's relationship with God is highly impacted by the church and is an appropriate image for a First Communion cake. A simple church cake can be created by using two rectangular cakes. Cut one of the cakes into a slender triangle to make the steeple and cut the other cake so that it slants inward at the bottom for the church base. Frost the cake with white frosting and then pipe on windows and door frames in an alternate hue. Gel frosting can be applied to windows to create a stained glass effect. Pipe a gold cross onto the steeple as a finishing touch.

Cross Cake

• Pipe frosting around the edges of your cross cake for a tailored look. Cross image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com

  The cross is the ultimate symbol of Christ and his sacrifice for humanity. It represents the virtues of kindness, forgiveness and love and serves as a reminder of the principles of Christian faith. Leave a lasting spiritual impression by creating a First Communion cross cake. A cross-shaped baking pan can be purchased, or use two rectangular cake pans. To assemble the cross using two rectangular cakes, cut a slender, vertical rectangle from one of the cakes and create two smaller rectangles to serve as the arms of the cross. If the cake is for a female, pastel flowers made of fondant can be strategically placed on the cake. Elaborate scroll work can be achieved by piping wet icing over frosting or fondant for an ornate look. For a male's First Communion, use shades of blue, gold or white.

Bible Cake

• Write a congratulatory message or blessing on top of the cake to the receiver of communion for individualization. bible and roses image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com

  The Bible represents the word of the Lord, and it is said that reading it is man's way of speaking to him. A Bible cake is simple to make and can be assembled in a couple of ways. Bake a rectangular cake and create a closed Bible, or sculpt two rectangular cakes to create the halves of an open Bible. The closed Bible can be decorated by piping the individual's name and a cross over the top. For the open Bible, use white icing for the pages and pipe thin, stacked lines along the sides to represent page leafs. Writing an appropriate Bible verse with icing on one of the open pages will ensure originality. Or, a common decoration for both male and female cakes is the chalice, the symbol of Communion in the Catholic church. Pipe the chalice outline onto the Bible cake and fill in with piped rosettes.

Special Birthday Gifts for Mum

• Make your mom feel special by making her a birthday gift. Katrina Wittkamp/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Your mother's birthday is an opportunity to show her how much she means to you. The best gifts do not necessarily have to cost a lot of money. Instead, get creative and create a birthday gift for your mother. Accompanied by a card and perhaps, her favorite cake, it can be a day she cherishes forever.

Video Journal

• Take advantage of technology around the house to create a gift for mom. A video journal is a neat way to express your feeling for your mom. Use a webcam or a video camera to record messages for her. You can include messages from her friends and other family members as well. Upload the video onto a free video editing program such as Windows Movie Maker. Once it is uploaded you can import favorite pictures and songs to complement the presentation. After completing the video journal, burn it onto a DVD or upload it online so that she can watch the video journal from anywhere.

Household Chores Coupon

• Your mother probably works hard to keep the house looking spotless. Give her a break by offering to help out around the house. Design coupons on your computer or with construction paper. Make the coupons for specific chores such as vacuuming, cleaning the dishes and cooking dinner. These coupons will not only allow your mother to relax, but will also give you a greater appreciation of how much your mother does for you and your family.

Rest and Relaxtion

• Buy your mother a voucher for a professional massage or spa treatment. This gift will allow your mother to relax and pamper herself. If you can afford it, think about sending your mother on a cruise vacation. Cruise tickets can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you book them well in advance. On a cruise your mother can enjoy fine cuisine, off-boat excursions, and live entertainment. Buy two tickets so that your mother can go on vacation with a special friend.

  If you cannot afford a gift as elaborate as a cruise, then try and book an activity that relates to yoru mother's favorite hobbies. Most cities have activities such as public horse-back riding or ice skating. If your mother enjoys theater, consider taking her out to a Broadway show.

How to Know the Day of the Week You Were Born

Determining the day of the week that a particular date in the current year falls on is simple. You can flip to the correct month in a calendar, find the date and check the column to see which day of the week it is. But if you are old enough to be wondering what day of the week you were born, you probably do not have a calendar from your birth year readily available. In this case, you can perform some calculations to determine the day you were born.

• 1

  Determine the last two digits of the year you were born. For example, let's say you were born on July 8, 1957. In this step, you would take the last two digits, 57.

• 2

  Subtract 4 from this number as many times as possible. In our example, you can subtract 4 from 57 a total of 14 times, leaving a remainder of 1. This remainder is the important number. Our current number is now 1.

• 3

  Add the number of the month to your current number. In our example of July 8, we would add 7 (because July is the seventh month) to our current number of 1. Our current number is now 8.

• 4

  Add a certain amount to the number based on the month of the date in question. Add 0 for April or July, 1 for January or October, 2 for May, 3 for August, 4 for February, March or November, 5 for June, and 6 for September or December. In our example, we would add 0 because the month is July, leaving our number at 8.

• 5

  Subtract 1 from your number if the year in question is a leap year and the month in question is January or February. Recent leap years are 1904, 1908, 1912, 1916, 1920, 1924, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1940, 1944, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. Because 1957 was not a leap year, we will not subtract 1 and our current number is still 8.

• 6

  Add 6 to the number if the year in question is in the 21st century. Because 1957 was in the 20th century, we will not add 6 and our current number is still 8.

• 7

  Add the last two digits of the year you were born to the number. In our example, 8 plus 57 is 65.

• 8

  Subtract 7 from this number as many times as possible. In our example, you can subtract 7 from 65 a total of 9 times, leaving a remainder of 2. This remainder is the important number. 1 corresponds to Sunday, 2 to Monday, 3 to Tuesday, 4 to Wednesday, 5 to Thursday, 6 to Friday and 0 to Saturday. From this information, we can determine that July 8, 1957, was a Monday.

Christian Games for Christmas Parties With 9-Year-Olds

• There are many Christian-themed Christmas games that you can create for children and adults to enjoy together. Nichola Evans/Photodisc/Getty Images

  For Christians, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. With the increasing secularization of the holiday, however, it can be difficult to find Christmas-themed games for children that also teach the important lessons from the Biblical Christmas story, such as love and humility. Rather than search stores and the web for such hard-to-find games, create your own Christian Christmas games that are fun for 9-year-olds and yet also highlight important Christian values.

"Fear Not" Bingo

• Make several bingo cards with Biblical Christmas symbols instead of numbers. These symbols can be anything that recalls the story of the birth of Jesus, such as a manger, a baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men, a star or farm animals. Tell the children the Christmas story from the Bible, in which an archangel tells Mary to "fear not" the news that she will deliver the son of God. Have each player take a bingo card. Draw pictures that match those on the bingo cards from a hat, calling out the pictures as you go along. When one of the players gets bingo, he calls out "fear not!" instead of "bingo."

Christmas Story Group Drawing

• Tape a large piece of butcher paper securely to a wall and place a pile of crayons on a nearby table. Have the kids line up in a straight line. When you call "go," the first player runs to the table, gets a crayon and begins drawing a scene from the Bible's Christmas story on the paper. After one minute, call "next." The player must put down the crayon and the next person in line runs up and continues the same drawing. Keep up this process until all of the players have had a chance to add to the drawing. Start again through the line if you need more turns to complete the drawing. Afterward, gather the children and entertain them with a telling of the Christmas story.

Christmas Story Shuffle

• Arrange the players in a seated circle. Hand all but one player a paper cut-out of an object relating to the Christmas story, such as a star, manger, wise man, shepherd's crook or angel. The player who does not receive an object is "it" and must stand in the center of the circle. Call out two objects, such as "star" and "angel." The two players holding these objects must run to switch places with one another in the circle. At the same time, the "it" tries to tag either of these players before they sit back down. Once the players are sitting down in their new seats, they are "safe" from being tagged. If the "it" successfully tags one of these two players while he is standing, that player becomes "it" and hands his object to the previous "it," then takes his turn chasing the next two kids after you call our two new items. If the "it" kid does not tag either of the players in time, he has to continue to be "it" in subsequent rounds until he does tag someone.

Christmas Song Dash

• Make a mix tape or CD with Christmas songs such as "Away in a Manger," "Silent Night" and "Little Drummer Boy." Play a few seconds of the first song before turning off the music. When a player recognizes the song, he raises his hand to be called on to guess. If he guesses correctly, he gets a point. The player with the most points wins. If nobody correctly guesses the song after a few seconds, play the song until someone raises his hand. You can also play this game with teams.

Halloween Pinata Ideas

• A Halloween-themed pinata is perfect for a spooky party. Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

  Pinatas double at Halloween parties as both a theme-specific decoration and a game for guests to enjoy. Once filled with candy, guests can take turns trying to break it apart while they are blindfolded. Using an inflated balloon as your base, you can make a Halloween pinata any shape you choose. To make a pinata that can withstand a few whacks with a bat, allot several days for your creation to take shape.

Creepy Creatures

• Animals such as bats, spiders or rats can easily be the shape for your Halloween pinata. Once you have inflated your balloon, tie it closed to seal in the air. Dip strips of newspaper into a solution that is two parts glue to one part water. Attach the strips of paper to the outside of the balloon. Allow each layer to fully dry for 12 to 24 hours before you add another layer. Pop the balloon with a needle once the pinata is fully dried. Remember to cut a hole in the pinata through which to stuff the candy.

  To make a spider-shaped pinata, simply paint it black. Twist eight pieces of aluminum foil to make the legs of the spider and spray paint them black. Glue the legs to the outside of the pinata. Paint any desired details such as eyes or pincers. You can make another animal shape in this fashion. For example, a bat can be made by forming wings out of foil.

Classic Monsters

• Beloved favorites such as Frankenstein's monster, werewolves, vampires and witches are easy themes for a Halloween pinata. Each shape can be created by adding decorative details to your balloon pinata. For example, a witch can be achieved by painting the pinata green and adding the witch's face. Glue on black yarn for the hair. Create a witch's hat out of construction paper.

  To make a werewolf, add crumpled up brown tissue paper or even faux fur to the outside of your pinata. Glue or paint on a face. Bodies can be added to your balloon base by taping on limbs made from construction paper, paper towel rolls and even pipe cleaners.

Other Favorites

• Other symbols of Halloween are ideal themes for a Halloween pinata. For example, to make a pinata in the shape of a jack-o-lantern, simply paint the outside of the pinata orange. Add a green or brown stem to the top of your pinata by painting a toilet paper roll and gluing to the top. Use paint to add the carved face of the pumpkin.

  Create a ghost shaped pinata by painting the pinata black. Cut a ghost face out of a piece of white fabric and drape it over the top of the pinata. Suspend the pinata from the ceiling or a tree and let it float in the air like a spooky ghost.

Gifts for a Capricorn Woman

• Capricorn is the 10th sign of the Zodiac. Lawrence Lawry/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Pictorially represented as a goat with a fish tail, Capricorn is the zodiac sign that corresponds to birth dates that fall between December 22 and January 19. In astrology, those born under the Capricorn sign are said to have dominant personality traits and influences, tradition and convention, organization and perfection, ambition and aptitude for hard work, noble intention and social responsibility, as well as independence and drive.

Silk Scarf

• A silk scarf is a stylish wardrobe addition for any mature or professional woman. It can be worn with a suit during the day as a fashionable power accessory, or it can be worn at night to an elegant function as an accent to a nice dress. Due to Capricorns' ambitious and materialistic tendencies, a quality silk scarf can be the perfect gift.

Tickets to a Charity Fundraiser

• While not normally known for their sociability, Capricorns are nevertheless concerned with social responsibility and their community. Giving a Capricorn woman tickets to a local fundraising event put on by a worthwhile charity may appeal to her noble sense of community.

Organizational Aids

• Capricorns are thought to be organized, ambitious people who strive for perfection and career success. Giving an organizational aid like a stylish laptop case, briefcase, engraved business card case, leather portfolio, electronic organizer, appointment book, catalog case or even an iPhone application to organize all her other iPhone applications can help keep the Capricorn woman in your life happy, powerful and well organized.

Flowers

• Flowers are a lovely way to convey that you are thinking of, or that you care for, a certain someone; women, in particular, enjoy being on the receiving end of a nice bouquet of flowers. While carnations are the flower typically associated with the sign of Capricorn, roses are a much more traditional and elegant choice. A Capricorn woman, with her more conventional tastes and tendencies, may be very appreciative of a bouquet of roses in a shade of romantic red or classic white.

Jewelry

• If you know the Capricorn woman in question quite well and your budget will allow such extravagance, jewelry like a pearl necklace or a pair of diamond earrings can be an excellent choice of a gift. Capricorns are often characterized as cautious followers of convention as well as lovers of materialism. Classic jewelry will cater to both those needs.

Wine-Related Ideas for a Gift

• Treat the wine lover in your life with a basket filled with wine and snacks. Gary Yeowell/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Treat a wine lover to a wine-related holiday or birthday gift as a thoughtful touch. Consider the recipient's favorite types of wine when choosing the ideal gift. If the wine connoisseur frequently hosts parties and loves to entertain, treat him to wine-inspired items to keep his home bar stocked and decorative.

Wine-Inspired Picnic Basket

• A picnic basket filled with wine and complementary snacks is an ideal romantic wedding or anniversary gift for a couple. Consider the recipients' food and wine preferences when stocking the basket. Choose a high-quality woven picnic basket featuring a wide, adjustable leather strap and a decorative cloth lining. Look for a basket featuring two plates, two wine glasses, a silverware set and a wine bottle opener. Include a tablecloth or blanket along with the gift. Fill the basket with a bottle of fine red or white wine, depending on the couple's tastes. Complete the gift with cheese and other snacks, such as roasted nuts, gourmet crackers, jams, decadent chocolate truffles and in-season fruit. Pair a complementary cheese with your wine choice, such as brie with merlot or Havarti with Bordeaux.

Personalized Wine Accessories

• Surprise a wine enthusiast with customized accessories she can use to outfit her home bar. Have the pieces customized for a one-of-a-kind gift. Choose an elegant lead-free crystal decanter featuring an inner dome to increase the oxygenation process of fine wines. Look for an eye-catching wine decanter with a gently curving design and an easy-to-pour spout. Have the decanter engraved with the recipient's monogram for a sophisticated look. Complement the gift with a set of two or four matching monogrammed crystal wine glasses. As a charming touch, include a set of wine charms featuring designs that reflect the recipient's hobbies, such as golf or music.

Decorative Wine Rack

• A wine connoisseur is likely to own a lot of wine bottles, so delight him with an extra storage option. Choose a decorative wine rack in a color, material and style that matches her home décor theme. Pick a hanging sculpted rack made of iron or stainless steel for a contemporary look. If the recipient has a country-inspired home, choose a rustic wood crate-style rack constructed of oak, mahogany or walnut wood. An arched wrought iron wine rack will give the recipient's home a Parisian flair. You can also get creative with a steel-and-copper electric guitar-shaped rack.

Fine Swiss Chocolate Christmas Gifts

• An advent calendar gift is one place to find Swiss chocolate. Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

  The Swiss not only make some of the most popular chocolate in the world, but the country itself is more than 80 percent Christian, making Christmas a time of great celebration. It is common to give Swiss chocolate as a gift during the holidays, and there are a number of imaginative ways to do so.

Swiss Chocolate Cakes

• There are various Swiss chocolate cakes that can be presented as gifts for family and friends to celebrate Christmas. Since rich truffles are a popular form of Swiss chocolate, the simple Swiss chocolate truffle cake is an option. The yule log, sometimes known as a "Swiss roll," is another seasonal cake that can be served. Yule logs can be made with dark, milk or even white Swiss chocolate. For the easiest recipe, one can find basic Swiss chocolate cake mix, which is packaged and sold by major cake companies, such as Duncan Hines.

Advent Calendar

• Advent is a important part of the Christmas celebration throughout Switzerland, and advent calendars, in particular, are a popular Swiss Christmas tradition, with some towns going so far as to create them in the form of familiar building facades. One of these calendars filled with Swiss chocolates is a perfect gift for children, allowing them to open a delicious treat each day, teaching them the religious significance of the holiday and building suspense leading up to Christmas Day itself.

Ornament

• One might expect to find gifts inside a stocking or a box under the tree, but not in one of the Christmas ornaments. Special ornaments are available for purchase that are filled with Swiss chocolates treats, such as assortments of dark, milk and white truffles. Not only does this unusual container add an element of surprise to the gift, but after munching the chocolates, the recipient may keep the ornament and use it for other gift surprises the following year.

Chocolate Snowman

• During Easter, children everywhere are presented with chocolate bunnies, while for Christmas the obvious choice for a such a treat is the chocolate snowman. Aside from the popularity of the taste, making a snowman out of Swiss chocolate is especially appropriate considering the amount of snow that the country receives, with the white-capped Alp mountain range covering much of the land. As with all Swiss chocolate, the foil wrapped snowmen can be found in different varieties, from dark to white.

Inexpensive Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

• Fill a Christmas basket with thoughtful, yet inexpensive gifts. Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

  A Christmas basket overflowing with brightly wrapped gifts sends a message that you took the time to consider each gift. The good news is you can make a Christmas basket within your price range. Put together a Christmas movie basket, for instance. Gather items to fit a movie theme. Decorate a basket with inexpensive items from a dollar or discount store. Add your imagination to the project with touches only you could have conceived.

Preparing the Basket

• Use pinecones as Christmas gift basket decorations. pinecones image by Brandt Boulden from Fotolia.com

  Baskets come in just about any color you can imagine. Fill a basket made with Christmas colors. Line the basket with shredded foil Christmas wrapping paper for a shiny glittering effect. Wrap artificial poinsettia leaves through the basket handles. The website, Homemade Gift Basket Ideas, suggests filling spaces around gifts with pine cones, small Christmas ornaments and cinnamon sticks with bows wrapped around them. Add a couple red and white candy canes for color contrast. Wrap the basket in multicolored cellophane. Draw the paper together at the top and tie it with a large red or green bow.

The Gifts

• Wrap Christmas basket gifts in bright paper. christmas gifts 4 image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com

  For the movie buff, fill a Christmas basket to overflowing with affordable movie theme gifts. Use a large basket. Wrap each gift in different colored Christmas paper. Place a gift card to movie rental store or movie tickets in a Christmas card. Nestle the card in the basket lining. Add two wrapped bags of kettle corn in original and cinnamon flavors. Place in the basket two or three bars of dark chocolate with nuts and blueberries and cranberries. Include a can of mixed nuts and individual bottles of soda.

Personal Touches

• Include a baby picture of the recipient in a small photo album. cute babies serious image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com

  When you put your energy into making a Christmas gift basket designed with a special person in mind, add a personal touch beyond your gift ideas. Make a small photo album with pictures you know he will appreciate. Fill a small photo booklet available at discount or drug stores. Include pictures of yourself, family and shared friends. Add a humorous picture of the recipient in childhood -- ask a relative for pictures.

Tech Gadget Gifts

• For a gadget fan, only the latest tech gadget will do. Ron Levine/Lifesize/Getty Images

  If you have a gadget fan on your gift list, you know buying last year's hot item won't do. You'll need to find the latest and greatest, the one tech item no one else has, if you really want to impress him. Fortunately, useful tech gadgets are introduced constantly, so you'll be able to find the right gift.

Docking Station/Alarm Clock for iPhone and iPod

• The ILUV IMM173 iPhone®/iPod® Alarm Clock Docking Station lets you charge your iPod and iPhone at the same time. The alarm clock also has an FM radio with eight presets, or you can play your iPod through the radio's speakers. The alarm clock has dual controls, and the unit features a remote control as well. However, it's not set up for two iPhones, just for two iPods or an iPhone/iPod combination.

Razer BlackWidow

• The Razer BlackWidow is a wireless keyboard specifically designed for gamers. With a special mechanical design, each key on the keyboard responds to touch with a crisp tactile response similiar to a mouse click, making for greater accuracy and precision while requiring a lighter touch than any other keyboard on the market. It has five special gaming keys, plus fully programmable keys.

Magwear Magnetic Wristband

• A clever gadget for the person in your life who likes to tinker with gadgets as well as own them, the Magwear magnetic wristband features a powerful magnet which will hold all those little nuts, bolts, screws, and even small tools close at hand. Since it fastens around the wrist, you'll have what you need on hand and don't have to worry about dropping some tiny piece while you're on top of the ladder.

Preservino Wine Steward

• The Preservino PWS-P-S Preservo Wine Steward is a perfect gift for anyone who loves both wine and gadgets. It locks in the freshness to an open bottle of wine, using argon technology. The Preservino Wine Steward is designed to let you see the wine's label on the neck of the bottle.

Remote Controlled Lightsabers

• The Star Wars fan in your life may find a need for a remote controlled lightsaber, or even several, since the remote control feature allows them to be installed as wall sconces and turned on and off at will from a distance. The lightsabers are 27" long and come with seven different lighting effects.

Powercup Car Charger / Power Inverter

• Lots of gadgets means lots of charging. The Powercup car charger lets you charge gadgets on the run in a clever and functional way. It's a power inverter that sits in your cup holder and plugs into your car's DC adapter, then converts that power to AC to charge DVD players, cameras and laptops. It even has a USB port to let you charge your cell phone or iPod.

Gorillatorch Flexible Tripod Flashlight

• The Gorillatorch Flexible Tripod Flashlight is an incredibly versatile flashlight due to its flexible legs, which can either stand straight like a normal tripod or wrap around just about anything to hold the flashlight in place. The feet are magnetic and have rubberized foot grips to help them cling to any surface without causing any scratches or other damage. The flashlight is lightweight and has a dimmer switch.

Ideas for Baby Thank You Cards

• Send thank you cards for baby gifts. LaCoppola-Meier/Lifesize/Getty Images

  When you receive a gift, it is proper etiquette to respond in a timely manner with a sincere thank you. A personal handwritten card shows your appreciation and gratitude. You can create thank you cards for baby gifts that are unique and innovative. Use your imagination to create a card that expresses your thanks for the thoughtful and generous gift in a way that reflects your own style and personality.

Cards for Shower Gifts

• If you are given a baby shower before your baby is born, create you own thank you notes by using pictures of you and your guests. You can have pictures taken during the shower and have them imprinted on cards that you can personalize with your own designs by using a rubber stamp or stickers of baby items. Be sure to address the name of the gift giver, describe the gift and explain how it will be used. Express your appreciation for the thoughtfulness and invite the recipient to visit when the baby is born.

Shower Themed Cards

• If your baby shower was based on a theme, use the theme idea for writing your thank you cards. For example, if the theme for your shower was "nursery rhymes", use any nursery rhyme character. Download a character such as Little Miss Muffet or Humpty Dumpty from a clip art website and cut and paste the character on the front of blank card stock. Take your creative card to a print shop or make your own copies at home with a home printer. Write your personal message for each gift on the inside of the card.

Baby Girl Cards

• If you already know the gender of the baby, you can be very creative with your card design. If a girl is expected you might want to use pink card stock and the theme "sugar and spice and everything nice". Use stickers or stamps for decorating the front and write your thank you message on the the inside. If you have already selected a name, you might sign the card with your name and hers.

Baby Boy Cards

• If you are expecting a baby boy, try using a cowboy theme. Blue card stock is a good choice and you can find many different stamps and stickers with cowboys. Download cowboy clip art from your computer to use in decorating your cards. If you have not already chosen a name for him, write several names for boys on the inside of the card with a question mark behind each. Write your personal message thanking the receiver for the gift and asking for her input in the naming process.

Romantic & Cheap Birthday Gift Ideas for Your Boyfriend

• Surprise your boyfriend with a cheap romantic gift that will be remembered. Scott Quinn Photography/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

  Be creative when thinking of a cheap romantic gift for your boyfriend. The gift should have special meaning to him and be something that he is not likely to forget. A birthday gift does not have to be expensive; remember the saying, "It's not the gift that counts, it's the thought," and find a gift that will have special meaning to your boyfriend.

Food

• Food can be a romantic and cheap birthday gift for your boyfriend that he will appreciate. Cook your boyfriend's favorite meal and enjoy it outdoors by candlelight. Bake him a special cake and decorate with a theme matching his favorite sport or hobby. Kidnap your boyfriend for the afternoon and take him to a park, lake or beach and surprise him with a pre-packed picnic lunch. If he has to work on his birthday, you could meet him for lunch with a prepared meal, with a love note hidden in it. Another idea is to create a romantic kit, including a tealight candle, a romantic CD, wine and cheese or chocolate-covered strawberries.

Time

• A cheap and romantic gift that your boyfriend is sure to enjoy is your time. You can play his favorite video games with him. Go to a sporting event that you may not necessarily like. Rent his favorite movies and curl up next to him on the couch to watch the movies with dim light and popcorn. Another idea is to make him your king for the day, where his every wish is your command.

Creative

• Give your boyfriend a romantic gift of love. Write him a special poem and place it in a decorative picture frame. Create "love coupons" that he can redeem at any time, the coupons can be for things such as a massage, a night out on the town, a night out with the guys with no complaints, a special home-cooked dinner or anything else that he might enjoy. Depending on how advanced your relationship is, you can make the love coupons be as naughty or nice as you want. Make a handmade birthday card for your boyfriend with romantic sayings and pictures of the two of you. Have a deck of cards made, with pictures of you or love notes printed on the backside of the card. Purchase the domain of your boyfriend's name, you may want to add a poem and put it on his home page. Another idea is to buy glow-in-the dark stars and stick them on his roof, spelling out a message such as, "I love you."

Traditional

• Give your boyfriend a dozen roses. You can make a CD with songs that have meaning to the two of you, to make it more special, add a verbal message to it by stating your love for him, or recite a love poem. Buy an accessory for his favorite sport or hobby and have a romantic message engraved on it. Buy a chain set, where you wear the heart and give him the "key to your heart." If your relationship is advanced, you may want to give him a key to your apartment with a monogrammed toiletry kit.

Hawaiian Themed Baby Gifts

• The bright colors of the traditional Hawaiian lei offer an excellent addition to a Hawaiian theme baby room. Inti St. Clair/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Babies are often showered with gifts starting with baby showers and continuing through infancy and the early years. Creative and thoughtful baby gifts are often well received, as are practical presents. Hawaiian themed gifts for babies range from sentimental to historical and can be as practical as clothes or as creative as a diaper cake.

Clothes

• Babies constantly are growing and need a lot of different clothes in various sizes. Purchase khaki shorts and pants for little boys and girls. Pair with a Hawaiian theme shirt for an island oasis baby outfit. Dresses with large flowers and bright colors also are suitable for baby girls and display a Hawaiian theme. Add a hibiscus to a hair band for a nice accent.

Diaper Cake

• Assemble a diaper cake. This popular baby gift is simple to make and definitely visually appealing. All you need is a pack of diapers, some colorful ribbon and optional accessories. Roll the diapers and assemble into tiers. Tie the tiers with ribbon. Add a Hawaiian touch with hibiscus flower accents and bright colored ribbons or a lei.

Bedroom Accessories

• Purchase bedroom accessories to help complete a Hawaiian theme baby room. Leis are a traditional decorative Hawaiian icon made of fresh flowers. Leis also express love, congratulations as well as welcome. You may also purchase Hawaiian themed bedding for the baby's crib. A mural of the ocean off the Hawaiian coast or the island itself is also a unique gift that will compliment a baby's bedroom.

Peridot

• Peridot is a glistening green gem usually found in volcanic rocks. The peridot contains special meaning for Hawaiians. The gem often represents peace and calm within the Hawaiian culture. It is the August birthstone and would make a great baby gift for a child born in that month. Regardless of birth month, the beauty of the gem makes a great gift for a new mother to represent the peace of the relationship with her child.

Joke Gifts for Her

• A joke gift will rely on the recipient having a sense of humor. Yagi Studio/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Joke gifts do not necessarily need to be useful or functional. The main goal of the gift is to invoke laughter in the recipient, so do not worry that this will not be something that will be used in a practical sense. Be sure the joke does not cross the line from being funny to being offensive. Keep in mind the recipient's sense of humor when choosing the gift.

Gag Gifts

• Pair an over-sized martini glass with a bottle of the recipient's favorite liquor or mixer. Have the recipient mix a drink to pour in the over-sized glass for a fun and humorous photo opportunity.

  Along the same lines, present the recipient with a large martini glass or wine glass filled with water and a swimming goldfish. The goldfish should be plastic to avoid stress on a living fish.

Faux Makeover

• Since women are often stereotypically linked to shopping, fashion and makeovers, provide the woman in question with the tools necessary for a makeover. Do so in a humorous manner. Include brightly colored cosmetics, such as a hot pink lipstick, electric blue eyeshadow and florescent blush. Add a eccentric wig to the mix, such as one with Rapunzel-length hair or a purple haired wig. Include flamboyant clothing, such as leopard print leggings, a mini skirt and even a faux fur wrap. Round out the ensemble with some brightly colored accessories, such as headbands, costume jewelry and platform shoes.

Baked Goodies

• Play into typical phobias of bugs, snakes and rodents by transforming them into some tasty baked goods. Bake sugar cookies that are shaped and decorated like spiders. Use icing or licorice and candy for the body, face and legs. Twist strands of green, black and brown licorice or string candy into snake shapes, using a red piece of candy for the tongue. Create mice shaped from puff cereal treat balls. Use icing to craft the face and fur. Assemble the goodies into one pest-themed gift basket.

Harley Davidson Birthday Gifts

• A Harley-Davidson birthday gift will be appreciated and proudly used by a Harley-Davidson enthusiast. DreamPictures/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Harley-Davidson is one of the most recognizable names in motorcycle brands, with over 100 years of history. Harleys are cruising bikes and are easily customized to the rider's preference. If someone on your gift list has a Harley-Davidson, a Harley-Davidson birthday gift is sure to be appreciated. Harley riders are known to have great brand loyalty and enjoy showcasing their devotion with clothing, home decor and even the toys they buy for their children.

Apparel

• Harley-Davidson apparel makes great gifts for the enthusiast who likes to show his love of the brand. Cold weather gear is the ideal gift if the recipient's birthday falls within a winter month. Apparel for cold weather includes heated pant liners, heated jacket liners, battery-operated heated gloves, reflective, wind-resistant hats, wind-resistant neck tubes and ear warmers. Harley-Davidson's warm weather gear includes perforated jackets, t-shirts with various logos and pictures, air-flow perforated gloves and hydration vests. They also have eyewear, vests and high-visibility gear for safe riding. Footwear options include riding boots, work boots, athletic shoes and ladies' riding boots and shoes. They also offer military gear such as leather bomber jackets, flight jackets, long sleeve knit shirts and flat top caps.

Gifts for the Home

• There are a lot of birthday gifts you can get to outfit the home in licensed Harley-Davidson products. For the enthusiast who has his own in-home bar, there are Harley-Davidson shot glasses, beer steins, bar caddies, bottle openers, flask sets, coasters, wine and pilsner glasses and cheese boards. Harley-Davidson also has plenty of other useful and decorative items for the office and home, such as business card cases, holiday ornaments, coin banks, photo albums, trinket boxes and gift bags. There a wide variety of clocks, graphic tin signs, pictures, posters and picture frames that would look great on your recipient's wall. Die-Cast motorcycle collectibles are available in a wide variety of Harley-Davidson colors and motorcycle models. Harley-Davidson kitchen gifts include chipotle hot sauce and cook books.

Toys

• For the kid at heart, there are many Harley-Davidson brand gifts available. Harley-Davidson toy motorcycles are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors, from special edition fire and police models to remote-controlled motorcycles. There are toys for children from infants to teens. Infant toys include the Harley-Davidson Roaring Rocker, a rocking motorcycle that features authentic Harley-Davidson sounds. Young kids might also enjoy the Harley-Davidson Lights and Sound trike which features working lights and sounds. For the little mechanic, Harley-Davidson offers the KidKraft Harley-Davidson Workbench that has wooden tools and building pieces that come in natural wood finish and Harley-Davidson's signature orange and black colors. Other toys include board games, video games, model trucks, plush toys and books.

How to Design a Banquet Hall

Banquet halls have been used historically used to celebrate religious and political events and other large gatherings. The Roman emperor Nero's banquet hall was circular and moved to imitate the Earth. The 50-foot-by-13-foot main dining room rotated by the power of constant flowing water. In the ceiling, ivory panels opened up to disperse perfume and flowers onto his guests. Banquets were at the heart of all Roman activities and you can design your own banquet hall for any special event.

• 1

  Find a location for your banquet or large reception. Keep in mind how many people it can hold, the type of event and the costs. Also, you will decide whether it is a sit-down meal or a buffet reception. Ask the manager of the banquet hall the rules regarding decorations, music, and extra lighting.

• 2

  Measure the space of the room, and draw in where you want the tables. You will need circular tables for every 10 guests, and a rectangular table will be used for the guests of honor or speakers. Tables may be needed for a buffet, and a bar may be required. You also need to keep in mind having rectangular tables near the entrance for guests to check in and possibly a gift table.

• 3

  Design and order decorations such as flowers, centerpieces, and lighting. These extras make your event special, and you can coordinate colors with the decorations to match table linens and chair covers. Also, decide on types of silverware and dishes.

• 4

  Move furniture into place according to your layout. Set table linens and silverware. Arrange flowers, centerpieces and other decorations. Move lighting into place. Confirm menus, music, guest list and drinks.

• 5

  Welcome guests to the banquet hall you designed. Thank everyone who helped.

Gag Gift Ideas for a 21st Birthday

• A 21-year-old with a sense of humor will get a laugh from a gag gift. Aaron Cobbett/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  The look on the face of a person opening a bottle of geriatric vitamins on his 21st birthday is priceless. Turning 21 is a milestone that some view as the true entrance into adulthood. For a friend with a good sense of humor, consider a gag gift to commemorate the occasion of his 21st birthday.

Rival School

• A 21-year old in college may feel passionate about the teams at his school. This school likely has a major rival. As a gag gift, get him an item with the rival team's logo on it. Just don't spend too much money, as he'll likely never wear it. Look for items on sale at a local department or discount store.

Homemade Gag Gift

• There's no reason to spend any money on a gag gift. Making a homemade gag gift is usually a simple task, so use your creativity to come up with something. If the birthday girl has an unnatural obsession with smelling good, poke fun at this by making a bag of hillbilly potpourri that includes items like spent shotgun shells, beer caps and peanut shells. To a friend or roommate who is always lying around, give a block of wood with instructions to put in the middle of the floor, walk around it and rest because he's just walked around the block.

Over the Hill

• While 21 is considered quite young by most standards, it may feel to the birthday girl like she's losing her youth. If she can't stop complaining about this, give her a gag gift of an item normally meant for older people. Get her an "over the hill" shirt or hat, a walking cane or a tube of denture cream.

Excuse Ball

• If your 21-year old friend always seems to have an excuse for everything, get him an excuse ball. These resemble the magic eight-balls that you shake. Instead of a fortune, a different excuse comes up in the window. These are sold by novelty shops and online retailers.