PERFECT FOR GRANDPARENTS: 7 Ideas for a Custom Made Gifts...Christmas is coming (I'm sorry)!

Note: Become a follower...I would like that!

Do the marketing genius people have us conditioned?  It is not even Halloween yet and I am beginning to think about shopping for the Christmas Holiday season.  It is just sick!

Custom Made
This year I am trying to think "custom made" for some people on my small list.  Over on the Grandparents.com Facebook account a website for custom made toys created using a child's artwork caught my eye. I love the idea of giving a piece of artwork to parents or the grandchildren that holds wonderful memories. Here are some of the websites I found:

custom soft toys

• Totally Out of Hand is a website devoted to creating children's artwork  using a child's artwork.
• Child's Own Studio recreates the artwork into custom soft toys for children
• Dog Magic Studio has formed a partnership with the National Autism Foundation to recreate jewelry using the child's hand print or thumb print.
• Kid Doodle will do the same. The artist is a mom working out of her home and exhibiting art in the Outer Banks area.

Adding your personal touch:

I think we will get this
one for Christmas this year.
(Amazon)

• Read aloud stories were a huge success with our grandchildren.  We read Good Night Moon and gave the book as a gift last winter. There are many choices.
• Custom made rubber stamps are wonderful.  You can select the working and have it made. They too can use your child's artwork. I found an etsy shop that will do that for you.
• Retirees love business cards...especially when they travel.  Have you ever thought of having some made of them or even creating them yourself on the computer at home and giving them as a gift.  I would think that college students might even like them. I just order a box of them from VistaPrint.com.

I am not saying you need to start shopping now....but if you want custom made it may take a while! I'm just saying.

b

Note:  Most of the websites listed above are just found and I have no financial interest.  The book picture is from Amazon.

If anyone knows where a person can buy a blank read aloud book let me know.  I think it would be fun to tell a story about a time spent with the children and include pictures.

Quick Guide to Online Shopping

I asked one of my guest bloggers about shopping online.  She does a lot of marketing and shopping using the internet's may advantages.  I thought you might be interested.  Here is an article by Maggie Thistleton.

Quick Guide to Online Shopping

I know a lot of people try to stay away from online shopping for a number of reasons, but it really isn’t that scary! People are afraid to use their credit card online, or they like to see the product before they buy it, or they only buy things once they’ve tried it on. Most of us spend a good chunk of time online, why not shop there, too? Shopping online, if you do it right, can save you tons of money.

I am a HUGE fan of eBay, and I have been since I was in high school. I started just buying small things here and there, and then I tried my hand at selling. I’ve found some really good deals on eBay, and I highly recommend you try it! Payments are managed through PayPal, so you don’t actually exchange money with the seller. They do need your address, so use a P.O. box or a work address if you don’t feel comfortable giving someone your address.

Look at all the ways to categorize!

Over the years, I’ve built up my favorite websites that I buy from, and I tend to buy from them over and over. Buying clothes online can be tricky, I agree, but shopping for accessories is quite fun! As long as websites have good product photographs and descriptions, what you see is usually what you get. I only shop from websites that offer free returns, or have satisfaction guarantees. 

Etsy is also becoming a favorite of mine. Etsy is sort of like eBay, but a bit more fashionable. People create stores to sell goods, usually clothing, art, or jewelry. Prices can range from quite cheap to very expensive, but you’re sure to find something you love.

I highly encourage you to sign up for emails from your favorite stores, because most stores send out coupons all the time. There’s nothing better than discount fashions online, except for discounted discount fashions!

To ensure your privacy while shopping online, look for a secure connection. There are a few ways to do this, but the easiest is to look at the top of the page at check out, where you type in the web address. If you see https:// instead of http://, the s after the http means the site is secure. Any credible seller should also be backed by programs like buysafe, PayPal, and the Better Business Bureau.

Author Bio:

Maggie spends her days working at Reading Glasses Shopper where she helps customers find the best reading glasses. In her spare time, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes, spending time with friends, shopping and traveling.

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