I enjoy giving gift cards, especially to those hard to shop for people on my list. I, like nearly everyone else, have at least one person on my shopping list that I either don’t know what to buy or I can’t find what I think they would like. When that happens I consider their likes and then purchase a gift card I think they will enjoy using.

For example, I give my restaurant loving friends gift cards to their favorite restaurants; gas station gift cards to my teenage nieces and nephews who drive; shopping mall gift cards to my daughter; and massage gift certificates to my sister-in-law because I know she loves getting massages.

Although gift cards are great and I buy them frequently, there are a few things to be aware of. The main thing is to make sure the recipient knows the gift card is like carrying cash and needs to be safeguarded in the same way cash is. For the most part, lost or stolen gift cards cannot be replaced.

Another thing to be aware of is hidden fees, well not really hidden fees, but fees detailed in very small print – that size “one” font that’s nearly impossible to read!

One charge that will be apparent right away is a possible upfront processing fee to defray the cost of producing and distributing the gift cards. Most companies try to avoid charging an upfront fee. But some, like my local mall charges a small fee to purchase a gift card. It’s nominal, $1.50 per card.

Some companies and stores charge a non-use or dormancy fee on their gift cards. If a card is not used for a specified period of time, a small amount is deducted from the value of the card every month. For example, $1 or $2 may be deducted from the balance of a gift card every month if that gift card is not used within six months of purchase.

Another type of charge some gift cards have is a balance fee. If a gift card has a balance on it after a certain amount of time, typically six months after purchase, a small fee is deducted each month. The fee is small, not usually more than $1.50 or $2. This is similar to a dormancy fee, but the difference with a balance fee is that even if the card was used within the first 6 months (or whatever time frame is specified) a fee will be assessed each month for still having a balance on it. This is to encourage people to use their gift cards in a reasonable amount of time and not leave them sitting on a shelf somewhere collecting dust.

If you purchase a gift card that has a balance or dormancy fee, try to purchase it as close to the time you are going to be giving it away as possible.

Also be aware that the gift card could have an expiration date. Most of the gift cards from large companies don’t have an expiration date or allow a lengthy amount of time before the card expires, such as five years. Shorter time periods to use gift cards and gift certificates, usually not less than 12 months but occasionally as little as 6 months, are more likely to be found with smaller companies and independent business owners.

I think it’s perfectly fine to give gift cards and gift certificates with an expiration date. Just make sure the recipient is aware of the expiration date. An expiration date shouldn’t cause you to not buy a gift card. After all, you don’t want people to hang on to the gift card and not use it.

And, remember that although gift cards may carry some fees, the majority of them will never be a problem if the card is used within six months, which most gift cards are. So feel free to give gift cards whenever you think it is an appropriate gift.

One interesting note: even though some gift cards have started adding fees to their gift cards such as dormancy fees, balance fees, or maintenance fees, some states are starting to pass legislation banning those fees as well as banning expiration dates. This is good news for consumers.

Does your christmas tree look too old fashioned? When it comes to decorating christmas trees there are some style tips to follow so that they look more up-to-date and stylish.

STYLE TIP #1:

The big fat round artificial christmas tree is out and the slim artificial tree is in. This is because when it comes to decorating christmas tree the trends lately lean more towards tall and conical shapes rather than fat and round shapes.

This style is more reminiscent of the modernist trends from the seventies and strangely, the tall conical trees that were in favor during the Victorian era. It was Queen Victoria who insisted on the tallest tree possible for her living room and the narrow tree girth was also necessary in order to fit these tall slender trees into Victorian homes. The same could be said of modern day “cozy” condo lofts and apartments which often have tall ceiling heights but less floor space and suit a slim artificial christmas tree much better than a chubbier version.

Natural trees that tend to be tall and slim are the spruces and firs. They just have a slimmer girth than pines and cedars. When it comes to fake xmas trees, more and more manufacturers are releasing slim artificial trees that can fit more easily into our cramped urban lifestyle.

STYLE TIP #2

Artificial is in and natural trees are out. Okay, so maybe real christmas trees will never go out of fashion but if you are a bit of style snob then the trend is towards an artificial tree in the wildest color you can find. Basically the idea is to find a tree that looks like it would go well in Lieutenant O’Hura’s bedroom on Star Trek.

Every year, artificial trees are looking more and more cartoonish. You can buy them in a spectrum of colors and in many different materials including PVC, vinyl and tinsel. The slim artificial trees in wild colors are very popular with younger people. Some sites sell xmas trees that are nothing more than a coiled spiral of yellow pink and blue lights that are free standing and merely emulate the shape of a christmas tree.

Probably the two most trendy colors for trees are the red and white. The red trees have an offbeat look to them that is reminiscent of a bad Kodachrome photograph from the seventies. However that is part of their appeal. The white artificial trees are just simply gorgeous, especially the prelit artificial trees with branches that have glowing fiber optic tips.

STYLE TIP #3

One of the secrets to decorating christmas trees in a stylish way is to be minimalist. To be truly fashionable, stick to decorating the tree in just one or two colors. For instance you could decorate a natural evergreen with only gold bows and natural crystals. A white christmas tree looks great with uniformly sized christmas balls from top to bottom. A sky blue artificial tree could be decorated in monochrome with glass balls that are a deeper shade of blue.

The minimalist approach also goes for the style of decorations that you choose. Stick to one or two shapes to keep the look of the tree uncluttered and sleek. For instance, forget the round glass balls and choose conical glass balls and flat spheres only to decorate an
entire tree. By the way the craze for slim artificial xmas trees is similar to the current craze for slim conical christmas decorations.
Conical decorations are very much identified with retro seventies styles.

STYLE TIP #4:

One of the first rules of fashion and also interior decorating is to break all the rules and the same applies to Christmas trees. This means deliberately ignoring christmas traditions with the idea of putting a new spin on them. For instance instead of using the classic angel or star as a tree topper you could try topping it with a spray of fibrous waving multicolored diodes or a design that you have constructed using christmas rope lights. One interesting idea is to make a star out of red velvet and decorate it with peacock
feathers, faux gems and gold bows.

Another way to break a traditional rule is to decorate your tree with just one color. To be different you could also forget about putting largest decorations at the bottom and the tiny ones at the top, put the large ones on the top and the tiny ones on the bottom. Another idea is to make all of your christmas tree decorations the same size.

One big trend that has dominated Christmas style and design for the last few years is to hang your Christmas tree anyway you can think of, as long as it is not standing up. This includes hanging it upside down from the ceiling, suspending it sideways from the ceiling and buttressing it against a wall.

STYLE TIP #5

One of the secrets to decorating christmas trees is that the more personal it is the better. A good example is the chef who decorates his tree using only plastic forks and knives or the new mom who decorates her tree with baby bottles and baby toys. If you celebrate the Chinese New Year you might want to decorate your tree with Buddha figures and fortune cookies.

Another great way to personalize your christmas tree is to use baked goods. Tree ornaments made of pink and yellow gumdrops and toothpicks look nice on an artificial white christmas tree for example. Home made gingerbread men and short bread snowmen would go well with a red artificial prelit christmas tree.

One place to get inspiration is the candy store. Choose your favorite candies that you loved as a kid. A smaller tree looks fantastic decorated in candies wrapped in foil. However once again the key is to be minimalist. Don’t decorate the tree with seven or eight kinds of candy. Decorate it with two to three kinds to give it a kind of uniformity.

If you haven’t figured it out by now one of the keys to decorating christmas trees is repetition on a single theme. If you like teddy bears than decorate the entire tree in teddy bears and one other design element, such as red glass balls. Keeping it simple yet elegant is the key to decorating christmas trees.

Before you select the perfect Christmas tree, consider a little planning to make room for your special guest. Choose the best area in your room for the tree, which would include a spot that is close to an electrical outlet. When you plug in your lights, you won’t want a cord running along your floor, which could cause someone to trip and fall. There are so many things to think about when choosing a tree to celebrate your holidays. Do I want real or artificial? Should I buy pre-lit or plain? A few knowledgeable tips will guide you in the right direction.

Christmas Tree Tip #1: Artificial or Real

The first step is to decide whether you want a real or artificial tree. An artificial tree is beneficial to anyone who has allergies, but also if you just want to know that your tree will last for years. Artificial trees are nice because they do not have to be thrown out every year and they are always the same size and a perfect fit. On the other hand, there’s nothing like the smell of a real Christmas tree. With real trees, there is a greater risk of fire and also the need to keep them hydrated regularly. A real Christmas tree requires a lot of maintenance and, if you’re not up to it, an artificial may be the way to go.

Christmas Tree Tip #2: Will It Fit?

When selecting the perfect Christmas tree, choose one that will fit best in your home. Measure the spot for your tree before you go out shopping and keep those numbers close at hand. After you select an area in your home, measure the distance from your floor to the roof, along with the width of the space. Take a tape measure when you go to pick out your tree and make sure it will fit in the spot you chose.

Christmas Tree Tip #3: Is It Healthy?

If you’re looking for a live tree, check the limbs to make sure they are nice and green. Also, look for any brown needles, which may be a sign of a tree that has not been freshly cut. A tree that is too dry could be a fire hazard, so watch out for any signs of needle loss or other symptoms of a damaged tree. You will want to choose one that looks healthy and full with beautiful branches, which will look festive when decorated. If you’re planning to load the tree onto your car, place a protective sheet down on the top before adding the tree. This will protect your car from scratches, or sap, on the way home. Make sure that you choose a strong rope to secure the tree to your car.

Christmas Tree Tip #4: Picking the Right Color

If you are buying a real tree, they only come in one color. But, if you are buying an artificial tree, you have the alternate option of white. While white Christmas trees are not as traditional as the green, there is something to be said for their beauty. Consider a white tree with blue lights, blue ornaments and white garland. A white Christmas tree is classic and stunning, especially with the right combination of decorations.

Christmas Tree Tip #5: Prelit or Plain?

Another advantage to artificial trees is that they are available in pre-lit designs. This saves decorating time and ensures that the lights are always perfectly spaced. Additionally, if you don’t feel up to wrapping the lights around the tree yourself, a pre-lit tree allows you to enjoy the beauty of Christmas without the work of decorating.

When it comes to decorating, we are all perfectionists about our Christmas tree. After all, it happens only once a year and the decorations are a treasure to behold. The finishing touch, for any Christmas tree, is the ornaments. Perhaps you have memories of a personalized ornament given to you as a child or maybe it’s the tradition of hanging them with your family – making sure that each is perfectly spaced from its neighbor for that added touch of beauty. The Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees, which we choose, should be a reflection of ourselves and our family.

There are all types of Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees. From glass to unbreakable, there is something for everyone. Glass ornaments are among the most expensive, in part, because they require such intricate detail and add a touch of elegance to any Christmas tree. Glass ornaments pick up the reflection of lights and beam them across the room with, perhaps, even a twinkle or two. These ornaments are often hand-painted, which adds to their uniqueness.

There are a variety of unbreakable ornaments, also available, in a multitude of colors. If you have a child who loves to be near the Christmas tree, glass ornaments may not be the best option. Or, if you have a pet that enjoys the mystique of the tree a little too much, you may opt for something unbreakable. This is why there are plastic ornaments, which are much safer for your inquiring family members whether they be small or furry.

If you have children, there are plenty of ways to make beautiful Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees at home.

Using gold ribbon, tie a bow and place it on the tree. Repeat these steps until your tree is filled with golden memories of your child’s imagination. You can also purchase plain white ceramic ornaments and, together with your children, paint them into beautiful Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees.

What’s good enough to eat and also looks beautiful on a Christmas tree? Give up? It’s a candy cane, of course. These pretty little symbols of Christmas are everywhere during the holiday season. If you can resist the temptation of eating them, candy canes make terrific Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees. Leave them as they are or tie little red bows around them for an added touch of Christmas.

If your child would like a personalized letter from Santa, contact one of Santa’s helper services and inquire about Santa also sending your child a personalized ornament with his/her name engraved. This will truly be one of the most special ornaments on the tree and your child will treasure it forever.

Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees truly are the icing on the cake. Let them reflect you, your family, your home and your love for the holidays. The most precious ornaments are those we decorate with love. Not so surprisingly, these are also the most beautiful.

Toys for grown-ups pushing kids’ toys out of Christmas most wanted list.

Christmas used to be a time for the kids but now the adults appear to be taking over. The top twelve toys this Christmas as identified by the Toy Retailers Association contain a suspiciously high number of toys aimed at bigger kids. This apparent paradigm shift in the toy market should come as no surprise – a brief look around the internet reveals an entire market devoted to the taller toy consumer.

As UK toy stores prepare for the inevitable Christmas rush, their shelves are stocked not only with gifts for children, but of stock on the wish list of an ever growing adult market. A brief look at the most wanted list for this Christmas shows toys such as Robosapien V2, Roboraptor and the Doctor Who Remote Control Dalek. It does not take an industry expert to surmise that these toys are aimed at a demographic with full time jobs and high disposable income rather than a demographic that watches Saturday morning television.

The rise of toys for grown ups has been an increasing trend in recent years and coincides with an increase in retro culture that dominates the film and television industries. Remakes of films and television series that appeal to an older audience mean that subsequent merchandising appeal to a grown up audience who were fans of the series and films first time round – the conspicuous presence of Star Wars toys and Doctor Who toys in UK toy store both online and offline reflect this.

The emergence of a two tier market catering for real kids and “big kids” is apparent and will be particularly evident in the busiest period for the toy market. The market for the older demographic has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years and had led to the specific targeting of the segment particularly through the marketing of technology based toys such as the Robosapien V2 and Roboraptor – toys with a limited appeal to those in short trousers. Increasingly, these toys permeate the marketplace and toy stores looking to capitalise on the big kids market.

It seems that this market is set to grow over the forthcoming years, representative of a wider cultural shift and impacting significantly on the toy market. Whilst the toy market is still dominated by kids toys, it seems that Christmas toys are no longer just for the kids.