Our Take of MSN’s Bing featured Gifts Under $50 for Fathers, Brothers and Husbands

This time of year everyone is gift advice and help in gift buying (including GiftIdeaCenter.com) but are these great gifts or just more clutter and future yard sale items. You can view the slide show here

Let’s review MSN’s Bing - Gifts Under $50 for Fathers, Brothers and Husbands

1. Pool Wine Ball Stoppers – We like this one and offer note it on our site. Practical, cool and perfect the rec room. Thumbs Up

2. Museum Building Set – The Lego version of famous museum The Guggenheim. While it is creative, is appears to be $40 of future clutter. And when Niecy Nash from Clean House it will go in the yard sale. Thumbs Down

3. Hall of Fame Toy Pack – Wow, Crayons, silly putty, a slinky and a yo-yo. Hmm I am a grown man and this would go in a desk draw and stay there. If you have kids borrow theirs and save $20. Thumbs Down

4. The Beer Book – Beer facts and knowledge. For the guy who reads and loves micro-brews this is a sweet Thumbs Up gift. For the Bud Light crowd, it is a giant coaster and should be skipped.

5. Golf and Coffee Cup – They say any golf lover will love it. Really, one I use a coffee mug for coffee and an office putting machine because I love golf. The idea of mixing my coffee mug and office golf together is not ideal. Thumbs Down.

6. Like New Again T-Shirt – He has a favorite t-shirt that is aweful. You can make it new again by getting the design on a new tee. I like the idea, just answer this first. Is it the design he loves or that shirt because it was there for a memorable occasion. Thumbs Up

7. Bacon Jam – First thought was, I think I might be sick but after checking it out it is more of a seasoning item (condiment). For bacon fans – Thumbs Up for others Thumbs Down

8. Root Liquor – Mixed on this, they note you can pour it in ice cream. Hmm, do I really need to mix ice cream and alcohol? If he doesn’t entertain it will sit unless he eats ice cream and drinks alone. Thumbs Down

9. Peanut Butter Brittle – Yummy. I like it. Thumbs Up

10. Barbecue Sword – This BBQ sword also comes with a mask. Sorry I just don’t need that much adventure while cooking steaks, burgers and dogs. $28 to much. Thumbs Down

11. Comic Book Socks – These are cool but overpriced at $30. However, I guess that is the price you pay to be a Super Hero. Thumbs Up

12. The Onion – Our Front Pages – The perfect bathroom book and one that is sure to bring smiles and laughter. We like laughter. Thumbs Up

13. Bucky Balls – These are very cool magnets and might be the best office gift around. The magnets are amazingly strong and together form cool shapes. Thumbs Up


MSN did okay – We had 6 Thumbs Up, 5 Thumbs Down and 2 mixed.

Still looking for unique gift ideas, check out Gift Idea Center where we try to offer a diverse mix of gifts for all types of men.

The Gift Guy – Gift Idea Center

* Products noted were featured on MSN, GiftIdeaCenter.com does not endorse nor sell these products directly. Links from this blog may lead to compensation for GiftIdeaCenter.com if a purchase does occur at that web site.

How to Create a Great Christmas Gift List for Family & Friends

You’ve been asked to create a Christmas Gift List and you don’t know where to start. Well we have some tips and ideas to help you create a Great Christmas List in about 15 – 20 minutes.

The first step is to set aside the time to create the list and have a paper and pen or computer so you can create your list.

Then relax and start to think about gifts in 3 ways.

1. Needs
What items do I need? While these may not be the most exciting gifts, the fact is you will use it and it makes your life better. Examples: New Towels, sheets, work shoes, tires for the car or new coat

2. Wants
These are items you want but don’t necessarily need. For kids, these are the toys they want and for adults these tend to be gadgets, new clothes, jewelry, music, trips, experiences, hobbies, collectible gifts and accessories.

3. Rewards
What gifts lift your spirits and make you feel good. While these might be wants they are often things that make your day and make you smile inside and out. Examples would be Godiva chocolate, homemade cookies, Starbucks gift card, going to a spa, a dinner theater or sporting event.

Now before you start creating your Christmas list, reflect on past gifts and mentally review which gifts you treasure and enjoyed, which ones you use and which ones sit collecting dust.

Now you are about ready to begin, but first a few quick notes.
1. Write down the first thing that comes to mind whether large or small.
2. There are no wrong answers
3. If you are stump, reflect on the last time you thought “I could really use…” or just move on to the next question.

Let’s Get Started
Quickly List 3 – 5 answers (or more) for each question.

1. I need the following items for home / apartment?
Tip: Personal care, kitchen, living room, basic necessities…

2. I need the following items for work / school?
Tip: Car care - transportation, computer, briefcase / backpack items, office, books…

3. I need the following items for personal development / health?
Tip: Courses, books, vitamins, fitness items – If not applicable move on.

4. What home / apartment gift would make my live easier?

5. What work gift would make my life easier?

6. List up to 3 items you use most often. Now are there 1 to 3 accessories / upgrades that would improve or increase enjoyment these items.

7. List up to 3 of your favorite hobbies or sports. What gifts would increase the enjoyment of these sports or hobbies list 1 – 3 items.

8. If you need or want clothing complete the following:
My sizes are:
I would enjoy receiving: Knit shirts, sweaters, pants, jeans, etc… (List 3 or 4)
My 3 Favorite stores are:
My 3 Favorite brands are:

9. List 3 Reward Gifts

10. List 3 gifts inspired by or that allows you to have fun.

Congratulations, you should now have between 20 to 100 gift ideas.

If you don’t you should have at least several good ideas and maybe you need to take a break and come back in a day and go through the question again. Another idea would be to go to my site Gift Idea Center and look at relevant pages and see if any of the items interest you. Amazon would be another site to visit for ideas.

Once you have your gift ideas, you can fine tune the list and come up with your top 10 or 20 items that you need or would like to receive this Christmas.

When making your final Christmas gift list make sure you include items of various prices and if you have set a price limit make sure all of your gifts fall in the agreed upon price limits.

I hope this Christmas Gift List exercise helps you and your loved ones have a Happy Holiday Season.

The Gift Guy - Gift Idea Center
Check out our Christmas Gifts, Christmas Shop, Gift Baskets, Toys and more.

* Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a purchase or click thru is made through one of the links in this blog

5 Reasons You Need Christmas Gift List This Year

Do you get the gifts you want for Christmas?
Do you spend December 26^th returning gifts?
Do want to make Christmas less hassle free?

Well it’s simple give loved ones a Christmas list!

Millions of kids do it each year and here are 5 Reason Adults Need to Create a Christmas List too.

1. You Get What You Want
Say you “Love It!” and mean it. Your odds of getting the exact item you want by sharing a list increases significantly. Plus you won’t have to waste time going to the mall to return gifts.

2. Save Money, Save Money, Save Money
A Christmas list in advance of Black Friday and other big holiday shopping weekends makes it easy for Gift Givers to shop and Save. It’s a lot easier to find a coupon or sale on an exact item, when they know what it is. Last year I was able to find a popular electronics item at 60% off on Black Friday, but only because I was looking for that exact gift! I have yet to see a better price for that item since, so I know I got a great deal. Start here to find deals Amazon, Ebay, Coupon Codes.

3. Reduce Christmas Shopping Stress
In today’s tough economy any added stress can ruin the holiday season, so in creating a gift list you are helping others enjoy the holidays more.

4. More Family & Fun Time
Christmas lists make shopping more efficient. Once gift givers have the list them can find the gifts at Amazon, Ebay or head to the mall with a purpose and then get the gift and go. This means you’ll have more time to share with friends, family and your kids.

5. Removes Gift Card Anxiety
Over the past year many well known retailers and restaurants went out of business, those who had given gift cards from those businesses were left with little or nothing. If you give a gift list of things you need then you won’t have to worry about it and neither will the gift giver.
So go on create your Christmas gift list, you and your loved ones will be glad you did!

Next Blog: Tips on creating the Perfect Grown Up Christmas Gift List

The Gift Guy – Gift Idea Center
Check out our Christmas Gifts, Christmas Shop, Gift Baskets and more.

* Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a purchase or click thru is made through one of the links in this blog

Time to Get Your Advent Calendars, It's Almost December

We have one week left in November, so if you don't have your Advent calendar it's time to pick one up. It wasn't until I was at Target that I thought about how much fun the Advent calendar is; everyday getting a little treat.

And today when I started doing research I discovered that there are so many types Advent Calendars. Check out these fun Advent calendars.

LEGO City Advent Calendar
What I love is that Legos are so much fun by themselves and with a Advent calendar well it just gets better.

Kurt Adler Advent Calendar including
A variety of Nativity Calendars
Whimsical Snoopy Calendar
A Snowman Calendar
And Barbie, Dora and a Gingerbread calendar too.


The more I look, the more I am amazed that there are so many different Advent Calendars. here is a sample:
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Littlest Pet Shop
Polly Pocket Advent Calendar!
Christmas Critters
Playmobil Calendars

These calendars are so much fun and they really make the holiday season exciting for kids and adults. If you are thinking about get an Advent calendar you better hurry, as December is almost here!

The Gift Guy - Gift Idea Center

* Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a purchase or click thru is made through one of the links in this blog

Be the Center of Attention with Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Want to be the Center of attention this Thanksgiving?

Well it is easy when you send Mom, Grandma or loved ones a beautiful Thanksgiving Centerpiece that will add a colorful compliment to any table.

Plus these fresh flowers will continue to inspire beyond Thanksgiving and might even last longer than the leftovers.

We found some great deals on Thanksgiving Centerpieces and want to pass them along to you so you can get more Flowers for your dollar.

1-800-Flowers is offering the Following Thanksgiving Specials

These Thanksgiving Promotions have ended, View seasonal Flowers and current Promotions and Flower Coupon Codes



ProFlowers is running the following Thanksgiving Promotions

These Thanksgiving Promotions have ended, View seasonal Flowers and current Promotions and Flower Coupon Codes

Whether you are a thousand miles away or attending the family gathering, these arrangements and Thanksgiving Centerpieces will be center of attention.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Gift Guy - GiftIdeaCenter.com

* Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a purchase or click thru is made through one of the links in this blog

For Kids Holiday Magic Do I Choose a Letter from Santa or Elf on the Shelf?

I love Christmas and the spirit in the air, a positive energy that seems to take over and joy and excitement children have about the holiday.

Which brings me to today's blog which is more magical for kids during the Holiday season a personalized letter from Santa or the Story of the Elf on a Shelf?

I have seen various letter from Santa sites and some are just letters but others add unique extras that include items from Mrs. Claus and even the reindeer. Check out these various Letter from Santa options I found.

They seem like fun and I know I would have enjoy getting a letter growing up, but after learning about The Elf on the Shelf story whether the Elf idea might be more fun.

The basic concept is that Santa has sent an elf to report back to Santa and each night the elf moves from one location to another in your house and the kids need to wake up and find the elf each morning.

I read the reviews and feedback and it does sound like it is a hit with children at Christmas time.

So which do you think would provide more Holiday Magic - a Letter from Santa or The Elf on the Shelf?

The Gift Guy - Gift Idea Center
Your Source for Christmas Gifts and Decorations

* Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a purchase or click thru is made through one of the links in this blog

Zhu Crazy – Zhu Zhu Pets this Years Hot Christmas Toy

They have unique personalities, make whimsical sounds, scoot and scamper in their tunnels and drive tiny cars.

They are Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters and they are this year’s hottest Christmas gift and almost impossible to find.

Zhu Zhu Pets started showing up on sales lists in August and I didn’t pay much attention, but each week sales remained strong and inventories got lower and lower. Now, what was a fun under $10 toy has become The Christmas gift that is rarely found in stores.

However online Zhu Zhu hamsters are almost always sold out at Walmart and Target but can be found for $30, $40 and even $50 at other sites; and people are paying it.

Recent Zhu Zhu pet pricing on Amazon had Zhu Zhu Hamster Chunk (white) on sale for $39.95 and Zhu Zhu Hamster Mr. Squiggles, the most popular hamster which is brown) selling at $52.45.

On Ebay we found Zhu Zhu Chunk for $25 - $40 in auctions and Buy it Now prices ranging from $32 - $50 at the time of this posting. Zhu Zhu Mr Squiggles is running mid $30’s to $45 at auction and $40 - $55 on Buy it Now.

Yes, some Zhu Zhu pets are selling for 4 – 5 times the suggested retail. And parents are paying even during the recession to get these treasured gifts.

All I can say is ZHU Crazy!

How long will Zhu-mania last? Who knows but as long as parents seek Zhu Zhu Pets for under the Christmas tree the Zhu-mania will go on!

The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center – Your resource for Christmas gifts and gifts ideas for the entire family.

* Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a purchase or click thru is made through one of the links in this blog

Shop Now and Save on 35% off Personalized Christmas Gifts

Wow, looking for an amazing sale where you can get the gift you want and great savings? Well we found one that is to good to pass up.

This Promotion has ended:
View Current off Personalized Gift Coupons Here!!!

Check out some of our favorite personalized holiday items.

Personalized Red Corduroy Jumper
Classic styling makes this sweet red jumper a holiday “must-have” for your little girl. Made of soft corduroy, it features a high waist, lined bodice and covered button shoulder straps.


Fun Christmas Stockings
This one is a applique velvet stocking but they have vintage, quilted, argyle and over a dozen styles that can be personalized for you and your family.


Family Ornaments
These range from whimsical family ornaments to personalized cartoon, scouts, baby’s first Christmas, our first Christmas and novelty themed ornaments.


Personalized Treats Jars
This personalized treat jars are the perfect gift for teachers, babysitters and friends. You can by one or you can by a set and save even more. That way you can give some away and save one for yourself.

Holiday Mugs
Start a Family Holiday Tradition with personalized Snowman or fun themed mugs. Perfect for hot cocoa, coffee or tea.

What we really love about this sale is that. You can order your Holiday items for yourself or as gifts for your friends and you can use them this Christmas!

In most cases you don't see savings like this until After Christmas! So enjoy the savings and Happy Holidays.
This Promotion has ended:
View Current off Personalized Gift Coupons Here!!!

The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center your source for Christmas gifts and gift ideas for friends, family and loved ones.

* Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a purchase is made of one of the items noted in this blog.

Synchronize Outdoor Christmas Lights with Holiday Songs

You've seen the Youtube videos where guys set up their outdoor Christmas lights to light up according to the beats of the holiday music.


Well what if you could do that without much effort? Pretty cool huh, my thoughts exactly. I don't have time to mix music and try to figure out how it all works.

While stumbling across this I read that one guy got more creative and figured out how to get the music to play in peoples cars as they passed by using an iPod converter.

We found this at Amazon for $90 - $120 and maybe less at Ebay.

The Christmas Carol Sound and Light Show on Ebay
Prices are coming in under $90 for current auctions!
- Auctions this week should offer good value but in a week they will go up.
- Ebay Buy it Now prices are running $90 - $100 and some include Free shipping.

So if you like the idea of mixing your Christmas lights with music, then check out both sites for the best price and get ready for an entertaining Christmas!

The Gift Guy - GiftIdeaCenter.com

* GiftIdeaCenter.com may receive compensation if readers visit or purchase items noted in this blog. However, The Gift Guy was not paid to write this posting.