5 Overlooked Dorm Items, You Don't Know You Need But You'll Want

It was only a year ago that I packed my belonging and moved into a dorm as a freshman at George Washington University. I can tell you, it was an overwhelming experience at times.

One thing I quickly learned was that just purchasing and packing for dorm life is an education all on its own; but to make the process a little easier.

 Here are my 5 Most Overlooked Dorm Items You'll Want for College

1. Ear Plugs

     After my first two weeks at school, it was apparent that not all the students living in my dorm valued sleep as much as I did. Ear plugs are cheap and one of the best purchases I made all semester! They helped to block out commotion late at night that would keep me awake and usually fell out by morning to make sure I didn’t miss my alarm.

2. Power Strips or Approved Extension Cords

     With four girls living in one dorm room, power strips were a must! Between laptops, phone chargers, lamps, alarm clocks or speakers, hair dryers, a television, fridge, and microwave there were barely enough plugs to go around. Also, with the arrangement of furniture, outlets weren’t always easily accessible. It can be a hassle to constantly unplug and replug you devices, so make life easier by stocking up on a few power strips with long cords. Shop Amazon,  Walmart, Target for power strips.

3. Thin Hangers

     This may seem self explanatory, but if it hadn’t been for the box of hangers my Aunt bought me I wouldn’t have even thought about how I was going to hang up all my clothes. Thin hangers were a must because the thinner the hanger the more clothes you could store in a small space. The little attachments that make hangers stackable are a good idea too.

4. Chair Cushion

     Lets face it, the furniture that schools purchase for dorms are not bought based on their comfort levels. This goes for desk chairs as well, even the ones that look like they have a cushion are hard as a rock after half an hour! Not only did this affect where I wanted to study, but I noticed that I was experiencing a stiff back and neck after sitting at my desk for an hour or two. A simple chair cushion, like the ones you can buy at Walmart or Target for outdoor furniture was the perfect solution and made late night cram sessions a little less stressful. Shop Amazon, Walmart, Target for chair cushions.

5. Cleaning Supplies

     At home there was always a Swiffer or vacuum readily available. That was not the case at school. My roommates and I had to make a target run to buy a Swiffer after we made a mess!

To make life cleaner stock up on some cleaning basics like Clorox wipes, paper towels, a Swiffer, or a cheap vacuum before you head to school, but remember space is limited so kep that in mind if you buy a vacuum.  This especially important if you have your own bathroom to clean. No one wants to shower in a dirty bathroom.

The good news is that many of these items can be borrowed from home or purchased for under $20 and they will make a difference on starting your dorm life and enjoying it more.

A Special Thanks to our guest blogger
Bekah Troutman of George Washington University

Related Blogs
5 Essential College Dorm Room Tips that Save College Students $100's

The Gift Guy - GiftIdeaCenter.com Visit Gift Idea Center For Unique College Student Gifts and Back to College items.
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

5 Essential College Dorm Room Tips that Save College Students $100's

Would you like to have an extra $50, $100 or even $500 in your bank account in November, rather than spend all that hard earned money right before you go to collge?

Well, I thought so. So here are some great Back to College tips that might help keep hundreds of dollars in your bank account with just a few simple adjustments.

Before Heading Back to College

1. Make A List of Needs and Wants

    Before you even start to buy things for college, make a concrete list of everything you think you may need (you can always add on if you think of something else) and want. Making a list will help you visualize everything you are planning to purchase, help you prioritize what you really need, and prevent impulse buys.

The key is to a. ) Prioritize the List and 2.) Determine whether to Purchase, Borrow or Pass on Items. 

2. Don’t Be Afraid of Hand Me Downs

     When it comes to furniture, bedding and even some electronics look towards family and friends that have traded up to new items. In many cases, grandparents, aunts, uncles and even neighbors may have items that they have been sitting around for years and they will be happy to give it to you rather than those it in the trash.

If you have not luck with family then check out thrift shops and yard sales to find unique items at a savings of 50 - 90% off retail. Lets face it, these items will get beaten up with all the moves back and forth to school so why not save where you can?

3. Shop Around and Wait

    Back to school is a big money maker for stores like Walmart, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, The Container Store and others like it. They are all vying for your attention.  All of these stores will have sales, coupons, and competitive prices.

However, if you don’t need the item right away and as long as the item is not crucial to your survival, wait and watch the savings add up! Many times stores bring in special products in July for Back to College / School and once it hits mid-September it is time to mark down and discount those items to make room for holiday merchandise. Savings window Sept. 15th - Oct. 15th.

Also, your school might have special deals or events at big name stores nearby. For example, George Washington University holds a Target Takeover every year and supplies their students with coupons and useful free stuff that saves you money.

4. Team Up to Split It Up

    Get in touch with your roommates before you move in. It is so much easier to split big items like chairs, a fridge, throw rugs and bookshelves up between you before you arrive. It not only saves you money but prevents you from having double or triple of items once you move in.

Plus you can also opt to buy things together after you move in. My roommate and I split the cost of the rug and cleaning supplies after we knew where we wanted everything in our room to go.

5. Textbooks

    First of all, I recommend that you wait to buy your textbooks. You may not even use them in some classes, and they might also be listed incorrectly online. At the very least, wait until your Professor either post their syllabus online, or gives it to you in class.

    Second, do not purchase your books from the bookstore. You will be overcharged! When your books are listed, and ISBN number will usually be provided and this can then be used to find the exact textbook online. My personal favorite place to buy books is Amazon. You can buy them new or used for less and they have competitive prices.

Besides Amazon, check online. There are a plethora of website that sell used textbooks. You can even buy the international version of the book, which is usually almost identical to the American version, and also cheaper. (Just be wary, because the international versions are usually harder to sell back).

Another option is to check your school’s Facebook page (although this is better for the second semester of the year). I guarantee many students will be looking to sell their books and there will be no shipping charge. While shopping around, make sure you pay attention to what addition the book is, professors can be picky about having the latest addition.

    Third, sell your books back at the end of the semester. Unless you will need it for another class as reference, or particularly liked it you do not need to keep your old textbooks. The sooner you can sell it back the better, before your professor changes the addition for the next year. FYI - Amazon buys used textbooks too.

A Special Thanks to our guest blogger
Bekah Troutman of George Washington University

Additional Related Blogs
5 Overlooked Dorm Items, You Dont Know You Need BUT You'll Want

The Gift Guy - GiftIdeaCenter.com Visit Gift Idea Center For Unique College Student Gifts and Back to College items.
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

5 Back to School Items Sure to Cause Alarm

Back to School is an annual passage and with every new school year comes a rash of items that raises eyebrows, this year is no exception as we feature 5 Alarming Back to School Items.

1. Human Organ Transplant Lunch Box
To what extend will people go to protect their lunch. Well the Human Organ Lunch Box is sure to raise red flags and either avoidance or interest.

We recommend making sure that you place raw liver on ice the first day you use this lunch box just to make sure lunch thieves get the message.




2. Highly Caffeinated Brownies and Cookies
We know it's hard to stay awake through History, Chemistry, English and any subject where the lights go off to watch videos, but sending your kids to school with caffeinated brownies and cookies is just wrong. Not only will this send your honor roll student bouncing off the walls, it could also stunt their growth.

Products then involve caffeine should only be available in the teacher's lounge or safely in an office drawer.


3. Rubber Bandit - A Sure Way to the Principal's Office
When the teacher turns their back, who knows what evil lurks or their shoulder? Spitball, phone checking and rubber band shooting, well for those competitive kids that aim to raise the bar every school year, the Rubber Bandit Rubber Band Shooting Pen is your ticket straight to the Principal's Office.

Classmates seen with such evil are sure to be cause for alarm and enemy against education.

4. Spikepak Backpack
Want to identify the kid that is going to be the first kid in class to get a tattoo or multiple body piercings, well look for the kid with the Spikepak Backpack as it is a sign of rage within.

While not only poking peoples eyes out as they walk down the hall this backpack looks like a weapon and is sure to be owned by a rebel. Parents stay vigilant and don't let backpacks like this make it into your school.


5. Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker
Cause for Alarm, well it will be if this alarm clock with 113 decibels doesn't wake up your slumbering teen. No worries there is a back up, the bed shaker will rattle their bones to help them wake.

While this alarm clock appears to be extreme, getting up and getting to school on time is much, much, much more important than their forever slumber.

We find exception with many of these items and find many of them Alarming and Anti-Education, but our efforts to keep school safe and focused on education will continue.

The Gift Guy Gift Idea Center

For Birthday Gifts, Special Occasions and all your Gift Giving Needs Gift Idea Center
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

Avengers DVD & Blue Ray - Pre-Order & Get A Free Liithograph

Pre-Order Marvel's The Avengers DVD / Blu-ray

The Avengers is this year's biggest summer blockbuster uniting the Super Hero team-up of a lifetime. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Captain America (Chris Evans) assemble together for the very first time ever in this epic, action-packed blockbuster alongside Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)!

Now for a limited time you can order Marvel's The Avengers DVD / Blu-ray Combo with a FREE Lithograph. The Avengers DVD / Blu-ray, Packed with spectacular visual effects, and exclusive bonus features, including Marvel's first-ever Gag Reel, never-before-seen Marvel short, and an interactive Second Screen Experience, Marvel's The Avengers will blow your mind!

The Avengers DVD / Blu-ray details:
- Estimated Ship Date 9/25/12 (Subject to change)
- The Avengers DVD / Blu-ray includes Marvel's first ever Gag Reel
- Exclusive set of four Lithographs, available while supplies last.
- Avengers DVD / Blu-ray includes deleted scenes,
- Avengers alternate opening, alternate ending, featurettes and more
- Audio Comentary by director Joss Whedon
- Please Note some restrictions apply

Get all the Details on The Avengers DVD / Blu-ray Combo Pack with Free Lithograph and Pre-Order your copy today!

Please note this is a limited time offer and may be pulled or altered by Disney at any time. Ship date for The Avengers is 9/25/12 be sure to order your copy today.

The Gift Guy
For Birthday Gifts, Special Occasions and all your Gift Giving Needs Gift Idea Center
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

Understanding the Value of a Christmas Gift

For many shoppers the value of a Christmas gift is what they spent on the gift, but the true value of an items is in the benefits, use, enjoyment and need of the Christmas gift.

Please note there are benefits to all types of Christmas gifts, but today I am challenging you to think about your Gift’s Return on Investment! Yes, each gift has a  value and a return on your investment

To be honest sometimes it doesn’t matter what the gift’s return on investment because you want to buy get that gift, however when times are tough it’s I think it is worth considering each purchase. So with that said, let review a few Christmas Gifts I have seen online.

Soft Pretzel Maker
This gift seems like a fun and think now you can make soft pretzels anytime you want for under $30, it seems like the perfect family gift right? Well unlike waffles, cupcakes or bread, I can’t ever remembering wanting to make soft pretzels at home.



For me soft pretzels tend to be a ballpark, boardwalk or mall snack and not something I would make weekly or even monthly. Plus you have the hidden cost of buying the mix to make the pretzels, which cost $15 on Amazon.

Here is the reality:
Unless you have mustard loving soft pretzel eaters who store soft pretzels in their freezer, this gift is a dud.

The Soft Pretzel Maker cost about $30, get used 2 or 3 times, so the ROI per use is $10 - $15. Gets moved to the back of the cabinet because of lack of use and will be a yard sale favorite in the spring of 2013.

Trendy Toy vs. Classic Toy
Trendy Toys tend to be one hit wonders and often aren’t toys that get played with for more than 1 – 3 months. Kids want them because other kids want them and not always because they are fun but just because they are popular; Zhu Zhu would be an example.

While I am sure that a little movable hamster going through a tunnel is exciting for a few afternoons it is hardly one to keep your imagination for months on end. Hence if you paid $40 at the time of Zhu Zhu’s peak for just one hamster your cost per use most likely ran about $2 - $4 and your child tossed it in the toy box by February.

Trendy toys are pricy and feed the instant gratification society, but leave many kids boring and looking for the next “I want” item as soon as they are bored with it.

Classic Toys however can be pricey too, but often get used months and sometimes years after the gift is given. Examples include Barbies, general Lego’s, Crayons, Checkers or Chess, Monopoly, Life and Sorry. Plus these gifts can nurture role playing, problem solving and strategy skills so there is a larger value to these gifts.

Classic toys over time tend to get used more often and the average cost per use tends to run under $1, which is quite a bargain.

While it may appear that I favor old fashion gifts, don’t get me wrong there are gadgets gifts and unique gifts that offer great value to the recipient.

Odd Gifts – The Value Depends on the User
One gift that stands out is the Pajama Warming Pouch that we listed on our UnusualGift List of 2011. (Which is currently, sold out until January)

In most cases this gift seen to be a waste of money but for someone without an electric blanket and loves the idea of toasty pajamas on a chilly night, it might be the perfect gift to send them off into a cozy slumber.

I can think of several family members that would love this gift and use it for two or three months out of the year. So the cost per use drops to less than a $1 per use and the cozy happiness they get putting on pajamas is an added bonus.

However sending this gift to a relative or friend that never complains about the cold, would then be money wasted on a gift.

I could go on with more examples of a gifts return on investment but I would rather share some of my favorite ideas with high gift ROIs.

Give an Experience: Concert, Show, Art Class, Dance Lessons
As long as they have shown some interest in the activity, this gift gives great memories.

Musical Instruments and Sport Equipment
Yes, I am old school and love the idea that goes with developing the skills to play music or just get outside and play sports. These gifts last years, it is hard to go wrong.

And as for Clothing
Best value in clothes are timeless classics; a quality polo, a well made cable sweater and articles with designs that aren’t trend or seasonal. These items can be worn for years and still garner compliments. Hence the value of these items over time comes out to $1 or less per wear.

Flashy print dresses, gold embellished t-shirts and frayed garments often have limited wear because the owner doesn’t want to be seen in them to often. Since people tend to wear these items less then 10 times, the cost per use can run over $10 and for me that is just too much.

While the goal is not to over think every gift purchase, you may want to spend some time reflecting on your gift’s Return on Investment and if you do, I believe you’ll have some amazing gifts under the tree this year.

Happy Holidays

Rus J - The Gift Guy

Gift Idea Center for Christmas Gifts, Gift Exchange Gifts, Unusual Gifts and Holiday Fun!
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links. 

Mini Tabletop Christmas Trees - Pint Size Holiday Greetings

Need a holiday decoration that is small but professional for the office?
Looking for the perfect season gift to share the holiday spirit with someone with a tiny apartment?
Do you need something for your entryway to welcome guests?

Well then consider a Tabletop Christmas Tree.
Yes, these mini Christmas trees are perfect for those with limited space or those with little time for a big tree. We have found a mix of these tabletop Christmas trees, but as I just checked some are already selling out!

However there are still several great looking tabletop trees from which you can choose from. You'll find the following miniature Christmas trees.
- Fully Decorated Real Christmas Trees
- Tabletop Trees with Lights
- Themed Mini Christmas Trees
- Flower Arrangements Shaped like Christmas Trees
- Artificial Small Christmas Trees
- Collectible Christmas Trees

While most online stores showcase 2, 3, or 5 tabletop Christmas trees, we work with a variety of online shops to bring you over 20 different miniature tabletop Christmas trees.

Mini Christmas Tree Offers:
ProFlowers - Save $15 Off Santa's Workshop Mini Christmas Tree, Now $24.99, Now through 12/22/11
Click Here for other Flower, Plant and Gift Basket Coupons and Offers

Happy Holidays

Rus J - The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center for Christmas Gifts, Gift Exchange Gifts, Unusual Gifts and Holiday Fun!
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

Gourmet Gingerbread House - Cute, Tasty and Fun Family & Office Gifts

Gingerbread Houses are holiday decorations that are fun to look at and delicious to eat. This year a few really caught our eyes and wanted to share them with you.

Why we have a page on How to Make Your Own Gingerbread House, sometimes you just don't have the skills, time and patience to make and give your own. In that case we found several Gourmet Gingerbread House that can be shipped and enjoyed by loved ones.

The first two Gingerbread Houses are made with a spicy gingerbread, held together with tasty icing and decorated with the finest gumdrops, treats and a Happy Holidays greeting.

We found both of these at Shari's Berries and also have a 15% Off Coupon that helps make buying this Gingerbread House a real treat!

The nice thing about the Shari's Berries Coupon is that it is automatically applied to your cart at check if you follow the link. Please note though that this 15% Off Coupon - Expires 12/23/11 and is good on any Gourmet Gift over $29.

The other Gourmet Gingerbread House was discovered at Harry & David's and has more of a rustic country look with a front porch and benches.

With a high pitched roof and a bright chimney this Gingerbread house is ready for Santa and Christmas eve. We love the little touches that include peppermint candy pillows, graham cracker benches and the wreath on the door. It's so amazing you might not want to eat it, but after one little nibble you just might not be able to stop yourself!

Right Now Harry & David is offering Free Shipping on Holiday Gifts over $99 with code: HDJOY This offer runs through 12/31/11.

FYI - Stay on Top of a variety of Gourmet & Gift Basket Coupon Codes on our Coupon Page. And we have a variety of Holiday Gift Baskets too.

Happy Holidays

Rus J - The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center for Christmas Gifts, Gift Exchange Gifts, Unusual Gifts and Holiday Fun!
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

Jumping Bull Puts Bouncy Balls to Shame - Plus You Can Save 36% Now

A bouncy ball is interesting but a Bouncy Jumping Bull or Dinosaur is Cool! Who wouldn't want to race around the yard on that? Now on Sale for a Limited Time! This Deal Ends 11:59p central, Friday, December 2, 2011 or until supplies run out.

Fun Toddler Gift

What 18 month old to 3 year old wouldn't get excited playing in the yard or just sitting on a Bouncy Bull? It would be fun it you are just watching tv and just think how jealous all the other 2 and 3 years olds in the neighborhood will be. These gifts are sure to inspire creative play and calls for play dates at your house.

And at such a great price you can pick up a herd of Jumping Bulls or Running Dinosaurs.

However, if you like Jumping Bulls you need to act fast as it is a limited time offer and This Deal Ends 11:59p central, Friday, December 2, 2011 or until supplies run out.

Act now and surprise your little guy or girl with an unexpected gift they will enjoy all year long.

Happy Holidays

Rus J - The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center for Christmas Gifts, Gift Exchange Gifts, Unusual Gifts and Holiday Fun!
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

Citrus Gift Fruit - Fresh, Healthy and So Good

It's so common to send candy, chocolates and popcorn tins, but have you thought about sending healthy citrus gift fruit?

I am not talking about apples, pears or bananas here, like you find in a fruit basket, but the best of the best citrus fruit. Navel Oranges, Sweet Ruby Red Grapefruit, Honeybells and more. Living in Florida, I am lucky to find these awesome gems at farmers markets and gift fruit stores.

However I have to share a little secret, while the oranges, grapefruit and honeybells I can buy are good they are the ones rejected from the gift fruit line!

Yes, the best of the best navel oranges, ruby red grapefruits and varieties of citrus are shipped out to friends and family across the US. So you actually, get better produce than I do and I live here.

Plus oranges and other citrus is so good for you, it is the perfect gift for those that live a healthy lifestyle or need more fruits in their diet. In fact, while you are order gift fruit for loved ones you should pick up some for yourself too. Seriously, you can't go wrong!

Where to buy Gift Fruit and Citrus Gift Baskets and Boxes
Hale Groves Offers Florida Indian River Citrus (10% Off Coupon Below)
Hale Indian River Groves is located in Indian River County near Vero Beach and Wabasso, the very heart of the famous Indian River Citrus Belt. Shipping/Serviceable Areas - CANADA , UNITED STATES


Cushman's Fruit Company (Free Shipping Coupon Below)
They are located in West palm Beach, Florida and are known for their Honeybells.


Both these Gift Fruit Shippers offers wonderful products and Holiday themed Citrus Gifts, so check them out and Happy Holidays. View more Holiday Gift Baskets on our site Gift Idea Center.

Rus J - The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center for Christmas Gifts, Gift Exchange Gifts, Unusual Gifts and Holiday Fun!
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

Forever Lazy inspired by Teletubbies?

While watching TV I ran across the Forever Lazy commercial and noticed people wearing this one piece over-sized jumper that is a mix between a Teletubbie and a Snuggie.


What I loved about the commercial is how these people are so lazy that they wear the Forever Lazy to sleep, out on the deck, to a tailgating party and to the stadium too. Now that is lazy!

After watching a minute or two of the Forever Lazy commercial though I felt I had scene this before and when they showed the vented back so you can easily make a bathroom run, it hit me.

Teletubbies, yes these over-sized blanket garments are just Teletubbie costumes for lazy people.

So now you know what to get the 26 year old man or woman who still lives with their parents.This really is the perfect gift for the laziest person you know!

The real disappointment with Forever Lazy is that the colors are so drab, it would be so much more fun to have bold colors like yellow, lime green and purple to go along with the pink.

We were so inspired by the Forever Lazy that we added it to our list Most Unusual Gifts of 2011, where we put together our favorite unique and odd gifts.

Where to buy Forever Lazy
Forever Lazy on Ebay
Forever Lazy on Amazon

Rus J - The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center for Christmas Gifts, Gift Exchange Gifts, Unusual Gifts and Holiday Fun!
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

Delicious Handmade Peppermint Bark on Sale!

A cool wind blows in a wintery chill, the scent of pine is in the air and as you come inside the warmth of a fire greets you.

Now add hot cocoa and delectable peppermint bark, while you relax with friends as the glow of your tree illuminates the room.

The Holidays are made of special memories, help create them by sending the a holiday favorite Handmade Peppermint Bark to friends and family. This mix of dark chocolate, white confection and candy canes is sure to be a holiday favorite and a gift to be enjoyed.

And now you can Save 20% off Handmade Peppermint Bark when you order through this link until 12/22/11.

Peppermint Bark is a seasonal gift, so be sure to place your order today as it won't be around all winter.
This Special Offer on Peppermint Bark expires on 12/22/11.

For more gourmet gifts, check out our Holiday Gift Baskets.

Rus J - The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center for Christmas Gifts, Gift Exchange Gifts, Unusual Gifts and Holiday Fun!
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

Hot Guys with Baby Animals Calendar Just 1 of 100 Most Ususual Gifts of 2011

Hot Guys with Baby Animals 2012 made our list of Unusual Gifts 2011.

Yes what could be more adorable then 6 pack abs and fuzzy cute little animals in a convenient monthly calendar; well since Hot Guys with Baby Animals has become a yearly calendar I guess nothing.

But who is this gift for teenagers??? Grandma??? Cougars??? or a fun gift for your office co-worker. While we think it is an odd gift, it is quite popular.

The Hot Guys with baby Animals is just one of our 100 Most Unusual Gifts of 2011. Why many of these gifts are a little odd we are sure that they are right for someone. Well almost right for someone, I am not sure that the Hillbilly Briefcase is really good for anything other than a laugh. 

But the Darth Vader Bread Imprinting Toaster might bring joy to your Star Wars fanatic and actually make him or her look forward to breakfast each morning.

And the Refrigerator Pets might be something a Hello Kitty fan or might enjoy or be a helpful reminder to kids to close the fridge door.

At Gift Idea Center, we feel their is a gift recipient for almost every gift and sometimes the most unusual Christmas gifts turn out to be the most useful and enjoyed. So be sure to check out our Most Unusual Christmas Gifts of 2011!

Rus J - The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center for Christmas Gifts, Gift Exchange Gifts, Unusual Gifts and Holiday Fun!
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

Our 100 Best Holiday Gift Exchange Gifts List is Back!

As the Holiday Season approaches the upcoming Holiday Gift Exchange looms large and the pressure to come up with a fun, interesting and unique gift exchange gift grows every year.

No Worries as Gift Idea Center is back with our 100 Best Holiday Gift Exchange Gifts!

We got such a great response last year we brought back last years favorites like Baconaise, Star Trek bottle opener, Unicorn Meat and Bacon items.
Plus we have added new items like

Angry Birds Plush


Duct Tape Mug


Ninja Star Push Pins























And check out all of our Best Gift Exchange Gifts to find that office gift or friendly gift exchange gift for holiday parties. Please note that as items sell out we will update and add new gift exchange gifts to our list.

Plus if you like these check out our Christmas Gifts, Unusual Gifts 2011 and Christmas Shop to get you in the Holiday Spirit.

Rus J - The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center for Christmas Gifts, Gift Exchange Gifts, Unusual Gifts and Holiday Fun!
Gift Idea Center may receive compensation if a product is purchased via blog links.

10 Better Ways to Spend One Dollar

I read this article 10 Smart Ways to Spend One Dollar by Madeline Scinto and had to blog because I thought it was just terrible.

So I wondered if I could come up with 10 Better was to spend one dollar and maybe even discover ways to profit from that $1! A unique challenge indeed, but let us first review her Top 10:

1. Feed a family in India for One Day
2. Prepare a Vegetable Meal - At my farmer's market that would equal 1 green pepper.
3. Get Sweet Threads at a Thrift Store - Not sure what thrift she shops at but $1 won't buy anything nice at my local thrifts maybe $5 or $10 but not $1.
4. Support your Favorite Artist - I guess this refers to iTunes where songs cost $1.29 and older ones .99 cents. LIKE
5. Spring for a Small Gift Like Candy - After she notes candy is a waste of money, she offers the idea of buying it for others.
6. Purchase Wine with a friend and drink away. Hmm, we don't have $2 wine here.
7. Buy a Used Book - I have an idea that is better.
8. Put Air in Your Tires or Vacuum your Car. LIKE
9. Buy an International Calling Card - Only good if you have someone to call far away.
10. Put it in the Bank - in 52 Weeks you'll have $52 dollars, unless bank fees eat it up and then you'll be lucky to have $5 left.

Here are my 10 Better Ways to Spend $1 Dollar
1. Look for a Special on Canned Vegetables, Buy as many as you can for a dollar and give to a food bank.

2. Sell Something on Ebay - A Listing is less than $1 and you can clear your clutter and earn more than a $1 in return.

3. Instead of Buying a Book, Go to the Library and Borrow a Book on Money or Do it Yourself Activities or Crafts. The knowledge will help you save more money in the future and you can donate the $1 to the library.

4. Pick up a Business or Finance App for your Phone that Save you Time or Helps You Stay Organized.

5. Buy a Piece of Seasonal Fruits - Apples, Oranges or other fall fruits taste great and are good for you.

6. Buy 2 Stamps - Write a real letter to family, friends or a niece / nephew. In the world of deleted emails and facebook postings, a real letter is even more special and speaks volumes about your friendship.

7. Make People Laugh - Go to the craft store buy a bag of googly eyes and bring home. Attach to all the items in the fridge or medicine cabinet. I have to say it will look silly, but is good for a laugh. FYI - The eyes don't always stick to cold items. (Not recommend if you have small kids or dogs that eat things that drop on the floor.

8. Hand Sanitizer - It's the time of year for colds, so be prepared for holiday greetings and keep yourself healthy.

9. Buy the Sunday Paper - Ok this might be $1 or $1.50 in some places, but this time of year the coupons and sales information in often can save you much more than the cost of the paper. In my experience, my paper saves me $10 - 20 on things I was going to buy anyways so I actually save money by purchasing it.

10. I'll borrow they 2 ideas I liked from the original post:
Support Artist - Music change your mood in an instant so this is well spent.
Put Air in your Tires - Impacts Milage and Saves money.

Basically, I think my ideas give you a better chance to either increase your chance for Return on Investment on your health, finances, time or goodwill.

Happy Holidays and Happy Spending that $1!

Russ - The Gift Guy
Gift Idea Center - Check out Great Christmas Gift Ideas, Our Best Gift Exchange Gifts and See what made it on our Unusual Gifts 2011
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Cars 2 Tee Shirts, PJ's and Underwear All for the Wearing

Boys and Cars 2 go together like peanut butter and jelly. It's a no brainer that lil guys everywhere will be lining up to see the latest adventurers of Lightning McQueen, Mater and a cast of new Cars 2 characters.

With any Disney animated movie comes a lot of fun merchandise including Cars 2 Tees, Shirts, Sneakers and even Underwear! We have pulled together 100 Cars 2 items and wanted to feature our favorite Cars 2 clothing items, so you can find the coolest outfit for your little racer.


For the Guys who take pride in knowing all the Cars 2 characters, this organic Cars 2 t-shirt from the Disney Store is likely to be a big hit as it includes 18 characters from the new Cars 2 movie.

Cars 2 characters include Lightning McQueen, Mater, Guido and Luigi meet new characters: Jeff Gorvette, Zen Master Pitty, Max Schnell, Rod ''Torque'' Redline and more!



Sometimes its more fun to wear cool underwear than a t-shirt, because during summer it's to hot for shirts! Your little guy is sure going to have a tough time deciding which Cars 2 underwear to wear each day. Should it be Lightning McQueen or his Racing Rivals from Cars 2, Francesco Bernoulli and Shu Todoroki.



For those little boys who love getting into things, this Cars 2 Team Mater mechanic shirt is so cool and comes with Mater prominently featured as part of Team Tow Mater. This shirt looks cool and kids will enjoy checking out the patches and wearing it while playing with their Cars characters and toys. This is one of 2 mechanic shirts, the other one features Lightning McQueen.



Perfect for summer sleeping or just racer around the house at super speeds these Cars 2 PJ's make sleeping and being awake more fun for kids. Plus there are several other PJ options including a Mater and Finn McMissile pjs.

The World Grand Prix is the setting for this comfy Short Lightning McQueen Disney Cars 2 PJ Pal. Lightning leads Francesco Bernoulli, Shu Todoroki and your little racer on a course to victorious dreams.


For those kids that love real interactive play a Cars 2 costume might just be the best gift of all! Know they can truely be part of the Lightning McQueen team and suit up any time for instant Cars 2 fun.

And they'll light up in more ways than one when they wear their Cars 2 Costume. Flashing red lights add a fun feature to this Lightning McQueen racing suit that has lots of great artwork and is sure to make your young one feel he's on a winning team.

Didn't find exactly what you are looking for, well that is okay as we have more Cars 2 merchandise including:
- Cars 2 Light Up Sneakers
- Cars 2 Flip Flops
- More Cars 2 T-shirts
- Cars 2 Backpacks

All these items can be found in our Cars 2 Store, where we pull together popular and unique Cars 2 merchandise from top stores so you can see all the great items in one place.

Please note our Cars 2 Store will be online for several weeks and some items have a limited supply, so if you see something you like orders today or it might just disappear.

The Gift Guy
For Birthday Gifts, Special Occasions and all your Gift Giving Needs Gift Idea Center
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Celebrate Fun with Cars 2 Birthday Party Supplies

Have a little guy who is having a Birthday and loves Cars, Lightning McQueen, Mater and is excited for Disney Pixar's Cars 2? Well then a Cars 2 Birthday Party might be in order for their special day.

Our Cars 2 Shop showcases 100 Cars 2 toys, clothes and furniture, but we also found some great Cars 2 party supplies that we thought we would share we our readers.

Here are our favorite Cars 2 Party Items
- Disney's Cars 2 Deluxe Party Pack
- Disney Cars Pinata
- Cars 2 Party Invitations & Thanks You Notes
- Cars 2 Table Center Piece
- Cars 2 Temporary Tattoo's & Stickers
- A Lightning McQueen Cakepan
- Cars 2 Rubber Bandz Bracelets
- Various Cars 2 Themed party Games
- Cars 2 Cake Topper
- Personalized Cars Party Banner
- And even a Fun Cars 2 Lawn Water Slide

All these items can be found in our Cars 2 Store, where we pull together popular and unique Cars 2 merchandise from top stores so you can see all the great items in one place.

Please note our Cars 2 Store will be online for several weeks and some items have a limited supply, so if you see something you like orders today or it might just disappear.

The Gift Guy
For Birthday Gifts, Special Occasions and all your Gift Giving Needs Gift Idea Center
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Nikko Pearl Cresent China - Limited Bonus Offer

Just found out about a special dinnerware savings / bonus offer that is a REAL Dinnerware Deal!

Here is the Deal:
Purchase one 5 piece Place Setting of Nikko Pearl Crescent China and get a FREE Rim Soup Bowl and an Accent Plate!

We found this Nikko Pearl Crescent Promotion at Dinnerware Depot and if you order 2 or more place setting they will ship you order for Free.

Why we like this Dinnerware Promotion:
1. The regular place setting runs around $100 with MSRP being $160
2. The Bonus Dishes with this offer run around $80 with MSRP being $110
3. So you are really getting a 7 piece place setting for the cost of a 5 piece
4. And If you purchase 2 Sets they ship Free!
5. So in this case we get a Great Deal, Free Shipping w/ 2 place settings and we don't have to drive to get it.

Please note this is a limited time offer based on stock, so it ends when they sell out of the promotional items.

About Dinnerware Depot
Dinnerware Depot is based in Florida and has been in business since 1999 selling dinnerware, fine china and kitchen items from over 100 famous brands.

The Gift Guy - Gift Idea Center
Great Gift Ideas for Birthdays, Holidays and Special Ocassions

100 Cars 2 Toys, Gifts & Party Supplies in Our Cars 2 Shop

Just in time for the release of Disney's Cars 2, we've put together 100 of our favorite Cars 2 toys and merchandise from our favorite online stores.

So now you can find unique Cars 2 clothing items, like the Disney Store's Team Lightning McQueen Mechanic Shirt, Lego Cars 2 kits from Target, Cars 2 fun rubber bandz from Birthday in a Box, a Mater bubble machine from Kohls, a Lightning McQueen costume from Costume Express, water slides, flip flops, Cars 2 underwear, sneakers and lots more from stores like Sears, Walmart, Shindigz, Boscov's and more.

While we do have an assortment of Cars 2 toys, we also have some unexpected items like cars 2 ride -on cars for kids, Lightning McQueen beds, rugs and a chair, bicycles, a scooter and a tricycle, collector pins and Cars 2 backpacks.

At Gift Idea Center we search the web for unique items Cars 2 toys, tee shirts & merchandise from top online stores. That way you can save time and find a variety of great Cars 2 toys, gifts and party supplies without having to visit over a dozen stores on your own.

Please note our Cars 2 Store will be online for several weeks and many clothing items have a limited supply, so if you see something you like orders today or it might just disappear.

The Gift Guy
For Birthday Gifts, Special Occasions and all your Gift Giving Needs Gift Idea Center

iPad + Joystick = Great Father's Day Gift

If Dad is a tech junkie and grew up in the 80's then the perfect gift to remind him that he is a kind at heart is the Joystick-It!
The Joystick-It allows you to add a real joystick to a tablet computer or iPad and play games just like when he was a kid. This amazing device works with 1,000's of different video games and will not harm the screen.

Not only will Dad enjoy playing Classic Arcade games but his moves and actions will be more precise so he will have more fun playing the games too!

If you think your Dad would have a blast playing classic video games with a Joystick-It then learn more about Joystick-It now.

The Joystick-It makes iPad's and Andriod Tablet Computers more fun. So order Dad a JoyStick-It for Father's Day and turn his iPad into his own personal arcade!

Have fun and Happy Father's Day!
Find over 100 more Father's Day Gifts including DIY Gifts, Gift Baskets and Personalized Gifts at Gift Idea Center.

The Gift Guy - Gift Idea Center
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Best Gift for Harry Potter Dad's - A Remote Control Wand!

If your Dad loves the Harry Potter book and movies than a real Magic Wand that can actually make magic happen might be the best gift for Dad for Father's Day.

Note these aren't the Harry Potter wands you find are Universal Studios, Wizarding World of Harry Potter nor the ones on the Warner Bros. website, but rather a real wand that Dad can teach to turn on the tv, turn up the volume and basically anything that a remote controller can do!


I gave one to my Dad for Christmas and he loves it, while the Remote Control Magic Wand has 13 unique actions we could only get 10 to work consistently. However it is amazing that with a flick of the wrist and a special charm if you like you can turn on or off a fan, room ac unit, tv and even lighting if you have a remote for it.

My Dad loved this so much, he actually was looking for items that use remotes so he cool turn them on and off using the wand!

And for anyone into entertaining kids or just wanting to show off some magical talent the Remote Control Magic Wand is a perfect way to activate lights and props! Also a great Birthday Gift for Harry Potter fans too!

Have fun and Happy Father's Day!
Find over 100 more Father's Day Gifts including DIY Gifts, Gift Baskets and Personalized Gifts at Gift Idea Center.

The Gift Guy - Gift Idea Center
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