Amazon.com $50 Gift Card (0109)

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Retail Price: $50.00

Amazon Price: $50.00

There’s always some sort of situation where you need last minute gift ideas and you don’t know where to turn. You might be buying a last-minute gift for your mother-in-law, a spouse, or even a child.  Some people rush to work on the last day of the office gathering, suddenly remembering that they had secret Santa duties, and they need a last-minute gift for that.

Don't panic if you haven't yet bought a gift for that special someone.  There are all sorts of last-minute gift ideas for Christmas 2009.  The Internet can be your best friend when it comes to finding solutions for Christmas gifts.  You can find something suitable for everyone.  For instance, a gift certificate to a major store will always be a hit.  Plus, it’s suitable for both genders and all ages.

You can buy online gift cards to places like eBay, Amazon.com, Target, Best Buy, and more.  Most people who are in a panic for a last-minute Christmas gift usually stop by a 24-hour drugstore, such as Walgreens or CVS pharmacy.  All that you're going to find here are cheap substitutes for a special gift that you could have purchased online instead.

When you buy an online gift certificate, the company will usually give you the option of having an announcement emailed directly to the recipient.  Or, print out the purchase details, stick it in an envelope, and give that as a Christmas gift.

No one needs to know that the gift that you purchased was a last-minute one.  If you don't have access to the Internet at the exact time that you need the gift, you can always stop by your local grocery store and find gift cards there.  It's best if you can tailor your gift card to the person's interests.

For example, for the do it yourself man, you might pick up a $50 gift card to Home Depot or Lowe's.  Another great option, for a sports fan, might be to get a gift card to the MLB shop online, where they can purchase their choice of fan gear.

Teenagers will love a gift card to Best Buy.  Here, they can buy video games, consoles, cell phones and accessories, movies, and many more technical gadgets of their choosing.  This type of gift card is great for grownups too.

Another perfect type of gift card is a Visa or American Express gift card. When you buy this type of gift certificate, it works just like a debit card – and your recipient can use it anywhere that Visa or American Express is accepted.

Another great last minute gift idea is cold, hard cash. While it sounds impersonal, kids and teenagers will LOVE it. They prefer to get money over having an uninformed grown-up buy them a gift they won’t like. And you can pick up a simple cash gift greeting card to stick it in.

If this scenario describes you, there is hope. You can do a little investigative research to discover the perfect Christmas gift for the special women in your life. And you don’t have to ask outright, just be a sleuth! Start listening to what they say they are doing for enjoyment.

Did she mention how her feet are killing her or do you see her analyzing her chipped fingernails on a regular basis? A nice pedicure-manicure combination would make any woman appreciative. If you have the funds, splurge for the deluxe spa version.

If it’s your wife, take a look on her bookshelves one day. Is there a certain author she’s fond of? If so, look online and see if there’s a new book out by that person. You can also find recommendations that say, “if you like (author’s name), then you might also like this…”

Is she always in a baking mood? You don’t have to worry about offending a woman by giving her a kitchen utensil if it’s something she’ll really love. For instance, is she using a handheld mixer?

If so, you can replace it with a standing mixer so that she is able to multitask as she works her way around the kitchen. A slow cooker is also a welcomed kitchen gift idea because it means less work is involved for making dinner.

Consider some technical gifts this year, too. A GPS system for her car, a Blu Ray disc player, or a new HDTV might be something she’d never splurge on for herself. If she’s a book addict like we mentioned earlier, then you might consider giving her instant access to a whole library of titles on a new Amazon Kindle or Sony eReader.

Here are a few more women gift ideas:

• Fitness GPS wristwatch if she likes to exercise outdoors
• Fragrance gift set that includes her favorite scent
• MP3 player with a gift card to iTunes
• Digital camera
• Microfiber bathrobe

There’s no end to the women gift ideas you can conjure up if you just keep your eyes open and see what she likes and what she might need. And if worst comes to worst, you can always give her an online gift certificate and let her do the gift choosing herself!

Strike up a conversation with them. Listen to their opinions. Are they very political? Then they may like a book by a political author, such as Glen Beck or Sarah Palin for Republicans or Obama for Democrats.

Someone who’s into horror or mystery might appreciate Stephen King’s new Under the Dome book – his latest release. Find out if they like his work before splurging on it, and if they do, but have already read it, then consider another similar author like Dean Koontz.

Is the person into self help autobiographies? Andre Agassi’s new book Open shares his true tale of drug addiction and failed marriages and shows how he came back from the brink of despair to start a new and better life for himself.

The special person in your life might appreciate a collectible coffee table book. You can find some great coffee table books on Norman Rockwell, Cartier, home decorating, rock bands, and more.

Another savvy book gift idea is to give someone a Kindle or Sony eReader. These are actually wireless reading devices that let your recipient download a full book in under 60 seconds – and hold a whole library of choices on their e-reader at any time.

You can pair this with a gift certificate they can use on Amazon or at the Sony eReader store to purchase titles they prefer. You can pre-load it if you know what they want, and even subscribe to magazines and newspapers for them!

And don’t forget this book gift concept: get your gift recipient an audiobook! Not every book is in hardback or paperback format. For people who travel a lot, an audiobook is a perfect gift selection.

Current bestsellers in audiobooks are Sarah Palin’s Going Rogue, the Complete Audio Bible, Bill O’Reilly’s A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity memoir, and Glen Beck’s Arguing With Idiots.

When buying books, gift ideas are in endless supply. You simply have to be aware of the preferences of your gift recipient and then meet their needs. Or, give them a gift certificate to a bookstore (online or local) and let them browse the latest choices themselves!

For women, a handbag isn’t just about a bag. It’s an extension of their  personality. Whether they go for a hippie chic style or a more reserved brown  leather, you can find a color and style that will fit perfectly with any woman’s  unique personality at a price that’s easy to afford.

Buying a handbag shows that you put some thought into the gift. There are a few  things you need to be aware though before choosing a handbag for someone. Among  handbag users, there are certain must haves.

Some women must have a handbag that zips closed at the top. Some don’t mind an  open purse where everything can be easily accessed. Still others prefer a handbag  that’s deep with separate inside pockets for organized storing. Slim and shallow  handbags are the top pick for others.

If you plan to buy a handbag for a woman you care about, you should know her  preferences. You can figure that out by paying attention to what she’s carrying  now. If the colors are muted and the handbag small, then purchasing one that’s  oversized with bright swirls probably wouldn’t be your best idea.

Regardless of a particular style, with such a wide selection to choose from, you can find a handbag to please even the toughest connoisseur of handbags. Below are four handbags that make great Christmas gifts for women.

1. G by Guess Cassandra Satchel

With a vintage appeal and a soft glamorous  look, this designer handbag is great for a night out on the town. It's also ultra  roomy for all of her essentials. The handbag is designed with dual braided  shoulder straps, a top zip closure, silver-tone hardware and logo, front snap  pocket and back zip pocket.

2. Lesportsac Deluxe Everyday Bag

With the wide choices of designs and  attractive colors, you’ll find something that will delight any woman. These  handbags can go from Little League to an upscale French restaurant on the same  day and fit right in. They’re gorgeous and built to last for many years to come.

3. Lesportsac Classic Hobo

You’ll also find that one of the handbags that make  great Christmas gifts for women is the Leportsac Classic Hobo. This lightweight  classic hobo features an adjustable strap and two external zippered pockets.  The included cosmetic bag is an extra treat and big enough to carry all of her  favorite beauty needs.

4. KATHY Van Zeeland Money Talks Belt Shopper

Here's another hot handbag gift  idea. With this nod to great fashion, you can choose from a variety of colors to  fit day or night wear and look good no matter what event is happening. The sueded  fabric body looks remarkably rich, and exterior pockets provide a handy spot for  small, most-needed items.

Thanks to online shopping, you’ll be able to find these as well as hundreds of  different handbags for the women in your life. There's no end to the selection of  handbags that make great Christmas gifts for women.

KATHY VAN ZEELAND SATCHEL HANDBAG ZEBRA BROWN KA 102

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Kathy Van Zeeland Handbag Purse Brown KA 305

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KATHY Van Zeeland 3 Compartments Satchel LeopardKA 559

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Kathy Van Zeeland Flirtini Belt Shopper Gray

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Kathy van zeeland handbag black

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1. Halloween Boo Bag

Want to really spook your trick or treaters this year? Candy is always a good choice.  Imagine the look on their faces when they reach for a chocolate skull, tombstone, or  scary bat in their goody bag. They may think twice about satisfying their sweet tooth  just then!

2. Rhinestone Skull Earrings

Here's a great treat to add to a fright night costume. These Rhinestone Skull earrings add just the right mix creepiness to spook family, friends or even the neighborhood cat.

3.  Halloween Basket

A Halloween basket is also a great gift to send those you want to wish a Happy  Halloween. Filled with freshly-made Cookies and fudge brownies, you're sure to make a  fan.

4.  Scary Berries

Here's a bit of a twist on Halloween treats - scary berries. These succulent  strawberries are made to order, hand-dipped and decorated with nuts, orange icing, or  jack-o-lantern faces. With a festive look and a luxurious taste, these berries will be  the hit of any Halloween party!

5.  Happy Haunting of America

If you're planning on hosting or attending a fright night movie marathon on Halloween,  this DVD is a must have. It provides a Chilling Ride of Terror with Horror Celebrities  through the most Frightful Haunted Houses across America. Blood Curdling Screams!  Scary Monsters of the Night! There's no escape from the Horrific Zombies and grueling  Ghosts! Don't Turn Off The Lights...and if you are afraid of the dark, be Scared! Be  Very Scarred!

6.  Coffin Flask

The coffin flask is a great gift for those who like to bring their own drink. This  classic toe pincher style coffin shaped flask is sure to make a dead man party. Made  of quality stainless steel, this flask will hold 3.5 oz of their favorite poison.

7.  Blood Heart Cross

This gothic style heart necklace makes a beautifully wicked Halloween gift. It  signifies the sacrifice and imprisonment of the heart. The cross is cast and hand-made  in fine English pewter with a red enamelled heart, on an antique finish belcher chain.

8.  Halloween Roses

The lush and vibrant orange hue of these fresh-cut roses is a perfect way to say  “Happy Halloween.” No matter the case or the event, a bouquet of Halloween Roses  accented with baby’s breath adds a bright blast of color to any special occasion.

9.  Halloween Totes

What's better than 1 frighteningly fun friend? Why two, of course. Great for the  kiddies in your life, each adorably delicious monster tote pair arrives with 36  Nibblers® bite size cookie, 24 brownie bites, 2 Frosted Bat cookies and 2 frosted  ghost cookies.

10. Pumpkin Painting Guide

To round out our list of Top 10 Halloween gift ideas, we can't forget about pumpkins.  In less than one hour, you and your child can create the most adorable pumpkin craft  ready to proudly display in your home. Pumpkin Painting is the perfect activity for  little goblins who aren’t old enough to handle the jack-o-lantern carving duties.

1. Voice-Activated Surfboard Remote Control

Most Dad's love to chill out in front of the TV. Whether it's to watch their favorite sports team or the latest cop show, many hours are logged in front of the tube. This cool voice-activated television remote will take channel surfing to the next level and make you a gift giving superstar in the process.

2. USB Turntable

If your Dad is old enough to still own some vinyl records, then he'll certainly be in for a treat with this USB Turntable. With a few clicks, he can bring his old vinyl into the new millennium and rip his favorite, classic tunes into MP3 format.

3. Faulkner Zero Gravity XL Recliner

With summer approaching, now's a good time to get Dad a decent lounging chair. Whether by the pool or on the front porch watching you mow the lawn, this recliner puts the "c" in comfort and designed for easy storage, travel and more.

4. Cigar Sampler

If your Dad appreciates a good cigar from time to time, then the Powerhouse Double Corona Sampler is just for him. He'll get twenty-five of the most popular premium house-brand smokes – 5 El Gringo, 5 Wall Street, 5 Toro Bravo, 5 La Salle, and 5 Manolete.

5. Men's 10K Gold Poker Ring

Nothing speaks intimidation like this bold, men's heart, spade, club and diamond poker ring. Your Dad's poker buddies, will definitely think twice before calling his bluff at the next Texas Hold 'Em night.

6. LA Lakers Men's Pro II Watch

Everybody loves a winner. And with a Laker watch, you can't go wrong. Game in and game out, Kobe will bring the game home. With this watch, Dad can get in on the fun.

7. Wine of the Month Club

Give the gift that keeps on giving. Each month Dad will receive two bottles of wine from two different award-winning wineries worldwide and you can choose to receive all red wine, all white wine, or a bottle of each. You can get a 3, 6, or 12-month club membership.

8. An Xperience Gift

If Dad is the adventurous type, then an Xperience gift is just the route to go. From a NASCAR ride to Skydiving, you're sure to find something to peak Dad's interest and give him a memory for a lifetime.

9. Digital Voice Photo Frame

A picture may say a thousand words, but this cool digital voice photo frame actually lets you record them. With the simple touch of a button, Dad can record a message for each of his favorite photos...even the one's depicting your most embarassing moments.

10. Gift Certificate

With a gift certificate, you can never go wrong. This option is particularly good for the lazy among you...you know how you are. So, at least take the time to customize a nice gift certificate for dear old Dad and let him choose his Father's Day gift.

1. A Spa Day – Make Her Feel Good

While a trip to the spa can be pricey, it’s worth every penny to relax and renew your mom. You can choose anything from a manicure and pedicure to a full body massage and facial. This gift is the ultimate in pampering.

2. And She’s Got To Look Good

Is there enough room for one more shoe box in your mom’s closet? If you answered anything other than yes, try again. Mom can never run out of shoes and a purse to match.

3. Don’t Forget the Smell Good

Not only do moms like to feel good and look good, they like to smell good too! Get her some luxury bath and body products for her own on demand pampering.

4. Add Some Bling For The Queen

Whether it’s a pendant or some glowing earrings, a little ice makes everything nice.

5. Give Her A Shopping Day

For better or for worse, most moms live to shop. No matter what your budget, you can give her a gift certificate and let her shop until her heart is content.

6. Dinner On You

Now that she’s all primped and pampered, give mom a day off from cooking. If you have trouble boiling water, treat mom to a lunch or dinner cruise and you’ll be the hero of the day and maybe get some points to last throughout the year.

7. Provide Some Cinema Therapy

There’s nothing like relaxing after a long day with dinner and your favorite movie. Purchase mom a Dinner and a Movie Club Membership and let her feel special all year long. Membership includes dinner, a Blockbuster gift card and gourmet popcorn.

8. Soothe Her Feet

What mom doesn’t enjoy a good foot massage? HoMedics Heated Foot Massager gives mom’s toes a break. Add a pair of comfortable slippers and she will be forever grateful.

9. Capture The Day

Now some of us have moms with selective memory. The best way to overcome this problem is to get her an easy to use digital camera to capture the day and document those memories she tends to forget.

10. Share The Day

Mom is feeling good, smelling good and looking good. Give her that little extra something so she can continue to cherish that moment for years to come. A portable digital photo album frame will not only allow her to savor the memories, but allow her to show off to all of her friends.

Marked by green food, green clothes and green beer, St. Patrick’s Day may not be considered the holiest day of the year. But, it’s definitely a lot of fun. From strangers using your lack of green attire as an excuse to pinch your buttocks and more, St. Patrick’s Day is filled with opportunities to find a leprechaun and his treasured pot of gold. While it isn’t customary to give out gifts on St. Patrick’s Day, there’s no harm in spreading a bit of leprechaun love anyway.  And you can start with my top ten St. Paddy’s Day gifts for all your family and friends.

1.   For You - How to Fight a DUI Arrest

Now I’m not suggesting that you would be irresponsible enough to drink and drive, but just in case you may show signs of intoxication, you can use this guide to either avoid getting arrested in the first place or to prove your innocence if you do. This is a good glove compartment companion. And remember, don’t let the beer and wine spirits get the best of you.

2.  For Your Dad - Beer of the Month Club

If your Dad is a lager lover, ale aficionado, malt master, pilsner perfectionist, or just enjoys trying new brews -- this is the perfect gift in time for St. Patrick’s Day! He'll receive a new beer sampler from an award-winning American micro-brewery each month.

3. For Your Mom - McSteven's Luck O' the Irish Green Hot Chocolate

There’s nothing like starting off your morning or ending your night with a nice cup of green hot chocolate on St. Paddy’s Day. Your mom will love this as she cuddles up to watch her favorite Irish movies.

4. For the Kids – Shamrock Fun Pail

For this festive holiday, the kids will love a Shamrock Fun Pail filled with premium Cheese and White Cheddar popcorn, 2 shamrock butter cookies, chocolate shamrocks, fruit sours hard candy and a cute plush bear in a shamrock sweater.

5. For Your Husband or Boyfriend - Personalized Irish Pub 60 oz. Glass Pitcher

No budget to hang out at the Irish pubs this year? Well, he can still drink up and be festive at home with family and friends with his very own personalized Irish Pub Glass Pitcher.

6. For Your Wife or Girlfriend - Lucky Day Personalized Bikini Thong

Want to ensure your luck on St. Patrick’s Day. Get her the Lucky Day Ladies Bikini Thong with your name printed in emerald green with mini shamrocks for an added touch!

7. For Your Bro - Irish Shamrock Personalized Men’s Hooded Sweatshirt

Give that darling brother of yours something to show off his Irish pride. You can have his first, last or nickname embroidered on the chest in metallic gold thread below the emerald green embroidered shamrock. This is perfect casual attire to sport at the annual parade or all year round.

8. For Your Sis – Colin Farrell Poster

Your lovely Irish rose of a sister is crazy about bad boys. To quench her desire, give her a color photo of Ireland’s infamous bad boy, Colin Farrell. She can romanticize about the tattooed womanizing boozehound in the privacy of her own room.

9. For Your Best Mate – Beer Goggles

If your best mate struggles to have fun most days of the year, these Beer Goggles will give them a different perspective on life and get their Irish eyes a smiling. Add a drink or two into the mix and they’ll soon become the life of the party.

10. For the Dog – Leprechaun Pet Costume

There’s no reason why everyone in the house can’t get in on a bit of Irish luck. This leprechaun pet costume may just encourage your pooch to find the end of the rainbow that leads to your pot of gold.

1- Dinner Cruise

Parents are some of the most difficult folks to shop for. (Holla if you hear me!) So, instead of looking for yet another object to buy (that they will probably not figure out how to use anyway), think about an experience that they can treasure for a lifetime. A dinner cruise, complete with dancing, is an exciting and romantic alternative. Gifts can be presented in a unique gift box or sent via e-mail.

2 - NASCAR Experience

NASCAR fans, car buffs and thrill-seekers will appreciate an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a racecar and drive a few laps on some of America's greatest racetracks. And, if they are not quite ready to take the wheel, they can ride shotgun with a professional driver and experience a memorable gift of speed like never before! Gifts can be presented in a unique gift box or sent via e-mail.

3 - Handbag Club

Ladies love handbags. There's one for everyday use, special outfits, shopping, evening wear, parties...the list is endless. There are clutch bags, handbags and shoulder bags. So, if the special lady in your life is a purse junkie, the Handbag Club of the Month is the perfect gift. You can choose a 1-month, 3-month, 6-month or 12-month membership.

4 - One Share

This holiday season may be the best time to take stock…and give it as a gift. With prices down, giving a share of stock is a thoughtful and smart investment, particularly for kids. Kids can begin to learn about the value of equity with a framed share of kid-friendly stock like Mattel or McDonald’s and OneShare’s free illustrated book, Stock Matters: An Introduction to Stocks and Ownership. They also receive the OneShare Start-Up Kit, which contains a Quick Reference Guide, Owner’s Manual and congratulations Card. Ships free of charge with code: FREESHIP2008.

5 - Acer Aspire One Mini Netbook

Good things come in small packages. The Acer Aspire One netbook is a portable device that is great for teens. They can take it anywhere. Its lightweight and easy to tote around at school, the library, over a friends when studying together, or at club meetings. It is the perfect accessory with a built-in wifi port allowing internet connectivity on-the-go. Heck, grades may even improve with this nifty computer.

6 - Wine Club

Wine makes a wonderful gift. You can make it a year-round gift for friends, family and business associates by giving them a gift membership to a Wine of the Month Club. Every month members will receive two bottles of hand selected exceptional wine and more. You can select 3-month, 6-month or 12-month memberships that can include a FREE gift message. You can also print a gift announcement right from your computer.

7 - Golf Ball of Month Club

Almost all golfers like to try new products, so why not give your favorite golfer that gift that allows him or her to receive and play a different brand name golf ball every month. Each month your golfer will receive either a single sleeve or a full box of new brand name golf balls from companies like Taylor Made, Calloway, Titleist, Srixon, Bridgestone, Wilson, Dunlop, Maxfli, Nike, Precept, Slazenger and more. Memberships are available for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.

8 - FitDeck Exercise Playing Cards

This is a great stocking-stuffer for the home exerciser, the traveling exercsier or those who need a jumpstart on an exercise program. The size of a regular deck of cards, each card offers an exercise that requires no equipment. Exercises range from cardio moves (jumping jacks) to strength moves (like pushups) and users can do them in order or make their own workouts. There is a description and picture of each exercise as well as modifications.

9 - Holiday Gift Basket

A Holiday Gift Basket is just the way to send holiday greetings to family and friends who are out of town. No need to worry about buying a gift, preparing it for mailing and hoping the post office delivers it on time. Simply order online and have the holiday basket of your choice delivered directly to your intended recipients.

10 - Barack Obama Inaugural Plate

Gift someone a piece of history with the commemorative 44th President Victory Plate. The plate comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from the American Historic Society. Included is a display stand and bonus limited edition presidential dollar. Yes you can...gift a part of history!

First, be mindful that there is no one solution and that the same thing may not work for everyone. The important lesson here is to pace yourself, and to make sure you are taking care of yourself along the way.

Below are some holiday stress tips to help you have a happy holiday season:

• Get plenty of sleep.
• Eat healthy meals (while at parties, eat smaller portions).
• Get as much exercise as you can.
• Say "no" once in a while. You do not have to be all things to all people.
• Delegate.
• Set a holiday budget.
• Shop Online.
• Avoid excessive alcohol.
• Spend time with fun people.
• Laugh often.

Following these holiday stress tips will enhance your holiday spirit, and diminish your stress. Just lighten up and enjoy yourself this holiday season. You deserve it!