Holidays Information

Make it an Unforgettable Birthday!


The first known birthday celebrations began among the Egyptians with parades, circuses, and gladiatorial events - all complete with feasts that sometimes lasted for days. Romans celebrated the birthdays of their gods with parades and chariot races. Mortals were not encouraged to celebrate their birthdays in Rome. Germany introduced the tradition of birthday cakes about 200 years ago. The cake itself was filled with gifts that predicted the recipient's life in the upcoming year. For example, if the slice of cake contained a ring, it symbolized impending marriage. A coin guaranteed riches throughout the next year. If the cake fell while baking, it ensured impending doom to the one celebrating a birthday. Today, various countries celebrate birthdays in unique ways.

In the United States, the traditional birthday ritual calls for giving gifts to the one celebrating his special day. Selecting the "right" gift depends on the individual, his interests, and how well you know him. Instead of purchasing the "same old" thing, add a unique twist to your birthday gift selections this year and watch out for the positive feedback! Below are several ideas that you may wish to give thought to as you plan your next birthday gift list for every child, teen, or adult in your life.

Birthday Gifts for Children

-A craft-of-the-month complete with a kit is a sure bet to create a happy birthday for any child. Subscriptions usually entail receipt of a kit every month, every two months, or quarterly for one year.

-Magazine subscriptions are also a huge hit with children and a great way to challenge their minds and enhance their knowledge. Popular subscriptions include Highlights, Cobblestone, AppleSeeds, Jack and Jill, Lady Bug, Nickelodean Jr., and Sesame Street.

-Children enjoy individual attention from important people in their lives, i.e. mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, older sibling.

-Give that special child the gift of time - a day out with you complete with lunch, a movie, and/or shopping for the gift of their choice.

Birthday Gifts for Teens

Teens are probably the most difficult age group to buy for. Gift certificates are always a smart gift choice, although the concept requires little creativity. Implement some innovation by creating a unique presentation to an old concept.

-Purchase a book of theater gift certificates and package them in a movie popcorn bucket lined with popcorn printed paper.

-Magazine subscriptions are also a winning idea for teens. Favorites for that age group include Teen, Seventeen, Cosmo Girl, Boys Life, YM, American Cheerleader, Guideposts for Teens, Teen People, and Campus Life.

-Teens love the gift of privileges. A coupon book that includes gifts they can cash in at random times may include an extended curfew, driving the family car on a date or special occasion, control of television or computer, double allowance for one week, etc.

-What teen does not like candy? Check out specialty shops or online resources where you can purchase candy-making supplies and chocolate.

-Present the gifts in a large mixing bowl tied up with cellophane.

Birthday Gifts for Adults

From a family tree planner to a family history wall print, a gift of genealogy is a great pick for assisting the recipient learn about his family heritage and get back to his roots.

-Create a scrapbook of special moments throughout the past year. Include photos from family events and keepsakes that are important to the event. Recapture these moments by journaling the story of the event and quotes from participants. Embellish the pages with stickers, captions, and other items that will enhance the memories for a long time to come.

-Choose a selection of classic books to either add to or start a collection. Several choices to get you started include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Canterbury Tales, Wurthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Scarlet Letter, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Great Expectations, Tom Sawyer, and The Catcher in the Rye.

-Purchase baskets from garage sales and gift shops and fill them with homemade or gourmet jars of pickles, jams, food mixes, and/or fruit.

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don't blow the bank. You can find Great Gift Ideas at her site. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for Gift News her free monthly newsletter.

  


MORE RESOURCES:

Los Angeles Times

Holiday travel in Virginia predicted to increase
Progress Index
About 12000 more people are expected to hit the roads in Virginia this year compared to last year's Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to AAA - an increase of about 1.2 percent over 2011. The numbers are the result of a survey of travel intentions ...
More travelers hitting the roadDaily Comet
Businesses looking up, as shore visits nearCherry Hill Courier Post
Arkansas Weekly Gas Price UpdateNewport Independent

all 1,095 news articles »


New Hampshire Watchdog

Sales tax holiday begins today on hurricane-related items
The Virginian-Pilot
By Carolyn Shapiro Virginia's annual sales tax “holiday” on purchases to prepare for a hurricane begins today and continues through Thursday. The program allows consumers to save the state's 5 percent sales tax on batteries, flashlights, bottled water, ...
Sales tax holiday encourages residents to prepare for disastersChatham Star Tribune
County approves two sales tax holidaysThe Clarion

all 58 news articles »


USA TODAY

National holiday has its roots in the Civil War
The Lamar Ledger
The holiday was quickly officially adopted by many states in the north with all the northern states officially declaring it a holiday by 1890. The southern states held their own observances of the holiday through the latter half of the 19th century ...
Memorial Day: Some facts you should knowAlbany Times Union
Memorial Day Preview: What to expectGlobalPost
Memorial Celebrations: Being Thankful For a Job Well DoneNJ TODAY
Daily Freeman Journal -Muscatine Journal -WJBC News
all 151 news articles »


Holidays inspire disadvantaged children to learn, says study
Phys.Org
Holidays could serve as a valuable extension of the national curriculum for the UK's disadvantaged youngsters, new research has suggested. They provide a significant source of learning for children from low-income families who are otherwise stuck in ...



A doctor's tips on staying safe this holiday weekend
msnbc.com
By Dr. Tyeese Gaines After months of frigid temps, dodging rainstorms and wrapped in warm blankets, Memorial Day is the first holiday to celebrate the start of warmer weather. The sun is out. Sunglasses are on. Sweat is glistening.

and more »


Hometown Holidays 2012: 'More Country,' Still Plenty of Rock 'n' Roll
Patch.com
By Sean R. Sedam This year's Rockville's Hometown Holidays will be “a little more country” than last year's. Sunday's showcase concert will feature rising country star Easton Corbin, whose first two singles—“A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll ...

and more »


CBS News

Tropical storm could spoil SC beach holidays
Charlotte Observer
By JOEY HOLLEMAN “Might” is the key word. A low pressure system off Florida has the potential to gather into a weak tropical storm this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center. The official chance at 10 am Friday was 70 percent that the ...
Should you take a cruise during hurricane season?msnbc.com (blog)

all 2,109 news articles »


Holiday weekend first big test of Volusia's new beach-driving rules
Daytona Beach News-Journal
(NJ | Jim Tiller) Floridians are being warned by state and federal officials to keep an eye on a developing tropical system east of the state during holiday weekend activities. The system, which has caused flooding rains in South Florida this week, ...

and more »


One to Tell the Grandkids: On the Beach Reveal Their Favourite Summer Holiday ...
MarketWatch (press release)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, May 25, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- With the school holidays looming fast, there's no better time to treat your family to a fantastic beach holiday. Whatever your budget, you can take your kids abroad happy in the knowledge ...

and more »


This is Money

Holiday Cash 'Postcode Lottery' Revealed
Key 103 Manchester
As the summer holidays approach, a consumer group has warned that a 'postcode lottery' on foreign currency exchange rates may be leaving some holidaymakers short-changed. Which? sent mystery shoppers to different currency exchange providers across ...
Holiday money postcode lottery: Currency providers' exchange rates for euro ...This is Money
Foreign currency exchange rates hit by postcode lotteryThe Guardian
Exchange rate 'lottery' warningRutland and Stamford Mercury
Telegraph.co.uk
all 39 news articles »

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