Gift #8- The gift of Survival

What about giving a gift you hope the person NEVER actually has to use?  An emergency kit filled with supplies for that "major disaster" moment we all fear.  Many families have one, but many of these items become ineffective or spoiled with time.  In addition, every car should have an emergency kit and your home should have at least one kit per family "member." 

The Red Cross has many resources for you to review on the necessities that would benefit us in the case of major disaster.  Put together a basket filled with these items.  People who could use it:

a college kid moving out, a teenager getting a new car, a teacher, a grandparent, every family member, a new mom, a new dad, EVERYONE.  Bring one to a holiday party you are invited to as the elephant gift - it is way better than the poker chip set I happen to get stuck with every year. In the meantime, Be safe!

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Gift #7 - Recipes

It is time to take those recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation and share them with your loved ones. Order a recipe box as shown (right) available at cooking.com. Then label, stencil, or paint on "Cohn Family Recipes." (of course use your own last name)

Mother and Grandmother didn't write things down.  Now is the perfect time to spend time with them and write down the "egg roll" recipe they only measure by hand.  Cook with them and learn how to make it so your kids can enjoy the experience and memories as well.

Or, fill the box with your favorite desserts, or appetizer recipes.  Make it a holiday recipe box and put the entire meal in it so every year you have it with you.  Make one for your husbands favorite meals. In the morning, ask him to pull a card out and voila, no worries on what to cook.  You know he will love it.  

Happy Cooking!

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Gift #6 - Music

Music is something everyone enjoys. Now you customize your music with iTunes - (download free now) and begin making CD's for yourself with your favorite songs or transfer them to an iPod Shuffle and give it as a gift.  

Shuffles are between $49 and $69. Shuffles are engravable, available in many colors, and if you buy a red one, a portion of the money goes to help others.  Shuffles are the smallest music player Apple sells.  If you are buying for a spouse or a teenager, an iPOD is a great choice.  IPOD's play videos and connect to your home stereo, clock radio and/or car radio, eliminating the clutter of CD's.  

Feel like giving a personal song for someone who has everything? We gave a song to our 92 year old grandparents and 

it was made possible by composer, musician,  Ken Medema.

A custom song costs $150.  You complete a questionnaire, and within 3 weeks, a song will arrive at your doorstep.  We first saw Ken perform at our church.  The miracle of him is, he can compose and write songs just from hearing a story.  They are filled with soul and energy. Although he is blind, he does not lose sight of the meaning of life and his songs portray this.

Give a Custom CD of your favorite songs.  Every year for our daughters birthday party, we give the guests a CD of her favorite songs for the year.  It is a great way to record memories and share them with people.  Kids can color the CD cover, or simply print out labels from your computer with many of the existing softwares and templates available.

Sing out Loud!

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Gift #5 - The Gift of Art

Everyone has a creative side.  For some it just takes a little more effort.  Bring out the artist in your loved ones by giving a gift they can create with.  

For ages 3 and under,  Crayola has this new set that sings as the child colors. 

They are musical markers.  To learn more, visit the link and watch the video.

Crayola's Beginner Scribble and Sing Art Station  

For ages 3-12, get a basket or container and fill it with art and craft supplies.  Fill it up with popsicle sticks, construction papers, markers, fingerpaints, googly eyes, pipe cleaner, glue sticks, styrofoam shapes, stickers, etc. Parents and kids alike enjoy this gift as it keeps them busy on days when they have "nothing" to do. 

School and Craft Supplies

For ages 13- 18- adult, give a poster of their favorite singer, person, group, etc.  It is a personal gift that they can decorate their room with. A gift certificate works great if you don't want to risk getting something "uncool."  Visit allposters.com for the widest selection of posters and art.

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Gift #4 - All Aboard The Polar Express

We just got back from a two day vacation aboard

The Polar Express.

It was a wonderful trip and the cost makes it an affordable gift to give.  For those of you who

love the movie and still "believe", this experience is unforgettable.  

We drank hot chocolate, ate fresh-baked cookies, sang Christmas Songs, visited the North Pole, received a jingle bell from Santa, all while riding in the train in our pajamas (kids only please).  

The conductor even punched out holes in the kids tickets at the end of the train. 

The cost of the train ride is $26 per person but they do sell packages that include dinner, breakfast, 1 night hotel stay, with the train ride - but book early becuase it sells out fast every year. 

One more perk, the grand canyon is only an hour away.

The Grand Canyon Railroad takes passengers into the grand canyon on daily excursions.  In November, the weather is 75 degrees and gorgeous!

All Aboard!

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