I found the tax shelter in this posting when searching for a gift for my brother. He is a tax preparer and has everything. So I just had to share what I did for him. I took one of those woodcraft houses from Walmart- removed the two screws from the base. I cut a 1" block of wood that fit into the bottom of the house. I glued this block onto the base thus allowing the top of the house to be easily lifted off the base. I cut a 1/2" groove in the center of the block with the table saw so I could set a card of thumb tacks into it. This was hidden in the house until the top was lifted off. I wrote a poem for this & read it to him while my daughter did a Vanna White presentation of the house. Everyone got a good laugh out of this and I finally did a complete craft project! It's been a while. Hope you have as much fun with this as we did. Here's the poem: I drew your name for Christmas It's an honor, don't you know To get my brothers name for Christmas Ah! ashopping I will go. But then I started frettin After searching high and low Whatever will I get 'im (Twas wrong to worry so!) I went into an office shop Maybe something for your desk? I talked to the clerk a lot She tried to aid me in my quest. He could use a tax shelter Is what the lady said It seemed a bit off-kelter But there was nothing left instead. So here's your little shelter All painted so very nice The foundation has been mended The roofs' been polished thrice. The flowers are all blooming In the big pot by the door The bumblebees are buzzing And there's no sawdust on the floor. It seems to be the perfect place I do agree she's right It sure beats a plain old case And your tacks! They're finally safe at night!

Here is a poem I just wrote for you.......maybe not what you want at all, but here it is anyway. I realize that this poem would have to be inside of the can with the gift card?! Teacher, oh teacher, The joke is on you, It took us a while, Then we knew what to do. Inside of the can, Your gift you did find, But that it was there, Didn't enter your mind! So please take this gift, And our Best Wishes too, For a wonderful season, Spent with those close to you! :-) > *** maddya

I think gag gifts should be cheap and creative and generally something you "make" (or re-purpose). Do you sew? You could take an ordinary-looking flannel nightgown make it really racy... cut an opening in the back from the bottom to about halfway up (actually cut away some material so that the wearer's legs will be exposed, then edge it with lace and frill it up. Maybe add something like a fluffy bunny-tail at the top of the cut-out? :p Get a small box and fill it with "Do not disturb" signs! :) Edit: Just found this idea on E-How... Make a 'Rug Burn Prevention Kit'. They suggest using a child's plastic lunch box, but you could use anything suitable -- even an ordinary box. Label it "Rug Burn Prevention Kit" and fill it with things like knee pads, knuckle protectors, antibacterial ointment and bandages. (actually, with those contents, it would be a 'rug burn prevention and treatment kit'.) This post was edited by party_music50 on Sat, Apr 5, 14 at 20:47

Thanks every one interesting interesting ideas to think about. I love that egg seperator, I have a friend who loves to cook and he has a nose as large as Peter's! LOL I'm headed to the beach in the morning with a canning jar. I'll see if I can find a few catfish recipes. Off to check out the links you suggested. Thanks again.