I like the Wine Country gift baskets. They are consumable and don't leave clutter. I don't ever buy the wine because then someone has to be there to sign for it.

I aso like to send food baskets from local companies.

I'm sending this apple to mom and some friends this year. Someone sent us one a few years ago and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!

Here is a link that might be useful: Williams Sonoma Giant Caramel Apple with Nuts

LOL!

The WS apple page says ---
1 1/2�"2 lb.; serves 17.

Seventeen servings!

luann, I thought the same thing- how the heck do you divide an apple (even a giant one) into 17 servings?????

Thanks for the suggestions ladies, I will check them out in-depth tonight. The apple does look good but suspect it would be four servings at most, lol.

I noticed that too. lol
Four is probably more realistic. I don't know. I just barely shared it with hubby. I was slicing it up to set out a plate for a party, took one bite and hid that baby until everyone left.

OOOOOh, that looks like a good idea!!

This is rather long. My cousin sent it to me the other day and it is quite appropriate to this subject and gave me a few ideas:
Dear Friends and Family . . . this is the real Christmas Tradition . . . a great read!

Christmas 2012 � Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods � merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Am...
1. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants � all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains � this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
erican labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone � yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Amen, marygailv!

I already sent her some WV glass two years ago. I looked at their site and they do not have anything I think would be nice for her.

I do prefer to find US made items.

check out woot.com has daily deals!

This is a friend of mine and she does such unique costume jewelry items. Very geared to todays casual look. I have ordered from her even for the young men in our family..

Here is a link that might be useful: Chicken Littles

Waly-Beads is my favorite eBay seller....certainly the one I've used more times than any other. Their volume is high, and even with keeping my bids low I've scored some beautiful necklaces and pendants. I love natural stone jewelry.

wow, Alisande! I see things there I want to buy. I wish they would take a credit card! I used to have a paypal about a million gagillion years ago. But used it only 2 times. It took forever to get it up and working to Pay Casey a few years ago. darn!

When we were in Michigan for the last 10 days visiting DD and her family our DG teacher sent home a dot to dot. My husband loves to do them. His had about 800 numbers and was a scuba diver I think. I asked DD to get one for me. Mine had 664 and was a Lion. I went to the MINDWARE website the name that was on the bottom of the paper. They have some really interesting things on there. I have never dealt with them so I can't give them a review.

Harry & David's have these delicious Royal Riviera pears. For $29.95 you get 9 of the biggest, juiciest pears. I can't even describe how incredibly sweet they are. They're beautiful, too with a reddish blush on them. I hope we get some again this year. They are huge so nine pears goes a long way. They have free shipping right now, too. At least in the catalog. Hey, they're grown and shipped from the US, too! And, if you prefer, they'll ship direct to the giftee (is that a word?).

No, I don't work for them--lol!

This morning I was tickled to find FlagandBanner was having a 50% off sale. My Marine SO has been wanting a flagpole badly. Now, he will get one!

I check these every night when the deals change onesaleaday.com woot.com and slickdeals.com

I love the products from Maggies Pharm in Memphis, I used to buy from her in person when I lived there now I use her website. The body silk is wonderful stuff.
Maggie's Pharm

the sites like Roamans, womanwitin, jessicalondon, are all having 50% off cyber monday some with free shipping.

Bath and body works is doing 25% off cyber monday

costplus world market is doing 20% off

I have been toying with the idea of buying some all white corelle dishes.

Found a decent price at a few different sites, and thought of buying at walmart.

Then, I looked online on Thursday. They were half price at walmart.... but I had thought of holding out till today, cyber Monday...

Well, I bought, and they arrived, and I paid half of what they are listed today... Monday.

I am happy.

Moni