Try these:

• Toys from the Discount Store
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Bubbles
• Playdough

Toys from the Discount Store
Pick up some toys. There are plenty of stores that have a inexpensive tpy section.
The General store will have things like coloring books, dolls, trinkets, all easter themed.
If you still need candy and plastic eastereggs for those little things you want to hide or baskets for easter then the dollar store is a great place to look.

Sidewalk Chalk
Now that the warm season is heading our way the kids need to get out more. So give them some give them the chalk for writing on the sidewalk that is such a fun treat.
No worries about the decorations as it washes off in the rain.

Bubbles
Must blow bubbles. I have never seen a child that doesn’t like to blow and pop bubbles. This is even something that can be played inside if the rain or bad weather keeps them in.
Sure keeps the kids of all ages busy.

Playdough
Pick up some things that the kids can make shapes and stuff with maybe at that dollar store. And get different colors of play dough. If you have a plastic tablecloth or table this can be played indoor or out. Kids love to mold and squish playdough.

Now we also must have candy right. But it can be healthy.
Now I’m not saying not to include the easter chocolate bunny or all those other bunny treats. I’m just suggesting some healthy ones too.

And Now Here come the Healthy Easter Snacks:

• Trail Mix that includes Jellybeans
• Chocolate Covered Raisins
• Yogurt Covered Raisins

Trail Mix that includes Jellybeans
This is a recipe for an Easter snack that is crunchy, munchy, and sweet.
Get these:

• chex
• cheerios
• pretzels
• peanuts
• raisins
• jellybeans

Now mix that all together. Put this into bags or easter eggs. The whole family munch out on this.

Chocolate Covered Raisins
Yogurt Covered Raisins
Want to give them some mine eggs for Easter that are healthy too. Then get some of the chocolate edibles such as covered raisins.
Get the covered raisins with the yogurt coating and the chocolate coating and put them in a colorful wrapper with a tie.

OK now you put all this together with that fat chocolate Easter bunny. You will give a great easter for kids with this combination.

Technorati Tags: chocolate easter baskets, easter for kids, Easter Treats, Gift Baskets for Easter, Healthy Gift Baskets

The things you can read in magazines and online around Valentines day are full of Valentine’s day ideas.

Often what you read will be something like surprise your valentine with creativity, humor, and be very interesting. And to do this you must plan it all out.

When really many of you just want tips on a good valentine’s present to pick for that special someone and What would you need to do as part of the gift.

Well without further ado here we go…

…With Gift tips for the Women to give a Man:

• Hi tech gadgets and toys
• Car accessories
• Computer parts
• A Classy or cool Watch
• Clothes
• Cologne
  
• Intimate Bedroom Gifts

Hi tech gadgets and toys like:
iPods, cellphone, Mp3 Players, GPS, Pocket PC, Handheld Organizer

Car accessories
Ladies only get car stuff for a man who is passionate about his car or car hobby. Be sure you know what your valentine man likes.

Computer parts
Same as the man who likes Hi-tech gadgets many as high as 80 percent of the men love computers and related stuff like games. Buy him his favorite pc or mac game or computer upgrades parts for a gift.

Clothing
Many a man has a special preference when it comes to clothes. Forget the ties and socks, get your man a stylish T-shirt or Jeans or whatever fits his personality and style. His idea of his image and style not yours.

Cologne
If your man really digs or uses aftershave and cologne then giving Cologne as a gift might be a good idea. Unless he gets that as a gift all the time.

Gift giving tips for Men to Women:

• Romantic love letter or poem
• Flowers bouquet
• Romantic Dinner
• iPod filled with her favorite songs
• Music Cd
• Bath Products
• Spa massage package
• Lingerie
• Something Sexy For The Bedroom
• Jewelry

Romantic love letter or poem
Write personalized love letter or poem …not for you huh well…

Still No shortcuts here but if you can’t spend some time thinking of a few words that are from deep in your heart and soul for more than 2 lines then at least add some flair to it by…..having the letter presented in a unique way.

Have the letter put on fancy paper and placed inside a decorative piece of glass that has fragrance added to it.

And if you just can’t think of anything to write other than I love you then maybe you can make her a photo slideshow in those digital frames they sell now. Or how about a Video set to romantic music you both share as a couple.

Flower Bouquet
Flowers that are garnished with a variety of tiny things like certificates for a message from you or a spa. Have a vase filled with candy instead of a plain vase. Add a card, chocolates or jewelry.

It has been said that flowers and chocolates are all too common a gift and makes you ever so predictable. So twist it up a bit add some unique stuff. But no matter what if you have put love and care into this she will love the attention from you.

Romantic Dinner
Plan a romantic evening by having a dinner with your lady either at a restaurant, catered or dare I say made by You. What you can’t cook?

Then hire a chef for the meal. Or…restaurant hop and eat a little here and there with the dessert ending at another restaurant or maybe where you first met. Take a limo if you can.

CD
A CD custom made with a mix of songs that are your special songs as a couple. Or really turn it on with a new MP3 player with photo and video capabilities and your special couple songs.

Lingerie
Of course only if you are close with your valentine. Buy her something that she will love and where more than once and more than on Valentines.

And don’t give just lingerie as it might seem like an invitation for sex. Which can backfire as she will be thinking all you have in mind is SEX.

Word of caution…You must know her body shape and size and buy something that won’t offend you both.

Something Sexy For The Bedroom
Something Sexy For The Bedroom like one that is meant for couples who want seductive evenings
Candles, Flavored Massage oil, Massager, Bubbles, Feather

Jewelry
Buy her something different. Something engraved like a ring that is titanium with her birthstone.

Best gift idea might be to combine all from the above such as:

1. a Love Letter in a bottle
2. Roses or her favorite Cut Flower
3. Romantic dinner with Champagne or Wine

Remember to use your creativity.

A good example is give her strawberries dipped in chocolate rather than just a heart shaped box of chocolates.

Okay, enough for the gifts. How about some ideas for Valentine’s Day?

How to keep a Valentine’s date interesting?

Here are some ideas for you to start one:

Prepare a romantic meal yourself or hire a chef.

Plan activities full of romance like: Start from dinner to maybe even a dance, then end the day with a wonderful love filled evening and nightcap at home. But keep em guessing as to what is next.

Make it so special like you see in some movies. Yes the movies since real life seems to zip by without much adventure. Add some adventure.

Choose from:

• A Romantic picnic
• The Beach
• A Boat or a Short cruise
• A chartered Plane that gives a scenic tour
• Horse and buggy Ride
• Train Ride
• Hot Air balloon
• Helicopter Ride
• A Hotel stay Out of Town with a Massage package for two

A few pointers for the man

Make A Show of Effort
Many woman do in fact appreciate the effort that you put into making Valentines a special day.

If you just spend a bundle on a bouquet or gift basket and a box of candy and say here Happy Valentine’s Day she is likely to suspect you have not put much time or thought into this romantic gesture.

And a quick stop at the convenience store at the last moment definitely is a deal buster.
The Time you spend is more important than the total bill.

Pamper Her
Most women would just love to be pampered.

Some pamper your valentine ideas:

• Bubble Bath for Two complete with Candles and Champagne
• Bottle of Massage oil and give her a massage

Remember that however you pamper her it should be done for her enjoyment alone.  It should not be used solely as a way to get her warmed up for sex.

Do it with the intention of just making her feel good and you never know what might happen next anyway.  But Women can sense when they are being primed for sex, and when it is a genuine act of loving kindness.

With woman an important thing is to listen to her and find out what she really does like.
Then plan an evening that really Surprises her with her favorites instead of the typical Valentines roses, chocolates, and stuffed bear.

There you go gifts to get and ideas to go with them. But above all have fun and don’t be closed up try new things that you and your Valentine both might enjoy.

And never forget that for your relationship to last you must remember to celebrate your love throughout the year. If you truly want it to last forever.

Enjoy your Valentine’s day and the Gifts that you give and get.

Technorati Tags: Romance, Valentine, Valentine's Day, valentine's day gifts, valentines day gifts for men, valentines day gifts for women

For some, the act of gift giving was rewarded with some form of power, social standing, and sometimes even a wife. Others have been purely satisfied with doing something nice for another and not receiving a thing in return.

For some, spending money on a gift may put a strain on their finances, but there are many Gifts to choose from.

But Why do you Give a Gift?

Gifts satisfy an assortment of needs and beliefs. They are used to express a wide range of feelings, such as love, friendship, and gratitude. They provide a way for people to celebrate a wide variety of special occasions, customs, traditions, and holidays.

Such as:

Birthdays

Gifts play an important role in celebrating the one day of the year you call your very own. The receipt of gifts and cards, as well as unique gift baskets are often a theme.

Valentine’s Day

This romantic day for sweethearts often calls for the exchange of teddy bears, sweet greeting cards, Chocolate valentine gift baskets filled with chocolates, candles, a teddy bear and more.

Christmas

Although most of the credit goes to Santa Claus for the gift giving that occurs during this holiday season, plenty of people have delivered unique flower bouquets of poinsettias, and selected beautifully decorated unique gift baskets filled with peppermint-flavored treats, red and green accented delights, and jingle bells.

When it comes time to give a gift, there are many other occasions to participate in such as:

• Baby showers
• Anniversaries
• Father’s Day
• Mother’s Day

A unique gift basket can often be found for any of these occasions that satisfy many a person. Enjoy your special occasions and gift giving.

Technorati Tags: Father's Day, Gift, Valentine's Day

It is easy to get a chocolate gift delivery for that special someone. To get a gift basket coffee tea or chocolate can be fast and easy when you choose to order online. And you can combine many edible arrangements within a basket.

You could have a hot chocolate gift basket themed with spa bath items for that cozy experience that warms the body as well as the senses.

More Chocolate Gift Ideas

• Chocolate Espresso Beans with Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares for the full ghirardelli gift baskets experience.
• Snack gift baskets with gourmet chocolate, nuts, and chocolate roses
• This is one of my favorites:
• Popcorn gift baskets filled to overflowing with cocoa, cookies, peanuts and chocolate in a wonderful snowman tub for Christmas time.

Autumn Chocolate Candy Bouquet A rustic wood basket is hand-painted with autumn colored pumpkins and sunflowers. Chocolate goodies included are 5 large chocolate bars, 2 small Ghirardelli gourmet chocolate squares, 8 fun size …	Chocolate Indulgence Gift Basket You’re sure to have chocolate dreams when you receive our basket full of decadent chocolate treats. Included is Chocolate Espresso Beans, Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares, Chocolate Covered Sandwich …	Cocoa-licious Spa Basket Pamper them with the delicious scents of cocoa or vanilla and warm their senses with the two hot cocoa packets that we’ve also included in this spa basket. A cocoa colored tin pail holds cocoa hand …
Ghirardelli’s Greatest Hits Inspired by the famous Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco comes this beautiful array from the famous chocolatier. It’s a celebration of their best creations, including a variety of Chocolate Bars, …	Glittering Golden Ghirardelli Tower An extraordinary celebration of chocolate decadence awaits the recipient of this impressive 13″ tall tower. The striped boxes hold Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares (12 pcs), Chocolate Toffee (24 …	Godiva Chocolate Gold Gift Basket From the world-renowned Belgian chocolatier comes this deliciously breathtaking gold gift basket. We have selected some of our favorites for this basket, including- 8 pc Gold Ballotin (assorted …

With such wonderful gift basket themes in many sizes, and varieties gift baskets make a great gift and the perfect substitute for almost any gift giving situation.

They are wrapped up all pretty with personalization. The card is attached so they know it came from you. And guess what, you can have it shipped to you or to the one you are trying to please for the holiday season.

Usually the weather isn’t a problem as FedEx or Ups delivers the package and with some companies you can get same day delivery gift basket service if you are way behind on your shopping.

You really cant go wrong when it comes to chocolate gift baskets even if you want to include other edibles in the arrangement like edible fruit arrangements or bouquets of flowers.

For the Kids
Heck there are childrens’ gift baskets full of activities and snacks designed just for them. With snacks, cds, stickers and more. Give them something to do on any day or a snowy rainy day even.

For the Pet
For a real specialty gift basket try a pet basket for someone with that special puppy or dog. No chocolate of course but there are things like shampoo, balls, snacks, chew toys and more. What unique gift baskets they make.

Sending a chocolate gift basket online is a really perfect way to please anyone since there just has to be something they will adore in the basket. You know yourself the best part of opening some gifts is seeing what all is inside.

Some chocolates gift baskets even have free shipping offers and this day and age I know you don’t want to spend money feeding you car when you can spend it on something else. Get a Christmas basket for that someone special.

You will find links on this page to get chocolate gift basket delivery to your door or anyone you want. There are so many themed gift baskets and there is a healthy gift basket even for those that might want organic gift baskets or a kosher gift basket.

Hope this gave you some ideas along with a way to get your Christmas Chocolate Gifts.

Technorati Tags: Chocolate Gift Baskets, Christmas, Christmas and holiday season, christmas chocolate gifts, Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Basket, Ghirardelli Square, Gift, Hot chocolate

How can a sweet piece of chocolate benefit your health? It can with the flavonoids that are contained as a nutrient in the cocoa bean itself. The cocoa bean is just bursting with a decent amount of flavanol antioxidant power.

Not all cocoa beans will provide enough flavonoids
Why? Cocoa beans are roasted just as coffee is and the heat will deplete the quality and strength of the beans antioxidant power. So, the longer they are roasted and fermented the fewer flavonoids will live through the process.

Is there a better form of chocolate to eat for the antioxidant power?

Well, if you go for the white chocolate which I tend to favor, you get Zero healthy flavonoids to benefit you.
So, go for Dark Chocolate which you can find listed on the ingredients as:

• Dark Chocolate ingredients to seek
• Cocao Beans
• Cocao Mass
• Cocao
• Chocolate liquor

If you are a Milk Chocolate fan and love that creamy taste then you could have a few flavonoids enter your mouth, but just a few.

How much cocoa needs to be in each piece of chocolate candy to make it potentially healthy?

That is going to vary because again quality of the bean after roasting and fermenting will result in variations of flavonoid antioxidant power. So a candy bar with a high percentage of cocao might have fewer flavonoids than a piece of chocolate with a lower percentage.

Do you need to eat a lot of chocolate to receive possible benefits?
You would have to eat at least 3 or more bars of chocolate per day. You also would have to do some exercise after eating that much chocolate or possibly gain weight. And that would not be necessarily good for you. Probably cut out some other goodies or food from your diet as well.

What else is known about chocolate and it’s potential for goodness

1. No huge Sugar Rush since it has fat to slow the sugar being absorbed.
2. Cocoa has chemicals that help inhibit bacteria in your mouth.
3. Chocolate is not as likely to cause tooth trouble like some other forms of candy.
4. Chocolate that indeed has a lot of s flavanols could have anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Fat in chocolate tends to be mostly saturated but is not the usual type of saturated fat; thus it does not increase the level of bad cholesterol.

However, chocolate is not the only thing to have flavonoid health benefits if you have fear of weight gain from the tasty treat.

• Red Wine but only some of them
• Tea
• Grape juice if it is the black type

Chocolate is an awesome treat. For the Holidays you can’t beat it in a gift basket. It has some nutritional value like some vitamins such as vitamin B and has some other nutrients like potassium. There is more…

Chocolate gives you energy but it isn’t because of sugar. So enjoy the yummy chocolate treat and you could receive some nice benefits from a high quality piece of gourmet or organic chocolate. There are more benefits of chocolate but that is for another article.

Technorati Tags: chocolate, Cocoa, Dark Chocolate, Types of chocolate

To make it really easy, you can often ship the gift basket just like you would a bouquet or vase of flowers.

You will find it quite easy to browse online for the perfect theme to match the age and personality of those you are wanting to buy a gift for.

If you want to send a treat to a child then you might try a toy gift basket tailored to a boy or girl for the holiday. For an adult or teen you might try to theme the basket with their favorite treats and drinks. Heck throw in music, a dvd movie, or a favorite genre book.

You don’t need to know the persons every like and desire to give them the perfect gift. A holiday basket filled with a variety of goodies will provide so many choices the recipient is sure to love.

So what are you waiting for go to a gift store or department store and look around or browse online.

Online you can search for the color, holiday, drink, candy and many other ideas to make up the perfect Holiday Gift Basket for just about anyone.

Click here now to look at some holiday gift baskets.

Image by joshunter via Flickr

Technorati Tags: Flowers and Gifts, gift basket, holiday gift baskets.

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You just have to see this video.

Read more to watch video

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Energy Drinks Everywhere

Your options for energy drinks will be ever increasing in the days of my “get up and go has done got up and gone”.  Have you found your favorite energy drink yet? Your choices are numerous but look at the ingredients and decide what might be best for you to drink.

The Dr Pepper Snapple Group is expanding it’s horizons with it’s own energy drink brand called Venom (which you might have seen as it was recently endorsed by Cowboys football star Terrell Owens) and they will expand the  distribution of HYDRIVE, an enhanced energy drink that they have an equity stake in.

PLANO, Texas, Oct 06, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ — Dr Pepper Snapple Group

today said it expects to receive formal notification from Hansen Natural Corporation terminating its agreements to distribute Monster Energy as well as its other beverage brands in certain U.S. markets.

“Monster energy drinks are in less than one-third of our company-owned footprint,” said Larry Young, president and CEO of DPS. “The successful launch of Venom, Dr Pepper Snapple’s own energy drink brand, which was recently endorsed by Cowboys football star Terrell Owens, as well as expanded distribution of HYDRIVE, an enhanced energy drink in which DPS has an equity stake, together with our integrated business model give us confidence that we will be able to build a broader and even stronger energy portfolio and continue to participate in the long-term growth of this category.”

SOURCE Dr Pepper Snapple Group

http://www.drpeppersnapple.com

With a brand heritage spanning more than 200 years, Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s portfolio includes more than 50 brands and hundreds of flavors of carbonated soft drinks, juices, teas, mixers, waters and other premium beverages.

Cheers

Technorati Tags: energy drink

Coffee and tea gift baskets are one of the most versatile gifts for every occasion. Baskets of tea, coffee and maybe even chocolate can excite and enthuse just about any person. The basket is great too as it continues to be useful and beautiful long after the contents have been emptied.

Beautiful and fun themed baskets can contain a variety of complementary snacks and accessories. An example of a basket’s contents might be cinnamon or peppermint sticks and you could find a flavored coffee that is chocolate mint or a, smooth as silk, coffee with a peppermint twist.

Gifts of food and drink goodies can contain stuffed animals, music cds or a wonderful book even. Condiments like honey and some biscuits or crackers can be added to go with it. It is up to your imagination. You can customize your basket of gifts at many gift basket retailers.

Some Themes for gift baskets include:
A Tea Party with Gourmet Vanilla Chai Tea, chocolate, cookies in a wicker basket.

How about a Coffee & Tea Gift Basket filled with an English Breakfast Tea, Dark Roast Coffee, espresso cake and a mug.

Don’t forget the basket is a keepsake even though it comes filled with editable goodies like chocolate, cookies, coffee, tea and more. These make perfect gifts for all ages and occasions. Gift baskets often contain a cute mug to go with the occasion too.

Check out some possible baskets here online:

Such as Breakfast In Bed:

Click link below:

Gift Basket Coffee Tea Breakfast in Bed Here

Technorati Tags: Gift baskets Coffee Tea