Holiday Projects and Ideas

This list is a little different. It's not so much a gift suggestions list, as a list of neat things I've found that for the holidays - things to make or cook, or just interesting ideas.



1. Make Your Own Silly Putty. A friend, Shelly, tells just how to do this on her Handmade in the USA Crafting Blog. Now, while I haven't yet tried it, she really gives easy to follow directions which make it sound simple! How cool would it be to give a kid in your life some Silly Putty that you had MADE?



2. Have you ever wanted to make your own Greeting cards? On her blog, KreatesKards, Mary has wonderful step-by-step tutorials on making all kinds of cards, and other things, too. She's also a Director for Stampin Up, so through her, you can buy some of the same professional tools she uses to create her cards, fancy boxes, gift bags, and more.




3. Another friend, Valerie, sent out requests to a whole a bunch of people for their favorite holiday recipies, and has posted them on her Cooking Sharp Blog. You'll find cakes, pies, cookies, and more! If you are a cook, you'll love this one!





4. Here's something interesting that I had never thought of: Holiday Pinatas. Guess they're not jut for birthdays, like I thought, because Pinatas.com has special pinatas for Christmas (Santa, Reindeer, Tree, etc), Purim (Haman and Hamantash), and Hanukkah (dreidel, Star of David).



5. How about making your own Apple Butter? Gail blogged about that very thing on her Dishes and Doodads blog this morning. She tells you how to put it together and simmer it in a crock pot for a very long time, so that you can literally go to bed, and wake up the next morning to a house filled with the scent of home made apple butter. Soundss nostalgic, doesn't it?

Formal Wear and Accessories

Here are some places you can find evening accessories and formal wear:

1. Anchor in the Round Nautical Cufflinks - Umo Lorenzo Gold Metal Cufflinks. Make a nautically stylish statement on formal night with these imported round gold metal c ufflinks sporting an anchor motif. Boxed. Find these, and other nautical cufflinks, as well as tie clips, at Cruise Ready Store







2. Affordable Formal Dresses - Formal dresses for women of all sizes - Juniors, Misses, and Plus Size Women. Many styles sto choose from at affordable pricing. Browse the wide selection at Formal Long Dresses





3. Multi-colored Evening Clutch - A gift that will be a standout on a formal evening it this beautifully different evening clasp- style clutch with multi-colored accents and iridescent beading. Fully lined, inner slip pocket. Use as a clutch, or attach the short or long chain for hand or shoulder carry. From Cruise Ready Store

Clothing and Accessories

Check this list often for new items for the fashionistas on your list to find unique and special clothing and accessory gifts.


1. Handwarmer Pocket Scarf Winter Neck Scarf - This extra soft and durable pocket scarf is sure to keep you warm and stylish throughout the cold months ahead. It is designed to keep your hands warm in the pockets at the end of the scarf.A perfect gift for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Made right here in Colorado, USA. At: Hand Made in the USA




2. 3B West Mens Western Leather Jackets - Unique western jackets from 3B West.All jackets are individually handmade. Sizes Small through 8X. Find it at BigNTall Men's Shop





3. Nautical Polo shirt w ships wheel -sizes S thru XXL - Red polo cruse shirt with embroidered ship's wheel trim is great for cruisinig, sailing, or other nautical adventures. White ship's wheel, with gold ropes on left chest turns this soft knit 50/50 cotton / polyester shirt into something just a little more special. From: Cruise Ready Store


4. Cap -White with Red Nautical Ship's Wheel - White 100% brushed cotton twill five panel baseball style cap with nautical trim in the form of a red ship's wheel with gold ropes. Structured deslign has buckram reinforced front panel. One size fits most adults. From: Cruise Ready Store

Video Gaming Gifts

For the gamer in your family, here are some gift ideas:

1. Sony PlayStation 3 Slim Version HDD 120GB - The newest version of the Sony PS3 with HDD of 120GB. Optical drive that can read BDs, DVDs or CDs. Additional details on website, at Japan Tech

2. Sony PlayStation Portable PSP-3000 - The newest version of the Sony PSP only available in Japan. Choose yours from 7 attractive colors. Check the Japan Tech website for more and detailed information

3. HoriPad 3 Turbo Controller for PlayStation 3 - The best turbo controller for the PS3. Available in Black, white, silver, red, or blue. From: Japan Tech

Hanukkah Gift Ideas

Here's a list with ideas for Hanukkah Gifts:

1. Custom Hanukkah Candy bar favors - Celebrate Hanukah with unique personalized candy bars! Make it memorable with Keepsake Candy Bar Favors for your guests or clients. You'll find nine different Hanukah designs to choose from, at Candy Bar Wrap.




2 Transluscent Dreidels - 4 pack - Translucent Dreidels come 4 in a pack in assorted colors: translucent green, red, blue and yellow. Each plastic Dreidel measures approximately 0.75" wide x 1.75" high. From: Pinatas.com

3. My First Hanukkah Plush Stuffed Teddy Bear - My First Hanukkah stuffed teddy bear, from Fantasy Baby Boutique

4. Hanukkah Star Tinsel Wreath -Star Tinsel Wreath in dazzling blue and silver foil fringe with silver and blue stars throughout. Wreath has a metal wire base and measures approximately 20" in diameter. Available at Pinatas.com

5. Festival of Lights Holiday Cards - This Flat Holiday Card can be completely personalized with your photo and choice of typestyles and wording. Each card measures 5" x 7" and includes envelopes. Proof available in 1-2 days and ships within 3 days of your approval. From Cordial Lee

Animal Lovers gifts

On this list are gift ideas that might please the animal lover on your holiday shopping list.



1. Carved Wooden Horse Head Figurine - Bust of a horse with a red stain finish. Intricately carved from one piece of wood. There are no maker's marks. Would make a nice mantle piece. From Kathy's, on Ecrater.





2. Scoop Neck Aqua Fashion Tee with Rhinestone Dolphin - Scoop neck tee in a rich aqua, hand-embellished with a sparkling dolphin in white rhinestones with a saphire blue eye. Each 100% pre-shrunk cotton tees with self-trim neck and double stitching on hem and sleeves is individually hand embellished. From CruiseReadyStore





3. Wild Mustang Canvas Shoes - Grab a pair of these fabulous canvas shoes with an artfully executed wild mustang print on them, or design your own Champion canvas sneaker using a photo of your own favorite animal, at Zazzle.


4. Animals of Africa - Between Two Worlds with Joan Embery - Animals of Africa - Between Two Worlds is a Video (VHS) Tape and was hosted by Joan Embery. Color. 60 Minutes and released in 1988 by Celebrity Home Entertainment. Although it was released 20 years ago, this one is still new in original shrinkwrap. From Gypsy Queen Media








5. Elephants on flannel - eye mask, liner and neck pillow set - Hand-Sewn 2 sided reversible Jungle Elephants on flannel set - eye mask pillow and neck pillow with real lavender buds inside. This is hand-cut and hand-sewn, with naturally grown herbs and/or flowers added for a 100% natural scent. AT Organic Gifts by Diana





6. Adjustable St Bernard Dog Slippers for Humans - St. Bernard slippers are so cozy, soft, adjustable and great looking for around the house or in the yard. The heads of the slippers even turn around. Other breeds available, too, at Your Pet Store with More

Specialty Services

Services make great gifts, too! Here are some ideas for gifts of specialty services


1. Custom Banner - We design your banner with your specific needs and requirements in mind. You can use it for your website, banner exchange, your business cards, flyers and brochures. Once you place and pay for your order, you contact us with your information needed to complete your custom banner. From: Bays Designs

2. Bears Bonanzle Logo and Avatar Set OOAK - One of a Kind pre-Made 692x104 Logo and matching Avatarfor your Bonanzle Booth. This Logo and avatar will be sold only one time and then retired. Stand out from the rest of the competition with professionally styled graphics from Bays Designs

3. Monogrammed Santa Stocking - This monogrammed Santa Stocking is oh so cute & festive! Makes a perfect gift for anyone on your list this season. Monogram Included - initials or single name. From: Cordial Lee

Kids - Teens and Tweens

Here are some gift ideas for those sometimes hard to buy for tweens and teens.

1. Kisses and Hugs boot sachets - Help keep those shoes and boots smelling fresh – Naturally !These are minty fresh as they contain real chemical-free peppermint and peppermint essential oil they also have a little fiberfill too to make them "squishable" so they fit into most Boots or shoes. At Organic Gifts by Diana.

2. Shortie Sarong Swim Suit Cover - Here's just what juniors love for their winter cruise or vacation - a shortie sarong stlye swim cover. Available in several colors at Cruise Ready Store

3. Custom Flip Mino Cam Corder - The new Flip Mino is the hottest gift this season. Be a hero and buy your teen or tween a custom Flip Mino. Design include abstract geometric fractals, pop art, floral and nature photography. Pick your favorite and go video! Available at Lora Severson Photography on Cafepress.

4. Soundwave Skate Boards - with pre-designed artwork, or add your own. The perfect competition shape and construction for all terrains. These boards got supreme pop! The best quality hard-rock maple decks and an unrivaled patent-pending printing process make this the best skateboard available in the world.

5. Shocking Pen - PranksRS sells the cheapest shocking pens. This a great prank for school or at work! When someone tries to use it, it will send them a harmless shock! Batteries included. From PranksRS

6. Gray Bling Tank Shirt -smaller sizes Available Juniors Sizes: Med, Lg, X Lg. Add a little bling to your young teen's daytime cruise wear with this gray tank style Tee. Made of a cotten / poliammide blend, it stretches for a slightly form fitted look. Adjustable length sholder straps, gentle gathers at the bust, and the strechiness of a blend help conform to growing bodies. At Cruise Ready Store




47- Thick and rich Luxury lip balm.Contains Unrefined:Cocoa butter; Beeswax; Shea butter & Coconut oilAlso contains Hazelnut oil; Grapeseed oil; Vitamin E; honey powder; honey & a natural flavor oil. NO petroleum based ingredients or mineral oil is used in this produce from Organic Gifts by Diana.

Collectibles

Special and hard to find items for the collector are found on this list.

1. Boxed Set of 4 1988 Highball Glasses from the Inaugural Sailing of the ms Seaward - Absolutely beautiful boxed set of four 22 kt gold trimmed highball glasses from the ss Seaward's 1988 Inaugural Cruise. Each glass bears the words M.S. SEAWARD INAUGURAL CRUISE in gold on blue, and is ringed near both the top and bottom with blue and 22 kt gold stripes. AT Cruise Ready Store.

2. Bristol Glass Hand Painted Opaline Vase - reduced 20% - This Bristol glass vase is white opaline glass with hand painted enamel flowers and grasses in yellows, white, blue and brown. It has a lightly scalloped rim and stands just over 11" tall.

Available at Dishes and Doodads

3. Cunard Countess 1984 New Years Menu January 1, 1984, New Years Day Dinner Menu from the Cunard Countess. It appears that, either there was a printing error, or the kitchen ran out of pumpkin flavored ice cream, as that flavor was whited out!

Available at Cruise Ready Store

4. Disney Cruise Line Maiden Voyage Pin - 1998 - Disney Cruise Line Maiden Voyage pin. The Disney Cruise Line set sail from Port Canaveral in July of 1998, with the inaugural sailing of theit first ship, the Disney Magic. This large campaign-style button commemorates the event. On the pin, Captain Mickey whistles at the helm, reminiscent of 'Steamboat Willie." Available at Cruise Ready Store

5. Blue Mountain Art Pottery Dolphin BMP Canada - This art pottery dolphin figurine has a fabulous blended glaze in blue/green and black over a red clay base. It is made by Blue Mountain Pottery in Canada. A great cross over collectible for any BMP, animal or studio pottery collection!

Available at Dishes and Doodads

6. 15pc Nippon Porcelain Tea Set Morimura Brothers Noritake - This Nippon porcelain tea set is perfect for those small holiday gatherings with your very best girl friends! Tea for 5 including cups and saucers, tea pot, cream and sugar. The set is made by Noritake Morimura Brothers and features gold florals, leaves and raised gold beading.
Available at Dishes and Doodads

Kids Gifts - Ages 6 to 12

Here are some ideas for children in the general 6 to 12 year old age range. As with the other lists, this one is a work in progress, and other great items will be added as we find them, so keep checking back.





1. Liv Fashion Doll Alexis Extra Wig & On-line Code - Liv Fashion Alexis Doll come with a detailed outfit, a long wig and a short wig. She even has a bag, boots and red brush. Every poseable doll comes with a unique code that allows girls to enter the LIV world online. At Top to Bottom Children's Store

2. Sweet Dreams & Stars Shoe Sachets - Help keep those shoes and boots smelling fresh – Naturally !These are minty fresh as they contain real chemical-free peppermint and peppermint essential oil they also have a little fiberfill too to make them "squishable" so they fit into most Boots or shoes.Available at Organic Gifts by Diana

3. Disney Club Penguin Pet Puffle Series 3 with Coin - Club Penguin™ is a snow covered virtual island where kids can play games and interact in a fun-filled, on-line playground. In the world of Club Penguin™, Puffles are the Penguins' loveable pets. Now kids can have their very own with the Club Penguin™ Puffle Plush Assortment Choose your favorite color or collect them all! Each Club Penguin™ Puffle Plush includes a coin with a code to unlock items on-line. FIND THEM at: Top to Bottom Children's Store

4. Kids' Green Envy Cruising T shirt - Fun shirt for the youngsters on your family cruise. Slogan on green shirt reads "My friends are Green with envy 'Cause I'm Cruising!" Classic heavyweight t-shirt. Tagless design for ultimate comfort. Pre-shrunk, 6.1 ounce 100% cotton. Loose, classic fit, wears well on anyone. Available at CruiseReady on Zazzle

5. All-natural Chocolate Nut Fudge lip balm in a .15 ounce twist-up tube - Thick and rich All Natural lip balm.Contains Unrefined:Cocoa butter; Beeswax; Shea butter & Coconut oilAlso contains Hazelnut oil; Grapeseed oil; Vitamin E; honey powder; honey & a natural flavor oil. Contains NO petroleum based ingredients or mineral oil. Available at Organic Gifts by Diana

6. Handmade Crayon Soaps - Set of 4 - Encourage the little ones to scrub-a-dub with these crayon shaped, scented soaps. You will receive a set of 4 crayon soaps in the following fragrances and colors: Blue - Blue Raspberry; Red/Pink - Strawberry Jam; Green - Coconut Lime; Orange - Monkey Toots. From - Fragrance Fancy Candles & Bath

Photo and Custom Photo Gifts

Some great gift ideas for customized items featuring your own photo or photos

1 Black Designer 100% Leather Custom Photo Handbag - with a picture of your pet or other favorite photo transferred onto polyester fabric with the dye sublimation process, so they won't fade, crack or peel, then trimmed and made by specialized handbag staff. It is one side photo bag design, the other side is genuine leather with a large zipper compartment. Available at: PetsAdored





2. Custom Photo Fleece Lap Blankets Mini fleece blanket displays vivid colors and measures 27 (W) x 35 (L) inches. Made of soft and comfortable polar fleece. This, and and other custom photo products are available from Promote-101 at E-Crater



3. Friendship Sunflower Throw Pillow Let your friend know how special you think they are this holiday season with a Friendship Sunflower throw pillow. Image is a floral photograph of a blooming yellow garden sunflower. 18" X 18" with an 11” X 11” image area so you can lounge in comfort. Made of ultra-soft brushed twill with a sturdy canvas image area. From Lora Severson Photography




4. Sovereign of the Seas photo necktie - Striped tie with a repeating photo of the beautiful Sovereign of the Seas in alternating stripes. A thoughtful gift for anyone who sailed on this once the flagship of the Royal Caribbean line. Sadly, she was transferred out of the fleet and away from North America when she became one of the oldest and smallest ships in the fleet. Available on Zazzle.