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water bottle lanyard

The Three Wise Men

The origin of gift giving on the day we celebrate Christ's birth comes from the Magi, the Three Wise Men. They travelled great distances following the star to Bethlehem. They brought with them valuable gifts for the Christ Child. And today we continue to offer our loved ones gifts of great value at this time of year.

The value need not be monetary; it's the value the person places on the gift that's important.

Last weekend we attended the Christmas One of a Kind Toronto Show. We went with a very diminished budget because there are bills to be paid and our creditors don't care about us wanting to buy lots of presents.They care about us paying our bills. It's unreasonable of them but that's just the way it is.

On this trip to the arts and crafts show we were assessing how the vendors' products  were exhibited. We spoke to some of the vendors about show booth construction and their experiences of sales at the large arts shows. We were on a scouting mission. Just that wee shift of focus helped us to stay on budget. And yet we thoroughly enjoyed the show: it was a great outing.  Make a day of window shopping and lunch. And leave your 'plastic' at home.

Have you looked at the Internet as a source for gifts?  There are some real deals online. A visit to eBay is a start. Pick up business cards, wherever you find them, and check them out on the Internet: they may have something you can give as a gift. Like page templates for the budding e-Commerce person on your list. Or a piece of artisan jewellery that is multi-functional.

Instead of buying that incredibly-beautiful-for-so-out-of-my-price-range piece of jewellery and sinking deeper in debt, buy a gift certificate at an e-Tail Shop. Better yet, get a gift that has multiple uses.

As an example: try a lanyard for your glasses that has clips instead of rubber rings. It can be used to hold your glasses, as a holder for your ID badge at work, as a bib holder when you don't want your dinner splashing onto your blouse. My lanyard is a piece of glass bead artisan jewellery that has received numerous compliments when worn as a necklace.

The most important thing to remember is: gifts are remembered because of the value they hold for the person receiving the gifts. Babies love the boxes a gift comes in so give the baby on your list an empty cardboard box she can explore and play in. Next year, when the baby is older,  you can visit Toys R Us or PlaySchool. Don't be surprised if your baby still loves the box the gift came in.

Money is so tight that people will be getting innovative gifts. Alfie Galda knits long strings with the left over wool she has when she finishes her magnificent hand knitted sweaters. They hold water bottles and slip over the shoulder to leave both hands ready for shopping. Send Alfie an email with questions and to place orders.

You aren't just shopping for people on your gift list; you also are responsible for gifts your child will be giving. Make a craft day and assemble coloured paper and scissors and glue and marker pens  and a stapler and anything else you can think of. Now help them make a small coupon booklet. There is no competition and the wicked 'you-could-have-done-better' witch is not invited. On each page make a coupon for services offered: like helping to dust the house, or cleaning the bathtub, or bringing your slippers when you get home from work. Or anything else the child is mature enough to do. Just think, a coupon redeemed that gives you no complaining about unloading the dishes from the dishwasher!  It's just a suggestion. People of all sizes and ages love getting these coupon books. For an adult there may be a coupon redeemable for a footrub, or mowing the lawn without complaint, or ....

There are ways around our economic shortcomings to give those really special and fondly remembered gifts. You were thinking of the recipient instead of throwing money at her.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS !!

About the Author

Helene Turnbull writes about needlework, beading and making glass bead artisan jewellery. Visit her e-shops at http://www.LampworkAndBeads.com and http://www.Glass0Beads.Etsy.com. Learn the art and craft of beading on her blogs at http://BaubleBabble.Wordpress.com and http://glass0beads.blogspot.com
Add your name to the list of people receiving her monthly email Glass Beads Newsletter.

What would you choose?

If money is not what you want to buy these items? Silver bracelet and neon cup hot water bottle of cocoa w / mixing spoon and Flashlight Keychain / lanyard or a food, like chocolate PS We are trying to decide what sells best, so we can do much because it is a fundraiser for our club. All items have also our logo. If you sold a product with your logo and sold before and please let me not what the topic was! Comments and suggestions are welcome! Thank you! Please let me know *

It depends on the bracelet is cute .. It's a draw between the bracelet and a bottle of water. But he can never go wrong with chocolate. A mine? Http: / / answers.yahoo.com / question / index; _ylt = Aj3cQLv6sxY3hagFFztvzrLsy6IX; _ylv = 3? Qid = 20100803161339AAIEy6F

FORUOR Energy PC Water Cup Bottle FU-A13

Water Bottle $2.95 Thor Water Bottle These guys are always handy to have around. 16oz. water bottle boasting the classic Thor logo Note: 16oz filled to bottle's neck

PowerSports Filtering Water Bottle $39.99 PowerSports Filtering Water Bottle

NINETEEN13 STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE $16.99 NINETEEN13 STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE

Water Bottle: Aluminum - $12.99 Water Bottle: Aluminum -

Water Bottle - Love Bird - $8.99 Water Bottle - Love Bird -

Water Bottle - Rocky Mountains - $3.99 Water Bottle - Rocky Mountains -

Water Bottle - Tres Medallion - $8.99 Water Bottle - Tres Medallion -

Water Bottle - Persian Paisley - $8.99 Water Bottle - Persian Paisley -

Tree Of Life Water Bottle - $8.99 Tree Of Life Water Bottle -

Water Bottle and Cap $24.99 Water Bottle and Cap - Photographic Print

Bottle of Lourdes Water $49.99 Bottle of Lourdes Water - Giclee Print

Bottle and glasses of water $19.99 Bottle and glasses of water - Photographic Print

Bottle and glass of water $19.99 Bottle and glass of water - Photographic Print

Pink Ribbon Water Bottle $6.99 Includes (1) water bottle with carrying case.

Brunton 81100746 Water Bottle $5.99 20.29 fl oz 81100746 81100746 Water Bottle Brunton Brunton, Inc Green Metal Water Bottle www.brunton.com

Brunton 81100747 Water Bottle $5.99 20.29 fl oz 81100747 81100747 Water Bottle Blue Brunton Brunton, Inc Metal Water Bottle www.brunton.com

Replacement Filter for PowerSports Water Bottle $29.99 Replacement Filter for PowerSports Water Bottle

Water Bottle - Hydrate Responsibility (Stainless) - $4.99 Water Bottle - Hydrate Responsibility (Stainless) -

Water Bottle - Spiral (Stainless Steel) - $4.99 Water Bottle - Spiral (Stainless Steel) -

Water Bottle - Peace (Stainless Steel) - $4.99 Water Bottle - Peace (Stainless Steel) -

Kiss Logo Water Bottle $17.99 LOGO - 750 ML STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE APPROXIMATELY 25 OZ

Kiss Destroyer Water Bottle $17.99 DESTROYER - 750 ML STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE APPROXIMATELY 25 OZ

Basketball Water Bottle $2.99 Includes (1) basketball water bottle that holds 13 oz.

TLD Water Bottle $8 Troy Lee Designs TLD Water Bottle The TLD Water Bottle is a refillable bottle that holds 24 ounces of your favorite drink for long rides or long days in the shop or office

Shopzeus USA zeusd1EPST1247997 Dog Water Bottle 32oz $31.97 Dog water bottle 32oz

Shopzeus USA zeusd1EPST1247998 Dog Water Bottle 64oz $40.11 Dog water bottle 64oz

Cashel Water Bottle $2.9 The Cashel&reg Water Bottle is a great way to keep your water handy and stay hydrated.One size.

Girl Drinking Water from a Bottle $24.99 Girl Drinking Water from a Bottle - Photographic Print

Sasquatch Seltzer Water Bottle $9.99 Because even Bigfoot gets thirsty! Coated aluminum water bottle. Holds 17oz of your favorite beverage! Because even Bigfoot gets thirsty, pick up this Sasquatch Seltzer Water Bottle! Made from coated aluminum, this 17oz water bottle stands 8 3/4-inches tall. Order yours today!

The Beatles Abbey Road Water Bottle $17.99 THE BEATLES ABBEY ROAD WATER BOTTLE - 750 ML STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE APPROXIMATELY 25 OZ

The Beatles Rubber Soul Water Bottle $17.99 THE BEATLES RUBBER SOUL WATER BOTTLE - 750 ML STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE APPROXIMATELY 25 OZ

Tritan GRG Water Bottle $9.9 Feel refreshed with GRG's tritan stylish water bottle! It features a good grib, spill resistant and dishwasher safe!

Pacific Market International 1001188001 Utility Water Bottle 32oz Stainless Steel $25.12 Quickdrink spout. Prevents spills when drinking. Widemouth removable lid. Fills easily. Dishwasher safe. Cleans hassle free. Stainless steel. Built tough. No liners/coatings. Carcup compatible. Equipped for the road. Lanyard. Keeps lid from rolling away.

Pacific Market International 1001194001 Utility Water Bottle 24oz Stainless Steel $22.72 Quickdrink spout. Prevents spills when drinking. Widemouth removable lid. Fills easily. Dishwasher safe. Cleans hassle free. Stainless steel. Built tough. No liners/coatings. Carcup compatible. Equipped for the road. Lanyard. Keeps lid from rolling away.

Soccer Water Bottle $2.99 Includes (1) water bottle. Holds 13 oz. Measures approximately 7"H.

Baumgartens Recycled Lanyard $5.99 0% 0.80 oz 1 30% 36" Length 69514 Lanyard is made from recycled water bottles and contains 30 percent post-consumer material. Lanyard features a J-hook for attaching keys, cell phone, and more. Baumgartens Black China Lanyard No Polyethylene Recycled Lanyard Yes www.b3.net

Nike Sport Water Bottle. $4.99 This 600ml Nike water bottle is designed to be leak proof and easy to hold in one hand. Perfect for use when working out. The asymmetrical, one-hand design of this Nike water bottle makes it easier to hold.Leak-proof valve ensures water when you need it with no mess or waste.600ml capacity.

Circa Support Lanyard White $3.45 Circa Support Lanyard White Show your support for local skaters and keep your keys close. Features: * 100% Polyester * Bottle Opener

3M RB01W012 Water Bottle $23.99 0% 16.90 fl oz 2 / Pack 3M Reusable 16.9 oz water bottles are exclusively designed for use in the 3M Filtrete Water Station (sold separately). BPA-free bottles are dishwasher-safe and include a leakproof cap. Slim design allows the bottle to fit in most vehicle beverage holders. BPA-free China Clear Dishwasher Safe Leakproof Lid No RB01W012 Reusable Water Bottle Water Bottle www.3m.com

Cashel Water Bottle Holder $22.95 The Cashel Water Bottle Holder is a trail item you shouldnt be without. Extremely convenient and practical, the structured bottle compartment makes replacing water a one-handed task so you can keep one hand one the reins.

Maxifuel Water Bottle - 750ml. $4.99 This 750ml Maxifuel Water Bottle features a screw cap designed to prevent leaks. Ideal for mixing and holding your sports nutrition powder.Pop your sports nutrition powder into the bottle, add some water, shake and drink. Screw cap to prevent leakage. 750ml.EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 5032543009061.

CamelBak Better Bottle 25-Oz Water Bottle - Gray $14.99 Refresh yourself on the go with this CamelBak Better Bottle 25-oz. water bottle that features a bite valve for quick, easy sips and an integrated handle for simple portability.

Wild Horses Water Bottle $14.95 Hold hard on the plastic! Stainless steel water bottle is printed with wild horses. Carabiner clip on cap. Holds 25 oz. Dishwasher safe.

Water Bottle Cruncher (Assorted) $11.99 Doggy Hoots Water Bottle Crunchers Dog Toy Dogs just can't resist the satisfying crunch of an empty water bottle! That's why these Bottle Crunchers are designed house empty water bottles to let your favorite pet go wild! Perfectly sized for empty water bottles (or any empty plastic bottle up to 20 oz. in size!) This toy packs a punch with a crunch! Recycle! Don't throw away…it's time to play! Refill! Use your ol' empties to fill this toy at the handy-dandy opening! Repeat! All crunched out? Remove the old bottle to recycle and stick a new bottle in! It's dat simple, folks! (and "green" too!) Assorted styles. Please allow us to choose for you.

Pro-Form Water Bottle $5.99 This water bottle features BPA-free, polypropylene material for a durable, leak-free design. The integrated clip allows for easy attachment while you exercise.

Google Android Water Bottle $11.99 Whether you're hitting the gym or popping the Google Android Water Bottle onto your trusty bike for an afternoon ride, you're going to love its simple look. Keepin' it classy in black with an awesome illustration of Google's charming little robot, Android, this water bottle makes the perfect gift for that friend you can't get to stop talking about the wonders of Google's operating system. Give the gift of Google with the Google Android Water Bottle!

Lil Wayne Logo Water Bottle $17.99 LOGO - 750 ML STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE APPROXIMATELY 25 OZ

The Grateful Dead Recycle Water Bottle $15.99 RECYCLE - 750 ML ALUMINUM WATER BOTTLE APPROXIMATELY 25 OZ

Jimi Hendrix Portrait Water Bottle $17.99 PORTRAIT - 750 ML STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE APPROXIMATELY 25 OZ

The Grateful Dead Bolt Water Bottle $17.99 BOLT - 750 ML STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE APPROXIMATELY 25 OZ

Liquid pouring out of water bottle $19.99 Dermot Conlan Liquid pouring out of water bottle - Photographic Print

Lixit Dog Water Bottle (32oz.) $14.5 Dog Water Bottle Easy to Install Water Stays Fresh & Clean Premium Quality, Stainless Steel Tube with Double Ball Easy to Fill and Clean Wide Mouth Bottle With Quick Release Spring Bottle Holder (Include Inside the Bottle) Filling Instructions: Water bottles work on a vacuum lock. When bottle is filled and first inverted, press the control ball and let water trickle out until vacuum develops before placing bottle in holder. Occasional dripping due to temperature caused expansion of the bottle is normal.

The Amazing Water Bottle Workout $9.99 The days of schlepping to an expensive, dirty, sweaty gym are over. The Amazing Water Bottle Workout offers the simplest, most practical approach to fitness—anywhere, anytime. A liter of water weighs three pounds; a gallon weighs nine pounds, making water bottles (plastic or stainless) the best possible resistance devices. All it takes is a water bottle for an efficient, affordable, and effective workout. Water bottle workouts are perfect for travelers, soccer moms, busy executives, families, beginners, regular exercisers who want to increase their fitness levels—and anyone who needs a quick and efficient fitness program. Authors Jason S. Greenspan and Lee Noonan deliver: Carefully conceived workouts for the whole body Challenging workouts for every fitness level Strength and endurance workouts Time and balance workouts The authors’ self-guided water bottle routines work all muscle groups with instructions for all fitness levels, warnings about common mistakes, and cautions for those with knee and back pain. Included are more than forty exercises with photos demonstrating proper technique, plus core work, balance and stretching, and water bottle weight charts. With The Amazing Water Bottle Workout, gyms and cumbersome home exercise equipment are passé. Water bottles are today’s cheap, safe, easily obtainable, and environmentally friendly exercise equipment.

Zombie Juice Water Bottle $11.99 Zombie Juice Recipe 5 Zombies 8 Cups Water 1 Sprig of Mint Blend together in an industrial strength blender and serve chilled. Perfect for hot summer days while dealing with the Zombie Apocalypse. Of course, the above recipe is even better when you tote it around in your Zombie Juice Water Bottle. Each Zombie Juice Water Bottle is an awesome, coated aluminum liquid tote, with a creep-tastic graphic on the front. Carrying a full 17oz of liquid (that's two 8oz energy drinks), it will keep you properly hydrated for your war against the undead (or paperwork - either one sucks). And if you have an extra carabiner at home, you can clip this sucker to your bag, belt, keys, or piercings. One thing you never want to be without is liquids, and your Zombie Juice Water Bottle is here to help. Zombie Juice Water Bottle Carry your liquids in style, with the zombie-tastic water bottle. Coated aluminum bottle with screw on top (plastic) is ready for your liquid-carrying needs. Hand wash only. Capacity: Holds 17oz of liquid. Dimensions: 8.75" tall x 2.5" diameter.

Reebok Water Bottle $7.99 Reefresh and Reeuse with Reebok. Hydration is an essential part of fitness and now you can do it with a stylish, refillable water bottle from your favorite sports brand. Eco-conscious BPA free.

Resident Evil Water Bottle $14.99 Stay hydrated while gaming! Become the envy of your gym! Makes a great gift for the gamer in your life! Stay hydrated and become the envy of your gym, with this Resident Evil Water Bottle! Perfect for your favorite beverage on the go, this sturdy water bottle is constructed from aluminum, and features a sturdy plastic screw top with sipper and cap. And the attached mini carabiner clip will keep it secured to your bag! Order yours today! Type: Water Bottles

Glass Refillable Water Bottle $44.68 This water bottle does not clog our landfills. This eco-friendly clear water bottle is reusable and features a screw-on airtight cap.Color: Clear Materials: Glass Dimensions: 8 inches tall (approximately) Capacity: 20 ounces Free from chemicals Airtight screw capCare: Hand wash in warm soapy water

Water Mist Bottle 2 oz. $1.99 Color blending is easy with the Water Mist Bottle from Hero Arts. You can use it with inks, markers, or watercolors. The bottle holds 2 oz. of liquid.

BOB Handlebar Console, Duallie Water Bottle Holders $24.99 BOB Handlebar Console, Duallie (Water Bottle Holders)

Stanley / NINETEEN13 STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE / 10-01152-022 $29.4 Stanley - NINETEEN13 STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE - 10-01152-022

Stanley / NINETEEN13 STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE / 10-01152-023 $29.4 Stanley - NINETEEN13 STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE - 10-01152-023

Stanley / NINETEEN13 STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE / 10-01152-024 $29.4 Stanley - NINETEEN13 STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE - 10-01152-024

Primus / WATER BOTTLE 0.6L, GREEN / P-735230 $21.76 Primus - WATER BOTTLE 0.6L, GREEN - P-735230

Primus / WATER BOTTLE 1.0L, TITANIUM / P-735240 $23.3 Primus - WATER BOTTLE 1.0L, TITANIUM - P-735240

Primus / WATER BOTTLE 1.0L, ORANGE / P-735250 $23.3 Primus - WATER BOTTLE 1.0L, ORANGE - P-735250

Water Bottle - World Of Love (Stainless Steel) - $4.99 Water Bottle - World Of Love (Stainless Steel) -

CamelBak Better Bottle 25-Oz Water Bottle - Fabric $23.99 Refresh yourself on the go with this CamelBak Better Bottle 25-oz. water bottle that features a bite valve for quick, easy sips and a wide-mouth design so you can add ice cubes to your drink.

Reebok 750ml Water Bottle $8 Your water break doesn't have to wait until the end of your workout when you Reefresh with Reebok. Keep this easy-to-grip, easy-to-open water bottle with you as you run, hike or ride, and track your hydration with the convenient liquid measure.

Tirso No Drip Water Bottle $13.78 The unique no-drip design and durable construction of the Tirso No-Drip Water Bottle prevents a leaky mess. This is more than the typical ball tip bottle, as the nozzle is specifically constructed to prevent stray drips, but still allows your pet to access the water he needs. The Tirso can be attached to any cage or carrier making it ideal for home or travel. Holds 47 ounces.

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