On the Wall...

Inexpensive wall art can be a terrific gift for kids, teens, young adults, guys with a "man cave," or anyone who has a work space to decorate.

As always, consider the person you are shopping for: does he/she have a favorite movie, travel destination, beloved hometown, celebrity, musical group, catch phrase, athlete, car, TV show, sport...? Or would he get a kick out of again owning an old poster he had as a kid? Your job is to search and surf -- chances are there's a poster to fit what he/she is all about (or something that the two of you share in common).

Important side note: it is a good idea to take the attitude that your gift will probably not be a focal point in your giftee's home (in fact, you may never see it again). If your gift ends up on the back of a laundry room door, c'est la vie. It's the thought that counts.

Here are three good online options for wall art:

1. AllPosters.com has an amazing selection of posters, frame-worthy art, and metal signs (plus some cool retro rock band tee shirts).
   
   
2. eBay is a good place to look for vintage or collectible posters.
   
   
3. Despair.com is the place to go for tongue-in-cheek "demotivational" posters with a sardonic twist. There is also an option here to create your own motivational (or demotivational) poster with your own photo and whatever wording works.
   
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A Sentimental Journey...

Sentimental gifts can be a personal, meaningful way to share with family members or old friends...and there is still time this season to find:

• Mementos from the company where one of your parents or grandparents worked
• Souvenirs from a summer camp or family vacation spot
• An old toy or doll someone loved (or coveted but never got)
• Favorite books or comic books
• A magazine from a memorable year (not necessarily a birth year - which we don't remember!)
• A piece from your grandmother's china pattern
• A toy model of the car your dad drove
• A baseball card or pennant from someone's favorite team
• College or high school memorabilia
• Old record albums (Restoration Hardware has album-size frames for instant art)

eBay is a great place to find gifts that are oldies but goodies.

Some people on your gift list will be thrilled with a sentimental gift...others might be confused and ask you why you are giving them some old piece of junk. Your job is to know the difference!

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