Dinner time fun from our sponsors:
 Loopa Gyroscopic Toddler Bowls US$9.99 Buy at ThinkGeek |
| Fred Airfork One $ Available at Home Couture |
 Illuminated JetBib Feeding System US$19.99 Save 20% at ThinkGeek |
| Fred Souper Spoon $ Available at Home Couture |
Dinner time gift ideas for babies, toddlers and children (or the young at heart):
Sitting around the dinner table altogether is a special time for families.
Several studies have proven that families who eat together at the dinner table each night may be healthier, more connected, and less stressed.
Dinner at home together can mean families eat more vegetables, eat less and talk to each other more. (don't believe me? read the studies cited below)
Starting this dinner time routine at a young age will help your family form a lifelong habit. To ensure the harmonious dinner together doesn't turn into a battle of the wills to eat 2 peas, I've searched out some fun plates, forks and spoons to help liven up dinner time (for kids and adults).
Fred and Friends Food Face Plate
Discover if your child is the next Pro Hart, or Pablo Picasso.
Fred Aeroplane Fork
Neeeeooow... sausages, meat, potatoes and carrots coming in for landing.
Loopa Gyroscopic Toddler Bowl
A cleverly designed bowl to keep the food off the floor. This brilliantly designed bowl allows your child some "I do it" eating time, without you having to clean up the entire bowl of cereal from the ground after it goes skidding off the high chair. This bowl is inspired by Saturn, a gyroscope and a wish to stop the food wastage after dinner time. It is dishwasher safe. The multiple ring system makes it possible for your child to hold the bowl or even carry it around without spilling any (hopefully). The inner bowl is weighted and attached to an outer ring which inturn is attached to an outer ring.
Illuminated Jetbib Feeding System
Combi Chopsticks Trainer Set
Are your children bored with using a knife and fork, why not try some chopsticks? They are an excellent tool for the child's dexterity and they change up the dinner time routine. There are many child-friendly chopsticks on the market to help them pick up their vegetables and noodles.
Fred Souper Spoon
Related Links:
- Family Dinners are Important webMD read here...
Where to find these fun dinner time toys, cups, bowls and forks for babies, toddlers and children:
- Home Couture
- eBay
- ThinkGeek
.
eBay Christmas Gift Ideas
 Apple iPod nano 5th Generation Black (8 GB) MP3 Player $86.00 Bid at Ebay » |  Apple iPod nano 5th Generation Black (8 GB) MP3 Player $81.00 Bid at Ebay » |
Follow these simple tips to make shopping quicker, easier and dare-I-say it, enjoyable?
- Make a list
- Check that list twice
- Set a budget. Put an estimated price next to each person's name.
- Put down any ideas you have for each person and keep an eye out for those at special prices while you're out shopping.
- Do your research at home/work. Don't spend hours wandering the shopping centres until well into the morning on Christmas Eve. Instead do your shopping online, or at least your Christmas gift shopping research online.
- Have a Plan A gift and a back-up Plan B gift idea. In a perfect world you will be able to find the suede black mens wallet with 5 card inserts and a zipper coin pocket. However if you're looking for it on December 23 then the chances of it being in the first, second or fifth shop you walk in to are low. Have an open mind a a few backup gift ideas to fall back on if you get stuck.
- Circle ideas from catalogues. If you're after an ipod, check the electrical and department store catalogues for sales and bonus packs on offer during Christmas.
- Stick to your budget. If you spot an "extra" little thing for someone buy it and put it aside for their birthday.
- Wrap presents when you buy them. if the store offers free gift wrapping take them up on this convenience. Remember to put cards on each gift to remember which is which.
- If you are ordering online keep a track on the delivery times, the delivery cut-off dates and the store Christmas operating hours. Track any items you purchase online to ensure they arrive in time for the 25th.
- Get creative. If you can't find the perfect black belt for your Mum then be prepared with a plan B or C depending on how much time you have before Christmas day. Maybe make a belt from a ribbon. Or look for an Obi belt. Or move on to the plan B gift idea.
Following these tips has ensured my Christmas gift shopping is finished in time for Christmas Eve carols every year.
Channel 7TWO guide says the Martha Stewart TV Show is "Full of inspiring and affordable homemade ideas for good living."
Viewers can find out how to decorate your Christmas tree in festive colours with a difference, make delicious holiday treats and basically spruce up any item at home.
The Martha Stewart TV show available to free-to-air viewers coincides with the launch of Martha Stewart crafts at Spotlight. Craft-lovers can find ideas for their new Martha punches, paper crafts and glitter. This is a good show to watch to gather ideas for Christmas DIY gifts for family, friends, teachers, Kris Kringles and neighbours.
When is the Martha Stewart TV Show on Channel 7TWO?
As far as I can tell it is on 5-6pm each weekday so far, on Digital TV Channel 72.
What does admin think about the Martha Stewart TV Show so far?
So far Good Tidings has watched one episode of Martha and it seemed a little bit like an infomercial. However I did get lost on the website finding an endless number of crafty ideas to make this weekend. I love the photo bottle-cap magnet and thumbtacks idea and think I'll make a few for Christmas gifts, I'm sure I have a few left over bottle-caps. And some photos printed on cushion covers will be fun for my house.
A quick search of the website to find the recipe for Martha's Plum Dessert that she was making shows that the episode I watched aired in September 2007. 7TWO is not showing very current episodes, hopefully a few more up-to-date episodes and ideas will air in coming months as this episode did seem very dated with stark white bowls and simple stencils.
Related Reading:
Martha Stewart TV Show HERE
Look up the TV Guide to see when is Martha Stewart TV on Channel 7Two HERE
Find Martha Stewart crafts online at eBay:
 MARTHA STEWART 5 PIECE TEA SET NEW IN BOX $2.99 Bid at Ebay » |  Martha Stewart Garden Damask 6 Pc Drape & Valance Set $39.99 Bid at Ebay » |  Martha Stewart Coral Spray Stream 360T King Flat NEW $21.99 Bid at Ebay » |  Martha Stewart Allergy Wise King Fiberbed White $49.99 Bid at Ebay » |  Martha Stewart Sunprint Leaves Flannel Euro Sham $14.99 Bid at Ebay » |
 Martha Stewart Poppy Field Queen 6pc Comforter Set NEW $59.99 Bid at Ebay » |
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Find your perfect gift from unwanted gifts and prizes on eBay
 FPV Ladies Jacket - Medium - Unwanted Prize- RRP $149 $45.55 Bid at Ebay » |  Starbucks Gift Card - unwanted prize - half price!! $9.11 Bid at Ebay » |
Unwanted Gifts & Prizes
Ever wondered what someone did with the raffle prizes they didn't
want? Or what they did with the three toasters they received for their
wedding? Now we know, they sell them...
You get an exciting call from a representative to tell you you've won a raffle prize. It's a scooter and you don't have a motorcycle license. What do you do?
You have a birthday and your family have no idea what to buy you and give you three gift cards to a shop that sells nothing that interests you. What do you do?
Do a search on eBay for unwanted prize or unwanted gift on eBay and you can see that people now have a place to dump these unwanted gifts and prizes.
People don't donate, or give away their gifts as they used to. Nor do they hold on to them and pull them out of the cupboard ten years later to sell at a garage sale still in its box. And no longer do people allow the expiry date for vouchers and tickets pass by because people don't go to that shop, or visit that movie cinema.
A new option is to sell them or trade them to buy a more desirable present with the cash. Be it on eBay, in the Trading Post, on Gum Tree, or other website.
It is entertaining to read people's advertisements for their unwanted things... Mostly around the Christmas gift giving time when people realise they receive gifts from people that just don't understand them, or know what they like.
And the prices the items are listed at shows some people want to recoup the quoted RRP for the prize or gift. Like the user trying to recoup the entire RRP for the Zumba prize for this listing here...
The number of listings grows around popular gift giving time of Christmas, or during wedding season of late Spring and Summer.
List at your own peril though. If your loved one sees their gift advertised for sale, for free, or trade, they may not feel so festive next birthday or Christmas. And if you don't have the dinner setting out when your wedding guest comes for dinner they might get suspicious. Sometimes it is better to keep the gift for at least one use before selling the item on eBay.
Someone's wrong gift may be someone else's perfect gift idea. So check out eBay, Trading Post and more for gift ideas at bargain prices.
There are a few new Scooter's currently going cheaply, Nintendo Wii consoles, digital radios will come up as the digital radio business tries to get consumers to take up the new medium. If people are very happy with the Playstation console and they win a Nintendo Wii console they only need one, so of course they sell it and why should you get to pick up the bargain?
 brand new flask and garden diary unwanted gift $7.47 Bid at Ebay » |  CHELSEA FC WALLET BOXED UNWANTED GIFT COST £20 $7.41 Bid at Ebay » |  Ladies Leather Jacket, 12-14, New, Unwanted Gift $45.92 Buy Now Ebay » |  Big Lot of Brand New perfumes Nice Lot Unwanted gifts $24.99 Bid at Ebay » |  BNIB UNWANTED GIFT LADIES KAREN MILLEN BOXED WATCH $44.91 Bid at Ebay » |
 UNWANTED GIFT-ECONOMY 3M/10FT STEEL TAPE RULE $1.48 Bid at Ebay » |
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Father's Day Top Gifts from eBay and Wishlist
 Mason Pearson Hair Brush JUNIOR BN2 FREE SHIPPING $86.50 Buy Now Ebay » |  Mason Pearson Hair Brush - POPULAR (BN1) $112.00 Buy Now Ebay » |
 Jet Boat Corporate Charter $1,730.00 Available at Wishlist |  Jet Boat Sydney - Jet Blast $65.00 Available at Wishlist |
 Massage & Pamper Absolution Treatment For Men $250.00 Available at Wishlist |  Massage & Pamper Package At Home For Men $260.00 Available at Wishlist |
 CHOICE Magazine $82.00 Available at Wishlist |
 NEW! DONNAY TITANIUM PRO GRAPHITE SQUASH RACQUET RACKET $44.72 Buy Now Ebay » |  New Head i.x140 ix140 Squash Racquet ix.140 $39.99 Bid at Ebay » |
Over the years I've had some hits and some misses with the gifts I've chosen for dear old dad.
I know in the early years he just "loved" the six beer glasses from K-Mart my brothers and I seemed to always give him, along with a consistently burnt-toast breakfast in bed.
It was easier then, with little money and little access to shops to buy a gift for Dad than now, with so many shops, online and at the local shopping centre, and the brands and options are enormous. Add to that the need for the gift to say thank you for so many years of help, six beer glasses just doesn't seem like it cuts it anymore.
Two hours at Chadstone shopping one Saturday before Father's Day found me a rain jacket that I think he liked (he still wears it at our family holiday each Easter). But then there were the years I ordered him a caravan magazine subscription only to find out that he'd stopped reading it after the first year when they stopped taking the caravan out (and the stories kept being rehashed).
It seems a lot of people have similar issues, or lack of interest, with buying a present for their fathers. Interestingly enough an article ran in News that quoted a Visa survey's results showing people spend less on their Father's Day present than they do on Easter eggs.
Another excellent read about Father's Day Origins and gift spending fromNational Geographic can be found here...
Possibly Father's Day falls during a bad time of the year when people are caught too up in work and winter blues to be out shopping for gifts. Or that marketing for Mother's Day makes it easier to buy carnation flowers as a gift? Or another possibility is the "Hallmark-holiday" thinking is more prevalent for Father's Day than Christmas or Valentines Day, and that people do not want to get caught up in the commercialism of showing appreciation to their dad by spending money.
Possibly the idea of a catch up and spending time with Dad (free and away from the shops and receipts) is more appealing to children than buying a gift of chocolates or beer.
It is said that men are notoriously hard to buy for. I don't believe that. Or that they "have everything" or they like to shop for themselves. More plausibly is that the gifts that would truly make Dad happy to open are not bags of licorice or a bottle of bottom shelf liquor.
No, gifts to make dad smile are shiny and new or go very fast. Cars, boats, planes, LCD TVs (as the article states) and big-boys-toys. Unfortunately we just can't afford them. But because we can't afford the shiny gifts doesn't mean we have to go straight for the socks and jocks (although most men do need a new set of both). There is no rule that says we can't buy men some pamper products or a spoil me gift of Black label scotch or whatever tickles his fancy. Or even though we can't afford to buy him the new boat or plane, we can possibly find a local charter company to hire a boat for an hour or two in the bay.
And Dad's do their research on purchases, when they buy a TV they have read up on what brands are best and what are the new features. An hour in Chadstone will most probably not provide you with the same research. So when you give your dad the electric shaver the shop assistant told you to buy, and your Dad doesn't praise you profusely, it may be because all his research beforehand told him he really wanted another brand.
So Dads possibly stop smiling and praising the cheap glasses and wrong brands earlier than Mums stop heaping praise onto the children's gifts of cheap perfume and plastic jewellery. And as I can't buy my Dad the 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Red Roadster he's always dreamed of (and I've already given him the gag Matchbox Corvette and a number of Corvette calendars for his garage), I've narrowed the gifts down to a few top of the range items within my budget that will hopefully at least be used as often as the rain jacket and bring a smile as broad as the beer glasses and burnt toast...
- Mason Pearson Hairbrush. His hair might not be as thick as it used to be, and his hairline might be receding a little, but he should enjoy the feel of brushing his hair for as long as he has it. The Mason Pearson Boar bristle brushes are made by hand, surely Dad has to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making each brush. And the brand has been around for over 100 years. The pure bristle brush will be kind on his thinning hair.
- Choice Magazine. I know my dad loves to do his research and get the best for his buck. For those Dads not so tech savvy you can just give the printed magazine subscription, however for the more tech savvy Dads that love their research you can give the magazine AND the online subscription so they can view the articles whenever and where ever they are.
- New Squash Racquet. I am ashamed to say that a few presents over the years have just been new squash balls. I know I'd struggle to make a fuss over opening that present, so I'm looking in to some of the new squash racquets. And maybe I'll head out on to the court with him for a match on Father's Day.
- Beer Brewing Kit. Now we've all moved out of home the time Dad used to take up fixing our cars and driving us to sport and the train stations is free. So, I figure a fun and productive way to fill that new free time is by brewing some tasty beers. Give him a gift that turns in to a hobby and a topic of conversation for years to come. Brewing beer has become popular and a topic of conversation online and at work. Microbreweries have popped up and brewing shops selling a myriad of brew enhancers, malts and sugars will keep him busy into the new year. And he'll always have a cold beer in the fridge for when you visit.
- Pool table. I know as children we might not have treated his pool table as well as we should have, with chalk marks and rips in the fabric. And although I can't afford the brand new ones, I can get very clever and find a good quality one on eBay, or in the Trading Post. I know he's got the space in his garage now that my car isn't always in it.
- Bonds Hoodie I love my hoodie and so shy shouldn't my dad be able to kick around home in something stylish and warm?
More Gift Ideas for Dad available at eBay:
 VIZIO VW32L 32 in. LCD HDTV TV 1080i FLAT SCREEN $300.00 Bid at Ebay » |  Vizio VA19L VA19LHDTV10T 19 inch HDTV LCD TV 720P $134.96 Buy Now Ebay » |  Vizio VA19L VA19LHDTV10T 19 inch HDTV LCD TV 720P $99.96 Bid at Ebay » |
 DINKY NO. 206 CHEV CORVETTE STINGRAY $23.88 Bid at Ebay » |  HOT WHEELS T-HUNT CHEV VETTE STINGRAY 3 INT. BLISTER/PK $0.99 Bid at Ebay » |  NEW GAS DOOR ASSEMBLY FOR 65 CHEV. CORVETTE STINGRAY $69.99 Bid at Ebay » |
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IKEA shopping can be an event. It can take an efficient shopper that knows the short cuts and the layout only 10 minutes, or it can take a newbie over 5 hours. My longest shopping trip was 4 and a half hours, and included a lunch break at the restaurant, a sit down in the couches, and a fight over curtains.
Shopping at the Richmond store offers free parking for up to 4 hours if you purchase something from the store. Parking for the first hour at Victoria Gardens is free, but you still need a parking ticket. Once you've finished shopping there is a trolley minding service if you need to go pick up your car and bring it in to the loading bay.
Things I love about shopping at IKEA:
- free parking
- IKEA As-Is corner. IKEA display items and returns at reduced prices.
- Trolley minding. I love knowing I can leave my trolley and get my car without fear of theft, or trying to push an overstocked trolley through a car park.
- Funky fabrics. I love the brightly coloured and designed fabrics to buy by the metre, and the fabrics on their chairs, couches, sofas and cushions.
- Design ideas in the showroom.
- Handy storage tips for apartments and small unit living.
- Road testing the drawers, beds, chairs, desks and child toys.
IKEA As-Is Bargain Corner
A good tip when arriving at IKEA, and this tip can possibly avoid the hours and kilometres of walking the store, stop by the IKEA AS-IS bargain corner to check if the items you are after are reduced. The As-Is bargain corner at the Richmond store is hidden in the corner beside the checkouts. Me, I usually wander in to the bargain corner (through the checkouts) and have a quick scout around before heading off to shop for frames, furniture or whatever else I've come intending to buy. Items in the bargain corner are either ex-display stock, returned items, or items with ripped packaging. It also holds any discontinued and reduced items. Anything you buy from the bargain corner is As-Is and is non-refundable. Additionally most of the shelving products are assembled, not flat packed. You will need to dismantle any shelving units you buy. I have purchased a large Expedit bookshelf from the bargain corner (at half the RRP). We had to push the large shelving unit in a trolley through the checkouts and then dismantle it in the parking bay. It took a bit longer than usual to load it in the car, but it was a great saving and no signs of damage. And it was quicker to assemble at home as we knew how it was put together.
IKEA Billy or RIBA frame not in your colour?
If you find something in the As-Is corner of IKEA, online at eBay, or get given some IKEA preloved Billy or Aneboda and it doesn't go with your current interior design then why not have a go at renovating it? Just use some decorative wall paper, a lick of paint or play with the door handles.
Take some ideas from the blog IKEA Hacker here...
Can't make it to IKEA? Find new and used IKEA furniture and homewares online at bargain prices at eBay:
 NWT IKEA KIDS SPOKA BLUE RECHARGEABLE GHOST NIGHT LIGHT $9.99 Bid at Ebay » |  $25 Off ORIGINAL IKEA Coupon EXPIRE 04/30/2010 $1.75 Bid at Ebay » |  IKEA Ektorp Jennylund blekinge white armchair slipcover $29.99 Bid at Ebay » |  IKEA ANTIFONI FLOOR READING LAMP $24.99 Bid at Ebay » |  IKEA GRUNDTAL Kitchen Rail w/ 5 S Hooks, Stainless $11.52 Bid at Ebay » |
 IKEA TARNAN KITCHEN FAUCET $21.99 Bid at Ebay » |  NEW IKEA LAZY SUSAN-15" ROTATING WOOD SERVING TRAY $14.99 Bid at Ebay » |  3 NEW IKEA MULTI-COLOR THROW RUGS ONLY $14.99 $14.99 Bid at Ebay » |  NEW IKEA ORGEL CONTEMPORARY ELEGANT TABLE/DESK LAMP $16.99 Bid at Ebay » |  SET OF 12 IKEA GLASS PICTURE FRAMES, 4X6 PARTY FAVORS $14.95 Bid at Ebay » |
 SET OF 9 NEW IKEA RAM WOOD PICTURE FRAMES, 4X6 $9.99 Bid at Ebay » |  SET OF 8 IKEA ELEGANT GLASS PICTURE FRAMES, 5X7 $14.95 Bid at Ebay » |  IKEA NEW HAKE 4 PC KNIFE BLOCK SET $6.99 Bid at Ebay » |  SET OF 12 IKEA ELEGANT GLASS PICTURE FRAMES, 4X6 $14.95 Bid at Ebay » |  Ikea wooden figure-eight train EUC complete set! $4.00 Bid at Ebay » |
 NEW IKEA PENDANT LAMP-MUST SEE!!! $16.99 Bid at Ebay » |  IKEA NYFORS Floor/ reading lamp $24.99 Bid at Ebay » |  NEW Ikea White Kallt Table Light:Unique & Elegant $9.99 Bid at Ebay » |  NEW Ikea Sleek Modern White Digital Alarm CLock $3.00 Bid at Ebay » |  NEW Ikea 3 B&W Posters:Ocean Waves 9x9" $3.00 Bid at Ebay » |
 NEW Ikea 2 B&W Posters:Flowers15 3/4x19 3/4" $3.00 Bid at Ebay » |  NEW Ikea Set of 3 Color Posters:Flowers 11 3/4x15 3/4" $3.00 Bid at Ebay » |  Ikea Train Set 3 Train cars & 23 wooden tracks $9.50 Bid at Ebay » |  THREE IKEA CATALOG/MAGAZINE 2010 IKEA-THREE MAGAZINES • $4.99 Bid at Ebay » |  IKEA CATALOG/MAGAZINE 2010 IKEA CATALOG/MAGAZINE 2010 $2.99 Bid at Ebay » |
 Ikea Sofa, Frames, Lamp, Stool +Pillow Living Room Set! $149.00 Bid at Ebay » |  3 LIGHT FIXTURES BY IKEA MINT COND. NEVER BEEN USED $9.99 Bid at Ebay » |  IKEA Bibbi Snurr pink QUEEN coverlet w/2 pillow covers $8.99 Bid at Ebay » |  NEW IKEA COMPACT BATTERY OPERATED CLEAR ALARM CLOCK $6.99 Bid at Ebay » |  IKEA COUPON $25 or $50 off NJ ONLY- Expires May 31 $9.10 Bid at Ebay » |
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Bid for gifts on eBay, NIB, BNWOT, etc...
 ANIMAL KINGDOM Cricut Cartridge!! Brand New In Box! $28.00 Bid at Ebay » |  WILKERSON FILTER SERIES B F16-03-000 NEW IN BOX $9.99 Bid at Ebay » |
 AUTH BNWOT GUCCI BROWN SUIT JACKET & PANTS SZE 38 $2280 $299.00 Buy Now Ebay » |  BNWOT HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAKE WITH CANDLES PHOTO FRAME $7.99 Bid at Ebay » |
 4 PC MINI HOUSE CASTER MOVING DOLLIES LEG FURNITURE $39.99 Buy Now Ebay » |  HAUNTED MANSION O'pin House ~ 2 GHOULS MOVING Pin LE $9.95 Bid at Ebay » |
Last year I hoped to do all my Christmas shopping online. I wanted to stay away from the massive shopping centres with the constant stream of shoppers and the incessant sound of cash registers (ch-ching, ch-ching, ch-ching).
I got about 80% online, mostly through Peters of Kensington and eBay.
Since then I have kept an eye out for bargain buys on eBay and I have gotten more cunning about what to bid on and when. And I've learned more about what the different codes in item titles means.
Here's some helpful tips I've captured along the way:
eBay Account Registration
Of course, first of all you need to set up an eBay account by registering (eBay registration link here).
You will need to be creative with your username as eBay, running since 1995, had a reported 88.4 million active users worldwide in June 2009. With that many active users the name you'd usually pick, or your nickname, is probably already taken. You will be prompted with some ideas around the username you enter. Most of the prompts have numbers in them. I recommend going a bit crazy and creative to avoid spending half an hour finding a username.
eBay terms - Glossary to eBay acronyms used in listing titles
NR - NR in a title usually means No Reserve. These auction items will go for whatever bid is placed when the auction ends. This can mean some great bargains if there are not many bidders. It also means the item will sell and not be passed in if it doesn't meet the reserve | NIB - New in Box | BNWT - Brand New With Tags | GU - Gently Used | LTD - Limited Edition | BNIB - Brand New in Box | BNWOT - Brand New Without Tags | NIP - New in Packaging | BNWL - Brand New With Labels | BNIP - Brand New in Packaging | BIN - Buy It Now | MNT - Mint (perfect condition) | NBW - Never Been Worn | OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer | OOP - Out of Print |
Buying gifts on eBay
eBay is an online trading place for both used and new items. So if you're someone who isn't keen on giving pre-loved goods as a gift, you can narrow your search to new items using the above codes to narrow your search. Sometimes patience is required, the item you want might not be listed when you think of it, but don't give up, just add it to your saved searches and set it to send you an email when an item is listed with your requirements. I have about 10 saved searches going at the moment for my hard to find items.
eBay is also a place to sell unwanted gifts and as the saying goes, someone's trash is another man's treasure. And so it goes with unwanted gifts. A New in Box digital set top box might be listed only because the owner has two, rather than it being a lesser quality item or damaged in some way. eBay is also a wonderful place to find collectible items and hobby items. Shopping online at eBay can save you time searching for the missing AFL card for someone's collection, or a limited edition (LTD) product. I know how much credit and brownie points you can earn from giving a mint condition item or matching collectible thing.
eBay History:
eBay is the online marketplace for both new and used unwanted items and brand new items from eBay storeholders. eBay has been helping people buy and sell online since 1995. The first purchase (from eBay history) was a broken laser pointer. Find more eBay history and facts here.
Read about the current eBay facts, top searches and trends in the eBay Marketplaces Fast Fast At A Glance PDF. This is an interesting read with stats like in the US a bedding item is sold every second, an MP3 player is sold every 18 seconds and a pair of shoes is sold every 4 seconds (I've purchased one or two of those for the stats).
More eBay buying help here...
See NIB (New in Box) items on eBay:
 NIB Crystal Growing Box Kit Diamond White color 10 & Up $8.50 Bid at Ebay » |  Miami Hurricanes Tailgate Golf Games NEW in box $30.00 Bid at Ebay » |  Glass Cutting Board Apple Basket Fall Harvest NIB $3.99 Bid at Ebay » |
See BNWT (Brand New With Tags) bargains on eBay:
 BNWT PENNY PLAIN WHITE CALICO COTTON CROP TROUSERS $3.00 Bid at Ebay » |  Crocs Shoes BNWT Athens Sandal Black with Khaki M9 W11 $15.00 Bid at Ebay » |  BNWT PUMA 2 PIECE SET SIZE 6/9 MONTHS 00-0 PANTS/ SHIRT $23.69 Bid at Ebay » |
See LTD (Limited Edition) bargains on eBay:
 High Road to China Limited Edition Gold Cd John Barry $29.99 Bid at Ebay » |  ROD STEWART * SAILING * LIMITED EDITION BLUE VINYL 7" $52.40 Bid at Ebay » |  LENOX MERMAID LEGENDARY PRINCESS LIMITED EDITION 7769 $75.00 Bid at Ebay » |
See MNT (Mint Condition) bargains on eBay:
 1971-72 OPC #152 butch goring RC, EX/MNT range! $1.83 Bid at Ebay » |  1992-93 SHAQUILLE ONEAL ROOKIE CARD SKYBOX DP1 SHAQ MNT $7.50 Bid at Ebay » |  PASTEL MULTI-COLORED AUSTRIAN CRYSTAL BALL EARRINGS MNT $9.95 Bid at Ebay » |
See OOP (Out of Print) bargains on eBay:
 PRINCE stagetronic 2cd old and OOP $19.00 Bid at Ebay » |  Foreigner 4 - DVD AUDIO - Rare And OOP - NM $76.00 Bid at Ebay » |  Chicago 2 -DVD AUDIO - Rare And OOP -Audiophile heaven $39.00 Bid at Ebay » |
See Unwanted Gift bargains on eBay:
brand new flask and garden diary unwanted gift $7.47 Bid at Ebay » | CHELSEA FC WALLET BOXED UNWANTED GIFT COST £20 $7.41 Bid at Ebay » | Ladies Leather Jacket, 12-14, New, Unwanted Gift $45.92 Buy Now Ebay » |
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Peters of Kensington Grand Re-opening Sale is on now...
The sale started online on January 10 2010, however the website has been riddled with loading problems for 24 hours. Read more about the 2010 POK sale and the difficulties viewing the Peters of Kensington website at the moment at the more current sale blog entry here:
Online sales at eBay
 KitchenAid 12 Cup Food Processor KFP750 Onyx Black $56.00 Buy Now Ebay » |  Alessi King Kong Girotondo Egg Cup (Pink) New $15.72 Bid at Ebay » |
 ROYAL DOULTON SANTA DELIVERY, COOKIE JAR $49.99 Bid at Ebay » |  ROYAL DOULTON "ARRY" LARGE TOBY JUG FROM 1946 $79.99 Bid at Ebay » |
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Admin added 11 January at 7pm:
The Peter's of Kensington staff have kindly reverted to the old website in hopes of offering loyal POK shoppers a chance of shopping for sales bargains some time in January.
Check this article for a list of some of the brands on sale, reduced by 50% or more here...
Admin added 10 January at 11pm:
The Peters of Kensington Warehouse Sale is not on this weekend, but the website and store Grand Re-opening sale is on NOW.
It began late on Sunday Jan 10 in the evening.
If you want to buy up big on homewares bargains for yourself, friends and family then log on to the Peters Of Kensington website to view their New Year Sale. The sale should start online January 10 2010 and in-store on January 11 2010.
As of 4pm on January 10 the website is down, as some visitors have noted below. If I remember correctly the Peters of Kensington Sale started in the evening in 2009. I will keep a look out on the website for the great sales. I hope they are just testing the servers to ensure the website can cope with the bargain shopper load that inundates the website when they launch their Grand Re-Opening Sale today.
Archived blog (the warehouse is currently not open):
Peters of Kensington's Huge Warehouse sale is on this weekend... AND every weekend.
(admin update January 2010 the warehouse is not currently open. admin visited recently and it was very much closed up. We will update soon with more current opening hours).
When open, the warehouse address is 6 Bradford St Alexandria and is usually open 10am till 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
Stock at the warehouse changes all the time, with amazing prices on dinnerware, cookware, homewares, luggage and much more. You have to see it to believe it!
If you can't make it to the warehouse, shop for brands available at Peters of Kensington on eBay: Alessi, Alex Liddy, Kitchenaid, Bodem, Beatrix Potter, Breville, Crabtree and Evelyn, Circulon, Dyson, Filofax, Ipod, irobot, Kenwood, Lamaze, Morphy Richards, Nigella Lawson, Phillips, Reisenthel, Rhubarb, Royal Doulton, Rosenthal, Russell Hobbs, Scanpan, Samsonite, SIGG.
Be aware though that if you're off to buy from a gift registry, you cannot process Bridal and Gift Registry purchases at the warehouse.
Find out more about the warehouse sale here
I'm stuck in Melbourne and can't get to it (I shop online and take advantage of the advertised specials), anyone that does go please add a comment and let me know the types of bargains you snapped up please. I do love shopping from the online store and receiving boxes from Peters of Kensington. The Post Office workers get just as excited as I do when I go to claim the parcel. Last time they made me open the box at the time to show off my fun bargains purchases which were a surprise gift from my boyfriend.
Scanpan, Stocked by Peters of Kensington and available on ebay.
 Scanpan 10 pc set Ctx non stick cookware $799.00 Buy Now Ebay » |  Scanpan Professional 10 pc set save $ 100.00 $399.99 Buy Now Ebay » |  New 11 Piece Scanpan set save $ 100.00 $399.99 Buy Now Ebay » |
Russell Hobbs, Stocked by Peters of Kensington and available on ebay.
 RUSSELL HOBBS Stainless Steel Hand Blender Foot RHHB3 $18.88 Buy Now Ebay » |  NEW Russell Hobbs Stainless Hand Blender/Mixer RHHB3WS $64.99 Buy Now Ebay » |  VINTAGE RUSSELL HOBBS ELECTRIC TEAKETTLE TEAPOT - EXC $9.99 Bid at Ebay » |
Coffee machines, Stocked by Peters of Kensington and available on ebay.
 Gaggia Titanium Espresso Machine Super Auto *FREE S&H* $697.25 Buy Now Ebay » |  Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Stainless - NEW! $227.50 Bid at Ebay » |  Gaggia Baby 07 Black Espresso Machine FREE SHIPPING! $223.45 Bid at Ebay » |
Food processors, Stocked by Peters of Kensington and available on ebay.
KitchenAid 12 Cup Food Processor KFP750 Onyx Black $56.00 Buy Now Ebay » |  Cuisinart Food Processor DLC-7E Motor and Accessories $15.00 Bid at Ebay » |  CUISINART Food Processor DLC-8 Holder with 7 Blades $36.00 Bid at Ebay » |
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Winter is upon us and as the winter chill sets in, here are a few easy gift ideas to make shopping quicker during the colder months, allowing you to be home, enjoying a hot chocolate by the fire. Easy winter gifts include gloves, hats, scarves, thermal underwear (they make it in attractive styles now), rugs to snuggle under and hot chocolate kits. Find more ideas ...
Shopping in winter. Driving to the shops, finding a park, dashing out in the rain, it all seems a bit hard for gift giving. Never fear, Good Tidings has put together a list of gifts for those giving gifts during the colder months. Find both unique and tired and true gifts.
Traditional Gifts for Winter
- Gloves, mittens, scarves, beanies, socks - not sexy, but really useful. Matching sets are nice.
- Hot chocolate mixture and mug. Brands including Max Brenner, Lindt, Koko Black, Cacao, Frauss and more offer delicious gourmet hot chocolate DIY kits. Or a no fuss gift can come straight from the supermarket with a tin of Milo, some marshmellows, an ample sized mug, sugar, milk and spoon.
- Hot water bottle and trendy cover. Either order online from Home Couture or Peters of Kensington, or pick up a great cover at your local craft market.
- Mini umbrella. These are a very handy gift for your recipient to keep in their bag, in their desk drawer at work, in the car or anywhere they like. It comes in handy with the unpredictable weather.
- Good book. A great engaging read that you can sit down at morning tea with and be turning the last page as the sun sets is a great way to spend a rainy winter's day.
Unique Gifts:
- Knitting needles, wool and a pattern. Much like you can feed a man fish for one meal, or teach him to fish and he can feed himself for life, don't give a pair of gloves, teach the recipient to knit and they can make gloves for life. Either include a knitting class, teach them yourself, or find a good book on how to learn to knit.
Buy gifts on eBay & Wishlist for the new mum
 NEW TUPPERWARE ORANGE PLASTIC FLAT OUT CONTAINERS BOWLS $9.99 Bid at Ebay » |  Tupperware Deluxe Pick-a-Deli Container-New $6.89 Bid at Ebay » |
 YO GABBA GABBA! - NEW FRIENDS - DVD NEW $9.92 Buy Now Ebay » |  NEW BEST OF FRIENDS DVD BOXED SET FAVORITES SALE NIB 99 $0.99 Buy Now Ebay » |
 Selection of Filled Chocolates $66.50 - $126.00 Available at Wishlist |  Sweet Chocolate Bloom in Pink $57.00 Available at Wishlist |
 Cuisinart Slow Cooker Model CSC-650 $15.50 Bid at Ebay » |  Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes by Better Homes ... $2.99 Bid at Ebay » |
 PETA Maternity Breastfeeding Top OLIVE M/L 12/14 New $18.52 Bid at Ebay » |  ELLE TANK TOP Maternity Breastfeeding MOCHA 14/16 L/XL $19.42 Bid at Ebay » |
If you know someone that has just had a baby there are a few gifts that don't come from the nearest Seed, or Pumpkin Patch store, but are just as appreciated as a new sleepsuit or onesie.
- Freezer meals. Cooking up a few emergency dishes the new mum can have in her freezer for those nights when everything is too much effort, or when visitors have popped around for five minutes and stayed three hours. I love to hear backfrom my friends when they tell me the meal helped make one of their nights that little bit easier. Remember not to add too much garlic, ginger, chilli or wine. I love to cook up freezer meals for the new mum. It is always shocking to me to cook without garlic, ginger, chilli or wine, but I do it for the new mums. I figure they can flavour their meals to suit their families taste when they defrost them. Put them in takeaway containers so they are easy to store in the freezer and defrost in the microwave (and the new mum doesn't have to think about cleaning up a dish and returning it to you). If you're feeling generous your meals could come in new Tupperware containers as a gift too. A hearty vegetable soup is a handy meal to have, it is packed with vitamins and minerals for mum (and bub through the breast milk) and is filling. Basic napoli sauce (with spinach and other vegetables) for the freezer. Make a casserole, or a chicken and leek pie.
- Slowcooker & recipes. Making sure dinner time is covered is easy with a slow cooker or crockpot. The new mum can put what ever she wants in the slow cooker in the morning and by 6pm she'll have a delicious soup, casserole, pot roast or other treat. And the house will smell warming all day. Much like the freezer meals tip, this also helps to ensure there is food to cover any unexpected guest visits around lunch or dinner time.
- Have flowers delivered after the new mum arrives home with the new baby. As has been said frequently across this site, flowers are a wonderful surprise to have arrive on your doorstep, much more fun than bills in the mail. The first few days, weeks and months are tough for the new mum. People visit in the hospital and bring flowers, however when the new mum gets home those type of gifts commonly stop. If you either turn up with flowers, or have them delivered they will brighten up the new mum's house and her smile.
- Edible gifts delivered. Make your friend smile with a bunch of chocolate flowers from Edible Blooms. She'll have treats on hand for the three o'clock feed and for when visitors pop round unexpectedly You can easily order these online at stores like Edible Blooms and Wishlist.
- Visit and do chores. Visits are wonderful, fairies that do the cleaning and ironing are things of fantasy and daydreams for a new mum. When you arrive, if you notice dishes in the sink, either stack the dishwasher or wash them while making a cup of tea. Have quick check outside and see if there is some washing to bring in from the line, or check the washing machine for washing to hang out.
- Give the gift of cleaning vouchers. Instead of cleaning your friend's house, why not give her some cleaning vouchers so she can get her house cleaned at her own convenience. Vouchers to Jim's Cleaning, or a local cleaning service can be a very kind gift for a new mum. This gives the new mum, dad and bub time to spend together, instead of scrubbing the bath tub.
- Take the new mum for a walk. New mums know they need to get out in the fresh air, but find it hard to manage the baby, sleep, chores and lack of energy to put their shoes on and get outside. Give them a call, or just turn up and help make it happen. A walk doesn't have to be too far or strenuous. If you can book in a walk weekly or fortnightly that is fabulous as a catch up for you to see the new bub, and for the mum to have a regular bit of exercise.
- Pedometer. When visiting your friend for a walk, give her a little pedometer and help your friend track her activity through the first few weeks. Walking is excellent for the new mum, she can make sure she meets the necessary 10,000 steps a day. And she can be amazed at the days she hits that target without even noticing the activity.
- Music and DVDs. Music in the house is calming for both the mum and baby. Give the gift of music. Also, late night feedings and early morning feedings can be over so quickly while watching an episode of your favourite sitcom, or tv drama. Buy the new mum an entire season of a TV show she missed while working or getting ready for the baby and she'll be able to watch it while feeding. A funny 20 minutes of television can make these happy times during the 3am feed, rather than watching the home shopping network, or re-runs of "Just Shoot Me".
- New camera flash card (memory card). Buy the new parents another flash card for their digital camera. Even amature photographers find themselves taking countless photos of bath time, tummy time and sleep time. An extra card for their camera means they will never miss a candid camera moment of the new bub's early days.
- Good book. Just like a good DVD or CD, a good book for the new mum is one she can pick up and put down over the day at an any hour of the day (or night). It doesn't have to be one on parenting, maybe a light-hearted romantic chick-lit book but Cathy Kelly, Marian Keyes or Freya North. Or give her one of the books she's always been meaning to read. Check the ABC's list of 100 favourite books or Time Magazine's list of 100 All-Time Classic Novels list.
- Magazine Subscription. Organise a subscription to any of the new mum's favourite magazines, parenting, home or entertainment.
- Yummy Mummy labeled mug, clothing or bag. She might not feel like it, but it will make her smile. You can find them at most homewares stores as a novelty mug.
- New Clothes. The new baby is showered in gifts of new clothes, however the new mum deserves a pick me up outfit too. Find a brightly coloured top that allows easy access for feeding times. Wrap tops and yoga tops are excellent for this. A bright colour will also help lift her mood each day. A maxi dress to make her feel pretty no matter how long it takes for the baby weight to go away. Or maybe a pair of laze around the house comfort pants? A popular gift I've loved giving is a Bonds hoodie. The hoodies come in a great variety of colours. The classic Bonds hoodie is is also a good loose fit and great length. Maternity singlets from brands like Bonds are great gift ideas to provide the New Mum with comfortable support, and feeding access.
Surprise your new mum friend with a magazine subscription delivered to their door, order from Wishlist:
 The Australian Women's Weekly Magazine Subscription $69.95 Available at Wishlist |  Madison Magazine Subscription $79.95 Available at Wishlist |  Modern Fishing Magazine Subscription $72.00 Available at Wishlist |
Or some new maternity clothing for the new mum on eBay:
 WOMEN'S PATAGONIA HIKE CAMP YOGA TOP TEE SHIRT MEDIUM M $5.99 Bid at Ebay » |  GLIMA Woman Frank Lloyd Wright Tie Dye Yoga Top 1X $8.99 Bid at Ebay » |  ★Lot of 4!! Work out Yoga Top Tank Fitness Women Cami★ $7.99 Bid at Ebay » |
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