Extraordinary Gifts for the New Homeowner
If you've already read part one of this article, "Unique Gift Ideas for the New Homeowner - The Sensible Sort," you'll have seen some very out of the ordinary gift ideas. All are perfectly practical, yet different enough to elicit a happy and surprised response. But if you'd really like to take your Christmas shopping up a notch, come along as we take a look at a few non-essential essentials for the new homebuyer.
So, you know someone who has recently purchased a home, and you're thinking about getting them a little something for their new place. Why bother with the same old, same old, when you can get something that screams luxury, and has a touch of eccentricity mixed in for good measure.
If you think that your friend's new home is a bit small and could use an extra room, why not get them one? The Cloud is a portable nylon room that self-inflates using a fan. The Cloud can house about six adults without claustrophobia setting in, and provides a great space for relaxing and brainstorming. It does indeed look like a cloud, and would be perfect in a loft or house with modern decor. Otherwise it would just look silly.
Another item that's a must-have as winter approaches is the Portable Hockey Rink. There are various sizes available, and they're a breeze to set up. Just lay the rink liner out, fill with two inches of water, and wait for Jack Frost to drop by. Voila! Instant hockey rink. A vinyl liner keeps your grass safe, and the rink's border ensures that when the ice melts, you won't have a flood in your backyard. Keep in mind however, that this rink only works if you live in an area that's cold enough to accommodate it.
Did the person on your list just a buy a home in a warmer clime? Don't worry because there are plenty of gift ideas that are on par with the backyard skating rink, but are meant for summertime fun.
If your friend has a pool in their backyard, there are tons of surprising accessories out there. Ever go swimming and find yourself wishing you could crank your iPod from in the water? Now there's a floating Water Resistant iPod System that can play your favorite tunes while you relax in the pool or bathtub. Not only does this stereo system float, but it also shuts off automatically when the surrounding environment has been quiet for over two minutes; there's no energy waste with this system
Surpassing even a waterproof stereo system, in terms of extravagance, is the Motorized Pool Lounger. No more tiring workouts paddling from one end of the pool to the other. Now you can simply power up and go! There is a built-in cup holder, two quiet propellers, and navigation controls that resemble arcade joysticks. In the product description, the company rightfully asks "Why just float when you can drive?"
When your friend is tired of motoring around her new swimming pool, she may have a hankering to play billiards. What's a girl to do? Bust out the Waterproof Pool Table of course! These all-weather billiard tables can be custom installed directly in your swimming pool, and run upwards of ,500.
What could make a sweeter gift for a new homeowner than to give them a skylight in any room they wanted? With the SkyV HD Virtual Skylight, you can give your friend a realistic looking skylight that is actually a high definition LCD screen. Featuring animated birds, clouds, and any number of natural scenes, the SkyV HD Virtual Skylight allows you to gaze at the stars any time you want.
To help your friend decorate his new abode, consider getting him a complete aquarium set that's both functional and unexpected. There are aquarium sinks and tables available, which allow you to have a window to the marine world, right in your bathroom sink or nightstand. Why settle for porcelain fixtures when you can have colorful fish swimming underneath you as you brush your teeth?
For fire lovers, there are now Flametop Tables on the market, which produce a small ethanol flame from the center of the table. This kind of fire doesn't smell or smoke, and dousing the flames is as easy as placing a cover on top. Beyond sophisticated, these tables will definitely make an impression at your friend's housewarming party.
Twin Cities top urban REALTOR® Andy Asbury knows Minneapolis condos and loves helping clients make intelligent real estate decisions. Discover how the Carlyle Condos in Minneapolis offer a new style living in the Twin Cities on Andy's comprehensive web site.
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July 8th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
"Six adults sat around a table, each facing a sewing machine and in search of new skills; thread, scissors, pins and scraps of fabric dotting the room with character. The group was gathered for a upholstery basics workshop at Hands on 3rd, a crafting and arts workshop tucked in on West Third St, between boutiques, rush hour traffic and the Beverly Center. The brainchild of artists Kyle Hollingsworth and Renee Ridgeley, Hand on 3rd is a workshop and creative space where people could come together and create. The shop offers hands-on training for crafts and arts of all sorts -- from sewing to mosaics -- and a place for like-minded aspiring craftspeople can meet and hash out new projects. Hollingsworth, an artist with an affinity for crafting, and Ridgeley, a self-proclaimed 'permanent intermediate'-level student, found that there were others who, like them, are always eager to learn a new skill. “There’s something really special about learning with others," said Ridgeley. "That’s a really cool thing that you can’t get unless you’re here with people doing it in the flesh.” We live in the age where people interested in DIY craftmaking of just about any kind can find an online tutorial illustrating how to do it, Rigdeley said. But the comraderie of skill-sharing and the bonds it can create is often absent online. That missing feeling of community is what Hands on 3rd aspires to create. Besides hosting crafting workshops, Hands on 3rd provides artists' space at the front of the store. They've even created a 'pop-up' holiday store for the season called Tweak 99, where nothing is priced above $100. The sewing machines started whirring as the evening's class got underway. By its end, each student would be prepared to create their own set of placemats, a first step into the world of upholstery. One of its attendees, Rita Hand, said she showed up in hopes of becoming skilled enough to reupholster her classic Streamliner Odyssey. She’s a crafter and loves the concept of creating with one’s own hands. “Things that are homemade are ten times better than [things that are] bought and it’s from the heart," she said. "That’s what makes it all the more valuable.” Sasha Ross, who manages the workshop and teaches knitting, said she found Hands on 3rd after being laid-off from her job. Afterward, she found herself spending most of her days working with needles and yarn. She said it was serendipitous that she ended up at Hands on Third, where she shares her skill, and learns new ones, on a weekly basis. “I feel like I’m getting an arts school education without having to pay $30,000 a year,” she said. Ridgeley hopes this notion of creation will continue to catch on. She and Hollingsworth opened the workshop in the middle of the recession, and have found that people are still willing to pay for services and skills, which she says often result in savings in the long run. “People really get excited not only about making something, but then giving something that they’ve made,” said Ridgeley. Hands on 3rd will be participating in the first Los Angeles Renegade Craft Fair, where its will offer free workshops in creating handmade gifts."
July 12th, 2011 at 11:01 am
[...] psychicinsights added an interesting post today on Psychic Predictions come true in 2007.Here’s a small reading:Deadly virus thrives in cold weather; Asia at risk for rise in infections . Asia must keep watch for a sharp rise in bird flu outbreaks as winter approaches, the top UN influenza official said Friday, calling illnesses from animals “one … [...]
July 13th, 2011 at 7:37 am
How to build an Inground Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool: EBook on how to build an Inground Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool....
July 15th, 2011 at 2:31 am
NASHVILLE PREDATORS LICENSED HOCKEY RINK FLOOR RUNNER
July 15th, 2011 at 11:04 am
Put together a swing set today with six adults for six hours and it's still not done... ugh.
July 18th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
I'm crushing as well
#TWIPS check out this lovely e-sesh! RT ruth eileen photography!!!
July 20th, 2011 at 7:52 am
You'll have to perform some sort of hockey-related ritual to dispel the synchronized sequin pollution. Send that rink out properly!
July 26th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
I like the look of # 3. Is it your house? I'm sure the backyard skating rink looks better in person but the lights on 3 make a good picture.
July 28th, 2011 at 11:59 pm
Me. Too. !.
I actually _interact_ with babies now. And children. They always used to make me uncomfortable, to be honest, but now I'm all "HELLOOOO! Look, you have a thumb! Let's talk about poop!"
It's really weird.
And the trailer made me cry, too, but so does the commercial for the TLC show about the 19th Duggar baby, so I am not a good measure of sanity.
August 6th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
he said he got 98% of what he wanted, was that AA? Would 100% mean A or maybe F- for good measure...
August 9th, 2011 at 3:28 am
It's August should I start my Christmas shopping now! Would be good for the economy!
August 13th, 2011 at 2:55 am
You know those days when you just wake up and look outside, then want to go and kick Jack Frost in the snowballs?
August 13th, 2011 at 3:09 am
and this phenomenon is not limited to scientists. From the comfort of our living rooms or computers, we follow the lives of sports stars whom we adopt as our champions and heroes, proxies of ourselves as they do battle on the basketball court, football field or hockey rink. And we place them as well on the same pedestal where our high expectations place pressure on them.
just ask Tiger Woods ...
August 19th, 2011 at 2:30 am
Great Price Danze D446161BN for $13.00 -
August 21st, 2011 at 4:19 am
Data Guardian 2.0.8 -
August 27th, 2011 at 2:44 am
Wow--Learn the 3 easy steps to buy a home..No matter if you have bad credit, no down payment, foreclosure, or anything. 18 or over you can Buy A Home anywhere---Now.Since over 90% of people Can Not Qualify the traditional way. This book will Sell Fast
August 29th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
How to build an Inground Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool: EBook on how to build an Inground Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool....
September 3rd, 2011 at 9:31 am
I am jellus of your backyard skating rink! I wish I had one of those.
September 11th, 2011 at 7:28 am
"I went skating today on my parent's sloped driveway so we'll probably need to layout the sofa cushions around the edge of the rink if you expect this Fat Dad on the rink!
How much of a slope does your yard have? I'm not sure I could make it work in my yard but I might be over-estimating the effect. We're going to get our daughter on skates this year so next year I may be building one of these in my yard!!!"
September 18th, 2011 at 4:16 am
unique gift ideas. Thank you and I wish you well .]]>
September 20th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Modern Decor Tip: Blend Not Match
September 21st, 2011 at 9:40 am
Coupon - Warner Bros. Studio $5 off admission to Warner Bros. Studios VIP Tour (up to six adults) http://www.wbstudiotour.com
September 26th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Cheap Prices - Handsanded Metal Wall Sculpture. Modern Decor by Ash Carl -
September 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Handsanded Metal Wall Sculpture. Modern Decor by Ash Carl: This 7 panel metal wall sculpture by artist Ash Carl w...
October 18th, 2011 at 7:12 am
RT Unoccupied buildings should be opened up for people without shelter, especially as winter approaches. Freezing to death isn't good.
November 3rd, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Here's my personal favorite!
MyDayRegistry.com lets you register your very own day! Yes, you can actually OWN a day. It's really popular for Anniversaries and Weddings, but you could get it for just about any day you would like to celebrate
They send you a framed certificate as proof of ownership and you can create an online profile to show the world why you bought that day. The most amazing thing about the site is that there can only be one (1) owner per day!
I did a full review of it on my blog if you want to read some more about it
uniquegiftideasblog.com/unique-gift-ideas-mydayregistry-review/
November 20th, 2011 at 2:20 am
Shoescove.com is proud to offer the Patagonia Kids Sidewall Jacket ToddlerLittle KidsBig Kids MulticheckCork Apparel Plaid perfection for the slopes and beyond. Durable 2 layer shell with H2Noamp174 waterproof and breathable barrier and Delugeamp174 DWR durable water repellent. Lightweight and compressible insulation is water and wind resistant. Removable hood is drawcord adjustable to help keep the snow out. Fleece lined collar and chin flap are super soft and prevent zipper chafing. Articulated arms improve mobility and feature grow fit sleeves which add 2 in length. Hook and loop adjustable cuffs. Over sized hand warmer pockets are insulated and have extra room for gloves and goggles. Hidden chest pocket and internal mesh pocket provide plenty of storage for all your stuff. Full length wind flap and mini powder skirt keep the elements out. Snap loops coordinate with Snow Bum pants. Drawcord at hem allows for a custom fit. Hand me down ID label inside and reflective heat transfer...
December 4th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
PRIME PROPERTY-Designed apartment with modern decor,spacious layout (changning) CNY18000 2bd 146sqft -
December 10th, 2011 at 1:04 am
As winter approaches we take a look back on the Inked Girls of Summer.
December 15th, 2011 at 10:27 am
The Process You Go Through To Buy A Home
December 26th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Gift for Her Gift for Him Unique Gift Ideas Corporate Gifts Mygiftee -
December 26th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Unique Gift Ideas $50 UncommonGoods Gift Certificate Giveaway -
December 28th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Ottawa videographer Tony Caldwell waxes poetic on backyard skating/hockey rinks ... and finds he's far from alone in his obsession with this enduring Canadian tradition. Watch for a former NHLer to make an appearance, too.
December 30th, 2011 at 11:50 am
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January 2nd, 2012 at 8:18 pm
12 Days of Unique
January 7th, 2012 at 12:45 am
my blog so drop by sometime and check out all that's there!!!]]>
January 13th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
RT Its cold as jack frost out this bitch
January 21st, 2012 at 7:33 am
Creative Low Cost Baby Shower Invitations Ideas - Sarah Moleumi -
January 23rd, 2012 at 4:38 am
AQUALINER OVERLAP AQUARIUM 27 FT ROUND POOL VINYL LINER: AQUALINER OVERLAP AQUARIUM 27 FT ROUND POOL VINYL LINER...
January 27th, 2012 at 5:38 am
The 7 Deadly Sins of #Homebuyers What not to do when preparing to buy a home #RealEstate
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:00 am
Backyard Skating Rink - Time Lapse -
February 9th, 2012 at 4:37 am
Unique gift ideas for your loved one this Valentine's Day: Instead of presenting the object of your affection w...
February 13th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
But thanks to you, I'm much happier now. If I could, I'd send some Wassail to you and Emma!Hmmm...maybe I could send some wassial by way of Jack Frost; he owes me a favor.
Tickled Pink Jean]]>
February 27th, 2012 at 3:44 am
hmm I guess...as winter approaches I'll get them and sell my sun glasses?
February 27th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
در فیلادلفیا فکر نکنم که مردم غارت کردن. از اون به بعد فیلادلفیا خیلی عوض شد. خیلی از خانوادههای قدیمی شهر رو ترک کردن و به حومه رفتن.
March 7th, 2012 at 5:11 am
Chiropractor can help by examining stance and the alignment of knees, hips, shoulders and pelvis. Posture awareness is the first step in correcting underlying issues so that back strains and stresses can be averted.
Because summer sports carry their own hazards for injury, it's important to prepare your body for each pastime. Golfers and tennis players will benefit from specialized exercise routines that strengthen the midsection, or "core," of the body.
Summertime is fun time. If you'd like to learn how consistent chiropractic checkups can stop back pain from spoiling your summer fun this year.]]>
March 8th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Why There Will Never Be a Better Time to Buy a Home in Your Lifetime -
March 16th, 2012 at 9:19 am
2931163: PRICE REDUCED- SPECIAL OFFER!! Beautiful 3 bedroom brand new attached villas constructed with high quality materials and with private garage. Landscaped gardens surrounding the villas and swimming pool’s. From the roof terrace there are wonderful sea views and there is pre-installation to place a Jacuzzi . The villas are in two level and have a basement with garage and extra room for the 3rd bedroom. The living room leads to a deck terrace with built in BBQ .An exceptional construction quality based on the highest standards of technical requirement and set of equipment that makes all the difference, standing on the top of the range. Excellent location just 300m from the Castelo beach on a private condominium of 10 attached villas in Sesmarias . There are a good selection of good Restaurants in walking distance. The Salgados Golf course is 3km away and the Marina just 2,5km. This is a paradise for all you can see, feel and realize in here. Ground floor: Kitchen; Living room;...
March 16th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
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March 16th, 2012 at 11:35 pm
months in a hotel. Ugh.
{{{Kath}}} again for good measure.
Thanks, B. Honestly, though, we're fine. The house sold much faster than expected, which is the best of all problems to have, especially given the current state of the real estate market! It's an adventure, and we're rolling with it! -KDF]]>
March 17th, 2012 at 4:09 am
And just for good measure... Ann Arbor is a Whore!
#OhioisBetterThanMichigan
March 17th, 2012 at 5:35 pm
Jan from Unique Baby Gear, Baby Ideas, Nursery Themes and Baby Ideas for Modern Decor]]>
March 19th, 2012 at 3:23 am
My dream in life is to have a backyard skating rink. #CaliforniaProblems
March 23rd, 2012 at 4:16 am
Spring Cleaning is Time to Use Home Junk Removal Services -
March 23rd, 2012 at 11:20 pm
April 1st, 2012 at 1:30 pm
RT reminiscing on the hockey season st francis should be embarrassed that we have no hockey rink on campus nor turff or more than 2 buildings
April 2nd, 2012 at 7:09 am
Friends & Family discounts, online samples sales, oh my!: I’m not one for starting my Christmas shopping so early but when you come across sales like these, it’s hard not to! Normally I like to wait for Santa to pass by at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade before I get into the season and complete my holiday shopping list. However, 20-30% off some perfect gift items sound really good to me. Sales=1 ; Scrooge=0 Check out these great discounts and offers online and in-store! 7 For All Mankind Friends & Family 40% OFF 40%off both online and in store- use code “7FAMILY”. Valid 11/12-11/15 Coach Factory Stores 20% OFF Take an additional 20% off at Coach Factory Stores. Valid through 11/15 Juicy Couture Friends & Family promotion 30% OFF Take 30% off regular and sale merchandise. Offer is only valid in-stores with a coupon . Valid 11/11-11/18 Urban Decay Friends & Family Use code “FNFW1″ for 30% OFF your entire order. Valid 11/9 – 11/20 Bloomingdale’s – Friends & Family 20% Off Save...
April 10th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
RT @LibertyLondon looking forward to it, I am a man through and through with a bit of Tods thrown in for good measure!
April 15th, 2012 at 3:08 am
#WhenIWasLittle i remember going christmas shopping and i would ask if its mine my mom would say its for your cousin then i would get it
April 18th, 2012 at 12:07 am
Best North American airports for skiers -
April 22nd, 2012 at 3:17 am
Area fishing derbies offer perfect opportunity for free summertime fun - Scranton Times-Tribune -
May 3rd, 2012 at 1:40 am
unicornmajik: As winter approaches, Congress cuts funds for home heating help
May 6th, 2012 at 5:29 am
Lighting Trend: Mid-Century Modern Light Fixtures -
May 9th, 2012 at 11:01 am
Met eyes with the nail-biting love of my life on the hockey rink while at work with
May 12th, 2012 at 7:29 am
my blog so drop by sometime and check out all that's there!!!]]>
May 12th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
summertime fun w/ rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow" [photo]
May 12th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
lame lame lame lame lame lame and lame. the six lame was for good measure.
May 14th, 2012 at 10:05 am
Thought I had some extra room in my closet after I took out a few things..... And then I found a bag of new clothes I bought last week -_-
May 17th, 2012 at 7:53 am
Planning to Buy a Home Audio System? Read This Before You Buy -
May 18th, 2012 at 1:17 am
I sooooooooo love carrot cake with cream cheese icing.Especially those that are so soft and moist. Mmmm. Wish I could try yours!Gah! I haven't gotten a chance to bake here cos I don't have the tools with me..Wanna buy them soon so that I have things to do at home (other than work and readings) when it gets too cold as winter approaches. Haha. I 'm really gonna get fat here seriously.American food is so fatty!]]>