The five best gifts I've ever received: What are yours?
editor
photo 1 of 5
A vintage bike
I've lived in cities for the past 15 years and there's nothing better to get around on than a cute old vintage bike. This gift made me jump up and down.
Even though Shine is about to embark upon an eight-week-long gift
guide extravaganza for the masses (how magazine-y of us, don't you
think?), we know that presents (especially the good ones) are
incredibly personal and specific. The greatest gift exchanges
require thoughtfulness, listening, and really understanding who
another person is and what they like and need—that's what I
always strive for in giving and it's the only thing I hope for in
receiving. These experiences have little to do with what you spend
or how you wrap it up. They're more centered, though it sounds
cheesy, in a spirit of generosity and in that feeling of excitement
and anticipation you get right before someone you love opens a
present that you think is perfect for them. With that in mind, we
could no more tell you exactly what to buy your sister-in-law than
you could tell us what to get our grandmothers, but, our hope for
this guide is to help you with time-saving tricks, money-saving
resources and some really good, inspiring ideas along the way. Ask
us questions, share your stories—we want to know! For
example: What's the best gift you ever received? Check out my top
five in the slideshow above.
Related: stockings, holiday gift guide, gifts, camera, bike
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Posted by SilverFlower123 Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:47pm PDT
Perfume by Dolce Gabbana...incredibly sexy scent!!
My digital camera.
Bath and body, my daughter knows it :) :)
Boots to die for.
Nice gifts on your article up above, cute bike :)
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Posted by Gail Sat Nov 1, 2008 4:56pm PDT
No. 1 has to be on Christmas day 2006, when my daughter told me she was going to have a baby...my very first grandchild-I was thrilled! Ironically, the No 2 spot was also with that daughter, when I was her partner in the delivery room for the cesarean section she had to have in birthing my granddaughter Abby. I was the first one to see her and hold her; I looked over as the Dr. pulled her from the womb. I can't express enough that she (Abby) and that whole experience is my all-time favorite gift. Some people don't regard an experience as a gift. I'm not religious, but I still absolutely believe that you can give someone an intangible gift.
No. 3 is the week-long visit to my cousin Martha's house in California. She paid for me to visit her so I could meet all my family members on that side of the country that I have never met (I live in Buffalo NY area). It was a once in a lifetime gift.
No. 4 would have to be the combination CD/Turntable/Cassette that my hubby gave me for last year's Christmas. I am finally able to play my old 45's and LP's, and my cassettes that I've refused to replace with CD's.
And No. 5 is the Animal Planet's "Meerkat Manor" series of DVD's. I missed so many of the episodes while it aired and was so sad. My younger daughter was right on target with this gift. It has delighted me every time I've watched some episodes.
Thanks Jennifer, for making me take a short trip into my mind. It was a very enjoyable gift!
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Posted by Daphne Blake Sun Nov 2, 2008 12:20pm PST
My favorite gifts are both practical and fun!
#1, my daughter Violet was born the week before Christmas, best present ever!
#2, my Grandma gave me her engagement ring she got from my Grandfather. He's passed on and she remarried, and since I'm named after him, she gave me the ring. It's gorgeous and it's huge and it's perfect!
#3, my sewing machine. My husband got it for me a couple of years ago and I just started sewing. I thought that I'd learn to sew by staring at the machine for a year, but when that didn't work, I actually started sewing. So fun!
I love great Christmas presents!
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Posted by mcdonald Mon Nov 3, 2008 7:06am PST
Remote car starter. Lasts for years and is all too convenient.
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Posted by springtime Mon Nov 3, 2008 8:35am PST
second grade.. a beautiful bride doll with gorgeous long, wavy hair, which I immediately cut.
third grade... a red Schwinn bicycle that I rode until I left for the university
8th grade... a new saddle
12th grade.. set of luggage for the university and the world beyond
age 24 -- ruby bracelet ( my birthstone) from my new husband
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Posted by Wifey Mon Nov 3, 2008 10:00am PST
The best presents I've gotten would have to be the diamond necklace with a hint of aquamarine that my boyfriend got me and the huge stuffed pony that he bought me for our first Christmas together. And then for my 12th birthday, my parents bought me an 18 speed bike...I was so excited!
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Posted by Aurora Jette Mon Nov 3, 2008 10:32am PST
Hmmm.. I still remember when I got Hungry Hungry Hippo's at a young age and I remember how excited I was to have gotten it.
My really expensive fur boots from my dad... still have them and love them.
My first cell phone.
MY TOMTOM!!! *
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Posted by Tabassum TahrymaT Mon Nov 3, 2008 11:31am PST
my bedroom set, my hubby gave to me.
just after that i have to pay all the expense,
and its him, god gifted me.he still with me.
my mom gave me one thing that i wasn't born with by the grace of ALLAH.
my best friend himself stays in london gifts me everything i probably need.
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Posted by Mon Nov 3, 2008 7:54pm PST
#1-4 The birth of my twins Sept. 14 th 1976, The birth of my son Oct. 24 1981 and the birth of my youngest one December 14th 1983 ( 4 great kids!)
My second husband brought a set of earrings and a matching gold necklace from Amman Jordan. The gold was 24 crt. gold, just the most beautiful thing I have ever worn.
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