Classic TV on DVD Makes A Personalized Holiday Gift
The TV-shows-on-DVD landscape is changing. The economy is down, stores have less shelf space, and producers are being more cautious about what, and how much, they release into the marketplace.
And year after year, there are some omissions that frustrate me to no end. Where, oh where, is The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd with Blair Brown? Where are all those missing seasons of St. Elsewhere?
But rather than complain, like Scrooge, about what’s not around this year, I’m here to celebrate what is. There are a few releases I didn’t ever expect to see on DVD, and some special complete sets that would make great personalized gifts for the right person. So here we go — a fast romp through my recommended DVD holiday list, starting with a very welcome voice from TV’s past: Charles Kuralt.
If that name isn’t familiar, you won’t be as excited about Acorn Media’s On the Road with Charles Kuralt set as you should be. Beginning in the late ’60s, Kuralt and his crew traveled across America in a motor home, stopping in small towns in search of small but uplifting stories. It’s the kind of TV they really, truly don’t make any more — and they’re as sweetly nostalgic now, after all these years, as an old Norman Rockwell painting.
Another new DVD set collects TV that’s even older. The Golden Age of Television was a PBS series that ran about 25 years ago, presenting a small but stellar collection of live TV dramas that had been broadcast, in prime time, some 25 years before that. So we’re talking old, in TV terms. But we’re also talking great: Patterns and Requiem for a Heavyweight by Rod Serling. Bang the Drum Slowly, with Paul Newman. The Days of Wine and Roses, with Jack Lemmon. And from 1953, the first Golden Age drama to realize the full potential of live TV, Paddy Chayefsky’s Marty.
Rod Steiger starred in that drama as a lonely, middle-aged butcher who goes to a local dance hall in search of a possible date. He meets a woman there, all right — another lonely outcast, whom he’s just watched being dumped by her date in favor of someone more attractive. Marty asks the woman to dance, and they slowly, quietly connect. It’s a great, intimate scene — made even greater when you realize the young woman playing opposite Rod Steiger is Nancy Marchand, who would end up playing Tony Soprano’s horrible mother, Livia, on The Sopranos.
This is the first time this retrospective has been released on DVD, and it comes from Criterion, so it’s the full treatment: beautiful transfers, beautiful packaging, even an informative booklet. For anyone who cares about TV’s salad days, it’s the perfect gift.
For slightly younger TV fans, though, there are other choices. BBC Video has just released remastered, complete-series editions of two fabulously funny British comedy classics, loaded with new interviews and other bonus material. One is Blackadder, with Rowan Atkinson, showing every series and movie incarnation of that bizarre character study. And the other is Fawlty Towers with John Cleese, which I still consider one of the funniest TV series ever made.
Another quirky comedy series, closer to home, is the complete set of It’s Garry Shandling’s Show. This is the show Shandling did for cable before The Larry Sanders Show, and the entire conceit of the series was an ahead-of-its-time satire of reality television. Even the theme song was hyper-aware of itself.
Other new complete sets this year include the sci-fi series Farscape, from A&E — a terrifically inventive and entertaining series, finally collected in one place. And perhaps the year’s biggest treat of all, Fox Home Entertainment’s nicely packaged complete-series set of Ally McBeal. This is a set that not only holds up, but seems just as fresh as before. Fans of writer-producer David E. Kelley, or of Brothers and Sisters star Calista Flockhart, will be especially happy with this one.
And finally, there’s Time-Life Video’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum collection, which gathers induction speeches, performances and jams from the Hall of Fame’s entire history — including many that have never been televised anywhere. The DVDs are set up so you can watch them in their entirety, or just go straight from one song to another.
And Time Life gives you another valuable option as well: the set comes as a nine-disc mammoth offering on the Internet, or with the first three discs, loaded with great music, available as a smaller, more affordable set in stores. That’s where you’ll hear, among other things, Crosby, Stills and Nash, with Tom Petty, performing Buffalo Springfield’s classic, “For What It’s Worth.”
For what it’s worth, I recommend this set, and all the others I mentioned, as being eminently gift-worthy.
Fairlane Town Center has gifts for everyone this holiday season
DEARBORN — If you’re looking to make a gift more memorable this holiday season, look no further than Fairlane Town Center, where you will find thoughtful keepsakes that will make lasting memories for years to come. personalized gifts presents from Fairlane are priceless, unique, and guaranteed to make everyone’s holiday season merry and bright.
For the Men
Dog tags for $20 from Things Remembered are a delightful way to show a special male in your life how much he means to you. The stainless steel face makes a unique canvas for a personalized message for a father, grandfather, brother, husband or son.
A creative gift for the sporty fellow is a NCAA throw from Things Remembered for $29.99. With personalized embroidery and your imagination, you can craft a slogan that will make his blanket a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind holiday gift.
Lids makes it easy to add a personal touch to his favorite hat. For just $9 per side, the embroidering possibilities are endless. This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “my team.”
For the Ladies
At JC Penney, you can find a reversible picture frame pendant for $27.50, a beautiful gift for all of the extraordinary women in your life. Whether it’s for your mother, grandmother, sister or wife, each pendant comes engraved with a meaningful message. Just add your favorite photo to make it even more personal.
For a lady who has everything, Things Remembered offers a princess carriage water globe that plays “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” from Cinderella, the ultimate princess film. For $39.99, this ornately designed gift with pink trim has a place within the globe to display your favorite photo memory.
Icing by Claire’s makes it simple to find a personalized gift for that special girl in your life. For $16, a metallic leather wallet with a bejeweled initial zipper pull sets her apart from the crowd with this one-of-a-kind accessory. A coordinating handy handbag holder attaches to any table to keep her purse off the floor. The dangling initial decoration makes it fashionable as well as functional.
For the Home or Family
For $29.95, Hallmark offers a recordable version of the beloved holiday classic, The Night Before Christmas, which allows you to give the gift of your voice to loved ones near or far. The prerecorded prompts guide you through the recording process from start to finish, making it simple to read to your loved ones, even if you can’t be there in person.
Hallmark helps you personalize Christmas ornaments by adding a photo and a recorded message for only $18.95. A beautifully constructed monogrammed music box from Hallmark plays “What a Wonderful World” and is a timeless keepsake for the home. Available for $19.95, the glass casing on the top reveals a spot to display a photo or message, and the sizeable interior makes it perfect to store jewelry or mementos.
A sliding door oil burner from The Body Shop is $18.50 and allows you to scent the home to your liking. A split dish means you can burn two different oils simultaneously to customize your own fragrance. Add a handful of the store’s home fragrance oils, available for $7.50 each, and you have an aromatic gift for everyone to enjoy.
If you want to give a one-of-a-kind experience your loved one will never forget, stop by Ticketmaster, located at the Main Information Desk, to purchase tickets to a favorite show, concert or sporting event. This is one present that is certain to create lasting memories.
Fairlane Town Center is your destination for one-stop holiday shopping. With more than 160 stores, from Aeropostale and Coach to Foot Locker and Wet Seal, there is something for everyone on your list. When in doubt, a Fairlane Town Center gift card makes the perfect gift for people of all ages.
Business Christmas Ideas
Many of the businesses I know of have already send out the Christmas gifts to their clients and business partners. However, there are also some of those who take the “last minute” approach. We have compiled a list of ten sites that can deliver a Christmas greeting, and even a Christmas gift, in time for them.
Virtual Greetings: Not long ago, we reviewed Animoto for our readers. Animoto is an electronic greetings service – ideal for online based companies with a large user database (like StumbleUpon, Digg, etc). These companies could use Animoto’s Holiday Package to send branded virtual greetings to all their users. Since they are already Internet based, the approach would make sense, and it would also receive a high level of appreciation from their community. In addition, Animoto has apps for both iPhone and Facebook – an even broader choice spectrum for the smart marketer.
Business Gifts: There is a tremendously large offer of business gifts online. Among the most popular sites, Gifts.com has an extensive selection of office gifts. With only 19 days to Christmas, some of these are probably no longer available, or will not arrive in time. However, there are some candidates for “last minute” delivery among them, including wine of the month club packages, holiday baskets, personalized gifts, levitating globes and more.
Chocolate: Godiva is probably the most elegant candidate for a sweet Christmas present. Personalized messages are also available. Godiva presents are also available on Amazon, and the best way to ensure “in time” delivery is to send Godiva Gift Card Certificates
Wine: at The California Wine Club, Holiday gifts ordered now will be scheduled to arrive right before the holidays. The offer four club gift options: Premiere Club, Signature Series, International Selections and Aged Cabernet series. The club states that every wine featured in their collection is 100% guaranteed and comes from an authentic winery (no bulk wine, ever). A genuine gift that can’t be found in local stores, affordable and classy.
Gift baskets: The GourmetGiftBaskets.com sell their stunning handmade gift baskets made with award-winning, critically acclaimed gourmet foods at Amazon and on their site. This is by far the most reliable gift baskets retailer, and they still have products available for last minute delivery.
Trophies and awards: an interesting and unforgeable business gift idea, is to send a personalized award, medal or plaque. These can be ordered at Dinn Brothers Trophy. For orders placed online, Dinn Bros offer 48 hour (2 business days – not including the day the order is placed) rush service processing Monday-Friday. However, they exclude from this service custom products, so call 1-800-628-9657 before ordering if you want your gifts in time for Christmas.
Music: Aside the free MP3s available at Amazon, the popular online retailer offers a large selection of holiday music, including season classics like Andrea Bocelli, Bob Dylan, Jackson 5, etc.
Gift cards: again, the winner is Amazon. Businesses can use Amazon gift cards for corporate gifts, sales promotions, employee incentives, survey compensation, or customer acquisition, retention and loyalty programs. With an Amazon Corporate Account businesses can buy products in bulk, authorize multiple buyers, and download order history reports.
Cash: still a method preferred by many givers and receivers, although a bit “impersonal.” The gift of cash is at least a time saver for the giver, and it allows the receiver to purchase something she really likes. Western Union is the best, and fastest way to send instant cash premiums to those worthy employees. Unlike other forms of instant payment (like PayPal), Western Union delivers the money “in hand” – instant access.
For special occasions, give personalized gifts
Every year you struggle to find a gift to commemorate a special holiday or event which hopefully will be enjoyed by the recipient. Why not consider customizing your gift, so your friends will remember not only who gave them the present, but also the special reason that sparked the gifting?
Looking for something more original than the engraved paperweight or fancy desk clock that are common recognition gifts? Instead think about giving a custom wine bottle – filled with the recipient’s preferred wine – with the bottle label congratulating them on achieving another year, passing on happy wedding wishes, wishing them all the joys of the season, or even offering congratulations on a job well done.
By giving a personalized gift, you are going the extra mile to show how much you care. You are not only celebrating the occasion when you present the wine – the recipient will remember it later when the wine is served.
“Nobody is ever disappointed when they receive custom-labeled wine,” says Richard Smith, managing director of Custom Wine Source, whose products were featured recently on the Kathie Lee and Hoda segment on NBC’s “Today” show. “As a promotional item, it has great ’stickability,’ becoming a great conversation piece when it is inevitably consumed.”
With more than 200 predesigned and editable label templates to choose from – or the option to create your own from scratch – and many different kinds of wine from either Prince Michel Winery in Virginia or Brutocao Cellars in California, you know that your wine gift will be one of a kind.
For special occasions, give personalized gifts
Every year you struggle to find a gift to commemorate a special holiday or event which hopefully will be enjoyed by the recipient. Why not consider customizing your gift, so your friends will remember not only who gave them the present, but also the special reason that sparked the gifting?
Looking for something more original than the engraved paperweight or fancy desk clock that are common recognition gifts? Instead think about giving a custom wine bottle – filled with the recipient’s preferred wine – with the bottle label congratulating them on achieving another year, passing on happy wedding wishes, wishing them all the joys of the season, or even offering congratulations on a job well done.
By giving a personalized gift, you are going the extra mile to show how much you care. You are not only celebrating the occasion when you present the wine – the recipient will remember it later when the wine is served.
“Nobody is ever disappointed when they receive custom-labeled wine,” says Richard Smith, managing director of Custom Wine Source, whose products were featured recently on the Kathie Lee and Hoda segment on NBC’s “Today” show. “As a promotional item, it has great ’stickability,’ becoming a great conversation piece when it is inevitably consumed.”
With more than 200 predesigned and editable label templates to choose from – or the option to create your own from scratch – and many different kinds of wine from either Prince Michel Winery in Virginia or Brutocao Cellars in California, you know that your wine gift will be one of a kind.
One-of-a-Kind, Stylish Holiday Gifts From $20
How can you make your gifts stand out and still keep to your budget? personalized gifts Stationery is distinctive, affordable and a gift with their name on it.
“Very few things can top receiving a personal note in our digital world,” explains StationeryXpress’s Creative Director, David Slavin. “It is an extension of our customers’ unique style that an e-mail can never match. And with so many popular brands to choose from and more than 100 new gifts for Holiday, our customers can find Stationery with personality — theirs!”
www.likepersonalizedgifts.com offers an impressive selection of personalized stationery, embossed stationery, and personalized gifts, all at affordable prices. Whether thanking employees for a job well done or introducing a young family member to the art of letter writing, StationeryXpress has stationery gifts for everyone.
Personalized Stationery, from classic to contemporary, inspires you to stay in touch; to say thank you, for a special memory.
Embossed Stationery is ideal for a business associate, for Wedding Stationery or your first anniversary and always in style.
Personalized Memos in Acrylic Holders for teachers, colleagues and for the chronic list makers in our life are always appreciated.
Self Inking Stamps for a young relative, or a Save-the-Date, lend a welcomed sophistication.
Embossed Napkins and Guest Towels make great hostess gifts for the life of the party.
Engraved Silver personalized gifts of frames, keepsake boxes or pen sets end the year on a high note.
Ordering from StationeryXpress is easy. Simply choose a design, paper and ink colors. Print styles include embossing, foil stamping, raised ink and flat print ink. With so many options, it is possible to create one-of-a-kind presents for everyone on your list. Prices range from $21.95 for the always-popular Memo Squares to an average of $30 for a set of 50 personalized cards or foldnotes shipped in elegant gift boxes.
Need help making your selections? Visit www.likepersonalizedgifts.com for guidance on finding the perfect gift or guidance in writing the perfect thank you note.
Orders for personalized stationery for Hanukkah should be placed by November 30. Christmas orders of personalized stationery need to be received by December 14.
Q-11 launches Christmas Merry-Give-Around
This is just a glimpse of Q Channel 11’s Christmas Station ID, Merry-Give-Around. Set to launch this Monday on Balitanghali, Merry-Give-Around officially kicks off Q-11’s Christmas campaign. With Q VJs Gee Canlas, Stephanie Henares, and Ysa Vilar at the forefront, the plug enjoins viewers to celebrate Christmas as the season to “give love and love giving.”
Asked about the concept behind Merry-Give-Around, Lots Topacio, GMA AVP/creative director for creative services (QTV) shares, “The intent was to encourage people to give more of themselves. Not in a material way but to give more meaningful gifts like their time, their affection, their permission. These are things money can’t buy. And things the receiver can deeply appreciate.”
Partnering with the recently launched WMN.ph, Q-11’s campaign is supported online through two promos – the Merry-Give-Around Christmas Registry and the Merry-Give-Around Christmas Coupon.
The Merry-Give-Around Christmas Registry is an online registry which allows everyone to create their wish list and upload it on the site. Families and friends can be asked to do the same. This way, Q-11 and WMN.ph make it easier for everyone to know what they can give others to cheer them up this season. Like the campaign, the online registry will be up by Monday on WMN.ph.
Meanwhile, Nov. 29 marks the start of the Merry-Give-Around Christmas Coupon. These Christmas coupons, which can be downloaded from WMN.ph, entitle the recipients to a very special, most meaningful and completely personal non-material gift this season.
From “Ma’am”, it may be an extra day off for yaya. From a young daughter to her dad, it could be a tight hug everyday for a whole month! From an Ate to younger sis, it could be permission to borrow her clothes anytime. The gifts can be personalized gifts and custom designed, too. But whatever the giver chooses to give, it will surely be a personal, non-material offering very much in keeping with the spirit of the season. Viewers will simply have to tune in to Q-11 for the passwords to the coupons page.
Bubaloo Baby Opens Its Doors (bubaloo)
Bubaloo Baby offers one-of-a-kind personalized baby gifts, uniquely personalized baby clothing and premium baby gift sets for babies across North America.
BRAMPTON, ON / November 1st, 2009 — Looking for that perfect baby gift has never been so easy. Bubaloo Baby provides uniquely personalized baby clothing, one of a kind personalized baby gifts and premium baby gift sets. The beautifully embroidered baby items make ideal gifts for Baby Showers, New Arrivals, Special Occasions, Holidays, or simply for that special baby in your life.
If you want to add a personal touch to that perfect baby gift, Bubaloo Baby has what you are looking for. Unlike an ‘ordinary’ baby gift, Bubaloo Baby allows you to personalize the item you want by adding a custom embroidered name and design with a variety of fonts and colours. Gifts are available to suit all budgets and are available in super soft cotton and certified organic cotton. Bubaloo Baby makes it easy to find the perfect gift that can be cherished for years.
Ordering the perfect baby gift is as easy as 1-2-3
1. Choose your item
2. Customize it
3. Checkout
Bubaloo Baby will take care of the rest.
Each item comes in a lovely organza gift bag, and a personalized gift card can be included for no additional cost. If you are purchasing an item as a gift, it can be shipped direct to the location you choose.
Baby hasn’t arrived yet? Name not chosen yet? Why not send a gift certificate. A gift certificate is a great idea for a shower gift, when the baby’s name has not yet been chosen or simply if you want the recipient to be involved in the design process.
Ohio Cane Maker Offers Personalized Gifts To Vets
DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) Sean Clifton has come miles since bullets shattered his arm and shredded his insides during a May firefight in Afghanistan.
Help has come from countless people, most recently from a stranger Jake Jacobsen, a widower from Troy, near Dayton, who handcrafts personalized Gifts canes for veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The 69-year-old Jacobsen has carved 28 canes as part of the Eagle Cane Project, a national effort that has put about 2,500 custom canes in the hands of wounded troops. He spends 20 to 30 hours making just one cane.
While most of his canes go to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Jacobsen delivered Clifton’s cane personally at his home in the Columbus suburb of Dublin.
Stationery Print Shop Launches Its New Custom Gifts, Personalized Invitations and Creative Stationer
Stationery Print Shop is excited to present their new line of stationery for just about any occasion. They already have a reputation as one of the most popular providers of custom gifts, personalized stationery and invitations. Their customer base includes a growing number of private and public corporations, both at home and abroad, but they are also launching a new plan to focus more attention on the individual customer. Stationery Print Shop offers complete sets of personalized wedding stationery, to gifts for all special occasions.
Stationery Print Shop’s launch is showing a significant step forward in the online Custom and Stationery industry. A company spokesman said: “Our primary goal is to provide customers with the best in creative, unique stationery products. To that end we are committed to providing our customers with a fresh and rewarding shopping experience. ”
Stationery Print Shop offers customers unique, quality, wedding and bridal shower invitations, birth announcements and baby shower invitations as well as personalized birthday cards and custom party invitation cards.
They are very proud of their customer service record and staff. They make it their personal business to be well informed and to ensure that customer expectations are always met. They are committed to working with customers to achieve an online store that gives a better stationery shopping experience and appreciate customer feedback on their site.
The company is well positioned to become a popular stop for online custom stationery products, invitations, baby gifts, and much more. As an already popular provider of these items, Stationery Print Shop aims to become the one and only place to buy custom and personalized gifts for any occasion.