Blogs

Featured Blogs

GIFTS (46)

Reach 200,000 Potential Customers

Posted by Zhana on August 10, 2009 at 1:30pm
The 2009 African American Holiday Gifts Guide will be advertised to at least 200,000 African American potential customers - educated people and book buyers.It costs just $10 to advertise. Your ad will remain online for a year.Please contact me privately if you would like to place an ad. I will be advertising a wide range of products.For more info, visit: African American Holiday Gift ShoppingHere's to your success!Zhana
Read more…

A Mother's Day gift to yourself!!

Posted by SONYA on May 7, 2009 at 2:13pm
Happy Mother's Day from the Freedom At Home Team!Are you a Mother who works hard to do the best possible for your family? Are you like many Mothers out there...looking for a way to supplement the family income?Our company has been helping Mothers all over the country for years. Mothers (and Fathers!) have been building successful businesses with our company and supplementing the family income, replacing a part-time, or full-time income and assisting others with building businesses, or saving with their health needs.Learn more about our benefit programs: http://www.MyBenefitsPlus.com/40585101Our team is the fastest growing team in the company and we have thorough training and tools to help you be successful.AND just recently we debuted our new commercial!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Watch it here! www.FreedomAtHomeTeam.tv~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~What we offer:* Daily and Weekly Pay* Free Training* Residual Monthly Pay* Bonuses option* Marketing websites* AD&D Insurance* Benefits Package for Entire HouseholdVisit my website to read about our company:http://www.FreedomAtHomeTeam.com/40585101 or Call me at 770-739-9970 so I can answer any of your questions!Our company has hundreds of Mothers who read an email (much like this) who talked to a team member about what we offer, researched our company through our websites and training calls and started a business which has made a difference in their family member's lives. Will you be the next one?I look forward to talking with you!Sincerely,Sonya Benbow770-739-9970Sbenbow@ameriplan.nethttp://www.Iboplus.com/40585101
Read more…

The Ultimate Demise of Scratch Cooking

Posted by Denay Davis on March 27, 2009 at 3:51pm
Those babyboomers out here will remember the Pillsbury Bake-Off Cookbooks sold at the grocery check-out for 25 cents many, many, many years ago. Okay so I'm dating myself, but during those days women and men really baked from scratch. There was no prepared cookie dough, bread dough or cake mix. You had to know math, flavoring techniques and have strong arms since most recipes called for you to beat the batter 250-300 strokes with a wood spoon to form the cake batter.Yes, for those "babybakers" out there the word Kitchen Aid® was non-existent; and there was no such thing as an electric mixer, we had plain old egg beaters, that again, ran by good old fashioned muscle power. As I think back on those days I can now appreciate the knowledge I gained from having to do things from "scratch." When you bake from scratch you learn about the texture of a product, the smell, taste, color, knowing when it is wrong and when you have hit pay dirt.I do not use boxed mixes, or bread machines, I am a purist and I admire and cultivate to other purist(birds of a feather). It's easy to toss ingredients in a bread machine and dump out dough. I know the bread will bake up beautifully and taste divine, but there is something about getting your hands in that dough and making the bread from scratch, plus if the machine ever breaks down, I can still produce wonderful bread for my family and friends. I am not knocking folks with bread machines, use what you like. I am of that generation that just appreciated the work that goes into using physical labor, hands, sweat to produce a delicious product. One of the students in my micro business class said it best, "There's something about going to sleep at night knowing you have produced with your own hands a product that not only fed the hungry, but also "your" soul, you just seem to sleep better at night."Well it's time for the 44th Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off and another person will win one million dollars for creating some sweet or savory concoction from preservative laden pre-prepared doughs and mixes. What does this tell us? We are continuing to dumb down American cooks and bakers. Why can't we go back to the days when people made these delicious baked goods from scratch? What's wrong with scratch cooking? Don't give me the excuse about saving time either, because I know all the garbage (preservatives) put in these prepared mixes has to affect our health.Scratch cooks and bakers around the world need to rise up, take note and protest! This is an abomination, right?Alright, I got that off my chest, back to my kitchen...today I working on a new brownie infused with Butterscotch Liqueur ...from scratch...I might add.
Read more…

No more Burp Cloths!

Posted by Lauren Dillard-Shoffner on March 26, 2009 at 12:31am
I have taken up sewing in an effort to tap into a seemingly endless market of baby accessories and necessities, but more importantly to have more control over what goes into our existing product line. I can now make a better variety of cakes and cupcakes as well as add better quality products inside the "baked goods". Gift the Bambino can offer a stronger product line with my new talent! (Check out the cool cake pictured here)!

I have a major problem with the name “burp cloth” there is nothing cute, fun or enticing about the word “burp” so instead, I will call my cloths BambinoCloths. They will come in a variety of sizes including washcloth, mini-facecloth, traditional burp cloth size, etc. In cool modern color schemes. Pictured are some of my first BambinoCloths, a washcloth size orange on stripe beauty and a couple of polkadotted cuties.

http://custombabycakes.blogspot.com/2009/03/bambinocloths.htmlwww.giftthebambino.comCake seen here will be sold in select stores only...order a different cool cake on our site or Etsy shop.
Read more…

Jungle Baby! Inside the Product: Diaper Tree

Posted by Lauren Dillard-Shoffner on March 7, 2009 at 5:50pm
It’s no surprise to some of you that I did not invent the diaper cake. In fact, there are numerous retailers who sell more traditional diaper cakes. What I did, was re-invent it to fit my personal style. I placed an emphasis on a streamlined look, put the products inside instead of outside and made neat, well-made products a priority. Gift the Bambino provides contemporary, originally-styled gift items.

Having said that, I came a across a “Diaper Tree” or two in my travels and eventually developed a Gift the Bambino version. This tree is filled with diapers and gifts but from the outside it’s all about the jungle! The top includes quite a few leaves from a “fake” plant and they really help pull the piece together. To make it clear that this is in fact a baby shower centerpiece, and not just a tree, the bottom layer is styled more like one of our baby cakes.

The diaper tree is a must have for any JUNGLE-THEMED BABY SHOWER. It makes a wonderful stand-alone centerpiece and comes with a monkey or gorilla for baby.Good things about the Baby Gift Jungle Tree:It really does look a lot like a tree!You can custom order more than one and use them to decorate all of your baby shower tables!It’s a foot and a half tall, the perfect attention grabber!It’s made with some items that will be recyclable after mom-to-be is ready to use the gifts inside!It’s secured together to prevent the layers from separating before you want them too!Everything inside is useful for baby!If you gift is as a gift, you will have hands-down the MOST ORIGINAL gift at the shower!Perfect for outdoorsy moms-to-be!Makes a great gift for a new dad as well!
Read more…

The Systematic Way of Living is modern day Slavery

Posted by Tawana Necole on March 16, 2009 at 9:31pm
When I was laid off from my job in November of last year, I got exactly what I wanted; and that was to be unemployed. I could barely pay my bills. My debt was increasing because I had to use my credit cards as a resource to help sustain and I was so unhappy about the structure of the department and the company. I used to tell my girlfriends, "I am so miserable working, I really want to do my own thang!" SO when the opportunity presented itself, I was sort of afraid of it. But once I thought about all of the free time that I would have to work on the projects that I had been procrastinating against for at least one year, my attitude changed. I picked my self up, applied for assistance, and left everything up to my number one source: God.The systematic way of living is not only modern day slavery for most, but it keeps individuals in debt and in bondage for most of their life. I can't speak for many, but I can use myself as a prime example. I went to a four-year university for my Bachelor's degree in Management and a two-year online university for my Masters. Once my adult life begun, I had already started it in a huge amount of debt due to student loans. Because I thought living the so-called "American Dream" involved purchasing a home, my fiancé and I decided to invest. That added more debt to my already growing heap of bills. I learned really early that credit cards weren't the way to go but I did have three major credit cards that I used religiously. And by the time it was all said and done, I had reached the limit on all of them! With a combined salary, credit card bills and student loans, we were not going to get out of debt and I saw myself sinking further and further in sinking sand. I was unhappy because of my situation and my mind was so cloudy with the issues of life, I forgot all about whom I should be talking to about my problems. Working daily just to pay bills was not what I envisioned for my life and I had to do something about it QUICK! Education is vital and so is investing but I wish I had planned my life a little better instead of just going with the flow of the systematic way of living.What is the “systematic way of living?” It is typically for the average American; being born; going to elementary, middle and high school with no worries; being sent off to college for about four to seven years; finally getting into the work force with worries of being successful, advancements, and debts; getting married; purchasing a home; raising a family; and working for about 30-40 years until retirement. The cycle is continuous and helps the economy with cash flow and jobs.November 8, 2008 is when I had an epitome. I looked at all of my accomplishments and what I could do to help myself out of the situation I was in and that's when I learned the power of prayer, accountability, and unwavering faith. I am the Co-Founder of a community-based organization that I so desperately want to give my all. I am a self-proclaimed writer. I am the Queen of Consulting and had professional training while in undergrad to help small businesses start their own business. I actually wrote my own business plan for a small business that I was apart of. I thought to myself, I am sitting on all of these talents, knowledge and training. BUT WHY AM I JUST STTING ON THEM!!!??? Why was I taking the long road when I have the opportunity to make my life much simpler and less complicated? Why would I even consider working 30-40 years for an annual salary of maybe $100,000-$250,000 (and only retire with this amount) when there is so much more out there for my family and I? What is keeping me from living my dreams? Why am I afraid of what I asked for?”People the time is now to get out there and make your dreams a reality. I don’t believe the hoopla of the economy being in a recession. Because I am a citizen directly affected by what’s going on, however, I am not. My lights, water, cable (movie channels included), and Internet, have not been disconnected. My home is not in foreclosure. I have not filed for bankruptcy, and will not by the way. And I am not employed! So what is this telling you?You can survive. No matter what it looks like to others. Figure out what you love to do. What is your passion? What is it that you would do even if you weren’t paid what you wanted to be paid but still happy and content doing? What gives you an adrenaline rush? What can you do better than most without schooling, training, or practice? Do you know a market that is untapped that you can tap into and really become successful?There is a story about a wealthy man who had three servants. The wealthy man went away for a long period of time, but he gave one servant a huge amount of money, another servant just enough money, and the last servant only a small portion of what was his. He provided the amount of money to each based on their abilities. He told these three servants to invest this money while he was away. The story goes on to say that the two servants that received the most money invested the money and had received twice the amount that was given to them. But the last servant buried the money, didn’t touch it, and didn’t invest it. He was afraid to take risks. He was complacent and pessimistic about what could possibly happen. Well the wealthy man returns to his servants and was expecting great news from the three servants but was really anxious to see what the servants did to increase the money that he provided them. When he saw that his first two servants not only made more money than he anticipated, but made a huge profit, he allowed them to enjoy with him the increase. The third servant thought that he did the right thing by just holding on to what was given to him and was excited to be able to give back the money. The wealthy man could not believe that the servant wasted time, did not make a profit, and was disappointed that the servant did not have enough sense to put the money in a bank to just gain interest. Because the servant did not invest or put the money to use, the wealthy man took the money back from him, gave it to the servant who he gave the most money to, and explained to him the importance of utilizing your gifts, talents, and resources to advance in life. He also fired him and wanted nothing to do with him because he felt that the servant was lazy. The third servant began with nothing, and because of his lack of hopefulness, he ended up with nothing.Fifty percent of the world is like the third servant. They hold on to everything they get instead of investing it into something that is going to make a better life for them or someone else. They are ambiguous. They refuse to be risk takers. They are afraid of the “what ifs.” Are you that person? Well, if you are, I am here to say you don’t have to be. I am on my way out of debt and when God see that you are utilizing your gifts or talents to help increase or be of service to others, he always makes provision for you. Don’t be afraid to take your knowledge and talents to the next level. It could just be your answer to a long awaited prayer that needs answering and you will be another person breaking the cycle of the systematic way of living.
Read more…

Product Development: How the Cute Lil' Muffins Came to be

Posted by Lauren Dillard-Shoffner on January 12, 2009 at 5:59pm

The origin of Cute Lil' Muffins. I created these muffins by accident, actually. I was originally trying to approve upon my initial cupcake design, which I put in actual cupcake holders. The sizes weren't quite right and consistency with the original cupcakes was essentially impossible. So clearly, I had to return to the drawing board and I came up with these cute little numbers. Each Lil' Muffin includes a receiving blanket, washcloth and pair of socks. It took showing the picture to a friend to open my eyes to the fact that they had cute little muffin tops and weren't quite right for "cupcakes". So, I missed the mark of my designing the product I was set out to make and instead created these adorable muffins which incidentally sell equally well to the new and improved cupcakes, which I began working on soon after.When developing products, it's important to recognize that you may not always immediately reach your desired goal. You may have to throw out a few batches in order to get the perfect cookie. In some cases, you have to be open to suggestions and the observations of others because that can make all the difference in the world. Listening to my friends opinion and then discussing it with a family member and confirming that we all felt the design deserved to be a completely new product, opened the door to a brand new product that's both unique and well-received by buyers.Good things about these muffins:They're adorable!They're small but full of goodiesThey're priced right at just $11 each, most people buy the set of two for $20They're totally original! I have never seen a baby gift like them.They come with Gift the Bambino's convenient online ordering and FREE Shipping!They make a great solo gift or a nice addition to another gift.Just like all GTB products, they can be shipped directly to your gift recipient or you within about 5 business days.
Read more…

Special Weekend Only Holiday Offer

Posted by L Dawson (Nita) on December 13, 2008 at 12:12am
This Weekend Only…Purchase $50 or more from the Soul Purpose Online Holiday Gifts Catalog and receive the Soul Purpose hand made silk Inspirational Journal…made of natural paper, comes with matching pen ready in a beautiful organza bag, compliments of “me”Soul Purpose Inspiring JournalTo receive your FREE gift, simply follow these steps.

- Shop the online holiday catalog: CLICK HERE- Email me your selections- Wait for an invoice from me from PayPal (will include purchase price + shipping)- Pay for items (PayPal)* Purchase must total $50 or more* This is an independent offer. To take advantage of this offer purchases must be made through me.* Your order will arrive to you including the FREE gift item within 7 to 10 daysThis offer will be available starting 12am Friday, December 12th and end 11:59pm Sunday, December 14th.NitaVisit my Soul Purpose Online Store Herehttp://www.beautifyu.netAlso keep up with the latest Soul Purpose product information here at my Beautify U blog:http://www.beautifyu.info
Read more…

Not too late to order for the holidays! Great Gifts for Baby :-)

Posted by Lauren Dillard-Shoffner on December 15, 2008 at 3:28pm
Gift the Bambino has a wide variety of gifts for baby that can be made FAST and are shipping quickly. If you are looking for that perfect holiday gift for the baby on your shopping list. Gift the Bambino is the perfect option! I offer a great selection of baby gifts with prices ranging from under $10 to over $100. All GTB customers are satisfied customers and I am happy to share with you some of our top selling items. This holiday season, give a gift that is both beautiful & useful and follow the parades of people who are ordering from Gift the Bambino!The Animal Parade by GTB - Exclusive - Includes diapers, burp cloth, washcloths, receiving blanket, animals - $47 with FREE SHIPPINGPhotobucketThe BambinoPop Bouquet by GTB - Exclusive - Includes 5 washcloth lollipops, utensils, receiving blanket - $25with FREE SHIPPINGIn Boys:PhotobucketIn Girls:PhotobucketAnd Neutral:PhotobucketThe Chocolate Caramel Dream Cake by GTB - Exclusive - Includes diapers, washcloths, blankets, Burt's Bee's Baby Products, outlet covers and more (Only on Etsy) $75 with FREE SHIPPINGPhotobucketPlease visit www.giftthebambino.com to see more options! Also, we take custom orders and will work to fit your budget! Cakes start at just $25!
Read more…

Lollipop Bouquet - Great, budget friendly baby gift for the holidays or any day!

Posted by Lauren Dillard-Shoffner on December 2, 2008 at 6:01pm
Gift the Bambino Bouquets are a great holiday gift for any new baby! Spread holiday cheer with this great selection of BambinoPop Bouquets, which come in girl, boy, neutral, holiday, or a reusable holiday tin! Each of these bouquets makes a darling gift for baby and new parents. These adorable lollipops are handmade from washcloths for baby and each is tied with a beautiful ribbon.Each BambinoPop Bouquet includes 5 Washcloths, 2 Utensils, 1 Receiving blankets and lots of love!BambinoPop Bouquets can be purchased at www.giftthebambino.com for just $25 with FREE shipping in the Continental U.S. and Hawaii! Please specify in customer notes if you'd like a holiday lollipop box instead of the usual for the gender you select.Buy them now!http://www.giftthebambino.com/lollipop.htmlAdore the pictures, then check out our feedback:Baby Girl BambinoPopsPhotobucketBaby Boy BambinoPopsPhotobucketBambinoPop Bouquet Girls - Seen here with a one-tier baby cake (not included)PhotobucketBambinoPops Neutral in a Holiday tinPhotobucketHappy Customers Give Happy Feedback :-)"... the lollipops were a big hit!- H.L. from North Carolina"..everyone loved the gifts at the shower they were a hit just like I knew they would (be) and very different then what everyone else brought my mom wanted to switch gifts with me she really liked the lollipop bouquet."- T.C. from Delaware"it was soooo cool... so cute..."- J.P. from Virginia('Nuff said, right?)
Read more…

Looking For Items For Under $10

Posted by Mrs. W. Jean Cashaw on December 11, 2008 at 10:18pm
-Jesus Is The Reason Candle $3.82-Kids Christmas Santa Boot Necklace,Bracelet, and earring set $8.99-Prayer Box Necklace $7.14-Nativity Jewelry Box $3.59-smiling Santa mug $6.25-and many morehttp://www.inspirationsfromtheheart.com/williejeanWe offer gift wrapping for any occasion!All Christmas items are 10% off through Christmas Night.Every 5th order though December will receive 10% off their entire order except shipping.Just copy and paste the link.
Read more…

Baby gifts under $35, Crafty collaborations & Shower gift idea

Posted by Lauren Dillard-Shoffner on November 11, 2008 at 8:36pm
I am so excited to be a part of this great group. As an entreprenuer I look forward to sharing my custom baby gifts and shower planning guides with my friends here on BBWO. This is a great site and I am looking forward to making many new connections here. If you happen to be a business owner specializing in items for children five and under I would love to talk with you about potential collaborations. From quilts to coloring books to handmade bibs, I would definitely love to network with any craft entrepreneurs.Anyway, please look below for a few of my gift selections and a great baby shower game idea._____________________________________________________________________________________Great baby gifts for under $35. Each of these gifts is made with quality products and includes useful items for baby. See more at www.giftthebambino.com and check out our $35 & under page at www.giftthebambino.com/under35.html. Super deals on cute, unique gifts and modern diaper cakes! Here are a few of the great items we sell, there are many, many more on the site. Secure online ordering, free shipping and a photo proof with every order via email.The Sunburst Cake - $31:This one-tier cake includes:* 15 Diapers* 2 Washcloths* 1 Receiving blanket* 1 Teething ring* 1 Set of five outlet coversSunburst-ChefsSpecial006-1.jpgThe Cute as a Button Cake - $33One-tier* 12 Diapers* 3 Spoons* 2 Washcloths* 1 Receiving blanket* 1 Bibmorenewcandyandcuteasbuttongirls-1.jpgCute Lil’ Muffins $11 each or $20 for twoOne Muffin includes:1 Receiving blanket1 Washcloth1 Pair of socksOr get TWO Muffins which includes:2 Receiving blankets2 Washcloths2 Pair of sockscastle003.jpgPink and Brown Cutie $29One-tier* 12 Diapers* 1 Receiving blanket* 1 Onesie* 1 Washcloth* 1 Bib1tiercutie001.jpgAll-Star Baby Cake $32
Two-tier* 15 Diapers* 2 Receiving blankets* 1 Washcloth* 1 Bib* 1 Sports themed stuffed toySportsFairyCake010.jpg_________________________________________________Gift the Bambino.com will be posting a variety of fun baby shower game ideas. Each game will include detailed instructions, pictures, and an exclusive Bambino Twist. The Bambino Twists are alternate ways to play the game to make it unique or more fun. I hope you enjoy this new addition to the blog. :-) Game kits will be sold on Gift the Bambino.com soon!Please visit www.giftthebambino.com or http://custombabycakes.blogspot.com/ to subscribe to the blog.Guess Who, Baby?Game Goal: Match up the baby picture to the shower attendee.Game Fun: This game is a great trip down memory lane, everyone loves baby pictures and seeing your friends, co-workers, or family as little ones is always good for giggles.Game Play1. When you send out the invitations, make a note and ask everyone to bring a baby picture of themselves. If you have the guests email addresses, sending an email after they RSVP works well, too.2. As the guests arrive collect the pictures (it helps to have the names written on the back)3. Put the pictures up on a board or lay them out on a table4. Label each picture with a number or letter (Of course, don’t write or tape anything to the front of the picture)5. Give everyone a pen and paper (add the numbers or letters beforehand if you wish) and ask them to put the name of the person in the picture next to the corresponding letter.6. The person who gets the most baby pictures matched up wins!7. This game is especially good for a guest list of close friends and/or relatives.Bambino Twists:A shower full of moms?Ask party-goers to bring baby pictures of them and their kids. Instead of just matching up the baby pic to the adult, you can have guest try to match up the parents baby pictures with their children’s pictures.Have a big group? (20+)Play on teams. Ask everyone to get together in equal groups of two or more if you have a large group at the shower. This will cut down on the lengthiness of the game time, encourage guests to warm up to each other and everyone gets a few hints because they’ll each know their own pictures.www.moderndiapercakes.comModern diaper cakes for the contemporary baby.
Read more…

5 Tips to Gift Giving Success

Posted by Kandice on November 1, 2008 at 2:10am
The gift giving season is almost upon us! Odds are that you are among the many who are frantically looking for ideas. To help you in your quest for that perfect gift, here are my five tips that are sure give you great results:1. Know the person you are shopping for. This may seem like a no brainer, but if you are part of a secret Santa program at work, you may not know the recipient that well. This is your chance to channel your inner detective. Ask co-workers about the person. Observe them, but by no means become a stalker! Look at their desk, is there a family or pet photo? Use these findings in your shopping.2. Be Aware of Your Budget. There is nothing worse than opening your credit card statement after the holiday shopping season. Make sure whatever gifts you give, you can afford.3. Go surfing! On the web that is. You can find the most unique items online from small mom and pop shops. Do a google search for WAHM directories to get listings of different online businesses. You’ll also find great deals online from bigger companies as well.4. Everybody wants to be pampered! Whether it is a free dinner, massage or manicure, people like a gift that treats them to something. Even if it is something that they have never done before, if it is free to them, they’ll take it!5. When in doubt, a gift card is always welcome! Who can’t use a gift card to Target or Walmart? Better yet, a Visa, Mastercard or American Express gift card that can be used any where is even better! I’ve yet to hear of someone trying to return a gift card! Just be sure that the recipient reads the fine print. Some gift cards start to charge fees if the card is not used in a specific amount of time.Now go forth and shop!
Read more…

GIFT ETIQUETTE 101 - How do I handle...?

Posted by Karma Oviquio on July 21, 2008 at 2:27am
One of the most common questions that I get emailed about has to do with this: how do I handle a gift when I've been invited to a wedding, birthday party, graduation celebration, bridal shower, baby shower, etc. (fill in the blank) and I can't go?The short answer is this: you do not have to send a gift if you RSVP "No."No go? No gift.I hope this helps to make a lot of people a little less stressed out!
Read more…

PRELUDE TO GIFT ETIQUETTE 101

Posted by Karma Oviquio on July 21, 2008 at 2:24am
PRELUDE TO GIFT ETIQUETTE 101Yes, I know that the Holidays are 6 months away but I'd like to begin to address the idea of corporate gift giving now. Every year, Our WOW NOW program (http://www.freewebs.com/eegb), a gift basket business run by www.Great-Promo.Com, is bombarded with questions regarding Gift/Entertainment write offs approved by the IRS.Here are a list of steps you should consider when growing your business:Step1Know the IRS characterization of a business gift. Generally, this means appreciation for past service or to strengthen a business relationship. If it can be considered either entertainment or a gift, the IRS classifies it as entertainment. You can give gifts to as many business associates as you wish, but there are limitations and exceptions.Step2Recognize that the IRS places a limit of $25 on the deductability of all gifts to one recipient. This limit applies to all gifts in any tax year to the same recipient. For example, if you give a gift worth $15 to a recipient and then later give a $10 gift to the same person, the total is $25 and both gifts are fully deductible. However, if you do business with a husband and wife, they are counted as one recipient and the $25 limit applies the total you give to both of them.Step3Understand that the $25 limitation also applies if you and your spouse are in business together and you are the givers. The IRS treats the two of you as a single giver as well. This means that you and your spouse cannot each give a $25 gift to the same recipient and claim a deduction for both gifts.Step4Consider that some expenses must be treated as entertainment rather than a gift. For example, if you take the recipeint(s) to dinner, a concert, a sporting event or the theater, the IRS requires you to treat this as business entertainment. Entertainment is deductible at 50% of the cost. This is often a better deduction than treating the event as a gift with the $25 limitation.Step5Give a customer or other business associate tickets without accompanying him to the performance or event gives you the option of treating it as a gift or entertainment. Determine whether classifying it as a gift or a business entertainment expense gives you a better deduction, and use the one that gives you the better tax benefit.Stay tuned in for more gift giving practices.
Read more…

Good Reading for You and Friends

Posted by Lynn Emery on July 20, 2008 at 11:00pm
Stop by and visit my writing blog As I Was Saying... to read my lastest post on the publishing biz. Great links, too!I'm a regular columnist on Blogging In Black. Check out my July 21st post. In fact, read all the recent great columnist contributions. You won't be disappointed.Want distinct gifts? Something more than a greeting card to uplift the person who receives it? Then you should definitely visit Words of Sunlight You can give someone you care about a gift with words to encourage and black art to delight the eyes. The words are mine, the art from the collection of a great Black artist Jean Paul Hubbard. Jean Paul was my late husband. So share your love with Words of Sunlight and beautiful art!

Read more…

Latest Blog Posts

Most Popular Blog Posts

Blog Topics by Tags

Monthly Archives