Gift Ideas for SO [Archive]

Dancebug

12-01-2005, 02:43 PM

Hi,

There is a thread going on about gift ideas for dance instructors. I would like to start gift ideas for our SO. What are you going to get for your SO for Christmas? What have you got for your SO in the past and how did he like it?

I would like to see some clever gift ideas.

amrimi

12-01-2005, 03:15 PM

Made a nude drawing of myself once.

Sagitta

12-01-2005, 03:51 PM

Poetry on a small card (original poetry naturally) with a bouqet of flowers, colors of which also communicated another message.

Twilight_Elena

12-01-2005, 03:56 PM

A good SO gift is perfume/cologne, if you're good with that sort of thing.

Twilight Elena

Rosa

12-01-2005, 04:10 PM

Hmm... this is a difficult one, as one SO isn't necessarily like another.

What about some astrological gifts, like mugs, pendants etc, or even having their birth chart/forecast for the coming year done by a professional astrologer?

Even if they don't believe in astrology, they can just take it in fun. And it's a little bit different. :cool:

Rosa :)

mamboqueen

12-01-2005, 05:33 PM

I always give him something I know I'd like to get myself ;)

cocodrilo

12-01-2005, 05:56 PM

We don't exchange gifts. Haven't in the 17 years we've been married. It's all the little things we do for each other on a daily basis that count.

mamboqueen

12-01-2005, 06:17 PM

You're right, Cocodrilo...we don't really exchange much either. We just bought a new pc and that's our gift to each other.

Rosa

12-01-2005, 06:21 PM

My estranged husband and I used to exchange really extravagant gifts. 'Nuff said...

Rosa :)

brujo

12-01-2005, 06:22 PM

I always give him something I know I'd like to get myself ;)

But men look weird in ballroom gowns :p

Laura

12-01-2005, 06:48 PM

My husband is the most difficult person on the planet to shop for. Thank god he's the easiest person in the world to live with, or I'd be in trouble :-)

Since it's his duty around the house to do the dishes, we might just get a new dishwasher and call it good.

Last year I got him a pair of jeans that fit him properly -- he tends to wear his clothes a size or two too big.

mamboqueen

12-01-2005, 07:23 PM

But men look weird in ballroom gowns :p

not my husband *LOL*

Sagitta

12-01-2005, 08:41 PM

Now that I gotta see.

cocodrilo

12-01-2005, 08:41 PM

My husband is the most difficult person on the planet to shop for. Thank god he's the easiest person in the world to live with, or I'd be in trouble :-)

Same here, hee hee!

I shop quite a bit when I am abroad, and I'm always picking up nice stuff for him then. I don't believe in showering people with gifts for no particular reason, yet souvenirs (or super-bargains) are a good reason to share a gift!

cocodrilo

12-01-2005, 08:42 PM

not my husband *LOL*
Please post photos!!!! (Gotta see this!)

mamboqueen

12-01-2005, 08:46 PM

lemme get a few drinks in him first :raisebro:

fascination

12-01-2005, 10:02 PM

lemme get a few drinks in him first :raisebro:no way man ..he might spill on it and those puppies cost too much for that...anyhow, my dh goes for anything in the history or physics or astronomy area....and tickets to any symphony or broadway show...plus hes also a disney fan and a candy lover....so theres lots of choices

pygmalion

12-02-2005, 07:54 PM

So gifts? Hmm... No idea what to recommend, for a general thread like this. To me, all gifts are the same -- something the person mentioned long enough ago to have forgotten. It can cost 25 cents or 25 dollars or 25 hundred dollars. It's not about what the gift is, IMO. It's about what the gift says, as in "I listen to you, and I'm trying to understand you."

I'll give a couple examples of SO gifts I've given. (In a minute. Gotta go check on dinner. I just got home and I'm way too starved to let my dinner burn. :lol: )

pygmalion

12-02-2005, 08:03 PM

Okay. So here's one example. When my high school sweetheart and I were still dating, we were both passionate about sports cars. He loved them; I loved them. Actually, I still love them. Somewhere along the line, he developed a passion for Town Cars. Eww! :lol: Anyway, one year when we were young and broke, I gave him an RX-7 (the hotwheels type :lol:) a Hot Cars calendar, and a subscription to Car and Driver (or one of those mags. Can't remember for sure which one.)

Pretty inexpensive overall, but there was context for the gifts I gave. He wanted an RX-7. The real kind. We'd talked about it. And so I gave him an RX-7, along with other stuff that would feed his dreams.

I still wonder where the Town Cars came from. But that's another thread. :lol:

cocodrilo

12-02-2005, 09:28 PM

It's not about what the gift is, IMO. It's about what the gift says, as in "I listen to you, and I'm trying to understand you."

So a hearing aid and a dictionary would be apropo?

Rosa

12-02-2005, 09:36 PM

What about a lobotomy? ;)

Rosa :)

cocodrilo

12-02-2005, 10:02 PM

What about a lobotomy? ;)

Rosa :)
I'd rather have a bottle in front o' me than a frontal lobotomy!

fascination

12-02-2005, 10:06 PM

I'd rather have a bottle in front o' me than a frontal lobotomy!methinks someone had too much fun at the wine ;) tasting event

cocodrilo

12-02-2005, 10:14 PM

methinks someone had too much fun at the wine ;) tasting event
I'm not going for several hours yet! Still haven't painted me nails!

Rosa

12-03-2005, 01:05 AM

I'd rather have a bottle in front o' me than a frontal lobotomy!

If I had a penny for every time I've heard that one, I'd be a rich woman, cocodrilo! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Rosa :)

Sabor

12-03-2005, 02:00 AM

a cute little whip :)

amrimi

12-03-2005, 04:24 AM

a cute little whip :)
Does this mean you want to get wipped or you want to whip her?
:lol:

pygmalion

12-03-2005, 04:36 AM

What about a lobotomy? ;)

Rosa :)

Already done, dear. :wink: :lol: Isn't that evident?

Rosa

12-03-2005, 07:34 AM

Does this mean you want to get wipped or you want to whip her?
:lol:

Don't think he minds either way... :lol:

Rosa :)

Dancebug

12-05-2005, 02:31 PM

Is it unromantic to get a gift certificate for SO?

dTas

12-05-2005, 03:16 PM

i'd like to get my wife something to keep her feet warm. she's always complaining about having cold feet. anyone have any ideas for foot warmers? electric booties? microwave slippers?

lynn

12-05-2005, 03:17 PM

what about just those warm & fuzzy slippers??

chachachacat

12-05-2005, 03:18 PM

chachachacat

12-05-2005, 03:20 PM

Is it unromantic to get a gift certificate for SO?
Not if it's for a fabulous Day Spa for massage, facial, maicure, pedicure...

cocodrilo

12-05-2005, 03:52 PM

Is it unromantic to get a gift certificate for SO?
Depends on what your idea of romance is!

cocodrilo

12-05-2005, 03:57 PM

i'd like to get my wife something to keep her feet warm. she's always complaining about having cold feet. anyone have any ideas for foot warmers? electric booties? microwave slippers?
There are some fleece slipper thingees with suede soles that my brother got for me years ago. I believe they were from REI or a similar outdoor-goods store. VERY warm, not bulky or silly-looking.

fascination

12-05-2005, 03:58 PM

Is it unromantic to get a gift certificate for SO?I dont think so...my dh would much rather pick his own stuff out...now if you are new ina a relationship and you know you have someone high maintainence on your hands who would extrapolate that you dont really care, then I'd proceed with caution...

Joe

12-06-2005, 06:33 AM

if you are new ina a relationship and you know you have someone high maintainence on your hands who would extrapolate that you dont really care, then I'd get out...
Fixed that for ya. ;)

fascination

12-06-2005, 06:58 AM

Fixed that for ya. ;);) :notworth:

pygmalion

12-06-2005, 08:20 AM

Is it unromantic to get a gift certificate for SO?

Not if it's for a fabulous Day Spa for massage, facial, maicure, pedicure...

Agreed. One of the most romantic gifts I ever got was when I super stressed at work and in life and feeling not-too-pretty. I got a day at the spa gift certificate. It was wonderful. :)

fascination

12-06-2005, 08:39 AM

Agreed. One of the most romantic gifts I ever got was when I super stressed at work and in life and feeling not-too-pretty. I got a day at the spa gift certificate. It was wonderful. :)um hmmmm:cool:

Rosa

12-06-2005, 08:48 AM

Agreed. One of the most romantic gifts I ever got was when I super stressed at work and in life and feeling not-too-pretty. I got a day at the spa gift certificate. It was wonderful. :)

I worked in a rather luxurious spa for a week last summer and it was fantastic. I hasten to add I'm not a massage artist or a therapist, I'm a teacher in a creative discipline (not dance), and I was hired to provide the... "after-dinner" ... classes, shall we say? (Some might call it ocupational therapy... :rolleyes: )

Seriously, it was great fun. The best bit was, I only had to work two hours a night, and the rest of the time I could enjoy all the facilities, massages, facials, manicures etc, that the spa had to offer.... free of charge! :cheers:

Rosa :)

Sabor

12-06-2005, 10:31 AM

feathered handcuffs.. aww :)

Rosa

12-06-2005, 11:31 AM

feathered handcuffs.. aww :)

Oh, you :ladiesma: , you! ;)

Rosa :)

Twilight_Elena

12-06-2005, 12:11 PM

Now... If I had an SO and he was on a tight budget, I'd appreciate nice flowers, a night out at the amusement park, hang out by the beach (if the weather permitted), a dance-related present (I'd be so touched; no one has ever been considerate enough to give me dance-related presents except for my best girl friend & dance buddy for the past year).
If he could spend... :twisted: I saw a pair of gorgeous 3'' heel Latins the other day.

Twilight Elena

Sabor

12-08-2005, 08:49 AM

edible undies.

kansas49er

12-08-2005, 09:28 AM

edible undies.

According to Larry

"WIth a fridge full of delicacies like pot pies, and cupboards full of all sorts of Little Debbies, why would anyone want edible undies"

Not an exact quote, but close

the cable guy

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 10:16 AM

"WIth a fridge full of delicacies like pot pies, and cupboards full of all sorts of Little Debbies, why would anyone want edible undies"

Not an exact quote, but close

the cable guy

Yep. They're highly overrated, in my view. :rolleyes: :p

caityrosey

12-08-2005, 10:34 AM

Last year I got him a pair of jeans that fit him properly -- he tends to wear his clothes a size or two too big.

What's up with that? My husband does that too. Things look so much better when they actually fit.:rolleyes:

caityrosey

12-08-2005, 10:36 AM

edible undies.

There's musical undwear out there too...

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 10:44 AM

There's musical undwear out there too...

I've often wondered if people actually wear those things. You know, like when you go to the men's department around holidays, they always have those silk boxers with all sorts of silly sayings on them. Do guys wear those? I think they're kind of silly, myself. Seems like the kind of gift that would stay hidden in the undie drawer forever.

And, back to the edible thingies, think fruit roll-ups. That's what the material's like. Very, very thin fruit roll-ups. Why would you want to wear those? That's my question. Maybe the idea's appealing. But the reality is semi-transparent fruit roll-ups. Eww! :lol:

fascination

12-08-2005, 11:58 AM

Yep. They're highly overrated, in my view. :rolleyes: :pyep, hypothetically speaking of course:rolleyes:

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 12:23 PM

Of course. :wink: :mrgreen:

lynn

12-08-2005, 12:56 PM

There's musical undwear out there too...

huh?? so it's like a walkman you can't turn off :confused: ??

Standard Dancer

12-08-2005, 01:41 PM

Musical underwear ... now that's a new one I haven't heard of before ... dare I ask how it works?

Standard Dancer

12-08-2005, 01:49 PM

I think the best gifts are those that are truly personal -- a thoughtful scrapbook or photo album, or something that they mentioned a long time ago and really admired and has special meaning. I guess anything that shows you put a lot of thought into it would be nice. :-) Oh, and of course handmade would be amazing.

On another note, getting them something that's fun and different that they'd never get for themselves (like a trip somewhere or lessons for something ur, non-ballroom related) would be cool too.

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 02:22 PM

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 02:26 PM

Musical underwear ... now that's a new one I haven't heard of before ... dare I ask how it works?

I found this description at an eBay auction site. I guess they're pressure sensitive. No comment. Nope. No comment at all. :rolleyes: :lol:

NW MENS CHRISTMAS BOXERS SHORTS MUSICAL LIGHT-UP SNOW s

Price: $12.95 Description from eBay (http://froogle.google.com/froogle_url?q=http://adfarm.mediaplex.com/ad/ck/711-5256-8196-2%3Floc%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcgi.ebay.com%252Fws%2 52FeBayISAPI.dll%253FViewItem%2526item%253D8334912 469%2526category%253D11508&fr=AEcel9lav3c1sC1INboHDzEbT4j-dqJR0gAAAAAAAAAA): YOU ARE BIDDING ON A BRAND NEW PAIR OF MENS MUSICAL LIGHT-UP CHRISTMAS BOXER SHORTS.THIS BOXER IS NAVY BLUE WITH A SNOWFLAKE PATTERN AND FEATURES A SANTA APPLIQUE. WHEN YOU PRESS SANTA HIS NOSE LIGHTS UP AND HE BEGINS TO PLAY A MEDLEY OF CHRISTMAS TUNES INCLUDING JINGLE BELLS, SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN AND WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS. IT IS MADE FROM 100% COTTON KNIT AND IS HAND WASHABLE. THE SIZE IS SMALL,28 TO 30. IT IS MADE BY NORTH CREST.

caityrosey

12-08-2005, 02:27 PM

Musical underwear ... now that's a new one I haven't heard of before ... dare I ask how it works?

Not exactly sure. I just remember a very off-color joke from my church confirmation class. We were doing a human sexuality unit. The pastor wanted to get us comfortable so told us we could ask any question...someone asked him if he had muscial underwear, what tune would it play. He said it would play a hymn...and someone yelled out "Standup For Jesus".:rolleyes:

Twilight_Elena

12-08-2005, 02:43 PM

Musical underwear makes no sense. If it's supposed to be sexy to have something sing froim the nether regions, then newsflash: it's not. Of course, you could always use the good old quote "Honey, is this a radio in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?" :lol:

Twilight Elena

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 02:49 PM

T_E. I know you're a budding physicist and all, but I still have to break it to you. A lot of things in life make no sense. But they still are. *shrug* :cool:

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 04:28 PM

Hmm. I wonder if this should be a separate thread. But hey. I'm too lazy for that. My three least favorite SO gifts of all time? A vacuum cleaner. :shock: A spice rack. And some impossibly slutty/terribly uncomfortable lingerie. Hello! For whom are you buying the gift? Me or you?

Not to be argumentative. I just figured somebody should say it. :lol: Make sure your gifts don't carry an unintended hidden message. Hidden messages are okay, mind you. Just make sure you're sending the message you intended to send. :lol:

diputs

12-08-2005, 05:46 PM

I hate getting gifts because someone thinks that they have to give me a gift. Along these lines, I hate gift certificates for close family or SO's. Anyone can spend some money and get a gift certificate. But to actually go to the store and spend some time figuring out what to get me is more important than the gift I am actually given. If you buy the wrong item, I can always exchange it. I think it is better to take the risk and try to find an item I might like than it is to be safe and get me a gift certificate.

If you are going to buy the woman in your life lingere... Buy something that they can wear out to dinner and not be uncomfortable. It is a lot more interesting to know that they are wearing the lingere all night with the intention of showing it to you when they get home.

diputs

12-08-2005, 05:51 PM

And Sabor, I absolutely agree with the whip and the handcuffs.

Edible undies are bad if you sweat!!

What I really want is the Liberator Esse.

fascination

12-08-2005, 06:17 PM

cocodrilo

12-08-2005, 06:34 PM

You are all cracking me up!

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 06:34 PM

liek why dont you clean the floor or make food that isnt so bland or stop sleeping in flannel:grin:

:lol: I guess I must've been in angry-woman mode at the time. I was thinking more along the lines of "Why can't you make my food, clean my floors, and look like a sex kitten on demand, just for me?" :lol: Those gifts didn't go over so well, needless to say. :lol:

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 06:37 PM

If you are going to buy the woman in your life lingere... Buy something that they can wear out to dinner and not be uncomfortable. It is a lot more interesting to know that they are wearing the lingere all night with the intention of showing it to you when they get home.

Exactly. :cool: :) If you're not sure, take her to Victoria's Secret and choose something together. :wink:

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 06:38 PM

Edible undies are bad if you sweat!!

Or even if you don't. Who wants gooey, candy-like fruit leather on their naughty bits? :shock: :lol:

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 06:39 PM

You are all cracking me up!

Glad to be of service, ma'am. :wink: :lol:

fascination

12-08-2005, 06:42 PM

Or even if you don't. Who wants gooey, candy-like fruit leather on their naughty bits? :shock: :lol:bleck...and who wants to remove it? ewww...but I'm not into lingerie either...I like husband's work shirt sans anything else or some nice outer clothing without all that extra interference to have to run underneath.....that stuff just gets in the way...and cuts like a wire fence....give me satin sheets baby

diputs

12-08-2005, 06:46 PM

Exactly. :cool: :) If you're not sure, take her to Victoria's Secret and choose something together. :wink:

Do woman really like VS? I have always heard that it is the bottom end of lingere. Sort of like Calvin Kleins for men.

I was thinking La Perla! This is a once a year gift after all.

fascination

12-08-2005, 06:48 PM

Do woman really like VS? I have always heard that it is the bottom end of lingere. Sort of like Calvin Kleins for men.

I was thinking La Perla! This is a once a year gift after all.well you read my post on this issue...I dont want anyone spending that kind of money on something thats coming off in two seconds...thats good dance money and I look sexy enough without it:cool:

caityrosey

12-08-2005, 06:48 PM

Do woman really like VS? I have always heard that it is the bottom end of lingere. Sort of like Calvin Kleins for men.

I was thinking La Perla! This is a once a year gift after all.

Actually I would say Kohls is the bottom end of Lingerie:tongue:

VS is pretty nice I think, but I don't think I can justify really expensive stuff...don't really want or need $200 underwear.

I do hear the La Perla is nice stuff--featured on Desperate Housewives I think.

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 06:48 PM

La Perla is wonderful, if you want to spend $98 for a bra. :lol: Otherwise, VS works just fine. I like both. :)

diputs

12-08-2005, 06:59 PM

VS is pretty nice I think, but I don't think I can justify really expensive stuff...don't really want or need $200 underwear.

That is why it is called a gift. Because you do not need or want it.

And this is only once a year.

caityrosey

12-08-2005, 07:05 PM

That is why it is called a gift. Because you do not need or want it.

And this is only once a year.

Yes, this is true; sometimes it is good to buy something for someone that they would not buy for themselves.

lynn

12-08-2005, 07:05 PM

true, but it's something you can't "re-gift" - unless the recipient happens to be the same....ahem....size as you :tongue:!

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 07:10 PM

That is why it is called a gift. Because you do not need or want it.

Hmm. That's interesting.

My approach is different, I guess. I try to give gifts that people really, really want but don't need. So they've convinced themselves they'll never get such a gift and are shocked when they get it from me. :lol:

Need? Yeah. That's expendable, when it comes to gifts, IMO. Want? Another story entirely. :wink: :)

amrimi

12-08-2005, 07:10 PM

That is why it is called a gift. Because you do not need or want it.

And this is only once a year.

I looked on la perla's website and I must say there wasn't even one thing that I would like to have. Must say I would even prefer the stuff from my local H&M store.

lynn

12-08-2005, 07:13 PM

Hmm. That's interesting.

My approach is different, I guess. I try to give gifts that people really, really want but don't need. So they've convinced themselves they'll never get such a gift and are shocked when they get it from me. :lol:

eh....i'm not sure about the "want" part - b/c it usually involves something that's in the luxury category - as one of my co-worker hinted to me...he "WANTS" a plasma tv for Christmas......do i look like santa to him :shock:???

caityrosey

12-08-2005, 07:14 PM

do i look like santa to him :shock:???

God I hope not :tongue:

lynn

12-08-2005, 07:16 PM

i hope not too :tongue:!!

pygmalion

12-08-2005, 07:20 PM

eh....i'm not sure about the "want" part - b/c it usually involves something that's in the luxury category - as one of my co-worker hinted to me...he "WANTS" a plasma tv for Christmas......do i look like santa to him :shock:???

Don't worry about what your co-worker wants. It's your family members and your significant others you have to worry about. Your coworker is just talking when he says what he wants. Your Mom, brother, Dad and/or boyfriend are hinting, which is an entirely different situation. :lol:

GalacticDancer44M

12-08-2005, 07:23 PM

Made a nude drawing of myself once.

I think that's an awesome and creative gift!

I love to draw, but it's been awhile for me. Another one of those passions!

Check out this work of art (not mine unfortunately)

Let it play all the way thru, it's very cool...

http://fcmx.net/vec/get.swf?i=003702

caityrosey

12-08-2005, 07:27 PM

My husband and I drew pictures once...but his of me kind of looked like a mangled scarecrow...and no I do not look like that. Not all of us are artists. I love him anyway.

cocodrilo

12-08-2005, 09:48 PM

In Japan, there are two gift-giving seasons- one in the summer and the other in the winter. Recipients are usually people who have done some special favor for the giver. Common recipients are doctors, lawyers and teachers but it is not uncommon for people to give these gifts to relatives or superiors at work. I get quite a few gifts during this season- usually a lot of cash, wine, beer and sake, and various gift sets of high-quality dairy products, chocolate or fruit.Kinda nice as these are all useful gifts for me and I am pleased that person has thought of me!

Standard Dancer

12-09-2005, 12:43 AM

I'm with you here, Standard Dancer. :)

Yeah, I love very personal gifts ... warms the heart! :-)

Standard Dancer

12-09-2005, 12:45 AM

I found this description at an eBay auction site. I guess they're pressure sensitive. No comment. Nope. No comment at all. :rolleyes: :lol:

Ur, yeah, no comment here either ...

Standard Dancer

12-09-2005, 12:46 AM

Not exactly sure. I just remember a very off-color joke from my church confirmation class. We were doing a human sexuality unit. The pastor wanted to get us comfortable so told us we could ask any question...someone asked him if he had muscial underwear, what tune would it play. He said it would play a hymn...and someone yelled out "Standup For Jesus".:rolleyes:

oh goodness ... :-)

Standard Dancer

12-09-2005, 12:57 AM

Sorry guys, the double-quoting thing isn't working for me so some of my posts make no sense out of context ... :(

fascination

12-09-2005, 06:57 AM

I know we have gone down this road on another thread but I will say this again b/c I think its really important...I try though sometimes fail to be gracious upon the receipt of any gift.....but the ones I try to give and which mean the most to me are ones that indicate that I have been listening to the heart of the person to whom I am giving it...if I hear "I've always wanted...or in my spare time I like to....or I really need, but cant afford..." I try to look at what I can do...my story that I've told before about my father in law was that he was too poor as a child to ever get a christmas present from santa and always wanted an erector set, so one year I bought him one and attached an apology note from santa for it being so delayed....he also collects coins so one year I got him a sweater with the indian head penny on it and gave him one of the pennies and told him how predcious and rare he is to me as well......once he was reminiscing about a friend who died and talked about their days in Paris (I cant really go into that) but I bought him a bottle of good courvasier and this sort of "french maid/can-can) barbie.....anyhow, I think any gift that says"I was listening to you the otherday when you were talking is always the gift that means the most...and it usually surprises people because I am such a talker that I dont always think the beleive how well I am listening...

Medira

12-09-2005, 10:58 AM

dTas

12-09-2005, 11:04 AM

catalogs. i do a lot of "browsing" via catalogs that i receive in the mail. i may not find something right away but i might find something that reminds me of something else and then i start to think creatively.

either that or just going to the mall and walking around for an afternoon.

Medira

12-09-2005, 11:08 AM

The catalogue thing is a really good idea... Thanks dTas! :)

fascination

12-09-2005, 11:09 AM

I love to come up with gifts with meaning. That's a big part of the reason why I haven't started Christmas shopping yet. I've had holiday shopper's block, or something. I have my list of who to buy for, but the area where I put down ideas of what to give is mostly empty.

Anybody have any ideas on how to get past this?I also forgot to mention that I also like to shop from catalogues where all the proceeds go to charity and/or are made by people who otherwise have no gainful employment....my favorites are heartbeats and ministry of the arts and there's an irish gift one as well where all the proceeds go to the irish childrens fund which fosters peace btwn chilren in N Ireland....heartbeats does stuff like soaps that are made by women who were once addicted or on the street...stuff like that....it makes me feel good about the money I spent and is particularly nice to give to people who are ungrateful but for whom you have to shop for one reason or another...that way you get to feel good no matter what their reaction was...please do not think I am advertising or endorsing these places...just like my previous mention of harry and david, they are merely my personal preferences...