Valentines Day Gift Teddy Bear Angers Mental Health Advocates

The Vermont Teddy Bear Co. stated recently that it will be continuing to sell its strait-jacketed "Crazy for You Bear" as a Valentine's Day Gift offering, despite repeated protests from mental health advocates. "We recognize that this is a sensitive, human issue and sincerely apologize if we have offended anyone," the Valentines Day gift company released in a prepared statement. "That was certainly not our intent. This bear was created in the spirit of Valentine's Day, and as with all of our teddy bears, it was designed to be a light-hearted depiction of the sentiment of love."

The teddy bear, which was specifically designed and marketed as a Valentine's Day Gift, comes packaged with commitment papers and is meant to communicate out-of-control love of the gift giver to the recipient. Mental health advocates argue the teddy bear is "a tasteless use of marketing that stigmatizes persons with mental illness," Jerry Goessel, executive director of the Vermont chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, expressed to the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. He added that "A strait jacket is not a symbol that we want to associate with sales of a teddy bear for loved ones as a Valentine's Day gift. And the use of commitment papers, legal documents committing an individual to involuntary treatment, is not something to be taken casually."

Mr. Goessel has requested the $70 teddy bear be removed as one of the company's Valentines Gift ideas for customers to choose from. Other mental health advocates are reported to also be supporting the removal of the teddy bear. The Vermont Teddy Bear Company stated that it will be discontinuing the bear, but not before Valentines Day on February 14th. "This teddy bear was developed specifically as a Valentine's Day gift and is not a permanent addition to our product line," the company statement read. "This bear will remain an offering for Valentine's Day."

Lawsuits Filed Against Issuers of Holiday Gift Cards

Holiday gift cards have become the center of lawsuits filed after consumers discovered fees and expiration dates that rendered them worthless over time. Two Atlanta residents and three state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against a mall owner whose Christmas gift cards depreciate in value and expire. As a result of the litigation, New York Democrat Sen. Charles Schumer has sponsored the Fair Gift Card Act intended to establish guidelines for fees and expiration dates.

The nation's largest shopping mall owner, Simon Property Group, Inc, sells cards that allegedly violate state laws in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Georgia, according to the lawsuits against it. A $2.50 monthly fee is assessed if the card isn't used within seven months, and it may expire after a year. "A Simon gift card with a $25 face value is worth only $12.50 after the 11th month," Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly stated. Sen. Barney Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat who supports Reilly's legal actions against Simon Property, remarked that gift cards that lose value make a "pretty cheesy" present.

Some states have already passed laws making it illegal to impose the inactivity fees and expiration dates on gift cards, expected to be an $89 billion industry in 2007. Sen. Schumer's legislation would make gift cards valid for at least five years and would prohibit an inactivity fee unless the card's value is less than $5 or it hasn't been used for 24 months and the fee is $1 or less. It would simultaneously allow each state to strengthen its laws for gift cards. Consumers Union is lobbying for passage of the act to protect the givers and recipients of gift cards.

Christmas Gift Ideas Changing as Plastic Surgery Presents Surge

Gift industry analysts are contininuing to report Christmas gift sales for 2004. Overall world sales are reported to have been mixed. At the same time, popular Christmas holiday gifts have changed in nature. Australia Christmas gift sales are reporting to have been very good, while in the US and Britain the news is "good, but not great". Surprisingly, one of the most popular new Christmas gift ideas in the US for 2004 was plastic surgery.

Specifically, US holiday gift sales rose between 2 and 4.5% from the previous year, with online sales seeing the largest growth. Australian holiday sales were $11.5 billion, up 7% from 2003. Strong post-Christmas sales were also reported across the country, with retailers forecasting such sales to be up between 5 and 8% over last year. The only noticable negative change was in Australian retailer attitudes over the fact that they were not allowed to open on Boxing Day.

Consumer electronics have measured to be very popular Christmas gift ideas this year, especially ultra-slim DVD players, game consoles and music players; most notibly the iPod. Perfumes and fragrances also topped the list, with Britney Spears' Curious brand of perfume the leader. Plastic surgeons in the US reported that make-overs were a very popular Christmas present.

The Associated Press reported that breasts, tummies and faces all received significant attention, as husbands and boyfriends splashed out on something special for their partners. Liposuction and breast augmentation were the most popular procedures. Some, however, just wanted a pre-Christmas touch-up, surgeons said, such as Botox injections, collagen treatments and laser hair removal.

Bank Gift Cards Enable Financial Institutions to Compete with Retailers' Programs

Bank-branded gift cards are emerging as both popular presents for gift givers and satisfied customers for banks. Large banks such as Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank launched prepaid cards in 2003. This year, smaller banks have gotten in on the action, as well. The surge in gift cards' popularity provides banks with a reason to compete with more traditional retailer gift cards, gift industry analysts are reporting.

Deluxe Financial Services introduced its Visa gift card program in the fall of 2004, by offering banks, credit unions and larger financial institutions with the gift-card service so those institutions don't have to pay for the costly infrastructure necessary to launch their own program.

Even though gift cards only generate a small monetary benefit for banks per card, customer loyalty and customer service appear to be compelling reasons to carry the new product. Also larger financial institutions turn a significant profit on the cards, mostly because of the sheer number sold. Charges average around $4.95 per card, and the card's remaining balance is subject to a service or inactivity fee after six or 12 months.

Samsclub.com - KidSational Gift Pack Collaborate in Online Marketing Campaign

KIDSATIONAL PRESS RELEASE
KidSational, Inc., a creator and distributor of cutting edge safety and educational programming for children, announces that Samsclub.com has created a promotional Gift Pack composed of three of the Company's products; the Car-Pack Backpack, the Guardian Safety Board Game and a TGK CD. The KidSational Gift Pack, available at Samsclub.com, was chosen and promoted as a "Hot" product in recent e-marketing campaigns launched by the retail giant.

The campaigns targeted over eight million of Samsclub.com's members, promoting the KidSational Gift Pack and other innovative gift ideas. KidSational expects they will experience impressive sales growth through the offering of the Company's premier items into one unique gift idea. With the combination of the promotional packaging and exposure, initial sales for the Gift Pack have been very encouraging.

Steve Ruff, President of KidSational, commented, "Samsclub.com has been a tremendous distribution partner for us thus far. We expect to experience much greater product sales through this fantastic gift package. This success is a very positive start to a long-term distribution relationship with Samsclub.com."

The Guardian Safety Game is an interactive board game for children that teaches the best safety procedures and to help them make the right life saving decisions about subjects such as drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, peer pressure, strangers and other issues that affect children. In addition the game is a great chance for parents to learn what their children know about safety and the type of decisions their children may make in various life situations.

Popularity of Christmas Gift Cards Spurs Swap & Exchange Web Sites

The popularity of holiday gift cards has created a secondary market allowing consumers to buy, sell, and trade them. The Web sites act as brokers for gift-card transactions and report that many consumers have far more cards than they can use or cards from a store they don't intend to purchase anything from.

The websites' solutions are to turn the holiday gift cards into some cash or swap them for a card issued by another store. Industry analysts are reporting that gift cards were the most-popular purchase over the Christmas holiday season and that sales of retailer gift cards are expected to grow to $58 billion in 2007 from $48 billion this year.

EBay currently lists Christmas gift cards on its auction site. Target gift cards and Macy's gift cards were among the many offered. SwapAGift.com and Cardavenue.com allow customers to trade cards as well as buy and sell them. For example, Cardavenue customers want to trade their Circuit City, Best Buy, and Blockbuster gift cards. Likewise, SwapAGift users are looking to sell a Tiffany gift card or swap it for an Olive Garden card of equal value.

Christmas Gift Card Restrictions An Unpleasant Surprise for Some

The office of Maryland's attorney general, Joseph Curran, recently issued a warning to people who received Christmas gift cards over the holiday season. The Attorney General stated that consumers should check each store's policy before using the Christmas gift cards. Many retail stores have reported that most recipients fail to realize that gift cards have an expiration date and certain other restrictions.

"To avoid unpleasant surprises with gift cards, shop around," the Attorney General stated. "Many retailers' gift cards never expire and never impose service fees that will reduce the face value of the card." He also advised consumers to check for hidden fees, since some retailers deduct $2 per month from the balance of an unused Christmas gift card after 12 months. In some cases, Curran warned, if customers buy merchandise that costs less than the amount on the card, the remaining balance isn't refunded as cash. Terms and conditions of holiday gift cards are most often found on the reverse side of the card and sometimes on the packaging.

Charitable Gift Giving from Celebrities, Politicians and Media Continues for Tsunami Relief Efforts

Celebrities, such as Sandra Bullock and Leonardo DiCaprio, and politicians, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, are making large charitable gifts, donations and appeals to the masses to also contribute to south asia tsunami relief agencies. NBC has also planned a celebrity-filled TV benefit.

Former presidents Clinton and Bush appealed to Americans to contribute charitable gifts to the massive aid effort as well. The American Red Cross said it received a $1 million donation from Bullock for tsunami relief in South Asia and East Africa. Leonardo DiCaprio gave a "sizable" charitable gift to UNICEF, targeted for aid to devastated areas of Thailand.

NBC plans to simulcast a benefit special tomorrow, January 15th, that will feature celebrities and musical performances. The program is scheduled to air live on the U.S. East Coast with a tape delay to the West Coast. Phone lines for viewer gift donations will be provided at the same time. The NBC telecast will be similar to the two-hour telethon that all four major U.S. TV networks aired 10 days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks which raised more than $150 million in gift pledges.

News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch has also made a $1 million contribution to tsunami relief and reconstruction. The conglomerate has also pledged to match employee donations dollar for dollar.

$1Million Gift from Sandra Bullock to American Red Cross Tsunami Relief Efforts

Sandra Bullock pledged a $1million gift towards the tsunami relief effort. The actress made the gift donation to the American Red Cross to boost the campaign it launched following the tragedy. Organisers said Bullock's money gift would help provide relief supplies, financial support and technical assistance.

The American Red Cross stated that Bullock contacted the Red Cross to make this, her second $1million gift, to the American Red Cross. Marsha Evans, president of the American Red Cross, stated that "Sandra continues to enable our life-saving work. I am grateful to Sandra for once again demonstrating her belief in our global humanitarian mission." Ms. Bullock also contributed $1million to the American Red Cross after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Record Online Charity Gifts for Tsunami Relief Efforts

Several major relief organizations have reported that they are receiving a record amount of money from online donors hoping to provide a gift donation that will help the nonprofits in getting emergency supplies to victims of the South Asia tsunami disaster.

Over $20 million have been donated online to five distaster relief organizations involved in aiding survivors in the 11 countries affected by the tsunami. The groups include Doctors Without Borders, Catholic Relief Services, American Red Cross-Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter, U.S. Fund for UNICEF and World Vision. All of the organizations have reported a 50 percent increase in charitable gifts donated through their web sites. In addition, the average gift amount has increased 66 percent.

Director of interactive donor communications at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, Tim Ledwith, stated the amount of donations it has received has been increasing steadily since the disaster struck. "It's unprecedented," Ledwith added. "We have never seen this much of an outpouring. The generosity is overwhelming. This is a response that we really couldn't have foreseen."

The organizations are expected to raise a record amount of money online, as well as set records for the most money raised in a single day and for the average gift amount.

Most online donors use credit cards, although payment services such as PayPal or online banking accounts are also popular methods of making a charitable gift donation. Because the funds are sent electronically, UNICEF said it has access to the money within 72 hours, as opposed to several weeks when the money comes through more traditional channels such as direct mail. "Once funds are available, they can be transferred to UNICEF for programs in the field," Ledwith stated. "It's a very quick process. It can only increase the amount of assistance that will be available for emergency supplies and the speed at which they can be transported."

Once the emergency relief efforts have subsided, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF said it plans to again solicit more money from online donors for rebuilding programs.

E-Commerce Holiday Shopping Gift Purchases Surge 25% Over 2003 Christmas Period

The latest figures released confirm that online shopping for Christmas gifts in 2004 soared to US$23.2 billion, a 25 percent increase from the $18.5 billion spent online during the same period in 2003. Consumers reported clothing as the category they spent the most money on, totaling $3.8billion or 16 percent of total online revenue.

Purchases of toys/video game Christmas gifts was second with $2.5 billion, or 11 percent of online revenue, and the consumer electronics division was third with $2.3 billion, or 10 percent of total online revenue.

The e-commerce gift categories reported to have produced the highest year-over-year growth in holiday spending went to jewelry, flowers and computer hardware/peripherals. Jewelry gifts jumped 113 percent to $1.9 billion as compared to $888 million in 2003, Christmas flower retailer sales surged 59 percent online with revenue of $530 million and computer hardware/peripherals increased 30 percent to $2.1 billion.

One retail analyst said "Consumers have become accustomed to purchasing online over the years and look to the internet to find comprehensive product information, competitive prices and easy Christmas gift delivery, allowing them more time to spend on other holiday activities."

Reports also indicated that most online consumers had overall satisfying experiences with online holiday shopping. Factors included a preference to avoid crowds, finding lower prices online and a wide selection of Christmas gift ideas.

December 2004 Christmas Gift Sales Reportedly Surge While Profits Decline for Many Retailers

Wal-Mart has announced that it ended 2004 ahead of its most recent sales forecast after making the decision to cut prices at the end of November after a sluggish Thanksgiving weekend. This sharply contrasts with 2003, which has been characterized as one of Christmas gift sales at full-price.

Gift industry analysts reported that the overall 2004 Christmas gift shopping season will be remembered as the last-minute markdown as U.S. retailers cut prices before and after Dec. 25, choosing target sales gains over higher profit.

Wal-Mart executives did not like what they saw as Chistmas gift sales trends surfaced and decided to mark down 24 of the store's best selling electronic goods and popular toys to increase traffic. As a result, Wal-Mart reported, the 2 percent gain in December sales hit closer to 3 percent. Executives said the increase was the result of higher-than-expected gift sales in the week after Christmas, and many customers used gift cards to make purchases.

Most department stores and specialty retailers also reported marking down merchandise including clothing the week before and after Christmas. Gift industry analysts said the strategy brought a much higher traffic but also concerns that the discounts would hurt profits.

"We saw some of the most excessive markdowns at stores, including Ann Taylor, the Gap and the Limited's Express division," said Mark Friedman, a first VP at Merrill Lynch specializing in retail tracking.

Kmart executives reported that sales at stores open at least a year had declined 2.6 percent in December from the previous 2003 period, though they added it was better than the 12.8 percent decline for the third quarter.

Retail researchers said the surge in traffic just came too late for many merchants this Chistmas gift giving season and that retailers would find it difficult to hit profit expectations.

Advice on Gift Donations to Tsunami Relief Organizations Published

The Better Business Bureau recently released their list of advice when considering making charitable gifts to aid in relief of tsunami victims. Art Taylor, the president of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance stated that "It's very easy to be overcome by emotion at this time and not really concentrate on making a gift donation to the right organization that can actually deliver the kind of relief that we want for the victims. It's valuable to take time to research these groups. You should always get written information before you donate, either off of a Web site or by having them send you information in the mail. There is a lot more information about organizations out there than people realize, but you have to ask questions."

Taylor added that "Experienced charities matter in relief efforts. It's very difficult to deliver the support to people in these areas, and so organizations that have a track record will rise above some of the newer organizations that have been just created to do this."

Other advice included asking the right questions. In referring to the types of information the Wise Giving Alliance finds out, Taylor offered that "We want to know if the charities are delivering relief in the way that's appropriate for us. "Some of us may want to give items. Some of us may want to support longer-term needs such as rebuilding of schools and roads. All of these things are going to need help over time, so we have to choose how we want to help and then pick an organization that will give us that type of help."

Taylor does not recommend making charitable gifts of cash. "Normally, scam organizations don't like to have checks given to them. Cash is harder to trace, obviously. So checks can be traced and so you have a much better chance of giving to a legitimate organization if you're giving by check," he added.

Advice also covers telemarketing and online giving. The group says telemarking is the most expensive type of fundraising out there. It states that very little of the money will actually end up going to the organization. If you're called by an organization over the phone, give it to them directly and not through a telemarketer. "Donating online requires extra precautions, Taylor said, "When you click to donate, you should make sure that the URL actually goes somewhere and that the browser names aren't hidden. Many disreputable organizations will take the names of some well-known charities and create Web pages so that the money can go to them, rather than the charities that you think they're going to."

Finally, inquiring whether your company might match your donation is a good idea. "Many companies have employee matching gift programs," Taylor continued. "So you can almost double your charitable gifts in some cases if you check with your company and make sure they're matching gift programs."