Mutual Gifts are Joyous Reminders of Lives Shared; Instant Heirlooms Popular with Couples at Christmas

Business Wire, Dec 13, 2002

Feature Editors/Lifestyle Editors

HIGH POINT, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 13, 2002

In addition to gift-wrapped goodies under the Christmas tree, more and more couples are having fun and creating memories by shopping for a single, mutual gift for each other.

Particularly popular are items that have the potential to become family heirlooms, representing a special moment in time and the spirit of joy and sharing with which they were acquired.

This Christmas, consider the following suggestions for a mutual gift to purchase together that can give a room - or even an entire house - a unique, personal character and a lasting reminder of happy times:

Few things resonate as deeply as the gift of music. A piano is a beautiful and romantic addition to any home that can be enjoyed by the entire family and passed down from generation to generation. Do a little homework to decide which type of piano is right for your home. Web sites such as www.pianoworld.com can help in choosing the right kind of piano at the right price. Upright pianos, new or used, typically start around $1,000. Baby grands can range from $2,000 to $3,500, while grand pianos average between $5,000 and $15,000. The National Piano Manufacturers Association recommends The Piano Book by Larry Fine as a resource for information about buying a new or used piano, and the qualities and features to look for. Also, if you or your spouse (or children) are beginners, the surprise gift of piano lessons makes a terrific stocking stuffer.

Another great idea is having a portrait made together. Whether it's a photograph, an oil painting or a pastel rendering, a family, husband and wife or engagement portrait will become an instant treasure. The Web site for the American Society of Portrait Artists, www.asopa.com, as well as www.portraitartist.com contain valuable information about the different types (and price ranges) of portraits to consider, as well as contact information for artists throughout the U.S. Portrait fees can vary greatly, with some as low as $200 and others well into the thousands. You can also find photographers and portrait artists in your local area by searching online in Yahoo's yellow pages.

The most personal of all gifts that couples can pick out together is a bed. Whether you're settling in for a long winter's nap or lounging with the newspaper on Sunday morning, a handsome, inviting bed is a pleasure that's meant to be shared. Home furnishings expert Dick Idol suggests the Grand West sleigh bed from his High Country Heritage(TM) Collection. "The Grand West sleigh bed strikes the perfect balance between feminine and masculine sensibilities," said Idol. "The graceful, elegant styling appeals to women, and men appreciate the dark wood tones and simplicity of design. It has the timeless look of an heirloom piece, and at a typical retail price around $699, it's also a great value." The variety of beds in the Dick Idol(TM) collection, plus the Dick Idol(TM) retailer network, can be accessed at www.dickidol.com.

Why not make memories that will last a lifetime and pick out the perfect present along the way? Shopping with your mate for a mutual gift can be a meaningful and exciting experience that may become your favorite holiday tradition.