Getting a gift for an investor can be difficult. Plain old money would do, but as a stand alone it is unimaginative and crass. An item like a newsletter may not match your investors style or interest. Actually getting stocks through a broker is possible, but you would not be able to put it into his/her account. That would mean getting actual stock certificates instead and trips for you both to a brokerage. Here’s some ideas that are fun and more creative.
A Money Tree
Moneytreegift.com has a fun product that is sure to be appreciated. You can order the proverbial money tree. Each tree is made of wood and is on a wood base. Decorated with colorful ribbons the leaves of the tree are real money in the denominations of your choice. Alternatively you can order the tree without money and add your own later. This is a fun idea for any occasion where money is an appropriate gift.
Make A Money Ball
Don’t want to buy a money tree? Give a money ball. Simply take any ball that is not air filled, a Styrofoam ball for example, and use pins to attach the bills of your choice wrapped around the ball. This is an easy to do home made gift that will be sure to please.
Give a Moneygifts website.
This is an item that is free to give. Moneygifts.com allows you to make a website that informs people that the gift that you would like, for any event, celebration or reason, is money. Gift givers can give their gift through the website, there is no charge or commission for this, and the money goes to the recipient. The recipient does need a Paypal account to get the money. Now when people ask your friend what they want for their birthday, Christmas, etc he/she can simply direct them to the webpage.
Antique Stock Certificates
Scripophily is a hot hobby few people have heard of. It’s the collecting of old stock and bond certificates. They are popular for their historical significance, classic artwork and signatures of famous people. Your investing friend would undoubtedly love some genuine art signed by J. Paul Getty or Norman D. Rockefeller. As a side note if you have some old certificates and aren’t sure what they are worth it is in your interest to check them out. Sometimes one company buys another which then gets bought by someone else. Names change, stocks split. On very rare occasion people have found that their old certificates are actually redeemable in an existing company and quite valuable. Google search antique stocks and you’ll find a half dozen or so active dealers.
Give A Unique Gift From Cafepress.com
Cafepress is a print on demand website that let’s independent designers offer their create designs on a variety of products. Items include such things as barbecue aprons, mugs, teddy bears and, of course, t-shirts and apparel These designs are not mass marketed so your gift may well be a one of a kind item. Search on the terms “money,” or “stocks” or “investing” to see the thousands of items available.
Sources:
http://www.moneytreegift.com/
http://www.moneygifts.com/
http://www.makingfriends.com/gifts/dollar_ball.htm
http://antiquestocks.stores.yahoo.net/
http://www.cafepress.com/
