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How do you find the right birthday gift for that special someone? It's an age-old question. Some might say that you need to spend hours shuttling around to different stores to truly find a gift that fits your loved one, but does it really beat finding something uniquely personal online or purchasing that perfect bouquet through an online florist?

Online shopping continues to rise in popularity and today the possibilities of what you can order online are endless. You can find anything from gourmet cupcakes to personalized cakes to spa baskets. By searching online, you'll be able to find the perfect gift and have it conveniently arrive on your recipient's doorstep on his or her special day.

Pro Flowers, who has been a leader in online floral for 10 years and specializes in birthday gift packages, offers the following reasons to consider shopping online for birthday gifts:

* Personalization: The easiest way to find exactly what you have in mind for your love one is to do some browsing online. Many online gift sites also offer personalized items or packages that will make the recipient feel that much more special.

* Convenience: You won't have to go from store to store if you shop online. You also likely won't have to worry about wrapping the package if you don't want to, as many gift sites will do it for you so it's all ready for the recipient to open when it arrives.

* Distance is not a factor: If you have to be apart from the person you are buying the gift for on his special day, you can still deliver your gift by using an online gift specialist.

* You can be discreet: If you're buying a gift for your spouse or your children, you won't have to make up stories about where you were when you were shopping for their gifts. You simply need to hop on a computer when they aren't around.

* Control. By shopping online, you'll have more control over what you are looking for, as you won't have anyone trying to sell you on something you probably don't want.

While it may seem contrary to popular belief, it may actually be easier to find the perfect gift online. After all, nothing is better than seeing your recipient's face light up after she opens the box that contains exactly what she wants.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Teen fashion trends come and go, but one look that's always in style is wearing your personality on your sleeve . . . or pant leg, or shoes. According to Demi Lovato, Disney Channel star and number one selling Hollywood Records artist, a true rock star look begins with wearing whatever showcases your unique personality and allows you to feel confident from head to toe.

"It's important for teens to remember that you aren't defined by what you wear. Instead, what you wear should simply be a reflection of your true personality," Lovato says. "Real rock star confidence comes from being true to your spirit, not from the specific clothes you wear."

This summer, Lovato, star of Disney Channel's "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam" and "Sonny With A Chance," will be the face of Shop Til You Rock, a music-inspired mall tour that empowers teens to look and feel like rock stars through live music performances, exclusive teen activities and special mall offers and giveaways. Teens can visit www.ShopTilYouRock.com for a complete list of event dates, activities, exclusive mall deals and to enter for a chance to win four VIP tickets to a Demi Lovato concert, including backstage passes to meet Lovato herself.

When Lovato takes the stage for a concert, it's her musical talent as well as her unique personality that's on display. Here are her favorite tips for expressing herself with a sense of style:

* Dress to the beat of your own drum: Let's face it, in one way or another, all teens face pressure to fit into a crowd. But, to me, style isn't about trying to look like somebody else; it's about expressing what you stand for, no matter what other people think.

* Wear clothes and accessories that tell a story: On a recent tour stop in Colombia I found a beautiful necklace that really symbolized how special my visit to the country was. And now, whenever I wear that necklace it reminds me of all the special memories from that amazing trip. So, whether it's a piece of jewelry that's been in your family for years, or a T-shirt that was given to you by a close friend, the story behind what you wear can add a whole new meaning to your look.

* Pick a mood out of your closet: When I wake up and I'm ready for a great day, I like to wear something that helps me express that emotion, like a black studded jacket if I'm feeling more "rock" or a super cute dress if I'm feeling a little girly. Or, if I'm feeling a little more adventurous, I'll put on bright colors and patterns mixed with interesting textures to make a statement. The point is, when my clothes are in harmony with how I'm feeling, it gives me a little boost throughout my day. And, there's never a bad time to step into a pair of high heels.

Shop Til You Rock will travel to more than 120 General Growth Properties malls across 39 states July through August. Event activities include live band performances, a Rock-On Salon, Just Dance Studio, Fusion Model Search, Pepsi Refresh Project Lounge and Rock-to-Win station. For more information, visit www.ShopTilYourock.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

When shopping for birthday gifts, you're always looking for something special that will carry some meaning. So what better way to accomplish that than by adding an extra touch and personalizing the gift you'll be giving?

With many companies offering customizable gifts online, buying personalized birthday gifts is as easy as it has ever been. With a few clicks and keystrokes, you not only can give something special, but give something unique that bears your recipient's name or anything else you wish to include.

Still need help getting started? Here are a few suggestions from RedEnvelope, an online store that specializes in unique and personalized gifts.

Birthday gifts for her

* Bathwear. Towels, robes and slippers are all items that remind us of the comforts of home. By having your recipient's name or initials embroidered into these items, you'll make them that much more cozy and comfortable.

* Memento box. Everyone has special things they want to keep track of, but it can be hard to find a good place to put them. By adding a personalized message to a memento box, you can provide that special place for your loved one.

* Accessories. Things like purses, compacts and jewelry all accentuate a woman's personality. Add an extra special touch by buying a special lady in your life a purse mirror with her initials engraved on it, or a necklace with a special message carved into it.

* Custom calendar. Looking for a gift to remind her about all the good times you've had together? A custom calendar is a great way to accomplish this, as you can assign your favorite photos to each month. That way, she'll also want to keep the calendar around after the year is over.

Birthday gifts for him

* Monogrammed cufflinks. Cufflinks with his initials on them will make your husband or your dad feel more important on special occasions.

* Personalized sign. Does the man of the house have a particular place he likes to call his own? Make him feel even more at home by giving him a sign to hang with a special message for the basement bar or man cave.

* Engraved bottle opener. You could either get him a heavy duty bottle opener with his initials engraved on it for home or one with a special message engraved on it that's the size of a credit card and will fit right in his wallet.

* Money clip. These, like pocket watches, are often passed down from generation to generation, so one with the family name engraved on it could make for an extra-meaningful gift for the man in your life.

Remember when you are shopping for birthday gifts that your loved one will appreciate whatever you give him or her -- because it's from you -- so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Personalization is just another way for you to make your gift fun and memorable for both the giver and receiver.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - In decades gone by, layaway was a staple for budget-conscious customers in retail stores across the country, but its popularity waned as credit cards became more available and consumers sought alternate finance methods to buy clothing and necessities. With household budgets tighter than ever due to the recent recession, layaway is once again emerging as a viable shopping tool.

The holiday season is typically the time of year that most people shop ahead, however, many consumers are now taking advantage of layaway year round at retailers like Kmart and Sears. Whether shopping for a wedding gift, a baby shower gift or any other incremental spending occasion, layaway allows people to manage and stick to a budget.

Back-to-school is another peak shopping occasion where using layaway can be beneficial. For parents, who want to plan and budget ahead, layaway is the perfect vehicle for purchasing the latest back-to-school essentials, such as backpacks, sneakers, school supplies and electronics. And for those who stick to a monthly budget, paying for items gradually can make planning a lot easier. Plus, it allows for other budget additions - like contributing a bit more to the family savings account each month.

For busy consumers who rarely have time to shop or take advantage of layaway, websites like Kmart.com and Sears.com offer online layaway programs. Consumers can simply add items to a virtual shopping cart, schedule and make payments online, then quickly pick up their layaway in-store, hassle-free.

Even with the economy on the upswing, many consumers are hesitant to revert back to old spending habits and in most cases have changed how they approach shopping forever; thus, retailers have had to get more creative in order to lure consumers back to shopping. Layaway, it turns out, has value for both - retailers can turn a profit, and customers can stick to their budgets.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Don't succumb to gift cards, baseball hats, and t-shirts. Instead, be creative and try a gift like a 1- to 12-month wine club gift or even wine-related accessory to round out your shopping, and the recipient will surely be impressed.

Wine makes a great gift for those hard-to-buy-for friends, family members and business associates because it's something that can be enjoyed and appreciated by wine enthusiasts on any level, from the novice to aficionado. Plus, with a variety of wine gadgets on the market today, it's easy to find accessories that go along with the gift of wine.

Take for instance a top-of-the-line Rabbit corkscrew that will make opening wine bottles a simple and speedy experience. A Vinturi Aerator can help speed up the decanting process. It's an easy and convenient tool that instantly enhances flavors and gives a smoother finish to those bigger, bolder wines. Another great idea is the Ravi Instant Wine Chiller - a must-have item for the coming summer months. It cools wine to a suitable temperature in seconds, and works for both reds and whites.

Gold Medal Wine Club gifts come with rewards. The most popular gift, the Gold Series specializes in delivering hard-to-find wines from small, family-owned California wineries to people all across the country. One-month gift memberships start at just $34 (1-12 month gifts are available) and include two bottles of award-winning wines, gift wrapped in tissue and bows for a stunning presentation. Also included is an exclusive publication that features information about the wines, background of the winery owners, behind-the-scenes tours of the vineyards, and great food pairing recipes from the winemakers themselves.

If your gift recipient prefers the international wine scene, surprise them with Gold Medal Wine Club's International Wine Club Series - a limited membership club that features rare, exclusively imported wines and a unique "Adventure Package" of gourmet food items - direct from the featured country. The "Taste the Adventure" publication takes members on a journey to some of the world's most renowned wine regions, with in-depth articles on the featured wines, wineries and country. It's a great gift for those who love to travel, or at the very least enjoy expanding their horizons. Purchase an annual gift membership and receive a 10 percent discount.

All the wines offered by Gold Medal Wine Club are small production wines from boutique family wineries, which can be hard to find in stores. The wines have won multiple medals and awards from major international wine competitions and have high ratings from the top wine publications. Some wines are even pre-releases and exclusives that are only offered at the winery itself and through the club. Take care of your any occasion gift orders today by logging on to www.GoldMedalWineClub.com or calling (800) 266-8888.

Courtesy of ARAcontent