Does anyone else think Amazon is as wonderful as I do? It's like an online WalMart - you can find most anything you want (from groceries to books to furniture to trees) and they're cheaper than most other places. Maybe it's not as big for you guys since the family is concentrated over there, but I find myself using it quite a bit - especially around Christmas and birthday time (and for all those computer books that Jeff gets - those are usually at least 20 bucks cheaper than at Borders).
Anyways, that being said...they have a feature that allows you to create Wish lists which your extended family and friends can then use for gift ideas (make sure you mark them as public so we can all see them). When you make your list public, any Amazon.com user (it's easy and free to become one) can locate your list by searching for your last name or e-mail address. It's good for both parties - think fewer returns. You have to keep them updated, of course, especially as the children grow and their tastes change.
The site offers gift wrapping (for a small fee, of course) and you can send personal messages with your gifts. They also have a good-sized selection of free e-cards for anyone who's interested.
I know it's early yet but, when you get time, please try it out. It will make shopping so much easier (at least for me). If you buy a product from the list (from amazon) it will show as having been purchased so someone else will know not to buy it.
It looks like Lisa already has a list, but she sorely needs to update it - ahem.
