Making your list?  Checking it twice?  Biting the end of your pen because you can't remember what color sweater you got for Aunt Mildred last year???  Relax.  There's a world of GREAT gifts you can get for family and friends that are almost guaranteed not to be duplicated by other people -- and will be thoroughly appreciated.

The key to great gift giving is to present something that not only says, "I love you," but also says, "I KNOW you, and I care."  Learn the tricks to that kind of gift giving in this week's newsletter.

Happy shopping, and we hope to see you soon.

Jim Nixon,
The Cleaners

Give Yourself a Reputation!

Everybody wants to be known for something.  Why not become known as the most creative gift-giver in the family?  Learn the tricks of giving things that surprise, delight and please, and people will look forward to your gifts all year long.

A great gift doesn't have to cost a lot -- and sometimes, it doesn't cost anything, monetarily.  To give great gifts, you have to take time to know the people you are giving to -- sounds logical, but it's amazing how many people give gifts out of guilt, not out of affection.  Turn that trend around by getting to know your gift recipients, and you'll find yourself liking them more, too.

The Gift of Gab

Know somebody who loves to talk on the telephone? Or who never does it because of the expense?  Telephone prepaid calling cards are a great way to keep in touch and to give others the freedom to catch up with friends and loved ones far away. These are available in national and international plans.

• National and international cards, with rates search.
• More cards and rates.
• Or check your local stores for cards off the rack.

Charity Starts at Home

Give to a charity that is meaningful to your friend or loved one, in their name.  Many people are involved in a particular cause or volunteer with a particular organization.  Acknowledge their passion and help the cause.

• Put the name of the cause into your favorite search engine, and go to their website for quick, easy giving.

Service with a Smile

When you think of a Gift Certificate, do you think of the Mall?  Some people on your list don't need anything from the mall... they need to pay the rent next month, or get groceries, or would love the luxury of being able to let someone else wash the car for the next year.  Give the gift of services and other everyday expenses.

• Coupon books are available at many of the better carwashes.
• Drycleaning -- if they live here locally, we have gift certificates.  Otherwise, search the internet for their community and purchase online from a drycleaner in their city.
• Groceries -- most stores have gift certificates, and some even have home delivery.  Again, the internet is your best source.
• Gasoline prepaid cards.
• Pay their cable bill for a year.
• Public Transportation passes -- if they use public transportation, they hate paying the fees.  They'll remember you every day!
• Prepay utility bills.
• Home improvement store gift certificates -- a dress or shirt is great, but fixing a leaking toilet is even better!
• Pet specialty store gift certificates.  For many people, their pets are their children.  Make their pets happy, and you've made the owners happy, too.
• Make a car payment in their name.
• Pay for internet service for a year for them.
• Let them shop on the internet for themselves -- if they have a PayPal account, you can add money to it any time.  Visit www.paypal.com to learn more.

Cultural Exchange

There are lots of things that are "optional" expenses when it comes to budgeting.  Entertainment and cultural experiences fall into that category.  Why not give the gift of a season ticket to the opera, theater, or sports team? Or a one-year membership at the local zoo, museums, health club or other venue.

Hobby Horse

If they've got a hobby, you can participate through buying supplies, gift cards to hobby shops, lessons, subscriptions to related magazines, etc.

A Year of Giving

It used to be "Fruit of the Month" club -- but these days, there's an "of-the-month" club for just about anything.  These gifts are great because they keep coming throughout the following year.  Here are some interesting ones:

• The Great American Beer Club -- each month, a 12-pack of 4 different microbrewed beers.
• The Global Wine Club -- 2 different bottles of rare wine from around the world each month.
• The Fresh Fruit Club -- each month, 5 pounds of two different succulent fruits.
• The Flower Gift Club -- A themed bouquet of beautiful flowers direct from the growers each month.
• The Heavenly Chocolate Club -- A 1-pound box of hand-dipped gourmet chocolates each month.  Talk about heaven!
• The Gourmet Pizza Club -- Fresh pizzas delivered in Styrofoam coolers each month! One deep dish and two thin crust 12" pizzas 12 times a year.
• The Coffee Tasters Club -- Two 12-ounce bags of gourmet coffee each month from around the world.
• The Worldwide Cigar Club -- 5 different premium hand-rolled cigars from around the world each month, delivered humidor-fresh.
• Candle of the Month Club -- offered in 3-, 6-, and 12-month plans.  Beautiful scents to remind them of you.
• Featured Cheese of the Month -- Delicious English aged cheddar, and more.
• Featured Tea of the Month -- Can you spell Oolong?  It's just the beginning.
• Gourmet Food of the Month -- From Hickory Farms.  Cheese to Steaks and lots in between.
• Book of the Month -- what list would be complete without this??? Mysteries to history, romance to revolutions.
• Salsa of the Month -- Ole! Nothing like salsa to brighten up the day and your tastebuds.
• Munchie of the Month -- chocolates, nuts, popcorn, rotated through the months.
• DVD of the Month -- Feed your DVD-craving friend's appetite for more.
• Personalized mail for Kids -- every month, your favorite child receives a packet with stickers, crafts, activities, and a personalized letter signed by you.

In short, just put "of-the-month club" into your favorite search engine, and go shopping!

So, now you've got no excuse to say, "I just don't know what to get for Aunt Mildred and Uncle Herman," again.

Yes, we have Gift Certificates!

Why not give the gift of garment care for all those great new glad rags your favorite someone will get for the holidays?
We have gift certificates, and can provide them to you for anyone on your list.
It's something they won't get duplicates of, but will appreciate like crazy! Recipients should probably live in the Fort Collins-Loveland-Windsor-Greeley area. 

SEWING COUPON

Winter weather is here, so isn't it about time to spruce up your wardrobe with some alterations or repairs?
You can take 10% off the price of any sewing order you bring in.
Include a copy of this coupon with your order. 
Coupon expires December13, 2003. 
No, this coupon can't be used with other coupons or VIP.

Meet A Need - Warm A Child 
Nu-Way Cleaners is pleased to be a collection agency for the donation of coats and clothing to benefit the children of Weld County.

COATS, JEANS, HATS, GLOVES AND SWEATERS are needed for school children ages 5 to 18. The collection drive runs through DECEMBER 23.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to make a cash contribution Call 506-1968, or 396-4353, or 381-9085