Under the Christmas Tree: Gift-giving

On the go

A Hummer H3 for less than $11,000? Ozark Golf Cars is southwest Missouri’s exclusive dealership for the GM-licensed mini-Hummer body mounted on a golf cart frame, which retails for $10,800. Owner Spencer King said most customers own lake houses in the Branson area. The mini-Hummer travels up to 30 miles per hour and can journey for about 40 miles on one charge of its 48-volt battery.

Another attention-getting form of transportation may be found in Branson at Segway of Southern Missouri, 299 Gretna Road. The Segway Personal Transporter, which sells for $4,995, is well-suited for workers in law enforcement, airport security, or warehouse supervisors, or individuals with limited mobility who might not feel comfortable in a seated position, said manager Gary Fuqua.

For those who are curious but not ready to buy, 20-minute rentals are available for $19.95 at the Segway track. “I don’t think we’ve had anyone leave without a big grin on their face,” Fuqua said.

For those who prefer riding horseback, riding the trail in style could begin with a Tucker Trail Saddle from PFI, 2816 S. Ingram Mill Road.

“These are the Cadillac of trail saddles. They’re extremely comfortable, durable, well-made and highly sought after,” said PFI Operations Manager Harold Moore. Tucker saddles sell for $1,250 to $1,700 and come with Gel-Cush shock-absorbing seats.

Leaving a legacy

If what’s needed is a gift that will be part of history, consider Gillioz Theatre’s Take A Seat Program. Names can be added to seats within the theater for $250 to $1,500, with the benefactor’s name immortalized on a plaque placed on the seat.

Another option might be a gift package from The Life Story Co., owned by former KY3 reporter Laurie Patton-Glasson. Base packages range from $350 for a single videotaped interview to $1,000 for multiple interviews.

“It could be used in a lot of different ways,” Patton-Glasson said, including interviewing a child each year, creating a company history, love story, birthday tribute or gag video. Patton-Glasson can be reached through her Web site, www.thelifestorycompany.com.

Cutting a rug

With recent popularity of TV shows such as “Dancing With the Stars,” ballroom dance lessons might be the perfect gift.

“Interest in ballroom has definitely gotten bigger as a direct result of those shows,” said Tamara Finocchiaro, dance instructor and owner of Pythian Castle, where she also gives lessons. Salsa, swing and ballroom dance lessons are available in groups or private lessons with Finocchiaro or Johnny Lambert. Private lessons start at $50 per hour and group lessons are $8 per person.

Phone surfing

The Internet-savvy folks on the list might appreciate Alltel’s Aircard, a gadget that provides the user with wireless Internet access anywhere that cell phone reception is available. The Aircard is $99 with a two-year contract and monthly service fee of $59 for unlimited use. David Sprouse, sales representative for Russell Cellular, said the Aircard is “definitely as fast as broadband in your home.”

Relaxation

The gift of free time – and no housecleaning – is available from DomesticAide, which offers cleaning services that can be purchased in various increments.

Cheryl Mason, office manager for DomesticAide, said clients often purchase six months or one year of cleaning as gifts. “For $50 per hour, we send out a crew of two,” Mason said, adding that any dollar amount can be purchased depending on how often her crew is scheduled to visit.

Relaxation may also be found in the I-Joy Mini Massage Chair, which retails for $450 at Sam’s Club. Manager Tom Conroy said chairs with massage features continue to be popular year after year. The chair features Human Touch Technology with four massage functions – rolling, kneading, percussion and autopark.[[In-content Ad]]