Who else wants creative last-minute gift ideas for the special occasion?
Our favorite gift idea, if the Someone You Love does not already have one, starts with a domain name. From there, you can make it into a web photo gallery, beautiful custom website, personalized email address and much more.
. It can be a great gift by itself or can be combined with a ready-made photo gallery to become the greatest personalised gift.
Here are some reasons why it is a good idea:
- No instructions in Chinese to fumble through. No assembly required.
- It is easier to find a good domain name than an iPhone 5.
- It’s surely hypoallergenic.
- Give someone the secret identity they’ve always wanted.
- Unlike a magazine subscription, no chance of somebody giving the same thing (domain).
- Save a tree — you don’t have to wrap it!
- It can be passed down from generation to generation like a great story.
- The $6.95 initial cost may increase in value over time like a good real estate.
- Does not take any space in the house.
- You can buy it at 11:59 p.m. before that special day and still have it in time.
Owning a domain only gives you the rights to the name, e.g., johnandmary.com. It is like a declaration that the name is yours. You can go to any of the web domain registration companies such as Godaddy or Namecheap to purchase a domain name.
More Gifts Ideas
But in case you basically wish to use the domain name for a web site, e-mail, etc., you should have the domain hosted. Owning 1 with no hosting it can be referred to as “parking” the domain. Less than $10 a month gets you hosting for that domain. We have been using Hostgator for more than 8 years and it has been the best one out of 30+ hosting companies that we have tried. So bottom line, $120 (or less) buys a hosted domain for a year.
A domain is so “virtual” that you may want something solid to go along with it. Along with the obvious selection could be a set of beautiful business cards with the new domain details on them. VistaPrint will print 250 business cards in color for 20 bucks (or totally free for new clients, with a nominal $10 shipping-handling charge).
Best Companies to Use
You can find about 92 gazillion websites that let you register domain names, and yet another 70 gazillion which will host that name for you. And there is certainly plenty of overlap. There is a huge number of of sites that will help you find a hosting company; check out Web Hosting Comparison and Multiple Domain Hosting.
If you do not have the time to research for the best domain registration company or web hosting, then here is our recommendations:
- Hostgator for most comprehensive DIY hosting including Sitebuilders with 4000+ unique templates, one-click-installer for lots of web applications, shopping cart, forum, and much more. You can easily install the photo gallery application such as 4images, Coppermine, and Piwigo or choose a more popular platform such as WordPress, Joomla or Drupal to create an online photo gallery. Click here to try for a penny.
- Weebly for simple website builder with beautiful templates. Nothing fancy but straightforward easy-to-use website creation tool. Click here to try for free.
The longer you wait, the higher the chances you will lose the name you want.
Go to Godaddy, Netfirms or Namecheap to purchase a domain name now.
Domain Name Tips
What do you do if the name you want is taken? Be creative. Change the word order. Use .net, .org, .name, & others. Try synonyms. Here are more ideas:
- Use names: www.PamsPlace.com or www.CarlysCreek.com
- Small business owner name: www.PeterPawnShop.com or www.SallysStudio.com
- Use nicknames: www.RockRhumney.com or www.AwesomeAthur.com
- Incorporate job: www.LouiseaLawyer.com or www.DrDawsonCowell.com
- Incorporate a persons interests: www.GolferGeorge.com
- Incorporate a quirks: www.ScreaminSamantha.com
- Make a statement: www.ILoveLucy.com or www.BewareOfChristian.com
- Name of pet: www.MollysDad.com
