By Peter AndersonLeave a Comment – The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited April 28, 2009.
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. Proverbs 10:2-5
I like the part of this verse thats says “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hands of the diligent makes rich”. Another translation reads, “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.”. It’s a good reminder that being hard working, ethical and forthright in your dealings will bring you good things. Laziness and wickedness will bring you ruin. Something I need to keep in mind when I’m tempted to try and make a quick buck, or cut some corners to make something easier. In the long run it will hurt me.
Bankrate helps thousands of borrowers find mortgage and refinance lenders every day. To determine the top mortgage lenders, we analyzed proprietary data across more than 150 lenders to assess which on our platform received the most inquiries within a three-month period. We then assigned superlatives based on factors such as fees, products offered, convenience and other criteria. These top lenders are updated regularly.
Cherry Creek Mortgage
Cherry Creek Mortgage has originated more than $70 billion in loans since launching in 1987, and is rapidly expanding its presence in the online market. The lender’s online, direct-to-borrower company, Blue Spot Home Loans, offers same-day preapprovals, and the average closing time is between 22 and 27 days.
Strengths: Cherry Creek Mortgage offers a wide range of loan programs, including low-down payment options. It also provides helpful calculators to estimate homeownership costs, and provides updated rates regularly online.
Weaknesses: The lender isn’t available in every state, and has stricter FHA credit score requirements compared to others.
Read Bankrate’s Cherry Creek Mortgage review.
AimLoan.com
Founded in 1998, AimLoan.com has funded over $31 billion in mortgages to over 90,000 homeowner. Known for cost-efficiency, AimLoan.com guarantees closing costs as shown at the time of application and rate lock, and guarantees the fees of third-party service providers as well.
Strengths: AimLoan.com strives to eliminate the most expensive components of the mortgage process, and offers transparent costs and an efficient application process.
Weaknesses: This lender doesn’t offer FHA or USDA loans, and doesn’t accept credit scores below 620 in most cases.
Read Bankrate’s AimLoan.com user reviews.
Better.com
Better.com is an all-digital lending company that has been doing business since 2016. Its tech-savvy approach to mortgages leads to quick preapprovals, as well as closings in around 21 days.
Strengths: Better.com doesn’t charge lender fees, is transparent about its rates and offers 24/7 customer service.
Weaknesses: This lender doesn’t offer VA or USDA loans.
Read Bankrate’s Better.com mortgage review.
Cake Mortgage
Founded in 2018, Cake Mortgage has funded over $3.5 billion in loans. The Chatsworth, California-based lender allows you to apply in just 10 minutes, can approve borrowers within 24 hours and often closes in as little as 28 days. You can apply for a loan completely online, or with a mix of online and phone engagement.
Strengths: Cake Mortgage is transparent about its rates.
Weaknesses: Cake Mortgage isn’t available in all states.
Read Bankrate’s Cake Mortgage user reviews.
Loan Surfer
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, LoanSurfer closes over $1.75 billion in home loans each year. Among its perks, the lender offers a mobile app that you can use to message your loan officer instantly, securely scan and upload documents and calculate payments easily.
Strengths: Loan Surfer has some helpful digital tools and boasts a commitment to closing on time.
Weaknesses: The lender’s website offers few details regarding its loan programs and interest rates.
I was stunned but not surprised when Don wouldn’t meet my eyes that morning. I had grown suspicious when he started passing me over earlier that week while handing out new projects. I was responsible for 40% of the workload in a three man group — why else would he do that?
The company I worked for had been in a downward spiral for quite some time. Every month another group was laid off. Initially they started with the new people and the slackers. These were easy because they contributed little to the bottom line. After round three, the cuts started to hurt. We started to lose project engineers. Ten electricians were quietly told their services were no longer needed. What started as 150 employees would now be 78. Unfortunately for me, I was employee number 79.
A strange twist to the story Actually, I was relieved. This may sound crazy, but getting laid off was the best thing for my family. The past year had been painful as I watched friend after friend escorted to the door. The hours got longer. The sense of despair was almost palpable.
I knew that a layoff was imminent. I was actively searching for another job, but I had several challenges. First, the economy was still a mess. Second, I had to be extremely discrete. If the company caught wind of my efforts I would feel the ax that much sooner.
But the main reason I felt relieved was that I had a secret weapon: my network.
From the day I started at the company, I aggressively built my network. This was in part because I was an application engineer and worked closely with our customers. In many cases I was far closer to them than our salespeople. I also worked hard to build good relationships with my suppliers. I often knew them better than our purchasing group.
My network gave me strength in the face of unemployment.
Seven keys to a strong network A strong network doesn’t just happen. It takes time, effort, and patience. Here are seven tips for creating and maintaining a group of contacts:
Key #1: Build it before you need it Building a network is a lifelong process, and relationships take time to develop. If you wait until you need help, it may be too late. The odds are you already have a network, but have not developed it to its full potential. Start with your family and friends. Move on to business contacts, members of your church, club members, etc.
This is your base network. If you have weaknesses, get to work. Call up the old friend from college. Email a buddy from your old job. Add business contacts to your Christmas card list. Attend industry events and talk to as many people as you can.
Key #2: You must make a deposit before you have the right to withdraw Just because you have a name and number doesn’t mean a person is part of your network. You must first help them before you can ask a favor. View it like a bank account. Can you take out money if you never make deposits? I’ve known people who try to do this. After about two requests they are no longer welcome. Pretty soon they are on their own and have a reputation for being self serving.
Something as simple as saying thank you can be a major deposit in your network bank account. If someone gives you a hand, make sure they get credit. See an article in the paper they would like? Cut it out and send it to them, or put them in touch with a resource that can help them with a problem.
Key #3: Give more than you receive This goes hand-in-hand hand with number two. Strive to maintain a positive (and growing) balance. Compare this with personal finance. You must always make more than you spend.
Key #4: Be open and genuine People will spot it if you are phony. Relax and be yourself. Just make sure you keep away from volatile topics like religion and politics! To make the most of a network, you must sincerely like people and enjoy helping others when you are able. Say “yes” when you can, but also know when you have to say “no”.
Key #5: Follow up and stay in touch Even the best contact will get old and stale. I like to view a relationship as two people tied together by delicate strands. Each time you make contact adds another strand. If you stay with your initial meeting the connection is tenuous. It is only when you have hundreds of these strands woven together that you have an unbreakable cable.
Key #6: The devil is in the details Even the experts have trouble remembering all the details. Write things down. If you get a business card, take notes on the back after you finish your conversation. Use that pad of paper at the meeting. What is their spouse’s name? Do they have kids? What ages and genders? What college did she attend? What is his birthday?
Key #7: Your network doesn’t end with your contact Each of your contacts has their own network. Don’t be afraid to call and ask “do you know someone who can help?” If you are doing the steps above, they will be glad to make the introduction.
Keep these tips in mind and you too can build a strong personal and professional network.
A happy ending I was laid off Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, I had logged over 50 phone calls. My message was simple: “What jobs are available at your company? Who do you know who is hiring? Who else should I call?”
Even with the lousy economy, I had three interviews set up by the next day. The next week I had seven interviews. Within a week I had two job offers with a third coming. Within two weeks I had a job with a better company.
The best part? I received a promotion and am now selling against my former employer!
For more on this subject, you may want to read the following:
My friend Nicole and her family visited our house for breakfast this morning. She and her husband are the founders of Green Ronin, a Seattle-based game publisher. As we enjoyed a couple lovely hours outside at the picnic table, we chatted about life and work. We talked about what it’s like to own a small business.
Because my father was a serial entrepreneur, I’ve spent most of my life around small businesses. Chris and Nicole have had a taste of the lifestyle over the past eight years. They’ve seen the bright spots and the dark, and have some strong opinions about entrepreneurship.
“What sort of advice do you have for somebody who might be starting a small business?” I asked. Here are the highlights of our conversation:
Be wary of going into business with your friends. Though it sounds like a good idea, working with friends is often a recipe for disaster. “At the very least, partnerships with friends prevent you from being effective,” Nicole said. “You don’t say the things that should be said, or in the way that you should say them. You pull your punches.”
Do your research. “I think it’s important to know what you’re getting into,” Chris said. “You can’t be successful by just jumping into an industry without having some idea of how it works. I didn’t just start publishing games, for example. I started by writing for somebody else. I had to learn about how a game company operates.”
Start slowly. We all agreed that small business owners should move slowly. “We started Green Ronin in our spare time,” Nicole said. “Chris still has a full-time job outside the company.” By starting small, you’re able to control growth and focus on what’s important. Starting small also keeps things manageable. During my sixteen years working at the box factory, I saw all sorts of businesses come and go. Many of those that failed had tried to grow too quickly.
Embrace guerilla marketing. “You can spend thousands of dollars on traditional marketing and see poor results,” Chris said. “We’ve placed big ads in magazines that just didn’t work. But it’s possible to spend much less on non-traditional approaches that get better results. For example, one way for us to introduce people to our products is to give away quick-start guides to our games at large conventions.” Think outside the box.
Create boundaries. We began to discuss how much time our businesses take, and how I always seem to be working on Get Rich Slowly. “You need to create boundaries,” Nicole said. “A lot of people think that they can just work from home and enjoy a life of leisure. It doesn’t work that way. I wish I had better boundaries. My workspace is in a corner of the kitchen. It’s too easy to find myself answering e-mail at one in the morning.”
In the end, we all agreed that owning a small business offers advantages over a traditional job, but it also has its drawbacks. The best part, of course, is being involved with something you love on a daily basis. Unfortunately, that can be the worst part, too!
Here are some related posts from the archives:
This post is part of the Money Blog Network group writing project for July. Here are articles from other participants:
Starting a small business can be scary, but it’s also a great way to make money doing what you love.
One time during the early 1970s, Stephen King opened an atlas at random on his kitchen table and decided that he and his wife would travel to whatever location it opens to.
The atlas happened to open to a page about Boulder, Colorado, and that’s how the story of The Shining began. Or so the legend goes.
King and his wife Tabitha checked into The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, on October 30th, 1974.
Having recently written Carrie and Salem’s Lot, two novels set in the writer’s home state of Maine, King needed a change of scenery to get his inspiration going.
And boy, did he get it going at The Stanley Hotel. The hotel’s on-site pet cemetery served as inspiration for another successful King novel. I don’t think we need to tell you the name of that one; you get the gist.
The couple arrived at the Stanley right at the close of the tourist season, as all the other guests were checking out.
The writer and his wife were the only guests at the hotel that night, as they checked into room 217, which was allegedly haunted.
That obviously didn’t deter King, but the eeriness of the massive hotel on the edge of the Rocky Mountains ultimately did.
The pair had dinner in the hotel’s grand hall, all by themselves, after which King took an evening tour of the grounds and ended up at the hotel bar, where he was served by a bartender named Grady.
That night, King had a nightmare that his young son was being chased by a firehose around the hotel corridors, and woke up in a sweat.
The experience at The Stanley Hotel reportedly sparked the inspiration for The Shining, which King first envisioned while staying there as a guest.
The Shining couldn’t have come at a better time for the Stanley, which had lost its appeal to tourists and was beginning to fall into neglect. It didn’t exactly help that it always closed during the winter, as the heavy snow would make getting there nearly impossible.
The success of The Shining sparked new interest in the hotel, and guests soon started flocking to Estes Park, all trying to check into room 217. Even now, that room is booked solid, and it’s basically impossible to find it available on Halloween.
Before we go further into the history of the Stanley, let’s clear up something that many of you might be wondering. You’ve surely noticed that the Overlook hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, starring Jack Nicholson, looks nothing like the Colorado hotel.
That’s because the production crew chose a more accessible and convenient location to film the exterior shots for the movie. Kubrick’s Overlook is actually the Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood in Oregon.
Stephen King wasn’t exactly thrilled by Kubrick’s portrayal of Jack Torrance and his eponymous novel, to put it nicely.
Consequently, in 1997, a King-approved take on the story was released, in the form of a three-part miniseries dubbed Stephen King’s The Shining.
The miniseries used the Stanley Hotel for all exterior shots, and even some interior scenes, honoring the place where The Shining first took shape.
The history of the Stanley Hotel, otherwise known as the Overlook
The picturesque, Colonial Revival hotel in Estes Park, just 5 miles from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, is widely known around the world today, thanks to the horror novel that it inspired.
But not that many people knew about it before The Shining. That might have had something to do with its secluded location and the fact that it stays closed during the winter months.
However, back in the early 1900s, the Stanley was buzzing with activity. Let’s go back to the beginning.
In 1903, Freelan Oscar Stanley, owner of the Stanley Motor Carriage Company, which made the fastest-then vehicle on earth — the Stanley Steamer — was struck down with tuberculosis.
Doctors didn’t have much hope that he would survive the disease, but advised him that the cool air of the Rocky Mountains might help alleviate his symptoms.
They, however, didn’t really think it would help much, and were convinced the next time they would see Stanley was at his funeral.
Imagine their surprise when they learned that Stanley was recovering nicely after spending time in the mountains. The businessman became enamored with the mountain views and the clean air, so much so that he would return to Estes Park every summer from then on.
He ended up building himself a home in the Rockies, and began construction on The Stanley Hotel in 1907.
The Stanley was built according to F.O. Stanley’s specifications, with the help of Denver-based architect Theilman Robert Weiger.
The 142-key hotel opened on July 4th, 1909, and quickly became a hotspot for upper-class guests and a health retreat for those suffering from tuberculosis.
The hotel, located at 333 Wonderview Avenue, with its breathtaking views of Lake Estes and the Rockies (particularly Long’s Peak) is now a national landmark.
The Stanley Hotel Historic District incorporates 11 structures, including: the main hotel, a concert hall, a carriage house, a manager’s cottage, a gate house, as well as The Lodge — a smaller bed-and-breakfast originally named Stanley Manor.
Today, the Stanley offers both historic rooms at the main hotel, apartment-style residences for extended stays called Aspire, and one- to three-bedroom condominiums dubbed Residences.
It also incorporates more than 14,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, and a number of indoor and outdoor wedding venues.
A unique feature of the Stanley is that it doesn’t have — or need — air conditioning; the hotel is naturally cooled by the mountain breeze, and it has been built to make the best of that breeze in order to ventilate the property.
The hotel also offers something for those seeking a ‘paranormal thrill.’
It features a variety of rooms with allegedly high paranormal activity, including room 217 (now called the Stephen King Suite), and rooms 401, 407 and 428, which are said to be haunted by ghosts.
There are a lot of horror fans out there, so obviously these rooms are highly requested and almost never available.
Another fun fact is that The Stanley Hotel served as a filming location for a movie on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, the 1994 comedy Dumb and Dumber, starring Jim Carrey, which was filmed on location.
The Stanley re-imagined by Stephen King
‘Some of the most beautiful resort hotels in the world are located in Colorado, but the hotel in these pages is based on none of them. The Overlook and the people associated with it exist wholly in the author’s imagination.’ –The Shining by Stephen King
While it might be true that the Overlook hotel is a feat of imagination, the similarities between the fictional hotel and the Stanley are pretty obvious.
Here’s what hotel manager Stuart Ullman tells Jack Torrance about the history of the Overlook in the first pages of the novel:
‘The Overlook was built in the years 1907 to 1909. The closest town is Sidewinder, forty miles easy of here over roads that are closed from sometime in late October or November until sometime in April. A man named Robert Townley Watson built it, the grandfather of our present maintenance man. Vanderbilts have stayed here, and Rockefellers, and Astors, and Du Ponts. Four Presidents have stayed in the Presidential Suite. Wilson, Harding, Roosevelt, and Nixon.’ To this description, Jack replies: ‘I wouldn’t be too proud of Harding and Nixon.’
In King’s novel, the Overlook hotel is inhabited by dark forces lying in wait every winter for human minds to invade and control.
Both Jack Torrance and his predecessor, Grady, become victims of these dark forces, which Ullman describes as ‘cabin fever.’
The isolation and silent enormity of the hotel take a toll on Jack’s already fragile mind, and the dark forces of the Overlook turn him against his own family.
In the novel, Jack’s clouded, drunken trance-like state makes him forget all about the hotel’s boiler, which ends up exploding and burning it to the ground.
Jack’s wife Wendy, his son Danny and Dick Halloran are the only survivors, and the hotel is soon being reconstructed.
In Kubrick’s interpretation, the plot is a bit different. Jack chases his son with an axe through the hotel’s on-site maze, but eventually becomes lost and trapped as Danny escapes with his mother. Jack Torrence ends up freezing to death inside the hedge maze.
The immense popularity and success of Kubrick’s adaptation led managers at the Stanley Hotel to build their very own hedge maze on the grounds, thus creating yet another attraction for fans of the novel and the movie.
Whether you’re a die-hard Stephen King fan, a Stanley Kubrick fan, a horror aficionado, or just enamoured with the Rocky Mountains, you’ll feel right at home at the Stanley Hotel.
The unrivalled view alone is enough to make you want to return every year, just as Oscar Stanley did.
More iconic homes
Is It Real? The Creepy House in Stephen King’s ‘It’ Menabilly, the Real-Life Inspiration for the Manderley House in ‘Rebecca’ The Conjuring House Sells for Over $1.5 Million Despite its Sordid HistoryIs It Real? The Exorcist House, Fact vs Fiction
These days, my monthly budget is on the boring side. Aside from our regular spending, I’ve got a mortgage payment to fork over, groceries to buy, and utility bills to pay. Throw in some payments to my kids’ 529 plans and my SEP-IRA and I’m basically done for the month. After all of the bills are paid, the key for us is making sure that the rest gets transferred into savings so that it doesn’t accidentally get spent.
But it wasn’t always this way, and I was reminded of that fact the other day when I was flipping through one of my old notebooks. That’s when I found our monthly zero-sum budget for August of 2010, and that’s when our old lifestyle smacked me right in the face. Want to know how many bills I paid in that month? Twenty-four.
Car payments, credit card bills, and personal loans, oh my. It’s no wonder we weren’t saving anything. Fortunately, it was easy to look at that old monthly budget and pinpoint the exact cause of our unfortunate situation. The problem: We financed everything and never, ever paid cash.
Low Monthly Payments for Life
Fact: You can have nearly anything you want.
I can too. We all can. Cars. Clothes. Diamonds. Trips to Hawaii. Almost any earthly possession you’ve ever laid your eyes on can be yours.
Well, kind of.
If you’re willing to make monthly payments for as long as it takes, whether it’s five years, ten, or twenty, then it can be yours. Does that sound tempting? Probably not.
But that’s exactly what we do. In the fourth quarter of 2013, U.S household debt swelled to a monstrous $11.52 trillion. Of course, some of the money was borrowed to purchase homes, pay for college, or start a business. A certain percentage can also be blamed on things like medical bills, unemployment, and emergencies. But the rest? My guess is boats, iPads, and designer shoes. Oh, and let’s not forget furniture, date nights, and family dinners at the Olive Garden. The rest is anyone’s guess.
Stop the Cycle
We all know how easy it is to trade your car in for another. You walk into the dealership, they look your trade over, and you pick out another, nicer car. Your new car payment could even be the same as it was before. Hell, it might even go down. But are you really doing yourself a favor by trading up without the cash in hand? The answer is probably no.
I’ve been there. My husband and I traded cars around more times than I could count, mostly just because we would. Looking back, I think we were just bored. And sadly, we weren’t able to see that there were real costs associated with constantly trading up. We only focused on the monthly payment, and never had the goal of actually paying them off.
Fortunately, we finally made the decision to change our lifestyle sometime around the time that that budget was made. And once we stopped the madness, we made one huge change that put an end to the cycle once and for all. We began paying cash for anything and everything, and we refused to add to the pile by financing things we couldn’t afford.
Turning an Awkward Moment Into a Learning Experience
In the meantime, we got serious about getting out of debt. Fortunately, it didn’t take long to knock out everything but the two biggest sums we owed — the loan for my minivan and my husband’s student loans. I still remember the day we paid both of them off once and for all. The total was well over $10,000 and it literally pained me to hit the keys that would initiate the automatic bank transfer. I mean, it hurt. That money was mine and was earned with my own blood, sweat, and tears. And if you subscribe to the theories espoused in books like Your Money or Your Life, that money was literally my life force, and it was getting sucked away by a stupid van that I overpaid for in the first place.
I still have that van. Want to know why? Because it’s paid off, as is everything else I own. And now I’m literally gonna drive that van until the wheels fall off, or until the engine finally gives up or explodes out of sheer exhaustion at maybe 500,000 miles. (A girl can dream, right?)
I learned something from our adventures in debt and from that final $10,000 payment — most notably that I never, ever want to go down that road again. Parting with that much money at once was painful. It burned.It made me uncomfortable. And now, years later, I’m convinced that that’s exactly how it should feel.
Pay Cash and Feel the Burn
Since then, we’ve paid for everything with cash including a car for my husband, furniture, home remodeling projects, and more. And even though it has sometimes been painful, our refusal to finance anything has been a game-changer for our financial future. Here’s why:
Paying in cash forces you to consider the real purchase price – No matter what you’re buying, the fact that you’re paying in cash turns it into an entirely different experience. That’s because you have no choice but to consider how much money you’re paying overall, and not just what you’ll have to pay on a monthly or yearly basis.
Paying in cash might help you spend less – When you force yourself to pay in cash, big ticket items start to lose their appeal. Try walking into a dealership with the intention of paying $15,000 or $20,000 for a newer car. All of a sudden, the prospect of keeping your old paid-off junker becomes an incredibly attractive option. Am I wrong?
Paying in cash keeps you out of debt – The best thing about refusing to finance things is that it keeps you out of debt in the first place. We all know what a slippery slope that can be. There are so many benefits to being debt-free, including the option to save more of your income, less stress, and of course, the feeling of not really being beholden to anyone. It’s a freeing feeling, and it’s one that I will never, ever surrender without a fight.
If you’re in debt and are ready to make a change, start by creating a debt snowball. Conquer each one of your debts one by one by one, and refuse to give up until you’re finally debt-free. Adopt the mindset that if you can’t afford to pay cash for something, then you can’t afford it. Period. Only then will you free yourself from the chains that bind you. Only then will experience the feeling of owing nothing to anyone and the unexplainable sense of freedom that comes with it.
Once you’ve done what you set out to do, force yourself onto a cash-only diet. Cut up your credit cards if you have to — and learn to pay for everything with the cash you’ve stashed away in your own accounts, not with other people’s money. Know that it may make you feel uncomfortable, and rest assured that it’s supposed to. Paying cash hurts, and it should hurt.
That burn you feel? It’s simply the price you pay for your freedom, and it’s totally worth it. How do you feel about paying cash? Is it painful? Do you think it should be?
Inside: Looking for some great Easter basket ideas for boys? Our list has you covered! They will love these easter gifts for guys.
Easter is just around the corner, and if you’re like most parents, you’re probably scrambling to put together Easter baskets for your kids.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with 20 awesome boys Easter basket ideas that are sure to please any little guy.
From action-packed toys and games to sweet treats and everything in between, these ideas have something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on your Easter shopping today!
What do boys like for Easter?
Your boy is likely curious, (very) messy, and probably not thrilled about the idea of matching Easter outfits.
Depending on the age will depend on what boys like for Easter:
Toddler: think of Easter activity sets with plush stuffed animals.
5-7 year olds: a variety of gifts like Lego sets, slime kits, and games are a hit
8-11 year olds: graphic novels and sports gear is always a great choice.
Teens: remember, this age group is too cool, so add in jelly beans, their favorite t-shirt, and a creative coupon book.
What do you put in a boy’s Easter basket?
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You can either put together an Easter basket on a theme.
Or you could use this fun method of including these items:
This way you can personalize the basket to the little guy in your life.
awesome Easter basket ideas for boys
If you are looking for some inspiration for what to put in your little guy’s Easter basket this year, look no further!
This is where you will find Easter basket ideas for teens.
We have gathered together 20 of the most awesome Easter basket ideas for boys.
Star Wars Easter Basket
Ingredients needed to make a Star Wars Easter Basket include:
Star Wars-themed gift baskets
Lego Set
Action figures
Mini light sabers
Additionally, it would be great to add some decorations to the basket such as Star Wars-themed ribbon, stuffed animals, and mini flags.
Slime Easter Basket
This is a great activity for boys. It can be used for making slime animals, slime balls, and slime gobs.
It is also a great way to teach children about science.
Mega Hand STEM Experiment Kit
Build-your-own robotic hand designed to provide tweens with a fun and educational project.
works like the arms of an octopus, with a flexible soft design that can pick up almost any object. When you pull the trigger, it activates the mechanisms that make the claw work.
To complete the basket, add pull-back vehicles and kinetic sand eggs to provide hours of fun.
Sports Helmet Basket
Do you have a sports player in your house? Then, fill up his new helmet filled with Easter goodies!
Great way to gift something you need to buy anyway!
Perfect for your baseball, football, or skateboard fan!
Kindle Paperwhite for Kids
This is something we have purchased before for our kids.
It is such a hit!!
We prefer the paperwhite version over the Kindle Kids.
Tackle Box Basket
Many boys love to fish and hunt.
What better way to show your love for the outdoors than to give them a tackle box filled with the necessary tools to have fun?
There are many different options for Easter baskets, and any boy would love one of these.
Game Easter Basket
Whether you’re giving a basket to a young boy or a teen, there are plenty of great card games or board games out there.
Personally, I am amazed at the creativity of these games! They are truly geared toward today’s children and teens.
Check out the latest games! Amazon has the best selection!
Marvel-themed Easter baskets
Marvel has become one of the most popular comic book franchises in history.
With movies coming out on a regular basis, it’s no surprise that there are a lot of great Marvel-themed gifts out there.
Whether you’re looking for a toy, a video game, or just a fun gift, these baskets are sure to please!
Nintendo Switch
With its powerful hardware and a vast library of games, the Nintendo Switch can provide hours of entertainment right at your fingertips.
It features both a powerful home console and a portable device, so you can access your games from any location.
Already have a Nintendo Switch, find plenty of games here.
Ultimate Flying Disc
This Easter, give your son the ultimate Easter basket experience by giving him a LED flying frisbee. Not only will he have a blast playing with it, but he’ll also get a good workout.
Flying discs are a great way to get your son and his friends moving, and they’re also a lot of fun.
Shape Shifting Box
The patented, award-winning Shashibo fidget box features 36 rare earth magnets for an innovative design that transforms into over 70 shapes.
Unlike other puzzle box toys that turn out disappointing and boring, this one will be filled with hours of fun!
Playfoam Fidget Toy & Sensory Toys
Easter baskets are perfect for boys because they love to explore new things.
You can also add some fun sensory toys like Playfoam that never dries out! Just shape it however you like, then squash it back down and start all over again.
Under Armour Clothes
This is one of the hottest brands for guys.
Under Armour clothes are so cool because they are made of synthetic materials that are wind and water resistant.
This means that they can be wornand keep you dry.
Kids love all things UA!
Sports Themed Easter Basket
There are many sports themed Easter baskets that are perfect for boys.
You can stuff this adorable basket with balls, a baseball glove, and candy.
Sports themed Easter baskets are a great way to show your son how much you love and appreciate him.
Treasure Hunters
The Treasure Hunters basket is an awesome Easter basket idea for boys because it contains all the books in the Treasure Hunters series, written by renowned author James Patterson.
This basket provides an exciting mix of adventure and mystery that is sure to captivate tweens and keep them engaged in reading.
The books in the series follow a group of siblings as they travel the world in search of hidden treasure, encountering all manner of thrilling challenges along the way. This series also teaches valuable lessons about courage, family, and friendship, which makes it a great choice for young readers.
LEGO Creator 3-in-1 White Rabbit
The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 White Rabbit is a great Easter basket idea for boys because they can enjoy building the 258-piece rabbit, complete with a carrot!
Plus, the set is compact, making it easy to stow away for later use. Not to mention, it’s perfect for the Easter season, with its cute bunny and carrot design.
So, your little one can have fun building with their LEGO set and then decorate their room with the finished product!
NERF Vortex
This is the ultimate gift!
Highly popular throwing toy for all ages!
Plus it makes a high-pitched whistle when it flies through the air!
Adorable Bunny Stuffed Animal
Every little boy and toddler needs a stuffed animal in their lives.
This soft plush stuffed bunny is too cute to pass up!
Orange Carrot Teething Toy
For our infants and toddlers, this teether is perfect for little hands.
Candy Box Easter Basket
You have to include candy and snacks right?
Every boy will love a candy box – even though the parents may not be as keen on the idea.
FAQ
Finding the perfect Easter gift for a boy can be difficult, especially when you’re on a budget.
Whether you are shopping for a toddler, preteen, or teen, you don’t have to break the bank to put together an Easter basket he will love.
Find plenty of budget-friendly Easter gifts under $10 for boys of all ages.
For something extra special, consider adding a gift card, books, a cool t-shirt, or a creative coupon book.
This will be focused on their unique personality and interest.
For the 12-year-olds in your life, put together an Easter basket that’s fun and exciting.
Fill it with goodies that will spark creativity and keep them occupied long after the Easter bunny has come and gone.
No Easter basket is complete without treats, so add some chocolate eggs, marshmallows, or a batch of Easter-themed cookies.
Which Easter Basket Gift Set will you Choose?
Easter is a great time to celebrate Easter baskets for boys.
Our list of 20 fantastic options has everything from slime to sports gear to games!
Don’t forget ideas for Easter basket ideas for girls!
Now that Easter is just around the corner, so it’s time to start shopping for what to put in those baskets!
If you’re stuck on ideas, be sure to check out our list. We’ve got 20 great options that any boy is sure to love.
Oh, and don’t forget those Easter basket stuffers!
So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
American Express and Square partner to launch a new small business credit card for Square sellers in the U.S. Square will announce additional details about the card and benefits next year.
Press Release
Sounds like it will be available only to Square sellers. We don’t have many details on the card at this point.
We all know one. Someone who is all about their job. Obsessed even. They might be hard persuade to meet up for happy hour, but thankfully they’re easy targets for Christmas shopping. You can make their work-focused lives a little more pleasant by helping them create a gorgeous work space. Not convinced? The new Kinfolk offices in Copenhagen are a shining example.
Yes, our beloved Kinfolk picked up from their Portland headquarters and moved to what could arguably be called the design capitol of the world. And it’s done them good. Their stunning modern, minimalist office is just so so good. It’s no surprise I love it – it’s designed by Norm Architects of course (if you missed my home tour of their founder you can check it out here). I’m a firm believe that a clutter-free space helps cultivate a clutter free mind and focused work environment.
Of course, Kinfolk keeps this sparse look to a whole new level and I don’t know if I could ever manage to be that buttoned up. Seriously – where do you put papers?? But it gives me something to aspire to. The space is also the inspiration for our latest gift guide. Imagine how good it would feel if your desk was a pristine clean slate, with only absolute necessities and maybe a pretty something or two. A desk calendar, a really good pen, a place to jot all the s*** you need to get done. But nothing more. I’m so into it. And now I’m thinking I need to grab of couple of this chic office accessories and redo my office for the new year!
When it comes to the best places to live in America, it’s more than just civic pride that earns a place a spot on the list. U.S. News & World Report recently published their list of the 100 best places to live in the USA, analyzing elements such as value, desirability, a strong job market and a high quality of life. If you’re looking for your next location and want to pick from the cream of the crop, check out some of these cities as your next potential target.
The Top 10 Best Places to Live According to US News & World Report
#1: Austin, TX
Love music? Crave more culture than you can shake a stick at? Then Austin, TX is the place for you. According to the study, about 50 people move to Austin every day. Cited as “Live Music Capital of the World” and home to two of the country’s biggest music, film and media festivals with Austin City Limits and South By Southwest, it’s no surprise it’s a hot destination for many renters. Find apartments in Austin, TX
#2: Denver, CO
Known as the “Mile High City” due to its towering 5,280 feet above sea level elevation, Denver has recently shed its image of a wild west mountain town for a more cosmopolitan image. Though it’s undeniable that it is a perfect location for snow sports enthusiasts, Denver’s progressive attitude towards the legalization of recreational marijuana and its related industries has certainly seen a hike in the city’s desirability. Not a nature lover or fitness nut? There’s an emerging arts and brewing scene here that can’t be overlooked. Find apartments in Denver, CO
#3: San Jose, CA
Do you know the way to San Jose? Though the famous lyrics may not know how to get there, it would appear that renters across the country do. Nicknamed the capital of Silicon Valley, it’s little wonder that this California stalwart is huge for those in tech. It’s not all business, though — San Jose is also great for hiking, camping and enjoying the great outdoors. Bonus: San Jose has over 300 sunny days a year, so feeling those mid-winter blues will be a thing of the past. Find apartments in San Jose, CA
#4: Washington, DC
It’s more than politics that drive people to move to the nation’s captial, and everyone from foodies to culture vultures can find a neighborhood that suits them perfectly. DC is home to a terrifically extensive public transportation system, so getting around without a car is easy. Additionally, the city is full of public parks, meaning you can still have fun in the great outdoors without losing the heartbeat of an urban environment. Find apartments in Washington, DC
#5: Fayetteville, AR
Arkansas? Really? You bet. Full of good old-fashioned southern hospitality and currently feeling an economic boom, Fayetteville attracts those that crave a friendly, family-type atmosphere. Its close proximity to the Ozarks makes it a destination for lovers of the outdoors, and the city speaks to those who love the arts and local food movements. Find apartments to rent in Fayetteville, AR
#6: Seattle, WA
Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and home to a hip, urban environment, there’s a lot more to Seattle than just grunge and coffee. The people here personify “laid back,” making it a hot spot for start-ups and tech firms of all sorts. Despite the hills, bike commuting is popular, and there’s an extensive bus system that runs throughout the downtown area. And no — it doesn’t rain all the time. In fact, New York City actually gets more rain annually. Find apartments in Seattle, WA
#7: Raleigh & Durham, NC
Part of the North Carolina Triangle, this area is pulling in about 80 new residents a day. Affordable rents and shorter commute times add up to a great quality of life factor in Raleigh-Durham which has attracted a younger population to the metro area. Kick back with one of the many local microbrews and enjoy the growing arts and music scene. With a lower cost of living than the national average, you’ll be able to afford the fun. Find apartments in Raleigh, NC Find apartments in Durham, NC
#8: Boston, MA
Drenched with history and flooded with culture, there’s a lot to love about Boston. Home to world-class educational institutions, hospitals, eclectic music and arts scene and one of the nation’s oldest ballparks, the people of Boston are a diverse bunch. Everyone from recent college grads all the way to retirees love the city, and each neighborhood offers up something different. Though considered expensive comparatively to the national average, it’s money well spent for a city like this. Find apartments in Boston, MA
#9: Des Moines, IA
“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa” as the famous line from Field of Dreams said — and Des Moines is no exception. This midwest gem may not sound like a must move destination, but it’s got it where it counts. Despite its population of 600,000, Des Moines has a neighborly feel making it a popular place to raise young families. With rents and cost of living below the national average, it’s worth consideration as a great place to live in America’s crossroads. Find apartments in Des Moines, IA
#10: Salt Lake City, UT
Though Salt Lake City has devout roots in religion and Mormon faith, this city definitely changes with the times. Lovers of the great outdoors revel in the close proximity to five national parks and a few excellent ski resorts, while those with more urban leanings find fun in the city’s sports teams and many downtown entertainment options. Cost of living is fairly inexpensive compared to the national average, and with more apartments and condos being built availability is high. Find apartments in Salt Lake City, UT
To read more about US News & World Report’s methodology, click here.
Are any of these cities on your moving bucket list? Do you agree with the report? Let us know what you think below!