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A Chime Clock: A Timely Gift

December 1, 2008 nnyq.com edit For a gift that's a great combination of meaningful and practical, you can't go wrong with a chime clock. For marking those special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, promotions, and other achievements of note, this is the kind of gift that's sure to be used every day and held in high regard for many years. A good quality clock may eventually become a family heirloom, cherished by children and grandchildren.

The clock you choose to give as a gift may be quite simple, small, and plain, or large and ornate depending on your budget and the personal taste of the person you're presenting the clock to. Relatively inexpensive models include mantel, wood or metal models while premium, hand-made floor clocks can cost considerably more. You can purchase a chime clock at a department store, specialty store, from a clock maker directly, through an online store, or through an online auction site. New and used clocks each have their own appeal; depending on the taste and personality of the person you're buying the clock for, you may find that you're shopping for an antique clock with a Westminster chime or a new clock with a modern melody. The ability to engrave a personalized message, either onto metal plates affixed to the clock's surface or on the surface of the clock directly, affords you the chance to really make this a special gift.

With the ability to find a clock design to match any style or décor, this is a truly universal gift that's always in good taste. Small clocks, like mantel clocks, desk clocks or small wall clocks would be a good fit for people with small apartments or homes. If the person you're giving the clock to has a larger apartment or home, you can go with a larger wall clock, or perhaps a floor clock. Wood finishes come in a number of shades, from light to dark, and can be selected with the recipient's taste in mind, ensuring that yours will be a complementary gift that will score center stage and high visibility in her home.

Chime clocks make wonderful housewarming gifts, and their gentle tones will be welcoming guests to the homeowner's house for many years to come. Anniversary clocks that chime can remind the long-married couple of many happy years or inspire the newlyweds to look forward toward their bright future.

For marking a milestone birthday, graduation or an important achievement or promotion, chime clocks can be wonderfully appropriate. Engraving a short message, saying or quote, and/or the date means the clock will be a daily reminder of your congratulations and good wishes. Unlike some other gifts, clocks are so essential to everyday living, it's easy for the recipient of the gift to use it daily.

Treasured clocks often become family heirlooms, passed on from generation to generation. Much of the time, with normal care, clocks require only minimal maintenance to keep them in good working (and chiming!) order. Your grandparents' anniversary clock has great sentimental value-- now imagine passing that same clock on to your own children and grandchildren