Are you looking for a personalized gift for that special someone? Need a unique gift idea for a special occassion, holiday, anniversary or event?
This present is a little on the techie side, but is a lot more personal than a camera or cellphone – we are talking about giving a web domain name.
Here are the top reasons why it is a good idea:
- It is easier to find a good domain name than a reasonably priced passive 3D TV.
- It’s hypoallergenic.
- No assembly required (no instructions in Chinese to go through.)
- It is personal but not another digital camera, cellphone, or MP3 player.
- Save a tree — you don’t have to wrap it!
- Give someone the secret identity they’ve always wanted.
- A whole world opens up depending on how much he/she feels like doing.
- You won’t shoot your eye out with it!
- It can be passed down from generation to generation like a fruitcake.
- You can buy it at 11:59 p.m, the day before the 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.
Making it a Better Gift
But in case you actually need to use the domain name for a website, email, etc., you must have the domain hosted. Owning 1 without having hosting it is actually known 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 “cyber” that you may want something solid to go together with it. And the obvious option could possibly be a set of beautiful business cards using the new domain particulars on them.VistaPrint will print 250 business cards in color for 20 dollars (or absolutely free for new buyers, with a small $10 shipping-handling fee).
Recommended Sites to Use
You will find about 70 gazillion websites that let you register domain names, and another 92 gazillion that may host that name for you. And there is a lot of overlap. There is a huge number of of sites that will help you find a hosting company; check out Cheap Web Hosts and Multiple Domain Hosting (this is our site!).
If you do not have the time to research for the best domain registration company or web hosting, then here is our recommendations:
Best Domain Hosting:- 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. 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.
Domain Name Ideas
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.
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.MatthewsPlace.com or www.DawsonsCreek.com
- Small business owner name: www.JohnPlumbing.com
- Use nicknames: www.RockRobbert.com or www.ChefIsmail.com
- Incorporate a persons interests: www.GolferAndrew.com
- Incorporate a quirks: www.SreaminJessy.com
- Incorporate job: www.JillsALawyer.com or www.DrWilliamStevens.com
- Make a statement: www.ILoveBetty.com or www.BewareOfObama.com
- Name of pet: www.DorothysDad.com
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