Who else wants some unusual gift ideas for the special event?
Our favorite gift idea, if the Someone You Love does not already have one, is a domain name. It can be a great gift by itself or if combined with a web photo gallery.
Here are the top ten reasons to give a domain name as a present:
- No assembly required and no instructions in Chinese.
- It is easier to find a good domain name than a passive 3D TV.
- It’s hypoallergenic.
- Enables someone personalized, cool, and permanent, photo gallery.
- Save a tree — you don’t have to wrap it!
- Give someone the secret identity they’ve always wanted.
- May increase in value over time like a good real estate.
- The $6.95 domain can be passed down from generation to generation like a great story.
- 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.
Making the Domain More Personal and Useful
But in case you truly choose to use the domain name for a web site, e-mail, etc., you must 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 techie that you may want something solid to go along with it. Along with the apparent selection could be a set of spanking business cards with the new domain particulars on them. VistaPrint will print 250 business cards in color for 20 dollars (or absolutely free for new clients, with a nominal $10 shipping-handling charge).
Where to Buy
You will find about 70 gazillion web sites that let you register domain names, and a further 92 gazillion that 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 Cheap Web Hosts 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. 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 Suggestions
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.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