Who else wants unusual last-minute gift ideas for the special occasion?
It is an idea that is a little on the techie side, but is a lot more personal than a camera or cellphone – start with a web domain name. You can can explore endless possibilities from a domain name, from a pretty website, awesome photo blog, eye-catching online photo album to a custom photography portfolio and online store.
It can be a great gift by itself or can be combined with a nice-looking website to become the best unique gift.
Here are the top ten reasons to give a domain name as a present:
- It is easier to find a good domain name than an iPhone 5.
- It’s certainly hypoallergenic.
- No assembly required and no instructions in foreign languages to fumble through.
- 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.
Making it a Better Gift
But in case you basically would like to use the domain name for a web site, e-mail, and so on, you must have the domain hosted. Owning 1 without having hosting it is 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 “cyber” that you may want something solid to go along with it. As well as the apparent selection may be a set of gorgeous business cards using the new domain details on them. VistaPrint will print 250 business cards in color for 20 dollars (or free for new customers, with a under $10 shipping-handling fee).
Where to Buy
You will find about 70 gazillion sites that let you register domain names, and an additional 30 gazillion that will host that name for you. And there is certainly plenty of overlap. There are also plenty 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. 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 Suggestions
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