Mr. SHANNON: I told the team, before we left the scrub turnaround meeting, what a great gift NASA could give to the nation to return the shuttle to operation on Independence Day.

NPR: NASA Sets New Discovery Launch Date for July 4

While pledging is certainly a potentially generous step, what really matters is not what one promises to give away but what one hands over, an irrevocable gift.

FORBES: World's Most Generous People

Of course, if a book isn't what you want to give as a gift, perhaps you should consult a book -- "The Best of Online Shopping, " by Lisa and Jonathan Price.

CNN: Are you dreaming of a book Christmas?

What are you going to do to give this gift back -- because not everybody could fit in this room.

WHITEHOUSE: Poetry Student Workshop at the White House