Circuit design

Ok, I'm not even an electroncis novice, which would be shortly apparent, anyway... but this sounds like it is a really simple design and I'm wondering if I could pick up the components to put it together based on my skill level.

My skill level: I can build a PC from components, fire it up, and have it work. I can work on an automobile and retain all of my digits. I can probably solder something if I make a couple of test runs first. I can weld.

What I want: A simple transmitter/receiver (two-way) that will work short range, up to ten yards or so that draws minimal power, takes up minimal space, is cheap, and can be set to frequencies that don't interfere with anything that would get me in trouble. I don't want any pacemakers hitting tripletime around this, heh.

Does something like this exist that I can pick up off the shelf or do I need to find a way to put it together? With all of the remote control technology and walkie/talkie type stuff out there, I'd believe the former to be true, but hav eno clue where to start. It's all for a pet project, btw.