Gifts for Camp Care Packages

If you’ve sent off your little guy or girl for the summer chances are someone is expecting a care package pretty soon. It’s been a while since I was on the receiving end of one of these, but I remember when mail was called and feeling super lucky when I had not only a letter but a package too! Now as a parent, there are so many things to consider when filling that corrugated box. Most camps will confiscate food products of any kind–so why waste money on them. Plus, you up your chances of attracting bugs and you-know-who is going to have to clean those clothes and scrub that sticky trunk when the summer is over.

Continue reading

Skull Themed Gifts: Beyond the Rocker-T

I’m mad for skulls. Have been for many, many years as anyone who knows me can attest. I’ve got skulls all over my house, skull jewelry, even a skull tattooed on my body (shhh…don’t tell the neighbors). I’m particularly entranced with anything that visually tells a story so Folk Art and Day of the Dead skulls have always been my favorites. Side note: on a trip to Mexico, a friend had to pull me away from a cleaning out a street vendor who had sensed my voracious appetite and likely bottomless pocketbook (I thanked her later when we sailed through customs).

Continue reading

Housewarming Gifts: Movies, Monograms, Maids and More!

I hate moving. I did it a few years ago and it was stressful, chaotic and I hope I don’t have to do it again for a very long time. If you’ve ever moved you know it’s a big deal and one that is worthy of a party…and ahem, maybe even a few presents. If you’re looking to stand out among the bunches of flowers and houseplants, here are a few ideas for consideration that I’ve either given or am waiting for the right opportunity to give. Have other suggestions? Would love to hear about them in the comments.

Continue reading

A Summertime Tea Party: Favor Ideas and More

I love having parties and gatherings celebrating special moments and it’s so fun when activities can be fun take-aways along with thematic party favors. Last summer I threw my mother a 65th birthday party. I wanted it to feel intimate and draw on themes that felt special to her so, of course, I looked to her likes and interests for inspiration. She loves tea, she’s an artist, a little quirky (in a good way) and her birthday usually falls right before Labor Day–the last official weekend of summer. I had the start of something good, I thought…now I just had to pull these pieces together and create a memorable event for my mom and our guests.

Monogrammed Gifts: Jewelry

Jewelry_GiftI’m obsessed with monograms. Maybe it’s the timelessness or that they feel so precious because they are made just for you. Regardless, I think a monogrammed gift can feel oh-so-special because it can mark a new initial (wedding), a new arrival (baby), a new milestone (graduation), or a new year (birthday) with someone special (anniversary). No matter what occasion you’re celebrating, there’s lots of options to consider.

Hostess Gifts: Spring and Summer Parties

There are so many different kinds of occasions to bring hostess gifts. In keeping with the season, I thought it would be fun to get into the different summer-time fun ideas that I know I have (or would like to plan for) on my calendar these next few months.

Continue reading

Happy Birthday To Me Gifts

20120706-232719.jpg

So it’s almost MY birthday and it got me thinking… gifts we get for ourselves are incredibly underrated. Now, my husband does have to remind me not to buy myself anything too close to my big day (can I even call it that if I’m over 12?) and I respect that because I know he wants to keep his options open. So, these are the gifts on my “Happy Birthday To Me” list, and maybe I will purchase one (or two) of them…or maybe I won’t have to. Either way, I’m always a very lucky girl, as my man does a fabulous job list or not.

Continue reading

10 Gifts Every Woman Wants From Her Mate

Guys, I know buying for the fairer sex can sometimes feel like splitting the atom so I thought I would put together this handy guide of can’t-miss gift items most woman would love to open… And bookmark this list…these are ideas you can come back to time and again. I’ve also noted some suggested occasions, this is only a suggestion, you’re free to go your own way as it were. But just a helpful hint: for an anniversary, always go with jewelry.

You’re welcome 🙂

Continue reading

Happy Gifting!

Who doesn’t love to give and get thoughtful, fabulous, amazing gifts? The getting is the easy part… it’s the giving that can stump even the best of us. And how INCREDIBLE does it feel when you know without a doubt that you’ve selected the perfect gift for someone? You just know they are going to L-O-V-E it.

Continue reading

Pregnancy Gifts (No, Not for the Shower)

Eventually it happens… our friends start having babies. For me, it happened AFTER I had mine which was a bonus on the gifting front as I had the benefit of knowing what was useful and what wasn’t. But this post isn’t about baby showers… that’s a whole other story. These are gift ideas for the mommy-to-be who has just announced her pregnancy. Inevitably you will see her for brunch, or dinner or something just after and want to give her a little something as a token to celebrate this special moment.

Continue reading