According to the Humane Society, there are an estimated 93.6 million owned cats in the United States. With a resounding ‘meow,’ cat lovers are fanatics for anything feline and when it comes time to give a gift – do you have a clue what to get? If you’re looking for a few cat gift ideas, consider the following suggestions:

Toys for Kitty

From plastic balls decorated with feathers to trinkets that jingle, cat toys are meant to entertain and keep felines sharp – both mentally and physically. If you’re looking to truly stimulate the mind of a cat, consider the SmartCat Peek-A-Prize Cat Toy Box – a heavy-duty wood toy box that hides toys inside. It actually promotes the natural predatory behavior of cats. Scratching posts (like the SmartCat Perch for the Ultimate Scratching Post shown above) are also a popular toy amongst cats and today, you can choose from an array of creative selections that can fit into any décor scheme.

Catnip

Belonging to the mint family, catnip can give great pleasure to a feline. They will rub it, roll over in it, paw at it, and find themselves in ecstasy for several minutes at a time. You can choose to purchase a catnip plant for a cat lover, which they can keep as a houseplant or transfer to their garden for an outdoor cat.

Cat’s Eye

When cut in a rounded shape, cat’s eye reflects light in an attractive fashion – similar to the way the eyes of cats seem to radiant in the dark. From rings to earrings, there are many different pieces of cat’s eye jewelry to consider, such as this affordable Sterling Silver Stylish Interchangeable Round Cats Eye Stone Filigree Ring Set .

Charm Bracelet

Charms bracelets offer a delightful way to express the interests of the wearer. Many come ready-made to accommodate a specific theme, while others allow the wearer to add charms to commemorate special milestones. For cat lovers, choose a bracelet with a couple charms related to felines and leave the rest to the wearer. A few charm ideas include a Halloween cat, outstretched cat, cat head, paw print, and even a mouse.

Litter Box

If you think it’s time for your loved one to upgrade their kitty litter box, the Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box will certainly do the trick. This particular model self cleans by rolling to the right and back again, where waste collects in a pullout tray for quick and easy disposal. Other advantages include odor and dust control – perfect for large cats and multiple-cat households.

Personalized Gifts

From custom verses engraved on canvas to laser engraved wooden frames, cat lovers enjoy posing with their companions, as well as framing their endless antics captured on film. Another way to pay homage to a furry companion is to have their likeness placed on a coffee cup. Other personalized cat gift ideas include food dishesicon, nametagsicon, and digital photo ornamentsicon.

 

Keep in Touch with Friends by Sharing a Journal. photo courtesy of The Travelling Journal

Just about everyone has a long distance relationship– it could be a romantic one, a family member or a close friend. Job commitments, school obligations and military deployments take us away from the people we love. Maybe your former co-worker moved across town, or maybe your cousin headed to another state. We are a country of movers and we’re not just moving away from our spouses, distance is coming between friendships, too. According to Census statistics, in 2009 12.5% of people moved, with one out of three moving at least to another county, some to another country. Staying connected with those friends is tough, but one way to let them know you care is by sending a gift. Here are some gift ideas that will help you stay connected with loved ones who are far away.

DVD

A DVD may not sound like a very personal gift, but sometimes it’s the simple things like going to a movie together that people miss most with long distance relationships. Pick out a movie you’ll both enjoy and make plans to watch it the same night– even if you are in different states or time zones. Then you can talk about the movie next time you’re on the phone together.

The Traveling Journal

Started by five friends who grew up together in a small Iowa town, TheTravelingJournal.com offers a way to stay connected with friends and loved ones in a more personal way than Facebook or text messages. The idea is simple– pick out a journal, write in it and send it on its way. There are plenty of available accessories to enhance the experience, but soon you and your long distance loved ones will be sharing the intimate details of life on the pages of your Traveling Journal. And don’t worry about over-spending on postage. Every journal is designed to fit in a flat rate box from the USPS. Another positive? It will give the mail carrier something besides bills to deliver to your home.

Pre-Paid Phone Cards

Do you spend a lot of time on the phone with your long distance friends? Send them a pre-paid phone card so they can dial you up without worrying about racking up a big bill. Plus you’ll be letting them know that you enjoy hearing their voice.

Custom Stationery

Give your friends and family members a good reason to keep in touch with cute custom note cards from FabulousStationery.com. A pack of 100 Mini Notes will cost you $55 and should last a while. If you really want to make sure they use them, include a book of stamps, too.

 

A T-Shirt Flower Pillow

These days everyone is looking for ways to be more eco-friendly– even when it comes to giving gifts. This simple project is definitely green, but it’s also easy. We’ll show you how to turn an old t-shirt or leftover fabric scraps into a cute flower with just a few simple steps. All you need is an old t-shirt, a pair of scissors, a needle and thread, and a few minutes.

Use the flower to create a barrette, pin or attach it to a drab pillow for a unique creation. Whatever you choose to design, you’ll end up with a great, affordable handmade gift that any of your loved ones will appreciate– especially since they won’t be able to find another one like it in any store.

Step One

Step One: Cut out simple flower shapes of various sizes in an old t-shirt. Depending on whether you plan to use your flower to jazz up a pillow or to create a hair clip, your flower sizes will need to be adjusted. Create four different sizes. You will only need one flower in the largest size. Cut our four of each of the other three sizes. In all, you should have 13 flowers cut out.

Step Two: Lay the biggest flower on a flat surface. Take the next smallest size of flower and fold each one in half. Then fold them in half again. Position the four flowers so that the points meet in the

Steps two, three and four

center of the largest flower. Using a coordinating thread, simply hand stitch each section at the point, attaching these four pieces of fabric to the largest flower.

Step Three: Repeat step two with four more folded flowers in the next smallest size.

Step Four: Once again, repeat the stitching process one last time with the smallest flowers.

Step Five: How you finish your flower is up to you. You can stitch on a pin or barrette to the back, or you can attach it to a pillow like this one. Whatever you decide to create, it will be a low-cost, green gift that someone is sure to love.

Photos courtesy of Michelle Suarez

 

In today’s society, many companies are catching the wave of eco-friendliness by generating goods that appease the ever-changing consumer. Flourishing their children with green products, clothing and toys, eco-conscious mamas often make choices for their babies that reflect their commitment to protect the planet as well. If you don’t know how to shop for an eco-conscious mama, we have a few suggestions to get you started.

Organic Baby Sling

Mothers use baby wrapping as a popular form of transporting infants because it helps develop a strong sense of security between child and parent. Made with earth friendly organic cotton, the Moby Wrap Organic Cotton Baby Carrier uses the entire back and shoulders to the distribute weight. Accommodating preemies to 35-pound babies, the baby carrier keeps infants warm while allowing mama to keep both hands free.

Eco-Friendly Clean Up

Offering the soothing moisturizing qualities of aloe vera, Vitamin E, and water, Seventh Generation Baby Wipes do not contain man-made ingredients that often irritate sensitive baby skin. Free of alcohol and fragrances, the wipes are a safe choice for baby and the planet since they are whitened without the use of chemicals.

Eco-Friendly Diapers

The materials that touch a baby’s skin are important to a mother. Made with non-toxic polymer construction, stretchy leg gathers and convenient closure tabs, Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Baby Diapers are non-irritating and free of chlorine. Made out of 100% certified organic cotton twill, Bummis Organic Pre-Fold Diapers offer an attractive unbleached color and soft feel. Packaged in organic cotton bags, six diapers fit inside.

Organic Baby Toys

From organic cotton stuffed animals to sustainable wooden wagons, organic baby toys have reached new heights over the past couple of years. Gift sets make popular presents for eco-conscious mamas and the miYim Organic Gift Set offers a delightful assortment of goodies. Made from certified organic fabric and colored with low eco impact dyes, this set is environmentally friendly, safe, and non-toxic. Mothers and babies will enjoy the lamb face burp cloth, plush duck rattle/teether, and small plush baby bunny toy.

Eco-Friendly Booster Seat

Fashioned out of bio-plastic, the Safety 1st Nature Next Eco-friendly Booster Seat offers a 3-point harness for safety with adjustable chair straps. The booster seat is comprised of 50% bio-plastic made from renewable plant resources. The green leaf design on the seat is also a pleasant feature to consider.

Eco-Friendly Baby Furniture

From changing tables to high chairs, the world of baby goods now includes a wide range of sustainable room décor and other pieces of furniture. If you’re looking for a classy crib to gift, consider the alluring dark walnut finish of the Graco Eco-Friendly Dakota Classic 4 in 1 Convertible Crib. The convertible crib offers the convenience of a toddler bed, day bed, and full size headboard for a bed frame and mattress. Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), all wooden components are sustainable. Other highlights include water-based finishes and recycled packaging.

 

Practical or Frivolous? How to Know Which Gift to Buy photo courtesy of voxefx

Gifts generally fall into one of two categories: practical or frivolous. Practical gifts are things that are needed for every day life. The gifts that fall into this category are small appliances, bath towels and socks. Then there are gifts that would be considered frivolous by most of us. These include fancy candles, decadent treats and unnecessary gadgets. Trying to decide which way to go with a gift you need to purchase? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Is this a Romantic Occasion?

Anniversaries, your significant other’s birthday, and Valentine’s Day typically require gifts that fall into the frivolous side. In fact, to some people, buying a practical gift for a romantic holiday can be insulting. Things like roach spray, a vacuum, or a gift certificate for a car wash are probably not the best way to go.

Does this Person Have Any Big Needs?

Consider the needs of the person for which you are shopping. When the person you are buying for is low on funds, making a big life change, or facing an uphill battle, it is probably best to get them something incredibly useful. If you know they are struggling financially, buying a frivolous gift may not be received well. Instead, get them a gift card to a place you know they’ll enjoy. Avoid the $10 gourmet cupcakes or membership to the cheese of the month club. Instead get them something more useful.

Is There a Gift Registry?

Most brides, grooms and soon-to-be parents will tell you that getting gifts that aren’t on the registry is a little frustrating. It’s a time in their lives when so many things are demanding their money. So getting a gift that is not on the wedding or baby registry can be annoying. Since the person took the time to make a list of what they want and need it may be best just to go ahead and take the practical route by buying a gift off of the registry.

What Would Your Loved One Prefer?

Chances are, you know your loved one best. You know whether they would prefer a gift with more usefulness or a gift that is more lavish. Gifts are ultimately about the person you are giving them to, not yourself. So try to think about what they would truly prefer.

Jul 082010
 

How Much Should You Spend on Gifts? (Photo courtesy of Mrskyce)

Gift giving can be challenging. Besides picking the perfect gift, it’s important to know how much to spend on the gift. Many factors go into determining a good amount for your gift giving budget. Here are some guidelines to help you know how much to spend on a gift.

Determine the Average

Depending on where you live, the social norm for gift spending can vary greatly. In bigger cities the average wedding gift can cost around $100, while it may be perfectly acceptable in smaller cities to spend around $50. Knowing what the typical gift in your area costs will help you know how much to spend.

Follow the Pros’ Advice

When it comes to weddings, The Knot is an expert source. The wedding website suggests coming up with a gift budget for the entire wedding including the engagement, shower and ceremony. Then divide your entire budget for each event, spending 20% on the engagement, 20% on the shower and 60% on the wedding gift. If you’re not invited to one of these events then reallocate your gift budget.

Think About the Relationship

You’re likely to spend more on your spouse than on your boss this Christmas. It’s important to consider your relationship with the person you are buying a gift for when determining what to spend. You may want to spend more on those that are closer to you.

Remember the Past

Is this a person you have bought a gift for in the past? Think about what you’ve spent on gifts before. This is a good indication of what you should continue to spend on similar gifts.

Consider Your Budget

Above all, it’s important to consider your budget. No matter what the event, occasion or relationship, your budget is the most important factor. Determine what amount would be comfortable for you on top of your regular expenses. Stretching yourself too much just to afford a fancy gift will simply add stress to what should be a happy situation.

 

Keep Prices To Yourself (Photo courtesy of Sylvar)

Sometimes you find a great gift on sale. And sometimes you spend way more on one parent than you do on the other. Whatever your reason, you don’t always want people to know what you spent on a gift. Here are five ways to keep your gift’s price hidden.

Make Sure the Price Tag is Removed

This may sound obvious, but we’ve all received gifts with price tags still attached. This tacky faux-pas is a quick way to make sure people know exactly how much your gift cost. Even if you’re getting the gift professionally wrapped, ask if  the tag was removed. And if you got the gift on sale, make sure any sticker residue left behind by a sale tag is also wiped clean.

Alert Companies that It’s a Gift

If you’re buying a gift online, make sure there is an option for giving your purchase as a gift. This will remove any mention of price from packing slips and should mean that a receipt is not included in the box. If the company you’re buying from doesn’t have this option there’s a good chance that, along with your gift, your loved one will get your receipt, too.

Buy From Obscure Sources

Your circle of friends may eat at the same restaurants and shop in the same stores. That means if you buy a gift from the places you all visit there’s a strong possibility they’ll know what you paid. Try shopping in stores that are off your beaten path. And when you find great places for purchasing gifts, keep that little secret to yourself.

Don’t Include a Gift Receipt

Gift receipts can be handy if people want to exchange or return your gift. But they can still figure out what you paid. So if you really don’t want to let anyone know what you paid, avoid including a gift receipt.

Avoid Registries

Obviously when people register for cake plates and crib sheets they know how much the items cost. So if you  want to keep your gift contribution on the down-low, don’t buy something off the registry. You’ll keep your expenditures under wraps while still hopefully getting them a great gift.

Related Posts with Thumbnails
© 2012 1HappyCorner.com and Simo Media. All rights reserved and will be held. All trademarks mentioned on 1HappyCorner.com are the property of their respective owners. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Comments Policy