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How to Find Unique Wearable Gifts for Dogs

Gifts for Pets, How To, Today's Cool Gift Idea Comments Off

Aug 262010

Fashion for Fido (Image courtesy of Tree Parlor)

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s most recent National Pet Owners Survey, there are about 77.5 million owned dogs in the US. Thirty-nine percent of US households own at least one dog, with nearly one out of four owning two dogs. So chances are you’ve got dog lovers in your life. If you’ve ever wondered how to find unique, wearable gifts for dogs, we’ve got some suggestions.

Paw Paws Collars

Most pet owners want their dogs to reflect them, and that includes the style of collar their pooch wears. If a plain color won’t do, check out the collars at Paw Paws where they’ve got everything from the Camo Collection for outdoor enthusiasts or the Christmas Collection to celebrate the upcoming holiday season.

Tree Parlor Clothing

You take your dog for a walk, but you end up holding the, um, pooh. It’s not fair, right? Well, give the gift of the Upcycle Saddle Wags from Tree Parlor. It’s a dog outfit made from recycled t-shirts. Pockets are incorporated into the design so the pooch can be the one to carry his own doo-doo.

The Rover Necktie

For sophisticated dogs, check out The Rover Necktie or The Rover Pointed Collar available from Etsy shop RoverDog. At just $15, it’s a fun and unique gift your pet-loving friend will adore.

Custom Tu-Tu

If male doggies get neckties and collars, then females get a custom tu-tu from SugarBearsPamperedPets.com. They come in any size and color– plus they’re completely customizable. With a gift like this everyone will know they’re dealing with a pampered pooch.

Collar Charms

For dogs who prefer not to play dress up, give a clever collar charm from ScootersFriends.com. They come etched with sayings like “Pup Cake” and “Happy Dog.” They’ll attach easily to just about any dog collar. Think of it as bling for Buster!

How to Organize Group Gift Giving

How To, Today's Cool Gift Idea Comments Off

Aug 202010

Give a Group Gift. photo courtesy of adactio

Weddings, births, new jobs– there are lots of occasions where group gift giving makes sense. This increases your buying power and saves time. But group gift giving can be a little tough to organize. Here are some tips to make the process go smoothly.

1. Open the Invitation: Send out an email to people who may be interested in joining together to purchase a gift. Suggest a possible price point for everyone to pitch in.

2. Use an Online Resource: There are several websites designed to help with group gift giving. This means you don’t have to live in the same town or even the same state to organize a group gift. Two sites to check out are FromEveryone.com and eDivvy.com. FromEveryone.com doesn’t have set gift card amounts, the amount is determined by how much the group aggregates. An Organizer is welcome to suggest an amount, but it’s not necessary. There’s a minimum contribution of $5 and a total gift minimum of $50. Also, each individual contribution is confidential, no one sees how much Suzy gave vs. how much Jane gave, just a running total. The site charges a 10% service fee ($.50 for a $5.00 contribution) but there are no shipping, processing, taxes or any other fees. With eDivvy.com, you can shop for a gift on the site and send invitations to people you want to participate. A great feature of this site is that if you collect too much money, everyone will receive a refund check from eDivvy.com.

3. Collect Money Online: PayPal is a great way to collect money for a group gift. Simply log on to your PayPal account and send out an email to each person including the amount owed. They’ll receive instructions on how to pay you through PayPal. You may want to also factor for expenses like shipping, wrapping and a card.

4. Set Some Rules: You may want to decide ahead of time if you want to set rules. For instance, if not everyone can give the full amount required, will they be allowed to still participate in the group effort? Laying out these rules in the beginning will limit difficult situations in the future.

With these tips, group gift giving should go smoothly. If you are the organizer, keep in mind that collecting money from some people may prove to be difficult, but in the end you’ll be able to get a great gift for someone special in your life.

Gifts for Mountain Climbers

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Aug 192010

When you’re looking to reach new heights with your gift giving for mountain-climbing loved ones, sometimes it’s pretty hard to think outside of the box. Oftentimes, it seems they have everything they need to enjoy their passion, but there’s always room for thoughtful gestures and twists on old standbys. A few gift suggestions for mountain climbers include:

Climbing Ropes

The ascension of steep mountains and rock formations requires specialized equipment. One of the most basic requirements of rock climbing is robe and webbing. Usually, the ropes are made out of twisted fibers covered with a protective later. Oftentimes, they are multicolored. Webbing is a kind of flat rope associated with anchor extension and in harnesses.

Rock Climbing Apparel

Climbing shoes, such as the Mad Rock Men’s Jester Performance Velcro Shoe differ from the typical pair of footwear because they offer special soles made out of vulcanized rubber and padded comfort that helps climbers easily grip rocks. Other apparel choices to consider include belay gloves and helmets to protect a climber from falling rocks and other debris.

Gift Basket of Essentials

Creating a gift basket filled with climbing equipment is not a difficult task to complete. All you have to do is become familiar with commonly used items. For example, carabiners are metal loops with openings that serve as connectors between ropes and other climbing equipment. When two carabiners are joined together by a loop of webbing, a climber is able to attach their ropes to anchors. An example of this is seen in the Black Diamond Quicksilver Quickpack Quickdraws. Other pieces of equipment to consider include a full body harness and belay devices (a metal device that causes friction and helps control or stop the release of rope during climbs).

Protein Gift Basket

A full day of climbing can sure work up an appetite and it’s important to transport nourishment that doesn’t add unnecessary pounds. Protein snacks deliver much needed energy. From bars to liquid supplements, there are many different ways to create a gift basket for a rock climber. A few suggestions include Clif Builder’s Bar, PowerBar ProteinPlus Bar, Odwalla Super Protein Bar, and Worldwide Sport Nutrition Pure Protein Double Layer Bar.

Picture Frame

Even if they haven’t climbed Mount Everest, mountain climbers love showing off their adventures and achievements. A decorative picture frame for their latest conquest will surely come in handy. Choose one that offers an inspirational quote to fit the personality of your loved one or opt for a Create Your Own© Personalized Frame
fashioned out of natural wood.

How to Find the Perfect Gift for MadMen Fans

By Recipient, Gifts for Him, Gifts for those who have everything, How To Comments Off

Aug 182010

Know a MadMen Fan? Give them a Great Gift. photo courtesy of karlnorling

Millions of people tune in each week to watch the latest chapter in the life of Don Draper, a 1960s madman living in New York City. MadMen has turned into a cultural phenomenon. Not only is the show impacting what’s popular in fashion and beauty, but it’s making the martini the must-have drink once again. If you have a MadMen fan in your life, here are some great gifts that they’re sure to love.

Modern Martini Set

No office, living room or doctor’s office is complete without a martini set. You just never know when you’re going to need a drink. Give the MadMen fanatic in your life their very own Modern Martini Set from MartiniArt.com. It will add the feel of MadMen with a modern flare.

Sterling Cooper Journal

Make your loved one feel like they’re part of the Sterling Cooper team with a Sterling Cooper Journal. It’s blank inside so they can draw and create their own advertising ideas. Pick it up for $13.49 at CafePress.com.

Lucky Strike Billfold

Any fan will know, one of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce’s biggest clients is Lucky Strike. And hardly a minute goes by in the show without someone lighting up. This Lucky Strike Vintage Billfold can hold about a half of a pack of cigarettes, or if you’re a non-smoker, it carries cash and credit cards too.

MadMen Fashions

Fans of the show will love pulling influences from the 1960′s wardrobes into their own closets. Take a cue from adman Bert Cooper and pick up a snazzy bow tie. They’re on sale for $55 at BlueBee.com. And for the ladies, check out Etsy shop ShebyCindy for reproduction outfits worn by Joan and Jane.

Donald Draper Art Print

Donald Draper is quite the character. And for fans of the show, this art print by Stanley Chow would likely be a welcomed addition to their home. It’s elegant and mysterious, just like Don.

MadMen DVDs

If the MadMen fan in your life doesn’t already own the collection of DVDs of the show, that would make a great gift. That way they can enter the world of Sterling Cooper in New York City whenever they want.

Women and Fitness – Gift Ideas

By Recipient, Gifts for those who have everything Comments Off

Aug 172010

It is very well known that exercise and regular physical activity can help you reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. And when it comes to women (like new moms, for example), being fit can help them lose or control their weight loss.

Belly Burner. photo courtesy of Taylor Gifts

Here are some tips to consider when choosing gifts for your loved one:

Start slow!

If your loved one hasn’t done any kind of exercise in a while, they will need to start sloooow… maybe 10 minutes at a time. Stretching, walking around the block, gardening, going up and down the stairs, swimming and dancing are just a few activities they can do to start off their fitness routine. The Belly Burner is a perfect gift idea for those who want to be fit again! It’s very convenient: they can wear it under and over clothing while they are doing their daily activities and it’s even more effective if worn during the daily exercise routine.

Make it easy!

The Ab Flyer. Photo courtesy of Taylor Gifts

Going to the gym is somewhat strenuous on most people, especially on new moms who have to be home with their babies. So, why not bring the gym into their home? The Ab Flyer, for example, makes a great gift for moms who want to tone up their tummies. It is easy to store (folds) and easy to use; it works all the abdominal muscles in a Unique Reverse Arc Motion.

Make it fun!

Routines can be rather boring. However, your gift can change that! You can:
- offer them tickets to the zoo, a craft show or to a dog show so they can walk for at least a couple of hours;
- pay for dancing lessons;
- buy them roller skates or bicycle accessories like a double wall bike rack

Do NOT get discouraged!

Give them a Journal and ask them to write down their goal and reasons; then ask them to keep a record of their milestones. This should keep them motivated.

Unique Gift Ideas from She’s SO Creative

By Occasion, By Recipient, Gifts for those who have everything, Today's Cool Gift Idea Comments Off

Aug 092010

Pasta Bowl Apron. photo courtesy of She's SO Creative

Today I’d like to introduce you to She’s SO Creative - renowned creators of outrageously clever cards and more witty stuff. I met them at the San Francisco International Gift Fair, last week, and I thought their product was worth mentioning. I hope you do, too!

I particularly like their aprons which make a great birthday, Christmas or hostess gift:

“Pasta Bowl” Apron is packaged in a Parmesan Cheese Container! It literally features a bunch of pasta (Farfalle, Rigatoni, and Rotini) bowling. ($26.50)

French Chicks Apron. photo courtesy of She's SO Creative

“French Chicks” Apron is packaged in a real Egg Carton! It features beret-wearing yellow chicks hanging out, drinking wine and café lattes at Café Le Egg. ($26.50)

“Salad Dressing” Apron is packaged in a take-out Salad Box! It features a salad literally getting dressed: a carrot in pantyhose, a tomato in bra and panties, and lettuce in evening wear and heels. ($26.50)

They also have fun, matching shopping list/notepads ($6.50) and “Witty Wiper” napkins! ($5.50)

ECO-FRIENDLY: Apron packaging is all recycled. And their notepads and napkins are 100% recycled as well and printed with the greenest inks possible.

The products are available nationally via their website She’s SO Creative. Check them out!

How to Find the Right Gift for the Person Who Has Everything

By Occasion, By Recipient, Gifts for those who have everything, How To, Personalized Gifts, Today's Cool Gift Idea Comments Off

Aug 072010

Gifts for the Person Who Has Everything (Photo Courtesy of PHPhoto2010)

We all have them in our lives– the person that has everything. And any time a holiday, birthday or special occasion comes around finding the perfect present becomes more difficult than an expert-level Sudoku puzzle. These days, more people seem to have disposable income. That means if they want something, they buy it for themselves which creates a tough situation for gift-givers. Here are a few tips for finding the right gift for the person who already has everything.

Add to a Collection

Does the person collect antique knives or Chuck Norris memorabilia? Then simply add to their collection. Usually when a person loves something enough to collect it, they’ll appreciate any gift that enhances their collection. The only thing that could be tough about this gift is that it may get expensive depending on what they’re collecting.

Go Charitable

If the person already has everything, make a donation in their name. Better yet, let them pick the charity with a gift card from JustGive.org. You pick the amount and the design of the ecard. Then the recipient chooses which charity to give the donation to, making them an important part of the gift giving process.

Try Food

Just about everyone loves food. And even if a person already has everything, they still need food! Pick out a food gift with a story like the Mortgage Apple Cake at BakeMeaWish.com. Angela Logan originally sold the cakes to help pay her mortgage. Or give the gift that keeps giving with a food-of-the-month club like the one offered by Bangerang Bake Shop. Your loved one will get one delicious cupcake a month for six months.

Give an Experience

No matter how much stuff a person has, they can always use a fresh life experience. So instead of giving them a new shirt or a book, give them an unforgettable experience. Use a website like Cloud9Living.com to select an experience that will fit any budget or location. If the person is less adventurous, choose something like a massage or a round of golf. If they love a good adrenaline rush, give them the chance to bungee jump or try out a trapeze. It’s definitely a gift they’ll remember.

Gifts for Painters

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Aug 062010

Whether they follow in the footsteps of Picasso or paint homes and buildings for a living, there are plenty of gift-giving ideas to consider for house painters that speak to their trade. When you’re looking for a present that brings a smile to a painter’s face, consider the following gifts for the colorful professional in your life.

Gift Basket of Painting Goodies

From Painter Goggles with peel-off lens covers and anti-fog coating to using painter rags as gift basket fillers, the possibilities are endless when creating a gift basket for professional painters. Available in a variety of lengths and widths, painter’s tape (like 3M Scotch-Blue Painter’s Tape for Multi-Surfaces), is another item worthy for a gift basket for painters. This particular option works well with semi-smooth to semi-rough woodwork, glass and metal surfaces. The blue color of the tape makes it easier to locate and lift off when a job is complete.

Painting-Related Jewelry

From dangling earrings to pendants for necklaces, a palette full of color is a popular representation for painters. Charms for bracelets may include a paintbrush, easel, or this Painters Palette with Enamel Colors by West Coast Jewelry. With intricate detail, choose this Painter’s Palette Pin (shown), which is comprised of Austrian crystals, beads, and other eye-catching materials.

Power Tools

Anything that makes a job easier for a professional house painter is a good gift idea. For example, the Wagner Project Power Painter uses a 1-quart receptacle to spray paint using Optimus Dual Tip Technology. Painters enjoy even coverage, less overspray and more control with this power tool, which offers quick set up and clean up. This gift comes with one power painter, dual tips, one-quart paint reservoir, oil lubricant, and cleaning brush.

St Luke the Apostle

As the patron saint of physicians and painters, St. Luke the Apostle makes a meaningful gift. Choose from necklace and bracelet charms in gold or sterling silver (such as the St. Luke the Apostle Medal by Bliss).

Paint Brushes

Can a painter ever have enough paintbrushes? Professional house painters are constantly in need of edging and trimming brushes, as well as various sizes of polyester brushes. Another gift to keep in mind for the creative painter is a set of flat, oval and round Fine Art Paint Brushes that can handle many different painting styles, including watercolors, oil, and acrylics.

Acrylic Paints

For loved ones who use acrylic paints, a fresh supply always comes in handy. Perhaps you’d like to introduce the oil painter in your family to a new medium. Acrylic paints come in large sizes, small tubes, and assorted collections. For example, the Liquitex Basics Acrylic Color Set provides 48 tubes of quick-drying paint that are AP safe and certified. This generous set offers all the popular colors needed to create stunning masterpieces. Featured is the set of 24 Liquitex paints.

Buying Furniture Gifts for First Time Home Owners

By Occasion, Gifts for those who have everything Comments Off

Aug 042010

Having your first place is a big deal! Whether it’s a small, tiny apartment or a big country house with a pool in the back yard, buying gifts for the first time owner in your life is always a great gesture! On this occasion, practical gifts, like furniture, are probably the best and will help with the transition.

After spending an arm and a leg on their favorite place, not a lot is left to spend on elegant furniture. So, be it patio furniture or living room furniture, this kind of gift would be just perfect!

Tips

When choosing a furniture gift, always remember:

Every person is different. Make sure you know their preferences and style before spending $200 – $300 or more! Is it modern? Is it rustic? Is it Victorian?

Ask them what plans they have; this will make your task of giving easier.

Make sure you know how big the place is; go visit or ask them to send you some pictures!

In big living rooms: select furniture groupings; it’s recommended that you avoid mirrors and glass tops on tables as they create the illusion of space. It is also recommended to furnish big rooms with large pieces of furniture, including fully upholstered sofas and chairs. Dark woods, tall bookcases, accessories (like lamps, pillows) and plants (like potted trees) will help make the room look smaller.

In small living rooms: small, glass tables will give an uncluttered feel while bench-style sofas with minimal cushioning will make a room look a little larger; a mirror that reflects a view will make the room appear brighter and larger.

For the patio or porch: simply by choosing a hammock or a wood swing, you will instantly give the gift of relaxation and start that man-made oasis that everyone looks forward to! Some patio furniture, a fountain or a BBQ grill can transform patios into an inviting, family friendly space.

Nowadays, shopping for furniture is easier than ever! And with great selections at low prices like those offered by Overstock.com, the hardest thing is choosing the right gift!

Ways to save at Overstock.com

Join the OMail and receive discounts and coupons in your inbox!

Join Club O Rewards and receive money back.

Always check the Sales page! And the Redline Deals!