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.

Whether scribbling in a diary or pursuing a career as a science fiction novelist, we all know a loved one who has a way with words. When the scribe in your life is celebrating a birthday or you’re looking for an appropriate holiday gesture, consider the following gift ideas for writers:

Personalized Pen Set

Who said the art of using pen to paper is dead? Many writers jot down notes for their next best seller or enjoy self-editing their rough drafts by hand. Gifting a personalized pen set not only equips them with the necessary tools, but also adds that extra special touch. This Executive© Personalized Roller-Ball Pen features a removable cap where you may customize with any full name, title, or company. For those with a flair for the dramatic, consider an ink and quill set.

Writing Desk

Some writers need a personal space to call their own and a writing desk offers the perfect gift to allow creative juices to flow freely. Choosing a desk with a drawer for pens, notepads, and other knick-knacks is preferable. A shelf for reference books and other publications also comes in handy. To get an idea of the kind of desk a writer may use, consider this honey-colored Winsome Wood Writing Desk with convenient drawers and cubbyhole.

AP Stylebook

The Associated Press Stylebook is released every year and contains a wealth of information for writers, especially those that cover the news. The common rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviation, and other writing gems are clearly written out in alphabetical order. It’s considered the “best-selling reference for 30 years for journalists, editors, students, and writers in all professions.”

Leatherbound Classics

An author of any sort will certainly take pleasure in leatherbound classics, which come in varied collections of literature from the likes of Shakespeare, Jane Austin, Edgar Allen Poe, and Jules Verne. Complete with delightful illustrations, this gift not only makes a sophisticated display for a writer, but can also spark the inspiration.

Typewriter Jewelry

The typewriter has long served as a symbol for writers and has been increasingly appearing in many different kinds of jewelry. Browse the endless collection of pendants, necklaces, charm bracelets, earrings, and rings. For instance, this Typewriter Key Necklace may also double as a good luck charm.

The first day of summer is June 21, which means the next couple of months will be full of weddings and swimsuits. This is also the time where millions of people are looking to lose a couple of pounds, shed baby weight, or do away with those infamous ‘last 5 pounds.’ When searching for gifts for loved ones trying to lose weight, consider the following suggestions:

Fruit and Nut Gift Basket

Instead of choosing a gift basket filled with chocolate, opt for the healthier option of fruits and nuts. A fresh basket of fruit not only makes a colorful centerpiece, but also provides a conveniently nutritious treat for the dieter in your life. A nut assortment is packed with protein and healthy fats – perfect for the snacker looking for a guilt-free energy boost in between meals. Other features of a fruit and nut basket may include trail mixes, dried fruit packets, organic beverages, and fruit leather.

Exercise Equipment

Add to the home gym of your loved one by gifting exercise equipment. Depending on your budget, choose a TKO Anti Burst Fitness Ball Set for around $15 or go for the gusto with the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill.Other exercise gift ideas include hand weights, jump ropes, medicine ball, kettle weights, and workout benches.

Workout Sneakers

Proper footwear is essential to not only get the most out of a workout, but to also protect your feet, ankles, legs, posture, and gait. The market is filled with selections to satisfy a variety of activity levels, including walking, running, hiking, and aerobics. New Balance and Nike are popular brands of footwear with styles that include the NIKE Womens Air Achieve Trainers, New Balance Hertiage Trail Shoe, NIKE Womens Air Zoom Mistify Trainers and New Balance Classic Running Shoes.

DVDs

For the loved one who enjoys workout and aerobic DVDs, there are plenty of selections to consider – from The Firm to Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred. For a kickboxing experience, Billy Banks has a wide range of workout DVDs under his Taebo program. Another trend in workout DVDs centers on dance and upbeat music. A few recommendations include the Fame Dance Workout, Hip-Hop Abs, and Zumba.

Tea Assortment

Tea, especially green tea, offers a low-calorie beverage that actually helps fight weight gain, enhances metabolic weight loss, lowers cholesterol levels, and delivers healthy antioxidants to the body. You can find gift baskets that focus on assortments with red, white, black, and herbal teas. Introduce a loved one to the possibilities of tea by opting for a teapot set – complete with saucers, tea cups, and tea.

Bike

From exploring the neighborhood to conquering hilly terrain, one of the best workouts for your cardiovascular system is biking. Depending on your loved one, you may consider a mountain bike or one used for spinning – a stationary bike for the home that increases the heart rate and burns calories.

It’s that time of the year again, when bees do their part to pollinate the attractive flowers you see throughout the spring and summertime. From the hard-working honeybee to the colorful bumblebee, some people are head over heels in love with the insect. Usually, small children take a liking to bees, but there are many adults with a soft spot in their hearts for the fluttering creatures. If you’re looking to surprise a bee lover with a gift, consider the following suggestions:

Toys

From brightly colored stuffed animals decorating a bassinet to the wind-up insect that flaps a pair of plastic wings, the bee has a popular following in the toy department. For toddlers on the move, the Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug is not only a decent bee lover gift, but also doubles as an eco-friendly toy. Made entirely of non-toxic materials and contains no PVC, this handmade wheeled toy encourages hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

Glassware

With a history tracing back to 1475, La Rochere has been producing everyday glass products for centuries. From old-fashioned stemware to dessert plates perfect for entertaining guests, the Napoleon embossed bee inspired from a Napoleon travel set appears on many of their glassware options. You can choose from bee-decorated pitchers, highball glasses, iced tea glasses, pasta plates, wine goblets, champagne flutes, tumblers, and bowls.

Baby Products

Satisfy the bee-loving new mother in your life with chemical-free, organic baby gifts from Burt’s Bees, such as diaper ointment, shampoo, body wash, buttermilk lotion, nourishing baby oil, and bubble bath. For example, The Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment contains the soothing power of chamomile, sweet almond oil, beeswax, and vitamins A and E. For a baby shower present, combine a handful of Burt’s Bees products to create a delightful gift basket.

Books on Bees

A diehard fan of bees may actually want to cultivate their own honey by becoming a beekeeper or simply learn how to support their own bee population when planting a garden. Educate your loved one with a book, such as The Backyard Beekeeper – Revised and Updated: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden. For the younger generation, select a handful of illustrated books, like The Beautiful Bee Book or Fuzzy Bee and Friends.

Jewelry

From eye-catching pendants to colorful brooches, there are plenty of jewelry options to consider when browsing birthday gifts for a bee lover. For example, this Sterling Silver Marcasite and Crystal Bee Pin offers an eye-catching black and white design with crisp crystals and dark marcasite stones that literally glimmer in the light.

Give a Lovely Hair Accessory this Summer. photo courtesy of delighlah

From vintage headwraps to feminine lace bands, hair accessories are a summer must-have. They also make great gifts because their small size makes them easy to send and usually they are very affordable. Give these stylish gifts to your bridesmaids, sister or best friend this summer. We found five of the best hair accessory styles for summer gift giving.

Headwraps

Headwraps bring a sense of 1920s style to the modern wardrobe. Check out Urban Outfitters for two takes on these unique hair accessories. The detailed and stretchy vintage feminine beaded headwrap is $24. The girly, crochet bow headwrap is $14. Both would add unique flair to a summer party outfit.

Cluster Headbands

A headband is no longer just a headband, it’s a statement piece. Check out J. Crew for a great selection of these popular accessories. The flower cluster headband is $22 and all colors are sold out except for the summery sheer lilac. For another striking look, consider the jewel cluster headband from J. Crew. The blush stone color is $39.50.

Hair Clips

Hair clips are no longer boring and utilitarian. The extra zest clip from Anthropologie is fun, sweet and comes in four colors: yellow, coral, grey and turquoise. Pick these up for your friends or bridal party for just $18 each. Equally as fun and colorful is the pinwheel clip from Anthropologie. It’s made of accordion folded chiffon and sells for $18.

Cotton Headbands

If you’re looking for a  hair accessory that is less cocktail party and more day-at-the-beach, try the cotton headband from Canvas, a new Land’s End brand. It’s lightweight, comes in lots of cute check and floral prints, and sells for $16.50.

Barrettes

For a smaller and less flashy summer hair accessory, try a fashionable barrette. At Zappos.com you’ll find a pair of Juicy Couture pansy barrettes in white. The clips are feminine and affordable at $45.

From romantic getaways in the woods to family outings at the local park, picnics are a favorite pastime for people looking to enjoy the warm weather. With school out and summer vacations stirring, you can help your loved ones prepare for the excitement of a picnic in the park or at any other stretch of greenery with thoughtful gifts. A couple of suggestions include:

Picnic Sets

With a polyester canvas construction, an insulated shoulder pack will keep your picnic feast safe, sound, and portable. For example, the Picnic Time Malibu Insulated Shoulder Pack with Deluxe Picnic Service for 2 comes in six fashionable colors and provides two acrylic wine glasses, two 9-inch melamine plates, two sets of eating utensils-all stainless steel with plastic handles, two cotton napkins, one stainless steel waiter’s style corkscrew, and one stainless steel cheese knife with wooden handle. Additional features include a removable, waterproof liner, an integrated wine storage section, and a spacious food storage section. To accommodate an outing for a family of four, the Maxam Picnic Set in Cooler Bag is a delightfully colorful option.

Picnic Blanket

Nowadays, the picnic blanket has morphed into a stylish accessory – many of which come with convenient shoulder straps and decorative carrying bags. For example, the JJ Cole Essentials Blanket offers an assortment of trendy designs that comes with an inner lining that quickly wipes clean. When opened, the family-sized blanket measures 5″ x 5″.

Wine Bottle and Glass Holders

For a romantic rendezvous, add class to a spread with a bottle of wine and a gift that includes stakes and holders for your glasses and Merlot. The True Fabrications Picnic Stix Set includes one stake that sets a wine bottle in place, while two others keep wine glasses off of the ground.

Picnic Gift Baskets

If you’re interested in providing a no-fuss gift for family or friends, a gift basket full of picnic goodies will certainly brighten their day. With many delightful choices to consider, choose the French Country Picnic basket with genuine French condiments (such as stone-milled mustard), fig and walnut jam, bottle of red wine, and other treats.

Cookbook

For the imaginative cook in your family that likes to experiment with new recipes, give them the gift of creativity with PICNIC: 125 Recipes with 29 Seasonal Menus. This book helps avid picnickers expand their outdoor meals with corn pudding, grilled salmon, hearty sausage dishes, and bean casserole.

Jewelry that incorporates the birthstone(s) of mother and child(ren) make cherished Mother’s Day gifts because the pieces are drenched with special meaning. From earrings clustered with gemstones to a ring dotted with colorful sparklers, there are plenty of creative ways to take advantage of the beauty and symbolic nature of birthstone jewelry for Mother’s Day.

Loving Family® Small Mother’s Heart Birthstone Locket

With this locket, which is shaped like a heart, you’ll receive a set of 12 birthstones, including the dark red garnet for January and light blue aquamarine for March. Inside the locket, up to 4 birthstones can be on display, surrounded by silver filigree detailing. An added feature of the locket is that it is eco-friendly – made from recycled silver and produced in the American Southwest using fair labor practices.

Mother’s Bracelet

The Mother’s Bracelet by Sweet and Chic offers two strands to highlight the names of up to four children with accompanying birthstones. Made with solid sterling silver, this Mother’s Day gift delivers the irresistible sparkle of Swarovski crystals. The bracelet is available in four adult sizes: Extra Small 6.5″, Small 7″, Medium 7.5″, and Large 8″.

Mother’s Birthstone & Family Name Ring

This attractive sterling silver ring is customized with an emerald-cut birthstone to represent Mother at the center. Surrounding the main birthstone are the names of loved ones – each with their own sparkling Austrian crystal birthstone. This particular ring has room for up to six names with a limit of 10 letters or spaces for each. The ring must have a minimum of two names. White crystals are set where no personalization has been assigned. Available in women’s ring sizes 6 to 10, this personalized Mother’s Day gift is simply unforgettable.

Family Tree Birthstone Pendant

From shimmering white gold pieces to the classic look of yellow gold, birthstone pendants in the shape of a tree are popular because they signify the strength and bonds of family. Many pieces of Mother’s Day jewelry that use a tree in its design (like the one shown here) often position birthstones nestled in between branches or at the tips. You may also encounter the mother’s birthstone placed at the base of the tree. Some designs can accommodate up to 10 stones for mothers with large families. The possibilities are endless for this highly emblematic Mother’s Day gift.

When you can’t settle on just one gift for the special lady in your life this Mother’s Day, why not consider a gift basket? This particular option easily offers a collection of treats that specifically cater to individual interests or preferences. From fragrant flowers to tasty treats, there are plenty of Mother’s Day gift basket ideas to consider. A few suggestions include:

Chocolate Gift Basket

When you’re looking for a gift basket to tickle the sweet tooth of a chocoholic Mom, search no further than the Grand Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Basket. Offering the sweet treats from one of the most recognizable names in the chocolate business, the gift basket truly provides a delightful assortment. From Ghiradelli’s premium chocolate collection, you’ll enjoy their Masterpiece Truffles, Chocolate Mint Drops, assorted Chocolate Squares, and chocolate bar. Capping off the chocolate gift basket is a soothing beverage – irresistible Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix.

Tea Gift Basket

With the Spot of Tea Teacup Gift Basket, tea-loving mothers can indulge in one of their favorite brews. Packaged in a wicker tea cup and saucer, this charming gift basket comes filled to the brim with 24 individually sealed tea bags of fine teas, tea cookies, and colorful rock candy swizzle sticks. There are a variety of teas to please any palate, including herbal blends, chais, black teas, and green teas. With this assortment, it’s only natural to enjoy a festive tea party with Mom.

Bath and Body Gift Basket

One of the best ways to pamper a lucky lady on Mother’s Day is to send a gift basket filled with spa and beauty items, such as bubble bath, body lotion, and bath salts. For example, the #1 Mom Gift Basket offers the above bath and body treats plus an adorable plush teddy holding an embroidered heart with ‘#1 Mom’ on display. Contained in a cloth-lined wicker purse, this Mother’s Day gift delivers a blast of pampering fit for the Queen in your life.

Italian Wine Basket

Some Moms like to cook Italian dishes and then settle down with a nice glass of wine after all their hard work is done. With the Italian Wine Basket, you can send a wicker picnic hamper offering an assortment of gourmet ingredients and treats – perfect for creating a tasty Italian meal. Some of the items include Vineyard Pasta, Il Pane Tuscan Style bread dipping herbs, Nonni’s Panetini Garlic Crisps, Mediterranean Balsalmic Vinegar, Wine Cheese Spread, and Los Olivos Wine Biscuits. Tied with ribbon, you can also send this gift basket beauty with a personalized gift message from you when ordered from Amazon.com.

Give Mom a Gift Full of Love. photo courtesy of es1123

Mother’s Day is rolling around once again. If you’re stumped on what to get your mom year after year, don’t worry. Lots of people struggle with finding a gift for mom that will be good enough for the woman who raised you and gave you life. Here are a few tips to follow that will ensure you get mom a gift she will love this Mother’s Day.

Start Investigating Early

Surely mom drops clues every now and then that will help you find the perfect Mother’s Day gift. They may be subtle, but if you start paying attention and investigating early, you will be sure to get a great idea for the perfect gift. The next time mom says something about a product she loves or her favorite perfume, write it down. Don’t rely on your memory or you may end up getting a gift she doesn’t really want.

Don’t be too Practical

Moms are often the ones that do the laundry, cleaning, and organizing. But that doesn’t mean she necessarily wants a laundry hamper for Mother’s Day. Be careful about being too practical with your gift. Someone once said that you should never give mom a gift with a cord– that may be true for your mother, too.

Show Emotion

Mom’s like to know you appreciate their hard work. Don’t be afraid to let your gift or Mother’s Day card show emotion. When your gift has meaning, she’ll love it even more. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make mom happy as long as your gift is full of love.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

If you wait until the last minute, mom will know. After all, she knows pretty much everything. Let her know that you think about her and care about her by planning ahead, being thoughtful and not waiting until the last minute to pick up a gift that isn’t really personal at all.

Spend What You Can

If you’re pulling in a six figure salary, don’t spend $10 on a Mother’s Day gift. Although she won’t really care how much you spend, she’ll know if you’re being cheap. If you don’t have much money in your budget for a Mother’s Day gift, consider giving mom your time. She’ll probably love that more than anything else that you could wrap up in a box.