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.

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.

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.

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.

SEEDS OF THE MONTH CLUB

The name of the company offering this Month Club is Mike the Gardener Enterprises, LLC and it’s based out of Burlington, NJ. The subscribers of the  Seeds of the Month Club receive 4 packs of seeds to their home every month.

You can only subscribe online and currently they are running a promotion where if you sign up in the month of June you can try the club out risk free for a month then pay only $1.99 per month thereafter if you decide to stay a member.

Very affordable and a great gift idea for dads who love gardening.

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SOAP OF THE MONTH CLUB

With the “Soap of the Month Club” membership offered by Magic Senses, your dad will receive 2 bars of their fabulous handcrafted glycerin soap per month, for 12 consecutive months. The soap is shipped out during the first week of every month.

They have a deal for our readers: when you order before June 30th 2010 and mention “I love my dad” in the comment section, he’ll get an additional month for FREE!

Price: $19.50 per month (shipping is included)

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SOCKSCRIPTIONS

Blacksocks is a web site that delivers socks by sockscription; aimed at busy Dads and those who tend to lose socks. The basic subscription is 3 pair/3 times a year-delivered every 4 months for a total of 9 pair.  The socks are made in Milan-high quality. Total price is $89 and it includes shipping anywhere.

Blacksocks made a special offer to your audience providing a free pair of socks to anyone who orders a subscription before Father’s Day. If you mention “1 Happy Corner” in the referred by section when placing the Father’s Day gift, they will send an extra pair FREE with the first shipment.

I would like to introduce you to “The Next Great American Outdoor Game”:

MY POLE-ISH HORSESHOES (MPH) is a young adult game that provides friends and family with hours of outdoor competition and fun. MPH is the only Polish Horseshoes game that can be played on any outdoor surface andcomes with two poles that never need resetting.

My Pole-ish Horseshoes game set comes with a propriety custom designed base which keeps the game moving at a much faster pace. I’ts for the real players!

No more ski poles, playing with a single pole stuck into the ground, and no more resetting the pole over and over again. You can play My Pole-ish Horseshoes at the beach, in the back yard, tail-gating, on vacation, while camping or on campus.

The game set comes with the following:

•Two high quality non chip lightweight 54” poles
•Unique custom bases that require no resetting after shots – so the action is faster-paced and more exciting
•Competition quality 9” Frisbee™ for powerful, accurate throws
•Six color combinations of games sets to choose from

This is the perfect Father’s Day gift idea! And not only! It is an outdoor game that can provide endless hours of entertainment and competition among friends and family.

The Deal:

My Pole-ish Horseshoes game set: $60 $50

What man doesn’t want a big flat screen TV? But men that are also thoughtful fathers have to worry that a TV that’s resting on a media console could be tipped over by rambunctious children.

What to do? Mount it on the wall, of course. But isn’t a TV mount sort of a boring gift? Not if you buy the Power55 by OmniMount: this remote-controlled TV mount gives Dad the power — and keeps his kids safe from harm. Now that TV is secure on the wall (saving living space too!) and he can tilt, pan and swivel to the perfect viewing angle with the touch of a button. With an MSRP of almost $600, Dad will know how much he’s loved this June.

Interesting fact: the folks at DIY Network’s ManCaves loved it so much, they’ve added one of these to nearly every episode in season 6 (shooting now).

For more information, please visit the Omnimount website.

The Deal:

You can probably find this product in many stores but the best deal we could find was for almost $210 off:

Remote Controlled Motorized Flat Panel Mount: $620.98 $389.22

It’s time to pamper the Father in your life! And it doesn’t take much! We know times are tough so here are some budget-friendly suggestions:

Magic Senses

One of the great Father’s Day last minute deals we found online is on the Sandalwood Handcrafted Glycerin Soap from Magic Senses. A very clean, woodsy and rich fragrance in a simple design from their Men’s Soap Collection.

This would make the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for the Father in your life: stylish, practical and beautifully fragranced! Handmade. Each bar weighs approximately 6 oz.

The Deal:

Price: $6.75 $5.94

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Body Language Soaps

Every man needs and deserves a little pampering once in a while. But the last thing they want to do is smell like flowers while doing so! What’s masculine about that? Nothing! Now they can pamper themselves without risking their masculinity.

The Deal:

Their men’s line is 25% off until the end of the month but we are only featuring the soap today:

Velocity for Men Handmade Soap - $6.50  $4.87

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The Soap Florist

Right now they have their beautiful Carved Lions Head Soap on sale!

You get your choice of one or two soaps on this beautiful Ceramic dish that can be used as a soap dish, coin dish, key plate and more! The soap is handmade and Vegan (made with vegetable oils) and each bar weighs approximately 5 oz.
Your choice of scented or unscented.

The Deal:

One for $9.95  $7.95
Two for $16.95 $12.95

Check out this deal on a product recently featured on ABC’s prime time reality TV show Shark Tank as well as the June/July Grilling Issue of Everyday with Rachael Ray:Grill Charms™! It makes the perfect Father’s Day Gift for the dad who likes to BBQ!

Grill Charms™ offer an entirely new concept in outdoor entertaining. Grill Charms™ are dime-sized solid stainless steel charms that are placed in food BEFORE grilling.  The serrated stem holds the charm in securely while flipping, moving and grilling food like the “Grill Guy” normally does. Grill Charm™ food prior to cooking to distinguish spices and flavors, steak temperatures, or to avoid health or allergy issues. They stay in before, during and after grilling so when dinner comes to the table,  simply look for your Grill Charm, and everyone knows which one is theirs. 

GRILL CHARMS™ COLLECTIONS

There are four “hot” collections to choose from. These collections also help with health or allergy issues.  With Grill Charms™, if someone has a specific health or dietary need (such as needing a no sodium, low sugar or possibly a gluten free spice alternative) Grill Charms make it easy for people to identify their food before, during and after grilling, without any confusion or effort on the part of the grill master.

With The Spicy Collection, Grill Masters can now offer Mild, Medium and SPICY sauces and rubs without any confusion. With Grill Charms™ those who like it hot, can have it HOT, and those that walk on the milder side know exactly which one is mild.  Backyard cook-outs and barbeques just got a lot more interesting with hosts now able to offer different options on the grill.

For a truly unique grilling and dining experience there is The Charmed Life Collection and The Pink Collection.  These are the newest collections and each has six different charms so food can be personalized prior to grilling to distinguish spices and flavors, to avoid health or allergy concerns or for any reason you can dream up!

Then there is the no brainer, The Steak Collection.  When still uncooked you Grill Charm™ your steak or burger with the desired charm (MR for Medium Rare etc…) so when it comes off the grill, you don’t have to cut into all the beautiful beef to try to find the one you want.  You simply look for your Grill Charm™.

The Deal:

Grill Charms™ can be purchased at www.grillcharms.com for $19.95 but if you put “grilling” in the coupon code, you will get $5.00 (25%) off!