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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Take Care of the Patriotic Details (Image courtesy of Tweedle Dee Designs)

Whether you’re inviting the neighborhood over for a backyard 4th of July bash or you’re just gathering a few patriotic friends, there are some easy ways to give them a truly memorable summer party. You can have your home transformed into an explosion of red, white and blue without spending a lot of money or time. Here are some easy DIY 4th of July party favors that you can whip up in your free time thanks to the help of some party pros.

Tweedle Dee Designs

Tweedle Dee Designs is offering up an incredibly cute collection of free 4th of July party printables. It’s quite the free gift and includes labels for your bottled water, treat bags for guests, note cards, cupcake toppers and more! All you do is download the designs, print them off on high quality paper, cut them out and create your red, white and blue party decor. There are even free invitations that coordinate with the collection.

Paper and Pigtails

Another designer, Paper and Pigtails is offering up free 4th of July decorations to help make your party more patriotic. This freebie includes four sets of red, white and blue circles that can be used as cupcake toppers or favor tags. If you want a more complete party set, check out the designers’ Etsy shop where you can pick up the 4th of July Party Pack for $10 which includes water bottle labels and even snack cups.

Martha Stewart July 4th Clip Art

Martha Stewart is the queen of holiday crafts. And she wouldn’t leave you hanging this 4th of July! Head over to MarthaStewart.com for a complete selection of free printable Independence Day crafts. You’ll find step-by-step instructions for making elaborate looking tissue fireworks and printable center medallions. Martha will help you with even the smallest details like patriotic ice cream cone wrappers and napkin rings.