Tired of giving chocolates, roses and teddy bears every February 14? Break out of the Valentine’s Day hum-drum and give your sweetie something truly original. Here’s a whole list of Valentine gift ideas that they won’t soon forget.

Cupcake of the Month

Sign your sweetheart up for the cupcake of the month club. It’s a gift that keeps on giving so there is no way they’ll forget how much you love them. Every month they’ll receive a yummy treat: two cupcakes in a jar from the Bangerang Bake Shop. And if you’re lucky maybe they’ll share one with you!

Love Print

Give your honey this “Love Candy” print and let them hang it prominently in your home. That way they’ll remember how much they are loved all year long– not just on V-Day.

Plant a Tree

Mark your growing love by planting a tree in your yard, your favorite park or somewhere special. Watch the tree grow over the years, just as your love grows.

Love Pencils

These lovely pencils from Olive Manna feature phrases like “Love is Patient & Kind” and “Love is Like the Morning Mist.” Pick up a set of three for just $4 and your special someone will think of you with every word they write.

Coupon Book

Get crafty and make your Valentine a coupon book. Make sure each coupon is something they will appreciate. Let them cash in a coupon each month for the next year.

The Five Love Languages

Pick up a copy of The Five Love Languages and give it to your Valentine. Don’t let the gift end there– commit to reading it together and figuring out what each of your love languages are. Then determine how you can speak your sweetie’s language of love.

Reasons I Love You Stones

Pick up a bag of stones from RedEnvelope.com. Each one is etched with a reason for your love. Messages include “I love you… for always getting my jokes” and “I love you…because you’re an inspiration.” Or you could use this idea as inspiration for making your own list of reasons you love your significant other.

An Unforgettable Experience

Shared experiences can help a couple draw closer together. Give your Valentine an experience they’ve always dreamed of like riding in a race car or floating in a hot air balloon. And make sure it’s something you can enjoy together.

Their Name in a Book

Well-known author Karen Kingsbury is giving fans a chance to be in her next book. Anyone who donates a minimum of $100 to the Kate McRae Fund can have their name or the name of someone they love acknowledged in the book where Kate will be a character. Not only will you be supporting this little girl’s battle with cancer, but you’ll be giving your Valentine a memorable gift.

Living in loveliness sets the stage for a beautiful life…

For Valentine’s Day, I want to help spread the Love that I have for the romantic luxury soy candles created by Aglow Eco Living. These candles have gained popularity for their unique personal style and amazing scents.

There are letters for every name and symbols from peace to love – crowns, cross, stars and more. Each one is decadent with hand-strung crystal beading. The love  for these “bling” inspired creations is also shared by celebrities, brides, event planners, home decorators, and ordinary folks like me who just appreciate nice things!

Here is what you will REALLY love: Aglow will donate 15% to  LOVE OUR CHILDREN USA with the purchase of any of their products from the LOVE Collection through March 31st. This is a wonderful non profit organization whose mission is to protect children from domestic violence.

Each item in the LOVE Collection is handcrafted, reusable, made from recycled glass and paper and formulated with soy and essential oil fragrances.

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With millions of pet owners stretching across the world, the number of thoughtful, creative, and useful gifts for dog lovers is endless. When it comes to pleasing some family and friends, putting Fido first is a must.
Including pets into your gift-giving plans will send a message that you’ve gone the extra mile to care about the same things they do. It doesn’t take much to satisfy a dog lover – consider the following gifts:

Picture Frame

What better gift for a dog lover than to have a friendly reminder of the slobbery welcome or boundless ball of energy waiting for their return home. Choose a dog-themed picture frame to liven up an office setting, such as the Bone Shape Paw Prints Photo Frame or Man’s Best Friend© Personalized Frame, which offers an easel back design for table top display.

Calendar

Calendars with dog themes come dime a dozen, but for computer savvy family and friends, choose a Design your own Pet Calendar, which creates an 11″ x 17″ durable wall calendar with a plastic spine. With adorable pet photos and drawings, use Art Pages and markers to decorate each month of the year. The set shown comes with the choice to send materials in for production or use digital photos and provided Internet drawing tools to make an entire calendar online.

Relaxing Collar

For the dog lover whose recently welcomed a new furry addition to the family, make the transition less stressful by gifting the D.A.P. (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) Collar, which actually mimics the pheromone that mother dogs produce to calm and comfort her puppies. The collar comes in two sizes: Puppy/Small (for up to 15-inch necks) and Medium/Large (for up to 25-inch necks).

Cups and Mugs

For those who need coffee to jumpstart their morning, cups and mugs highlighting pet breeds make a popular present for dog lovers. This personalized Stainless Steel Travel Mug comes in 84 unique breed designs with scripted names in red. Commuters will appreciate this travel mug that holds nearly 2 cups of coffee. For office and home drinkers, Personalization Mall also offers an equally pleasing White Ceramic Coffee Mug with an artistic sketch of specified dog breeds.

All-Natural Snacks

If you’re looking for an item to include in a gift basket for dog lovers, consider healthy treats for their faithful companion. For example,  Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats offers a wholesome blend of natural ingredients in their Chicken, Peanut Butter, and Salmon treats. This made-in-the-USA product uses meats, grains, fruits and vegetables to create semi-moist mini-treats – only 2 calories – meaning the snacks accommodate the diet of pooches of all sizes. No artificial colors, flavors or additives – just a combination of high-quality proteins and grains that pack a satisfying boost of vitamins and minerals.

Christmas Character Mugs

Grab your favorite holiday character and enjoy a mug filled with something warm and delicious on a cold winter night. Choose snowman penguin Santa or reindeer design. You can personalize your mugs with any name up to 9 characters. Ceramic mugs hold 14 oz. Hand wash.

Price: $4.98 each or $19.97 for a set of 4.

 

Snowman and Snowflakes Soap Gift Set

Our favorite winter soap gift set from MagicSenses.com: a cute little snowman and two beautiful snowflakes in an elegant, branded gift box. It makes the perfect Christmas gift.

Handcrafted from vegetable glycerin soap.

Price: $17

 

 

Snowman Aprons (set of 2)

Delightful mother-and-daughter aprons are ideal for holiday baking! 100% cotton aprons with cute snowman appliqués.

Buy separately or save $1.99 and buy both. Machine wash. Imported.

Price $26.99

 

 

 

 

Snowman Bathroom Set

Dress your toilet in holiday style with this plush 100% acrylic lid cover and contour rug. Rug with non-skid backing is 22″ x 23 1/2″; lid cover is 15″ x 16 1/2″; with elastic anchors fits standard lids. Machine wash. 2-piece set.

Price: $21.99

 

 

 

 

 
Ty® Snow Much Love Personalized Snowman

Let this lovable plush snowman warm your heart this holiday season. He’s dressed for winter weather in his soft blue fleece hat with white yarn pom-pom and shimmering velvet swirl trim and coordinating scarf. An ice blue t-shirt completes the look – perfect to enjoy and snuggle with during the holidays and all year through!

It measures a full 14″ long featuring movable arms and legs. His plump little tummy and super soft fur makes him perfect for snuggling all year through! Features a bean bag bottom, hands and feet as well as bead eyes and a 3-D plush “carrot nose.”

Price: $24.50
 

Snowman Family Kitchen Personalized Cutting Board

Make the Holidays and family get togethers extra special with this gift. Your finest Christmas dinner will carve to perfection on this unique and colorful Personalized Snow Family Cutting Board. This heat resistant glass cutting surface is dish washer safe. Includes self-adhesive rubber feet. You can even personalize it by choosing a custom message on top and bottom.

Price: $32.95

 

 

Snowman Clock

Large clock on wooden base has easy-to-read numbers. Snowman sports a fleecy white body. Runs on 1 AA battery; not included. 12″ x 18″.

Price: $14.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

SnowmanChristmas Stocking

Make Santa’s job a little easier with Christmas stockings! A great way to make each child feel extra special, these stockings make great gifts, too. 100% polyester; 20″ long.

Price: $8

This Holiday season, we decided to write about some of the nicest holiday candles out there. Before we start, I must say this: it was hard to choose!

Elegant Monogram© Personalized Candle Set

Accent any home with the elegant look and scent of natural, vegetable based, monogrammed candles.

This luxurious 2 candle set is carved with any name or monogram in your choice of 11 styles for a truly unique look.

Each candle is delicately infused with your choice of 2 soothing scents – green or orange tea. Choose to have both candles in the same scent or one of each.

Price: $44.95

 

Carved Solutions, Custom Carved, Vermont Made Candles

Each Vermont made, hand poured candle slowly melts (tunnels) into itself as it burns illuminating the carving and creating the perfect holder for a tea light. That means the carved candle is yours to enjoy for years to come. It’s the perfect keepsake!

These luxurious candles are carved from 100% palm wax, with all cotton wicks. The tantalizing scent (100% pure essential oils) is gentle yet uplifting with relaxing notes-a true aromatherapy experience! With their beautiful aesthetics and enchanting fragrance, Carved Solutions candles are enjoyed by all-a must have!

Personalize with a simply elegant initial, classic monogram or spoil with a family name, graphic or even a custom logo. Imagine the appreciation from the receiver knowing you truly thought specifically of them! With our 24-48 hour turn-around time giving “personal” is easy!

Price: $15 – $80

 

Clear Candle

Clear Candle features refillable, burnable white mineral oil candles art made right here in the USA. Made with edible grade mineral oil and zinc wicks! Zinc wicks are lead-free the candles are wax-free, toxin-free, soot-free & worry-free!!! We use real roses, orchids, fruit & foliage.

Our favorites: Apple pie, Tangerine, & Honeydew!

Elegant candles for exquisite lifestyles… Giving light & art for a lifetime!

Price: $20 and up

 

Shine Vanilla & Peppermint Holiday Candle

Celebrate the Holiday Season with HollyBeth’s SHINE Vanilla & Peppermint Candle – a relaxing blend that combines the sweetness of Vanilla with the fresh crisp tones of Peppermint. Made from 100% eco-friendly soy wax and infused with essential oils HollyBeth’s SHINE Vanilla & Peppermint Candle is hand-poured and contains no petroleum products, synthetic fragrances, boosters or colorants.

Cool and refreshing Peppermint Oil stimulates the mind and increases focus while the rich sweet aroma of Vanilla Oil is calming and soothing, aiding relaxation and creating a peaceful environment. Both bouquets harmonize to promote health, healing and happiness.

Price: $20

 

Ocean Bay

Ocean Bay Candle Company makes going green an easy process. Their soy candles are non-toxic and leave behind 90% less soot than your typical candle, so there will no longer be black walls or ceilings for you to stress about. They also burn longer, even, and are scented throughout. You can’t be wrong when going green, so start using Ocean Bay Candle Company’s scented soy candles. They are a perfect gift for yourself or the candle lover you know.

Price: $15.95 – $19.95

 

Christmas Tree Candles

Light these decorative Christmas Tree candles (from Hudson Goods) on your table or mantle and enjoy the holidays. They come in sets of two. (5w x 9h)

USE PROMOTION CODE 400

Price: $29

 

 

All these candles make great stocking stuffers, host gifts or “just because” gifts.

Make Baby's First Christmas Memorable. photo courtesy of Raphael Goetter

Is there a new bundle of joy in  your life this Christmas? Celebrate this special gift with the perfect gift that marks baby’s first Christmas in a memorable way. When that little boy or girl grows up they’ll appreciate the gift used to welcome their arrival into your lives during this very special time of year.

Christmas Ornament

Of course a Christmas ornament is a great way to mark this special arrival and to celebrate baby’s first Christmas. Lenox.com offers a great selection of keepsake Christmas ornaments that can be personalized with the baby’s date of birth. Also, check out SantasOrnamentShop.com for dozens of styles of ornaments that can all be personalized.

Baby Long Johns

Get your new addition some adorable red baby long johns from RedEnvelope.com. The outfit features a traditional back flap and buttons down the front. The PJ’s can be personalized with up to two lines of text such as “my first Christmas.”

Photo Book

Make a photo book that your new addition will be able to look back on for years to come. Include snapshots from their first holiday season. Use promo code “photobooks” to get 25% off and receive free shipping at SeeHere.com.

Christmas Stocking

Baby will definitely need a Christmas stocking to hang on the fireplace mantel. Pick up a special one that will always be known as their first Christmas stocking. Home-n-Gifts.com has a cute, pastel stocking for just $3.95, or you can use these instructions from Better Homes and Gardens and make your own.

Baby Casting Kit

Preserve those little hands or feet forever with a Baby Casting Kit from CastingGifts.com. Choose between metallic gold, pearl, champagne or bronze. Your kit includes enough material to make multiple molds of baby’s hands and feet to create ornaments or shadow box designs.

Save-the-Date Necklace

Celebrate the special day of your little one’s arrival with this Mark  Your Calendar silver necklace. It includes a rhinestone marking on the date of the new baby’s birth and is a gift any new mother would love.

Find the Perfect Gift for Shoe Lovers (image courtesy of doug88888)

Shoe lovers are fairly easy to recognize– they’ve got a wide variety of footwear, they always head to the shoe department first and they’ve usually got big closets. If you’ve got a shoe lover in your life, here’s a little help for finding them the perfect gift.

Cedar Shoe Tree

Shoe lovers love caring for their prized collection. Give them elegant cedar shoe trees from the Cedarville Store. They are ergonomically designed, hand-crafted and hand-sanded. Choose between different styles and sizes.

Foot Petals

If you love shoes sometimes you’re willing to wear an uncomfortable pair in the name of style. Give the shoe lover in your life something to make their collection more comfortable– Foot Petals. They prevent feet from sliding forward, stop toe crunch and keep calluses from forming. Plus they’re virtually invisible and they fit in all women’s shoes.

Shoe Calendar

Shoes can be a form of art which is obvious in this 2010 Shoes Gallery Calendar. Any shoe lover will appreciate the beauty of glorious footwear found page-after-page. From suede sandals to peep-toe pumps, they’re all in here.

Charm Bracelet

For those who believe you can never have too many pairs of shoes, this fun shoe charm bracelet may be the perfect gift. The bracelet features Swarovski crystals on 13 unique shoe charms– each engraved with “feelings” to compliment their style.

High Heel Cookie Cutter

It doesn’t get any cuter than this high heel cookie cutter from coppergifts.com. This way your shoe loving friend can cook up a new batch of shoes whenever they’re in the mood.

High Heel Cake Server

For the shoe lover with a sweet tooth, you can choose a high heel cake server. There are quite a few colors and designs available. Some of the cake servers can even be personalized. 

Gift Certificate

It goes without saying that the perfect gift for a shoe lover may just be the ability to buy more shoes. Give them a gift certificate to their favorite shoe store and they’ll adore the permission slip to find another pair of perfect pumps.

Gift Wrap

And no matter what you end up giving the shoe lover on your gift list, make sure you wrap it up in this shoe wrapping paper. They’ll appreciate your attention to detail every step of the way!

Add Spice to the Dull Dorm Room- Image courtesy of bonimo

Going off to college is an adventure of many different kinds: socially, academically, and aesthetically. Dorm rooms can be just about the ugliest, most sterile places on the planet– excluding of course solitary confinement at the state penitentiary. Make sure the college freshman in your life doesn’t have to experience that kind of torture. Send them off to school with some great gifts that will spice up any dorm room.

Wall Decals

Help them add some sophistication to their dorm room with a Blik wall decal. Even if they don’t have room for a headboard, chandelier or floor lamp, they can have one that adds color and art to the room. The wall decals go on easily and come off easily, too.

Chalk Board

It may seem a little elementary for a college dorm room, but it’s way cuter than a white board. Pick up one of these chalkboard writing slates so they can leave their roommate notes or jot down homework reminders. Make sure you include some chalk.

Battery Operated Candle

Chances are open flames aren’t allowed in that dorm room. But that doesn’t mean candles are completely banned. Pick up a battery operated scented candle from BatteryOperatedCandles.net. They glow just like a candle and smell just like a candle without the risk of fire.

Throw Pillows

Cute pillows can make a room feel much more homey. This night owl throw pillow available on Etsy pays homage to the wise old owl since after all, your college student is there to learn. These fuzzy fur pillows from JC Penney will give them something to cuddle when they’re feeling homesick.

Curtains

Add curtains to a dorm room and the prison cell suddenly turns into a bed and breakfast. It’s amazing what a little fabric can do! These tuxedo ruffle curtains from Urban Outfitters will add a splash of color and femininity since gray cement block walls give off quite the opposite feeling.

Framed Photos

Nothing adds to a space like photos of your family and friends. Pick out a cute frame or two and some of your favorite photos featuring the newly enrolled college kid. They’ll appreciate the ever-present reminder of the family and friends that are just a phone call away.

Send Them Off With the Perfect Gift. photo courtesy of The Shane H.

They rarely sit still. They love jetting off to new locations. They’d rather be traveling than doing just about anything else. Looking for the perfect gift for the travel buffs in your life? Here are some great options.

Passport Cover

Help them protect their most valuable possession– their passport. Neiman Marcus has great leather passport covers in a rainbow of colors. And their on sale for just $21.90. Pick up a coordinating luggage tag for just $19.90.

Travel Book

Not only does the travel buff love to experience adventure, they like to read about other people’s adventures too. Pick them up a book or two that will keep them traveling even when they’re at home. Author Bill Bryson has some great travel books including The Lost Continent: Travels in Small Town America or Notes from a Small Island.

Travel Pillow

Help your loved one find rest wherever they end up with the NAP Wedge Travel Pillow from Brookstone. At just $25 it’s a great going away gift for a friend or family member. It’s perfect whether they’re hitting the road on a bus or taking to the skies on a flight.

GPS

This isn’t just any GPS unit. The Sony GPS-CS1KASP helps you organize, search and share photos with this portable GPS unit. It will record the time, date and location of your travels and let people track your moves through Google Maps. It’s an especially great gift for friends who travel by bike or motorcycle.

Travel Game

Help your friends and family members stay entertained during long trips with a fun travel game. Barnes and Noble has a great selection of travel games for players of all ages. Popular games include Boggle, Family Feud or Loaded Questions.

Journal

Encourage the avid traveler in your life to write down the stories of their adventures in a travel journal. Select one that reflects their personal style or the locations they love the most. Make sure it’s lightweight enough so they can take it with them wherever they go.

For more gift ideas for the travel buffs in your life, please visit Vera Bradley, Travelers Choice Collection from Luggage Online, PersonalizationMall or Things Remembered.

Say Thank You to Your Wedding Party: Image courtesy of Corey Ann

They spend big bucks on dresses they’ll only wear once. They travel to far off places. They wear uncomfortable shoes just for you. There’s no denying that committing to be in a bridal party takes a lot of of time and money. So how can you possibly say thank you to your friends for agreeing to be a part of your big day? Easy! Give them a great gift! Here are a few ideas.

Scrapbook

If you’re full of gratitude but short on cash, try making members of your bridal party a personal scrapbook. Pick up small blank books at a craft store and fill them with colorful paper and photos of the two of you. Include a heart-felt letter of appreciation and you’ll have them gushing.

Gift Card

Alternatively, if you’re full of gratitude, but short on time, do yourself a favor and pick up a gift card. Choose stores that you know your wedding party members shop at frequently. Include a thoughtful note or card and you’re good to go. Your bridal party will look forward to having some money to spend after shelling out big bucks for your wedding.

Localized Gift Pack

Are your bridesmaids and groomsmen coming in from out of town? Give them a collection of local goodies from where the wedding is happening. Examples would be local food, a beach towel, books or souvenirs.

Tickets

Give your wedding party tickets to something great. Is there a show they’ve been wanting to see? Perhaps they’re big sports fans? Either way, a ticket to an event is a great way to say thanks. They’ll have another fun activity to look forward to besides your wedding.

Picture Frame

You know that after your wedding they’ll have lots of great frameable photos so give them a frame. That way they’ll be ready to display all the cute shots from your wedding. Wedding Frames are universal gifts that just about everyone can appreciate.