Thanks to the Department of Health & Human Services, September is known as the official National Yoga Month. Offering a wealth of health benefits, people use this month to create an awareness of the practice. To celebrate National Yoga Month, consider spreading the word and cheer with related gifts. The following suggestions:

Personalized Yoga Mat

YogaMatic allows you to have the image of your choice transferred onto a yoga mat that uses flexible, water-based Dri-Touch inks that are free of solvents. As a result, the finish is odor free and non-toxic. This personalized yoga gift also makes a great present for a birthday or Christmas.  The company also offers pilates mats and other personalized yoga accessories, such as a customized yoga towel.

Yoga Wear

Over the years, the different options in yoga wear has skyrocketed. In an array of colors, sizes and styles, yoga gear offers the likes of V-neck slit tunics, boot cut yoga pants, pleated tanks, cami unitards, yoga shorts, hooded shirts, and cotton inversion shorts. To get started, browse the selection at Gaiam – a website that concentrates on yoga clothing, products and accessories.

Yoga DVD

For the loved one that likes to exercise in the comfort of their own home, a yoga DVD makes an inexpensive gesture for National Yoga Month. For beginners, consider a kit that comes with a DVD, such as  The FIRM’s Beginner Yoga Kit. For a challenge, Power Yoga Total Body Workout DVD with Rodney Yee comes highly recommended.

Water Bottle

Allow the personality of your loved one to shine through when you give the gift of water…as in a new water bottle. Replace an old favorite or provide an extra bottle that delivers clean, filtered water. For example, Hydros bottles come equipped with a quick filtering top. Seek out colorful BPA-free plastics or opt for one made out of decorative stainless steel.

Subscription to a Yoga Class

Introduce a loved one to the relaxation and flexibility that comes with yoga. Give a gift that allows them to pay a visit to the local gym, which typically offers a handful of yoga classes to meet various levels of ability. Yoga classes are perfect for relieving stress and keeping the mind and body active.

What gift do you get the loved one who dabbled in a high school band, dreamed of becoming a rock star, or simply has a passion for strumming his or her own tunes? Guitar players come in all shapes and sizes with varying levels of enthusiasm. To give a gift that speaks to their talents and interests, consider the following suggestions:

Personalized Guitar Pick

Guitar players use picks to work their magic. This small flat tool is used to pluck or strum the instrument. Picks come in a variety of styles and colors – fashioned out of rubber, plastic, wood, metal, glass, stone, and tortoiseshell. Some picks are made with custom designs that you can choose as a gift for a guitar player. For a personalized pick, consider the services of the Pickfactory, which prints logos, text, and signatures on picks. They also offer digitally printed photo picks.

Music-Related Jewelry

From the treble G-clef to music notes, it’s pretty easy to find music-related jewelry for the guitar lover. An example includes this Guitar Necklace with pewter cast and plated in 24k gold. For the electric guitar player, consider this Silver and Black Necklace with crystal accents for an affordable price. Necklaces and pendants are quite popular, but you may also consider guitar earrings and rings.

Personalized Guitar Strap

A guitar strap makes it easier for a player to create music for longer periods of time. Gift a strap that highlights the personality of your loved one or friend. Some straps offer vibrant hues, while others concentrate on sophisticated embellishments. Choose materials and colors that fit their energy. Some of the customized features to consider for your gift include:

• Saddle stitching by hand
• Handmade leather straps
• Personalized with name or initials
• Pattern strap features, such as intricate floral designs

Music Memorabilia

When you are familiar with the favorite guitar players, bands, songs, and other music-related interests of your loved one, it’s easier to expand the creativity of your gift ideas. Vintage posters, concert tickets, autographed pictures, sheet music, and framed magazine covers are just some of the gifts you may consider.

Vintage Guitar

For the collector in your family, there are plenty of opportunities to find a vintage piece of equipment to brighten their day. To browse acoustic beauties to older electric models, pay a visit to the local pawn shop, music shop, or online site, such as eBay.  A few less expensive vintage gift ideas for guitar players include picks, cases, and straps.

A gift of a the written word is a great literary treasure. It is both artistic and personal, at the same time!

TYPES OF BOOKS

There are various types of books you can use such as notebooks, journals, or a mini book. A small individual book is unique in its pocket size quality. A journal is a daily record of personal experiences. Keeping a notebook is beneficial for organizing your ideas to be used by others. One unique characteristic you can add to the side of the pages is an antique look by having the edges rough instead of completely smooth. Lastly, you should put the person’s name on the inside the of the book cover to personalize it.

WRITINGS AND THOUGHTS

There are a few things you can offer to write about for your special someone. They are recipes, poetry, or stories about your memories pertaining to special events and occasions. It can be journal or diary like as you jot down all of your thoughts.

Recipes can be for dinner entrees or for baking desserts. Poems can be heartfelt and express your inner most thoughts and feelings towards your receiver, whether the rhyme or not. Lastly, simply tell your history is loving. It paints a picture in the individuals mind that is more precious that anything you could have purchased at any retail store.

FINAL DETAILS

Since the book is a square shape, you can wrap it perfectly. Then, take a bow and tie it in the center.

Reaching a golden anniversary in a relationship means that a couple’s marriage has lasted for 50 years – making it a truly special milestone to celebrate. As the name suggests, gold plays an important role in gift giving for this life achievement, as it is a traditional and contemporary color and material. Gold is associated with optimism and wealth. It is certainly an eye-catching metal, and is also strong and resistant to corrosion. When choosing a gift for a golden anniversary, consider the following suggestions:

Golden Rings

There are many different ways to choose an anniversary gift that incorporates golden rings. Perhaps you could choose an alluring pair of gold napkin rings, matching gold rings with one another’s birthstone, gold hoop earrings for the lady, or matching gold ring necklace pendants.

Golden Topaz Jewelry

If you’d like to choose a golden-colored gemstone to dazzle your dear, consider the golden topaz, which is used in meditation circles for its calming and energizing properties. Consider a pair of dangling earrings or a customized ring.

Gold Trimmed Gifts

For the couple that enjoys entertaining guests or the finer things in life, choose a gift that allows a golden anniversary couple to decorate their dinner table using china and/or crystal with a gold trim. If they take pleasure in the occasional bubbly beverage, gold-rimmed champagne glasses make another delightful gift idea.

A Bouquet of Violets

The flower associated with a 50th anniversary is the violet. Therefore, gifting a bouquet is a nice way to say ‘I love you.’ You may also incorporate the bloom into other golden anniversary gestures, such as a violet-colored silk scarf, homemade dinner with violets at the center of the table, a collection of violet-scented candles, or a perfume with a flowery scent.

Embroidered Item

A popular gift idea for golden anniversary couples is to commemorate their lifelong love with a personalized present. Use the name, date of marriage, and other sentimental details to create a unique gift. For example, PersonalizationMall.com offers the snuggle-inducing Our Golden Anniversary Wedding Bells Afghan – made from 100% cotton and using gold thread to highlight significant information.

A Tree

Plant a tree in honor of your 50 years together and decorate with golden ribbons.

Golden Photo Album or Scrapbook

Fifty years together produces a never-ending wealth of memories. Choose a golden photo album for the assemblage of photos and other details of a marriage. Add wedding announcements, movie ticket stubs, play bills, vacation snapshots, birthday cards, handwritten notes, and newspaper clippings to create an unforgettable remembrance.

Grandparents and cookie aficionados love stashing their sweet treats and other goodies in a cookie jar. This vessel of happy memories dates back to the end of the 18^th century, when Britain introduced the first “biscuit jar.” Originally, they were made out of glass and had metal lids. Very early cookie jars were cylinder and decorated with painted flower or leaf imagery. Cookie jar styles of today have certainly come a long way.

Character Cookie Jar

From Betty Boop to Walt Disney personalities, your loved one can place their favorite character on top of their kitchen counter.  For example, the  Dr Seuss 100th Anniversay Cake Cookie Jar (shown above) comes in a colorful box – fit for adults and children alike. Other Dr. Seuss-inspired cookie jar ideas include the Limited Edition Cat in a Hat Cookie Jar, Dr. Seuss – Cat In The Hat Cookie Jar, and the Dr. Seuss the Grinch Limited Edition Cookie Jar for Christmas.

Animal Cookie Jar

How many kitchens have you seen with rooster kitchen décor? This particular animal has also been a popular choice in cookie jars – joining a wide range of wild and furry creatures. Use what you know about a loved one’s favorite animal to choose the perfect cookie jar. A couple of animal-themed cookie jars to consider include the Toby The Frog/Toad Cookie Jar and Chester The Cat/Kitty Cooky Jar.

Antique Cookie Jar

If you have a collector of antiques in your family, then a vintage cookie jar could become the latest addition to their treasures. Stoneware pottery jars often display interesting techniques of the past – dating back to the 1930s. Cookie jars in the shape of animals were very popular when they first came out – especially roosters, cows and birds. Other gift ideas for antique cookie jars include vintage milk wagons, Nestle Toll House themes, and clowns. A good place to search for antique cookie jars is eBay.

Holiday Cookie Jar

During the holidays, sweet treats are abundant with pumpkin heads and chubby Santas play an important role in kitchen decor. To get your loved one in the celebratory spirit, gift a holiday-themed cookie jar. There are many choices to consider, such as the Disney Jack Skellington Cookie Jar for Halloween or the humorous Santa Doesn’t Count Calories Cookie Jar for Christmas.

Personalized Cookie Jar

With the Baked With Love© Personalized Cookie Jar, you can choose from six imprint colors to match their favorite color or kitchen décor. There are even personalized cookie jars that allow you to add the images of loved ones right onto the container. The Photo Sweet Treats© Personalized Cookie Jar allows you to upload any color or black/white photo. Any message can be added above and below the photo to create a customized cookie jar – perfect for Grandma or Grandpa.

In the spirit of the current back-to-school season, ensure the teacher in your life is off to a good start when you choose appropriate gifts and keepsakes. Whether guiding kindergarteners towards their ABCs or grooming tomorrow’s lawyers, doctors and scientists – teachers need a little pick-me-up every now and then. The start of a new school year poses the perfect opportunity to show you care. A couple of gift ideas for teachers include:

Candy Apples

Young students have been decorating the desks of their teachers with apples for quite some time. However, the more current twist on this thoughtful gesture is to shower a loved one with the delicious sweetness of candy apples.

Neck and Back Pillow

Let your loved one steal away a relaxing moment in-between class or while waiting for students to finish up a test with a neck or back pillow for their chair. There are a lot of different kinds of pillows that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. For example, the Lumbar Cushion is molded to curve around the sides of the back. A neck or back pillow also comes in handy at home when the school day has come to a close.

Gift Baskets for Teacher

When creating a gift basket for a teacher, consider the power of relaxing goodies, such as bath salts, aromatherapy candles, scented lotions, bubble bath, and moisturizing glycerin soaps. It’s easy to create your own gift basket with the above suggestions. Choose lavender scents (seen in the Renewal Spa Relaxing Lavender Bath and Body Set Gift Basket ) to promote relaxation, while grapefruit offers an uplifting burst of energy. If you’re on a budget, discount stores offer basket fillers for $1 in a variety of sizes, shapes and scents.

Customized Mug

From their favorite pet to the smiling faces of their own kids, gift the coffee-drinking teacher with a mug customized with a thoughtful picture.

Personalized Frame

A personalized picture frame allows loved ones to stay close to a teacher throughout the day. Choose an inspirational quote or customize with your own memorable words. Another photo gift for teachers is the wooden To Love You© Personalized Photo Cube, which allows you to customize with names and a verse of your own. This gift is especially special for teachers just starting out in the wonderful world of education – gives them something thoughtful that dresses up their first desk.

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.

With the Augusta Masters just around the corner, there’s going to be a lot of amateur golfers polishing off their golf clubs and sitting wide-eyed in front of the television to catch all the action. This is the ideal time to give an impromptu gift to celebrate the beginning of spring, which brings warmer weather – perfect for getting back into the swing of things. Gifts for the amateur golfer in your life may include:

Samsonite Golf Trunk Organizer

When making the trip to a golf course, there are a lot of pieces of equipment, tools, gadgets, and clothing often included in a day at the greens. Things can get a little messy while on the road. However, with the golf trunk organizer, there are two levels of space and a top mesh section for easy storage. Comprised of durable ripstop polyester with waterproof backing, movable dividers also hold shirts, jackets, and pants. In the bottom level, you can insert up to three pairs of shoes. Other features include pockets and sections to store small accessories, money, eyeglasses, cell phone, tees, gloves, and snacks.

Personalized Golf Club Markers

It happens to the best of golfers – placing a club in a bag other than their own. However, with monogrammed golf club markers, you won’t have to worry about your golf club not finding its way back to you. Personalized ClubLinks™ easily insert into most golf clubs and are removable for when you change clubs.

Purchase a 15-piece set for a relative or friend, which includes 14 engraved ClubLinks™ and one free matching Ballmarker. Packaged in a white gift box, choose between black with silver engraving, and silver or gold with black engraving – which includes full names, 2 or 3 initial monograms, and phone numbers.

Nike Tour 2 Mixed Recycled B-Grade Professional Golf Balls

For the amateur golfer who supports eco-friendly initiatives, a 60-ball pack of recycled B-grade Nike golf balls are ideal for a mid to high handicapper. Since each ball is in fair to good condition, they don’t have to worry about wasting money on expensive golf balls. Perfect for long hours of practice – many of the balls are slightly off color or show signs of scuffing. A mixed bag comes in a reusable mesh drawstring carrier holding 30 each.

Golf Books

From improving your stance to highlighting the best places to play, there is no end to the kinds of golfing books you can purchase as a gift. If you’re looking for a title that helps lower scores and increases the power of a swing, choose something like “The Best Instruction Book Ever!“: Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers Show You the Fastest Ways to Shoot Lower Scores! Packed with simple tips on improving a golf game, the book offers suggestions for better driving, chipping, putting, and iron play. After your amateur golfer gains confidence in their game, select Fifty Places to Play Golf Before You Die Book as another gift – perfect for planning a golf trip to explore some of the most popular courses around the world.

Good times with the color green and shamrocks are just around the corner, meaning it’s time to shower family and friends who absolutely love celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with gifts. Not only is the holiday a time to rejoice the feast day of St. Patrick, but to also indulge in all things green and Irish – from dyed beer to parading down streets decorated with green stripes. If you’re looking for Irish gift ideas, consider the following personalized items from PersonalizationMall.com that add a unique touch:

Irish Cheer© Personalized Pocket Flask

The Irish Cheer© Pocket Flask allows St. Patrick’s Day celebrators to toast in style with a gift comprised of stainless steel and decorated with the traditional shamrock. Any name is hand etched on the flask, which features elaborate detail and a brushed finish base. The attached cap makes the flask easy to open and close when stowing away 8 fluid ounces of your favorite drink.

Old Irish Pub© Personalized Slate Plaque

Perfect for game rooms, dens, basements, bar rooms, and private ‘man caves,’ a personalized Irish pub plaque accommodates the man or woman who enjoys dedicating their relaxing spaces to their Irish heritage. Using hand-cut, fine-grained slate, the plaque is fashioned out of naturally weather-resistant stone. Since the plaque is washable and resistant to Mother Nature, it makes a decent gift for indoor and outdoor use. To make this a one-of-a-kind gift, include any family name. Other personalized Irish pub items to consider:

Coasters: Customized coasters with any name placed into the design add a special touch. A set of 4 coasters offer a laminated front with cork backing, which effectively protects furniture. When not in use, an included natural wood caddy helps store and display coasters.

Doormat: There’s nothing like welcoming family and friends with a personalized doormat displaying any name added to the design. PersonalizationMall.com mats are fade and mildew resistant – easily cleanable with mild liquid soap and water.

Irish Fancy Pants© Embroidered Diaper Cover

Outfit the little lady in your life with Embroidered Baby Bloomers personalized with a first name and accompanying emerald green shamrock. The diaper cover fashionably offers a cotton/poly blend with embroidered eyelet trim at the leg opening. A soft elastic waist caps off the pants.

Lucky Dog© Personalized Dog Bandana

If you’re planning on taking Fido to a St. Patrick’s Day parade, a personalized Lucky Dog^© Irish Bandana helps he or she blend in with the festivities. Made with 100% cotton and printed with full color detail, PersonalizationMall.com dog bandanas offer a convenientwhich avoids the hassle of tying knots. Fitting any sized dog, the bandana measures 19″W x 12″L. Placed in the center, bandanas feature the dog’s name on a bone. Add any title to complete the design.

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.