Daily Journal

The market is filled with journals and sketch pads decorated with sunflowers and the vibrant blue/yellow colors of Starry Night.

Sunflowers Gardening Gift Basket

Use faux sunflowers to decorate a gift basket for a gardening enthusiast that includes packets of seeds with gloves, trowel, shovel, and hand rake. Other items to consider: sun hat, lemonade mix, luxurious hand soap, and hand shears. Instead of using a basket to pack the gifts, think outside the box – such as arranging items in a watering can or gardening tote.

Sunflower Jewelry

The bright colors of sunflower jewelry (like this fashionable cuff by DBK Design Arts) add a splash of yellow to outfits with accessories that demand attention. For a pricier gesture, seek out earrings or a pendent with petals made out of gold and a center filled with diamonds.

Van Gogh Sunflowers Colored Pencil Set

“Sunflowers” was the first of a series of still-life oil paintings that Van Gogh created with variations of three or fifteen flowers. At Shakespeare’s Den, you can find a delightful gift for art lovers with the “Sunflowers” Colored Pencil Set. With six different colors (black, white, blue, red, yellow, and green) measuring 3 ½” long, this decorative set is perfect for Van Gogh fans, sunflower lovers, and budding artists.

Van Gogh Irises Art Tote Bag

To carry the beauty of Van Gogh’s work wherever you go, the Van Gogh Irises Art Tote Bag is sold on ArtistGifts.com and pays homage to the artist’s painting, Garden of Irises. You can also pair with a matching mini umbrella of the same print.

This post was written by Yona Williams.

What is an E-Reader?

An e-reader (or e-book reader) is a portable electronic device that is made for the purpose of reading digital publications – such as books and periodicals. This type of reader is quite similar to that of a tablet computer, but is limited to the kinds of functions a user is permitted to perform. An electronic paper technology using ‘electronic ink’ creates enhanced readability on the screens. Other advantages include a longer battery life and ability to read in bright sunlight conditions.

Some of the most popular e-readers to consider for a gift include:

• Amazon Kindle – Amazon.com is considered one of the most popular e-readers on the market with a line of products that offers an array of convenient features. The wireless connectivity allows users to shop for, download, browse and read e-books, magazines, and newspapers. The first Kindle was introduced in 2007 with the larger-screened DX model released in 2009. The Kindle Fire not only acts as a reader, but also acts like a tablet computer.
• Barnes & Noble Nook – The Barnes & Noble brand of e-readers was based on using an Android platform that originally launched in 2009. The original device included both Wi-Fi and AT&T 3G wireless connectivity. The latest models of Nook include the Nook Color with a color LCD screen and the Nook Simple Touch.
• Sony Reader – Sony released the first in their line of e-readers in 2006, which have evolved over the years. Current models need no power to maintain a static image and offers portrait and landscape orientation. The reader also has the capability of displaying Adobe PDFs, RSS newsfeeds, JPEGs, and can even play MP3 audio files.
• Kobo – Kobo e-readers offer Wireless and Touch models. With the Kobo Touch model comes with an infrared touch-screen interface that retails around $129.99. The device offers 1GB of memory (or around 1,000 books), where you can also use up to 32GB SD card to expand your collection.
• Pandigital – What started as a company that focused on manufacturing digital photo frames, now offers a line of e-readers, such as the Pandigital Novel Digital Book Reader that comes with a 7-inch color screen and Wi-Fi.

Leather Case

For the stylish businessman or-woman, leather cases for the iPad come in an array of colors, including red, blue, purple, pink, brown and black. Some cases provide a convenient built-in stand that makes reading easier, while others simply protect the unit during travel with a secure snap. Some options come with a strap for the shoulder that makes it easier to transport the iPad – especially during times of travel and when attending classes.

Personalized iPad Case

You could also opt to give the gift of a personalized iPad case. With My-Edge, you can design a customized jacket for the iPad, iPad2, e-readers, or other tablet devices. Using interactive design tools, you can import your own photos or select from a gallery of artwork to create a personalized gift for your iPad-owning loved one. If you do not feel like creating your own iPad case as a gift, you can simply purchase one decorated with the first initial of your loved one.

Stylish Earbuds

From Swarovski crystals to the colors of the rainbow, there are endless options for choosing a stylish pair of earbuds to give as a gift.

Touch Screen Stylus

A PDA stylus allows a user to quickly take notes or tap the screen of an iPad when they do not feel like using their finger. For some users, the stylus greatly increases their speed and accuracy when using the tablet. The end of a stylus is made with a soft rubber tip that prevents scratches on the handheld screen. Touch screen stylus also come in different colors, such as red, blue, silver, white, and black. Select this item as a stocking stuffer for Christmas time or filler for a gift basket with an electronics theme.

iPad Keyboard

The iPad comes equipped with a touch screen, but not everyone feels comfortable with this kind of technology and may prefer the function of a keyboard. You may consider purchasing a keyboard dock, wireless keyboard, or a Bluetooth flexible silicon keyboard – many of which offer an ergonomic design that helps prevent strain.

iPad Accessory Bundle

A handful of companies have created bundled packages of goodies for iPad users that may include cases, protection screens, cables, and chargers (for the home and car).

iTunes Gift Card

If you have a music or app fanatic on your hands, perhaps the best thing is to buy an iTunes gift card and let them choose the latest tunes they’d like to listen to on their iPad.

Creative Animal Lawn Decorations

When it comes to Christmas lawn decorations, animals are a favorite option. From panda bears to pigs, you never know what you will find when looking for a gift. Dressed in a Santa coat, the Trim a Home Holiday Pig (shown) offers a shade of pink to the front yard of Christmas light fanatics. The lighted crystal pig is illuminated with the help of 150 clear lights. The lighting effect is enhanced by crystalline spun material that covers the sturdy pre-wired metal frame. The pig is easy to set up and store, and comes with spare fuse and bulbs. You can find this holiday pig at Sears or online, which can be used both indoor and outdoor.

Cartoon Character Christmas Decorations

One of the most popular animated figures to decorate the lawns of holiday decorators comes from Disney, where Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto come to life in lights. Other characters for your lawn include Garfield’s Odie the dog, Snoopy from the Peanuts Gang, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Sports Related Christmas Lights

For the sports fanatic looking for unique ways to express their loyalty, Christmas yard decorations that feature their favorite team in lights would make an exciting gift. There are Christmas lawn decorations that depict sporting scenes, including hockey (like this Ottawa Senators player) and football (like this Georgia Tech player).

Victorian Christmas Light Scene

A lover of Victorian history and literature may enjoy a lighted scene or just one decoration that depicts the time period. Creative Decorating offers lighted Victorian skaters (man, woman, boy and girl), animated horse, and animated carriage. Other animated scenes offered by the website include a waving Santa, three-car train set, and set of Santa and his reindeer.

Other Christmas lights to consider gifting include:

• Toy Soldiers – ChristmasLights.com offers a small (150 bulbs) and large (200 bulbs) toy soldier for fans of the Nutcracker Suite.
• Snowflakes – Creative Decorating offers the elegance of illuminated snowflakes in different shapes and colors, such as warm white (a golden color), pure white and blue.
• Angels – All American Christmas Co. offers a handful of angels – from the LED animated angel spreading her wings to the heralding angel with horn pointed to the sky.

Well, a Serta mattress is a life-changing gift for both you and your significant other. Not only are you getting a gift for him, but you are getting one for yourself. Serta has been the number one mattress company for the last 75 years, and once you feel it you will immediately understand why! This is an ideal gift for him; after a long day of work he can kick back and relax on your amazing new mattress.

Through online shopping sites like ShopNBC you can check out reviews on all the different types of mattresses and find the perfect one for you. For example, The Serta Perfect Sleeper is a top-selling mattress where you can adjust the firmness of your side of the bed with a click of a button. When you order through ShopNBC you will receive a 10-year warranty on your mattress. Ordering this gift is quick, easy and convenient with door-to-door delivery. This holiday, let him pick out his own ties … and spring for a Serta.

Briefcase

When it comes to running a small business, there is a lot of paperwork to keep an eye on. There are contracts to sign and materials to transport for those that attend business meetings. To enhance a professional appearance, a good briefcase does wonders. A few places to shop for briefcases designed for women includes Macy’s, Overstock.com, and eBags. One of our favorites, the McKlein Willow Springs Leather Ladies’ Briefcase (Green) (shown) also comes in orange.

Stylish Laptop Case

Nowadays, a small business owner can run an entire enterprise from in front of their laptop. This portable miracle worker can play an important role in keeping in contact with clients, buying supplies, and updating financial records. This is why it’s important to protect it when on the go, which makes a laptop bag or case a functional gift for businesswomen. For example, Franklin Covey offers a stylish leather laptop case that comes with wheels – perfect for the businesswoman always on the go.

Business Suit

Browse the closet of the small business owner in your life and evaluate their business attire. Do they have at least one good suit? If so, what colors do they lack? Are they in need of an updated look? Keep in mind that different colors send out a variety of messages. Classic colors are black, navy (perfect for business meetings and presentations) and gray. Suits with earth tones convey friendliness and can make unhappy or new clients feel more at ease. If you do not feel comfortable purchasing a business suit for someone else, you can always give a gift certificate to a store that offers business wear for women.

Software Upgrade

There are endless software titles to consider for a small business owner, such as software that keeps people better organized, which can come in handy for someone just starting out. Seek out graphics and illustration software for creative small business owners – think Adobe, Macromedia, and Corel. Allow a loved one to put away scraps of chicken scratch in exchange for budgeting and accounting software, such as Quicken, that helps keep an eye on profits much easier. Other gift ideas include anti-virus programs, Office Suite software, and contact management software.

Office Plant or Tree

Plants and trees can provide a relaxing element in a chaotic, fast-paced atmosphere. If a loved one has an office of their own, brighten their surroundings with an office plant or tree. Ideas include a small bonsai to decorate a desk or a potted eye-catching cactus to take up space in a corner of the room.

Cayetano Legacy Collection, a women’s fashion accessories brand that designs luxury statement jewelry pieces using genuine stones such as jade, amethyst, citrine and pearls, was formed in 2011 by sisters Karen Cayetano Leano, Gail Cayetano and Christine Cayetano Brigino, first generation Filipino Americans. With their deep experience in both the business world and fashion industry, they’ve come together to form a brand that not only gives back to the beautiful but third world country of the Philippine Islands by sourcing material from there, but also partners with the country’s programs which train the citizens to construct their designs, effectively creating more jobs to boost its economy.

While the company plans to expand their jewelry offerings with new styles each season, plans are also underway to debut a new handbag line, exclusively sourced and made in the Philippines through the design and manufacturing training programs that CLC supports.

Here are four of their most popular necklaces from their Fall Collection:

Irene

This hand embroidered bib style statement necklace consists of large yellow agate stones surrounded by gold Japanese seed beads. It is enforced with black felt backing. Black ribbon makes this piece adjustable in length.

Price: $179

Norma

This bib necklace consists of multiple gemstones perfect for adding a splash of color to wardrobes. It consists of genuine turquoise, tiger eye, and howlite accented with gold and silver seed beads. Black ribbon makes this piece adjustable in length.

Price: $119

Dominga

This stunningly delicate necklace is comprised of German crystals artistically wired together and draped in a waterfall fashion to bring class to any style. Black ribbon makes this piece adjustable in length.

Price: $169

Melissa

This piece is comprised of brown mother-of-pearl and Swarovski crystals artistically hand-wired into flowers. Myriads of the flowers are draped together to form this eye catching necklace.

Price: $179

All photos courtesy of Cayetano Legacy Collection.

Apple Month

Apple lovers across the nation will rejoice to know that September is Apple Month – a program related to the U.S. Apple Association. Originally started as National Apple Week in 1904, the observance was expanded in 1996 to include a three-month promotional window from September through November. Schedule an apple-picking adventure or gift a gourmet apple pie. Other apple gift ideas include a gift basket of caramel apples, red apple apron, and apple-scented gift soaps. For an extravagant gesture, consider gifting an Apple iPhone, iPod or iPad.

National Sewing Month

Thanks to President Ronald Reagan, National Sewing Month was born in 1982 to recognize “the importance of home sewing to our Nation.” To celebrate this observance, pay attention to the crafters in your life. Challenge their talent with new patterns. Encourage a new project by creating a gift basket filled with needles, thread, gadgets, and other sewing goodies. Introduce a child to a beginners sewing kit, such as the Chicken Socks – Super Simple Sewing. Gift a new sewing machine (like Brother PC-210 PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine) for the small business owner in your life.

Self-Improvement Month

For family and friends looking to improve their overall quality of life, September is the perfect time to start because it is also Self-Improvement Month. It’s a nice time to encourage loved ones to improve their health, quit smoking, lose weight, or take up a new hobby. Gift ideas include a membership to the gym or Zumba classes, hypnosis CDs, self-improvement books, exercise equipment, yoga DVDs, and motivational jewelry.

Rice Month

Sponsored by the USA Rice Federation, Rice Month is a program held in the month of September that highlights the contribution of this important staple to the public. Events are held at local grocery stores and restaurants, but you can show your praise by sending gifts to family and friends. Establish a rice gift exchange that samples the rice of loved ones living in different parts of the U.S. Consider creating a gourmet rice gift basket with accompanying cooking utensils, like the 10 Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer.

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.

Start with a Container

Always save gently used wicker baskets and other attractive containers hanging around the house, which can come in handy when creating a gift basket. Think outside of the box, such as using an empty decorative popcorn tin. If you don’t have anything that suits your needs, the Dollar Store offers a range of decorative options.

Pick a Theme for the Gift Basket

What kind of gift basket do you want to create – one that focuses on a specific need, color, or scent? A foot spa gift basket may include a pumice stone, foot scrub, moisturizer, wooden foot massager, spa slippers, pedicure socks, and pedicure tool set. Add a manicure tool set, cuticle cream, nail treatment, scrub brush, hand lotion, and nail polishes to a hand spa gift basket. Treat a loved one to a facial spa gift basket with a relaxing eye mask, exfoliant, moisturizer, lip gloss, facial cleansers, and cooling splashes.

Cut Costs by Making Your Own Products

Create handmade bath and beauty products to help stay within your spa gift basket budget. For example, instead of buying aromatherapy bath salts, consider making your own. To save money, this homemade bath salts recipe combines 3 cups of Epsom salt, 1 cup of baking soda, and 1 cup of sea salt. Use a large spoon or your hands to blend the ingredients. Add 3 drops of any essential oil to the salts – a couple at a time. Take your time because if you add too much oil, you’ll end up with an overwhelming scent. Fragrance suggestions for your bath salts include lavender, tea tree oil, peppermint, and rose.

Add Candles

Candles help set the relaxing mood that comes with a pampering spa gift. They are also an inexpensive way to add character, color, and bulk to a gift basket. You can choose from a variety of scents, aromatherapy effects, and colors to match the theme of your gift basket. Choose peppermint to uplift the spirits. Lavender helps calm the nerves. Patchouli is known to jumpstart the romance.

Record a CD of Favorite Tunes

Record a compilation of your gift basket recipient’s favorite tunes to ensure a relaxing atmosphere as they enjoy their collection of products.

The Finishing Touches

When looking for items to add bulk to your spa gift basket, consider the functional selections, such as:

• Inflatable bath pillow
• Handmade soap
• Loofah sponge
• Exfoliating mitt
• Comfortable slippers

Decorate with Ribbons, Bows and Embellishments

The Dollar Store offers an assortment of decorations for a spa gift basket, including colorful ribbons, shiny bows, and tissue paper. Craft shops, such as Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics, also host weekly sales on decorative supplies. Scan the local newspaper for coupons that reach up to 50% off one item.