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How to Hold a White Elephant Gift Exchange

By Recipient, Christmas Gifts, Gifts for those who have everything, How To, Today's Cool Gift Idea Comments Off

Dec 202010

Crazy Gifts are Best for White Elephant Gift Exchanges (Photo Courtesy of Thirteen of Clubs)

Lots of holiday parties have them– white elephant gift exchanges. It’s festive and fun and can be incredibly entertaining. A white elephant gift exchange is a great way to break the ice with guests and get people talking. Not sure how to organize one at your Christmas party? Here are some tips.

Set Up the Rules

Let guests know ahead of time that you plan to have a white elephant gift exchange at your party. Set a spending limit. This typically can be anywhere from $5-$25. Just keep your guests in mind and what they may be able to afford. Be sure to tell them to bring the gift wrapped. That way it will be a surprise.When guests arrive, put the presents in a pile in the middle of the room.

Draw a Number

Have guests each draw a number. This will determine the order in which you open presents.

Start Opening

The person who draws number one will start. They get to choose any gift they want from the pile. Have them open the gift and show it to everyone else. The person who drew number two will then get to decide whether they want to steal number one’s gift, or choose another one from the pile. If they choose to steal number one’s gift, number one will then get to choose another gift from the pile to open.

Give Everyone a Gift

This continues until everyone has a gift– either one that they opened from the pile or stole from another guest. Keep in mind that you’re not allowed to steal back a gift that was just stolen from you. As the party host you may want to have some extra wrapped white elephant gifts on hand in case someone forgets to bring one.

Need some creative ideas for white elephant gifts? Usually the crazier the better, but do keep the crowd in mind. Here are some wacky white elephant ideas:

Cheap figurines
A picture frame with a photo of you inside
Half empty bottles of liquor
A funny t-shirt
A poster from the movie Twilight
Cheesy Christmas music

How to Fake Enthusiasm for a Bad Gift

Christmas Gifts, How To Comments Off

Dec 202010

Don't Like the Gift? Don't Show It. (Photo Courtesy of TomPagenet)

Gift giving is rampant. It’s no longer just reserved for spouses and close relatives. Chances are you’ll get gifts from your neighbors, second cousins and your Sunday school teacher. And we can bet not all of those gifts will hit the nail on the head as far as what you want and like. A recent Women’s Health poll showed that 63% of women have faked enthusiasm for a gift they hated. If you find yourself in that position, here are some tips for getting through it without hurting anyone’s feelings.

Use the Right Expression

What matters more than what you say is how you say it. Keep your eyes wide open. Examine the gift closely. Stay focused on it for a few minutes before allowing the attention to turn elsewhere.

Choose Words Carefully

The gift may be so bad it leaves you speechless, but don’t let the giver know that. Have a few words ready to go. Say things like “I’ve been wanting one of these”, “I just admired this in a store a few days ago”, and “How creative!” Explain how you plan to use it or where you’ll show it off.

Try It Out Right Away

If it’s an accessory that your niece made by hand or a sweater your colorblind aunt Sue knitted, slip it on. Run to a mirror and look at yourself in it. If it’s a pair of slippers, put them on and gush over how comfortable they are. If it’s a gift you can use right then and there– do.

Give Them a Hug

Most people don’t give bad gifts on purpose. Give the gift giver a big hug, make eye contact and say thank you. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.

Follow Up with a Thank You

Sending a thank you to someone who gave you a gift is common courtesy. Write a nice note and let them know you appreciated their generosity. Because even though you may not have loved their gift, you can still appreciate their kindness.

How to Find Free Printables for the Holidays

Christmas Gifts, How To Comments Off

Dec 092010

Why buy party invitations, gift tags and even wrapping paper when you can find it for free online? There are plenty of extra expenses during the holidays, but we discovered there are also lots of freebies! Here are some free holiday printables that will make your packages prettier and your parties even more festive.

Make Your Packages Look Extra Pretty (Photo Courtesy of Spin Spin)

Wine Bottle Labels: It doesn’t matter if you bought that bottle of wine at the discount super store because it will still look fancy with this free printable wine bottle label from Martha Stewart.

West Elm Party Packs: West Elm has a bunch of great printable freebies that include everything from menu cards to gift tags. There are four different designs for entertaining and four designs for gifting.

Printable Wrapping Paper: This may not be practical for big gifts, but for tiny packages you can definitely use this free printable wrapping paper from designer Mae. It comes in six colors and designs. There are also two sets of free printable wrapping paper with coordinating tags from designer Kellie Medevitz.

Holiday Party Invitations and Matching Address Labels: Here’s a fabulous freebie from designer Emmy Lu. Rather than buy fancy invitations here are some great ones you can print for free. The designs also come with coordinating address labels that can be printed on a full sheet label and cut out. There’s no doubt that your invites will appear far more fancy and festive with the help of this great designer.

Custom Gift Tags: These free gift tags from Life As Mom come in two designs: snowflake or Christmas holly. They are especially great because you can type in the name of the gift recipient and the name of the giver. No need to ruin a pretty package with messy handwriting.

Simple Free Gift Tags: Here’s another style of free printable gift tags from TipJunkie.com. So no matter what color your wrapping is you should be able to find a free coordinating gift tag.

Martha Stewart Monogrammed Gift Tags: Here’s another great freebie straight from one of the world’s most creative people. Print out these cute monogrammed gift tags at MarthaStewart.com. Cut out the letters you need for each of your holiday packages.

How to Add Flair to Your Holiday Packages

Christmas Gifts, How To Comments Off

Nov 262010

Make Your Gifts Memorable (Photo Courtesy of craftapalooza)

You spend lots of time picking out the perfect present. You toil over whether to buy the crimson shirt or the maroon one. You stress about the decision of whether your grandma would like gloves or mittens better. But often when it comes to wrapping those lovely presents we just shove them in an old gift bag or pull out last year’s wrapping paper and hope there’s enough left on the roll to make it around the box. This year, resolve to put a little more thought into what’s on the outside. Here are some tips for adding flare to your holiday packages.

Stick with a Color Theme

Rather than adding a hodgepodge of wrapped gifts under the tree, pick a color scheme. It doesn’t have to be the traditional red and green, either. By sticking with your color theme you’ll create a cohesive look with your gifts and make more of a style statement.

Always Include Ribbon

A Christmas package without ribbon just seems incomplete. Stock up at your local craft store. Buy ribbons that work well together and on their own. Try stacking a thicker ribbon under something thin and sparkly. And don’t be afraid to recycle the ribbon once you’re done with it.

Head to the Office Supply Store

Gift tags are like earrings for a package. Don’t overlook this important accessory. You can even get creative with them. Simply head to an office supply store and purchase some jewelry tags. Embellish them with stamps, glitter, or even by stitching on some ribbon. Get as creative as possible.

Use “Green” Tissue

Instead of buying tissue paper, try something more creative, cheaper and more green. Put old, discarded wrapping paper through the paper shredder. You’ll end up with a colorful and earth-friendly alternative to tissue paper.

Put a Gift on the Gift

Use your ribbon to tie a small gift onto your package. Include a Christmas ornament, small picture frame or even a gift card holder onto the top of the box. By making the outside so appealing, you’ll build even more excitement for what’s on the inside.

How to Return Gifts for What You Really Want

Christmas Gifts, How To, Today's Cool Gift Idea Comments Off

Dec 212009

Hold On To Your Gift Receipts (image courtesy of billaday)

Is that new sweater too small? Get a gift that you already have? Or perhaps you just want something different? Returning gifts for what you really want can be a hassle, but it can also be great to exchange something you don’t have a need for for the present you were really hoping would show up this holiday season. Here are a few ways to return gifts for what you really want.

Use the Gift Receipt

Chances are retailers are going to be a bit more strict post-Christmas than they have been in the past. They know lots of consumers may want cash-in-hand instead of the gift they received. If you’re lucky, your box held a gift receipt along with your present so you can return it. Some stores still may only give you gift cards instead of a refund. This is OK if you like the store, but if not you may have to get creative.

Sell the Gift Card

Whether you were given a gift card for a store you don’t usually shop at, or you ended up with one because you had to return something, you can still sell that gift card online for cash. A couple of sites to check out are PlasticJungle.com or SwapaGift.com. With Swapagift.com, the card must have between $25-$200 in value and be one of the dozens of stores on the preferred merchant list. They’ll pay you up to 70% of the card’s value. You’ll get the most if you’ve got gift cards from stores like Best Buy, Lowe’s, Target, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods. You’ll take a hit on the value of the card, but at least you’ll be able to put that money towards the gift you wish you would have received.

Ask for the Receipt

If you didn’t get a gift receipt, consider asking for the original receipt. This can be a touchy situation depending on your relationship with the gift giver. Be tactful and honest. Explain why you’d like to return or exchange the gift. With the original receipt you shouldn’t have a problem getting a full cash refund for your item. If you expect the person to get offended, you may want to consider another alternative.

Sell the Gift

If you can’t return the gift, try selling it yourself. List it on eBay or even Craigslist.com and then use the cash to buy yourself something else. This option is a little risky since you may not know what kind of cash the sale will generate. But if you truly hate the gift you received, or you simply don’t have a need for it you may as well try to get something you really want.

Snowman Gift Ideas

Christmas Gifts, Gifts For Her, Gifts for those who have everything, Personalized Gifts Comments Off

Dec 132009

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 appliquÃ©s.

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

Â
TyÂ® Snow Much Love Personalized Snowman

LetÂ 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
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Snowman Family Kitchen Personalized Cutting Board

Make the Holidays and family get togethers extra special withÂ this gift.Â 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

Holiday Candles

Christmas Gifts, Gifts For Her, Gifts for those who have everything, Personalized Gifts Comments Off

Dec 122009

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

Elegant MonogramÂ© 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!

TheseÂ 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 HolidayÂ Candle

Celebrate the Holiday Season with HollyBethâ€™s SHINE Vanilla & Peppermint Candle â€“ 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 HollyBethâ€™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.Â 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 canâ€™t be wrong when going green, so start using Ocean Bay Candle Companyâ€™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.

How to Celebrate Baby’s First Christmas

How To, Personalized Gifts Comments Off

Dec 032009

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

Is there a new bundle of joy inÂ 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 MarkÂ 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.

DIY Gift: How to Make a Chalkboard Clipboard

Christmas Gifts, DIY Cool Gift Ideas, Gifts for those who have everything, How To, Today's Cool Gift Idea Comments Off

Nov 192009

clipboard 5 small Wondering how you can save money this Christmas? How about trying your hand at some homemade gifts? We showed you how to make your own cake plate using vintage thrift store finds and how to make a scarf in less than a minute. Now we’re filling you in on another simple DIY project that will make a great gift for busy moms, teachers, kids and more. This chalkboard clipboard is super easy to make and extremely useful for writing to-dos, reminders and grocery lists. Plus it’s so cute you may just want to make one for yourself to keep track of your Christmas gift list.

Step One: Buy Supplies

The clipboard is your canvas for this project. You may be lucky enough to find a clipboard at a thrift store for $.50 like we were, but if youâ€™re not pick one up at a craft store like Michaelâ€™s. They often come in a variety of sizes as well. While youâ€™re there, buy a small container of chalkboard paint. We found ours at AC Moore for less than $5. This jar of chalkboard paint will leave you with plenty of leftovers to tackle other craft projects in the future. Youâ€™ll also need some painter’s tape and a paint brush or a small roller.

Step Two: Start Painting

For a crisp, clean line, tape off the top section of your clipboard using the painter’s tape. Next, apply a smooth, thin layer of chalkboard paint to the front of the clipboard. Let it dry for at least an hour and then apply a second coat to ensure complete coverage. Using a roller will give you a flawless surface without brush strokes.

Step Three: Write a Note

Once the chalkboard paint has dried completely, which can take up to 24 hours, remove the painter’s tape and write a thoughtful chalk message for the new owner of this lovely handmade gift. Include a piece of chalk with the gift so they can start using it right away because with a present this cute you know theyâ€™ll want to.

Images courtesy of Alison Storm

Handmade Holidays: How to Make the Sixty Second Scarf

Christmas Gifts, DIY Cool Gift Ideas, How To Comments Off

Nov 122009

Feel like getting crafty for Christmas, but lacking in the Martha Stewart department? You can make handmade gifts for the holidays, saving lots of money and ensuring that everything you give is from the heart. This DIY project doesn’t require much time, money or skills. If those sound like three things you don’t have a lot of then keep reading for instructions on how to make the sixty second scarf. Similar scarves sell for nearly $30 at popular stores. We found this striped version at J. Crew for $29.50. But yours will cost less than $2 and sixty seconds to make.

Step One: Hit the Fabric Store

Head to your favorite local fabric store and make a beeline to the knit section. Look for something super soft, like pima cotton or jersey. We found lots of great colors like pink, orange and lime green at the local Hobby Lobby fabric department selling for $5.99 a yard, but with a coupon we snagged it for 40% off. Have the fabric store employee cut you 3/8 of a yard. Typically this fabric is sold in 60-inch width which is perfect for a scarf.

Step Two: Head Home with Your Fabric

Since the fabric store employee took care of starting off your scarf for you, now all you have to do is complete it. Finish off the edges by pulling them. Giving the fabric a little bit of a tug will cause it to roll as it stretches. This will make the edges look more finished off without having to pull out your sewing machine.

Step Three: Wrap Up Your Gift

DIY Scarf Now that your scarf is made, wrap it up to get the gift ready to give. Your loved one will appreciate this new accessory that they’ll be able to throw on to compliment a variety of outfits since scarves are a hot must-have this winter season. Because the gift is so simple to make and affordable, consider wrapping up a collection of sixty second scarves. They’ll never know each scarf took just sixty seconds to make and cost less than $2!

Images courtesy of Alison Storm

Older Entries

How to Hold a White Elephant Gift Exchange

How to Fake Enthusiasm for a Bad Gift

How to Find Free Printables for the Holidays

How to Add Flair to Your Holiday Packages

How to Return Gifts for What You Really Want

Snowman Gift Ideas

Holiday Candles

How to Celebrate Baby’s First Christmas

DIY Gift: How to Make a Chalkboard Clipboard

Handmade Holidays: How to Make the Sixty Second Scarf

Today’s Featured Gift Idea

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