Jul 302011
 

When you’re searching for birthday gift ideas and have no clue what to get a loved one, let their zodiac sign lead the way. You can easily find a gift that celebrates a specific zodiac sign – from jewelry (such as earrings and pendants) to coffee mugs. Below you will learn a few common characteristics associated with Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer that could help you choose a suitable gift:

Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18)

Aquarians tend to have an eccentric side that can make gift giving pretty fun. It’s advised to choose presents that speak to their individual quirks. They also tend to have an eco-friendly mindset, which creates endless gift ideas. Browse Etsy for vintage clothing or recycled handmade jewelry. Electronic gadgets are also a hit with Aquarians. A real bonus is when the gadget relates to travel.

Pisces (Feb 19–March 20)

Gifts that involve fantasy and creativity are ideal for those born under the zodiac sign of Pisces. Because of this, gift giving could come in the form of a fantasy novel, video game, book of poetry, or tickets to a musical. Water plays an important role in the life of this sign. Perhaps a birthday trip to an aquarium or snorkeling adventure would make the perfect gift. Take a dinner cruise on a boat. For the nature-loving Pisces, dress up their home with a tropical plant.

Aries (March 21–Apr 19)

This fun-loving sign is often impulsive and fearless. Those born under Aries tend to like being #1, making personalized gifts ideal for this zodiac sign. Treat an Aries birthday boy or girl to an activity that encourages them to do something new and daring, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, or rock climbing. The sporty Aries will enjoy tickets to their favorite team or themed clothing.

Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)

The Taurean is practical yet has a sensual side that likes to stay within their comfort zone. Treat a loved one to a gourmet night of dining or a surprise party at a cozy jazz lounge. Taureans are often collectors, so adding to their treasure trove of items will certainly put a smile on his or her face. Think of a personalized money clip for the finance-minded Taurean. Gift ideas also include a cashmere sweater, velvet evening dress, or Egyptian cotton bedding.

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

Full of energy, the Gemini sign is associated with talkative, personable, knowledge individuals. Because of this, consider gifting a magazine subscription they wouldn’t normally splurge on. Technology gifts are a real winner with Geminis, who often have their eye on the latest cell phone, laptop or other method of communication. With an appreciation for variety, you may choose a handful of small gestures instead of one large gift.

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

Cancers tend to enjoy sticking with tradition and being surrounded by family. Plan a birthday party with close relatives and friends – making sure to take plenty of snapshots for the photo album. Choose gifts with sentimental value for Cancers, such as scrapbooks or a personalized photo frame. For the homebody, pair a candlelight dinner with a gourmet apple pie. Other gift ideas include a vacuum cleaner, linen set, or kitchen appliance.

Jul 212011
 

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.

Jun 102011
 

Choosing gifts for National Dairy Month in June means keeping a lookout for items that involve milk, cheese, and the by-products of these healthy ingredients. A simple carton of a favorite flavor of ice cream can help you celebrate with loved ones. However, you will find below that you don’t always have to choose something edible for a National Dairy Month gift, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.

Gourmet Cheesecake

From double chocolate to strawberry topped, check your local cheesecake shop for favorite standbys and unique flavors. Consider purchasing a gourmet or out-of-the-ordinary selection. Another gift idea is to treat loved ones to the variety offered at the delicious Cheesecake Factory by gifting a card or certificate for free sweets.

Cheese Platter

Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, and feta are just some of the cheeses you may include in a cheese platter for your loved one. Usually, this type of gift is joined with a selection of crackers, and meat (such as summer sausage and pepperoni). Hickory Farms is a popular place to purchase cheese-related gifts, but the local grocery store also offers suitable options.

Ice Cream Maker

An ice cream lover will truly enjoy having the power to create his or her own frozen concoctions. In a range of shapes, sizes, prices, brands and models, there is no shortage of ice cream machines and accessories to consider. For example, the Cuisinart ICE-21TQ Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker comes in stylish colors, such as turquoise and red. You could also opt for an old-fashioned machine, such as the Maxi-Matic EIM-502 Elite Gourmet 4-Quart Pine-Bucket Electric/Manual Ice-Cream Maker.

Cow Lover Items

National Dairy Month is the perfect time to purchase gifts for the cow lover in your life. From cow-spot pajamas to a Kissing Cow And Bull Salt & Pepper Shakers Set, there are many fun ideas for gifts. For the younger crowd, give your child, niece or nephew a cow stuffed animal. Find one that moos and you may have a best friend for life.

Image Credit: gravityx9

‘Got Milk’ T-Shirt

Who can resist the iconic slogan for milk lovers during Dairy Month? A “Got Milk?” t-Shirt is a simple way to celebrate the national holiday with a bit of humor.

Milk Mustache Book

If you know someone that appreciates a good coffee table book, consider celebrating National Dairy Month with the The Milk Mustache Book: A Behind-The-Scenes Look at America’s Favorite Advertising Campaign, which provides snapshots of famous milk mustache wearers, such as Dennis Rodman, Naomi Campbell, and Conan O’Brien.

 

May 292011
 

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.

icon iconEmbroidered 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.

May 092011
 

For the true hamburger lover in your life, you should take heed to the month of May, as many people across the country will celebrate National Hamburger Month. While your favorite eateries may offer discounts and deals, this is also the perfect time to find a quirky gift for family and friends who appreciate a good burger.

Hamburger Book

Filled with interesting facts, trivia, recipes and helpful tidbits, a book centered on hamburgers gives family and friends a multitude of ideas for their next delicious creations. A few titles to consider include Burger Bar: Build Your Own Ultimate Burgers, The Hamburger: A History (Icons of America), and Hamburger Heaven: The Illustrated History of the Hamburger.

A New Grill

For the loved one who enjoys grilling hamburgers, perhaps they’re in need of new equipment. Nowadays, the options available on the market are enough to make your head spin. For example, the Stok 4-Burner Quattro Gas Grill comes with removable cooking grate sections that offer a griddle, vegetable basket, or pizza stone without turning off the grill.

Gift Basket of Sauces and Seasonings

From fiery hot sauce to Cajun spices, a hamburger connoisseur will drool over a gift basket of their favorite sauces and seasonings. This is also the perfect time to introduce them to products they’ve never used before or have even heard of. Explore flavorful fruity marinades that make use of peaches, strawberries, and blackberries. Consider specialty BBQ sauces that incorporate traces of Jack Daniels or Southern Comfort. Create a gift basket with a variety of selections that encourages creativity and experimentation on the grill.

Nostalgic Hamburger Memorabilia

Celebrate a love of hamburgers with a bit of old-fashioned fun. Your loved one may reach out and call someone on a spiffy new Cheeseburger Telephone. With a diner feel to it, choose a Burger Wall Clock to liven up a kitchen scene. Retro Planet.com offers an assortment of metal signs (pictured on poster) featuring the old style advertisements of hamburgers. From pendants, old advertisements, T-shirts and a hamburger toy bank, you may also seek out the Big Boy brand of souvenirs and memorabilia for hamburger nostalgia.

Feb 262011
 

February is National Pancake Month and what better excuse to please the pancake lover in your life than with an unexpected gift. The following gift ideas are not only perfect to celebrate this national holiday, but also ideal to please the pancake lover in your life all year round.

Pancake Batter Dispenser

When appearance matters, sometimes you need a kitchen gadget that offers consistency to your pancake making. With the Handy Gourmet Pancake Batter Dispenser, you can create the same size pancakes every time. Made with durable stainless steel, one hand controls the trigger-fed operation. With this gift, you can save your loved one extra messes and unnecessary spills. The dispenser also aids in making crepes and cupcakes. Other dispensers for pancakes to consider include the Norpro Honey Syrup Dispenser and the Joie L’il Syrup Dispenser (shown).

Fancy Syrups and Toppings

Maple syrup is not the only thing that deliciously tops pancakes. It might be time to introduce your loved one to a whole new world of fancy syrups and toppings. Just some of the options you may encounter include apricot, boysenberry, cherry, marionberry, orchard peach, maple cream, cinnamon cream, and coconut cream. If you like, choose a handful to create a fancy pancake syrup gift basket dressed in red ribbon.

A New Griddle

For the family that enjoys their fair share of pancakes in the morning, you could always gift a new griddle, and take care in knowing it will certainly get used. Whether it’s flipping pancakes for a large herd of hungry mouths or cooking an entire meal in one sitting, griddles allow cooks to easily multi-task. A few suggestions include the Presto Family-Size Cool-Touch Tilt’N Drain Electric Griddle, Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 11-Inch Square Griddle, and the more elaborate Wolfgang Puck 1800-Watt Reversible Nonstick Grill and Griddle (shown).

Flapjack Turner

When you’re looking for a functional, quick gift to celebrate National Pancake Month, the Tovolo 11-Inch Smiley Face Nylon Flex Turner shown above is perfect for brightening up someone’s day.

Apron

An inexpensive gesture for pancake lovers is a nice apron to make sure they aren’t covered in batter the next time they try out a new recipe. Today, there are so many different styles to choose from in the apron department that you might just have to get one for yourself. The DII India Flower Vintage Apron is just one example of how sophisticated aprons of today have become.

Jan 172011
 

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only time of the year when hearts are a flutter. When it comes time to give a gift that speaks from the heart, why not consider capitalizing off of the iconic shape? When roses and the typical box of chocolates just won’t do, try considering some of the heart-shaped gift ideas that allow you to think outside your normal routine.

Heart Pajamas

In shades of red and pink, hearts are a popular design for women’s pajamas. For example, the PajamaCity Red and White Hearts Print Pink Footie Pajamas for Women are made with soft polar fleece and a full body zipper. Two “kangaroo” pockets offer a place to store cell phones and TV remotes.

Heart Shaped Music Box

If you’d like to participate in making a gift from the heart, consider the Woodcraft Classic Plan series, which offers step-by-step instructions with detail photographs. Try your hand at making this heart shaped band saw box with two compartments and music box capability. This gift makes a delightful gesture for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, Mother’s Day, and a wedding anniversary. Plans for the music box cost around $10.

Heart-Shaped Pendant

When it comes to heart-shaped jewelry, selecting a pendant that dangles from the neck is an elegant choice. From sparkling cubic zirconia to a splash of diamonds, there are plenty of options to browse when choosing a pendant. To enhance the personalization of the gift, seek out jewelry that incorporates your love’s birthstone, such as the pictured Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Heart Pendant or 14k White Gold Amethyst Heart Pendant.

Heart Lollipops

Does your sweetie have a sweet tooth? Gifting heart-shaped lollipops is certainly a fun way to say ‘I love you.’ From colorful rainbow pops to melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, there are many different ways to present this gift, including small gift baskets, holiday mugs, brilliant ribbons, and a cheerful stuffed animal. Want to put a little legwork into your gift? Purchase a candy mold and prepare your own.

Giant Chocolate Heart

If you can’t get chocolate out of your head as the perfect gift, perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to choose a larger-than-life edible heart. It will certainly be a long-lasting memory when your love unwraps a 3lb Solid Dark Chocolate heart. However, the 1-pound Anatomically Correct Milk Chocolate Heart is perfect for doctors, med students, and those with a sense of humor.

Dec 202010
 

If you’re a pet lover, then you already know the joy that comes with giving your companion holiday-related gifts. Christmas is a popular season where pet owners look for something special for their pooch, feline, feathered friend, or other bundle of fur. To get you started in the right direction, consider the following gift ideas for pets:

Christmas Outfits

Get your pet in the holiday spirit with a new outfit. A few ideas include sweaters (like the Twinkling Star Holiday Dog Sweater shown), reversible bandanas, reindeer antlers, and even a Calvin K-nine Holiday Necktie. Smaller dogs open up the possibility of having your own miniature Santa or elf running around the house.

Gift Baskets for Pets

Whether you make your own holiday basket for the special animal in your life or purchase a pre-made assortment of goodies, pets enjoy gift baskets too. For example, the You & Your Pooch!: Pet / Dog Gift Basket makes a delightful holiday gift. In this case, both owner and pet get to enjoy the contents, which includes a magnetic pet frame, dog memo pads, Munchy Bones, and gourmet dog biscuits.

 

Canine Stockings

Stockings aren’t just for humans, as pets get benefit from a Christmas stocking made just for them. During the holidays, it’s easy to find stockings to fit the occasion. Some of the items that you may find include plush toys with squeaker, rubber rings, rope toys, and rawhide treats.

Stimulating Bird Toys

Birds enjoy being stimulated on a routine basis and what better time than to treat your feathered friend to the challenging Brainy Bird Building Flocks Toy. Geared towards larger birds, such as parrots and cockatiels, the toy is comprised of colorful wood blocks attached to a cotton rope with the stimulating sound of a bell. The wooden shapes, sound, and chewing outlet will keep a bird entertained for hours.

Pet Bed

From eco-friendly bedding to a cozy memory foam pad for dogs, no pet will turn away from a new place to lay their head. If you’re looking for a product from a name you can trust, perhaps the Dog Whisperer by Cesar Millan Round Cuddle Up Dog Bed (shown) is a possibility. Filled with sustainable recycled polyester, this is also a choice that won’t place a strain on the environment. Cats also enjoy a place to cuddle and snuggle throughout the night. The Cat Cave Cat Bed not only accommodates cats, but is also a winner with small dogs and ferrets.

Nov 252010
 

Planning to host a holiday feast this Thanksgiving? Not only are you opening your home to loved ones for one of the biggest meals of the year, but you want them to feel welcome. One way to do that is by offering your guests a favor that will serve as a piece of memorabilia for Thanksgiving 2010. Here are some ideas for finding favors for your Thanksgiving guests.
iconTurkey Lollipop

Handmade chocolates are always a nice gift– even when you’re feeling stuffed. Give your guests a chocolate lollipop in the shape of a turkey from RottiePrincess.com. It comes decorated with M&Ms.

Fall Leaf Cookie Cutter

Your guests will “fall” in love with these leaf-shaped cookie cutters from FavorAffair.com. Guests will be able to roll out memories of your fabulous meal when they pull out this cookie cutter at home. These run $1.70 each.

Fingerstache Tattoos

Want to bring some light-hearted fun to the dining table? Give guests the Fingerstache Tattoos from Patinastores.com. You’ll snag some great photos and make some unforgettable memories at the same time.

SnackTAXI

Send guests home with a turkey sandwich or a leftover treat stored away in the super cute SnackTAXI. The Silverware print is perfect for your food-themed gift. Not only will it help guests remember this special day but it will save thousands of plastic baggies from ending up in the landfill.

Party Games for Adults

Give each guest their own copy of the Party Games for Adults book from SpoonSisters.com. Inside you’ll find icebreakers and party games that will help you burn calories and share some laughs at your Thanksgiving feast.

Nov 252010
 

November is a month that presents one of the most beloved of holidays of the year. If you feel like bringing more than just your green bean casserole or pumpkin pie to a family gathering for Thanksgiving, there are plenty of gift ideas to consider for Turkey Day.

Decorative Place Setting

Is a loved one celebrating their first Thanksgiving in a new home or as a married couple? A thoughtful gesture to make their holiday even more special is to gift something for their place setting. For example, the Spode Woodland Turkey Rectangular Platter is a nice choice because it adds something unique yet not overbearing to a table. The flower and turkey detail of the Queen’s Thanksgiving Multi Color Dinner Plates certainly adds elegance to any spread.

Festive Centerpiece

iconiconA ceramic turkey in the middle of the table or fruit basket is just some of the items that decorate a Thanksgiving dinner table. When loved ones tend to stray from the norm, sometimes a traditional centerpiece just won’t do. With the Cornucopia Fall Table Centerpiece – you not only gift a functional present, but also provide sweet treats for a get-together. Also, this type of centerpiece is a real hit with the kids.

Nut Assortment

Nuts are a popular staple during the holidays. An array of Thanksgiving-related gift baskets is offered during this time of year.

Napkin Rings

Who could resist a set of artistically created napkin rings? The Bronze Acorn and Oak Leaf Napkin Rings by Michael Michaud offer the eye-catching allure of symbolic seasonal décor. A set of four napkin rings is offered at Amazon.com.

Bottle of Wine

A nice accompaniment to a filling meal is a smooth glass of wine. When visiting family and friends for the holiday, come bearing the gift of grapes. If you know what is on the menu for the night, aim to select a complementary wine. For example, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and White Zinfandel go well with turkey. Consider Chardonnay and Zinfandel for glazed ham dishes.

Holiday Wine Glasses

You can never have too many wine glasses. For families and friends who toast at Thanksgiving, allow them to elevate their festiveness with your gift choice. For example, the 16-ounce Fall Leaves Red Wine Glass offers the colors and scenery of the holiday season.

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