Keep in Touch with Friends by Sharing a Journal. photo courtesy of The Travelling Journal

Just about everyone has a long distance relationship– it could be a romantic one, a family member or a close friend. Job commitments, school obligations and military deployments take us away from the people we love. Maybe your former co-worker moved across town, or maybe your cousin headed to another state. We are a country of movers and we’re not just moving away from our spouses, distance is coming between friendships, too. According to Census statistics, in 2009 12.5% of people moved, with one out of three moving at least to another county, some to another country. Staying connected with those friends is tough, but one way to let them know you care is by sending a gift. Here are some gift ideas that will help you stay connected with loved ones who are far away.

DVD

A DVD may not sound like a very personal gift, but sometimes it’s the simple things like going to a movie together that people miss most with long distance relationships. Pick out a movie you’ll both enjoy and make plans to watch it the same night– even if you are in different states or time zones. Then you can talk about the movie next time you’re on the phone together.

The Traveling Journal

Started by five friends who grew up together in a small Iowa town, TheTravelingJournal.com offers a way to stay connected with friends and loved ones in a more personal way than Facebook or text messages. The idea is simple– pick out a journal, write in it and send it on its way. There are plenty of available accessories to enhance the experience, but soon you and your long distance loved ones will be sharing the intimate details of life on the pages of your Traveling Journal. And don’t worry about over-spending on postage. Every journal is designed to fit in a flat rate box from the USPS. Another positive? It will give the mail carrier something besides bills to deliver to your home.

Pre-Paid Phone Cards

Do you spend a lot of time on the phone with your long distance friends? Send them a pre-paid phone card so they can dial you up without worrying about racking up a big bill. Plus you’ll be letting them know that you enjoy hearing their voice.

Custom Stationery

Give your friends and family members a good reason to keep in touch with cute custom note cards from FabulousStationery.com. A pack of 100 Mini Notes will cost you $55 and should last a while. If you really want to make sure they use them, include a book of stamps, too.

A T-Shirt Flower Pillow

These days everyone is looking for ways to be more eco-friendly– even when it comes to giving gifts. This simple project is definitely green, but it’s also easy. We’ll show you how to turn an old t-shirt or leftover fabric scraps into a cute flower with just a few simple steps. All you need is an old t-shirt, a pair of scissors, a needle and thread, and a few minutes.

Use the flower to create a barrette, pin or attach it to a drab pillow for a unique creation. Whatever you choose to design, you’ll end up with a great, affordable handmade gift that any of your loved ones will appreciate– especially since they won’t be able to find another one like it in any store.

Step One

Step One: Cut out simple flower shapes of various sizes in an old t-shirt. Depending on whether you plan to use your flower to jazz up a pillow or to create a hair clip, your flower sizes will need to be adjusted. Create four different sizes. You will only need one flower in the largest size. Cut our four of each of the other three sizes. In all, you should have 13 flowers cut out.

Step Two: Lay the biggest flower on a flat surface. Take the next smallest size of flower and fold each one in half. Then fold them in half again. Position the four flowers so that the points meet in the

Steps two, three and four

center of the largest flower. Using a coordinating thread, simply hand stitch each section at the point, attaching these four pieces of fabric to the largest flower.

Step Three: Repeat step two with four more folded flowers in the next smallest size.

Step Four: Once again, repeat the stitching process one last time with the smallest flowers.

Step Five: How you finish your flower is up to you. You can stitch on a pin or barrette to the back, or you can attach it to a pillow like this one. Whatever you decide to create, it will be a low-cost, green gift that someone is sure to love.

Photos courtesy of Michelle Suarez

Give a Lovely Hair Accessory this Summer. photo courtesy of delighlah

From vintage headwraps to feminine lace bands, hair accessories are a summer must-have. They also make great gifts because their small size makes them easy to send and usually they are very affordable. Give these stylish gifts to your bridesmaids, sister or best friend this summer. We found five of the best hair accessory styles for summer gift giving.

Headwraps

Headwraps bring a sense of 1920s style to the modern wardrobe. Check out Urban Outfitters for two takes on these unique hair accessories. The detailed and stretchy vintage feminine beaded headwrap is $24. The girly, crochet bow headwrap is $14. Both would add unique flair to a summer party outfit.

Cluster Headbands

A headband is no longer just a headband, it’s a statement piece. Check out J. Crew for a great selection of these popular accessories. The flower cluster headband is $22 and all colors are sold out except for the summery sheer lilac. For another striking look, consider the jewel cluster headband from J. Crew. The blush stone color is $39.50.

Hair Clips

Hair clips are no longer boring and utilitarian. The extra zest clip from Anthropologie is fun, sweet and comes in four colors: yellow, coral, grey and turquoise. Pick these up for your friends or bridal party for just $18 each. Equally as fun and colorful is the pinwheel clip from Anthropologie. It’s made of accordion folded chiffon and sells for $18.

Cotton Headbands

If you’re looking for a  hair accessory that is less cocktail party and more day-at-the-beach, try the cotton headband from Canvas, a new Land’s End brand. It’s lightweight, comes in lots of cute check and floral prints, and sells for $16.50.

Barrettes

For a smaller and less flashy summer hair accessory, try a fashionable barrette. At Zappos.com you’ll find a pair of Juicy Couture pansy barrettes in white. The clips are feminine and affordable at $45.

Sex and the City 2 hits theaters May 27. Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda will hit the big screen. There are millions of Sex and the City fans and thankfully there are lots of great gifts for all of those SATC fanatics out there. Here are some tips for giving the perfect gift to the Sex and the City fans in  your life.

Celebrate Sex and the City with Gifts! Photo courtesy of danzden

TV Show DVDs

Sex and the City was on the air from 1998 to 2004. Give your loved one the gift of every Manolo Blahnik-filled episode with the complete Sex and the City DVD Set. Or just start with season one if you’re looking for a more inexpensive SATC gift.

Glam Accessories

Fashion is at the core of every Sex and the City episode. That’s why every Sex and the City girl loves glam accessories. Check out the assortment of sunglasses, tights and jewelry available from Betsey Johnson.

Martini Set

Craving a Cosmo? Sex and the City fans know that Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte love their Cosmopolitans. Give your SATC fan a new set of martini glasses. The Luigi Bormioli black swirl set from Target comes with four glasses and is just $24.99. Throw in this six-pack of Cosmo Instant Cocktail Mix for instant Sex and the City fun.

Champagne

Ordinary people need reasons to drink champagne– but not Sex and the City ladies! Give them a bottle of bubbly (in case they get tired of Cosmos). Wine.com has a great selection of champagne.

Manolo Blahniks

Feeling really generous? Any woman would appreciate Manolo Blahniks, but especially Sex and the City fans. Check out the huge collection of beautiful shoes at Neiman Marcus or just give your loved one a gift card.

Sex and the City 2 Movie Tickets

A more budget-friendly gift for your Sex and the City fan would be tickets to the upcoming movie premier. They’ll love being among the first to see this exciting installment of Sex and the City.

Give Mom a Gift Full of Love. photo courtesy of es1123

Mother’s Day is rolling around once again. If you’re stumped on what to get your mom year after year, don’t worry. Lots of people struggle with finding a gift for mom that will be good enough for the woman who raised you and gave you life. Here are a few tips to follow that will ensure you get mom a gift she will love this Mother’s Day.

Start Investigating Early

Surely mom drops clues every now and then that will help you find the perfect Mother’s Day gift. They may be subtle, but if you start paying attention and investigating early, you will be sure to get a great idea for the perfect gift. The next time mom says something about a product she loves or her favorite perfume, write it down. Don’t rely on your memory or you may end up getting a gift she doesn’t really want.

Don’t be too Practical

Moms are often the ones that do the laundry, cleaning, and organizing. But that doesn’t mean she necessarily wants a laundry hamper for Mother’s Day. Be careful about being too practical with your gift. Someone once said that you should never give mom a gift with a cord– that may be true for your mother, too.

Show Emotion

Mom’s like to know you appreciate their hard work. Don’t be afraid to let your gift or Mother’s Day card show emotion. When your gift has meaning, she’ll love it even more. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make mom happy as long as your gift is full of love.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

If you wait until the last minute, mom will know. After all, she knows pretty much everything. Let her know that you think about her and care about her by planning ahead, being thoughtful and not waiting until the last minute to pick up a gift that isn’t really personal at all.

Spend What You Can

If you’re pulling in a six figure salary, don’t spend $10 on a Mother’s Day gift. Although she won’t really care how much you spend, she’ll know if you’re being cheap. If you don’t have much money in your budget for a Mother’s Day gift, consider giving mom your time. She’ll probably love that more than anything else that you could wrap up in a box.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Gifts. photo courtesy of mnapoleon

Cinco de Mayo, which means the 5th of May, is a holiday created to celebrate the victory of the Mexican militia over the French Army in 1862 in a fight known as The Battle of Puebla. Although it’s a holiday based on a war, it’s still a great time to share some love with your friends and family members with gifts. Here are some perfect Cinco de Mayo gifts.

Viva Mexico Treat Bowl

Celebrate Mexico’s victory with the Viva Mexico Treat Bowl from Personal Creations. You can even customize it with the last name of your friend or family member. It’s useful for holding Cinco de Mayo party treats or snacks and only costs $24.95.

Margarita in a Bag

Get the Cinco de Mayo celebration started with Lt. Blender’s Margarita in a Bag. For about $22 you’ll get a pack of three. Just add liquor and water, shake, freeze and enjoy!

Mexican Spices

Any cook will love this collection of Mexican spices. The box comes with unique flavors including Taco Seasoning, Fajita Seasoning, Adobo Seasoning, and Chili con Carne Seasoning. Hopefully you’ll benefit from getting to try out the finished product.

Mexican Chocolate Lovers Pack

Expose your loved ones to treats they may have never experienced before with the Mexican Chocolate Lovers Pack. It includes cookies, rolls, marshmallow pops and chocolate milk. Plus they’ll be able to whip up the best Mexican hot chocolate they’ve ever tasted with cinnamon infused Chocolate Ibarra and Chocolate Abuelita. The gift pack is $21.95 at MexGrocer.com.

Mexican Coffee

Mexico is also known for their coffee beans. Your loved one will appreciate receiving the gift of Mexican coffee from MyMexicanPantry.com. Cafe de la Olla isn’t just ordinary beans. It also contains brown sugar, ground coffee, cinnamon, cocoa and aniseed. A bag is $9.99, but the site requires a minimum purchase of $15 so you may as well get two. After a night of Cinco de Mayo celebration, you may need it on Seis de Mayo.

Countdown This Exciting Time! (Photo Courtesy of PinkMoose)

With so many expecting friends and family members, I’ve been looking for creative ways to help them countdown to this exciting day. With close friends you don’t necessarily want to wait until their baby shower to give them a gift celebrating the arrival of their new little one. So here are some unique ideas for counting down their due date with a gift.

Countdown Clock

The excited new parents can countdown the days, minutes and seconds until their son or daughter’s arrival with the countdown clock. After the baby’s arrival the clock can be used to display the current day and time. It can be used to countdown any date from now until the year 2049.

Magnetic Calendar

This magnetic calendar is made with a dry erase surface so it can be reused for future bundles of joy as well! It’s a 40-week pregnancy calendar that highlights some of the major milestones along the way.

Advent Calendar

This advent calendar features 40 doors and each week the expectant mom opens one of the doors to see what’s happening with her developing baby. This makes a great gift for moms who already have children so that they can get excited and learn about the new sibling’s arrival.

Pregnancy Countdown Book

New moms want to know what’s going on with their baby. The Pregnancy Countdown Book lets the stay informed every step of the way. They’ll know exactly what stage of development their baby is reaching each week.

Countdown Magnets

With the baby countdown magnets you’ll get a full set of 21 magnets so you can arrange the days or weeks until your baby’s arrival. The set comes in different color combinations so you can find one that fits your style. They’ll be able to display their countdown right on the fridge for everyone to see.

Perpetual Wooden Calendar

For a versatile gift, give them this perpetual wooden calendar. It can countdown baby’s arrival and then be used as a regular day-by-day calendar once the little one is born. It’s eco-friendly and well designed.

GIFTS THAT SAY I KNOW YOU

The best gift of all is the one that says I know you. Finding that perfect, thoughtful gift just got a little easier. Aromatherapy Interventions has blended the science of scent with insights into the modern mind to create a candle line perfect for every personality, mood and occasion. These are gifts your friends will get!

APPLIED TO EVERY MIND, MOOD AND OCCASION

Aromatherapy Interventions Soy Candles are true aromacology applied to life— the milestones like her 30^th, 40^th, or 50^th birthday, the moments, the passages and the parties, the housewarmings and the heart-warmings, the sick days, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and the days of heaven (Unwedded Bliss) all wrapped in the perfect gift; a personal expression of friendship, and a wonderful experience in scent.

Rachel Machacek, columnist for the Washing ton Post had such an experience:

“When I burned the Aromatherapy Interventions’ Panic Attack soy candle right before a tough-love conversation,  I actually felt my nerves release and my throat unclench—I was kicking back on my couch surrounded by the woodsy scent of  frankincense…”

Got a shopaholic friend in recovery? Aromatherapy Interventions Withdrawal candle is not only clever, it’s fact: geranium and clary sage help lessen the anxiety of withdrawal. Shopping gifts for geeks? The Essences of Eucalyptus and Ginger in the Aromatherapy Interventions Left Brain Candle “stimulate logic and intellect.” Need a gift for the host? Bring the Feng Shui-ology candle and warm any home with the clearing scent of clary sage.

Whether it’s get well gifts or thank you gifts, employee, co-worker or Teacher Appreciation, or just thinking-of-you, an Aromatherapy Interventions soy candle says: I looked for something clever, unique and thoughtful—just for you.

S P O N S O R E D  P O S T

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

Elegant Monogram© Personalized Candle Set

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

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

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

Price: $44.95

 

Carved Solutions, Custom Carved, Vermont Made Candles

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

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

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

Price: $15 – $80

 

Clear Candle

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

Our favorites: Apple pie, Tangerine, & Honeydew!

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

Price: $20 and up

 

Shine Vanilla & Peppermint Holiday Candle

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

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

Price: $20

 

Ocean Bay

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

Price: $15.95 – $19.95

 

Christmas Tree Candles

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

USE PROMOTION CODE 400

Price: $29

 

 

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

Planning on throwing a Girls’ Night Out, but want to give something so your guest can remember the occasion.  Here are some unique and fun favors to give for a Girls’ Night Out that is sure to be a pleasant and unexpected surprise to make your guest feel special.

Sleek and Chic Leather Stiletto Keychain

Celebrate the Perfect Fit! Stitched leather sky high stiletto is a little statement in black and white. This little retro pump twinkles with three little studs along the toe and arrives in style, with a matching black and white display box.

Box measures 4.5 inches tall by 3.25 inches wide and comes tied with sheer black organza ribbon and a purse shaped “Thank You” tag. These stylish favors are sure to bring smiles to your guests!

Price: $2.20-$2.90 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

Pink Polka Purse Manicure Set

Add some cosmopolitan flair with these manicure sets fashioned to look like ultra-chic purses! The 4 piece stainless steel set includes nail file, scissors, clippers, and tweezers and fits perfectly in the pink and black polka dot purse.

A charming purse shaped thank you tag adds to the presentation. Measures 5 1/8″ x 5 1/2″.

Price: $3.70-$4.90 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

“Purse Valet” Stainless-Steel Handbag Holder

Give your guests a Girls’ Night Out favor they’ll probably open and use right then and there-and they’ll love you for choosing it! The “Purse Valet” Stainless-Steel is pretty and practical-something women never think to get for themselves.

The small (1 ¾” x 1 1/2″), flat, silver-tone purse sits on the tabletop and a 3 ¼” metal hanger drops under the table, where you confidently park your purse. A colorful 4 1/2″ x 4″ x 3/8″ gift box shows you exactly how to use the valet, featuring an artist’s illustration of a woman seated at a table with her purse kept safe and secure thanks to the purse valet.

Price: $2.50-$3.25 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

“It’s a Girl Thing!” Purse-Size Photo Album

Whenever women get together every moment is a fun photo opportunity. Here’s a fun photo album that makes a super party favor. Dainty dots in black and shades of pink on a pink background hold icons of the female world—an engagement ring, a chic dress, a purse, lipstick, a sexy stiletto shoe and a yummy Cosmopolitan in a glass.
Photo album is crafted from heavyweight, glossy paper with clear-plastic photo inserts. The album holds one dozen 3″ x 2 ¾” photos. Album is accented with a black, grosgrain bow that keeps the album closed when not in use and measures approximately 4″ h x 3″ w x ¾” d.

Price: $1.60-$2.10 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

“Dreams Do Come True” Satin Eye Mask

Someone once said, “Be careful what you wear to bed at night. You never know who you’ll meet in your dreams.” When your guests receive the “Dreams Do Come True” Satin Eye Mask party favor, they’ll be perfectly dressed for whatever—or whomever—comes along. Fancy fun! Features and facts:

Creative, clear gift packaging places mask over the eyes of a dreamily dozing young woman who discovers that “Dreams Do Come True”. Gift box measures 5 ½” h x 8 ¼” w x ½” d and black-satin eye mask is embroidered with the word “Dream” in deep-pink stitching measures 3″ h x 7 ¾’ w.

Price: $3.00-$3.94 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

Cocktails Anyone!? Martini Glass Gel Candle

Shaken, stirred and a fabulous little favor. This candle of clear gel burns brightly in this miniature martini glass made of real glass. One little “olive” bobs delicately in the gel, adding a realistic touch to this tiny cocktail. The only thing more impressive than the candle itself is the gorgeous little chic gift box it arrives in!

A transparent window showcases the candle and the black and white olive print shimmies over every inch of the box (even inside!) There’s even a “Thank You” graphic printed right on this showcase box. A sheer black ribbon, tied in a bow with included sweet little olive tag! . A Kate Aspen Original Design. Candle measures 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ and box measures 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″. Cheers, darling!

Price: $3.20-$4.20 each piece, varies by quantity ordered.

For more Girls’ Night Out Favor ideas, check out FavorAffair.com.