How to Find the Perfect Gift for Bike Lovers

Nov 112010
 

Lovely Gifts for Bike-Lovers (Image courtesy of.Kara.)

Recently cyclists from all over the world descended on my town for a professional bike race. The community of cyclists is definitely a passionate one. If you’ve got cyclists in your life, finding a fun gift that they’ll love can be very easy– especially with our help. We’ve found some great gifts for bike lovers.

Bike Accessories

No matter where you live, cycling can be a great way to get around. It’s affordable and earth-friendly. But unlike a car, there’s no trunk space. So why not pick up your bike-loving friend the Nantucket Wicker Bicycle Basket from The Bicycle Muse. It’s just $25 and would be perfect for holding purchases from the farmers’ market. And to help pedestrians move out of the way there’s the Public Federico Red Brass Bell for $12. Pee-Wee Herman had one so it must be cool.

Bike Clothing

Europeans love crocheted bike gloves and now you can pick up a women’s version for $15 or a men’s version for just $7.50 at PublicBikes.com. These Smooth Rider Socks from Anthropologie would make a great accessory for the cyclist in your life.

Bike Safety Gear

It may not look like safety gear, but the reflective bird pin is also functional. It sells for $18 at PublicBikes.com and comes in lime, silver or orange. Similarly, the Yakkay Tokyo Blue Stripe helmet may look like a fashionable bucket hat, but it’s actually a must-have piece of safety equipment.

Kids’ Bike Stuff

As a kid, there’s nothing better than the freedom of a bike. Encourage the little riders in your life with a gift that makes their bicycle even cooler. This Ladybug Bell from AdelineAdeline.com will do just that.

Bike Art

The bicycle is an iconic image which makes it a great focal point for art. This vintage bike photo taken in Holland is simple, yet beautiful. For a truly custom gift, enlist Kara Ginther to create a one-of-a-kind bike saddle that turns the seat of any bike into artwork. And if you’re buying this as a thank you gift for the bike-lover in your life, pick up this colorful bicycle greeting card at Luxe Paperie to complete the theme.

How to Make Your Thanksgiving Host Feel Appreciated

Nov 082010
 

Don't Forget the Host that Made Your Thanksgiving Happen. photo courtesy of CarbonNYC

Anyone who has prepared a Thanksgiving meal at home (without the help of the Honeybaked Ham Company!) knows that the entire process is time consuming and exhausting. While the rest of the family is watching football or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the cook is in the kitchen making sure the meal is perfect. Wondering how to make sure your Thanksgiving host feels appreciated? Show her your thankful with a fabulous gift.

Dessert

Take something off the host’s plate by bringing dessert. Make something from scratch or enlist the help of the best local bakery to create a yummy pumpkin or pecan pie. No matter what type of sweet treat you bring the host will be thankful for your contribution to the meal.

Ritz Engraved Wine Bucket

Few names embody luxury like “Ritz.” Bring a little glam to your Thanksgiving table with the engraved Ritz wine bucket from CentralChef.com. It holds two bottles, which you may want to include as well for extra points.

Gourmet Food

Bring a tasty addition to the dinner table with some gourmet food products from Williams-Sonoma. A couple tasty options include the Pecan Pumpkin Butter or organic Butternut Squash Puree.

Home Spa Gift Set

The Thanksgiving host will surely be ready to relax once the meal is complete. Give them a gift that does just that. The Home Spa Gift Set from GiftsandBlessings.com has everything you need to help your host relax after a long day in the kitchen.

Box Frame

Pick up the Lexington Box Frame from Pottery Barn and fill it with happy photos from Thanksgiving celebrations in years past. It will remind your host why all their hard work is worth it.

Do Some Dirty Work

Better than many gifts would be the offer to help do some of the dirty work. Create a “coupon” redeemable for free dish washing services. The cook should definitely not have to handle clean up as well.

How to Help Someone De-Stress with a Gift

Oct 282010
 

Gifts Can Ease Stress. photo courtesy of stuartpilbrow

We all know people who are frazzled, strained, worried and tense. With the holidays approaching chances are you’ll encounter this even more. Want to help your loved ones de-stress and calm down? Here are some gift ideas that can spread a little relaxation to your over-worked friends and family members.

Stress Relief Tea

This warm relaxing tea will wash away tension. It’s one of the best sellers on LocalHarvest.org. Pick up 12 bags for $10.50 or six for $5.51.

Stress Relief Games

Games can be a great way to chill out. Give your loved one the Puzzle-a-Day Sudoku so they can have a few minutes of stress-free enjoyment each day. The book is $9.35 at BarnesandNoble.com.

Stress Relief Yoga DVD

Exercise is one of the top ways to reduce stress. Not only is it healthy for your body, but it’s good for clearing your mind, too. Encourage others to relieve stress with a healthy habit like yoga. The Stress Relief Yoga for Beginners sells for $11.86 at Walmart.com. Or try Yoga for Stress Relief on Overstock.com if you need a more advanced option.

Stress Relief Massage

For the super stressed, pamper them with a trip to the masseuse. Massage is a great stress-reliever and provides a way to ease tense muscles and quiet busy minds.

Anti-Stress Neck Pillow

The microwavable Anti-Stress Neck Pillow from HealthSuperstore.com is made of super soft material and filled with herb-infused flax seeds. The aromas of lavender, chamomile and citrus will help ease worries and prompt relaxation.

Custom Stress-Reliever

Think about what’s causing your friend or family member’s plate to overflow. Do they need help with household chores? Childcare? Or perhaps they could use a meal away from the kitchen? Give them a thoughtful gift that you know will take something off their to-do list and lighten their load.

How to Find the Perfect Gift for MadMen Fans

Aug 182010
 

Know a MadMen Fan? Give them a Great Gift. photo courtesy of karlnorling

Millions of people tune in each week to watch the latest chapter in the life of Don Draper, a 1960s madman living in New York City. MadMen has turned into a cultural phenomenon. Not only is the show impacting what’s popular in fashion and beauty, but it’s making the martini the must-have drink once again. If you have a MadMen fan in your life, here are some great gifts that they’re sure to love.

Modern Martini Set

No office, living room or doctor’s office is complete without a martini set. You just never know when you’re going to need a drink. Give the MadMen fanatic in your life their very own Modern Martini Set from MartiniArt.com. It will add the feel of MadMen with a modern flare.

Sterling Cooper Journal

Make your loved one feel like they’re part of the Sterling Cooper team with a Sterling Cooper Journal. It’s blank inside so they can draw and create their own advertising ideas. Pick it up for $13.49 at CafePress.com.

Lucky Strike Billfold

Any fan will know, one of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce’s biggest clients is Lucky Strike. And hardly a minute goes by in the show without someone lighting up. This Lucky Strike Vintage Billfold can hold about a half of a pack of cigarettes, or if you’re a non-smoker, it carries cash and credit cards too.

MadMen Fashions

Fans of the show will love pulling influences from the 1960′s wardrobes into their own closets. Take a cue from adman Bert Cooper and pick up a snazzy bow tie. They’re on sale for $55 at BlueBee.com. And for the ladies, check out Etsy shop ShebyCindy for reproduction outfits worn by Joan and Jane.

Donald Draper Art Print

Donald Draper is quite the character. And for fans of the show, this art print by Stanley Chow would likely be a welcomed addition to their home. It’s elegant and mysterious, just like Don.

MadMen DVDs

If the MadMen fan in your life doesn’t already own the collection of DVDs of the show, that would make a great gift. That way they can enter the world of Sterling Cooper in New York City whenever they want.

How to Find the Right Gift for the Person Who Has Everything

Aug 072010
 

Gifts for the Person Who Has Everything (Photo Courtesy of PHPhoto2010)

We all have them in our lives– the person that has everything. And any time a holiday, birthday or special occasion comes around finding the perfect present becomes more difficult than an expert-level Sudoku puzzle. These days, more people seem to have disposable income. That means if they want something, they buy it for themselves which creates a tough situation for gift-givers. Here are a few tips for finding the right gift for the person who already has everything.

Add to a Collection

Does the person collect antique knives or Chuck Norris memorabilia? Then simply add to their collection. Usually when a person loves something enough to collect it, they’ll appreciate any gift that enhances their collection. The only thing that could be tough about this gift is that it may get expensive depending on what they’re collecting.

Go Charitable

If the person already has everything, make a donation in their name. Better yet, let them pick the charity with a gift card from JustGive.org. You pick the amount and the design of the ecard. Then the recipient chooses which charity to give the donation to, making them an important part of the gift giving process.

Try Food

Just about everyone loves food. And even if a person already has everything, they still need food! Pick out a food gift with a story like the Mortgage Apple Cake at BakeMeaWish.com. Angela Logan originally sold the cakes to help pay her mortgage. Or give the gift that keeps giving with a food-of-the-month club like the one offered by Bangerang Bake Shop. Your loved one will get one delicious cupcake a month for six months.

Give an Experience

No matter how much stuff a person has, they can always use a fresh life experience. So instead of giving them a new shirt or a book, give them an unforgettable experience. Use a website like Cloud9Living.com to select an experience that will fit any budget or location. If the person is less adventurous, choose something like a massage or a round of golf. If they love a good adrenaline rush, give them the chance to bungee jump or try out a trapeze. It’s definitely a gift they’ll remember.

How to Use Gifts to Stay Connected with Others

Jul 302010
 

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.

How to Make a Flower Out of Fabric

Jul 222010
 

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

How to Find Great Hair Accessories for Summer Gifts

Jun 112010
 

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.

How to Give the Perfect Gift to a Sex and the City Fan

May 282010
 

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.

How to Make Sure Mom Will Love Her Mother’s Day Gift

Apr 222010
 

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.

Related Posts with Thumbnails
 Older Entries