headline » 1HappyCorner.com - Gift Blog

How to be a Halloween Hit for Trick-or-Treaters

Oct 082010

Make Halloween Super Special (Photo courtesy of DrVoo)

It’s a holiday kids all over the country eagerly anticipate. Don’t let them down this Halloween. Instead give them the gift of excitement and thrill by becoming the hit of the block this October 31. Here are some simple ways to make your home spookier, crazier and more fun for Halloween night.

Use an Animated Candy Bowl

Don’t stuff your candy in a boring bowl. Kids of all ages will get a thrill from sticking their hands in the Animated Raven Halloween Candy Bowl. The treats are placed in a footed bowl with a life-like black bird flapping its wings perched in the middle. Another fun option is the Animated Candy Bowl with Hand. A green, bony hand protrudes from the center of an orange bowl.

Play Halloween Music

Music can really set the stage for your Halloween home. Download free music at TheHolidaySpot.com or pick up the Haunted Harmonies CD from Target. Put the speakers in the windows by your front door so trick-or-treaters can hear it as they approach your home.

Give Gifts for Great Costumes

Reward creativity and inventiveness by giving special trick-or-treaters something in addition to candy. Pick up some low-cost toys like these plastic spider webs and hand them out to the best-dressed boys and girls. . Or give them something a little more special than bite-size candy bars by handing out Fluffy Stuff Spider Webs Cotton Candy Packs.

Decorate Outside

Typically you decorate the inside of your home for a Halloween party, but why not decorate the outside for trick-or-treaters? Pick up some low-cost glow in the dark spider webs for $3.99 and fun window clings for $3.99.

Get Dressed Up

Children aren’t the only ones that get to dress up for Halloween. Put on a costume to hand out candy and you’ll make it even more fun for all the boys and ghouls that ring your door bell.

How to Throw a Minute to Win It Party

Sep 202010

Minute to Win It is a hot game show on NBC where contestants race the clock to complete seemingly simple challenges using household products. With a million bucks dangling before them, the excitement level is always high. Since the 60-second challenges involve items you probably have around your house, lots of people are throwing Minute to Win It parties. Here are some tips for making your Minute to Win It bash a party people remember for a long time.

Choose Fun Games

All of the games played on Minute to Win It are fun and the majority of them could work in your own home. But take into consideration the number of people you plan to have at your Minute to Win It party, as well as the space available for playing these games. Check out this library of games that have been featured on the show and select about a half dozen to feature at your party.

Serve Food that Fits the Theme

Any good party needs great food. Perhaps you could serve Mexican dishes including a taco bar with a sign that says “Taco Time!”. Give cupcakes a shot and arrange them in a circle. Number them like the face of a clock. There are lots of fun ideas that would be great for a Minute to Win It party.

Show the Video Blue Prints

Give your party a high-tech feel by showing the blue prints (aka. rules) for each game just like they do on the real Minute to Win It game show. You can find the videos on YouTube, commercial free. For instance, here’s the blue print for the game “Face the Cookie.” Showing these professionally produced videos will make your party feel more like the real thing.

Award Prizes

You’ll definitely want to reward winners for their hard work and competitive spirit. Try clock-themed prizes like funny watches or timers. This round wooden ready-to-decorate clock from Oriental Trading Company is just $6.99 and would make a fun prize. You don’t have to spend much, but it will create a more festive feel.

Vintage Clock Magnets Make Great Favors (Photo by Alison Storm)

Hand Out Favors

Everyone likes to go home from a party with something. A great (and affordable) party favor for your Minute to Win It game is this DIY mid century clock magnet from How About Orange. Spray paint some bottle caps and use Mod Podge to adhere the printable clock designs. Hot glue a magnet onto the back and your favor is complete. It’s a great gift that will remind your guests of the great time they had at your Minute to Win It party.

Women and Fitness – Gift Ideas

Aug 172010

It is very well known that exercise and regular physical activity can help you reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. And when it comes to women (like new moms, for example), being fit can help them lose or control their weight loss.

Belly Burner. photo courtesy of Taylor Gifts

Here are some tips to consider when choosing gifts for your loved one:

Start slow!

If your loved one hasn’t done any kind of exercise in a while, they will need to start sloooow… maybe 10 minutes at a time. Stretching, walking around the block, gardening, going up and down the stairs, swimming and dancing are just a few activities they can do to start off their fitness routine. The Belly Burner is a perfect gift idea for those who want to be fit again! It’s very convenient: they can wear it under and over clothing while they are doing their daily activities and it’s even more effective if worn during the daily exercise routine.

Make it easy!

The Ab Flyer. Photo courtesy of Taylor Gifts

Going to the gym is somewhat strenuous on most people, especially on new moms who have to be home with their babies. So, why not bring the gym into their home? The Ab Flyer, for example, makes a great gift for moms who want to tone up their tummies. It is easy to store (folds) and easy to use; it works all the abdominal muscles in a Unique Reverse Arc Motion.

Make it fun!

Routines can be rather boring. However, your gift can change that! You can:
- offer them tickets to the zoo, a craft show or to a dog show so they can walk for at least a couple of hours;
- pay for dancing lessons;
- buy them roller skates or bicycle accessories like a double wall bike rack

Do NOT get discouraged!

Give them a Journal and ask them to write down their goal and reasons; then ask them to keep a record of their milestones. This should keep them motivated.

Buying Furniture Gifts for First Time Home Owners

Aug 042010

Having your first place is a big deal! Whether it’s a small, tiny apartment or a big country house with a pool in the back yard, buying gifts for the first time owner in your life is always a great gesture! On this occasion, practical gifts, like furniture, are probably the best and will help with the transition.

After spending an arm and a leg on their favorite place, not a lot is left to spend on elegant furniture. So, be it patio furniture or living room furniture, this kind of gift would be just perfect!

Tips

When choosing a furniture gift, always remember:

Every person is different. Make sure you know their preferences and style before spending $200 – $300 or more! Is it modern? Is it rustic? Is it Victorian?

Ask them what plans they have; this will make your task of giving easier.

Make sure you know how big the place is; go visit or ask them to send you some pictures!

In big living rooms: select furniture groupings; it’s recommended that you avoid mirrors and glass tops on tables as they create the illusion of space. It is also recommended to furnish big rooms with large pieces of furniture, including fully upholstered sofas and chairs. Dark woods, tall bookcases, accessories (like lamps, pillows) and plants (like potted trees) will help make the room look smaller.

In small living rooms: small, glass tables will give an uncluttered feel while bench-style sofas with minimal cushioning will make a room look a little larger; a mirror that reflects a view will make the room appear brighter and larger.

For the patio or porch: simply by choosing a hammock or a wood swing, you will instantly give the gift of relaxation and start that man-made oasis that everyone looks forward to! Some patio furniture, a fountain or a BBQ grill can transform patios into an inviting, family friendly space.

Nowadays, shopping for furniture is easier than ever! And with great selections at low prices like those offered by Overstock.com, the hardest thing is choosing the right gift!

Ways to save at Overstock.com

Join the OMail and receive discounts and coupons in your inbox!

Join Club O Rewards and receive money back.

Always check the Sales page! And the Redline Deals!

Gifts for Cat Lovers

Jul 312010

According to the Humane Society, there are an estimated 93.6 million owned cats in the United States. With a resounding ‘meow,’ cat lovers are fanatics for anything feline and when it comes time to give a gift – do you have a clue what to get? If you’re looking for a few cat gift ideas, consider the following suggestions:

Toys for Kitty

From plastic balls decorated with feathers to trinkets that jingle, cat toys are meant to entertain and keep felines sharp – both mentally and physically. If you’re looking to truly stimulate the mind of a cat, consider the SmartCat Peek-A-Prize Cat Toy Box – a heavy-duty wood toy box that hides toys inside. It actually promotes the natural predatory behavior of cats. Scratching posts (like the SmartCat Perch for the Ultimate Scratching Post shown above) are also a popular toy amongst cats and today, you can choose from an array of creative selections that can fit into any décor scheme.

Catnip

Belonging to the mint family, catnip can give great pleasure to a feline. They will rub it, roll over in it, paw at it, and find themselves in ecstasy for several minutes at a time. You can choose to purchase a catnip plant for a cat lover, which they can keep as a houseplant or transfer to their garden for an outdoor cat.

Cat’s Eye

When cut in a rounded shape, cat’s eye reflects light in an attractive fashion – similar to the way the eyes of cats seem to radiant in the dark. From rings to earrings, there are many different pieces of cat’s eye jewelry to consider, such as this affordable Sterling Silver Stylish Interchangeable Round Cats Eye Stone Filigree Ring Set .

Charm Bracelet

Charms bracelets offer a delightful way to express the interests of the wearer. Many come ready-made to accommodate a specific theme, while others allow the wearer to add charms to commemorate special milestones. For cat lovers, choose a bracelet with a couple charms related to felines and leave the rest to the wearer. A few charm ideas include a Halloween cat, outstretched cat, cat head, paw print, and even a mouse.

Litter Box

If you think it’s time for your loved one to upgrade their kitty litter box, the Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box will certainly do the trick. This particular model self cleans by rolling to the right and back again, where waste collects in a pullout tray for quick and easy disposal. Other advantages include odor and dust control – perfect for large cats and multiple-cat households.

Personalized Gifts

From custom verses engraved on canvas to laser engraved wooden frames, cat lovers enjoy posing with their companions, as well as framing their endless antics captured on film. Another way to pay homage to a furry companion is to have their likeness placed on a coffee cup. Other personalized cat gift ideas include food dishes, nametags, and digital photo ornaments.

How to Decide Between Giving a Practical Gift or a Frivolous One

Jul 152010

Practical or Frivolous? How to Know Which Gift to Buy photo courtesy of voxefx

Gifts generally fall into one of two categories: practical or frivolous. Practical gifts are things that are needed for every day life. The gifts that fall into this category are small appliances, bath towels and socks. Then there are gifts that would be considered frivolous by most of us. These include fancy candles, decadent treats and unnecessary gadgets. Trying to decide which way to go with a gift you need to purchase? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Is this a Romantic Occasion?

Anniversaries, your significant other’s birthday, and Valentine’s Day typically require gifts that fall into the frivolous side. In fact, to some people, buying a practical gift for a romantic holiday can be insulting. Things like roach spray, a vacuum, or a gift certificate for a car wash are probably not the best way to go.

Does this Person Have Any Big Needs?

Consider the needs of the person for which you are shopping. When the person you are buying for is low on funds, making a big life change, or facing an uphill battle, it is probably best to get them something incredibly useful. If you know they are struggling financially, buying a frivolous gift may not be received well. Instead, get them a gift card to a place you know they’ll enjoy. Avoid the $10 gourmet cupcakes or membership to the cheese of the month club. Instead get them something more useful.

Is There a Gift Registry?

Most brides, grooms and soon-to-be parents will tell you that getting gifts that aren’t on the registry is a little frustrating. It’s a time in their lives when so many things are demanding their money. So getting a gift that is not on the wedding or baby registry can be annoying. Since the person took the time to make a list of what they want and need it may be best just to go ahead and take the practical route by buying a gift off of the registry.

What Would Your Loved One Prefer?

Chances are, you know your loved one best. You know whether they would prefer a gift with more usefulness or a gift that is more lavish. Gifts are ultimately about the person you are giving them to, not yourself. So try to think about what they would truly prefer.

How to Know How Much to Spend on a Gift

Jul 082010

How Much Should You Spend on Gifts? (Photo courtesy of Mrskyce)

Gift giving can be challenging. Besides picking the perfect gift, it’s important to know how much to spend on the gift. Many factors go into determining a good amount for your gift giving budget. Here are some guidelines to help you know how much to spend on a gift.

Determine the Average

Depending on where you live, the social norm for gift spending can vary greatly. In bigger cities the average wedding gift can cost around $100, while it may be perfectly acceptable in smaller cities to spend around $50. Knowing what the typical gift in your area costs will help you know how much to spend.

Follow the Pros’ Advice

When it comes to weddings, The Knot is an expert source. The wedding website suggests coming up with a gift budget for the entire wedding including the engagement, shower and ceremony. Then divide your entire budget for each event, spending 20% on the engagement, 20% on the shower and 60% on the wedding gift. If you’re not invited to one of these events then reallocate your gift budget.

Think About the Relationship

You’re likely to spend more on your spouse than on your boss this Christmas. It’s important to consider your relationship with the person you are buying a gift for when determining what to spend. You may want to spend more on those that are closer to you.

Remember the Past

Is this a person you have bought a gift for in the past? Think about what you’ve spent on gifts before. This is a good indication of what you should continue to spend on similar gifts.

Consider Your Budget

Above all, it’s important to consider your budget. No matter what the event, occasion or relationship, your budget is the most important factor. Determine what amount would be comfortable for you on top of your regular expenses. Stretching yourself too much just to afford a fancy gift will simply add stress to what should be a happy situation.

Gifts for People Trying to Lose Weight

Jun 272010

The first day of summer is June 21, which means the next couple of months will be full of weddings and swimsuits. This is also the time where millions of people are looking to lose a couple of pounds, shed baby weight, or do away with those infamous ‘last 5 pounds.’ When searching for gifts for loved ones trying to lose weight, consider the following suggestions:

Fruit and Nut Gift Basket

Instead of choosing a gift basket filled with chocolate, opt for the healthier option of fruits and nuts. A fresh basket of fruit not only makes a colorful centerpiece, but also provides a conveniently nutritious treat for the dieter in your life. A nut assortment is packed with protein and healthy fats – perfect for the snacker looking for a guilt-free energy boost in between meals. Other features of a fruit and nut basket may include trail mixes, dried fruit packets, organic beverages, and fruit leather.

Exercise Equipment

Add to the home gym of your loved one by gifting exercise equipment. Depending on your budget, choose a TKO Anti Burst Fitness Ball Set for around $15 or go for the gusto with the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill.Other exercise gift ideas include hand weights, jump ropes, medicine ball, kettle weights, and workout benches.

Workout Sneakers

Proper footwear is essential to not only get the most out of a workout, but to also protect your feet, ankles, legs, posture, and gait. The market is filled with selections to satisfy a variety of activity levels, including walking, running, hiking, and aerobics. New Balance and Nike are popular brands of footwear with styles that include the NIKE Womens Air Achieve Trainers, New Balance Hertiage Trail Shoe, NIKE Womens Air Zoom Mistify Trainers and New Balance Classic Running Shoes.

DVDs

For the loved one who enjoys workout and aerobic DVDs, there are plenty of selections to consider – from The Firm to Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred. For a kickboxing experience, Billy Banks has a wide range of workout DVDs under his Taebo program. Another trend in workout DVDs centers on dance and upbeat music. A few recommendations include the Fame Dance Workout, Hip-Hop Abs, and Zumba.

Tea Assortment

Tea, especially green tea, offers a low-calorie beverage that actually helps fight weight gain, enhances metabolic weight loss, lowers cholesterol levels, and delivers healthy antioxidants to the body. You can find gift baskets that focus on assortments with red, white, black, and herbal teas. Introduce a loved one to the possibilities of tea by opting for a teapot set – complete with saucers, tea cups, and tea.

Bike

From exploring the neighborhood to conquering hilly terrain, one of the best workouts for your cardiovascular system is biking. Depending on your loved one, you may consider a mountain bike or one used for spinning – a stationary bike for the home that increases the heart rate and burns calories.

How to Make Your Own 4th of July Party Favors

Jun 242010

Take Care of the Patriotic Details (Image courtesy of Tweedle Dee Designs)

Whether you’re inviting the neighborhood over for a backyard 4th of July bash or you’re just gathering a few patriotic friends, there are some easy ways to give them a truly memorable summer party. You can have your home transformed into an explosion of red, white and blue without spending a lot of money or time. Here are some easy DIY 4th of July party favors that you can whip up in your free time thanks to the help of some party pros.

Tweedle Dee Designs

Tweedle Dee Designs is offering up an incredibly cute collection of free 4th of July party printables. It’s quite the free gift and includes labels for your bottled water, treat bags for guests, note cards, cupcake toppers and more! All you do is download the designs, print them off on high quality paper, cut them out and create your red, white and blue party decor. There are even free invitations that coordinate with the collection.

Paper and Pigtails

Another designer, Paper and Pigtails is offering up free 4th of July decorations to help make your party more patriotic. This freebie includes four sets of red, white and blue circles that can be used as cupcake toppers or favor tags. If you want a more complete party set, check out the designers’ Etsy shop where you can pick up the 4th of July Party Pack for $10 which includes water bottle labels and even snack cups.

Martha Stewart July 4th Clip Art

Martha Stewart is the queen of holiday crafts. And she wouldn’t leave you hanging this 4th of July! Head over to MarthaStewart.com for a complete selection of free printable Independence Day crafts. You’ll find step-by-step instructions for making elaborate looking tissue fireworks and printable center medallions. Martha will help you with even the smallest details like patriotic ice cream cone wrappers and napkin rings.

Last Minute Deals on Father’s Day Gifts – Soap

Jun 082010

It’s time to pamper the Father in your life! And it doesn’t take much! We know times are tough so here are some budget-friendly suggestions:

Magic Senses

One of the great Father’s Day last minute deals we found online is on the Sandalwood Handcrafted Glycerin Soap from Magic Senses. A very clean, woodsy and rich fragrance in a simple design from their Men’s Soap Collection.

This would make the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for the Father in your life: stylish, practical and beautifully fragranced! Handmade. Each bar weighs approximately 6 oz.

The Deal:

Price: $6.75 $5.94

###

Body Language Soaps

Every man needs and deserves a little pampering once in a while. But the last thing they want to do is smell like flowers while doing so! What’s masculine about that? Nothing! Now they can pamper themselves without risking their masculinity.

The Deal:

Their men’s line is 25% off until the end of the month but we are only featuring the soap today:

Velocity for Men Handmade Soap - $6.50 $4.87

###

The Soap Florist

Right now they have their beautiful Carved Lions Head Soap on sale!

You get your choice of one or two soaps on this beautiful Ceramic dish that can be used as a soap dish, coin dish, key plate and more! The soap is handmade and Vegan (made with vegetable oils) and each bar weighs approximately 5 oz.
Your choice of scented or unscented.

The Deal:

One for $9.95 $7.95
Two for $16.95 $12.95

Older Entries Newer Entries