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

From lightly sweetened kettle corn to kennels covered in the stickiness of caramel, popcorn is a favorite of theatergoers, kids, and couples snuggling up for movie night at home. Some people go crazy for the light and airy snack that easily doubles as a confection when paired with the right ingredients. When looking to put a smile on the face of the popcorn lover in your life, consider the following gift ideas:

Popcorn for Sports Fans

Sports fanatics can now cheer on their favorite teams with themed popcorn canisters that pay homage to the likes of the New York Giants and other popular franchises. For instance, the Popcorn Factory has recently added NFL Team Licensed Popcorn Tins to their arsenal of popcorn-related products. Each tin offers a 3-way selection comprised of traditional cheddar, butter, and caramel corn.

Old Fashioned Kettle Popcorn Maker

If loved ones crave movie theater popcorn, but don’t want to spend the movie theater bucks, this easy-to-use carnival-style popcorn cart is just the thing to gift. The unit comes with a large 2-ounce stainless-steel kettle with built-in stirring mechanism that provides even distribution and near flawless hot-oil popping. In one sitting, the maker can generate up to a gallon of popcorn – perfect for large families. The maker also accommodates loved ones that spend a lot of time with fundraisers and other social gatherings.

Deluxe 6oz Black Popcorn Maker Machine

With a variety of sizes and colors (like red), this popcorn machine not only offers movie theater-like kernels, but also adds class to personal entertainment spaces. Some of the features to consider include built-in electric stirring system, warming light, removable crumb tray, detachable door, and multifunction control switches. Depending on your preference, this model comes with or without a cart.

Personalized Ceramic Popcorn Bowl – Movie Night

This is the perfect gift for families who make it a habit to gather for ‘movie night’; they will enjoy their very own personalized popcorn bowl – complete with themed images joining their family name. The bowl offers a large serving size of 5 3/4″H x 10 1/2″in diameter, which accommodates up to four cups of popcorn.

Pop-O-Matic Juke Box Popcorn Maker

Use the Pop-O-Matic Juke Box Popcorn Maker as a gift to match themed décor or accommodate the interests of the music enthusiast that loves popcorn. The popcorn maker is an exact replica of a 1950’s style jukebox with a chrome finish that offers the look of stainless steel. The maker produces a healthier kernel because it doesn’t require the use of oil.

Wabash Valley Farms Popcorn Seasoning
If you’re thinking about creating a gift basket for popcorn lovers or movie night fanatics, think about adding a variety of popcorn seasonings. Wabash Valley Farms offers an assortment of flavors to please many different tastes. The sampler jar contains four flavors in one convenient container: movie theater style, creamy ranch, zesty cheddar cheese, and buttery herb and jalapeño.

Good times with the color green and shamrocks are just around the corner, meaning it’s time to shower family and friends who absolutely love celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with gifts. Not only is the holiday a time to rejoice the feast day of St. Patrick, but to also indulge in all things green and Irish – from dyed beer to parading down streets decorated with green stripes. If you’re looking for Irish gift ideas, consider the following personalized items from PersonalizationMall.com that add a unique touch:

Irish Cheer© Personalized Pocket Flask

The Irish Cheer© Pocket Flask allows St. Patrick’s Day celebrators to toast in style with a gift comprised of stainless steel and decorated with the traditional shamrock. Any name is hand etched on the flask, which features elaborate detail and a brushed finish base. The attached cap makes the flask easy to open and close when stowing away 8 fluid ounces of your favorite drink.

Old Irish Pub© Personalized Slate Plaque

Perfect for game rooms, dens, basements, bar rooms, and private ‘man caves,’ a personalized Irish pub plaque accommodates the man or woman who enjoys dedicating their relaxing spaces to their Irish heritage. Using hand-cut, fine-grained slate, the plaque is fashioned out of naturally weather-resistant stone. Since the plaque is washable and resistant to Mother Nature, it makes a decent gift for indoor and outdoor use. To make this a one-of-a-kind gift, include any family name. Other personalized Irish pub items to consider:

Coasters: Customized coasters with any name placed into the design add a special touch. A set of 4 coasters offer a laminated front with cork backing, which effectively protects furniture. When not in use, an included natural wood caddy helps store and display coasters.

Doormat: There’s nothing like welcoming family and friends with a personalized doormat displaying any name added to the design. PersonalizationMall.com mats are fade and mildew resistant – easily cleanable with mild liquid soap and water.

Irish Fancy Pants© Embroidered Diaper Cover

Outfit the little lady in your life with Embroidered Baby Bloomers personalized with a first name and accompanying emerald green shamrock. The diaper cover fashionably offers a cotton/poly blend with embroidered eyelet trim at the leg opening. A soft elastic waist caps off the pants.

Lucky Dog© Personalized Dog Bandana

If you’re planning on taking Fido to a St. Patrick’s Day parade, a personalized Lucky Dog^© Irish Bandana helps he or she blend in with the festivities. Made with 100% cotton and printed with full color detail, PersonalizationMall.com dog bandanas offer a convenientwhich avoids the hassle of tying knots. Fitting any sized dog, the bandana measures 19″W x 12″L. Placed in the center, bandanas feature the dog’s name on a bone. Add any title to complete the design.

Living in loveliness sets the stage for a beautiful life…

For Valentine’s Day, I want to help spread the Love that I have for the romantic luxury soy candles created by Aglow Eco Living. These candles have gained popularity for their unique personal style and amazing scents.

There are letters for every name and symbols from peace to love – crowns, cross, stars and more. Each one is decadent with hand-strung crystal beading. The love  for these “bling” inspired creations is also shared by celebrities, brides, event planners, home decorators, and ordinary folks like me who just appreciate nice things!

Here is what you will REALLY love: Aglow will donate 15% to  LOVE OUR CHILDREN USA with the purchase of any of their products from the LOVE Collection through March 31st. This is a wonderful non profit organization whose mission is to protect children from domestic violence.

Each item in the LOVE Collection is handcrafted, reusable, made from recycled glass and paper and formulated with soy and essential oil fragrances.

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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 appliqués.

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

 

 

 

 

 
Ty® Snow Much Love Personalized Snowman

Let 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
 

Snowman Family Kitchen Personalized Cutting Board

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

This year, we decided to feature mainly products made in USA. Here are a few Father’s Day Gift ideas we have received from our readers. Remember to always check each Store’s policies before placing your order.

 

Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace by Susie Mantell

The exquisitely soothing, award-winning relaxation audiobook on CD, Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace by national stress-relief expert Susie Mantell, soothes layer-after-layer of worry, stress, exhaustion.  Exquisitely packaged, incredibly thoughtful, this gift brings Dad soothing respite whenever he needs a break (Moms love it too!)  Featured in Fortune 500, Town & Country, Billboard, The American Pain Society, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Canyon Ranch, CEOs, surgeons, soccer moms and everyday folks who could just really use a nap.  Mantell has created a uniquely soothing experience.  Like an easy chair, the warm narration is an oasis from a hectic day or a prelude to deep, restful sleep.   Ever wish you could turn down the noise in your head?   To be sure, these are stressful times for people in all walks of life.  Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace lights the way. Slow down, sit back… Just let go.

Price $14.95

Kevin and His Dad by Irene Smalls

A special Father’s Day Gift for a father and a son.   A lyrical story of a young boy and his dad making a romp! of cleaning up.   They dunk the dishes, railroad the rug, tidy the toys, catch the cobwebs and dust the dog.   Their time together is told in Kevin’s words evoking the excitement, pride, and love a young boy feels spending time with his Dad.   Kevin says, ” I love being with my Dad.  He’s the best friend a guy ever had”.  This book is a celebration of the father-son bond.  Full color illustrated 32 page picture book.  For children ages 3-9 years

Toll Free Ordering  1-800-759-0190

Price $16.95

The Longest Year by Michael Isenberg

In The Longest Year, a valiant father, courageous mother, and loyal children confront adversity through the beloved father’s battle with pancreatic cancer.  This book presents a family’s journey through the triumphs and travails of life, death, and love.  It’s a compilation of lessons learned and moments remembered that both touch and teach.  Deeply felt and lyrically written, it uncovers the priorities that should truly matter for families and individuals dealing with a loved one’s terminal illness and explains the importance of finding a way to live on after the death of a loved one. Available at Amazon and soon at TheLongestYearBook.com.

Paperback $15.95, Hardcover $29.95

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football by Sam Hendricks

Are you looking for the perfect father’s day gift?  Is he a football fan?  Why not give him something that he can enjoy the entire football season!  Give him Fantasy Football Guidebook.  The book is designed to help everyone from beginners to advanced fantasy footballers. The book contains hundreds of strategies and tips for starting, playing and winning a fantasy football league.

Sam Hendricks is an award-winning author of five fantasy football books and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA). Fantasy Football Guidebook is “One of the Top 4 Fantasy Football Books of All-Time” by RotoNation.com and is a finalist in both the Best Book 2008 Awards (sponsored by USA Book News) and the Indie Excellence 2009 Awards.

Paperback $19.95,  Hardback $26.95

Big Slick Daddy by Mark Borowski

Who knew that becoming a better poker player could help you become a better parent?  Big Slick – an Ace and a King – is one of the best hands in poker and this book helps fathers create a successful parenting hand.  Using his 20-plus years of card-playing experience, author Mark Borowski shows how the same strategies that help you win at poker can help you win at parenting.

With real-life stories of fathers who have applied these ideas and insightful examples, this is the entertaining and helpful resource you’ll wish someone had given you the day your first child was born.  This book can be used at the card table and at the dinner table – at the Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament and at your child’s soccer tournament.

Big Slick Daddy, winner of the Good Parentingcm Seal and endorsed by the National Center for Fathering, walks readers through many of the typical parental challenges they face and provides questions at the end of each chapter so they can reflect upon their situation and take action.  Read it and reap.

Price $14.95

 

The Military Father by Armin Brott

Unfortunately, there are very few resources for military (and deployed civilian) fathers, who are looking for guidance on how to be in close touch with their families back home. The Military Father, written by the country’s leading authority on fathers and families, will fill that gap, providing deployed dads with everything they need to know to stay (or become) involved with and connected to their family regardless of the distance that separates them.

Flavored with the author’s trademark wit, warmth, and intelligence, this guide combines a wealth of knowledge from experts, scientific studies, and interviews with scores of military fathers and their families. The Military Father includes cartoons that complement the text, solicited from deployed military or civilian fathers and family members, ranging from those on active duty to veterans.

Paperback $12.95, Hardcover $18.95

Rare Words II with Rare Fare Cards by Hallie and Jan Leighton

The Book of Myself A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography In 201 Questions by Carl and David Marshall

 Have you ever wished you had the life stories of a relative or friend?  The Book of Myself is a do-it-yourself memoir that helps you record and preserve the experiences and knowledge of a lifetime for years to come.  Divided into Early, Middle, and Later Years, this keepsake volume contains 201 questions that guide you through the process of keeping memories on subjects such as family and friends, learning and education, work and responsibilities, and the world around you. Perfect for genealogy lovers and anyone who wants to get to know his or her father, and even grandfathers, better.

Price $15.95

As a way to celebrate the holidays, we often give gifts to our family and friends. This act of gift giving is a way to show appreciation for the focus of the celebration. There are many options to consider when choosing a gift, and this mainly depends on the holiday and who is receiving it.

The summer is approaching fast and many schools are hosting their graduation. Personalized gifts are perfect for this event because they often remind the graduate of the time spent at the institution. For example, you may want to consider a picture frame that has their name and graduation date engraved below the picture.

I received a personalized picture frame many years ago when I graduated from high school. It was an excellent gift that I recommend for this type of event. I received a silver colored picture frame that had my name at the bottom along with the date of my graduation. I still have this picture frame today and it reminds me of my graduation every time I see it.

Personalized gifts are also great for holidays such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. This type of monogrammed gift can really show your parents how much you care. I recommend choosing a personalized gift for those special days and the person receiving the gift is sure to be pleased.

This post was submitted by our Contributor, Steve.

What's In Your Suitcase? photo courtesy of kthread

The world seems to be shrinking. These days you can easily get the special chocolate, wine and accessories in America that once required a trip abroad to purchase. While it’s great for convenience sake, it makes coming home with unique, special and hard-to-find gifts very difficult. No one wants to lug home a special treat, only to find it at their local World Market or specialty grocery store. To find a truly unique gift, try these suggestions:

Go Off the Beaten Path

To find the most unique gifts, ask the locals. Where do they shop for one-of-a-kind items? What can’t they live without? Likely they’ll send you off the beaten path– way off it. Shop in locally owned antique stores or boutiques. Your loved one will appreciate the uniqueness of their gift from your travels.

Buy Art

Art is one of those things that can’t be simply recreated, or shipped to every chain store. Pick up prints, pottery or handmade items crafted by local artisans. When you bring these items home you are truly bringing a piece of your experience back with you.

Stay Out of Souvenir Shops

Instead of picking up souvenirs at souvenir shops, visit local garden centers, grocery stores or markets. Things that locals may not see as very special, actually are because they use them so much. You might find some great tea, candy or local flower seeds to grow in your own garden.

Give Photos

If you’re passionate about photgraphy, why not give some of your snap shots as gifts? Turn them into mugs, mousepads or notecards and give them as gifts. That way you can definitely count on the fact that they are one-of-a-kind and unique because you are the one that created them.

We mentioned Things Remembered in our 2009 Valentine’s Gift Guide – Part 2.

Things Remembered is one of my all time favorites. Most of their products (if not all) can be personalized and the website is very easy to navigate.

Here are some products they offer for this Valentine’s Day:

Crystal Heart Album by Things Remembered

Say I love you with these shiny, personalized albums and frames that feature shimmering crystals and heart accents, along with a large canvas to engrave your special message. Fill them with photos that capture all your favorite moments together.

Price: $25.00 Today ON SALE for 19.99

Crystal Heart USB by Things Remembered
Help them stay organized and stylish on the go with a personalized flash drive they’re sure to use daily. Offered in a timeless silver-plated version for the guys and a crystal-encrusted version with a heart-shaped top for the girls. Save favorite pictures, a poem or a declaration of love to the drive before gifting it, and don’t forget to personalize it with a name and phone number in case it ever gets lost.

Price: $30.00 Today ON SALE for $19.99.
Photo Cuff Links by Things Remembered Whether he’s working long hours at the office or away on business, it’s important he still keeps loved ones close. Each of these silver cuff links opens to reveal a spot to store two pictures.

Engrave his initials on the face to make the gift even more inspired.

Price: $25.00

Key to My Heart Water Globe by Things Remembered

Tell her you love her in an inspired new way this Valentine’s Day! Choose from one of two timeless, love-themed water globes from Things Remembered. The Key to My Heart Water Globe will remind her that not only does she have your heart, she also has the key.

Or capture the most sincere Valentine’s Day sentiment with the I Love You Water Globe that features declarations of love around the base. Each can be engraved with your own personalized message of love as well.

Price: $35.00 Today ON SALE for $24.99

Crystal Heart Keepsake Box by Things Remembered

These heart-shaped keepsake boxes are encrusted in silver or pink crystals and open to reveal a heart charm where you can engrave your special Valentine’s Day message for her.

Price: $25.00

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To see the current selection of their beautiful personalized gifts, please visit their website: Things Remembered