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How to Beat the Heat with Summer Gifts

Jun 182010

Keep Your Cool This Summer (Photo Courtesy of Auntie K)

Is anyone else feeling a little toasty? It’s been hot and humid here in South Carolina. These warm temperatures are making me desperate for ways to cool off. If you want to help others beat the heat this summer with some fabulous gifts we’ve got a few that would work wonders at cooling down your loved ones.

Popsicle Maker

There’s nothing quite like an ice cold frozen Popsicle on a hot day. But store bought ones are filled with sugar. Give someone the Norpro Frozen Pop Maker so they can create their own chilly treats. It’s $16.99 at CentralChef.com and comes with ten molds and a stainless steel lid.

Water Balloon Slingshot

Take the water balloon fight to a whole new level with the Water Balloon Slingshot from Target. The set comes with a target, but your recipient probably already has bulls eye in mind. This is a fun gift for anyone to enjoy on a hot day– not just kids.

Personal Mister

It’s amazing what a light mist of water can do to cool you down. Help your friends and family members keep cool at sporting events, on the golf course or while lounging on the patio with the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Misty Mate 8. It’s a personal mister that pressurizes easily by hand and releases a refreshing ultra-fine mist. It’s $39.99 at Sports Authority.

Frosty Freezer Mugs

In the summer heat it doesn’t take long for an ice cold drink to become as warm as hot cocoa. And there’s nothing refreshing about that. Give the gift of a refreshing beverage on a hot day with this set of six Frosty Freezer Mugs. Simply pop them in the freezer and fill with a cold drink when you’re ready. You’ll be able to enjoy your cool beverage without worrying about it getting watered down by melting ice cubes.

Fun Sprinkler

Who needs a swimming pool when you’ve got a sprinkler? Give some summer fun with the Fisher-Price Froggy Fun Sprinkler. Your friends and family can water the grass while keeping cool and having a blast this summer.

Gifts for Beach Lovers

Apr 042010

Summer is just around the corner, meaning it’s the perfect time for getting gifts for the beach bums in your life. Most beach lovers have been longing for the chance to sink their toes into the gritty sands of their local shoreline or have their sights on a family vacation at a tropical locale. If you’re at a loss for beachy gift ideas, consider the following suggestions.

Bathing Suit

Perfect for a birthday gift or ‘just because,’ fellas can score major brownie points with the ladies when they take the time to purchase a bathing suit. As you approach this sometimes-daunting task, keep in mind that the goal is to choose a bathing suit that matches the body type and style of the woman in your life. For starters, when shopping for a woman on the timid side, it’s probably not a good idea to gift a two-piece bikini. Consider something like the Nautica Women’s V-Neck Swim Dress, which offers a flirty, fashionable tank built in under a dress.

Swimming Equipment

Whether you choose goggles to protect eyes from saltwater romps or select a new pair of flippers for the diver in your life, there are plenty of gift ideas for swimmers who enjoy frequent visits to the beach. However, for the beach lover who likes to listen to music, the FINIS SwiMP3.1G Waterproof MP3 Player is perfect – delivering high-fidelity sound through the cheekbone to the inner ear. All they have to do is set up a playlist (MP3 or WMA files) and enjoy a day at the beach with a waterproof MP3 player that holds about 240 songs.

Surfboard

Have you ever had a friend or relative express a desire to learn how to surf? You can encourage their interests by giving the gift of a snazzy new surfboard. Beginners may like the Maverix 8’0″ Surfboard (Teal/White) with “Straight to the Waves” Kit. The board is made for beginner surfers practicing on small to medium waves. It also comes with a Leash, Traction Pad, and Fins.

Beach Towel

There’s nothing like the crisp colors of a new beach towel to brighten up the day. You’re in luck, as there are plenty of opportunities to select a towel that complements the personality of your loved one or friend. From bold colors to humorous images, this is probably one of the easiest gifts to pick out for a beach lover. For the artsy type, the Dolphin Beach Towel is a masterpiece, while comical loved ones may appreciate the Crime Scene Dead Body Beach Towel.

Create Your Watermelon Fruit Basket

May 262008

Â A popular gift around our house during summer and usually for Fourth of July is the Watermelon Fruit Basket. I give it everytime I am invited to a summer Barbecue. It is a great inventive gift. I like to make a different style depending on the size of the watermelon but for this one I will advise how to make the smaller one.

It looks a lot more complicated than it actually is, you’ll keep that bit of info to yourself Winking . First thing you do is find yourself a small round watermelon with a thick skin. Once you get it home, clean it with plain water and dry it completely. You are going to need a stencil, unless you are an artist and can freehand, to draw onto the melon. The stencil will act as a guide in carving the design into the melon.

For the design you can be as creative as you like, stencils are available at any arts and crafts store. Back to the prep:

Peel the skin off of the watermelon, this gives you a better hold of the melon. The skin is very slick and it looks better without the skin.
Cut the watermelon in half and scoop out the inside of it. Cut a 1″ lip around the top half of the melon and one around the bottom half of the melon. This makes the decorative edgeÂ for the two adjoining pieces of the melons.
Now you can draw your stencil on the top half of the melon. Use a carving knife to cut the stencil completely out of the watermelon. Do a rough cutting first then you can come back and neaten it all up.
The topper is optional, I never use it but it is made out of a turnip. You just cut it into the shape you wish, using stencils or freehand.

Anyone who sees this will be so surprised and thankful. This is the perfect gift for any outdoor event. Creative and easy to make!!

Image belongs to Temple Of Thai.