That's a Wrap!

I have recently come to accept that one of my favorite elements of the gifting process is the packaging. A fun and unique wrapping paper print beckons me like a moth to a flame - I am unable to resist! With the hope that I am not alone, I am going to share some fun wrapping papers that have caught my attention of late.

One of my new favorites for both design style and eco-friendly considerations, Amy Butler Designs  appeal to my estrogen levels with the same relaxing feeling that I get walking into a spa. I know this sounds a little odd, but take a look at her designs and let me know your thoughts!

Another of my new finds is an on-line stop called Kate's Paperie. In addition to wrapping paper, the site offers some very nice stationery options. What I seem to be drawn to with these wrapping paper selections is the variety of options and styles that are simultaneously stylish and simple. Some have great bold colors perfect for festive celebrations and others offer a slightly more subdued style useful for the quiet gatherings that require gift giving.

A continued favorite is Cavallini Papers. Something about their collections appeals to my whimsical side while still allowing me to feel like a grown up. If Peter Pan was able to become a grown up without losing his sense of innocent fun, I think he would enjoy these wrapping selections, too!

Happy wrapping and please feel free to share some of your favorites!

Gifting Green

What do you get for your friend of Mother Earth? Check out these options...

For the friend on the run, these stylish Beverage Bottles are a great option. The actual bottle is made of glass to prevent chemical leaching and metallic taste. The silicone sleeve protects the glass while also offering an easy grip and chic style available in a variety of colors. If your friend has small children you can also check out the baby bottles and teethers to enhance an eco-friendly childhood.

The perfect companion to organic produce, these Green Cooking Pots are made of enameled cast iron and free of chemicals. A great alternative to Teflon and Stainless Steel cook ware that the eco chef in your life is sure to love.

 

The idea of eco-friendly fashion has historically given the main stream shopper hives thinking of rough fabrics and throw back 70's stylings. I am happy to report that this fear is unwarranted! More importantly the fashionable options now available run the full range including clothing, bags, shoes and jewelry. Take a look at these 14k gold earings as an upscale gift option. While there are a number of great sites for fashionable eco-shopping, this is one I found recently with some tres chic considerations - Eco Citizen.

Happy Green Gifting!

Celebrating Moms!

Mother's Day is 25 days and counting!

Have you figured out what you are giving your lovely mother this year? Fret not, below are some fun and unique options suitable for a variety of mom types.

Jewelry Ideas

For the mom who already has everything in her jewelry box, these items offer a truly personalized and one-of-a-kind gift option. Whether you are assisting the young children in her life with gift purchasing or are a grown child looking for that extra special item, these may just do the trick! Send them your favorite "kid art" piece and they can turn it into jewelry for mom to enjoy. Kid Art Jewelry

Relax....

Can't afford to send mom to the spa this year? Consider these options to encourage a little relaxation in her life.

More than just a candle, these selections can be personalized for the recipient with a variety of selections. Personalized Candle

These soothing salts really live up to their name! Give mom the gift of relaxing (and uninterrupted) soak that is sure to unwind her nerves. Unwind Bath Salts

Help mom's relaxing moments continue beyond May 9th with these reed diffusers. Soothing scents that she can place anywhere around the house. Greenair Earth Friendly Aromatherapy Reed Diffusers (lavender, Jasmine And Lemongrass)

After a long day at work, is your mom tense around the neck? Save dad from one more task and gift her with one of these spa neck wraps! A quick spin in the microwave and they deliver a soothing heat sure to relax. Lavender Spa Neck Wrap

Tea Time!

For the tea lover who has all the usual amenities... these items offer useful, yet whimsical gift options.

Did you know that monkeys can pick tea? Seriously! They can! In a remote village somewhere in the world this practice continues and you can be sure that gifting mom with this tea is sure to be unique. Monkey Picked Tea

Tea Ball... so old school! Bring mom into the modern tea sipping era with this sleek Steep Stick. Add your loose leaf tea and hot water for the perfect cup of liquid relaxation. Steep Stick 

Does your mom tend to go back for that second cup of tea every time? Save her a trip with this fun, yet practical mug. Able to accommodate the equivalent of three cups at once, this is sure to be a hit! Stacked Coffee Mug

Whacky Mom?!

Does your mom like to embarass you in public by wearing brightly colored or slightly flamboyant designs? Have we got some gift ideas for you!

Before her feet can be happy, they need to be warm! These brightly colored and festivly designed sock options are sure to make her dance with happiness. Happy Socks

How does "executive mom" show that she also has a playful sense of humor? With these colorful pens! Crayola Executive Crayon Executive Pen Set (Orange, Green, Violet, Yellow)

Sending Flowers?

We all know about the remarkable cost increase of floral arrangements around major holidays, so why not send mom a bouquet that will last forever? These unique arrangements are perfect for the hip and artistic mom in your life! Forever Bouquet

Foodie on the Go!

Does your mom love the culinary delights of far off lands? Is she also stuck at home dreaming of her future travels? Make half her dream come true by gifting her with Destination Dinners! Dinner kits arrive with pre-measured spices, sauces and dried ingredients along with the instructions for preparations and a shopping list for the necessary fresh items.

Super Mom

It's not a plane or a bird - it's mom to the rescue! Help your Super Mom be prepared for anything with these playful, but handy tool kits.

For the mom on the go - this Momergency Kit is certain to come in handy!

Have additional ideas? Please share by adding a comment below!

Sweet and Sassy

Spring is in full bloom which means the number of baby shower invitations hitting your mailbox has likely increased!

Faced with this upcoming social ritual you have a few options for your gifting. 

One - check out the baby registry that mom and dad have put together at the local mega-stores and knock a few things off their list.

Two - check out the local baby boutique shops for something fun and fabulously unique.

Three - Hit the craft store and make something one-of-a-kind for the coming soon bundle of joy.

There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages of each option. Let's review!

Option One:

Advantage - Quick, easy and you know that the parents to be will be stocking their baby stash with the items they want.

Disadvantage - Somewhat lacking in that "special touch" of a carefully selected/crafted item

Option Two:

Advantage: A unique gift item showing that you took a little extra time and care with the selection process.

Disadvantage: Likely to be a bit costly in both funds and shopping time. Plus it decreases the amount of items the parents indicated that they need/want.

Option Three:

Advantage: A one-of-a-kind gift item made with loving hands!

Disadvantage: Unless you are a master crafter, you run the risk of the item looking "homemade" and landing in the "never used" pile of the nursery.

My Suggestion:

Combine the options above to maximize advantages and minimize disadvantages!

Check out the registry list and tag a few less expensive items that can be combined with a non-registry item to create a cohesive gift package. This shows that you care enough to honor their requests, but also went the extra mile to find something extra special.

If the thought of crafting projects gives you hives, go with option two and find a local boutique. No time for running around town? Take a look at some of these on-line options that will save your Saturday afternoon!

Custom Art Pieces
Adorable Hand Made Knit Hats
Plush Toys

Craft inclined, but limited on time? Opt for a simple project like customizing a package of onesies. There are loads of iron on decal options available in a wide range of styles. Simply heat up the iron and in a few minutes, you have a personalized gift item. Crafty decals can be found at local craft shops or online - here are a few fun sites to check out!

Variety of Rhinestone Decals

Little Sister Rhinestone Iron On Decal

Wide Variety of Styles

Gerber Brand 4 Pack Organic Onesies, White, 0-3 Months

For more detailed instructions on "how to" production of iron-on items, check out this site for step by step instructions.
How To

Last piece of advice - when selecting multiple gift items to include in your gift package be sure to select a theme. It can be centered around the nursery theme or as simple as a category - clothes, bath goodies, etc. This will lend some cohesion to the overall gift package and boost your ranking as the "friend that gives great gifts"!

 

Thoughts? Comments? Other Gift Suggestions?

Please share by adding a comment below!