Imagine her face when she opens this

Finn here again. I’ve got a lot to say. Apparently.

I’m not hard to buy for—if you pay attention. But so many people just don’t. Or at least that don’t pay enough attention. Maybe they realize that I am a perfume whore (The more the merrier, I say and I’m not ashamed). What they don’t get is that just because I like fragrance it doesn’t mean I will like their favorite, which they will invariably assume, even if I didn’t say I liked it or even notice they were wearing any. And invariably that scent will be something sweet and delicate, which is NOT me at all and should be obvious to anyone who’s ever been in my presence.

But enough about me.

What I’m getting at is this: Unless you know for sure what your giftee likes perfume-wise, it really has been better just to refrain from giving that particular item.

Until now.

Sephora has the perfect solution:  Sephora Scent Samplers. It’s ingenious really. You buy the sampler, which includes a handful (7, 10 or 12 depending on the collection) of sample bottles of their bestselling fragrances. Once you’ve tried them all and decided on a favorite, you bring the enclosed voucher to your nearest Sephora store and redeem it for a full-sized bottle of your pick.

Easy-breezy and oh-so-cool. Plus, they have samplers for men, too.

A few caveats: You must redeem the voucher at a Sephora store; you can’t use it online. And it’s not valid for our Canadian friends unless they cross the border. Finally, there is always the chance that the recipient won’t like any of the available scents. But the included selection is diverse enough that the chance would be slim. Two of the collections have one scent that I’ve recently fallen in love with and I’m picky as hell.

Pricing on these are $50 for the Best Sellers or Deluxe samplers and $75 for the Collector’s Edition, which features seven miniature versions of the regular perfume bottles rather than the little sample packages. For men there are two versions, the Deluxe for $50 and the Collector’s Edition for $75.

I gave one these to both my brother and my dad for Christmas (they like cologne almost as much as do) and they loved it. Gift-giving WIN I tell you. Even my mother liked the idea and she’s a pain in the ass when it comes to gifts. Trust me, you’ll be a hero. Try it.

P.S. These are a great way to sample several fragrances and even save a few bucks on new scent if you’re in the market for yourself.

Maybe, just maybe, someone in my life will get the hint (anyone?) and buy me one of these babies. But they’re probably not paying attention.

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Post tags: cologne, fragrance, gift ideas, gifts, gifts for women, perfume, scent, Sephora

You can tell they’re an iPhone junky because you know what kind of freaking cell phone they have. They don’t call you.  They “call you on their iPhone.”  They don’t lose their phone or their cell.  They lose their iPhone – except they don’t, of course, because iPhone users are rarely far enough away from their iPhones to lose it.

Shopping for an iPhone junky can be difficult, because they already have the whole world in the palm of their hand.  Just ask them.  But, there is something that iPhone users love even more than their iPhones: stuff to go with their iPhone.

5 Holiday Gift Ideas For People With iPhones

iHome clock Radio for iPhone

1. iHome Docking Station and Clock Radio

I did a review of the iHome Docking Station and Clock Radio back in September.  I still love it.  I’ve since run into several readers of this site who have added it to their own wish lists because a good speaker system and iPhone compatible alarm clock is hard to come by.

The problem with most “iPhone docking stations” like this is that they are  made for iPods, not iPhones, and so you have to put your phone in airplane mode to use it, or endure the annoying buzz of interference.  This system is compatible with every single iPhone, way back to the first generation (what I had until about 24 hours ag).

The iHome docking station lets you play music over the speakers with impressive sound quality.  It also lets you wake to and fall asleep to specific playlists.  On top of that, it’s a great alarm clock that allows you to set two separate alarms and designated an alarm for a 1, 5 or 7 day schedule (no more accidentally waking up early on Saturday or forgetting to reset the alarm for Monday morning!).

The iHome iP9BR Clock Radio for iPod is $81.88 right now on Amazon. ($79 if you get it in silver.)  Buy it here.

2.  Mophie Juice Pack Case – Rechargeable iPhone battery

Juice Pack rechargeable battery case

This is something I don’t have and want desperately.

The biggest downfall of the iPhone is that the battery isn’t removeable, so heavy users can’t buy extra batteries to keep charged.  The Juice Pack addresses that problem by giving you a fully rechargeable battery that doubles as an iPhone case.

Like I said, I don’t have this and have never used it.  But reviews online as well as reviews from people I know who have this product say that it doubles the battery life of your iPhone.

You can charge the case and the iPhone simultaneously and switch the case’s power source on and off to decide if you want to save your extra battery life for later.

The juice pack will add a little bulk to the iPhone – more than a simple silicone case – but the extra power you get is worth it for someone who uses their phone constantly.

Amazon offers a variety of colors for the juice pack that will fit the iPhone first generation, 3G and 3Gs.  Click here to see the full range.

wireless head set for iPhone

3.  Bluetooth Stereo Headset

Another “don’t have, want badly” product for me. I’ve been looking forever for a headset that works for music and phone conversations, and isn’t plagued with reviews about a short product lifespan.

This looks to be the answer I’ve been looking for.

The Sony DRBT160AS Bluetooth Stereo Headset is perfect for iPhone users who like to run or workout regularly.  This headset gives you the ability to listen to music and take a call (although obviously not at the same time).  Headsets that do both can be difficult to find for the iPhone.

The “behind the head” design is ideal runners and the wireless aspect makes it perfect for just about anyone.  It’s also going to provide much higher sound quality than the stock ear buds that come standard with iPhones.

The Sony DRBT160AS Bluetooth Stereo Headset is $81.95 on Amazon. That’s more than $40 off what they’re charging at the Apple store for the same product. Buy it here.

4. iPhone Armband

armband case for iPhone

Speaking of people who run – an armband case is pretty much a necessity if you’re the type of person who works out while listening to music on your iPhone.  Otherwise you end up trying to shove your iPhone down the back of your pants.

Trust me on this – not. comfortable.  Also not comfortable?  Having to dig down the back of your pants to retrieve your slipping iPhone while you’re in the middle of a packed gym.

Ahem.

ANYway, the Tuneband from Grantwood Technology uses a silicone case to secure the iPhone in place.  The case has a screen protector, but still allows you to access all of the ports and camera.  The band itself is stretchy velcro to fit most arm sizes.

Another fun fact: it comes in lots of pretty colors!  (Oh, and navy or clear if, for some odd reason, you’re not into pretty.)

The Tuneband is designed for the 3G and 3GS iPhone models.

(Hint – it’s cheap and a great stocking stuffer idea.  Jared.)

The Tuneband Armband with Silicone Skin and Screen Protector is just $16.99 at Amazon. Buy it here. (in pink, if you’re my husband.)

5.  Go Groove FlexPod: iPhone FM Transmitter and Car Mount System

FM Transmitter Docking System

This?  Is a freaking awesome device.

You plug the device into your car’s cigarette lighter (or power source if you have a newer, snobbier car) and put your iPhone into the cradle.  Your phone is now charging.  Yay.

BUT, more than that, the FM transmitter lets you play your music from your iPod through your car stereo’s speakers.  For those of you unfamiliar with the idea of an FM transmitter – it works good.  You should have it.

For those of you who know what I’m talking about – this is one of the more advanced models of FM transmitters and seems to have a strong locking system that makes it easier to find (and keep) stations available to play your music.

Added bonus: it turns your car into a bluetooth device for phone calls.  When a phone call comes in while you’re listening to music, the music fades and the call options come up on the screen.  Accept the call and you’ll hear the voice via your car’s speakers.  End the call and you go back to the music you were listening to.

The Flexpod (that’s the official name of this thingie) also has a USB port so you can charge other USB powered devices through it.

The entire iPhone cradle is held up on a flexible gooseneck device so you can hold your iPhone steady at multiple angles.

You can watch a video on how the entire thing works here.

The Go Groove FlexPod Car Mount System is $34.99 on Amazon. Buy it here.

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Post tags: alarm clock, amazon, bluetooth headset, cell phone, docking stations, holiday gift ideas, holiday gifts, ihome, iphone, iphone accessories, iphone armband, iphone case, iphone fm transmitter, iphone gifts, ipod, stocking stuffer

Finding something that the four of us can do together is… let’s say… tricky.

My son, for example, loves the Monopoly board game.  My daughter can’t add or subtract or sit still for a four hour board game.  My daughter loves to color, and my son is so. over. coloring.  *eye roll*

We watch a lot of movies as a family (and Lord knows even finding a movie we can all agree on can be agonizing), but once in a while it’d be nice to do something together where talking is allowed.

Enter Hasboro’s Family Game Night for the Wii, which we’ve apparently had forever but never played before.

We played this together for the first time last Friday night, and it was a big hit with everyone.

My son likes it because his little sister can’t cheat.  My daughter likes it because she gets to take her own turn and the game will keep score for her and pretty much make her follow the rules whether she understands them or not.  My husband and I like it because OMG NO ONE IS FIGHTING! FOR TWO WHOLE HOURS!

The game features several “classic” board games from Hasboro, including Yahtzee, Battleship, Connect 4, Sorry and Sorry Sliders.  Our favorite game was Sorry Sliders, mainly because we got a kick out of knocking each other off the board.  The game Boggle is also included, and I am dying to kick my husband’s ass play this with my husband one night after the kids go to bed.

If you have a family on your Christmas list, this is a great gift idea.  (Tell me I’m not the only one who saves money at Christmas by giving to the unit instead of to each member individually.)

If you have my family on  your Christmas list, there is a Family Game Night 2 out.

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Post tags: classic board games, family game night, favorite game, great gift idea, wii

Boys read too

Listen, I don’t subscribe to the idea that there are girl things and boy things.  While I may be what is typically called a “girly girl”, it’s by choice and not genetic shackling.

If my kids want to play with dolls, trucks or lab rats, I don’t care, as long as I don’t step on it in the middle of the night.

That being said, I’m probably not going to convince my son to read more by handing him my first edition copy of Sweet Valley High.

The holidays are coming and I think books make great gifts for kids.  Books are an especially good gift for boys who are so. not. impressed. with clothes (and really don’t need another video game.  Really.  Please.)

As of December 14th, I’ll have a 10 year old boy, so the focus of this post is “mid-grade” books for boys.  (Most of these books will work for girls as well, obviously, but I wanted to concentrate specifically on ideas for boys today.)  Let’s just pretend it’s not called “Buy Her” for a moment.

Gift Ideas For Boys:  10 Books

1. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

From Publishers Weekly:

“When the pilot of a small, two-person plane has a heart attack and dies, Brian has to crash land in the forest of a Canadian wilderness. He has little time to realize how alone he is, because he is so busy just trying to survive. And learning to survive, to plan on food not just for a day but until and if he is rescued, only begins when he stops pitying himself and understands that no one can help him.”

I remember this as an amazing story of a 13 year old boy stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash.  Reading the reviews again years later reminded me of the additional back story about a boy whose parents are going through a divorce.

It’s recommended for children 9-12.

2. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Who among us does not remember the first time we read this book – and cried like babies?  I remember having it read to me in a classroom and being amazed as all the boys in my class sat beside me and cried just as hard as I did.  This is an especially wonderful book for kids with a soft spot for animals.

3. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

More animals, more nature.  This book is recommended for “young adults” but I would be happy to see my 10 year old curled up with this classic.  What makes this story different from the first two is that it’s told from the animal’s perspective.  It’s much more raw and complicated than the first two stories.

4.The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The very first sentence of this book reminds us that we first learned about Huckleberry Finn in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.  Now it’s Huck’s turn.  It’s another great adventure story with young boys as the central characters.  If you’re having trouble getting your son interested in reading, having them read a story with a main character they can more easily relate to is helpful.

5. The Great Brain by John D. Fitzgerald

The first in a series, this was one of my favorite books as a kid.  I adored the main character, J.D, and aspired to be as clever as he was.  I remember vividly the story of the first indoor water closet and J.D. selling admission to the flushable toilet to his friends and neighbors.  To my young mind, this kid was a genius.

6. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

If your child is into mysteries (hint: was Scooby Doo their favorite cartoon?), there’s a good chance they’ll love The Boxcar Children Mysteries.  The stories center around four orphans, ages 5-15, and is a great starter for beginner readers.  The book was written in the 1942 by a teacher who cleverly used only the 500 most common words in the English language to create a very easy to read, yet exciting, beginning chapter book for 7 and 8 year olds.

7. The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon

There are dozens and dozens of books in The Hardy Boys series, and this starter set includes the first 6 in the series. The picture at the top of this post? That’s my son, enthralled in a Hardy Boy book and neglecting his beloved Nintendo DS in order to finish it.

8. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell

My son read this book recently and we actually had a discussion about how much we would have to get paid to eat fried worms. That may sound like a small thing, unless you’ve had a 9 year old boy – who never wants to talk to his mother anymore. The book is hysterical and disgusting at the same time as the characters concoct a myriad of ways to eat big, juicy worms.

9. Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos by Robert Lawson

This was the book that got me interested in history and historical figures, although at the time I just thought it was really cool that this mouse thought he helped Benjamin Franklin do so much. I went on to read more “Insert Important Name Here and Me” books, and the historical events they covered were never more accessible to a young kid.

10. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

OH, how I cried when Charlotte died. But I don’t plan on telling my son that. Instead, I’m going to lead with “it’s a story about a pig and a spider”. That should lure him in. If not, I’ll mention the potential slaughtering of said pig.

What favorites did I miss?

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Post tags: amazon, books, gift ideas

While cash is always an option, and many couples have wedding registries to give you gift ideas, some wedding presents call for a little more thought and personalization.  Maybe you’re a friend of the groom and can’t get excited about giving him kitchen cutlery as a wedding present, or maybe the happy couple has been living together for a while (oh, for shame!) and is already well stocked in the domestic department.

Or maybe you’re just a big sappy romantic yourself and you love the chance to give a sentimental gift – and what better excuse than a wedding?

5 Unique Ideas for Personalized Wedding Gifts

Framed Wedding Invitation

One of my favorite wedding presents that I received for my own wedding was a copy of our wedding invitation in a beautiful frame.  I had never seen or heard of anyone doing this before – which is probably why it was one of the few wedding gifts that we didn’t get in duplicate (or triplicate).  It hadn’t occurred to me before that gift to keep a copy of my invitations for posterity.

The Mr. & Mrs. Picture Frame shown here is on sale for $20 at Things Remembered and can be personalized with the wedding date or couple’s names.

Personalized Wedding Throw

Another wedding present that stands out from my own wedding is a throw blanket that my aunt gave us with our names and wedding date embroidered on it. It came in a neutral color so I didn’t have to worry about it looking hideous with whatever decor I was using in our house.  We use it all the time and it’s a nice reminder of our wedding and the people who shared that day with us.

I’ve only ever seen the personalized wedding throw at Things Remembered. (It’s on sale for $24.99 right now.)

Monogrammed Coasters

Monogrammed gifts are great for housewarming presents.  But they are also an excellent idea for weddings.  This is especially true if the couple is going to be sharing a last name after the ceremony – which is still the more traditional route to go.  (That being said, it’s best not to assume that the bride will be taking the groom’s last name and to double check before offering to decorate their house with his initials).

Once you’ve confirmed that they’ll share a last name, a set of monogrammed coasters make a great wedding gift.  I like this style specifically because they’ll unassuming enough to fit into just about any decor, and pretty enough to be displayed on an end table.

Get these monogrammed coasters for $14 on Amazon4 $14.00 on Amazon.

2 Person Picnic Basket

What’s more romantic than a picnic?  I love wedding presents that encourage the new couple to spend time together and a picnic basket does exactly that.  Personalize the gift with one of your favorite bottles of wine and gift certificate to a local deli or sandwich shop.

This 2 person picnic basket is available on Amazon and includes 2 plates, 2 glasses, 2 cotton napkins, silverware and a corkscrew/bottle opener.

Recipe Box with Family Recipes

One of my most prized possessions is an index card with a recipe for cheesecake written on it in my grandmother’s handwriting.  A great wedding present that requires more time than money is a recipe box filled with family recipes.  If you can coordinate your efforts with members from the bride and groom’s family, you have a can’t miss wedding gift that’s sure to become a treasured part of their family history.

This roll top wooden recipe box is only $10 at Amazon.

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Post tags: engraved gifts, gift ideas, personalized, presents, things remembered, wedding, wedding gifts, wedding presents

Holy crap, it’s May.  How did that happen?

As the days get warmer and Christmas becomes a distant memory, no doubt your mailbox will soon be filling up with graduation announcements.  Yes, further reminder that time has flown by and it’s time to start thinking about ideas for graduation gifts.  High school and College graduations have begun and chances are good that someone you know will be in need of a graduation gift in the next month.

Of course, you can always stick money in a card and call it a day – or you can go the extra mile and make sure your money doesn’t go towards beer and take out.

Top 15 Graduation Gift Ideas for Women*

*Because she’s not a little girl anymore

1. What Lies Within Us Bracelet – $69.99

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

These inspirational words are etched onto the sterling silver cuff bracelet, and are exactly what every woman needs to hear as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.  This is a perfect graduation gift for a woman with a love for literature, a sentimental heart, or a bumpy road behind or before her.

2. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! – from $10.99

“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go….”
-Dr. Seuss

This book is one of my all time favorite inspirational books.  I’ve given it several times as a graduation present.  Yes, it’s a children’s book.  But it’s moving and perfect in it’s simplicity.  And chics dig that kind of thing.

3. The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke – $9.56

God how I wish someone would have had the foresight to give me a book about finances when I was graduating from high school.  Perhaps it would have prevented me from using my emergency credit card for new jeans and my student loan overages for late night tacos.  Or maybe, just maybe, when I got my first real job and had MONEY! and CREDIT! and companies throwing themselves at me with LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS!, I would have had the good sense to use a little moderation.

While a high school graduate might roll their eyes and toss it on the pile of books to be read when they find it five years later, no  doubt a college graduate is already starting to think about how to make her way in the world a little more comfortable financially.

4. Samsonite 4-Piece Travel Set – $118

When you’re young and broke, you travel with duffel bags and back packs. Good luggage is one of the signs of adulthood – and one of the last things we buy for ourselves until we absolutely have to have it. (Hell, I’m 29 years old and still using a set I bought at a flea market.)

This set from Samsonite is a great deal on quality luggage – and the red will save your graduate time and potential embarrassment at the luggage carousel.

This is a perfect graduation gift for a woman who loves to travel or is moving away from home for the first time.

5. Franklin Covey Planner & Planning System

One of the best gifts I ever got was when my mom introduced me to Franklin Covey for my birthday one year.  She set me up with a binder and a year of planner pages and showed me how to use it.  I was hooked.  Over the years I’ve modified my own system (and learned to incorporate an iPhone into it), but it was Franklin Covey who first taught me about productivity and time management.

Graduating from high school or college means walking into a new schedule, a new set of responsibilities, and a totally new way of doing things.  A top notch planning system is a great graduation gift idea that can help her get started on the right foot.

6. Diamond Earrings – $99.99

Diamond studs are classic and have long been used to mark milestones in a woman’s life.  What better way to say “well done, this is a big deal!” than with diamond earrings?

7. Multi-Colored Freshwater Pearls – $49.99

Along the same lines as the diamond earrings, a strand of pearls is a classic “must have” for any fashionable woman.  I’m particularly in love with this multi-colored strand as a graduation gift because it’s a modern twist on an old classic.  This is a great gift idea for budding fashionistas on your graduation gift list.

8. TomTom ONE Portable GPS Navigator – $129

OK, so you’re not buying this for your neighbor’s daughter or your babysitter.  But if you have a woman who is graduating and looking for a more extravagant gift that no one else has thought of, the GPS might be just what you’re looking for.  This is an excellent graduation gift for a woman who will be headed to a new city on her own after graduation.  Send her out into the world with confidence that she can manage all by herself.

9. Fossil Watch (Katalina – White) $49.99

Again with the jewelry that every woman needs.  Yes, I know.  You can’t have a gift guide for women for any occasion without a healthy dose of the bling.

A great watch is an absolute must, especially for a woman who might find herself out on her own for the first time in her life.

10. Egyptian Cotton 6-Piece Towel Set – $26

I remember opening a box of towels for my high school graduation and thinking “ohhh, yeah, I guess I’m going to need towels now!”  A few years later, at my wedding shower, I opened yet another box of towels and thought “ohhh, yeah, I need new towels again!”  You can never have enough good towels – especially if the woman you’re buying a graduation present for is moving out for the first time, or leaving behind a dorm full of roommates to get her first place.  Cliche or not, new towels say new start.

11. Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 30-Minutes (White) – $80

I have the Flip Video Ultra Camcorder and I love it.  It’s really easy to use, carry and transfer videos to my computer with no additional software needed.  You’re not going to make feature films on it, but it’s a great video camera for a young person to capture and share their new life on.

12. Nikon Coolpix L20 10MP Digital Camera with 3.6 Optical Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Deep Red) – $110

Is the graduate headed off for a summer abroad?  A digital camera is a great idea for a graduation gift.  Nikon’s Coolpix is a reasonably priced digital camera that packs quite a bit of bang for the buck.  I actually have a Coolpix camera that I use when I don’t want to lug my big, fancy camera around and it’s great for snapshots of people, events and places.

13. Padded Laptop Tote Bag by Janine King Designs – $79

Just about any high school or college graduate these days probably has a laptop.  The only thing missing is a super cute laptop tote bag to haul it around in.  This design by Janine King was referred to me by the lovely Karen Sugarpants and purchased by a Buy-Her reader who RAVED about it to me later.  I think this is a perfect graduation gift for a high school graduate headed off to college.

With that said…

14. VIE Fashion Laptop Bag – $19.989.989

THIS is the laptop bag I bought for myself after the laptop tote I bought for myself failed to fit my laptop.  When I first bought it, I had trouble getting my computer inside it and I was all “OMG HOW HARD CAN THIS BE TO GET A LAPTOP INTO A LAPTOP BAG?!?!”  Then my husband proceeded to put the computer in the bag and make a fool of me.

I love this laptop bag because I can use it to carry my laptop back and forth and put everything I’d put in a purse inside it as well.  It’s fashionable and functional.  This bag seems to be a better look for a recent college graduate who’s headed into the workforce.

15. Personalized Reflections Premier Black and Silver Pen and Pencil Set – $19.99

Speaking of heading into the workforce, a personalized pen and pencil set is a great gift idea for a woman who takes herself seriously.  It’s also a great graduation gift for an aspiring writer – or someone bound to be spending a lot of time doing paperwork.  The possibilities are endless!

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Post tags: college graduation, gift guides, gift ideas, gifts for women, graduation gifts, high school graduation, presents

If only ever party invitation we got came with a link to an Amazon Wish List!

Alas, no.  More often than not we have to use our own noggins and try to guess what would make the perfect gift for someone else’s new home.

10 Housewarming Gift Ideas:

Alora Ambience Reed Diffuser

The rental company that manages my friend’s new home used these amazing reed diffusers.  It was the very first thing we noticed when we walked into the house.

The verde scent smells like fresh cut grass and makes you feel like you’re standing in a clean home on a crisp spring day.

It’s to die for.

It’s also expensive as hell and not the kind of thing most people would buy for themselves.  Even in my own home I stick with Bath & Bodyworks Wallflower units.  I’m ashamed to say this – but these smell much better than anything I’ve ever used before.

Available online from Alora Ambiance.

Cookbook Holder

I recently bought one of these for my own home after seeing one in my sister-in-law’s kitchen.

It’s one of those little luxuries that a lot of women don’t think about buying for themselves, which makes it a great gift.

It’s also a practical gift for someone who loves to cook.  This makes life in the kitchen so much easier when you no longer have to anchor down the pages of your cookbook with bowls and utensils while you try to follow a recipe.

Cast Iron Cookbook Holder available at Target and Amazon

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker

Do you remember making homemade ice cream as a kid?  We used to take turns working the crank and adding the salt.  It took hours, but made the best soft serve ice cream you can imagine.

This does the job in about 30 minutes with no cranking.

I’m especially fond of the ice cream maker because I try to eat low carb and it’s very difficult to find truly low carb ice cream in grocery stores.  However, you can very easily make your own at home with your own ice cream maker.

Cuisinart 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Maker available on Amazon

3 Tiered Dessert Stand

I actually do not have one of these and I wish I did.

I love entertaining.  Every time I’ve moved into a new home, one of the first things I’ve done is imagined myself having friends and family over for dinner parties and casual get togethers.

This is the kind of gift where you don’t have to worry about matching their style or existing kitchen decor.  Go with something neutral, like this silver version.

And don’t worry if your new homeowners don’t bake!  Each tier can hold anything you’d put on a plate – whether that’s a cake or finger sandwiches (which I saw done in a tea room recently).

3 TIER DESSERT STAND available at Amazon

Wilton Armetale Chip and Dip Bowl

Again with the gifts for entertaining.

And this?  Is so much cooler than a plastic bowl that looks like a sombrero.

This is one of those gifts that will last forever and get used constantly.  And every time it makes an appearance, the lucky recipient of this gift will get compliments – and think of you.

And isn’t that what makes the perfect gift?

Wilton Armetale Chip and Dip Bowl available on Amazon

Stainless Steel Tabletop Wine Cooler

If a guest brings red wine, your ready to serve.

But what happens if they bring white wine?  Or, if they are like me, and they keep white wine in a wine rack and forget to put it in the refrigerator ahead of time so that it can be properly chilled?

Normally I offer to throw a few ice cubes in m guests’ glasses and am met with groans and massive eye rolling.  If I had a tabletop wine cooler, I’d be all set and the wine would flow freely – and properly chilled – all night long!

This is a great alternative to a wine refrigerator if you have a friend moving into a small space.

Stainless-Steel Tabletop Wine Cooler available on Amazon

RedEnvelope Appetizer Set

This is, again, exactly the kind of thing that you never buy for yourself and only wish you had when you are serving olives and mixed nuts out of butter tubs you washed out for just this occasion.

Don’t tell me I’m the only one.

This set is not only functional, but beautiful.  And when you’re buying something for someone else, it’s nice to go for more than just function.

cubist appetizer serving set available on Amazon

Wispy Floral 16 piece set from Mikasa

Perhaps it says something about my class of friends that very few people I know have real dishes or matching dishes.

This is a beautiful, simple pattern from Mikasa that is perfect for everyday use.

The set includes 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 bowls and 4 mugs.

And the best part?  It’s only $59.99.  That’s a great deal for high quality dishes sure to make anyone feel like a grown up.

Not, you know, like that’s an issue for anyone.  I’m sure.

Wispy Floral 16 piece set available from Mikasa

Mikasa Vase

Every home should have a beautiful place to put flowers.

More specifically, every woman should have a beautiful crystal vase to display the flowers her loved ones give to her.

I like this design because it’s versatile.  It’s not overly intricate, so it will work with even the most casual or contemporary home decor.  But it’s still absolutely a touch of something special.

It’s also on clearance for less than $30. JACKPOT!

Mikasa Vase available online from Mikasa – $29.99 Clearance

Monogram Wine Stopper

I get sentimental about my name when I’m embracing a new home.  I don’t know what it is, but I am excited about putting my name on my mailbox – and anything else that will hold still long enough for me to claim it as my own.

This bottle stopper runs along the same vein as other gifts in the “entertainment” category – but it has a special personalized touch that makes it uniquely their own.

I think you can also get away with this when someone gets married.  That’s the only other time I can think of when people become so enthralled with the idea of stamping their name – or at the very least their initials – on everything.

And this is much classier than taking a label maker to the wine cork.

Monogram Wine Stopper available from Wild Orchid

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Post tags: amazon, cooking, for the home, gift guides, gifts for women, holiday gift ideas, holiday gifts, housewarming gift ideas, kitchen gadgets, kitchens, mikasa, personalized, things to buy her, utensils, wild orchid

Buy her jewelry.

The end.

I mean sure, you can go sentimental with personalized gifts.  Sure, you can show that you understand her concern for the environment with eco-friendly gifts.  And sure, you can get to her heart by way of her stomach with edible foodie gifts.

Or, you can stop cheaping out and buy the woman some damn jewelry.

Seriously.

Twisted silver and gold strand cuff bracelet
$362

I love this.  I love that it’s classic and timeless and versatile and whispers “strong, confident woman”.


Sterling silver sphere bracelet
$104

I need this.  I need this because it is beautiful and simple and will not turn my arm green even if I do not take it off in the shower. Classy.

sterling silver polished bracelet
$199

I’m swooning over this bracelet.  Don’t you judge me – this is gorgeous.

freshwater white cultured button pearl bracelet
$71

Another woman said to me recently, upon seeing pearls around my neck, that women don’t wear pearls near enough anymore.  I emphatically agree.

amethyst & diamond earrings
$305

These are beautiful, elegant, and would be any woman’s go to special occasion earrings.

pittsburgh steelers earrings
$239

OK, I’m only including these for my friend the crazy psycho Steeler’s fan.

scroll locket
$672

This old fashioned locket, while expensive, says old world romance and nostalgia to me.

1/10 CT. T.W. Diamond Motherly Love Swirl Heart Pendant in Sterling Silver

$84.15

My mom loves mother/child jewelry.  My mother-in-law got a pendant similar to this one year from her boys and she loved it also.  Zales has quite a few mother/child styles to choose from.

1/5 CT. T.W. Diamond Circle Pendant in 10K Gold

$79.99

I’ve been coveting a necklace in this style for a long time.  Buying this as a gift for a woman says that you recognize her keen fashion sense.

And, of course, you have the  old reliable jewelry to buy her for Mother’s Day… Mother’s Rings at Zales

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Post tags: buy-her, gifts for women, jewelry, women's accessories, women's jewelry, zales

My mom was eco-friendly before going green was all the rage.

We had a compost heap in our backyard before you could pick up composters at the grocery store.  We reused and recycled back when only those weirdos in communes were talking about global warming.

So, it is in honor of my eco-friendly and environmentally aware mother that I talk today about top holiday gift ideas for women who are trying to go green.

Biodegradable Home Kitchen Compost Pack
$21.95

Where were these babies when I was growing up?  Do you know how not stinky it is to put your food garbage in something with a lid?

This makes the process of taking your garbage from the kitchen to the outdoor compost pile much more convenient – and much more likely that the rest of the household will play along.

Organic shopping Set – 5 pack
$39.95

I’m a huge fan of my reusable shopping bags.  This set comes with 5 reusable shopping bags (each old about 35 lbs.) and 3 reusable produce bags – which I do not have.  A great gift idea for women who have yet to hop on the reusable bag wagon.

Eco Sandwich Wrap
$6.95

Does your eco-friendly mom pack a lunch?  These reusable sandwich wraps replace the little sandwich baggies that usually get thrown away after one use.

In my house, we’ve been trying to wash out the baggies – which is kind of a pain because they don’t really get dry on the inside.  These wraps lay flat, making them easier to wipe down and reuse.

Refresh’n Dryer Towels
$9.95

OK – so part of me thinks this is kind of like giving your wife a vacuum cleaner as a birthday gift.  BUT – part of me also thinks that this is a neat idea that I might not spend the money on initially to try out.

They are described as dryer towels  that can “be reused up to 25 times, save on water and electricity, lessen time in the laundry, prolong the life of your clothes, and is 100% natural.”  Basically, instead of washing your clothes every time you wear them – you throw them in the dryer with one of these.

It is an eco-friendly gift idea.

Sun Oven
$249.00

No one said environmental responsibility was cheap.  But damn.  Apparently this cooks at temperatures between 350-400 degrees.

This is a really thoughtful gift idea for a woman who camps or picnics a lot.

Rain Barrel and Diverter
$149.00

What would your mom (or wife) want with a barrel of rain water?  There’s a lot of uses for collected rain water that are good for the environment and her water bill.  Water the lawn or garden, wash the car, um… ok.  There are at least two awesome things she could do with reclaimed rain water.

To be honest, eco-friendly gifts for moms aren’t always the most fun things to buy for her.  BUT – they can be really thoughtful, especially if going green is something she’s expressed an interest in.

And the most important thing to remember about buying a gift for someone else is that it’s about them, and not you.

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Post tags: eco-friendly, going green, green gift ideas, reusable shopping bags, top holiday gifts

Today we’re going sappy and sentimental.  And what is more sappy and sentimental than a Mother’s Day Gift that you can put your name on?  It’s like homemade but better because the materials won’t attract bugs.

Heart Bookmark by Things Remembered
$12.00

Yeah, $12.  My mom is one of those people who still reads real live actual books made of paper.  This is something thoughtful and pretty and useful that most readers don’t think to actually buy for themselves.

Trinity Bracelet by Things Remembered
On Sale now for $29.99

The space for engraving on this bracelet is limited, so don’t expect to list the names of you and your 13 brothers.  But, in my mother’s case, a simple “Nanna” would speak volumes.

Mother and Baby Water Globe by Things Remembered
$30.00

This seems like a gift best suited for a new mother.  Dear Husbands of New Mothers, this is an appropriately sentimental and keepsake quality gift if your wife has recently had a baby.  Better still with a touching quote or poem engraved on it.  You’re welcome.

Mom Coffee Mug by Things Remembered
$12.00

Honestly – I think this is tacky as hell.  Of course, it seems exactly like the kind of gift my son would get me and insist that I use every single day.  And I would, too – and love every minute of it.

But still?  Tacky.  Do not be encouraging the purchase of this.  Seriously.

Purse Charm by Things Remembered
$20.00

Possible inscriptions for this gift:

“I love you and do not resent your shopping habit.”

“You’ve earned every pair by virtue of enduring child birth.”

“Buy yourself something pretty.”

Or, you know, something heartfelt and meaningful.

Silver Photo Mouse Pad by Things Remembered
$25.00

Huh.  This is just waiting to be used as a murder weapon.

There’s something wrong with me, isn’t there?

Black Agate Bracelet by Things Remembered
On Sale – $19.99

I actually just love this bracelet.  Maybe I’ll get my own initials engraved on it just because it’s pretty and trendy and would work really well with today’s accessories fashions…

Secret Message Bracelet by Things Remembered
$29.99

I’m sorry – are we still talking about Mother’s Day Gifts?  Why do we not buy our mothers (and wives) stuff like this more often?  It’s sappy and sentimental and cute.

Family House Frame by Things Remembered
$9.99

Yeah, it’s less than $10.  Then you just have to take the time to put the pictures in it.

You know, it’s kind of tacky – but I know a few grandmothers that would actually love this.

All of the Mother’s Day gift ideas here are from Things Remembered.  They’re running a promotion through April 15th on all online orders.

• Save 10% on all online orders – no minimum.  Use coupon code 10SPRINGTR
• Save 15% on orders over $80.  Use coupon code 15SPRINGTR
• Save 20% on orders over $100.  Use coupon code 20SPRINGTR

All coupon codes good through April 15th.

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Post tags: accessories, buy-her, coupon code, engraved, gifts for women, holiday gift ideas, holiday gifts, mothers day, personalized, things remembered, things to buy her