Gifts Archives

Message Beans: The New Greeting Card

Why send a card when you can send a Message Bean? A card is so one-dimensional. It sits on a mantle and gets forgotten and thrown away. A Message Bean is a living thing; it grows. Cards? Not so much. Which would you rather get? I thought so. Go grab yours before they're gone!

"Believe it or not, each bean has a word lasered onto one side, and a complementary image on the other. All one has to do to see the "message" is grow the bean. The recipient simply pulls off the foil top and bottom (to let the water drain), and adds about ½ cup of water to the soil. In about a week or so, the bean will poke thru the soil revealing the special message. In today’s crazy world of “real-time”, this is something that is well worth waiting for. Available in Thank You (with Thanks in Japanese), Love (with a heart), Good Luck (with a four leaf clover), and Happy Birthday (with a musical note). Place the aluminum can on a plate or saucer to protect furniture and other surfaces; add water as needed, do not over-water."

Posted by Megan on April 11, 2007 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend

For My Mom

My Mother, thank goodness, is so easy to shop for. I'm getting her this cute tote with a gift certificate from her favorite garden center. The tote is made of easy-cleaning and fast-drying green and tan nylon canvas. It also features six exterior pockets contain all the essentials: stainless-steel fork, two trowels with bamboo handles and two pairs of gardening shears. It can also be be embroidered, so I'm going to put Kath because she is forever calling me from work in her "work voice" saying "Hi Kris, this is Kath" to which I allays go "umm Mom?" then we laugh (I guess you have to be there!)

Posted by Krista on April 26, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

And The Ribbon Goes To....

Namemaker of course! How neat, personalized ribbon! Wrapping your gifts is getting better all the time. I confess, sometimes I go way overboard when I wrap! Ribbon here, ribbon there, add a bow, and I might even use more than one type of wrapping paper for one gift. But I kind of got excited about adding my own little touch, a personalized ribbon. Want to go all out? They also have personalized boxes, clothing labels, gift wrap, gift bags, and more!

Posted by Darlene on July 17, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

Knock knock, KnickKnock!

If you're like me, you're not much of a library goer. I like to have my own books. This way, if I love them, I can pick them up anytime and curl up with them on rainy afternoons. Or, if I hate them, I can throw them across the room, or perhaps even burn them, without worrying about having to account for the damage. As the book buyer, I've become known among my friends as the person to Borrow Books From. Usually I get them back.. but once in a while, they're gone for good.

Enter KnickKnock and their Personal Library Kit. All of the tools a real library uses - pockets, cards, stamps, even "Reference Only" stickers! The only downside is, there are only 30 envelopes per kit - and I have considerably more books than that. Still, if you can get the most frequently borrowed books encoded and ensure they're returned, it'll be worth your while!

KnickKnock has other brilliant items too. For a busy lass like yourself who doesn't always have time to whip up a five course dinner with wine and espresso, the Takeout Menu Organizer ensures that not only will you always be able to find the menu and phone number for that kickass Thai place down the road - you'll also be able to organize all your menus into types of cuisine, take notes of when you ordered from where and how good the service was, and get tips on tipping. What could be better?

A Great Idea notepad, that's what! It's happened to us all... in the middle of a busy day, you think of a Great Idea, but you're too busy/stressed/pen and paperless to write it down. No more! The Great Idea pad not only gives you a place to record your creations, it also gives you a spot to rate your idea's greatness, record the next steps and note whether you acted on it. Now that's a great idea.

Posted by Shannon on October 6, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

Urban Basket Case unleashes Grrrl Power! FREE GIVEAWAY!

When Urban Basket Case sent me their Grrrl Power "basket" to give away to one of our readers, I was a little disappointed that I couldn't keep it for myself. I mean, who can blame me. Check out the goods:

Boss Lady Mini Kit ( includes a honeysuckle lip balm, wild flower body wash and body cream, and a custom-printed, all cotton Boss Lady bandana.)
Miso Pretty Glitter Ball
Bodice Sachet
Manicure Set
Queen Royal Gem Case
Sewing Kit
Peppermint Crunch Popcorn Clusters

All of these items fit into 10x11 faux leopard bag.

And Urban Basket Case donates $1 of every sale to Film Aid International which brings films to refugees and those needing humanitarian outreach.

FREE GIVEAWAY
You can have fabulous Grrrl Power, too! Leave a message in the comments (we suggest you hop on over the Urban Basket Case and tell us which basket is your favorite) and you may just win this fabulous Grrrl Power gift basket to keep for yourself or give away to someone with Grrrl Power in your life!

Posted by Megan on October 8, 2007 | Comments (10) | Tell a friend

The Pink Ribbon collection at FTD

FTD: Breast Cancer Awareness Compassionate Callings Bouquet Stop by FTD.com and check out all the lovely Pink Ribbon collection. 10% of all sales will go to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

When was the last time you sent flowers for no reason? Wouldn't you love to receive these pink gerbera daisies on a dreary day?

Posted by Megan on October 10, 2007 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend

Three Six Cheers for CB2!

I love entertaining (who wants to party?)! These cheers wine glasses are the perfect size, simple but so much fun; a great conversational piece! Six handblown glasses raise spirits in a half-dozen world languages expressed in graphic red, black, silver. Salud, kampai, à votre santé, le'chaim, prost and cheers. I am a fan of CB2 because its affordable and the simplicity and uniqueness of their designs.

Posted by Krista on November 1, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

Write Robinson will make you want to write!

Write Robinson - Cherry Blossom Ready to Write Cards

Email has obviously taken over handwritten communications sent via "snail mail." We want our communications sent instantly. But in doing so we miss a bit of that personal touch. We miss out on that joy that comes when I personal note is waiting for you in the mailbox, seeing the handwriting of a friend or loved one - knowing who it is from before even looking at the return address.

My challenge to you - pick out some gorgeous, personalized stationery and get writing! Check out the Cherry Blossom stationery by Write Robinson featuring gorgeous papers hand-made from recycled cotton rags and hand-marbled in India.

These papers are classy! I was recently sent a sample and was blown away by the quality and workmanship. This is no ordinary paper, it's thick and feels rich beneath your fingers with a pretty brown ribbon that matches the custom name imprinting on the front of the card.

Imagine the job on your friend's and family's faces when they open up your note. Who knows? Maybe you'll start a trend!

PS - The perfect gift for the person on your list who has EVERYTHING! Add a fancy pen and make it a gift basket!

Posted by Megan on October 30, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

The Box Girls save Thanskgiving!

The Box Girls - Thanksgiving Box of Questions I am loving these Box of Questions sets - I'll never have a dull holiday again. I'm bringing this Thanksgiving Box of Questions by The Box Girls to my Thanksgiving gatherings this year. These fun, meaningful questions will definitely help us get into the Thanksgiving mood.

What are you most thankful for this year?
What's your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

The best thing about this box is that it's made from 100% recycled cyclus paper using 100% post consumer waste. The cards themselves are made from 100$ recycled FSC Forrest Stewardship Council Certified paper. Aaaand the ink is Godo soy ink. So nothing to feel guilty about here!

Too late to order online? Check out The Box Girls store locator. There are a ton of places to get them locally including Whole Foods.

The Box Girls - Christmas Box of Questions

The Box Girls - Christmas Box of Questions

Don't forget about the rest of the holidays! The Box Girls have a huge selection of holiday and other great types of boxes:

Hanukkah
Passover
Shabbat
Family Dinner
Girl's Night Out
Girlfriends
Slumber Party

Makes a great gift, too!

BONUS COUPON CODE!

Enter code: AGMS20 at checkout and get 20% off until 12/32/07.

Posted by Megan on November 21, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

As seen on HGTV: Garden In A Bag

I was watching HGTV during the Thanksgiving holiday and they had a show about the 2007 Gift Show featuring all kinds on interesting and unique gifts. My favorite is the Garden-In-A-Bag by Potting Shed Creations.

Available in a great selection of herbs, flowers, fruits & veggies, and beautiful greens - these kits can be grown indoors, right in the leak-proof bag. And the best part is that they are so fun and easy to grow! All you need to do is mix in the enclosed packet of seed and add water.

The Compactness of the packaging makes these a great gift idea for your college students' bland dorm or off campus apartment. Best of all? They are very affordable (only $7.50 each). I wouldn't mind some of these myself!

Posted by Amy on December 19, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

Presto! You've got mail!

HP Printing Mailbox for use with Presto Service

The hardest person on my Christmas list? It's Grammy for sure! She's got everything a lady needs (and them some!) so I can never figure out what to buy her. But I think I hit the jackpot this year with this HP Printing Mailbox for use with Presto Service.

It looks like a printer but it's really an email inbox that lets me (and anyone on her friend's list) send pictures and emails. (Don't worry - no spam here - only people on the specified friend's list can send mail). My Grandmother doesn't have a computer or Internet access, so this works perfectly for her. She can stay up to date with emails and pictures of the family.

How does it work?

It shares an existing phone line to connect to the Presto Service, uses plain paper and standard HP print cartridges. Connection to the Presto Internet Service only costs $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
Presto automatically transforms messages into beautiful full-color printouts. Several times per day, on a schedule you choose, the HP Printing Mailbox dials in to the Presto Service to retrieve new messages and prints them in beautiful color-automatically.
Presto Service includes unlimited incoming email, photos and free content from the Presto Newsstand. Comes complete with power cord, phone cord, print cartridge, paper, and Easy Setup Guide.

Easy-peasy. Order it today from

BestBuy.com (Choose Expedited Shipping for Christmas delivery.)
Buy.com (Choose next day air for Christmas delivery)
Amazon.com (but unfortunately it won't arrive it in time for Christmas)

Posted by Megan on December 20, 2007 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend

Extra, extra! Get your deadline-free Lancome eGift Certificate

Sometimes when I'm gift shopping, I tend to buy things that I would like to receive. I'm all about the Golden Rule! So I figure since I would love a Lancome eGiftCertificate in my stocking, why not pick up a few for some of my close friends. They come in especially handy when you discover at the last minute that you've inadvertently left an important person or two off your list.

I love it when I'm finished opening presents and I think I'm all done and he surprises me with one more gift. A Lancome eGiftCertificate in my inbox would certainly make wonderful day even better!

Posted by Megan on December 20, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

Online gift ideas for last-minute Lucy (and Larry!)

Here are a few of our favorite last-minute holiday ideas:

Order a Dale and Thomas Popcorn Gift Card and they'll email your recipient notice of your thoughtful gift.
Have you ever tried Dale & Thomas Popcorn? I had a few bags in front of me and I couldn't stop eating it! Usually I'm not a fan of popcorn, but this stuff was covered in chocolatey goodness. You must try it for yourself.
It's not too late for a LUSH E-Gift card - and it can be redeemed online or in stores.
What's LUSH? For shame! For those of you who've never heard of LUSH, be prepared! It's unbelievably delish bath & body store. It's home made, not tested on animals and made of mostly organic goodies. Sound a bit crunchy-granola for ya? Think again! One step inside a LUSH store and you'll be an addict immediately. It smells amazing, the colors and design are bright and funky and the products themselves? Well, they're out of this world. So what are you waiting for. Go git it, girrrrrl!
Perhaps my favorite last-minute gift card is the Amazon Gift Card.
Not only is it sent directly to my recipient's inbox, it can be used on anything at Amazon.com. What's on Amazon besides books? Everything! They've got Beauty products, Magazine Subscriptions, MP3s and so much more! It's like every store in one store!
They're still shipping items at Amazon.com.
Sign up for Amazon Prime and you'll pay just $3.99 for one-day shipping until 11.00am PT on Sunday, December 23rd on all Prime eligible items! You'll also get Free Two-Day Shipping and One-Day (Overnight) Shipping for just $3.99 per item all year long on Prime items.

Non-Prime customers only get until 1pm EST on Saturday, December 22nd and they have to pay $7-17 +an additional cost for each item or pound shipped.
You can still order gifts from Harry & David until 1pm tomorrow (12/22/07)
They also offer same day delivery on some items up until Christmas Eve, or if you're really, REALLY late, send an Gift e-Nouncement
Overnight shipping is Guaranteed at Aeropostale
Get overnight shipping tomorrow (12/22/07) until 11:59am EST. And here's another bonus: everything is 50% Off Storewide (excludes fragrance and already marked down items).
Shipping is STILL FREE at Blue Nile
You can shop Blue Nile as late as 9 PM ET on Saturday, December 22nd to have the perfect gift delivered by Christmas, shipped free of charge. Let your boyfriend/girlfriend/parent/granny/dog/cat/mailman know that
You can still get it at Nordstrom
Order from Nordstrom.com by noon PST tomorrow December 22nd for next day delivery by Christmas Eve.
It's not too late to send flowers and gifts from ProFlowers.com
Order on ProFlowers.com by 9pm (PST) tomorrow (12/22/07) for Christmas Eve delivery.
Send mom or granny some roses or get $10 off the Christmas Bouquet now $39.99 with FREE vase. That's a no-brainer!

We all need a good laugh this holiday. Go check out my pal Irene's 12 funny holiday gifts for a hearty chuckle.

Posted by Megan on December 21, 2007 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend

Ask for Love Letters for Valentine's Day by Simply Charmed

I think it's the simplicity of this Love Letters necklace by Simply Charmed that attracts me. The sparkly diamond-cut ball chain and the hand stamped sterling letter charms are designed to look classy - just like you and me.

What letters would I choose? Hmm, I might wear a single "M" or an "M" and "J" for me and my fiance. Or if I'm feeling silly I could even get "B" and "B" for my cats Belle & Buddy. I might even spell out the word "HOPE" or "LOVE".

But my favorite use of this necklace is a mother's necklace. Grab your children's initials or you and your children's - it's up to you. What a perfect idea for a Valentine's gift. Just send your favorite V-day gift-giver the URL and specific instructions (We all know how men can be!).

Be sure to check out Simply Charmed for more Love Letters styles and photo jewelry. Don't you just love handmade?

Posted by Megan on January 15, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

Valentine's Day coupons, deals and more!

iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition 8GB

The Apple Store

Drugstore.com

New customers get $5 off $30 or $10 off $50 your first non-prescription order
Check out the Valentine's Day gift guides
Save up to 10% off Leonidas Chocolates (Exp. 2/11/08)
My favorite: Philosophy's Falling in Love Gift Set

Fashion Bug

Save 25% on your next order with promo code 776295502 (Exp. 4/23/08)
FREE ground shipping on footwear with coupon code 776206700 (Exp. 4/23/08)
FREE ground shipping on $75+ with coupon code 776205304 (Exp. 4/23/08)

Figleaves.com

Save 15% off orders of $100 or more (Exp. 2/28/08) PLUS! FREE Shipping on $75+ (Exp.2/14/08) with coupon code LS010602. Free returns.

FragranceNet.com

Get $5 Off Valentine's Day Orders of $40+ with coupon code LSVDY (Exp. 2/15/08).

Gaiam

Get$10 Off $50 Purchase with coupon code AP2P (Exp. 1/31/08)
Get 99 cent shipping with coupon code 99SNH (Exp. 1/31/08)

GiftBaskets.com

Get 10% off all Gift Baskets with coupon code ZK-8978

Hallmark.com

Order early and save $10 on gorgeous red roses (Exp. 2/3/08)
Create Valentine's Day cards with your own photos.

iGourmet

Get 5% off any purchase with code KGB5 (Exp. 3/31/08)

New York & Company

Free Shipping on Purchases $75+ with coupon code 6814 (Exp. 2/2/08

Overstock

10% off heart jewelry (Exp. 1/31/08)
Save $15 off orders of $300+ (Exp. 1/28/08)

Proflowers

Get 30% off One Dozen Assorted Roses plus FREE vase, only $19.99 (Expires 2/8/08)
Buy 18 red roses plus FREE ruby vase, only $39.99 (Expires 2/14/08)
Save $10 on 20 Assorted Tulips plus FREE vase, only $29.99 (Expires 2/14/08)

Shutterfly

New members get 15% off Photo Gifts (Exp 2/5/08)
Free shipping on $30+ with coupon code AF31-SHIP (Exp 2/5/08)

Smartbargains

Free Shipping on $75+ (Exp. 2/5/08)
New customers get 12% off (Exp. 2/5/08)

The Popcorn Factory

Get $5 off your order with code MAR5 (Exp. 3/31/08)

Things Remembered

Save 20% off $125+ with coupon code LOVE20

Uncommon Goods

Get up to 80% off select products.
Check out unique "Be my Juliet" Valentine's Day gifts for her and "Be my Romeo" for gifts he'll love

Posted by Megan on January 26, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

We do love coupons, don't we?

1-800-Flowers.com

Buy 1 dozen Red Roses, get 1 dozen FREE! plus FREE Vase! (Exp. 2/3/08)
Save $10 on Valentine's Day items with coupon code BST2, (Exp. 2/4/08)

Auntie Anne's

Celebrates Auntie Anne's 20th Birthday with Free Pretzel Day -- February 2nd!

American Eagle Outfitters

Free Shipping with any purchase of $100 or more at American Eagle Outfitters!
Create or update their wish list with everything they want for a chance to win a $700 aerie shopping spree with the aerie Secret Valentine Sweeps!

FragranceNet.com

FTD.com

Roses starting at $19.99

Harry & David

Deliciously Romantic Valentine’s Day Gifts – Most under $50.
Order by February 5 for guaranteed Valentine’s Day arrival using standard shipping.

ICE.com

Save An Extra 20% On All Jewelry & Watches + FREE Shipping!

Liz Claiborne.com

Save up to 40% off new reductions.
ONE DAY ONLY: Save 25% off everything at LizClaiborne.com! (One Day ONLY 1/30/08)

PetiteSophisticate.com

SmartBargains

One Day Only - New Customers Save 20% on Their First Order!

SpaFinder

Free Ground Shipping and a Free SpaFinder Gift Box on orders over $125 or more!

Sears

Free Shipping on Apparel, Jewelry, Fragrance & Small Kitchen Appliance orders over $49 1/27-2/10

Vistaprint

Posted by Megan on January 29, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

Have one on me!

This is truly one of the BEST ideas I've seen in a while. Buy your friend a drink. It is as simple as it sounds. All you need to know is either their address; for a gift card, or their cell number; for a code. And there you have it, you just bought a round or few for your friend! Great way to celebrate a promotion, new job, birthday or any day, for as little or as much as you'd like!

Posted by Krista on February 7, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

Valentine's Day coupons, bargains and FREE gift with purchase!

Lancome Gift with purchase!

Get Free Shipping on ANY order PLUS a Deluxe Sample Collection with any $35 order with coupon code PLUMP. Exp. 2/15/08.

Valentine's Day Flowers!

1800Flowers.com

Teleflora

Get $10 off all orders through Feb. 14, 2008.
Or, beat the rush and save 20% for deliveries by Feb. 13, 2008.

ProFlowers

Get 12 Red Roses + 6 FREE + FREE Ruby Vase only $39.99. Exp. 2/14/08
Save 30% Hugs and Kisses bouquet with FREE Bear only $34.99. Exp. 2/14/08
Save 50%+ Valentine's Spectacular Bouquet with FREE chocolates only $29.99. Exp. 2/14/08
Save on Valentine's flowers Starting at 19.99 + FREE vase. Exp. 2/14/08.
Save 20% on a ½ dozen Hand-Dipped Strawberries only $29.99. Exp. 2/14/08

Valentine's Day Gifts!

Hallmark.com

Get FREE Shipping + FREE Chocolates with select bouquets. Hurry, while supplies last. Exp. 2/11/08

FragranceNet.com

Get $5 Off Valentine's Day Orders of $40+ with coupon code LSVDY. Exp. 2/15/08

Overstock.com

Get 10% off Jewelry and Watches. Exp. 2/13/08

Sephora

FREE Shipping on $25+ with coupon code BEAUTYFULL.

Red Envelope

Get Free Shipping on Orders Over $50

Get last-minute ideas: Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Gaiam

Get Free Shipping on purchases $40 or more with coupon code AFJD. Exp. 3/31/08.

Get $25 off purchase $150 or more with coupon code AFDE. Exp. 3/31/08.

PetSmart

Free Shipping on $50+

Clothing Deals

Karmaloop

Free Shipping on $25 or more with coupon code SPHERE. Exp. 2/29/08.

Nordstrom

Exclusively online! Pre-order from the new Spring 2008 MARC BY MARC JACOBS Collection.

dELiA*s

Free shipping on orders of $75+ with code DWBAFF. Exp. 2/20/08.
Valentine's Day gifts - Get 2 tees for $14. Exp. 2/13/08
½ off on Jeans and Pants. Exp. 3/12/08

Petitie Sophisticate

Get $25 off $100+ with coupon code 776568800. Exp. 2/11/08
All Pants By Fit are only $29.99. Exp. 2/11/08
Get up to 30% off selected jackets. Exp. 2/18/08
Get up to 30% off select merchandise. Exp. 2/11/08

Lucky Jeans

Get a $30 gift card with any $150 purchase.

80sTees.com

Get 20% off your purchase with coupon code SweetTees. Exp. 2/13/08

Posted by Megan on February 10, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

My favorite Valentine's Day ideas

Champagne & chocolate.
What could be better? Check out this wonderful Joseph Perrier Brut Rosé Champagne + Gatsby Collection gift pack from Vosges.

Love Cuffs
Olivia over at The Principles of Pleasure brought these Rhinestone Glamour Cuffs to my attention. What a wonderfully naughty little gift for your Valentine this year!

More Chocolate?
Uncommongoods.com is one of my favorite gift sites. They've got tons of original gifts for anyone you can think of - especially that person who has everything. This is one of my favorite Valentine's items - a chocolate deck with a recipe on every page. My Valentin can give me this any day!

Give your Valentine your kiss - to keep.
DNA 11’s custom KISS Portraits are made from your lip print using MAC Viva Glam Lipstick. A portion of every sale goes to the MAC Aids Fund.

Posted by Megan on February 11, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

Cool Coasters, Nifty Nightlights

Nifty Nightlights by House of Six Cats. Lovely home decor, waiting to grace any room of your home. The artwork is stunning! Perfect for the renter not allowed to put a nail in the wall and hang a fabulous painting. Visit House of Six Cats to find a gorgeous bit of decor for your home!

Check out these cool coasters also by House of Six Cats. Oh, how I'd love to invite you over and hand you one of these lovelies to set your cup of tea on! Check out all their latest designs. Great as a house warming gift, or wedding gift, or time-to-treat-myself gift!

Posted by Deborah on February 18, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend

Shemergency to the rescue!

What's a shemergency? According to Ms. & Mrs.:

They're the beauty blunders, fashion faux pas, and personal care predicaments that keep women from looking and feeling their best.

We've all had 'em - a run, a hangnail, a headache, wardrobe malfunction, last-minute cat fur disaster, static ans stinkies - you name it, the shemergency survival kit has you prepared.

Small as it looks (the size of a small make-up case) this kit has it all...

Folding hair brush with mirror, hair spray, clear elastics, earring backs, hand lotion, nail clipper, emery board, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, mending kit, safety pin, double-sided tape, lint remover, shoe shine wipes, stain remover, static remover, breath freshener, lip balm, dental floss, pain reliever, deodorant wipes, tampon, adhesive bandages, facial tissues.

I know! I wonder, too, how it all fits in the bag. I think it's some kind of optical illusion! Oh, and the bag is the best part - it's made of metal mesh and has a cute little fingernail clipper attached. You'll never want to leave home without it.

Make a fabulous gift! Check out Ms. & Mrs. for more handy emergency kits including one for the bride, bridesmaid, working girl and MORE!

Posted by Megan on April 4, 2008 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend