Happy Halloween

I know....I know.....Christmas yesterday and Halloween today. It's a bit backwards....I completely agree. I have to get a jump on some things and that includes the 12 days of Christmas club. Here is a simple little favor idea that I put together for Lily's class.

*Note: I would put the word poison under the skull and crossbones instead of Happy Halloween if these weren't for school.

12 Days of Christmas Club

Announcing the 12 Days of Christmas Club. Buy the 12 days of Christmas for anyone you choose. We'll send them 12 little gifts...12 marvelous surprises. Their package of packages will arrive in time for the first gift to be opened on December 13. Each one individually wrapped and numbered with a tag on it that says "do not open until" and a date. There will also be a note inside telling them who sent them this amazing gift of gifts. This thoughtful countdown to Christmas will have them slowing down and appreciating the season each day as they open another package. That magical time of year when you can hardly wait to tear into a present....and now they don't have to! Available in versions for adults, boys, or girls. $72 for 12 surprise gifts....includes shipping. It's the gift that just keeps on giving. They certainly won't forget what you got them for Christmas this year! available here


If you want to keep them waiting by their mailbox all year long, you'll want to see our Marvel of the Month Club. available here

Editor's Note: Contrary to much popular belief, the 12 days of Christmas are actually from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th). We want our countdown to begin the 12 days before to increase the excitement.

Warm hugs

Fall has arrived in Florida. Waking up to temperatures in the 40's had me quickly thinking about scarves.

Write on the tag...."a hug from me".

This lovely scarf available here

Gift of Gab

Today's quote seems to be written with thank you notes in mind. Add to the tag, "it's always good to be prepared."

Thank you notes by sea. For more information inquire by email.

in a dark mood...

I know that today is Monday so that means Gift of Gab, but since Halloween is Friday, I wanted to let you all know that we have reduced our black Halloween candelabras even further. They are now only $15. That is almost 70% off. We only have a handful left, but we want to be sure they are all in haunted manors come Friday. So, as we stated earlier......If you are going to a Halloween party this candelabra would make a festive hostess gift. Put on the gift tag, "couldn't be happier about your dark mood". Available here...

Be back tomorrow with Gift of Gab.

you, too, can be immortalized

While we are on the subject of baby gifts, I wanted to introduce you to a gift that has staying power. When they are a baby, it looks like personalized art on the shelf. When they are old enough to play with them, they are one of the cutest well designed toys in the house. When they are past playing with them, it goes back on the shelf or even graduates to the mantle. I love the concept behind this gift. It takes an old favorite and vastly improves on it by adding some timelessness, personalized design, and environmental friendliness. A custom tailored family by goosegrease is such a welcome departure from plastic toys.

put on the gift tag......."Everyone knows having a baby immortalizes you."

sleep like a baby

Here's the scenario.....

Your friend or say maybe your sister-in-law is having a baby. You don't have children yet, so besides for a very cute little outfit, you just aren't sure what to get. With the new discoveries of unsafe plastics, baby bottles from the green to grow line are a welcome safe alternative. I'm always a fan of an item that not only solves a problem in a responsible way, but is cute to boot. You could even include a baby blanket and since the bottles are bisphenol A-free, phthalate-free, and worry free you could borrow their line for the gift tag......"Now the whole family can sleep like a baby."

What's eating you?

Continuing on the same theme, let's think about gifts of food instead of gifts of nature. Every region has food it is know for. If you are in Washington state.....think apples. If you are in Michigan.....think cherries. If you are in Iowa.....think corn. If you are in Wisconsin.....think cheese. If you are in Oregon.....think marion berries. Anyway, this isn't really a new thought. People in Florida have been sending citrus for years. However, instead of just sending off a carton of apples or ears of corn, let that be where your inspiration starts. Take it to another level. How about your favorite apple pie? How about homemade marion berry jam? A big part of this kind of gift is the time you take preparing it. Again, a simple note of "wishing you were here" says a lot. This time, though, add the recipe and even a little write up on the history of the food in your state. Just be sure to send it overnight if it is something that needs to stay fresh.

photography by Matt Armendariz

Nature Calls

Last week we talked about giving a gift of nature with the idea of boxing up some fall foliage. I wanted to expand on that idea with some options for those of us who don't live where the leaves change. I may not be fortunate enough to live where I can experience the look, feel, or smell of fall, but I am fortunate enough to live where I can experience the look, feel, and smell of the ocean. Just as I would love to receive a box of leaves, I am sure there are those who would love to receive a box of shells. No matter where you live, there are always gifts of nature. Just be sure to spend some time on the presentation. Whatever you're sending a simple, "wishing you were here" on a card says it all.

photo credit

Gift of Gab

I was reminded of this quote recently on some one's blog. (If it was yours, let me know so I can give you credit) Use this quote for a birthday or anniversary. Pair it with the numbered glasses by Christopher Jagmin. Whether it's around the nightly dinner table or at a party, they make keeping track of your glass a whole lot easier.

Add to the quote: "It doesn't matter what number we're on....it's you that counts the most."

Fake vs. Natural

Lately, I'm seeing a lot of boxes of fake fall foliage in stores. This got me to thinking....if people would actually buy a box of fake leaves, how thrilled would they be to receive a box of real leaves? If you live where the leaves change, fill a gift box with fall leaves. Tie a big velvet bow around it in a fall color. You could also choose acorns or even pine cones. Send them to someone who doesn't live where they get to experience this bit of nature. Write a simple note saying you wanted them to experience the season. Besides for shipping, you have a thoughtful gift that didn't cost anything. If you want to take it up a notch, put them in a glass container. Nature does provide the best gifts.....actually, you could write something like that on the tag......."wanted you to experience the gifts of nature".

{photo credit}

P.S. If you choose acorns, freeze them first to make sure they aren't home to any little beasties.

Marvel of the Month Club

It was suggested that I start a club where a surprise gift was sent once a month. This is right up my alley....I am a huge fan of little thoughtful gifts and I loved the idea so much that I immediately started figuring out the details. (Thanks, Seleta....brilliant...fun and brilliant)

So today, I am announcing the "Marvel of the Month Club". Here's how it works...buy a 6 month ($48) or 12 month ($96) subscription here to the club and each month you will receive a surprise gift. I'm not going to tell you what they are....hence, the word surprise. I will tell you that they are all "marvelous" and that you'll be standing by the mailbox in anticipation each month. Over the time of your subscription, you will be learning tips and tricks for giving little gifts with big impact. I am limiting the amount of members, so sign up right away. Keep in mind that a subscription would make a thoughtful and long lasting gift for a friend or relative. Oh, we're going to have fun with this!

marvel: noun something that evokes surprise: a wonderful thing

P.S. Stay tuned for the 12 days of Christmas Club where 12 little gifts will be sent to anyone you choose. This countdown to Christmas will have them slowing down to appreciate the magic of the season. (Versions available for adults and children)


and the winner is........(insert drum roll here).........design for mankind. Congrats and email me your address so I can send your bowl!

One Hundred

Today is my 100th post. In celebration, I am having a drawing for one of my favorite pieces in our collection of gifts.....yes, yes, I know...all favorites. All you have to do is leave a comment today and you will be included in the drawing for a circle bowl. The winner will be announced on the 101st post...tomorrow. Serious thought went into these hand-crafted circle bowls. These pieces that can pass themselves off as sculpture are assembled from brass wire that is burnished to a mottled bronze finish. The wires are shaped into individual circles and then assembled. Enjoy empty or fill with something worth showcasing.

Thank you for making me a part of your

"blog circle".

Gift of Gab

Today's gift of gab quote makes accessories personalized gifts. Whatever you select, just be sure it matches their personality....modern, vintage, traditional. If you need some help deciding, Yummi Glass is an amazing place to find yourself......I mean someone else.

Yummi Glass here

hoping your dark mood lasts....

Thank you for your thoughts yesterday on the gift guide. I have a few more questions waiting for answers. Also, one of you provided inspiration yesterday for a brilliant brilliant idea....thank you, Seleta. Stay tuned next week for a big announcement that is in the works!

In the meantime, Halloween is fast approaching. We are running low on these so we have them at half price. They are perfect for your haunted manor. If you are going to a Halloween party this candelabra would make a festive hostess gift. Put on the gift tag, "couldn't be happier about your dark mood".

black candelabra available here

just curious...

I've been tossing around the idea of putting together an online Holiday gift guide in magazine format. I know this would be a huge undertaking (just ask Erin or James, right), but if you feel it would be something helpful, let me know. I know a lot of you read everyday without commenting, but I really want to hear from you today. In today's economy, putting together a thoughtful and meaningful gift is more important than ever. What are your thoughts? Is this something you would find useful?

I think this color combination is very inspirational for the Holidays. image via Hoot & Heart

It's the little things....and wording

Today I want to show you how to take the exact same items we discussed yesterday and turn them into a humorous gift. The point is to get you thinking....realize that your wording and presentation can completely change a gift.

I wish your cake had more candles on it.

Words to live by...Bee loving to your enemies...

it makes them so mad.

Write on the paper and slip inside the cookie...

Don't you feel fortunate knowing it's 5 o'clock somewhere?

I feel I've met my match....you be Thelma...I'll be Louise.

again, all items available here

It's the little things

I wanted to expand on the idea from birthday magic. Thinking along those same lines, a gift can be several small items put together that each mean something. The success in this gift idea comes from writing a little something on each item that goes in the box. These are all items I've shown before. It will be a hit because you've grouped them. Who doesn't like to receive several little things....the more you put in there....the more it shows you thought about it. Here is an example done with sentiment.

May the most that you wish for be the least that you receive.

You are the bee's knees

Write on the paper and slip inside the cookie, Fortune comes my way because I know you

A friend like you is hard to matchCome back tomorrow. I'll take the same items and give them with humor instead of sentiment.

Everything available here

Gift of Gab

Since we can't seem to escape the news these days, I like today's quote.
Write the quote on the tag and add, "thanks for always seeing the cup as half full". If they are traditional, use china teacups. If they are more fond of modern or contemporary, find some clean lined white mugs. If they prefer a more artistic style, I found these porcelain ones on etsy. If you take it the extra step and match their style, you just made the gift relevant.

porcelain shell cups available here

birthday magic

I wanted to share a little birthday gift idea with you that we have been putting together with great success. As you get older, the sparkle goes out of birthdays for many people. No longer are there cupcakes and crowns and well....sparkle. Pick as many of the following items as you like (determined by your budget) and fill a box. Write on the tag.....just wanted to make sure your birthday was filled with the sparkle and magic of childhood.

for the really young at heart add on of these

don't forget to tie on of these to the top of the package

you could even add that cupcake

everything except cupcake available here, cupcake available here

Think Pink

We all have been affected by breast cancer. We all know that this is breast cancer awareness month. We all know many places to buy pink to help the fight. Now, we all need to go do it.

Photo in honor of my Lily....hopefully there will be a cure during her lifetime.

photo credit