Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Since Thanksgiving is in a couple of days, I thought it fitting to add the host and hostess pages next. I will be back on Monday to update with more pages. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Get your own - Open publication

Holiday Gift Guide 2008

pages 2 and 3

Get your own - Open publication

Tomorrow....gifts for the host and hostess

*Update: Please go to the most current post to see the latest edition of the guide.

Holiday Gift Guide 2008

The holiday season brings with it a sense of anticipation. In keeping with that spirit, our gift guide will be released a little bit at a time. Each day additional pages will be posted until we get to the end. My goal is to inspire you and slow things down just a little. Inside are all kinds of gifts and all kinds of price points. Some ideas will be just what you need. Other ideas will be just that...ideas that get you thinking outside the box. Believing in the magic of the holidays is about understanding the true meaning of the season. Let the inspiration begin with the cover. Original artwork by Carolyn Hofstad (the sea in sea and jae).

Get your own - Open publication

*Update: Please go to the most current post to view the latest edition of the guide.

Skipping Stones

This photo inspired a wedding gift for a friend's daughter's piano and vocal teacher. (That was a long description) In a recent book her daughter read, happiness was measured by stones. The little girl would put all her stones in her container if she was completely happy. I remembered this amazing photo. So here's the gift. Collect a bucket full of stones and put words and phrases on them that are relevant like harmonious, beautiful music together, or in tune. Write a note about how happiness is measured in stones. When you are truly happy, your bucket is full. Tell them when they are newly "happily" married to go skipping stones. Relevant.....check. Creative and fun (since it is a gift from a child)......check. The right price.......check. Okay.....good to go.

photo via Once Wed via Gabriel Li

Teaser.....

The early bird catches the worm, so I'm off to work on the upcoming Holiday Gift Guide . You could also say that I'm killing two birds with one stone with this little teaser. Have a productive and creative day.

original artwork by the sea in sea and jae

Take Me Away

I thought it was time to do a photo that inspires a gift. The clean simple design was all that was needed to pull me in, but the large jar of bath salts put it right over the top. It just promises take me away moments. Large glass jars can be found almost anywhere. Just get one that is really big to create the same feeling. Fill it with bath salts, and add a scoop (found at any kitchen store). If you want, include a few sponges. Making the salts yourself would be an extra nice touch. When I googled for recipes, I was pleasantly surprised to find one here. This one would be hard to wrap, so I would suggest sneaking it into the recipient's house and putting it right next to the tub for them to find.

Put on the tag......"Balancing stress and rest." photo via desire to inspire via Caren Alpert

Gift of Gab

Lottery tickets aren't really thought of as gifts, but there is an excitement to them and a "what if" factor. Mix them up by doing some quick picks or numbers that are significant along with some scratch offs. Throw them in an interesting bowl or container and they are still left with something if there isn't a winner in the bunch. (If there is a winner, you might want to clarify the halfsies concept.) Today's quote made me think of our economy. Just put the quote on the gift tag and add....."I'm not counting on making my money in the stock market anymore...it's the lottery for me."

Scratch off tickets also make great party favors. You could have everyone grab one out of a bowl as they are leaving or you could have one at each place setting for a fun activity and conversation starter. Don't forget to have pennies handy.

Last Call

Last call for the 12 days of Christmas.

In order to have them delivered by December 13, I need to have all the orders in next week by Thursday (Nov. 20). If you don't remember the details here they are again....


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



Also, the first annual Holiday Gift Guide will be coming out within the next 2 weeks. Have a great weekend!

retaining water?

I really love that succulents have become such an item. A plant that always looks good and doesn't need much attention is a winner with me. I've seen all kinds of wreaths and planters, but I always prefer hand made. This little ceramic planter is handcrafted from Loafer's Glory Clay, glazed, and filled with succulents by two SCAD grads.

For the tag......"I'm glad retaining water is finally a good thing."

Find this and others at greenwaredesign.

Unexpected Drama

I don't know anyone who doesn't like to receive a beautiful package. However, have you ever thought of giving the supplies that create a beautiful package? Put together a box of ribbons, flowers, and embellishments. An amazing resource for European Couture and vintage adornments is Nicholas Kniel. For the tag......"everyone can use a little unexpected drama."

mi casa es su casa

Sometimes you find a great product that does the work for you. That is the case with the wines from The Magnificent Wine Co. They make it so easy to come up with something relevant and quirky to make the gift memorable. Is this not an obvious house warming gift?


via the dieline

Gift of Gab

I saw this when I was in Starbucks this weekend and it struck me as a nice gift when you need a little something. Instead of just getting a gift card, you can now buy a Gold membership that will keep giving for the whole year.....long after the gift card would have run out. Join Starbucks Gold for an annual membership fee of $25 and receive 10 percent off most purchases at Starbucks – from espresso beverages to espresso machines. In addition, when you register your Starbucks Gold Card, you are eligible to receive other exclusive benefits. I know there are lots of other addicts fanatics out there.

Fish in the Sea

A simple idea with a powerful thought. Don't forget how amazing the art from nature really is. Wrap a piece of coral and put the following message on the tag.

"Whenever you look at this gift from the sea, remember that there are a lot of fish in the sea, but I'd choose you everytime."

both images via Brown Design

Behind the Screens

A little sneak peak behind your screens. We are working on getting these crowns shipped and delivered from our new wholesale department today. Here they are packaged and ready to go. The brown one in front was a special order color request. I think it came out very nicely.

Here is the hang tag that gets attached to each one.

Available here

Mint Condition

After 10 days of this, I am very very far behind. However, we are....... dare I say, back to normal today. Therefore, I am off.....off to put together one of the most efficient and productive days in my working history.


Delicious handmade all natural peppermint candies containing only natural colors and flavors. Ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, natural colors, natural flavors, citric acid.

Hot Chocolate
For an irresistible cup of hot chocolate, crush a few peppermints in a blender. Top hot chocolate with whip cream and crushed peppermints.
Peppermint Ice Cream
Crush peppermints in a blender. Add to softened vanilla ice cream and stir. Refreeze the ice cream. Serve with a chunk of chocolate or for real drama, serve in chocolate bowls.

(My kids insist on making this every Christmas. Not only does it taste amazing....it's fun to make)

It's the perfect time of year for mints. Fill a bowl or jar with these and include the recipes. If someone is feeling better, write on the tag...."glad you are back in mint condition." If there is a birthday, write on the tag....."another birthday and you're still in mint condition."

Use your gift

A lot of people worked very hard and gave up a whole lot to give you this gift.

A Sweet Redeployment

Are tooth decay and sugar crashes looming threats in your household? Are you desperately trying to get rid of that Halloween candy? Go to www.halloweencandybuyback.com for an amazing gift idea for the troops overseas. Dentists from around the country buy back your Halloween candy for $1 per pound and send it to the troops. Brilliant!

Gift of Gab

This morning's quote speaks very loudly to me. I have been at home for a week with my daughter. Sick of being sick are very familiar words. People have always put together care packages, but it is usually for the one who is sick. I was thinking that a care package would be a great gift for a parent who is at home with a sick child. Take it from me, it is almost impossible to get out of the house and pick up the things you need. Put this quote on the tag and fill a tote with all the get well essentials.........several cans of chicken noodle soup, crackers, several boxes of tissues (these run out quickly), oranges, ginger ale, and I would even throw in something just for mom. Several magazines or even a great book that you highly recommend along with some flowers would be a very nice touch.

our take everywhere, hold everything tote available here