packaging time

There is an appliance in my kitchen that is almost purely decorative. If it weren't for the timer feature, it would be decorative. I'm talking about the microwave. We almost never use it for it's intended purpose, but always use the timer. I'm thinking about getting one of these adorable little numbers....no pun intended....and letting the microwave go. Do you know someone who could use a little time...remember this post? Well, this would be a cute item to give with a note that says you've figured out how to package time.

Are you a microwave user?

timer available here

what lies beneath

I could wear a good tank top every day. In my opinion, for one to be good, it has to be cut long, be anything but boxy, and be soft. I was thrilled to discover an email in my inbox from Claridge and King to say that they have added some new items to their line and guess what......yup....a good tank top is part of it. Actually, I think I might have to say, a great tank top. Great because it comes in three lengths...check, has a bit of spandex to drape well...check, and is made with a cozy blend of bamboo and cotton...check. I really like how these women think. Check out the rest of their new line here.

gift baskets...raised

Time for an interior photo that inspires a gift. We all recognize this kitchen....yes, it's Thom Filicia's space in Soho. See the bar in the basket on the counter? Those baskets are available at any Home Goods, Marshall's, and TJ Maxx type store. Pick one up the next time you need a hostess or housewarming gift. Fill it with liquor bottles and mixers. Talk about raising the bar on gift baskets. Okay, you can roll your eyes, the irony was too obvious.

{image via loftlife}

Earth Day

I've been writing down the funny and cute little things my kids say to do this. I couldn't resist sharing what my 7 year old said about a week ago after coming back inside from walking our dog Newton. (sorry, indulge me...I'm a parent)

"Someone needs to tell Newton that when people talk about going green,

they don't mean pooping green."

Speaking of green and poop and since it's Earth Day, (nice segue way, huh) these hygienic and 100% biodegradable bags would make a clever gift for someone looking to improve disposing of their doggie's leftovers. For more colorful and humorous options go here.

Happy Earth Day everyone.

frock season

With summer approaching and a certain little girl's birthday in the next month, I would love to see her running around in this adorable frock. I'm always a fan of children's clothing that has a simple grown up look.

Frankly, I'd love to have this adorable frock to run around in myself. Do you get in the mood for dresses this time of year? Available here.

containing ourselves

With the disappearances of some big favorites, giving a new magazine subscription just may bring someone out of their sorrow. Include one of these industrial magazine racks for storage and they just may say...domin..who?

available here

list makers anonymous

Have someone on your list? Dignify the back of receipts and scrap pieces of paper everywhere. These letterpressed cotton sheets will have them looking forward to grocery shopping or making the phone calls they've been meaning to make.



available here
P.S. For some reason blogger was not allowing comments on yesterday's post, sorry for the confusion.

nest egg

Gifts that are robin's egg blue appeal to me any time of year, but with the arrival of spring and Easter, they are even more charming. Here's a few that I found on The Obsession...more commonly referred to as etsy.

birdie vase

tea towel

vintage Japanese glass bead bracelet

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!

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

Time in a bottle

I don't usually post about a gift idea that I've seen in a few other places in the blog world, however, this idea deserves another mention. It has all the makings of a great gift. It is a simple idea with meaning and thought written all over it.

Keep a jar in a handy place and every time your kids say something funny or clever, write it down and throw it in the jar. Children say very funny things, but remembering those things is never as easy as you think it will be. This could be gathered secretly and given to Dad on his birthday or gift yourself by reading one on a day you could use a smile. Don't have kids, you could do this with any little funny moments you want to remember. You could even wrap up one of these with a stack of nice paper and give it to a new parent.

container available here

{image from inchmark via thoughtfulday}

You're the Bee's Knees

The bee's knees is a phrase meaning the "height of excellence". The objective in making these bars, was to create a product from natural resources that would heal, protect, and soothe the hands, feet, and body. A product that would surpass others. A product that would be the bee's knees. Made from shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba, beeswax, lanolin, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, and vanilla/fruit fragrance, it provides pleasure to the senses and long lasting relief. Instantly smoothes and softens skin without a greasy residue. Doesn't wear off due to weather or washings. Packaged in a protective tin. The large bar is 2 ounces and the small is perfect to carry in your pocket or purse. It truly is an indispensable gift for yourself or someone else who is "the bee's knees".
These bee bars are a staple for us. Once someone tries them, they are hooked. We have done these as party favors with the clearly obvious tag that says, "thanks for bee-ing here". Since the holidays are coming (I know.....it's true.......sorry for the dose of reality there), they are the perfect little gift for teachers, service professionals, or a little something for friends. Just put the simple phrase on the tag...."you're the bee's knees". Trust me. They will be a hit.

available here

What's your pea soup?

I believe that everybody has something they are crazy for. It could be chocolate, red licorice, or maybe it's a certain kind of drink. We have a good friend who is crazy for a particular restaurant's pea soup. Okay, she would admit that crazy for isn't strong enough....infatuated with is better. Remember the movie Phenomenon? John Travolta bought Kyra Sedgwick's chairs in the movie because he wanted to support her passion. Find out what someone's "pea soup" is and the next time they aren't feeling well or you just want to mark a special day with a little something, send them the thing they are crazy for or even infatuated with. This is a such a simple concept, but often overlooked. Just be sure you don't forget the all important presentation, presentation, presentation.

photo credit

What's your pea soup?

Need to bounce back?

For quite awhile now, I've been obsessed with these.

Don't you remember having races with these in PE as a kid? The ones we used were just plain red and so far I haven't been able to find fun ones like the space hoppers above in the United States, but when I do....let's just say, I think it would be the perfect take 5 break during a stressful day. Talk about bouncing back! Think of the parties you could have with these.....for kids.....okay......you know I meant us big kids, too! These are a nostalgic fun gift for any kid at heart. I'm holding out for one of the ones pictured above, but there are all kinds of them on the web. Google kangaroo ball, hop, or hoppity hop.

Special Delivery

Since summer is drawing to a close, I think it's appropriate to post about a gift that is the essence of summer. Have fresh lobster delivered right to someone's door. There are a lot of great companies to choose from....many of them green and carbon neutral. You can even become a partner and have your own trap that catches lobster all year just for you through catch a piece of Maine. Now you know that I'm all about leaving a lasting impression. Therefore, send along some lobster bibs, or napkins, or the tablecloth so that when the lobsters are gone, the memory isn't. If you are still lucky enough to be a house guest before summer ends, show up with lobster and you'll have a standing invitation.

photo credit

If you want be a little shellfish, send it to your own door. (Alright, I know.....eyes are rolling everywhere, but I couldn't resist)

you've got a little something on the side of your mouth

Today's inspiration comes from tine k home. Who wouldn't love to have a collection of paper napkins like these on hand?

Find some that coordinate well together and you have a little gift. Sometimes you want to mark the day, but the gift doesn't call for a big budget. I would take them out of their plastic and tie a ribbon around each kind and then stack them all into a gift box. Don't forget presentation...presentation...presentation. Everyone likes to have some napkins on hand for when friends come over and with this they'll be reminded of you every time. Hmm....maybe they'll even invite you.

Think birthdays, think housewarmings....paper is also the traditional gift for a 1st anniversary. Making it paper napkins gives a traditional gift a modern edge.

Make a wish

I have posted about these wishbones before.....here. However, I wanted to show you a simple idea that turns into a thoughtful favor. Recently a regular client of mine contacted me to help her come up with something little she could give to family at her baby daughter's baptism lunch. She just wanted to mark the day and really thank her family for coming.....they came from out of the country. I put together a wishbone in a simple beautiful package and then tied this note on top...."Our wish for (insert name) is that she grows up knowing how fortunate she is to have you in her loving family. Thanks for sharing this special day with us."





I've said it before....here....the wishbones can be applied to all kinds of occasions when you want to express a simple sentiment.

Pencil me in...

These have probably been all over the blogosphere already, but I have to tell you about them just in case you haven't seen them before. They are pencils....that's right...pencils. It is a graphite writing tool (pencil) that is cleverly disguised as art. The San Francisco sculptor signs and dates each piece. The molded graphite is smudge proof and will last for years and years. Not only is the artist committed to making art from materials that are part of your daily life, but he designs each piece with the history of its origin in mind.

I think if you were trying to land a big client or get an all important appointment, you could send them one of these and ask them to "pencil you in". Maybe a little corny, but effective. Besides, who wouldn't love to have one of these on their desk?

Kiss Me

It probably won't come as a shock to any of you, but I love clever product packaging. If the packaging is good enough, it's actually one of the times I think a present can go without being gift wrapped. Take for example these chocolates. Frankly, you can never go wrong with good chocolates as a gift, but these by Hagensborg take clever up a notch. If you haven't seen these before, be sure to check out their website...it's worth a look. Tie a red ribbon around the box and tell that someone thanks for being your fairy tale ending. Sometimes it's the unexpected gifts that get remembered the most!