Ring your bell

I haven't really posted about giving clothing or accessories before. I do think if you make it relevant and match the style to the recipient, it can be a great gift. Take for instance some of the rings we are seeing so much of these days. We all know they are a great single item that can dress up jeans and a tshirt. J Crew and Banana Republic are both a great place to start your search with a good price point. Find one that matches a friend's style. Write on the gift tag, "Happy Birthday....thought we should ring your own bell."

The top photo is Banana Republic and the bottom photo is J Crew.

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.

Gift of Gab

It's Monday and that means it's time for the gift of gab. This is where a quote is featured that inspires a gift.
What I like about this, is that you can do this at any price point. Pick high end games like the ones pictured here for a good friend or go to your local toy store and pick out several classic board games. Tie them all together and it would make a fun housewarming gift for a family. Don't forget to write the quote on the gift tag. However you choose to to it, I'm betting this quote is pretty intuitive. Hmmmm....kind of makes you wonder that if people want to play games on a first date, the only games they should be playing are board games.

available here

available here

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.

Gifting with flying colors

As you know, I often find gift inspiration from photos of interiors. In the photos from Shelton, Mindel & Associates....if you haven't seen their amazing work,look here, it's all about the groups of colors. Just like in events, a gift can be centered around a theme. Why not theme your gift around color? Put together several vases and containers in a friend's favorite color. Just putting a group together makes a strong impact and in using their favorite color, you've given the gift meaning.

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.