Gifts Galore–Revisited

 

Hi all!  I hope this re-post finds you well rested and ready for vacation…because I am in the middle of totally stressing out between work, shopping, Drs. appointments and packing for Wisconsin!  This week has been beyond busy and isn’t over yet.  Therefore, I thought I would repost last year’s gift giving guide in case you were at a loss for that last minute gift idea. 

On the bright side…only one more day of work after today and then a sigh of relief, a Christmas party and time with the fam; whew!  Have a good one!

 

Original Post: December 2011

 

When looking for gifts to give during the holiday season, I usually try to find something unique yet useful and that has a special meaning to the person of whom I am giving. 

Here are some fun one of a kind ideas that I  have found mainly on Pinterest.com (my new addiction) and my other favorite Etsy.com. These are great sites to browse gift ideas for others, or to find something special for yourself as well.

Other fun websites with original gift ideas are: perpetualkid.com and uncommongoods.com. 

 

Personalized/Monogrammed:

Monogrammed Scarf/Pashmina  - marleylilly.com

 

Monogrammed Door "Wreath"  - Pinned on Pinterest.com, but similar one found here

 

 

LL Bean Boat and Tote Bag, always a winner – llbean.com

 

Fun Jewelry Ideas:

State Necklace – Etsy.com

 

 Etsy.com

 

For the Sports lover:

   Etsy.com

 

Tervis Tumbler

  

Game Day Pillows - Etsy.com

 

Vintage Collegiate Calendar - Click here for website

 

For the kitchen lover:



Funky Apron - Etsy.com



Matryoshkas inspired Measuring Cups By Fred and Friends found here

 

Handmade Coffee Scoop - Etsy.com



State Love:

State Prints - Etsy.com



 

State Pillow - uncommongoods.com

 



State hooks - Etsy.com



For the world traveler:

Passport Cover – Etsy.com

 

Prints from favorite destinations – Etsy.com 

 

Leather Luggage Tags – Etsy.com

 

DIY Gift Ideas:

Design Your Own Mug  - Tutorial here

 

Framed Scrabble Letter Art:  great for messages or names – click here

 

Love Notes found here

 

Just plain cute:

 “Our First Place” Key Ornament – inspiration found here

  

“Where We’re From” – folksy.com

 

Flavor Savor Mustache Clips, so funny! – perpetualkid.com

 

For Kids:

 

Vintage Shadow Puppet Poster - Etsy.com

 

Batter Finger by: Fred and Friends from here

 

 

Mrs. Food Face Plate – perpetualkid.com

 

 

GIFT GIVING TIPS: 

Search for key words/interests of whom you are buying on shopping websites or even Google images to get ideas (usually the images will link directly to the website).

Searchable categories: 

-hobbies

-occupations

-hometown, state

-special places (cities where people got married, graduated from college, retired, etc.)

- types of pets

- favorite sports teams

- special interests

Knowing where to look is half the battle.  If you search for something and don’t like the selection on a website of that item, but like the style, search the website a little bit more.  There are many hidden gems that I have found accidently just by exploring a website further.  Don’t be afraid to use the search button on each website you visit as well.

For the crafty gift giver, DIY gifts are also a popular choice in my eyes, since it means so much more if you took the time to make a gift, rather than purchase premade.  Time permitting of course! 

Good Luck and Happy Shopping!

The It List–April

 

 

1.  Bungalow 360 - 

I picked up this adorable bag on our recent school field trip to Gatorland.  I couldn’t resist:  alligators in Green Bay Packer colors…it was perfect!

After researching the brand a bit, I was smitten with the fun, well crafted totes (with awesome hidden zippers), handbags, wallets and more.  Started in 1998, Bungalow 360 is earth friendly and animal happy.  A great choice for spring!

 

 

 

2.  Fridge Coasters -

OK.  Some of you might not know that having an organized refrigerator is one of my “things”.  When I saw these Fridge Coasters on another blog that I read, I went crazy.  Now, not only can I have an organized fridge, but a colorfully patterned one as well.  I can’t wait to place my order!

 

 

 

 

3. Anything Chevron -

Recently, I have fallen in love with anything donning a chevron print.  They are not your average stripes and give off a clean and crisp vibe.  Most of these inspiration photos were found by simply searching on sites like Pinterest and Etsy, and have really gotten my decorative juices flowing - I can’t wait to play around with the pattern!

 

 

 

 

4.  Jack Rogers Sandals -

I have loved these resort style sandals since my college days at Rollins.  They are a classic Palms Spring style staple and look great with everything from a shorts to skirts, and even a crisp pair of linen pants.  They are classy, sassy and perfect for a day spent shopping or simply lounging by the pool.

 

 

 

5.  Scentsy -

These fun and individualized fragrance warmers are not only safe (no flame) and smell great, but are also perfect for gift giving!  We are the proud owners of the two warmers shown below and I must say that I love the different flavored waxes to choose from.  Scentsy offers a great product and is one of Forbes list of America’s 100 most promising companies.

My sister in law, Sara, is a Scentsy independent consultant, so click here if you are interested!