Mission Impossible: Memorable Gift for my Niece

My niece turned 10 earlier this year, and I wanted to find something truly special to mark her first decade birthday.  I searched high and low for something that was personal and memorable--something none of her friends had seen.

Ta-Da! I give you this beautiful custom handwriting bracelet from an Etsy shop called SilverHandwriting.  Vivian, the artisan, hand crafts custom bracelets using the script you hand write and upload to her site on Etsy.

It is the coolest gift for ages 10-90! You (or your loved ones) can write out anything, and upload it to create a unique bracelet.

 A few weeks before my niece's birthday, I asked her to write out her favorite saying on a piece of a paper (you can use a sharpie,or any bold pen).  I didn't tell her why, and, of course, she forgot that I asked.

On her birthday,  I presented her with this special bracelet that read "Rats Rule!" in her own handwriting.  This is a treasure she will enjoy now, and keep for her hope chest (I hope!).

I was impressed not only by the speed the order was completed, but also by the high quality of the bracelet.  It was something any adult would wear, and you can choose from Silver, White Gold, or Gold--all of which look expensive and well made. (the picture makes the gold look brassier than it is in real life--truly a nice quality in reality).

This bracelet makes a great Christmas/Hanukkah/Birthday/Mother's Day/Bridesmaid gift.  Anyone from a spouse writing "I love you", to grandparents signing a special note, to children signing their names side by side for their mother, to a bestie writing an inside joke to her friend,  it is a lasting treasure to see your loved ones' handwriting memorialized.

Vivian at SilverHandwriting has a variety of signature jewelry to choose from.  This one runs approximately $46.00 and she is running a 30% off special through the holidays.

Spice It Up:  This special birthday needed one more memorable treat.  Many of you have seen photo-collage pillows online previously, but I am a believer in this gift for it high quality.

Collage.com produces pillows with your favorite mix of photos, and helps you easily sort & size them to create a fun collage.  Unlike many other photocollage sites, their pillows are printed on a fine canvas fabric.  It is something you would be happy to have on your couch or bed (not that smooth cheap fabric that makes the photos fuzzy).

The pillows range in price, depending on size, from $12.00 to $125.00.  First time buyers to the site receive 60% off.  This pillow was the largest (so I could fit more photos on the pillow) at 26x26.  This would be $125.00, but their holiday promo keeps it at an affordable $40.00.


Jazz the pillow up a bit, by adding a fun design pic with their name.  I found this temporary tattoo design on the web at Tattofun.com.  Fortunately, the design was already available in my niece's name, but Tattoofun.com will custom inscribe/add any name to your selected design.

They were kind enough to send me the JPEG of the artwork, so it was easy to upload to Collage.com for the pillow (better resolution than copying it from the site).

I bought a few of the temporary tattoos in this same heart tattoo design for her friends to wear at the birthday party.  These were fairly large, and ran $2.95 each.  Pretty neat to have all your friends wearing your name in a temporary tattoo!

The coupe de grace:  I grabbed a few multi-color fabric markers at Jo-Anns and brought them to the party so her friends could sign the back of the pillow.  (Though, I will say that a single black marker will do the trick, and is less expensive).

Whew!  Memorable gift mission accomplished!

Aiding And Abetting

Got a friend who is your partner in crime?  You know--the one who turns an ordinary night out into an epic adventure for the record books?

This is a friend you want to honor with a wink and smile, and something worthy your hijinks!  

Bourbon & Boots celebrates co-conspirators with Thelma & Louise, Butch & Sundance, or Bonnie & Clyde etched cocktail glasses for $39.00 a pair.  

As Bourbon & Boots says, "Celebrate the girl that pushes you to do unbelievable and outrageous things...For the best friends who always have the wind in their hair, and the law hot on their heels and enjoy celebrating their friendship with a toast to each other."

Spice It Up:  Cocktail glasses are great, but if you're truly Thelma & Louise worthy you need an elixir handy.  These clever Trixie & Milo Flasks at $29.00 each are a perfect match to the glasses, and they have numerous styles to suit your friend's personality.  I especially like their packaging with the decorated cardboard gift box.

On your gift card inscribe the wise words of Thelma:  

"Louise, no matter what happens, I'm glad I came with you."

Where to Buy: The cocktail glasses can be purchased directly from Bourbon & Boots online.  The Flasks are from Trixie & Milo which can be purchased from them directly or I have seen them in numerous gift shops.  In Dallas, you can find them at Froggies, Betty Lou, etc.

Personalized Pillows...Dreamy!

Got a friend who loves to post photos to Instagram?  Selfies on the cellphone?  The gift solution is Stitchtagram pillows!

Remember those t-shirt quilts of yesteryear with all your college party t-shirts woven together as a keepsake quilt? 
Stitchtagram has cleverly updated the idea for the digital world.  They take a menagerie of your Instagram photos and print those on textured black denim to create a hand stitched pillow that is, at once, playful and sentimental.

Tweens, Teens, Adults will all love this memorable way to display their favorite photos.

Think of all the gifts you can run with:  Special Birthdays (16, 21, 30, 40...80) High School Graduation, College Graduation, Bridesmaids, Engagement, Wedding, Anniversaries, Grandparents, Housewarming, Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Christmas/Hanukkah.

If your recipient has a particular passion, you can tailor the photos to a theme:  favorite pets, pics of their artwork/crafts, pics of their house, a favorite vacation spot, how they met or got engaged, high school start to finish, a special trip or study abroad, summer vacation, pics of the grandkids, favorite Christmas decorations, etc..

Spice It Up:  Encourage the burgeoning photographer with an old school Lomography Diana + Dreamer Camera.  This funky 1960s retro camera has a cult following for its "dreamy, lo-fi images" that give your pictures a magical otherworldliness.  They'll be creating artistic collages in no time!

Where to Buy: 

Pillow - Go to the Stitchtagram website where they offer several personalized products.  They sell gift certificates in case you want your recipient to choose their photo combinations. 
Pillow $68.00, Tote Bag $78.00, Wristlet $82.00, Coin Purse $28.00 (price does not include shipping cost, allow for 2-3 weeks for delivery upon ordering)

Camera - The Lomography Diana + Dreamer Camera can be purchased at multiple stores.  I found this, and other fun retro cameras online at Urban Outfitters.  If you prefer to pick up in-store, most are available in your local store.  This particular camera includes a book of Lomography photos to help inspire.  $65.00

Luck Be A Lady!

For a graduation, a milestone birthday, a bridesmaid gift or a bon voyage for a friend who is moving away, you want to bestow good wishes.  These Dogeared brand necklaces are stylish, and meaningful gifts to express this sentiment.

The Lucky Cat is fun, and a conversation starter.  The small size keeps it from being too "cutesy" for an adult.  It wears well from day time at work, to casual sweats on the weekend, to out on the town at night.

The 100 Good Wishes, though pricier, is unique as it lists out the 100 good thoughts and wishes.  Each "bead" on the necklace represents one of these wishes, and there are exactly 100 beads on the necklace. 

We can all use good vibes, good karma, and blessings--whatever your beliefs--and this necklace is a magnet for all if them! 

This is one of my favorite necklaces because it layers beautifully with other pendant necklaces.  Personally, I have one in silver and one in gold just so I can combine it with my other jewelry depending on what I am wearing. 

The strand is one single long necklace that you can wear long or double up as shown.

In addition, this necklace works for any age—from teenager to grandmother.  It is just that good looking, and subtle.

Spice It Up:  The lucky cat legend is a charming Asian tale of a cat that brings good luck.  This festive statuette is a great addition to double down on the good luck from the necklaces.  

For a graduate’s college dorm room, a housewarming gift, a co-workers desk, or a going away gift for a friend who is moving, the Lucky Cat gift box offers Feng Shui and good luck for any space. 

This particular one includes the decorative box to display the cat, along with a booklet describing the legend of the Lucky Cat.

Where to Buy:

Necklaces:  Dogeared jewelry has numerous necklaces with charms that have different sayings included in the box. 

The styles are available in both silver & gold so you can pick which best suits the recipient.  The brand can be purchased online or in stores at Nordstrom, NeimanMarcus, Bloomingdales and other stores. 

Dogeared products range from $38.00-$140.00 and include sentiments such as: Faith, Good Luck, Friends Forever, Life Is Beautiful, etc.

Lucky Cat necklace $58.00 

Good Wishes necklace $90.00-$100.00 (price varies slightly depending on whether it is gold or silver)



Box is roughly the height of a iPhone
Cat is height of a standard Lipstick

Lucky Cat Statue: 

I found this one at Barnes & Noble on the display stands near the counter.  Though Barnes & Noble shows that they are sold out for online order, I have seen them in the actual stores as recently as this week.

It is also available through Amazon.  If you cannot find this particular statuette, google “Lucky Cat” online and you will find many other similar cat statues.    $9.95

Beach Blanket Bingo!

Sunglasses & beach
towels from Tuesday Morning

Summer is upon us and that means sitting by the pool, floating the river, or hanging out at the shore!  The natural gift for Teacher Appreciation, Graduation, or summer birthdays is a large monogrammed beach towel to enjoy by the water.

To personalize the beach towel, initials work well.  Or, add a bit of whimsy by embroidering nicknames on the towel. 

My good friend, Meg, is a precision sunbather so we christened her with the nickname of “Sundial” as she coached us through catching the best rays at the beach.  This towel will make her laugh!  If your recipients don’t have a nickname, give them one:  Rock Star, Shop Girl, Smarty Jones, Twinkle Toes, etc.

This gift works well for guys, too, though I recommend keeping the monogram small, and the nickname not too embarrassing.

You can place the monogram in the center of the towel, but I prefer to place the name in the front left corner so that when you have it laid out on the chaise your feet will rest just above the letters on the towel.  That way, the Cabana Boy will know exactly who to bring the Pina Colada to!

Spice It Up:  Add a pair of inexpensive sunglasses, a summer beach novel with a handmade bookmark (place a list of suggested reads on the bookmark), or flip flops!
Check out these imprintable flip flops you can customize with a logo or message.  “Bring Beer” is hilarious, but if you want to tone it down, add a school name like “SMU” or a fun saying.

Where to Buy:

Towels - you can buy monogrammed towels at Swoozie’s, though they tend to be more expensive ranging from $25.00-$50.00.  Tuesday Morning currently has a large stock (in-store not online) of high quality beach towels priced at $9.99-$14.99.  The fabric is thicker and much nicer than the ones you see at Target, etc. 

Monogram - Have them monogrammed at a local store like this one in Dallas at Willow Bend Mall called EmbroidIt!  There are a variety of font styles to choose from, and prices vary depending on the size and number of letters.  The style featured here is called “Hobo.”  $10.00-$20.00

Sunglasses - Walmart, Target, Tuesday Morning for cheap glasses. $6.00-$20.00

Flip Flops – Customized sand imprint flip flops can be ordered online at Flip Sidez at Etsy. $19.95

Ready, Set for College!

High school graduations are just days away, and you need a gift for a graduate.  To start, consider what the grads could use in the fall when they head off to college.

Now, think back to your own college days…hiking across campus to class with your backpack, socializing at keggers, and running out of allowance money a week before the end of the month...

Ah, those were the good 'ol days!

An iPhone wallet is a perfect gift for a new graduate. It is small enough to stuff in a Backpack (who wants to lug a giant purse around), and keeps a student ID and phone safe.

For the girls, you can find many cute styles, though I recommend the wristlet type.  Wristlets are desirable because you can still dance at a party without losing your belongings!

KateSpade, Coach, and Tumi all have very nice iPhone wallets/wristlets and you can certainly spend the $80.00+ for these lovely cases.  But, remember, the reality of a college student's wallet is that it will have beer spills, pizza stains, and crushed edges from sitting under a stack of books.  Basically, it's not worth ruining an expensive one.  

So, stop by Target and buy the stylish ones like these two affordable examples.

 I like this Black & White Polka-Dot wristlet because it fits a phone that may already have a protective case (like an Otterbox), and allows for a few extra items. This is soft faux leather so it is not heavy to carry like real leather, and you can spill all the beer you want without staining the cover! $14.99

 
An alternate style is the hard case found in this light gold wristlet edition.  It is a bit smaller, and fits the phone in the case (sans cover) and serves as a protective case in itself.

The gold is a bit more glam for nights out on the town!

In addition to graduates, this is a neat gift for a 21st birthday or 30th birthday as she heads out clubbing with her besties!  $12.99

For the boys, the iphone wallet combo is simple and sleek.  This is available at Target, as well.  $39.99

 

Note:  Another option is to go to the website for the bookstore at the college of their choice.  Oftentimes, there will be cases with the school colors.

Spice It Up:  Add gift cards to the wallet! 

Whether studying for exams, or just needing late night munchies after the cafeteria is closed, a little junk food is a real treat for the college student! 

Tuck a few gift cards from various fast food restaurants in the wallet.  These will be their “emergency” kit when they truly need it!

Note 1:  Pizza tends to be expensive.  If you choose to do this, select one like Gatti’s or CiCi’s that have pizza buffets.  This way they can make the card last longer than just one pizza at $20.00.  Otherwise, $5 or $10 increments are sufficient at most fastfood places.

Note 2:  Possible cards include: Pinkberry, 7-11, Starbucks, Einstein’s, McDonalds, Whole Foods (if you are trying to avoid the junk food), Pizza Hut, Taco Cabana, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Whataburger, etc.  Be careful about convenience store or grocery store cards--a friend of mine spent his first semester using his gas card to buy copious amounts of beer until his father figured out he wasn’t filling up his car!

Note 3: Be sure to tell the recipient that the gift cards in the wallet are real and are not just display cards!

Where to Buy:

Wristlets are available at most department, and gift stores.  I found these at Target (wristlets).  $12.99-$14.99

Mens' phone/wallets are available at student bookstores, department stores or try Target (Agent 18 men's phone/wallet). $39.99
 

These are great gifts for Graduation, For Him or For Her, For 21st Birthday, For 30th Birthday (headed out clubbing)!

Guerlain's Rouge G Le Brilliant Lipstick Compact

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift for your Wife? A special birthday gift for your Girlfriend? Check out Guerlain's Rouge G Le Brilliant Lipstick Compact - $45.00-$49.50



Note: see engraved name on left side of compact

Ladies are always looking for a compact to keep in their clutch for quick touch-ups, and this is the coolest compact out there.

Originally, I discovered this product while searching for a birthday gift for a friend who is a Francophile. Red lipstick and Guerlain are essentially Parisienne, and this turned out to be a special gift to celebrate a significant birthday.

Guerlain's lipstick compact has a clever James Bond-gadget-like design. I commented on this to the salesgirl when I purchased it, and she revealed that Guerlain insiders cheekily refer to it as A Weapon of Mass Seduction.

Whether she longs for Paris or itches to be a Bond girl, Guerlain's lipstick is perfect.  This gift is also great for Mothers, Grandmothers, Daughters, Sisters, Girlfriends, Graduation Gifts too...just be sure not to mention the saucy reference!

The lipstick comes in a variety of colors. When she finishes off the tube, she can purchase another at the counter (the lipstick portion is replaceable) while keeping the engraved portion of the compact.

Spice It Up: 
The lipstick compact is a neat gift, but make it exceptional by engraving it with her name or initials!

Occasionally, Saks Fifth Avenue & Neiman Marcus will have an engraving event at the Guerlain counter to personalize the compact.  If it is not available when you purchase, just walk it down the mall to Things Remembered for quick same-day engraving.  Depending on the number of letters in the name or initials, the engraving will run approximately $12.00.

Careful when you engrave: once it is engraved you cannot switch out the color before it is gifted as there is a color indicator number on the bottom of the compact. The only way to change it is to buy another lipstick.

Sarah Shane-Kellum (contact her directly at:   Email for Sarah) can help you with your order, and will even loan you their sample tube with the engraving to show Things Remembered exactly how you want it to appear.

Direct link to Guerlain @ Saks Fifth Avenue
Direct link to Guerlain @ Neiman Marcus