I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke...

My father grew up in a small town in Louisiana, and in High School worked as a soda jerk at the Dixie Drug in Vivian.  Those idyllic afternoons making cherry cokes instilled in him a love for Coca-Cola.  A true Coke traditionlist, he only drinks the short bottles (they taste better than the can), and on any given afternoon you can catch him with his "short coke" in hand.

For Father's Day, my friends Kristin & Brian T. led me to this terrific new product for Coke aficionados.  Riedel, the much heralded wine glass maker, has launched a glass specifically for the enjoyment of Coca-Cola.  This unique glass captures and enhances the flavors of the soda. Considering their reputation among wine sommeliers, Riedel's Coke glasses are sure to be a winner for Coke devotees!

Spice It Up:  Wrap this gift with a six-pack of the short Cokes, or the larger bottles of Mexican coke made with the old-school sugar cane recipe.  Then, for an added touch, include a vintage Coca-Cola bottle opener.  These wall mount openers are surprisingly handy for soda, beer, etc.keeping you ready to pop a top!

Alternative Gift:  If you are from Texas, Dr. Pepper may be your passion. I am sure the Riedel glasses work equally well for Dr. Pepper.  The short six packs & vintage bottle openers are available for Dr. Pepper--just remember 10-2-4.

Where to Buy:  The Riedel glasses are available at Bed Bath & Beyond for $16.99 single glass or $24.99 for pack of two glasses.  Six-pack cokes are available at most grocery stores approximately $4.99. Vintage bottle openers (old style, but not true antiques) run from $5.00-$20.00 at your local antique mall, Amazon or ebay.  

Note: Be careful, as many vendors will try to pass off the the bottle openers as antiques in order to charge you more.  Go for the less expensive reproductions unless you are a die-hard Coca-Cola brand collector.

Gift Pepper is back in action!

Gift Pepper is back in action after a brief hiatus!  Due to a family member's illness, I took a break from blogging.  The good news is my father is doing better, and I am bursting with great new gift ideas to share on Gift Pepper!

As a teaser for the good things to come, I'll start you off with a tip for some quick unique gifts.  Nordstrom has started a Pop In Shop within the store called "Wit & Wonder."  It is usually in the center of the store by the escalator where they have sourced hip gifts from Etsy and other websites.


These are not your run-of-the-mill mass produced department store gifts--they are clever, hip and ready to go (especially when I don't have time to scour the web and have an item shipped).  From whimsical pillowcases for Anniversary or Wedding, to copper tankards (Moscow Mule drinks) for Father's Day, to dorm room placards for Graduation Gifts and more.


I found this terrific pillow for my sister-in-law for Mother's Day.  I love the muted turquoise color with the cat and the perfect saying, "Cray Cray."  It is an inside joke name we use in our family, and we all got a laugh about the pillow.  My sister-in-law said my niece confiscated the pillow to her room as soon as they got home--a sign of a truly great gift when your kid steals it from you!

Gift Pepper Preview...

Some Nordstrom stores feature their Pop In Store Surf City shops by the escalators too.  Pop In Stores will change seasonally. Expect new gift ideas later this week at Gift Pepper from Nordstroms' cool beachy boutique.

Along with my traditional gift posts, I will be adding a new feature for memorable gift experiences for kids. Think Camp Counselor meets Auntie Mame meets Neiman Marcus Fortnight--great ideas for kids during summer vacation when "I'm bored" becomes a constant refrain.

Best Gift I Ever Received...

As a gift blogger, I am often asked "What is the best gift you ever received?"  Though I have several favorites from childhood, the best gift I ever received as an adult was a Reed & Barton silver bell ornament at Christmas.

My grandmother had passed away in November of 2008 at the age of 97, and I was grieving her loss as she had been a huge part of my life.  My dear friend, Meg G., had heard my many stories about my grandmother, and knew how important she was to me.

For Christmas that year, Meg presented me with a Reed & Barton silver bell ornament engraved with "In Loving Memory of Nana" and the year "2008."  What took my breath away was the note she enclosed.  Borrowing from that much beloved Christmas movie, It's A Wonderful Life, she wrote:

"Every time a bell rings an angel gets its' wings."

Though I have seen that movie at least 30 times, that simple sweet phrase is timeless.  The sentiment combined with an actual bell perfectly captured my grief and joy for my grandmother's well lived life.  Needless to say, I sobbed and smiled as I admired the beauty of this gift.

It was truly the most complete gift I have ever received as it comforted me, and honored the memory of my grandmother.

Each year, I place this ornament on a prominent limb on our Christmas tree.  When I pass by the tree, I smile knowing my grandmother is remembered and (hopefully) present in spirit during our Christmas celebrations.  Of course, I also think of Meg G., and how lucky I am to have such a thoughtful friend.

I confess I loved this gift so much, that I copied the idea and gave it to two friends who are sisters and had recently lost their mother.  They loved the bell for "Kiki," and treasure it at Christmas.

If you plan to use this gift idea, be sure you know your recipient well to determine if it is appropriate for them at that time and that their loss is not too big/nor unexpected.

Where to Buy:
Silver Ornaments - These special ornaments tend to sell out quickly as they are marked for the year or the special edition.  Though you can purchase the sterling silver ornaments, they are very expensive.  I recommend the silver plated ornaments as they are just as beautiful and more affordable.

I like to order mine online/catalog at Coopers or the Silver Superstore which allow you to order engraving. $25.00 silverplated without engraving

If you are short on time, Macy's, Dillards and other department stores carry the silver ornaments.  For engraving, take it to Things Remembered in the mall or to a local engraver.

Christmas Card Treasures

Front of Card

The holiday photo cards are arriving daily, and it is heartwarming to see the snapshots of friends and family for the year.

 

Each year, our family Christmas card is usually comprised of photos which commemorate some life event or trip we took that year.  I imagine your friends' cards are special photos, as well.  So, take these memorable cards and make them a treasured photo card gift.



These block acrylic frames byCanetti Designs are great looking, have a clean contemporary line, stand on their own, and have the added bonus of seeing through the back of the frame (perfect for two-sided cards!).  Separate the two sides of the frame, and position your photo card in the middle of one side.  Then, place the other side on top--you will feel it click into place with the small magnets.

Back of Card

Spice It Up:  As you receive friends cards, plop them in a frame and give it back to them as a festive Hanukah/Christmas/New Year's gift. 

Or, take your own family card and give it in a frame to your in-laws to admire the grandchildren, or to your spouse for their office desk.  For new parents, take their birth announcement and place it in the frame as a gift.

In addition, these frames are also great for commemorating a special concert, pledge day, 21st birthday, or graduation.  Print a picture from that concert you attended, and place the ticket stubs on the back side of the frame. (Many tickets are electronic now, but you can include something from the event like a program/card from bar or menu/etc.).  A great way to remember a fun time with friends!

Buy a few frames to keep on hand for when you need a quick gift.  I hate to admit it, but this is an ideal plan for the lazy gift giver!

Where to Buy:  Crate & Barrel carries a few sizes with free shipping. 5x7 $19.95 or 4x6 $15.95.  Amazon has a range of more unique sizes. 6x8 $41.00, 4x4 $22.00, 2.5x3.5 $12.50, etc.  Or buy direct from Canetti Designs.

Final note:  I keep about 5 of these on a table in my den for myself, and love seeing how my niece has grown from year to year in our Christmas card.  I can't decide which is my favorite, but love to enjoy them rather than tucking them away in a scrapbook.