Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Okay, deep breath, we know it's hard but you have to have a little faith in yourself, cross your fingers cross your toes, your legs, your eyes, and your heart, because it takes a man to do what you're doing now. I mean you're alone now; your buddies are hiding in a bush a few yards away, all you have for company is the rose and box of chocolates you bought from the mall and that feeling of disillusioned animals running around in your stomach. A small branch hits you in the back of the head and you turn around to see a rather giggly bush.
"Go!"  The bush calls out, and you turn to face you doom. There she is standing in her pretty dress, hair blowing in all directions, and a goofy grin spread across her face as she looks up at the sunset. It's like a movie, clichés and all. You start to run towards her, she catches sight and meets you in the middle of you path, she spies the candy and the rose and laughs a sweet laugh and hugs you. Happy Valentine's Day to you!
Yep, and then after you read this you feel horribly depressed because your darling despises chocolate and is allergic to rose pollen, what can you do? How can you cope? Are there anymore options besides Chocolates and roses or Valentine's Day Gift Baskets? Yes sir there are! Here are the top five most wonderful gifts to give to Women on Valentine's Day:

5.   Good smelling things like lotions, perfumes and body washes, now it is okay to spend a bit extra to buy something that she will really appreciate, check in her shower and in her cupboards to see what smells she likes best.Ex. If she has peach soap, perfume ,and about a billion other things, it is most likely that she likes peach.

4.      Day to Get Away to the spa or out with you, get away from it all.

3.    A Piece of jewelry can be a statement of your love, try to find one that symbolizes her, a heart or a flower can be good starters, colors are also important if you don't know her birthstone maybe search for something that will match her eyes. But if in doubt drag her best friend to the jeweler too.

2.    Complements are powerful, and us girls are suckers for them, remember not all things have to be physical, kind words are one of the most powerful tools you have.

1.      A Card with something sentimental written in it, will be one of those things that never go out of style.

Have a great Valentine's Day and I wish you luck while shopping for your sweetie!

Growing Your Family: Teens and the Perfect Valentine's Day Idea

Growing Your Family: Teens and the Perfect Valentine's Day Idea

What Can I Give in a Pinch?

When I was a kid I was always on time. When it was time for a spelling test, never fear, I had studied and was ready.  My chores were done in the morning.  It was just who I was.  In fact, Ioften did things ahed of time. But somewhere between college and real life I have found I truly procrastinate.  So now, once again Christmas is almost here and I have not shopped for the people I love the most.  And the people I like most days but I shuld show appreciation to (like my boss, the mail man who puts up with our barking dog, and my neighbor who always has  a friendly hello).  So what do I do?

After much research I have found that I can still get my shopping done, and get good deals as well, all without leaving home.  Here are some of my finds.  Next year I hope to do a better job but just in case I don’t Iam relieved to know I can get it done-and even in time.

A gift basket is a great last minute gift Idea.  People love baskets. They can be filled with all sorts of stuff.  I was amazed at a site called PLANET GIFT BASKETS.  They have thought of everything and anything. They even have a perfect basket full of dark chocolate for my hard to buy for father n law.

I also found you can get great last minute gifts at OVERSTOCK. What I like about them is that they ship almost immediately.  And they have everything.  Even baby stuff for my new grand niece who lives in Idaho.

Another favorite site is AMAZON. know, it sounds generic but I was able to really compare prices and I found my son a guitar. The price was a special and it was cheaper than the black Friday sale (the one I mean to go to but procrastinated and planned poorly). 

You really can find some great last minute gifts that will make you the most popular relative around. And don’t worry, there are stills sales and you can get in on the bargins. Just take your time and get going. Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do now. HA.  Have a blessed Christmas while at it.

Last Minute Gift Ideas from Fandango

This gift idea is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, just because or for the student headed off to college. With fandango gift cards you can't go wrong.

Fandango Birthday E-Gift Cards - $50

Give the gift of movies the fast and fun way with Fandango Bucks! Choose a card design, amount and personalize a message. Good for any movie, any time, at any Fandango partner theater.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Those Headed to College

1. A small tool box filled with a hammer, nails, Phillips screw driver, Flathead screw driver, duct tape, electrical tape and a small container of different size screws.
Male or female, this will be appreciated!

2. A laundry basket filled with soap, softener, laundry bag, net and a roll of quarters or two.

3. Basic Cooking Supplies - Depending on what school they will be going to, you can grab a plastic tote and fill with a few basic cooking needs. All sorts of kitchen tools, hand can opener, small pan, small pot, measuring cups and spoons, bottle opener and a nice little apron with matching hand towels.

4. Lap table with a supply of nice pens, white out and chocolate covered coffee beans. While desks are provided, and laptops are the rage, having a simple writing desk to throw on your lap is nice.

5. Food Basket - A beautiful basket filled with goodies to start off their college year right will never go out of style and will always be appreciated.

Modern Mommy Diaper Bag

Oi Oi Diaper Floral Bouquet Diaper Bag

This beautiful and playful floral print leaves them guessing if you are carrying a diaper bag or designer purse! The warm mixture of pastels on this fabric create an oh-so pretty diaper bag. You will be the talk of the playground with such a beautiful diaper bag. The outer nylon fabric is great for unexpected spills and stains. There is plenty of room for diapers, wipes and bottles in the interior pockets of this bag. Included are a large changing pad, insulated bottle holder and wipes case.What a fun diaper bag! You can't help but put a smile on your face when you see this one from our favorites at Oi Oi Diaper Bags.. Now you can have everything you need for your baby right at your fingertips.

Godiva Coffee: The Perfect Gift for a Cool Morning

I have had the privilege of receiving Godvia Coffee as a gift and while I wasn't expecting to be impressed, I most certainly was. Anyone who knows me, knows I love a good coffee with a lot of foo foo cream. This coffee most certainly did not need the amounts of foo foo cream I was use to. Simple sugar and a little creamer and this coffee was smooth. If your a black coffee sort of drinker I'm sure you will be more then impressed with the flavor. A perfect gesture to give to your summer time guests.

Traveling This Summer - Say Thank You To Your Host Family

One way to cut expenses this year when taking your family vacation is to stop in and stay with friends and family. While most of your friends and family would never ask you to pay for a night, or expect you to send them a thank you gift, it will leave a big impression and an open door if you do return. Why not send them a gourmet gift basket filled with wonderful summer foods to say Thank You for all they did for you.

Authentic and delicious. This gourmet basket is perfect for a hostess, thank you or corporate gift. Piled high inside of a salad bowl we have paired authentic Italian pasta, sweet cuisine Perel pomegranate balsamic vinegar. This luxurious vinegar is perfect for a salad dressing or any gourmet dessert. We have included a gorgeous coffee mug and biscotti to complete the Italian dinner flare. To top off this luxurious gift, we have included a blooming rice hull that produces beautiful viola blooms! What a gift that keeps on giving!

Modern Baby Gifts for the Modern Mommy

This summer new mom's everywhere are looking for the latest and greatest colors and designs to decorate their nursery. This new Modern Nursery Set from Brown Eyed Baby has it all covered. Mom will be inspired by the colors and this gift will give her a great start on decorating the nursery.

This straw moses basket is stuffed with beautiful and modern essentials for the new baby girl. We have included some essentials that will be much needed in the new nursery. A super cute modern hand and foot print kit comes complete with ink pad to make an adorable wall display to hang above baby's crib. Of course, we have included the matching photo frame for baby's room. Along with these keepsakes, we have included receiving blankets, crib blanket, gown and other essentials to delight the new mom. What a gift to remember!

Hanging Footprint Frame Hanging Handprint Frame Picture Frame Bottle Cotton Sleep Gown Soft Baby Blanket Personalized Security Blanket Two Receiving Blankets Scratch Mittens Plush Musical Toy Infant Cap Wooden Brush & Comb Washcloths Moses Basket

Gifts to Express Your Sympathy

 Comfort candles make great sympathy gifts. Help someone memorialize their lost loved one with a beautiful comfort candle today.

This beautiful round candle holder is meant to memorialize a life deeply loved by many. Comfort candles make wonderful keepsake sympathy gifts that will be treasured for years to come.

Treat Dad To An Amazing Food Basket

	The California Coast and Central Valley are known for rich gourmet flavors, tasteful wine and hearty savories. We have paired some of these gourmet treats inside this keepsake planter. Napa Valley honey mustard nuggets, smoked almonds and Ghirardelli chocolate all come from the West Coast bounty. The rich warm hues of this gift basket make is perfect for any gift giving occasion. This gift has the option of personalized satin ribbon to express your sincerest sentiments. Send a basket full of California goodness today.

	Features Foccacia Crisps Angelina's Butter Cookies Smoked Almonds Napa Valley Honey Mustard Nuggets Kettle Corn Chai Green Tea Chocolate Coffee Toppee Irish Cream Coffee Ghirardelli Caramel Square White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Chocolate Wafer Cookies Pecan Cookies Fruit Bon Bons

Making a Gift Basket for Men

Last year on our anniversary I made my husband a gift basket filled with all his favorite gourmet treats. I went to our local World Market where they had so many unusual and small bottles of condiments and sauces. It was perfect for the gift basket. I ended up making a mix up savory snacks and sweet treats. To tie it all together I bought a couple wine glasses and a small bottle of wine. I used a small checkered cloth as the lining and piled in all the goodies. Of course I hand delivered it to my husband who enjoyed the private picnic I had created for us.

For men we can take any thing that he finds enjoyable and build a gift basket around it. Does he enjoy fishing? Hunting? Camping? All of these ideas can easily fit into a gift basket along with his favorite snacks and accessories. Are you still wondering what to get dad for Father's Day? Look over here at planet gifts where they have a huge array of already thought out gifts for dads.

Two Fantastic Last Minute Father's Day Gifts

	Dads deserve to be cherished too. Father's Day is a great time to show your dad just how much you appreciate all he has done for you. Give him a gift basket filled with delicious gourmet treats that he can choose to share or keep to himself. Almond Roca, California smoked almonds, caramel popcorn and much more are stuffed inside this keepsake trunk. Dad can then use this case to store his precious belongings long after the gourmet food is gone. This gift comes wrapped with personalized ribbon and sent to your dad with care.

	Features Foccacia Crisps Angelina's Butter Cookies Almond Roca Cinnamon Roasted Cashews Beef Summer Sausage Coffee Mug Mini Fruit Bon Bons Ghirardelli Chocolate Bellagio French Vanilla Mocha Caramel Popcorn Ghirardelli Coffee English Breakfast Tea Dolcetto Wafer Rolls Dutch Shortbread Cookies Wheat Cracker Keepsake Trunk This hearty gluten free gift basket contains wonderful gourmet selections that anyone can enjoy. Strawberry filled wafer cookies, organic cherry pie jam and gourmet pretzels! Send this gluten free gift basket to someone deserving of something special. This gift comes wrapped with personalized ribbon expressing your heartfelt expressions.    Features Gluten Free Strawberry Filled Wafer Cookies Organic Cherry Pie Jam Mrs. Mays Apple Chips Gluten Free Multi Grain Crackers Sweet Potato Chips Highland Select Tea Pamela's Gluten Free Lemon Cookies Gluten Free Pretzel Twists Tea Towel Keepsake Basket

Last Minute Gifts for Mom

Many mom's, especially moms that have young children have a job not many would take, even for the highest pay. Mom's give up their 9-5 jobs that pay, for a 24/7 job that pays only in diapers, spit up and memories that will last a lifetime. Give mom a gift that will require she put her feet up for a little while. These Sonoma Lavender Spa Booties are the perfect compliment to a mom who is always there for you. Just ad her favorite lotion and she will be sitting pretty at least until the next shift starts.

Mother's Day Last Minute Gifts

Make mom's day with this beautiful Mother's Day Gift basket filled with gourmet teas and treats. Let mom sit back and truly relax on Mother's Day.

Included in this willow keepsake basket:

• 
  
  • Highland Select Tea
  • Nikki's English Toffee Cookie
  • Nunes Farms Toffee Crunch Peanuts
  • Mrs. Mays Pear Chips
  • Mrs. Mays Trio Crunch Bar
  • Green Tea & Jasmine Dark Chocolate Bar
  • Cranberry Harvest Snack Mix
  • Dolcetto Vanilla Wafer Rolls
  • Harry London Mint Joys
  • Tea Towel
  
  Personalize the ribbon with any message and let mom know how much you love her.

Gifts For Coffee Lovers

Responsibility | Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks is a company that takes caring for the planet very seriously. They work to recycle their products, teach their employees ways to save water and give the consumer many options to help them liver greener lives too.
On April 15th they offered free coffee to anyone who brought in their own reusable mug. But did you know that they offer $.10 off every time you bring in your mug. That's right, Starbucks encourages you to protect the environment by offering you discounts to go green. 

If you have a coffee lover in your family, why not splurge and get them a set of reusable travel mugs along with a gift certificate to their favorite coffee spot. You will not only encourage them to be more responsible, but will feel good knowing you are doing your part by spreading the word.

Last Minute Bridal Shower Gift

Bridal showers rank up there with baby showers. Girls love attending them, and when it is their own, love it even more. I have found over the years that most showers are the same. Baby showers are filled with baby games, new mom trivia, and lots and lots of diapers. A dream come true for the new mom. She may not realize it right away, but any experienced mom knows diapers are a necessity you appreciate, especially if you are nursing.
Bridal showers run the same. Lots of cookbooks, advice and fancy lingerie. While these things are traditional and very much appreciated by the husband to be, the last shower I attended I decided to do something a little different.
I wanted this gift to be just for the bride. Something, tasteful, unique and enjoyable. I have loved the many forms of diaper cakes for babies and was very excited to find this beautiful towel cake. Filled with luxurious Shea butter lotions, lip balm, candles and some fancy hot chocolate mixes this gift was perfect for my friend.
This gift, while perfect for the bridal shower, would make a great birthday present or Mothers day gift for that woman in your life who deserves a little pampering. 

Gift Includes:

1 luxurious bath towel 1 coordinating face towel Shea butter body cream Body wash with shea butter extract Shea butter lip balm .53 oz. of pure shea butter 9 chocolate scented tea lights 2 chocolate truffle gourmet hot cocoas

Gifts made from recycled bottles - Coca Cola

Coca-cola has you covered when it comes to buying hot new gifts made eco-friendly. If you have someone who loves to go green, check out their Eco-Apparel for men, women, and kids. Here are two examples from their site.

Red on white. Striking tee features the classic Coca-Cola script logo in Coke red against a stark white background. This cotton/recycled-plastic blend knit tee is sure to be an instant classic! So, not only is this shirt red and white, but it's also green!

With the Coca-Cola Wristlet, you're never without your essentials. This adorable mini purse, made from recycled plastic bottles, has a handy zipper and convenient wrist strap. Exterior features an image of a Coca-Cola can. It's perfect for holding a driver's license, money or credit cards when you're running errands, making a quick trip to the store or just for traveling light while you're on the go.

Last Minute Gifts for Mom's

With mothers day less then a month away, it's time to start thinking what you will get for your mom. Mom's always love flowers. Some mom's are happy to have extra chores done. I know one mom who just wants to go out for coffee with a few friends as her gift.

To start begin thinking of what you mom would love most. A hand made card, a gift certificate to pamper herself or a home made dinner from her favorite kids. What can you think of that she would like.

Next, you may want to consider your budget. How much can you spend on a gift for mom. You do not need lots of money in order for mom to appreciate a gift from you. Many mom's just want to be appreciated and pampered by her family on that day. Think of a special thing you can do.

Remember your mom is a mom because of you. Let her know how much you love her by treating her kindly and playing maid or butler for the day.

Last Minute Gifts of Cash

While it may seem like you didn't give much thought to your gift, cash will never go out of style. It doesn't matter if the recipient is 12 months old and got munty or is 90 years old. How can you make even the simple gift of money unique? I found a great website that shows you how to fold money in the style of origami. Since you can't use the normal origami that sometimes requires you to cut or tear areas, this site here uses the dollar bill to fold up some great gift giving ideas. Not only will your recipient enjoy the cash, but the presentation will leave them enjoying it for a long time.

Did you forget her birthday?

If you forgot her birthday was coming up and need a gift that is sure to keep you out of the doghouse, consider this birthday basket from Planet Gift Baskets. Not only are the products carefully chosen for their excellent quality, but their customer service is top notch. If getting your order shipped overnight is what you are needing, you can be sure they will take extra care to get it out. Not only will you get amazing service, but look at what is in this product:  

• Godiva chocolate cookies
• Beth's chocolate chip cookies
• Ginger & chocolate cookies
• Licorice & caramel bites
• Ghirardelli double chocolate cocoa
• English toffee candy
• Latte coffee candy
• Chocolate caramel cocoa
• Chocolate amaretto cheesecake mix
• Almondina biscotti
• Birthday balloon
• Hard candies
• Woven basket

It just can't get any better then this. She will thank you in many ways and you won't have to kick the dog out of his bed to sleep.

Last Minute Gluten Free Gift

Picking out the perfect gift for someone can be difficult at times. It is especially time consuming and difficult if that person has a food allergy. Not any more! This gift basket comes with all gluten free products. Since gluten is the number one food allergy in American you may begin to see more of these type of gift baskets popping up.
Filled with  wonderful gourmet products from Fire and Flavor, you won't have to worry about a thing.

Included are gourmet grilling planks that are an easy and healthy way to add smoky flavor to their favorite foods. The maple grilling plank adds a sweet, buttery rich flavor to beef, pork or chicken. Also included are cedar papers that can be wrapped around their favorite foods which infuse a subtle cedar flavor. This grilling set makes gourmet barbecue simple and delicious. These wonderful gourmet grilling products come packed inside this beautiful box and hand tied with a personalized ribbon expressing your sentiment. What a wonderful and healthy gift to send to someone special.

Last Minute Shower Gifts

Are you running late getting a gift  for the baby shower. These little baby socks, folded into roses will impress the best. Adorable and simple, these sweet roses will be the hit of the party. You'll have moms, grandparents and friends wanting their own bouquet. If you can't make it to the party or want to bring something truly unique order a box of these everlasting roses. Your gift is sure to make a lasting impression.

Party Marty - Celebrate!

This is one of the cutest little gifts you can give this year. It's perfect for a child or an adult. Imagine the smile on their face when this little guy pops up singing "Celebrate Good Times". The monkey moves up and down as he serenades, inviting loads of celebration. 

Perfect as a birthday gift, a congratulation for a job promotion, or for the graduate this gift is sure to please and will be the hit of the party.

Romantic Scavenger Hunt

Budgets are tight this year, so creativity is going to be your best friend. Spending a little time, which costs you almost nothing, and a single rose might have you in the running for Valentine of the Year.
 Here is what you do :

Think of 4-5 places that have a special meaning. First place you kissed, first date, place you proposed or even where you met. If you do not want to drive all around town, or the places you met are too far away, thinking up a few simple clues around the house, yard or town will be just as fun.

Write out your clues. You do not want these to be so hard that they will never guess. Keep them simple. If your first clue is to the car, you could write "Where I sit next to you when we are driving" If your clue is where you first kissed, your clue could be " The bench where I first kissed you"

Hide your clues. Enlist your friends or family if you need to. Most people are happy to help out a romantic gesture. I remember years ago a young man coming in 2 hours before he brought his date to the restaurant I worked at and giving us roses and a note. We set the table up just before they came, and she was none the wiser.

Write a love note. Nothing says I love you like a handwritten note detailing your true thoughts. The final destination can contain your love note with a single rose.

A simple scavenger hunt this year will stay in his/her mind for many years to come. Be prepared to get some dirty looks from the guys who bought their girlfriends chocolate.

Massage Oils

It doesn't matter if your young or old, personal massages from the one you love will be a welcomed gift anytime of year. If  your spouse is not into flowers and candy this Valentines Day, this will no doubt be the best gift you can buy. Men and women both love having a massage after a long day. It helps to relax tired worn out muscles, and the touch of another human warms the soul. It is a proven fact that babies without any human touch, while fed and kept clean, will die if they are not touched. There is something inside us that desires and needs to have human interaction.

To make a quick and easy gift this year for Valentines Day, buy one or two bottles of a special massage oil and attach a few homemade coupons good for 15 or 20 minute massages. If your budget allows, purchase a CD of instrumental music and light some candles. With a little preparation and a lot of sincerity your gift will be one that will be remembered for a long time to come. Don't get upset if you are asked for it again next year.

My Sweetheart Chocolate Dipped Bouquet

Make a lasting impression with this beautiful display. Perfect for your children, grandchildren or your sweetheart. Soft rice crispy treats covered in gourmet white and milk chocolates and large chocolate covered pretzels make this gift just as tasty as if you made it yourself. Surrounded with a personalized ribbon this gift will record your sentiments exactly.

Fattamano Baby Gifts!

Let the parents to be know you really care when you send them this Fattamano Luxury Baby Blanket from Germany. Known for it's popularity with celebrities, wrap the newest little blessing in style. This blanket is made with 100% cotton shearling, making it one of the softest blankets around. This company will even personalize it with a monogram so baby will never lose his/her blanket.


This blanket is a perfect compliment to the Fattamano Baby Gift Basket which includes:
Fattamano plush hat
Fattamano booties

Fattamano cozy blanket
Fattamano jacket
Sepia roses picture frame
Plush bear
Keepsake french hatbox for babies belongings

Send baby off to the red carpet with these stylish products and they will feel like they are royalty.

Show her how much you care.

This gift basket is not only beautiful to look at but has that classy flair that any girl would appreciate. The perfect dark roast coffee is a compliment to the tin of tea cookies and the tasty raspberry espresso cake. Let this gift basket transport you back in time to a little Italian cafe while you enjoy the gourmet goodies included.
This basket comes with:

• Cafe Europa Dark Roast Coffee
• Old Fashion Taffy
• Hand Painted Mug
• English Breakfast Tea Tin
• Italian Raspberry Espresso Cake
• Nunes Farms Chocolate Toffee Almonds
• English Tea Cookies

Digital Photo Frames

If your in need of a last minute gift for your Mom, Dad, or Grandparent this could be the easiest gift to give yet. We all have hundreds of photos swarming around in cyberspace, or on the little blue chip cards. Photos that would be appreciated by well deserving relatives if we ever found time, oh and the money, to print out 3000 photos at once.
Save yourself some time and money while giving a gift they will enjoy for a long time to come. The Digital Photo Frame. You up load as many pictures as you want to share, and give them the digital frame. When they turn it on, they will have hours of enjoyment seeing the kids, your animals, where you have been, and even your crazy 10 year old. You do not have to worry about picking out the best photos to send and for the price of a nice digital frame you can upload new ones every time you visit. It's a gift that will be appreciated more as the years go on.