Father's Day Is Just Around the Corner

Mother's Day is easy, flowers, candy, coupon cards for chores mom's are easy to bless. However I always have a harder time finding a gift for dad. Sure there is colonge, watches, wallets and sports paraphillina.

Making dad feel extra special and giving him something that is maybe a little less practical is always what I am looking for. Now that I am married I understand what father's want more then anything. Food! Gourmet treats, savory snacks and delicious drinks that are not the normal every day fare really make men happy.
In our town we have a World Market. Mini bite size delectables from all over the world make putting a gift basket together easy. Dipping mustard, crackers, unique sauces and meats from all corners of the globe paired with old fashion candies from dad's childhood  will make any gift desirable. Of course it does take a little time and effort but what a gift!

If you don't have the time to put a gift basket together there are plenty of online stores just waiting to get your gift sent out to dad in time for Father's Day. Planet Gift Baskets will even personalized your Ribbon to let Dad know just how you feel.

A Personalized Gift Basket

When you give a gift making it personalized is the best. It tells the person that you know a lot about them and have taken the time to give them a special gift tailored to them.  One of the most fun and exciting gifts to receive is a personalized gift basket.

How do you get a personalized gift basket?  There are many way to create or purchase one.  Most of us are busy, and by the time you pay the gas, put in the time, and find just what you want, oh and don’t forget you have to get the basket, it can really add up.  If you enjoy shopping and looking for nice quality things then making your own personalized gift basket is an excellent choice for you.   But if you are like most people, meaning you are short on time and don’t like going from place to place and actually have no idea how to personalize a gift basket, don’t worry.  There are many websites devoted to selling these gift baskets.

If you decide to make your own, get creative. Think about what the recipient likes best.  I once got a basket when my first child was born that included a magazine. I thought that was the sweetest gift. I didn’t have money to buy magazines so that was a luxury for me. The lady from our church who brought it said she once got a get well gift with a magazine and she liked the idea so much, she decided to add it to mine. It was much appreciated!

You can give personalized gift baskets to just about anyone.  Young or old, an acquaintance or a bosom buddy, everyone enjoys a gift that is personalized.  Some gift basket businesses can personalize just about anything.  Can you imagine the new mom opening a personalized baby blanket with her new little ones name on it?  Or a beach themed basket with the families name on each towel.  How about a lap blanket that says “Grammy” on it?  She will love seeing her grandma’s name each time she is a little cold and snuggles up to the gift you took time to pick out.

Go outside of the box when it is time to give a gift of love to someone you appreciate or care about.   Gifting a personalized gift basket filled with items you know your special someone will love is a fantastic gift idea…………for anytime or anyone.

How To Build A Baby Shower In A Box

Sitting in the doctor’s office waiting for what felt like an eternity, I glanced through parenting magazines passing the time.  As I sat there with a room full of strangers, I couldn’t help but imagine what life was going to be like with our new little one.  We had tried to be pregnant for three years. The time had come and I was at my final appointment, when another young mom to be caught my eye. We started a conversation about pregnancy and due dates.  Once I talked with her it became clear our lives were very different.  I had just had a baby shower that was large and we received more than I could even use.  I learned she did not have family support and there was no dad involved. She hadn't been blessed by a shower of gifts from friends and family. We both were having boys. What could I do for this girl I had just met?

I left that day knowing I had to do something for her.  I only had a few days left before our own blessed event. I wanted to focus on my own needs,  but how could I let her be alone?  I decided to give her a baby shower in a box! I had read about it once and thought I could add my own special touch to it.

Here is what I did:

I found a huge box:  I wrapped it in baby paper and left the top open

Inside I made a large diaper cake.  This was one of my most favorite gifts I had received.  A diaper cake is not only cute, it is fun.  If you don’t think you can make a diaper cake order one online. You won’t regret it.

• A Diaper Cake
• A magazine about parenting
• A pacifier
• Baby Booties
  
• Add slippers.  Every new mom needs slippers
• Make sure to include a swaddling blanket for the new baby
• Include the essentials:  Baby shampoo, baby lotion, and baby diaper rash ointment
• Baby wash cloths are often forgotten and can serve both at bath time and as a great spit-up rag
• A gift certificate to a local coffee house is always a special treat

To Read More. Check out this page on Baby Shower Gift Ideas

How To Say Thank You To Your Pastor

October is officially pastor appreciation month. Most people don’t realize it.  It is a great chance for the congregation to pause and let their pastor know that they are valued and appreciated.  While no pastor is perfect I think we can all agree it is a tough, wonderful, difficult, and rewarding job.  Hours are never ending and as soon as you take on that calling someone will almost always be disappointed with you.  But words or acts of encouragement can go a long way.  So why not do something wonderful and special for your pastor and better yet for your pastor’s spouse as well?

A thank you gift basket can be created in many ways.  Ask different groups in the church to help out.  Place a huge basket in a hidden spot and have members fill the basket with coffees, teas, cookies, muffins, books, really the list is endless.   A gift certificate for a night away is an often wonderful treat for a pastor and their spouse.  Have the kids wing color thank you pictures.  The kids could even create their own thank you gift basket.  And if you are worried about perishable items and want to really surprise your pastor order a beautiful personalized thank you gift basket. 

They can be filled with all sorts of wonderful non perishable items.  Nothing is more memorable than a unique gift.  Order personalized items or messages that are designed just for your pastor.  You can order a basket personalized with your pastors favorite verse.  You can even have a frame with a message from your church congregation placed on it.  The possibilities are endless.  No matter how you decide to create it, make sure you take the time to bless this special person for the role they serve.

 A thank you gift basket can be from a family or an entire church body.  The important thing is that you do something to let your pastor know that the role they serve makes a huge difference in your and others lives.  So get started……….the blessings will be overwhelming and it can be a barrel of fun too.

Top Five Valentine’s Day Gifts

What do women really want for Valentine’s Day? Now that is a question I bet every man wishes he knew the answer to.

Most men run to the store and grab the first thing they see. Price really isn’t an issue. It is a fact that men spend almost twice as much on Valentine’s gifts as women. So what is the deal? Are our guys spending their money wisely or are they just buying a gift because they need to get something for the woman in their life.

Men here are the list of the top five gifts for women on Valentines. So check it out and see if you agree.

FLOWERS All women love flowers and so you can’t go wrong with this one. A plant is also included in this idea. Add a little note or card. A plant is extra fun because it last longer.

JEWELRY Take your time and think about what kind of jewelry she wears. If she does not have pierced ears, don’t buy pierced ear rings. Does she like classical type jewelry such as a strand of pearls or is she more of the trendy type. Just because it looks good on the sales lady does not mean it will look good on her.

GIFT CERTIFICATES How about a day at the local spa? A facial or a pedicure is things most women enjoy. A massage could be wonderful and you might consider joining her.

DINNER AND A MOVIE The trick here is that you need to think of a restaurant that you know she enjoys. If you love Mexican and you know she is on a diet, then think of somewhere she can find something on the menu she would like.  Remember it is Valentine’s Day and this is a gift, so when you choose a movie, make sure it is a girly type romantic and not a Rambo flick.

WEEKEND GET AWAY who would not love this idea. Again the trick is to think of what she might like. Just because you are a back packer who can hike half way up the pacific trail in one afternoon does not mean she would love doing this. How about a get away to the ocean in a bed and breakfast. Talk to her mom or close friends and ask for ideas.

　

The important thing is that you think of what she would want. Maybe a pound of SEE'S candy is at the top of your list, but not every woman would enjoy that.  So go ahead. Think out of the box and be creative. Happy Valentine’s Day.

Growing Your Family: Great 2011 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Kids!

Growing Your Family: Great 2011 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Kids!: "While Valentine's Day gifts for kids use to be cards they received in their school class exchange now a days it is a great opportunity for ..."

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!