The Gift Ideas Blog

Father’s Day picture frame

If you’re looking for a great Father’s Day gift, look no further than GiftsForYouNow.com! This great website sells personalized gifts and will customize any of its many products to celebrate your father or grandfather for Father’s Day!

Personalized glass frame

From picture frames to T-shirts, coffee mugs to baseball caps, lighters to signs, GiftsForYouNow has hundreds of items that can be custom-printed to show your father’s name, as well as the names of family members, friends, and other special people in his life. Personalizing a gift with the gift recipient’s name or picture can make that gift all the more special because it is unique to you!

Personalized mug

Are you a new father? Check out their line of New Dad products! Other great products for dads and grandpas include golf-related gifts, floor mats, and other keepsakes. Each one can be imprinted with either dad’s name, a date or year, or a special message of love.

In addition to great Father’s Day Gifts, the site also offers a variety of other products that can be personalized for any occasion! Look for great birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, and great family reunion T-shirts and souvenirs that can feature your name and message that the site will print just for you!

Father’s Day mugs

Father’s Day is coming up! This year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 21, 2009. This means that you have just under three weeks to find the perfect gift for dad!

Many people think it’s difficult to shop for men in general, but with this guide, you’ll be sure to find a gift that your father will love.

Here are some Father’s Day Gift Ideas:

Food: Consider items related to barbecue! Summertime is upon us, and the weather will be nice to hold many delightful barbecues, which are social gatherings and delicious culinary events! For example, consider the above pictured barbecue sauce gift basket from The Sauce King of Chicago. An assortment of barbecues sauces that dad can use to season meat at the next BBQ. In a similar vein, jerky is a fun snack food, and Jerky.com is a great place to pick up some as a Father’s Day gift. For an interesting twist, try their pineapple jerky, which is sweet and flavored with honey.

Father’s Day cookies from CASUE Sweets

Another great idea is these delightful necktie cookies from the ICED line of CASUE Sweets. Look closer… these are actually cookies but frosted with precision to look like a necktie! This would make an excellent (and sweet!) Father’s Day gift. Send a picture of your father’s favorite tie, and CASUE will replicate it as a delicious and beautiful sugar cookie! Check them out; they are a great boutique bakery that produces other beautiful and delicious cookies for special occasions!

Watches

Watches and Jewelry: Help Dad keep time or look fashionable with a luxury watch! Fossil, Swatch, Movado and OMEGA are all great watch companies at various price points and from fun and colorful to stately and traditional. Pick a cool watch that your father will love, and for a special twist, pick a watch that will complement the colors on his favorite shirt or sports coat. That will be sure to capture attention and be remembered!

Gift Baskets: Besides the barbecue sauce gift baskets, there are many other themed gift basket ideas out there. Retailers such as Fanciful Baskets or GiftTree to select a handsome gift basket for Father’s Day. Some include wine, delicious gourmet snacks, chocolates, coffee, tea, and select meats and cheeses. Many have special themes, such as sports teams, type of food, or color scheme. Dad will surely love one of these gourmet gift baskets.

Netflix

Entertainment: Everyone loves a good movie or TV series, so a great idea is to get a DVD boxed set of dad’s favorite film franchise or television series. For just $30 or $40, you can get an attractively packaged box set of, say, James Bond movies, or a season of HBO’s acclaimed series The Sopranos. Another great idea is to get a gift subscription to Netflix. Netflix has several pricing tiers available, so if your father is busy and doesn’t have that much time, you can give a subscription of just two DVD rentals per month. Or if he is an avid film buff, get him the three-at-a-time unlimited option. Netflix is great because it allows you to rent movies without having to leave the house! You pick your movies online, and they are delivered to you via the postal service. When you are done, simply send it back in the mail and you get shipped your new selection soon after! It’s a great gift of entertainment for your special father.

Whatever Father’s Day gift you select, remember your dad on this great day of celebration. What will you be giving your dad for Father’s Day?

Flowers for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday, but it’s not too late to get her a special present for this special day!

Here are some last-minute Mother’s Day Gifts that will be sure to delight Mom:

Greeting cards: Send or give in-person a wonderful Mother’s Day card and write in it a personalized heartfelt message describing just how much you appreciate her. She’ll love hearing your favorite stories and recount the wonderful memories of raising you. A greeting card with a personal message is one way to commemorate Mother’s Day.

Flowers! Give your mother a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers. Your local florist or flower shop will have a number of floral arrangements specially themed to Mother’s Day. Whether it’s a huge bouquet of fragrant roses or a smaller springtime assortment of blooms, your mom is sure to appreciate the visual delight that is flowers. A potted plant might be an even longer-lasting gift because it will continue to grow as long as it is cared for properly. A beautiful vase or pot would perfectly complement this gift.

Mother’s Day chocolates

Chocolate! Chocolate is an affordable yet delightful gift to give to someone special. You can find affordable specialty chocolate at your local supermarket or drugstore that is packaged especially for Mother’s Day. You can also visit a high-end chocolate boutique for more upscale chocolates. In any case, you are showing how sweet you are by giving a delicious and special gift. AND dark chocolate can be good for you!

These are some great starting gifts for Mother’s Day. Think of some other creative ways to tell mother I Love You. Visit an antiques store and find some new treasured trinkets that mother will love. Or give a piece of original artwork — a painting or a sculpture — from a local artist. Whatever you choose, give it with love and it will be cherished forever.

Box of organic vegetables from Abel and Cole

For our readers in the U.K., here’s a great gift idea that is unique and sustainable: Organic fruits and vegetables from Abel and Cole!

Abel and Cole specializes in promoting and delivering organic foods. The company supports British farmers and artisan food producers, and it provides free range British meat and organic fruits and vegetables.

For a unique gift, send a box of organic fruits and vegetables! You can order a box of just vegetables, just fruit, or a mixture of fruit and vegetables.

Abel and Cole also offers a wonderful assortment of beers and wines, pre-cooked dishes, cheeses, puddings, pasta sauces, soups, meat, and fish. Whatever your culinary needs, they’ll probably have it!

Check out Abel and Cole, and learn more about their sustainable agriculture and to send a wonderfully delicious organic gift!

Wine Duo from Interflora

Looking for a great Father’s Day gift? It’s never too early to start looking for wonderful presents for Dad, and Interflora has some great ideas!

From gift hampers to floral arrangements to chocolates, this site has some great and classy gifts for your father. We were especially impressed by the wide range of floral arrangements, which range in color with masculine dark blues and whites to some beautiful and colorful springtime arrangements. The gift hampers filled with gourmet foods and gift boxes with highly regarded wines make especially great gifts, too.

Father’s Day floral arrangement from Interflora

Even though Father’s Day isn’t until June, it’s a good idea to start looking around and considering gift ideas early because it may be difficult to find the right present for Dad. Check out Interflora for all your Father’s Day gift needs!!!

Invisible Dog Leash Gag Gift

April Fools’ Day is today, and it just might be the occasion to give a spontaneous and fun gag gift for this silly holiday. For example, Jerky.com is offering Sasquatch Jerky as a humorous offering for an April Fools’ Day gift.

Stop by the local magic store, costume shop, or random gift store that may have some fun and amusing gifts for this April Fools’ Day, such as the invisible dog leash pictured above. Or, visit a Spencer’s or Ricky’s for amusing gifts. Perhaps a silly clown nose, a whoopee cushion, or a silly spritz with a water-squirting flower can be a delightful diversion. This is a day for silliness and fun, so make someone laugh and enjoy themselves with a fun gag gift for April Fools’ Day!

Bridesmaid dress from David’s Bridal

It’s almost springtime, and with it comes the most popular season for weddings! As the weather gets warmer, budding lovebirds unite to declare their love for each other. While it may seem difficult to find a wedding gift for those involved in your wedding, David’s Bridal can help you select the perfect bridal party gifts!

With dresses for bridesmaids, flower girls, and the mother of the bride and groom, David’s Bridal allows you to pick out dresses for any member attending your special occasion, young or old. Check out the site’s style guide, and shop around for beautiful bridesmaid dresses that are available in many styles and colors. From deep greens to classic pinks, you’ll be sure to find spectacular dresses that match your wedding’s theme and color scheme.

Bridesmaid tanktop

In addition, the site has a variety of gifts for wedding-goers as well as wedding participants. For example, there are fun tank tops for the bridesmaids, as well as earrings or personalized key rings. There are many different personalized gifts and coordinated accessories for bridesmaids, flower girls, and wedding guests. Find jewelry that matches your bridesmaids’ dresses! You can also give personalized gifts that include the names of the happy couple. Personalize your wedding with great parting gifts that commemorate that special day!

Personalized frames

David’s Bridal offers many personalized gifts and accessories, as well as helpful links to affiliated sites that offer prom dresses and tuxedos! Check out DavidsBridal.com for all of your wedding needs.

Cufflinks from Cufflinks-and-Ties.com

Although Father’s Day is in June, it’s never too early to start thinking about what you might get for dear ol’ dad. You would, of course, know what your father likes best, what his favorite sports teams are or what hobby he enjoys spending time on during a lazy Sunday afternoon, but sometimes it can still be difficult to come up with that perfect present. While Dad will probably appreciate the thought that goes into any Father’s Day gift, perhaps you might need some pointers on great gifts to give. Some suggestions:

How about a set of cufflinks and neckties? Cufflinks-and-Ties.com offers a one-stop shop for men’s sartorial accessories with cufflinks and neckties that will complement the discerning man’s wardrobe. Select from a wide variety of neckties grouped by colors, patterns, materials, and occasions. Also check out their wide cufflink selection with themes that include everything from Superman to Mickey Mouse, as well as classy business and special-occasion cufflinks such as the ones pictured above.

Picnic basket from ePicnicBasket.com

Another great gift idea is to take your father on a delightful picnic. Father’s Day is during June, and hopefully the weather will be nice on that day. Take Dad out on a fun meal out in the park. Get a great picnic basket gift set. For example, the one pictured above includes a stylish basket, interior lining, two wine glasses, a cheese knife, and a tablecloth. Get a complete picnic set, pack it with your father’s favorite snack foods, and you’re sure to have a great bonding time with Dad for Father’s Day.

Candy!

Thank you to everyone who entered our free candy contest! Our lucky random winners are:

Amy
Rooann
Molly

The winners have been notified and will each receive five pounds of candy from bulk candy distributor Sweet Services! Check them out for your sweet needs!!!

Win a free gift of candy for yourself! Or re-gift it and give it as a present to friends and family members! How will you make use of your gift of FIVE POUNDS of FREE candy?

That’s right! The Gift Ideas Blog has teamed up with candy company Sweet Services to give to three lucky winners a gift of five pounds of candy each. The candy is an assortment of hard candies, caramel chews, chocolates, and lollipops.

How do you get a chance to win five pounds of free candy? Simply leave a comment here on this post describing one unique gift idea. You can comment by clicking on the link “Comment” at the end of this post. Be sure to include your e-mail in the form when you submit your comment!

Your comment can be a gift idea related to candy, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, birthdays, weddings, just for fun, or whatever other occasion you can think of!

To increase your chances of winning the free candy, post a comment on the Sweet Services blog describing your favorite candy memory.

Those who post comments will have their names drawn randomly. Next Thursday, we will announce the winners in our candy giveaway! Best of luck!

Sweet Services is a wholesale bulk candy company based in the Midwest with a sister branch in the Southwest called Southwest Candy. The companies serve large corporations and we also serve individuals who want to send their loved ones a little something sweet! Check out their blog!

Get your candy gift solutions through this site that offers easy and INEXPENSIVE options! Visit Sweet Services if you are in the Midwest or on the East Coast or Southwest Candy if you are on the West Coast.

Disney Valentine’s Day pin

Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, February 14, and if you are ordering anything online, be sure to order it by the end of this working day! Most online retailers have expedited one-day and two-day shipping, so you could probably still order by Wednesday, but if you want to make sure your Valentine’s Day gift arrives on time (or if you want to save a buck or two by using regular shipping instead of overnight shipping), order your presents by the end of today!

And, if you’re not ordering online, you have about a week left to find a great gift to give on Saturday! Chocolates, flowers, and greeting cards are highly recommended for this holiday, and most supermarkets, drugstores, and corner markets carry these gift staples!

We’ve featured a number of romantic gifts on The Gift Ideas Blog, and there are many more great gifts out there, so if you haven’t found one just yet, don’t despair! Treat your loved one to a great gift this Valentine’s Day, and they will be sure to return the favor!

Vivabox gifts!

The folks over at Vivabox have announced a discount for Valentine’s Day! They are offering 25% off on fragrance and BBQ boxes. The offer is valid until Valentine’s Day, February 14. The fragrance box includes 10 samples of perfumes from Sephora, while the barbecue box has a variety of spices included.

How does Vivabox work? Read about it from our post, but basically your gift recipient gets a gift inside the box, then gets an opportunity to receive an additional gift of their choosing by mailing in a certificate inside the box for no additional charge to them!

Vivabox is a great gift idea because it’s like two gifts in one! Take advantage of this great offer and be sure to order before Monday to avoid rush shipping fees!

Valentine’s Day chocolates

With only two weeks left until Valentine’s Day, it’s time to get on the ball in finding that perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other. Whether it’s for your wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, random family member, or “special” romantic partner, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to express how much you care to the ones you love.

This American holiday is all about romance, and it can be quite a romantic gesture to present someone with a gift. A traditional Valentine’s Day gift is a box of chocolates. Chocolate contains chemicals that stimulate the same feelings of arousal and love. Thus, promote those loving feelings by giving some of these delicious sweets! Nearly every chocolate confectioner has either a special heart-shaped or Valentine’s Day chocolate creation or at least special packaging for the big holiday.

Valentine’s Day box of chocolates

Go to your favorite chocolate or candy shop, and they are bound to have a box set of delightful chocolates to give to your loved ones. Even drugstores, department stores, and home stores such as Target and K-Mart have great affordable boxes of chocolate, usually in a heart shape, to give to your loved one. Higher-end chocolatiers such as Vosges or Richart have special Valentine’s Day themed chocolate sets.

Valentine’s Day flowers

Another great Valentine’s Day gift is a bouquet of flowers. Red roses symbolize the passion of love, and a bouquet of roses would brighten up the room and be an incredible display of romance. Select a delightful vase that would complement the room. Many flower delivery services such as FTD or Teleflora feature special Valentine’s Day bouquets and floral arrangements with special heart-themed cards and decorations. They will surely liven up a room and show your loved one that you really care.

Valentine’s Day flowers

If the current economic crunch isn’t hitting you too hard, you might consider jewelry as well. Diamonds (hopefully ethically sourced) are a sublime display of romantic intentions, and they can be displayed on a necklace, on a ring, or on a bracelet. Other beautiful gems include emeralds, rubies, and amethysts. Gold or silver jewelry would leave a gift recipient bedazzled as well!

Finally, consider taking your romantic partner out to a fancy dinner at a favorite restaurant. Going out to eat can be a special occasion and be a romantic experience. Make a reservation or present a gift certificate to go out at a later time if February 14th is an inconvenient date. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, so restaurants will likely be quite busy. Be sure to schedule your dinner date early before all the spots fill up! Some restaurants have a special Valentine’s Day only menu specially prepared for this romantic occasion. It’s a great evening to eat out. An alternative is to cook a meal at home with just you and your significant other, light some tall candles in the dining room, turn down the other lights, and have a romantic candlelight dinner or coffeetime with your loved one. This option is just as romantic and perhaps isn’t as budget-busting.

There are many options for Valentine’s Day gifts. What are yours?

Birthday gift ideas

What are some great birthday gift ideas?

Perhaps you could start with the essentials. A great birthday card shows your appreciation of the individual who is celebrating their birthday! Find some great birthday cards at your local drugstore or paper gifts store. Hallmark or American Greetings are popular card companies for special occasions, and specialty stores such as Papyrus and Crane & Co. also offer high-end and sophisticated greeting and birthday cards.

Birthday cake

You’ll want a cake, too! Consult your local bakery for a baked treat that befits your birthday girl or boy’s tastes. Popular flavors include chocolate, carrot, and red velvet cakes. For an interesting twist, maybe consider a cake made up of individual cupcakes… a cupcake tower, if you will. Cakes are easy to make yourself, too, and the homemade touch makes the special occasion ever more meaningful. Almost all supermarkets offer easy-to-bake cake mixes, along with pre-made frosting and decorations, sprinkles, and candles that allow you to create a spectacular birthday cake.

Birthday bouquet

Finally, remember birthday flowers! You’ll want to pick out a delightful arrangement of your friend, coworker, or family member’s favorite flowers and colors. If your birthday gift recipient enjoys cartoons, perhaps pick a vase that features that cartoon character. Or if they enjoy architecture and design, perhaps an Art-Deco-inspired vase could bring some excitement. Any way you go, flowers are a beautiful way to celebrate someone’s birthday, and they make an incredible visual statement in a home or workplace!

What are some great gifts you would give for someone’s birthday???

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and it’s time to get those romantic gifts in line for your significant other!

Here are some interesting gifts you could give for Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day candle

Black and Light Co. produces beautiful candles that create a romantic glow in any setting. This year, they have a special new candle called the “LOVE” candle, which has the word “LOVE” inscribed in it. They make great candles and are a beautiful and romantic Valentine’s Day gift, so check them out!

Is your lover a music fan? Perhaps send them a delightful Rock & Roll Coaster! They are drink coasters (so your nice wood table doesn’t get wet or stained) made from original 45 rpm record covers! Each one is unique, and you can pick your significant other’s favorite artists!

Salted Caramels

Everyone loves chocolate, and it’s a great gift to give on Valentine’s Day. How about putting a twist on the old Valentine’s Day chocolates by giving delicious salted caramel chocolates? Fran’s Chocolates based in Seattle are getting a lot of attention as it turns out that President Obama’s favorite sweets are their salted caramels! These delicious, buttery caramels are enrobed in chocolate and then sprinkled with smoked salt or gray salt. The salt and the caramel create an unrivaled flavor combination. Check it out!

Caviar

Finally, what’s Valentine’s Day without a delightful splurge? If you want to experience high-end luxury, it may be through delicious caviar. Balducci’s Own Caviar has several varieties including white sturgeon and sevruga. Give a high-end food for the one you love!

Wine

Along this line, wine is a great Valentine’s Day gift as well. Present it on its own as a gift, or pair it with a fancy home-cooked meal. Visit your local Trader Joe’s market; they usually have some great wine recommendations. Look up guides by sommeliers to find the right flavor profiles and pairing notes.

What are you planning to give for Valentine’s Day?