The Gift Ideas Blog

Independence Day, July 4, is coming up, and you might be wondering what to do for a Fourth of July gift. While it’s not a traditional holiday for giving gifts, it’s a fun excuse to show your love and appreciation to coworkers, friends, and family members on a fun summer holiday.

Patriotism, of course, abounds on July 4, so you might give red, white, and blue gifts. If the gift isn’t necessarily Fourth of July related, you might decorate the gift and wrap it in red, white, and blue wrapping paper, gift bag, or ribbon.

How about a nice bouquet of red, white, and blue flowers?

Because Fourth of July is in the middle of summer, you might give a present that would be suitable for the hot summer months. Perhaps a gardening related gift? Or a new sprinkler set? Or summer-blooming plants? Or maybe a nice picnic basket or picnic set. Maybe an ice cream maker or ice-cube makers in fun shapes?

Show your patriotism with a July 4 gift. Maybe a handsome American flag, from a small desktop-sized flag to a large one that will flap in your front yard. Maybe clothes that are in red, white, and blue? Or perhaps an adorable teddy bear that’s wearing a patriotic outfit. You could also give gifts that celebrate America, from a book about U.S. history to a documentary about the founding of the country or major achievements. Other government-related gifts, such as treasury bonds or newly minted coins or stamps can be collectibles that will appreciate in value over time. The opportunities for patriotic gifts are endless.

Good luck finding that perfect Independence Day gift… send us an e-mail to let us know about any July 4 gift ideas you might have!

It’s that time of the year when students around the country graduate from high school or college. It’s a time for celebration, which means it’s also a time of giving gifts! Here are some great graduation gift ideas:

There are all sorts of fun graduation gifts. There are usually cute teddy bears or other stuffed animals wearing charming graduation caps. Any gift store or stationery store will have little figurines and stuffed toys for graduates.

Graduates will want to cherish their school memories, so maybe a picture frame with “Class of 2007″ on it or a picture album. Maybe give a photo album with a few pictures of the graduate and his or her friends already inserted in.

A graduation gift is also traditionally one that looks to the future. What will your graduate do after he or she graduates? If it’s a high school graduate, he or she will probably need a laptop to use on their way to college. A digital camera is also a great idea for helping the graduate capture new memories made in college. A college graduate will probably be heading out into the working world, so things a professional might need, from briefcases to a new professional wardrobe might be a good gift to give.

And, since it’s a celebration, there’s always the big bouquet of flowers from your local florist. Maybe for a special touch, get flowers in the school’s colors.

There are plenty of graduation gift ideas that your graduate will love. Good luck to the graduates, and to those finding gifts for them!

It’s one week until Mother’s Day, and there’s still plenty of time to get that perfect gift for Mom. Whether you’re shopping locally or going to an online store that will ship directly, there’s hope to find the gift that will say “I Love You” to your mother for Mother’s Day (May 13, 2007).

- How about a writing and stationery set? Mothers frequently correspond with their friends and extended family members, so you can help her out by giving her a personalized card set, with her monogram (or Mom-ogram!) or a long-lasting pen with her name on it. Blank greeting cards are nice and can be used for any occasion. Find some at your local paper/office store, or order them online.

- How about a wine gift? Perhaps a fancy chardonnay or pinot noir? Maybe a gift basket with wine and appropriate paired snacks (chocolates, cookies, crackers, smoked meats), or even a trip to a winery to try some wine tasting. Since the film “Sideways,” trips to experience wine country and try out different wines have taken off. Join in on the wine-tasting fun by introducing her to the joys of wine.

- A beautiful floral arrangement could enliven your mom’s Mother’s Day and will last for some time on her windowsill. Or, for an even longer-lasting gift, give Mom a living plant or planting kit, so she can grow her own foliage at home. Plants bring color, refreshment, and good air to a room. Every time she sees the plant, your mom will think of you.

- Take her on a shopping trip! Or take her out to dinner! Time spent with Mom is always precious, and your continued love is the greatest gift you can give to her.

For more gift ideas for the occasion, see our earlier post: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Good luck!

Easter is coming up, and now’s a great time to start thinking about what kinds of gifts you might be getting for your favorite people for the holiday.

Speaking Roses offers a great Easter gift.

What are Speaking Roses? They’re an image or message printed on actual roses. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, and any other gift-giving holiday. For Easter, they’ve designed an adorable bunny to go on these roses. Check out the Easter Speaking Roses!