The Gift Ideas Blog

Alphabet Photography by Jennifer Blakeley

Here’s a unique gift idea for a member in your household or a friend to help them decorate their bedroom or living room. Alphabet Photography allows you to select various photos of everyday objects that look like a letter in the alphabet. The letters are placed together to spell out a word or name!

For example, in the above image, a photo of a part of a ladder suggests the letter “H,” while in the following photograph the wheel suggests the letter “O.” So while each individual photograph is a close-up of an outdoor element, the aggregate effect suggests the word “HOPE.” Alphabet Photography sells these individual photographs that can later be displayed in a scrapbook or framed for display.

Photographer Jennifer Blakeley has expertly photographed and captured on film dozens of these naturally-occurring letters, and using the convenient online ordering form, you can select the letters and word to spell out for your Alphabet Photography gift. If you don’t like a particular version of a certain letter, you can actually select another depiction of the same letter. This helps make each Alphabet Photography order unique. (View the alphabet letters here.) The 4x6 sepia-toned photographs sell for
for $4.00 each, framing not included. Custom frames and the associated shipping can be expensive, so Alphabet Photography leaves the display options up to you so you’re not forced to buy a frame or even display the photographs in a frame. This method allows people of all budgets and incomes to enjoy a timeless piece of art they can truly call their own without breaking the bank. You can also combine the alphabet letters with other personal photographs, perfect for a scrapbook project!

A nice Alphabet Photography word or name makes a perfect decoration in a home, bedroom, or office. With an inspirational word such as “hope,” “joy,” “love,” or “dream,” it makes a wonderful reminder in our daily lives to do great things and to feel happy and well. You can also pick a name (first name or a family’s last name) to display in the format… a great tribute to the individual, family, or organization that receives the gift. It would also make a perfect Mother’s Day gift, as you could create the word “Mom,” or use your mother’s name, in the artistry. Your mother will be proud to display this beautiful and symbolic work of art.

Visit Alphabet Photography today to make your own artistic display that is certain to visually impress anyone who sees this magnificent, custom-made gift.

Well, you got that wonderful digital camera for Christmas, but now what? You’re taking lots of pictures, but sometimes there’s just not anybody around to help you take your picture. Or, you want to take a cool self-portrait for MySpace or another social networking site profile. What do you do?

You could get the Timetale FOZI Tripod, a handy-dandy tripod that fits right in your wallet! It comes in seven different colors, and it folds up flat into the palm of your hand. When you’re ready to use it, simply open it up, put the flap in the slot, and set your digital camera right on top. You can get it to accommodate a cell phone camera, iPhone camera, and most compact digital cameras. See it in action on YouTube here.

It’s a great gift for any cell phone camera or digital camera user, and it’s so small and compact for easy use.

Christmas presents

Christmas will be here before we know it, and it’s time to get all those last-minute gifts before the big gift-giving holiday. Many online retailers are still offering last-minute shipping deals, and it’s quite possible to find a gift online that will still be sent out by companies to your gift recipient by Christmas Day (rapid guaranteed one-day shipping, for a price, of course). But you’ll have to hurry. Many of these retailers are swamped during this time with similar last-minute gift shoppers, so you’ll want to order today to have them ship out the item by Monday to hopefully arrive on time on Christmas Day.

You might actually have better luck going to a store to find the perfect gift during this time. A recent jaunt over to Kmart and Target yielded delightful gift boxes, all wrapped up and ready to be given. They contain various gifts, from jam and preserves sets to shaving kits to hot cocoa mixes in holiday mugs. All packaged nicely in appropriate boxes, you don’t need much effort to get it ready for presentation. With these stores doing all the work, it shouldn’t be hard finding the perfect gift. They’ll also help you out because many stores offer gift-wrapping as well, so it’s all one-stop shopping, without any hassles once you get home.

Also, try a smaller boutique. They offer unique gift items that are personal and not as mass-marketed. Perhaps try an antique store for a vintage twist. My friend recently found at a vintage store a silver heirloom locket that she planned to give to her mother after putting in her own portrait. Such treasures seem to have more meaning when they are vintage and have an old story to them.

If you are unable to go out to shop for Christmas, perhaps consider a home-made gift. One delightful idea a friend used once was to make a huge batch of gingerbread dough. Then, divide the dough into smaller portions, wrap it up in plastic, and give the gingerbread dough away to friends and family members along with a card containing a recipe for making gingerbread and instructions on how to bake it (temperature, how much time, etc.). Perhaps also include a gingerbread man cookie cutter. That little set is cheap and easy to make yourself, yet it will be well-received by your gift recipient because it is unique and a fun gift to receive because you can have a mini-party baking and then later decorating that gingerbread.

Also, you could try creating your own gift basket. Put some coffee or teas, or jams or wines or fresh fruit into a basket, then affix a delightful and colorful bow to the top. It’s an instant gift basket! If it’s a Christmas gift for children, add some toys and candy, and that’s sure to be a hit with the youngsters. Perhaps you could also use Christmas colors of green, red, gold, and silver in coordinating your gift basket items. Or use a green, red, and gold ribbon to tie up the basket. There aren’t any rules; just pick what your gift recipient might like and wrap it up so it looks beautiful. Easy peasy!

Well, it’s just two shopping days ’til Christmas. Good luck, everyone, in finding that perfect Christmas gift!

Reader Phyllis wrote to suggest a posting she made on her blog Personal Treasures about gifts that give twice, or gifts that benefit charity. She writes about homemade gifts from ETSY.com whose producers donate their proceeds to charity. The post was so popular that she followed up with a second post about gifts that keep on giving.

Check it out, find some great gifts, and help a charity at the same time! It’s perfect during this holiday gift-giving season.

Today we’re going to talk about good gift ideas.

No, not “good” as in the gift recipient will like it a lot. Good gifts as in it does good for the world. For example, consider giving a donation in somebody else’s name. Some charities will offer certificates of donation, and you can present that: “This certifies that John Smith has donated $500 to the American Cancer Society.” It’s a gift that helps a charity and is like sharing the good karma that comes from helping a good cause. There are even agencies that will help you take care of everything. For example, Charity Checks allows your gift recipient to donate to a charity of their choosing, while you get the tax deduction.

Also, consider gifts that are ethical or fair. For example, fair trade items help producers in other countries be paid a fair wage and price for their products. The most famous example are coffee and bananas. Other food products have recently been marketed as fair trade. Do your research and make sure you understand that it’s actually fair trade and the terms of the fair trade agreement before buying just because it says “Fair Trade.”

Give a pound of fair trade coffee as a gift to a coffee drinker. Or, consider fair trade arts and crafts. There are several sites, such as Cebra or Global Crafts, dedicated to selling arts and crafts and clothes from people who otherwise might not have an opportunity to make a living from their handiwork. Look for a company that is ethical and pays the craftmakers a fair wage.

Finally, give a gift that can be helpful to the environment or the world. For example, plants are often a good gift because when planted in a garden, they can continue to offer visual and environmental benefits. Trees, in particular, will grow tall and be a gift that will be remembered every time it is seen. Also, some charities allow you to donate money to preserve an acre of rainforest, or donate money for the restoration of destroyed environmental habitats. Perhaps you could try donating money in the name of your gift recipient, and that would benefit part of the world.

Give a good gift today, bring joy to your gift recipient, and help the world!

Many people have a lot more free time during the summer, and so they go out and travel.

This is an excellent opportunity to give a spontaneous, just-for-fun gift to show someone you love them or care.

To give a vacation gift, think about what a person needs on vacation.

Do they need luggage? Travelers going to faraway places usually need something in which to carry their clothes and to bring back their souvenirs, so a nice luggage set could be in order for your gift recipient.

Look for a sturdy set that has a variety of features. Is it made out of strong material? Is the suitcase firm? Does it have wheels to carry around easily when it’s full and heavy? Does it have an extended handle to make dragging easy? Does it have an expandable section? That could come in handy because many people frequently overpack, so that unexpected extra space comes in handy.

Also, for toiletries, you can get them a nice small toiletries bag. Made of leather or other materials, they are small enough to carry around conveniently, but large enough to store all the things you need, from toothbrushes to floss to hair gel.

For those doing the traditional “Backpacking through Europe” (or other fun destinations that require hiking or traveling by foot over long distances), a backpack might be a nice gift. There are many different kinds available, and some brands are sturdier and longer-lasting than others. Some even offer a lifetime guarantee, with the option of mailing in the old backpack for repairs or a replacement. Such a gift can make a traveler’s life much easier.

As you can see, there are many gifts that you can give to someone going on vacation or traveling far distances. Brainstorm some great ideas and come up with the perfect gift for that globetrotter in your life.

It’s summertime and a great time to give a random, fun gift. What are some great gifts to give during the summer?

A lot of people go to the beach during the summer, so you could get a beach gift. What would this entail? Maybe give a fun beach towel. Or a new swimsuit. Plastic shovels and pails and molds to create the perfect sand castle are also appropriate for the beach. Other beach toys, such as beach balls, volleyballs, a sand volleyball net, horseshoes, and kites might be a fun gift for those who spend a lot of time at the beach.

Of course, not everyone lives near the beach, but certainly a lot of people live near a body of water that is fun to visit in hot weather. For example, many people visit lakes or rivers for recreation, so similar gifts can be given.

A lot of people go swimming in pools and other bodies of water, so you could give snorkels, goggles, flippers, flotation devices, kickboards, surfboards, or wetsuits.

Maybe you could create a fun beach-themed gift basket, filled with snacks to take to the beach, some fun beach toys, maybe a tube of sunscreen or coconut-scented suntan oil, all placed in a beach pail or large fabric tote bag to carry all of the above? It’s perfect prepping for a fun day out at the beach. Great for the whole family.

Summertime offers a spectacular opportunity to give the gift of fun. Take advantage of the hot water and give a loved one or friend something exciting for the summer!

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!

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is coming up in May, and there’s still plenty of time to find that perfect Mother’s Day gift idea.

This year, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 13, so there’s still about two weeks left to find that perfect present.

So what’s good to give to mom?

- Flowers are a nice gesture of your appreciation for her love and devotion. Support your local florist by giving him or her a call and ordering a nice bouquet for your mother. She’ll love a delightful floral arrangement. Picking warm colors such as red and pink in your flowers will show how much you love her.

- How about jewelry? Sure, it’s expensive, but it will look so lovely on mother. What kind of jewelry does she like? Gold, silver, platinum? Bracelets, necklaces, earrings? Consider these when making your purchase.

- A new wardrobe could be a great gift for Mother’s Day. She might like a beautiful blouse or a new dress. What kind of dressing style does she like?

- What are Mom’s hobbies? If she likes quilting, buy her quilting materials. If she likes reading, buy her a book. If she likes gardening, buy her live plants and gardening tools. The possibilities for gifts are endless.

- Beauty products are both functional and appreciated. If your mom wears makeup, she might like a nice accessory gift basket or a beauty kit as a gift. Related items, such as a carrying case or toiletries case could be useful as well. Perfumes and fragrances could be nice gifts as well.

- Finally, if you really can’t think of anything, give Mom a gift certificate to a nice restaurant, or better yet, take her for a nice night out to eat. Pick a nice restaurant with a charming ambience and enjoy the meal and the time with your loved one.

Use your imagination and creativity. You really can’t go wrong, anyway… she’s your mom, and she’s going to love you anyway, regardless of your gift. That’s not to say to become lazy and complacent about picking a gift; it means you don’t have to stress out too much about finding that present.

Remember, the perfect Mother’s Day gift is just a thought away!

How to make your own Easter gift basket

Gift baskets are oh-so popular during the Easter season, but many of the ones sold at convenience or drug stores look plastic and tacky. And it’s expensive to buy a gourmet gift basket, which can cost up to hundreds of dollars. Well, an excellent idea is to make your very own gift basket!

Here’s how:

Get a basket. Do you have any nice baskets lying around the house? Perhaps one left over from a previous season’s gift baskets, or one that was used to pick fruit or carry things. If not, go to your local craft store and get a nice basket. Ones made with a darker straw material can lend themselves to classier-looking gift baskets.

Get filling: Perhaps some nice straw to create a nice base or padding for the gifts to go in the basket. Or, get creative and fold up a nice blanket to put at the bottom of the basket. Or, if you’re so inclined, most stores with Easter merchandise sell bunched-up strips of plastic, like fake grass.

Get gifts: Then, buy gifts to put in the baskets! Needless to say, the gifts should be small enough to fit inside the basket. Popular gifts inside gift baskets include candy, toys, eggs, and other little trinkets and goods. If the gift basket is for children, a stuffed animal is especially endearing. Candy is also frequently put into gift baskets. From sweet Cadbury Creme Eggs and Peeps to special Easter edition M&Ms or Hershey’s Kisses, you can’t go wrong with sweets galore in your basket.

Get a theme: Good gift baskets will have a nice theme that unifies all the contents. For example, the gift basket could have all spring colors. Or, it could all be chocolate-related food. Or it could have all things that are enjoyed by the intended recipient. If your gift recipient likes a particular sport, the gift basket could have things themed to that sport. Personalizing your gift basket will make it that much more meaningful to the gift recipient!

Making your own gift basket can be a fun and rewarding activity for a lazy afternoon. And it doesn’t have to be just for Easter! They are a good project and present for any gift-giving season.