Archive for September, 2009

Speaking of taking a get away, if you are looking for an anniversary gift, a vacation is the perfect present. While the options are endless, a cruise is my ultimate recommendation. A cruise allows you to pay a set fee from the start and then enjoy your time off without having to worry about bills or any additional expenses, as food is already included. With all expenses included you better get ready to eat your heart out with an endless supply of meals and irresistible desserts that will be available to you 24/7. The endless amount of activities and events that are already planned will allow you to both finally get a chance to relax and let others take control as you soak up the sun. Most ships also stop in multiple locations throughout the trip, which allows you to visit various locations and get a taste of different cultures and histories often all within a week. I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to go on two cruises and both of them have given me experiences that will last a life time such as swimming with dolphin and parasailing. Cruises are great for any age and also a fun idea to plan with other couples or family and friends. So book your ticket and get ready to sit back and relax!

Especially today, with the stress of today’s economy we could all use a get away. When choosing a gift instead of selecting another materialistic item, why not plan a day trip for you and your friend to have time to relax without having to worry or make decisions. If you live close enough, New York City is the perfect option. There is a never ending supply of things to do, whether you are on a tight budget or willing to go all out with spending. The Today Show and other morning shows often offer free concerts and it’s easy to go online and scope out your friend’s favorite band or musician to pick the perfect day. If you’re not a morning person there is a large variety of other free shows that are easy to get tickets to such as Rachel Ray or The Daily Show. If you have some time to kill and are not up for shopping, Central Park is a great place to just walk around. While Times Square is swarming with restaurants, you’re often better off staying away from the central tourist areas. Il Vagabondo is a great Italian restaurant that is filled with a classic look and history. The restaurant also has a bocce ball court inside that gives it a unique flair. The dozens of comedy clubs and lounges that line the street are also great ways to fill your night and are sure to bring you back for more. 

Given my love of fashion I have become somewhat of a self-proclaimed expert on any retail store. Despite all of the options that this opens up, and the competition, one of my favorite stores has got to be Anthropologie. The store reaches woman of all ages with a new style that goes beyond what you would typically find at other clothing stores. They have great dresses with a unique style that is the perfect gift to give to anyone. If you are feeling generous or just looking for something else to add to clothing, Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry is a great addition. The distinctive look of Tikanchay jewelry, for example, will perfectly complement any of their dresses or blouses. The rare combinations of materials that are used in all of Tikanchay’s collections and the detail put into each piece by the artisans who create it, make it the perfect fit for Anthropologie’s eclectic style. While any of the handcrafted necklaces make an excellent match, one of my personal favorites is the silver moon pendant. The sterling silver necklace will add to any of their dresses while bringing a new flair and elegance all of its own. 

With summer coming to an end, men will look for any reason to get together for a routine boy’s night out. On the rare occasion that there is not a football game on, poker is the perfect excuse for guys to get together and escape from work and other problems. A great gift for any guy you know who has a weak spot for poker is a poker table. You can find custom tables at many websites or in stores and while it may be a little pricy, it serves as the perfect group gift that you and your friends can all chip in on and will all also be able to use together. If you’re willing to be creative and want to stay on a smaller budget you could always make the table yourself with just a few trips to Home Depot and a craft store. And of course, the poker table would not be complete without a new set of chips and cards. 

We all know at least one guy that embodies the typical male stereotype and loves anything fast. For any guys, or girls for that matter, that exude this sense of adventure why not take advantage of this when searching for a present. A great present for those who feel the need for speed is a planned day at a NASCAR driving track that allows you to actually get behind the wheel yourself. They put you through a training session and then give you the opportunity to drive the professional racecars for yourself around the track. This is a great thing to do with a friend, so if you are up for it, be sure to sign yourself up for it too. If the idea of driving the car seems a little too intimidating, you also have the option to be a passenger, where you can still get the full experience. My cousin was given this as a gift by his wife and even today it is all he talks about. It is truly an amazing experience. If you are located near a city a lot of places also offer Dream Car Tours where you are put behind the wheel of five of your ultimate fantasy cars for the day and allowed to hit the road. So buckle up!

While I have always been a pet and animal lover myself, giving a living present is often a risky idea. No matter how cute your friends or family may find your new puppy, it does not necessarily mean they are ready for the responsibility that goes along with them. A safer gift however to give any animal lover is a fish tank. A fish tank is perfect for any budget big or small as you could go all out with a large tank, or keep it simple with a sleek bowl. For a man it is often best to stray away from the more delicate looking fish and instead look for small cat sharks or other similar types that adapt well to aquariums. It is the tropical fish however that have always caught my eye. The gorgeous colors and relaxing feel provided by a fish tank is a great way to warm up a house or apartment. If you are looking for a smaller gift, simply find a glass vase and fill it with natural stones and flowers with a small fish such as a beta fish, which requires minimum effort. They also now make fish tanks that can even be mounted onto the wall if you want something truly unique. A gift card to your local pet store is also a great addition.

When you are looking for a smaller gift to give someone to simply say thank you or to add to another present you have plenty of options. For the more creative type, a pack of Angel cards is perfect. They come in a pack of 72 small cards each with its own illustration and inspirational word on it such as creativity or passion. My aunt gave them to me years ago and they are perfect to place in a small dish. Each morning I choose one and I now hate starting my day without it. It is also great to place on a coffee table or on a small shell in your kitchen to share with friends and guests as little words of wisdom. If this seems a little out of your friend’s element, a candle is a great addition or simple present to add. While it may seem a little cliché, a small thing of gourmet chocolates is great. A lot of stores offer chocolate formed in different shapes too that is easy to select based on your friend or the occasion. 

Regardless of the price range the meaning behind a gift is what makes it important and special. In my mind the gifts that stand out the most to me are those that have a story and memories with them. One of my favorite things about Tikanchay jewelry is it’s history and rich culture that each piece holds. My sister was the first person to introduce me to the company and ever since then I have been an avid shopper. Just before my first serious job she gave me a Huayruro seed bracelet. The Huayruro seed is native to Peru and is known to bring good luck and ward off negative energy and was exactly what I needed. Now, every time I feel the butterflies creeping back into my stomach I just look at the bracelet and am filled with a new sense of confidence. The deep red seeds are complemented by subtle touches of sterling silver that make it a one of a kind and allows it to be paired with any style, for any occasion. It’s the perfect gift for anyone about to start something new in their life or who needs some encouragement. 

With football season right around the corner it is the perfect time to take advantage of every guys pure obsession with the game. Give your guy, or girl, a jersey from their favorite team. Even if they already have quite the collection, I have learned from the past that there is never such a thing as too many. If you are looking for something a little different just stock him up for the game. A mini beer keg for example is hard to resist by most men. Heineken makes small ones that your guy is sure to want to show off to the rest of his friends. If actual football tickets aren’t an option why not make him feel as if he is at the game anyway with a wide screen or HD television. If you are on a tighter budget and willing to be more creative, a gift basket filled with a football, homemade salsa, their favorite beer and other similar items will also do the trick. 

If you are ever looking for a simple gift to just say thank you or congratulations, it is hard to go wrong with sweets. The chain bakery Crumbs, arises as the ultimate answer. They offer decedent cupcakes and other treats that are sure to make your mouth water. It allows you to give cupcakes in a more upscale and elegant way. And I must say they are worth the price! They offer an endless supply cupcake flavors including my personal favorite, chocolate mint, also referred to as ‘the grasshopper’- so don’t be afraid to get creative. For a present to say congratulations on a graduation or new promotion, a short inspirational book is great. For instance, my sister gave me the book, “Dream” after I graduated and to this day I still find myself flipping through it. The infamous book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss is another book that every household should own.