Guide to Gift Giving - Unique Gift Ideas

Inspirational and supportive gifts are always the best presents to give, especially with the start of the New Year. As millions of people map out New Year’s resolutions and embark on new things, it is easy to find gifts that suit this occasion. Tikanchay, one of my personal favorite websites, offers jewelry that is not only beautiful but meaningful as well. The handcrafted jewelry collections all feature materials that are native to Peru and crafted by the finest artisans. The Huayruro seed necklace collection is one of my favorites. The seeds used are actually collected from the jungle floors of Peru and are known by Peruvians to bring good fortune and ward off negative energy, making them the perfect fit for the New Year. The seeds are then complimented with sterling silver creating a stunning handcrafted necklace that is sure to capture the attention of everyone. This gift is filled with thought and is a great way to show you care as the New Year is ushered in. 

A great way to show that you care about someone, is to surprise them with a present just in time for the new year. A gift for your significant other shows that you are ready to embrace the start of another year with them and is an extra touch that will make this New Years Eve a night to remember. For this, a simple piece of sterling silver jewelry will do just the trick. One handcrafted necklace in particular that I have fallen in love with is the heart on a string necklace. This necklace was entirely handcrafted in Peru by some of the finest artisans. The necklace is defined by a simple pendant created of twisted burnt and polished sterling silver to form the outline of a heart. This enchanting pendant is then complimented by a vibrant red cord that can be adjusted around the neck to achieve any desired look. While the sterling silver used is of a higher quality than you would find at most other jewelers, the necklace is still available at a reasonable price, making it the perfect small present to give to a loved one to welcome the new year. This elegant necklace is not only representative of your feelings towards your loved one but also gives back to those who are less fortunate and to the small communities in Peru. This necklace is perfect for the young, old or simply the young at heart. The unique elegance of the silver heart coupled with the deep red chain will be irresistible for anyone and the perfect way to end the year.

For those of you who are still in search of some last minute Christmas presents, just remember, that it is never too late. An easy gift to give to someone when you are out of time is a gift-card. While gift-cards may seem overdone or impersonal, it is all about finding one to the perfect place. A gift-card that you can be guaranteed anyone will love, is one to Tikanchay. The site features handcrafted jewelry that originates entirely from Peru. After discovering this site I cannot seem to brag about it enough, and I feel like my descriptions cannot do it justice- it is something that you truly must experience for yourself. A gift-card here is unique and allows you to put extra thought into a gift, even at the last minute. The vast variety of jewelry coupled with the quality and intricate details on each item make their jewelry the perfect match for anyone. Shipping from Tikanchay is also free, making it hard to resist purchasing an item. Even if you spotted the perfect silver necklace or bracelet for your friend or family member but don’t have enough time, you can simply print out a picture of the piece of jewelry and place it in a box with a card stating that it’s on its way. The Peruvian jewelry found at Tikanchay, all has a story behind it. On the card, make sure to share the meaning behind the jewelry, as this is a great way to personalize any present. For instance, my favorite meaning is the one behind the Sterling Silver Huayruro Seed Necklace. The seeds used here are all gathered from the floors of Peru and are known by the natives to ward off negative energy and bring good fortune; a great meaning for anyone starting a new job, moving or even to anyone as a symbol to usher in the new year.

As the snow begins to fall, just in time for Christmas and New Years, sterling silver could not be a more perfect match for the winter wonderland that is being created outside. Keeping this in mind, if you are out of ideas, jewelry is a great gift to give to any of your friends. For me a piece of jewelry that fully represents this idea of a winter wonderland and a glistening Christmas, are the ethereal filigree sterling silver earrings. The light airy feel of the handcrafted earrings give them a unique look that will glisten with every turn. The incredible detail that is used in this artisan jewelry and the stunning look of crocheted silver is unlike anything you will find in any store or boutique. While they are made entirely in Peru of the highest quality, they are still available for a reasonable price. The flirty and stylish feel of these earrings are sure to please even your most critical friends. For your more playful friends, the earrings are also available in a heart shape. It is the perfect gift to give along side a knitted scarf or hat, as it will truly complete their winter outfit. 

When unwrapping presents around the holidays, jewelry is one of the most common presents to be found right under the tree. A great thing to remember though is that jewelry does not need to be large or expensive to be beautiful or to tell a story. Small jewelry gifts even make the perfect stocking stuffer. And to give a less expensive piece of sterling silver jewelry does not mean that you need to compromise on quality or meaning. A piece that I have given to my cousin before is the heartlet silver earrings. They are the perfect gift to give to any young women, as the dangling heart gives them a fun and flirty feel. In the center of each of the silver hearts, a vibrant orange spondylus dangles playfully.This daring contrast gives the silver earrings a unique look that is perfect to wear on any given day. These handcrafted earrings are available for a small price but still come from the highest quality.  With each aspect of the earrings originating in Peru and then handcrafted by the finest artisans, any girl will go crazy to have this truly one of a kind accessory.

Every year since college, a few of my closest friends and I have been exchanging small gifts for the holidays. We set a budget of no more than $20 for each person and instead focus on small things that we know each other will love. While I normally end up buying a different present for each friend, as we all have drastically different styles and taste, this year I found the perfect gift that I know they will all enjoy. I found the perfect handcrafted necklaces that are not only at a reasonable price that fits our budget, but that come in a variety of colors and patterns as well. Each necklace is composed of a ceramic pendant that is hand painted with geometric shapes that subtly represent the traditions and culture of Peru. While this artisan jewelry is a simply idea, it has a loud voice that is sure to draw compliments. In addition to this, it truly is the wide variety and simplicity of the necklace that makes it the perfect gift to give to anyone. For my more contemporary and modern friend, the black and white ceramic circle necklace fits her personality to a tee, while the vibrant blue pendant of another is perfect for my friend who is adventurous and always the life of any party. 

With the passing of Thanksgiving, the holiday season truly has arrived and is in full swing. Knowing this, there are very few women who wouldn’t be excited to find something sparkling with their name on it under the tree this year. After visiting Peru several years ago I became inspired by the sterling silver jewelry that I found there. The unique and exquisite pieces made it easy for me to want to fill my entire suitcase with this one of a kind artisan jewelry. The sterling silver that is used in each piece remains light and delicate, while still crafted from a higher quality of silver than you would commonly find at home. One of my favorites is the silver chains and beads necklace. This artisan necklace is sure to grab the eye of everyone in a room, as the necklace shines and gives off a light that will have each person memorized. The glittering elegant beads are coupled with a burnt silver chain that creates a look that can only be found in Peruvian jewelry. I cannot wait to give this necklace to my mother this year who I know has been looking to add to her growing jewelry collection. 

• With Black Friday only a few days away, keep in mind that these extreme sales are not only exclusively in stores but are just as readily available online as well. In fact, some of the best deals can often be found online but allow you to avoid the hassle of fighting through traffic and crowds, and best of all can help you avoid the inevitable long lines. While people are often more reluctant to purchase jewelry online, I can assure you that by buying sterling silver jewelry from Tikanchay you will not be disappointed. I am an avid customer to the site myself and have always been impressed by not only the high quality of the products but by the ease of purchase as well. With necklaces currently 20% off, among other discounts, it is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of. The handcrafted necklaces are all made with .950 sterling silver and provide a uniquely elegant look that can fit any personality. One piece that I recently gave to a friend is the silver flower necklace and she could not be happier. The necklace is centered around a simplistic flower design that is representative of colonial Peru and is a definite conversation piece. The burnt silver of the necklace will match any outfit perfectly without blending in or getting lost. It is the perfect gift to give to any of your loved ones. 

With black Friday only a week away and with cyber Monday soon to follow, it is never too early to start working and checking things off of your Christmas list. Regardless of your taste and style there is no denying that silver is in this season. The elegance and vibrant nature of sterling silver is the perfect compliment to any winter wonderland scene and truly does embrace the holiday season. A piece that embodies this idea to its fullest is the white silk filigree sterling silver necklace. This Peruvian necklace was entirely handcrafted in Peru by crocheting silver wire into a work of art. The art of transforming silver wire into beautiful jewelry is an ancient tradition in Peru and the extreme talent and history of this can be seen in each exquisite detail of the necklace. This handcrafted jewelry is the ultimate accessory for any holiday gathering as it has a light and airy feel that will leave you glowing. It is perfect to give to a loved one or even as a gift for yourself.