Guide to Gift Giving - Unique Gift Ideas

While speaking of jewelry I once again found myself drawn back into Tikanchay’s website and have found yet another pair of irresistible earrings. The handcrafted jewelry all originates in Peru and is crafted by the finest artisans, embodying a style that is uniquely its own. While buying jewelry online can often be challenging when looking at quality, after multiple purchases from Tikanchay the jewelry that I have received has only exceeded my expectations. The owners of the company personally travel to Peru each year and work with the artisans themselves to help ensure the value and design of each of their pieces. A pair of silver earrings that I recently purchased for my friend’s upcoming birthday is the triple drop pink pearl dangle earrings. While my friend has a naturally fun and flirty style, her strict work code often restricts her from wearing anything that will show off her personality and these earrings will be the perfect way around the rules. The earrings exemplify the classic beauty and sophistication of pearls and are masterfully complimented by etched sterling silver that add a playful touch. They make a great birthday gift for a friend or a loved one and remember, it is never too early to start thinking about the holidays. 

Each year when my sister’s birthday comes around the corner, it always sends me on a mad search of what to get her, as she truly does have everything. While she is not your typical girly girl she still loves to dress up. This past year I decided to shop at my go to website; Tikanchay. The sterling silver jewelry that they have is simple and elegant and made with the highest quality. While in most jewelry available the silver content is .925, all of Tikanchay’s is .95 and when looking at the jewelry this difference becomes obvious. The jewelry all has a unique flair that is incomparable. I got her the ethereal sterling silver filigree necklace and now have yet to see her without it on. The necklace is light and airy and will add the perfect touch of sophistication whether you are going to the grocery store or out for the night. After her obsession with the necklace it makes my job easy for Christmas thanks to the matching set of earrings that Tikanchay offers. 

No matter what your personality or physical ability everyone can use a toolbox, man or woman, making it the perfect gift for anyone. Toolboxes are easy to find and come in such varieties that it is easy to find the right one for anyone. If you just need a quick gift there are a large variety of sizes, starting with a small one that includes just the basic hammer and wrench to super size ones that are complete with everything you could ever imagine. It is an essential item that every man must own. While the typical toolbox may not be as practical for a woman there are tons of great alternatives. They now make hammers that are covered in floral prints and just the right size for daily household handy work. Inside each of the hammers they also often come with built in screwdrivers of all types and sizes that will help you do anything from hanging pictures to changing batteries. It makes for the perfect small gift and is what helped me survive in my first apartment. 

For the more creative person, giving a work of art is a great gift that can truly show time and thought. Depending on your family and friends taste there is a style for everyone whether it be modern, pop art or still life. Pop art is perfect for someone with a more eclectic style while a still life will fit in with any traditional décor. Photography or portraits of their favorite place to travel or time period are a great way to show extra thought and gain an automatic spot above the fireplace. This can also be a great present for people of all ages whether it be children or seniors. If a piece of art is a little out of your budget a poster that is matted and placed in a frame will achieve a similar look and will open you up to even more options. Art can also serve as a great conversation piece so try to pick a work with a story behind it or that represents something meaningful to the person you are giving it to. 

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.