Regardless of the age, profession or style of the person you are buying a gift for, a wallet is something that no person can be without. A brown or black leather wallet is a great present to give to any man and it is hard to go wrong when it comes time to selecting one. If you want to personalize the wallet you can also easily have their initials etched into the side. Another simple way to add something to the present is to select a wallet with picture inserts in it and fill it with a picture of both of you. Silver money clips are another thing that no man should be without. Wallets or checking books make a great gift for women as well. While your options may seem endless and rather intimidating, figure out what their favorite brand or store is and you are sure to pick something out that they will love. A tradition that my family, and I’m sure others, always follow is to put a dollar into any purse or wallet before giving it as a present for good luck. 

Clocks are an essential part of everyone’s daily lives no matter what your age or occupation, making them the perfect gift for anyone. We all know at least someone who is not a morning person and could use any extra help they can get waking up in the morning. For those who never seem to be able to get up in the morning on their own, the new vibrating alarm clocks are perfect and are sure to not only be amusing to those who receive it but are practical as well. Clocks are also great presents to give as housewarming gifts or wedding presents. Clocks make the perfect wall accessory and are not only visually appealing but useful as well. Based on your loved ones personal style you could have fun with the clock and select some of the more modern artistic ones or go with the simple elegance of black or silver. If you are not scared off by a higher price range and are willing to go all out with your present, a grandfather clock is something you could give that is sure to not only last forever but be passed down through future generations as well. 

There are a few things that you can never seem to have too much of, and for me jewelry is definitely at the top of my list, if you haven’t been able to tell already from my recent posts. A new favorite piece of mine that I cannot keep to myself is an earth tone spondylus shell necklace. The spodylus shell is unique and sure to stand out from any other piece of jewelry that you may own for find. The shell not only embodies a natural beauty but has meaning and a history behind it as well. The shell is native to the deep bodies of water surrounding Peru and was recently used to symbolize peace between Peru and Ecuador and has been considered for centuries to bring unity and understanding. This handcrafted necklace makes the perfect gift for any occasion or simply as a thinking of you present. Give the gift to a loved one and fill a card with the meaning behind the piece of handcrafted jewelry. The distinctive amber coloring of the spodylus shell is sure to attract attention from all generations. The sterling silver lining adds a modern touch and allows the jewelry to be matched with any other accessory or outfit. 

While I must admit that I find it hard to resist any piece of silver jewelry, it is carved gourd pieces that I have a real soft spot for. While the art of carving designs into dried gourd has been practiced by those in Peru and other cultures for centuries, it is not commonly transformed into a stunning piece of jewelry. My own personal carved gourd collection still continues to grow and I feel I can truly never have enough of it. I believe that there are others who upon owning one piece of carved gourd jewelry would share in my same addiction. The deep natural feel of the carved gourd jewelry is masterfully complimented with modern touches of sterling silver and perfect for anyone who is open to trying something different. The gourd is generally carved to create various pictures and depictions of birds and nature. The carved gourd necklace is a great present to give with a matching set of earrings, a combination that when worn is sure to bring compliments and envious stares.

Personalized gifts that I have received in the past are always the ones that stand out to me the most. If you are having trouble finding a unique gift, engraving your friend or family’s initials, or adding a personal message to any item is a great way to make an impact with your present. Silver picture frames are one of the best ways to achieve this. The sleek elegance of a silver or gold picture frame will not only match anyone’s personal style but allows you to add a picture with meaning behind it with words that go along with the moment. If you cannot pick just one picture to give, a photo album is a great alternative. An album is the perfect wedding gift or present for someone you are close with. A glass beer mug is another easy way to engrave a present for someone, especially if you are shopping for a man and is something that they are sure to get a lot of use out of. The lists of things you could have engraved are endless. From paperweights to clocks and towels there is something to meet everyone’s needs. 

When I think back to past presents that I have received the ones that I have enjoyed the most are always the ones that are more than just materialistic gifts but actually let you create an experience. They allow you to enjoy the gift with your friend or loved one and create memories that will last longer than any item that you could purchase. Broadway or off Broadway tickets are a great thing to buy for anyone, young or old, male or female. I recently saw Avenue Q and would see it again or recommend it to any of my friends in a heartbeat. The show is filled with humor and is sure to put in you an automatic good mood and keep you laughing the entire time. The shows unique premise and ideas are unlike anything else. The play uses puppets to share the story of recent college graduates living in New York using songs and adult humor that will keep you entertained. With all of the shows that are available there is something for everyone regardless of your personal taste and style. While the price tag that is associated with Broadway may immediately scare people off or seem intimidating, most shows will offer special deals or promotions that will lessen the price. Off Broadway plays also often offer the same experience but for a smaller price and often in a location closer to you, opening up more options. 

A gift does not always just have to be something that benefits the person receiving or giving it but can benefit a community or even society as a whole. After all, October is national breast cancer awareness month so try to incorporate this into your shopping. The signature Pink Ribbon symbol can be found on almost any item imaginable, so you can be sure to find something that your friend or family member will not only love but will appreciate the cause and thought behind it. Ralph Lauren even offers pink polo tees in which 10% of the profits go towards breast cancer care and prevention. You can find anything from a ThinkPink tool set that includes everything you could need for small repairs around the house to a twist wine opener. Another great idea is the Pink Ribbon canvas tote bag that not only makes a great accessory but is practical as well. All of these gifts are not only great to have but go towards a great cause as well. 

While jewelry is always great for women, men are often a lot more complicated and don’t have the same go to gift. However, after growing up with a seemingly endless amount of male cousins, I have found watches are the answer. Watches, as silver jewelry is to women, are irresistible to men. They are offered in such a variety that there truly is a style for everyone, whether you are shopping for the professional businessman or the adventurous outdoor type. Fossil, known for their watches, produces a huge variety of styles ranging from classic to modern and antique. Watches also are offered with a large price range making it perfect for anyone on a budget or someone who is willing to go all out. Even if the man you are shopping for already has a watch, there is never such a thing as too many. After all, just as with jewelry, everyman needs a daily watch, dress watch and a sporty one. 

In previous posts I wrote about giving my sister a piece of sterling silver filigree jewelry from Tikanchay. After her ecstatic response to this jewelry I knew exactly what to get her for the holidays. The unique look and style of the filigree fits her personality to a tee. The airy feel of the filigree collection masterfully compliments any outfit without overpowering it. Tikanchay’s growing filigree jewelry collection has provided me with a plethora of options of what to get her next. In the end I purchased the silver filigree heart necklace for her recently and believe that it would make the perfect gift and accessory for anyone. The handcrafted necklace manages to be both bold and delicate, a combination that is not easily achieved. The necklace represents the ancient Peruvian traditions through a modern interpretation that I am sure my sister will love. It is the perfect gift to give you a significant other or family member. 

If you are on a budget while shopping for a present, making something is a great solution. It allows you to stay on budget while being creative too. One of the easiest ways to go about this is cooking or baking, as there are very few people who could resist the idea of free, already prepared food. While cookies or other baked sweets may seem cliché you cannot go wrong with them. If you want to try something a little different though you can always stay away from the typical chocolate chip cookies and look up a new dessert or recipe. One of my favorite recipes to make are peanut butter balls. They only require a few ingredients and are easy to make. Just combine 1 stick of butter, 1 box of powdered sugar, 2 cups of crunchy peanut butter and 3 cups of Rice Krispies and shape them into small balls and chill them. Afterwards you can either roll them in powdered sugar or coat them in chocolate. Just wrap them up and they make the perfect gift to bring to a dinner party or just as a thank you gift. My only advice is to make sure you make two batches, as you will want to keep some for yourself- they are truly addicting!