Blisstree » unique gift ideas

Unique Gift Ideas

Cherie Burbach — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:32:02 +0000

We all have that someone on our Christmas shopping list that is ridiculously hard to shop for. Perhaps it’s that really wonderful sister, or one of your kid’s teachers, or that great aunt that means so much to you. You want to get this person something that will really put a smile on their face, but try as you might you just can’t come up with a good gift idea. Here are a few unique gifts for those hard-to-buy-for people in your life.

Fortune Cookie Glass Ornaments
We all love fortune cookies, so why not take that idea and make an ornament out of it? Better yet, why not create a personalized message to put inside that ornament? Now you can, with these gorgeous fortune cookie ornaments from Artful Home. They are made of glass, and will look incredible on any tree. Best of all, that hard-to-buy-for person on your list definitely doesn’t have these!
Let’s talk price. They are not cheap. But we’re not talking about frugal gifts here, we’re talking about unique items. They go for $29 each plus shipping. But worth it for the right person.

I Love You Stones
This gift would be for a loved one that you just don’t know what to get. Let me know you love them in a very concrete way but giving them these I Love You Stones from Red Envelope. The reasons are printed on each stone, and include “because I just do,” “for being so giving,” “for being so fun,” etc. On the reverse side of each it says “I love you.” The stones come in a red faux-suede pouch.

Personalized Mommy or Grandma Necklace
These are cute on so many levels. First, you can specify the number of children or grandchildren you have. Second, you can also specify the name to some extent. For example, Mommy, Grandma, Grammy, Nana, Mimi or Bubbe. The pendant is sterling silver and comes on a 18 inch sterling ball chain. You can order them up until December 14th and still have them delivered by Christmas. They go for $36.95 from Signals.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Unique Gift Ideas

Thanksgiving Gift Ideas

Cherie Burbach — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:41:26 +0000

It’s turkey time! Do you give gifts during this time of year? It’s really a great holiday to acknowledge those you love. If you’re looking for a few unique or artsy Thanksgiving gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve stumbled on these and really think they’re great.

Glass Pumpkins and Squash
These aren’t just gifts, they’re pieces of art you can keep in your home all Autumn. That’s one of the things I like about these, they aren’t just for Turkey Day but for all of Fall. These are created by artist Michael Cohn and Molly Stone and sold by Artful Home. They are signed on the bottom, and would make a great gift idea to that special hostess in your life. The only negative I have for these beautiful pieces is that they are on the pricey side of things. A couple hundred dollars a piece is a bit pricey for a small token, but not when you consider they are works of art.

Wine Disguise Candles
I always get suckered in with the gift of candles. I mean, who doesn’t love candles? These little gems are candles disguised as wine corks. Perfect for the wine lover. These are sold by Uncommon Goods as a set of twelve for $22.00.

Vine Candleholder
Again from Artful Home, this vine candleholder is the perfect gift to top a table. It gives you the feeling of fall, but provides a wonderful addition to a tablescape or centerpiece. If someone has hosted Thanksgiving for several years in a row, why not get them something like this?

Cherish Yesterday Shadowbox Frame
Words are powerful, and no better time to acknowledge this than during Thanksgiving. This shadowbox frame is a wonderful gift idea. It’s sold from Signals, and the site suggests putting some special token in the box (like a small object or even lock of hair) to accompany a special photo.

Images: Artful Home

Post from: Blisstree

Thanksgiving Gift Ideas

Adopt an Olive Tree

Cherie Burbach — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:09:45 +0000

Just came across this fabulous idea from Rebecca Subbiah’s Chow and Chatter blog. She talks about adopting an olive tree in Italy. You basically pay the farmer and reap the benefits by getting the olive oil from the very tree you’ve adopted. This is certainly a different approach to buying olive oil! But why not? I think it would be fun to track the progress of your olive tree and the oil would mean even more to you. Not only would it be healthy, but also fun.

Rebecca writes on her blog:

Instead of just buying olive oil, by adopting a tree, you can choose a specific olive variety, follow the progress of your tree for one year, support the local Italian family farmer who would have otherwise gone out of business, and (literally) taste the reward of your investment.

This isn’t an everyday thing, certainly, but I can see this work as a gift for someone.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Adopt an Olive Tree

Aaron Foster: Used License Plates

Cherie Burbach — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:34:02 +0000

I first came across Aaron Foster when I saw him on the decorating show FreeStyle. The show would take a person’s stuff, and move it around and jazz it up and make the place look great without spending any money. It was an awesome show that had really great ideas.

I found out the host, Aaron Foster, is also a talented artist. He works a lot with used license plates, like this peace sign from Uncommon Goods. I love the look of his stuff, and really think using already existing materials is a great way to be frugal and smart. His work is very unique, so if you’re looking for something for the home, check out his artist page on Uncommon Goods.

If you’re never seen the show FreeStyle, here’s a demo reel of Aaron. You’ll see his style is easy going and laid back.

Image: Uncommon Goods

Post from: Blisstree

Aaron Foster: Used License Plates

Settlers of Catan Afghan

Cherie Burbach — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:57:35 +0000

If you’re not familiar with the game Settlers of Catan, you really should be! It’s a wonderful game that the older children can play with the adults. It’s won several education awards, and is just a complete blast. The game is different every time you play it.

The reason I bring it up is because I just stumbled across this beautiful crocheted afghan which was inspired by the game. The afghan follows the game board shown above. It’s a bit small for a full-sized afghan (37 inches across), but as the creator of this pattern mentions on her blog, it’s easy enough to make wider. Just add some additional “game pieces” and the blanket can be made bigger.

If you have a Settlers fan in your household (and they do exist!) I promise you they will love this afghan. My husband just asked me to make one for our house, so I’m about ready to head to Walmart and get some inexpensive yarn. I’m sure sport weight would do nicely with the pattern.

Best of all? The pattern is free. If you do make one, be sure to send me a picture!

Image: Amazon

Post from: Blisstree

Settlers of Catan Afghan

Make a Diabetes Donation in Honor of Mom

Cherie Burbach — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:14:14 +0000

If you’re looking for a great Mother’s Day gift, consider giving money to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The ADA offers several different types of giving initiatives, including honor gifts, stocks, and accessories. If your mom or someone close to her has diabetes, what better way to show them you care than by giving money toward a cure. It’s better than flowers! (But it’s always a good idea to get them anyway!)

If giving a gift in honor of your mom, don’t forget to write out your reasons for doing so in a card. When your mom is able to understand why it was important for you to do that, she’ll appreciate the gift all the more.

Image: sxc.hu

Post from: Blisstree

Make a Diabetes Donation in Honor of Mom

b5media Lifestyles Channel Christmas Shopping Guide

Christine Gooding — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:06:25 +0000

This year bloggers from around b5media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your Christmas list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.

Stop by Kettle and Cup and select your favorite hot beverage, kick back and browse this years Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza.

Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent.

Mary Emma from One Book Two Book shares a suggest shopping list for the avid reader and artist on your list.

Everyone knows what to get a jewelry lover – but do you know what to get one who loves to make jewelry? Cyndi at Jewelry and Beading has the answer!

Cherie at Diabetes Notes shares gift ideas to keep those visions of sugar plum fairies dancing for the diabetics on your list.

Chloe at The Doggy Blog shares an adorable wish list as written to Santa Paws.

My blog over at Mad Cropper will give you tips on how please those who are crazy about scrapbooking during the holiday season.

Quilters anyone? This unique craft makes for the tougher shopping experience – but that’s so yesterday considering we have a pro in our corner. Let Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork help you pick out the perfect gift.

Angela from Breastfeeding 1-2-3 provides a list of gifts for the breastfeeding mother on your list.

So maybe giving kitchen appliances isn’t the best idea – but what about a cool and unique Cooking Gadget? I’d say your bound to surprise the cook on your list with something from Cyndi’s list.

Peggy at Lively Women has put together a list of gift ideas for the health conscious female on your list.

Here at Our One Heart I share tips and gift ideas to keep that Bride-to-Be happy during the Christmas season.

Tracee at BlogFabulous has put together an amazing store displaying gift ideas for the woman’s woman.

Christmas is for everyone and shopping for an Alzheimer’s patients can present a challenge – allow Mary Emma at Alzheimer’s Notes helps you overcome that challenge and get on to the joys of the season.

Have someone who might be looking to become a little more organized in the new year? Let Jennifer at Declutter It help you give the gift of time and organization.

Do you have a fabric-aholic or a needlehead on your Christmas list? Don’t get them the same old boring sing-song gift – let Chloe at Tangled Thread help you pick the perfect gift.

Unique gift ideas for the mixed media art lover on your list is what Cyndi from Layers Upon Layers has on display.

Have an aspiring to advanced chef on your list this year? Cyndi at Busy Family Meals has an extensive list to cover every stage of cooking from beginner to pro.

Eliza has pieced together a shop that covers mom, dad and baby at Babylune. Why leave anyone out?

Heather at The Food Bowl is taking care of pets and their people with a fun list that’s bound to connect you with the perfect gift.

Did someone say chocolate? Heather at Chocolate Bytes did! Our resident chocolate expert has put together sweetest gift shop you won’t want to miss.

Who says married couples are boring? Check out the letters to Santa as shared by Marc and Marye of Marriage Actually and see what might appeal to the married couple on your list.

Jennifer from Tree Hugging Family provides a wonderful list to help you go a little more green this holiday season.

Don’t forget about that single and dating friend or relative! We all know how difficult it can be to buy for them – Lucky for us we have Dating Dames and the Dames have the answers.

It’s never too early to start buying for your favorite gardener and Linette at Mother Earth’s Garden has a wonderful list to help you decide.

Have someone a little offbeat or kooky on your list this year? Let Jennifer of Offbeat Homes help you find the gift that’s spot on.

Linette at Play Library is haring the Best of Toys list this year – check out what’s hot and get to buying! We know how quick those hot toys sell out every year.

Have someone on your list who always hosts the best parties? Surprise that person with a unique gift as recommended by Linette at She Knows Parties!

Marcie from One Book Two Book and A Child Chosen shares a wonderful shopping list she’s broken down by age groups and hobbies.

Whether it’s tea or coffee you are looking for, Marye from Kettle and Cup has unique gift ideas that’s sure to add a little spice to your favorite hot beverage.

Haven’t figured out just how to shop for the junk lover and crafter on your list? Let Peggy from Junk Creation assist you with your selection.

And last but certainly not least, I’ve compiled a list of MomGadget Favorites – A Year in Review 2008 instead of a storefront for you to shop.

From all of us at Lifestyles – Health & Wellness

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2009!

Post from: Blisstree

b5media Lifestyles Channel Christmas Shopping Guide