Christmas Ideas » Popular Gifts

Christmas Decor That Works All Year

sheila — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:13:28 +0000

We all have a those neighbors that put their up their Christmas decorations way too early, and leave them up well past the new year (and that’s if they ever take them down at all!) However, if done tastefully, some festive lighting can look just as inviting in the warm summer nights as it does when the weather outside is a bit more frightful.

These Furry String Lights are a perfect example – they add interest to any apartment or dorm room, and are sure to transition seamlessly into the holiday season. That’s why they make great birthday or Christmas gifts for teens or college-age kids. Each bulb is draped in a fluffy white fur that’s reminiscent of the first winter snow flurry, but is sure to look cool all year long. And at only $19, this is one Christmas decoration that can be enjoyed all year long.

Anytime Gifts For College Kids

sheila — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:14:47 +0000

College-age kids can be notoriously tough to shop for – they’re not interested in the typical gifts or toys for tweens and teens, but the more practical gifts for adults don’t resonate either. But no matter if you’re shopping for graduation, birthday, or Christmas gifts for students, keep this one thing in mind – they all need low maintenance home furnishings for their dorms or first apartments.

One amazing option is this fun & funky bean bag chairs from Urban Outfitters. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and won’t show stains (even the ones from that wild housewarming party). It’s the perfect place to study, relax in front of the TV, or catch some zzz’s after pulling an all-nighter. This is one Christmas gift that’s something to write home about!

I’m Dreaming Of A Twilight Christmas!

sheila — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:38:14 +0000

If you have any teen girls in your household, there’s no doubt that you already know all about Bella, Edward, and the whole Twilight gang. The best selling books have not only given birth to a fantastically successful movie franchise, but also a whole industry of Twilight gifts, games, apparel, accessories and more. With the release of the second film in the saga right around the corner, there’s no doubt that the kids will be buzzing about Twilight and New Moon all the way through Christmas. So why not indulge them with a few choice Twilight Christmas gifts that are sure to make them the envy of all their vampire-loving friends? For those of the “Team Edward” persuasion, there’s the Twilight Saga – New Moon Trio Pack. This drool-worthy kit includes a stylish tote, a fuzzy fleece blanket, and a huggable throw pillow. It’s a slumber party waiting to happen! Or if she’s on “Team Jacob”, consider the new juniors fashion line from Nordstrom. A Team Jacob embellished tee is the perfect way for her to declare her fondness for hairier of the Twilight hunks.

The Wine Gift Basket – A Holiday Staple

david — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:43:22 +0000

Chances are you will receive a wine gift basket this year at either your home or office. The wine gift basket is one of the most popular executive office gifts of the season and since they come in so many sizes and with such a wide range of wines, the prices can fit into most budgets. They also make great gifts for gourmet lovers. The premiums cheeses and chocolates will make any foodie’s mouth water.

This year, have some fun with the wine basket by chooses some unique options or creating your own.

Ditch the Basket

The basket often gets discarded or sent to the back of the kitchen cabinet to collect dust. Instead of the traditional “basket”, why not go with something like the Weekend in Tuscany Pasta & Wine Basket that actually comes in a colander and features everything you need to cook a delicious Italian meal.

I love the Wine & Cheese Party Tray that comes attached to a very usable cutting board and cheese tray. Some even come with unique cheese cutting knives.

Know a chef with a flair for international cuisine? Why not send a wine and food gift that comes in a traditional steel paella pan. Combine the consumable with the reusable and you’ve got a winner every time.

Your Own Creation

You also have the option of starting from scratch and creating your own unique and personal basket of favorite wines and goodies. Here are some unique and fun ideas that I hope will inspire your own creativity.

The Theme: Is this your favorite wine and dessert pairing or your simply your favorite reds? Do you want to prepare a basket for a single use such as a picnic or trip to an outdoor concert in the park? Is this for a young adult? You could make a gag gift basket of all the cheepies such as Thunderbird and Andre pink champagne.

The Container: Choosing something fun and unique as the container. Think of things like old milk crates, vegetable crates, a painted wooden box, a pretty flowerpot, a window box or even a reusable green grocery bag.

The Wine: Use all your favorites as long as your favorite isn’t $2 a bottle. Go for unique wines that you find at specialty wine shops. Make the basket all about reds or whites. Go with a country theme or a dessert wine theme.

The Mix: If you know it will be sent right away, add some colorful fresh fruit or vegetables. I love adding pomegranates, dried cherries, bright red peppers or even fresh flowers. Enclose a mini photo album of you and the recipient at a recent party or event. Include an antique toy, a monogrammed wine glass, some fancy wine stoppers or any other unique and special gift.

In any case, think outside the basket this holiday season and add a little spark to your holiday gifting. Enjoy.

Discover Turducken!

sheila — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:48:32 +0000

Only a few years ago, most people would have thought you were crazy if you suggested preparing a holiday meal consisting of a turkey stuffed with a duck that’s been stuffed with a chicken. But thankfully, the Turducken has captured the tastebuds of the nation, and is now considered a mainstream holiday meal. Although this unusual Cajun delicacy has been produced commercially since 1985, it’s popularity has exploded in recent years and the Turducken has transcended its southern roots to become a national treasure.

Not up for such an ambitious undertaking in the kitchen? Fear not; these gourmet birds can be ordered online and delivered to your door, just in time for Christmas dinner. Or give one as a gourmet Christmas gift and then sit back and let the feasting begin!

Personalized Santa Hats

david — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:37:32 +0000

Order this now to make sure your kids have it well in advance of the rigorous Christmas caroling schedule. The personalized Santa hat is an absolutely essential part of every child’s Christmas wardrobe. Think how cute they will be decked out in the festive traditional Santa hat. Made of soft fleece with a white faux-fir trim, this adorable Christmas hat comes in two sizes: one for the kids and, yes, another size for you! Be the life of the holiday party. Child size is a 9 inch diameter hat and adult size is 11.

Personalized Santa Hat
Personalized Christmas Gifts

Hot For Digital 2009

david — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:25:45 +0000

Digital reinvents itself this season with smaller digital cameras, pocket-sized digital photo frames and high-definition mini video recorders. The trend towards higher definition and smaller size continues with super-compact digital cameras with over 12 megapixels for under $300. Tighter budget? No problem! If you don’t need to blow your photos up to poster size, opt for a few less pixels and save a fortune. Samsung as 8 megapixel digital cameras for less than $100. Three years ago you would have paid 6 times that amount for half the resolution. Don’t you love progress!

Check out these high-def super compact cameras.

Digital Video

Companies are also getting more fun and offering wild colors and the ability to customize. Flip Video, maker of our favorite mini video recorder for years, has a new high-def mini video recorder with higher quality in a multitude of colorful design options. It’s also super-affordable at less than $150. It’s a perfect stocking stuffer and will mean great videos of Christmas morning that you can upload to Youtube in seconds and share with family and friends.

Check out cool Flip Video products

Mini Digital Photo Frames

Digital picture frames have been around for a few years and the new twist is to carry mini versions around in your pocket or as a key chain. While a pocket digital picture viewer won’t work for digital-photo-savvy iPhone or iPod users, it’s a perfect gift to pre-load with family pics and send to grandparents.

Expect to get great deals on gadgets this year as competition heats up and consumers demand the latest and greatest from the high-tech world.

Gadget guru gifts for Christmas 2009
Camera and Photo Gifts

Coolest. Gift. Ever.

sheila — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:09:47 +0000

Think that today’s kids won’t be impressed with something as simple as LEGOs? Think again. Any boy (or man, even) that takes one look at the awesome new LEGO Star Wars Kits for Collectors is sure to be thanking “Santa” over and over again for this great Christmas gift. Straight from the future, this motorized walking All Terrain Armoured Transport (or AT-AT) can walk under its own power, and even includes your favorite mini Star Wars figurines, like Luke Skywalker, General Veers and a Snow Trooper. This thing is so realistic, you’d swear that George Lucas designed it himself. At $130, this makes a perfect Christmas gift for any special little guys that have been very very good this year, or die-hard Dads who need to breathe some new life into their action figure collection. So this Christmas, let the Force be with you!