Gift Giving Guru

Google+ invitations

2011-07-09T10:04:00.002-04:00

Google is one of my favorite companies and I am a devoted fan of all their products. So when I heard about their new product, Google+, I was naturally pumped. Google+ is a social networking site, similar to Facebook, and is currently invite-only. But, considering my affinity for Google, I managed to finagle myself an invitation!

Now that I'm a member of Google+, I can invite as many people as I want to join as well! So if you want an invitation, comment below or email me with your favorite gift you've given or received! If you're already on Google+, add me to your circle (Gift Guru)!

Image courtesy of Google

New Toms Products!

2011-06-30T21:31:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite companies, TOMS, has an all-new product line - eyewear! The premise is the same as their shoe line - for every item you buy from them, they will help a person in need. When you buy shoes, they give shoes; but when you buy eyeglasses, they help restore sight to a needy person around the world. Here's how it works:

"With our eyewear line, One for One™ means more than just giving eyeglasses. While prescription eyeglasses are a part of the holistic eye care TOMS supports, we have learned that people’s needs can be quite different. We've set up our approach to be able to address the most widespread needs. So one person buys a pair of TOMS glasses, and one person receives the eye care that he or she needs. We deliver that care through partnerships with expert eye care organizations on the ground, which makes sense since we wouldn't dare to pass ourselves off as eye care professionals. With our support, our Sight Giving Partners organize screenings right in the community to identify the people who need care. TOMS then helps our partners provide care in one of three ways:

1) Medical Treatment: Treat a person's sight-threatening condition such as infection, injury or disease, by administering medical treatment such as prescription medications and removal of foreign objects from the eye.

2) Prescription Eyeglasses: Determine the corrective lenses a person needs and provide the right pair of eyeglasses. The patient gets to choose new frames and even check out their new look in a mirror. We're told even the grandmas in Tibet insist on seeing their reflection to choose the right frames!

3) Sight-Saving Surgery: Perform a commonly needed operation, such as cataract surgery, which can be a 15-minute procedure. Cataract surgery is particularly impactful as cataract is a leading cause of blindness in the world."

Before you head out for some sun this holiday weekend, check out TOMS eyewear for a great way to stay stylish and help give sight to someone less fortunate.

Here are a few of my favorite styles (all images courtesy of TOMS). You can check out the rest of the new TOMS collection here (women's and men's).

Classic 101 in Black/Light Blue

Classic 201 in Crystal Sea Foam/Dusty Rose/Dusty Blue

Classic 201 in Tortoise/Orange

Classic 301 in Gold/Olive

For your mom

2011-05-04T08:42:00.000-04:00

I usually forgo gift recommendations based on specific relationships or holidays in favor of suggestions based on personalities and recurring social events. But with Mother's Day right around the corner (May 8 - don't forget!), I am making an exception. You can't go wrong giving a gift based on your mom's personality, but there are several gifts to consider that are better suited to moms than other recipients on your list (like a house cleaning or laundry service).

Although most people associate Mother's Day strictly with mothers and grandmothers (not surprising, given the day's name), don't forget about those other women who have been influential in your life and helped guide you to become the person you are today. Consider surprising an aunt, friend, mentor, or any other woman who has impacted your life with a little token of your affection. I guarantee that, regardless of what you give her, the fact that you thought of her on Mother's Day will mean the world.

Here are some suggestions that are sure to delight your mom or mother figure:

Flowers: It's hard to go wrong with flowers. Whether you send them alone or along with another gift, flowers are a visual reminder that Mom is brings light and beauty to your life. Send her favorite kind if you know it; otherwise, choose something bright and cheery like daisies (regular or gerbera), lilies, or sunflowers. Also consider giving her a plant for her garden or a potted plant in a fun container so she can enjoy the gift even longer.

Time: Ask any mother what her perfect gift would be and she will probably answer "spending time with my family." Make her wish come true with the gift of quality time or a visit home. Schedule a family outing, a lazy day by the pool, or even a nice meal together for a gift she will never want to exchange.

Chore Service: Moms of any age have those "maternal" responsibilities like laundry, cooking, and cleaning (if dad takes care of these duties in your family, just ignore this recommendation until Father's Day). Give her a day or two off by outsourcing these tasks to someone in her area, either by giving her a gift certificate for the service or making arrangements with the vendor directly.

Spa Treatment: Moms seem to have an ingrained work ethic that is second to none, and most of them find it hard to take a break and relax. Pamper her with a spa treatment, such as a massage, manicure/pedicure, or facial. For extra points, schedule a spa day for the two of you, or for her and Dad together.

Portrait: I've never met a mother who doesn't love pictures of her family. If it's been awhile since your last family portrait, this would be a great gift for Mother's Day. You could have a portrait of the kids and grandkids made in advance, or schedule a session for the entire family (plan it for after Mother's Day if you want it to be a surprise). For a less formal gift, consider a photo book from Shutterfly - they look polished and allow you to customize the whole thing. You could memorialize your (or your child's) childhood, a special family trip, or visits to Grandma's house.

Jewelry: Jewelry is a great gift for some moms but a horrible one for others. If you know your mom likes jewelry, feel free to give her a new piece. However, if she wears the same thing every day and you don't have a clue what kind of jewelry she would appreciate, steer clear. If you decide to go with jewelry, remember to choose a classic piece and stay away from anything cheesy.

Coffee/Tea: If there's one thing most moms need, it's caffeine. Get Mom her favorite blend of liquid energy or pick up a gift card to Starbucks or another coffee shop. If she prefers tea, treat her to a gourmet blend from Teavana or Harney & Sons. Another great choice is a coffee or tea of the month club subscription, like the Kona Hawaiian Organic Coffee Club, Caribou Coffee of the Month Club, or Teavana Tea of the Month Club (12 Months). Also consider an accessory like a new tea or coffee pot, mug, or storage canister.

Tickets: Treat mom to a night on the town with tickets to a movie or show you know she'll enjoy. If you live close enough or can schedule it, go with her for a double gift of the outing and quality time together!

Gift Basket: If you can't decide on a single gift, give mom a gift basket full of her favorite goodies. You could include lotion, muffins, coffee, tea, perfume, popcorn and a movie or rental voucher, her favorite candy, a restaurant gift certificate, body wash, candle, or bottle of wine. Put the items in a nice basket she can reuse and finish it off with a colorful spring bow. If you need a ready-made basket, Gourmet Gift Baskets offers a wide selection that's sure to please even the pickiest mom.

What are you giving your Mom this Mother's Day?

For the Anglophile

2011-05-02T13:08:00.000-04:00

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last five months, you know that there is this little event that happened in London last Friday. The media has gone crazy over the announcement that William and Kate were finally tying the knot, and all eyes have been on the great city of London.

But for some people, interest in the UK is nothing new. These Anglophiles appreciate the Queen's English, follow the royal family, and have an all-around uncanny fondness for the US's closest ally. If you have one of these people on your gift list, consider giving her a British or British-themed item. Fortunately, there is no shortage of such products, so you will have plenty of options to choose from.

You can find British products in many stores, but there are some sellers who specialize in items from across the pond. Some of my favorites are Aspinal of London, Highgrove Shop (Prince Charles's store that benefits his charities), Not on the High Street (like a British Etsy), the British Museum gift shop, Emma Bridgewater, the London Transport Museum, and Liberty of London.

In honor of the marriage of two people none of us know and will likely never meet, here are some gift ideas for the Anglophile in your life:

Map Products: Maps are one of the most recognizable representations of a city and make a great gift. For fans of the London Tube (Underground), choose from a vintage London Underground poster, Underground carriage maps, a Tube map mirror, a stainless steel pocket Tube map, a reproduction of Tube map using tubes of paint, films of London Underground maps, or an image of your chosen section of the rail or Tube maps. Other great London maps include one that uses place names to create the map, this original London print (an outline of London with place names marking their spot), these London transit and cycle maps, a map tracing the city's expansion, and a Map of London mug. My favorites are the London cityscape coat hanger (pictured below) and the UK counties jigsaw puzzle. Check out the London Transit Museum for more great options.

London cityscape coat hanger (photo courtesy of HookPegSupport)

Transit Blinds: A great way to bring home a taste of the UK is with transit blinds from the Underground, buses, or other forms of public transportation. You can buy vintage blinds or customized ones with destinations of your choosing. Lots of shops sell these blinds, but Not on the High Street has a great selection. They offer blinds from London and other UK cities, vintage London bus blinds, and rare London Underground and bus blinds, as well as the option to choose your own destination (both single and multiple locations). Pedlars also has a good selection of special destination blinds and vintage Notting Hill gate enamel signs (square or skinny rectangle).

Vintage London Underground blinds (photo courtesy of Not on the High Street)

Books: Nothing transports you to another place like a good book. Send your recipient on a discount voyage with a book about or set in the UK. This vintage "This is London" book is a cool memento, while art and history lovers will appreciate the Masterpieces of the British Museum book and DVD. The London Transport Museum offers wide variety of transport-related books (along with DVDs), and the London Moleskin city notebook is a great gift for anyone planning a trip to the UK. You also can't go wrong with a work of fiction set in the UK, such as a classic like Pride and Prejudice (my personal favorite) or Great Expectations, or a modern book like Atonement or the Harry Potter series.

Keep Calm and Carry On: Originally conceived as a motto to help the British people through the German blitz in World War 2, this phrase has recently seen a surge in popularity. There is no shortage of "Keep Calm" products on the market today, so you have your pick of these gifts. One of my favorites is a print that features the saying in Welsh (pictured below). You can find a wide selection at the Keep Calm Gallery, Keep Calm and Carry On, Keep Calm, and Zazzle. I especially love the travel card wallet, notebook, wall decals, band aids, book, cufflinks, and wall clock.

Welsh Keep Calm and Carry On print (photo courtesy of Bouf)

Home Decorations: The UK is known for many icons, and lots of them come in desk-sized forms. The famed red phone box is available as a K2 bookend (also available in The Gherkin, double decker bus, and black cab), the black taxis and double decker buses also exist as ceramic planters, and Big Ben has been shrunk down to a desk sculpture. You can also decorate your Anglophile recipient with a Troika Ocean Liner desk organizer, rustic topiary crown, non-London bus models, Little London bobbles (choose from London bus, taxi, phone box, soldier, and Big Ben, or get the complete set), and cute model toys from the London Transport Museum's children's line. For fans of Her Majesty, go with these vintage Queen Elizabeth II jewelry boxes, featuring the Queen's portrait and on horseback.

Home Goods: Add a touch of British charm to your recipient's home by giving her a home accent piece. For a die-hard Anglophile, consider a wall decal of a famous British scene, such as a phone box, double decker bus, postal box, London skyline, Big Ben, street sign, or lamp post. For a frequent entertainer, choose a serving tray with various London images or with rows of British guards (pictured below). A tea drinker will appreciate a Britannia Royal Stafford or London Icons mug, especially when paired with a Union Jack porcelain milk jug and a blue toile tea cosy to keep the kettle warm. For a uniquely British touch, choose this Highgrove cockerel chopping board or this sheep Southdown Face egg cup, a Highgrove check rug in the traditional Prince of Wales check, London Underground map or Buckingham Palace pillow covers, Queen Elizabeth II enlarged stamp rug, transit travel card cushion, British Museum classic tray (featuring images of the Museum), or a vintage-style Union Jack throne chair.

Royal Guards London tray (photo courtesy of Liberty of London)

Union Jack: For the clearest image of the UK, you can't beat the Union Jack. Emma Bridgewater has a great selection of Union Jack and saltire items, and there is no shortage of these products on Etsy. Some of my favorites are this Union Jack throw pillow cover (also available in the Scottish saltire), dress form, and biscuit barrel tin (pictured below). For portable British love, check out these Union Jack high heels, scarves, and travel card holders. You can also bring the Union Jack home on coasters, magnets, frying pans, vintage pillows, illuminating coffee tables, personalized wooden cutting boards, and pillow covers.

Union Jack biscuit barrel tin (photo courtesy of Emma Bridgewater)

Art: Works of art are a great way to demonstrate a fondness for the UK. The British Museum offers many reproductions of items in their collection, including fine art, historical objects, and jewelry. A Keep Calm print (see above) is a great choice, as are these patchwork prints of the Liverpool skyline and Anglican cathedral, the "Quintessentially British" print (featuring 244 British icons, people, places, and things), and this God Save the Queen print. The London Transport Museum also offers a wide choice of London and UK prints.

Royal Wedding Commemorations: If your Anglophile is a big fan of the royal family, you might consider a gift related to the recent royal wedding. You could make a donation in her name to one of William and Kate's designated charities or give her one of the many wedding-related products. There is a wide variety of gifts, including official royal wedding commemorative items like china patterns, as well as not-so-official products like the royal couple refrigerator. Lots of stores currently carry these products, but you can find great selections at Highgrove, Emma Bridgewater, and Not on the High Street.

Official royal wedding commemorative plate (image courtesy of Highgrove Shop)

Miscellaneous: There are so many great British gifts, but these recommendations wouldn't be complete without including the rest of my favorites. For a recipient who lives in a rainy climate (or would enjoy a reminder of London's weather), go with the Prince of Wales check umbrella from Highgrove or this color changing umbrella featuring London landmarks that appear when wet. For a frequent traveler, I love this vintage tartan plaid suitcase and vintage suitcase featuring Queen Elizabeth, and this 5 pound note travel card wallet. Gamers and sports fans will love a UK version of Monopoly (available in Aberdeen, Bath, Birmingham, Blackpool & The Flyde Coast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London Underground, and Manchester) or vintage Wimbledon and football (US: soccer) items. You can also find London Tube cufflinks, reusable bags featuring various shopping areas (link: High Kensington), and blitz and wartime reproduction items. The London Transport Museum also has a great selection of souvenirs.

What are your favorite British products?

For the administrative professional

2011-04-26T14:08:00.000-04:00

No matter where you work or who you work with, you encounter support staff on a regular basis. If you work as a support staffer, you know that your priority of supporting your boss can lead to a whole new level of crazy each day. If you work with administrative professionals, you know how important they are to keeping your business and affairs flowing smoothly and running interference between you and everyone who is demanding your time and attention. You also know, better than anyone, how much they deserve recognition and appreciation.

Administrative Professionals Day is April 27 and provides the perfect opportunity to say a big 'thank you' to the people who make your life easier (some people celebrate the week of April 24-29 rather than only on one day). Not only is recognizing your support staff a nice gesture, but it will also keep peace in your workplace (trust me, you do NOT want to be the person who doesn't participate in Administrative Professionals Day while everyone else in the office is showering gifts and praise upon their staff).

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) recommends giving "observances that recognize and provide opportunities for learning and growth," such as registration for business skills training programs or seminars, membership in professional organizations, or new office products like an ergonomic chair or software upgrade. See their website for more suggestions and information about Administrative Professionals Day. However, you know (or should know) your staff's preferences well enough to decide whether such a gift would be appreciated or viewed as self-serving. If you're afraid the IAAP's gift recommendations would be less-than-well received, keep reading for more personal gift ideas. Regardless of what you decide to give, be sure to include a nice card with a heartfelt message thanking your assistant and telling them just how much you appreciate all they do for you. And whether or not you have your own support staff, be sure to always say please and thank you to any assistants you encounter (especially this week, but really you should do it all the time).

Here are some suggestions for showing your administrative professional just how much you appreciate them:

Cash: Some people still shy away from giving money, but many staff members would rather receive the gift of cash than anything else. In these economic times, giving cash allows your staff member complete freedom and discretion in how to use your gift. It also makes your job as the gift-giver much easier because it eliminates all the guesswork and most of the effort. There are no hard and fast rules on how much is appropriate to give, but a little Internet searching indicates that the amounts vary between $10 and $100, with most gifts seeming to fall in the $25-$50 range. When deciding on an amount, don't feel like you have to give until it hurts, but do choose an amount that reflects how much you value your staffer's contribution to your workplace.

Gift Card: In the same vein as giving cash, gift cards essentially allow your recipient to choose his own gift. They are also a nice alternative for those who want to give money without actually having to give cash or a check. If you give a gift card, be sure to choose one from a store you're sure your staff member likes or one that can be used in multiple places. You can't go wrong with a voucher for a nice local restaurant, local mall (that can be used in all shops), Amazon.com, or a prepaid debit card from Visa or American Express.

Flowers: On their own, flowers are a nice gesture to show your appreciation to your staff. But for Administrative Professionals Day, they also serve as a physical statement that you have recognized your staffer's contributions. My advice is to give a small flower arrangement or plant in addition to another (more private) gift. For male staff, go with a plant or more masculine flower arrangement.

Time Off: Another popular gift is to reward your assistant with extra time off. Depending on your position, you may be authorized to award extra paid vacation time, or you might need to get clearance from your human resources department. If the company is uncooperative, you could discuss letting your staffer take an unpaid absence and paying that day's salary yourself.

Lunch: Taking your staff out for a nice lunch is a great way to show your appreciation. Let them pick the place and spend time getting to know each other outside the office.

Cake: Like flowers, but tastier, bringing a cake or cupcakes for your staff is a nice public gift that the whole office can enjoy. But before you bring in 10,000 calories on a plate, make sure your recipient isn't on a diet or allergic to any of the ingredients. A delicious-looking cake loses its luster if you find out too late that your staffer is lactose intolerant or gluten-free.

Office Products: One of the IAAP's gift recommendations is to upgrade your staff's office supplies and/or furniture. Consider giving ergonomically correct furniture, computer or software upgrades, or premium quality products. You might also want to give fun items like a personalized notepad or stationery or a few items from Knock Knock (makers of humorous office supplies like Do - Ponder - File file folders, Information Central Paper Mousepad, and Blah Blah Blah sticky notes).

Event Tickets: Everyone needs a break from the office, so why not give your staff tickets to a special event in town? Give tickets to a show, concert, or sporting event your assistant would enjoy so he can have a night out on the town with friends or a significant other.

Spa Services: If you are especially close to your staff, consider giving the gift of pampering that only a trip to the spa can accomplish. A massage, manicure/pedicure, facial, or body wrap is a great way to say 'thank you' and rejuvenate your assistant. But be careful: something personal like a spa gift should only be given if you have a close relationship with your recipient and you are the same gender. A massage gift certificate from a male boss to a female staffer might not send the message you're aiming for, and might get you a message of your own from HR.

What are your favorite gifts to give or receive for Administrative Professionals Day?

For the (non-video) gamer

2011-03-29T11:59:00.000-04:00

Our world constantly inundates us with serious matters that require us to put on our mature personas and deal with. But we all have a child hiding somewhere beneath our adult exteriors, and games are a great way to encourage it to emerge. The next time you need a present, consider giving the gift of fun that a game offers. Even if your recipient isn't a huge gaming buff, she will likely appreciate receiving a new game as a gift - most people love fun presents they can use and enjoy! Games and gaming accessories also make great hostess, wedding, and wedding shower gifts - don't be surprised if you are invited to a game shower sometime soon!

These recommendations are limited to gamers of the non-video variety - not because of any prejudice against video gamers, but simply because there is no way to give substantive recommendations for both kinds of gamers without posting the longest entry ever in the history of blogging. Don't worry, I will cover video gamers at a later time!

Here are some suggestions for your next gift for a non-video gamer:

Special or different edition of her favorite game: If your recipient has a favorite board game, think about giving her another version like a retro (see below) or updated edition. For a Monopoly fan, give a different edition of the game (find a list of available editions here), like the Electronic Banking or City edition, or Photo-opoly (insert your own pictures for a customized and unique gift). For Scrabble lovers, consider this premium edition (one of Oprah's all-time favorite things) or the premier wood edition. For a chess buff, check out a modern version like the MOMA edition or this black and clear glass set, or even a giant garden set. If you want to spring for luxury (read: expensive) games, visit Luxuo, the British Museum store online (for chess and Mahjong), or Zontik Games (which also offers custom games and pieces) - or buy a collector's edition of her favorite game, like this Monopoly version from Franklin Mint. For a crossword puzzle lover, you can't give a bigger gift than The World's Largest Crossword Puzzle - or go with a more manageable but really cool framed copy of the world's first crossword puzzle plus the personal favorite of the crossword master himself, Will Shortz. If her favorite game has add-ons (like the Apples to Apples expansion set or Cranium booster box), these can also inject new life into her favorite gaming experience.

Premier Wood Scrabble Crossword Game with rotating board (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Retro Version of Game: Retro products are making a comeback, and games are no exception. Game lovers who also enjoy history will especially appreciate these older versions. You can find both original versions of the game (rarer and pricier) and new versions in vintage styles. I love this original retro 1954 Monopoly game and this 1949 Clue edition. Etsy is a great resource for these kinds of items, as are sites like Vintage Game World (which has hundreds of vintage games to choose from) and Vintage Board. For vintage (but new) editions, check out Monopoly Nostalgia (made like the 1957 edition, complete with wooden houses and aged money), Scrabble Retro, Risk Vintage, Sorry Retro, Clue Vintage, and Life Vintage.

Monopoly Nostalgia (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Mini or Travel Edition: Let your gamer have fun on the go with a smaller version of his favorite game. You can find travel games all over the Internet, but Amazon has a great selection. Even smaller versions of some games are available here, and many come in keychain versions that actually work, including Simon Says, Trouble, Sorry!, Battleship, Monopoly, Boggle, Cranium, Connect Four (also available in pen form), Scrabble, Operation, and Rubik's cube. Lots of larger games also come in table top versions, like air hockey, pool (complete with cues, chalk, and a table brush!), and foosball (which also comes in a pocket version).

Connect Four pen (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Game Accessories: Most games come with the basic items required for play, but upgrading your gamer's accessories makes a great gift. Consider dice (see below), a chess clock or storage container, backgammon checkers or dice cups, extra Monopoly money, a deluxe hourglass timer, or a Rubik's Cube stand. Visit The Chess Store, The Backgammon Store, or The Mahjong Store for a complete selection of products for their respective games. If your recipient likes to wager when he plays, he will appreciate a quality set of poker chips, like this World Series of Poker edition or this set that comes in a handy carrying case.

Dice: Every serious gamer deserves to have a premium dice set of his own. If you value quality over quantity, check out these Trademark Poker 19mm A Grade Serialized Set of 6 Casino Dice, available in a variety of colors, or this set with Swarovski crystals in an alligator case. If quantity is more important, go with this Fabulous Las Vegas Dice 200 Piece Set. For a nice, middle of the road version, check out these precision sets in various colors. For a perfect roll every time, throw in a dice tower like this miniature one or this portable version. Top it all off with a dice tray like this luxury version or this more affordable alternative.

Trademark Poker Casino Dice (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Accessories: For a less useful but more interesting gift, consider giving jewelry or accessories made from game pieces. For men, I like cufflinks featuring dice, Four Aces, Monopoly Money Pot Bag Token Pieces, Sudoku grid, Legos, and Scrabble tiles, as well as this Monopoly money tie. If you want a ladies gift, check out this Lego block ring, Scrabble earrings, Scrabble ring, Scrabble necklace, Dominoes necklace, Rubik's Cube necklace, Monopoly tiny house earrings, and Monopoly charm bracelet.

Furniture: For a hardcore game fan, consider giving a piece of furniture or home decoration inspired by his favorite game. A Scrabble lover will appreciate this set of four pillows that look like large playing tiles (available in your choice of letters) or these pillows available individually by letter (spell out his name or a special word). Rubik's Cube addicts will love this coffee table sized version that doubles as a mini storage unit, and these oversized chess pieces will thrill a chess aficionado. For Lego lovers (or anyone who needs storage in a game room), these giant Lego storage boxes are both fun and functional. I also love the Connect Four mirror, Hidden Word Wall Clock, and 6-in-1 game top dresser.

Hidden Word Wall Clock from chiasso (photo courtesy of Amazon)

New Game Like His Favorite: As fun as his favorite games are, sometimes a gamer needs a new experience to spice up game night. If you want to give a new game your gamer is unfamiliar with, either choose one you are personally a fan of (and think he would also enjoy), or look for a game that is the same type as his favorites (logic, individual, group, trivia, etc.) For logic lovers, give a Rubik's Cube in either the original or a more difficult version, or a "mindtwister" game like Pentago. Scrabble lovers will enjoy Scrabble Me (each player has his own board), Scrabble Flash, and Bananagrams (like Scrabble but without the board). Other twists on the classics include Anti-Monopoly (like classic Monopoly but players choose at the outset to play as a monopolistic entity or as a capitalist entity), Yamslam (like poker but without the cards), and Sudoku Cube. If you need some inspiration, visit Game Days, Gift Bee, or Amazon.

Game-Inspired Items: To extend the gaming experience beyond game night, give an item inspired by her favorite game. For chess lovers, there are wall hooks, salt and pepper shakers, and bookends. For Scrabble fans, check out the Scrabble keyring (with a single letter tile) and Scrabble board sketchbook. I also love the Rubik's Cube salt and pepper shakers, Rubik's Cube alarm clock, chips and dice salt and pepper shaker set, Battleship USB hub, "Board Game Expert" mug, and NY Times crossword tray.

Brainteaser Salt And Pepper shakers (photo courtesy of Amazon)

I love finding new games that are fun and challenging. Some of my favorites are BananaGrams, Wits and Wagers, Apples to Apples, Catch Phrase, Guesstures, Scattergories, Taboo, Cranium, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles.

What are your favorite games?

Pinterest invitations!

2011-03-25T15:03:00.000-04:00

If you haven't heard the buzz about Pinterest yet, you will soon. It is one of my new favorite sites and I am a bit obsessed! Pinterest is a place to share your favorite things and view other users' picks. I plan to use Pinterest to share gift suggestions and other (more general) things I like, but also to get inspiration for new gift ideas.

So what is Pinterest? According to their website:

Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.

People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it.

We know you have great taste in something. Our mission is to make Pinterest the best place for you to share your taste with the world.

Pinterest is currently available for everyone to view, but you can only join and begin pinning with an invitation. And guess who has invitations? The first 5 people to email me get one! If you don't get an invitation, you can request one from Pinterest on their homepage (you will be put on a waiting list and emailed when you get an invitation).

If you are already on Pinterest, please follow me and my boards (scGiftGuru) and leave a comment here with your username so I can follow you too! If you want to view my pins, visit pinterest.com/scgiftguru.

Happy pinning!

New Favorite Sites!

2011-03-21T00:14:00.000-04:00

Check out the new additions to my favorite sites at the Favorite Sites tab! Also, follow me on Twitter (@scGiftGuru) for even more site and product recommendations, plus lots of great coupons!

What are your favorite sites that I haven't mentioned?

Blogger's Day of Silence - For Japan With Love

2011-03-17T22:39:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the mini-hiatus from blogging. I promise I will do better...starting on Saturday. Why Saturday? Because tomorrow I am taking part in the Blogger's Day of Silence for Japan. This movement, which is the brainchild of Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours, calls for participating bloggers to refrain from posting anything on Friday, March 18 in order to raise donations for ShelterBox, which has been on the ground from the beginning providing supplies and support to the victims of last week's earthquake and tsunami.

There are two parts to the Day of Silence.
Fundraising:
For Japan With Love has a direct link on the website to their fundraising page for ShelterBox. ShelterBox was one of THE first organizations asked by Japan to help and were on hand on the Saturday after the quake. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.

Please check it out and whatever you can contribute will be so appreciated.

Blogger's Day of Silence:

Anyone that has a blog can help out with this one. The aim is just raise awareness and respect and acknowledge the devastation going on in Japan.

The guidelines are simple.

1. This coming Friday, March 18th, no posts at all on your blog.

2. Please post a blog post about what you will be doing this Friday whenever possible in hopes to spread the word and whoever else would like to join in. You all can check out what Lydia of Ever-Ours did for her’s here or how Utterly Engaged did one here and do it your way if you’d like.

3. Tweet and Re-Tweet the shiznit out of the link to http://www.forjapanwithlove.com please.

4. Encourage your readers to contribute to donate shelter to Japan.

Whatever anyone can contribute will be appreciated. Every little bit helps.

Please consider donating to ShelterBox to help with their ongoing relief efforts in Japan, and keep the Japanese people in your thoughts and prayers.

Until Saturday,

March Sales and Discounts!

2011-03-02T11:16:00.001-05:00

Happy March! In my part of the country, the sun is shining and flip-flips are starting to emerge from the back of closets. I hope you are enjoying equally wonderful weather! Before you head outside and soak up some rays, check out these great deals and stock up on gifts for the coming months (remember that St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, and Father's Day are just around the corner!).

Weddings

Save big at the Wedding Channel Store's 3 day sale, running until Wednesday, March 2. Take up to 75% off site-wide plus 15% off your total with code WC3D15.
The Knot is offering 25% off a year subscription to Wedding Tracker, which helps you build the ultimate wedding website! Use code AFF25.
The Knot is also having a sale (up to 65% off!) on wedding favors this week, as well as offering $10 off purchases of $50+ with code TKMAR10.
Save 15% off $125+ at Exclusively Weddings with code TAFSPRNG through March 31.

Personalized Gifts

Get free standard shipping when you spend $25+ (through March 31) and save 10% on your entire purchase (through March 15) at Personal Creations. Spend $49+ and save 25% on your whole order (through March 15).
Save $30 on orders of $135+ at Red Envelope and get free shipping when you spend $70+, both through March 31. Also take 20% off all jewelry orders.
Take 12% off at Canvas on Demand (code: CODGAN0311) and Great Big Canvas (code GBCGAN0311) through March 31. Both sites transform your pictures into art, which would be a great gift for photographers (among others)!

Television

Get free shipping when you spend $49+ at The History Channel, A&E, and Bio with code AFFSHIP49, and take 20% off women's history titles.
Take 15% off The Office from NBC with code NBC15CJ (through March 31) and get free shipping when you spend $100+ with code FREESHIP.
Save 15% on any purchase from CBS through March 7 with code 15OFFCBS.
Get $5 off your order of $30+ and free shipping on all orders at Shop the Shows with code 5OFF30.

Miscellaneous

Spend $99+ and get free shipping from Hammacher Schlemmer with code HSMRCHFS.
Get free shipping and a gift worth $25 (hand therapy + lip butter) when you spend $75+ at Crabtree & Evelyn, plus buy one lip butter get one 50% off and get 2 select hand care products for $25, all through March 7.
Take an extra 15% off and get free shipping on all orders at Samsonite with code WINTER15 (through March 7).
Take 20% off and get free shipping from Linens 'N Things through March 8 with code MARCH20.
Mac Connection is having their biggest Apple sale of the season - check out their lowest prices of the year!
Get an extra 20% off and free shipping on orders of $100+ at eBags.
Get free shipping with code FREESHIP30 when you spend $30+ at Melissa & Doug through March 3, and save 35% anytime.

Don't forget to follow Gift Giving Guru on Twitter (@scgiftguru) for more deals and product recommendations!

For the political junkie

2011-02-21T15:05:00.000-05:00

You've probably heard that you should never discuss religion or politics, and that certainly is good advice for new and casual acquaintances. But having been a political science and religion double major in college, I've often found it difficult to completely avoid these topics that occupy so much of my time. For today, I'm ignoring the rules and talking politics 100%. If you know someone like me, who keeps up with politics like its her job or watches C-SPAN for fun, this post is for you. Everyone knows there are plenty of humorous and parody political products on the market, but what about a more serious gift for a serious political junkie?

When buying for a political buff, be wary of anything too partisan. Even if you know where your recipient stands on the political spectrum, you can't go wrong with a non-partisan gift. Your ultra-liberal recipient might love a parody doll of Dubya, but his wife might find it offensive and his kids might learn that the Presidency is only good for a laugh. However, if you are beyond certain that your recipient will appreciate a partisan gift (and your relationship is close enough to make such a gift appropriate), be sure to use discretion if you choose a politically charged present. When in doubt, it is better to be safe than sorry, and this goes double for politics!

In honor of President's Day, here are some ideas for the political junkies in your life:

The West Wing: The West Wing is TV at its finest and a must-have for any political junkie. Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Rob Lowe, and Bradley Whitford are just a few of the great actors in the series, which takes place over the course of a two-term presidency. I recommend springing for the complete series (which comes in a super cool dossier), but if you have to pick a single season, you can't beat the first one.

The West Wing: The Complete Series Collection (DVD) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Presidential Memoirs and Biographies: As I've said before, regardless of political persuasion, presidential memoirs are a rare and unique look into one of the world's most exclusive, demanding, and private jobs. Even hatred for a particular president can't overshadow the opportunity to delve into the mind of the world's most powerful person. Most presidents have memoirs, including Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Biographies are another great source of inside information about presidents, and although they may include fewer personal anecdotes, they have the benefit of being told by an outside source who can provide some perspective and criticism. Don't just stick to the US - most world leaders have memoirs and biographies that give this same insight, including Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Golda Meir, Charles de Gaulle, and Tony Blair. Whether your political junkie prefers life overviews, war accounts, or leadership guides, you can find plenty of books to satisfy her curiosity.

Miniature Figures: If your political junkie enjoys displaying his love of politics at home or in the office, a replica doll might be just the thing. You can find stationary versions, bobble heads, and parodies, but my favorites come from Jailbreak Toys. They offer Barack and Michelle Obama, Mahatma Gandhi, Che Guevara, and Mao Zedong individually, along with a revolutionaries collection with Che, Mao, Gandhi, and Malcolm X (the old version also included Lenin). They also offer various other historical figures and collections of writers, artists, and scientists.

Little Giants Revolutionaries (L to R: Gandhi, Che, Malcolm X, Mao) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Political Books: There is certainly no shortage of political literature, and new books are published weekly, meaning that you have a constant flow of gift possibilities for a politico who enjoys reading. For the latest books, just check the NY Times bestseller list or the displays at your local bookstore. However, there is a good chance that your recipient doesn't have every older political text, so here are a few suggestions if you want to avoid the latest (and likely quite partisan) books. My number one recommendation to anyone remotely interested in politics is Thomas Goldstein's The Lexus and the Olive Tree, which provides a comprehensive look at globalization and how the world came to face our current political issues. Every political junkie should own classics like Plato's Republic and Rousseau's The Social Contract. If you want some humor mixed in, look at Stephen Colbert's I Am America (And So Can You!) and Jon Stewart's Earth (The Book): A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race, or pick up a book of political cartoons like The New Yorker Book of Political Cartoons or American Political Cartoons, 1754-2010. For Supreme Court fans, you can't beat The Nine, The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States, or any book written by a former justice (I am partial to O'Connor's The Majesty of the Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice). For a more global perspective, consider Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century or The Post-American World. And for a general overview of American politics, choose Politics in America or The Almanac of American Politics.

Vintage Paraphernalia: If your political junkie appreciates historical items, consider giving a vintage political gift like a pin, poster, signature, or flown flag. The place to start is definitely Legacy Americana, which specializes in American historical and political memorabilia, including one of a kind and limited edition items like this Order of the Procession given to mourners at Lincoln's private funeral (one of only a few remaining copies and the only one on the market in recent times) and March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom button from the 1963 rally (just like the one worn by Martin Luther King, Jr. when he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech). Next, visit USA.gov, which links to many different agency gift shops and offers items like flags flown over the US Capitol (which are also available here, with flown state flags offered on various sites). You may also have some luck finding memorabilia on Ebay and Etsy or through a quick Internet search.

Sandra Day O'Connor Autograph (dated 12/18/1994) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Subscription to a Political Publication: The one thing a political junkie needs to feed her addiction is political news. Don't be afraid to be an enabler - a subscription to a political journal or magazine like the Harvard Political Review or Newsweek makes a great gift. If your recipient prefers to get her fix in electronic form, go for an online source such as The New York Times or The Cook Political Report.

Games: Although political junkies are often thought to be stuffy and uptight, I can assure you that they will enjoy these games featuring a political element. For casual games to play among a gathering of friends, Loaded Questions: Political Party and Politico are great choices. For more prolonged and individual games, let your recipient run her own political campaign with computer games like President Forever and The Political Machine. President Forever lets the user run presidential and congressional campaigns, with add-ons available for state races and foreign elections too (available in UK, German, Canadian, and Australian

versions, with a 2012 US election version expected soon). The Political Machine is similar, but with fewer candidate options and more political speech opportunities.

Intellectual Devotional: The Intellectual Devotional series provides a bite-sized dose of education on a different subject each day of the week. For the political fan, pick up the American History (book or audio) or Biographies (book only) edition. Also available in original (various topics), modern culture, and health editions.

The Intellectual Devotional: American History (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Great Speeches: Political milestones often come in the form of great speeches from political leaders, but unfortunately, most political gurus didn't get to witness these orators for themselves. Give him the next best thing with a collection of history's great speeches. You can find lots of speech collections, but the most comprehensive for recent years is the Great Speeches of the 20th Century series (CD), available in Vol. 1 (Presidential Addresses), Vol. 2 (The New Frontier), and Vol. 3 (Dreams and Realities). Also check out Great Speeches of 20th Century, Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History, The World's Great Speeches (4th Ed.), The Greatest Speeches of All-Time Box Set (DVD), and Great Speeches of our Time (book). If you want to stick with a single orator, you can find collections of speeches by Churchill, Ronald Reagan (Vol. I and Vol. II), and Lincoln, among others.

Picture or Print: Pictures and prints of political institutions or events make a great memento for political buffs. You can find plenty of great photos of Washington landmarks (both in their current and historical forms) like the White House, the US Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the monuments (online gift shops are a great place to find these kinds of prints). Pictures of historical spots like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell also make inspirational gifts. I also love Aaron Foster's Fifty States One Union print, which features state license plates in the shape of that state (you can get an authentic version here if you have $4500 to spare) There are lots of great prints like copies of historical documents (link: US Constitution) and enlarged political cartoons, but my favorites come from the Visual History series. These prints from Timeplots give a visual history of various American political institutions, including the American Presidency, the Senate, the Supreme Court, the Democratic Party, and the Republican Party. They would look great on a wall and provide your politico with a new source of knowledge about her favorite US government branch.

A Visual History of the United States Supreme Court (photo courtesy of Amazon)

What are your favorite political gifts?

Good luck to bar takers!

2011-02-20T19:54:00.000-05:00

Those of you not in the legal field may think this is just another week coming up, but you would be wrong. It is actually the week that aspiring lawyers (including a few blog readers) will pray their way to convention centers across the country, spend days trying to show bar examiners how much law they were able to cram in their brains, and then settle in for several excruciating months of wondering if their names will appear on the list of bar passers (which, by the way, appear online for the world to see).

If you know someone who is taking a bar exam this week, send some positive vibes and encouragement their way. But make sure you are as unintrusive as possible and communicate in a way that won't disrupt their concentration - text messages, tweets, and Facebook messages are great, while phone calls and visits should be avoided at all costs (unless the bar taker initiates contact, of course). And if you need a last-minute gift for a bar examinee in your life, check out my previous post on gifts for the exam-taker.

Best of luck to everyone taking a bar this week! Trust your studying, trust yourself, and remember that it will be over soon!

Weekend Deals

2011-02-20T09:57:00.000-05:00

Here are a few deals for your weekend and President's Day shopping:

Barnes & Noble is offering bestsellers for only $3.99 each along with free shipping! Click here.
Save up to 60% during the President's Day sale at The History Channel, A&E, and Bio through February 25, 2011
Get free shipping on orders of $150+ from Cabela's with code 2WSHIP through March 1, 2011
Take 20% off any order at Red Envelope and get free shipping when you spend $49+
Get $5 off orders of $25 when you sign up for emails from Discovery Store, and get free shipping when you spend $75+ with code FREESHIP
Save $5 on TOMS Youth shoes with code KIDS5
Get 20% off and free shipping on all orders at Linens 'N Things with code PR20! (expires February 21, 2011)
Get 35% off and free shipping from Melissa and Doug educational toys

Personal Creations deals

2011-02-16T15:30:00.000-05:00

Personal Creations is offering some great discounts until March 2, 2011. Visit them for a variety of personalized gifts for any recipient or occasion - they have some unique gifts that would be perfect for a wedding, shower, or graduation!

Use this coupon for 20% off any order.
Free standard shipping on over 2000 personalized gifts under $20 with this link.
Take $30 off personalized Easter orders of $99 or more with this coupon (expires February 22, 2011).

Free Shipping Codes!

2011-02-14T09:15:00.002-05:00

Here are some free shipping offers from a few of my favorite sites:

Zazzle: spend $50 or more, code FREESHIPFORU (expires March 31, 2011)
Barnes & Noble: free 3 day shipping when you spend $25
The History Channel, A&E, Lifetime, and Bio: orders of $39+ with code FREESHIP39 until February 15, 2011; after the 15th, spend $59 and use code FREESHIP59
HBO: $59+ with code FREESHIP59
Crabtree & Evelyn: spend $65, use this coupon
Discovery Channel: spend $75 and use code FREESHIP
AbeBooks: no minimum purchase!
Kitchen Source: use this coupon when you spend $100

New Twitter Account!

2011-02-14T09:13:00.001-05:00

Follow the Gift Guru on Twitter @scGiftGuru for even more deals, gift recommendations, and favorite sites! If you don't have a Twitter account, sign up here!

Page updates

2011-02-12T13:00:00.002-05:00

Check out new updates to the Favorite Sites page! If I haven't included your favorite site, comment below or email me!

For the globetrotter (memories)

2011-02-11T11:22:00.000-05:00

By this time, you have equipped your globetrotter with everything he needs for his next trip - essentials, gadgets, and miscellaneous items. But what about those travelers who already have all of these things, or who aren't traveling anytime soon? For them, consider items that commemorate their travels and bring back memories of their world jaunts.

Although you don't have to worry as much about space constraints here as you do with other travel items, make sure your recipient has the space to display your gift and the desire to have it. That is, don't give cufflinks to a man who doesn't own a suit and avoid a large map or piece of art for someone in a rented space who can't put anything on the walls. Other than these considerations, use your imagination - it's hard to go wrong with anything that reminds your globetrotter of his trips or favorite destinations.

Here are some final (for awhile) suggestions for the traveler on your list:

Traveler Map: This product is listed first for a reason - it is the perfect gift for any and every traveler. I received this map a few years ago and it has been one of my favorite possessions ever since. The original version (and the one I have) is a world map, but there are also US, kid's US, and European editions (along with maps for US golf courses, national parks, and baseball stadiums and country maps for France, Germany, Italy, and the UK). Each map comes with a personalized nameplate and pins to mark past travels, dream destinations, favorite spots, and the next planned trip. There are plenty of other maps you can personalize, but this is my favorite by far. For any serious traveler, buy an extra set or two of pins so she doesn't run out. You can buy from the original manufacturer, Stone Arch Merchants, but a number of other stores sell them as well. This world map mural (wall sized and laminated for easy writing and erasing) and scratch off world map (a colorful world map covered with scratch-off foil) are also neat options.

World Traveler Map (photo courtesy of Stone Arch Merchants)

Jewelry: For a globetrotter who regularly wears jewelry and accessories, an upcycled or original piece is a great travel memento. For women, look for rings and necklaces; for men, consider cufflinks or a tie clip. Repurposed transit tokens from major cities make unique gifts - you can find them fashioned into cufflinks (link: choice of Boston, New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, or Chicago), rings (link: Boston), and necklaces (link: Philadelphia). Many stores also offer cufflinks made from original (link: Vatican) and handpainted (link: South Korea) coins or featuring city manhole covers (link: various locations), flags (link: South Africa), and signature items (link: UK red phonebooth). Many tie bars also feature country flags, like these Irish and UK versions. For a personalized option, consider cufflinks or a necklace with a custom map location. Choose one of your traveler's favorite destinations or special places, such as a honeymoon spot or vacation home. You can find pre-made and custom pieces in several Etsy stores - my favorites are this cufflink and necklace set (perfect for newlyweds with their honeymoon destination) and these custom black and white cufflinks.

Handpainted bronze Australian coins - many of these coins were removed from circulation and used in the bronze medals for the 2000 Sydney Olympics (photo courtesy of Cufflinks Depot)

Collectibles: For a traveler with space to display items, think about giving a small decoration or two that reminds her of a favorite destination or spot. Consider country or city symbols or mottos, famous landmarks, and classic representations of a place (like a double decker bus or red phone booth for London). I like this Arc de Triomphe stamp, New York map handkerchief, and these Paris map playing cards. One of my favorite products is the city-in-a-bag series, shown below, that includes several miniature representations of the city. Check out MUJI for more great selections and ideas.

City in a Bag Tokyo (also available in New York, Paris, and London) (photo courtesy of MUJI)

Replica double decker bus (photo courtesy of London Transport Museum)

Photos: Travelers always have lots of pictures from their travels and would love some help getting them into a tangible format. For globetrotters using digital cameras, give credits or a gift card that allows him to print out his photos. I use Shutterfly for my travel pics, which offers three prepaid plans of 4x6 prints - $54 for 600 prints, $44 for 400 prints, and $20 for 200 prints. They also offer other products made from your traveler's photos, including books, coasters, calendars, and puzzles. If he uses a film camera, give him a gift certificate to get his film developed. If he already has his pictures printed but needs a way to display them, give him a gift certificate for a local craft store where he can get frames, such as Hobby Lobby.

Art and Maps: An interesting and quality piece of art is a great reminder of traveling. Think framed pictures (like this Eiffel Tower construction progression), paintings (maybe a reproduction print of a piece he saw during his travels), or sketches (a favorite city landmark is nice). Also consider maps of a favorite destination - you could get a modern version or find an antique map of the area, or frame a map of the city's subway. Etsy sellers bananastrudel and OldMapsandPrints have some great authentic vintage maps at very reasonable prices. For a unique twist on a traditional map, I love Etsy seller studiokmo's handmade city maps - especially her original mapcuts (link: various cities including Singapore, London, Paris, Berlin, and Sydney), original ink drawings (link: Melbourne), and mapcut designs printed on stretched canvas (link: Dublin) and heavyweight paper (link: Amsterdam). Here are some more of my favorites: London and Paris paper cut prints, framed original London Tube and bus destination blinds, world map memo board, city map plates, and country dish towels.

Original 1902 map of western Austria-Hungary (photo courtesy of Etsy seller bananastrudel)

Globe: Every globetrotter needs a nice globe for reminders of her travels and quick reference when planning future trips. You can find globes all across the price spectrum, but don't feel like you have to spend big for a quality globe. National Geographic has a classic quality version for $99, and Amazon has lots of great globes for much less (search "desk globe"), including perpetual motion globes in a variety of colors (they complete a full rotation every 18 seconds, powered by a hidden battery) for as low as $17.77. Of course, you could go for a more expensive model like this Frank Lloyd Wright floor globe ($800) designed by the architect himself or this Lead Crystal Everest Globe made from crystal and billed as "the world's finest globe" ($8000).

National Geographic's classic non-illuminated desk globe (photo courtesy of National Geographic)

Shower Curtain: This suggestion may seem somewhat random, but I have long been a fan of these shower curtains that help you learn a new language. Each curtain includes 100 English words and their translations (and pronunciations for Japanese and Chinese) and comes in Spanish, French, Japanese, Italian, German, and Chinese). You might also consider this world map shower curtain or this photo shower curtain with pockets for photos, cards, and small trinkets - what great way for your traveler to start every morning!

Spanish shower curtain with English and Spanish words (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Dining Experience: One of the best ways to recreate a travel experience at home is through food. Take your globetrotter to a local restaurant that serves cuisine from one of her favorite destinations or make her an authentic meal at home. Check out Saveur and the World Hearth Recipe Collection for recipe ideas and Urban Spoon for nearby restaurants.

Travel Box: Serious travelers have lots of mementos from past adventures and inspirations for future journeys, and these items deserve a place of their own. Also called a hope/dream chest or memory/keepsake/heirloom box, this provides a special (and organized) place for your globetrotter to keep ticket stubs, old passports, postcards, brochures, and travel articles. You can go as large or small as you want, but remember that a tiny box isn't going to allow much room for dreaming. Find any kind of box you think will inspire your recipient - my favorites are wooden, but you can get any material with as little or as much decoration and color as you see fit. Take a look at this heirloom box made of reclaimed wood, vintage wooden travel box with leather strap closure, and custom heirloom chest with your choice of calligraphy text to get you started.

Reclaimed wood heirloom box (it reminds me of a treasure chest!) (photo courtesy of Etsy seller artisanwoodcraft)

Map Chair: I've featured this product before but it is well-worth mentioning again. This decoupage chair is custom-made by Etsy seller Bombus (who also makes the atlas journal mentioned in the previous post) in your choice of map - choose a city, country, or the world! It is a true piece of art and makes a great conversation piece for any devoted traveler.

Map chair featuring London (photo courtesy of Bombus)

What are your favorite items to remind you of traveling?

For the globetrotter (miscellaneous)

2011-02-05T15:57:00.000-05:00

So you've gotten your traveler the essentials and loaded her down with all the gadgets she could need. Now it's time to round out your list with the miscellaneous items every globetrotter needs to make her trip spectacular. These items are the ones your traveler might be able to do without but will enjoy having in his bag.

When buying these kinds of items, again remember that your globetrotter has to carry each item with him on the road. Therefore, you should buy compact versions whenever possible and make sure it is an item that will actually be useful. Don't be afraid to give cash or prepaid debit/credit cards - travelers are always encountering unexpected expenses and can use the cash to buy any items they need on the road.

Here are some suggestions to help you round out your traveler's packing list:

Travel Journal: Any semi-serious traveler enjoys recording his journeys while on the road. Sure, a plain marbled cover notebook will do, but it just doesn't inspire writing the same way a unique journal does. There are as many journals available as there are travelers, and you can certainly find the perfect fit for any one of them. Try to find a version with some type of closure, like an elastic band, a string, or a clasp, because journals are a great place to stick loose papers and receipts to keep them organized. If your traveler has an artsy streak, consider a journal with blank pages; otherwise, go with lined pages. My current favorite journals feature recycled map covers - you can get a pre-made design or choose your own destination map for the cover (thanks to W for mine - can't wait to use them!). Check out this France journal, atlas journal, map cover journal, map journal with elastic closure, track your travels journal, and leather spine journal, all from Etsy. I also love this journal with travel quotes inside and banded closure (which I received as a gift from my roomie O and took on my first European jaunt - thanks O!) and this leather journal with a tie strap. If you need an all-weather solution, check out this waterproof journal from Firebox, which works with a pencil or all-weather pen and is made from recyclable paper.

Travel map journal with ruled paper, elastic closure, and envelope pockets (shown with a Chicago cover) (photo courtesy of CourtneyGoromboly)

Convertible Tote: Try as they may, globetrotters often don't know the exact kind or size bag they will need until they need it. Preempt any luggage mini-crises with a convertible tote or bag that becomes exactly what your traveler needs it to be. For women, I like this convertible tote/purse from Uncommon Goods that can be an original tote, a boat tote, or a doctor's bag. For men, I would choose this Timbuk2 bag that alternates between a messenger bag and a backpack.

Convertible tote bag from Uncommon Goods (photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods)

Books Related to a Destination: Travelers enjoy learning about their destination before they arrive and reading books set in the same place they are visiting. Photo collections are great, as are classics like The Three Musketeers (Paris) and contemporary novels like Nelson Mandela's autobiography Long Walk to Freedom (South Africa) or The Beach (Thailand).
Sleep Sack: These days people are leery about hotel beds, and with good reason. To alleviate some of the tension, many travelers use a sleep sack, which is basically a regular sheet folded in half and sewn together. It is like a sleeping bag but much lighter, often made of cotton or silk. I like this one from Uncommon Goods, which is silk with a pillow pocket and folds to the size of a popsicle. Amazon also sells cotton and silk versions.

The DreamSack from Uncommon Goods (photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods)

Map: Most hotels and tourist offices offer free city maps, but these aren't always the best or easiest to use. If your traveler will be spending several days in one place or driving between locations, a nice map makes a great gift. Be sure that the map is in your traveler's native language and complete with street names and attractions, but is small enough to fit into a pocket. Streetwise Maps are best for urbanites - they are laminated and include both street and subway maps. International Travel Maps are better for those traveling around a country, especially by car, because they include regional maps and larger-scale features like national parks, airports, border crossings, and railways, in addition to streets and highways.

Streetwise Maps (shown: Zurich) are available for many major world cities and regions (photo courtesy of Amazon)

First Aid Kit: Every traveler needs a well-stocked first aid kit to prevent and treat any health issues on the road. You can make your own, but I recommend buying one that's already assembled (this is cheaper and saves you the hassle of trying to fit everything into a small space). A good first aid kit for travelers to urban areas and developed nations should include basic over-the-counter medicine (pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrheals, cold/sinus relief, and benadryl), band-aids (in a variety of sizes), anti-bacterial cream and wipes, tweezers, anti-itch cream, eye drops, gloves, gauze, and first aid tape. For anyone venturing to less-developed areas or anywhere without ready access to adequate health facilities, consider including more powerful medication like anti-malaria pills, water purifying tablets, and antibiotics or anti-viral tablets (your traveler may need to procure some of these items on her own from her doctor, and thus may find cash more useful). An Epi-Pen is also essential for anyone with significant allergies, regardless of her destination, but is available only with a prescription. Anyone who insists on traveling to a location experiencing a health epidemic (like I did when I went to Europe during the H1N1 outbreak - no pig flu was going to get between me and Paris!) may need to carry the treatment with her in case it is in short supply or exorbitantly priced at the destination. Again, a prescription is likely needed and thus cash would be helpful.

Adventure Medical Kits World Travel Medical and First Aid Kit(photo courtesy of Amazon)

Travel Games: Even the most engaged travelers get bored sometimes on the road. A fun travel game can be the perfect cure for a rainy afternoon, a long train ride, or a sleepless night. Choose a game that has wide appeal so that your traveler has a better chance of finding someone to play with him on the road and he won't get bored after playing once. A deck of cards is a must for any traveler taking a backpacking route, and lots of games have travel versions. Some classics are Travel Battleship, Travel Connect Four, Travel Scrabble, 12 in 1 travel Magnetic Games, and Travel Guess Who. There are also plenty of newer games available, such as Would You Rather?, Bananagrams, Apples To Apples, and travel bingo.

Travel Battleship (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Language Instruction: A globetrotter who is planning a visit to somewhere small like Luxembourg probably doesn't need to know Luxembourgish before her trip - the population widely speaks English as well as French and German and, unless she plans to spend a significant amount of time there, she won't get much use out of a language only spoken in one small country. However, someone taking a 6 month tour of Central and South America would find Spanish lessons very helpful. Consider a home instruction program like Rosetta Stone (more comprehensive) or Pimsleur (quicker), a teach-yourself book, or a voucher for a class at a local college. But before you buy, make sure your traveler is actually interested in learning the language and not planning to rely on a translation device or just wing it.

Rosetta Stone offers up to 5 levels of instruction in 31 languages (Spanish Level 1 shown) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Hard Rock Cafe Membership: Some travelers will want to shoot me for even mentioning such an American experience in the same sentence as traveling, but I am doing it anyway. I collect Hard Rock t-shirts from the cities I visit (and pick up pins for friends), I like the food, and sometimes I just need a break from trying to convey to my server (in another language) that I am allergic to shellfish. If you are shopping for a traveler like me, consider giving a Hard Rock membership. It is only $25 for a permanent membership and includes preferred seating at HR cafes, room upgrades and late check-ins at HR hotels and casinos, $20 in rewards for HR merchandise, and a year-long subscription to Rolling Stone magazine. Every time the card holder makes a purchase at an HR location (including the gift shop), he earns reward points that he can later redeem like cash at HR locations. I bought a membership in Berlin along with meal, a shirt, and pin, and had already earned a $15 credit that I used in Madrid. It is well worth the $25 if you think your traveler might visit a HR location on this or any upcoming travels.
Gift Basket: If you want to give multiple items or none of these suggestions seem appealing, a gift basket is a great choice. You could include the small but much-appreciated items that travelers depend on, such as toilet seat covers, hand sanitizer, toilet paper rolls, shampoo/conditioner/soap, sunscreen, bug spray, TSA-approved plastic bags, laundry detergent, and lotion (all travel-sized, of course). If your globetrotter doesn't have a cell phone that makes international calls, throw in a good old fashioned phone card or Skype credit. Top it all off with a magazine or puzzle book, chewing gum, and earplugs, and you have a perfect way to say bon voyage.

What are your favorite random items for traveling?

For the globetrotter (gadgets)

2011-02-02T23:00:00.000-05:00

Now that you have equipped your globetrotter with the essentials for her trip, it's time to move on to the gadgets that will make her adventures safer and more enjoyable. Most gadgets are available in a variety of price points, so you can find something great regardless of your budget.

When buying gadgets, keep in mind that your traveler has to carry them while he is on the road. Opt for lighter items with longer battery life, but make sure they are hardy enough to withstand some squishing and dropping. Also, take inventory of what your recipient already has - smartphone owners likely don't need a GPS device, and a fluent speaker of the destination's language won't have much use for a pocket translator.

Here are some suggestions to get you started down the path of perfect travel gadgets:
Netbook: Many travelers, especially those still in their backpacking years, don't consider a vacation to include a break from the internet. They still want to blog, Facebook, tweet, and look up information and directions on the road. A netbook is a great gift for such a person, as it gives her what she needs without weighing her down or taking up much precious packing space. This 7 inch iView model is only $138 on Amazon, and a protective Case Logic sleeve is $8.95.

Personal Tracker: Though this certainly isn't a necessity, it is pretty cool for avid travelers. Your traveler stashes a tracking device like the TrackStick Mini GPS Tracking System somewhere on his person and it tracks his route, which he uploads upon returning to his computer. It also allows for retracing routes, geotagging pictures, and marking favorite spots.

Trackstick Mini (photo courtesy of Amazon)

eReader: This is a space-saving essential for a globetrotting bookworm. The most popular versions are Amazon's Kindle and Barnes and Noble's nook, although there are plenty others available. If you really want to dazzle your traveler, splurge for an iPad, which includes an ereader along with lots of other handy travel features and apps.

Wedge Door Alarm: Travelers can find themselves in a variety of accommodations while on the road, and some are safer than others. To ensure that your globetrotter is safe in any environment, consider giving a portable door wedge with a built in alarm to halt any nighttime intruders. My favorite product is the Ila wedge, which emits a 130 decibel shriek and stops the door's progress (Ila also makes other great travel safety products, including the personal alarm that attaches to a bag or belt loop). You can find similar products on Amazon, such as this one from Neewer and this one from GE.

ila wedge door alarm (photo courtesy of ila security)

BHEESTIE Bag: No matter how careful your traveler is with her electronics, accidents happen and gadgets can suffer. The BHEESTIE Bag solves many water-related accidents - it sucks the moisture out of wet electronics and can be a saving grace for anyone who relies on gadgets while traveling. It can be used to solve problems of humidity, sweat, rain, and submersion (in some cases). Check out the website here for more information.

Noise-canceling Headphones: These are essential for anyone who frequently uses public transportation. They aren't as cheap as regular headphones, but you get what you pay for - and who can put a price on peace and quiet? I like Brookstone's compact version and this folding set from Philips. You can also get noise-canceling earbuds, such as this Philips version.

Philips HN060/37 Noise-Canceling Earbuds ($29.99) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Pocket Translator: If your traveler has a smartphone or iPod touch, they probably have a built in or downloaded translator and don't need a separate device. For everyone else, however, pocket translators are still very handy and make a great gift. Be sure to choose one with a variety of languages, like this one with 12 languages, so your recipient can use it around the world.

GPS: This is another item that someone with a smartphone (and possibly an iPad or iPod touch, depending on internet connectivity) doesn't need, but everyone else probably does. Sure, your traveler can use a paper map to navigate (this is my personal preference when traveling), but a GPS device provides support when he wants to go off the grid, lacks a decent map, or encounters construction detours. It is also a good choice for travelers who prefer rural settings over cities or who travel to countries with different alphabets (to avoid having to play match-the-symbols to navigate the city). This Garmin nuvi has a widescreen and bluetooth technology for only $110.

Water Bottle Filter: One thing every traveler knows is that a surefire way to derail her vacation is to neglect proper hydration. But constantly buying drinks gets expensive in a hurry and tap water is unsafe in many places in the world. Solve this problem for your recipient with a water bottle filter like this one from Bobble, which fits inside a regular-sized bottle and comes in lots of fun colors.

The Water Bobble, available in red, black, green, and blue, will last for 2 months of regular use before the filter needs replacing (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Solar Charger: Powering electronics on the road is no traveler's favorite activity, but a solar charger can make the job a little easier. A model like the Brunton Solaris 12 uses sunlight to power phones, GPS devices, laptops, and cameras, and can be very useful when outlets are in short supply or nonexistent.

12 watt version of the Brunton Solaris (photo courtesy of Amazon)

What are your favorite gadgets to take on your travels?

For the globetrotter (basics)

2011-01-27T08:54:00.000-05:00

To some people, travel is an activity - it's what happens on their annual two weeks of vacation and provides a nice break from everyday life. For others, travel is a passion. It's what gets their blood flowing, occupies their daydreams, and tempts them to quit their day jobs. If they aren't traveling, they are researching destinations and planning their next trip. Many of their conversations mention travel and they are the unofficial travel agent for their friends who are planning a trip. These hardcore globetrotters are easy to identify and even easier to buy for - that is, once you get inside their minds.

That's where the Gift Guru comes in. I am an unabashed travel-oholic and am here to help you shop for your recipients who share my disease. Rule #1: no matter what gadget or luggage you find, there is no better gift than travel itself. Travel is what we crave, and if you have the means to make it happen, please do. Travel is a great gift for a graduates (especially from college or post-graduate school), newlyweds, retirees, and those celebrating anniversaries. If you can't give a whole trip (which is very understandable), consider giving something toward their next adventure (see below for specific ideas).

When giving to globetrotters, there are a few things to be aware of. First, if you are giving all or part of a trip, make sure it is something your recipient will enjoy and can actually use. If she is planning a trip to a remote part of Africa, a voucher for a week at the Ritz won't help much. Second, assess your traveler's personal inclinations and habits when traveling. Does he follow his guidebook and stay on the tourist path or explore the area on his own to discover local gems? Does she spend time with locals and try signature dishes or find the most American food in town and sit alone at the bar? Does he party all night and sleep until noon, or rise at dawn and go for a run? Does she take hundreds of photographs a day or spend the afternoon reading in the park? Answering these kind of questions will help point you to the perfect gift and keep you away from a largely useless one. Finally, no matter how cool you think it would be to arrange all of her travel tickets and luggage tags into a collage, make sure you have her permission to use her stuff before you do anything with it. Travelers are very picky about their gear and mementos, and what you think would be a great surprise could turn out to be a gift fiasco for the ages. I don't say that to imply that travelers are hard to please (just the opposite actually), but to caution you against using your recipient's personal property without his permission (this is a good rule for all gift-giving, not just globetrotters).

Because there are so many great gifts for travelers, I will do several travel posts, each focused on different types of travel presents. Today we will look at basic travel gifts, followed later by gadgets, home mementos, and miscellaneous (but tres fabulous) items. Whether you are shopping for a twenty-something backpacker or a VIP octogenarian, here are some ideas to help you make their next trip unforgettable:

Trip or credit: As I said, the best gift for a traveler is travel itself. If you can't give the whole trip, consider giving a gift certificate or voucher for a hotel or a booking site like Expedia or Travelocity. Frequent flyer miles and hotel rewards points that your recipient could use would also make a great gift. Another great gift is a nice meal or activity at their destination. Many major restaurants and museums allow you to buy entrance tickets or meal credit online. Just ask your recipient about his plans for his next trip or search for activities or restaurants for a known destination to get some ideas. Finally, if he is a first-time traveler or visiting a destination that requires additional entrance documents, you could give cash or a voucher to allow him to purchase a passport or visa.
Luggage: Most seasoned travelers already have luggage but may be in the market for a new or replacement piece, and new travelers probably need some durable and reliable gear. The type of travel is key here - rolling suitcases are great for more stationary trips, whereas backpacks are better for younger travelers who frequently move around. I prefer Kelty bags, and own the Red Cloud 6650 and Kelty Hawkeye Pack (I swear by them both). If it's a carry-on suitcase you need, consider the Balanzza Truco Carry-on, which separates into 3 compartments to allow you to fit it into whatever space you have (specifically, into airplane carry-on compartments). For a traveler with lots of waiting time, take a look at Zuca Sport Wheeled Luggage that includes a seat on top capable of holding 300 pounds.

Balanzza Truco carry-on (photo courtesy of TechnaBob.com)

Zuca Sport Pro (photo courtesy of Overstock)

Camera and/or accessories: A good camera is essential for documenting travels and preserving memories. Most travelers choose to go digital - instant pictures, no film to worry about, and much easier to carry around. If your recipient already has a camera she likes, you could get accessories like extra batteries or chargers, bigger memory cards, a carrying case, or a different lens (like wide-angle or fisheye). A tripod is also a great gift - you could get a traditional three-legged model, but there are also plenty of smaller, more travel-friendly options. Some of my favorites are the original Gorillapod, the magnetic Gorillapod, and the water bottle tripod. If your recipient likes to video her travels, consider a video camera or a digital camera with video capabilities (most have the capacity for short video, but quality and length of recording time vary).

Original Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (photo courtesy of Think Geek)

Water bottle tripod (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Guidebooks: Most travelers (except the most hardcore ones) usually consult a guidebook when visiting a new place, but guidebooks aren't cheap when you're buying ten a year. A print version like a Lonely Planet guide is useful for everyone, but travelers with smartphones or e-readers can also use electronic guides like apps or e-books. If you want to give a guidebook but don't know your traveler's personal preferences (or even her next destination), you can always give a gift card and let her buy her own.
iPod touch: Some people might not consider this a travel basic, but I will never again leave home without mine. The iPod touch is essentially an iPhone without the phone or worldwide internet access. However, it has Wi-Fi, so you can use it anywhere there is an internet connection. It also has access to Apple apps (including many of the guidebooks mentioned above, city guides, and even subway and bus maps), a camera, a translator, a calculator, music, videos, and games. The new versions are capable of video chat, making a quick call home very simple and cheap. It comes in 8GB ($209.99), 32GB ($274.99), and 64GB ($364.95) models.
Passport cover/travel wallet: Nice versions of these aren't cheap, but they are nowhere near as expensive as replacing a passport abroad. Leather versions are classic and provide the best combination of protection and style. But be aware that US passports and many new credit cards have RFID electronic chips in them, which thieves can skim through your wallet. Many new wallets and passport covers have incorporated RFID blockers to prevent skimming; make sure that any wallet you buy includes this protection.

Leather passport travel wallet that can be monogrammed (photo courtesy of Comfort House)

Basic RFID blocking leather passport case from Amazon (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Power source: In this electronic age, powering gadgets on the road is of great importance, third only to having a passport and currency. Your traveler needs the correct plug, voltage, and plug availability, and this is where you can help out. I love Belkin's surge protector that plugs into an outlet, providing three AC plugs and 2 USB connections (USB connections are especially important for travelers who don't take laptops with them but have devices, like iPods, that charge through USB plugs). Pair it with an international plug adapter and a voltage adapter (if necessary) and you have a great gift to keep your traveler at full power at all times.

Belkin Mini Surge 3OUT Wall Mount 75K 918J with USB Charger ($13.49) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter Plug ($0.99) includes plugs for North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Travel wrap: Finally, every traveler needs a multifunctional item to keep her warm and cozy during her adventures. A great choice is something like White + Warren's cashmere travel wrap, supposedly a favorite of Angelina Jolie, which can be used as a scarf, a wrap, and a blanket. Look for an item that does double or triple duty, comes in a color that your traveler can combine with lots of outfits (but also won't be ruined if they spill something on it), and isn't too bulky. I would buy this for either a male or female, though I would choose a neutral color for a man.

Cashmere travel wrap by White + Warren (photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue)

Coupons

Magellan's, one of my favorite sites for travel gear and products, is offering 25% off their adventure travel clothing until January 30, 2011.
Samsonite will take $30 off every $150 you spend online through January 30, 2011 with this code.

Readers, what are your favorite travel-related gifts? What is your favorite destination and where have you always wanted to visit? (Mine are the iPod Touch, Paris, and Jerusalem, respectively.) Share your answers in the comments below!

For the film buff

2011-01-16T23:59:00.001-05:00

Tonight was the beginning of the prime time Hollywood awards season. The Golden Globes kicked things off and will be followed closely by the Screen Actors Guild Awards (January 30), BAFTAs (February 13), the Academy Awards (February 27), and several other events that allow Hollywood to get fancied up and heap praise upon itself. Awards season also means that some of the best movies of the year are playing at the theaters or newly available to purchase, so otherwise recreational movie-goers transform into hard-core see-all-the-nominees film fiends.

But there are some people who love movies year-round, regardless of awards, popularity, genre, or critical reception. These people appreciate the art of filmmaking, bask in the thrill of the story, and know the theater employees by name. Some may aspire to be filmmakers and devote significant time to studying the history and production of films, while others may simply love watching movies. No matter the level of your recipient's love for the silver screen, here are some suggestions to help you choose the perfect gift for them:

Their favorite movie: although your movie fan probably already owns a version of his favorite film, he may not own it in a new format (like DVD or Blu-Ray) or have the special edition/director's cut/anniversary edition/etc. A true movie lover can't get enough of the extras or the latest version of his favorite film.
Movie player, TV, or accessories: if your recipient hasn't upgraded to the latest movie technology, she will jump at the chance to experience her favorites in a new way. Consider a Blu-Ray (or DVD, for late adopters) player, HD or 3D TV, projector, or computer-to-TV device like Apple TV.
Netflix subscription: Netflix is an absolute must for anyone who loves movies or TV. Your recipient can watch online, through Wii or XBox, or at home (depending on the plan). You can choose to give 1, 2, 3, 6, or 12 months of 4 different plans (3 with at-home DVDs and 1 streaming only).
Book with a movie tie-in: Many movies have books associated with them, either as their precursor or written after the fact. If a movie is at all popular, there is probably a book about it. If no book is directly on point, you could give one with a similar history or on the same topic (e.g. a WWII history or a personal account of D-Day for a Saving Private Ryan lover).
Movie poster: there is something about movie posters that brings home the theater experience. Choose an original if you can find it; otherwise go with a reprint or even a foreign language print. Bonus points if you find a limited edition or one autographed by someone associated with the movie.
Gift certificate/card: a voucher for a local theater or an online ticket site like Fandango will allow your movie buff to continue her love affair with the newest additions to the silver screen. You could also give a movie rental (like Blockbuster) or an iTunes gift card (to buy or rent movies or TV shows).
Movie food: although this isn't an actual food category, anyone who has been to the movies knows what I mean. Buttery popcorn, sugary candy, and huge soft drinks are just a few of the things that make the movie viewing process complete. Throw in some special seasonings and a theater-like movie tub for the popcorn, and you will add the finishing touch to your recipient's next viewing experience.
Movie-themed games: see how much he really knows with a trivia game about his favorite movie (or movies in general). You could also choose a movie edition of another game, such as Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit DVD Game: Trilogy Edition or Scene It? Deluxe Movie 2nd Edition.
IMDb Pro subscription: IMDb (Internet Movie Database) is the go-to website for movies. For $15.95 per month, an IMDb Pro membership allows access to in-depth actor information, film production details, and show business contacts. This is the closest your film buff will get to being a Hollywood insider without actually breaking into the business.
Movie cataloguing software: most movie lovers have lots of titles in their collection, and this software makes cataloguing them a breeze. Packages start at $29.95 from Collectorz.
Gift basket: combine some of the items above into a gift basket, like a movie or a rental gift card with popcorn and a box of candy, for a perfect night of silver screen fun.

If you are looking to spend a little more time and/or money, here are some unforgettable presents that will make you a gift-giving legend:

Movie premiere or screening: if you are well-connected and can pull this off, arrange for your recipient to attend a movie premiere or early screening. Regardless of the movie he sees, it will be an experience of a lifetime.
Acting role or visit to a movie set: again, you'll need to have some strings to pull (or just have very powerful friends, who I would like to meet), but arranging for an acting role, even as an extra, or a visit to the set of a movie currently in production is a truly unique experience. If you are able to make this happen, be sure to follow up by giving a copy of the film as soon as it is released.
Movie prop or replica: look for a memorable item featured in your recipient's favorite movie - the more iconic, the better. If you can't find an authentic item, consider a replica or a similar item, like this villain chair from Suck UK that looks like a prop from a vintage Bond film or a Hamburger Telephone from Juno.
Film experience: recreate a special scene from her favorite movie, or take her on a trip that follows the movie's plot. My favorite example of this is an anniversary gift for a wife who's favorite movie was The Notebook. Her husband took her to Charleston, SC, where the movie was filmed, and they retraced the characters' steps and recreated their experiences. Or, instead of visiting the film's location, journey to the actual setting of a historical story (like the Scottish Highlands for a fan of Braveheart). If you can't afford to take a trip just for this purpose, you could try to work it into a future vacation or recreate a portion of it closer to home.

What are your favorite movies and movie items?

For a wedding shower

2011-01-11T13:04:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is long gone, Christmas has come and passed, and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. That can only mean one thing . . . wedding season is imminent. Invest in Bed Bath & Beyond stock, make The Knot your home page, and block out every Saturday between February and August for a wedding or wedding-related event.

Wedding season brings its own unique gift challenges, but the Gift Guru is here to ensure that you enter this year's season of love prepared for any wedding, shower, or party your engaged recipients may throw at you. My brother, B, is getting married at the end of April to K, and I am very much looking forward to their wedding and all of the events preceding it. Rest assured that I will be taking much of my own advice when it comes to gift giving in the coming months.

Today, we will focus on the wedding shower (wedding gifts will be covered soon). Wedding showers used to be known exclusively as "bridal showers," presumably because they were only for the bride. You knew exactly what to expect (at least in the South) - a Sunday afternoon gathering in the church parlor with butter mints, Sprite-based punch, lots of lace, and gifts of towels, china, and linens. Nowadays, wedding showers know no bounds. There are couples showers, which both the bride and groom attend, in addition to the traditional bride-only showers (I'm sure that someone has thrown a groom-only shower, but I only know these gatherings in the form of bachelor parties, so I am omitting them here). There are linen showers, stock-the-bar showers, around-the-clock showers, entertainment showers, lawn and garden showers, gift card showers, book showers, lingerie showers, travel showers, culinary showers, spa/pampering showers - the sky is truly the limit. Regardless of the type of shower you are attending, here are some basic etiquette tips and gift suggestions to get you started.

According to The Knot, it is proper etiquette to give a gift both at the shower and at the wedding (see their full explanation here). You may choose to give a smaller gift at the shower and save a larger gift for the wedding, but the choice is yours. If you happen to be invited to multiple showers (which you shouldn't be), WedNet says that you need not give a gift at all of them, or even attend them all. Feel free to choose a gift for one shower and simply attend the others or bring a nice card with a warm message inside. You might also decide to bring smaller gifts to multiple showers rather than a larger gift to a single shower. One exception to the one-shower-gift rule is if you are a close relative of the bride or groom, such as a mother or aunt, in which case you may wish to give gifts at each shower. In this situation, you might want to buy a set or the entire quantity of a requested item (like plates or place settings) and give one or two pieces at each shower.

Most couples these days have registries at one or more stores, and these can greatly simplify your gift choices. But remember that registries are actually just "suggestions" for gifts, and you are not bound to them when choosing a present. If the shower invitation doesn't include registry information, search for it at The Knot or Bed Bath & Beyond, or ask someone close to the couple where they are registered. Personally, I prefer to err on the side of caution by choosing something from the registry unless I am very close to the couple, know of something specific they would like that's not on their registry, have access to a gift they would like but can't get, or find a great gift that I just can't pass up. I try to avoid cutesy items, gifts that are only relevant to the wedding (such as a bag that says "Bride"), and items that are too personal (like sheets). My rule of thumb is that unless I know the recipient(s) well enough that we exchange gifts on other occasions like birthdays and holidays, I usually just stick to the registries.

If you have lots of events to attend for multiple people, you might want to choose a staple gift to make your life easier. If you go this route, make sure that the gift is something that almost everyone would appreciate and probably didn't register for. My mother regularly gives quesadilla makers as wedding gifts, and they seem to be a big hit - they are easy to use, work for people of all taste preferences, and most people haven't thought of registering for them (and probably didn't realize that they existed). Other gifts that might be appropriate staples are Nap blankets from Brookstone (which are buy one get one 50% off right now), a set of nice towels in a neutral color (getting them monogrammed is a nice touch), or candlesticks with candles. If you find them on sale, stock up and make your life easier the next time you need a wedding gift.
*A Gift Guru word of warning: always make sure that your recipient will enjoy the gift. If you usually give an engraved cocktail shaker and top-shelf liquor, for example, choose another gift for the teetotaler couple.

No matter what marital gathering you need a gift for, several websites are a great place to start.

The Knot is wholly devoted to all things weddings. It is primarily a resource for brides, but also offers some great gift ideas and etiquette tips for guests. It allows couples to create their own wedding webpage with information about the ceremony, reception, and their registries, making it the most likely location for finding wedding registries for your recipients.
The Wedding Channel Store is geared more toward those throwing the wedding, but also has some gift suggestions for guests.
Bridal Shower Etc. offers tips for planning showers and giving thoughtful gifts.

In addition to the registries, here are some ideas for all of your wedding event needs:

Anything with her/their new monogram: this could include a scarf/pashmina, towels or linens, doormat, coasters, ice bucket, serving tray, or placemats. Be sure that the bride is changing her name before you give this kind of gift. If not, consider using the couple's first names or initials instead.
Stationery: in the same vein as monograms, every bride loves personalized items to take her into married life. You could give notecards, personalized stamps and stamp pads, notepads, or traditional stationery sheets, either with her new monogram or both their names. Choose something age appropriate that can be used for formal correspondence or a quick note to a friend.
Drinkware: everyone needs nice glasses for special occasions or formal dinners. You can't go wrong with traditional wine or highball glasses. If the couple has registered for these items, you might choose something more specific, like martini or margarita glasses.
Beverages: a nice bottle of wine/champagne or spirits is a thoughtful gift, especially for first-time homeowners or the newly independent couple. Combine with glasses or coasters for a sure hit.
A massage or spa gift certificate: every bride (and non-bride, for that matter) could use a time of relaxation and pampering to have her stress lifted and energy renewed. If their honeymoon would accommodate it, you might even want to give them a couples massage for when they arrive.
Group Gifts: if you can't afford the gift you want on your own, ask other attendees who you are close to if they want to go in with you to get a more expensive gift, such as fine china, expensive cookware, or a nice appliance.
Gift Baskets: if you can't think of one big gift or narrow down your gift ideas, consider making a gift basket. Start with a nice basket the couple can use later, line it with fabric or tissue paper, and start filling. You might pick a theme (such as honeymoon, kitchen, or laundry) or just assemble various items you find interesting or helpful. You could also choose a favorite recipe and give the dishes and utensils used to make it, along with the recipe itself.
Services: if you are especially good at something, give the gift of your talent. This might include calligraphy, sewing, drawing, painting, pet or house sitting, or gardening. If you can do it well, consider gifting it to the newlyweds. But remember: only give a gift that you think they will really appreciate, and not one that will potentially cause problems or hurt feelings (i.e. don't offer to take their wedding photos if they already have the perfect photographer booked).
Books: a first edition of their favorite book, a book about their honeymoon destination or wedding location, or a quick and simple cookbook for a new chef can make a great present. Consider giving a bundle of books if you feel like one isn't enough, or choose one book and combine it with another gift (like a basket of goodies).
Games: for a fun-loving couple or frequent entertainers, a game could be the perfect gift. Fun items are often overlooked as wedding gifts but are much-appreciated by couples. Consider games like Cranium, Apples to Apples, Jenga, or Banana Grams, or a card set with chips. Pair with a card table for an all-around gift of fun!
Gift Cards: If everything left on the registry is out of your price range, you don't see anything you want to give, or you are simply at a loss, you can't go wrong with a gift card. They are less personal than a traditional gift but much more appreciated than a random present that is destined to gather dust. Pick up a gift card from a store where they are registered, a favorite restaurant or unique experience, or a home outfitter like Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Pottery Barn, or Crate & Barrel.

As a special treat for Gift Giving Guru readers, here are some wedding-related discounts:

Save 10% site-wide, 15% on orders of $80+, and 20% when you spend $125+ with this offer from Red Envelope, which offers unique and personalized products perfect for a wedding shower. Enter REDTIER at checkout.
Take 20% off your order at Linens 'N Things through January 18 with the code WHITE20.
Save 25% when you spend $250+ at Exclusively Weddings through March 31.
Bed Bath & Beyond, where most couples seem to register, routinely sends coupons for 20% a single item to members of their mailing list. I often use these coupons to purchase wedding and shower gifts, and most cashiers will let you use them even if they have expired. Sign up here.

UPDATE: No matter what you decide to give, make sure you include a gift receipt in case the couple gets multiples of the item or there is a problem with the product. Thanks to Caitlin for the reminder!

What are your favorite shower gifts to give or receive?

Christmas gifts 2011

2010-12-30T10:11:00.001-05:00

Well, we made it to the other side of Christmas! Congratulations! I hope that you had the merriest of Christmases and are enjoying the last days of 2010! I have been busy celebrating with my family and friends and doing some part-time work, so please forgive my lack of posting this past week. Check back next week for several great new posts to celebrate the start of 2011!

In the meantime, check out what Santa brought me this year (most of these items were mentioned in my previous post here):

Rosetta Stone French Levels 1-5: Hopefully I will be babbling on in French in no time!
Pink Glitter Toms: These were apparently very popular this year, so they are on backorder. Hopefully they will arrive sometime in late February. I'm just excited to know that they are coming!
LL Bean duck shoes: Also on backorder, and due around the first of February. I guess good things come to those who wait!
DVDs: Lost Season 6, The Office Season 6, Pearl Harbor, Stepbrothers, Eat Pray Love, and The Office digital shorts collection
Books: The Book of Awesome, The Happiness Project, Paris to the Moon, An Incomplete Education, Style (by Lauren Conrad), and Telling Lies
Clothes
The New Yorker 2011 Desk Diary in red
Jeopardy daily desk calendar
A Walk in Paris wall calendar
iTunes gift card

What did you get for Christmas this year?

Green goodies

2010-12-22T12:16:00.000-05:00

My friend and fellow blogger Green Gourmet K has posted a list of her favorite green products on her blog The Green Gourmets. She has some great earth-friendly suggestions that are sure to please anyone on your list. Also check out the rest of her site, where she writes about green food choices, restaurants, and recipes. The food sounds delicious and would make a yummy and healthy choice for your holiday gatherings!