Finding the Perfect Gift for Your Partner

These days, there are endless gifts to choose from for your partner, online and offline: from funk clothing to wacky joke gifts -- you can really find anything you want out there.

But you know what is very hard to find as a gift for your partner? Art.

Most art out there is either too expensive or too cheesy. And almost NONE of it is designed for a couple. It's generic paintings that make you feel like you are your grandparents.

Recently, however, a new breed of websites has been born: websites selling art designed for a couple and as a gift for your partner. Something that is meaningful for you two, that represents you two as a couple -- that is beautiful and unique and you can hang on your wall and look at it every day and remember your love!

Our favorite such website is... Art for Lovers: Wedding and Anniversary Art Gifts for Couples.

The concept is quite interesting. Rather than sell expensive art or cheap reprints, and rather than sell generic art for everyone... what if, you could get original art prints, at a reasonable price -- of art aimed only at couples!

And even better: what if you could inscribe a message on it, or have a section of it where it could be signed by, say, all the attendees of a wedding?

What's interesting about this is that, it ties into a few trends that are making everything cooler and better:

* The trend to give more creative gifts

* The trend to have signing boards at events

* The trend to incorporate art and design into more aspects of your life, and your special events.

This last trend is particularly interesting and noteworthy. Our ancestors, for thousands of years, lived in a universe of scarcity: barely enough food, and only a tiny elite could afford luxuries like, traveling more than a few miles from where you were born.

But in today's new universe -- for all of our complaints and challenges -- is an era of luxury as compared to the thousands of years of known history that proceeded it.

And we see that represented in our newfold interest in decorating our homes and our special events. Today, more than just something that "looks good", we want something "personal" and meaningful for us.

And art -- unique art for you -- goes to the depths of the human experience. 

But here's the best part: if you give art as a gift, then, every time the couple or your partner looks at the art on the wall, they will think of you! It's okay if your gift satisfies just a touch of egoism, as well. All gifts do, to varying degrees, so we may as well acknowledge it! The key here, is that the couple loves it, of course.

Cool Christmas Gifts For Cyclists

With Christmas fast approaching, it's never too early to start pulling the perfect gift ideas together for friends and family. If you know someone who is passionate about cycling, then consider getting a bike-related present, which they'll really love. There are tons of ideas to choose from. Here are some of the best.

Shoe Covers

http://www.pearlizumi.com/publish/content/pi_2010/us/en/index/products/men/ride/accessories/2.-productCode-14381105.html

Cycling in wet, wintry weather can often mean your feet are left feeling damp and cold. A really practical gift for cyclists this Christmas is a pair of neoprene shoe covers, which protect your tootsies from even the harshest of elements.

The Good Mountain Biking Guide

Cycling isn't just about getting fit, it's also about taking in the spectacular scenery en-route. Every cycling enthusiast should own a copy of The Good Mountain Biking Guide book, as it details 500 of the best mountain biking areas in England and Wales.

http://www.goodmtb.co.uk/

Cycling Jacket

Anyone keen on cycling will soon tell you that a decent jacket is a firm must-have for keeping you warm and dry in the cooler months. This stylish, high-quality jacket made with a multiple panel thermo-stretch material for a great fit would make a perfect present this Christmas.

http://www.probikekit.co.uk/sports-clothing/pbk-elite-winter-cycling-jacket/10749545.html

Cycle Storage Solutions

An interesting and unique Christmas gift idea for any cycling enthusiast would be a product that allows easy storage of a bike, mounted horizontally or vertically against a wall. It's great for those with limited space at home, and the products are colourful, funky and durable.

http://www.cycloc.com/cycloc-features.html

Multitool

It's inevitable that at some point a bike will require maintenance. If this happens during the middle of a cycling session, then a really compact and practical tool will be a godsend for any cyclist needing to get their bike up and on the road again.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sks-ct-worx-multitool/rp-prod25841

Wind Trainer

If you can't get out on your bike, then practising at home with a Wind Trainer can get you in shape and increase fitness levels in-between biking sessions. It gives you a great workout, allowing you to shift gears like on a normal bike. The vortex blade design enables you to generate progressive resistance.

http://www.paligap.cc/product.php?id=174&productname=CycleOps-Wind-Trainer

Cycling Holiday

For a really special Christmas treat consider getting a loved one a cycling holiday. There are lots of companies that specialise in cycling holidays, so pick out a route and destination that you think your cycling buddy would relish the challenge of experiencing.

http://www.cyclingholidays.org/tours/index.php

Cycling Mug

No cycling enthusiast should have to drink their tea from any ordinary mug. Buy your cycling friend a mug this Christmas that symbolises their passion. This great ceramic mug in vivid stripes and cyclist images will bring a smile to any cyclist's face.

http://www.cafepress.co.uk/mf/40157921/world-champ-stripes_mugs?productId=443197239

Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential when embarking on any cycling expedition. There's no better way to do this with a fun, durable and compact water bottle that fits easily into your bike holder.

http://www.cafepress.co.uk/+born_to_cycle_stainless_water_bottle_10l,559189654

Smartphone Bike Mount

This really handy cycle handlebar mount with waterproof case allows you to store your smartphone on the front of your bike, so you can see it when you're cycling. It's ideal if you are using your phone to get directions.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/smartphone-bike-holder

This article was written by Amy from 50 Cycles. A media graduate with a passion for cycling, she now helps to manage their blog and writes about a wide range of cycling related topics and issues.

3 Sweet Gift Ideas for Bridesmaids

Are you looking for a little inspiration for what to buy your bridesmaids as a ‘thank you’ for their part in your celebrations? Though there are plenty of options out there, it can be quite tricky to make a decision. You’ll want to find something that is just as special as they are, and it can be overwhelming once you realise just how many choices are out there. Here, we take a look at three winning gift ideas for your bridesmaids.

A beautiful bracelet

A piece of jewellery is the most traditional option, and sometimes the oldest ideas are the best! The right item will be treasured for many years to come, and will serve as a special reminder of the big day that they played a part in. If you’re looking for something super stylish with a contemporary feel, go for the Little Heart Bracelet by Astley Clarke. It’s understated and elegant, yet those who know a thing or two about the finer things in life will recognise the brand as a luxury name offering the very best in jewellery design. Of course, the delicate heart charm very much channels the essence of the wedding day, and complements any personal style. 

A relaxing spa day experience 

The run up to a wedding can be a very stressful time, and the bridesmaids often play a pivotal role in ensuring that everything goes according to plan. It makes sense that they’ll be feeling the pressure, so why not treat them to a spa break? It’s something to look forward to after the big day, and most women live being pampered. Spas in your local area will offer a range of deals, though packages often include a couple of treatments, access to the facilities, and even a meal and a few drinks. All they have to do is turn up with their swimwear and put their feet up!

A chocolate workshop

When all the fun of the big day is over what better to look forward to then a tasty treat! Indulge the girls by treating them to a chocolate making day! Probably the closest thing to visiting Willy Wonkas Chocolate factory, chocolate workshops are a fun way for the girls to get together and learn about the history of everyone’s favorite treat from an experienced chocolatier. Sample chocolate fountains and make your own truffle fillings dipped in Belgian chocolate. Workshops are a fun relaxed way to spend a day, especially with friends as at the end you can compare who has made the best chocolate!

It can be a difficult decision to make, though you really can’t go too far wrong when you choose one of these fabulous gifts for your bridesmaids. They’re sure to be delighted when they open the box at your reception celebration!

Are you currently on the lookout for gifts for your bridesmaids? Will any of these choices be on your list?

Christmas Gift Ideas for Medical Students and Doctors

It is only November so, depending on which camp you fall into, you may love or loath discussing Christmas this early. Some people start talking about the festive holiday as soon as summer finishes and others prefer to save as much magic for the actual days themselves. However, whether you need to start budgeting early for Christmas presents or you are just being forced to think about Christmas due to the songs playing in shops, this post might help you pick out some great items for medical students and doctors.

Gifts that Improve the Healthcare of People in Desperate Need

People get interested in careers in medicine because of a desire to help other people and cure ailments. Sadly, there are millions of people living without access to a doctor or basic vaccinations. To fight this, many charities offer charity gift programmes which enable you to buy the gift of health for someone in need on behalf of someone else. The gift recipient here receives a personalised gift card and the knowledge that someone’s health has been protected in their name. Popular charity presents like these include childhood jabs, malaria tablets, TB testing kits and medical support for new mums.

Gifts for Energy

Whether studying for those all-important exams or working the night shift in a hospital, there are a lot of demands placed on those who work in medicine. One thing they can always use more of is energy!

There are a few different ways you could give the gift of energy:

• A work survival kit to help them keep going, containing energy drinks, cereal bars with oats for slow release energy, fruit and a jar of marmite. Marmite contains plenty of naturally occurring B vitamins which are used by the body to unlock energy from nutrients.

• Anything that can help with relaxation and getting a good night’s sleep, to be ready for the challenges ahead. Think bath oils, lavender scented moisturising lotion, a good book to unwind with in bed - even a voucher for a massage!

• Something which will help with exercise, such as a new yoga mat or iPod armband. As any doctor will tell you, exercise has the benefit of increasing energy and endorphins

Equipment for their Trade

Okay, so buying the latest medical machine is not really an option, but smaller things that can help a doctor bring a personal note to their work are bound to be enjoyed. For example, it’s possible to buy stethoscopes in different colours - one in their favourite shade might help to brighten up their day!
Even if it’s not directly medical, some nice basics for their office will make a difference, such as a nice pen or moleskin notebook. A lovely plant to sit on the windowsill will bring cheer to doctors and patients alike, and help to oxygenate the room.

I certainly feel as though I’ve got the creative-present-buying juices going just by writing this post, so I do hope that it’s been useful for you too. If you have any other ideas that will make great presents for people working and studying in the medical industry, please share in the comments!
This is a guest post by Liz who is a supporter of World Vision and their charity gifts website, Must Have Gifts. They have also posted a number of ideas for charity Christmas gifts here.

Written by Liz who is a supporter of World Vision and their charity gifts website, Must Have Gifts. They have also posted a number of ideas for charity Christmas gifts here.

Is it Her Birthday? Exclusive Gift Ideas to Help You Choose

Getting gifts from friends and loved ones is one of the most exciting things in a girl’s life. Girls always love to receive gifts as this is the only way they feel special and loved. No matter what age they are, gifts are something which can make them happy and overwhelming. Though, searching a gift for your female friend can be a bit challenging task, but if you have proper knowledge and idea about her choice you can easily make your purchase with the best item. There may be so many occasions when you can please the girl of your dream with some exciting gifts. It's all about knowing her taste and choice as it will give a fair idea what to purchase for her. If you have already pre-planned and are aware of her choices, it won't take much time in selecting a gift. If she is a girlie girl, then makeup kits and funky jewelry are always better choices. Below are some gift ideas which you can consider buying for your diva.

Statement jewelry: 

There is no doubt that every woman is crazy about jewelry so gifting a beautiful piece of jewelry can be a nice idea. Molded precious metals and magnificent collections of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and even statement funky bracelets are some amazing ideas when it comes to jewelry. Giving jewelry as a piece of gift can be a nice option as it makes a statement about your feelings towards your girl. If your guy gift you a precious piece of jewelry that means you are worth a lot to your loved one. Though, gifting a jewelry piece can be quite expensive, but the reaction you will receive is wonderful and amazing. If your girl likes customized pieces, you can also modify the jewelry in your own way. Today customized diamond rings and statement necklaces are in trend and if you are going to purchase a ring you can even attach a love message with the ring.

Clothes: 

Clothes are another wonder gift idea that you can consider to give to your diva. Before buying clothes for her, it is essential that you must know her taste and for this you have to start paying attention to what she wears every day. You must know that what types of clothes she likes to wear. Avoid buying something very different from what she wears in her daily day life. You should have an idea about her favorite color and a style similar to the clothes she has hanging in her wardrobe. The type of cloth material also plays a vital role while selecting the dresses. You can take advice from one of her friends or you can also try shopping for the gift with her relatives. It can be a great idea of getting something she will like, wear, and probably fit into. If you don’t know her taste, you can also get some vouchers from her favorite clothes shop so that she can buy clothes according to her choice.

A stylish handbag: 

Handbags are all time favorite accessories for women and they can be considered a very good choice of gifts for women. When it comes to designer handbags, it is the dream of every woman to have a huge collection of designer handbags and most of them have a separate wardrobe for stylish handbags and clutches. They love to collect an entire set of the latest and trendy handbags. While purchasing a handbag for her, you should consider the size of bag and go for that piece which will most likely contain everything that a woman needs in one go. The bag you are going to gift should be more than just a stylish piece of accessory. You can choose Kilkenny orla kiely bags as they are fully-functional and versatile to accommodate all the essential items of a woman. She can carry a range of items in it including cash, credit cards, debit cards, ATM cards, and makeup kits.

Apart from these items, you can also consider giving a box of chocolates with a bouquet of beautiful flowers as it can be the best gift for anyone you consider a special person in your life. Always remember whatever the gift you are going to give should have its own charm and it should give pleasure to your girl in the same sense.

Top 5 Gifts for the Fashionista in Your Life

No matter how much the supermarkets try to convince you, it is not nearly Christmas. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s too early to start thinking of gifts for someone special, whether it’s one of the girls, your best friend, or even your mum. If that someone happens to be into fashion, and enjoys the finer things in life, take a look at these suggestions for the perfect present.

1. A 'useful' accessory

A classy leather satchel is a gift that will be eternally useful at work or on the go. However, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to coo over the gorgeous colours, silky lining or delightful buckles on the ultimate hipster accessory. With a present like this on her arm, your friend will nail classic style and be able to find everything in her handbag! What’s not to love?

2. Designer wellies

Admit it, summer is well and truly over, and the weather has taken a turn for the worse. Keep your friend’s feet dry, and protect her swankier footwear, by giving her a pair of luxury wellies. That way she can release her inner child by splashing in as many puddles as she likes, while still looking catwalk ready. Besides, you can never have too many shoes…

3. A flashy, yet elegant, watch

Every one loves a bit of wrist candy, and your fashionista friend is no exception. A statement timepiece can you really set her ahead of the fashion pack, while looking gorgeous at the same time. A classic watch, like something from Michel Herbelin, will last for years too, so really will be a gift that she can treasure forever.

4. Something monogrammed

Whether it’s her dressing gown, her handbag or her very own director’s chair, nothing will make your favourite fashion princess feel more fabulous than a gift bearing her name. What’s more, a personalised gift is unique so you can make sure to keep this fashionista setting her own trends, and ensure your present is the most special of all. If you want to keep it understated, even a single initial on a piece of jewellery is classy but personal.

5. Winter Sun

The best accessory for any outfit is, of course, glowing skin and a cocktail, so why not beat the winter blues and treat your friend to a holiday in the sun? Even just a weekend away is a perfect second chance to relax, indulge and show off your summer wardrobe. It’s also a chance to make everybody else jealous when you’re still tanned in December!

Ideas for Buying Gifts

Buying gift is the toughest thing especially when you have no clue what you should buy for your special person. There could be many types of gift that you want to give and too many age groups as well. It depends on the person you want to give a gift to what you should buy for him. The first thing you want to see is, whether the person you want to give a gift to is a girl or boy and of what age because the types of the gifts varies with the age and behavior of the person. Then the second step is choosing the right type of shop for the gift if it’s for guys you should keep in mind to choose a shop that keeps stuff related to boys and same goes for girls. Go to a baby shop to buy a gift for a baby girl or baby boy and same goes for other age group as well.

Make up your mind:
What you need to do is make up a gift in your mind and then go get those products. If not this then you can also try to make your own handmade gifts at home. Try making a basket putting all the things that you have decided to give. Keep in mind the theme of the event. Is it for a wedding or a birthday party etc.? You should accordingly make the basket. If not this you can try making frames, handbags, jewellery etc. that may attract the one you are giving the gift to.

Ease of Online Shopping:
Another way of choosing the gift is through online shopping, today in this era we have a lot of sites through which we can choose and place the order for the desired product that we want and send them to the one we want to present it to. This is more convenient than the other ways. There is no hassle in it as you will choose your best product and it will be delivered on the right time. The advantage about this is you can even modify the product according to your requirements.


You can even ask you friends about the best online gift shops and can go for the one you feel is the most popular among your friends. You can even bake cake and make homemade food items and surprise your friend on his or her special day.

10 Gifts That Your Dad Will Love

When it comes to gifts, dads are usually the easiest to please. From messenger bags for men to tool kits, watches, perfumes, and what-have-you, they tend to prefer items that they can use on a daily basis. Practicality is one of men's mantras when it comes to gifts. To give you an idea some of the topmost gifts circling the net nowadays, here is a compilation of top 10 gifts that never fail to receive a huge smile and pat on the back from your Dad.

Books for a Certified Bookworm

Does your man love to read sci-fi novels, horror, political or romance novels? Why not buy two or three of his most wanted books. GRR Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice would be timely with the rave on Game of Thrones. John Grisham also announced a sequel on his best-selling novel "A Time to Kill". Some dad’s simply love to while their time away spinning webs of fantasy out of a paperback novel.

Image source: http://lmlrn.com

Gadgets for Tech-Savvy Dads

For a tech-savvy Dad, the choices are aplenty in the market these days. From Smartphones to futuristic Google glasses, HD television, home theater system, gaming consoles, GPS, pocket projectors, and so on. Ultimate geeky gadgets such as the "Roku 3", an HDTV-ready player that offers 1080p HD video, 800 channels, remote with jack for a headphone and motion-controlled games -- definitely, to die for!

Image source: http://blog.roku.com

Designer Watch

Watches are always considered personal items by men. If you plan to give one to your Dad, choose a design that could withstand a lifetime. Movado, OMEGA, Tag Heuer, Rolex, and Cartier are often considered as heirloom pieces. You may also opt for replica items if you are short on budget.

Favorite Perfume

Let your old man see that you do pay attention to his preference by buying him a bottle of his favorite scent. Men have a distinctive preference when it comes to perfumes. Often, they stick to one brand over the years.

Image source: http://www.flipkart.com

Messenger Bags for Men 

If your dad is someone who is always on the go, a messenger bag would come handy. Serbags messenger bags for men, for instance, have ample storage solutions to hold his important documents and must-haves while out and about. You can choose canvas or leather. If you may, buying his-and-her messenger bags would be great.

Image source: http://www.dadgear.com

Grooming Kit

Does your old man needs grooming? Why not buy an organic and hypoallergenic skincare line that will refresh and rejuvenate his skin. You can whisk in some TLC by asking your man to do the washing and applying on your Dad.

Image source: http://www.esquire.com

Sports Item

Men are sport suckers. No one would say no to a favorite jersey or cap from their favorite sports hero. Personalized sports items like a golf bag or a simple towel with his name embroidered on it would do the trick.

Paid Vacation

A paid vacation with your Dad is another great gift. Surprise him with a paid trip to a nearby fishing hole or a camping trip. Time, care and attention are never left unappreciated.

Toolkit

For all-around DIY dad’s, a new set of toolkit would definitely be heavenly. You might want to consider checking on your dad’s activities at home. A Swiss Army multi-tool kit or a new car tool chest would definitely egg him spend more time tinkering around the house or his car.

Image source: http://www.law.harvard.edu

Smartphone

Bring your father into the new century by getting him a smartphone. With plenty of choices from the iPhone to the Samsung Galaxy and HTC there is one for each budget.

To make sure you got it right, it is imperative to dig deeper on your Dad's activities and hobbies. You can ask family members or his co-workers for tips. Whether it is messenger bags for men or a bottle of JW Gold Label, it would be best to know also what other members of the family are getting him to prevent duplicity of gifts.

Ways To Pamper Mom This Mother’s Day

Mothers work hard. From cleaning, cooking, working, taking care of little ones, the mom in your life may never catch a break. This Mother’s Day, make it memorable by completely pampering her for the day. The perfect gift for Mother’s Day doesn’t always have to be exotic and expensive; it can merely be giving mom some of the attention she deserves. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Breakfast in bed
Most moms don’t have time to make breakfast, let alone eat it, on busy mornings. This Mother’s Day take things slow and let mom sleep in. While she is sleeping, get started whipping up her favorite breakfast concoctions in the kitchen. Have it ready by the time she starts to stir and bring it to her in bed with a  vase of flowers. Not only will she appreciate the gesture, but she will be happy to sit in her pajamas and enjoy a delicious meal she probably never has the time to make for herself.

Spa Treatment

If you want to give the mom in your life some time off of her feet, give her the ultimate spa treatment. You can either give her a gift card to her favorite spa or create some at home spa fun. Run a steaming hot bath full of her favorite bath soap and let her soak as long as she wants. Once she is done, give her a massage, rub her feet, and top it off with some of her favorite nail polish. The only requirement is that she isn’t allowed to do anything but relax.

Make her favorite treat
Most women have a sweet tooth, and Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to take advantage of this. Buy mom some of her favorite chocolates and present them to her with a bouquet of fresh flowers. If you feel like baking, make a pan of brownies or whip up a batch of her favorite cookies.

Have a picnic
Having a picnic is a way for moms to enjoy a little time in the great outdoors with or without the kids. If you are a husband wanting to spoil your wife, take a hike to a romantic spot and unwrap a gourmet picnic to eat. For moms with little kids, they may want to enjoy having them around them on Mother’s Day. Go to a favorite park and spend some time rolling around in the grass and munching on sandwiches.

Indulge in some quiet time
If you think mom just needs some time to herself, find a way to let her have her space for a few hours to read, nap, or catch up on television. Although she may enjoy being a mother, sometimes a little quiet time is just what a busy mom needs to recharge.

Gift her jewelry

Once you have completely pampered the mom in your life this Mother’s Day, make the day complete with some jewelry. You can never go wrong with diamonds, and giving her this gift at the end of the day will help culminate her special day memorably. Pick out something that she will be sure to wear, like a great pair of earrings or necklace she can wear on special occasions.

This is a guest post by Laura Russell, a guest writer from www.shaneco.com. It is a site that offers high quality jewelry diamonds at affordable prices.

Christmas and Gifts Giving

There are many customs and rituals that people follow on certain religious and national festivals. Christmas is one of the most celebrated events in the world bringing lots of joys and delights to its observers. One of the most followed customs people follow on the day is to give gifts to close relatives and friends. Giving gifts first time took place on the Saturn Festival known as Saturnalias which was celebrated by Romans before December 25^th every year. People that time used to exchange different types of gifts from candles, pottery, sigilla – statures of pottery and even slaves to each other. It was a formal practice to announce and present the gifts to others after the celebrations.

Giving gifts to each other is being followed since long earlier; it used to be observed by pagans of Rome centuries ago. Now give n take of gifts is widely followed on many festivals including Eid, Holi, Christmas and many other religious festivals in the world.

Later on these customs became part of Christmas celebrations and people enjoy giving gifts to their father, mother, friends, relatives, cousins, sister, brothers and to other loving relationships. By the time Santa Claus and similar gifts giving were adopted by the people impressed from conventional Christmas poems.

Glancing on these holidays from the day one to this day, from Saturnalias to Christmas, people follow them as an opportunity to just give away not for expecting something in return. They count them as lovely occasions to demonstrate their love, affections and respect to others with loving and meaningful gifts.

It is a fact that we all live in communities and groups and everyone within our relationships have their own choices and priorities. Whether it is food, attire, shopping, sunglasses, movies or even gifts, there are diverse choices which make our personalities different with each other.

Christmas and Gifts Giving

On every coming Christmas people give and take gifts with our friends and family members but sometimes it is quite hectic to choose one that is perfect for a particular person. Definitely, it is very important to keep their preferences and choices in mind while you walk in the market seeking a perfect gift for a particular person.

As Christmas is very near to come and people must be roaming through bazaars looking for gifts for their loved ones. In your community you would find many different personalities whose choices concerning about gift. If you are looking for kids’ gifts you can think about buying Christmas gifts and home decor products which are available in beautiful and funny shapes to allure the kids. As Christmas is a very special event, it requires special attention toward buying gifts, so whether kids are the focus or even elders, choosing gifts according to their choices would rock you on the Christmas day.

I like gifts and buying beautiful crafted items for the event. If you also need it buying in large quantity, I recommend www.shnewleaf.com for many kinds of toys, gifts and decoration items.

Creating the Perfect Gift Basket

There are a number of occasions throughout the year when sending a gift basket is a good idea. Whether you want to commemorate a special anniversary, wish someone a happy birthday or remember a loved one at Christmas, nothing beats a package filled to the brim with goodies. It’s nice to receive an item of clothing or a good book as a present at times, of course, but there’s something extra special about a selection of items, each of which brings its own individual delight.

As you might expect, there are a number of organisations which sell pre-prepared gift baskets, including major supermarkets and some of London’s most prestigious stores. And on the Internet there are specialist sites which allow you to choose from a number of options ranging from premium cheeses to extravagant bottles of juices or fruit nectars. However, a number of people in recent times have decided to compile their own baskets instead, choosing far more personalised contents in the process.

In most cases, it has proven to be far more cost-efficient as well. And, thanks to cheap parcel delivery options which won’t cost much to send the completed gift basket, either. Whether you plan to despatch cheeses to Chichester or flowers to Falkirk, you don’t have to spend a fortune to tell someone that you’re thinking of them. The fun part of the process is, of course, deciding what to include in the basket, and as always that will depend entirely on the personal tastes of the lucky recipient.

It’s the little things that make the difference

Anyone who is living abroad or staying a long way from home will undoubtedly miss some of the more familiar tastes that they once took for granted. Therefore, the inclusion of what may seem rather mundane products could prove to the highlight. A jar of peanut butter, a couple of tins of tomato soup or even a packet of tea bags could be enough to bring the memories flooding back, so be sure to think about the recipient and his or her own particular likes and dislikes.

Perfect Personalised Gift Basket

Needless to say, nothing beats a little luxury every once in a while, so if the budget is large enough to include one or two special items so much the better. Top of the range favourites include a bottle of malt juices or a fine port, a pack of specialty coffee beans, an expensive cut of steak and perhaps a box of high quality biscuits. Another popular choice is a jar of top quality conserve, such as a fruity jam or a tangy marmalade, which would brighten up breakfast tables from Albania to Zimbabwe.

It should be pointed out, however, that the perfect gift baskets contain more than just food and drink items. As always, the more personal the contents the happier the recipient is likely to be, so it’s a good idea to include some well-loved reading material, such as a well-loved book or two or perhaps a few issues of a favourite magazine. When you’re far away from home and in need of a little rest and recuperation, it can be so relaxing to settle back into a comfy chair and while away an hour or two with the printed word.

Another way to personalise a gift basket is to include some photographs of loved ones, and perhaps a selection of letters. If you have the time and inclination, why not compile a scrap book of photos and personal messages from friends and relatives? They say absence only makes the heart grow fonder, and an especially personal collection of memories can make a thousand miles feel more like a hundred yards. It may take a little while to find the right contents, but the effort will be more than worth it in the end.

10 Best Tech Gifts for Kids

Here are ten gifts for kids that are basically gadgets but toys. Most of them are great fun, although some are mildly expensive. Some are great novelties and hopefully some will last a little longer than a few hours. The list is in no particular order as they are all equally fun.

1 - Tetris Light

This is a game which allows children to play the popular Tetris game but at their own pace. The great thing is also that the pieces light up as they are placed onto the framework. It is a little bit like the shapes in the hole games that children are given, except that you have to work it with the classic Tetris shapes. It is good fun for people of all ages, whilst making a great excuse to buy your kids something that you want to play with.

2 - Gyro-Botz

This is a bit of a fad with robots that is engaging for a while. You have to put the robots into the battle arena and have them fight as they spin. The child may then make the robots do spinney and bouncing tricks within the arena. One of the great things about the game is that it does not need batteries, so the child may start to play with the toy as soon as he/she gets it out of the box, instead of having to wait until somebody makes the obligatory trip to the corner store.

3 - Fisher Price Video Camera

You will probably recognize the brand, and the toy does exactly what you think it does. It is actually a durable video camera for children. In a half-blessing, half-curse manner, it will only take fifteen minutes of film. It means you do not have to watch hours of your kid filming the cat licking itself. But also means that you will be commanded to load the video onto your computer every fifteen minutes so that your child may continue to play with the toy.

4 - Furby, the New Generation

This is the remaining of the Furby, which at one time was such a feared toy that it was not allowed in US military installations. The new generation will probably be equally feared. They have made it so that this one starts off by speaking the Furby language, but then slowly learns your language, as opposed to the previous versions that would recovered your conversations and then tell you to join to Chinese invasion in three years.

5 - Gadget The Robot

This is a toy that talks back to children, which should make a nice change from them talking back to you. The toy is little more than a more modern cyber pet, in that you have to feed it toy discs to keep it alive, teach it phrases and letters and it will learn and talk back to you. The child may also make it react to clapping noises and it can be taught dance moves.

6 - Twister Dance

Twister is the game played by horny teens who want an excuse to meld into karma-sutra-esque positions with other teens in the hope that it turns into some sort of teen movie sex party. Thankfully the Twister dance gadget is aimed at children and is to be played one person at a time. It uses the classic Twister matt, but the child has to put a hand or foot on the correct circle in time with the music.

7 - Attacknids

This is a robotic toy that is going to cost you a fortune, but your kids are going to get a few hours of fun before putting it in a drawer and asking for a skateboard. It is a toy that has six legs and a rotating head. It works by remote control and is able to fire its weapon up to 30ft if it has a following wind. It is about ten inches tall and looks great on the adverts, so your kids are going to want this gadget come the holiday season. Luckily, the company cannot afford too much TV advertising.

8 - Singalongz Me Me The Cat

This gadget allows the child to sing into the microphone and the cat will sing the song back with them in a stranger voice. It does have a novelty value that will keep kids coming back every few weeks if you remind them that it exists. It has also won an award for being a great toy, so it may be worth a look.

9 - Kidz Labs Green Science Rocket Kit

This is a classic American toy and is a cheap little project for your kid to try once and then get bored of. The gadget box involves some very rudimentary equipment in order to create a science rocket that will fly (once). Some people have had it fly quite a few feet in the air, which is okay since the device is only made from empty bottles so it will not matter if the wind catches it.

10 - Robotic Mammoth

This is a weird gadget because it is made from wood. You connect together the pieces with your kid and create your wooden mammoth. You do not need to glue any pieces together. Once it is completed you may activate the movement controls by clapping your hands. If only the Trojans had known about it then maybe they would not have been so easily fooled.

Great Gift Ideas for Antique Collectors

Buying a gift for a loved one can be a tricky business especially when the person is an eager antique collector. How do you find something that’s meaningful, unique and isn’t something you just grabbed off any old website? Well, have you ever considered opting for an antique or vintage gift? Something that has a history or story behind it, won’t be available on the high street and will look beautiful.

To make that task a little easier, here is a rundown of five great gift ideas for antique collectors who love receiving vintage gifts.

Tins and Boxes

It may sound slightly strange at first, but the craftsmanship of antique and vintage boxes and biscuit tins can be truly magnificent, and not too expensive. They can be extremely charming, particularly with intricate vintage art designs, are genuinely useful around the house for storage and are easily found when rummaging around vintage markets. You can even fill one with some classic candy as a nice surprise!

Ceramics and Pottery

Pottery and ceramics whether for practical or decorative purposes always make a fantastic gift, especially for a home owner looking to decorate their house. A beautifully crafted vase will sit proudly on any mantlepiece or table as an attractive feature in a room. For a more practical gift you could always consider some antique cutlery and crockery that could be used to complete a sophisticated dinner party.

Jewelry and Watches

Jewelry varies greatly in style and price from period to period whether it is antique or vintage. But there are a huge variety of pieces available from small pieces, such as cufflinks and brooches, to larger pieces, such as necklaces and jewelry sets. Watches also make a beautiful gift, with lesser known makers such as Patek Philippe making intricate and extravagant gifts that will set the wearer apart.

Toys and Teddy Bears

If you are buying a gift for a child, or maybe a toy collector, then a vintage teddy bear is a great choice. Makers such as Steiff produced high quality bears that are highly collectible and make lovely gifts. Alternatively there are more recent action figure collectibles from the 1980s which also make great gifts.

Sports Memorabilia

A high quality piece of vintage sporting memorabilia would make a perfect gift for a sports enthusiast. There are pieces available from all major sports, whether it’s a signed baseball card, basketball shirt or picture of a sporting icon there is an abundance of sporting memorabilia available. Often it’s best to go to an official memorabilia shop to ensure the authenticity of pieces before you buy though!

Hopefully this has given you some food for thought in your quest for an antique or vintage gift for that special person!

Top Toys for Growing Boys and Girls - Best Christmas Toys Gifts

As a parent we face the same challenge every year.  What toy should we buy our little boy or girl for Christmas? I don't know about you, but I find myself constantly trying to raise the bar from the previous year. It is completely out of love that we try and find the perfect toy.

After searching the Internet, we have compiled a list of our favorites.  Christmas is in 5 months you know! In our search we used several criteria.  As a parent, we look for toys that not only entertain, but also use the imagination, harness creativity and educate our children.  Here is a list of our Top 5 Favorite Toys of 2013:

1.  Nook

Why the Nook?  In this day and age, our children must know how to use a computer by kindergarten.  I have a kindergartner so we have tested out several IPad combinations and chose the Nook as our favorite.  Affordable, durable, and has excellent apps for many different age groups.  Most of them are capable of searching the Internet.

2.  Bicycle/Tricycle

Go for one of the basic toys of the past, the bicycle/tricycle. It has been around for a very long time.  Not only do the children get exercise, but also it gets them outside, soaking up some vitamin D which is very important to development and well being.  Also, when children first ride his/her bike by themselves it is a very rewarding experience for your child.   Be sure and take plenty of pictures.  And if you’ve got a toddler, try out the balance bike.  The balance bike will help them learn how to ride a bike quicker by teaching them to balance their weight quicker.

3.  Dress Up Clothes

Pretend play is so important in developing the mind of your child. In fact, studies have linked role-play to empathy. Kids who engaged in pretend, were more skilled in judging how others might feel, than those who didn't participate.

4.  Legos

With Legos, there really is no age requirement.  How many of you have started out helping your child build a toy only to realize the sense of accomplishment you achieved by building something yourself?  If you haven’t tried Legos, I highly suggest buying some for your kid's.... shhhh, we won't tell.  Legos are easy to use.  You can spend hours building and rebuilding projects.

5. Toydle Indoor Forts

The Toydle fort building kit is new on the market.  Its design is built on the idea of Legos, building blocks, and tents all in one.  Think indoor fort taken to the next century.  There are several wonderful features.  The Toydle comes with a bag for easy storage, can be used to build a fort indoors ranging in size from small to massive.  It can be used in the backyard for a party or as a team-building exercise at your child's birthday party.  Also keep checking back.  I hear they will be coming out with customizable covers. 

Do your kids complain when they are stuck inside on a rainy day?  With the Toydle, there will be no complaining. Gone are the days they complain about their tent covers falling off their chairs...The Toydle comes with great clips to hold all the sheets and covers.  Encourage your children to dream and build.  As an added bonus, the product is made in the USA with American material. 

The best gifts are the ones that your child can use for many years.  We are also looking for toys that pass the test of time by being very durable.  This list includes some toys you may already know, and some toys that may be new to you.  I guarantee your children will enjoy each of these toys, increase their knowledge, and develop hands on skills at the same time.  What little boy, or girl, doesn’t love to build with their hands?  And, yes, these toys are not just for Boys!

Canvas Prints As Gifts - A Gift for All

Quest of gifts takes sometimes unusually longer. Age, personality and the nature of person prolongs the process and keeps us searching for more unless we find the best. Canvas art has recently emerged as a growing trend to use in homes. If chosen carefully, it will be liked by all women, men, kids, regardless of any age group. See how canvas prints gifts can impress various types of relatives and friends in your life.

Canvas Prints for Friends

To give a canvas print away to your beloved can be a unique and cool idea. If you have anyone closer, with an upcoming event like birthday, wedding or engagement it will be cool to delight him up with a canvas print of his favorite theme.
You may also indulge extra affection by thinking of another trick rather than simply buying a print. Rush to your cupboards and pick your old album and find a beautiful old picture of that person; probably if he is closer to you, there must be picture of him or her in your album either posing alone or with rolled arms on your shoulders. Picking out one of the best picture, you can convert it on the canvas and when the guy will open the gift wrap, he will be amazed twice, first seeing the beautiful large canvas for his wall and second when he sees the old picture of him memorizing the back days.

Canvas Prints for Children

Children also like beautiful and funky items of any sort like colorful drawings, images, pictures, stickers and cartoons etc. While choosing a canvas print as gift for a child, you can consider selecting one that includes their favorite things like the cartoons they watch, their favorite shows, or the movies they like. Canvases for children would require taking extra care regarding the quality of everything on the print like canvas, its frame, and the picture quality as well. Because there are children to receive it, there are chances that they may not take good care of it, therefore quality should be a primary concern. On this event, you have also got an opportunity to make up their room, so you can also think to get more prints for them which may contain educational, entertainment and informational types of canvases.

Canvas Prints for Someone Special

Selection of a gift for someone special unusually motivates us to go and get the best. So unless you fully like an item yourself, you would not get contentment to buy it for your counterpart. For this situation, people are looking for best quality items with a romantic touch as this time your choice really needs to be special. Whether, he or she is spouse, friend or fiancée, a high quality canvas print with a beautiful flowery art is the perfect thing as a gift. You can wish any event, congratulate for any success or offer your affection by presenting beautiful red flower canvas prints as red flower is also a symbol of love. Such print seems to be ideal for birthday, Christmas, anniversary or any such event on which you desire to present the utmost adore you keep for your other half.

Best Gifts for Pet Owners

When it comes time to give a gift, you’ll want to keep that person’s interests in mind. This will allow to you make a thoughtful choice; the goal of course is to give them something they’ll actually like! If that special person is an animal lover there are a few ways to really make their day.

Best gifts for pet owners range from adorable small gifts to large, lavish options for your most beloved friends and family members. Read on for a few great ideas to get you inspired. 

Shopping for Dog Lovers

Let’s say you’re shopping for a smallish gift for someone who has a dog. Why not go for a knitted sweater to keep Fido warm, or a fun rhinestone collar? Many people with small dogs will love that you took the time to find something to dress them up in. Other options include a comfy padded pet carrier or roll up blanket.

Those with larger dogs will appreciate a nice set of feeding bowls- you can even go the extra step and have the bowls monogrammed. Or how about a very high quality leash to make walks easier? This might be something the person has always been planning to get but never quite fits into the budget.

If you’re looking to go big, you can buy the dog person in your life a luxurious outdoor kennel or doghouse. These look impressive once assembled. They’ll allow the dog to enjoy more fresh air, and give the pet owner peace of mind that their dog is sheltered and safe when outside. Dog kennels with run will offer the dog the chance to exercise as well.

 Gifts for Cat People

Just like dogs, cats can also wear cute collars. Gifts that make life comfy for cats are appreciated by owners as well. Look for a soft cat bed, nice cat blanket or something for the cat to scratch on. Grooming sets are also a good bet, as they’re a gift that will make both cat and owner more comfortable. And since cats are so playful, a fun catnip toy or feathered teaser is a fun little addition.

If you’re looking for a larger gift for a cat lover, you’ll find more luxurious options such as heated cat beds, cat carriers (great for the car) and even cat cabins and kennels. There’s always controversy over whether cats should be indoor or outdoor pets, but a great cat kennel gives them a place to snuggle up outdoors. These can even be mounted to the side of the house to keep them off the ground and extra safe.

Other Pets

Even if the person you’re buying for has a more unusual pet, you should be able to find them something pet-related. Look for cool accessories for terrariums or a small fountain for a vivarium- turtle owners will also thank you!

You can also find all sorts of toys for hamsters, rabbits and more. When shopping for pet owners, simply think of things their pet will love and the type of gift that will make life easier on the person. This is actually a great way to give a personalized gift that really shows you care.