FREE Gift Giveaway!

1 week left...

Enter to Win a GIFT

One lucky iGift reader will win an Audrey Hepburn 16 month 2012 Wall Calendar!

To enter, comment on this post and tell us where (which sites) you go to for window shopping.
This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and will end on  Sept 5, 2011
The winner will be picked using random.org on Sept 6

UPDATE: Congratulations to Chaya M. Chayo for winning the free Gift Giveaway!!!

Back to School! You know what that means...

You know it's that time of year, when you start seeing all the stores hanging back to school signs! (or if your like my friend, she feels the back to school fever when the dates on the milk bottles say September)

The kids are back from camp, summer is nearly over, and that means its back to school! And for many adults that means back to work too!

It's never easy to go back to work/ school after summer vacation, but I can think of one old trick that always seems to help.

As a kid, I always loved shopping for new school supplies! New notebooks, cool designs, and crisp folders were a great distraction. Choosing great inky pens, and of course a new briefcase helped me with the new season transition.

As an adult I do the same thing, if it means going back to teach, or working at the office I always like something new to freshen up the workplace.
By adding a burst of color, a drop of fun, or a touch of personality getting that little something will make a whole lot of a difference.
So go ahead buy that extra something for your child, your friend, or your spouse and make their school desk/ work space that much more cheerful!

1. Days of the week magnets @sortingwithstyle.com
2. Chalkboard vase @ uncommongoods.com
3. Egg paperclip holder @ pier1.com
4. Chinese food pencil cup @ sortingwithstyle.com
5. Grass charging station @ amazon.com
6. Rubber ducky mug @ pier1.com
7. Drumstick pencils @ thinkgeek.com
8. Polka dot mug @ pier1.com
9. Butt station tape dispenser @ amazon.com

I found a lot of cool things on these sites that would make great gifts, many were under $10 so if you have a few people in mind go ahead and buy some of the sale items.

Of course nothing beats FREE so go ahead and enter to win our 16 Month Calendar Giveaway!!!

Breakfast At Tiffany's

 

 

Confessions and a FREE Gift Giveaway! 

First let me clarify, when I tell you that I had breakfast at Tiffany's the picture you may have of Audrey Hepburn dressed so elegantly with her coffee and croissant in hand standing in front of the window on 5th Avenue is not quite what I was referring to! My idea of window shopping these days is lounged on my sofa wearing comfortable sweats and eating a yogurt in front of my laptop logged on to Tiffany & Co. It may not be as glamorous but it definitely works for me.

Now for the Giveaway.... 

Enter to Win a GIFT

One lucky iGift reader will win an Audrey Hepburn 16 month 2012 Wall Calendar!

To enter, comment on this post and tell us where (which sites) you go to for window shopping.
This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and will end on  Sept 5, 2011
The winner will be picked using random.org on Sept 6

I Heart Gift Cards!

Sometimes, Gift cards are the best way to go! I've been a camp counselor for many a summer, and as any teacher/ counselor knows the end of the year photo albums, and scented lotions can really start piling up. I'm not saying that these gifts weren't appreciated but being on the receiving end I can tell you that these gifts are a hit or miss!

If you know of specific stores they like to shop in that's always a plus!
A few friends of mine, know how much I love to shop! So when I had my baby they got me some really cool gift cards... Century21, Gilt.com, gap.com, amazon.com

For Counselors, Teachers, Therapists, you may want to give them a gift card with more options like Visa Gift Card, or Amex Gift Card.
I KNOW a lot of people feel that Gift Cards are not personal... There are many ways to personalize such a gift. You can write a nice card or letter to go with it. Or you can customize and order personalized gift cards. Which look really cute, and also shows that you took the time to order a special card, and you didn't just grab a card off the rack at your local pharmacy!

Any photo of your child and his teacher!

Upload a nice photo of your friend

What do you think about gift cards? Have you ever received a really thoughtful/ original one?

Custom Made... The Gift that Fits!

There's nothing worse than buying your man a gift that doesn't fit! Of course you can play it safe and buy him a tie, or a scarf... boring! How about buying him a custom shirt? or suit? or kapota? Or how about all of the above! I found a Special Yom Tov Sale  going on at AM Bespoke.

For many guys the exciting part of getting this gift will be having an original look, or finally getting a suit tailored to them! I know some people who would love the idea of making one appointment, getting fitted and not having to go shopping in a department store and search through racks of clothing, going to fitting rooms, and then on top of it all having to hem the pants... you get my drift. I've done some research about this company, and spoke to 2 relatives who are thrilled with their new custom suits! Can't wait to start choosing fabrics, and styles for my - Uh I mean- I can't wait for him to choose fabrics and styles for his new Yom Tov Wardrobe ;)

Btw if you want VIP treatment ask to speak to Zalman 347 600-8217 - zl@amBespoke.com

Make your own Greeting Cards!

I originally took this photo to make "Mother's Day" cards with my preschoolers. I chose to do this during outdoor play so that I can easily take one child aside while letting the others play. The kids had fun dressing up in the accessories I had brought. Then came the rose! (I would suggest having more then one rose in case you need backup...) All I needed was a few shots of each child and then they were able to go back and play.

Once you have the photos, you can easily make them black and white... I used Photoshop but you can do this on any program you're comfortable with. Then I used the color selection tool to make the rose stand out. There are so many variations that you can play around with. Since this was a preschool activity I kept it simple. You can add some text and match up the color. If you have a photo printer at home you can print it right away! Or you can order a bunch on shutterfly.com or snapfish.com This can be used for many occasions, and for many different people. Parents, Siblings, Friends... Besides for being so adorable these cards are more unique than any greeting cards you would buy in the store!

The World's Lightest Luggage!

My set is now on sale @ overstock.com

Every time we travel, the packing is a huge ordeal! What to pack? What to leave behind? Will my suitcase be overweight? The one thing I don't fret over is which luggage I will take. Ever since I got my first set of Heys Luggage (5 years ago) I have been flying in style! This 3 piece set was the most practical gift ever. Firstly, it comes in the coolest colors and prints - so it's easy to spot yours, and you don't need to keep picking up every black suitcase that resembles yours. Did I mention that it is the world's Lightest Luggage! The wheels, the hard case... I can go on and on. The point is, I would have never splurged on this for myself, but I can tell you that every time I fly (and these luggage have been around the globe) I remember who gifted these, and I am sooo grateful! Do you know someone going to Israel for the year, or off to college? Do you need to get a goodbye present? You can go all out and buy them the 3 piece set, or a very practical carry on... Bon Voyage! 

The Girl with the Superman Umbrella!

So how did I become the girl with the superman umbrella? It was on a rainy day similar to today's downpour, and I was stuck in NYC. Never mind, that I was wearing a new pair of shoes and I had just gotten my hair done. I was desperate to buy myself an umbrella! So I payed the few bucks and bought an umbrella off a guy standing with his wagon full of umbrellas. I didn't notice the superman logo displayed on the 2 sides of the umbrella until I was back at home,and at that point I wast too soaked and drenched to care.

A few months later... and it's raining again! My husband is rushing to leave to work and he's searching for an umbrella. Yes, we had a few in the closet but my sister needed one and a friend took the other... now there's only one black one left. As he opens it up he sees it's a Superman umbrella. I urge him to take it anyway, Who cares? Apparently, he does and he decides to go brave the rain. I decide to shop for umbrellas :)

Burberry @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Gustbuster @ amazon.com

Davek Solo Umbrella @davekny.com

 

 

While shopping around for umbrellas, I found one that I would call The Chossid's Umbrella. This appears to be a typical black umbrella but it hosts a secret glass flask and can be purchased here for a very appropriate price of $770 :)

Gifts for the Lego Lover!

You may be thinking Lego??? YES, Kids still love Lego! 

It's actually quite fascinating to me that my 10 year old brother will put down his iPod and quit playing with his DS to flip through his lego magazine to see the latest in lego world.

Btw I signed him up for a FREE 2 Year Subscription he loves it!

This Lego table is a real classic @ amazon.com

You can never have enough "mentchys" @ amazon.com

Both these cool sets @ barnesandnoble.com

Buildable, but not breakable digital camera @ thinkgeek.com

Celebrating 25 years!

What to get for your parents 25th wedding anniversary? Well of course, that depends on your parents. What is their style? What do you think they would enjoy? It also depends on how much time you have? And what kind of price range you are thinking about.

When my friend asked me to help her brainstorm for an idea, I started by looking for a theme.

25 years is the Silver Anniversary!

You can splurge and buy your parents this stunning silver vase and fill it up with 25 roses.

OR

you can buy a bouquet of 24 roses and buy this silver dipped rose that they can keep for years to come!

If any of you have been shopping around for silver lately you probably know that the price of silver has gone up, up, up... So I thought the silver rose was a nice way of incorporating the silver theme without going broke :) You can have the bouquet tied with a shiny silver bow or wrapped in a matte silver paper with a silver ribbon for a more modern look.

Do you have any silver themed ideas to add for my good friend Devora?

Top Ten Baby Gifts

When shopping for a baby gift you can always look for an adorable outfit to buy. BUT If your shopping experience goes something like this, then welcome to the club! Every time I am looking for a baby girl, there is nothing remotely cute in the stores. All of a sudden I am surrounded in a sea of blue layettes. And then the next time I head out optimistically to shop for a baby boy - you guessed it - nada in sight!

So here's a list I put together of "The Top Ten Baby Gifts":

10. Hooded baby bath towel (can be personalized)

9. Baby Journal

8. Baby Toys

7. Siddur with the baby's name engraved

6. Baby Monitor

5. Personalized Baby Book

4. Gift certificate to local Baby Store

3. Baby Swing

2. A photo session for baby

1. Baby Jewelry

 
Have you ever gotten a really special baby gift? Please comment and share your ideas! 

Housewarming Gift!

If you know someone who just bought a house, or a friend that moved into a new place, Why not buy them a door mat! It's a thoughtful gift, that will be useful and chances are, with a new place to shop for this may easily slip a new homeowners mind. Not to mention, that they will be grateful when their visitors have a reminder to wipe their feet before stepping inside :)
Here are a few options that I liked. Although there are hundreds of choices in different price ranges these are all under $50!

$28.27 amazon.com

Uncommongoods.com$19.

Target.com$19.99

$32.00Uncommongoods.com

Bite Size Surprises!

                               

When it comes to giving gifts, "It's the thought that counts." Yet, sometimes, it may be very difficult to think of a thoughtful present. Especially, if you're like me and tend to procrastinate about such things until the last minute. 

This is a good idea, if you want to give a thoughtful gift to a family member!

What you'll need: 

1. A bag of their favorite candy or chocolate. 

2. Post -It notes

3. Sharpie 

4. Curling ribbon 

5. A small gift bag. 

Because I was preparing this gift for my mother, and wanted to get the whole family involved,  I sent out an email to the siblings who were away and spoke to the kids who were at home. They each had to come up with 2 or 3 messages that they wanted to send to my mom for her birthday. The responses came back quickly and they were soo cute. Some were sweet, but most of them were very humorous! I wrote down each message on a separate post- it note and made sure to write who said it. Then I wrapped each chocolate individually with the post it note and tied a ribbon around it. Each little chocolate looked like a mini gift. After they were all wrapped up, I piled them inside a pretty gift bag. We gave the gift to my mom and she kept the bag in her car. With each bite sized treat she opened she got to read a personal message from one of her children! 

This is a great personal gift, that requires minimal preparation! You can use this general idea and change it up depending on the person, and the occasion.... Have fun with it!