CAPTAIN KIPPAH - FREE Gift Giveaway!!!

Put on your Yarmulka, Here comes Chanuka!

Finally, there's something NEW and cute for the boys! Yamulkas with Rhinestones, and Sequins, and cool corduroy with patches! If I had a boy... I'd get him one of each!

These yarmulkas make a great gift too for your son, grandson, nephew, or neigbor... Not to mention a perfect present for an Upsherin Boy!

 
AND right now They are offering a sweet Chanukah Package Send this gift package to one lucky boy for only $16, free shipping! Complete with dreidel, chocolate gelt, note card and wrapping.

 Check out all the different styles and colors on their site captainkippah.com!

This ivory color combo is my favorite!

Which is your favorite color/ style?



Now for the Giveaway! Enter for a chance to win a Chanuka Package with any kippah of your choice from captainkippah.com .

All you need to do is follow these 3 easy steps for your chance to WIN!

1. "like" Igift on facebook
2. "like" Captain Kippah on facebook
3. Leave a comment on this post to let me know

Giveaway will be open from now until the morning of Friday December 9. A winner will be chosen randomly and announced early that afternoon.

UPDATE: The winner is...................... Devorah!

Thank you for "liking" us and be sure to send me your shipping address as well as your email. So that you can pick a Kippa of your choice!

Weekend Wrap - Up #4

Usually, the weekend wrap up would be posted on Friday or sometime near the weekend...
This weekend we actually went away to spend time with family, and I'm sorry to say that with Thanksgiving, Black Friday Shopping, and unseasonably warm weather I actually neglected my blog to shop, eat, and enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk!
No regrets, but I did miss you guys...
And with Thanksgiving behind us - Holiday Season is in full swing!

I hope y'all took advantage of the sales goin on all weekend. You don't have to run to the mall at midnight anymore to grab great deals - There were loads of sales online and not only on cyber monday!

I managed to get some gifts at the toy store Buy one get one free on all Games  made me happy and I'm sure the little ones will be thrilled!

Now I've got a pile of gifts to wrap! and if you think nothing could make me happier I ordered this adorable tape dispenser... well, just because how could I not it was on sale at amazon.com for $5.99

Guys and their Gadgets!

When it comes to buying gifts for guys, I think it's safe to say every man living in our day and age would greatly appreciate a new accessory or a new gadget to add to his electronic toys!

If only it were that simple! right? I can tell you from experience shopping for electronics can actually be quite frustrating if you are like me and not so familiar with the jargon all these computer junkies use!

Therefore, I have come up with a few tips, for my lady friends, who are not as techie and computer savvy, but still want to buy the right gift.

#1 Be on the lookout, and keep your antennas up... When you see your husband checking out the electronic aisle at any store, make sure to get a glimpse of what brands, or models he's asking about.

#2 Speak to a close friend/ relative (male) of his, this is actually one of those things guys talk about with each other!

#3 Check out the gadgets and electronics he already has maybe there is a new accessory that has recently come out, he can add or connect to his current toy!

#4 Think outside the box, if he already has all the "essentials" maybe you can find a cool gadget he wouldn't necessarily buy on his own there are loads of websites thinkgeek.com or x-tremegeek.com or sharperimage.com just to name a few!

#5 Whatever gift you DO end up buying for him, make sure it can be returned/ exchanged in case it's not exactly the model/ type/ brand that he would have liked.

Of course, there are many factors including interests, brand choice, price range ect. So I will share a few tried and true gift ideas and hope it helps...

This is a very cool ipod docking station for an all inclusive sound system for an iPod, Cd and Radio. 

$179.95 @amazon.com

                           



                                The Bose is pricier but the sound is incomparable...  

$299.95 @ bose.com

If your hubby is a die hard apple fan, or just in love with his mac here are some ideas....

I have this and it's truly magical! Magic Mouse $69 @ store.apple.com

 

Apple Remote $19 

If your husband doesn't have one yet, maybe he would like a reader

The kindle $79 @ amazon.com

 

                                                                     OR

The Nook COLOR $199 @ barnesandnoble.com

Of course there are many more options since so many companies have come out with a tablet.
Android, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Slate Tablet PC.... obviously I'm not the one to ask but if you give yourself enough time you can read reviews, and do plenty of research online!



Now, with thanksgiving, and Black Friday sales just a few days away. You may want to take advantage of the deals and get your gadget loving guy a gift!

Ready, Set, Go!
Happy hunting :)

DIY Chanuka Gift Bags!

Kraft paper is all the rage these days! I really like that look for gift wrapping, especially during holiday season. It changes up the typical green/ red/ gold combo and the blue/ yellow/ gold look.

 

 

 

Last year I made these adorable Chanuka gift bags with my preschool age students. I love this project because it is so ridiculously simple that you can even have your kids make them with you.

What you'll need:
A pack of sponges (available at the dollar store)
A good pair of scissors
Brown Paper Bag of any size
Washable paints in the color of your choice
Ribbon in coordinating colors

First I cut the sponges into dreidel shapes and jewish stars.
Then I dipped the dreidels into dark blue paint
and the stars into white paint
I stamped the brown paper bag and left it to dry.
Once the paint was dried I curled the silver and blue ribbon and tied it to the handle of the bag and Voila!
This DIY project is simple and fun! It can be done for any occasion and I like using the sponges because your options are endless. You can cut big or small shapes or numbers. For example: You can cut the number 5 for a 5 year old's birthday gift...

If you would like to make gift wrap paper instead of gift bags you can do that too. Check this out for more kid friendly instructions.

Weekend Wrap-Up #3

As a kid I always loved to check the mailbox, and be the first to get the mail! I guess it was the excitement of receiving mail just like the adults. Whether it was a letter from my pen pal or just a postcard from the dentist reminding me to come in for a check up, I was thrilled to see any piece of mail with my name on it!

These days when I go to the mailbox I can already predict what will be there. Bills, Junk Mail (since I had my baby in May, the junk mail has quadrupled and I'm bombarded with all sorts of baby product advertisements) and then there's the charities!
Unfortunately, there are so many fundraisers, charities, and good causes to contribute to, that we can not possibly write out a check to every appeal that comes in the mail.

However, I must say that there is one cause that is really close to my heart! TEN YAD
Ten Yad, is hebrew for "lending a hand" What this organization does is way more then giving a helping hand. They are committed to helping out Brides in my community before their wedding day.

Every year, In November, they have their biggest fundraising event, it is a Chinese auction like no other. They have over 100 prizes and they are the latest, top of the line items. They auction off luxurious jewelry, cars, vacation trips, furniture, and the latest electronics!

Each year the decor and presentation is magnificent. Every year I say this year was the TOP! Yet, every year I am amazed how they manage to bring more class, more elegance, and more beauty to the event.
This year the prizes were displayed in a Showcase expo. Each Brand that was donating a prize got a special booth draped in beautiful curtains and adorned with magnificent flower arrangements.

Display of the dinnerware by the SilverSpoon

This Sunday, I had a ladies night out, and a few friends of mine met at the Ten Yad Auction. We each bought tickets, hoping to win something from the Cruise Vacation to the Luxury Watches!
I can't tell you that I won any prize, or that my friend won either. But I can tell you that there is no greater gift then the GIFT OF GIVING!

And, this organization knows how to give.
They give with grace.

Have a Great Weekend!

Get organized: Start your Holiday Gift List

I think,  Now is a pretty good time to break out the lists!

Why? Because in about 1 month we will be deep in the holiday craziness! Going to the mall, to pick up a simple gift will become as stressful as running to the supermarket for groceries before a big snow storm! Packed parking lots, frantic shoppers, and an empty shelf of the latest toy trend will not be fun to deal with. Shopping online is also not recommended for last minute shopping... delayed shipping and seeing This item is currently out of stock are the most dreaded words to pop up on your screen.

So, here's what I found to be very helpful!
Make A List!
Besides for working very well with my (slightly OCD) brain! This is a great way to avoid last minute stress and also gives you the luxury to browse online and in stores for better prices. You will also be saving on extra charges for next day shipping. 
It's really easy all you need to do is grab a pen, or pull out your phone and start your gift list. Write down all the family members, teachers, friends, and coworkers, you want to buy gifts for this year! Btw don't forget to include the super, or your cleaning lady. (I learned this from my father, who tips the garbage collecter every New Years)
Then you can sort through the list and decide which gifts you want to shop for first.
I like to start with my OOT (out of towners)  that way I can shop, wrap, and ship the gifts in time!
Keep the list handy, in case you have to add more people; and take it with you to the stores, so you know what to scout out for....

Happy Listing!

Boys Will Be Boys!

Let me start off by saying that I grew up with a lot of boys around the house.
Five brothers, and their friends.
While my sister and I were busy playing with our dolls, and setting up a tea party, the boys were busy being boys! Playing cops n' robbers and lining up their army men...

Buy the 'Twin Pack' if you need 2 gifts!

So when I found these Marshallow shooters last year I bought the twin pack for my two brothers.
I also got them each a bag of mini marshamllows.  Besides, for being the BEST CHANUKA PRESENT EVER! (direct quote from 10 year old brother) This toy actually survived some of their other presents. It is a very simple plastic toy, (no batteries necessary) that provides hours of fun!

*I would strongly suggest getting an extra bag of those fluffy soft marshmallows since they quickly get eaten and you may need to reload!

Hurry Up! and order these for Chanuka! You'll be making some little boys really happy :)

Weekend Wrap - Up #2

There's been lots of exciting things going on all week!

Finally meeting up with some girlfriends after weeks ok I'll be really honest with you- it's been months! I know... gasp
Finally seeing my baby's first tooth cut through - after some really tough nights!
and finally having some real fresh fall weather in NYC!

I've been sooo thrilled these past few days, to be able to get in a few long walks...
One of my destinations, was to barnes and nobles. I picked up a book for a friend of mine.
(read here, Books make great gifts!)

AND I totally fell in love with a new found blog. A Gift Wrapped Life
It is so full of all my favorite things, flowers, fashion, photos, (not to mention everything has that french touch)       

After discovering this blog, I was inspired to try out a new gift wrapping look for the book!

What are your thoughts?

Teacher Gift Ideas!

Since Chanuka is just a few weeks away... and gifting season is rapidly approaching, I wanted to start with a few gift ideas for the Teachers!

Your child may have a Morah, or babysitter, therapist, or caretaker, whoever it may be they deserve something special. A simple gift. with a little note that says, "thank you for watching my treasure" "teaching my child", or "caring for my baby!"

After all Chanuka, is a great time to show appreciation, so I present to you some tried and true gift ideas for teachers!

1.  Loose Loom Scarf $48.00 @ anthropologie.com
2. Lightweight floral scarf $21.99 @ bananarepublic.com
3. New Poppy Liquid gloss small wristlet $48.00 @coach.com
4. Fossil Penelope wristlet $48.00 @ www.zappos.com
5. Sequins Ipad sleeve $39.99 @ juicycouture.com
6. MARC by Marc Jacobs 'Stardust' iPad Case $48.00 @ nordstrom.com
7. Clinique 'Global' Makeup Set $42.00 @ nordstrom.com

All of these gifts are under $50. Remember, there's no need to get carried away, you CAN buy beautiful gifts WITHOUT breaking the bank!


Shopping for these accessories are always fun! Many of these stores offer gift wrapping too!
But, if you prefer to skip the lines, and busy stores ; If you want to play it safe you can always offer gift cards to these stores. Check out my post here, about personalized Gift cards!

Let the countdown begin... 6 weeks to Chanuka!

There is no other holiday, that gets me so super excited about all the gift giving, more than Chanuka!
I always think of Adam Sandler's song ,"instead of 1 day of presents, we have 8 crazy nights!"
So even though this blog may seem quiet at the moment... there's a lot of exciting things coming up.

Baby (and his mom) excitedly open up the presents!

Don't go too far, there will be some awesome gift ideas, gift wrapping techniques, and FREE Gift Giveaways!!!

Weekend Wrap-Up

It's been a fun birthday week filled with celebrations. First a girls night out with some of my closest gal pals! Then a dinner date with my husband, and a birthday lunch with some family. I know you must be wonderin' what about the gifts?!?! There were beautiful gifts from my Hubby, My Mom, and even a sweet birthday card from my younger brother... but as we head for the weekend I wanted to share a very pretty package I received in the mail. Because there's nothing I love more than pretty paper and bows, and ribbon and all that stuff...

I can't think of anything that adds more fun, and suspense then untying the bow, and opening the box, then removing the tissue paper to find your gift!

This fruit bowl is so great! Check out some of their other pretty products at mackenzie-childs.com

Of course, a matching little card with birthday wishes was the perfect personal touch!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

For the Coffee Lover...

Everyone knows at least one person that unabashedly will admit that they are obsessed with or can't live without their cup of jo! This post was was inspired by my SIL who is a total coffeeholic!

I, for one used to be addicted to coffee in high school...  (don't tell all my hard core coffee lovers that I actually joined the other side and prefer a tea most of the time. besides for an occasional latte every now and then..)

So you may have a friend, brother, sister, or neighbor who loves coffee! Why not get them a gift that you know they'll love.

Last year my Preschool director bought this Keurig single- cup coffee maker for the teachers. Let me tell you, on a cold winter morning a simple cup of Keurig can go a long way! Not to mention the delicious aroma was a pleasant greeting for anyone who entered the office!

$159.99 @ costco.com

For someone who prefers their coffee freshly brewed, get this french press, the taste is incomparable.

$34.45 @ amazon.com

And if you're looking for a gift that's small and thoughtful go with one of these cool mugs!

$18.00 @ uncommongoods.com

On Sale! only $4.48 @ pier1.com

On Sale! only $3.98 @ pier1.com

If you don't know what to choose, give them the gift of choosing. After all everyone likes their coffee their own way... I'll have mine unsweetened with milk please :)